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Of Pet Rocks and Furbys p22 Locally Made Gifts p26

The Next Little Thing

Our annual holiday gift guide p13

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P OSTS

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COVER STORY A&E

p13

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STAGE | ART | EVENTS p50

C L U B G R I D p52 FILM

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ASTR OLOGY

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CLASSIFIEDS

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A locally owned newspaper 877 Cedar St, Suite 147, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831.457.9000 (phone) 831.457.5828 (fax)

Santa Cruz Weekly, incorporating Metro Santa Cruz, is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies of the current issue of Santa Cruz Weekly may be purchased for $1, payable at the Santa Cruz Weekly office in advance.

Santa Cruz Weekly may be distributed only by Santa Cruz Weekly’s authorized distributors. No person may, without permission of Metro Publishing, Inc., take more than one copy of each Santa Cruz Weekly issue. Subscriptions: $65/six months, $125/one year.

Entire contents © 2011 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form prohibited without publisher’s written permission.

Unsolicited material should be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope; Santa Cruz Weekly is not responsible for the return of such submissions.

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S A N TAC RU Z .C O M

B E AT S C A P E

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november 23-30, 2011

CURRENTS

CONTENTS

Contents

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november 23-30 , 2011

POSTS

4

Posts.

Messages &

Send letters to Santa Cruz Weekly, letters@santacruz.com or to Attn: Letters, 877 Cedar St. Suite 147, Santa Cruz, 95060. Include city and phone number or email address. Submissions may be edited for length, clarity or factual inaccuracies known to us.

EDITORIAL EDITOR TRACI HUKILL (thukill@santacruzweekly.com) STAFF WRITERS TESSA STUART (tstuart@santacruzweekly.com) JACOB PIERCE (jpierce@santacruzweekly.com) RICHARD VON BUSACK (richard@santacruzweekly.com) CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CHRISTINA WATERS POETRY EDITOR ROBERT SWARD PROOFREADER GABRIELLA WEST EDITORIAL INTERN SAMANTHA LARSON CONTRIBUTORS ROB BREZSNY, PAUL M. DAVIS, MICHAEL S. GANT, ANDREW GILBERT, MARIA GRUSAUSKAS, JORY JOHN, CAT JOHNSON, STEPHEN KESSLER, KELLY LUKER, SCOTT MACCLELLAND, AVERY MONSEN STEVE PALOPOLI, PAUL WAGNER

ART & PRODUCTION DESIGN DIRECTOR KARA BROWN GRAPHIC DESIGNER TABI ZARRINNAAL EDITORIAL PRODUCTION SEAN GEORGE AD DESIGNERS JENNY OATEY, DIANNA VANEYCKE

DISPLAY ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES ALICE COLBY (alice@santacruz.com) KATHRYN CUNNINGHAM (kathryn@santacruz.com) JOCELYN MACNEIL (jocelyn@santacruz.com) ILANA RAUCH-PACKER (ilana@santacruz.com)

PUBLISHER DEBRA WHIZIN

PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE EDITOR DAN PULCRANO

NO MORE FREE RIDE FOR U.N. The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) did, as Moss Henry wrote (“Why Do They Hate Us?” Posts, Nov. 16), accept the nonexistent country of Palestine as a new member. More than a dozen years ago the American Congress voted to withhold funds to any U.N. agencies that admit the Palestinian state before one is established through negotiations as proscribed by the Oslo Accords. The Palestinian leaders knew about the law, UNESCO knew about it and the countries that voted for the admittance of “Palestine” knew it. The United States provides over 22 percent of UNESCO’s

budget. Henry calls us bullies, but why should we be the banker for an agency that continually thumbs its nose at us, but expects us to subsidize their corrupt bureaucracy?

UNESCO recently demanded an apology from the Israeli ambassador for a cartoon in a left-wing Israeli newspaper even though it is supposed to promote press freedom. It claimed that the Tomb of Rachel is a Muslim mosque even though it has been a holy site for Jews since before the establishment of Islam. If they hate us because we value a free press, freedom of religion, equality of the sexes and our democracy, I say “so be it.” The United Nations has been getting a free ride on our dime and it’s time it stopped.

Gil Stein Aptos

THE DARK SIDE On the other side of the rosy, happy-face story of the “Physical Web” (cover story, Nov. 9) by Josh Koehn is an ominous one.

In an interview with the late film director Aaron Russo in his film “America: From Freedom to Fascism,” he talks about a conversation with his former friend and billionaire Nick Rockefeller. Rockefeller foretold of future plans by his Global Elite to get everyone to want RFID chips implanted in their bodies for “safety” and “convenience.” He said they would use propaganda, marketing, fear and other techniques to create conditions where people would want to use the RFID chip and ultimately have it surgically embedded in their bodies (like some are now doing with their pets). He further went on to tell Russo that after that it would be easy to control people’s behavior; if you did something the rulers didn’t like they would simply turn off your chip and you wouldn’t be able to buy food or function in society anymore.

It has already been demonstrated that anyone carrying a concealed RFID/NFC reader can pass it by your wallet or purse and make charges and withdrawals from your credit card account. This is a pickpocket’s dream come true.

Says digital consultant Greg Swanson: “I think many people think trading privacy for convenience is fair and reasonable.” Let me have Benjamin Franklin rephrase that for you: “Those who are willing to give up liberty for security deserve neither.”

I could go on but am limited by space here. Let me close with a final quote from the author. “And if it’s not going away, we might as well enjoy it.” This mindset reminds me of another one by the Texas Republican Clayton “Claytie” Williams, who made this joke during his failed 1990 campaign for governor against Democrat Ann Richards about rape: “As long as it’s inevitable, you might as well lie back and enjoy it.” Think about the other side of this article—what they are not telling us.

Drew Lewis Santa Cruz

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1320 Pacific Avenue Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-4100

Join us for our special event December 7th & 8th

Three scenarios for Pacific Avenue

BY JACOB PIERCE

E

Even before Santa Cruz’s Public Works Department temporarily stymied the debate about turning Pacific Avenue into a two-way street—decreeing that public safely won’t allow it—some locals had strong ideas on how to re-engineer the business district’s main artery.

“My goal is to make it so that people can make it from one end of the street to the other,” says Caffe Pergolesi owner Karl Heiman, who serves on the Downtown Association board, the city’s Downtown Commission and Think Local First. “I don’t care if it’s two-way.

I don’t care if it’s one-way. I just want to make it easier for people

to get through town.”

The current arrangement—a unique setup in which, essentially, two one-way streets aim at each other for a four-block stretch of the avenue and converge—has been around since shortly after the Loma Prieta earthquake; it was a compromise between people seeking to retain what was then known as the Pacific Garden Mall and those who wanted a normal two-way street. Some local activists have clamored for the return of the pedestrian mall ever since.

Next Tuesday, Nov. 29, the city council will hold a study session prompted by retail expert Bob Gibbs, who came to Santa Cruz in September and said that turning

One Way All the Way This idea hasn’t gotten as much press as a pedestrian mall or twoway option. But Public Works has done some preliminary study on the idea. According to this proposal, all the blocks north of Cathcart might be streamlined in one direction. That could prove easier than removing parking spots to make room for a two-way street, and still make it smoother for drivers to get where they’re going.

Chris Schneiter, assistant director of public works, says more details will come out at the Gibbs study session when city staff will field questions from the council. “Some of the information didn’t come out because they got tabled,” he says.

Matthew Thompson, a Santa Cruz architect who helped bring Gibbs to town and supports a twoway option, opposes the one-way plan, warning that one-way streets increase traffic speeds. That could

Two-Way Traffic The question for any two-way proposal is just how many parking spots would need to come out to make room. As is, according to Public Works, there wouldn’t be enough room for fire engines and delivery trucks to compete with oncoming traffic. Boris Dramov of ROMA Design helped reshape both Pacific Avenue and the Third Street Promenade, a much-celebrated pedestrian mall in Santa Monica.

He says Pacific would have to sacrifice a lot of parking in order to make room for a two-way street.

“I think that would be difficult,” he says. “I don’t think you can do it without eliminating parking on one side.”

Despite the the Public Works pronouncement, Heiman estimates the street would be wide enough if the city took out a couple of spots around tight corners. Architect Thompson agrees.

Larry Pearson, owner of the Pacific Cookie Company, who strongly supported a two-way option, is no longer convinced. He would support eliminating a few parking spots at tight intersections and narrow straightaways—even >9

S A N TAC RU Z .C O M

Ways and Means

send traffic f lying down Pacific Avenue too fast for them to take in the shops and boutiques.

Mayor Ryan Coonerty, who seems to be leaning toward the one-way idea, asked Gibbs about it in September. “It would be an improvement,” Gibbs replied, noting that anything would be better than the current setup. “It’s the only main street I’ve been on where you can’t drive the entire length of the street without having to stop and circle back around again.”

november 23-30, 2011

WRONG MESSAGE Caffe Pergolesi owner Karl Heiman thinks the downtown layout and accompanying signage discourage shoppers.

Pacific Avenue into a two-way street would work wonders for the city. Gibbs said the area’s numerous “Do Not Enter” signs send a mixed message to curious visitors—a little like leaving on a porch light and locking the front door. Normal two-way traffic on the street, Gibbs said, could stimulate spending by more than 20 percent. That, he pointed out, would likely help fill the street’s retail vacancies.

“You’re kind of the worst of both worlds,” Gibbs told council. “You don’t have the convenience for pedestrians, and you don’t have the convenience for cars.”

At its Tuesday meeting, the council will consider three ideas about how planners might proactively redesign Pacific Avenue—instead of waiting for the next earthquake.

CURRENTS

Chip Scheuer

Currents.

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C U R R E N T S <7

Visit the new and improved www.santacruz.com and click on “News” for updates on Shop Local Day, Occupy Santa Cruz and more.

S A N TAC RU Z .C O M

Pedestrian malls can be fickle.

There were once as many as 250 pedestrian malls in the country, and today experts say about six have thrived—not exactly a strong track record.

Councilmember Tony Madrigal has said a pedestrian mall would be worth looking into. Gibbs warned that a pedestrian mall needs one million square feet of retail space in order to be successful—much more than what’s available downtown.

Schneiter says the city council has never asked staff to look into the idea during his 24 years at the city.

Richard Foy, who works in Colorado for the architectural design company Stantec, helped design Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall— a gold standard for pedestrian malls in the United States. He says Santa Cruz has a number of elements that typically make them work: a university, good weather, natural

november 23-30, 2011

Return of The Pacific Garden Mall

beauty and people who love the outdoors. The north-south layout of the street, he says, equally distributes sunlight between the east and west sides of the street over the course of a day.

Still, he notes that Santa Cruz presents some unique problems.

“You have to have more than adequate parking,” Foy says, pointing out that adequate parking is already a problem in Santa Cruz.

Another barrier is that Downtown’s linear layout has residences to the west and a river to the east. It would be hard—if not impossible— to position a Pacific Avenue pedestrian mall in the middle of a bustling grid of shops like Boulder.

And certain intersections would have to close to traffic because some cross streets don’t go through.

If the mall were a little closer to university, that wouldn’t hurt either. “They’re differences,” Foy says, “not insurmountable.”

Another barrier is that a true pedestrian mall would require a significant investment, Foy says. Pearl Street is laid with a brick walkway, has stages for entertainment, and is designed with a “contemporary classic look,” he says. He believes that if Public Works just closed off the street to traffic and called it good, that could leave Pacific Avenue looking like a ghost town.

Micah Posner of People Power proposed a Sunday trial run of a pedestrian mall last month, but he says he doesn’t know if the group will pursue the idea now that the Downtown Association has temporarily withdrawn its proposal for two-way traffic.

ROMA Design’s Dramov says a trial run would be the only way to give a pedestrian mall a shot—test the waters and see if people can adapt to a few car-free downtown blocks. “Pedestrian malls haven’t been easy to make work anywhere,” he says.

CURRENTS

the two spots in front of his Pacific storefront. But he says that might not be enough. “If you had to take out parking along the whole street, I don’t think it would have much support,” says Pearson. “As a matter of fact, I would have difficulty with it.”

According to Thompson, the appeal for a two-way street is twofold. It would make the business district more navigable and also increase the visibility of storefronts to passing traffic. “If you can follow your nose, you enjoy your time more in a city because you’re not nervous about getting lost,” he says.

“You don’t want people getting lost.

You want them looking at shop windows, and we can do that.”

Gibbs has said that Pacific Avenue’s traffic is one of the most glaring needs downtown. But he also says there is a tremendous parking deficiency, and that each on-street stall generates $200,000 for businesses each year.

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S A N TAC RU Z .C O M

november 23-30, 2011

Matt Fitt

CURRENTS

CURRENTS

Scott Kennedy (Dec. 9, 1948–Nov. 19, 2011)

Peaceful Warrior Remembering Scott Kennedy

BY TRACI HUKILL

SELL US YOUR WOMEN’S & MEN’S CLOTHES - CURRENT STYLES Photo: MARIELLE BALOGH

NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY - CASH ON THE SPOT - FRIENDLY BUYERS

Fashion Recycled SANTA CRUZ: 811 pacific av. 831.458.0555 SAN JOSE: 1959 w. san carlos 408.292.6100 SAN JOSE: blossom hill rd. 408.269.1000 www.crossroadstrading.com

R

RIGHT UP TO the sudden end, Scott Kennedy was a fount of energy and ideas about how to make a better world.

Last Friday, Nov. 18—just hours before his death early Saturday, most likely of a heart attack—he spent a long lunch talking with Mark Primack, his old ally on the Santa Cruz City Council.

“I went to talk to him about some problems I was having leading the Homeless Garden Project, and he listened and did a bit of ‘I told you so eight years ago,’ and then he started going down the path of ‘Here’s what you can do. Would you like me to call up this person and set up a meeting?’”

Primack recalls. “And now I’ve got these meetings in December.” He adds, “I want to apologize to the hundreds of people who knew him better than I did because I got his last day.”

It’s vintage Kennedy. Though he’s perhaps best known for co-founding the Resource Center for Nonviolence and for his efforts on behalf of the Palestinians, Kennedy was also an effective local politician with a reputation for a sharp intellect, hard work and straight dealing. He was also unafraid to take unpopular positions.

During his combined 12 years on the Santa Cruz City Council (1991–1998 and 2000–2004), the socially progressive Kennedy voted for numerous controversial developments, including

a factory outlet at Laurel and Chestnut and the Longs on Mission Street, in the belief that post–earthquake Santa Cruz badly needed sales tax revenue if it was to keep offering social services. Yet even his opponents in these battles—usually other progressives with a slow-growth orientation—respected him.

“For Scott, the thing was, from his background in nonviolent struggle, you struggle but you don’t disrespect your opponent,” says former mayor Bruce Van Allen. “It’s kind of Gandhian principles. He and I had some pretty deep disagreements, but I never lost respect for him and he and I always dealt with each other in ways that we didn’t have to call each other names or feel the other was acting out of bad will.”

For Kennedy’s longtime friend and fellow councilmember Don Lane, Kennedy’s local legacy is in the hundreds of low-income housing units now standing and which Kennedy championed after the earthquake.

“Affordable housing rarely has a big constituency because the people who need it are rarely involved in community politics,” says Lane. “I think he was conscious of who isn’t necessarily being heard but who deserves to be heard. You can see that in terms of affordable housing or Palestinians.”

Read more at www.santacruz.com/news.

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13 COV E R STORY

november 23-30, 2011 S A N TAC RU Z .C O M

Just A

Little

Something This holiday season, less is more fun

A

Are we over big yet?

Have we had enough of supersizing? This could be the year to buck the trend with gifts that are small in size but big on style.

BY LEILANI CLARK, JESSICA DUR, ANNA FREEMAN, TRACI HUKILL, CAT JOHNSON, SAMANTHA LARSON, JACOB PIERCE, AND TESSA STUART

For the Misbehaving Poet in Your Life

For the Covert Government Operative in Your Life

MAGNETIC POETRY LITTLE BOX OF WHOOP ASS ($7.95)

RAVI RATAN FLASH DRIVE CUFFLINKS ($100)

We’re guessing Charles Bukowski was more of a hot-plate and mini-fridge kind of guy than a Kitchen Aid and Sub-Zero kind of guy, so it makes sense that this particular line of refrigerator poetry kits is downsized from the 300-word standard package to 75 cut-to-the-chase slices of plain, potentially offensive English. Also in Little Box of Booze, Little Box of Weed and Little Box of Sin.

Sleek silver fasteners keep the cuffs of a fine tailored shirt in line with a tuxedo jacket and important documents just north of those manicured fingertips.

There are two gigabytes of storage per link—that’s enough space for 1,000 songs, 400 photos or an undisclosed number of top-secret dossiers.

≥ 15

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TEROFORMA WHISKEY STONES ($20)

For the Digital Thrasher in Your Life SANTA CRUZ SKATEBOARD USB DRIVE ($20-$50)

USB FEVER MAGNETIC/ DETACHABLE FISHEYE LENS ($20)

The Magnetic/Detachable Fisheye Lens, compatible with the iPhone4 or the iPad2, creates photos with curved edges and a 180-degree angle of view, giving images a spherical look—and it’s just plain fun. It’s also a great way to make videos and photos look something like the Beastie Boys might have filmed circa 1992.

S A N TAC RU Z .C O M

Thanks to the advent of the USB drive, we can now carry vast amounts of data in our pockets. And the drive’s appeal doesn’t end at its utility. Its sleek profile also has tons of design potential. Case in point: the Santa Cruz Skateboard USB drive by Action Sport Drives. It stores data, represents the hometown in the form of designs like Jim Phillips’ Slasher and Screaming Hand and is a working fingerboard, providing endless hours of trick-planning and daydreaming.

For the Aspiring Spike Jonze

november 23-30, 2011

Chiseled chunks of Vermont soapstone will lower the temperature in the glass without diluting your giftee’s favorite dram. To use: Toss the stones in the freezer for a couple hours before the imbibing begins.

built–in drip–catch base. The entire apparatus is affixed to a hook that fits nicely over the side of a mug. Sanity and order at last prevail.

COV E R STORY

For the Mad Man in Your Life

For the Caffeine Addict in Your Life OUTDOORS MINI ESPRESSO MAKER ($19.95)

A glimmer of hope for those who long for the freedom of a weekend out in the wild but are bound to civilization by the headache they

For the Adventurous Lady Lover

As stocking sto ocking stuffers stuuffers uffffffe fers go, thiss one is ve very ry rare. ry

LYLA VIBRATOR ($125)

These days everything has a remote control—even the hottest vibrators.

By tilting or shaking a Lyla vibrator’s remote, the pleasure giver (or receiver) can control the speed and rhythm of this toy’s bed-rocking pulsations. The remote works from more than 35 feet away and also has pre-programmed patterns for multitaskers or the lazy. This waterproof, rechargeable toy comes in three colors with a warranty to cover a full year that will probably go down in the books as memorable. The remote vibrates too, for couples that really want to share the love.

For the Compulsively Tidy Tea Enthusiast R&M INTERNATIONAL NO-DRIP TEA STRAINER ($4.95)

All finicky tea drinkers know how vexing it can be to lift a tea infuser from a perfectly steeped cup and have no saucer to rest it upon. Tea puddles on a raw tabletop: disgusting! Possibly unsanitary, even! The No-Drip Tea Strainer solves the problem with a

(Or, if you yoou prefer, well done.)

The H HINDQUARTER’s INDQUARTER’s pre-paid pre-pa aid Hospitality Card Stop St op by by for fo r yours yo ur s today. to d ay. Get Get one others o ne ffor o r yyourself o ur se lf aand nd o thers as a s gifts. g if t s. Load L oa d them t h em for f o r as as much as a you want. They’re as goo good od as cash and can be over. rreloaded el o ad ed over ov er and and o ver.

Whoever one W h o ev er yyou o u give give o n e tto o will have w ill h av e a ccow! ow!

get if they miss their morning cup of joe. Small and light enough to throw in a pack, this baby brews up a single shot of espresso in just 90 seconds over a backpacking stove.

For the Eco-Conscious Gadget Addict JOOS ORANGE SOLAR CHARGER ($150)

This whiz-bang contraption converts an hour of full sunlight into three hours of pleasure yakking on the phone. According ≥ 16

426-7770

“where the elite meat” 303 Soquel Avenue between b Ocean and Pacific

Lunch & Dinner www.thehindquarter.com

I

In Santa Santta Cruz

I

Reservations Advised

S A N T A C R U Z . C O M november 23-30, 2011 C O V E R S T O R Y

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15 G I F T G U I D E | S M A L L G I F T S to the website, it can also keep the iPad rocking, the video camera filming, the night vision goggles skulking and the small medical refrigerator hummingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all without tapping into nasty fossil fuels.

For the Crack Addict in Your Life 0:/19 27/;=<2 1/;/:=B 1!¸A $

When shimmying up a sheer rock face merely by cramming fingertips and toes into a crack so small it may as well be invisible, it helps to have a magic life-saving device to jam in and clip a rope through, just in case of a fall. Rock climbers can secure a hold in even the thinnest of cracks with these microcams.

Said to fit into more placements than any other camming unit, the only other thing a crack climber could wish for is smaller fingertips (and perhaps some climbing tape).

Available in sizes 000 to 2.

For the DisasterPreparedness Obsessive 97993@:/<2 2G</;= A=:/@ @/27= #

Normally we associate emergency radios with clunky, industriallooking schwag handed out by almost tearfully grateful public radio stations during the pledge drive. Not this beauty!

Super greenâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;both literally and figurativelyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and measuring a compact 3â&#x20AC;? x 3â&#x20AC;?, this stylish solar radio gives users the option of hand-cranking or just chillinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in the earthquake rubble while the sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rays do all the work of recharging the battery, leaving hands free to work on that slingshot standing between you and starvation.

The individual toys are packaged in â&#x20AC;&#x153;blind boxes,â&#x20AC;? meaning that no oneâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;supposedly even the manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;knows what toy is in which box. While it may sound like a frustrating venture into overbuying, the toys are a huge hit and the packaging is part of the fun.

For the Gamer in Your Life D723= 5/;3 >=7<B 1/@2 $

A world exists where people trade real money for digitally rendered items such as swords, maps, outfits for avatars, tools, downloadable games and other video game â&#x20AC;&#x153;addons.â&#x20AC;? These items are paid for with video game points. One way to get points is to buy video game point cards. Available in different denominations for PS3, XBOX 360 and Wii, these cards provide an entry point to enhancing oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gamer profile, credibility and access to premium content. They can also be used to get movies, TV shows and apps, but not, sadly, girlfriends.

For the Gadget-Savvy Little Kid at Heart 8/EA A6/@9 7>=2 1=HG &

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a scary world out there filled with puddles, dirt and creepy germs trying to cling to our valuable touch screens. Luckily thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a hand-knit iPod shark cozy to protect 21st-century technology and take the edge off it too. Based in Brookesville, Fla., Chris and Yaya have an endearing made-to-order f luffy fish design for those who want to keep their MP3 player safe in the belly of a beast. Their collection is available at http://www. etsy.com/shop/chrisandyaya.

For the Surprise-Loving Toy Collector in Your Life 972 @=0=B 0:7<2 0=F B=GA #

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the deal: A run of collectible toy figures is released by Kid Robot with, say, nine different figures. Collectors generally want all of them and casual customers generally want to pick their favorites. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a straightforward concept, but this one has a twist.

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For the Wrap Star In Your Life

For the (Not Too) Cute Couple

4C@=A6797 0G :7<9 :=A /<53:3A #

@=0=B BC<3A 4=@ BE= 63/2>6=<3 A>:7BB3@ !

A couple of strategically placed twists can turn this striped satin swath of cloth into a bag, a bottle holder, a headband, a scarf and much more. Check out Furoshiki. com for folding diagrams and ideas.

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a gift for the romantic, musically-inclined couple that wants to listen one song at the same timeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;without blasting it for the world to hear or being one of those obnoxiously cute pairs that actually shares one set of headphones (because letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s be honest: thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a look we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all pull off ). This earphone splitter comes with a spring-loaded, robotshaped keychain easily removable from your set of keys.

For the Sharp Shooter in Your Life 4C8747:; 7<AB/F ;7<7 %A 7<AB/<B 47:; 1/;3@/ #&

The grandchild of the Polaroid spits out credit cardâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;sized prints directly into the palm of your hand, and at 4.8â&#x20AC;? by 4.7â&#x20AC;? by 2.5,â&#x20AC;? fits perfectly in a purse or pocket.

For the Outdoor Adventurer With Back Issues C1= ;71@= 1/<2:3 :/<B3@< '#

Heading into the backcountry without a pleasant and f lattering source of light just because you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to risk permanent back injury? Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a terrible idea! This wee lantern not only provides light and a little warmth, it packs down to 2.5â&#x20AC;? tall and a feathery 4.2 ounces. That includes the two tea lights (one in the globe and an extra in the base), which give 3-4 hours of burn time apiece. In bright red, green or turquoise.

For the Environmentally Conscious Commuter B63 $ =C<13 </:53<3 '

Using a refillable water bottle may reduce plastic waste, but who wants to haul around a quart-sized jug of anything? This smaller version of Nalgeneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular bottle may be just the thing to reduce both your gift recipientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s load and his or her environmental impact.

For the Chocolate Snob in Your Life A16/@443< 03@53@ ;7<7 16=1=:/B3 0/@ !#

These one-ounce bars from the Berkeley-based chocolatier are just big enough to provide a taste of heaven and perfectly sized for a ¨

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7<AB/F ;7<7

S A N T A C R U Z . C O M november 23-30, 2011 C O V E R S T O R Y

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20 G I F T G U I D E | S M A L L G I F T S stocking toe. And as the makers specialize in darker varieties with high cocoa contentâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;up to 82 percentâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a taste might be more than enough for us mere mortals to handle. Available individually or in a six-bar sampler.

For the Indie Sock Fan 5C;0/:: >==2:3 A=19A

These dual-colored striped socks are ideal for the alternative fashionista. Made in the U.S., these warm accessories have vertical block lettering spelling out words like â&#x20AC;&#x153;bimbo,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;whiskey,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;gay,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;bacon,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;ninja,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Obama,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Santaâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;weed.â&#x20AC;?

For the Droid-Loving Nut >3@3<<7/: B3/ @==; @=0=B B3/ 7<4CA3@ 9C@B A /2:3@ @ 2 <CB1@/193@ # "#

For years, robots have been vacuuming pools, monitoring hearts and dropping bombs on other countries. So why not brewing tea or cracking nuts? The stainless steel Robot Tea Infuser doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even need batteries: simply load the tiny chest cavity with loose tea and send it for a dip inside a mug of hot water.

And just when you thought that R2D2 was only good for delivering the blueprints to the Death Star, our cultureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most beloved droid steals the show from Tchaikovskyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mustachioed soldier with the stodgy outfit and stiff arms.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right, folks: Star Wars has gone nutcrackers. Also available as Darth Vader (I am your nutcracker) and Yoda (Crack your nuts I will).

For the Wannabe Rapper in Your Life B==B6 83E3:A

Since the dawn of time, humans have bejeweled their appendages, phalanges, nasal septums, ear conches and just about any showworthy body part. Now itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to give those long-neglected bicuspids their due attention. Once solely the domain of hip-hop stars, tooth jewels have infiltrated the mainstream market, and with good reason: less invasive than grills, they are affordable, subtle and temporary. No drilling is involved, eitherâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;jewels are bonded to the teeth in 20 painless minutes (either by oneself, or more commonly, a dentist).The worst that can happen to a tooth jewelâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;coming loose and being swallowedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;results in nothing more than a little bling down the porcelain king.

For the Downsized Audiophile 8/E0=<3 8/;0=F 0:C3B==B6 A>3/93@

By all accounts the best portable wireless speaker on the market, the Jambox comes in four cute colors (red, blue, silver and black) and is roughly the size of a block

of Velveeta, according to the wags at Gizmodo. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also really, really loud and reportedly very clean, meaning it can anchor a conference call at work, guarantee nearâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;perfect clarity on a phone call in the car and fill the living room with thumping bass at home. 0

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S A N T A C R U Z . C O M november 23-30, 2011 C O V E R S T O R Y

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spas â&#x20AC;˘ massage â&#x20AC;˘ bodycare

The Twelve Crazes of Christmas A brief history of fad gifts

he gift we all need... ...at prices we can All afford

Starting at $13 - order by phone or online &

417 Cedar Street â&#x20AC;˘ 831-458-WELL www.wellwithinspa.com

T

BY JACOB PIERCE

T he fad gift phenomenon

may seem like little more than a horrifying distillation of American consumer culture. There are the high prices, the long lines and those family members who went to bed early on Thanksgiving night only to wake up early and strangle the other toygrabbing moms the next morning in a show of tender maternal affection for their offspring. But the fad trend is bigger than that.

Like it or not, over the years it has shown how much Americans have in commonâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;or at least how hard we tried. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always pretty, but Americans spent much of the 1990s picking new fads each year for the sake of their kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the ones they forgot to play catch with all year with because they were working late and saving up for the holidays.

Still, perhaps with the exception of Apple gadgets, it appears there was a sharp decline in national must-have crazes after 2000 as American markets diversified and catered to smaller and smaller niches. Maybe the economic structure that once brought us closer together is driving us apart. But I digress. Here are some standouts from Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top toy list over the years.

1975

Pet Rocks Our first (and maybe shortest-lived)

fad started nearbyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;just off Highway 17 at a bar in downtown Los Gatos.

With the country in the grip of stagflation, ad man Gary Dahl told his friends there should be a cheap pet that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t poop, eat or die. It could even come with its own carrying case and a guide on how to get it do tricks like â&#x20AC;&#x153;roll over.â&#x20AC;? Yes, it was a horrible idea (or a very clever one, depending on your outlook). And yes, Dahl became a millionaire anyway.

1980

Rubikâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cube Here was a great way to emotionally destroy any teen that acted too smart for his or her own good. There are 43 quintillion permutations of this three-dimensional mind-boggler.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4.3 x 10 to the 19th power. Still, each cube can be solved in 23 turns or less. Yeah, good luck. Novices have been fretting their way to inferiority complexes every since thanks to jerks like the Australian Feliks Zemdegs, who solved one in a record-breaking 5.66 seconds in a competition earlier this year. A word to the wise (and the young): Take stickers off and replace them on the ¨

#

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1996

1983

Elmo might have been one of the cuter creations to come out of Grouchland, but the toy really was a monster. It was always giggling at parents in a mocking sort of way for spending $28.99 on a vibrating midget (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s laughing now?â&#x20AC;? Elmo seemed to be asking).

People magazine reported in 1997 that some Elmos were selling for $1,500 on the black market in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Cabbage Patch Kids The only thing stranger than these lumpy babiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; faces is their story.

According to company legend, founder Xavier Roberts followed a bumblebee with bunny ears behind a waterfall where he watched round babies get birthed out of cabbage bunches under the direction of Col. Casey, the stork who oversees Babyland General Hospital. Logically, Roberts adopted the babies, saving them from Lavender McDade, who planned to force them into slavery in her gold mine. Sure, millions of people were dumb enough to buy into this fad, but at least our real babies arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t actually this ugly.

1993

Pogs Pogs might have been the greatest Hawaiian craze ever to take the mainland by storm. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll put them right up there with surfing. Named after the Aloha Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s POG drink (passion-orange-guava), the game pre-dates mass commercialization and was played for decades with milk and juice caps before the real North America realized what it was missing.

Part of the gameâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thrill was in the art of carefully approaching the Pog stacks with a metal slammer and using the perfect angle and velocity at the Pogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; very edge to send them flying. Oops, missed it by that muchâ&#x20AC;Ś

1994

Beanie Babies

Tickle Me Elmo

1997

Tamagotchi Finally, a pet that would cling to your keychain and never, ever leave you. These egg-shaped creatures were antithetical to Dahlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s simple pet rock formulaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and a load of responsibility for kids who were still learning to stop wetting the bed. When the creature hatched on its tiny screen, starry-eyed youngsters embarked on their Tamagotchiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life journey: from toddler to teenager, adult, senior and ultimately its cemetery at the bottom of a trash compactor.

1998

Furby This international phenomenon came in 24 languages and was sold around the world. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the hoax: people thought they flourished and learned more when given a healthy environment filled with family dialogue ... and perhaps learned a little too much. CNN reported that the National Security Agency in 1999 banned

The tag on a Beanie Baby means everything. Rare versions of Princess Diana memorial Beanie Babies were recently listed on eBay for $100,000$500,000 with the tags intact. A different seller recently listed the same bear with no tag for 99 cents. No joke. Still, with the exception of a few misprints and rare editions, Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite fluffy collectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s animalâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; turnedâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;doggieâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;chewtoy is no longer the penultimate gift for 5-year-olds and grown-up geeks alike.

4/2 574BA ¨ ! :=1/::G ;/23 ¨ $

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correct sides. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Look, Mom, I really am smart!â&#x20AC;?

S A N T A C R U Z . C O M november 23-30, 2011 C O V E R S T O R Y

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Give Locally Because everybody loves stuff made in Santa Cruz

M

BY MARIA GRUSAUSKAS

M ost people will love and appreciate the unnecessary material good youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve carefully selectedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the thought that counts, anyway, right? But when it comes to the impassioned activist on your list, holiday shopping becomes a little more challenging. For the Occupier in the family, there is only one type of gift that will flatter and please without offending their anticorporate, nonconsumerist and ecoconscious values: the made-in-Santa Cruz gift. This guide locates some nifty locally made gifts anyone can feel warm and fuzzy about giving or receiving.

Homespun Threads The 6==273 A1/@4, designed by

Amber Young of Ragged Thistle, offers the stylish flair of a scarf while keeping the top of your head warm too. The hoodie scarf is made from reconstructed wool and cashmere sweaters, as are Ragged Thistleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cloaks, coats, dresses, skirts and childrensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sweaters. Ragged Thistle sells at the downtown farmers market through December. Prices range from $45â&#x20AC;&#x201C;$450.

Confections and Preserves 4=5:7<3 4/@;A >@3A3@D3A are made from locally grown ingredients and include concoctions like a Tomato Ginger Achar (great as a simmer sauce), Pear Chutney (delicious with

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Art & Office Supply

...because you deserve more!

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n o v e m b e r 2 3 - 3 0 , 2 0 1 1 S A N T A C R U Z . C O M

50e Gifts

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26 G I F T G U I D E | L O C A L L Y M A D E

A3@3<27>7BG A/C1G A>@3/2A

makes unique jams and jellies like Spiced Carrot, Meyer Lemon & Lavender Marmalade and Pear & Rosemary Conserve. They also have a line of sugar-free preserves sweetened with agave nectar. Available at Sunnyside Produce, 2520 South Main St., Soquel; Stripe; New Leaf everywhere and Whole Foods in Santa Cruz and Capitola. $10-$11.

owner of the Made in Santa Cruz store on the wharf. These 14â&#x20AC;? x 20â&#x20AC;? pillows are stuffed with Californiagrown rice and Bonny Doon Farms lavender. Heat them in the microwave and wrap them around your shoulders for an economical way to stay warm or to alleviate headaches or muscle aches (the rice retains a deep heat) or else put them in the freezer for a cooling effect. At Made In Santa Cruz. $29.95.

Homegrown Goods B63 6=;3:3AA 5/@23< >@=831Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s holiday store is selling intricate and sweet-smelling dried flower wreaths made by trainees from the herbs and flowers grown at the organic farm on the westside. Handmade herb vinegars, hand-dipped beeswax candles, aprons and jewelry are also available. At 110 Cooper Street, Santa Cruz. Prices vary.

Local Art

Ocean Sports Solid E==2 6/<2>:/<3A 4=@ 0=2GAC@47<5 help the ocean lover in your life get into waves sooner and have more control going down the line. Solid wood, coated in epoxy and available in various shapes and sizes. Handmade by Ventana Surf Co. and available at Stripe or online at ventanasurfco.com. Starting at $150.

Jewelry and Accessories Nicole Remidioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique ;=D3;3<B @7<5A are crafted from the inner mechanical guts of old watches.

Available at Stripe. $50.

Handcrafted :3/B63@ 1C44A 0G <C/:/ and E==23< 03/232 :3/B63@ 0@/13:3BA 0G 0:/1907@2 23A75< make

for durable and long-lasting wrist accessories for the edgy fashionista/o in your life. At Stripe. $16-$20.

Cozy Comforts The 31= 4:3F 63/B7<5 /<2 1==:7<5 @31=D3@ >7::=E is designed by Dohna Lee Dunderdale,

AB=932 Tufwf!IptnfsĂ&#x2013;t!qptufst!vtf! jdpojd!jnbhfsz/ /<2@3E 0CB:3@ worked for the U.S.

Postal Service in Santa Cruz County for 30 years before devoting himself to his art photography. Butler, who says he has â&#x20AC;&#x153;color fever,â&#x20AC;? still shoots with film.

His art prints are colorful compositions of urban textures and people, inspired by his travels through Brazil, Bali, India and Nepal, to name a few places. His ¨ !

C O V E R S T O R Y n o v e m b e r 2 3 - 3 0 , 2 0 1 1 S A N T A C R U Z . C O M

pork chops), Albion Strawberry Jam (not too sweet) and a fiery little hot sauce called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heatâ&#x20AC;? at the Santa Cruz Community Farmers Market. (For an added personalized touch, include the October 2011 Issue of Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Journal, which features a three-page spread of the three Fogline farmers.) $6â&#x20AC;&#x201C;$8.

Dirty Girl Produce is selling delicious >@3A3@D3A ;/23 0G 6/>>G 57@: 97B163< 1= Jars of pickled green beans, a Dry Farmed Early Girl Tomato Reduction and stewed Early Girl Tomatoes make a nice gift for foodies. Pick them up at the Downtown farmers market or online at http://happygirlkitchen.com/ store/. $8â&#x20AC;&#x201C;$13.

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A/<B/ 1@CH 7<A>7@32 >@7<BA 0G AB3>63< 6=A;3@ of Stokes

Signs make perfect gifts for anyone who holds Santa Cruz and all of its charms dear. Hosmer has been designing custom signs in town s ince 1974 and is a master of Reverse Gold Work and neon signs. At Paper Vision.

Holiday Art and Crafts Sales 0/@53BB= E7<3@G¸A B6 /<<C/: /@B 7< B63 13::/@ event

brings over 20 local photographers, potters, jewelry makers and painters together under one roof for the ultimate made-in-Santa Cruz holiday extravaganza. A perfect opportunity to chat with the artists and check off multiple names from your list, all in one stop. Locally made wine and mead is also a great way to warm the holidays.

Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec 4 at 3535 North Main St., Soquel.

The 4th Annual # =@ :3AA 6/<2;/23 574B A/:3 is a reassuring alternative to falling in love with gifts that are far too expensive to afford.

Saturday, Dec. 3 at 1534 Pacific Ave., and Sunday, Dec. 4 at The Art Factory, 9099 Soquel Dr., Aptos. 0

25 F A D G I F T S | C O V E R S T O R Y employees from buying them. Well, it turns out the toys dropped their native Furbish no matter and still learned to speak more grown-up languagesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; provided someone kept changing the batteries. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Me hungry!â&#x20AC;?

1999

Pokemon Pokemon cards started out looking like the new Pogs for people with less upper body strength. The cards came in packs of 60. If a kid got the right combination in the Christmas stocking, he and his friends could transform the sidewalk outside the cafeteria into a Pikachu-torching showdown. Schools from New York City to San Diego banned the cards because students who hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even learned what puberty was yet were gambling away their lunch money.

2000

Razor Scooter There was a time when these shiny devices werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just for those certain college students trying to get to class early and begging to get teased. The folding kick scooter, which most of us outgrew, was lightweight, incredibly efficient and let sixth-graders feel

like they were going to be the next extreme sport breakout star.

2000

Big Mouth Billy Bass Possibly the frontrunner in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;most annoyingâ&#x20AC;? subcategory, Big Mouth Billy Bass was an animatronic fish figure mounted on a plaque. It sang â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Worry, Be Happyâ&#x20AC;? while its tail slapped back and forth in time. What weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to know is how many windows were shattered when Big Mouth Billy was hurled through them. Now that was some economic stimulus.

2004...

iPod No reminder needed here. Especially since youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re probably reading this on your iPhone 4s anyway. The iPod, iPhone and iPad each turned out to be not so much a new fad as the harbinger of a new era. And with $76 billion cash on hand in July, CBS News reported that Apple had more cash on hand than the United States government. At this rate maybe some day weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll forget what the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aâ&#x20AC;? in United States of America used to stand forâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;that is, of course, until we find the next cool thing. 0

C O V E R S T O R Y n o v e m b e r 2 3 - 3 0 , 2 0 1 1 S A N T A C R U Z . C O M

latest work is framed with salvaged window frames and is available at Artisanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gallery or online at http:// andrewbutlerphotography.com/.

Local painter ;/@73 5/0@73::3 has released a 2012 calendar of her vibrant watercolors of landscapes from around the Monterey Bay, Big Sur and Provence. The calendars are available for $17.99 at the Made in Santa Cruz store on the Municipal Wharf. You can also find Gabrielleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s watercolors at Artisanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gallery in downtown Santa Cruz.

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This year, skip the herbed vinegars and try a DIY gift no one will expect

I

BY SAMANTHA LARSON

I smelled it first, the stench of rotting meat mixed with stale ocean air. Turning the corner into the courtyard I found my housemate Liam standing in his underwear happily draping pieces of white rubber-like strands over the fence. I asked the obvious question. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hey Sam! Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just drying out the sinew I collected from the whale that washed up at Half Moon Bay.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh,â&#x20AC;? I paused. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What are you going to do with it?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to use it to make a hunting bow,â&#x20AC;? he said, flashing his broad, winning smile. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just the perfect thing for it.â&#x20AC;?

It can be easy to get sucked into American materialism, especially during this time of year. But last year, some of my housematesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; obsession with self-sufficiency and independence from our capitalist regime introduced me to the world of Do It Yourself projects. Having previously only understood DIY to mean kitschy arts and crafts kits, I first approached this DIY thing with caution, unsure that it was anything more than a hobby akin to knitting.

But by demonstrating a range of projects from laundry detergent to the perfect loaf of bread, time and time again my housemates proved my skepticism unfounded.

Hunting bows made from real whale sinew may be a bit out of the fledgling DIYerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s league, but this crew gave me some other ideas for unique DIY projects that could make for idiosyncratic holiday gifts.

Huaraches These days, barefoot running seems

to be all the rageâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the once-eccentric Vibram Five Fingers are popping up on joggersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; feet left and right. But might there be a way to get back to running basics for less than $85?

After attempting to get to the true essence of barefoot running by going out for jogs sans any protective soles whatsoever, and coming back with impressively gruesome blood blisters on the bottom of his feet, my housemate Nick experimented with DIY huaraches, running sandals inspired by the Tarahumara tribe of Northern Mexico famous for their ability to run really long distances (like up to 120 miles in one session).

They would make a great gift for any runner interested in going back to his or her evolutionary running roots.

What you need: a piece of paper, a marker, a pencil, a piece of leather big enough to cover the sole of the foot, leather lace, strong scissors and a leather punch HOW TO DO IT:

1) Step on the piece of paper, putting pressure on the front of the foot.

2) Cut around the tracing.

3) Place the cutout on the leather piece and trace around it with the pencil.

4) Cut out the leather sole.

5) Step on the leather sole and use the marker to make a dot between the first and second toes, slightly A=:34C: 574BA ¨ !% 6=:72/G >CHH:3@¨ !"

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Gifts From The Sole

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closer to the second toe than the first. Make a second dot by placing the pen vertically just in front of the inside anklebone. Make a third dot on the outside edge of the sole at the place where the foot makes less contact with the ground.

6) Use the leather punch to make holes through the marked dots.

7) Push the leather lace from the top to the bottom through the toe hole. Make a knot in the lace on the bottom side.

8) Pass the lace from top to bottom through the outside ankle hole, then from top to bottom through the inside ankle hole.

9) Tie them up and take them out for a spin!

Pinhole Camera On one occasion I walked through the front door into a nearly completely dark room where several of my housemates were lounging on floor cushions, fixated on a spot of light on the wall coming through a carefully sized aperture in the opposite window. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Look, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Andi coming up the steps!â&#x20AC;? Gab, our French-Canadian couchsurfing traveler extraordinaire, was barely able to contain her excitement. She had turned the whole room into a camera obscura

that projected the goings-on of our front steps onto our living room wall and had brought in everyone else to ooh and ahh at her marvelous work. While a camera obscura taking up a whole room is not exactly something you can package up and put under a tree, she later recreated this magic in a smaller, more portable form: the matchbox pinhole camera. (For photos to go along with these instructions, visit http:// matchboxpinhole.com/index.html) What you need: a matchbox, a new roll of 35mm film, an empty roll of 35mm film with a 1cm stub of film sticking out (should be available from the leftovers of a film lab), a soda can, black PVC tape, a piece of curved thin plastic (such as from spiral paper binding), a pin, scissors, X-Acto knife and a black marker HOW TO DO IT:

1) Mark and cut out a 24mm square in the center of the inner part of the matchbox (the matchbox tray).

2) Color in the inside of the matchbox tray and sleeve with the marker.

3) Carefully cut out a 6mm square in the center of the matchbox sleeve.

4) Cut out about a 15mm square from the can. Placing it on a piece of ¨ !'

C O V E R S T O R Y n o v e m b e r 2 3 - 3 0 , 2 0 1 1 S A N T A C R U Z . C O M

¡B7A / 574B B= 03 A7;>:3 Jg!uif!cbebtt!Ubsbivnbsb!svoofst!dbo!xfbs!uifn!gps!

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S A N T A C R U Z . C O M n o v e m b e r 2 3 - 3 0 , 2 0 1 1 C O V E R S T O R Y

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Siri, the iPhone 4S â&#x20AC;&#x153;personal assistant,â&#x20AC;? makes a great Christmas gift, and not just because sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s helpful.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a tech-savvy asshole (or just curious), you probably already know how the sassy robot voice responds to questions like â&#x20AC;&#x153;What are you wearing?â&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;When do you menstruate?â&#x20AC;? Of course, poor Siri isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the first bionic being to suffer indignity in the name of progress. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a list of some other â&#x20AC;&#x2122;bots that have served us doggedly over the yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;no matter what we subject them toâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;for that person in your life who just needs something to abuse.

63@= Both the 1982 HERO-1 and its successor HERO Jr. looked like a cross between R2-D2 and a copy machine, but the latter was infinitely more useful, acting as an alarm clock, home security system and (it was the â&#x20AC;&#x2122;80s) workout

BY RACHEL DOVEY

coach. ($560 on eBay) =;<70=B With his mechanical drone and flashing red eyes, Omnibot could have been marketed as a device for scaring cats. Instead, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;fullyprogrammableâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x2122;80s â&#x20AC;&#x2122;bot was equipped with a remote-control handset, speaker and tray so he could bring you KoolAid and swear in Klingon for your friends. ($299 on eBay) /70= This robotic pooch fetched, sat, wagged its plastic tail and resembled a deformed sheep. Though technically not a service robot, the 1999 pup did help make the â&#x20AC;&#x153;RoboCup Four-Legged Robot Soccer Leagueâ&#x20AC;? a reality, and if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never watched a team of mechanical dogs play soccer, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never lived. ($750 on eBay) E/9/;/@C The 2005 â&#x20AC;&#x153;caretakerâ&#x20AC;? from Japan is designed to look out for

Wednesday Facebook Giveaways Every week.

facebook.com/santacruzweekly B@C30:C3 The Roxxxy TrueCompanion wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ever leave, though all your friends might.

39

thick cardboard, drill a hole through it with the pin and color the back of the pinhole black.

5) Place the aluminum onto the box so that the pinhole is in the center of the square hole on top of the box.

Tape the aluminum on, securing all four sides. =;<70=B your sick and elderly family members, if you happen to be fantastically wealthy. Its services include reminding patients to take their meds and calling emergency services if anything goes wrong. An embedded web camera allows family members to watch their ailing relative from afar. (Between $9,000 and $15,000) 43;7A/>73< WowWeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s female version of the Kung-Foo Fighting Robosapien can be your backup singer, hold your business cards and make kissing noises in your general direction, because sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a girl and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what we do. Sadly, since she only speaks â&#x20AC;&#x153;Emotish,â&#x20AC;? Femisapien canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell you if sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fallen over, so she just lies on the ground and sighs, hoping you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget about her but knowing you probably will. ($98.50 on Amazon) @=FFFG B@C31=;>/<7=<

Complete with conversational abilities and a vapid expression, this life-size robot has several settings, including â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wild Wendy,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Frigid Farrahâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Young Yoko,â&#x20AC;? who, according to the True Companion Website, is â&#x20AC;&#x153;barely 18.â&#x20AC;? Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just a sex robot, you see; according to creator Douglas Hines, she was released in 2009 to address your emotional and intellectual needs as well. Roxxxy has endless possibilities: You can tailor her personality to yours and, as the website points out, you can easily swap her with your friendsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Roxxxys, which is â&#x20AC;&#x153;the same as wife or girlfriend swapping without any of the social issues or sexual-diseaserelated concerns!â&#x20AC;? And donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry, TrueCompanion is neither sexist nor creepy, because Roxxxy has a male counterpart, Rocky, who is, apparently, a â&#x20AC;&#x153;beautiful hunk.â&#x20AC;? ($1,495 for Rocky, $2,995 for Roxxxy on TrueCompanion. com). 0

6) Place a piece of tape over the pinhole to act as a shutter.

7) Making the clicker: Cut off a loop from the spiral binder. Place the pointed end so that it enters one of the sprocket holes of the new film canister.

Tape to secure. The clicker should ride on the back of the film smoothly and make a click as it drops into the next sprocket hole.

8) Loading the camera: Squarely trim off the leader and stub of film from both the new and empty film canisters.

9) Pull out a little film from the new canister and thread it through the matchbox, with the non-shiny side facing the pinhole.

10) Tape the ends of the film from the new and old canisters together with scotch tape.

11) Slide the match tray back into the box.

12) Turn the spindle of the empty film canister so that the slack film is wound into it. Push the edges of each film canister tightly into the matchbox so no film can be seen.

13) Place pieces of the PVC tape down the sides between the canisters and the box, making it light tight. Check to make sure all joints are tightly sealed.

14) The camera should be ready to go!

To wind the film, turn the winder on the empty canister counterclockwise.

15) Post video of the making of this contraption on YouTube. 0

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37 G I F T G U I D E | SOLEFUL GIFTS

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41 A&E

A E!

november 23-30, 2011

’Tis The Season

COMPILED BY TESSA STUART

Friday, Nov. 25 Holiday Tree Walk Passengers on the Roaring Camp steam train can sip hot cider and take in the trees atop Bear Mountain, bedecked for the holidays by local businesses and organizations. Tickets $17-$24.

Saturdays and Sundays, 11am and 12:30pm through Sunday, Dec. 18 at Roaring Camp, 5401 Graham Hill Rd., Felton, 831.335.4484.

La Pastorela at Mission San Juan Bautista The story of how the shepherds’ search for the Holy Child was plagued by the demonic followers of Luzbel and Satanas, as presented by the legendary Teatro Campesino.

Tickets $14-$35. Thursdays through Saturdays 8pm, Sundays 4pm and 7:30pm through Dec. 18 at Mission San Juan Bautista, 406 Second Street, San Juan Bautista.

831.623.2444 or ElTeatroCampesino. com.

Surfin’ Santa Santa and his reindeer surf into

GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN The Plaids are back from the dead (again!) to bring you tidings of comfort and joy at Cabrillo Stage.

Capitola Beach to hear kids’ Christmas wishes. Free. Noon at Capitola Village, Capitola.

831.475.6522 A Year With Frog and Toad Shakespeare Santa Cruz stages a production of the Tony Award– nominated play chronicling the madcap adventures of two friends, based on the beloved books by Arnold Lobel. (See review, page 45.)

Through Sunday, Dec. 11. Tickets $18-$40. UCSC Mainstage, 1156 High St., Santa Cruz. 831.459.2159 or ShakespeareSantaCruz.org.

Saturday, Nov. 26 Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train Passengers can sing along to carols, sip spiced cider and enjoy a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus while riding vintage excursion train cars adorned with thousands of lights through the streets of Santa Cruz.

Through Friday, Dec. 23. Tickets $18-$26. Nov. 26 and Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23; 5pm and 6:30pm at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz. 831.335.4484.

Friday, Dec. 2 Cabrillo Winter Dance Concert The Cabrillo student dancers will stop, pop and lock it, performing new work by Bay Area– and Santa Cruz–based professional dance artists. Through Sunday, Dec. 4.

Tickets $8-$12. Friday and Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday 1pm at Cabrillo Crocker Theater, 6500 Soquel Dr., Aptos. 831.479.6464.

Music for the Feast of Christmas: Sun, Moon & Stars The 29th annual iteration of the Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus’ Feast of Christmas features an intergalactic

theme. Through Sunday, Dec. 4.

Tickets $18-$20. Friday and Saturday 8pm, Sunday 4pm at Holy Cross Church, 126 High St., Santa Cruz.

831.479.6331 or FeastofChristmas. com.

Suite Music The UCSC Wind Ensemble performs Suite Francaise by Darius Milhaud, Second Suite in F for Military Band

by Gustav Holst and Suite of Old American Dances by Robert Russell Bennett under the direction of Dr. Robert Klevan. Tickets $6-$10.

7:30pm at Music Center Recital Hall, UCSC, 1156 High St., Santa Cruz.

SantaCruzTickets.com Watsonville Snow Day One can of nonperishable food gains admission to the winter wonderland.

3pm at Peck Street at Union Street, Watsonville. 831.768.3266 or Ci.Watsonville.Ca.US. > 42

S A N TAC RU Z .C O M

Jana Marcus

You can get back to ‘Seinfeld’ reruns in January— a month’s worth of holiday festivities awaits

A&E

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Saturday, Dec. 3

Thursday, Dec. 8

november 23-30, 2011

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Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade Celebrating the season with a march down the city’s main drag featuring f loats, marching bands, horses, classic cars and the man in red himself. Free. 10-11am, Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. 831.429.8433 or DowntownSantaCruz.com.

Hot Club of San Francisco: Cool Yule The gypsy jazz collective plays holiday favorites with a Django Reinhardt twist. Tickets $20 adv/$23 door. 7pm at Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz.

831.427.2227 or Kuumbwa.org.

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Lighted Boat Parade A nautical celebration of the nativity and electricity featuring 50 power and sailboats strung up with lights parading through the Santa Cruz Harbor. Free. 5:30pm at the Santa Cruz Harbor. SCYC.org.

Monarch Community School Holiday Craft Fair Gingerbread house–building, ornament-making, gift-wrapping, elf hat– and stocking-making plus the sale of work by local artisans. Free, 11am-4pm at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium.

MonarchCraftFair.com.

Scotts Valley Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Festivities include food, games, music and a visit from Santa.

Free. 5pm at the Scotts Valley Community Center, 360 Kings Village Road. 831.438.1010

Sunday, Dec. 4 Jingle Shells Arts & Crafts Festival Shop for gifts inspired by the sea or just take in educational presentations, live music and, at dusk, the whale lighting ceremony (not as gruesome as it sounds).

Free. Noon-5:30pm at the Seymour Center, 100 Shaffer Rd, Santa Cruz.

831.459.3800 or SeymourCenter.

UCSC.edu.

Tuesday, Dec. 6 Winter Festival of Bands featuring the Cabrillo Symphonic Winds Wind band music from the 20th and 21st centuries directed by Jon Nordgren. Tickets $6-$7. 7:30pm at Cabrillo Music Recital Hall, 6500 Soquel Dr., Aptos.

Santa Cruz Snow Night Kids 12 and younger have the chance to build snowmen, make snow angels or toss a few snowballs around on a block of Pacific Avenue filled with the white stuff.

A donation of nonperishable food required for entry. 58pm in downtown Santa Cruz.

831.429.8433

Friday, Dec. 9 Irish Holiday Molly’s Revenge and Christa Burch with the Rosemary Turco Irish Dancers sing and dance to the Christmas songs from around the world played with a Celtic twist. Tickets $15. 7:30pm at Don Quixote’s, 6275 Highway 9, Felton.

831.603.2294.

Saturday, Dec. 10 An Altared Christmas 2011 Rhan Wilson’s black and blue holiday spectacular puts classic seasonal tunes in a minor key.

This year’s show will feature performances from Tammi Brown, Ukulele Dick and Richard Stockton, among many others. Tickets $25 adv/$28 door. 8pm, Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz.

831.423.8209 or Altared.com.

19th Annual Holiday Gift and Craft Faire Hot beverages, baked goods, raff le prizes, holiday cheer and the sale of nature-themed gifts from local artisans. Proceeds benefit educational programs in local state parks. Through Sunday, Dec. 11.

Free. 10am to 5pm at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, 101 Big Trees Park Rd, Felton. 831.335.0782.

Ranch Holiday Festival Experience the winter holidays

as folks did in the 19th and early 20th century, with Victorian crafts, games and treats. Free. 11am-3pm at Wilder Ranch, Hwy 1, Santa Cruz.

831.426.0505

Sunday, Dec. 11 An Acoustic Holiday Concert with Gypsy Soul Canadian-Scottish duo Gypsy Soul plays holiday favorites. Tickets $14 adv/$16 door. 7pm at Don Quixote’s, 6275 Highway 9, Felton.

831.603.2294.

A World of Many Colors The Santa Cruz World Choir & Orchestra plays holiday music from India, Ireland, Mongolia, Republic of Georgia and Scandinavia as well as original compositions by director Stephen Bigger. Tickets $15-$20.

7pm at the Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. 831.521.3470.

Friday, Dec. 16 Cantiamo! Concert For A Winter’s Eve Conductor Cheryl Anderson celebrates her 20th anniversary leading the choral group in a repertoire of a cappella and accompanied works of the past six centuries. Through Dec. 17. Tickets $18-$20. Friday, Dec. 16, 8pm. First Congregational Church, 900 High St., Santa Cruz. Saturday, Dec. 17, 8pm Carmel Mission Basilica, 3080 Rio Rd., Carmel. 831.479.6155 or Cantiamo.org Christmas with the Chorale The Santa Cruz Chorale performs two major works, Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland” and Claudio Monteverdi’s “Magnificat in D Major,” plus a selection of Renaissance motets.

Through Sunday, Dec. 18. Tickets $19-$23. Friday, Dec. 16, 7pm at Our Lady Help of Christians, 2401 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville. Saturday, Dec. 17, 8pm and Sunday, Dec. 18, 4pm at Holy Cross Church, 126 High St., Santa Cruz. 831.427.8023 or SantaCruzChorale.org.

The Nutcracker Santa Cruz Ballet Theater Company is joined by alumni

Melody Mennite of the Houston Ballet and Lucien Postlewaite of the Pacific Northwest Ballet, and accompanied by a 55-piece orchestra in a performance of Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet. Through Dec. 18.

Tickets $15-$64. Friday, Dec. 16, 8pm, Saturday, Dec. 17 and Sunday, Dec. 18 at 1pm and 4:30pm at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St., Santa Cruz.

831.420.5260 or SantaCruzTickets. com.

Plaid Tidings All male acappella group The Plaids (of the Broadway musical Forever Plaid) return from the dead once more to sing holiday favorites in close harmony in Cabrillo Stage’s winter production. Through Dec. 30. Tickets $16-$38. 7:30pm and 2pm at Cabrillo Crocker Theater, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos.

831.479.6154 or CabrilloStage.com

Tuesday, Dec. 20 Messiah Sing-A-Long The Cabrillo Chorus and Ensemble Monterey Chamber Orchestra lead a community sing-a-long to Handel’s Messiah.

Participants are welcome to bring their own score or rent one. Tickets $20. 7pm, First Congregational Church, 900 High St., Santa Cruz.

831.479.6155 or Cantiamo.org

Wednesday, Dec. 21 Victorian Carriage Rides Tour downtown in a horse-drawn carriage. Through Dec. 23. Tickets $5 at the Hat Shop. Downtown Santa Cruz. 831.429.8433.

Thursday, Dec. 22 Santa is Real: A 1950s Christmas Spectacular Carolyn Sills and her band play pop and country hits from the ’50s, plus classic holiday numbers made popular by Patsy Cline, Brenda Lee, Peggy Lee, Elvis Presley and Eartha Kitt. Tickets $10. 7:30pm at Don Quixote’s, 6275 Highway 9, Felton.

831.603.2294.

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november 23-30, 2011

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Heavy Metal Perfection The meticulous methods of Mammatus

BY AARON CARNES

T

The members of Santa Cruz experimental metal band Mammatus have a time-tested method to ensure that all their music reaches a high standard.

They look for what they call the Yes Factor—that moment during practice when a song comes together and everyone knows it.

“That’s what we’re always looking for, the part of the song that gives you goosebumps. It’s all about finding that magical moment,” says guitarist Nicky Emmert. He adds, “It takes us a really long time to write a song.”

When he says a long time, he means a really long time, like months, even years. That’s because there isn’t just one single moment when the song comes together. Each section of every song needs to pass the Yes Factor test, and each song has several sections. Not to mention most of their songs are lengthy— some are over 20 minutes.

“When we write new songs we’ll jam and find maybe one 20-second part that’s cool. Then we’ll play that repeatedly for months trying to figure out what the next part is,” says drummer Aaron Emmert.

The rules of the Yes Factor are so strict that it doesn’t matter how much time the band’s put into a song. If it doesn’t make them say “Yes!” then it doesn’t become a song.

“We definitely have scrapped entire songs after having them for six months, or even years. They just didn’t cut the mustard,” says bass player Chris Freels.

Mammatus’s approach to songwriting might seem extreme, but their music is anything but traditional. They play a combination

THE PSYCHEDELIC BLURS A Mammatus show is a swirl of space jams and heavy metal.

of explosive rock & roll and bizarre, psychedelic space jams. Their riffs have the power and simplicity of Black Sabbath and other early ’70s metal, but the intention is different.

All the rock conventions, like the guitar leads and distortion, serve as texture and create a strange moody musical journey. The songs have long instrumental stretches, varying from trance-like to highly dynamic.

With song titles like “The righteous path through the forest of old” and “The Dragon of the Deep,” the band conjures up images of psychedelic trips and heavy metal album covers of the ’70s.

The songs are all carefully crafted and structurally intricate, yet all of the members of the band claim to be modest musicians.

“To a real musician our music is pretty elementary, but we make it sound cool the way we do it. We definitely are always maxing out our

technical abilities,” says Aaron.

From 2005 to 2007, the band released two full–length albums on Holy Mountain Records and went on three tours, the last one with Japanese psychedelic outfit Acid Mother’s Temple. Now it’s been four years since their last album, and their third record is almost finished.

(Actually, they recorded it two years ago and have been continuing to tweak it and remix it—even the mix has to pass the Yes Factor test.)

A few months ago they decided that one of the songs wasn’t good enough, so they tossed it out and recorded a new song instead.

They have enough material for a fourth album. They just haven’t been able to get to it yet.

“People don’t make albums anymore. They just make relevant blog–worthy MP3s so they’re posting a new song to their sound cloud every week,” says Aaron. “To

me it seems you would not have the quality control of being able to sit back and listen to it and decide if it’s good or not.”

Even if they produce new music at a totally different speed than other bands, the members of Mammatus are happier now than ever before with the growing quality of their music, however long it takes to produce.

“I don’t see success in the same terms anymore,” says Freels. “If we’re still playing Santa Cruz in 10 years and 25 people come out and it’s awesome and we had a great time, that’s good enough for me.”

Mammatus Saturday, Time TBD – All ages.

105 Pioneer St., Santa Cruz. $8

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r.r. jones

Strong acting and a great ensemble cast make for a feel-good ‘Year With Frog and Toad’

november 23-30, 2011

Creature Feature

S A N TAC RU Z .C O M

BY JACOB PIERCE

W

WHEN it comes down to it, Frog shouldn’t really even need Toad. The congenial amphibian could just as easily pal around with the mice and birds that hang around the swamps if he wanted. But he doesn’t. He prefers his slower-moving, socially inept foil.

This year’s winter Shakespeare Santa Cruz play, A Year With Frog and Toad—the group’s first holiday production in two years—is an allages tale of friendship based on the children’s books by Arnold Lobel.

It chronicles the four changes of season and the relationships of the animals who witness them firsthand (with singing and dancing numbers, naturally).

Early in the play, Frog (Nick Gabriel) charges Snail (Chris Waters) with delivering a very important letter. The task takes Snail a few months and prompts his proud recurring tune, “Snail with the Mail,” one of several repeating motifs in the play. Snail intones boastfully that he “put the ‘go’ in escargot!” His voice soars.

The recurring motifs—combined with a variety of lessons—make for a tasty tale that both entertains and enriches young audiences. Other ages will find something too. Frog and Toad (Mike Ryan) share a friendship that resembles that of a kinder, better–intentioned Jerry Seinfeld and George Costanza: Frog leads the life of a charismatic, sociable figure with a variety of acquaintances who (for Lord knows what reason) still enjoys the

LET IT SNOW Toad (Mike Ryan, front) and Frog (Nick Gabriel) go sledding in “A Year With Frog and Toad,” presented by Shakespeare Santa Cruz and the UCSC Theater Arts Department. company of a barrel-chested, socially inadequate rambler.

Against the backdrop of an excellent ensemble animal cast, Frog and Toad make an entertaining pair.

As Frog, Gabriel masters a bowlegged, bent-knee stance, while Ryan’s slower movements fit Toad’s dryer personality. Even the beads of sweat running down the sides of his of face match not only Toad’s round build but his anxious personality, too.

Toad’s character in many ways straddles two separate generations.

He combines the insecurities of an adolescent child with the cluelessness of an aging grandfather. He frets at how little mail he receives, feels selfconscious about the way he looks in a bathing suit and grows impatient when seeds he planted don’t grow quickly enough. And he’s oblivious to the fact that the other animals will do anything to dodge his sneeze-filled, bacteria-ridden cookies.

Frog and Toad develop a believable bond. But if the response from a young audience is any indication, the strong ensemble performance almost steals the show.

“My favorite character was all of the

singing birds,” said Tori Thorvund, a student at Sunset Elementary School, with a grin after a Saturday night’s harmony-filled performance. She rode from Livermore with her parents and her older brother Tait, who says he loved the play’s snow scene.

“I liked it when the snail came out of his shell!” said little Amira PorterStaufferm, who also enjoyed the play.

It would be hard to find a more wholesome way to spend an evening this holiday season. The play will bring smiles to just about all the audience members—even if they’re shaking their heads at the simple jokes in the process. The humorously rendered moralistic lessons and beautiful harmonies make for a strong production with just enough excitement to keep kids perched on the edges of their seats.

A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD Through Dec. 11 Mainstage Theater, UCSC Tickets $18–$40 at 831.459.2159 or shakespearesantacruz.org.

CAPITOLA-BY-THE-SEA

S A N TAC RU Z .C O M

november 23-30, 2011

SAE

46

LIST YOUR LOCAL EVENT IN THE CALENDAR! Email it to calendar@santacruzweekly.com, fax it to 831.457.5828, or drop it by our office. Events need to be received a week prior to publication and placement cannot be guaranteed.

Stage

GALLERIES OPENING

THEATER An Evening with Mr. Johnson A man and his extremely opinionated penis argue about fidelity and other issues in a new play by Michael Matteo. Fri-Sat, 8pm. Thru Dec 3. $18-$20.

Paper Wing Theater, 320 Hoffman Ave, Monterey, 831.905.5684.

Every Christmas Story Ever Told

Masaoka Glass Design The Winter Glass Exhibition.

Featuring hand-blown art glass ornaments, jewelry, hearts, platters, vases and pumpkins. Opening reception with glass-blowing demonstrations Sat, Nov 26, 1-7pm. Nov 26-Dec 31. Free, 831.659.4953. 13766 Center St, Carmel Valley.

CONTINUING Cabrillo College Gallery

Santa Claus, Frosty, Rudolf and just about every other Christmas character in pop culture history make an appearance in this irreverent comedy. Wed, Nov 23, 7:30pm, Fri, Nov 25, 7:30pm, Sat, 7:30pm and Sat-Sun, 2pm. Thru Dec 18. $16-$35. Circle Theatre, Casanova St, Carmel-bythe-Sea, 831.622.0100.

Without Art. Artists respond to life without art in a multimedia exhibition featuring two- and threedimensional works, dance performances, theater and vocal performances. Opening reception on Thu, Nov. 17, 5-7pm. Thru Dec 16. Free.

6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos, 831.479.6308.

La Pastorela

Voyages. Art about special journeys from local artists.

Thru Nov 27. Free. 450 Hwy 1, Davenport, 831.426.1199.

The story of shepherds’ search for the Holy Child, plagued by the demonic followers of Luzbel and Satanas. Thu-Sun Thru Dec 18. $14-$35. Mission San Juan Bautista, 408 Second St at Mariposa, San Juan Bautista, 831.623.2444.

A Year With Frog and Toad Shakespeare Santa Cruz’s production of the Tony Award–nominated play chronicling the madcap adventures of two friends, based on the beloved books

by Arnold Lobel. Fri-Sun Thru Dec 11. $18-$40.

UCSC Mainstage Theater, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, 831.459.2159.

Art

Davenport Gallery

Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery Xiaoze Xie: Resistant Archeology. A selection of new and previously unseen paintings, prints and video from the Chinese-American artist. Thru Nov 23. Free.

Porter College, UCSC, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, 831.459.3606.

Masaoka Glass Design The Glass Pumpkin Patch.

Featuring the work of Alan Masaoka, Nick Leonoff, Nancy Francioli, Todd Moore, Mark Stephenson, Diane Stendahl and Kevin Chong. Thru Nov 30.

13766 Center St, Carmel Valley.

Santa Cruz County Bank

CONTINUING

Into the Woods. Featuring the work of nine local artists who explore the natural beauty, strength and mythical character of trees. On display at all branches. Thru Jan 18, 2012. Free. 720 Front St, Santa Cruz, 831.457.5000.

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center

Coastal Lagoons: A Closer Look through Art, History and Science. A virtual visit to seven local lagoons.

Visitors will learn how land-use decisions have changed the outlines of each site, how scientists measure the current health of each lagoon and how artists continue to be inspired by the everchanging nature of lagoons.

Thru Feb 25, 2012. $2-$4, free for members and youth under 18. Tue-Sun, 10am-5pm. 1305 E. Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, 831.420.6115.

The Gift of Art. Over 40 local artists showcase their jewelry, textiles, ceramics, wood, glass, baskets, paintings, cards and more. Wed-Sun. Thru Dec 24.

Free, 831.336.3513. Wed-Sun, noon-6pm. 9341 Mill St, Ben Lomond.

MUSEUMS

SATURDAY 11/26

HOLIDAY LIGHTS TRAIN For a cup of cheer (and hot spiced cider) climb aboard a vintage Big Trees & Pacific railcar all a-glow with holiday lights. Passengers can sing carols and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus as the train crawls through the streets of Santa Cruz. Nov. 26 and weekends Dec. 3–23; 5pm and 6:30pm at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz. 831.335.4484. artworks, album covers and original designs. Thru Nov 30.

Free. 222G Mount Hermon Rd, Scotts Valley.

Titangos Digital Imaging Studio 20th-Anniversary Exhibit. Paul Titangos’ photographs from around the world—Calcutta, Bangladesh, Berlin, China, Sudan, Egypt and the Philippines, to name a few.

Thru Nov 30, 5-9pm. Free.

216 Fern St, Santa Cruz, 831.423.8786.

Santa Cruz Stoves and Fireplaces Generations: Renderings of Life Through Brush and Lens.

Paintings and drawings by Susie Wilson, photographs

by Daniel Wilson. Thru Dec 1. Free. 1043 Water St, Santa Cruz, 831.476.8007.

Sue Dee’s Sewing Center Embroidistry. Hand embroidered masterpieces reproducing well-known

Events AROUND TOWN 3rd Annual Santa Cruz Derby Girls Turkey Bowl Fans, friends and SCDG

supporters are invited to participate in the annual bowling tournament that raises funds to help offset costs for the league’s travel teams. To register a team, or for more information email turkeybowl@ santacruzderbygirls.org Wed, Nov 23. Team of four $100. Boardwalk Bowl, 115 Cliff St, Santa Cruz, 831.426.3324.

English Country Dance Second and fourth Thursdays of each month; beginners welcome. Fourth Thu of every month. $5-$7.

First Congregational Church of Santa Cruz, 900 High St, Santa Cruz, 831.426.8621.

The Gift of Art Open House & Holiday Sale Jewelry, ceramics, wood, textiles, ornaments, cards, paintings, prints and other handmade treasures will be on display and up for sale.

Sat, Nov 26, noon-6pm.

Free. Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St, Ben Lomond, 831.426.4906.

Hides and Tallow Participants can watch a demonstration on the historic use of leather and tallow, see how a branding iron works, and make their own candles. Sat, Nov 26, 1-2pm. Free. Santa Cruz Mission State Park, 144 School St, Santa Cruz, 831.425.5849.

Hike from Rancho del Oso to Berry Creek Falls Join in the fun for a hike to Berry Creek Falls, 14 miles roundtrip. Sun, Nov 27. Free.

Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center, 3600 Hwy 1, Davenport, 831.427.2288.

Jewish Artisans Fair Peruse handcrafted art— paintings, photographs, jewelry, beaded fabric, books, cards, pottery, soaps and more—from

local Jewish artisans.

Some Judaica will also be available. Sun, Nov 27, 10am-4pm. Free. Temple Beth El, 3055 Porter Gulch Rd, Aptos, 831.460.1389.

Ukuleles Of Felton One Year Anniversary Party Light refreshments and live performances by local ukulele acts. Fri, Nov 25, 11am-6pm. Free. Tiki King Ukuleles Of Felton, 6235 Hwy 9, Felton, 831.704.7027.

HOLIDAYS Holiday Tree Walk Passengers on the steam train can sip hot cider and take in the trees atop Bear Mountain, festooned for the holidays by local businesses and organizations. Sat-Sun, 11am and 12:30pm. Thru Dec 18. $17-$24. Roaring Camp, Narrow Gauge Railroad, Graham Hill and

Mount Herman Road, Felton, 831.335.4484.

Santa Cruz Community Thanksgiving Serving a traditional holiday meal to more than 1,000 members of the community. Thu, Nov 24, noon-3pm. Free. Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St, Santa Cruz, 831.334.8692.

Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train Passengers can sing along to seasonal carols, sip spiced cider and enjoy a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus while riding vintage rail cars adorned with thousands of lights through city streets of Santa Cruz. Thu-Sun, 5 and 6:30pm. Thru Dec 23. $18-$26. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, 831.335.4484.

Surfin’ Santa Santa and his reindeer surf into Capitola Beach to hear kids’ Christmas wishes. Fri, Nov 25, 12pm. Free. Capitola Beach, NA, Capitola, 831.475.6522.

FILM Warren Miller’s ‘Like There’s No Tomorrow’ Warren Miller Entertainment unleashes its 62nd annual winter sports film. Attendees are eligible for raffle giveaways and lift ticket discounts.

Wed, Nov 23, 8pm. $20. Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel, Santa Cruz, 831.423.8209.

LITERARY EVENTS Caryl Sherpa The Los Angeles native will

47 SAE

november 23-30, 2011 S A N TAC RU Z .C O M

FRIDAY 11/25

TIKI KING’S UKULELES OF FELTON FIRST ANNIVERSARY A party in honor of the first year of the Tiki King’s reign will feature live performances from Ukulele Dick, Jayme Kelly Curtis and the Tiki King’s own band, the Idol Pleasures.

Friday, Nov. 25, 11am-6pm. Tiki King’s Ukuleles Of Felton, 6235 Hwy 9, Felton. 831.704.7027.

UkulelesOfFelton.com. read, discuss and sign copies of her memoir I Taste Fire, Earth, Rain: Elements of a Life with a Sherpa about falling in love with a while trekking through the Annapurna Mountains. Wed, Nov 30, 7:30pm. Free. Capitola Book Cafe, 1475 41st Ave, Capitola, 831.462.4415.

Community Reading Series Open mic for prose writers and poets. Sat, Nov 26, 2-4pm. Free.

Porter Memorial Library, 3050 Porter St, Soquel, 831.475.3326.

NOTICES

Santa Cruz Film Festival Call for Entries

Hemlock Discussion Group

Santa Cruz Film Festival now accepting submissions for consideration into its 11th season, May 10-19, 2012. Films and videos of all lengths and formats completed after Jan. 1, 2011, are invited to enter.

SantaCruzFilmFestival.org Last Tue of every month.

Thru Jan 31.

Discuss end-of-life options for serenity and dignity. Meets in Aptos the last Wed afternoon of every month except Dec; call for more info.

831.251.2240.

Red Cross Mobile Blood Drives Drives occur at several locations countywide each month; for schedule and locations call 800.733.2767.

SC Diversity Center The Diversity Center provides services, support and socializing for lesbian,

gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and questioning individuals and their allies. Diversity Center, 1117 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, 831.425.5422.

Support and Recovery Groups Alzheimer’s: Alzheimer’s Assn., 831.464.9982. Cancer: Katz Cancer Resource Center, 831.351.7770; WomenCARE, 831.457.2273. Candida: 831.471.0737. Chronic Pain American Chronic Pain

> 49

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48

When it comes to Snow Days and philanthropic ways, the more the merrier. Every time you enjoy New Belgium beer youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re giving back through our $1 Per Barrel Brewed Program.

Since 1995, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve donated more than $4 million to good causes. This year, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re gonna pile it on and let you choose the good cause with every glassware gift pack you purchase.

Give, drink, and be merry at newbelgium.com

49 SAE

november 23-30, 2011 S A N TAC RU Z .C O M

WEDNESDAY 11/30

CARYL SHERPA She was Caryl Thornton until she left Los Angeles to trek the Annapurna Mountains of Nepal, where she fell in love with her guide, Nima. Caryl Sherpaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book, I Taste Fire, Rain, Earth: Elements of Life with a Sherpa, chronicles the evolution of their love as each tries to find a place for the other in their respective worlds. Free. Wednesday, Nov. 30, 7:30pm at Capitola Book CafĂŠ, 1475 41st Ave., Capitola. 831.462.4415. < 47 Association, 831.423.1385.

Grief and Loss: Hospice, 831.430.3000.

Lupus: Jeanette Miller, 831.566.0962.

Men Overcoming Abusive Behavior: 831.464.3855. SMART Recovery: 831.462.5470.

Trans Latina women: Mariposas, 831.425.5422.

Trichotillomania: 831.457.1004. 12-Step Programs: 831.454.HELP (4357).

Touched By Adoption Group Adoptive families, adult adoptees, families waiting to adopt and birth parents meet monthly to connect in a safe, confidential setting. Last Sat of every month, 10am-12pm. Free.

Live Oak Family Resource Center, 1438 Capitola Rd, Santa Cruz, 1.866.219.1155.

Yoga Instruction Pacific Cultural Center: 35+ classes per week, 831.462.8893. SC Yoga: 45 classes per week, 831.227.2156. TriYoga:

numerous weekly classes, 831.464.8100.

Yoga Within at Aptos Station, 831.687.0818; Om Room School of Yoga, 831.429.9355; Pacific Climbing Gym, 831.454.9254; Aptos Yoga Center, 831.688.1019; Twin Lotus Center, 831.239.3900. Hatha Yoga with Debra Whizin, 831.588.8527.

Zen, Vipassana, Basic: Intro to Meditation Zen: SC Zen Center, Wed, 5:45pm, 831.457.0206.

Vipassana: Vipassana SC, Wed 6:30-8pm, 831.425.3431. Basic: Land of the Medicine Buddha, Wed, 5:30-6:30pm, 831.462.8383. Zen: Ocean Gate Zendo, first Tue each month 6:30-7pm. All are free.

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Unstoppable 86 year-old king of the blues continues rigorous schedule. Nov 23 at the Paramount Theatre.

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San Franciscoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s City Guide

Digital Underground What else are you going to do on Thanksgiving night to beat the tryptophan inertia? Nov 24 at Mezzanine.

Mayhem Seminal Norwegian black metal band with notorious biography. Nov 25 at the Regency Ballroom.

Rodney-O West Coast represent with 1980s rhymester, absent former partner Joe Cooley. Nov 25 at Yoshiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SF.

Melt-Banana Pushing extremes is this Japanese noise bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specialty, be they aural or visual. Nov 29 at the Bottom of the Hill.

More San Francisco events at www.sfstation.com.

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S A N TAC RU Z .C O M

november 23-30, 2011

B E AT S C A P E

50 Celebrating Creativity Since 1975

Monday, November 28 U 7 pm

CHESTER THOMPSON QUARTET Hammond B3 powerhouse!

Friday, December 2 U 7 & 9 pm

SISTA MONICA PARKER CD RELEASE CONCERT Monday, December 5 U 7 pm

KENNY WERNER QUINTET featuring DAVID SANCHEZ, RANDY BRECKER, SCOTT COLLEY & ANTONIO SANCHEZ No Jazztix/Comps

Wednesday, December 7 U 7 pm

MASTER CLASS: Paul Mehling Unlocking the Secrets of Gypsy Jazz Guitar Free! All levels welcome!

Thursday, December 8 U 7 pm

HOT CLUB OF SAN FRANCSICO “COOL YULE” Monday, December 12 U 7 & 9 pm

CHARLIE HUNTER DUO WITH SCOTT AMENDOLA Unless noted advance tickets at kuumbwajazz.org and Logos Books & Records. Dinner served 1-hr before Kuumbwa presented concerts. Premium wines & beer.

All ages welcome.

320-2 Cedar St [ Santa Cruz 831.427.2227

kuumbwajazz.org

WAVE RIDERS Psych-surf guitar wizard Jim Thomas and the Mermen play Moe’s Alley Saturday.

WEDNESDAY | 11/23

FRIDAY | 11/25

FRIDAY | 11/25

7 COME 11

DR. KNOW

One has to admire the commitment necessary to be a traveling Hammond B3 organ–driven band. A keyboard could work, but why carry in an instrument in a case when you can roll in a full-sized, weathered, dinged B3 and be the funkiest high-energy jazz/rock/jam trio around? As the unofficial Tuesday night band of the Crepe Place, 7 Comes 11 is playing a rare Wednesday night gig, a Thanksgiving warm-up that offers ample opportunity to ramp up the ol’ metabolism before the next day’s festivities send it crawling to the couch.

Crepe Place; free; 9pm. (Cat Johnson)

For the better part of three decades, Dr. Know has been destroying conservative norms with brash music. Formed in Oxnard in 1981, they were part of the first wave of “Nardcore” bands (along with Ill Repute and Aggression) that became Ventura County’s answer to good-ol’-fashioned hardcore punk.

While in recent years singer Brandon Cruz grabbed the underground headlines for his short-lived stint in the reunited Dead Kennedys, Dr. Know’s music stands on its own. This show promises to deliver the early-day spirit of our generation’s hardest music.

Catalyst; $7; 9pm. (Mat Weir)

BIG BROTHER & THE HOLDING COMPANY Though best known as Janis Joplin’s backing band, Big Brother & the Holding Company was well established in San Francisco’s psychedelic rock scene before Joplin ever came along. Joplin’s stint with the band was a burst of musical brilliance that lasted only two years but catapulted the group into the rock & roll spotlight.

A few years after Joplin’s departure, Big Brother started falling apart and disbanded. Re-formed in the late 1980s, the band now tours with a revolving cast of lead vocalists. Its repertoire includes both new material and reworked, Joplin-

51 B E AT S C A P E

SATURDAY | 11/26

MERMEN

SATURDAY | 11/26

IRISH CHRISTMAS IN AMERICA The Celtic Society of Monterey Bay presents a holiday show with a twist: Irish Christmas in America brings winter warmth through Gaelic stories, song and dance. Conceived by Oisin Mac Diarmada, an award-winning fiddler from Co. Sligo, Ireland, the show is now on its seventh annual tour. While the

SUNDAY | 11/27

Brandi Carlile

CONCERTS D.I. Nov. 26 at Catalyst

ACEYALONE Dec. 1 at Moe’s Alley

BRANDI CARLILE Dec. 13 at Rio Theatre

BATHS Dec. 16 at Kuumbwa

BABY GRAMPS It’s a journalist’s pleasant surprise to come across a musician so unique it’s almost impossible to describe him using normal terms. Baby Gramps is one of those musicians. Imagine Utah Phillips armed with a National Steel guitar older than the hills and the voice of a didgeridoo after being locked in a room for a week with Hunter Thompson, Tom Waits and Woody Woodpecker. Yeah, he’s kind of like that. Baby Gramps’ vaudevillian show is chock-full of old-timey stories, audience participation and palindromes (for which Gramps has a fondness). He will be joined by Ukulele Dick and Jayme Kelly Curtis for a night filled with more fun than you can shake a stick at. Don Quixote’s; $10; 7pm. (MW)

LE BOEUF BROTHERS Dec. 23 at Don Quixote’s

MONDAY | 11/28

CHESTER THOMPSON QUARTET When Chester Thompson was 5 years old he started plunking out tunes on the piano. At 13 he discovered jazz, at 15 he dedicated himself to the Hammond B3 organ and by 19 he was a professional musician. Now leader of his own band, the former Tower of Power keyboardist’s stylistic versatility and improvisational skills are taking a much-deserved place in the spotlight. Kuumbwa; $20 adv/$23 door; 7pm. (CJ)

WEDNESDAY | 11/30

MEKLIT HADERO

DEEP THROAT Old-timey innovator Baby Gramps brings a Tuvan-slash-vaudeville

style to vintage folk and jazz tunes at Don Quixote’s Sunday.

Born in Ethiopia but raised in the U.S., Meklit Hadero’s songs combine contemporary hip-hop and rock with jazz, soul and East African influences.

While her unique background has enabled a sound that is entirely her own, Hadero is best described as worldlier, somewhat punchier Norah Jones. She only recently broke onto the national scene in 2010 with the release of her second album, On a Day Like This, which has drawn attention in outlets from NPR to PBS. Don Quixote’s; $13 adv/$15 door; 7:30pm. (SL)

S A N TAC RU Z .C O M

Filled with beautiful crescendos and auditory hallucinations, the Mermen’s music is a crashing wave of melodic sound. The Santa Cruz–area trio’s uncanny ability to paint psychedelic images with their instruments is unprecedented in today’s music scene.

Quite an impressive feat for a band that has only released one album in the past decade, but it’s the Mermen’s firm belief in quality over quantity that has kept their standards so high. Proceeds for this show will be donated to the Santa Cruz Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation.

Moe’s Alley; $12 adv/$15 door; 9pm. (MW)

choir sings expressive ballads and carols accompanied by instruments like the Celtic harp, flute and whistle, upbeat tunes played on fiddles, accordions and the bodhrán (a traditional Irish frame drum) provide the backdrop for lively Irish dance. It will be a family-friendly performance that offers a glimpse into Ireland’s captivating culture. Kuumbwa; $25 adv/$27 door; 7:30pm.

(Samantha Larson)

november 23-30, 2011

era favorites including “Women Is Losers” and “I Need a Man to Love.” Moe’s Alley; $15 adv/$20 door; 9pm. (CJ)

4HOUSANDS OF PRE MADE FRAMES s -ETAL SECTIONAL FRAMES AT OFF (IGH QUALITY CUSTOM FRAMING WITH A GREAT REPUTATION FOR VALUE AND SERVICE 6ISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR TESTIMONIALS AND INFORMATION (Art supplies too!)

Picture Framing

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1 2IVER 3TREET 3ANTA #RUZ s - s ,ENZ!rts.com Family owned & operated since 1968

52

clubgrid SANTA CRUZ

WED 11/23

THU 11/24

FRI 11/25

SAT 11/26

THE ABBEY 350 Mission St, Santa Cruz

BLUE LAGOON

Gentlemen of Japan

Big 80s Dance Party

923 PaciďŹ c Ave, Santa Cruz

Local Hip Hop Showcase

BOCCIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CELLAR

Roberto Howell

Aftershock

Karaoke

140 Encinal St, Santa Cruz

THE CATALYST

The Inciters

1011 PaciďŹ c Ave, Santa Cruz

CLOUDS

Dr. Know

D.I.

I Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Want to Hear It

The Highway Murderers

Jazz Open Mic

110 Church St, Santa Cruz

The Esoteric Collective

CREPE PLACE

7 Come 11

1134 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz

CROWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEST

Quasimodal

The Groggs

Fast Asleep

The Wild Ones

Up All Night

Joint Chiefs

The Refugees

2218 East Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz

CYPRESS LOUNGE

Get Rad Wednesdays

120 Union St, Santa Cruz

Surf Industry Night

DAVENPORT ROADHOUSE

Reggae Night

Aloha Friday Live Hawaiian music

Steve Gray

1 Davenport Ave, Santa Cruz

FINS COFFEE

Marty Atkinson

1104 Ocean St, Santa Cruz

& Friends Acoustic Night

HOFFMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BAKERY CAFE

Preston Brahm Trio

Don Bostick Mapanova

Isoceles

1102 PaciďŹ c Ave, Santa Cruz

with Gary Montrezza

KUUMBWA JAZZ CENTER

Irish Christmas

320-2 Cedar St, Santa Cruz

in America

MAD HOUSE BAR & COCKTAILS

Mad Jam

DJ AD

DJ Marc

DJ E

529 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz

Bring your instrument

Rainbow Room

Cruzing

Church

MOEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ALLEY

Harry & The Hitmen

Big Brother

The Mermen

1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz

& the Holding Company

MOTIV

Reunion Night

Libation Lab

1209 PaciďŹ c Ave, Santa Cruz

Dance Party

with AL-B

BIG B

Terminal w/ No Body

RED 200 Locust St, Santa Cruz

RIO THEATRE 1205 Soquel, Santa Cruz

SEABRIGHT BREWERY

Bonedrivers

519 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz

1011 PACIFIC AVE. SANTA CRUZ 831-423-1336 Wednesday, Nov. 23 Â&#x2039; In the Atrium Â&#x2039; AGES 21+ THE INCITERS ./ #/6%2 s P M 3HOW P M Friday, November 25 Â&#x2039; In the Atrium Â&#x2039; AGES 21+ DR. KNOW plus I Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Want To Hear It plus FDSH $RS ONLY s $RS P M 3HOW P M Saturday, Nov. 26 Â&#x2039; In the Atrium Â&#x2039; AGES 21+ Southern CA Punk Legends

D.I.

(Casey Royer, Clinton Calton, Eddie Tatar, Joey Tatar) plus

The Highway Murderers

!DV $RS s $RS P M 3HOW P M

Dec 1 Borgore (Ages 18+) Dec 1 Old City Armstrongs Atrium (Ages 21+) Dec 2 Tribal Seeds/ Thrive (Ages 16+) Dec 3 J Stalin (Ages 16+) Dec 8 The Blasters/ Supersuckers Atrium (Ages 21+) $EC The Expendables (Ages 16+) Dec 10 Avey Tare Atrium (All Ages) Dec 11 Jonathan Richman Atrium (Ages 21+) Dec 15 Shawn Colvin (Ages 21+) Dec 15 Tornado Rider Atrium (Ages 21+) Dec 16 Thrive/ Matt Masih Atrium (Ages 16+) Dec 17 The Growlers Atrium (Ages 16+) Dec 18 Streetlight Manifesto Reel Big Fish (Ages 16+) Dec 20 Brian Setzer (Ages 21+) The Dec 30 Devil Makes Three (Ages 21+) Dec 31 The Devil Makes Three (NYE Ages 21+) Jan 4 NOFX/ No Use For A Name (Ages 16+) Jan 5 STRFKR Atrium (Ages 16+) Jan 15 Slightly Stoopid (Ages 16+) Feb 18 Ribsyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nickel Atrium (Ages 21+) &EB Rebelution (Ages 16+) Unless otherwise noted, all shows are dance shows with limited seating.

Tickets subject to city tax & service charge by phone 866-384-3060 & online

www.catalystclub.com

UpWest Arts

53

SUN 11/27

MON 11/28

TUE 11/29

SirenSinging

SANTA CRUZ THE ABBEY 831.429.1058

Rock This Party

BLUE LAGOON 831.423.7117

SC Jazz Society

Rosati/ Czarnecki

Cabin Fever

Quartet

BOCCIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CELLAR 831.427.1795

Jazz Jam

THE CATALYST 831.423.1336

Jazz Baby

CLOUDS 831.429.2000

Steven Griswold

7 Come 11

and his California Convoy

CREPE PLACE 831.429.6994

Live Comedy

CROWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEST 831.476.4560

Open Acoustic Night

CYPRESS LOUNGE 831.459.9876&#8206;

CofďŹ s Brothers

DAVENPORT ROADHOUSE 831.426.8801

Geese in the Fog

FINS COFFEE 831.423.6131

Dana Scruggs Trio

Joe Leonard Trio

Barry Scott & Associates

Chester Thompson

831.420.0135

KUUMBWA JAZZ CENTER

Quartet

831.427.2227

DJ Chante Neighborhood Night

New Riders

Buster Blue

Of The Purple Sage

The CofďŹ s Brothers

Moombahton

HOFFMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BAKERY CAFE

MAD HOUSE BAR & COCKTAILS 831.425.2900

MOEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ALLEY 831.479.1854

Terminal

Two$days

MOTIV

w/ Dane Jouras

with DJ AD

831.479.5572

RED 831.425.1913

RIO THEATRE 831.423.8209

SEABRIGHT BREWERY 831.426.2739

n o v e m b e r 2 3 - 3 0 , 2 0 1 1 S A N T A C R U Z . C O M

>40

S A N T A C R U Z . C O M n o v e m b e r 2 3 - 3 0 , 2 0 1 1

54

clubgrid APTOS / CAPITOLA / RIO DEL MAR / SOQUEL BRITANNIA ARMS

WED 11/23 Trivia Quiz Night

THU 11/24

FRI 11/25

SAT 11/26

Karaoke

Karaoke

Live Music

Karaoke Sound Co

Bad Habits

Marshall Law

8017 Soquel Dr, Aptos

THE FOG BANK 211 Esplanade, Capitola

MARGARITAVILLE

Hipshake

221 Esplanade, Capitola

MICHAELâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON MAIN

Karaoke

Tsunami

Famdamily

2591 Main St, Soquel

PARADISE BEACH GRILLE

Johnny Fabulous

Yuji

215 Esplanade, Capitola

SANDERLINGS

Samba

In Three

Stormin Normin

Breeze Babes

Joe Ferrara

Frank Sorci

1 Seascape Resort Dr, Rio del Mar

SEVERINOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BAR & GRILL

Don McCaslin &

7500 Old Dominion Ct, Aptos

SHADOWBROOK

The Amazing Jazz Geezers

Collin Morgan

William Graybo

1750 Wharf Rd, Capitola

THE WHARF HOUSE 1400 Wharf Rd, Capitola

THE UGLY MUG 4640 Soquel Dr, Soquel

ZELDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

Yuji Tojo

203 Esplanade, Capitola

DJ Johnny Dex Throwback Dance Party

SCOTTS VALLEY / SAN LORENZO VALLEY DON QUIXOTEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

Danjuma & Onola

Vinny Johnson Band

6275 Hwy 9, Felton

Zepob!

Tribute to Santana

HENFLINGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TAVERN

Stone Monkey

9450 Hwy 9, Ben Lomond

and Hip Shake

Michael Martin

WATSONVILLE / MOSS LANDING CILANTROâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

Hippo Happy Hour

1934 Main St, Watsonville

MOSS LANDING INN Hwy 1, Moss Landing

Mariachi Ensemble & KDON DJ SolRock

Open Jam

KDON DJ Showbiz

55

MON 11/28

TUE 11/29

APTOS / CAPITOLA / RIO DEL MAR / SOQUEL BRITANNIA ARMS 831.688.1233

Pam Hawkins

Game Night

Pro Jam

THE FOG BANK 831.462.1881

MARGARITAVILLE 831.476.2263

Mark Harvey

MICHAELâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON MAIN 831.479.9777

Lisa Taylor

Ken Constable

& Soul City

PARADISE BEACH GRILLE 831.476.4900

SANDERLINGS 831.662.7120

Johnny Fabulous Dance Lessons

SEVERINOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BAR & GRILL 831.688.8987

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S A N T A C R U Z . C O M n o v e m b e r 2 3 - 3 0 , 2 0 1 1

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Film.

59 FILM

november 23-30, 2011

All Is Bright

S A N TAC RU Z .C O M

Darkness is punctuated by explosions in this season’s spate of holiday films

BY RICHARD VON BUSACK

T

THE HOLIDAYS are the time of year when you want to see things brought to extremes onscreen; by contrast summer movies, for all their mayhem, are just diversions from longer days. Winter is for frosty cataclysm and old wars and unheardof tragedy.

Back in the aughties, many of us spent the best part of our Decembers getting our cages rattled by one Peter Jackson dwarf-opera after another, with his rousing King Kong as a coda to the Middle Earth Trilogy. There’s only one film that evokes that kind of perfect mood this winter—and it’s on a smaller scale than The Lord of the Rings, and definitely not fun for the whole family.

So far my favorite film of this season is Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (Dec. 9). Gary Oldman is the most recent in a long line of actors, from James Mason to Alec Guinness to Denholm Elliott, to play smallerthan-life British MI6 inquisitor George Smiley. Hamster in a world of moles, Smiley tries to figure who perforated the security of “The Circus,” meaning the British intelligence service of the 1970s.

(Those unfamiliar with novelist John Le Carré should understand that this service bears the same relation to

BOOM Noomi Rapace, Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law make tracks in the new Sherlock Holmes movie, opening Dec. 16. the world of the James Bond films as downtown Akron bears to Club Med.) Tom Hardy, Ciaran Hinds and Colin Firth are among the suspects.

The film is brilliantly done. Fans of the 1980s BBC series with Alec Guinness will be surprised to see the puzzle turned brutal. Here the focus is not on the quipping of sardonic upper-class schemers so much as it is on the violent results of their treachery. As for Oldman, he’s such a protean actor, he bears comparison to Guinness himself. He demonstrates the wisdom of silence and watchfulness as an actor’s tactic.

Oldman does seemingly little, and yet you can’t stop watching him.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (Dec. 16) may be a disappointment.

The previews look so loaded with the film’s every explosion it’s as if they were cut by the design firm of Beavis & Butthead Associates. This time, out of the darkness comes Moriarty (Jared Harris). The film must work somehow: Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) is like Shakespeare; he looks out for himself. And even

director Guy Ritchie, responsible for so many benighted movies, can’t stale Holmes—can he?

The Adventures of Tintin (Dec. 21) used motion-capture animation (by Peter Jackson’s WETA specialeffects house) to bring to the screen the story of Hergé’s famed comicbook boy reporter as he seeks the lost treasure of a ship called the Unicorn, with the help of seafarer Capt. Haddock (voiced by Andy Serkis). Jamie Bell does the voice of the detective, and Daniel Craig is Ivanovich Sakharine.

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (Dec. 21) has as its director Brad Bird (the Pixar ace behind The Incredibles).

Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt and the rest of the Impossible Missions Force are officially disavowed after the Kremlin is bombed.

David Fincher directs the remake of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (Dec. 21), and he’s certain to overlay his own brand of kink onto a story that was grisly enough back when it was subtitled. This time, Rooney Mara plays the hard-bitten punkette

hacker in uneasy alliance with Daniel Craig’s journalist.

War Horse (Dec. 25) by Stephen Spielberg is likely more kid-safe, a live-action film based on a West End stage success originally done with puppets and choreography.

(All in all, sounds like a slightly gentler version of Equus.) The film relates the saga of a pony sent to the trenches in World War I, as his master (Jeremy Irvine) tries to get him back.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (Dec. 25) is based on Jonathan Safran Foer’s “Brooklyn Book of Wonder” (in critic Melvin Jules Bukiet’s phrase). The novel was a literary way of trying to make lemonade out of a very large lemon named “Sept. 11.”

Stephen Daldry (The Hours) directs, and once again it’s a detective story: A little boy (Thomas Horn) tries to find out what his father (Tom Hanks) was doing on that particularly bad day. Sandra Bullock plays the mom. In the end, suggest the trailers, it all turns out OK, and the springtime returns. 0

S A N TAC RU Z .C O M

november 23-30, 2011

FILM

60

Film.

Family Ties A patriarch must wrestle with family and heritage on the islands in ‘The Descendants’

BY RICHARD VON BUSACK

A

ALMOST everyone will enjoy the George Clooney/Alexander Payne film The Descendants. In the lead is our most unambiguously appealing movie star, looking, as Mary Astor described Clark Gable, “crumbly” in a handsome array of Hawaiian shirts, glowing with a tropical tan as if he’d been regularly rubbed with tung oil.

Behind and around the eminently watchable Clooney is more Hawaii than I’ve seen in a feature film in decades. The soundtrack is rhapsodic and full of well-chosen island music.

Each location seems more plumeriascented and succulent than the one before, but The Descendants doesn’t give us a staged Hawaii, like the lobby of a Sheraton. This Hawaii is affluent, though, and you don’t get the highs and lows of life there.

Director Payne balances Honolulu’s wealthier suburbs with the as-yetunbulldozed corners of Kauai. Unlike many of the bad movies made in Hawaii recently (Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Just Go With It come to mind), the land and the seascapes are photographed with considerable care

by Phedon Papamicheal.

And if this comedy/drama is fairly vanilla, from the completely trustworthy narration to the cartoon

A PRINCESS AND HER PA George Clooney is Matt King and Shailene Woodley his headstrong daughter Alexandra in ‘The Descendants.’ maps showing the journeys to the final assurance to the audience that all is well—if it’s a movie that hugs the family tree trunk when von Trier and Terrence Malick are going out on a limb—it is still a rare mainstream movie that fits with what you might know about the islands.

One can easily suppose that the “King family” is a substitute for the royal name of one of the biggest-name property holders in Hawaii, known for lots of idle country-club cousins.

Clooney’s Matt King differs from his relatives. Matt is a lawyer who toils while his family has a good time. The film’s press material amusingly describes King as a “flawed character,” by which they mean he’s an overworker who neglects his family.

Don’t go to The Descendants if you expect the kind of character flaws found in Cheever or Updike.

Matt’s wife languishes in a coma after a bad boating accident. He goes to retrieve his daughter, Alexandra (Shailene Woodley), currently immured at a strict boarding school because of her partying. Alexandra

confesses that she’s been acting out lately because she saw her mom with a stranger’s hands on her.

Matt also has to deal with his cutely awkward, profane younger daughter, Scottie (Pacific Grove’s Amara Miller, debuting), as well as with his ornery father-in-law (Robert Forster, excellently embodying the old military side of Hawaii). Coming along for the ride is Alexandra’s pal Sid (Nick Krause), her seemingly silly young partner in partying, who wedges himself into this family tragedy.

Meanwhile, Matt must make the painful decision to liquidate a piece of property that he’s holding in trust for the rest of the family. The end result of the deal will be yet another resort with golf course, part of the endless effort to turn Hawaii into Costa Mesa.

All of this family angst leaves Matt with little free time, but he decides to track down his wife’s lover to let him know she’s in serious condition at the hospital. This situation of a husband stalking his wife’s lover, to do both wife and lover a favor, has a Lubitsch tang to it. Clooney is roguish

and entertaining; he gives the kind of star’s performance that probably only looks easy and smooth to pull off.

And he finishes with some very heavy old-school acting, which puts Clooney farther out on the aforementioned limb than he is in the rest of the film.

He usually doesn’t do lamentations.

Payne made Sideways seven years ago. If The Descendants is a successful comeback, a shoe-in for Oscars and so forth, it’s also very commercial. The breathtaking tartness of that winetasting film isn’t visible here. Despite the complaints of the Hawaiian-born Matt that there is no paradise on this Earth, the arguments advanced for local pride, strong fathers and good breeding suggest otherwise. That’s not a bad thing, and you can enjoy the classicism of it all, but it’s not taking movies to the next level.

THE DESCENDANTS R; 115 min.

Opens Nov. 23

61

FILM

A&E

november 23-30, 2011

Crazymaking Like the distintegrating LDR it chronicles, ‘Like Crazy’ goes on and on

BY RICHARD VON BUSACK

D

DRAKE DOREMUS’ Like Crazy is like a pop song: so vague that almost everyone can relate to some small part of it, and the vaguest of all feel as if they’ve been eavesdropped upon.

She, Anna (Felicity Jones), is a British writer; he, Jacob (Anton Yelchin), is an upscale custom furniture maker. Their made-for-each-other relationship in L.A. is interfered with by the machinery of American immigration. When Anna returns for a second visit to California, she’s barred from entry because her student visa expired during the previous stay.

An unspecified amount of time (years, most likely) is jumped in and out of—you can tell the time passing by the unfortunate beard Jacob grows.

And we see how they conduct their lives with other lovers. Jennifer Lawrence is Jacob’s assistant, who finds out why you don’t sleep with the boss. Anna gets involved with a handsome but conservative neighbor (Charlie Bewley).

The pair downplay or conceal the new relationships.

Doremus made a film called Douchebag once. So we can guess it’s possible these two lovers aren’t operating from the highest, best motives. They have a good example to ignore: Anna’s kind, allaccepting parents (Alex Kingston and Oliver Muirhead). We’re told Anna is a good writer; she’s regularly promoted

at the London magazine where she works. But we see the lines she jots in her notebook, and it’s sub-Hallmark. The dialogue here shows why it was better when you couldn’t hear the dialogue in mumblecore, but this too may be a strategy—is Doremus making this affair not just stateless but remarkably free of personality? Doremus tries to force a mood of romance by posing this uneasy couple against romantic locations: beaches, ferris wheels, the Camden Lock market, and our old friend from ’60s movies, go-carts.

Like Crazy drove me crazy for a lot of reasons: Ms. Jones’ variation on the Pixie Dream Girl, dyed in the color correction to a soft nursery pink. Also enervating: the improv that breaks down frequently, as it always must for dwindling, underconceived movies. Like Crazy appears to have a topic: the liberal guilt about what the INS does to blameless lovers separated by borders.

But this isn’t what the movie is really about. It uses the avant-garde techniques of films that talked about something to talk about absolutely nothing.

LIKE CRAZY PG-13; 90 min At the Nickelodeon

S A N TAC RU Z .C O M

CRUEL SANDS OF FATE Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones can’t get it together in ‘Like Crazy.’

S A N TAC RU Z .C O M

november 23-30, 2011

FILM

62

Film Capsules NEW CAPS ARTHUR CHRISTMAS (PG; 106 min.) Santa’s youngest son tries to figure out how the old man delivers all those gifts in one night and finds a high-tech contraption buried at the North Pole in this animated tale voiced by James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie and Imelda Staunton. (Opens Wed 11/23 at 41st Ave, Santa Cruz 9, Scotts Valley and Green Valley) THE DESCENDANTS (R; 115 min.) See review, page 60.

(Opens Wed 11/23 at the Nick) HUGO (PG; 133 min.) Martin Scorsese’s first 3-D film, about an orphan growing up in 1930s Paris in a train station, involves an

automaton and a reserved man who runs a toy shop.

With Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jude Law and Emily Mortimer. (Opens Wed 11/23 at Del Mar, Scotts Valley and Green Valley)

MUPPETS (PG: 104 min.)

Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and the rest of the gang are back to save their theater, which is being threatened by an oil tycoon. With Amy Adams, Jason Segel, Chris Cooper and Alan Arkin.

(Opens Weds 11/23 at Aptos, Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz 9 and Green Valley) MY WEEKEND WITH MARILYN (Rated R) Kenneth Branagh stars as Sir Laurence Olivier and Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe in a story about the tension between the two

SHOWTIMES

stars during the filming of The Prince and the Showgirl.

(Opens Fri at Del Mar)

WE BOUGHT A ZOO Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Elle Fanning and Thomas Haden Church star in comedy about a South Carolina family that takes over a struggling zoo. (Sat sneak preview at Scotts Valley)

REVIEWS HAPPY FEET TWO (PG; 106 min.) Mumble the Penguin encounters much bigger problems than his son Erik’s unwillingness to dance— the entire colony is under threat and must join forces to defeat it. With voices of Robin Williams, Pink, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon.

IMMORTALS (R; 110 min.)

3-D action adventure flick loosely based in Greek mythology. Zeus chooses Theseus (Henry Cavill), a mortal, to lead the fight against the Titan Hyperion (Mickey Rourke)—the ruthless king who has declared war on humanity.

IN TIME (PG-13; 115 min.) In a future where the “aging gene” has been switched off so people can forever look 25, the time a person has left to live (denoted by a stamp on his or her forearm) becomes the society’s currency. Starring Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried.

J. EDGAR (R; 137 min.) Clint Eastwood’s shot-full-ofcurare biopic takes on a half-century of history,

from the Palmer raids to Nixon’s regime. This J. Edgar Hoover (Leonardi DiCaprio), founder of the FBI, is a pudgy minotaur, encircled by a loyal secretary (Naomi Watts) and a proud but suffocating mother (Judi Dench). He emerges for lunches, dinners and jaunts to the racetrack with longtime companion Clyde Tolson (Armie Hammer, the Winkelvosses of The Social Network). The film asks you to mourn Hoover, who may have hidden his own sexuality even as he snooped into the sex lives of others. Would this epic blackmailer, head of the American secret police, have been a better man if he just could have declared his secret love to the world?

(RvB)

Showtimes are for Wednesday, Nov. 16, through Wednesday, Nov. 23, unless otherwise indicated.

Programs and showtimes are subject to change without notice.

APTOS CINEMAS 122 Rancho Del Mar Center, Aptos 831.688.6541 www.thenick.com The Muppets — (Opens Wed) 1:30; 4; 6:30; 8:50 plus Wed-Sun 11:10am.

J. Edgar — Daily 1:40; 4:20; 7; 9:40 plus Wed-Sun 11am..

CINELUX 41ST AVENUE CINEMA 1475 41st Ave., Capitola 831.479.3504 www.cineluxtheatres.com Arthur Christmas — (Opens Wed) 11; 1:30; 4; 6:30; 9.

Happy Feet Two 3D — Daily 11:30; 2; 4:30; 7; 9:30.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 — Daily 11; 1:45; 4:40; 7:30;

10:20.

DEL MAR 1124 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831.426.7500 www.thenick.com Hugo — (Opens Wed) 12:40; 3:20; 6; 8:30.

Hugo 3D — (Opens Wed) 1:40; 4:20; 7; 9:30 plus Wed-Sun 11am.

My Week with Marilyn — (Opens Fri) 12:30; 2:45; 5; 7:15; 9:20.

The Skin I Live In — Wed-Thu 11:20; 1:50; 4:30; 7:10; 9:20.

NICKELODEON Lincoln and Cedar streets, Santa Cruz 831.426.7500 www.thenick.com The Descendants — (Opens Wed) Daily 1; 2; 3:30 4:30; 6; 7; 8:30; 9:30 plus

Wed-Sun 11:30am.

Like Crazy — Daily 1:15; 3:15; 5:15; 7:15; 9:10 plus Wed-Sun 11:15am.

Melancholia — Daily 4; 6:40; 9:20.

The Way — Daily 1:30 pm plus Wed-Sun 11am.

RIVERFRONT STADIUM TWIN 155 S. River St, Santa Cruz 800.326.3264 x1701 www.regmovies.com J. Edgar — Daily 3:45; 6:45; 9:45; Thu-Sun 12:45pm.

Jack and Jill — Daily 4; 7; 10; Thu-Sun 1pm.

SANTA CRUZ CINEMA 9 1405 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 800.326.3264 x1700 www.regmovies.com Arthur Christmas — (Opens Wed) 1:10; 4; 9:20.

Arthur Christmas 3D — (Opens Wed) 6:45pm plus Wed-Sun 10:40am.

Happy Feet Two — Daily 5; 10:30 plus Wed-Sun 11:20am.

Happy Feet Two 3D — Daily 2:10; 7:45.

Immortals 3D — Daily 2:50; 5:30; 8:05; 10:45 plus Wed-Sun 12:10pm.

The Muppets — Daily 1:35; 4:25; 7:15; 10:05 plus Wed-Sun 10:45am.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 — Daily 1:20; 1:50; 2:20;

4:10; 4:40; 5:10; 6:50; 7:30; 8; 9:50; 10:20 plus Wed-Sun 10:30am; 11am; 11:30am; 10:50pm.

Puss in Boots — Daily 4:05; 6:30; 9 plus Wed-Sun 11:10am.

A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas — Daily 2; 4:50; 7:10; 9:40 plus Wed-Sun 11:40am.

Bolshoi Ballet: Esmerelda — Wed 11/30 6:30pm.

CINELUX SCOTTS VALLEY 6 CINEMA 226 Mt. Hermon Rd., Scotts Valley 831.438.3260 www.cineluxtheatres.com Arthur Christmas — (Opens Wed) 11:15; 1:45; 4:10; 6:45; 9:15.

Hugo 3D — (Opens Wed) 11:10; 2; 4:45; 7:30; 10:10.

The Muppets — (Opens Wed) Fri-Sun 11; 1:40; 4:20; 7; 9:40 plus Fri-Sun

2:20; 5; 7:30. (No Sat 7:30) Happy Feet Two — Daily 11:30; 2; 4:30; 7.

Happy Feet Two 3D — Wed-Thu 2; 9:30; Fri-Wed 9:30pm.

Immortals — Wed-Thu 11:20; 2:10; 4:40; 7:10; 9:45; Fri-Wed 10pm.

J. Edgar — Daily 1; 4; 7; 10.

Jack and Jill — Daily 11:55; 2:20; 4:55; 7:30; 9:45.

Puss in Boots — Daily 10:45am plus Fri-Wed 11:55am.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 — Daily 10:45; 11:40; 1:30; 2:30; 4:20; 5:20; 7:20; 8:15; 10:15.

We Bought a Zoo — Sat 7pm.

GREEN VALLEY CINEMA 8 1125 S. Green Valley Rd, Watsonville 831.761.8200 www.greenvalleycinema.com Arthur Christmas — (Opens Wed) 1:30; 4; 7:15; 9:30 Fri-Sun 11am.

Hugo 3D — (Opens Wed) 1:35; 4:10; 7; 9:40 plus Fri-Sun 11am.

The Muppets — (Opens Wed) 1:30; 4; 7:15; 9:30 plus Fri-Sun 11am.

Happy Feet Two — Daily 4:10; 9:30 plus Sat-Sun 11:15am.

Happy Feet Two 3D — Daily 1:30; 7:15. (No Thu 1:30pm.)

Immortals — Daily 1:30; 4; 7; 9:30 plus Fri-Sun 11:15am.

J. Edgar — Wed-Thu 1; 3:50; 6:45; 9:30.

Jack and Jill — Daily 1; 3; 5:05; 7:15; 9:30 plus Fri-Sun 11am.

Puss in Boots — Fri-Wed 1; 3; 5:05 plus Fri-Sun 11am.

Tower Heist — Fri-Wed 7; 9:30.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Daily 1:30; 4; 7; 9:30; Fri-Sun

11am.

63 FILM

Movie reviews by Traci Hukill, Tessa Stuart and Richard von Busack

november 23-30, 2011 S A N TAC RU Z .C O M

RAINBOW CONNECTION REDUX: Jason Segel (center) must help Kermit and Miss Piggy save their old theater from demolition in ‘The Muppets,’ opening Wednesday.

JACK AND JILL (PG; 91 min.) Adam Sandler stars as Jack Sadelstein, successful advertising executive who’s got it all, and as Jack’s goofy twin sister Jill, who manages to wreak havoc on Jack’s life when she comes for her dreaded annual Thanksgiving visit.

LIKE CRAZY (PG-13; 90 min.) See review, page 61.

MELANCHOLIA (R; 136 min.) In a Swedish chalet on a lake, a wedding is planned and the bride Justine (Kirsten Dunst) has gone feral with sadness—hiding from the company, ducking her husband to go pee on the lawn on the golf course.

There is cosmic trouble having to do with a newly discovered planet called “Melancholia” that some fanatics are suggesting is in a “Dance of Death” orbit with Terra. After the wedding, Justine’s sister Charlotte Gainsbourg, her

new husband (Alexander Skarsgard) and brotherin-law (Kiefer Sutherland) struggle to cope as the inevitable starts to occur.

Does director Lars von Trier feel life itself is evil? That seemed to be the idea in Antichrist, but Melancholia is much easier to take seriously because of its clarity and stillness, and because of Dunst’s wistful, frightening acting. (RvB)

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3 (R; 95 min.) Demonic prequel shows us how all the funny business began. In 1988, two sisters befriend an unseen entity in their home in a story told by found footage and creepy shaky cams.

PUSS IN BOOTS (PG; 90 min.) The swashbuckling cat (voiced by Antonio Banderas) is framed for a robbery and must clear his name by heisting the goose that lays golden eggs. The film goes wrong where prequels usually do,

by changing the nature of the characters we love in the name of fleshing them out. The insistence that Puss needs to be a hero goes against his raffishness; even long before Bogart died, it was more of a pleasure to watch such a free figure drawn in reluctantly, instead of volunteering.

And while he’s at his best as a solitary beast (the way he’s depicted on the teaser poster), he has a gang here: Salma Hayek is the voice of a cat burglar named Kitty Softpaws, and Zach Galifianakis is a sinister Humpty Dumpty, looking like an evil Maxfield Parrish character, with a tiny bolero hat perched on his small end.

Naturally, there are sweet lines (“Fear me if you dare,” Puss threatens) and some lovely sequences, such as the characters’ romp in the clouds outside the giant’s castle at the nether end of the

beanstalk. But the plot is convoluted and doesn’t seem about something, the way a fairy tale has to be—it doesn’t have any resonance. (RvB)

THE SKIN I LIVE IN (R; 120 min.) Haunted by his wife’s horrible auto accident, a plastic surgeon (Antonio Banderas) creates a synthetic skin that cannot burn. Having only tested it on mice, he holds a young woman captive in his large estate to use as a human subject. In Spanish with subtitles, directed by Pedro Almodóvar.

TOWER HEIST (PG-13; 104 min.) Regular working stiffs Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy and Casey Affleck join forces to rob an unscrupulous businessman whose multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme has cost them money. With Alan Alda, Matthew Broderick, Tea Leoni, Gabourey Sidibe and Judd Hirsch.

TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 1 (PG-13; 117 min.) In the first part of the two-part conclusion to the Twilight series, the happy couple start their monster family and set in motion a series of events leading to a pitched battle with the evil vampire council and the werewolves.

A VERY HAROLD AND KUMAR CHRISTMAS (R; 90 min.) Six years after their Guantanamo Bay adventure, Harold and Kumar—now with very different families, friends and lives—reunite for a holiday caper through New York that begins with Kumar accidentally burning down Harold’s father-inlaw’s prize Christmas tree.

THE WAY (PG-13; 132 min.)

Martin Sheen stars in the tale of a man who embarks on a pilgrimage in honor of his son, recently killed.

Directed by and co-starring Emilio Estevez.

S A N T A C R U Z . C O M n o v e m b e r 2 3 - 3 0 , 2 0 1 1

64

Eat. Drink.

Dine.

Call for advertising rates!

831.457.9000

n o v e m b e r 2 3 - 3 0 , 2 0 1 1 S A N T A C R U Z . C O M

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DINER’S GUIDE

66

Diner’s Guide Our selective list of area restaurants includes those that have been favorably reviewed in print by Santa Cruz Weekly food critics and others that have been sampled but not reviewed in print. All visits by our writers are made anonymously, and all expenses are paid by Metro Santa Cruz.

SYMBOLS MADE SIMPLE: $ = Under $10 $$ = $11-$15 $$$ = $16-$20 $$$$ = $21 and up

S A N TAC RU Z .C O M

november 23-30, 2011

Price Ranges based on average cost of dinner entree and salad, excluding alcoholic beverages APTOS $$ Aptos

AMBROSIA INDIA BISTRO

$$ Aptos

BRITANNIA ARMS

$$$ Aptos $$ Aptos

207 Searidge Rd, 831.685.0610

8017 Soquel Dr, 831.688.1233 SEVERINO’S GRILL

7500 Old Dominion Ct, 831.688.8987 ZAMEEN MEDITERRANEAN

7528 Soquel Dr, 831.688.4465

Indian. Authentic Indian dishes and specialties served in a comfortable dining room. Lunch buffet daily 11:30am-2:30pm; dinner daily 5pm to close. www.ambrosiaib.com American and specialty dishes from the British and Emerald Isles. Full bar. Children welcome. Happy hour Mon-Fri 2-6pm.

Open daily 11am to 2am.

Continental California cuisine. Breakfast all week 6:30-11am, lunch all week 11am-2pm; dinner Fri-Sat 5-10pm, Sun-Thu 5-9pm. www.seacliffinn.com.

Middle Eastern/Mediterranean. Fresh, fast, flavorful. Gourmet meat and vegetarian kebabs, gyros, falafel, healthy salads and Mediterranean flatbread pizzas. Beer and wine. Dine in or take out. Tue-Sun 11am-8pm.

CAPITOLA $ Capitola

CAFE VIOLETTE

$$

GEISHA SUSHI

104 Stockton Ave, 831.479.8888

All day breakfast. Burgers, gyros, sandwiches and 45 flavors of Marianne’s and Polar Bear ice cream. Open 8am daily.

Capitola

Japanese. This pretty and welcoming sushi bar serves 200 Monterey Ave, 831.464.3328 superfresh fish in unusual but well-executed sushi combinations. Wed-Mon 11:30am-9pm.

$$$

SHADOWBROOK

Capitola

1750 Wharf Rd, 831.475.1511

$$$

STOCKTON BRIDGE GRILLE

Capitola

231 Esplanade, 831.464.1933

$$$ Capitola

203 Esplanade, 831.475.4900

ZELDA’S

California Continental. Swordfish and other seafood specials.

Dinner Mon-Thu 5:30-9:30pm; Fri 5-10pm; Sat 4-10:30pm; Sun 4-9pm.

Mediterranean tapas. Innovative menu, full-service bar, international wine list and outdoor dining with terrific views in the heart of Capitola Village. Open daily.

California cuisine. Nightly specials include prime rib and lobster. Daily 7am-2am.

SANTA CRUZ $$ Santa Cruz

ACAPULCO

$$$ Santa Cruz

CELLAR DOOR

$ Santa Cruz

CHARLIE HONG KONG

$$ Santa Cruz

CLOUDS

$$ Santa Cruz

1116 Pacific Ave, 831. 426.7588

328 Ingalls St, 831.425.6771

1141 Soquel Ave, 831. 426.5664

110 Church St, 831.429.2000 THE CREPE PLACE

1134 Soquel Ave, 831.429.6994

$$

CROW’S NEST

Santa Cruz

2218 East Cliff Dr, 831.476.4560

$$ Santa Cruz

GABRIELLA’S

$$ Santa Cruz

HINDQUARTER

$$ Santa Cruz

910 Cedar St., 831.457.1677

303 Soquel Ave, 831.426.7770 HOFFMAN’S

1102 Pacific Ave, 837.420.0135

Mexican/Seafood/American. Traditional Mexican favorites. Best fajitas, chicken mole, coconut prawns, blackened prime rib!

Fresh seafood. Over 50 premium tequilas, daily happy hour w/ half-price appetizers. Sun-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm.

Features the vibrant and esoteric wines of Bonny Doon Vineyard, a three-course, family-style prix fixe menu that changes nightly, and an inventive small plates menu, highlighting both seasonal and organic ingredients from local farms.

California organic meets Southeast Asian street food. Organic noodle & rice bowls, vegan menu, fish & meat options, Vietnamese style sandwiches, eat-in or to-go. Consistent winner “Best Cheap Eats.” Open daily 11am-11pm American, California-style. With a great bar scene, casually glamorous setting and attentive waitstaff. Full bar. Mon-Sat 11:30am-10pm, Sun 1-10pm.

Crepes and more. Featuring the spinach crepe and Tunisian donut. Full bar. Mon-Thu 11am-midnight, Fri 11am-1am, Sat 10am-1am, Sun 10am-midnight.

Seafood. Fresh seafood, shellfish, Midwestern aged beef, pasta specialties, abundant salad bar. Kids menu and nightly entertainment. Harbor and Bay views. Lunch and dinner daily.

Califormia-Italian. fresh from farmers’ markets organic vegetables, local seafood, grilled steaks, frequent duck and rabbit, famous CHICKEN GABRIELLA, legendary local wine list, romantic mission style setting with patio, quiet side street Americana. Ribs, steaks and burgers are definitely the stars.

Full bar. Lunch Mon-Sat 11:30am-2:30pm; dinner Sun-Thu 5:30-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 5:30-10pm.

California/full-service bakery. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. “Best Eggs Benedict in Town.” Happy Hour Mon-Fri 5-6pm. Halfprice appetizers; wines by the glass. Daily 8am-9pm.

HULA’S ISLAND GRILL

Santa Cruz

221 Cathcart St, 831.426.4852

$

INDIA JOZE

Santa Cruz

418 Front St, 831.325-3633

$$ Santa Cruz

JOHNNY’S HARBORSIDE

’60s Vegas meets ’50s Waikiki. Amazing dining experience in kitchy yet swanky tropical setting. Fresh fish, great steaks, vegetarian. vegetarian.Full-service tiki bar. Happy-hour tiki drinks. Aloha Fri, Sat lunch 11:30am-5pm. Dinner nightly 5pm-close.

Eclectic Pan Asian dishes. Vegetarian, seafood, lamb and chicken with a wok emphasis since 1972. Cafe, catering, culinary classes, food festivals, beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner daily except Sunday 11:30-9pm. Special events most Sundays.

Seafood/California. Fresh catch made your way! Plus many other wonderful menu items. Great view. Full bar. Happy hour Mon-Fri. Brunch Sat-Sun 10am-2pm. Open daily.

493 Lake Ave, 831.479.3430

$$ Santa Cruz

OLITAS

$$ Santa Cruz

PACIFIC THAI

Italian. La Posta serves Italian food made in the old style— simple and delicious. Wed-Thu 5-9pm, Fri-Sat 5-9:30pm and Sun 5-8pm.

Fine Mexican cuisine. Opening daily at noon.

49-B Municipal Wharf, 831.458.9393 Thai. Individually prepared with the freshest ingredients, plus ambrosia bubble teas, shakes. Mon-Thu 11:30am-9:30pm, Fri 11:30am-10pm, Sat noon-10pm, Sun noon-9:30pm.

1319 Pacific Ave, 831.420.1700 RISTORANTE ITALIANO

Santa Cruz

555 Soquel Ave, 831.458.2321

$$ Santa Cruz

1220 Pacific Ave, 831.426.9930

Italian-American. Mouthwatering, generous portions, friendly service and the best patio in town. Full bar. Lunch Mon-Fri 11:30am, dinner nightly at 5pm.

ROSIE MCCANN’S

Irish pub and restaurant. Informal pub fare with reliable execution. Lunch and dinner all day, open Mon-Fri 11:30ammidnight, Sat-Sun 11:30am-1:30am.

$$ Santa Cruz

SANTA CRUZ MTN. BREWERY California / Brewpub. Enjoy a handcrafted organic ale in the

402 Ingalls Street, Ste 27 831.425.4900

taproom or the outdoor patio while you dine on Bavarian pretzels, a bowl of french fries, Santa Cruz’s best fish tacos and more.

Open everday noon until 10pm. Food served until 7pm.

$$ Santa Cruz

SOIF

Wine bar with menu. Flawless plates of great character and flavor; sexy menu listings and wines to match. Dinner Mon-Thu 510pm, Fri-Sat 5-11pm, Sun 4-10pm; retail shop Mon 5pm-close, Tue-Sat noon-close, Sun 4pm-close.

$$ Santa Cruz

WOODSTOCK’S PIZZA

105 Walnut Ave, 831.423.2020

710 Front St, 831.427.4444

Pizza. Pizza, fresh salads, sandwiches, wings, desserts, beers on tap. Patio dining, sports on HDTV and free WiFi. Large groups and catering. Open and delivering Fri-Sat 11am-2am, Mon-Thu 11am-1am, Sun 11am-midnight.

SCOTTS VALLEY $ HEAVENLY CAFE American. Serving breakfast and lunch daily. Large parties Scotts Valley 1210 Mt. Hermon Rd, 831.335.7311 welcome. Mon-Fri 6:30am-2:15pm, Sat-Sun 7am-2:45pm. $ JIA TELLA’S Scotts Valley 5600 #D Scotts Valley Dr, 831.438.5005

Cambodian. Fresh kebabs, seafood dishes, soups and noodle bowls with a unique Southeast Asian flair. Beer and wine available. Patio dining. Sun-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm.

SOQUEL $$ Soquel

EL CHIPOTLE TAQUERIA

4724 Soquel Dr, 831.477.1048

Mexican. Open for breakfast. We use no lard in our menu and make your food fresh daily. We are famous for our authentic ingredients such as traditional mole from Oaxaca. Lots of vegetarian options. Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, weekends 8am-9pm.

Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital

50 years of caring for pets and their people

Dr. Nathan Miller uses minimally invasive surgery techniques to relieve your

ily walk.

t your dog’s da At SCVH we care abou

best friend’s joint pain.

831.475.5400 www.santacruzveterinaryhospital.com

S A N TAC RU Z .C O M

$$

november 23-30, 2011

$$$ LA POSTA Santa Cruz 538 Seabright Ave, 831.457.2782

67 DINER’S GUIDE

$$

S A N T A C R U Z . C O M n o v e m b e r 2 3 - 3 0 , 2 0 1 1

68

Free Will

By Rob Brezsny

For the week of November 23

TAURUS (April 20–May 20): In Woody Allen’s film

GEMINI (May 21–June 20): “When I see your face, the stones start spinning!” wrote the poet Rumi, as translated by Coleman Barks. “Water turns pearly. Fire dies down and doesn’t destroy. In your presence I don’t want what I thought I wanted.” I think you need to be in the presence of a face like that, Gemini. You’ve got to get your fixations scrambled by an arresting vision of soulful authenticity. You need your colors transposed and your fire and water reconfigured. Most of all, it’s crucial that you get nudged into transforming your ideas about what you really want. So go find that healingly disruptive prod, please. It’s not necessarily the face of a gorgeous icon. It could be the face of a whisperer in the darkness or of a humble hero who’s skilled in the art of surrender. Do you know where to look?

CANCER (June 21–July 22): “All my life I have longed to be loved by a woman who was melancholy, thin and an actress,” wrote 19th-century French author Stendhal in his diary. “Now I have been, and I am not happy.” I myself had a similar experience—craving a particular type of women who, when she finally showed up in the flesh, disappointed me. But it turned out to be a liberating experience. Relieved of my delusory fantasy, I was able to draw more joy from what life was actually giving me.

As you contemplate your own loss, Cancerian, I hope you will find the release and deliverance I did.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22): If you traveled 300 million years back in time, you might freak out in abject fear as you encountered dragonflies as big as eagles and cockroaches the size of dogs. But since you’re quite safe from those monsters here in the present, there’s no need to worry yourself sick about them. Similarly, if you managed to locate a time machine and return to an earlier phase of your current life, you’d come upon certain events that upset you and derailed you way back then. And yet the odds are very high that you’re not going to find a time machine. So maybe you could agree to relinquish all the anxiety you’re still carrying from those experiences that can no longer upset and derail you. Now would be an excellent moment to do so.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22): To prepare for her role in the film The Help, actress Jessica Chastain forced herself to gain 15 pounds. It was tough, because she normally follows a very healthy diet. The strategy that worked best was to ingest a lot of calorie-heavy, estrogen-rich ice cream made from soybeans. To be in alignment with current cosmic rhythms, it would make sense for you to fatten yourself up, too, Virgo—metaphorically speaking, that is. I think you’d benefit from having more ballast, more gravitas. You need to be sure you’re well-anchored and not easy to push around. It’s nearly time to take an unshakable stand for what you care about most.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22): In a famous Monty Python sketch, a Hungarian tourist goes into a British tobacconist’s store to buy cigarettes. Since he doesn’t speak English, he consults a phrase book to find the right words. “My hovercraft is full of eels,” he tells the clerk, who’s not sure what he means. The tourist

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21): There are modern Chinese painters who use oil paints on canvas to create nearperfect replicas of famous European masterpieces.

So while the genuine copy of Van Gogh’s Starry Night is worth more than $100 million, you can buy an excellent copy on the Internet for less than $100. If you’re faced with a comparable choice in the coming week—whether to go with a pricey original or a cheaper but good facsimile, I suggest you take the latter. For your current purposes, you just need what works, not what gives you prestige or bragging rights.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22–Dec. 21): “It is a tremendous act of violence to begin anything,” said Sagittarian poet Rainer Maria Rilke. “I am not able to begin. I simply skip what should be the beginning.” I urge you to consider trying that approach yourself, Sagittarius. Instead of worrying about how to launch your rebirth, maybe you should just dive into the middle of the new life you want for yourself. Avoid stewing interminably in the frustrating mysteries of the primal chaos so you can leap into the fun in full swing.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22–Jan. 19): The Golden Gate Bridge spans the place where San Francisco Bay meets the Pacific Ocean. It wasn’t easy to build. The water below is deep, wind-swept, beset with swirling currents and on occasion shrouded with blinding fog. Recognizing its magnificence, the American Society of Civil Engineers calls the bridge one of the modern Wonders of the World.

Strange to think, then, that the bridge was constructed between 1933 and 1937, during the height of the Great Depression. I suggest you make it your symbol of power for the coming weeks, Capricorn. Formulate a plan to begin working toward a triumph in the least successful part of your life.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18): It’s an excellent time for you to get an entourage—or if you already have one, to expand it. For that matter, it’s a perfect moment for you to recruit more soldiers to help you carry out your plot to overthrow the status quo. Or to round up more allies for your plans to change the course of local history. Or to gather more accomplices as you seek to boldly go where you have never gone before. So beef up your support system. Boost the likelihood that your conspiracy will succeed.

PISCES (Feb. 19–March 20): If you expand your concept of what you’re capable of, you will receive a specific offer to move up a notch. If you perform your duties with intensified care and grace, you will be given new responsibilities that catalyze your sleeping potential.

The universe doesn’t always act with so much karmic precision, with such sleek, efficient fairness, but that’s how it’s working in your vicinity right now. Here’s one more example of how reasonable the fates are behaving: If you resolve to compete against no one but yourself, you will be shown new secrets about how to express your idiosyncratic genius.

Homework: Are you ready for an orgy of gratitude? Identify 10 of your best blessings.

Tell me all about it at Freewillastrology.com.

Visit REALASTROLOGY.COM for Rob’s Expanded Weekly Audio Horoscopes and Daily Text Message Horoscopes. The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at 1.877.873.4888 or 1.900.950.7700

S A N TAC RU Z .C O M

Midnight in Paris, the Ernest Hemingway character says, “All cowardice comes from not loving, or not loving well enough.” Given the state of your current astrological omens, Taurus, that is an excellent piece of advice. I suspect you are going to be asked to call on previously untapped reserves of courage in the coming weeks—not because you’ll have to face physical danger but rather because you will have a chance to get to the bottom of mysteries that can only be explored if you have more courage than you’ve had up until now. And the single best way to summon the valor you’ll need is to love like a god or goddess loves.

tries again: “Do you want to come back to my place, bouncy bouncy?” Again, the clerk is confused. In the coming week, Libra, I foresee you having to deal with communications that are equally askew. Be patient, please. Try your best to figure out the intentions and meanings behind the odd messages you’re presented with. Your translating skills are at a peak, fortunately, as are your abilities to understand what other people— even fuzzy thinkers—are saying.

november 23-30, 2011

ARIES (March 21–April 19): “Basic research is what I am doing when I don’t know what I am doing,” said rocket scientist Werner von Braun. I think it’s an excellent time for you to plunge into that kind of basic research, Aries.

You’re overdue to wander around frontiers you didn’t even realize you needed to investigate. You’re ready to soak up insights from outside the boundaries of your understanding. In fact, I think it’s your sacred duty to expose yourself to raw truths and unexpected vistas that have been beyond your imagination’s power to envision.

ASTROLOGY

Astrology

69

S A N T A C R U Z . C O M n o v e m b e r 2 3 - 3 0 , 2 0 1 1

70

CLASSIFIED INDEX

PLACING AN AD

ÂĄ â&#x201E;˘ ÂŁ ¢ â&#x2C6;&#x17E;

BY PHONE

BY MAIL

EMAIL

Call the Classified Department at 408.298.8000, Monday through Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm.

Mail to Santa Cruz Classifieds, 877 Cedar St., Suite 147, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

classifieds@metronews.com Please include your Visa, MC, Discover or American Express number and expiration date for payment.

Employment Classes & Instruction Family Services Music Real Estate

70 70 70 70 70

IN PERSON

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Visit our offices at 877 Cedar St., Suite 147, Monday through Friday, 10am-4:30pm.

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Real Estate Sales

gallons per minute. Many site improvements including grading, drainage, erosion control, and septic design.

Great Upscale Neighborhood.

Offered at 225,000. Call Debbie @ Donner Land & Homes, Inc. 408-395-5754 www.donnerland.com

DEADLINES For copy, payment, space reservation or cancellation: Display ads: Friday 12 noon Line ads: Friday 3pm

g Out Of Area Under $500K

EASY BREEZES AND BIG SKIES

15 sprawling acres in Boulder Creek. This south facing ridge has â&#x20AC;&#x153;a peaceful easy feeling...â&#x20AC;? The ridge terrain is STELLAR WAY soft and rolling - easy to walk This parcel is so beautiful, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s TREE HUGGERS CABIN with Beautiful Monterey Bay the ideal spot to bring your views. Enjoy Full sun and big ~ FELTON imagination to life. Approx.

Storybook setting that boasts mature trees - lots of 10 acres, quiet, surrounded Magestic Oaks. Just about a rustic redwood getaway

by Magestic Redwood trees, and a quintessential babbling 20 minutes to the property Beautiful and Pristine with a brook. Here is a 1925 classic from a paved county road, good amount of easy terrain. 2BR/2BA with traditional liv- then a 3 mile private road.

Existing, good producing No services or reports and ing room featuring wood well. Owner will carry. Broker beam ceilings and a brick gloriously off the grid. If will help show. Offered at fireplace. Additional features easy breezes, bay views, soft $349,000. Call Debbie @ air, big skies are what you include charming built-in Donner Land & Homes, Inc. dream about ... Come visit bookcases & drawers; origi408-395-5754 nal cabinetry & countertops, this beautiful parcel. Some www.donnerland.com owner financing available. bonus room, inside laundry facility, and roomy front deck Offered at $625,000. Shown by appointment only. Call to accommodate your front Homes Debbie @ Donner Land & yard forest. Possible dual Homes, Inc. 408-395-5754 opportunity with a BIG BLUE WATER VIEWS rental www.donnerland.com 1BR/1BA upstairs and a Big Blue Water Views of the Studio/BA w/private Monterey Bay from this 1.5 NINA DELIGHT ~ entrance downstairs.

Acre lot nestled in a lush Blissfully quiet, and yet just a BOULDER CREEK Valley setting! Build your hop, skip and a jump to Seller says this is one of the dream home on this quiet Feltonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quaint downtown last buildable properties in and secluded lot, just onerestaurants, entertainment, Nina Heights! A little piece of half mile from Aptos Village. schools & services. Walking South-facing magic, high up The building footprint for this distance to Henry Cowell on a hill. This haven is surlot has been cleared and Redwoods State Park. rounded by trees and good much of the engineering has Offered at $219,000. Call neighbors. Just a few minbeen done for you. The lot Debbie @ Donner Land & utes to the post office or grocomes with access to power Homes, Inc. 408-395-5754 cery store in this quaint little and water rights in a shared www.donnerland.com town. Pavement, power at well that produces over 50 the street, and city water.

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Pacific Sun Properties 734 Chestnut Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831.471.2424 831.471.0888 Fax www.pacificsunproperties.com

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Owner financing Available.

Offered at 225,000. Call Debbie @ Donner Land & Homes, Inc. 408-395-5754 www.donnerland.com

g Land

END OF ROAD PRIVACY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; LOS GATOS Feel the breeze through the trees from these Breathtaking Sanctuary Acres. Flat and spacious with Beautiful Oak trees, Giant Redwoods, Turkeys and Deer.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just too pretty to describe. Excellent location, just minutes to town.

Already has Well, Phone & Power. Septic Perc. test completed. Offered at $750,000.

Call Debbie @ Donner Land & Homes, Inc. 408-395-5754 www.donnerland.com

SKYVIEW CABIN 12 Gorgeous AC, Off the Grid, in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mtns. Beautiful spot for a Large house. Comes with a stage that opens 40â&#x20AC;&#x2122; by 16â&#x20AC;&#x2122; +, (great for storage, the owner was thinking about an amphitheatre). The amazing landscape in a dream-like environment, surrounded by Redwoods, Madrones, Oak Trees, and friendly terrain.

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never stop exploring & enjoying this unique piece of land, just 8 MI from town.

Water & nice neighbors!

Great Investment. Approx. 90 member, private Road Assoc.

Broker will help show.

Offered at $450,000. Call Debbie @ Donner Land & Homes, Inc. 408-395-5754 www.donnerland.com

ROUGH AND TUMBLE

Bring your dreams. Travel 3 miles in, on a private road to a bit of the forest to call your own. This 8 AC parcel is pretty much untouched. Approx.

90 member, private Road Assoc. Broker will help show.

Offered at $350,000. Broker will help show. Call Debbie @ Donner Land & Homes, Inc. 408-395-5754 www.donnerland.com

PERFECT PERCH

Approx. 1/2 acre located in Boulder Creek with Stunning Views and many lovely Redwoods. Design your dream home for this unique property. Already has water, power at property line, Approved septic plan, soils report, and survey. Plans Approved & Building permit ready to issue. Easy drive to town, yet feels private.

Shown by appointment only.

Offered at 198,000. Call Debbie @ Donner Land & Homes, Inc. 408-395-5754 www.donnerland.com

AWAY FROM IT ALL

Perched right on top of a little ridge, come and experience sunrise serenade, birds 290 ACRES singing and delicious mountain air. 5 AC with canyon MT MADONNA Come explore 290 acres con- views and redwoods. Plenty of room for parking, storage sisting of 11 meandering and gardening. House with parcels varying in size from one bedroom, loft, tiled white 18 acres to 40 acres. This bathroom with tub and bonus sprawling land is rough and rugged, ideal for your quads sunroom with deck. Many upgraded Amenities. Shown and dirt bikes or saddle up by appointment only. Offered the horses and have your at 295,000. Call Debbie @ own Lewis and Clark Expedition. Massive, yet pret- Donner ty much untouched acreage Investment Property with Timber possibilities. If you appreciate land that is CLOSE TO TOWN AND sprinkled with springs, warmed by lots of sun, and SUNNY TOO! has views as far as the eye Sweet, Sunny, 6,875 SF lot can see, consider this beauti- close to town and in a good ful spread. Excellent owner neighborhood too. 2005 perfinancing is available with mits approved in all departjust 20% down, the seller will ments, but expired and in carry at 6%. Inquiries welneed of resurrection because come. Offered at $1,150,000. prior owner did not pick them Call Debbie @ Donner Land & up! Close to shopping, enterHomes, Inc. 408-395-5754 tainment, schools and beach. www.donnerland.com Come and see for yourself. at $100,000. Call Tired of the same old Offered Debbie @ DonnerLand & place?

Homes, Inc. 408-395-5754 www.donnerland.com Check out the Santa Cruz Weekly's Real Estate classifieds and find a new place.

Realtors 408-200-1300 to advertise.

g g D E C U D E R

New Brighton Cohousing

More than a condo, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a way of life!

Listed at $279,000 â&#x20AC;˘ Enjoy a small, cohesive community â&#x20AC;˘ Where your neighbors are your friends â&#x20AC;˘ Rare end unit, spacious 2 Bed, 2 full baths â&#x20AC;˘ Sunny & sweet, backyard patio, upstairs balcony â&#x20AC;˘ Enjoy communal activities, shared meals twice weekly â&#x20AC;˘ Community House; meet friends, clients, entertain, guest room available â&#x20AC;˘ Large common areas, community garden, play area â&#x20AC;˘ Centrally located on Soquel Drive, near Park Ave exit and Cabrillo College. â&#x20AC;˘ Close to shopping, beaches, freeway, Capitola Village Virtual Tour & Reports: www.tourfactory.com/716775 Judy Ziegler CRS, GRI, SRES ph: 831-429-8080 cell: 831-334-0257 www.cornucopia.com

ITS THAT TIME OF YEAR The big meal is most likely over and perhaps you find yourself in a state of fine relaxation. Reflecting and in a state of gratefulness, perhaps, it is time to think of your home and what it may be needing. Here are some tips to get you started on a winter maintenance schedule you are encouraged to do now, between rains and cold spells â&#x20AC;&#x201D; look at it as good exercise as well.

1. Now it the time to clear the roof and gutters. There are many small companies who offer this service which may be better than a cast on your leg. While you or someone is up there, cast a look around for any broken shingles or roof damage and be sure all openings are caulked and functioning and drain spouts are cleared and draining well away from the house.

2. Have a heater service person check and clean your heating system. You can easily change the filter yourself, keeping your unit functioning more efficiently. If your primary source of heat is wood, be sure and have your chimney cleanedâ&#x20AC;Śchimney fires occur and are very scary.

3. Go around the house and check all the windows and doors, probably some could use weather stripping and windows inside and out should be caulked to prevent air loss.

4. Make sure your dryer vent is working properly and move out the machines and thoroughly clean around them. Check the washer hose connections at the same time to ensure they are in good condition and not ready to burst.

5. Test your smoke detectors and have you installed a now mandatory carbon monoxide detector?

Have a battery supply on hand. Test your GFCI outlets which you should have in your kitchen and bathrooms.

Your home is one of your most important investments, help reduce energy loss and promote the safety of your home for all who enjoy living in it. Just five little chores to help protect your sanctuary. In case you donĘźt have a home, give us a call, we would be delighted to guide you on the path.

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Judy Ziegler, GRI, CRS Cornucopia Real Estate 1001 Center Street - Suite 5 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone: 831-429-8080 cell: 831-334-0257 judy@cornucopia.com URL: www.cornucopia.com

Why Wait for Beauty School?

A New cosmetology academy is now open in Santa Cruz, and is unlike any beauty school you`ve seen before.

Come and see for yourself what everyone`s talking about. Enrolling now!

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WAMM Opens Membership!

Apply for membership to WAMM for Low cost Organic Medicine! Longest running MMJ Org. in Nation. Serving Santa Cruz for 18 years! WAMM.org, 831-425-0580. peace

85,000 People

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TO ADVERTISE IN THE SANTA CRUZ WEEKLY, PLEASE CALL 831.457.9000

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