Pulse Magazine - December 2014

(c) 2011 Discovery Communications, LLC. MythBusters and logo are trademarks owned by Discovery Communications, LLC., used under license.

December 2 7:30 pm

SUNDAY

SUNDAY

GRAMMY-NOMINATED COMEDIAN RON “TATER SALAD” WHITE, BEST KNOWN AS THE CIGARSMOKING, SCOTCH-DRINKING FUNNYMAN FROM THE “BLUE COLLAR COMEDY” PHENOMENON RETURNS TO THE HANOVER THEATRE IN 2015 WITH HIS NEW STAND-UP SHOW, NUTCRACKER.

STAND-UP COMEDIAN BRIAN REGAN RETURNS TO WORCESTER WITH THE PERFECT BALANCE OF SOPHISTICATED WRITING AND PHYSICALITY.

FEB 22, 2015

MAR 15, 2015

Generously sponsored by

FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY.

TheHanoverTheatre.org • 877.571.SHOW (7469) 2 Southbridge Street • Worcester, MA 01608 Swipe your WOO Card for points and prizes!

Worcester Center for the Performing Arts, a registered not-for-profit 501(c(3) organization, owns and operates The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts.

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Page: 26

Be crafty Make your own holiday gifts!

ON THE COVER:

Celebrate the Holiday Spirit

DECEMBER 2014 IN THIS ISSUE COVER STORY 6

Celebrate the Holiday Spirit

ENTERTAINMENT

27

Nothing says holidays like a wacky, tacky gift

DINING & ENTERTAINING

COVER VOLUNTEER: Local charities need you time

10

Take Down the Wall Café: Breaking barriers with music

28

12

Ring in the New Year the Worcester way

Cheers! Wachusett Brewery turns 20

30

13

GameON: Evil takes hold with The Evil Within

Dining Review: Oli’s offers creative Italian classics

31

Hot&Now

18

Club, Pub & Bar Listings

32

Holiday martinis

20

Pulse Shots

32

PulseBREW: Give the gift of beer

LIFESTYLE 24 25

26

WELLNESS: Ways to destress HOLIDAYS: Rules for regifting

Local calendar features music, models and mayhem 34

PulseTECH: Holiday apps make your to-do list simple Be crafty ~ make your own holiday gifts!

36

ENTERTAINMENT OnCD: Anti-Mortem / Weezer / Idina Menzel PulseBOOKS: Make your own Italian feast with Downtown Italian

SOCIAL MEDIA:

STYLE & BEAUTY 36

STYLE & BEAUTY BEAUTY: Skin routines you shouldn’t skip this winter LIFESTYLE ETIQUETTE: How to tip

ART & CULUTRE

This holiday season, gift local

ONLINE @ thepulsemag.com

Stun with great holiday hair & makeup The Style List: Different parties, different looks

Follow us on Twitter @WorcesterPulse Follow us on Instagram @PulseMag_Worc Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/thepulsemagazine

PULSE Magazine is produced 12 times a year by Pagio Inc., 88 Winter St., Worcester, MA 01604. (508) 756-5006. Copyright 2012 All rights reserved. Pagio, Inc. does not hold itself responsible for statements made by any contributor. Statements or opinions expressed in Pulse reflect the views of the author(s) and not the official policy of the Pagio, Inc., unless so stated. Although all advertising material is expected to conform to ethical standards, acceptance does not imply endorsement by Pagio, Inc. unless so stated. Material printed in Pulse is covered by copyright. No copyright is claimed to any work of the U.S. government. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission. For information on permissions, reprints and other services, contact Pagio, Inc.

Paul Giorgio, Publisher Donna Roberson, Editor Vanessa Herbold, Art Director Justin Perry, Photographer Chris Reddy, Kerry Cyganiewicz, Kevin Swenson, Account Executives

Kim Dunbar, Sports Editor Alex Kantarelis, Music Editor Jennifer Russo, Lifestyle Editor Kimberly Dunbar, Alex Kantarelis, Jennifer Russo, Jason Savio, Bernie Whitmore, Michael Wood, Paul Giorgio, Stacia Kindler, Sean Haley, Rachel Shuster, Brainna Duval, Merilee Kern, Kerry Cyganiewicz

Dec. 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 5

COVER STORY

Celebrate the holiday spirit

By Kimberly Dunbar

December really is the most wonderful time of the year. Although, in the United States, this month is often synonymous with the Christmas holiday, there are a variety of other traditions celebrated throughout the month. While the most well-known of these nonChristian celebrations are Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, there’s also Bodhi Day, Pancha Ganapat and Yule. Never heard of them? Read on to get your fill of holiday cheer.

Want to give the gift of time?

Go to thepulsemag.com to get a list of local volunteer opportunities.

Bodhi Day

Yule

Pancha Ganapati

Bodhi Day is celebrated Dec. 8, commemorating the day in which the Buddha found enlightenment. At age 29, Siddhartha Gautama, who would later become the Buddha, left home in search of the meaning of life. After six years of not finding the peace he needed, Siddhartha decided to sit under a Bodhi tree until he found his answers. On the morning of the eighth day, he came to the realizations that have become principles of modern Buddhism. Although Bodhi Day is often celebrated through remembrance and meditation, it can be celebrated differently in each culture. Generally, colored lights are strung ~ the colors represent the many pathways to enlightenment ~ and turned on every night for 30 days. A candle is also lit for 30 days to symbolize enlightenment. In some homes, you will see ficus trees (Bodhi trees) strung with lights; beads (the strand representing unity); and three shiny ornaments (they represent the Three Jewels ~ the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha). A traditional meal of rice with milk is also served, as are cookies shaped like Bodhi tree leaves (hearts).

Yule is a pagan festival observed during the Winter Solstice. The solstice, which occurs on Dec. 21, was historically celebrated by the Norse to mark the rebirth of the sun. They would light a Yule log, which would sometimes burn for 12 days, taking the revelry into January. This time was reserved for feasting and customs like caroling (or “wassailing”), decorating evergreen trees and gift-giving. In ancient times, the Winter Solstice was also celebrated in other parts of the world, including Rome, with traditions like Saturnalia (a festival in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture, which began a week before the solstice and often lasted a month), Juvenalia (honoring the children of Rome), and the elite holiday celebrating the sacred birth of the infant god of unconquerable sun, Mithra (Dec. 25). Many of the traditions were later absolved into the secular holiday of Christmas.

Pancha Ganapati is a five-day Hindu festival celebrated from Dec. 21-25, dedicated to family giving and new beginnings. The holiday honors Lord Ganesha, patron of arts and guardian of culture, and was created in 1985 as a Hindu alternative to December holidays. Each of the five days is assigned a special spiritual discipline (family, friends, associates, culture and religion) and a different color (yellow, blue, red, green and orange). A shrine is created in the main living room of the home and decorated; this includes a statue (or portrait) of Lord Panacha Ganapati, usually draped in pine boughs or banana leaves. Each morning, the children dress the statue in a different color and place a gift in front of him, which are all opened on the fifth day. Lights, tinsel and colorful hanging ornaments may also be added to the shrine. Each day, a tray of sweets, fruits and incense is offered to Lord Ganapati, often by the children, and chants and songs are sung in his name. Afterward, the sweets are shared by all.

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Christmas Celebrate Christmas

Holidays at the WAM Beginning Nov. 30 Worcester Art Museum 55 Salisbury St., Worcester Revel in the Worcester Art Museum’s holiday festivities with weekly performances in the Renaissance Court and decorations throughout the museum.

City of Worcester Festival of Lights Dec. 5 City Hall Grand Stairway 455 Main St., Worcester This non-holiday specific event marks the official opening of the public skating rink and includes youth choral performances (includes Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa songs) ~ all leading up to the lighting of the city’s tree.

Sutton Chain of Lights 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 6 Vaillancourt Folk Art, 9 Main St., Suite 1H, Sutton Enjoy a “quintessential small town Christmas celebration” packed with oldfashioned New England experiences.

Date in 2014: Dec. 25 Greeting: “Merry Christmas.”

While Christmas has become somewhat of a secular and hugely commercialized holiday focused on Santa Claus (the “official” website of Christmas is all about gift-giving and shopping), it is ultimately rooted in Christianity.

the 25th because it coincided with the Pagan celebration Yule (see sidebar). Over the next few centuries, Christmas spread across the Western world. Because the holiday was considered a British custom and most of the traditions mirrored that of Yule (decorating trees, caroling and the Yule log), it fell out of favor with Puritans and was even banned in America from 1659-81.

and the iconic image by political cartoonist Thomas Nast in 1881 helped paint a picture of jolly St. Nicholas. By the mid-19th century, Christmas shopping advertising and department store Santas hit America. The legend continued to grow, and when Santa’s existence was confirmed in the 1897 edition of The New York Sun (“Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus”), his legacy was solidified.

For centuries, the two most important Christian holidays were Easter, Jesus’ resurrection, and Epiphany, the arrival of the Magi to the nativity scene on Jan.6 (Russian and Greek Orthodox still celebrate Christmas on this day).

In the 4th century, church officials began celebrating the birth of Christ on Dec. 25. Although the bible does not mention a date of birth, officials chose

It wasn’t until the 1800s, and with the help of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, that Americans began embracing the family value of Christmas ~ both inside and outside the church. Christmas became a U.S. federal holiday in 1870. In 1823, the mythical figure of Santa Claus took center stage in Clement Clarke Moore’s poem, which we now know as The Night Before Christmas. This poem

To this day, children await the arrival of Santa Claus on his sleigh, led by Rudolph and the other reindeer, on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) and open gifts left under the Christmas tree or in stockings hung by the fireplace Christmas morning. Celebrations take place both Christmas Eve and Day, often involving church services and family feasts.

Christmas by Candlelight 4-9 p.m., weekends, Dec. 5-21 Old Sturbridge Village 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge Discover the foundations of today’s Christmas traditions with costumed interpreters.

The Worcester Chorus in Handel’s Messiah 8-10 p.m., Dec. 6 Mechanics Hall 321 Main St., Worcester An annual tradition for more than a century, Music Worcester will present Handel’s Messiah.

A Christmas Carol Dec. 19-28 Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts 2 Southbridge St., Worcester See this classic tale performed live.

Dec. 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 7

Hanukkah

Dates in 2014: Dec. 16-24 Greeting: “Hanukkah Sameach”

Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish festival honoring light, purity and spirituality. Hanukkah begins on the eve of the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev (usually falling in November or December each year).

Hanukkah, although not one of the Jewish high holy days, is a symbolic celebration of two different miracles ~ the first an event that occurred more than 21 centuries ago, when a small army of Jews rebelled against the Greek

army that occupied the Holy Land and tried to force a Hellenistic lifestyle on the people of Israel. Against all odds, the small army, led by Judah “The Hammer” Maccabee, reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The second miracle came upon rededicating the Temple.

The army only found enough pure olive oil to light the menorah (Hebrew for candelabrum) for a single day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days and nights, the time it took for them to find more.

Due to the nature of the miracle, Hanukkah customs include eating foods fried in oil ~ latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiot

(doughnuts) are the most popular. On each of the eight nights, a candle on the ninebranched menorah (chanukiah) is lit. The shamash (the “helper” candle) is lit and used to light the others (one the first night, two on the second night, etc.). It is also tradition to give children gifts each night of Hanukkah.

These began as small gifts of money, or gelt, but due to commercialization of the holiday (particularly in the U.S. due to its proximity to Christmas), the gifts have gotten bigger. The holiday includes festive music and another Hanukkah ritual object: the dreidel, a foursided spinning top used in a traditional game.

Celebrate Hanukkah Shabbat & Hanukkah Party Dec. 19 Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts 633 Salisbury St., Worcester.

The young adult division (ages 22-45) of the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts (JFCM) is hosting a party combining its monthly Shabbat dinner and Hanukkah celebration. The event features a latke contest and dreidel games (proceeds benefit Rachel’s Table of Worcester). To attend or for more information, contact Mindy Hall at mhall@jfcm.org or (508) 756-1543.

Pre-Hanukkah Celebration ~ JFCM Night at the Worcester Sharks 3 p.m., Dec. 14 DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester Join JFCM for a pre-Hanukkah celebration at the Sharks game.

Tickets are $13.

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Kwanzaa Dates in 2014: Dec. 26-Jan. 1 Greeting: “Joyous Kwanzaa” Kwanzaa, derived from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first fruits,” was first introduced as a holiday in 1966. Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor and chairman of black studies at California State University, Long Beach, was looking for a way to bring the African-American community together after the race riots in Los Angeles in 1965. Kwanzaa is a combination of a variety of harvest celebrations and gives African-American families an opportunity to unite and celebrate their culture (because it is a secular holiday, it includes all African people).

Today, many families celebrate Kwanzaa in addition, rather than as a replacement, to Christmas and Hanukkah.

Kwanzaa, which is celebrated from Dec. 26-Jan.1, contains traditional elements of celebration that families usually observe on their own. Across the seven days, celebrants engage in activities like singing, dancing, African drumming, storytelling, poetry reading and a traditional African feast (Karamu) on the sixth day (Dec. 31). On each of the seven nights, the family gathers to light one of the candles on the kinara (candleholder) ~ which, according to the official Kwanzaa website, contains one black candle, three red and three green candles. The official colors of Kwanzaa are black (for the people), red (for their struggle) and green (for the future and the hope that comes from the struggle).

Celebrate Kwanzaa Community Kwanzaa 2-6 p.m., Dec. 21 National Black Doll Museum of History & Culture, 288 N. Main St., Mansfield A presentation and reenactment of the seventh night of Kwanzaa, which includes the ceremony for the Karmau. With songs, storytelling and food, this event comes alive with audience participation and culminates with each participant being presented with a zawadi.

After the lighting of the kinara, there is a discussion of that day’s principle. The seven principles of Kwanzaa, called the Nguzo Saba, were created by Dr. Karenga to highlight ideals of African culture, as one of the points of Kwanzaa is to preserve the African culture. The seven are unity; selfdetermination; collective work and responsibility; cooperative economics; purpose; creativity; and faith.

Families are encouraged to decorate their houses with colorful pieces of art, but the Kwanzaa celebration focuses on a single spot in a room. Once the spot is chosen, it is adorned with the seven symbols of Kwanzaa: The area is covered in a mkeka (a decorative mat), the kinara with the mishumaa saba (seven candles), mazao (crops), kikimbe cha umoja (unity cup for libations) and zawadi (gifts). The zawadi are opened on the last day of Kwanzaa.

Dec. 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 9

ENTERTAINMENT

Take Down the Wall Café: Breaking barriers with music

By Sean M. Haley

If art is shared experience, then Take Down the Wall Café is making sure everyone gets to be part of the picture.

The monthly open mic, hosted by Alternatives Inc., encourages people to come together, regardless of disability, artistic medium or level of talent, and share whatever they’re passionate about in life.

In fact, this open mic was created to provide a social outlet for people with disabilities, to “take down the wall,” as it were, and to encourage the coming together of people with and without disabilities.

“It’s part of a larger national movement that swims against the current of people being separate,” said Nat Needle, the project’s creator, coordinator and host. Needle, a musician, performer and songwriter, created the project to bridge the gap between people with disabilities and a world they usually don’t get to see. Needle teaches music and plays regularly in Worcester, and his weekly event, Thank Friday It’s Dr. Nat, is featured at Nick’s Bar on Millbury Street.

Needle is also a contractor with Alternatives Inc., a Whitinsville-based care program for people with psychiatric and developmental disabilities. The agency has five locations and 55 program sites across the state, including a location in Worcester where Take Down the Wall is held. Alternatives’ mission, according to its website, is to “be a bridge between those who need our services and the community at large.” The agency works to place people in jobs, provide homes and encourage the development of lasting relationships.

Additionally, the agency seeks to foster a shared sense of community.

According to Needle, many people with disabilities only interact with other disabled people and caregivers, in part due to logistics. “Imagine if your life was defined by your biggest weakness,” he said. “There’s something not right about that, but it’s not in the treatment plan.” He also noted aptly that “segregation of any kind keeps us from our full humanity.”

Ultimately, Take Down the Wall was created to be an event rooted in sharing strength and humanity, rather than distant sympathy. Needle said he wanted to find an inclusive event for people with disabilities to “share social space” with others. As such, the event brings performers and patrons of the arts together.

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Take Down the Wall’s first show included a cavalcade of musicians and poets, but it’s not limited to your typical coffeehouse acts. “It’s a little free-wheeling,” Needle said. Spoken word, storytelling, juggling, magic and jokes are all valid performances, “as long as it’s someone getting up and presenting their thing,” Needle said.

Signups take place at the door, and the night features live acts from about 10 performers at approximately 10 minutes each. The schedule, however, is flexible. Needle advises artists to keep the content family-friendly, “but it can get emotional,” Needle said.

For example, one individual with disabilities took the stage to deliver an impromptu spoken-word piece. Each stanza began with an emotional “I’m tired,” as he cited his life’s various struggles and frustrations. After his performance had reached an emotional crescendo, he finished with a simple and abrupt exclamation: “All right, I’m done!”

Such moments of expression are a window into the human experience. It’s the sort of catharsis and emotion that draws us to the arts in the first place and reminds us of the vibrant and tumultuous experiences we all share.

Overall, the cafe’s first night in October was a huge success. According to Needle, the event received more attention than he initially expected. “We had more people than we could seat,” Needle said.

In the end, Take Down the Wall gives people the chance to congregate and enjoy the raw brand of art that comes with such a grassroots movement.

“We all have a lot more in common than we think,” Needle said. “When you come out of Take Down the Wall Cafe, you leave feeling more fully and authentically human because you had a wider experience of being human. It’s not just ‘birds of a feather.’”

Take Down The Wall Cafe’s next event will be from 6:30-7p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 454 Grove St., Worcester. For more information, contact Nat Needle at natneedle.com/contact or at (508) 579-5997.

Worcester Common Oval Opening Friday, December 5 with the Festival of Lights!

Public Skating All Winter Fridays 5 - 8 pm • Saturdays and Sundays Noon - 5 pm School vacation weeks (Monday - Thursday) Noon - 5 pm Located behind City Hall – 455 Main St. FREE Parking – First come, first served

For more information visit www.worcestercommonoval.com

Dec. 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 11

Ring in the New Year

By Brianna Duval

the Worcester way

Although First Night Worcester is the second oldest First Night celebration in the nation, there will be very little that is old during this year’s celebration!

With more than 1 million attendees since its 1982 debut, First Night Worcester is the must-attend celebration for the Worcester area. With its indoor venues and performances and outdoor fireworks display, it is sure to delight, regardless of the weather.

This year’s celebration will be headlined by nationally acclaimed Broadway artist Alison Fraser. Fraser is a two-time Tony Award nominee for her work in The Secret Garden and Romance/Romance, a Drama Desk Award nominee for The Secret Garden and a Carbonell Award-winner for Romance/ Romance. She is also the first recipient of Philadelphia’s Barrymore Award for Best Actress for her performance as The Blonde in the film noir musical Gunmetal Blues. She has performed at a multitude of venues, including Carnegie Hall and The White House. Fraser’s career has also included a number of television and film appearances, and she is currently starring in the touring onewoman show, A Tennessee Williams Songbook. Fraser, who is originally from Natick, will return to the area to headline the event and visit local family.

First Night Worcester’s Executive Director Howard McGinn feels there is sure to be something for everyone at the celebration. New additions include a number of new musical performances, fortune tellers and pony rides. The event will feature magic, rock ’n’ roll, jesters and a multicultural festival.

Also new to the event is the inclusion of a number of local food trucks, which those in attendance will be able to find in the area surrounding the Worcester Art Museum. “We try to respond to what people are telling us they want,” McGinn said.

Not to mention, with your First Night button, you have access to free admission to the EcoTarium, Joy of Music Program, Museum of Russian Icons, Old Sturbridge Village, Salisbury Mansion, the Worcester Art Museum and the Worcester Historical Museum, as well as all of the evening’s venues and performances.

McGinn said the celebration would still include local music, specifically local youth musicians. The performance by the local Burncoat High School Band has become a treasured event over the years, and McGinn said, “Youth music is something we are really dedicated to.”

McGinn urges families of the area to “look at the value, with over $200 worth of museum entrance costs” included in the purchase of the button. The buttons will go on sale earlier this year than they did for the 2013-14 celebration, and McGinn advises people to get their buttons early. McGinn said in addition to large events, there are a number of smaller venues and some events are repeated throughout the evening to allow for people to return if an event is too crowded or conflicts with another event they want to see.

With record crowds for last year’s First Night Worcester celebration, McGinn and his team are hoping for an even bigger turnout this year.

Buttons are $10 until Dec 25, $12 after Dec 25 and $15 at the door and free for children younger than 7.

Information on purchasing buttons and the schedule of events can be found at firstnightworcester.org.

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Evil takes hold with The Evil Within

By Jason Savio

How do you rate the scare-o-meter when watching a horror movie? Is it how many times you have to turn away from the screen? How many times you jump out of your seat and yell? A good horror film and a good horror-themed video game are similar when it comes to gauging the fear factor: Either the furniture in a darkened room suddenly looks like the boogeyman waiting to get you, or it doesn’t. After playing The Evil Within, you’re going to want to spend a lot less time in darkened rooms.

The survival horror genre has had slim pickings in recent years, and, presumably sensing this drought, was Shinji Mikami, the “father” of the genre who created the original masterpiece and benchmark, Resident Evil. Mikami is back as director with The Evil Within, a nerve-shattering game that includes all of the elements that made survival horror scary in the first place.

Playing as Detective Sebastian Castellanos, you are called to the scene of a grisly mass murder inside an insane asylum. When you get there, things go from bad to worse when you are knocked unconscious and awaken inside a Leatherface-type, do-it-yourself butchery, where a maniac ~ with, yes, a chainsaw ~ chases you through halls full of traps that would make Jigsaw blush. After that extremely gory horror/action sequence, The Evil Within slows the pace, delivering some big psychological twists and turns that create a surreal and nightmarish world full of deadly surprises. That’s why The Evil Within is a game that survival horror enthusiasts will love. It will get inside your head and make you think. Nothing is what it seems to be as you make strange leaps in location and time. There’s a story to be unraveled, and the more you think you know, the more dangerous things become.

That danger makes The Evil Within a difficult game, to say the least. Just when you think you’re safe, some monstrosity will come at you from behind and it’s light out, or you’ll walk into a booby trap that you don’t see until the last second. You need to be aware of every step and noise you make. It can be frustrating at times, but the stealth and sneaking around ~ key elements of survival horror ~ make the surprises more effective and exciting. The booklet packaged with the game acknowledges, “Death will come often and when you least expect it.”

Will The Evil Within jumpstart the survival horror genre and breathe new life into what has become forgotten allure? It has certainly brought attention back to the slow, mindbending burn of genre classics. If how many times you yell in fear while playing The Evil Within is any indication, you’ll be seeing a lot more smart and calculated horror games in the future.

For more information, visit theevilwithin.com.

Holiday Buyer’s Guide Looking for the perfect gift for the gamer on your list? These are the top games this holiday season.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Destiny: The most anticipated and polarizing release of the year, Destiny is the future of gaming.

Call of Duty Advanced Warfare: Set in the battlegrounds of the future, Advanced Warfare is non-stop action on a technological scale.

WWE 2K15: Who said wrestling is fake? With WWE 2K15, “wrasslin’” never felt so real.

Sunset Overdrive: This highly stylized and imaginative release is an XBOX One exclusive.

Mario Kart 8: The popular racing franchise rolls on for a new generation with pristine graphics and gameplay.

Dec. 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 13

worcester sharks

icecats night presented by

vs

sat, dec 13 @ 7pm

wear your icecats gear and pay kids price!

508.929.0500

sharksahl.com Dec. 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 15

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Dec. 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 17

Club & Pub Listings Entertainment at clubs, bars, pubs,

Backstreets Pub 14 Mill St., Fitchburg 978-345-0758 facebook.com/backstreetspubfitchburg Dec. 12: Dan Kirouac The Banner Bar & Grille 112 Green St., Worc.

508-755-0879 thebannerbar.com Barber’s Crossing Road House 861 Main St., Leicester 508-892-7575 barberscrossingrestaurant.com Barbers Crossing (North) 175 Leominster Road, Sterling 978-422-8438 barberscrossingrestaurant.com

Beatnik’s 433 Park Ave., Worc.

508-926-8877 beatniksbeyou.com Wednesdays through Dec. 24: All Request College Night with DJ Strader Dec. 4: Shay and the Shufflebacks Dec. 5: Let it Bleed Dec. 6: Sunlea Dec. 11: Amazing Dick’s Ukulele Holiday Edition Dec. 12: Government Surplus Dec. 13: The Usual Suspects Dec. 19: Sasquatch and the Sickabillies Dec. 20: Moxa & Soul Panacea Dec. 26: Matt Robert Dec. 27: Don’t Let Go Reunion Dec. 31: Beatniks Rockin’ New Years Eve Party Beemer’s Pub 114 River St., Fitchburg 978-343-3148 beemerspub.com Billy’s Pub 81 Clinton St., Shrewsbury 508-425-3353 Fridays, Saturdays: Live music Dec. 20: Marshall Morris Black Sheep Tavern 261 Leominster Road, Sterling 978-422-8484 blacksheeptavernsterline.com Fridays, Saturdays: Live music Dec. 4: Tony Soul Project Black Sheep Party Blackstone Tap 81 Water St., Worc.

508-797-4827 blackstonetap.com Fridays, Saturdays: Live music Dec. 31: Bill McCarthy at Blackstone Tap New Year’s Eve Blue Plate Lounge 661 Main St., Holden 508-829-4566 hometown.aol.com/blueplatelounge Blueprint New American Bar & Grill 9 Village Square, Westminster 978-668-5580 Dec. 5: Brian Kendall Dec. 6: Professor Harp Dec. 11: Brett Casavant Dec. 12: Radio Flyer Dec. 13: Kevin Shields Dec. 18: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Dec. 19: JCDC Dec. 20: Ken Macy Dec. 26: Northern Company

Dec. 27: Back to Port Dec. 31: Go Gadget Go Boulder Cafe 880 Main St., Fitchburg 978-345-0008

Breakaway Billiards 104 Sterling St., Clinton 978-365-6105 myspace.com/breakawaybilliardsclinton Brew City 104 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

508-752-3862 brew-city.com Bull Run Restaurant 215 Great Road, Shirley 978-425-4311, 877-536-7190 bullrunrestaurant.com Dec. 7: Marty Stuart Dec. 11: Robert Randolph & the Family Band Dec. 12: Savoy Brown with Kim Simmonds Dec. 13: Bill Kirchen’s Honky-Tonk Holiday Dec. 14: John Pizzarelli Quartet Dec. 18: Judy Collins’ Holidays & Hits Dec. 20: Popa Chubby Dec. 26: North Shore A Cappella Dec. 27: Improv 3 (Ballroom) Dec. 27: The Installers (Sawtelle Room) Dec. 28: Rusted Root Holiday Show Dec. 31: NRBQ New Year’s Eve! Cafe Destare 320 Main St., Fitchburg 978-345-5734 destare.com Canal Restaurant & Bar 65 Water St., Worc.

508-926-8353 facebook.com/CanalRestaurantandBar Wednesdays: Toast Masters Thursdays: Open Mic Night, DJ (21+) Fridays: DJ (21+) Saturdays: StageTime Comedy Club (through Dec. 20), DJ (21+) Dec. 5: Poor Howard Stith Blues Dec. 6: Sage Project Dec. 12: Brett Brumby Dec. 13: Tom Revane Dec. 19: Chris Houston Dec. 20: Jim Perry Performance Dec. 26: Rick Porter Unpluged Dec. 27: Heather Marie Ralston Center Bar & Grill 102 Green St., Worc.

508-438-0597 thecenterbar.com Chooch’s Food & Spirits 31 E. Brookfield Road, N. Brookfield 508-867-2494 sitewizzer.com/choochs Fridays: Karaoke Chopstick’s Restaurant & Lounge 21 Commercial Road, Leominster 978-534-0020 chopsticksleominster.com Christopher’s Pub 7 Pleasant St., Leominster 978-534-8250 facebook.com/christopherspubleominster Cicero’s Cafe 17 Suffolk St., Worc.

508-767-9728 worcesterscene.com/admin/location_ images/ciceros.jpg

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& other select venues

Classic’s Pub 285 Central St., Leominster 978-537-7750 classicspub.net Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: Karaoke Fridays, Saturdays: Live music Dec. 26: Johnny Romance Band

Club KasBar 234 Southwest Cutoff, Worc.

508-798-8385 facebook.com/ClubKasBar Mondays: Karaoke and Open Mic Tuesdays, Thursdays: Karaoke and DJ The Columbia Tavern 28 Manning Ave., Leominster 978-751-8962 Compass Tavern 90 Harding St., Worc.

508-304-6044 thecompasstavern.com Thursdays: Mike Brennan Fridays: DJ Matty Saturdays: DJ One-3 Cosmopolitan Club 96 Hamilton St., Worc.

508-752-0482 Dance Ranch & Saloon 70 James St., Worc.

508-757-6977 danceranchandsaloon.com Dar Bah 29 Canal St., Millbury 508-865-8441 Electric Haze 26 Millbury St, Worc.

508-799-0629 facebook.com/ElectricHaze Sundays: Funky Jazz Jam Sundays Mondays: Open Mic/Open Decks Tuesdays: Hip Hop Tuesdays Dec. 4: Capital Zen, The Fritz Dec. 5: Frequency ~ Drum and Bass Event Dec. 6: Valvatross Dec. 10: Mizz Kistune Electro Swing Fusion Dec. 11: Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Strange Machines Dec. 13: Fundraiser for local charity, performance by Groove Street Dec. 14: Worcester Jazz Collective Dec. 17: Sub-Flex Dec. 18: Rocky and the Pressers Dec. 19: Airspray Dec. 20: Cedar Roots, Tim Hauffe Dec. 26: Tony Soul Holiday Jam Fiddlers’ Green Pub & Restaurant 19 Temple St., Worc.

508-792-3700 aohworcester.com Firefly’s / Dante’s 350 E. Main St., Marlborough 508-357-8883 fireflysbbq.com Flip Flops 680 Main St., Holden 508-829-3008 flipflopsma.com Dec. 4: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Flying Rhino Cafe 278 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

508-757-1450 flyingrhinocafe.com

Funky Murphy’s Bar & Grill 305 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

508-753-2995 funkyandjosemurphys.com Galway Bay Irish Pub 186 Stafford St., Worc.

508-753-8909 thegalway.com Gardner Ale House 74 Parker St., Gardner 978-669-0122 gardnerale.com Thursdays: Audio Wasabi Fridays, Saturdays: Live music The GazBar Sports Grill 1045 Central St., Leominster thegazbar.com Dec. 13: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops From Hell Dec. 27: Scott Babineau Gilrein’s 802 Main St., Worc.

508-791-2583 gilreins.net Greendale’s Pub 404 W. Boylston St., Worc.

508-853-1350 greendalespub.com Sundays: Jim’s Blues Jam Tuesdays: Open Mic with Bill McCarthy Wednesdays: Wacky Wednesday Open Mic Jam with Mark Thursdays through Dec. 18: Country Western Night Dec. 5: Ed & Da Ve Dec. 6: Power Play Dec. 12: Time Machine Dec. 13: No Alibi Dec. 18: Marshall Morris Dec. 19: Boom Box Dec. 23: Silverbacks Dec. 26: Clam Diggers Dec. 27: 9Teen, SOUP The Grey Hound Pub 139 Water St., Worc.

508-754-6100 anculiath.com Thursdays: Team Trivia New England Hotel Vernon - The Ship Room/Kelley Square Yacht Club 1 Millbury St., Worc.

JC Fenwick’s 37 Mechanic St., Leominster 978-840-4845 Jillian’s - Worcester 315 Grove St., Worc.

508-793-0900 jilliansworcester.com Dec. 5: Never in Vegas Dec. 6: UFC 181 Dec. 12: The Shakers Dec. 13: TBA Dec. 19: Tequila Bonfire Dec. 20: Flock of Assholes Dec. 26: Hit the Bus JJ’s Sports Bar and Grill 380 Southwest Cutoff, Northborough 508-842-8420 jbag.biz Dec. 5: The Usual Suspects Dec. 6: No Alibi Dec. 12, 13: The SGS Project and Killer Queen.Killer Queen Dec. 13: 9Teen Dec. 20: Tribute This (GnR/Billy Idol tribute)

Continued on Page 23

Happy Happy Holidays Holidays From From It’s the most wonderful time of the year! and we have everything you need!

Fine Gift Fine Wine Wine Gift Sets Sets Gift Cigars Gift Baskets Baskets Cigars Craft Spirits Craft Beer Beer Spirits Special Requests Welcome!

facebook.com/massliquors twitter.com/massliquors instagram.com/massliquors plus.google.com/+MassLiquorsWorcester Dec. 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 19

Pulse Shots Photos by Justin Perry Canalloween ~ Worcester

The Banner ~ Worcester

Bocado ~ Worcester

Greyhound ~ Worcester

Michael’s Cigar Bar ~ Worcester

Rivalry’s ~ Worcester

Union Tavern ~ Worcester

Loft 266 ~ Worcester

22 THEPULSEMAG.COM | Dec. 2014

Continued from Page 18 Dec. 27: Flock of Assholes LaScala Restaurant 183 Shrewsbury St, Worc.

508-753-9912 lascalashrewsburystreet.com The Lazy Dog 31 Main St., Marlborough 508-229-2264 doggonelazy.com Leitrim’s Pub 265 Park Ave., Worc.

508-798-2447 leitrimspub.com Loft 266 Bar & Lounge 266 Park Ave., Worc.

508-796-5177 loft266.com Tuesdays: Karaoke London Billiards / Club Oasis 70 James St., Worc.

508-799-7655 londonbilliards.com Lucky Dog Music Hall 89 Green St., Worc.

508-363-1888 luckydogmusic.com Sundays: Road Rash and Hot Trash After Party Mondays: Road Rash and Hot Trash Karaoke with magician Paul Harter Dec. 3: The monthly Mr Smarta** Theatre Dec. 4: DJ Kool Chriss presents #hometeam Dec. 5: Oh Hey Bear, Deep Six, Weld Square Dec. 6: Looks That Kill calendar heavy metal release party with Till Our Collapse, End Time Illusion, Voices Of The Dead and Carved in Stone Dec. 7: A Very Vinyl Siding Christmas Dec. 10: Free punk show and game night Dec. 11: The Sort Of Late Show featuring Shaun Connolly and the Over-Qualifiied Band, Dj Kool Chriss,Tone Capone.

Dec. 12: Men Of Steel All Male Revue Dec. 13: Santapalooza Toys for Tots benefit with Six To Midnite, The Housetones, The Curtis Mayflower, Eric French, Amanda Mc Carthy Dec. 20: Counter Attack (Led Zeppelin tribute), Far From Eden Mahoney’s Pub 413 Park Ave., Worc.

508-277-1073 facebook.com/mahoneyspub.ma Marty’s Pub 225 Cantebury St., Worc.

508-754-0033 martyspub.com MB Lounge 40 Grafton St., Worc.

508-799-4521 mblounge.com McNally’s Grille & Pub 88 Sargent Road, Westminster 978-874-1444 mcnallysgrille.com Dec. 12: Sean Fullerton Michael’s Cigar Bar 1 Exchange Place, Worc.

508-459-9035 michaelscigar.com Sundays: Blue Light Bandits Dec. 3: Blue Light Bandits Duo Dec. 4: Dave B & The Hot Shots Dec. 5: The Rusty Mikes Dec. 6: Russo Brothers Jazz Quintet Dec. 10: Blue Light Bandits Duo Dec. 11: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Dec. 12: The Mystic River Band

Dec. 13: Hit the Bus Dec. 17: Brett Brumby Dec. 18: Ricky Duran Dec. 19: Andy Cummings Swing-a-billy Lounge Dec. 20: My Better Half Dec. 26: Rugged Road Band Dec. 31: Blue Light Bandits Mickey O’Neil’s 377 Park Ave., Worc.

Mickey Sheas 324 Electric Ave., Lunenburg 978-342-5825 The Mill 185 W. Boylston St., W. Boylston 774-261-8585 themill185.com Wednesdays: Karaoke Dec. 4: Heather Marie Dec. 5: Scott Babineau Dec. 6: Kelly and Friends Dec. 12: Jay Graham Dec. 13: James Keyes Dec. 18: Chad Clements Dec. 19: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Dec. 20: Joe Macey Dec. 26: Andy Cummings Dec. 27: Belit, Bill McCarthy Mill Street Brews (@ The Artist Development Complex) 18 Mill St., Southbridge 508-764-6900 millstreetbrews.com Moynihan’s Pub 897 Main St., Worc.

Nick’s Bar and Restaurant 124 Millbury St., Worc.

508-753-4030 myspace.com/NicksWorcester Fridays: Thank Friday It’s Dr. Nat The Nines Neighborhood Bar 136 Millbury St., Worc.

508-340-0318 Olde Post Office Pub 1 Ray St., N. Grafton 508-839-6106 Wednesdays: Stump Trivia Dec. 4: Mike Tarara Dec. 5: SNG Dec. 6: Belit Dec. 11: Blue House Between Dec. 12: Josh Briggs Dec. 13: Brogue Dec. 18: Joe Macey Dec. 19: Ray Bryant Dec. 20: The Dots Dec. 26: The Hootchies Dec. 27: Three of a Kind Dec. 31: New Years Eve with Big Chief On The Rocks Sports Bar & Grill 96 Lakefront Ave., Lunenburg 978-342-6692 Dec. 12: The City Boys with Johnny Romance & The Captain Paisanos Pizza & Spirits 450 Lancaster St., Leominster 978-534-7117 The Palladium 261 Main St., Worc.

508-797-9696 thepalladium.net Pampas Churrascaria Restaurant 145 E. Central St., Worc.

508-757-1070 pampas-restaurant.com Partner’s Pub 970 South St., Fitchburg 978-345-5051 partnerspub.com Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays:

Dec. 20: A Fine Connection Dec. 26: L&M Rhythm Kings Dec. 27: Brian & Captain Dec. 28: Jon Short

Karaoke Dec. 6: Cory Bazillion Dec. 20: Dazed Till Dawn Patsie Dugan’s 49 Millbury St., Worc.

508-755-4155 patsiedugans.com Perfect Game Sports Grill and Lounge 64 Water St., Worc.

508-792-4263 perfectgameworcester.com Mondays: Ladies’ Night Tuesdays: Team Trivia Wednesday: Karaoke with DJ Sirch-One Thursdays: DJ Cuz’N Kev Fridays: DJ One-3 Saturdays: DJ Reckless Pho Dakao 593 Park Ave., Worc.

508-756-7555 Press Box 536 Lincoln St., Worc.

508-856-9255 facebook.com/pages/The-PressBox/181242711941126 Primetime Pub 5 Summer St., Lunenburg 978-400-7727 facebook.com/ PRIMETIMEPUBOFLUNENBURG Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner 148 Grove St., Worc.

508-753-9543 ralphsrockdiner.com Sundays: Sunday Night Cinemageddon Mondays: Dirty Gerund Poetry & Variety Show Tuesdays: C.U. Next Tuesday with DJ Poke Smot and special guests Dec 3: Ralph’s Diner’s (Should Be) Hidden Talent Show!

Dec 4: Metal Thursday Dec 5: Epicenter, The River Neva, Burns From Within, Tunderforge!

Dec 6: Unite the Clans III with Necronomichrist, Barishi, Lore, Barren Oak, Sonic Pulse, The Jovian Moons The Raven 258 Pleasant St., Worc.

508-304-8133 facebook.com/people/RavenWorcester/100001022046717 Rivalry’s Sports Bar 274 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

774-243-1100 rivalrysworcester.com Dec. 5: Time Machine Dec. 6: Babe Pino Band Dec. 12: Norm Tonelli & Friends Dec. 13: Chet Williamson Dec. 19: Drunken Uncles Dec. 20: Beach Party with Tom Revane Dec. 26: Take Two Dec. 27: Mike Lynch Trio Rumors 371 Park Ave., Worc.

508-755-5542 clubuniverseworcester.com Rye & Thyme 14 Monument Square, Leominster 978-534-5900 ryeandthyme.com Dec. 4: Jon Short Dec. 5: L&M Rhythm Kings Dec. 6: Scott Babineau Dec. 7: Brunch with Zach Slik Dec. 11: Dan Cormier Dec. 12: Andy Cummings Dec. 13: Brian & Captain Dec. 14: Santa Brunch Dec. 18: Cara Brindisi Dec. 19: Zack Slik

Sakura Tokyo 640 Park Ave., Worc.

508-792-1078, 508-792-1068 sakura-tokyo.com Dec. 5, 6: Doctor Robert Dec. 19: Windfall Classic Rock Dec. 20: Windfall Classic Rock Jan. 2: Windfall Classic Rock The Saloon 715 W. Boylston St., Worc.

508-852-6900 saloonworcester.com Thursdays: Sean Ryan Dec. 4: Pete Towler Dec. 6: Living on a Bad Name Dec. 13: Children of Mayhem Dec. 20: T Bone Blues Dec. 27: Bill McCarthy Scorz 58 Shrewsbury St., Worc. facebook.com/pages/Scorz-SportsBar/216216528569258 Sean Patrick’s Family Restaurant 494 Electric Ave., Lunenburg 888-824-3924, 978-345-2000 seanpatricksrestaurant.com South Side Grille & Margarita Factory 242 W. Broadway, Gardner 978-632-1057 southsidemargaritafactory.com Dec. 5: Sean Fullerton Speakers Night Club 19 Weed St., Marlborough 508-480-8222 speakersnightclub.net Fridays: Karaoke Spruce Street Tavern 68 Spruce St., Clinton 978-368-1255 SpruceStreetTavern.com Sunset Tiki Bar 79 Powers Road, Westford 978-692-5700 skinashoba.com/summer Three G’s Sports Bar 152 Millbury St., Worc.

508-754-3516 3gs-sportsbar.com Saturdays: Open Mic with Old’school Band Tweed’s 231 Grove St., Worc.

508-755-8047 tweedspub.com Union Tavern 65 Green St., Worc. facebook.com/TheUnionTavernWorcester Sundays, Tuesdays: Karaoke Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays: DJs, live music Victory Bar & Cigar 56 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

508-756-4747 victorycigarbar.com Vincent’s Bar 49 Suffolk St., Worc.

508-752-9439 facebook.com/vincentsbar Sundays: Big Jon Short Tuesdays: Jon Bonner and Boogie Chillin’ William’s Restaurant & Tavern 184 Pearson Blvd., Gardner 978-632-7794 williamsrestaurantandtavern.com Dec. 5: The City Boys with Johnny Romance & The Captain Dec. 26: Sean Fullerton

Dec. 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 23

LIFESTYLE

This holiday season, gift local

By Jennifer Russo

What do you get for that person who has everything, especially if you don’t want to pick up a cookie-cutter bottle of wine or an impersonal gift card?

Check out what local artists have to offer! Gifts for everyone on your list can be found a stone’s throw away if you know where to look, and you’ll be helping the local community thrive, too.

For the Would-Be Interior Designer We all have that relative or friend who loves to decorate. Why not pick up something completely one-of-a-kind? Elaine DeCaro creates beautiful hand-painted abstract furniture that will be the showpiece of your receiver’s home for years to come. Fun, funky and colorful, these items are a piece of art all in themselves but are still functional. Check them out at designedbylainie.com.

For the New Mom Have a friend or family member who is expecting or has a recent addition to the family? Check out etsy.com/shop/handsalted for a variety of some of the cutest baby accessories I have ever seen! There are even holistic, non-toxic teething rings.

For the Zombie Apocalypse Survivor With zombies being all the rage, I am sure we all have that undead fan on our list somewhere. Whether it be artwork, hair accessories, jewelry or clothing you’re after, check out etsy.com/shop/ZombieRomance for a fun twist on everyone’s favorite braindevouring monster.

For the Tree Hugger For true nature lovers who believe in sustainability and the fine balance between life and death and all things self-connecting, check out Seed to Stem. This small gift shop at 174 Shrewsbury St. boasts gorgeous plants and art, as well as antiques and specimens to get in touch with Mother Earth herself. Check out seedtostembotanicals.com.

For the Scent-Sational For those friends on your list who love soaps, lotions and perfumes, check out the greener, handcrafted versions. Karen Steuer makes a variety of amazing natural soaps that have scents made from berries, citrus, vanilla, lavender and even Guinness!

She has soaps tailored for men and women, has a Soap of the Month Club and even donates soap to local shelters. Check out her offerings at hemlockspringssoaps.com.

For the Sweet Tooth Cupcakes are an art unto themselves. Sure, they are edible, but they are downright beautiful, and there are some culinary artists who just stand above the rest. One of these is The Queen’s Cups.

Millbury native Renee King takes her love for dessert and shares it with the world at thequeenscups.com, where she creates cupcakes for all occasions.

For the Pet Lover That person on your list that has three cats, animals with first and last names or gets little outfits for the dog and carries him in a bag … yeah, that person. Or the one who just really looks at her animal companion as a member of the family. For these people, consider pet portraits, pet accessories or treats as a great gift! Check out bullenbeisser.org as a great one-stop shop for dog collars, bowties and flower accessories for the pet-centric. You can pick up natural gourmet treats from Kathleen Becker at emmettsedibles.com, and for pet portraiture, check out Brian and April Frye’s awesome portfolio at punkarooskyphotography.com.

For the Bearded Wonder Have a man in your life that didn’t shave in “Movember” and decided this was the look for him? Gotcha covered. Meghan Whynot creates a line of beard oils and balms called American Gentleman, and it has everything that guy needs to keep his chin mane in line. Scents include Octoberfest, Pumpkin Lager and Whiskey by the Fire. Go to etsy.com/shop/ americangentlemanMA.

Whoever you are buying for, remember that local artists and small businesses need some love, too! Support Central Massachusetts by giving local shops and artists your business and make someone smile when they open a one-of-a-kind gift carefully chosen by you.

24 THEPULSEMAG.COM | Dec. 2014

pulseTECH:

Holiday apps make your to-do list simple

By Sean M. Haley

Shopmium This app allows users to purchase products at reduced prices (sometimes even for free!) by providing cash back on their purchases. Shoppers scan their receipts and product barcodes after they leave the store. The Shopmium team reviews the purchase and deposits money back into the customer’s account.

BuyVia At a store and unsure if the price on the shelf is the lowest out there? Use the UPC barcode scanner on BuyVia to get an answer right there. Used mostly for tech gifts, BuyVia simplifies product descriptions and gives gift recommendations.

Goodzer Trying to find that special gift but not sure who has it in stock?

Goodzer’s free app is like having a personal shopper in your pocket. If you’ve got your eye on a certain product, just punch it into the app (the database contains info on more than 2 billion items), and it’ll spit out a list of nearby stores that carry it. You’ll get the price, availability and directions to the shop, as well.

Spendometer The best way to ensure you don’t overspend over the holidays is to stick to a budget. The Spendometer app allows you to set a budget, log your spending and view your spending reports. It also shows how much of your budget has been spent so far in a given week or month, making sure everyone’s taken care of without any pesky overdraft fees.

A Charlie Brown Christmas Storybook App Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Woodstock and the rest of the gang are more than just characters from a beloved comic strip; they’re an indelible part of American culture. This year, enjoy the same story you love in electronic format, brought to you by Verso Story Engine.

Along with narration by Peter Robbins (the original voice of Charlie Brown), you can also enjoy the app’s interactive features. Play Schroeder’s piano, decorate Charlie Brown’s tree or touch and drag objects to make them come to life. loudcrow.com/a-charlie-brown-christmas, $4.99.

Dec. 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 25

Be crafty - make your own holiday gifts!

By Jennifer Russo

If money is tight this year or you just like the idea of making a gift for someone, there are limitless possibilities.

With craft stores having everything you need to get your hands dirty, so to speak, there are tons of options to create a one-of-a-kind gift for that special someone in your life. We have ideas for all skill levels!

Scrapbook This is for the person who means the world to you and with whom you have a special relationship that includes tons of memories, photos and inside jokes.

Grab a scrapbook at your local store, a bunch of relevant stickers and letters, photos, some pretty printed paper, scissors and glue and go nuts! If you don’t want to get messy, try doing this digitally and ordering it, but make sure you do it early enough to get it in the mail. I personally like Picaboo.com.

Picture Frames Glam up a picture frame and add a special picture that will make the person smile. You can get a plain wood frame and glue on some buttons, ribbon, jigsaw puzzle pieces, seashells, beads … anything goes. For the person who loves vintage things, find an old ornate frame or mirror and spray it pewter or antique gold.

Sweet Treats There are so many things you could do here. Get some chocolate melts, melt them in a double boiler and use candy molds, or dip in pretzel rods, brownies or cookies. Add some sprinkles, nuts or use another color chocolate to add some design. Companies make millions doing this, but it’s pretty easy to do yourself! You can also make a bunch of different cookies and put them in a pretty gift box. One of my favorites is the hot chocolate gift. I do this for coworkers. Get some pretty mugs, add hot chocolate mix to a cellophane bag and top with mini marshmallows. Tie with a pretty ribbon and put it in the mug with a candy cane or a nip of Amaretto or Bailey’s.

Candles It is really easy to make scented jar candles. You can find everything you need (complete kits, even) at the craft store.

26 THEPULSEMAG.COM | Dec. 2014

Bath Salts This is another really easy homemade project. Get some pretty jars that seal tightly ~ the ones with the clips on the side are best. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of sea salt, 1 cup of Epsom salts, a couple drops of scented essential oil and a drop or two of food coloring. Mix well and then seal salts in the jar. Label and tie a bow around it.

Clothing and Accessories As much as I wish I could knit or crochet, I am not gifted in that area. However, I love when people give me scarves they have made, so if you have the talent, it’s always a welcome gift, especially in the winter. Or make a handbag, belt, bracelet or other jewelry.

Re-purposed items My boyfriend makes fun of me for keeping old things that he calls junk.

Sometimes that “junk” can be re-purposed/upcycled into some really cool gift items. Pinterest has tons of ideas on how to do this, as does Instructables.com.

Gift baskets Honestly, this is the perfect gift for anyone, male or female. Get a basket, put some paper shreds in the bottom and fill it with anything that the receiver would like. You can do a theme, like pasta dinner (spaghetti, a jar of sauce, a spaghetti spoon, some grated cheese and garlic bread sticks), a spa basket (soaps, lotions and loofahs), dog owner basket (biscuits, a new leash, dog toy, bone and dog shampoo), snack attack basket, chocolate lovers basket, car wash kit, etc. Use your imagination. Then, get a cellophane shrink-wrap bag and some ribbon and make it beautiful.

Nothing says holidays like a wacky, tacky gift

By Sean M. Haley Who says holiday gifts have to be serious? This year, surprise everyone on your list with these wacky and tacky gifts.

Beardski Looking for a cool gift? The Beardski is best thing to come out of the Gen X’s’ edgy style.

These warm masks have two functions: to keep you warm when it’s cold outside and to make you look like the coolest person ever for having the confidence to wear it. $34.95$39.95, beardski.com.

Gooey Louie Pick a winner with Gooey Louie. Who “nose” what you’ll find when you dig in. Watch out… if you pick the wrong gooey, Louie’s eyes will pop, he’ll flip his lid, and his brain will fly out. This game provides hours of outrageous fun. $24.99, gooeylouiegame.com.

Festified These bold (and, yes, tacky!) sweaters make everything seem merry and bright.

Offering obnoxious, cheesy and just plain fun sweaters for men, women, kids and dogs, with striped scarves to complete the look, there are even ugly NFL sweaters.

Scarves starting at $12.99, festified.com.

Give Diddly For ages 3-103, Diddly is the game where having less is better, but Diddly is best. On your turn, draw a card to replace a card. Match cards to make them worth Diddly.

Special cards let you peek at your face-down cards, dig through the discard pile, swap your cards or halve the value of a card. $7.99, endlessgames.com.

Doggie Doo Feed and walk your little pup; if he makes a mess, you clean it up. When you squeeze his leash, he makes a gassy sound that gets louder and louder until Doggie does what doggies do. The first to clean up after the dog three times wins. $24.99, doggiedoogame.com.

Dec. 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 27

DINING & ENTERTAINING

Cheers! Wachusett Brewery turns 20

By Rachel Shuster We all know and love the delicious beer that comes from Wachusett Brewery in Westminster.

In December, the brewery is celebrating its 20th anniversary of producing some of the greatest beer around.

Wachusett Brewery was opened in 1994 by founders and Worcester Polytechnic Institute classmates, Peter Quinn, Ned LaFortune and Kevin Buckler. Ever since, the brewery has produced beer with local flavor.

“I am trained in food service and hotel and restaurant management. That brought me to New York City. I lived in Manhattan for seven years, owned my own catering company and did a bunch of other things. I got burnt out and just needed a change of pace,” Morse said.

At the time, Morse and his roommate shared an interest in craft beer and began to get into home brewing. “New York City got to me. [One day] sitting at a bar with my friend, I said ‘I’m done with the city and going to move home and work for a brewery,’” he said.

While Morse had passion, he actually knew nothing about the industry. “I started interviewing with breweries and found Wachusett. They didn’t even have a position for me, but they worked something out,” he said. “Ironically, it was a sales representative position selling beer ... in New York City.”

After a successful year selling in New York City, moving back to Massachusetts and selling in the Cape and Islands, Morse relocated to Central Massachusetts and has been here ever since.

Morse now wears a lot of hats.

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the brewery came up with the 20 Beers for 20 Years event.

“We picked 20 of our longstanding customers and accounts throughout the years and have done a tap takeover, thanking them for support,” said TJ Morse, Wachusett Brewery director of sales and marketing.

Brew City, The Boynton, Horseshoe Pub, Cheers in Boston and The Blueprint are just a few of the establishments where Wachusett has taken over the taps. “During the takeovers, we also had prizes, giveaways and raffle items,” Morse said.

Morse, an Ashland native, has been with the brewery for eight years, but his passion for brewing wasn’t always something he thought to make into a career.

28 THEPULSEMAG.COM | Dec. 2014

“I help manage and market package design; social media; sell to a wholesalers; supervise wholesaler relationships; represent the brewery at events, tastings, fundraisers and beer festivals; oversee the brewery’s inventory and production; work with brewers to make sure we have enough ingredients ... it’s a full-circle job,” Morse said.

As for the future, Morse is excited about the willingness of the craft beer community to explore new and unique products. “The craft beer-drinking community is adventurous and out to try new things. We have the capabilities of being more adventurous, which is something we plan on doing with limited-release beers,” Morse said.

The brewery has also come out with a canning line.

“We purchased our canning line about a year ago.

It’s actually better for the beer and the environment.

We will be releasing a series of seasonal 12 mixedpack cans. These packs offer better sampling opportunities so people can experience different varieties,” Morse said.

While the core of the brewery remains the everpopular beers like Wachusett Blueberry Ale and IPA, Morse and his team have developed exciting new beers. “Some of our newer beers have been received really well ~ the Larry Imperial IPA, Strawberry White and the sleeper in the bunch, the Light IPA. Ours is the world’s first-ever light IPA, and people love it,” Morse said.

While it’s important to the brewery to evolve as craft beer lovers’ taste buds do, it is just as important to Morse and his team to provide the same great beer that’s been a staple for the past 20 years.

“You always know what you’re going to get when you get a Wachusett. Keeping it consistent is the most difficult. Living organisms, raw material ~ it’s tough. But if it doesn’t make sense for us in a financial or quality sense, we’ll shelf it,” Morse said.

Morse explained that the approach to producing beer in 1994 has remained the same in 2014.

“We didn’t grow too fast or quickly. We built an extremely strong foundation,” Morse said. “When the founders started, they just wanted to make great, local, fresh beer for local customers and didn’t anticipate where it is now. New England is where we are focused and will be for the next five, even 10, years. We still have a tremendous amount of opportunity to grow.”

Visit wachusettbrew.com or the company’s Facebook page for more information and to stay up-to-date on brewery events.

Dec. 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 29

Oli’s offers creative Italian classics

By Bernard Whitmore

Oli’s Italian Eatery 339 W. Boylston Street, West Boylston (508) 854-1500 oliseatery.com It wasn’t until I read up on Oli’s that I realized it was an Oliveri family enterprise.

And then I thought, “Yeah, that figures.”

The Oliveris have been in the hospitality business long enough to have developed a level of professionalism that virtually guarantees quality. And it shows in every way at Oli’s. The eatery is set in a new building, which is next to Gerardo’s Italian Bakery. The two businesses have some level of symbiosis; they’re connected by an open doorway.

More on that later.

Oli’s dining room is bright and airy in a welcoming manner; the back wall is decorated with a mural depicting an olive sprig. Why some of the olives are stuffed with pimentos is an interesting question to ponder. But more important matters were at hand, such as cracking into the menu and making decisions. Kara, our server, was quite knowledgeable of Oli’s cuisine and, delightfully, very high energy.

Italian cuisine ranges from simple and rustic to refined and composed. Many of Oli’s entrees tend toward the more complicated end of the spectrum; here’s a chef unafraid of sauces and flavor layering.

I started with another Oliveri family enterprise, a glass of Wormtown’s Wintah Brown Ale. My immediate reaction was surprise. Most breweries offer seasonal specials that are variations on basic lagers. Wormtown Wintah is a horse of another color entirely. This was dark as coffee and deep in flavor but not as rich as a porter or stout.

Each sip was a smooth pleasure, with flavors hinting of cocoa and roasted nuts.

Oli’s seemed a safe haven from all that, so I decided to try the Chicken Fontina. Two chicken cutlets had been lightly crumb-breaded, sautéed and then layered with thin sheets of prosciutto ham and topped with a thick blanket of Fontina cheese. They were served atop a bed of linguini noodles dressed with a subtle garlic-lemon sauce.

This combination of flavors: delicate Fontina and chicken, tasty prosciutto, lemon and garlic could have clashed.

But in Oli’s capable hands, they found harmony. Kara had enthusiastically recommended this entrée. Lesson? Listen to your server!

My friend’s entrée was one of the evening’s specials, Chicken over Lobster Ravioli. It was quite a composition: Several of those chicken cutlets were smothered in a pink lobster cream sauce and nestled over black-and yellow-striped ravioli. Tangy sun-dried tomatoes, spears of asparagus and roasted red pepper strips were blended into the sauté, each contributing its distinctive color, flavor and texture.

Though I’ve already made note of Oli’s entrée complexity, we started out simple with an appetizer of Arancini. Made with Arborio rice and served steaming hot, they were tender on the inside with a gooey, four-cheese center.

Four of these arancini balls were fried crispy golden brown and served on a platter schmeared with fresh marinara.

The large raviolis were packed with pure lobster meat, making it a dish both huge in size and richness.

These entrees were compositions to be explored, not the kind of affairs to be hurried through. So take time to enjoy Oli’s; it shows inventiveness while keeping true to classic recipes. I’d trust Oli’s with any of the Italian favorites.

Seeing we were finished, Kara attempted to remove our dish. But we wouldn’t let go till we’d sopped up the last dab of marinara with slices of homemade Italian bread.

Chicken is usually my least-preferred entrée protein, especially in off-the-bone formats. I just can’t get that hyper-processed nugget concept out of my mind. But

30 THEPULSEMAG.COM | Dec. 2014

Throughout my meal, I kept looking over my shoulder through the doorway into Gerardo’s Bakery… it was bright and its display cases sparkled with promise. After my meal, I just had to take a look.

Whenever I visit a European city or town, I take particular pleasure in visiting the food markets and, especially, bakeries. The ritual of browsing, discovering local delights and being politely served is a wondrous thing that imprints long-term memories. Gerardo’s has all of this. All I can say is, “Go there; it’s a pastry wonderland.”

Hot Now &

By Paul Giorgio

It’s not funny. It appears that a Japanese steakhouse, Sawa Steak & Sushi, will soon open in Shrewsbury in the spot once occupied by Newbury Comics, which has gone out of business. The restaurant will be next door to the Fidelity Investments office on Route 9.

Sweet Mother. That is the name of Worcester’s first Ghanaian restaurant, which will open in the first week of December on Lincoln Street. The space housed a pizza place for more than 20 years before becoming a Latin restaurant for less than a year. It is opposite the VA clinic if you are looking for a landmark. The Ghanaian population is growing in the city, and this gives us all a new cuisine to try.

Looking for happiness? The Shangri La Restaurant has completed its move from Seven Hills Plaza on

Myrtle Street and recently opened on Worcester’s Front Street. This gives the City Hall area a full-service restaurant. Look for other restaurant openings adjacent to Worcester’s City Hall soon.

Coral Seafood update. The longtime owners of Coral Seafood on Worcester’s Shrewsbury Street will retire after decades in the restaurant business. Teddy and Georgia Voyiatzis will retire shortly. Their son, Jimmy, who managed the place and cooked, will be taking a well-deserved vacation. Coral Seafood started in humble surroundings near Pleasant Street in Worcester as a fish and chip place. Then, it moved to Green Street before opening at its current location a decade ago. Son George, who owns the successful Fish in Marlborough, will take over the space after a short period of construction. The function space will be available during the change and all gift cards will be honored. Watch for a new restaurant to emerge after the first of the year. Ian Nal, who now runs Fish and formerly worked at The Oak Room in New York City, will be the manager. We wish Teddy, Georgia and Jimmy well, and we will miss them as much as we will miss the fried clams and scallops.

Stop wine-ing and have a happy holiday. The American Wine Society’s holiday party will be held from 7-11 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 6, at Shrewsbury Street’s Mac’s Diner.

This has got to be a first for Mac’s, but it may be a look at things to come as owner Chris McMahon puts his stamp on the restaurant that has been in his family for generations. McMahon is the third generation to run the well-known East Side eatery.

New at the Rhino. Since we are talking about Shrewsbury Street, we can report that the Flying Rhino Café has instituted a few changes. In addition to its new fall menu, the Rhino is now doing Sunday brunch and a Sunday evening prime rib dinner. Check it out; Paul and Melinda Barber always do a great job keeping their customers happy.

Happy belated birthday. The Northworks Bar and Grille,106 Grove St., Worcester, turned 35 years old Nov. 13, according to owner Joe Marrone. We would like to congratulate to Marrone and staff.

South County news. The Roadhouse Grille in North Oxford has been sold, and we hear it will become an Asian restaurant. Look for an opening after the first of the year.

News about Pepe’s. Pepe’s on Franklin Street in Worcester is going to start construction on a new restaurant further up Franklin Street near Chioda’s. According to Jon Travalio, one of the owners, they will break ground for the new place sometime in January. Travalio expects construction to take about nine months.

Until that time, the current Pepe’s will remain open. The new place will feature a good-size function room.

Pepe’s relocation may also help Chioda’s, which will remain a separate restaurant.

New at Tower Hill. Twigs Café at Tower Hill Botanical Gardens in Boylston has a new chef. Matt Landry, the former owner of Chloe in Hudson, has taken over the kitchen. Chloe closed its doors at the end of June after a decade-long run.

Dec. 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 31

Holiday Martinis

I love martinis. They are suddenly all the rage, and no wonder, with all the flavored vodkas hitting the shelves these days. They are beautiful, pack a punch and are damned tasty. The possibilities really are endless with these • elegant drinks, and there is nothing quite like hitting up a great holiday party that has a signature cocktail. Why not give yourself a little something for the holidays and try one of these delicious holiday-inspired martinis?

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• Peppermint White Chocolate Martini: One of my favorites, this sweet and minty martini combines vanilla vodka, peppermint schnapps and white chocolate liquor.

Shake and pour into a martini glass decked out with a rim of marshmallow fluff and crushed peppermint candy or • hang a mini candy cane over the side.

Snickerdoodle Martini: This sweet treat is easy to make. Combine Amaretto, Pinnacle Cinnabon vodka and cinnamon liquor in a shaker, strain into the glass and float a snickerdoodle cookie in the center.

Sugar Plum Martini: Shake grape vodka, blue curacao, a splash of tonic water and a drizzle of grenadine with ice • and strain into a martini glass with a sugared rim and a sugared plum slice on the edge. Delish!

Sparkling Snowflake Martini: Shake Malibu rum, Hypnotiq and Cointreau and strain into a glass. Then, add a little bubbly and one ice cube. Leave it simple or garnish • with a slice of star fruit.

Gingerbread Martini: The most notable winter spice makes an awesome drink. I’ve seen several ways to

make this, but here is my favorite: Shake vodka, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Kahlua and gingerbread syrup in a shaker with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pour into a martini glass and garnish with a crushed gingerbread cookie rim and a bit of whipped cream.

Eggnog Martini: I don’t like eggnog at all, but for those of you who swear by this drink around the holidays, here is something to try. Shake up some eggnog with caramel vodka and a dash of chocolate syrup. Strain into a glass and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Cranberry Fizz Martini: Garnish your glass with lime juice and dip into red sugar. Shake vodka, cranberry juice and sweet vermouth and strain into the glass. Add a little champagne and a few cranberries skewered on a toothpick or drop a cranberry into the bottom of the glass.

Biscotti Martini: This is my own version of the coveted Italian cookie … in a glass. Prepare the glass with drizzles of chocolate syrup on the sides, then shake some vanilla vodka, amaretto, Kahlua (or coffee liquor) and milk. Strain into the glass and place a biscotti cookie right over the top for dipping.

Holiday Punch Martini: Who doesn’t love to see a big bowl of punch at a party? It’s almost always yummy.

Shake up some pomegranate juice, orange juice, cranberry juice and Pinnacle Berry vodka and strain into a glass. Garnish with an orange slice.

Sugar Cookie Martini: Shake some vodka, cream, crème de cacao, Irish cream and butterscotch liquor and strain into a glass. Shake some rainbow sprinkles in for an instant sugar cookie. Santa may appreciate one, too.

PulseBREW: Give the gift of beer

By Kerry Cyganiewicz

Everyone has gotten a bottle of wine as a gift at one time or another. A fine bottle of beer can be easily substituted for that person who absolutely will not enjoy a bottle of wine. In the wrong hands, wine will just be re-gifted or used for cooking.

Below are some ideas to help you drift away from the common and into something that will be rcherished.

carbonation that tastes of dark fruit with a hint of clove-like spice. It’s great around the holidays, and like the Arrogant Bastard, the 750 ml. bottle gifts as easily as wine.

Arrogant Bastard Box Set, Stone Brewing Company This is an excellent choice if the recipient is either a craft beer fan or an arrogant bastard. I have written about Arrogant Bastard before and how much I adore it. This is a box set containing that, as well as Bourbon Barrel Aged Arrogant Bastard (just as the name implies, Arrogant Bastard aged in bourbon barrels), Lucky Bastard (a blend of Arrogant Bastard, Oaked Arrogant Bastard and Double Bastard) and Double Bastard (a stronger version of Arrogant Bastard). I said bastard 10 times, now 11. Single bottle option: A bottle of Arrogant Bastard fits nicely into a wine bottle gift box.

Ommegang Gift Pack, Brewery Ommegang This New York brewery puts out a must-have gift pack with its interpretations of Belgian ales. According to the company, “The ales are: Three Philosophers ~ A famed Belgian blend: a dark, malty quadruple ale with a splash of authentic Belgian Kriek (cherry-lambic). A fantastic sipping brew.

Hennepin Saison ~ Rustic golden ale modeled on the brews farmers make in Belgium, with a touch of ginger. Chocolate Indulgence ~ A Belgian-style stout brewed with imported Belgian chocolate. Dark, rich, with subtle chocolate notes ~ dry, not sweet.” It also comes with a sweet branded glass.

Single bottle option: A bottle of Hennepin takes the place of a bottle of wine quite nicely. It is a saison with notes of pepper, grapefruit, ginger and clove. It goes well with a holiday feast

Chimay Gift Pack, Bières de Chimay S.A. I have seen many varieties of this company’s gift boxes.

Some have multiple bottles; some have multiple bottles and a branded glass. I recommend the one with the branded glass, as Belgians are quite picky about having proper glassware for their beers. This is a great choice for wine drinkers, as these authentic Belgian ales have subtle nuances of vanilla, dark fruit and oak-like tannins. Single bottle option: The red bottle is called Chimay Premiere. It is a dubbel with active

Non-alcoholic gifts You cannot go wrong with any of the above choices unless you are in a dry workplace. For those times, I have a few recommendations. Julio’s Liquors in Westborough has a fine selection of glassware, hot sauce, bottle openers, cigars and other assorted things that beer lovers love. Crust Artisan Bakeshop in Worcester has a lovely selection of farmstead cheeses, fresh-baked breads, coffee and assorted sundries that I, personally, would love to see under the tree.

32 THEPULSEMAG.COM | Dec. 2014

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ART & CULTURE

Local calendar features music, models and mayhem

By Sean M. Haley The story takes place in the small town of “Slutton,” where, according to Convery, the gag was the zombies “hump you until you explode, which is how you turn into a zombie, rather than being bitten.”

“It was vulgar,” Convery laughed. “We got kicked off after five episodes.”

This comedic impropriety and shock value has carried over into their current work.

“Ryan and I were into filming, and Shauna was into makeup,” Gutierrez said, noting that it was the perfect combination for what they set out to do.

LeMay, a native of Milford, began her career in freelance hair and makeup before lending her abilities to LTK. However, her role as photographer on the project was just a serendipitous accident.

“I had an image in my head that I wanted, tried to explain it to the photographer, and it was difficult,” Lemay said. Convery added that he suggested that LeMay take a picture to find the angle she wanted and realized, “She can snap a photo!”

LeMay then learned to use Photoshop and did the calendar’s photo editing, as well. Gutierrez said, “The photo manipulation in this year’s calendar was incredible!”

Lemay learned as she went with the horror makeup, as well. “I’m completely selftaught,” she said. “If you have basic essentials and a relative idea of what you want or research basic technique, anything is possible.”

Where the group previously needed to hold casting calls, LeMay said she now has people inquiring about modeling for the calendar. “We already have 12 new models lined up,” LeMay said. “People are interested as far away as Tennessee and California, but we have no way of getting them to shoots unless they want to fly out here.”

Convery also added that each calendar includes a behind-the-scenes DVD. “It’s unique because you get to meet the girls,” he added. “You realize that they’re not just bimbos. They’re funny, and they’re locals. You can see them at the bar.”

Twelve different women walk into a bar, and 12 different murder scenarios play out before your eyes. It may sound like the newest TV crime drama, but it’s actually one of the concepts of the Looks that Kill calendar. This in-your-face, horror-themed calendar combines alternative models with horror movie motifs to create a unique body of work that, as stated on the calendar’s website, “wraps the world of beauty in a blanket of macabre.”

This year, the calendar DVD includes a grotesquely humorous “strip roulette wheel of death” scene inspired by Adult Japan TV Game Show.

LTK is the brain child of Ryan Convery and Ed Gutierrez, of Worcester/Lowellbased Fat Foot Films, and Shauna LeMay, of Pick Your Poison Makeup in Lowell. It is an ongoing project to promote local bands and alternative models, as well as to generate revenue for the group’s various projects. “The film industry is expensive, so we needed a way to raise money,” Convery said.

Gutierrez added that the crew has a very close-knit dynamic when working together. “We fight a lot, but we get through it and we look forward to fighting each other the next year.”

The calendar was originally made to earn money for Fat Foot’s zombie movie Mourning Wood.

The film began life as a short skit Convery and Gutierrez performed together in their younger years on local access TV in their hometown of Sutton. A friend of theirs worked at the station and told them they could get away with airing some of their racier material due to the channel’s low viewership.

34 THEPULSEMAG.COM | Dec. 2014

“Every year, we do something great, but then we have to outdo ourselves,” Gutierrez said, noting that the collaborators’ excitement to do the next project helps them along. “We thrive on that.”

“We butt heads,” Convery added. “We’re trying not to kill each other before we come up with something great.”

For the future, Gutierrez hopes to gain wider distribution for the calendar, including a mall kiosk. “I would love for our calendar to be everywhere, for it to expand,” Gutierrez said.

The 2015 Looks That Kill calendar is available, with DVD, for $14.99. For more information, visit looksthatkillcalendar.com.

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Dec. 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 35

Stun with great holiday hair & makeup

By Jennifer Russo So you’ve figured out what to wear for the usual round of holiday parties and events. Great! Now, it’s time to figure out how to get your hair and makeup to complement that perfectly planned outfit. Of course, you could always wear your hair down and do your makeup the way you do it every day, but why not glam it up a bit for the holidays?

Holiday get-togethers are a great chance to wear your hair a little differently, too. If you have naturally straight hair, try a loose curl with a big-barrel iron on all or some of your hair for an instant flirty feel. If it’s normally curly, stop at your local salon for a blow-out or straighten it yourself. Then, add a little glitter or a glitzy barrette for that holiday shine.

If you have long hair and like the length but don’t want to brush hair out of your face all night, try some spiral curls or waves and twist them into a low ponytail at the base of your neck and fluff the crown out a bit for a romantic look.

Experimenting with some braids is also a great way to keep long or medium hair tame but perfectly pretty. Braid a side section of your hair and use bobby-pins to secure it in whatever arrangement you like or try a woven braid (practice in the weeks before the party). Medium hair can also be glammed up by simply flipping the ends out instead of in.

If your hair is short, you may think that you’re options are limited, but short hair can be holiday ready in more ways than one. Part it differently or brush some hair up towards the front. Add some texturizer.

Our favorite look: A complimentary fabric headband, leaving hair in the front and just used as an accessory. Also, your short hair won’t hide a pair of statement or sparkly earrings, so let those babies add to your look.

Speaking of sparkle, holiday beauty this year is all about sparkly eyes and lips. Get with the glitter, girl!

Thankfully, companies have made this nearly effortless for you with products that provide some bling.

Our top three picks? Bare Escentuals High Shine Eye Color in Patina, L’Oreal Glam Shine Lip Gloss and Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Liner. Focus on making either your eyes or your lips sparkly, not both. Pick your favorite feature and run with it. For a more subtle sparkle, try St. Tropez Skin Illuminator or any of the Victoria’s Secret shimmer lotions on your arms and collar bones.

Cheeks should stray away from those dramatic cheekbone lines and look more natural, like they have been kissed by the cold day. For really fair skin, try Benefit Blush in Dandelion, which is a light peachypink shade. For medium skin, go with a color like Maybelline’s Fit Me Blush in Medium Coral. For my olive skin, I swear by Josie Maran Cream Blush in Sunset, but any peach-hued blush works great. For dark skin, check out MAC Fierce Flush, a gorgeous deep rose shade that should be used sparingly.

Add all these elements to that sparkling personality of yours, and you will be sure to light up the room.

36 THEPULSEMAG.COM | Dec. 2014

The Style List: Different parties, different looks

BEAUTY & STYLE

By Stacia Kindler December is here, and the holiday season is upon us again ~ a whole month packed full of family, friends, parties, dinners and just about as much celebrating as you can handle. But what to wear? In between work, finishing your holiday shopping and shuffling from place to place, it is easy to forget about this small detail. Whether you’re hitting the town with friends or enjoying some needed family time, these easy outfits will rise to the occasion.

Friends Party

A get together at a friend’s house most likely has a laid-back vibe and gives you a chance to be fun and trendy with your holiday garb. Try mixing and matching streetwear fashion (like boyfriend jeans) with embellished tops and heels for a look that’s both comfy and true to your fashion sense.

Office Party

This one can be a little bit tricky, as you want to show off your fashion sense while still keeping a level of modesty in front of your co-workers. If you are going with a dress, balance how much skin you’re showing. For example, find a cocktail dress with chic sleeves or show off those arms in a maxi. Break the mold a bit with a fancy pantsuit or go glam with a jumper and blazer. This will show your co-workers that you can roll with the most fashionable of them while still staying comfortable (and covered).

Holiday Dinner

Usually a family holiday tradition or a chance to catch up with in-laws or old friends, this is your chance to keep it classy. Think traditional without looking like you just came from a job interview. A little bit of bling paired with a modest, yet fashionable, midi skirt will do just that.

New Year’s Eve Bash

New Year’s is a time to reflect on your past year and look forward to making 2015 the best one yet ~ and what better way to celebrate than with a star-studded ensemble? When it comes to NYE, glamour and glitz is not only expected but encouraged, so why not go all out? Pick up something with plenty of sparkle, like a sequined dress or glitter-embellished accessories, and finish off your outfit with show-stopping heels.

Getting from A to B

One holiday detail that gets overlooked is all of the travelling you’ll be doing to all of these engagements. A last minute pit stop always has to be made, so don’t get caught in your pajamas in line at the drug store or (even worse) last night’s outfit.

Make sure you keep your favorite pair of jeans and a nice fitted jacket in your car or in your travel purse this month; you never know when plans might change!

Dec. 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 37

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38 THEPULSEMAG.COM | Dec. 2014