360 December 6 2012 by Skagit Publishing

The majesty of eagles on the Skagit PAGE 3

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday December 6, 2012

Reviews

Tuning Up

‘The Hobbit’

Boxed sets: Beatles, Elvis and more Video Games: “Far Cry 3”

Catch Cheryl Jewell and the Saltwater Quartet on Saturday in Anacortes

First part of “Lord of the Rings” prelude suffers from story bloat

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E2 - Thursday, December 6, 2012

DVD COLLECTIONS “Bond 50: The Complete 22 Film Collection” ($299.99): When it comes to action movies, Bond films leave you shaken and stirred. This set includes all 22 James Bond films from “Dr. No” to “Quantum of Solace.” There’s even a slot for the latest Bond thriller, “Skyfall,” when it is released on DVD next year. Nine of the films — including “Goldeneye,” “A View to a Kill” and “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” — have never been released on Blu-ray. “Doctor Who: Limited Edition Gift Set” ($249.95): You don’t have to own a Tardis to travel through time to buy the complete seasons of the latest incarnations of the long-running science-fiction series. Included are six seasons featuring Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant and Matt Smith as the Doctor. Along with 70 hours of programming, there are three specials, three original art cards, a 11th Doctor Sonic Screwdriver and the comic, “Doctor Who at Comic Con.” “Carol Burnett” ($295.95): The box set of 50 episodes of the long-running variety show has several of Burnett’s favorite skits, including “Went With the Win!,” a parody of “Gone With the Wind.” There are 20 hours of bonus material. “Lawrence of Arabia” ($95.99): This special edition of the David Lean film marks the 50th anniversary. Peter O’Toole and Omar Sharif star in the film that won seven Academy Awards, including a Best Director Oscar for Lean and Best Picture. The director’s cut has been restored from the original negative. “Game of Thrones: The Complete First Season” ($99.97): Fans of the brilliant and brutal HBO series can pick up the entire freshman season in this set that includes a Blu-ray, DVD and digital copy. There’s also a bonus disc that looks at the first episode of season two. It comes in a collector’s box that features the sigils of the four main houses and a dragon egg paperweight. “Tarantino XX: 8-Film Collection” ($119.99): The set includes the Quentin Tarantino-directed movies “Inglorious Basterds,” “Pulp Fiction,” “Kill Bill: Vol. 1,” “Kill Bill: Vol. 2,” “Reservoir Dogs,” “Jackie Brown,” “True Romance” and “Death Proof,” plus the feature “Quentin Tarantino: 20 Years of Filmmaking.” “All in the Family: The Complete Series” ($199.99): This series may seem tame by today’s standards, but when it was broadcast in the early 1970s it was the first show to push the boundaries of language and topics on TV. Creator Nor-

YOUR ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION GUIDE TO WHAT’S GOING ON IN SKAGIT COUNTY AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS

Upcoming movie releases Following is a partial schedule of coming movies on DVD. Release dates are subject to change: THIS WEEK Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry - IFC/ MPI Beasts of the Southern Wild - Fox Butter - Anchor Bay Hope Springs - Sony The Odd Life of Timothy Green - Disney

This Weekend / Page 5

DEC. 11 The Bourne Legacy - Universal Ice Age: Continental Drift - Fox Ted - Universal DEC. 18 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days - Fox Pitch Perfect - Universal 10 Years - Anchor Bay Trouble With the Curve - Warner DEC. 21 Arbitrage - Lionsgate Premium Rush - Sony Resident Evil: Retribution - Sony DEC. 24 The Words - Sony DEC. 31 Looper - Sony JAN. 1 The Trouble With Bliss - Anchor Bay JAN. 8 Dredd - Lionsgate House at the End of Street - Fox The Inbetweeners Movie - Lionsgate

Two chances to listen to Cantabile of Skagit Valley in concert

Inside Holiday events in the area Pages 12,19

n McClatchy-Tribune News Service

man Lear’s groundbreaking work opened the door for many of the gritty and realistic dramas and comedies on the air today. Included are the original and second “All in the Family” pilots. Also: w “The Fugitive: Most Wanted Edition The Complete Series” ($226.99): w “The Incredible Mel Brooks: An Irresistible Collection of Unhinged Comedy” ($89.93) w “Friends: The Complete Series” ($279.98) w “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Complete Classic Series Collection” ($99.98) w “Desperate Housewives: Complete Collection” ($149.87) w “Entourage: The Complete Series” ($249.99) w “Watchmen” ($74.98) w “JAG: The Complete Series” ($199) w “Mission Impossible: The Complete Television Series” ($359.99)

Recreation....................................... 3 Public Enemy’s Chuck D................ 4 Music CD Reviews.......................... 6 Video Game Reviews...................... 7 Travel............................................8-9 On Stage, Tuning Up................10-11 Hot Tickets.................................... 13 Get Involved.................................. 14 Movie Review: “The Hobbit”....... 16 At the Lincoln Theatre.................. 17 Movie Listings............................... 17 Movie Mini-Reviews..................... 17 Out & About.................................. 18

n Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee Cover photo by Scott Terrell / Skagit Valley Herald

SUBMISSIONS Email features@skagitpublishing.com vrichardson@skagitpublishing. com (recreation items) Phone 360-416-2135 Hand-deliver 1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274 Mailing address P.O. Box 578 Mount Vernon, WA 98273 Online events calendar To list your event on our website, visit goskagit.com and look for the Events Calendar on the home page HAVE A STORY IDEA? w For arts and entertainment, contact Features Editor Craig Parrish at 360-416-2135 or features@skagitpublishing.com w For recreation, contact staff writer Vince Richardson at 360-416-2181 or vrichardson@ skagitpublishing.com TO ADVERTISE 360-424-3251

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 6, 2012 - E3

RECREATION

Skagit River Interpretive Center offers plenty for eagle devotees Center will ask for donations to offset costs

If you go For more details on the day-to-day activities offered at the Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center during the season, visit www.skagiteagle.org or call 360-853-7283.

By VINCE RICHARDSON Staff Writer

ROCKPORT — It’s that time of year again, when the Skagit River is inundated with salmon returning to spawn — and that means the return of bald eagles. And as the iconic bird of prey stalks the waters and shorelines of the river in search of food, flocks of individuals make the pilgrimage upriver in order to view our nation’s symbol in its natural habitat. No trek in search of the bald eagles would be complete without a stop at the Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center. The Bald Eagle Awareness Team has once again opened the center’s doors to share its vast knowledge about eagles with visitors. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every weekend in December, as well as the week of Dec. 27-Jan. 1. “For the first time, we are going to be asking for donations, above and beyond those for the refreshments we offer,” said team member Deanna Ray Ensley. “We will have an actual donation station. We just really want to regain some of the operating costs. “We really want to keep the interpretive center going. It’s for the tourists and it helps local businesses, but we are facing funding problems. We are going to take one more stab at it. But this may be it.”

An eagle is spotted with a long-range camera lens near the Skagit River. Photos submitted by Kelly Regan

The center has been housed for the past six years in the transformed park ranger residence at Howard Miller Steelhead Park. The center offers watershed stewardship education and general information for Eastern Skagit County bald eagle enthusiasts, as well as wintering visitors. “We get lots of visitors,” Ensley said. “Especially as the holidays come along. We even stay open extra hours. In January, we can get hundreds of visitors per day.” It’s not uncommon for the center to host some 3,000 visitors during its short season. “It’s the safest and best place to get eagle information,” Ensley said. “It’s a place where visitors can learn where the best places are to see the eagles in a safe manner. Plus, they can go on walks and listen to a specialist.” A lack of funds has already meant the end of the popular Friday School Group presentations; however, the center will still have guest speakers (usually on Saturdays), nature walks, area watershed and festival souvenirs, eagle-viewing information and equipment and educational displays. “We’ve always had more visitors than we can handle, but never enough funds,” Ensley said. “So it’s kind of ironic because we’ve never really worried about the financing. Now we do.”

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E4 - Thursday, December 6, 2012

MUSIC By CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER (Minneapolis) Star Tribune

MINNEAPOLIS — More than any other act, they gave hiphop its social conscience — the Bob Dylans of the rap world, if you will. They also had a big hand in rock fans taking rap music seriously. And they scared a lot of people. When you remember all those facets of Chuck D and Public Enemy, it’s no surprise that the pioneering New York rap troupe found no place for themselves in today’s corporate-run, fluff-catering, mind-numbing mainstream hip-hop industry. It might come as a surprise, though, that these giants of rap looked to little old Minneapolis for some guidance on how to reinvent themselves. “Honestly, Rhymesayers was one of the two main outfits we looked at in figuring out how to move forward,” Chuck D said, with no prompting, about Minnesota’s independent hip-hop miniempire. “They set up a real good prototype for the rest of us and showed us how to do it.” That was just one of the things Chuck D discussed in a phone interview the day after Thanksgiving to promote the Hip-Hop Gods Tour. An all-star revue of sorts featuring Public Enemy and eight other rap acts that date back to the ’80s — including Monie Love, the X-Clan and Schoolly D — Hip-Hop Gods is an extension of HipHopGods.Rapstation. com, one of several new websites that Chuck is involved in to give veteran hip-hop artists a platform to create and promote new music. Another of those sites, the distribution aggregator SpitDigital.com, is how PE released two new albums over the past four months. These new-era platforms seem ironically timed to the other big news about Public Enemy: Chuck and his cronies are on the ballot for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 25 years after the release of their debut album “Yo! Bum Rush the Show.” Even more than N.W.A. (also on the ballot), they seem like a

Public Enemy’s Chuck-D (right) and Flavor Flav perform at the South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas March 16, 2007 / AP

“

I just don’t believe that any of these cats believe in what they’re spitting about anymore.” CHUCK D

PUBLIC ENEMY’S CHUCK D STILL PULLS NO PUNCHES shoo-in to be the fourth rap act to hit the hall, after Run-DMC, Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five and the Beastie Boys, who were inducted by Chuck himself at last year’s ceremony. The rapper pointed to some of the hall’s biggest names for what he said is “racist treatment of our legacies by the music industry.” “I think it’s time for classic hip-hop to start getting treated more like classic rock,” said the real-life Carlton Ridenhour, now 52. “There are too many radio stations to count still playing the Beatles and the Stones and Led Zeppelin, but there aren’t any still playing Run-DMC and LL Cool J and Public Enemy.” Pointing to the parent companies of BET, MTV and many FM stations, he added, “We clearly can’t rely on Clear Channel and Viacom — who have way too much power over the modern rap world — to keep our legacies relevant, or to lend any support to new music we are creating. “I think we’re as classic as Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,” he concluded with a laugh. (Coincidentally, he

stars with Abdul-Jabbar in a new episode of the Sundance Channel’s “Iconoclast” series.) Most hip-hop fans would agree with Chuck’s assessment of Public Enemy, which he created with high-wire sidekick Flavor Flav while they were attending Adelphi University on Long Island in New York. After joining RunDMC and the Beasties on Rick Rubin’s fledgling Def Jam label to release “Yo! Bum Rush the Show,” the group quickly put out two more incendiary and revered albums, “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back” and “Fear of a Black Planet.” Controversy came hand in hand with success. With its militaristic stage shows (guns included), radical politics and blunt deliveries, PE struck a combative stance epitomized in its anthem “Fight the Power” — a song that played a pivotal role in “Do the Right Thing,” Spike Lee’s Oscarnominated 1989 drama about the racial divide. “None of it was ever contrived in any way, or done just for the sake of stirring up controversy and getting attention,” Chuck

recalled. With a slight laugh, he added, “You gotta remember: In the Reagan and first Bush era, any black person who raised their voice was considered controversial. So it really wasn’t hard to get that kind of attention.” He addressed one specific controversy circa 1989, when one of the group’s three DJ/producers, Professor Griff, was accused of making anti-Semitic statements while discussing turmoil in the Middle East. Griff is the only original member still active in PE’s Bomb Squad production crew. “Griff didn’t say anything antiSemitic,” Chuck insisted. “The real controversy there was: ‘Why is this black man talking about something as intellectually challenging as Israel and Palestine? Go back to talking about the less consequential things rappers and DJs are supposed to talk about.’” Of course, Chuck believes that popular hip-hop has gone back to being inconsequential: “I just don’t believe that any of these cats believe in what they’re spitting about anymore.” Which led him to Minneapolis again. He is a fan of Rhyme-

sayers co-founder Slug’s work in Atmosphere (“just a true original”) and he heaped praise on another of the label’s stars, Brother Ali. “Now there’s a guy you can tell believes in what he’s saying 150 percent,” he said of Ali, who got Chuck to guest on his “Us” album and repaid the favor by appearing on one of the new PE records. “He has a voice like Ray Charles. It’s authentic, and you know it when you hear it. It’s full of conviction and passion.” Those qualities still define Public Enemy, too, as heard on both of the new albums, “Most of My Heroes Still Don’t Appear on No Stamps” and “The Evil Empire of Everything.” Chuck’s and Flavor’s distinctive rapping styles are unchanged, but the themes reflect current issues, and the production has gotten a reboot. You’d be surprised how much sonic punch these records deliver. They’re the group’s first fulllength releases in five years. During that time Flavor Flav became a reality-TV series star, a fried-chicken restaurant owner and something of a punch line — none of which caught Chuck by surprise. “He has always been somebody to look at and wonder,” he said with a laugh. “We’ve been through so much over the years, none of that had any effect on our relationship.” Just the thought of Public Enemy remaining an active group reflects something missing in today’s hip-hop, he said. “That’s one thing that has spoiled rap as an art form, I think, is everybody only doing it by themselves and for themselves,” he said. “You can’t replace the chemistry that comes from being in a group. “One-on-one, there are a lot of other rappers who are better than me. When I’m with my group, though, no one can touch me.”

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 6, 2012 - E5

THIS WEEKENDin the area

Cantabile of Skagit Valley in concert

“On a Cold Winter’s Night”: Cantabile of Skagit Valley will celebrate the holiday season with “On a Cold Winter’s Night” during two area performances: Friday, Dec. 7: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Christian Church, 1211 M Ave., Anacortes. Saturday, Dec. 8: 7:30 p.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 415 S. 18th St., Mount Vernon. Admission by donation. www.cantabileofskagitvalley.org.

S-W HOLIDAY HOME TOUR The 20th anniversary tour will

FISH HATCHERY TOURS Skagit Fisheries Enhancement

JAZZ AT THE LIBRARY The Paul Sorenson Trio will perform

take place from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, starting from the Sedro-Woolley Museum, 725 Murdock St. Participating homes will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. Enjoy historic homes decorated for the holidays, Christmas music and more. Pick up a walking tour guidebook at the museum. Bring a flashlight. $5. Advance tickets available at OliverHammer or at the museum. 360-855-0203.

Group will offer free guided tours of the Marblemount Fish Hatchery facility from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 8-Jan. 27, at 8319 Fish Hatchery Road, Marblemount. Learn about the enhancement group, hatchery operations, salmon and their life cycle and other visitors to the area, such as bald eagles. Tours start inside the visitors center. The hatchery is open daily for self-guided tours. 360-336-0172, ext. 304, or education@skagitfisheries.org.

from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at the Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Enjoy jazz and swing tunes with Paul Sorenson on piano, Clive Collins on bass and Grant Ball on drums. Free. 360-293-1910, ext. 21, or library.cityofanacortes.org.

E6 - Thursday, December 6, 2012

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REVIEWS MUSIC CDS The Philadelphia Inquirer

Boxed CD sets cater to obsessives, and there’s always more in the vaults. This year, there are a number of sets in which a single classic album has been padded with extras to fill a box, including the Michael Jackson “Bad” set reviewed here, as well as sets dedicated to “The Velvet Underground & Nico” and The Beach Boys’ “Smile.” The concomitant trend is to compile absolutely everything an artist recorded for a label in one foreboding package. The 63-CD Johnny Cash set and 22-pound Beatles vinyl box lead that list, but there are also exhaustive new reissues dedicated to Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and jazz guitar pioneer Charlie Christian, not to mention a career-spanning 10-CD set dedicated to the King of the Blues called “Ladies and Gentlemen … B.B. King.” The Beatles, “Stereo Vinyl Box Set”: Returning to the Beatles catalog is one of the great pop music pleasures. This release of all the remastered albums on 180gram LPs — the original 12 British albums, the U.S.-only “Magical Mystery Tour” and two “Past Masters” rarities sets — is the latest excuse for EMI to take the Fab Four back to the bank, and for aficionados to reconsider what their favorite Beatles album is. (This week, I’m leaning toward “Help!”) The remastered pressings sound great and a 300-page color book is included. The mixes are in stereo. If you demand mono, you’ll have to wait: That box comes next year. (14 LPs, $399) Dan DeLuca Elvis Presley, “Prince From Another Planet”: This three-disc set documents

DVD, 1 Blu-ray, and 1 LP, 63-CD set presents the music $71.99; or one DVD, $22.99) that defines Johnny Cash’s Dan DeLuca monumental legacy, and you can’t help but be awed by Heart, “Strange Euphothe breadth and power of his what were — hard to believe ria”: Seattle’s Wilson sisters work. A hitmaker not afraid — the King’s only concert started their alluringly to go against the grain, lover performances in New York melodic metal act with the of the old (the Carter FamCity. And Elvis, who had yet notion of creating a female ily) and champion of the new to begin his sad fade, was Led Zeppelin, with Nancy’s (Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferreally on for these crisp 1972 glass-shattering howls replac- son), electric live performer, shows at Madison Square ing Zep’s chest-thumping songwriter, gospel singer, Garden: He rocks with machismo. From their 1976 folklorist — Cash is always conviction and soars majesdebut to this box’s finale true to himself. The albums tically on the ballads. The (Zep covers, an Amazon are packaged in reproducDVD includes grainy, 8mm exclusive) they’ve stayed tions of their original covers, fan-shot footage that shows that course, electrically and so you see liner notes such the superstar in all his blueacoustically (save for their as these (from Cash’s superb jumpsuited glory. (2 CDs, 1 hair rawk/ power ballad ’80s) 1971 “Man in Black”): “I’m DVD, $26.15) with guts and grace. (3 CDs/1 always changing, always will Nick Cristiano DVD, $49.98; exclusive Ama- be changing. … I’m still being zon.com edition has 4 CDs/1 born. You haven’t seen the Michael Jackson, “Bad DVD, $34.99) complete me yet.” (63 CDs, 25th Anniversary Deluxe A.D. Amorosi $255.99) Edition”: Revisionist critics Nick Cristiano argue that the 1987 album “Surf-Age Nuggets: Trash “Bad” — not the 1979 break& Twang Instrumentals, “Work Hard, Play Hard, through “Off the Wall” or 1959-1966”: This is a Pray Hard: Hard Time, Good 1982 juggernaut “Thriller” delightful box of instrumen- Time & End Time Music, — is the best of Michael tals by mostly obscure — 1923-1936”: The majority Jackson’s Quincy Jones-prothough Dick Dale does turn of this breathtaking old-time duced solo masterworks. I’m up — crazy-about-reverb country music is all the more not buying it, but from the surf-rock bands of the ’60s, precious because folklorist wickedly swinging “The Way with names like the Fugitives, Nathan Salsburg literally resYou Make Me Feel” to the Countdowns and Newport cued it from the trash heap time-tested “Man in the MirNomads. Chris Isaak and after the death of Louisville, ror,” “Bad” is very good. This Tom Petty guitarist Mike Ky., 78 collector Don Wahle. package grows into a box Campbell pen the liner notes. The compilation gathers with an outtakes disc note“This music is thrilling to rural string band and sacred worthy for the funk workout play,” the latter writes. To lis- music makers in songs like “Song Groove (A/K/A Aborten to, too. (4 CDs, $58.99) Alfred G. Karnes’ dream tion Papers)” and the comDan DeLuca of heavenly escape “Where bative “The Price Of Fame,” are crucial tracks like We’ll Never Grow Old.” (3 plus a concert disc and DVD. Junior Murvin’s “Police and Bill Withers, “The ComCDs, $32.98, 3 LPs, $45.98) (3 CDs, 1 DVD, $34.99) plete Sussex and Columbia Dan DeLuca Thieves” alongside obscuriDan DeLuca ties like Pluto Shervington’s Albums”: It’s a Bill Withers world — the folk-soul singer The Brecker Brothers “Ram Goat Liver.” (4 CDs, “Reggae Golden Jubilee: $59.98) was the subject of the 2009 “The Complete Arista Origins of Jamaican Music”: Albums Collection”: TrumDan DeLuca documentary “Still Bill,” Before Edward Seaga was and his influence is apparpeter Randy and tenor prime minister of Jamaica in ent on rising genre-blenders saxophonist Michael Brecker The Rolling Stones, the 1980s, he owned a record “Charlie is my Darling”: like Michael Kiwanuka and were elite New York session company. Seaga, now 82, players who formed their Never mind “Crossfire Hur- Lianne La Havas. This set, spent his retirement compil- ricane,” the career-spanning with liner notes by Michael own band of like-minded ing this 100-song set, timed compadres, mixing jazz and HBO documentary. “Charlie Eric Dyson, gathers the to the 50th anniversary of funk. This set represents their is my Darling” is the archival “Lean On Me” and “Ain’t Jamaican independence. No Sunshine” singer’s best complete works from 1975Stones find of the season. Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff work from the ’70s. (9 CDs, 82, including six CDs under Unavailable for decades, and Burning Spear show up, Peter Whitehead’s film cap$74.98) their own names and two but the set’s real value is in Dan DeLuca live nights at the Montreux tures Mick and the boys on how Seaga pieces together Jazz Festival. The collection a two-date tour of Ireland in a cultural history as styles Johnny Cash, “The Comstarts off high with 1975’s 1965. The box includes a live changed from ska to rock plete Columbia Album Col“The Brecker Bros.” and CD and LP from the band steady to dancehall. Included at its primal best. (2 CDs, 1 lection”: This mammoth drifts downward, with disco

elements and collaborators who don’t quite fit. Yet the daring remained, with amazing solos, experiments with electronically altered horns, and a keenness for funk. By the final CDs, they’ve come full circle, back to being sidemen, albeit leading ones. (8 CDs, $69.98) Karl Stark Preservation Hall Jazz Band, “50th Anniversary Collection”: Preservation Hall — New Orleans’ traditional jazz venue — was started by the late Allan Jaffe, a Pottsville, Pa., native who leveraged a Wharton degree to create a permanent home for classic Crescent City music. Now run by his son Ben, Preservation Hall sits atop arguably the most important vein of popular American music extant. There is no way not to be charmed by these cuts, recorded between 1962 and 2010, and plucked from the vaults of Atlantic Records, CBS Records, Sony and the hall’s label. There’s humor and pathos and enough energy to blow back a hurricane. (4 CDs, $59.98) Karl Stark Charles Mingus, “The Jazz Workshop Concerts 196465”: Long before the current DIY craze in music, bassist and composer Charles Mingus was recording his own music, intending to put it out himself. Now, to honor what would have been his 90th year, his wife Sue has done just that, releasing seven discs from 1964-65, covering 13 months of live concerts at New York’s Town Hall along with venues in Minneapolis, Amsterdam and Monterey, Calif. The recordings catch Mingus just after Eric Dolphy died and as great works like “Fables of Faubus” were coming into focus. The ambition is outsized, the energy undeniable. (7 CDs, $119, mosaicrecords.com) Karl Stark

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 6, 2012 - E7

REVIEWS VIDEO GAMES Chris Campbell, Scripps Howard News Service

‘Far Cry 3’

Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC Genre: Shooter Publisher: Ubisoft ESRB Rating: M, for Mature Grade: 4.5 stars (out of 5) There is a lot to chew on in “Far Cry 3,” and, luckily, it’s mostly meat and no gristle: Luscious scenery, a uniquely twisted and enjoyable main villain, and enough side missions and activities to take up a couple of days’ worth of gaming time. This fullfeature, first-person shooter brims with excellent content from start to finish. These sandbox games, where everything is thrown at you as you chart your own adventure while occasionally dipping into the main campaign just to keep the narrative churning along, are fabulous showcases of creativity and technical execution. You play as Jason Brody, as he and a group of friends on vacation get scooped up into a war among pirates, drug runners and tribal factions. While survival and rescuing your friends remain your primary focus, “Far Cry 3” features a rich and expansive open world. No, really, it’s huge. Thank goodness for fast-travel locations, because the islands are littered with side missions and activities ranging from shootouts with gangs to hunting rare animals. The main villain, Vaas, rarely disappoints in his quasi-insanity. Some multiplayer modes exist, and though they may initially appear shallow, start playing Firestorm or messing around with the multiplayer map editor and you’ll discover that more treasures await.

‘The Walking Dead: Episode 5 – No Time Left’

Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC Genre: Adventure Publisher: Telltale Games ESRB Rating: M, for Mature Grade: 3.5 stars “Walking Dead” fans expecting a thrilling shootout a la the TV show’s midseason finale at the O.K. Woodbury will discover disappointment in this final chapter of the video-game series. After the first three episodes full of tension, deep character development and compelling stories, the final two episodes (and this last episode even more so) get the “dud” label. That you can finish the final episode in around an hour speaks to the game losing steam after a strong start. That hour or so of game time doesn’t drag. You have less room to roam and interact as the story and undead hem you into a tighter environment. The conclusion of this episode and the fate of Lee (whom you’ve been guiding along through every episode) and Clementine doesn’t lack for heart-wrenching drama, and everything sets up perfectly for a second season of this game. Yet “The Walking Dead” video-game series introduced gamers to not only a well-crafted franchise, but also took video games to new places with a unique distribution model and gameplay style. Episode 5 doesn’t close as strongly as episodes 1-3 opened, but those who stuck with the franchise this long would be fools not to see how it ends.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E8 - Thursday, December 6, 2012

TRAVEL

Phoenix: More than sun in the desert exhaustive trails at the base. You may also get a warm-up having to park a little farPHOENIX — With cactus ther away. The free lot fills and strip malls obstructing up quickly. the views at times, visitors City officials are tentacould easily write Phoenix tively scheduled to begin off as a place where water improvements to traffic and culture are scarce. congestion in early 2013. But this metropolis — Considered one of the best which includes upscale hiking cities, Phoenix has Scottsdale and college town several other peaks that Tempe — is a nature lover’s don’t cost a cent to climb: oasis with pristine peaks and http://phoenix.gov/parks/ the vast Sonoran desert. trails/index.html. As for the urban landFIRST FRIDAY ART WALK scape, it’s more than just Downtown Phoenix takes golf courses crowded with retirees. In central Phoenix, on another life come night fall the first Friday of each which predates Arizona’s 100 years of statehood, you month. This walk started out can find historic homes and in 1994 with galleries and other venues staying open classic bungalows, includlater to showcase local arting one designed by masists. ter architect Frank Lloyd But First Friday has snowWright. Brightly colored balled into a people-watchmurals around town show ing phenomenon. Art aficiohow much the Hispanic nados, skater-boys, and teens community has influenced looking like they just came the city. from Comic-Con deluge Now that the summer Roosevelt Street in the Roomonths have given way to sevelt Row neighborhood. milder temperatures and Artists selling anything from snowbirds are finding their T-shirts to Day of the Dead way here to escape colder figurines are stationed along climates, here are five free the sidewalks. ways to heat things up in It’s also worth venturing Phoenix: onto streets off Roosevelt. You’ll find numerous old CAMELBACK homes converted into busiMOUNTAIN HIKE One of the most popular nesses. The locals frequent views is from the top of this this area for the bars, latenight munchies and Roosred, sandstone landmark evelt Growhouse, a boutique situated between Phoenix and community garden that and Scottsdale. Trekking to the top, which extends 2,704 also houses a beehive. feet above sea level isn’t for TEMPE TOWN LAKE the faint of heart. This 2.5-mile man-made Fortunately, there are less By TERRY TANG Associated Press

Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau via AP

Camelback Mountain, located between Phoenix and Scottsdale, Ariz., provides one of the area’s most popular views from the top of the red, sandstone landmark, which rises 2,704 feet above sea level. man Arizona.

RIO SALADO AUDUBON CENTER

Forget about city life just a couple miles south of downtown at this hidden nature center. The Rio Salado Audubon Center is nestled in a 600-acre preserve along the Salt River. The park is home to at least 200 species of birds and other wildlife including coyotes and jackrabbits. Take a walk or bicycle ride along Ross D. Franklin / AP the 16 miles of riding trails. Indoors, there are interacThe Growhouse, a boutique and community garden, tive and photo displays to is a popular attraction in the Roosevelt Row peruse. Parents looking to neighborhood in Phoenix. amuse their children can choose from numerous free lake that provides flood and even dragon-boat raccontrol for Tempe is also a ing on the water. The lake is activities after school and on weekends. haven for cycling, jogging also the site of free special You can also toast Mother and other activities. Feel free events, from July Fourth Nature at a monthly Birds to skate or stroll the 12-foot fireworks to the Fantasy of ‘n Beer talk (lecture and paths that lie on either side Lights Boat Parade every of the lake. December. Typically, there’s snacks are free, beer from a local brewery is offered On any given day, you can no fee to watch annual spot people kayaking, sailing sporting events such as Iron- at a reduced rate). Closed

Mondays, http://riosalado. audubon.org.

HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOODS TOUR

In 1996, a coalition of city residents led by Gerry and Marge McCue sought to dispel the myth that downtown Phoenix wasn’t safe and had no decent housing. Their grassroots effort culminated in a handy guide to 34 historic neighborhoods. You won’t find any cookie-cutter rows on these treelined streets. Each one is a showcase of past architectural trends. The styles range from Tudor to American Colonial and craftsman. Make sure any selfguided tour includes a stop at Encanto Park. Home of the Phoenix’s first public pool and golf course, the lush 222-acre park is a historic landmark. Paddle-boat across the lagoon or take the kids on the carousel.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 6, 2012 - E9

TRAVEL Local travel

A couple jogs along Tempe Town Lake in Tempe, Ariz. Matt York / AP

With an estimated 80,000 printed over the years, the free maps have become staples in some hotels and antique stores. You can also get a copy by calling the McCues, who say they will leave it on their porch for pick-up. If the couple happens to be home when you retrieve it, you may also get free

advice about how to make the most of your visit (602253-5579). Frank Lloyd Wright fans should go to east Phoenix to gaze upon the home Wright built for his son at 5212 E. Exeter Blvd., which sparked a recent controversy when it was bought by a developer who announced plans to tear

it down. Constructed in the 1950s, the home has a circular spiral layout modeled after the Guggenheim Museum in New York. The property remains in preservation limbo as the city council considers granting it landmark designation, which would delay demolition for up to three years.

December 7 • Ladies Night Out: Hellams Vineyard 6-9pm December 8 • Small Shop Saturday: Surprise Packages • Story Time & Cookie Decorating w/ Mrs. Claus: Historical Museum 1-3pm • Christmas Boat Parade: 6 pm December 9 • Season of Giving: Beneﬁtting Boys & Girls Club • Small Town Holiday Music: Maple Hall 2pm

SHORT TRIPS: Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation offers travel opportunities SCENIC TREASURES OF THE SOUTHfor participants ages 12 and older (adult WEST: Vistas and Details of the Sandstone supervision required for ages 18 and Canyon Country”: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. younger). For information or to register, call 12, Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., 360-336-6215. Anacortes. Photographer and adventurer Lance “Seadog” Ekhart will share photos ESCORTED TOURS: The Whatcom County and narrative focusing on the natural beauty Tour Program offers a variety of day trips of lesser-known areas of Utah, Arizona, New and longer tours, with most trips departing Mexico and Nevada, including Goblin Valley, from and returning to the Bellingham Senior Valley of the Gods, Little Finland and the Activity Center, 315 Halleck St., Bellingham. Bisti Badlands. Free. 360-293-1910, ext. For information or to register: 360-73321, or library.cityofanacortes.org. 4030, press #, ext. 47015, or wccoa.org/ index.php/tours. “EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDED: An Anacortes Family’s Caribbean Sailing Adven STANWOOD SENIOR CENTER TRIPS: The ture”: 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, Anacortes Stanwood Senior Center offers occasional Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. trips around the Puget Sound area and Jeff and Kris Gleckler will share their beyond, departing from and returning to the adventure with their three children as crew center, 7430 276th St. NW, Stanwood. For aboard the 46-foot Morgan sloop “Tradiinformation or reservations, contact Sandy tion.” What began as an 18-month sabbati- Kitchens at 360-629-7403. cal cruise to the Caribbean turned into a 3 Next up: 1/2-year family voyage in the tropics. Free. LeMay, America’s Car Museum: Saturday, Dec. 15. Enjoy a luxury coach ride to Taco360-293-1910, ext. 21, or library.cityof ma and check out the four-story museum’s anacortes.org. collection of more than 3,500 vintage, classic and historically important cars, SENIOR CENTER TRIPS: Skagit County trucks and motorcycles. Santa and Mrs. senior centers offer short escorted trips departing from and returning to local senior Claus will pose for photos with their 1906 centers. For information, call the Anacortes Cadillac. $35, transportation only. Museum Senior Center at 360-293-7473 or sign up admission will be $10 and lunch is on your own. at your local senior center.

E10 Thursday, December 6, 2012

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area December 6-13 Thursday.6 THEATER

“The Pajama Game”: musical comedy, 7:30 p.m., Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham. $8-$12. 360-7331811 or www.bellinghamtheatreguild. com. “FrUiTCaKeS”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whid beyplayhouse.com. “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M St., Anacortes. $20. 360-2936829. “Back Home on the Tumblin’ D”: 6 p.m., dinner theater at The Lights of Christmas Baylight Theatre, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. Starting at $39 per person. 800-228-6274 or www.warm beachlights.com.

Friday.7 BALLET

“The Nutcracker”: Skagit Valley Academy of Dance, 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $20-$37. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or www.mcintyrehall.org.

MUSIC

“On a Cold Winter’s Night”: Cantabile of Skagit Valley, 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Christian Church, 1211 M Ave., Anacortes. Donations accepted at the door. 360-588-9392.

THEATER

“The Pajama Game”: musical comedy, 7:30 p.m., Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham. $8-$12. 360-7331811 or www.bellinghamtheatreguild. com. “Murder at Club Babalu”: an “I Love Lucy” murder mystery parody, 7:30 p.m., RiverBelle Theatre, Old Town Grainery, 100 E. Montgomery, Mount Vernon. $40 dinner and show; $30 dessert buffet and show, $20 show only. Reservations required: 360-336-3012 or www.river belledinnertheatre.com. “FrUiTCaKeS”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whid beyplayhouse.com. “Miracle on 34th Street”: 7:30 p.m., Burlington-Edison High School, 301 N. Burlington Blvd. $7 adults, $5 students. 360-757-4074.

Thursday, December 6, 2012 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

TUNING UP Playing at area venues December 6-13

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M St., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829.

SATURDAY.8

FRIDAY.7

CHERYL JEWELL AND THE SALTWATER QUARTET 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. No cover. 360-588-1720.

RJ KNAPP AND HONEY ROBIN 9 p.m. to midnight, Cyndy’s Broiler, 27021 102nd Ave NW, Stanwood. 360-629-4800 or www.cyndys broiler.com.

“Back Home on the Tumblin’ D”: 6 p.m., dinner theater at The Lights of Christmas Baylight Theatre, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. Starting at $39 per person. 800-228-6274 or www.warm beachlights.com.

Saturday.8 BALLET

“The Nutcracker”: Skagit Valley Academy of Dance, 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $20-$37. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or www.mcintyrehall.org.

MUSIC

“On a Cold Winter’s Night”: Cantabile of Skagit Valley, 7:30 p.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 415 S. 18th St., Mount Vernon. Donations accepted at the door. 360-588-9392.

THEATER

The Met Live in HD presents “Un Ballo In Maschera”: 9:55 a.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $23 adults, $19 seniors, $16 students. $2 off for Lincoln members. 360-336-8955.

THURSDAYSUNDAY.6-9

Sunday.9 BALLET

“Murder at Club Babalu”: an “I Love Lucy” murder mystery parody, 7:30 p.m., RiverBelle Theatre, Old Town Grainery, 100 E. Montgomery, Mount Vernon. $40 dinner and show; $30 dessert buffet and show, $20 show only. Reservations required: 360-336-3012 or www.river belledinnertheatre.com.

MUSIC

“Miracle on 34th Street”: 7:30 p.m., Burlington-Edison High School, 301 N. Burlington Blvd. $7 adults, $5 students. 360-757-4074. “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M St., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829. “Back Home on the Tumblin’ D”: 6 p.m., dinner theater at The Lights of Christmas Baylight Theatre, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. Starting at $39 per person. 800-228-6274 or www.warm beachlights.com.

Wayne Hayton: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. 360-445-3000.

“THE PAJAMA GAME” Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham. $8-$12. 360-733-1811 or www.bellingham theatreguild.com. Check individual listings for times.

“The Pajama Game”: musical comedy, 7:30 p.m., Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H. St., Bellingham. $8-$12. 360-733-1811 or www.bellinghamtheatreguild.com.

“FrUiTCaKeS”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.

THURSDAY.6

“The Nutcracker”: Skagit Valley Academy of Dance, 2 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $20-$37. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or www.mcintyrehall.org. “On a Cold Winter’s Night”: Cantabile of Skagit Valley, 7 p.m., Anacortes Christian Church, 1211 M Ave., Anacortes. Donations accepted at the door. 360-5889392. Chanukah Concert: What the Chelm!, 2 p.m., Whatcom Museum Old City Hall, 121 Prospect St., Bellingham. $3 suggested donation, free for museum members. 360-778-8963 or www.whatcommuseum. org.

THEATER

“The Pajama Game”: musical comedy, 2 p.m., Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham. $8-$12. 360-733-1811 or www.bellinghamtheatreguild.com. “FrUiTCaKeS”: 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whid beyplayhouse.com.

FRIDAY.7

“Miracle on 34th Street”: 2 p.m., Burlington-Edison High School, 301 N. Burlington Blvd. $7 adults, $5 students. 360-757-4074. “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 2 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M St., Anacortes. $20. 360-2936829. “Back Home on the Tumblin’ D”: 4 p.m., dessert matinee at The Lights of Christmas Baylight Theatre, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. Starting at $24 per person. 800-228-6274 or www.warm beachlights.com.

Monday-Wednesday.10-12 No events submitted

RJ Knapp and Honey Robin (rock, blues): 9 p.m. to midnight, Cyndy’s Broiler, 27021 102nd Ave NW, Stanwood. 360-629-4800 or www.cyndysbroil er.com.

Steve Meyer and Ben Starner (piano): 7:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360-766-6266.

Joe Sneva & The Sweet Dominiques (surf, reggae, folk): 9 p.m., Varsity Inn, 112 N. Cherry St., Burlington. No cover. 360-7550165.

Real Folk: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. 360-445-3000.

Latigo Lace (contemporary country): 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover. 877275-2448 or www. theskagit.com.

Wovenhand, 1939 Ensemble, Baltic Cousins: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $10. 360-778-1067.

Gin Creek: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

Chris Eger Band (R&B): 9 p.m., Big Rock Café & Grocery, 14779 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-4247872.

Miles Harris & Triple Threat: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-4226411.

SATURDAY.8 Classic Roads (rock/ country): 9 p.m. to midnight, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. No cover. 360-6294800. Sardines: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766-6266.

Thursday.13

Greta Matassa, Jovon Miller (jazz vocals, dance): 3 to 6 p.m., Sudden Valley Dance Barn, Gate 2, 8 Barnview Court, Bellingham. $20. 360671-1709, 360-306-1800 or www.suddenvalleylibrary.org.

Latigo Lace (contemporary country): 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover. 877-275-2448 or www.the skagit.com.

Pearl Django (gypsy jazz): 8 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $20. 360-445-3000.

Helms Alee, Kowloon Walled City, The Narrows, Cower: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $8. 360-778-1067.

Ford Giesbrecht (American standards, Brazilian Jazz): 7:30 p.m., Washington Sips, 608 S. First St., La Conner. 360-399-1037 or www.wash ingtonsips.com. Cheryl Jewell and the Saltwater Quartet: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. No cover. 360-5881720.

JB Quartet: 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-7553956. Lane Fernando and Mark Pickerel: 9:30 p.m., Brown Lantern Ale House, 412 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Ages 21 and older. 360-2932544.

Marcia Kester (country, rock, blues, pop): 7 to 11 p.m., Anacortes Eagles Hall, 901 Seventh St., Anacortes. Call 360-757-9687 for guest sign-in. Miles Harris & Triple Threat: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-422-6411.

THEATER

“FrUiTCaKeS”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whid beyplayhouse.com. “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M St., Anacortes. $20. 360-2936829.

SUNDAY.9 Puirt na Gael (traditional Celtic instrumentals): 3 to 6 p.m., Skagit River Brewery, 404 S. Third St., Mount Vernon. 360-336-2884.

WEDNESDAY.12 Bow Diddlers: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360-766-6266.

Gary B’s Church of the Blues (blues, classic rock): 6 to 10 p.m., Castle Tavern, 708 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley. 360855-2263.

Rich Rorex, Terry Nelson & Friends: 4 to 8 p.m., The Station House, 315 Morris St., La Conner. No cover. 360-4664488.

Stilly River Band: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

THURSDAY.13 Skagit Valley College Jazz Band: 7 to 9 p.m., Skagit River Brewery, 404 S. Third St., Mount Vernon. 360-336-2884.

Barney McClure: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.