HUMBLE ORIGINS OF THE SEASON’S UGLIEST ACCESSORY
DECEMBER 8-DECEMBER 22, 2016
SKATE & DESTROY
THE DERBY DEVILS ARE ON A ROLL
2002
WE KNOW HOW MANY TESTS AND QUIZZES YOU TAKE, BUT WE THINK THIS ONE WILL BE YOUR FAVORITE. HERE IS A QUICK QUIZ ON SOMETHING POPULAR OR IMPORTANT WE THINK YOU NEED TO KNOW.
What are sanctuary campuses?
A. U.S. universities that embrace policies to protect undocumented students as a response to Donald Trump’s future immigration strategies
B. A handful of c olleges around the country campaigning to create on-campus sanctuaries for gorillas like Harambe, the Western lowland gorilla who was shot earlier this year at the Cincinnati Zoo
C. College campus es designated to grow and develop Arizona agave in a protected area as a conservation effort for the rare species, which only had 100 documented plants in 1984.
Answer: A. Universities such as Yale, Stanford and Rutgers have joined the effort to push their schools to protect student immigrants, whose education may be threatened by President-elect Trump’s plan to deport undocumented citizens. Students at these universities have brought attention to their cause through protests, petitions, walkouts, sit-ins and by using the trending Twitter hashtag #sanctuarycampus.
? POP QUIZ
NUMBERS
On Dec. 22, 2015, USPS delivered 28.2 million packages, the most parcels the service has ever delivered in one day.
The first Kwanzaa celebration was held in 1966.
The largest menorah in the world is 32 feet high and weighs 4,000 pounds.
Christmas didn’t become an official federal holiday until 1870. It was illegal to celebrate Christmas in Boston from 1659 to 1681.
The first Major League Dreidel tournament was held in New York City in 2007
Nearly 15,000 Americans visit the emergency room for decorating-related accidents every holiday season.
Disneyland featured just 18 attractions when it opened in 1955.
PUBLISHER
Steve T. Strickbine
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Roberta J. Peterson EDITOR
Madison Rutherford
DESIGNERS
Jay Banbury, Christy Byerly, Veronica Martinez, Veronica Thurman
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Carson Mlnarik
CIRCULATION DIRECTOR
Aaron Kolo dny
STREET TEAM MANAGER
Mackenzie Miller
DISTRIBUTION FIELD MANAGER
Mark “Cowb oy” Lucero
ASSOCIATE ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER
Nadine Whitehead
STUDENT LIFE
A11 THINGS YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT...
GIVING BACK FOR THE HOLIDAYS
midst snagging those Black Friday sales, Cyber Monday deals, and buying everything in Target’s Christmas dollar section, it’s easy to forget that this is the season of giving. The holidays can bring families and friends together, but some people aren’t as fortunate. Instead of spending winter break filling up on holiday-themed Oreos, think about what you can do for others. Consider these 11 ways to give back for inspiration.
CARSON MLNARIK • COLLEGE TIMES
11
PUT YOUR PACK WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS
Feed My Starving Children puts its volunteers to work— hand-packing rice, soy, dried vegetables and nutritional vitamins into bags that are sealed, boxed and shipped out. The pallets of healthy meals are given to needy children across the world. Signing up is as simple as visiting its website, picking a two-hour shift and showing up! Mesa is home to one of the organization’s permanent packing locations. fmsc.org
10 LIKE A SAINT
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is one of the biggest volunteer organizations in Arizona. Among clothing and feeding the homeless, helping victims of domestic abuse and healing the injured, there’s a volunteer opportunity that will cater to your schedule and interests. Volunteering is a piece of cake — visit their website and click on “Volunteer Now.” stvincentdepaul.net
9 CARDS FOR ALL
The holidays are delightful for most kids, but patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital might not get that experience. The hospital makes it easy to send your well-wishes and brighten a child’s day with its online Create-a-Card app. Select a card featuring hand-drawn ornament art by a patient, write your message, sign your name and hit send. Voila! Your holiday greeting is off and making a child smile already. bit.ly/2gbDGTV
8 KEEPING COMPANY
Winter break brings friends home from colleges all across the country. You have lots to catch up on but why not make a new friend in the process? Retirement homes house senior citizens who don’t have any nearby family. Most homes offer visiting hours or volunteer opportunities at holiday brunches and parties. Do some research on an elderly community nearby and have lunch with a new friend. You never know the kinds of stories they could tell. Search online for a nearby community.
one more stop at the mall? The Salvation Army hosts Christmas trees in most malls with “angels” to pluck off. You select an angel and are given a child in need to purchase a present for. Give a child an exciting gift to wake up to and give yourself an excuse to shop in the toy section again.
Visit your local mall or select online at salvationarmy.christmas/phoenix/
6
RE-PSYCHED-LING
Don’t forget to recycle wrapping paper and cookie wrappers alike. Instead of throwing away that tree or all that wrapping paper, consider the green option. Phoenix hosts a Christmas Tree Recycling program for trees and wreaths. Visit participating parks from Dec. 26 to Jan. 3 to recycle your tree for free. Live trees may be planted at Phoenix parks. bit.ly/2fXSQt5
teering. The Phoenix chapter offers regular and single-day volunteering opportunities. rmhcphoenix.com
4
THAT’S A WRAP
If you’re looking to help quickly, or you just suck at wrapping gifts, consider visiting a gift wrap station at your local mall or grocery store. The pros take care of the paper, taping and cutting for a small donation to a local charity. Look out for various causes-to-benefit at different locations. Search online or visit your local mall.
5
MICKEY D'S
7
SHOP TIL YOU DROP
Yes, you have gifts to buy for Uncle Phil or your best friend’s dog, but why not make
The Ronald McDonald House gives struggling families a place to live, relax and unwind. Holidays are hectic for everyone,but you can help ease a family’s mind by volun -
3
DOGGONE IT
Nothing’s better than snuggling with hot chocolate, a blanket and a pooch. The Arizona Humane Society is always looking for foster homes or volunteers to help with adoptions, retail, thrift and socialization. Volunteers must attend an orientation and commit at least eight hours a month, but when your job involves playing with puppies? We think you can handle it. azhumane. org
2
WARM UP
With temperatures dropping, there’s an urgent need for winter jackets and blankets at local homeless shelters. Drop off that old throw or last year’s hoodies and help keep someone warm this holiday season. Search online for donation hours or stop by the André House in Phoenix. andrehouse.org
1 JUST SAY YES
Opportunities to give back are all around you: donating extra change at the grocery store check out, in the drop box at the gas station or at a nearby carwash. Try saying “yes” every now and then and you’ll realize how easy it is to give back. Do it. CT
GTFO!
CITYSKATE ICE RINK
Every holiday movie includes a requisite ice-skating scene. In Arizona, you can’t hit the ice on grandpa’s pond but you can still get your Ice Princess moves on. CitySkate, Phoenix’s outdoor ice rink, features lights, a center holiday tree, visits from Santa and a skate clinic with the Arizona Coyotes. The ice rink has quickly become a Phoenix tradition; opt for this year’s express line ticket for quick access onto the ice.
CityScape, 1 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, phxicerink. com, times vary, all December through Sunday, January 8, $10-$25.
ZOOLIGHTS
Your Instagram and Facebook feeds are filled with couples on ZooLights dates. See what the fuss is all about at the Phoenix Zoo’s signature holiday event. ZooLights hosts a variety of attractions after the animals go to sleep, including millions of lights, animal decorations,
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND CATCH THESE 10 EVENTS OR YOU’LL BE FEELING SOME SERIOUS F.O.M.O.
lakeside music-in-motion shows and Jengo, the talking giraffe. Bundle up with a date and some hot cocoa or if you’re single, hit the camel rides. Phoenix Zoo, 45 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, phoenixzoo.org, 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., all of December through Sunday, January 8, $10.95-$19.95.
CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS SHOW
Celebration of Christmas is Arizona’s largest Christmas show. The annual feature is a Broadway-style musical theater spectacle with a live orchestra, special effects, flying angels and aerial artists. Sing along to holiday classics and religious arrangements as the show culminates in a live nativity and zoo animal display.
Dream City Church, 13613 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, celebrationofchristmas.org, times vary, Thursday, December 8 to Sunday, December 11 and Wednesday, December 14 to Tuesday, December 20, $7-$26.
CITY LIGHTS MOVIE NIGHTS: HOME
ALONE
2 AND ELF
Falling behind on that holiday movie marathon you were planning? Get two out of the way with CityScape’s double feature holiday movie night. Bring your own chairs, snag some grub from nearby restaurants like Potbelly or Grabbagreen and camp out under the stairs with friends and fellow Phoenicians. Bonus points if you remember Buddy the Elf’s dialogue, line-for-line. CityScape, 1 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, cityscapephoenix.com, 6:30 p.m., Friday, December 9, free.
EASTON CORBIN
If you’re counting down the days until Country Thunder,
you can whet your appetite at Easton Corbin’s free and intimate concert. Trade in your winter Uggs for cowboy boots as you sing along to hits like “A Little More Country Than That”, “Roll With It” and “Baby Be My Love Song.”
Harrah’s Ak-Chin, 15406 N. Maricopa Road, Maricopa, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin, 7 p.m., Friday, December 9, free.
BOB SAGET
Everyone’s second dad, Danny Tanner from “Full House,” has a bit of a dark side when it comes to comedy. While he’s known for sitcoms and “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” Bob Saget has been performing offbeat stand up for more than 30 years. The author of a book called “Dirty Daddy,” will hit the stage again, fresh off this year’s “Fuller House” Netflix reboot.
Stand Up Live at CityScape, 50 W. Jefferson Street #200, Phoenix, standuplive.com, times vary, Friday, December 9 to Saturday, December 10, $32.
UGLY SWEATER BAR CRAWL
Deck the bars with boughs of holly! The Handlebar Tempe hosts Mill Avenue’s very own ugly sweater bar crawl. Holiday music will be blasting all night long as participants travel through bars like El Hefe and Gringo Star Street Bar. Your ticket gets you an ugly
sweater koozie, drink specials and a map. Opt for the VIP ticket and receive your very own certified Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl sweater.
The Handlebar Tempe, 680 S. Mill Avenue #109, Tempe, bit. ly/2eZfpzI, 5 p.m., Saturday, December 10, $15-$17.
ALT AZ UGLY SWEATER HOLIDAY PARTY
ALT AZ’s annual alt-rock holiday show always puts the “rock” in “Jingle Bell Rock.”
This year’s show features Band of Horses, The Head and the Heart and Kings of Leon. While the latter may be known for hits like “Use Somebody” and “Sex on Fire,” our bet is your body will be on fire in the mosh pit with that wool sweater.
Mesa Amphitheatre, 263 N. Center Street, Mesa, mesaamp. com, 6 p.m., Monday, Decem -
ber 12, $63-$68.
DIE HARD SCREENING
“Die Hard” might not be the first movie you think of when you think “December,” but the Bruce Willis classic has become the quirky pick in most holiday film collections. The Scottsdale School of Film+Theatre hosts screenwriter Jeb Stuart at Harkins Camelview for a special Q&A after the screening.
Harkins Camelview at Fashion Square, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, bit.ly/2fFnJ4f, 6 p.m., Monday, December 12, $15-$100.
NIKE HOLIDAY LIGHTS RUN
Sole Sports Running Zone hosts its ninth annual holiday lights run, creating a course through some of Tempe’s most festive neighborhoods. Arrive early for a Nike shoe demo with sneakers like the LunarGlide 8, a cookie bake-off and an ugly sweater contest. Hydrate after the 3.3 mile course with some winter ales or eggnog.
Sole Sports Running Zone, 1006 E. Warner Road #104, Tempe, bit.ly/2gASKYc, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday, December 15, free. CT
BOB SAGET
HOLIDAY PARTY
UGLY SWEATER BAR CRAWL
STREET TEAM SNAPS
Come say hi to the College Times Street Team in front of the ASU bookstore to show your Sun Devil spirit and scoop up some swag!
THANKSGIVING AT ASU
ASU Student Media/Off-Campus Housing, in parternership with the Sun Devil Family Association and Rise on Apache, invited students, friends and family to enjoy a free Thanksgiving meal. Canned food donations were accepted for the City of Tempe Food Bank.
STREET TEAM • COLLEGE TIMES
CHRISTY BYERLY • COLLEGE TIMES
Sid enjoyed his Thanksgiving pie.
Containers were provided for leftovers.
ASU Thanksgiving dinner at the Mathews Center.
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DAILY DEALS:
This holiday, save some dough by eating and drinking on the cheap. You need to save up for those Christmas presents somehow. You might have some money left over to treat yourself.
MONDAY
Board & Bottle at Postino
Every Monday and Tuesday, Postino Wine Cafe offers the ultimate wine and dine experience … and by ultimate we mean inexpensive and delicious. Stop by any Valley location to get a board of four types of bruschetta (usually $14.75) and any house bottle of wine for just $20. We recommend the brie and apple with fig spread, warm artichoke and smoked salmon with pesto. Ask your server about the seasonal special, which changes frequently and varies by location. For red wine lovers, pop a bottle of Stagedive pinot noir. If you want something lighter and crisper to pair with your fare, order the Renegade chardonnay. Don’t panic if you don’t finish all that vino; you can opt to cork the bottle and take it home. With a convivial atmosphere, stellar soundtrack and friendly staff to accompany this tasty (and thrifty!) meal, Postino is the quintessential place to kick off your week with class.
Postino Annex, 615 S.
College Avenue, Tempe, 480-927-1111, postinowinecafe.com.
TUESDAY
Taco Tuesdays at Joyride Taco House
Here’s a Tuesday treat that will leave you jumping for joy. (Disclaimer: we recommend jumping before your meal; you’ll probably be so full of Mexican food and margs that you can barely walk out of the restaurant.) Choose from $2 carne asada, carnitas, chicken tinga, pork adobada, veggie or crispy fish tacos on made-to-order tortillas. Signature margaritas are just $5 and include festive flavors such as blood orange, mango-mandarin and prickly pear. The weekly fiesta starts at 2 p.m. and serves up tacos and tequila until 11 p.m. If you want to start the fiesta early, stop by from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for $5
margaritas, beer pitchers, glasses of wine and spiked aguas frescas. We recommend the spicy, yet soothing cucumber-serrano margarita and anything that involves the housemade aioli, referred to as “white magic” on the menu.
Joyride Taco House Central, 5202 N Central Ave, Phoenix, 602-274-8226, Joyride Taco House East, 302 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert,480-632-8226, joyridetacohouse.com.
WEDNESDAY
$20 Build Your Own Wednesdays at Barrio Urbano
We know how hard it can be to ball on a budget, but Barrio Urbano, located at The Yard in Phoenix, offers mid-week munchies that won’t break the bank. Every Wednesday, the modern Mexican eatery allows patrons to take their pick of select beverages and starters for a flat rate of $20. Choose from a bottle of red or white wine, two house margaritas or a pitcher of Mexican draft beer. Snacks include chile verde fries, award-winning table-made guacamole or a quesadilla.
Barrio Urbano, 5632 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, 602287-9000, barriourbanophx. com.
THURSDAY
60 Cent Wings at Steve’s
GET YOUR WINE & DINE ON EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK
Greenhouse Grill
Steve’s boasts “the best burger in Phoenix,” but you can’t beat their buffalo wings, especially when you can pay for them in quarters. Every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., this low-key downtown Phoenix restaurant allows you to chow down on the cheap with wings for 60 cents apiece. Customers must order a minimum of eight wings, but for the regular price of $8 an order, we say it ain’t no thing but a chicken wing.
Steve’s Greenhouse Grill, 139 E. Adams Street, Phoenix, 602-252-2742, stevesgreenhousegrill.com.
FRIDAY
Friday Specials at Zipps Sports Grill
Friday nights are usually slim pickings when it comes to dinner and drink deals, but Zipps Sports Grill provides a way for you to get full, even if your wallet isn’t. Fridays at Zipps mean $5 32-ounce domestic drafts, flavored Zipparitas and premium wines. You can also opt to get tipsy off top-shelf liquor with $5 Ketel, Crown, Milagro, Jack or Tanqueray cocktails. Get your fish fry on with $6 fish tacos, fish n’ chips and fish sandwiches from 8 p.m. to close.
Zipps Sports Grill, 690 S. Mill Avenue #103, Tem-
pe, 480-404-7225, 1515 Bethany Home Road, Phoenix,602-266-1600, zippssportsgrills.com for additional locations.
SATURDAY
Free Pizza at Pullano’s
After a Saturday night out, nothing sounds better than a cheesy slice of ‘za. That’s why from 10 p.m. to midnight, Pullano’s Pizza offers a free slice of pizza with the purchase of any drink. With $3 for domestic bottles and drafts and $2.75 for a 32-ounce soda, Pullano’s is the place to be if you’re thirsty. And it’s not just on Saturday nights -- the mom and pop pizzeria has deals nearly every day of the week.
Pullano’s Pizza, 13848 N. 51st Avenue, Glendale, 602978-1234, pullanos.com.
SUNDAY
Free Breakfast at Jimbo’s
We’ve heard there’s no such thing as a free lunch, but if you buy a drink at Jimbo’s from 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday, you get a free breakfast. Wash down eggs your way, toast, hashbrowns and bacon with a coffee, mimosa, bloody mary or a shot of whiskey -- we won’t judge.
Jimbo’s Bar and Grill, 12224 N. 51st Avenue, 602-298-1500. CT
MADISON RUTHERFORD • COLLEGE TIMES
UGLY SWEATERS:
They’re hosting parties. They’re running 5Ks. They’re taking over the Internet. They’re even taking over your grandma’s closet. Ugly sweaters. Whether you’re trendy, ironic, going to a party or dressing up for a Christmas card picture, you need a patchwork of hideous threads. But where did they come from? Who started this phenomenon?
A long, long time ago in a galaxy far away - The first long sleeved, thick, crew neck is sewn together. Sweaters are invented. Manufacturers are bestowed the simple task of choosing the right colors and patterns for their designs. Will they do what’s right or what’s easy?
1980
The ugly sweater’s cousins across the pond —the Christmas jumper in the UK —rise in popularity after a variety of TV presenters don them on their talk shows. They’re tacky, they’re festive but we accept them.
1984
The Cosby Show with Bill Cosby premieres. Cliff Huxtable, father and ugly sweater extraordinaire,
becomes one of America’s favorite characters. His choice in gross, mismatched patterns does not go unnoticed. The term “Cosby sweater” is coined.
1989
Ugly meets festive, a match made in heaven. Chevy Chase rocks a holiday sweater in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”
2001
People have literally spent the last 10 years pretending these things are funny, yet reasonable items of clothing. Embarrassment and shame are thrown into the mix when Colin Firth wears a reindeer turtleneck in “Bridget Jone’s Diary.” Thanks for ruining it for everyone, Colin Firth!
2002
A group of Canadians throw what they believe to be the first ugly sweater party. The office tradition has carried on ever since.
2006
The future is out, the past is in. Nostalgia makes a resurgence in the current generation. Basement marathons of shows like “The Golden Girls”, “Full House” and “The Cosby Show” ensue. Teens rifle through their parents’
closets, looking to sport some ’80s and ’90s fashion.
2011
The love for the ’80s has spread into holiday wear. Ugly sweaters are back! Times magazine runs a feature on their resurgence as they begin to make appearances in holiday collections for stores like H&M and Macy’s.
2013
Forget scavenging your parents’ closets, Macklemore tells us to pop tags with his song, “Thrift Shop.” Goodwill welcomes wannabe thrifters and begins marketing an “Ugly Sweater”
section in select stores.
2014
A simple Google search will find you 10 websites specializing in ugly sweaters, partnered with NFL brands, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and even Wu-Tang. Looking ugly isn’t cheap— most sweater’s ballpark $30-$70, with some sweaters selling for thousands of dollars on eBay.
2015
Seth Rogen puts the “hol iday” in “holiday sweater”, sporting a menorah-deco rated, Hanukah sweater in the comedy adventure film, “The Night Before.”
2016
They have effectively taken over the world. Every store, from Walmart to Target to Nordstrom has an answer to an ugly sweater. On top of that, you have a variety of opportunities to sport your obnoxious winter wear, including the traditional party, the Ugly Sweater Run and the Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl. CT
CARSON MLNARIK • COLLEGE TIMES
PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONS • CHRISTY BYERLY
VOICES
EXISTENTIAL AMBUSH
WE BOMBARD PEOPLE WITH THE BIG QUESTIONS TO SEE HOW THEY RESPOND
What’s the weirdest holiday gift you’ve ever received?
“My dad came home two years ago with a life-size cardboard cutout of the Most Interesting Man in the World. His co-workers won it in Vegas because they drank $400 worth of booze in one night. The wife of the guy who kept it said it had to go, so now he lives in my room as a hat rack.”
JESSE STAWNYCZY, JUNIOR, ASU
CARSON MLNARIK • COLLEGE TIMES
HIM
“Actually bath salts. But [my friend] didn’t give me the plain old salts. She dyed it with colors for some reason and I was just like ‘Thanks?’ and she told me to be careful because it might color my skin.”
JOY IVY, SOPHOMORE, ASU
“This kid in high school had a figurine that he broke in two. He gave me one part for my birthday in November, and the other part for Christmas. It was a dragon sitting on a marble. So first he gave me the marble, and then he gave me the dragon in December. He said it was because they connect.”
JAZMYN WALKER, JUNIOR, ASU
“My mom and wife got together and threw a surprise birthday for me, which was really awkward. Partly because it was a month before my birthday. The thing was a total trainwreck. At the end, they gave me this box. I was excited, thinking at least I’m going to get a good present. Then I opened it and found these old, dusty action figures I had when I was 5. My mom had stored in the basement. To add insult to injury, she said they were out at her garage sale and someone offered $10 for them. But she said she knew they were special to me, so she said no. I’d rather have the $10.”
ANDREW JOHNSON, JUNIOR, ASU
HE SAID, SHE SAID ONE GUY, ONE GIRL, THREE QUESTIONS HER KECIA LOGAN, JUNIOR, ASU
AJ PASSANTINO, JUNIOR, ASU
Which means the most to you: Little things or grand gestures?
I think the little things mean the most because they are the constant reminders of love that keep a relationship strong. Waiting for a big surprise later might keep the person wondering in between.
Do you prefer giving or receiving gifts?
I prefer to give instead of receive because it is incredibly exciting to see the person receive that gift without knowing what it is. Also, I find the wait of anticipation is almost unbearable.
What is the best gift you can give someone if you have no money?
The best gift that I can give someone if I have no money is sharing the Christian Gospel. It’s the best thing I could give because I believe it is of eternal importance.
Which means the most to you: Little things or grand gestures?
I think the little things because, for the most part, I don’t like people spending a whole lot of money. It’s the thought that counts.
Do you prefer giving or receiving gifts?
I like giving because it’s fun. I like to make gifts, even though I sometimes stress too much about it.
What is the best gift you can give someone if you have no money?
Something I make. I’m drawing my brother a poster of “Nightmare Before Christmas” because he loves Jack Skellington, and I’m having so much fun doing it. CT
Campus becomes a dead zone within minutes of the final pencil scratch on the last exam of the semester. The library closes. The dining hall is shuttered. Even the on-campus Starbucks goes dark. While most students head home for the holidays, some remain through winter break, bunking in their dorms or apartments.
Campus becomes a winter wasteland, but your regular routine is absolutely wrecked on Christmas Day, when most businesses close. If you’re determined to have a good holiday on your own, try substituting some of these alternatives in place of your usual traditions.
CARSON MLNARIK • COLLEGE TIMES
MORNING
Instead of waking up at 7 a.m. to watch your little brother unwrap gifts – Savor a few extra hours of sleep, just for you.
You won’t be devouring your mom’s pancakes. So, instead, head to IHOP – for some breakfast and people watching— you’ll be surprised how many people hit up breakfast joints because they can’t cook!
Instead of rushing over to yet another family member’s house – snuggle in for some serious binge TV. TNT usually plays a 24-hour marathon of “A Christmas Story” and Freeform offers holiday movies all day long. Try to count how many times you actually hear, “You’ll shoot your eye out.”
AFTERNOON
Forgo that usual food hangover
– see things from a different perspective and hike a nearby mountain. A-Mountain is a short walk from campus. How different does Tempe look on a day like this?
Stop mindlessly scrolling through social media – visit Starbucks and thank a barista for suffering through coffee orders on a holiday. Most locations open early in the morning and close at 6 p.m. for the holiday.
Instead of filling up on leftover candy – splurge and treat yourself to some Jack in the Box for lunch.
EVENING
Normally you’d be napping amidst wrapping paper –but this year you can go see a movie. The busiest day to catch a flick is on Christmas so make sure to arrive early, hit one of the places where you can make reservations, or go at
an odd time, like maybe 11:30 p.m. Some fun options from the current holiday line-up include, “Rogue One: A Star War Story,” “Passengers,” “Assassin’s Creed,” or “Why Him?” Skip “Manchester by the Sea.” Way too depressing for Christmas.
Instead of listening to your siblings bark and growl as they gloat over their new gifts –enjoy some real animals at the Phoenix Zoo. Or go after dark and see ZooLights. That event starts at 5:30 p.m., featuring a dazzling display that takes 14 weeks to assemble.
Instead of putting on pajamas and binge-eating mashed potatoes and gravy – put on some ice skates and head to CitySkate in downtown Phoenix. The outdoor rink is a perfect place to feel festive and opens at 5 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Instead of feeling alone – call up your family and friends and talk to them about their day. CT
want to help people.
7 EASY HOLIDAY PARTIES Yule LOVE
The holiday season is about so much more than finding the ideal gift for dad. (But you still need to get him something, and a tie is NOT the answer.)
The pace is punishing this time of year, juggling shopping, finals, family pressures and all those expectations. So it’s important to
1. Stylin’ Sweater Soiree. The “ugly sweater” phenomenon has basked in cheesy glory long enough. Instead of crocheted bears and poufy snowballs, ask your friends to arrive in their finery—we’re talking jeans and stylish sweaters. Then simply vote and choose a winner. No electoral colleges. It’s all about feeling festive and trying not to spill the eggnog.
2. Christmas cookie exchange. Invite your pals to waltz in with two-dozen cookies in tow. The homesteaders can show off their prowess with the frosting tip. The less confectioninclined can stop at the store and snag peppermint Oreos. Set
aside a few from each offering to nosh on while you socialize. Then turn your living room into a trading floor. Because the best cookie is the one you didn’t bake.
3. Classic Christmas Cinema. Remember those days of Christmas past, sipping hot cocoa while mom fired up “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas”? Channel your inner Cindy-LouWho. Or dig into something even more old-school and find “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Netflix. Keep it lively: Announce that everyone takes a hit of eggnog each time a Christmas tree shows up in the scene.
schedule time to eat, drink and be merry. Yes, we’re talking parties. Here are ideas or excuses to gather some friends—and maybe add an acquaintance or two you think could use a little holiday cheer.
contest. Do you have teary memories of building gingerbread houses in preschool? Or did you miss out? Either way, get in touch with your creative side. Score some small rectangle containers (milkcartons will do), liberally coat with ready-made white icing and stack on graham crackers, then ice and decorate with candies while noshing, sipping and gabbing all night. Award accolades for “best construction,” “most creative” and “coolest candy curation.”
5. Ex-crafts-aganza. How long has it been since you made an ornament for Mom’s tree? Remember how she loved that
tiny handprint you made in grade school? It’s time for the sequel! Grab some sheets of holiday-colored construction paper, a few washable paints, invite some friends, and have loads of fun revisiting third grade all over again, minus the lunch-table bully.
6. Christmas carols for curmudgeons. This time of year can be a lonely one for older people who live in assisted living or nursing homes. Many are grateful for visits from younger people, which includes just about anyone. Grab some friends and visit the nearest enclave. Just pull out your cell phones, Google the words to a
few holiday tunes, and sing your hearts out for a few members of the greatest generation. No one’s going to judge, even if you are a bit off-key.
7. Bah humbug bash. Ask your friends to simply show up with a package of something from Trader Joe’s to share. Attire: Sleep shirts and slippers. Break out Cards Against Humanity, trash everyone’s exes who ditched right before the holidays, and trade stories about the worst gifts ever. Sometimes, the holidays need a dash of realism to put everything straight in the world again. CT
4. Gingerbread decorating
THAT’S A WRAP: A gift guide for everyone in your life
From rekindling hometown romances, to finding time to marathon the “Gilmore Girls” reboot, to trying every brand of
holiday cookie possible, you have enough on your plate this holiday season. When are you going to find the time to
scour the mall for the perfect gift? If you’re trying to catch every holiday movie that the Hallmark Channel has to offer,
you don’t have a second to waste. We have you covered with gift recommendations for those closest — and farthest — to your heart.
THE POLITICALLY OPINIONATED UNCLEDONALD TRUMP TOILET PAPER
Every retailer from Walmart to Amazon to Spencer’s is stocking up on gag gifts. Toilet paper emblazoned with Donald Trump’s face is the hot and somewhat practical route to go this year. We all have that one uncle who always brings up politics at the dinner table and makes everything
awkward. Regardless of his political leanings, he’s sure to get a hearty laugh or another reason to rant after seeing the president-elect printed on two-ply.
THE MUSIC LOVER - “I FEEL LIKE PABLO” LONG SLEEVE TEE
We all have “that one friend”
who goes to every concert and could spend three hours debating the best album of the year…on their own. From
Taylor Swift scandals to his marriage to Kim K, Kanye West has been a big name this year. His “The Life of Pablo” album spawned a line of exclusive merch, only available at his concerts, including a long sleeve reading “I Feel Like Pablo” on the front. While Kanye didn’t make a stop in Arizona and has postponed his tour, your music fanatic friend can still feel a part of the drama with a copycat tee, available on Amazon or Etsy.
THE OVERSTRESSED COWORKER- AN ADULT COLORING BOOK
If you find yourself saying things like, “We’re out of staples, it’s not the end of the world” and “The boss doesn’t hate you, Tiffany, that’s just his face,” on a regular basis,
you might be more of a psychologist than friend to your overcommitted coworker. Help them calm down with an adult coloring book, available on Amazon or at Walmart, Target, Barnes and Noble and Urban Outfitters. Choose a peaceful design like puppies and not office supplies. Don’t worry about markers though — you know she owns every
color highlighter already.
THE DISNEY DEVOTEETOWER OF TERROR SWAG
It could be anyone: your younger brother, older aunt, zany cousin —we all know a Disney fanatic. The one in your life is probably devastated after California Adventure announced its Tower of Terror attraction is closing in January. Help alleviate their pain and feed their addiction with Tower of Terror swag available on disneystore.com. Their selection includes phone cases,
t-shirts and sweatshirts. If they’re going to miss their favorite ride so bad, they might as well do it in a $40 hoodie!
ANY GIRL IN THE WORLD - A LUSH COSMETICS GIFT CARD
You’ve seen a gaggle of colorful bath bomb photos, courtesy of Lush, this year. What is Lush anyways? The UK-based cosmetics retailers specializes in natural and organic shampoos,
conditioners, body washes and bath bombs. Miles from Tempe, Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall houses the largest Lush in the world. Whether that gal in your life needs a good spa night, cares about the environment or just wants a cool pic of a pink, sparkly bath, she’ll find something in her wheelhouse here.
THE FITNESS FANATICHYDRO FLASK
There are water bottles and then there are Hydro Flasks. The vacuum-insulated stainless-steel water bottles are a step up from your tumblers and hard plastic coffee cups. While they come in all kinds of colors and make great gifts for anyone, the 40-ounce wide mouth is the perfect present for the “fitness guru” in your life. You know,
the one who brags about how much he loves to hike but spends the majority of his time on his iPhone? Maybe he’ll finally get the hint with this water bottle. Either way, he’ll be hydrated. CT
SPORTS
Readyto Roll
“Pride and Prejudice” and roller skates ostensibly have nothing in common.
But ask Devoney Looser, an English professor at Arizona State University’s Barrett Honors College, and she’ll tell you a
different story. Looser moonlights as adviser of the Derby Devils, ASU’s co-ed roller derby team, under the moniker Stone Cold Jane Austen.
Though teaching classic
literature by day and rocking roller skates and fishnets by night may seem inherently polarized, Looser says that being a skater has made her a better professor.
“Derby often puts me in the
position of being a learner, trying to do new things that challenge me and are sometimes intimidating,” she says.
“It helps me be more sensitive to that mindset, to encourage risk-taking, to work to bring
MADISON RUTHERFORD • COLLEGE TIMES
students forward.”
Roller derby has come forward a long way in its own right. The sport started as early
as the 1930s, with DIY community-based leagues centered on fake names and quirky costumes. The 21st-century revival of the amateur women’s sport kept the theatrical aspects, but transitioned from a silly spectacle to legitimate rulesbound play.
The team captain, Trueth Verou, says the main concept has been preserved: “quad roller skates, an emphasis on agility and grit, and a lot of attitude.”
simultaneously, trying to help the jammer score by passing opposing players’ hips. The blockers also try to stop the opposing jammer from getting through the pack of players. Skaters can do nearly anything to stop a jammer, as long as they don’t elbow or punch.
Despite its international popularity, roller derby has yet to take off as an organized college sport.
celebrated a win at home to a sold-out crowd.
Among Looser’s favorite things about derby is its inclusiveness. Even though it incorporates a put-on persona, it is a sport that allows players to be themselves and truly express who they are. The Derby Devils accept all skill levels, body types and genders. All it requires is passion and practice.
they’ve taped down a Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) regulation track. Because other universities are still building their teams, they often rely on local Phoenix leagues for competition.
“Luckily, there is a large roller derby culture in Phoenix and the community has been great,” says Verou.
“Roller derby isn’t professional wrestling on skates any longer,” says Looser. “The new derby is played on both banked tracks and flat tracks, and it has taken off like wildfire. Within a decade, the sport went from nothing to more than 1,000 amateur leagues across the world.”
The sport is played five-onfive on an oval track. A player from each team is designated as the jammer, responsible for scoring points. The other four players, the blockers, play offense and defense
ASU’s derby team started in 2013 when Maiden Asia, an ASU undergrad and skater from a local league, approached Looser about creating a derby booster organization at the university. Looser then evolved from a professor-skater to the organization’s first faculty adviser. Within the first year, the participating students wanted to establish a co-ed team. The Derby Devils then began its transition into a recognized club sport.
That led to the first-ever collegiate roller derby bout in 2014, between the Derby Devils and the University of Arizona Derby Cats. Although U of A defeated ASU, 341-115, Looser says making roller derby history was a victory in itself.
The Derby Devils played U of A again in 2015. This time, they
Verou says he has always considered himself an introvert. His derby persona, Half-Hazard, allows him to come out of his shell.
“I never would have imagined that I would be the captain of a sports team,” he says. “My derby name, which I chose while I was learning how to skate...reflects my play style. I act tough on the field, but I’m actually pretty small and have to rely on my speed rather than strength, which puts me into some risky situations.”
Verou describes derby as a “new, alternative sport that accommodates a much larger pool of athletes than usual.”
“My favorite thing about the Derby Devils is that most of our players … would not have considered themselves athletic before considering joining roller derby,” he explains. “But since they started playing, I think they’ve challenged themselves and are much stronger because of it.”
The team now has 24 registered players of varying skill levels. Though the sport is still female-dominated, five of the Derby Devils are male. Verou says it’s like having dozens of brothers and sisters.
“Some are playing for local leagues and aspiring to be professional players, and others are just students learning how to skate and wanting to have fun,” says Verou. “We’ve all grown very close...I know that they would do anything for me and that they could expect the same from me.”
The Devils practice twice a week in one of ASU’s large indoor gymnasiums, where
Looser adds that Arizona Roller Derby has played an integral role in the growth of their team. AZRD is among the earliest established flat-track derby leagues and boasts more than 100 active skaters.
“They have skaters of all skill levels, from beginners--we call that ‘fresh meat’--to city-league players, to an amazing national travel team,” says Looser.
Verou says roller derby is unique in that it embraces beginners.
“I love seeing new skaters pick up the team mantle and really have fun on the track,” he says. “I have learned that having fun playing is equal to—more important even—than trying to rack up points.”
Looser agrees that having fun is among the most paramount principles of the game. In fact, she says it is the only exercise she’s ever found 100% fun.
“Roller derby fosters one of the most amazing, fun, and inclusive groups of people you could hope to find,” she says. “You’re all there on skates, pushing your own physical limits, and supporting and shoving each other. … There’s a lot of laughing.”
Verou says the team is working toward playing an out-ofstate collegiate game. In the meantime, it continues to play against community teams.
“Roller derby is just picking up at the college level and there is an exciting future ahead of it,” he says. “In the next few years I would like to see more university teams established... to widen this amazing community and bring it more into the mainstream.”
Full-court Press
SOPHIE BRUNNER HAS BIG DREAMS FOR HER LAST SEASON
MADISON RUTHERFORD • COLLEGE TIMES
Sophie Brunner is second on the career list in rebounds for the Arizona State University women’s basketball team.
She is also the active leader in scoring, steals and assists for the Sun Devils, who are 4-2 in the early going.
But Brunner, who is a senior educational studies major at ASU, almost didn’t become a Sun Devil. The 21-year-old forward, who is from a small town in Illinois, thought the campus was too big.
“I told my mom on my visit, ‘I’m definitely not going there… it’s huge,’” she recalls. “When I came back for my official visit, I just looked at the campus literally as the town I live in, so that was a lot easier for me to adjust to. And just having the support from the coaches and my teammates, it really made the difference of me
feeling at home here.”
Brunner says this season is a unique one because there are numerous newcomers. She is among four seniors on the team, which balances the five freshmen, four sophomores and redshirt junior. She says the upperclassmen are the “big sisters” of the team.
“It’s been a lot of newness this year but it’s also been a good thing,” she explains. “It’s given the upperclassmen a chance to help mentor (the underclassmen) and help them get to the intensity level that they need and the focus and how hard they really have to play.”
In the past three years, Brunner has learned just how hard she has to work. Now, it’s her turn to set an example for the freshmen.
“I learned the level of focus and
intensity that you have to bring every day to your teammates and to the program,” she says. “Seeing them progress over time has really motivated me to do the same.”
Before the lady Sun Devils started the season, they took a week-long trip to Costa Rica to play basketball, with some excursions and community service on the side.
“It gave us a chance to bond and create some team chemistry on the court, which is really great,” Brunner reminisces. “After that we got to go to different places and we went zip lining, white-water rafting, surfing and jet skiing, so we got to do a lot of team activities and bonded a lot on that trip.”
Now that her last season is in full swing, Brunner’s head is in the game. Her goal for
the season is to win the Pac-12 Championship Tournament in March. She hopes to take what she learned from last season and hit the ground running.
Last November, Brunner dislocated her ankle in the fourth quarter of a close game against South Carolina. The injury left her unable to participate in six games.
Instead of focusing on the negative series of events, Brunner took it as an opportunity to put things into perspective.
In fact, she says that’s what much of her career has been about—“the process, not just the results.”
“(My injury) helped people have opportunities to play more, so I think that really helped our team grow,” she elaborates. “It allowed me to just sit back and see things that we needed to improve on and what I could do to help our team, so it was a good opportunity just for me to learn new things … I was just trying to see the positive of it all.”
SPORTS CALENDAR
ALL OF THE BEST SPORTS EVENTS TO CATCH, TACKLE AND HIT
SANTA HUSTLE 5K AND HALF MARATHON
Who would run a race that blasts festive music, is covered in holiday decorations and has cookie and candy stations on the course? Santa, probably — and now you can too! The Santa Hustle 5K and Half Marathon is yet another holiday race option.
Finishers will receive a hat and beard as well as a medal. If you’ve been sitting on that red and green workout gear for the past year, this may be the perfect time to bust it out.
Westgate Entertainment District, 6751 N. Sunset Boulevard, Glendale, santahustle.com/arizona, Sunday, December 11, 8 a.m., $50-$72.50.
ASU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL VS. ORAL ROBERTS
The women’s basketball team is off to an amazing start, but they’ve got quite the season to live up to. The 2015-2016 season was record breaking for the ladies; they enjoyed a 15 game winning streak, 26 wins and were named Pac-12 Regular Season Co-Champions. The Sun Devil ladies will show Tulsa what Tempe’s made of when Oral Roberts University comes to play.
Wells Fargo Arena, 600 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, thesundevils.com, Saturday, December 17, 2 p.m., free w/ student ID or $8-$25.
AZ CARDINALS VS. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
The Cardinals beat the Saints 31-19 last September and fans hope for a repeat this time around. The 2010 Super Bowl champions have had more of a losing season than a winning one, but there’s no way that they’re going to let the Cardinals just take it. Tickets are selling fast—if you’re enduring football withdrawals, now is the time to get your fill!
University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, azcardinals.com, Sunday, December 18, 2:05 p.m., $48-$282.
ARIZONA COYOTES VS. CALGARY FLAMES
Your chances to see the Coyotes duke it out at Gila River Arena are numbered. Arizona’s hockey team is moving to Tempe in 2019 with a brand new stadium. For now, the Coyotes are still in Glendale and off to a rough start. While they’re at more losses than wins at this point, the season could take a turn for the better if they can show these Canadians what happens when cacti hit the ice.
Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, nhl.com/coyotes, Monday, December 19, 7 p.m., $15.50$299.
ASU
MEN’S BASKETBALL VS. CREIGHTON
Creighton University comes from Nebraska to challenge the Sun Devils. The boys killed it during their first two games of the season, but had a few stumbles here and there. If you’re still in town, don’t leave the student section empty during winter break! ASU beat Creighton by two points last year, so it’s sure to be a good fight. Come out and cheer the team on to their next victory!
Wells Fargo Arena, 600 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, thesundevils.com, Tuesday, December 20, 7 p.m., free w/ student ID or $7-$50.
SUN DEVIL BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
SAN DIEGO STATE
DECEMBER 10, SAN DIEGO
NEW MEXICO STATE
DECEMBER 17, TEMPE
CREIGHTON
DECEMBER 20, TEMPE
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
DECEMBER 22, TEMPE
STANFORD
DECEMBER 30, STANFORD BERKELEY
JANUARY 1, BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA
ENTERTAINMENT
6 ALBUMS TO PUT ON REPEAT THIS SEASON
’TMADISON RUTHERFORD • COLLEGE TIMES
is the season to turn up those holiday tunes. They’re ringing through radio waves and trumpeting from the speakers at the mall. You may blast them in your car on your way to class or blare them to annoy your neighbors with the tacky Christmas decorations (c’mon, dude — they’ve been up since October). Whether you crave some ’90s nostalgia, classic Christmas tunes or some modern music to bump while you hang the mistletoe or light the menorah, check out these six albums to get you in the spirit of the season.
1. Elvis’ Christmas Album, Elvis Presley (1957)
“Elvis’ Christmas Album” is the best-selling holiday album of all time. With tracks like the frequently-covered classic “Blue Christmas” and season staples such as “Here Comes Santa Claus” and “Silent Night” sung in Presley’s signature country croon, it’s no wonder the King’s first Christmas album has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. Let Presley’s bluesy baritone serve as the soundtrack for a holiday cookie-decorating party or a Christmas cocktail by the fire.
2. Merry Christmas, Mariah Carey (1994)
Much like festive Lisa Frank stickers and Beanie Babies in Santa hats, Mariah Carey’s
Christmas album is a true vestige of Christmastime in the ’90s. To further prove our point, Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” despite still infiltrating department stores nationwide every November, was at one point the best-selling holiday ringtone in the U.S. The album, which went Platinum five times, also features the songstress’ ultra-soprano covers of classics such as “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” and “Joy to the World.”
3. A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra, Frank Sinatra (1957)
The Sultan of Swoon’s timeless timbre shines on his first Christmas album. Including jazzy versions of holiday anthems like “Jingle Bells,”
“The Christmas Song,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “A Jolly Christmas” is sure to put some swing in your step this season. Although his album is avail-
able on Spotify, bonus points if you can cop the Christmas album on vinyl and throw it on a record player. Bonus bonus points if your seasonal listening sesh includes hanging stockings and sipping hot cocoa.
4. Home for Christmas, NSYNC (1998) Nothing spreads the holiday cheer like cheesy lyrics and predictable pop beats. And no one does it better than America’s favorite boy band. Celebrate the season like it’s 1998 with Justin, Joey, JC,
Chris and Lance as they bust out Christmastime tunes with a teeny-bop twist. Rock out to the reflective “I Never Knew the Meaning of Christmas” or the oh-so-romantic “Kiss Me at Midnight.”
5. Christmas with the Chipmunks, Alvin and the Chipmunks (1961) You can hate on Alvin and the Chipmunks all you want, but
no one is immune to feeling a pang of nostalgia and singing along to the high-pitched “Me, I want a hula hoop” on “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late).” “Christmas with the Chipmunks” has been the archetypical feelgood Christmas album for decades, and is a must for any modern holiday playlist.
6. A Very She & Him Christmas, She & Him (2011) Zooey Deschanel’s smoky vocals and M. Ward’s resonant guitar converge for the tonal equivalent of waking up on Christmas morning to a slew of gifts under the tree. “A Very She & Him Christmas” tweaks timeless holiday classics like “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and makes them brand new again. CT
THE EDGE OF S EVEN TEEN’S HALEY LU RICHARDSON
IS NEVER GROWING UP
“The Edge of Seventeen” is not your classic coming-of-age tale.
Sure, it has its fair share of heartbreak, confusion, angst, rebellion, rivalry, premature partying and enough snark and awkwardness to be folded up neatly and placed effortlessly into the “teen dramedy” drawer. But, much like its hapless heroine, Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld), the film is flippant, poignant and just plain real.
The cast is a merry-go-round of quirky characters, though it develops each one at an unhurried pace, pausing long enough to make sure the audience doesn’t get dizzy.
The film features Nadine’s aloof mother (Kyra Sedgwick), golden child brother (Blake Jenner), irreverent history teacher-cum-confidante (Woody Harrelson), elusive bad-boy crush (Alexander Calvert), shy, besotted classmate and unexpected love interest (Hayden Szeto) and long-time best friend (Haley Lu Richardson) who ultimately betrays
her in the arduous struggle of adolescence.
Somehow, Nadine makes it out alive, and it’s just as much of a peek into her psyche as it is into our own subjective experience. We can all relate to the teenage years when it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Audiences will laugh, cry and find their own mothers, brothers, teachers, classmates and best friends — those who were along for the ride in their own saga of self-discovery. In fact, you may want to take them to see the movie in theaters over winter break.
College Times caught up with Haley Lu Richardson, a Phoenix native, to talk about her role as Nadine’s closest (and only) companion, her severe case of Peter Pan syndrome, and why stereotypes are overrated.
First and foremost, I want to commend you on your performance. One thing I noticed was that it was so genuine and authentic. It really felt like a high school
COLLEGE TIMES
experience: you have the best friend, the jock, the mysterious crush, the quirky history teacher. How does that parallel your high school experience and what was it like to channel your inner 17-year-old to play this role?
I moved to LA when I was 16; now I’m 21. For the past 5 years, I’ve been playing (someone who is) 16 the whole time. So everything I do, I’m forced to go back into that whole world and mindset, so I feel like I’m still there.
Well, that sounds like a good thing; you’re young at heart.
I never want to grow up, but I want to be like, four. I completely agree with you; I love how real the movie is. I don’t think it’s trying to be anything. A lot of the times with comingof-age comedies, you feel like sometimes it’s funny, but you feel like they’re just trying to get a laugh, or they’re over-exaggerating something to be entertaining. I really feel like
this movie isn’t trying to be anything. It’s just is very much a real representation of what high school is like.Sometimes high school is so over the top and so messy and so pitiful and angsty. I just feel like the movie and Hailee, her character just portrays that so well, which is something I can relate to because that’s how my high school was. I had those exact same feelings and was in such similar situations; I feel like we’ve all been in those situations.
Describe your role in your own words. You were obviously the “best friend,” and you kind of betrayed (Nadine), but you were still likable and relatable. How would you describe it? When I first met Kelly (Fremon Craig), the director and writer, we talked about how we didn’t want Krista or any of the supporting roles to be stereotypes. You kind of see them in the beginning and you see what they’re normally classified under, like the jock
… the best friend that betrays her friend, but at the end of the movie, you realize that they’re not that person; no one’s bad … no one’s a villain in the movie. You kind of see each of the characters’ reasoning for why they make the choices they make and for Krista, specifically, I went into it not wanting her to be the villain and trying to justify every choice she makes. It’s obvious that Krista is a selfless, supportive friend and she’s always had Nadine’s back and she’s kind of always given herself for Nadine. She’s not doing it to get at Nadine; she’s doing it because she’s realizing that she has to do something for herself at some point and it just so happens that it is really hard with her friendship with Nadine. Krista, she’s pretty mature for her age and I think she was able to see the big picture ... it doesn’t have to be the end of the world and the end of their friendship. I think doing that and giving Nadine the space that she needed, it makes Nadine realize that too.
MADISON RUTHERFORD •
You’re from Phoenix. What was it like growing up here, and when you made the transition to Hollywood, what was that like? Do you ever get homesick?
I definitely get homesick … because being an adult is hard. I had a very normal high school experience, but I moved to LA and started acting when I was 16. As a 17-year-old, I was expected to work as an adult and I had responsibilities and I was under a lot of pressure — a different kind of pressure than you’re under in school. It was weird because I want to stay a kid forever, and it’s been a struggle the past few years of staying young and not making such a big deal of everything going on around you, especially when the stakes are so high.
What was it like working with the cast? It seemed very authentic and organic on-screen, so what was it like behind the scenes?
I think it was exactly the same. Everyone that was working on the movie cared about the movie, which is such a good feeling when you’re making something. Because it’s the worst feeling when you show up and you really care about it, but other people are just phoning it in and don’t seem to care. Everyone gave everything they had and wanted to make a quality finished product. That was something I really appreciated, and it was just fun.
How did this role compare to ones you’ve played in the past? Did this role seem a little more authentic?
I feel like a lot of actors … try to avoid getting cast as the same thing over and over again, and I feel like I’ve been able to play different types of characters. There was a time where I
had to dye my hair blonde for a TV show and I remember I was literally just playing mean girls and cheerleaders for a solid year after that. That was a bummer for me because the last thing I want to play is a stereotype. Sometimes you can play that and go over-the-top and have a lot of fun with it, but it’s not fulfilling in an artistic way to do things like that. I’ve been fortunate to play a bunch of different kinds of characters and different people going through different things in their life, but this is definitely very real and also not far-fetched; I wasn’t playing a character who was too far from who I am or what I’ve gone through.
Is there a scene from the film that stands out or is your favorite?
I honestly love all of the scenes that I’m not in. It’s so fun to see because we filmed this movie a year ago and after you’ve had some time away from it, being able to watch the movie and see all of the things I wasn’t in, like all of Hailee and Woody’s stuff together, I love. It’s not a memory for me, but I love watching it because I wasn’t there when they were filming that, but I saw it brought to life even better than it was written, and it was written really well.
What is your favorite coming-of-age movie of all time?
It’s so lame but it’s the only one I think of. “She’s the Man” because I literally love that movie and Amanda Bynes.
What’s next? Do you have anything in the works?
I have a movie coming out in January called Split; it’s an M. Night Shyamalan movie. CT
(Left to Right)
Haley Lu Richardson and Blake Jenner in THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN
(Left To Right)
Hailee Steinfeld and Haley Lu Richardson in THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN
LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR
DECEMBER
8
CRX, Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m, $15-$18
The Waters w/ Jay Allan, Cameron Degurski, Whitherward, The Rhythm Room, 7 p.m., $8
Trill Sammy, School of Rock, 10 p.m., $15
DECEMBER
9
Easton Corbin, Harrah’s Phoenix Ak-Chin Casino, 7 p.m., free Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $70-$130
Jonny Lang, Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m, $25-$75
Red Bull Flying Bach, Comerica Theatre, 8 p.m., $39-$79
The Donkeys, Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $12-$15
Dee-1, Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $12-$15
3rd Ocean w/ The Lavish Krew, Club Red, 6 p.m., $10-$12
Handel’s Messiah, Mesa Arts Center, 7:30 p.m, $31-$51
Random Rab, Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $12-$15
Kristen Drathman and Rusty Ferracane, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m., $19-$29
Mike Eldred Trio, The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $8
Ryan Sims Band, Wasted
Grain, 10 p.m., free
Assuming We Survive, Avion Roe, American Standards and Inept Hero, The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12
Barefoot, FigureItOut, Baseline, Good Boy Daisy, Constellations and Like Fire, Marquee Theatre, 6:30 p.m., $10
DECEMBER
10
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $70-$130
Stooki Sound, Monarch Theatre, 9 p.m., $10-$30
Danú: A Christmas Gathering, Virginia G. Piper Theater, 8 p.m., $29-$59
An Acoustic Christmas w/ Over the Rhine, Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $43.50-$48.50
Red Bull Flying Bach, Comerica Theatre, 8 p.m., $39-$135
Anthony Raneri, Valley Bar, 7 p.m., $13-$16
The Sounds w/ Zipper Club & My Jerusalem, Marquee
Theatre, 7 p.m., $25
Adrianna Marie & Her Groovecutters w/ La Jones, Kedar Roy and Brian Fahey, The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $10-$12
The Psychedelephants, The Woodworks, Elephant Gunn and Acceptable Losses, Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free J.Phlip and Kill Frenzy, Monarch Theatre, 10 p.m., $10
End Credits, The Rifle, Sugar Skull Explosion, Logan & Lucille, Andy Warpigs and Run-On Sunshine, The Trunk Space, 6 p.m., tickets TBA
DECEMBER
11
Tanya Bannister, Virginia G. Piper Theater, 7:30 p.m., $29-$49
Fat Nick, Club Red, 7 p.m., $15-$50
Red Bull Flying Bach, Comerica Theatre, 4 p.m., $39-$145
Holiday Pops w/ Salt River Brass, Mesa Arts Center, 3 p.m., $15-$24
Merchandise, Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $13-$15
Jim James, Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $33
Marmalade Skies - A Musical Tribute to The Beatles, The Rhythm Room, 4 p.m., $15
DECEMBER
12
Steve Vai, Virginia G. Piper Theater, 7:30 p.m., $35-$75 Metalachi, The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m, $15
Youth Symphony of the Southwest, Mesa Arts Center, 7 p.m., free
We Gave It Hell and Message to the Masses, Last Exit Live, 7:30 p.m., $10-$13
DECEMBER
13
An Irish Christmas Concert, ASU Kerr Cultural Center, 7:30 p.m, $42-$59.95
Sims and Air Credits, Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $14-$15
Jane N’ The Jungle and Ghost Cat Attack, The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $5
DECEMBER 14
Dave Koz & Friends, Mesa Arts Center, 7:30 p.m, $56-$84 Rare Futures, Hearts Like Lions, Twin Ponies and Foxhound, The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $10-$12
Joe Sib, Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $10-$13
DECEMBER 15
The Brian Setzer Orchestra, Celebrity Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $62-$90
Etienne Charles, Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $33.50-$38.50
Stitches w/ Str8Kash, Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $18-$50 Scottsdale Philharmonic, Virginia G. Piper Theater, 7:30 p.m., $5-$10
Blues Harmonica Showcase, The Rhythm Room, 7 p.m., $10
Miss Moody, Gene Tripp and Dylan Pratt, The Trunk Space, 7:30 p.m., tickets TBA El West, The Real Fits, The Sink or Swim and Sydney Sprague, The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $8-$10
DECEMBER 16
Clay Aiken, Chandler Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m, $52-$72
The Rock Pack w/ Robin Zander, Lou Gramm, Gregg Rolie, Steve Augeri, John Payne and Fee Waybill, Comerica Theatre, 8 p.m., $58-$253
Cryptic Wisdom, Club Red, 7 p.m., $12-$15
Pete Pancrazi Quartet, Virginia G. Piper Theater, 8 p.m., $19-$29
Dave Riley, Bob Corritore, Johnny Rapp, Yahni Riley and Brian Fahey, The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $8
Ryan Sims Band, Boondocks
GIGS
Patio & Grill, 9 p.m., free Captain Squeegee, Fayuca and Bear Ghost, Crescent Ballroom, 8:30 p.m., $10-$15
Saddles, Snake! Snake! Snakes!, Celebration Guns, Dent and Whither is God, The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $8-$10 Hi-Dreams Funk/Boogie/ Disco Party w/ DJ Jake Brennan, Valley Bar, 10 p.m., $3
DECEMBER
17
David Seabaugh’s Christmas Concert Spectacular, Mesa Arts Center, 7 p.m., $29
Lethal Injektion Christmas Bash, Club Red, 6:30 p.m., $10-$12
A Merry-Achi Christmas, Virginia G. Piper Theater, 8 p.m., $29-$59
The Sugar Thieves, The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $8
Jared & The Mill, Playboy Manbaby and Sundressed, The Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m.,
$15-$17
DECEMBER
18
Estèban, Musical Instrument Museum, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., $38.50-$53.50
Lynch Mob w/ Tricus, Addict3d & Downhill Trend, Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $25-$45
The Word Alive, Nile Theater, 6 p.m., $18
The Hot Sardines, Mesa Arts Center, 7:30 p.m, $30-$45
David Benoit Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown, Virginia G. Piper Theater, 2 p.m., $29-$59
Buzz Fest - Tribute to Buzz Fowler, The Rhythm Room, 2 p.m. $8
Jacob Acosta Band, Treasurefruit, Carol Pacey and the Honey Shakers, Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free
GOT SKILLS?
DECEMBER
19
David Archuleta w/ Nathan Pacheco, Mesa Arts Center, 7:30 p.m, $51-$61
Mom Jeans, No Better, Evan Bisbee, Breakup Shoes andWithout Youth, The Trunk Space, 7 p.m., tickets TBA Alan DeQuina, Old Town Tavern, 7 p.m., free
DECEMBER
20
Djentrification, Bikini Lounge, 9 p.m., free
Steve and Alix, Old Town Tavern, 8 p.m., free
The Waters, The Dubliner Irish Pub & Restaurant, 9:30 p.m., free
Hans Olson, Pranksters Too, 7 p.m., free
What’s the Big Idea? Jazz Trio, Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., free
HOROSCOPES!
HOROSCOPES!
TOTALLY ACCURATE PREDICTIONS
YOU SHOULD PROBABLY TAKE WITH A GRAIN OF SALT
AQUARIUS
(JANUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 18)
Your social opportunities are at an alltime high. Don’t be afraid to make new friends and show your affection for someone special. You’ll get that warm fuzzy feeling … and maybe a few extra gifts this time around.
PISCES
(FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20)
You’re feeling assertive and powerful this season. Don’t be afraid to play up this side of yourself. Your friends and family who try and drag you to yet another holiday party? They should be afraid...very afraid.
ARIES
(MARCH 21 – APRIL 21)
You went from Thanksgiving to final exams to coming home to holiday shopping. You’ve been in a rush this holiday season and procrastinating on gifts. Hit up the mall sooner than later, however — a flower bouquet from the corner gas station for the third time will only get you so far with mom.
TAURUS
(APRIL 22 – MAY 20)
Watch your words this holiday season — they can be soothing, informational or relaxing to others during stressful times. Or they can be the opposite. Such as, “GET THE #%$ OUT OF MY WAY; I’M HITTING THAT VICTORIA’S SECRET SALE!”
GEMINI
(MAY 21 – JUNE 21)
The creative juices are flowing and you have all this empty time. Start some projects, get your Pinterest on, but do it quickly! This motivation doesn’t last long and your closet is filled with last year’s half-finished pin-spirations.
CANCER
(JUNE 22 – JULY 22)
Your final exam grades have you second-guessing your major. You’ve got thousands of other talents to capitalize on. Ever thought about a Bachelor’s in Karaoke? Maybe a minor in Jell-O shot making?
LEO
(JULY 23 – AUGUST 22)
You want a date for ZooLights and you want it badly. You’re scouring your contact list looking for a winter break bud to get your flirt on, but think twice before you take the plunge. Are zoo animals in the dark worth a date with the kid who used to eat glue?
VIRGO
(AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 22)
Adulting is hard and you’re feeling the challenge more than ever lately. Take any breaks you can get this season — you might find yourself thankful for things like grandma’s annual gift of underwear and socks this year.
LIBRA
(SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 22)
You’re feeling energetic, creative, excited and...broke. It’s time to get up and get a move on the winter break job hunt. Whether you’re flipping burgers, scooping ice cream or filing papers, you’re going to have to do something if you want to support next semester’s coffee addiction.
SCORPIO
(OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21)
You’ve reached the end of the semester and you’re more than ready for a break.
Let loose, hit some parties and make some new friends. Don’t get too crazy though; you’ve still got to save some energy for that New Year’s shebang.
SAGITTARIUS
(NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 21)
The holidays are upon us and you’re not feeling it—the lights, the gifts, the incessant repetition of that Mariah Carey song. It might be time to suck it up and sip an eggnog already; it’s gonna be a long road to Groundhog Day.
CAPRICORN
(DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 19)
You have your finals in the bag and your flights for home arranged, but one thing stands in your way: $200 to spend in dining hall credits. You’re a thrifty student and won’t let any of it go to waste. Grab your friends and hit Einstein’s, Subway, Chick-fil-a and Starbucks, and repeat. CT
