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Vol. 27 #14
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Anna Atkinson • AS Review
AN OCCUPY BELLINGHAM UPDATE
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he Occupy Bellingham movement, which marched through the streets of Bellingham and camped in Maritime Heritage Park for the first time on Oct. 28, 2011, has experienced complications since the beginning of the endeavor. The camp-out that lasted nine weeks ended when the city evicted protesters from the park at the end of December. Former Mayor Dan Pike released a statement and delivered a letter notifying Occupy Bellingham protesters to leave Maritime Heritage Park on Dec. 27. The next
day, police escorted protesters off the premises of the park. There were four arrests, according to Janice Keller, city public information officer. In his statement, Pike said he sympathized with the protesters. “At its inception, the protests in Bellingham, and the encampment at Maritime Heritage Park, served to stimulate important discussions in our community,” the statement read. “As an elected official, though, I was always caught in the tensions inherent between the Occupy group and the interests of the larger community,
including those in disagreement with Occupy.” Pike listed damages to the park property as well as effects on local businesses around the park as reasons for the eviction. The protesters did not apply for a permit to occupy the park, Keller said. Pike’s statement said that as city officials tolerated the trespassing on the park, they expected certain treatment of the park and the surrounding area. Protesters have not attempted to occupy the park since the eviction. the
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A DIFFERENT KIND OF “EXPERIMENT” Alexander Kramer • Guest review Do you have time between classes this week between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.? Good, then you can head over to the Associated Students Viking Union Gallery for “An Experiment” before it is through. No, it is not psychology study, it is the name of new exhibit in the VU Gallery that runs until Friday, Jan. 20. The gallery is located on the fifth floor of the VU. “An Experiment” was conceived by an unnamed art student, who wanted to see what happens when disposable cameras are given to complete strangers. The exhibit showcases the resulting images. One of the most enticing details of the show is knowing that two of the cameras were handed to a 4 year old and a 6 year old. Walking into the gallery, one instantly notices the
precision and organization of the photos. Each wall is stripped with four rows of photos, each hung neatly along two wires. This, however, is where the organization ends. The photos are not labeled or categorized and are not arranged in any apparent manner. What is presented is merely dozens and dozens of fragmented views in time and (relatively local) space, and it is up to the audience to interact with them as they like. One has the option of merely viewing it as a collection of amateur photographs or you can see them as a compilation of human interactions, both public and private. There are scenes of Western’s campus, people’s pets, someone taking a bath, a few girls exposing themselves
and many more off-the-cuff moments archiving daily life of the community. Viewers don’t know who took each photo, which becomes the beauty of the show: taking in each photo on its own, without any preconceived notion of who the photographers are. This “experiment” is worth checking out to challenge your views on human interaction, art and how people perceive things to be “good” or “bad.” Making your own stories in your head out of all the photos available is an interesting way to pass the time, and it works out those “imagination muscles” we all have but don’t use as frequently anymore. A closing reception will be held Thursday, Jan. 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with food provided. the
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“An Experiment” will be on display in the VU Gallery until Jan. 20. Photo by Joe Rudko//AS Review
January 17, 2012• 11
RENT AUDITIONS Performances begin May 10
Anna Atkinson • AS Review This spring will be a season of love with the newest Western theater department Performing Arts Center Mainstage production: “Rent.” The performance will run from May 10 to May 20. Auditions for “Rent” started Friday, Jan. 13 and continued through Saturday, Jan. 14. Director Jim Lortz said about 11 main roles would be filled as well as about 15 to 20 chorus roles. Lortz said he originally proposed a different musical, but he and the faculty decided to do something more contemporary. Lortz said he loves the characters and the music in “Rent,” and he looks forward to performing the musical in the department’s own interpretation. Lortz said he would like to see a diverse turnout at auditions. He hopes to capture the musical’s cross section of Bohemia and have a diverse cast, he said. Dance instructor Pam Kuntz will arrange the musical’s choreography. Costumes will be designed by faculty member Monica Hart, and set design will be by Western senior Charley Minchel. Western senior Noel Wamsley, who auditioned for the musical, said she has been in the Mainstage productions three years in a row. She said if she gets cast, it will be her last show at Western. Wamsley said she particularly wanted to audition for the show because it is a fun story and a musical. Many Mainstage productions are not musicals, she said. She said the department plans to modernize the musical and make it more relevant to the present. The theater department will work closely with the music department since the show is written as an operetta, Wamsley said. the
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Auditions for “Rent” started Friday, Jan. 13 and continued through Saturday, Jan. 14. Director Jim Lortz said about 11 main roles would be filled as well as about 15 to 20 chorus roles. Poster by Alan Hussey//AS Publicity Center
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Photo by Megan Thompson//AS Review
SIMPLY DELICIOUS The AS Review cooking column returns Megan Thompson • AS Review
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started my love affair with baking when I was 7 and received a hand-medown Easy Bake Oven from my sister. By the age of 10, I used up all the mixes for my Easy Bake Oven. The mix packets were similar to brownie mixes at the store but much smaller. Without them, I couldn’t use my oven. I begged my mom to buy me new mixes, but instead she informed me I was allowed to use the real oven instead of the fake one. That prompted an emotional breakdown on my part. In my view, I was still young. I wanted to play with that toy of an oven, and baking in the real oven didn’t seem like play time. Soon after, my father, the master cook in my family, explained to me his simple enchilada recipe. He taught how to prepare them and let me assist him. I think now he probably let me help to ease the pain of my
Easy Bake Oven anxiety. But now, 10 years and a few baking scars later, I feel as though I perfected that original recipe. My family agrees too. My secret to cooking is simplicity. None of the dishes I make are excessively complicated, and I believe that simple food is good food.
Super Simple Thompson Enchiladas Ingredients:
15-20 corn tortillas 28 oz. can red or green enchilada sauce 1-3 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 chicken breast, cooked and diced (optional) 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a 9-by-13inch pan, pour a quarter can of enchilada sauce to coat the bottom. Set aside. In a medium mixing bowl combine garlic, cilantro, pepper, chicken, and cheddar cheese. Heat tortillas in a microwave for 30-45 seconds, until they are able to bend without breaking. Place a small handful of the cheese mixture in the center of the tortilla, and roll it into an enchilada. Place in pan. Repeat until you run out of the cheese mixture. Enchiladas should have virtually no space between each other, so feel free to pack them onto the pan. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the enchiladas and spread evenly. Evenly coat the top of the enchiladas with the mozzarella cheese. Place in oven for 25-30 minutes or until the mozzarella is golden brown. the
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Viking Union 411 516 High St. Bellingham, WA 98225 Phone: 360.650.6126 Fax: 360.650.6507 Email: as.review@wwu.edu Online: as.wwu.edu/asreview @theasreview facebook.com/theasreview
©2011. Published most Mondays during the school year by the Associated Students of Western Washington University. We are a student-produced, alternative campus weekly covering news and events that are of interest to the Western community. We support all programs, offices and clubs affiliated with the AS. We have a direct connection to the AS Borard of Directors, and although we report on board actions objectively, our relationship should be made clear. Submissions: We welcome reader submissions, including news articles, literary pieces, photography, artwork or anything else physically printable. Email submissions, or send them to the mailing address above. They will be returned as long as you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
NEWS / FEATURES
In This Issue:
Flitterheart, the My Little Pony. Photo illustration by Cade Schmidt//AS Review
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TAKING TIME OFF
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REC CENTER RECAP
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BRONIES
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RENT
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SIMPLY DELICIOUS
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What to do when you need a break What’s happening at Wade King in the new year
Male fans of “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic”
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VIKINGS BASKETBALL
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TOP TEN
SNUG HARBOR
Profiling the funkiest band in Bham
“AN EXPERIMENT” A guest review
Auditions held for May theater show
This week: enchiladas
Women’s team scores big Things to look forward to in 2012
Letters: We also welcome letters to the editor. Please limit your letter to 300 words and include your name and phone number. Published letters may have minor edits made to their length or grammar, if necessary. Calendar/Ads: We don’t sell ad space. Sorry. Email as.review@ wwu.edu to have an event listed in the calendar.
Editor in Chief
Assistant Editor
Lead Photographer
Copy Editor
Kirsten O’Brien
Cade Schmidt
Assistant Photographer Joe Rudko
Adviser
Jeff Bates
Adrienne Woods
Evan Marczynski
Staff Writers
Anna Atkinson Eriver Eugenio Nick Markman Lauren Simmons Megan Thompson
Students gather in Red Square to honor Martin Luther King Jr. on Thursday, Jan. 12. Photo by Cade Schmidt//AS Review
Corrections In “Outsourcing the AS,” we incorrectly stated that OrgSync costs $14,000 per year. Casey Hayden, student activities coordinator, said the program actually costs $12,500 per year. In “Honoring the King,” we incorrectly stated that Danela Butler was president of the Black Student Union. L’Shray Jones is the president of BSU.
January 17, 2012• 3
EVENTS JAN 16 - JAN 20 Monday Jan 16
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, no classes!
Tuesday Jan 17 Open Mic night
7 to 10 p.m., Viking Union third floor Free
Grab a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy Open Mic night in the Underground Coffeehouse. Acts can include anything from musical performances to stand-up comedy. Sign-ups to perform begin at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday Jan 18
Fourth Wall Films premiere 7 p.m., VU 552 Free
KVIK, an Associated Students program that provides aspiring filmmakers with first-hand film and video production experience, will host a screening of short, student-produced films. Evening attire is encouraged.
Void-Walker premiere 8 p.m., VU 552 Free
KVIK will be screening its first season of the student-produced series “Void-Walker.” The series is KVIK’s take on “The Twilight Zone,” a sciencefiction TV series.
Thursday Jan 19 Finding Feminism 6:30 p.m., AW 205 Free
The Vagina Club is holding monthly discussions about various topics within feminism. This month’s topic is “Feminism 101,” an introductory discussion about basic feminist ideals and principals. The discussion is open to all gender identities. Snacks are provided.
You Would! auditions 4 to 6 p.m., Fraser 4 Jan. 19 & 20
Auditions are being held for “You Would!,” KVIK’s sketch comedy show. No experience or preparation is necessary.
Friday Jan 20
Beyond Borders: Call for submissions Send digital submissions to Viking Union Gallery Director Ashley Hollender at as.gallery@wwu.edu. Submisson deadline is March 2.
“Beyond Borders” is an exhibition presented by the VU Gallery that is designed to showcase outstanding artwork created by fine art students in the western United States and Canada to stimulate dialogue among new artists, their peers and the established art community. “Beyond Borders” serves to remind viewers and participants that art has the power to transcend all boundaries.
Precious Knowledge film screening 7 to 9 p.m., Academic West 204 Free
“Precious Knowledge” is a documentary film that looks at the lives of high school seniors in the Mexican-American studies program at Tuscon High School. The AS Social Issues Resource Center will host a dicussion with the filmmaker, Ari Palos, after the screening.
Find the AS Review on Facebook, Twitter and at as.wwu.edu/asreview
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OVERWHELMED? TAKE A BREAK Relax, recharge and learn a thing or two
Lauren Simmons • AS Review
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our years tend to be the minimal amount of time it takes students to complete a bachelor’s degree at a university like Western. That’s in addition to the 12 years of preparatory schooling for higher education. By the time students graduate from college, the majority of their lives are spent sitting in a classroom. Some students choose to take time off school when they become exhausted, just need a break or find a promising opportunity. Whether it’s just a quarter or a whole academic year, taking time off school can create many opportunities and learning experiences for all students, and not just be a time to relax and ponder the meaning of life. Stephen Steen, a junior, is in the middle of his third year at Western. Steen decided during spring quarter of his freshman year that he was going to take a year off from college and go on an ambitious bike trip. He planned on spending the time reflecting on what he wanted to do and whether he wanted to stay in school. “I’ve been going to school for so long that I wanted to make sure I do what it is I want to do,” Steen said. “I didn’t want to go to school for the sake of going to school. I guess I had a non-conformist streak and wanted to act on it.” Steen’s bike trip, which he did with two friends, took him around the coast of the Washington peninsula and down to Salem, Ore. From there, they took a train to Sacramento, Calif., and rode until they got to Monterrey, Calif., which is south of the Bay Area in the center of the state, Steen said. With the little money he had left, Steen and his bike flew back to Washington. The bike trip took about seven weeks, and Steen came back to his hometown of Anacortes, Wash., and began working various jobs.
While in Anacortes, Steen stayed with his mom part of the time and later transitioned to living with band mates in February 2010. During that time, his band recorded and released an album, which added structure to Steen’s days away from school, he said. “Without that productivity I probably would have been pretty depressed because [my time] would have been boring and unfulfilling,” Steen said. “Now I can say ‘While I was gone, I went on a bike trip, made some money for working and I worked on music,’ as opposed to, ‘I waited for school to start.’”
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I’ve been going to school for so long that I wanted to make sure I do what it is I want to do. I didn’t want to go to school for the sake of going to school.
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-- Stephen Steen, Western junior
By the time he began taking classes, he was eager to get back into school, Steen said. Steen came back with a more concrete idea with what he wanted to do with his education. He said when he left school, he had no idea what he degree he wanted to pursue, Steen said. Upon returning he had a firm idea that he wanted to study communications or journalism. “I work at KUGS at school, and find a lot of satisfaction in that,” Steen said, who is the operations director at the radio station. “It would be great to continue what
I’m doing here at a larger radio station.” In retrospect, Steen would do it all again, but maybe just take time off for a quarter or two, instead of an entire year. For other students, taking time off school does not consist of taking bike trips or making music but rather real-world experience for their plans after college. Byron Starkey, a senior, is taking the current winter quarter off from school to do an internship at Western’s government relations office. He will also be in Olympia helping Western lobby for legislation, Starkey said. “I’m a [political science] major, so it fit right in with my major and what I might want to do in the future,” Starkey said. Starkey was able to take the internship for academic credit. He will graduate in spring of this year, which was one of the deciding factors for him to take the internship. “I think that if you’re able to get an internship, you can learn a lot more practical application of what you want to do,” Starkey said. “As opposed to in a classroom where it is more academically focused and you don’t always get that practical experience.” Starkey chose to do the internship and save money on tuition by not taking classes. Taking time off school is a unique decision for all students, and the decision takes a certain degree of planning. Making sure there is something productive to keep you busy is key to using the time off wisely, Steen said. For Steen, he always knew he was going to come back to Western. He just needed time off to organize his thoughts, regardless of the feedback he received about his decision. “I understand the value of a basic education and a college education so I got really peeved when people suggested that I might not [go back], even though I knew I would,” Steen said. the
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MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME OFF: INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FAIR 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Viking Union Multipurpose Room Thursday, Jan. 26
The International Opportunities Fair is the largest campus wide event dedicated to providing information about international work, volunteer, study and internship opportunities. Students, faculty, staff and alumni can meet with representatives from approximately 60 organizations. Participating organizations include the Peace Corps, U.S. Department of State, Semester at Sea, International Au Pair Exchange, American Institute for Foreign Study and Hess Education. Also featured are Western faculty-led 2012 study abroad disciplines such as environmental studies, ecotourism, tropical marine biology, sustainable development, TESOL, Chinese language, classical studies and art.
January 17, 2012• 5
WORK IT OUT
Have you kept your New Year’s resolution to get healthier? Eriver Eugenio • AS Review
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s many Western students look to finally achieve their health and fitness goals as part of their New Year’s resolutions, Western’s Wade King Student Recreation Center and its staff are more than willing to help them on their way to achieving their goals. Many students may be motivated to hit the gym as part of their New Year’s resolutions, the gym’s highest usage rate is not just during the start of the new year, said Wade King Student Recreation Center Membership Services manager Bob Hofstetter. “The two highest usage rates are right at the start of class in the fall and the start of winter quarter here,” Hofstetter said. “Those are historically the highest days.” While the start of fall and winter quarter mark the gym’s highest attendance rates, the numbers begin to dwindle as the year goes on Hofstetter said.
This is due to the increase of work in classes and other side jobs, he said. Although fitness goals and New Year’s resolutions cause an increase in private clubs and gyms, Ron Arnold, fitness manager of the rec center, believes that theory does not exactly translate over to the rec center, he said. “I personally think New Year’s resolutions get hyped up in the media to be made out as this huge deal,” Arnold said. Arnold said anyone looking to get into shape can get assistance in a variety of ways. “We’re here to help them and they can give us a call to ask us some questions, we can spend time with them or make an appointment,” Arnold said. “We have personal trainers and the X Pass gives them all these options to choose from.”
The Group X Pass, which is $45 per quarter, allows gym-goers access to any number of fitness classes, which include Zumba, yoga, belly dancing, boot camp and many more. Throughout the week, all noon classes are free, Arnold said. Free noon classes include aqua fitness, spin, all level yoga, Zumba and weight training. “The numbers definitely do go up in the private sector, but comparing us is like apples and oranges when comparing us to a typical club.” What makes the gym at Western different from other gyms is that even though sustaining a budget is very important, money is not the number one concern, Arnold said. “We’re not real aggressive and trying to take advantage of people and bring them in,” Arnold said. “Our purpose here is to have a friendly environment.” the
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WHAT’S UP AT WADE KING: WOMEN’S NIGHT AT THE REC On Sunday, Jan. 8, the Associated Students Women’s Center invited female-identified individuals to take part in Women’s Night at the Rec. The event was geared toward creating a safe and comfortable environment for women to work out and participate in fitness classes or play games. Photos by Cade Schmidt//AS Review
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MY LITTLE BRONY
Children’s TV series is popular among an unlikely audience: men Nick Markman • AS Review
Ten students sat in the Gamma Lounge on Jan. 7 watching colorful cartoon ponies giggle and prance around on a television screen. Of the 10 people present, four were males. The remote was far away, unattended. No one wanted to change the channel. My Little Pony has been an iconic toy for little girls since its creation in 1983. In October 2010, “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,” the second television series based off the toys, aired with surprising results. A new fan demographic emerged, consisting primarily of adult males and teenagers who refer to themselves as “bronies.” “It seemed funny at first that a lot of people were praising the show for its storytelling and its great animation,” freshman brony Zach Holman said. “It’s actually a pretty funny show, so I started watching it more and enjoying it.” The show’s cult following emerged from 4chan, an online image board and forum. When users began bringing up the show in different forum channels and acknowledging its well-developed characters, animation and adult-related references, “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” went viral. “When they found out that there were a lot of these older males that were really into the show, they supported it, they were cool with it and they started catering to both sides of the spectrum,” Holman said. Brony-created material continued to pop up throughout the web. An almost 19 minute-long, 23-verse YouTube rap video called “Pony Swag Megamix” was compiled from brony-submitted lyrics, all pertaining to the adult male love of the show. Holman showed this video to freshman Kalena Walker, who was already a fan, she said. Adult female fans are referred to as “pegasisters.” “It’s a show geared toward little girls,” Walker said. “But there’s definitely references that older audiences get.” Holman said the show frequently refers to older shows, movies, books and it even throws in adult-specific humor. In one episode, a minor character named Spike fell into a punch bowl and another pony made a comment about “spiking the punch.” While the adult fan base pertains mostly to the show, some bronies even show an affinity toward the classic My Little Pony toys. Senior Adrianne D’Angelo said she has many brony friends. She recalled a time in the Fred Meyer toy aisle where one of her brony pals disagreed with the representation of a pony toy.
“He looked at one and was like, ‘Wait, this isn’t correct. This should be this color and this should be that color!’” D’Angelo said. “There were some guys passing behind him and they were like, ‘Dude! Bronies forever!’ and they literally had this little party in the middle of the aisle talking about the pony toys and their favorite episodes.” It is not all rainbows and sparkles for adult My Little Pony fans. Holman said that while most people find it amusing that he is a fan of the show, he has gotten very negative reactions from certain individuals. For Walker, she said she does not openly admit to being a fan because the media has recently portrayed the adult fan base in a negative light, especially in a re-
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cent report done by KING 5 News. “There’s the stereotypical sci-fi convention nerd of under-groomed 30-year-olds living with their mothers, and that’s kind of what the [segment] made us look like,” Walker said. Holman said the show’s continuing dedication and reciprocation to its unexpected fan base is what keeps him interested in the continuing antics and adventures of the show’s main characters: Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinky Pie and Apple Blossom. “They’re really supportive of both sides of the fan base and I think that even Lauren Faust [the show’s creator] said that she’s really happy that we live in a generation where males can openly admit to liking this show.” the
It’s a show geared toward little girls, but there’s definitely references that older audiences get. -- Kalena Walker, “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” fan
Flitterheart gets her hair done. Photo illustration by Cade Schmidt//AS Review
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January 17, 2012• 7
FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME The Vikings may be young, but they pack a punch
Lauren Simmons • AS Review
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ge ain’t nothing but a number for Western’s women’s basketball team. With a relatively young team including six freshmen and just one senior on the roster, many thought the Vikings would struggle this season, said Britt Harris, a junior and post player. As of Jan. 13, the Vikings were 11-3. They are looking to go even further than they did last year, when they had a 21-game win streak—the longest in Western history—came in first in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference regular season standings, second in the conference tournament, and reached the first round of the NCAA Division II National Tournament. “We have a really deep team; we can play 11 girls,” Katie Colard said, a freshman point guard. “Whatever is working for us that game, we try to stick with it, get our running game going and push the ball.” This season, defense seems to be the focus of the team and the key to their success. “From the beginning, we’ve been working on defense, Western defense principles. We got it together in the Las Vegas tournament in December, and we’re trying to keep going at the same rate,” Colard said. Western defense is a philosophy, Harris said. Western basketball prides itself on tough, fundamental and aggressive defense. “It’s how we get ourselves going,” Harris said. “We don’t get ourselves going off offense. It’s our defense that helps set the tone for the game.” After losing to Alaska-Anchorage in their last two games of last season, the final loss ending their NCAA tournament run, the Vikings are ready to get there again, and this time, move on. “The girls that played know that feeling of working so hard and doing so well all season, and right when you get to your goal, it falls out your hand,” Colard said. “They want to get past that.” Harris has experienced losing in the first round of the NCAA tournament for two years straight and is now looking forward. “We want to get there and get past it,” she said. “It’s kind of a personal thing now.” Western students’ attendance at the home games is another factor that helps the Viking get Ws. Feeding off the energy of great fans helps the team out, Colard said. Head coach Carmen Dolfo recognizes the Vikings’ progress and likes to take the season one game at a time. “[They’re] a great group of women who want to work,” Dolfo said. “We’re young, and we’re learning,” The next home game for the Vikings is at 7 p.m. on Feb. 2, against Western Oregon in Carver Gym. the
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ABOVE: The players cheer on their teammates from the bench while they hold defense against University of Alaska Fairbanks. BOTTOM RIGHT: Guard Corinn Waltrip shoots a free throw during the Vikings’ 93-80 defeat over University of Alaska Fairbanks Thursday evening. BOTTOM LEFT: Sarah Hill pushes past Fairbanks defender Jacqueline Lovato and drives the ball to the hoop. Photos by Cade Cchmidt//AS Review
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TOP 10 IN 2012
What to look forward to if the world ends Megan Thompson • AS Review
Is 2012 our year of doom? At the AS Review, we’re not sure. If the world comes to an apocolyptic end this year, here are a few things to look forward to during your last days on Earth.
Disney Films in 3D January 13, September 14
Initiative 1183 takes effect June 1 The closing of state-run liquor stores begins in June. The private sector will be able to sell liquor for the first time since Prohibition. Safeway will sell spirits in all of its stores statewide, and Trader Joe’s plans to sell in most of its locations. Costco contributed $22.5 million to the campaign in favor of the initiative and will likely sell its own Kirkland Signature Vodka.
“The Dark Night Rises” July 20
Apocalypse December 21 Most proponents of the 2012 end of the world phenomenon come from the belief that the Mayan calendar ends on Dec. 21, 2012. Theories also exist about the Christian apocalypse described in Revelations. According to 2012apocalypse.net, the actual date the apocalypse would take place is Jan. 31, so watch out.
iPhone 5 Date Unknown
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After Disney released “The Lion King 3D” in theaters, other Disney classics will make their way to the big screen. “Beauty and the Beast” is scheduled for Jan. 13, and “Finding Nemo” premieres on Sept.14. More are scheduled for 2013 as well, including “The Little Mermaid” and “Monsters Inc.”
Super Bowl XLVI February 5
For the first time, the NFL will be streaming the game, held in Indianapolis this year, online through computers and mobile phones.
“The Hunger Games” March 23
The “Hunger Games” trilogy, based on the popular series by Suzanne Collins, premieres March 23. The book pulls 4.6 stars on Amazon.com out of 4,000 reviews. Reelz.com predicts that if the movie adaption is done well, the “Hunger Games” franchise could be as big as “Harry Potter” and “Twilight.” “It’s actionpacked, violent, thought-provoking and addictive,” the website said.
The last installment of Christopher Nolan’s “Batman” series picks up where “The Dark Knight” left off. Christian Bale returns as Bruce Wayne and is put against Bane (Tom Hardy) and Cat Woman (Anne Hathaway). Joseph Gordon-Levitt also joins the cast as John Blake, a young cop. Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine all return.
Olympic Games July 27 to August 12
London will host the Summer Olympics for the first time since 1948. The venues are spread across London, outside of London and in the Olympic Park. Tickets are on sale now for the events.
Presidential Election November 6
With the GOP primaries underway, the selection of a candidate from the Republican Party is nearing. Mitt Romney won the recent primary in New Hampshire, but Ron Paul and Jon Huntsman also made strong showings.
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Hype around the new iPhone 5 spread, especially after Apple founder Steve Job’s death. Some rumors have said the future iPhone may have a larger screen, similar to one on the Droid, according to thesmokingjacket.com.
Fashion Trends
According to refinery29.com, a website focused on emerging fashion trends, get ready for the platform sneaker. That’s right, they predict that the ‘90s style sneaker will reappear in 2012. They also predict that baseball caps, broaches and neutrals will be in.
Are you looking forward to anything in 2012? Let the AS Review know! Tweet us @theasreview or find us on Facebook by searching “AS Review.”
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January 17, 2012• 9
THE GROOVIEST BAND IN BHAM Jazzy and soulful, Snug Harbor rocks
Nick Markman • AS Review With a raw funk and jazz sound coming straight out of the ‘70s and high energy, dance-evoking live performances, Snug Harbor may be the grooviest band in Bellingham. Snug Harbor was loosely formed from a bi-weekly jam session held in bassist Stephen Blair’s residence in the York neighborhood. That was three years ago. Now, the band has two albums, plays gigs all over the state and continues to provide its listeners with the soulful, upbeat sounds of funk. Senior Will Glazier, along with Blair and former drummer David Lofgren were the three founding members of Snug Harbor. Glazier, who plays trumpet and provides vocals, said funk music is something that influenced all members of the band and is
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and most recent self-titled album was released in July 2011 and is available on iTunes. “It’s all about the community,” Glazier said. “Everything from the designer, to the paper, to the ink, to the press, literally every single thing about that album was produced in Washington state and, most of all, in Bellingham.” The album’s first track, “Lucky’s Uncle” is an homage to the local community as well as a tribute to Lucky Brown, the stage moniker of funk musician Joel Ricci, who Blair said was an inspiration and mentor to the band. Even without its relatable and clever lyrics, which include references to Mount Baker, Whatcom Creek and Nelson’s Market, the song is a musical powerhouse.
There’s this renewed, relived kind of attitude and presence with funk and soul music, and it’s just something that screams out to me. I feel like it makes a lot of people smile and dance and groove, and that’s what we live for.
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Photo illustration by cade schmidt//AS Review
-- Will Glazier, trumpet player and vocalist in Snug Harbor
an uplifting and positive genre. “There’s this renewed, relived kind of attitude and presence with funk and soul music, and it’s just something that screams out to me,” Glazier said. “I feel like it makes a lot of people smile and dance and groove, and that’s what we live for.” While Snug Harbor is primarily a funk band, they delve into blues, jazz, soul and even reggae styles in their songs, often mixing elements from different genres to make for some awesome tunes. While its main core of musicians is a seven-piece band, Snug Harbor can play with anywhere from four to nine musicians on stage. With its members originating from places such as New York, Japan and North Dakota, even the demographic makeup of Snug Harbor is diverse. “I don’t think anybody in the band is from Bellingham,” guitarist Mark Lorenz said. “We’re from all over the country, really. We all came here because we love it here. We love all of Washington, but Bellingham is a real special for all of us and we’re lucky to be here.” This essence of community pride is one that sounds throughout the entire band. Their first album’s title, “Songs from the York,” is a tribute to the neighborhood of the band’s inception. Their second
Blair delivers a groovy and impressively complex bass line throughout the song, while the baritone and tenor sax, trombone and trumpet deliver the driving brass sound that is a staple of Snug Harbor. To top it off, the drums, vintage-sounding keys and classic wah-wah funk guitar take the listener on a seven-minute psychedelic journey where resisting the urge to dance will be a challenge. At 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, Snug Harbor will headline a Mardi Gras event at the all-ages venue The Lightcatcher, on Flora Street. Mardis Gras has always been an important celebration for the band. Glazier credits New Orleans as inspiration for some of the band’s sound. Even the name, Snug Harbor, comes from a famous jazz bar in New Orleans. “It’s interesting to see where this is going to go because everything is temporal and bands usually only have a lifetime of a couple years or so,” Glazier said. “We’re just trying to make every performance like it’s our last and play every note like it’s our last and give thanks and appreciation and reciprocation to our fans.” the
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Snug Harbor performed with The VonVettas and 20 Riverside on Friday, Jan. 6, at The Shakedown. Photos by Joe rudko//AS Review
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