12-24-10 Cache Magazine

Cache Ringing in the season

Magazine

Westminster Bell Choir offers holiday favorites

The Herald Journal

Dec. 24-31, 2010

Page 2 - The Herald Journal - Cache, Logan, Utah, Friday, December 24, 2010

Cache The Herald Journal’s

Arts & Entertainment Calendar

What’s inside this week

Magazine

Members of the Westminster Bell Choir perform at the Pioneer Valley Lodge last Saturday. Read more about the group on Page 8. (Photo by Jennifer Meyers/Herald Journal)

A Cache Christmas poem

(Page 4)

On the cover:

From the editor

VERY YEAR WHEN E Christmas rolls around, I am always surprised that it’s come again

so fast. Am I the only one who feels like Christmas 2009 was just a few months ago?

Early this week, I finished the last of the last minute shopping, got a few presents wrapped and tidied up the house. It seemed like there were a million things to do.

For me, and I feel many others, a trick of the holiday season is to enjoy the wonderful parties and family outings without turning the celebrations into a source of stress. I recently talked to my older sister, Lisa, about the logistics for the Christmas dinner she is hosting at her house in Tucson, Ariz.

As a busy psychologist for the Veterans Administration, Lisa doesn’t have tons of free time, but she is always great about whipping up a

Slow Wave

kburgess@hjnews.com

(Page 10)

Step into the ‘StarHouse’

Books.......................p. 13 Crossword.................p.14

delicious meal and taking it all in stride. I wish I had her cool under pressure attitude. When I organize ‘True Grit’ does a get-together, I agonize for weeks about the menu yet still somehow justice to a classic find myself frantically driving to Smith’s for a missing ingredient a (Page 7) few hours before everyone arrives.

While this year I will just be playing the role of guest at various parties, I am still setting a 2011 resoluCute tion to enjoy the process of hosting a little more. My sister seems to have been born knowing how to have fun with every little step, from picking the perfect decorations to greeting early arrivals. I guess the key seems to be to relax and enjoy each moment, rather than just thinking about an outcome. It’s a good lesson for life in general and one I’m still trying to master.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone!

(Page 4) Utah State professor wins $10,000 award

pet photo of the week

This cat is available for adoption!

— Kim Burgess Cache Magazine editor

Pet: Boots From: Four Paws Rescue Why she’s so lovable: “Boots was found in Nibley. He is very sweet and outgoing. He likes to play hard, and then he sleeps well! Boots is very snuggly and loving. He is looking for an indoor-only, forever, loving home for the holidays! If you would like to meet Boots or learn more about him, please call Sheri at 787-1751. The adoption fee for most Four Paws cats is $75, which includes spay/neuter and shots. Boots is currently residing at the Logan PetSmart.”

Slow Wave is created from real people’s dreams as drawn by Jesse Reklaw. Ask Jesse to draw your dream! Visit www.slowwave.com to find out how.

‘Cards for a Cause’ to benefit Common Ground

Utah Public Radio hosts New Year’s Eve celebration

U

TAH PUBLIC RADIO’S “New Year’s in New York” benefit celebration and fundraiser is slated for Friday, Dec. 31. The inaugural event unfolds at the Accolade at Hamilton’s with an appetizer reception beginning at 7 p.m. and dinner seating at 8 p.m.

Guests may dance to the music of Jazz Pudding and Friends, featuring Greg Wheeler, Todd Fallis, Brad Wright, Ryan Conger and Doug James and enjoy feats of magic performed tableside by “Deceptionist” Richard Hatch.

Hatch says he does not usually accept New Year’s Eve engagments: “My wife Rosemary and I were married on Dec. 31, 1982, so I usually try to spend the evening with her. I do make exceptions, one being when I was hired to perform at Eddie Murphy’s New Year’s Eve party at his home in New Jersey. I spent most of the evening in his private VIP lounge downstairs, entertaining Sugar Ray Leonard, Arsenio Hall and other celebrities.

I’m delighted to make an exception this year as well to support Utah

Public Radio!”

A salute to 2011 will be offered at 10 p.m. (New Year’s in New York) for those who want to call it an evening, with another toast at midnight to celebrate the New Year in Cache Valley. Music and dancing will continue until 1 a.m.

Tickets for the evening are $100 per person, of which $67 is a tax-deductible contribution to Utah Public Radio. Several dinner options, including vegetarian, are available along with a dessert buffet. All proceeds from the New Year’s Eve event will benefit UPR’s new building campaign.

Individual reservations will be accepted and tables for 8 to 10 people may be reserved. Attire for the evening is semi-formal.

Utah Public Radio is a service of Utah State University and a member of National Public Radio.

Hamilton’s Steak and Seafood is located at 2427 N. Main St. in North Logan.

To order tickets for the event, visit the UPR website (www.upr. org) or call 797-3215.

C

OMMON GROUND OUTDOOR Adventures is having its 10th annual “Holiday Cards with a Cause” fundraiser.

Thanks to Square One Printing and Jerry Fuhriman, all proceeds directly provide outdoor recreational opportunities for youths and adults with disabilities in Cache Valley.

This year’s collection features six new scenes including “Winter Choir,” one of Jerry’s coyote pieces. Gift boxes may be purchased at Common Ground, Fuhriman’s Framing and Fine Art, Square One Printing, Old Grist Mill, Caffe Ibis, Citrus and Sage and Global Village Gifts. Custom imprinting is available.

Artwork sought for Utah State’s agriculture building T HE UTAH PUBLIC ART PROGRAM, in association with the Division of Facilities and Construction Management and Utah State University, announces a call for letters of interest and qualifications from artists or artist teams interested in creating art for the new College of Agricultural Science on the USU campus.

The deadline for receipt of applications or online submissions from interested artists is 5 p.m. on Feb. 10, 2011. Information and application instructions are available at www. utahpublicart.org. All hard copy application materials should be mailed or delivered to: Jim Glenn, Utah Public Art Program, 300 S. Rio Grande, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84101.

The community-based Art Selection Committee envisions artwork that is an important

Page 3 - The Herald Journal - Cache, Logan, Utah, Friday, December 24, 2010

All mixed up

part of the inspiration and stimulus for scientific inquiry and explorative academic work at the College of Agriculture.

The Public Art Program was created by the Utah State Legislature in 1985 with the passage of the Percent-for-Art Act and is administered by the Utah Arts Council through the Division of Arts & Museums. The statute allows for 1 percent of construction costs for new or remodeled state facilities to be added to the project for the commissioning or acquisition of art that is site specific to the facility and community. To date, over 200 works have been placed in state facilities statewide. For more information and online applications on this and other projects visit www.utahpubli cart.org or contact Jim Glenn at jglenn@utah. gov or 801-533-3585.

Page 4 - The Herald Journal - Cache, Logan, Utah, Friday, December 24, 2010

All mixed up

‘Faraday’s Holiday’ offers science fun T

HE STARHOUSE DISCOVERY CENTER Children’s Museum will be putting on its annual “Faraday’s Holiday” event from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 28, at the Whittier Center in Logan.

The event is a festival of art and science for kids (and kids at heart) of all ages. There will be a plethora of hands-on activities intended to get everyone excited about art and science. Keynote speaker at the event will be Shane Larson, an astronomy professor and “Storyteller of the Stars” from Utah State University, Suggested donations are 50 cents for kids under 12; $1 for kids 12 to 18 and $2 for adults. The event is a fundraiser to help with the establishment of a children’s museum with a target date of June 2012. It also raises money for the StarHouse Discovery Center to do outreach in schools with planetarium star shows and other educational science stuff for kids. Additional donations are welcomed.

Michael Faraday, after whom the event was named, was one of the most significant scientists of all time.

His discovery of what is now known as Faraday’s Law allows us to power our homes and our factories by creating electricity from spinning magnets — what we know now as generation of electricity. Each year over 150 years ago, Dr. Faraday would hold an event during the holidays and invite all of the children from London to see his new discoveries and the discoveries of his associates at the Royal Society, the most important group of scientists in the world at the time. The event was always popular because of Faraday’s lively and fun presentation of experiments. In fact, many feel that his fun, hands-on presentations led to the creation of hands-on children’s museums such as the Exploratorium in San Francisco.

The StarHouse Discovery Center seeks to recreate the energy and spirit of Faraday’s original events by

presenting a mixture of art and science activities of its own in anticipation of the planning and opening of its Children’s Museum.

“Art cannot exist without science,” said David Sidwell, future museum director. “Whether it’s color theory for painting or gravity for dancing or vibrations for music, art needs science to be manifest. And science is best expressed and explored through art.”

“It’s a great mix,” added Neil Dabb, board chair for the StarHouse Discovery Center, “We’re excited to show both science and art at this event in fun ways.”

Visitors can make their own stained glass star, build and fly paper airplanes and look at the stars through a telescope. Kids will be able to help control and manipulate a robotic arm to do various tasks. Additionally, local scientific and arts organizations will be presenting their work in lively ways. Campbell Scientific, science organizations from Utah State University, Valley Dance Ensemble and the American West Heritage Center will all have fun things to see and do at the event.

While most of the event has ongoing activities, at 7 p.m. Shane Larson will give a short keynote address.

“He’s a real storyteller,” said Laura Swift Lind, one of the creators of the StarHouse Discovery Center and the organization’s future planetarium director. “He makes looking at the night sky so exciting.”

At 7:15 p.m., Neil Dabb will demonstrate electricity experiments that kids can do with the extra LED lights that come in Christmas light sets.

The entire event is a precursor of sorts to the children’s museum the StarHouse Discovery Center plans to open in June 2012. “That seems like a long way off, but we need to raise money, develop partnerships with a host of exciting arts and science organizations in the area and build exhibits that will be fun and educational for everyone,” said Sidwell.

“That takes time.”

Event visitors will be able to add their ideas to the future museum at the event, and the StarHouse Discovery Center folks hope to get lots of input for exhibits and activities, especially from kids. “We really want to make the museum a magical arts and science wonderland!” said Sidwell, “And we think that kids often have the best ideas to do that.”

Currently, the StarHouse Discovery Center does school outreach. Arno Copley, outreach director, is excited about the upcoming year. “We have some great astronomy and science presentations tailored especially for the various grades,” he said. “Soon, we’ll have an interactive Space Mission experience that kids will love and will also be very educational.”

For more information about “Faraday’s Holiday Event” presented by the StarHouse Discovery Center, please visit starhousediscovery.org or contact Laura Swift Lind at laura.swift.lind@starhousediscovery. org.

curator at the San Jose Museum of Art, selected Puzey as a recipient because of her demonstrated ability in the process of aesthetic investigation and creation of original works of art, Abersold said.

“The juror asked several questions concerning the combination of wood and print materials in my work,” Puzey said. “She seemed interested in the constructed aspect of the pieces and the influence nature has on me and my impact on nature.”

Criteria used to judge applicant entries included artistic excellence based on work samples, professional quality of original works of art, creative insights in visual interpretations, innovations in style and use of medium and exceptional and ongoing aesthetic investigation.

“This recognition from the Utah Division of Arts and Museums is ‘icing on the cake’ for an already successful year for Kathy,” said Chris Terry, interim department

head for the Department of Art. Over the last year, Puzey has added to a list of exhibitions in important venues that steadily give her a growing influence in her field, Terry said. For instance, she recently was one of four printmakers to represent the U.S. in an invitational printmaking exhibition in France.

USU art professor receives fellowship

A

$10,000 FELLOWSHIP WAS AWARDED to Kathy Puzey, assistant professor of art in Utah State University’s Caine College of the Arts, by the Utah Division of Arts and Museums (UDA&M).

“There are so many strong artists in Utah,” said Puzey.

“To be selected as an award recipient is an unbelievable honor.”

Out of 85 qualified applicants for the 2011 Visual Arts Fellowship Award, Kathy Puzey was recognized as one of two award recipients in Utah, said Lila Abersold, UDA&M Visual Arts Manager.

To be considered for the fellowship, Puzey had to submit 10 digital images of professional work, a two-page resume of her most important career accomplishments and her official artist’s statement along with an online application form.

An out-of-state juror, Kristen Evangelista, associate

W

ORKS BY ARTISTS Barry Parsons and Julie Parsons of Wellsville will be on display through Saturday, Jan. 22, at the Brigham City Museum-Gallery.

“With a Paintbrush and a Camera” includes Julie’s paintings and Barry’s photographs — all in vibrant color.

“In its purest form, abstract art does not have a recognizable subject,” explained Barry.

“But it’s acceptable for an artist to take slight, partial or complete liberties with the imagery.” Barry added there are a lot of recognizable subjects by him and his wife hanging in the show.

At first sight, patrons probably could not identify Barry’s photo of a snowplow at Union Station because he concentrated on the lush red blades of the implement. When the image received positive responses from his friends, Barry decided this would be the first in a series of color abstracts of man-made subjects.

In many of Barry’s subsequent photos, he was drawn to the timeless shapes found in geometry, specifically circles, squares, triangles and lines.

As an example, old wooden skis leaning against a wall at

Photo courtesy of the Brigham City Museum-Gallery

A painting by Julie Parsons of Wellsville. A number of the artist’s works are on display at the Brigham City Museum-Gallery.

Dale’s Roadside Attractions in Wanship caught his eye because of the varied designs of the boot bindings and the “weathered” colors. Unfortunately, Barry bumped the skis with his tripod and they fell over. It took him 20 minutes to match the pairs and stand them upright so he could shoot the scene.

Barry saw similar, yet distorted geometric elements in multicolored chewing gum stuck to a small area on the exterior of a building in Eureka, Utah, and photographed the site. From a distance, Barry thought it was a plaque.

As he drew closer, he realized about 50 people used the wall to discard their gum, which

was smashed in every shape imaginable.

Julie’s rendering of a wayward black ant is similar to the action painting of the artist Jackson Pollock.

A vulture soaring in the hot sun appears doomed in another of the painter’s artworks; but she has combined the promise of a new life in the piece.

Time for CVCA’s spring classes R Are you crazy about your pet? Do you want to show him off to the world? From cats to dogs to horses to rats, Cache Magazine wants to know! Send your favorite picture of your pet, along with your name and a couple paragraphs detailing why your pet’s so darn lovable, to Cache Magazine, 75 W. 300 N., Logan, UT 84321, or e-mail it all to kburgess@ hjnews.com. Remember to tell your friends!

EGISTRATION FOR WINTER/SPRING classes at the Cache Valley Center for the Arts is underway.

Offerings include modern dance technique and African dance with Valley Dance Ensemble, ceramic classes for all ages and skill levels, Cadenza Choir classes with Cache Children’s Choir, creative drama classes with Unicorn Theater, CVCA Art Camp, mixed level yoga with Dennise, pilates and a full-length spring production class of “The Tempest” with Logan Youth Shakespeare. The next session will run from Jan. 17 through May 6. Costs vary.

For more information, call the Cache Valley Center for the Arts at 752-0026 or visit www.cachearts.org.

There are no challengers for a grasshopper contemplating a game of hopscotch in Julie’s interpretation of the playground game.

The artist’s independence is also apparent in her depiction of the streamlined body and aerial movement of the fly.

Barry’s and Julie’s interests in art has extended throughout their lives. Barry says he has always liked to take pictures, and it has evolved into a passion. He has taught basic photography at the Brigham City extension campus of Utah State Universities for 10 years.

The Brigham City native is also president of the Northern Utah Camera Club.

Julie was 7 years old when she produced her first oil painting, but she remembers creating pastel works even earlier because her mother was a painter. Julie’s father was a photographer, so she embraced this medium as well. The artist was born and raised in Heber City.

“With a Paintbrush and a Camera” can be seen Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. The museum is located at 24 N. 300 West. Admission is free. For more information, call 435-723-6769.

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Valley artist’s work on display in Brigham

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Film Still playing “The Fighter” Rated R ★★★ — Mark Wahlberg produces and stars, David O. Russell directs, but supporting player Christian Bale owns this real-life tale about boxer Micky Ward, who rose from his blue-collar roots and overcame ugly family squabbles to earn a title shot in his mid-30s.

The film itself is a strange stew, a raw portrait of working-class stiffs one moment, a comedy of family discord and vulgar people the next. Wahlberg as Ward, Melissa Leo as his mother and Amy Adams as his girlfriend are excellent. Yet Bale is truly extraordinary as Ward’s older halfbrother, Dicky Eklund, a flamboyant but selfdestructive former boxer who trains his sibling to climb to heights he never reached himself as his life unraveled amid crack addiction. Gaunt, wiry, always moving, always talking, Bale casts aside the stoicism of so many of his roles and becomes a lovable wreck. As with Ledger’s Joker, it’s the stuff that Academy Awards wins are made of.

R for language throughout, drug content, some violence and sexuality.

116 minutes.

“The Tourist” Rated PG-13 ★★ ½ — It’s probably best to head into this with the mindset that you’re going on an actual vacation yourself. If you’re in the mood for mindless, escapist fun — decadent hotel suites and expensive clothes — you’ll be fine. There are all the obligatory chases and shootouts you’d expect in a romantic action caper, but you never get the sense that anyone’s in real danger. There are twists, but they won’t

make you think too terribly hard, and in the end you will have devoted fewer than two hours of your life to a decent diversion. Watching Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie bounce off each other isn’t torture. Pretty people went to Venice and made a pretty movie. “The Tourist” is the first Hollywood film from director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, whose debut, the excellent German film “The Lives of Others,” won the foreign-language Oscar in 2007. It comes from a script that’s credited to Henckel von Donnersmarck, Christopher McQuarrie (“The Usual Suspects”) and Julian Fellowes (“Gosford Park”). These acclaimed talents — Oscar winners, all — have given us something unabashedly frothy and ridiculous — almost knowingly preposterous. PG-13 for violence and brief strong language. 105 minutes.

“The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader” Rated PG ★★ — C.S. Lewis began the third book in his Narnia series: “There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it.”

Nothing in the three inspiration-less films adapted from Lewis’ series ever rises to the wit of that simple line, though the latest comes closest to the spirit of the original — arguably the most fun of Lewis’ seven Narnia tales. But spirit is something that has been consistently lacking throughout this franchise, which has now gone through two studios (previously Disney, now Fox) and two directors.

“Dawn Trader” finds two of the Pevensie clan, Lucy (Georgia Henley) and Edmund (Skandar Keynes), sailing the Narnia seas with Prince

“Tron: Legacy” Rated PG ★★1⁄2 — Hugely hightech and forward-thinking in its day, “Tron” now looks cheesy and quaint in retrospect, with its blocky graphics and simplistic blips and bleeps.

The original film from 1982 was all about the possibility of technology and the human imagination, and the adventures that could result from marrying the two, but only now are the computer-generated effects available to render this digital world in its fullest potential. Hence, we have a sequel, which is in 3-D (of course) but is actually best viewed in IMAX 3-D. The whole point of the story and the aesthetics are that they’re meant to convey an immersive experience. We’re supposed to feel just as trapped inside this challenging and dangerous electronic realm as the Caspian (Ben Barnes), and with their bratty and unfortunately named cousin, Eustace (Will Poulter), in tow. Lewis’ Christian themes are worn more openly here than in the last installment. But the religious allegory (which will go over the heads of most young viewers, just as it

film’s characters. And at over two hours, we are indeed trapped — there is no justifiable reason for such a lengthy running time. While director Joseph Kosinski’s feature film debut is thrilling and cool-looking for about the first half, its races, games and visuals eventually grow repetitive, which only draws attention to how flimsy and preposterous the script is from Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz. “Tron: Legacy” is a mishmash of pop culture references and movie rip-offs, Eastern philosophy and various religions, and one insanely cute, strategically placed Boston terrier. And with the return of Jeff Bridges, there’s plenty of Dude-ishness for you fans of “The Big Lebowski.” PG for sequences of sci-fi action violence and brief mild language. In 3-D and IMAX 3-D. 125 minutes. did young readers) isn’t what sinks the Narnia movies. It’s a lack of imagination. PG for some frightening images and sequences of fantasy action. 114 minutes.

“Black Swan” Rated R ★★★ ½ — At once gorgeous and gloriously

nutso, a trippy, twisted fantasy that delights and disturbs in equal measure. Darren Aronofsky takes the same strippeddown fascination with, and appreciation for, the minutiae of preparation that he brought to his Oscar-nominated “The Wrestler” and applies it to the pursuit of a different kind of artistry: ballet. But then the director mixes in a wildly hallucinatory flair as “Black Swan” enters darker psychological territory. Working with his frequent cinematographer, Matthew Libatique, and incorporating dazzling effects, Aronofsky spins a nightmare scenario within a seemingly gentle world. The visions and dreams soar over-thetop at times, but always knowingly so, and with great style; “Black Swan” wallows in its grandiosity, and if you’re willing to go along with it, you’ll find yourself wowed by one of the best films of the year. Natalie Portman gives it her all in a brave and demanding performance as Nina, a driven New York City ballerina.

When it comes time to stage a bold, new production of “Swan Lake,” the company’s artistic director (Vincent Cassel) thinks Nina is perfect to play the White Swan.

But he needs a dancer who also can portray the fierce sexuality of the Black Swan. Enter Lily (Mila Kunis), a savvy and confident newcomer who represents Nina’s biggest threat to getting the lead role. R for strong sexual content, disturbing violent images, language and some drug use. 110 minutes.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” Rated PG-13 ★★★ — Doom and gloom permeate nearly every minute of the beginning of the end of the behemoth boy-wizard

series. This seventh film in the franchise, directed once again by David Yates (who previously helmed parts five and six, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” and “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”), begins with nearly suffocating tension, as Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) finds himself face-to-face with his destiny: being the target of the evil Lord Voldemort’s (Ralph Fiennes) deadly wrath.

Friends and allies will have to band together to protect him; some of them won’t make it out alive. Finally, the weight of Harry’s past and the frightening unknown of his future, as detailed so vividly in J.K. Rowling’s beloved books, are about to collide. Yates’ film is gorgeously bleak, with sprawling, endof-the-Earth shots of foreboding mountains and lonely beaches from Oscar-nominated cinematographer Eduardo Serra (“Girl With a Pearl Earring”) that reflect the characters’ moods. The films have grown darker in tone and theme, and given this heightened emotional challenge, the three young stars (Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint) once again rise to it. Having spent half their lives in these characters, their interactions with one another seem more believable than ever. But because “Part 1” sets up the final showdown in “Part 2” — which Yates also directed — there’s lots of exposition in Steve Kloves’ script, lots of characters and plot lines reintroduced from films past. While it’s thrilling off the top, it repeatedly sags in the middle before picking up at the cliffhanger climax. PG-13 for some sequences of intense action violence and frightening images.

143 minutes.

— All reviews by The Associated Press

“T

RUE GRIT” is a movie about how tough it is growing up in the Wild West. Boy was it tough! People shot you for looking at them wrong. It’s not a place for a child to be going out alone searching for the man who killed her father, but that’s what Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) is fixing to do.

Her dad was gunned down, and now Mattie wants to see his murderer brought to justice. She’s a shrewd 14-year-old who is able to barter with hardened businessmen.

She finds herself employing the help of Reuben Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), a washed-up drunk who finds criminals for a small wage. Just in case you were wondering yes, this is the same role that was made famous

by John Wayne in the original “True Grit” from 1969. Is Bridges better than Wayne? Well, that’s like comparing apples to oranges, so let’s not even go there. Bridges seems more drunken and surly here though.

Joel and Ethan Coen (“No Country for Old Me”) have taken it upon themselves to remake this Western classic. It’s hard to compare the two movies, and I think

really dive into the minds and motivations of the characters on screen.

We get to know Mattie somewhat from her mature-for-her-age ramblings, but we don’t get many character studies.

Still, there’s some great acting here. Bridges, as always, brings it all to the table. He transforms into Rooster Cogburn, just like he did with his character Bad Blake in “Crazy Heart” last year. Damon is great as LaBoeuf, and Hailee Steinfeld definitely deserves a nomination or two for her role. In the end though “True Grit” fails, ever so slightly, to give us something more than just a Western where people are killed brutally.

We know that the Wild West was a hard place to live, OK, now tell me something I don’t know.

The Reel Place

By Aaron Peck

★★★ “True grit” Rated R

it does a disservice to both of them if we try and do that. The Coen’s aren’t trying to outdo John Wayne and director Henry Hathaway, they’re just trying to tell the story with their voice and one-of-a-kind cinematic flavor.

Once Mattie procures Cogburn’s help, they go in search of the murderer, Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). They set out over the frozen plains,

through sparse forests, trying to find him. Mattie is hell-bent on finding her father’s killer. She’s got gumption. Along the way they’re joined by LaBoeuf (Matt Damon) a U.S. Marshall who is also looking for Chaney. The three of them find out that

finding Chaney may not be as easy as planned.

“True Grit” is being mentioned for numerous awards now that movie awards season has rolled around. It’s a bleak, trying story of life in the Wild West, but it isn’t much more. We don’t

Film critic Aaron Peck has a bachelor’s degree in English from USU. He also writes for BlogCritics. org, HighDefDigest. com, and is starting up a new movie website called TheReelPlace. com. Feedback at aaronpeck46@gmail.com.

Page 7 - The Herald Journal - Cache, Logan, Utah, Friday, December 24, 2010

“How Do You Know” Rated PG-13 ★ — How do you know when a film is horrible?

Here, it’s pretty obvious. Nothing about this would-be romantic comedy ever gels — neither the romance nor the comedy and, worst of all, not the characters. Individually likable ordinarily, Reese Witherspoon and Paul Rudd make zero sense together here as a couple. Similarly, the dueling story lines that comprise the script feel slammed together, so the film as a whole never finds a groove — which only accentuates the fact that it’s overlong.

Most shockingly of all, “How Do You Know” comes from someone who should know better: writer-director James L. Brooks, who’s repeatedly proven himself more than capable of finding just the right tone or the perfectly poignant turn of phrase in films like “Broadcast News,” ‘’As Good As It Gets” and his multiple Oscar-winner “Terms of Endearment.” Here, everything feels off, as if the lightness required of the genre eluded him.

Witherspoon stars as a professional softball player who’s just been cut from the U.S. team.

She’s torn between Rudd, who plays a corporate executive under federal investigation for financial crimes he didn’t commit, and Wilson as an endearingly cocky pitcher for the Washington Nationals (a bit of casting that isn’t believable for one second). Meanwhile, Jack Nicholson’s talent goes to waste in a handful of scenes as Rudd’s father and boss. PG-13 for sexual content and some language. 116 minutes.

‘True Grit’ showcases a rough wild West

Ringing in the season

‘T

is the season, the season where musically-inclined groups from around Cache Valley perform Christmas songs at a wide array of venues.

The scope of these groups varies a great deal, but very few of them are as unique as the Westminster

Story by Jason Turner Photos by Jennifer Meyers

Bell Choir.

You see, the name of the choir speaks for itself. With the exception of the occasional use of a piano or voices, the Westminster Bell Choir — a nondenominational organization sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church of Logan — generates its sound solely with bells and hand chimes.

Well-precisioned teamwork is needed in any choir, but its importance is magnified immensely in a bell choir.

“I like the teamwork of it, for one thing, because it’s not like a regular choir where there may be five or 10 or 50 sopranos, and you’re just one voice among those sopranos or altos or whatever,” said Cathy Ferrand Bullock, Westminster’s director for the past three years. “You are the only person ringing those particular bells, and so it’s a music organization where it’s really super important that everybody be there and contribute, and that everybody pay attention to what everybody else in the group is doing. And I think that’s a fun challenge.”

Bullock and the choir — actually, there’s two of them — performed for the 11th and final time during the month of December last Saturday at the Pioneer Valley Lodge, a retirement community in North Logan.

Connie Naylor, who’s lived at the lodge for nearly three years, has now seen the choir three times, and the 78year-old is still amazed by the variety of sounds a bell can create.

“I think they’re just marvelous,” said Naylor, who watched the concert with longtime friend Wilda Gustaveson, her neighbor of 40-plus years in Salt Lake City.

And Naylor’s exactly right. Speaking as someone who witnessed a bell choir for the first time, the techniques they use, coupled with the different sizes of bells, literally sounds like a variety of instruments. The hand chimes, long

Westminster Bell Choir offers holiday favorites skinny metal tubes with a clapper, has a sound similar to that of a flute.

Additionally, not only did the choir use different techniques to ring the bells, they also played them while situated on the table with their hands or mallets.

During some of the arrangements, certain members of the choir had two bells in each hand.

As one might suspect, learning the core techniques is the biggest key to mastering the skill of bell ringing, Bullock asserts.

“There’s a specific technique to ringing the bell,” she said. “We use a lot of different techniques for ringing, but I think one of the keys is mastering the basic technique — the kind of arm motion, the motion of the wrist. You can make a really big difference in bell sound if you’re ringing it correctly.”

With the exception of the final song, “We Wish You A Merry Christmas,” in which both choirs performed, there were never more than 12 musicians at the table at once. Positioned at the table were close to 50 bells — varying exceptionally in size — and 36 or so hand chimes.

The choir has enough bells to cover four octaves and enough hand chimes to cover three. Other in-state choirs have more bells, thus they can cover a greater range, “but you can do a lot with four octaves,” Bullock said.

For one of the arrangements, members of the more seasoned choir formed a quartet and performed “The Little Drummer Boy.” During the number, a couple of members showcased their talents and poise by switching bells in rapid succession.

This was the favorite part of the concert for both Naylor and Gustaveson.

“I think they did wonderful and, how Connie was saying, they passed the bells around and kept them (in line),” said the 87-year-old Gustaveson. “That was very good, very well done.”

Another crowd favorite seemed to be when members of the choir maneuvered the bells like an air traffic controller guiding a plane on the runway. This made the sound resonate even longer.

Twenty-two ringers, as Bullock — who herself performed for a couple of the songs — refers to them as, rang at the Pioneer Valley concert. Those performers were Anna Lytle, Randy

Oplinger, Kathy Fisher, Randy Olson, Brenda Olsen, Bess Dennison, Michelle Grilley, Sandra Hugie, Lu Oaks, Sharon Hopkins, Lynda Howes, Natalie Monson, Jennifer Pope, Jessica Pope, Kelly Goonan, Ellen Wakeley, Leisa Black, Jill Stettler, Heather Hopkins, Ann Egeland, Mary Ann Lowe and Joanna Hsu. Some of these individuals also sing for the American Festival Chorus, and Hsu played the piano when the choir rang “How Great Our Joy.” The first Westminster Bell Choir was formed in 1998 by Rick Hoff. The group — which recently performed in front of more than 1,000 people at the Logan Tabernacle — rings year-round, including annually at the Utah Spring Ring with other bell choirs across the state.

Bullock will be sending the bells to Malmark, a company in Pennsylvania, next June to get them reconditioned. The choir was able to collect the money for the reconditioning through fundraising efforts.

“We’re very grateful for that, for those who have helped us,” Bullock said. “We want to take good care of our instruments.”

To help preserve the bells, members of the choir wear white gloves, which “protect the bells from the oils on our hands,” Bullock told the audience.

The choir takes a few weeks off around Christmas, but otherwise practices every Thursday night. Those interested in giving ringing a try can contact Bullock at Bullock56@comcast.net, or through the First Presbyterian Church.

Above Left: Bells are arranged for musicians in the Westminster Bell Choir. Above Right: Bells are rung during the show.

Far Left: Ellen Wakeley, of Logan, performs with the choir. Above Left: Jill Stettler of Logan. Above Right: Choir members.

Ringing in the season

‘T

is the season, the season where musically-inclined groups from around Cache Valley perform Christmas songs at a wide array of venues.

The scope of these groups varies a great deal, but very few of them are as unique as the Westminster

Story by Jason Turner Photos by Jennifer Meyers

Bell Choir.

You see, the name of the choir speaks for itself. With the exception of the occasional use of a piano or voices, the Westminster Bell Choir — a nondenominational organization sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church of Logan — generates its sound solely with bells and hand chimes.

Well-precisioned teamwork is needed in any choir, but its importance is magnified immensely in a bell choir.

“I like the teamwork of it, for one thing, because it’s not like a regular choir where there may be five or 10 or 50 sopranos, and you’re just one voice among those sopranos or altos or whatever,” said Cathy Ferrand Bullock, Westminster’s director for the past three years. “You are the only person ringing those particular bells, and so it’s a music organization where it’s really super important that everybody be there and contribute, and that everybody pay attention to what everybody else in the group is doing. And I think that’s a fun challenge.”

Bullock and the choir — actually, there’s two of them — performed for the 11th and final time during the month of December last Saturday at the Pioneer Valley Lodge, a retirement community in North Logan.

Connie Naylor, who’s lived at the lodge for nearly three years, has now seen the choir three times, and the 78year-old is still amazed by the variety of sounds a bell can create.

“I think they’re just marvelous,” said Naylor, who watched the concert with longtime friend Wilda Gustaveson, her neighbor of 40-plus years in Salt Lake City.

And Naylor’s exactly right. Speaking as someone who witnessed a bell choir for the first time, the techniques they use, coupled with the different sizes of bells, literally sounds like a variety of instruments. The hand chimes, long

Westminster Bell Choir offers holiday favorites skinny metal tubes with a clapper, has a sound similar to that of a flute.

Additionally, not only did the choir use different techniques to ring the bells, they also played them while situated on the table with their hands or mallets.

During some of the arrangements, certain members of the choir had two bells in each hand.

As one might suspect, learning the core techniques is the biggest key to mastering the skill of bell ringing, Bullock asserts.

“There’s a specific technique to ringing the bell,” she said. “We use a lot of different techniques for ringing, but I think one of the keys is mastering the basic technique — the kind of arm motion, the motion of the wrist. You can make a really big difference in bell sound if you’re ringing it correctly.”

With the exception of the final song, “We Wish You A Merry Christmas,” in which both choirs performed, there were never more than 12 musicians at the table at once. Positioned at the table were close to 50 bells — varying exceptionally in size — and 36 or so hand chimes.

The choir has enough bells to cover four octaves and enough hand chimes to cover three. Other in-state choirs have more bells, thus they can cover a greater range, “but you can do a lot with four octaves,” Bullock said.

For one of the arrangements, members of the more seasoned choir formed a quartet and performed “The Little Drummer Boy.” During the number, a couple of members showcased their talents and poise by switching bells in rapid succession.

This was the favorite part of the concert for both Naylor and Gustaveson.

“I think they did wonderful and, how Connie was saying, they passed the bells around and kept them (in line),” said the 87-year-old Gustaveson. “That was very good, very well done.”

Another crowd favorite seemed to be when members of the choir maneuvered the bells like an air traffic controller guiding a plane on the runway. This made the sound resonate even longer.

Twenty-two ringers, as Bullock — who herself performed for a couple of the songs — refers to them as, rang at the Pioneer Valley concert. Those performers were Anna Lytle, Randy

Oplinger, Kathy Fisher, Randy Olson, Brenda Olsen, Bess Dennison, Michelle Grilley, Sandra Hugie, Lu Oaks, Sharon Hopkins, Lynda Howes, Natalie Monson, Jennifer Pope, Jessica Pope, Kelly Goonan, Ellen Wakeley, Leisa Black, Jill Stettler, Heather Hopkins, Ann Egeland, Mary Ann Lowe and Joanna Hsu. Some of these individuals also sing for the American Festival Chorus, and Hsu played the piano when the choir rang “How Great Our Joy.” The first Westminster Bell Choir was formed in 1998 by Rick Hoff. The group — which recently performed in front of more than 1,000 people at the Logan Tabernacle — rings year-round, including annually at the Utah Spring Ring with other bell choirs across the state.

Bullock will be sending the bells to Malmark, a company in Pennsylvania, next June to get them reconditioned. The choir was able to collect the money for the reconditioning through fundraising efforts.

“We’re very grateful for that, for those who have helped us,” Bullock said. “We want to take good care of our instruments.”

To help preserve the bells, members of the choir wear white gloves, which “protect the bells from the oils on our hands,” Bullock told the audience.

The choir takes a few weeks off around Christmas, but otherwise practices every Thursday night. Those interested in giving ringing a try can contact Bullock at Bullock56@comcast.net, or through the First Presbyterian Church.

Above Left: Bells are arranged for musicians in the Westminster Bell Choir. Above Right: Bells are rung during the show.

Far Left: Ellen Wakeley, of Logan, performs with the choir. Above Left: Jill Stettler of Logan. Above Right: Choir members.

Page 10 - The Herald Journal - Cache, Logan, Utah, Friday, December 24, 2010

Cache Valley night before Christmas

T

’IS THE NIGHT before Christmas, when all through the valley Few people are stirring, not even the ballet.

The box stores have closed and delivered their stuff; Hoping next year’s economy won’t be so rough.

The valley’s children are all texting from bed, While parents update Facebook instead.

And our dog in her sweater and me in my cap Head out for walkies in the twilight’s last gasp When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, Five snacking deer see us and scatter

Away down the street they flew like a flash To eat other yards in the valley of Cache.

The moon glow lit the mountains so bright, Making the Wellsvilles appear monstrous height.

When what to my web-surfing eyes should appear?

More years end Wikileaks to bring us bad cheer Santa’s agnostic, even though he’s called St. Nick, The reindeer harbor viruses that might make us sick.

More rapid than eagles came notes from this hacker, It turns out that Santa’s really a slacker.

He buys in volume from China sweatshops, He lives in Cancun and has a record with the cops.

I don’t want to know this, Wikileaks please go away.

My sanity hinges on few illusions each day.

We don’t need all that gossip exposed, Better less known sure and more just supposed On myths! on fables! on magic! and unreason, On white lies to bad children and signs of the season.

More parodies and carols and mall Santa Clauses, Eggnog, fruit cake and char-

ity causes, Yes Virginia, Griswalds, the Grinch and Red Rider, I’ll even forgive the selfnamed “Decider.”

So off with you now, pass on the good cheer, That’s the last word from me, see you next year.

Slightly Off Center

By Dennis Hinkamp

Dennis Hinkamp would like to wish you a memorable Christmas. He is among a number of freelance writers whose columns appear in The Herald Journal as part of an effort to expose readers to a variety of community voices. He is not an employee of the newspaper. Feedback at dhinkamp@msn.com.

Discovery launching new Chicago ‘Cash Cab’

By The Associated Press HE DISCOVERY T Network show that turns a New York City cab ride into an

Detroit museum exhibits Middle Eastern artwork

By The Associated Press

T

HE ANCIENT MIDDLE East is coming alive at the Detroit Institute of Arts this week, with the re-opening of a longclosed gallery that will present ceramic, glass, silver and stonework from thousands of years ago.

The gallery that opens Wednesday focuses on the cultural heritage from what is now Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Yemen and Armenia.

The items include a serpentdragon panel from the Ishtar gate

of Babylon that was off display since before the project.

“We are happy to have Marduk’s serpent back on view, along with a selection of our most important objects in the Ancient Middle East collection,” museum director Graham W. J. Beal said in an announcement of the opening.

The gallery includes some of the museum’s oldest objects, including a 7,000-year-old collar-necked jar from Turkey that is painted with a geometric design and two Iranian ceramics.

instant game show is launching a spinoff version based in Chicago next spring. Comic Beth Melewski, a “Second City” cast member, will be behind the wheel.

The expansion comes after a triumphant year for “Cash Cab.” The series, itself a remake of a similar game based in London, won its second Daytime Emmy award for best game show. Ben Bailey won his first Emmy as best host.

The idea for the Chicago version came when Bailey did a handful of tapings in Las Vegas, some that included entertainers such as Carrot Top playing for charity, and Discovery recognized how a new city with new people and new sites could give “Cash Cab” an entirely different feel, said Clark Bunting, Discovery’s CEO.

Bunting is from Michigan, and he wanted to get the Midwest involved. Chicago, a city similar to New York with many cabs, seemed like it could work in a way that Los Angeles, for example, couldn’t since there’s relatively little cab use.

Melewski had the combination of smarts and knowledge of her city to work well in the cab, he said.

“Beth feels real-deal Chicago,” he said. “You’ve got to have, for these shows at least, a

feel for the city.”

He doesn’t expect expansion beyond these two cities in the United States, Bunting said.

Other “Cash Cab” versions air in Canada, Japan and Australia.

The Chicago shows will begin airing within the twohour block of four “Cash Cab” episodes that Discovery airs from 5 to 7 p.m. Eastern time, probably after the broadcast networks end their season in May. Bailey has been taping fresh New York episodes that will begin airing earlier.

“Christmas”

by Glenda Grindeland Christmas is just days away.

Do you think to pray?

Do you remember the soldiers, who went away?

Some of the soldiers have come home to stay.

Christmas is the season of joy.

Under the tree, little ones hope for a toy.

Remember Christ on Christmas Day. For awhile he was here to stay.

Christmas is the time of year, when our loved ones are near.

Now is not the season to grieve.

It is the time, in Christ, to believe.

Christmas is the time when love to others is shown.

This is the time when God calls you, his own.

“My Window Pane”

by William Phillip Humphrey Cold, wet rain is falling on my window pane, ever since you went away, I’ve known that I’m to blame.

I sit here by the window alone feeling blue, hoping you’ll come back to me, you know my love is true.

Sitting by the window, I guess I’ll have to pay, for all the heartaches that I’ve caused that made you go away.

If I could change the way things are and you came back to me, this cold, wet rain would go away, the blues would let me be.

The golden sunbeams shining on my window pane would warm my heart, then I would know that you were home again.

“Making The ir Mark”

by Jessica B arru

The wind rush es by, Swish!

Playing tag I slowly run aw ay, in the fresh ga Shadiness Com rage ing Over I walk in, no shoes on, razor sharp gl ass cutting skin Crack going down down down in agony, I sq ueal for help tasting tears, smelling bloo d, seeing flesh w ith glass poki ng out, My mom rush es tweezers in a out, hand The look of sy mpathy on he r a pair of of tw eezers grab th face e glass

“The Game”

by Kaylee Carlsen

Photo by Tracy Nielsen, North Logan

GET YOUR STUFF PUBLISHED! The Cache Magazine Bulletin Board is a place for our local community to share, well ... anything! Send your stuff to kburgess@hjnews.com, or mail it to Cache Magazine, 75 W. 300 North, Logan, UT 84321. We’ll be waiting!

The game is ending.

She gets shoved.

She steps up, To the line, Surveys the stands, Peeks at the clock.

One second left.

Gently, Sets her foot on the line, Dribbles, Dribbles, Dribbles, Crouches, Sets the ball up, Onto her fingertips.

She pushes it into the air.

Wobbles, Wiggles, Spins, Plummets, And swoosh it’s through.

Screams and yells, Take over the room.

Page 11 - The Herald Journal - Cache Magazine - Friday, December 24, 2010

The Cache Magazine Bulletin Board

Page 12 - The Herald Journal - Cache, Logan, Utah, Friday, December 24, 2010

Culture

Off-Broadway play a wine-filled party

By The Associated Press

I

In this publicity image released by Richard Kornberg & Associates, from left, Dave Malloy, Alec Duffy and Rick Burkhardt are shown in a scene from “Three Pianos,” per-

T’S NOT OFTEN THAT THE cast of an off-Broadway show serves wine to the audience.

However, the normally frozen landscape of composer Franz Schubert’s haunting song cycle “Winterreise” has been much enlivened by an increasingly boozy onstage party and the fondly irreverent work of the performers in the offbeat musical comedy “Three Pianos.”

The zany production that opened Sunday night at New York Theatre Workshop is written, arranged and energetically performed by three musicians-composers, Rick Burkhardt, Alec Duffy and Dave Malloy. Their work is smartly directed (or reined in) by Rachel Chavkin.

Familiarity with Schubert’s work isn’t necessary to enjoy this comical examination of the creative process of musical composition, with a little history cheerfully thrown in. For “Winterreise (Winter’s Journey),” the famously lugubrious Schubert composed music for poetry written by Wilhelm Muller about The Wanderer, a lonely, romantically devas-

tated man who travels through a bitterly cold, indifferent landscape.

On stage, three modern-day musicians, also named Rick, Alec and Dave, celebrate the 24 songs of “Winterreise” by enacting a “Schubertiade,” a home-based musical salon among friends. Hence the serving of drinks to the audience before and during the show to immerse them in the salon atmosphere.

Constantly rearranging three rolling upright pianos, the actors nicely sing some of Schubert’s songs in the original German or in English, accompanying themselves on piano and assorted instruments. They move fluidly between scenes set both in the present day, where Rick and Alec are trying to cheer up Dave after a bad romantic breakup, and in Schubert’s world, circa 1827-28, while he was composing music for “Winter’s Journey.” (Schubert died in 1828.)

The trio conveys humorous, creative parallels between their world and that of Schubert, discussing his life and music while analyzing his intent with some of the songs. They provide their own lyrics to at least one song and perform another as a blues number.

White named AP Entertainer of the Year

By The Associated Press

W

HAT BETTY WHITE DID in 2010 doesn’t usually happen: an 88-year-old actress with more than six decades in Hollywood suddenly became the object of adulation of the Facebook-connected masses, which campaigned for her to host “Saturday Night Live,” boosting the show’s ratings and helping her set ratings records for her own show.

After a year remarkable for a star of any age, White has been voted the Entertainer of the Year by members of The Associated Press.

“It’s ridiculous,” White says of the honor, in an interview from her home in Los Angeles. “They haven’t caught on to

Betty White and Sandra Bullock me, and I hope they never do.”

But more than acclaim, her unlikely, age-defying success resonated deeply with people who saw in her a spirited,

hilarious aberration, a woman not dimmed by age but enhanced by it: The genuine article in a pop culture awash in imitators.

There were 102 ballots submitted from U.S. news organizations that make up the AP’s membership. Voters were asked to cast their ballots for who had the most influence on the entertainment world and culture in 2010. Previous winners include Taylor Swift, Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.

The final tally was close: White’s 20 votes beat the cast of “Glee,” Fox’s hit musical, by only two votes. Tied for third with 13 votes were Conan O’Brien, James Cameron and Apple’s iPad. Jon Stewart closely followed with a dozen votes.

White’s 2010 began with her acceptance in January of a lifetime achievement award from the Screen Actors Guild. Her speech, in which she thanked SAG “from the bottom of my bottom,” reminded many of her talent — showcased for years on “The Golden Girls” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” — for a sharp comedy cloaked by warm charm.

Gesturing at presenter Sandra Bullock she asked, “Isn’t it heartening how far a girl as plain as she is can go?”

The appearance led to a fan-created Facebook campaign urging “SNL” to make her a guest host. After White’s award-winning Snickers Super Bowl ad, more than 500,000 were supporting her on the social networking site.

2010 book industry hits, misses and sleepers

By The Associated Press

D

EAD MEN WERE big sellers in 2010, from Stieg Larsson and his Millennium trilogy to Mark Twain and the autobiography he wanted withheld until 100 years after his death.

Among the living, George W. Bush’s “Decision Points” became a quick million seller and defied expectations for the former president, who left office two years ago amid a collapsing economy and bearish approval ratings. Among younger readers, Jeff Kinney’s latest “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” was another big hit and Suzanne Collins memorably completed her “Hunger Games” trilogy with “Mockingjay.”

Some books were broadly announced and fell fast, such as “Ape House” by “Water for Elephants” author Sara Gruen, and “Imperial Bedrooms,”

Bret Easton Ellis’ sequel to “Less Than Zero.” But there were quiet successes, too, books that exceeded expectations through steady sales and the blessings of critics, retailers and readers.

Here are some “sleepers” of 2010, one of them called, appropriately, “The Quiet Book.”

— “Encyclopedia of the Exquisite,” by Jessica Kerwin Jenkins. A guide to pleasures simple and refined, from badminton to champagne, that is emerging as a holiday specialty. Released in early November with a first printing of 12,000 and now in its third print run, for a total of 23,000 copies. (Around 4,000 copies have sold, according to Nielsen BookScan, which tracks 75 percent of sales).

— “Possessed,” by Elif Batuman, a scholar’s comic

journey through classic Russian literature, complete with references to murder, McDonald’s and “King Kong.” ‘‘Possessed” is now in its sixth printing, with sales of at least 15,000, according to Nielsen.

Through much the first half of December, it was sold out on Amazon.com. “It’s a total hoot that has been a surprise hit with our customers all year long,” said Amazon senior editor Tom Nissley. “Elif Batuman makes the students of Russian literature into characters as bizarre and compelling as the ones in the novels they study.”

— “Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter,” Tom Franklin’s novel about a mysterious death in rural Mississippi was a favorite of independent sellers and a recommended book at Barnes & Noble stores. “Crooked Letter” spent five weeks on The New York Times’ fiction hardcover

* This week’s New York Times Best-seller List * HARDCOVER FICTION 1. “Dead Or Alive” by Tom Clancy with Grant Blackwood 2. “The Confession” by John Grisham 3. “Cross Fire” by James Patterson 4. “Port Mortuary” by Patricia Cornwell 5. “The Girl .... The Hornet’s Nest” by Stieg Larsson PAPERBACK (MASS-MARKET) FICTION 1. “Decision Points” by George W. Bush 2. “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand 3. “Autobiography Of Mark Twain, Vol. 1” by Mark Twain 4. “Life” by Keith Richards with James Fox 5. “Earth (The Book)” by Jon Stewart and others HARDCOVER ADVICE 1. “Straight Talk, No Chaser” by Steve Harvey 2. “Barefoot Contessa” by Ina Garten 3. “Guinness World Records, 2011” edited by C. Glenday 4. “Kardashian Konfidential” by the Kardashians 5. “Double Delicious” by Jessica Seinfeld PAPERBACK ADVICE 1. “Rachael Ray’s Look and Cook” by Rachael Ray 2. “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman 3. “What To Expect ... Expecting” by H. Murkoff 4. “Crazy Love” by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski 5. “Radical” by David Platt

that honors daily moments of silence and spent much of the summer on the Times’ bestseller list for picture books.

Sales have topped 20,000 and a sequel, “The Loud Book,” is coming in the spring. “‘The Quiet Book’ was perfectly done, in shades of brown and neutral tones, and it has this beautiful flow of language,” says Karen Sesody, a seller at Hicklebee’s bookstore in San Jose, Calif.

“When the book came in, we read it and it was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is perfect, this is wonderful.’”

Tom Franklin list and sold more than 20,000 copies.

— “The Quiet Book,” a children’s story by Deborah Underwood and Renata Liwska

‘Matched’ a dystopian world

By The Associated Press

MAGINE A FUTURISTIC Iselected world where your perfect mate is by the government when

Keep your reading list updated at www.nytimes.com/pages/books/

— “Empire of the Summer Moon,” by S.C. Gwynne, a most readable history of the Comanches and a model for steady success. Scribner has gone through 17 printings and more than 90,000 copies have sold. More than six months after its release, “Summer Moon” was still in the top 200 on Amazon.

Page 13 - The Herald Journal - Cache, Logan, Utah, Friday, December 24, 2010

Books

you’re 17, according to DNA compatibility.

At a special matching ceremony, Cassia Reyes learns she is to be paired with her childhood friend Xander Carrow. She is given a microcard with data about Xander, but a technical malfunction shows her matched with another boy — Ky Markham.

Ky is from the unruly outer provinces. He was adopted by his uncle after his parents were killed. Ky has been classified as an “aberration,” a person who is not meant to be matched. Cassia questions her match to Xander, and her blossoming relationship with Ky soon jeopardizes her future — and his.

Citizens are monitored by “Officials” who report infractions to a

ruling government known as the “Society.” There are strict rules and restrictions in place that maintain harmony in both life and death (citizens are euthanized when they turn 80).

There is a curfew. All residents must wear regulation clothing.

The Society has limited works of art and literature to 100 pre-approved poems, songs and paintings. All other works, especially those that promote free thinking and rebellion, have been destroyed.

“Matched” offers a dose of teen angst and a love triangle. The plot is typical, yet mild compared with other popular young adult novels.

Page 14 - The Herald Journal - Cache, Logan, Utah, Friday, December 24, 2010

Crossword 94

www.ThemeCrosswords.com

by Myles Mellor and Sally York 1.

7.

13.

19.

20.

21.

22.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

33.

34.

38.

42.

44.

46.

48.

51.

55.

56.

57.

58.

59.

60.

63.

65.

71.

72.

73.

74.

75.

77.

79.

82.

89.

Across Mongolian cash Drawer Italian brandy Iroquois Indian Spiny cactus Poster heading Jupiter Divorcees Small canoe Ceremonial splendor One for the road Secret ___ Campus area ___ a high note Doodad Kind of test Not behind Private Piercing cry New York team Venus Dress (up) Encourages Word with apple or cone Foot part Seaweed substance Window type Missouri river Mars Credit cards Science Alternatively Variety Fungal spore sacs Underwater measuring instrument Anonymous John Mercury Perspiring

90. Masked man with a

stick 91. Passes 92. Leaves home?

93. Kin by marriage 95. Not smooth 96. Relating to a district 99. Majority 101. Lending letters 103. Cameron 104. Homecoming guest 106. Religious diets?

109. Way to the top 113. Pluto 118. Educates 119. Investment option 120. Eye bank donation 121. Flowering bushes 122. Put together 123. Place for a plane 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

23.

Down Puff Alternative to Windows Characteristic carrier Fixes, in a way Courtroom affirmation “Amerika” author Sore Perlman of “Cheers” Captured Not in the pink Furtive Buccaneers’ home Unrelenting Cut the crop Grass part Italian violinist Not humble Increase Farfetched

24.

25.

30.

31.

32.

33.

34.

35.

36.

37.

39.

40.

41.

42.

43.

45.

47.

49.

50.

52.

53.

54.

59.

60.

61.

62.

63.

64.

65.

66.

67.

68.

69.

70.

71.

75.

76.

77.

78.

Pea container Prince, to a king Transporting costs Crack Mouse manipulator Library catalog abbr.

Essence Look ___ (study) Loot Ruin Does not exist “___ Is It,” Michael Jackson film Partner, with “the” Not fer Cairo’s river Prevent Fraction of a ruble Golden Horde mem- ber City pollution sources Claudius’s successor Artifice “Get the picture?”

Wanted-poster letters Sean ___ Lennon Fix Frigid More abhorrent Freelancer’s enc.

Heather or Hayley Off Central points Armrest?

Overhaul Ooze Compete (for) Chip in chips Eyelid woe Met song Old World duck

79.

80.

81.

83.

84.

85.

86.

87.

88.

94.

Art movement Treats for Rover Latin 101 verb Multicellular animal ___ of Sandwich Hard work Aaron or Williams Addition Nicotine’s partner Fill up

Spanish police find 34 stolen artworks, thieves elude capture

By The Associated Press

S

PANISH POLICE SAY THEY HAVE recovered a collection of art pieces that included works by Picasso, Colombian artist Fernando Botero and Spanish sculptor Eduardo Chillida and which was stolen from a Madrid warehouse.

Specialized Crimes unit chief Dionisio Martin said Monday the art was found in a stolen truck in an industrial area on Madrid’s southern outskirts.

The pieces, recovered Saturday, had a total value of some €5 million ($6.5 million), Martin said.

He said 35 pieces were stolen and one remained missing. No arrests have been made but the investigation is “Woman in an Armchair” Pablo Picasso continuing.

AP photo

96. Do sums 97. Laughfests 98. High wave 99. Sir, less formally 100. Shadow 102. Intimidate, with “out” 104. The “I” in “The King and I” 105. More or ___ 106. Pastry dough

107. Isn’t idle 108. Kind of terrier 109. Conflicted 110. Keg stopper 111. On the briny 112. Bring up 114. Standings stat 115. “You betcha!”

116. Navigator’s need 117. Bygone bird

Answers from last week

Friday

Wednesday

The fair trade gift store Global Village Gifts will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday.

Scott Bradley will teach a class on the Constitution titled “To Preserve The Nation” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the BookTable. Free.

For more information, call 753-2930 or 7538844.

Saturday Singer Jeremy Threlfall and local pianist Andrew Reed Morrill will perform holiday favorites at 6 p.m. on Saturday at Sherwood Hills Restaurant in Sardine Canyon. Free. For reservations, call Sherwood Hills at 245-5054.

Monday This week’s schedule at the Hyrum Senior Center is as follows: Chair Yoga at 10:30 a.m. and games at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday; New Year’s party at 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

Beaver Mountain is sponsoring a “Food Pantry Ski Night” from 5 to 9 p.m. on Monday at Beaver Mountain. Bring two non-perishable items for the food pantry and ski from 5 to 9 p.m. for $5. Beginner lessons and rentals are available. Beaver Mt. Cafe will be open. Call 753-0921 for more information.

RACE Rx will be offering a free sports conditioning seminar from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday. The seminar will include a sample training session as well as a presentation on youth exercise by Dr. Matt Rhea.

Kids ages 8 to 18 are welcome to attend.

Registration required. Parents are invited to attend and observe. To sign up or get more information, e-mail info@race-rx.com.

Thursday The Utah State Courts is offering a free class each month for children 9 to 12 years old whose parents have filed for divorce or whose parents are divorced. There is no charge to attend the class, which is offered from 3:30 to 5 p.m. the last Thursday of the month at the Cache County Courthouse, 135

N. 100 West. For more information, call 7501300 or go to www.utcourts.gov and click on Divorce Education Classes.

Street Def Presents w/TBA will present hip hop at 8 p.m. on Thursday.

Ongoing events The Post-Mormon Community’s Cache Valley chapter meets at 6:30 p.m. every Sunday at a local restaurant. The organization is a non-sectarian group of individuals and families who have left Mormonism. For more information call Jeff at 770-4263, or go to the website at, www.postmormon.org/logan.

The Utah Mobile Vet Center (MVC) visits Cache Valley from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays at the Logan Work Force Services office, 180 N. 100 West. Vet Centers are a division of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and provide readjustment counseling to combat veterans and their families. Vet Center Readjustment Counselors also provide military sexual trauma counseling and grief and bereavement counseling. Walk-ins welcome; appointments encouraged. For more information, call Travis Larsen at 1-800-613-4012 ext. 1294.

The Eccles Ice Center offers Family Night from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. on Mondays at the center, 2825 N. 200 East, North Logan.

Up to eight people can skate for $30, including skates. Call 752-1170 for an updated, daily schedule as times are subject to change.

For more information, call 787-2288.

Sunshine Terrace Wellness Center and BRAG are offering “Mighty Me” workshops on brain health from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays at SST Wellness Center, 209 W. 300 North.

Free. For information, call Allison at 713-1468.

A weekly peace vigil is held from 5:30 to 6 p.m. on Fridays on the east side of Main Street between Center St. and 100 North. For more information, e-mail info@loganpeace. org or call 755-5137.

Ye Olde Tyme Quilters meet at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays at OPTIONS for Independence, 1095 N. Main St. Lunch will follow. Prices vary. To schedule free transportation, contact Royella at 753-5353 ext 105.

The Knotty Knitters meet from 6:15 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays at the Senior Citizens Center. Come knit, crochet, or spin. For more information, contact Cathy at 752-3923.

Drag queens popular on the stage this season

By The Associated Press

W

ILL SWENSON WENT from very hairy to virtually hairless in a matter of weeks.

He jumped from acting in “Hair” in London’s West End in May to vamping in “Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical” in Toronto. Now instead of cultivating his curls, Swenson finds himself shaving — a lot.

“Definitely different from ‘Hair’ in that regard,” says the Tony Award-nominated actor in an interview from Canada.

“In ‘Hair’ they were like, ‘Don’t cut anything.’ At ‘Priscilla’ they’re saying, ‘Cut everything.’”

When “Priscilla” comes to Broadway in February, Swenson won’t be alone in fighting razor burn: Drag is spicing up New York stages this winter, with actors of all backgrounds and ages slipping on fishnets and bustiers, Victorian dresses, nun habits, feathers, plaid skirts or luscious evening gowns.

The gender-bending can be a key part of the plot, as in “La Cage aux Folles” and “Priscilla,” or as an unmentioned twist, such as Charles Busch playing Mother Superior in “The Divine Sister” and Brian Bedford as Lady Bracknell in “The Importance of Being Earnest.”

“There’s a blip clearly going on right now,” says Joe Jeffreys, a theater his-

including male actors playing female parts in the frantic Alfred Hitchcock send-up “The 39 Steps” and even in the hit Broadway musical “Billy Elliot,” which has a duet between the main character and his school chum as they try on women’s clothing. The off-Broadway revival of Tony Kushner’s “Angels in America” also touches on the controversial role drag has played in the gay community, with one character criticizing the practice as sexist and another finding comfort in it as he battles AIDS. Busch — the Tony Award-nominated playwright of “The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife” and an actor who has built a 30-year career playing female roles in such comedies as “Vampire Lesbians of Sodom” and “Die, Mommie, Die!” — considers the blip a coincidence.

“Every couple of years there just AP photo happens to be a number of shows runIn this 2009 publicity image released ning at the same time that have drag by the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, involved in it or men playing a female Brian Bedford portrays Lady Bracknell character,” he says. “These cycles in “The Importance of Being Earnest,” in come more frequently because the conStratford, Ontario. cept of an actor playing a female role has become less and less shocking or torian at New York University’s Tisch innovative.”

School of the Arts. “It’s more like a Certainly the concept of Bedford pendulum — it goes forward and then it — a Tony-winning classical actor who goes back.” specializes in Shakespeare and Moliere The pendulum this season also — playing a woman seemed unlikely includes smaller moments of drag, just years ago. But he’ll soon be direct-

ing himself as the formidable Lady Bracknell in the Oscar Wilde’s comedy.

“I thought we might produce something different if we approached it in an utterly serious way, which is what we’ve done,” Bedford says. “I really mean this: I approached Lady Bracknell just as seriously as I approached King Lear.”

Bedford’s choice is not unprecedented.

Although Lady Bracknell has been played by such actresses as Margaret Rutherford, Edith Evans, Joan Plowright and Judi Dench, the late William Hutt also took up the character’s parasol and fur stole to great acclaim at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in the 1970s.

Bedford says he viewed portraying Lady Bracknell as a way to add a farcical element to the production and as a professional challenge, although he admits he has played a woman once before.

“When I was 14, I did play the Virgin Mary,” he says. But that early role turned out to be less about choice than necessity: Bedford was at an all-boys Roman Catholic boarding school at the time. “I was thrilled doing any kind of acting at that point,” he says, laughing.

Drag is a stage convention with a long history — in many ways as long as theater itself. With women banned from the stage for centuries, it was left to men to play female roles. The first Antigones and Juliets had deep voices.

Page 15 - The Herald Journal - Cache, Logan, Utah, Friday, December 24, 2010

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Page 16 - The Herald Journal - Cache, Logan, Utah, Friday, December 24, 2010