Full Effect Life’s a drag!
Daily Titan September 16, 2004
Hamburger Mary’s glams it up
*Resident Evil: Apocalypse*Wicker Park* *TsunamiBomb*Sake bombs*
What’S Inside Contents 3) MUSIC - Bjork’s new album 4) FILM - Resident Evil: Apocalypse and Wicker Park 5) FOOD - Hamburger Mary’s and Chomp
ASI Productions Presents: Mondays: Karaoke in the Pub at noon.
6) INTERVIEW - Tsunami Bomb 7) PITSTOP - Comics, trivia and more On the cover - A smirking “damsel” performs a cabaret routine at Hamburger Mary’s in Long Beach. See Page 5 for the full story. (Photo by Kym Parsons, Daily Titan Staff)
FULL EFFECT FULL EFFECT EDITOR MELISSA BOBBITT
EXECUTIVE EDITOR MARTI LONGWORTH
Tuesdays: Open Mic in the Pub at 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 22: Barr performs at the Slab at noon.
Thursday, Sept. 23: Offset performs in the Pub at noon, “Spiderman 2” plays at the TSU Theater at noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
All events are free! ASI Productions (714) 278-3501
ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR KEVIN COOK
FULL EFFECT SALES MANAGER ERIK ALDEN
PRODUCTION
MELISSA BOBBITT, ERIK ALDEN, KEVIN COOK
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
MARIA PETERSSON, KIMBERLY ORR, ISIDORE GREGORIO, CAN SENGEZER, JESSICA LEVENTHAL, COURTNEY MUES, BRENDEN SPARKS The Daily Titan 714.278.3373 Full Effect Editorial 714.278.5426 fulleffect@dailytitan.com Editorial Fax 714.278.4473 Full Effect Advertising 714.278.2558 ealden@dailytitan.com Advertising Fax 714.278.2702 Full Effect , a student publication, is a supplemental insert for the Cal State Fullerton Daily Titan. It is printed every Thursday. The Daily Titan operates independently of Associated Students, College of Communications, CSUF administration and the CSU system. The Daily Titan has functioned as a public forum since inception. Unless implied by the advertising party or otherwise stated, advertising in the Daily Titan is inserted by commercial activities or ventures identified in the advertisements themselves and not by the university. Such printing is not to be construed as written or implied sponsorship, endorsement or investigation of such commercial enterprises. Copyright ©2004 Daily Titan
2
FULL EFFECT
Daily Titan September 16, 2004
Music
Get inside Bjork’s head with Medulla By CASEY RITTENHOUSE Daily Titan Staff
The international queen of alternative music, Bjork, has resurfaced with her newest album Medulla. This haunting and pulsepounding (and often breathy) collection of songs will have the listener feel as though they have entered a gothic temple, only to find Bjork is the one preaching from the pulpit. The Icelandic Choir stands close behind her, and contributes to almost half of the tracks. The London Choir also supplies its
Other Bjork albums:
vocals for the song “Oceania” (in which the choir sounds as though it is singing underwater). “Desired Constellation” is one of the strongest tracks on the album because it is orchestrated in a friendly fashion for first-time listeners. But fans of the Icelandic diva will still find it appealing because, well, itʼs Bjork. “Where is the Line With You” has a heavy and thrusting rhythm, in which almost halfway through the song it becomes distorted and fuzzy. The Icelandic Choir plays as Bjorkʼs shadow with its magnificent harmonies, thus bringing
Icelandic singer Bjork invites listeners to explore her Medulla. The album is a capella and features guest vocalists.
the strange and beautiful together in a happy medium. For a real kick to the pants, there is the tune “Ancestors,” which features the most breathing compared to other songs. After listening to the first part of the song, it sounds as though Smeagol from Lord of the Rings mistakenly enters your stereo. The weighty breath of the creature comes out of nowhere and sounds as though he finally found his “precious” and he becomes a tad bit overjoyed. Itʼs an odd tune, and hats off to listeners who donʼt find it bizarre at all.
But have no fear, because songs like “Show Me Forgiveness” and “Who Is It (carry my joy on the left, carry my pain on the right)” characterize Bjorkʼs dreamy yet powerful voice. “Mouthʼs Cradle” and “Triumph of a Heart” are catchy and dancefriendly, which put an upbeat end to Bjorkʼs adventure. Overall, Medulla is chilling, deep and surprisingly orgasmic at times. Bjork fans will fall in love with her all over again and new listeners might want to test the waters of her previous work before jumping in.
Debut (1993), Post (1995), Homogenic (1997), Selmasongs (2000), Vespertine (2001)
Daily Titan September 16, 2004
FULL EFFECT
3
film
A vicious virus brings on the ‘Apocalypse’ By JAMEELA ABDULLAH For the Daily Titan
“Resident Evil: Apocalypse” is a disappointing excuse of an action-horror sequel to its $100 million hit precursor, which was loosely based on the gaming phenomenon of the same name. The absurd plot line unfolds as the deadly T-virus escapes and starts turning the good citizens of Raccoon City into relentless, flesh-eating zombies. However, the real blood bath begins when the government and military officials seal off the only exit out of the city, ignorantly allowing the predator zombies to feed on the existing human prey. (Iʼve seen scarier zombies on Michael Jacksonʼs “Thriller” video.) The only hope for Raccoon City lies in the hands of a small group of uninfected survivors led by Alice (Milla Jovovich), a special agent who has been inhumanly subjected to biogenetic experimentation by the maniacal giant Umbrella Corporation. Alice becomes genetically altered with superhuman strengths, senses and dexterity. This predictable sequel picks
up where its predecessor left off; Alice wakes from a terrible sleep to find her worst fears realized-the bloodthirsty undead, which she and a now-annihilated squad of elite military fought to destroy, have been released on the city that surround the Hive, the secret facility of the Umbrella Corporation. Fellow video game characters, Jill Valentine (Sienna Guillory), a former member of Umbrella Corporationʼs elite Special Tactics and Rescue Services (S.T.A.R.S) team, and S.T.A.R.S team leader Carlos Olivera (Oded Fehr), join ranks and gather a small group of humans to combat against swarms of mindless undead and the powerful forces that unleashed them on society. Running out of luck and resources, the rag-tag group is unexpectedly rescued by Alice when she ridiculously hurtles herself and a motorcycle through a beautiful stained-glass window in a church. All the while, Major Cain (Thomas Kretschmann), a corrupt Umbrella Corporation official turned Dr. Frankenstein, schemes a cover up with nuclear bomb and a surreal monster code-named
Sony Pictures
S.T.A.R.S. team leader Carlos (Oded Fehr) drags Alice (Milla Jovovich) and Angie (Sophie Vavasseur) to safety in “Resident Evil: Apocalypse,” the new film based on the popular video game series.
Nemesis. This is when the film starts to resemble the recent box office dud, “Alien vs. Predator.” Deemed as the heroine, Alice has the daunting task of defeating Nemesis and escaping total annihilation. Sadly, the concept of this film
gets lost in translation. There were few highlights; moments of levity do appear with the introduction of the smooth, street smart L.J. (Mike Epps). His performance was so refreshingly entertaining that I found myself easily forgetting most of the fatal flaws of the
Deception runs deeper than love in peculiar ‘Wicker Park’ By ANNA LOUSTAUNAU For the Daily Titan
“Wicker Park” is a wickedly manipulative thriller, full of psychological twists and a touch of romance turned obsession. The story begins with investment banker Matthew (Josh Hartnett), content with his girlfriend of two years, Rebecca (Jessica Pare), until one day he thinks that he sees his long-lost love Lisa (Diane Kruger) and puts everything aside to find her. Searching high and low for Lisa, Matthew, along with best pal Luke (Matthew Lillard), soon turns down a dangerous path as he comes across shrewd actress Alex (Rose Byrne) and other risky obstacles that stand in the way of his long-awaited dream of meeting up
4
with his “soulmate” years later. Hartnett plays the victim role profusely well and Kruger is beautiful to gaze at. But the real stars of the show are the humorous and more mature Lillard, always knowing how to charm the audience, and newbie Byrne, with her convincing portrayal of Alex, the best friend with a personality complex closely resembling Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Modeled after the remake of the 1996 French thriller “LʼAppartement,” “Wicker Park” takes on a different angle, resembling an independent film more than a romance, with its fresh ability to leave audience members thinking about the unique story long after exiting the theater. Director Paul McGuigan uses a straight-forward approach of film-
FULL EFFECT
ing, snapping from clip to clip of past memories and present-day occurrences within seconds, confusing viewers at times, especially when all the scenes blend together to form an adequate psychological tale. Numerous twists and turns tantalize the mind as well, leading to unexpected incidents and theories in the story that shock the life out of its spectators. Sadly, “Wicker Park” may teach people not to trust their loved ones, by displaying various acts of betrayal between best friends and lovers every 10 minutes or so in the flick. But it does present one heartfelt message to all romantics: donʼt give up on love. If it is meant to be, it will happen, one way or another.
Daily Titan September 16, 2004
film. Just when you think the zombies will be contained and Alice will walk free, writer Paul W.S. Anderson and newbie director Alexander Witt elude to yet another awkward installment to this seemingly pointless T-virus saga.
Coming soon to theaters: *Head in the Clouds (Charlize Theron, Penelope Cruz, Stuart Townsend) *Wimbledon (Kirsten Dunst, Paul Bettany) *Mr. 3000 (Bernie Mac, Angela Bassett) *Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law, Angelina Jolie)
Food
Dining and drag queens delight the senses By KYM PARSONS Daily Titan Staff
KYM PARSONS/Daily Titan
Flamenco and high fashion lives at the Hamburger Mary’s drag show in Long Beach every Tuesday night. Performers impersonate some of today’s hottest divas while patrons dine on inexpensive meals.
As the sun sets every Tuesday night, men by day are transformed into sexy, sultry women with moves you only wish you had. Featuring the best in female and celebrity impersonation, the Starlette Revue drag show located at Hamburger Maryʼs bar and restaurant in Long Beach promises to be a delightful mix of glamour and comedy that males and females, gay or straight should find entertaining. Once make-up, sequins and breasts are firmly in place, Jewelsʼ biting monologue opens each show. While the line up changes from week to week, the regulars Big Dee, Delta Work, Raja and Jewels have femininity, style and grace down pat. Throughout the two-hour show, each girl performs three songs that range from sweet and seductive to
sarcastic and comical. It also features a vast array of impersonations of past and present celebrities. From Madonna and Britney Spears to Cyndi Lauper and Selena, itʼs hard to know what to expect next. The amazing resemblance shows that these “girls” have done their homework. Although each has a unique style of her own, some of the performers are better than others. Big Deeʼs Liza Minelli cabaret performance is clearly top notch. And although she is not a regular each week, Morganʼs portrayal of Christina Aguilera is hands down the most entertaining and impressive performance to watch. With a body to kill for, Morgan has Christinaʼs “Dirrty” routine down to a “t”. Audience members are also encouraged to participate by getting on stage to dance with the girls, which adds to the overall dynamic and energy of the performances.
Once the show ends, the night isnʼt over. The floor is then opened to all-night dancing and there is also an opportunity to meet the stars as they walk around the restaurant introducing themselves. Those who work up an appetite might want to get a drink at the bar or catch a bite to eat. Hamburger Maryʼs offer a variety of foods at fairly reasonable prices. Known for its burgers, Hamburger Maryʼs has 12 different selections and are available in beef, chicken, turkey or veggie patties. For those in the mood for something a bit lighter, try the caesar salad or one of the many appetizers such as the sautéed mushrooms or nachos. Whatever the choice may be, the Starlette Revue drag show is pure fun and offers an exciting alternative to an average night on the town. The show starts every Tuesday at 10 p.m. and is open to ages 18 and up.
Chomp along and drown it in a sake bomb By BRITTANY KUHN Daily Titan Staff
Sa-ke BOMB! Sa-ke BOMB! Sa-ke BOMB! Pound the table with relative force, watch chopsticks fly, avoid swallowing the sake cup and lo and behold, youʼve taken part in the ancient ritual of sake bombing. This pastime has played a central role in the lives and culture of the Japanese for about 2,000 years but has only recently been introduced as a part of Cal Sate Fullerton studentsʼ off-campus leisure activities. Chomp, a fairly new sushi restaurant located in Downtown Fullerton, sports a shark tank, sushi bar and enough sake bombs to compete with other popular bars such as Rockinʼ Taco and Heroes Bar and Grill. Eric Souders, a senior business finance major, decided to spend his 21st birthday at Chomp celebrating with sake. “Iʼve noticed that downtown in general is becoming more popular
but I like Chomp,” he said. “Iʼm friends with the bartender here. I work at a golf course, so I give him golf and he gives me sake bombs.” Jenny Chau, a hostess at Chomp, said the restaurant has a lot to offer students who are searching for new, affordable hang-out options, or simply looking for exotic dining with a twist. “Itʼs a really fun environment, Chau said. “The weekends bring in more of a younger crowd, especially on Thursday nights because there is an all-you-can-eat sushi special for 20 bucks.” Despite their popularity, sake bombs arenʼt the only thing bringing in business as Chomp. Jacob Tiedt, manager of Chomp, says that the restaurant offers everything from fire shows to dancing and karaoke. “Itʼs like three restaurants in one,” he said. “We have something for everybody: a full sushi bar, an Asian-influenced menu and teppanyaki where wild and crazy chefs cook in front of you and interact with the customers.”
SAKE BOMB FACTS:
-Sake is primarily made from rice and water mixed with sake yeast. -The first written record of sake being drunk in Japan dates from about 300 A.D. -In ancient Japan, sake was made for the Imperial court and in temples and shrines, which is why sake is often associated with religious rituals and festivals.
What are the various types of sake? CHRISTINE MONAFU/For the Daily Titan
Teppan Chef Mariano wows his audience at Chomp in Fullerton. “Chomp is fun, itʼs energetic, and itʼs loud,” said Tiedt, who attributes a good amount of the noise to the restaurantʼs most popular drink, the sake bomb. In ancient Japan, sake was held in high regard. Today, patrons who visit Chomp continue uphold this sacred traditional act of one, pound table and two, pound drink.
Flavorful sake: A fruity, flowery aroma and low acidity Light, smooth sake: A fresh taste, moderate acidity and dry aftertaste Rich sake: A light mild flavor and rich, smooth taste Aged sake: A light golden color, a spicy, nutty taste and flavor of sherry
Daily Titan September 16, 2004
FULL EFFECT
5
interview
Tsunami Bomb unleash a wave of new material
With a new bassist and a new attitude, Agent M and her men are ready to rock By CRYSTAL LAFATA Daily Titan Staff
The house music fades and the fans at the Glasshouse in Pomona, Calif., scream as the members of Tsunami Bomb hop on stage. Within seconds, hair and sweat begin to fly as the bands exuberant energy fills the room. Front woman Agent M and her “Iʼm not just a girl” style get the fans in a rage as they surfed to the stage. Now on the brink of releasing their second full-length album, The Definitive Act (Kung Fu Records), Tsunami Bomb started doing what it does best: touring. The road was a second home for most of 2003 and this year is no
6
different. Last year was full of changes and set backs for the Petaluma, California punk quartet. With a line-up change, the band recruited newcomer Matt McKenzie to play bass. Front woman Agent M (who will never tell her real name) said the change came at a crucial time in the bandʼs progression and that band founder and then bassist Dominic Davi and the rest of the band had personality differences. “Itʼs such stupid drama that people donʼt really need to hear about because itʼs just us saying one thing and him saying another,” M said. Alternative Press magazine got Dominicʼs side of the story in its October issue. He was unhappy about the bandʼs decision and told AP he was “shattered” when the band told him he “wasnʼt really a musician”. The loss of Davi came just
FULL EFFECT
after their third trek on the Vans Warped Tour in August 2003. This time they played the main stage, which to them, showed major progress in the band. After McKenzie was recruited from MySpace.com, the band gathered for a five-week writing session for the new album. Shortly after, they met up with producer and former Hot Rod Circuit drummer Mike Poorman. M said recording with him was more fun than doing previous albums because he was their friend and they have toured together before. “He knew what we wanted,” M said. “We wanted to sound more real as opposed to more clean and sparkly like our last album was.” Although the recording process was fun for the band, they were still on a tight deadline, said drummer Gabe Lindeman. The album was completed in April 2004, however, M said that the al-
bum got pushed back because of differing of opinions with Kung Fu Recordsʼ owner, Joe Escalante of the Vandals. Instead of releasing the album, then touring to promote it, the band finished its headlining U.S. tour before the album was even released. The band remixed the album and resubmitted the final versions to Kung Fu Records and it was finally ready to be pressed. The album will be released Sept. 21. Despite these setbacks, Tsunami Bomb also had a chance to do something that could propel them into another realm. One of the final shows on the tour was in Pomona at the Glasshouse, where the band was filmed for the Kung Fu Films DVD series “The Show Must Go Off.” Lindeman said the band was excited to be on a series with such punk favorites as The Ado-
Daily Titan September 16, 2004
lescents, Reel Big Fish and Guttermouth. The fans were out in full force that night and they sang along and moshed their hearts out for the cameras. “Itʼs a great time for us to record this DVD as far as our new album and all the other things weʼre planning right now,” Lindeman said.
Other albums by Tsunami Bomb: The Invasion from Within (2002) The Ultimate Escape (2002)
Pitstop
Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence In theatres September 17!
: by Regal University Town Center Regal Brea Stadium 22 d e r 4245 Campus Drive 155 West Birch Street nso o Sp For more information visit: www.gofishpictures.com/gits2/main.html or Dreamworks.com
OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD By ERIK ALDEN Daily Titan Staff
This past Saturday was the third anniversary of the Sept. 11 tragedy. That single event changed the world forever, but have we changed that much? Terrorism still exists and we fight it every day. Gangs, thugs, and murderers are allowed to roam our streets and perpetuate their own style of terrorism on a daily basis. These individuals are cold-blooded killers who no longer have respect for human life or fear the consequences of their actions. Last week, I wrote an article about relationships and the breakdown of male and female interaction. Initially the column was supposed to be two parts, with the second part running today. However, as I speak “off the top of my head”, a great disturbance has interrupted my life and I feel I need to use this chance express my viewpoint. Anyone who has been to more than one party will tell you, altercations occur between boys with an excess of testosterone who have had too much alcohol. Most of the time there is a natural tendency not to disrupt the herd, but occasionally fights do occur; nevertheless, they are generally minor and most of the time pride is the only wound that needs mending. However, on few occasions there are those who cannot cope with situations in which
they think they are being disrespected. These individuals react using weapons instead of standing up like men. Ruben Mauricio is a student at Cal State Fullerton with a bright future and a lot to look forward to. Ruben is a nice kid whom all would agree is not a troublemaker or a fighter. He is the sort that always smiles and makes himself accessible to his friends. Last Saturday Ruben Mauricio attended a party no different than any other party he had been to before. However, among those who showed up at the party was a group of young men who found it difficult to enjoy the party. For whatever reason during the course of the evening they felt that they were disrespected. These young men were not content enjoying the party and took it upon themselves to prove they were men by firing weapons into a crowd. Ruben, who was just at the wrong place at the wrong time, took a bullet in the back. Subsequently, after shooting into the crowd these criminals ran like cowards and remain at large. The bullet that ripped through his body fractured his spine and punctured one of his lungs. After a few days of being uncertain whether or not he would survive, Ruben was declared stable, but paralyzed from the waist down. Additionally, Ruben suffered severe internal bleeding and is left with only one functioning lung. Due to the cowardice of a few, the events that occurred last Saturday will forever change his life and the lives of those who love him. In an instant Rubenʼs life was changed by a pack of thugs who respect nothing! Unfortunately, Ruben is one of many whom this has happened to across the country. At some point we as a society must cry out for change. We must teach our children that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated! The cowards who perpetrate these heinous wrongdoings must be found and punished accordingly! For me Sept. 11 will now also be remembered as the day a friend and good person was unnecessarily shot. For the sake of Ruben and all of the other people in the world who must live with this kind of malicious aftermath, we must take a stand! If you would like more information or would like to help Ruben and his family, please contact me at the e-mail address below.
PAPAS QUIZ ANSWERS FOR 9/9/04: “down and out”
Answers in the boxes, top to bottom, to the questions in parentheses: Drain(5), Luck(4), Mouth(1), UPS(3), Flames(2), Dumps(Shaded) email: davepop@mindspring.com
ANSWERS TO PUZZLES WILL APPEAR NEXT WEEK IN FULL EFFECT Daily Titan Week September 16, 2004
ANSWERS FOR 9/9/04
Erik Alden is a CSUF senior majoring in psychology. His column appears every Thursday in Full Effect. He can be reached at ealden@dailytitan.com.
FULL EFFECT
7