Dec. 13, 2004 by Daily Titan

Full Effect DAILY TITAN December 13, 2004

‘Silver’ bells

Knott’s rings in the new year with a new coaster

Also inside: *Fat Mike of NOFX* *Best and worst video games of 2004* *The Cheesecake Factory*

What’S Inside 3) MUSIC - Muse and Fat Mike 4) THRILL RIDE - Knott’s Silver Bullet 5) VIDEO GAMES - Year-end recap and Ghost Recon 2 6) FLASHBACK FAVORITES - Some Like It Hot and Christmas classics 7) PITSTOP - Comics and more 8) FOOD - The Cheesecake Factory

Online exclusives *Ocean’s Twelve*Anaheim Museum’s Entre Frontreras exhibit*Saosin*Amber Tamblyn*Jay-Z and Linkin Park* www.dailytitan.com ON THE COVER: Coaster lovers payed upwards of $100 to be among the ﬁrst to ride Knott’s newest, Silver Bullet. (Photo by Eric Gomez.)

*“Dimebag” Darrell *“ Abbott: (Pantera guitarist, shot onstage) *Marlon Brando (Legendary actor, pulmonary ﬁbrosis) *Ray Charles (singer and pianist, cancer) *Rodney Dangerﬁeld (comedian, surgical complications) *J.J. Jackson (MTV VJ, heart attack) *Rick James (singer, unknown causes) *“Ol’ Dirty Bastard” ((Wu-Tang Clan rapper, unknown causes) *Johnny Ramone (Ramones guitarist, cancer) *Christopher Reeve (actor actor and activist, heart failure)

FULL EFFECT FULL EFFECT EDITOR MELISSA BOBBITT

EXECUTIVE EDITOR MARTI LONGWORTH

ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR KEVIN COOK

FULL EFFECT SALES MANAGER ERIK ALDEN

PRODUCTION

MELISSA BOBBITT, ERIK ALDEN, KEVIN COOK

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

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

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Daily Titan December 13, 2004

Full Eﬀect’s top movies and albums of 2004 MOVIES: 1) (tie) *The Passion of the Christ*Spiderman 2* 2) (tie) *Shrek 2*Shark Tale*Garden State* 3) (tie) *The Grudge*Saw*Kill Bill Vol. 2* *Fahrenheit 9/11*Troy*

ALBUMS: 1) *Green Day - American Idiot Idiot* 2) (tie) *Usher - Confessions*Eminem - Encore* **The Killers - Hot Fuss* 3) (tie) *Various Artists - Gar Garden State Soundtrack* *Descendants - Cool to Be You* *Bad Religion - The Empire Strikes First*

ANSWERS TO THIS WEEKS PUZZLES PAPAS QUIZ ANSWERS FOR 12/13/04: “ “Who’d’ve Been Better Off Elsewhere Be Than...”

Answers iinn the boxes, top to Answers bottom, to the questions is parentheses: Lincoln(4), Pickett(1), AlexanderHamilton(5), Alexander GeorgeCuster(3), Clinton(2), Nixon(Shaded) Nixon( email: davepop@mindspring.com

ANSWERS FOR 12/13/04

Contents

R.I.P. 2004

Music

British trio a‘muse’s fans with energetic show By ANDREW STRETCH Daily Titan Staff

Rarely does a band come along that actually sounds better live than on their albums. The English rock trio Muse is one of those bands. More than 2,000 fans ﬂocked to the Wiltern theater Thursday night to catch the last leg of the band’s extensive world tour. New York City natives The Exit made their best attempt to warm the audience up and get everyone in the mood to rock out with their poppy blend of alt rock, indie and

reggae. The band gave the audience an unexpected treat when a second drummer joined the stage for the band’s last song, “Let’s Go to Haiti.” Muse later exploded onto the stage in a barrage of ﬂashing lights and immediately moved the crowd with their hit single “Hysteria.” Guitarist/pianist/vocalist Matthew Bellamy’s soaring vocals ﬁlled the Wiltern’s high ceilings as Dominic Howard pounded away on the drums. One couldn’t help but think of Radiohead’s Tom Yorke as Bellamy belted out the high notes.

The band played several other favorites, including “Muscle Museum” off the Showbiz album and “Newborn” from Origin of Symmetry. Halfway through the set, the band calmed down with the melodic piano ballad “Sunburn.” Bellamy showed off his incredible talent on the piano, which brought the crowd to a standstill. Bellamy’s keyboard was like a 21st st Century industrialized version Paul McCartney’s on the Sgt. Pepper’s album. Each keystroke illuminated bright blue, red and green lights on the face of the

stainless steel piano. Muse then erupted into more hardcore/indie style songs. The band gave an energetic end to the set with “Butterﬂies and Hurricanes,” which worked the crowd into a chaotic frenzy as giant white and pink balloons shot from the stage, showering the crowd with confetti and Styrofoam. For the encore, Howard started the military marching beat of “Apocolyspe Please” while Bellamy got back on the piano and sent chills down everyone’s spine with his dynamic vocals. The band tore into “Stockholm

Syndrome,” which turned the ground floor into a sea of jumping and floating bodies. Bellamy jumped onto the drum stage and tore apart the kit. Bassist Chris Wolstenhome joined him, using his guitar as a drumstick to smash the last remaining symbols. Muse delivered everything a good concert should have: great musicians, an energetic stage show and an enthusiastic crowd. While hardcore favorites like “Citizens Erased” didn’t make it to the play list, it’s difficult to find a flaw in the British rockers’ performance.

Punker rocks against Bush By CRYSTAL LAFATA Daily Titan Staff

To his friends and fans, he’s known as Fat Mike, one of many titles Mike Burkett of NOFX bears. He owns Fat Wreck Chords and is also the creator of punkvoter.com, an Anti-Bush Web site that united punks through politics. Through an email interview he told me about his disappointment in the presidential election and Punkvoter.com’s future plans . Crystal Lafata: How do you feel about Bush winning the election? Do you feel like your time has been wasted? Mike Burkett: I think everyone felt bummed but we didn’t let that ruin our Election Night party. It would have been great to see Bush lose but I don’t our time was in any way wasted. I think it’s great that the punk scene has gotten back to its political roots and it was cool that bands like Anti-Flag were on CNN and The Lawrence Arms were on the Daily Show. We got through to a lot more people than I would have ever imagined when we ﬁrst started Punk Voter in 2000. CL: What message do you think that sends to young voters? MB: Well, the media was quick to blow off the youth vote but the youth vote was against Bush more than any other demographic. If the election was based on the votes of 18- to 30-year-olds, Bush would have lost in a landslide. The fact is,

CRYSTAL LAFATA/Daily Titan

“Fat” Mike talks punk and politics. young people turned out in record numbers but so did their dumbass homophobic parents. Ah well. CL: Do you believe it will effect young voters in a positive or negative way? MB: I think it’s pretty clear that it’s been positive. Punkvoter.com gets as many as 500,000 hits a day and I think it’s good progress to have reached so many people. You can only do so much but I think we did everything we could in our community. And if nothing else, we have to remember that apathy will [be] our undoing, so young people and punk rockers must stay involved. CL: How much money was spent on the Punk Voter campaign this year? I read you spent a lot of money out-of-pocket and otherwise on this. MB: I did indeed spend a lot of my own dough on this but it

was worth every cent. Fighting Bush is a worthy cause and I’m always glad to put money back into the punk scene. We spent a lot of money on various ad campaigns and tours but we also did some hearty fundraising through the Rock Against Bush comps. Those things pretty funded most of Punk Voter. Thanks to all who bought those comps. CL: What would you say is the biggest accomplishment of Punk Voter this year? MB: It was really neat to see the Rock Against Bush tour bus rolling down the street collecting middle fingers and thumbs up. I also thought it was pretty cool to see so many punk rockers get recognized by the mainstream media for the first time. I never thought I’d be reading about our movement in the Washington Post, New York Times or see us on TV. There’s lots of hard work and sometimes it paid off. CL: What are Punk Voter’s next steps? MB: We’re gonna keep on harassing this fucked up administration. People come to Punkvoter. com for info, and we hope to be a watchdog site. We’re also [going to] keep things lighthearted despite the dismal political climate, so emphasize having a good time. We launched [our] own political party we’re calling the Party Party and our motto is Four More Beers. We’re trying to keep our spirits up but we’re definitely not going away.

Daily Titan December 13, 2004

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thrill ride

Bite the ‘bullet’ and take a spin on Knott’s new coaster By ERIC GOMEZ Daily Titan Staff

Get ready. Aim. Scream! The screams that were heard at high noon were louder than the silent roar of Knott’s newest coaster last Tuesday as they were invited to take the first shot on Silver Bullet. The park’s first western-themed suspended coaster reaches speeds of up to 55 mph throughout its 3,125 feet of track. This massive structure has an initial drop of 109 feet, a 360-degree outside loop, a cobra roll and six inversions. With the track above their heads, riders’ feet hang down below as the coaster zooms its way by the Timber Mountain Log Ride and roars next to the Butterfield Stagecoach near Calico Square. This new addition to Knott’s growing roster of rides is the park’s fourth new attraction this year in their attempt to deliver premiere thrills.

The first 60 people bid $100 and above in an online auction to be the first official riders of the new coaster. Knott’s raised a total of $10,100 to benefit the Speech and Language Development Center of Buena Park. “It was an honor to be one of the first riders,” said Tina Louise Icorn of Lakewood, one of the auction winners. ”That definitely made it a thrill.” Knott’s dedicated their new attraction to members of the Armed Forces in a ceremony before riders were sent on their spiraling adventure on this 146-foot tall coaster. Hunter Ellis, formerly of ”Survivor: Marquesas,” hosted the event. As a former Navy fighter pilot himself, Ellis compared the Armed Forces to the mighty coaster. “When it comes to Silver Bullet, our military is a lot like it,” Ellis said. “It’s a force to be reckoned with. It’s strong and it’s fast.” Jack Falfas, General Manger

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and CEO of West Coast Operations for Cedar Fair L.P., praised the brave men and women for their dedication to their country. He added that because of their commitment to keeping this country safe, guests can continue to enjoy theme parks and rides much like Silver Bullet. “We have 18 days until Christmas; we thought Silver Bullet would be an early Christmas present for all thrill seekers and coaster enthusiasts,” Falfas said. James Disney, founder and webmaster of Westcoaster.net and other enthusiasts who frequent his site, had been keeping a close eye on the coaster, documenting the progress as the months went by. “We’ve been supporting Knott’s Berry Farm for a while now and it’s great to follow the whole construction process,” Disney said. “The ride was brilliant. It really cements the fact that when you talk Cedar Fair, you’re going to talk world-class rides.” Cedar Fair L.P. has made a

Daily Titan December 13, 2004

ERIC GOMEZ/Daily Titan

Silver Bullet, the longest and tallest suspended coaster in the West, corkscrews through its cobra roll Tuesday on its opening day. commitment to adding thrill attractions since it acquired Knott’s Berry Farm in 1997. But Icorn said that despite the removal of classic rides and some themed buildings that Knott’s fans have grown accustomed to, it’s

still the same old Berry Farm she knew and loved. “They haven’t seemed to change anything and that’s good,” Icorn said. ”They kept Knott’s the way I remember it since I was a kid.”

Video Games

Gaming in 2004 ran the gamut of good and bad By KEVIN METZ Daily Titan Staff

The holiday season is the time for reﬂection and anticipation for every serious gamer. Video game developers release their big guns to compete for consumer dollars in a multi-billion dollar industry. This was the year that the industry grew virtual hair on its siliconrendered chest. An unprecedented 15 mature-rated titles were released over the past 12 months. Of those titles, more than half topped the sales charts and now top the Christmas lists of 17- to 30-yearold males everywhere. The deserving poster child for this college-aged genre is Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, the third installment of a series that has sold more than 32 million copies worldwide on the Playstation 2 and Xbox consoles. With enough fresh game play and expanded features to keep even the most jaded gamer content during winter intercession, it is a must have. While games like Mortal Kombat: Deception (Xbox, PS2), HalfLife 2 (PC), and Doom 3 (Xbox) continue this vein of excellence in gaming, there are other mature

titles that should be avoided. Kennedy Reloaded is a first-person shooter released with poor taste by British company Traffic Games that recreates the 1963 shooting and lets you assassinate the former president. Other games like Leisure Suit Larry, Magna Cum Laude (PS2, Xbox) and The Guy Game (PS2, Xbox) exploit sexual gimmicks with shallow game play that will leave gamers wishing they had just watched soft porn instead. If you think your grades are suffering, the video game rating system received some of the lowest marks in the last ten years, according to a report by the National Institute on Media and the Family. As we wrap up the topic of maturity in games, it is now safe to mention Nintendo. With the Gamecube finishing last in sales for the third straight year behind the formidable PS2 and runner-up Xbox, Nintendo relied again on its handheld products to keep the company that Mario built from going the way of Britney Spears’ career. While they still ride Pikachu for all he is worth with Pokemon on the Game Boy Advance, Nintendo

is also riding the wave of innovation this holiday season by introducing the Nintendo DS. Priced at $150, the thin and sleek handled platform features dual LCD screens with built-in touch screen capability and wireless multiplayer gaming and chatting. It will compete with the more powerful and expensive PSP, Sony’s $185 portable system that plays Playstation and original games. For the sports fan who wants to see Shaq back in a Lakers uniform or enjoy a season of the NHL, EA Sports led the way in 2004 again by offering expanded features and playability to all of its franchise titles. Madden 2005 had another strong season, topping the sales charts across all three systems. NBA Live 2005 is a slam dunk, even though the omission of chair throwing and brawls in the stands detract from the realism of the sport. Giving the champs a run for their money and gamers a way to save theirs, ESPN is offering their line up of equally fun but slightly less ﬂashy titles at $19.99 each. Either way you go, you won’t be disappointed. Ah yes, disappointment. That

EA Games

With its realistic play-by-play, pulsating soundtrack and gridiron excitement, Madden 2005 is one of the top video game picks of 2004. reminds me of two particular days this year in gaming: when I found out Bungie pushed back the release date of Halo 2 again and when I first played the game’s pathetic campaign mode. Hailed as the game to have, the finished product garnered mixed results from critics and the 2.5 million who bought it on the first day. Luckily, they can take it out on each other in multiplayer games on Xbox Live, the one redeeming aspect of the game that might merit a purchase if you can convince Grandma to cover the $40 yearly

subscription fee. It is best to rent this one ﬁrst. Other suggestions for PS2 this season include Need for Speed Underground 2, Tiger Woods PGA 2005 and Jak 3. For Xbox, look for Fable and Dues Ex Invisible War. Gamecube, go with Metroid Prime 2: Echoes and Resident Evil 4. For the PC, it’s Half-Life 2 and The Sims 2 all the way. My best recommendation is to ask for the Blockbuster Unlimited Game Pass. At around $20 a month, it allows you to rent and return games whenever you want.

Military shoot-em-up stuns with superior graphics By NICK ALLEN Daily Titan Staff

The year: 2011. The setting: North Korea. You’re the captain of an elite U.S. special forces group simply called the ghosts, helping to lead an invasion against the Communist army in North Korea. The country has plummeted into a downward spiral due to the army’s neglect towards its people and a radical general who plans to bring nuclear war to all who oppose him. No, I’m not foretelling the future of the next coming war, but rather bringing you the latest installment from Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon series. The latest action game from Ubisoft, brings to life the most action-packed, realistic game of the series. Ubisoft has improved on every aspect of a game that was

Ubisoft

American forces scour the Korean countryside in Ghost Recon 2. almost flawless in the first place. Along with the amped up graphics and sound bites that help to bring you into the battlefield, the best change would be the perspective.

The game now allows the user to view the battleﬁeld from over the shoulder of the soldier you are controlling. If you have played any other Ghost Recon in the past, you

would know that it was always a first person point-of-view and it blocked out a lot of your peripheral vision. That is now all fixed. The game also offers more missions, weapons and multiplayer options. The newest mission option that stands out would be the solo missions during the campaign mode. You are now a one-man army who is equipped with the latest gadget such as the M29 rifle, a high-powered, laser-guided weapon that is equipped with a camera and allows the solder to peak around corners to fire upon his enemies while remaining safe. The weapon also allows you to call in air strikes to help take out enemy armor that stands in the way of completing your mission – all this firepower at the tip of your fingers. The commands for your squads are much easier to control than in

Daily Titan December 13, 2004

previous games. Instead of bringing up a whole other screen to give orders, a simple touch of the button takes care of the orders for you without leaving the battle. Although you now only command a squad of 4 rather than 6 like before, the damage you can do is still great. One more feature that I liked was the ability to use the enemy’s weapons. If you are running out of ammo or want a different riﬂe, you can pick up a dead enemy’s gun and continue ﬁghting. I loved this game and found it addicting once I put it in my Xbox and couldn’t stop until I took over North Korea myself. If you like action, military games with some strategy, I recommend you check this game. I’m positive you won’t be disappointed.

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Flashback favorites

Cross-dressing capers ensue in ‘Some Like It Hot’ By BRITTANY KUHN Daily Titan Staff

Picture this: two struggling musicians witness a brutal mob killing. Fearing for their lives, they flee the state and join an all-female band, disguised as women. One of the musicians, dressed in drag, ends up in bed with a hot blonde bombshell. Hollywood scandal or recently promoted porn flick? This scene actually sets the stage for Billy Wilder’s popular 1959 film, “Some Like It Hot.” One might not expect to see overtly sensual images prompt-

ing not-so subtle gay themes in the 1950s. This Marilyn Monroe classic, however, proves that some liked it hot even in the conservative days of Hollywood’s past. Described by critics as a “swing, sex and slapstick” comedy, the hilarious and offensive plot has gained notoriety over the past 50 years for its stellar cast and the alleged misconduct of its female lead. The sheer genius of the movie is relative to its bold plot and main box-ofﬁce draw: the fact that the two main characters in the movie, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, both handsome and popular men

EA Games

at the time, don dresses in their not-so-convincing (but nonetheless hilarious) feminine roles. The revolutionary and sometimes controversial theme that

“Some Like It Hot” promoted, however, reached far beyond its homosexual stigma. The main character, played by the everglamorous and sometimes babyish Monroe, is portrayed as a woman who is making it on her own and a woman who does what she wants. Along with other members of the female band, Monroe enjoys a life of inexhaustible booze, partying and sexual promiscuity. These themes, some may argue, were birthed during an era where boys will be boys and women will, simply stay home. After a series of role rever-

sals, escaping the onslaught of a searching mob and the evasion of gold-digging romance, the characters ride a boat off into the sunset. The movie concludes with its famous, and arguably metaphoric, last words as Lemmon, addressing the millionaire he is now engaged to, says that a wedding won’t work out. “We can’t get married,” Lemmon says, whipping off his wig to reveal his short hair beneath. “I’m a man!” “Well,” the millionaire says, not skipping a beat, “nobody’s perfect.”

Festive ﬁlms transcend decades and genres By SEAN ANGLADO Daily Titan Staff

December means Christmas everything, from sweaters and lights to music and movies. Theaters currently offer several holiday films but for classic Christmas film fun, here is my list of the top five Christmas movies of all time. Number five: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Definitely the best National Lampoon’s “Vacation” movie and also a hilarious Christmas movie. It includes all the memorable parts of Christmas: picking the right tree, setting up Christmas lights, shopping, sledding and remembering why there are some family members we only see once a year. Next on my list is “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” I am not talking about Ron Howard’s live action version starring Jim Carrey. I prefer the original cartoon adaptation of the classic Dr. Seuss holiday tale. Although the newer version has its moments, the cartoon Grinch is grinchier. Also, with the cartoon it feels like reading the book that started it all. My love for animated movies paired with being a sucker for Tim Burton films brings “The Nightmare Before Christmas” in at number three. The stop motion animation is among the best ever seen on a movie screen and the idea of blending Halloween with Christmas is just fantastic. And, in true Christmas film spirit, the

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Daily Titan december 13, 2004

charming tale ends with a positive Christmas message. Number two has been a favorite of mine ever since I first saw it. “A Christmas Story” may be set in the ‘40s and filmed in the early ‘80s but it is still hilarious. Fantasy sequences, bullies, swear words and a Red Ryder 200-Shot Carbine Action Air Rifle overflow. The only thing more prevalent is the terrific sense of humor sure to make you laugh out loud several times. It may not have the same morally uplifting ending as other movies but it is just so funny that I cannot believe this movie is not in everybody’s holiday movie collection. Christmas movie number one is the first Christmas movie I ever remember watching annually. It is also one of the Christmas movies I remember my siblings and I anxiously waiting to come on television every year. My favorite Christmas movie of all time is “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” I grew up watching this and always loved the silly way the kids danced during the play rehearsal. And who can forget Snoopy’s over-the-top doghouse or Charlie Brown’s pathetic twig of a Christmas tree? But now, most of all I love the part when Linus shares the true meaning of Christmas. Other Christmas movies invoke the holiday spirit but this one explains the truth of the matter. On top of all this, the soundtrack is incredible.

FILM

Headline goes Desdemona Bandini Daily Titan Word Count: 392 Headline: Ladies, if you have to “Figure him out”- New Book Reveals He Is Just Not That Into You Deck Headline: “Sex and the City” writers spread epiphany to women everywhere

Ladies, it has happened to us all at one point or another. We are smitten by that emotionally unavailable guy. He doesn’t call when he says he’ll call, his stories have poke ridden holes in them, but when you are together – all is right with the world and he is the best thing that has happened to you since the last time you had a facial. Instead of waiting by the phone for the evasive phone call from him, I highly recommend picking up the book, “He’s Just Not That Into You,” brought to you by two of the kids at “Sex in the City,” consultant Greg Behrendt and writer Liz Tuccillo. This book is hilarious, witty, insightful and best of all full of those few and far between ah ha! moments. It is compiled of a Q and A using real questions women had with answers from a male and female dialogue. Denial is a powerful self mechanism. Many women ﬁnd themselves too blinded by their infatuation to consider their feelings may be one sided. This exert from the book breaks it down, with writer Greg Behrendt explaining why men just can’t be honest and admit they are not that into you: “Men are not complicated, although we’d like you to thing we are, as in “Things are really

How long did it take you to get ready this morning? Exactly how long did it take you to find something decent to wear? If any of you are like me, every morning faces a new challenge: What am I going to wear? My closet is fully-stocked but I m always running late because I Don t Have a Thing to Wear! For Christmas my friend Laura gave me a book with the same title by Judie Taggart and Jackie Walker (The Dr. of Closetology), which she said could cure my (and possibly your) clothing complications. The book touches on the psychological emotions dealt with how we perceive ourselves and how it affects our shopping habits. First of all, according to the book; your closet should be a reflection of your life. If you re a full-time student and you wear the same pair of jeans almost everyday, your closet isn t a reflection of you. In order to really figure out what s missing and what needs to be thrown out, you have to make sure it matches your lifestyle. Take the time to figure out what your monthly routine consists of by percentages. For example, if you re at work 30% percent of the time, 35% at school, 25% going out, 10% at home, your closet should accommodate thse percentages. You also need to figure out exactly who you are. What is your style personality? Dress for the person you are, not the person you want to be. The next step is to learn to let go. We tend to have emotional attachment to certain items in our wardrobe. The skirt you wore the time you had your first kiss, the designer jeans you bought years ago that won t fit anymore, the plaid button-down your mom bought you and the itty-bitty bikini with the attached price tags, are unworn and not needed. Our closets are filled with this stuff but we don t wear it. Why? Because these items come with challenges; the bikini and jeans signifies a weight loss goal, the button-down is a promise, and the skirt has a history. The reason we can t find anything to wear is because we can t rummage through our closet because most of these items take up the space. We need to let go. I know it s hard, believe me, it took me hours to go through each hanger and decide: do I need this? I asked myself, Am I ever going to wear this again? Chances are, if you haven t worn it in four years, you re not going to wear it now. Once you finally get yourself to let go of these clothes, don t throw them away!! You need to separate them into four piles: one for the returnable items with original tags attached, (hopefully they re not that ancient that they still have store credit value.) The second for clothes

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Food

Tempt your sweet tooth at the Cheesecake Factory By KYLE MCCORY Daily Titan Staff

In the 1940s, Evelyn Overton sold her famous cheesecakes to local restaurants. After she moved to Los Angeles, she had a dream to open a restaurant where (as the menu says) “guests could seek freshness, quality and comfort in their dining experience.” The Cheesecake Factory was born. A new branch opened recently at Imperial Highway and State College Boulevard. This massive restaurant caters to everyone’s desires with a 15page menu that offers food from every genre; American, Asian, Mexican and Italian. Inside the restaurant, paintings cover the ceilings and tiny tiles make up images that decorate the walls, making the dining experience as visibly enjoyable as the food itself.

The restaurant is usually crowded and offers a full bar with anything from martinis to margaritas and appetizers. One of their best appetizers is the avocado eggrolls, made of fresh avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion and cilantro rolled in a Chinese wrapper with tamarind-cashew dipping sauce. Other appetizers include create-yourown Thai lettuce wraps, brushetta, quesadillas and salmon rolls. All portions tend to be large but for those trying to eat on the lighter side the restaurant also features an array of salads from a chicken Mexican tostada, Chinese chicken and barbecue ranch. The menu includes a variety of entrees including hamburgers, pizzas, pasta dishes, burritos, tacos, shrimp, filet mignons, catfish, salmon, Asian vegetable stir-fry and orange chicken. The cheesecakes that define the

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restaurant are a must have. Flavors include traditional to white chocolate raspberry to my personal favorite, peanut butter chocolate chip cookie dough. The service was fast and efficient even though the restaurant was full and had a hour long wait. Servers were friendly and talkative, which also made my dining experience enjoyable. Although the bill can be pretty high with entrees ranging anywhere from $9 to $20, the atmosphere and service definitely make up for it. The restaurant also features a Sunday brunch that includes omelettes, french toast and pancakes along with other traditional breakfast and lunch items. The Cheesecake Factory is the perfect place for a first date or those out looking to have a good time. The atmosphere caters to college students as well as those who just want to chill and relax.

Daily Titan December 13, 2004

KYLE MCCORY/Daily Titan

Patrons gather outside the new Cheesecake Factory by the Brea Mall.