INsite Atlanta November 2011 Issue

NovembeR 2011

www. insiteatlanta .com

vol. 20, No. 4 FRee

Over 100 CategOries!

All bets are in!

Ed HElms • JoEl mcHalE • KristEn JoHnston against mE! • samiam • BaBaa maal • coBra sKulls

BARRETT PARKWAY 50 Barrett Parkway Next to Barnes & Noble 770-425-3472 MALL OF GEORGIA 3260 Buford Drive Between Starbucks & Brusters Ice &UHDP 678-546-5835 ROSWELL 10800 Alpharetta Hwy At Mansell Road 770-518-3300 DULUTH Pleasant Hill at Satellite Blvd %HKLQG IHOP 770-623-1552

WE BUY & SELL BLU-RAY DISCS, VIDEO GAMES AND DVDS!!!

Just 6 mile s east of Atl ant a

LAWRENCEVILLE 860 Duluth Hwy (Hwy 316 @ 120) Between Hooters & Starbucks 770-963-5710

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ting us Best of

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We’re GivinG ttt͘ t Z ,Kh^ d>͘ KD AWAy A Blu-rAy PlAyer At eAch of our StoreS! st Selection of Used Blu-Rays!

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PG 2 • insiteatlanta.com • November 2011

Holiday shopping on Sycamore Street

Nearly 20 shops and restaurants all around the City of Decatur stay open late with refreshments and special deals every Terrific Thursday through Dec. 15 decaturga.com visitdecaturgeorgia.com

Downtown Decatur

Advertising funded by the Decatur Craft Beer Festival.

Contents • november 2011 • volume 20.4 Atlanta’s

Entertainment Monthly

IntervIews 06 10 14 15 23 23 26 27 28 28

Ed HElms KristEn JoHnson JoEl mcHalE Jim lEHrEr BaaBa maal ButcH WalKEr Blair crimmins samiam against mE! coBra sKulls

Features

REAL HUMAN BODIES

06

BodiesAtlanta.com

10

08 BEst of atlanta 21 mJcca BooK fEst 29 occupy Wall strEEt

Columns 04 05 05 07 13 18 19 19 20 30 30

around toWn on tap on a dimE EvEnts undEr tHE ligHts moviE rEviEWs concErt calEndar road Warriors WE got nExt alBum rEviEWs vidiots favoritE tHings

14

26

www.insiteatlanta.com staff LIstInG Publisher Stephen Miller steve@insiteatlanta.com managing editor Bret Love bret@insiteatlanta.com art Director / Web Design Nick Tipton graphics@insiteatlanta.com sports editor DeMarco Williams demarco@insiteatlanta.com Local events editor Marci Miller marci@insiteatlanta.com music editor John Moore john@insiteatlanta.com

Follow us on the web!

Contributing Writers / Interns: Jon Latham, Ryan Loftis, Matt Goldberg, Rodney Hill, Alex S. Morrison, Steve Warren, Dave Cohen, Jennifer Williams, Matt Connor, Ed Morales, Sacha Dzuba, Michael Mahon, David Weinthal, Steve Warren, Benjamin Carr, Kalena Smith, Justin Patterson, Chris Miller ContaCt Us 2250 north Druid Hills Rd. #234 atlanta, Ga 30329-3118 phone 404-315-8485 website insiteatlanta.com aDveRtIsInG InfoRmatIon 404-315-8485 • advertising@insiteatlanta.com Editorial content of INsite is the opinion of each writer and is not necessarily the opinion of INsite, its staff, or its advertisers. INsite does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor do the publisher or editors of INsite assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. No content, i.e., articles, graphics, designs and information (any and all) in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from publisher.

© Copyright 2011, Be Bop Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Check out our Best of Atlanta section starting on page 8!

NovembeR 2011

www. insiteatlan ta .com

vol. 20, No. 2 FRee

Over 100 CategOries!

All bets are on!

Ed HElms • JoEl mcHalE • KristEn JoHnston against mE! • samiam • BaBaa maal • coBra sKulls

TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT TICKETMASTER.COM, AT ALL TICKETMASTER OUTLETS INCLUDING: PUBLIX, AND SIMON LENOX SQUARE. TO CHARGE TICKETS BY PHONE, CALL (800) 745-3000.

PG 3 • insiteatlanta.com • November 2011

Around Town

CD Warehouse is giving away a Blu-ray player at each of their stores this month. Visit nearest location to register to win: Barrett Parkway 770425-3472, Mall of Georgia 678-546-5835, Roswell 770-518-3300, or Duluth 770-623-1552. Go online to www.cdwarehouseatl.com for more details.

ALL NOV

The Center for Puppetry Arts opens a seasonal favorite on Nov. 3.

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is soaring back into town to once again charm Atlanta audiences this holiday season.

Adapted and directed by the Center’s Artistic Director, Jon Ludwig, the production is based on the beloved 1964 stop-motion animated special and provides the audience with the opportunity to experience the timeless tale of Rudolph and his misfit friends live on stage. Tickets are $16.50. Go online to puppet.org for more information.

NOV 03

The Kids II Strong Legs Run takes place on Nov. 5 at Turner Field. The race includes a 5K, 10K, and 2K Family Fun Run, plus kid-friendly events like a mascot trot. The race also serves as a qualifier for the Peachtree Road Race. Strollers are welcome. All proceeds benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. For more information or to register: www.choa.org/stronglegs

NOV 05

Macy’s brings back Pricilla the Pink Pig on Nov. 7. The one-of-a-kind ride in the Lenox Square parking deck is only $3 and is usually a treat for kids of all ages. Visit macys.com for more information.

NOV 07

NOV 09

The Punchline Comedy Club hosts Rock The Mic on Nov. 9 at 8pm. The event is the best open mic feature

Theatre/Film

in the city giving Atlanta’s best local comedians (or you) a chance to shine. Tickets are only $10.

Comedians like Jeff Foxworthy, Pam Stone, Brian Regan, Darrell Hammond all pasted this stage. Go to punchline.com for more details.

The Atlanta Opera opens “Lucia di Lammermoor” on Nov. 12 at 8pm. The show about Lucia’s forced marriage sets off a chain of tragic events that leads to the most spectacular mad scene in opera. Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor reveals chilling tragedy on a grand scale and will leave you breathless. Visit atlantaopera.org for details and ticket pricing.

NOV 12

Who doesn’t love elephants? The Atlanta Zoo will host “Elephants and Warthogs” on Nov. 12 as part of its Keep for a Day series. Get a firsthand look at what it’s like to work at the zoo. Spend the day helping keepers with their daily routines, including food preparation, cleaning and animal care. Hang out with two of the zoo’s most interesting species – elephants and warthogs – during an unforgettable day. Participants must be 14 or older.

Book a program today on zooatlanta.org.

NOV 12

SAE Atlanta is having an Open House on Nov. 12 from Noon-3pm.

Come tour the facility, learn about SAE programs and enjoy a great day of demonstrations and interactive fun. Staff and faculty will be available to answer questions and help you get your new career started. Go to atlanta. sae.edu for details and RSVP availability.

NOV 12

NOV 12

Museums/Exhibits/Arts

entire family that brings the community together to inspire hope and create change for everyone impacted by lung cancer. All proceeds help support the National Lung Cancer Partnership’s vital research, education and awareness programs.

Event day registration begins at 7am. The 5k opens at 8:15pm. The event takes place at Sandy Creek Park (400 Bob Holman Road, Athens, GA 30601).

Online registration is $15 at freetobreathe.org.

The Atlanta Falcons have ridden the rollercoaster of the early season.

It’s time to see if playoff success is in the team’s future. The Durty Birds welcome the New Orleans Saints to the Georgia Dome on Nov. 13. This is one of the biggest and best games of the season so go to atlantafalcons. com for ticket information.

NOV 13

The High Museum of Art will host the 16th annual High Arts Day on Monday, Nov. 14, from 8am to 3:30pm. High Arts Day is a fundraiser hosted by Art Partners, the High’s social and volunteer organization. The day’s events will include a reception and private shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue, a luncheon at the High, two private Atlanta home tours, exhibition tours of “Picasso to Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters,” a trunk show and a silent auction of original art. Tickets are $150 for Museum members and $200 for non-members.

All proceeds benefit the High Museum of Art. Tickets can be purchased online at www.high.org/ highartsday or by calling 404-733-4429.

NOV 14

Other Stuff

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will play “Ilan Volkov and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2” on Nov. 17 and Nov. 19 at 8pm. Single tickets run $21-$79.

Visit woodruffcenter.org for more show information.

NOV 17

The Laughing Skull Lounge hosts comedy great Dave Foley from Nov. 17-20. The Second City and Kids in the Hall alum has appeared on shows like “NewsRadio” and “Run Ronnie Run.” Tickets start at $20. Go to vortexcomedy.com for bio and links to Foley’s work.

NOV 17

The Big Rock Out returns to the Georgia World Congress Center on Dec. 3. If you’re looking for some of the best boxing in the Southeast, this is your event. For tickets and matchups, go online to thebigrockout.com.

DEC 03

Register today for the Athens Free to Breathe 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk on Nov. 12. This is a fun event for the

DO Are YOUyouNaEED HELP ?

Veteran returning

from the war and experiencing some of these symptoms?

If you are a woman with a history of childhood sexual abuse, you may suffer from a number of symptoms. If these symptoms are left untreated, it can impair your ability to deal with everyday events, work or even function in healthy relationships.

Nightmares, trouble sleeping · easily agitated or startled · low people who have experienced a traumatic energy,Many changes in appetite · memory problems, difficulty focusing · event likeavoiding you have, may suffer from one places, activities or peopleor all

of these symptoms. You may have nightmares, trouble sleeping, memory problems, trouble Individuals who have experienced a traumatic event suffer from these symptoms, focusing, avoid social situations, or become which are signs ofagitated posttraumatic stress disorder or PTSD. If the symptoms are left easily or startled.

untreated, it can impair the ability to work, socialize and function in a healthy Emory University is looking for participants for a relationship.

research study on the effects of an FDA approved medication for the symptoms of PTSD, memory Emory University is investigating the effects of early intervention in preventing and learning in women between the ages of 25 is a doublechronic PTSD using an FDA approved medication (paroxetine). This and 55 who have experienced childhood sexual blind study sponsored by the VA. If you are a Veteran, recently back from the war abuse. You do not need a diagnosis of PTSD and havetoany of these symptoms, please call to obtain more information and to see participate.

if you qualify for the study.

Compensation will be provided for participation.

Study screening, health/trauma questionnaires, memory tests, lab tests, medication and MRI/PET scans will beare conducted at Emory University and Emorymore Briarcliff campus.

If you interested in learning about this research opportunity Compensation will 404-712-9536 be provided for participation. please call or Please call email Stacy Laddclecour@ at 404-712-2014 or email mdent@emory.edu emory.edu.

Advancing Possibilities ADVANCING THE PThe OSSIBILITIES

PG 4 • insiteatlanta.com • November 2011

Music/Comedy/Sports

CardiovasCular disease researCh Emory University, Department of Psychiatry is currently conducting a research study on Cardiovascular Disease and Depression. Dr. J. Douglas Bremner, Psychiatrist, is investigating the brain mechanisms through which depression increases the risk of death in patients with cardiovascular disease.

If you would to participate in this study, you must have a current diagnosis of cardiovascular disease either with or without depression. If you think you may have signs of depression, but have never been assessed, we can provide an assessment for you.

To learn more about this study, call Emory’s Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit at 404-712-2059 or kelly.tracey@emory.edu.

Procedures involve health and mental health assessments, MRI, PET and SPECT scans conducted at Emory University. Volunteers will receive compensation for their time.

LOCAL

LOCAL EVENTS

On Tap this Month

EVENTS HAPPENING FOR SMALL CHANGE IN ATLANTA

Know of a low cost event of happening? Event@AtlantaOnADime.com

EMAIL EVENTS TO ONTAP@INSITEATLANTA.COM

All November: The High Museum of Art

PICASSO TO WARHOL

Get to know Picasso, Matisse, Warhol and other legendary artist who redefined the very idea of art. With more than 100 world-famous works assembled exclusively for the High from a collection of The Museum of Modern Art, New York, this exhibition features 14 20th-century artists seen together for the first time in the Southeast. This is literally a once-in-a-lifetime event. Go to high.org for more information.

November 2-6: The Fox Theatre

MAMMA MIA!

Donna is about to let go of Sophie, the spirited daughter she’s raised alone. For Sophie’s wedding, Donna has invited her two lifelong best girlfriends-practical and no-nonsense Rosie and wealthy, multi-divorcee Tanya. But Sophie has secretly invited three guests of her own. On a quest to find the identity of her father to walk her down the aisle, she brings back three men from Donna’s past to the Mediterranean paradise they visited 20 years earlier. Visit foxthreatre.org for more.

November 5-6: Chastain Park

CHASTAIN PARK ARTS FESTIVAL

The Chastain Park Arts Festival is a two-day outdoor event with an emphasis on the visual arts. Located in the largest public park in Fulton County, the festival set to give back to the community through art, create a venue that emphasizes local and Georgian artists, bring a festival to the folks in the northern part of Fulton county and create a festival for artists by artists. Go online to chastainparkartsfestival.com for more.

November 5-20: MJCCA

BOOK FESTIVAL OF THE MJCCA

The 20th edition of the Book Festival of the MJCCA returns this month. The festival presents 40 different authors including beloved American media personality Regis Philbin. Other authors include AcademyAward winning actress Dyan Cannon, U.S. Senator Joe Liberman, political commentator Chris Matthews and political journalist Jim Lehrer. For a detailed lineup and ticket information, please visit atlantajcc.org.

November 12: The Fox Theatre

AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD

If you’ve ever missed the spectacle and luster of a Pink Floyd show, there’s an event coming to town not to be missed. The Australian Pink Floyd rock concert brings all the sounds of one of the greatest rock bands to Atlanta.

It will also bring the sights. Pink Floyd’s unparalleled laser light show and hypnotic shows will play at the Fox Theatre on Nov. 12 at 8pm. Tickets run from $44.50$49.50. Visit foxthreatre.org for more.

November 24: Lenox Mall Macy’s

THE LIGHTING OF MACY’S CHRISTMAS TREE

It’s a holiday tradition that’s hard to miss. Macy’s at Lenox Square Mall will continue its annual opening of the holiday season with The Lighting of the Macy’s Christmas Tree on Nov. 24. The Buckhead tradition can be fun for the whole family and give you a leg up on that holiday shopping. The event is free to the public. This event has been an Atlanta tradition since 1948. Don’t miss it. Visit macys.com for more.

SIPS IN THE CITY CALLAWAY GARDENS PHOENIX FLIES

August, forLANDMARKS” Deals Through Feb. 28, Check FREE Website DECATUR WINE FESTIVAL “CITYWIDE CELEBRATION OF LIVING Friday, November 4, 5:00pm – 10:00pm, Decatur Various Downtown Restaurants Callaway Gardens March 5-20, Free Artwalk, Free www.atlantadowntown.com 17800 US Hwy 27 Various Landmarks Around the City November 6, 1:00pm – 4:00pm, $35 per ticket Pine Mountain, Georgia phoenixflies.org Downtown Decatur Square This summer promotion encourages callawaygardens.com

www.decaturwinefestival.com patrons to experience DowntownofAtlanta The Phoenix Flies: A Celebration Living on ice!

Throughout the heated months of Admission to Callaway Gardens is Landmarks was created in 2003 by The Atlanta The annual Decatur Wine Festival, metro July and August, featured restaurants in the complimentary through the end of this Preservation Center as a wine way to celebrate the Atlanta’s largest outdoor festival, is held Downtown Dining District willrescue be Georgia. offering month (Price normally $15 for adults, on square inisof downtown Decatur, 25ththeanniversary the dramatic of the refreshing signature cocktails, hipAtlanta’s happy $6.50 perbenefit child) guests with Proceeds theproviding Decatur Arts Alliance, Fox Theatre, an event that changed hours and deals that you won’t want to miss. the opportunity to enjoy time with their which produces the Decatur preservation outlook forever. Arts This Festival year, theand list Participating restaurants Atlanta family and reconnecting in Theatre, nature. many other arts events, freeoftoinclude theFox community includes freefriends guided tours The each year.

The 2011 Decatur Wine Festival Grill, AzioPark, Downtown, BLTthe Steak, Max Free admission includes Virginia Piedmont Historic Oakland Cemetery, showcases more than 500 domestic and Lager’s, No Mas! Cantina and The Sundial Hand Callaway Discovery Center, Day Civil War Atlanta Walking Tour, Tullie Smith international wines.

Kick off thefor festival with a Restaurant.

Visit the website a complete Butterfly Center, Sibley Horticultural Farm House, Margaret Mitchell House, the Friday evening ArtWalk. Vegetable This single-night art list ofBeltline deals.

Center, Mr.Park Cason’s Garden, new and much more. experience, which is free and open to the public, Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl, Overlook features openings and receptions citywide. Visit Garden, Discovery Bicycle Trail, Pioneer each participating businesses to view art of AMERICAN CRAFT local COUNCIL SHOW IN ATLANTA Log Cabin, Ida Cason Memorial all kinds, meet artists, andCallaway enjoy complimentary March 10-13, Regular admission: $13 Chapel, nature trails and daily programs. food andunder beverages.

Children 12: free Cobb Galleria Center

CHOMP ANDParkway, STOMPAtlanta CHILI FESTIVAL THE UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS Two Galleria

Saturday, 5, 11:00am – 6:00pm, Free Feb. 10 -November 27, Tickets range from $15 - $35 craftcouncil.org/Atlanta Cabbagetown Park Lot Turner Field Green CornerCapitol of TyeAvenue, Street and Kirkwood Avenue 521 Atlanta This 3-day event is the largest juried fine craft www.chompandstomp.com universoulcircus.com Show in the southeast. The show has been

the for regional past fine This premiere festival marketplace honors Cabbagetown’s UniverSoul Circus craft lovers collectors, and offers guests where music and andThe food have always defined the continues itswork surge neighborhood’s spirit.

Chomp and Stomp will the chance to meet and purchase from YELLOW JACKET to 5K therun,top the live feature a chili cook-off, artist market, live esteemed artists from around theofcountry.

To entertainment bluegrass music,collectors beer and more.

FAN reachDAY first-time and establishedranks craft with interactive funky Saturday, 6, 3pm –its6pm, Free collectorsAugust alike, the newest show category for TARGET FREE SECOND TUESDAYS rendition of a traditional Bobby Dodd Stadium Grant Field Under $100. participating artists isatHandmade Tuesday, November 15,circus.

1:00pm –UniverSoul 7:00pm, Free has www.ramblinwreck.com Artists whoThesellChildren’s work for underof$100 will have Imagine It! Museum Atlanta captivated audiences their booths specially marked for patrons www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org around the world Festivities at from 3ap.m. on Callaway Plaza interested inbegin starting collection. with its unique brand with music, prizes, inflatables and games for Through a sponsorship by Target, admission that blends circus arts, the kids.

From 4-6 p.m. the gates will open is free for all visitors who come during these ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY FREEand OPEN music.

HOUSE theater and can enter the stadium the special hours.

The free tickets willtobemeet available Marchfans 12, 11am-3pm, Free Founded in Atlanta over 2011 Yellow Jackets.

Football players will be at the Museum starting at 1 p.m. during each Atlanta Motor Speedway 17 position years ago, the audience seated with their groups at various Target Free Second Tuesday, and the Museum 1500 Tara Place, Hampton will infield. amazement stilt will close atthe7watch p.m.

The free Head ticketscoach areasissued points on playing Paul atlantamotorspeedway.com walkers make their way across a tight on a first come first served basis as Museum Johnson will sign autographs from 4-5 p.m. capacity permits.

Museum reaches rope, horse ridersOnce perform death-defying and will be available forthephotographs from Visit the track’s Open House forasfree.

Activities capacity, tickets are only issued capacity in the stunts, and contortionists bend into 5-6 p.m.

Please limit autographs to ONE include championship legends racing on the Museum becomes available.

Reservations are incredible and beautiful shapes. item per player or coach.

This will be the quarter-mile not accepted. “Thunder Ring.”, free drawings first getown thecar 2011 football for bigopportunity prizes, drivetoyour on the track poster as well as schedule cards, ticket CHEERSPORT ICE THE2011 PARK withRINK the IN purchase of NATIONAL Labor Day NASCAR information and other items throughout the– CHEERLEADING &29,DANCE November 19 –can January Monday – Friday 4:30pm tickets, fans select their seats for the Labor afternoon.

Most campus parking lots will 10:00pm, 10:00am – 11:00pm, Sunday 10:00am Day RaceSaturday Weekend, tour the Speedway’s race CHAMPIONSHIP be available.

– 10:00pm, $7 per person, $2 skate rentals control Feb. 18 –tower 20 and suites, take photos with Centennial Olympic Park Speedway pace car and a the Atlanta $30 for 2-dayMotor pass www.centennialpark.com SIMON GAMEPLAY NASCAR Sprint Series winner’s trophy, $20 for 1-day passCup TOUR Saturday, August 20 @ 10am, Free discounts at AMS gift shop and muchseason, more.

Kids Under 5its arethirteenth Free Celebrating anniversary Discover Mills Mall, Lawrenceville Georgia WorldAtlanta’s Congress only Centeroutdoor ice downtown www.simon.com 285 Andrew International Blvd., Atlanta skating rink Young at Centennial Olympic Park cheersport.net is an annual holiday tradition. Visitors The tour will connect fans enjoySimon coveredGamePlay observation seating, of all ages to the on hottest video cheerleading games before theatrical lighting the real Bring it on…this electrifying they are launched in stores. ice anddance holiday music.and available and competition features teams The recently launched Nintendo This 3DS competing from across America. gaming system will take center with year, it expects to grow larger stage than ever a “Nintendo Lounge, ” with couches, with over 9003DS teams participating, from snacksthree and games. also offer ages throughNintendo college. will Cheersport “Street Pass,”bytournament-style play loved using was founded all-star coaches who Nintendo 3DScheerleading devices. GamePlay will competitive and dance. featurethe 10 gaming including 2 mature Check websitepods, for the full competition zones, with products from instrusty leaders schedule.

By Marci Miller 2011 SOUTHEASTERN HUNGER WALK/RUN 5KFLOWER SHOW Feb. 25 27, Adults $18 ($15 in advance) March 13, Noon-4pm, $25 for runners 8th ANNUAL GERMAN BIERFEST

THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FREE CONCERT Youth/Student $7,27, Kids Free Free 85TH for walkers Saturday, August 2 under – 7pm5 are Friday, December 2@ 7:30pm & Sunday, December 4 Cobb Galleria Centre Parking is free $30 Online, $35 At the Door @ 6:00pm, Morehouse College Two Galleria Parkway, Atlanta Turner Field Green Lot Woodruff Park, Downtown Atlanta Saturday, 3 @ 7:30pm, sehort.org 755 HankDecember Aaron Drive, Atlanta Spelman College www.germanbierfest.com www.morehousecollege.com hungerwalkrun.org Presented by celebrates the Southeastern This summerholiday event This beloved tradition is the heldgreatness annually Horticultural Society, this annual premier Join thousands of runners and walkers at of three German a family-friendly on nights beer early ininDecember.

The concert gardening event promotes preservation this annual event that benefits the Atlanta environment.

Complete withof authentic features a combined chorus both the and awareness of Community Food Bankflowers and fiveand otherplants local German food, activities for the kids, music Morehouse and Spelman College Glee Clubs through education and artistic expression. nonprofits.

Participants can register as a team presented in alternation with selections and fun, the German Bierfest is not from only Show activities include speakers, each individual Glee Clubor as they perform special or online register the juried day in of theindividually only authentic German Bierfest arrangements of Christmas carols, anthems, competition, kids’ activities, Landscape & the event.

There will be activities for all ages Atlanta, but the only family-friendly beer spirituals, African songs.

Over 7000& people Discovery Gardens and more. including games, livethe entertainment more. festival asand well.

For price of admittance, come from all over the southeast each year to Gates open at noon, the 5K run & walk attendees can drink all the beer theybegin can attend the concerts, which are presented free of at 2 p.m.consume.OAKHURST safely DesignatedWINE drivers are 10th CRAWL charge ANNUAL as a gift of music to the community. encouraged attend Saturday, Feb.and 26, can 4 pm-7 pm for free. No one under the of 21 will bePARADE permitted to $25 inCHLDREN’S advance for CHRISTMAS Tasting Glass A-TOWN DAYage THE consume alcohol.

A designated $30 day26,ofDecember event 3, $510:30am – Noon,driver March Noon-8pm, Saturday, FREE service willavailable also beforon site for those who Oakhurst Business District (Bleacher $12) Lakewoodseats find themselves inatan unsafeStreet condition to Downtown Atlanta (begins Peachtree near Baker oakhurstga.org 2002 Lakewood Ave SE, Atlanta Street and ends on Centennial Olympic Park Drive) drive home. atownday.com www.choa.org in this year’s event will get Participants to sample wines from around theconcert, world A-TOWN DAY is a health festival, PIGS & PEACHES BBQcare FESTIVAL Strike up the band and join Children’s Healthcare while exploring all the businesses in the and a 26 major of 5pm Awareness August & 27,day Friday - 11pm celebrating along the streets of downtown Atlantawill for be one20 of Oakhurst neighborhood.

There all things10am Atlanta.

A-TOWN DAY benefits Saturday – 10pm, Free parades, the Southeast’s premier holiday the 31st participating establishments and event the Association ofParade.

Atlanta and The Ben Diabetes Robertson Community Kennesaw annual Children’s ChristmasCenter, Ifthe you can’t expects to sell out quickly.

The Fur Bus B-Aware Foundation.

Thiswatch eventthewill feature www.facebook.com/PigsAndPeaches make it downtown, you can Children’s will be onParade hand to live music, poetry, cartransport show and participants lotsChannel of family2 Christmas live on WSB-TV from bar to bar.

Tickets can be purchased friendlyevent events.

The features a non-sanctioned (ABC).

Santa and Mrs. Claus, award-winning from Steinbeck’s Ale Ujoint, marching bands, danceHouse, groupsand and giant Backyard BBQ, floats, Anything Butt Peach and Karvana Coffee Shop, all located in helium balloons will be seen all along the Dessert Contest, as well as a WEEK Kansasparade City INMAN PARK RESTAURANT route.

Oakhurst village.

Barbeque Society March 28-April 3, $15sanctioned Professional Contest, is recognized $25 & $35which for three-course meal as a Georgia

State Championship Cookoff.

IHOP NATIONAL PANCAKEBarbeque DAY CELEBRATION inmanparkrestaurantweek.com

Over $14,000 cash and prizes will be Tuesday, March 1,in7 am-10 pm, Free Pancakes awarded to House contest winners. food International of Pancakes Savor historic Inman Park withBesides three-course for sale, from and free music from of Locations throughout Metro Atlantaa number dinners 11 local restaurants.

Proceeds local and national acts, festival goershelps will IHOPPancakeday.com will benefit Project Open Hand, which be treated to a large Kid Zone (withchronic many people prevent or better manage

attractions FREE to families), vendor On thisthrough day, customers willunique receive one disease comprehensive nutrition care. booths andstack sponsor exhibits.

Silver free short ofand IHOP’s $1 raffle tickets will(three) be sold willThe gofamous towards Wings paratrooper aerial exhibition buttermilk pancakes.

All they askwill is team that the charity.

The winner of the raffle win returns thed’ouerves, event,making andbeer willaand jump intoparty the patrons donation to a hostedtoconsider hor wine festival on Saturday, August 27.

Crowds support at Park’s local Edge children’s Restauranthospitals for thirtythrough of their will be Each treated to Network aPark wonderful display of Children’s Miracle or other friends.

Inman restaurant will local bring aerobatics and patriotic performances in charities. beginningforitsthe National tastes from Since their restaurants winner. the There will be ainhuge, fireworks Pancake Day 2006, IHOP The sky. winner willcelebration be also announced at the end of grand finale.more has raised $5.35 millionfortoa the restaurant week.than Check the website support in the communities complete charities list of participating restaurants. in which it operates.

FESTIVAL PEACHTREE LATINO Sunday, August 28, 11am – 7:30pm, Free Piedmont Park www.festivalpeachtreelatino.com Festival Peachtree Latino has been the largest family & multicultural event in the southeast since 2000. They have featured hundreds of exhibitions, family activities, sporting events, parades, arts & crafts, ethnic foods and outdoor musical performances featuring renowned international musicians on two stages. The best part about it is that the event is absolutely FREE!! This year, Festival Peachtree Latino has more to offer, with new attractions and a larger schedule of musical performances.

like SEGA, Capcom, 2K and Atari.

RECEIVE UPDATED EVENTS WEEKLY. SIGN UP BY E-MAILING SUBSCRIPTIONS@ATLANTAONADIME.COM ENTER ON SUBJECT LINE: SIGN ME UP INSITE!

PG 5 • insiteatlanta.com • November 2011

FILM

MEET THE NEW BOSS

Ed Helms On Taking Over For Steve Carrell As Head of The Office

By ALex S. MorrISon

w

hen ed helms was going to Buckhead’s westminster schools back in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, few of his classmates could’ve predicted that the acapella-loving son of an attorney father and a school administrator mother would one day be one of the biggest names in comedy. But, after studying improv and sketch comedy with new York’s Upright Citizens Brigade, helms nailed an audition for the role of a correspondent on The daily show with Jon stewart, and his career has been skyrocketing ever since. helms joined nBC’s hit sitcom The Office back in 2006, but he didn’t make it to series regular until 2007 and wasn’t added to the opening credits until last year. his hilariously awkward character, salesman andy Bernard, gradually grew on fans, just as his solid supporting work in films such as evan almighty, semi-Pro and harold & Kumar escape From Guantanamo Bay, gradually earned him attention from hollywood. with his role in 2009’s breakout comedy, The hangover, he emerged as a bona-fide star. now, helms has also emerged as steve Carrell’s replacement on The Office, with andy taking over as dunder mifflin’s Regional manager in scranton. we recently spoke with helms via telephone to find out how he’s enjoying his promotion, how steve Carrell’s career influenced his, and whether this will be the season when andy and erin finally make a love connection.

Do you see yourself as a regular guy who kind of breaking loose in his middle age? well, first I’d like to address the issue of my age. I’m 37 years old! so now that that’s cleared up... I think I’m a pretty normal guy, but I do work very hard. I think that the characters that I play are heightened versions of myself. andy Bernard is, in a lot of ways, an opportunity for me to exorcise some of my own demons of insecurity and social awkwardness. he is a heightened version of those aspects that I think I have, and that most of us have to some extent.

Can you talk about what it’s like to work with James Spader when his character is a man of so few words?

James spader has played a lot of very creepy and odd characters throughout his career. James spader, the man, could not be more different from those guys. he’s a wonderfully benevolent and cheerful guy, and that is a fantastic energy to have on set. It’s wonderful. It’s a fun new energy for us all to respond to. Robert California is a kind of aggressively confident person who seems to take a lot of pleasure in exerting his power. That is a really crazy energy, because it’s so new to dunder mifflin and it’s not something that andy Bernard is particularly well equipped to deal with. That is exactly why it’s so fun.

Were the actors lobbying on behalf of their characters to get the managerial position?

I’ve always trusted the creative judgment of

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the creators, Greg daniels and Paul lieberstein. There was internal questioning of what was next, and who might be the next boss.

I think it’s a testament to this cast and the dignity of everyone involved that we all took a back seat to the creative considerations upstairs, and were eager to support whatever decision came down.

Will Andy and Erin are going to continue to be a storyline?

They’re a pretty odd pair, because they have very strong emotions and very poor communication skills. There’s always been something charming about watching them try to connect and communicate. Of course now, with andy’s new position, there’s a power dynamic that comes into play, which just makes all of that tension and awkwardness that much more difficult. and things do get tricky...

You and Steve Carrell have had a very similar career path, from The Daily Show through The Office and your respective film careers. Have you had a chance to talk with Steve since the announcement? Has he given you any advice?

Yes. steve and I certainly have a few signposts along our careers that match up.

I really credit steve, certainly going back to The daily show. when steve did The 40 Year Old Virgin, it really broke the mold for all of the correspondents on The daily show in a wonderful way. It allowed the general public as well as the entertainment industry to suddenly see The daily show correspondents as something more than just these snarky news reporters. I’ll always be grateful that steve did that. If I take a step back, I’ve known steve for a long, long time and I’ve always really admired him both creatively and personally. he’s one of a number of actors that I’ve looked up to and taken cues from as I made choices in my career, and I’m really grateful for that example that he has set. he’s always just been really supportive and, even going into this new season, remains so. I also got a really lovely note from Ricky Gervais on the day after the new season’s premiere, which means an awful lot.

You and Brian Baumgartner (who plays Kevin on The Office) both went to the Westminster Schools in Atlanta. Did you guys know each other back then? we did know each other in high school, but he’s a year older than me. we weren’t best buddies, but we certainly overlapped. we were in a few plays together and high school chorus and stuff like that. It’s been this fun, ridiculous reconnection. we each went off in different directions and then circled back 15 years later. we also have a writer on staff that went to our high school, named halsted sullivan.

In what ways will we see Andy differ from Michael as a boss?

I think that the biggest difference right out of the gate is that michael was a wellestablished manager for much of his run at dunder mifflin, and andy is just finding that.

It’s a fresh, new thing. andy’s leadership is a little bit of an open question, and that’s what I’m really excited to flesh out. It was really fun in that opening episode to see a little bit of that backbone and see a little bit of a poignant turn about what might be ahead.

But I also think andy comes from a place of privilege, and that informs his worldview. he’s also prone to anger management issues, but at the end of the day he’s always trying

to do the right thing. That’s why he stepped up in that first episode. But he has so many personal hurdles and insecurities that it’s a real struggle.

Given how much hype there has been about who was going to fill Steve Carrell’s shoes, I was wondering whether you had any trepidation about the change or not?

There was a long period of uncertainty. steve announced that he was not going to be coming back to the show pretty early last year, and right away the question came up: “well, what’s going to happen next?” There wasn’t an answer for a long, long time, and that in some ways was a blessing. I think it gave us all time to just sort of Zen out about it and come to terms with whatever it might be.

Do you find yourself fitting into your role as well as you hoped you would, or is it a little bit more complicated for you? andy’s really taken shape over five seasons of The Office, so I have an awful lot to build on. what’s really exciting about this season is that the writers are focusing a little more on andy and exposing more of his background and where he came from. That, of course, is fun for the audience to see. But also, for me as an actor, it’s incredibly helpful and exciting to learn more about this character. I feel like it’s been a really nice dovetail. I’ve had a tremendous amount of fun due in no small part to the overwhelming support of this whole cast and our amazing crew and writing staff.

Earlier, you said that Andy is a heightened version of yourself. What other characteristics of Andy do you have in your every day life? well, the wardrobe’s the same. I really like the way andy dresses in certain episodes.

But, you know, I struggle with confidence. like most people, it ebbs and flows. I relate to andy’s fear of walking into a situation, but I do think I’m a little better equipped at handling it than andy. still, there’s something really fun and cathartic about playing it out in the most petty way imaginable.

Under The Lights November Theatrical Performances IN THE NEXT ROOM...

Thru Nov. 19 Horizon Theatre Box Office (404) 584.7450 www.horizontheatre.org

also includes some of the Second City trademark improvisation and audience interaction. "There's no element of dating and sex that this show misses.

You won't be able to breathe, you'll be laughing so hard," (Denver Westword)

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! IN THE NEXT ROOM OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY is playwright Sarah Ruhl’s comic love letter to marriage. It's the 1880s. Women are corseted, as are men in their own way.

The age of electricity has brought about an innovative medical instrument to treiat "hysteria." It has Dr. Givings' patients all aglow and his young wife very curious. A 2010 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award nominee.

Contains adult content and brief nudity. This comic love letter to marriage is fun and frisky but just mildly risqué. It's a period piece, after all. And to the good doctor the vibrator is no more unusual than a stethoscope.

SEX & THE SECOND CITY

Nov. 11 - Dec. 18 Alliance Theatre Box Office (404) 733.5000 www.alliancetheatre.org

The Second City, Chicago's legendary comedy theatre, brings its new hit SEX AND THE SECOND CITY: A ROMANTIC DOT COMEDY to the Alliance stage. Sex and the Second City focuses on relationships in the age of social networking. This new comedy

November 29 - Dec. 4 The Fabulous Fox Theatre Ticketmaster (800) 982.2787

www.broadwayacrossamerica.com

“AN EXTRAORDINARY PERFORMANCE!

100 times better than any bedside story.”

-The New York Times TM & © 1957, 2011 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P.

DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAl is a classic, whimsical tale from the original animated series. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is "two sizes too small," decides to steal Christmas away from the Holiday loving Whos. The Grinch broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway. The Grinch features the hit songs "You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas”. Magnificent sets and costumes are inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville.

NOV 29-DEC 4 • THE FOX THEATRE TICKETMASTER OUTLETS • TICKETMASTER.COM BroadwayInAtlanta.com • 800.982.2787 GROUPS 15+, CALL 404.881.2000 www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com

Best Latin Music

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Join us November 5 & 6, 2011

Saturday: 10am - 6pm Sunday: 11am - 5pm

For the 3rd annual

Chastain Park Arts Festival Chastain Park 4469 Stella Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30327

Voted Best Salsa Band in Atlanta

Creative Loafing. Saturday’s Salsa with Orquesta MaCuba.

Best Girls Night Out

Loca Luna Fridays

(located by the Chastain Park Amphitheater : on Park Drive)

www.chastainparkar tsfestival.com

Voted Best Tapas in Atlanta Creative Loafing, AJC, .Jezebel Magazine and Atlanta Magazine

Voted Top 10 Latin Venues in America USA Today

BEST INDIAN CUISINE

$3 Tuesdays!

Tapas • Drinks • DesserTs www.Bhojanic.com

www.loca-luna.com

550 Amsterdam Ave NE • Atlanta, GA 30306 PG 7 • insiteatlanta.com • November 2011

BEST BRUNCH Murphy’s 404.872.0904

997 Virginia Avenue murphys-atlanta-restaurant.com

For over 30 years Murphy's has been one of Atlanta's best-loved restaurants and a landmark in the Virginia Highland neighborhood. Weekend brunch at Murphy's is a must-do, featuring Eggs T. Murphy, Crab Cake Benedict, and Chilaquiles.

BEST BURGER The Vortex Bar & Grill

DINING

See the Full List of Best Of Categories online at www.insiteatlanta.com

BEST BAGELS BEST DELI Goldberg’s

BEST BAR FOOD BEST TRIVIA Corner Tavern

Goldberg’s is a favorite stop for deli and bagels dine in or to go. Here you will find authentic kosher meats and dishes. All Goldberg’s locations offer full dine-in seating. check out their newest location at Toco Hills.

1174 Euclid Ave thecornertavern.com With a menu that includes Tilapia Salad, Grilled Veggie Eggplant and Stuffed Flat Iron Steak, what’s not to love?

Wash that down with one of their great microbrews (Pint Night is every Friday) along with Trivia Tuesday and Wednesday nights and you have the makings of a double award winner.

Six Area Locations goldbergbagel.com

BEST BARBECUE Pig-N-Chik pignchik.net

Sandy Springs 404.255.6368 Brookhaven 770.451.1112 Emory Area 404.474.9444 New to our Best Of list but not to their legion of fans. PigN-Chik recently celebrated their 10 Year Anniversary with their newest Emory / Briarcliff location. Barbecue is serves naked wihtout the sauce as owner Jim Graddy feels WMG-Ad-Insite-BOA-p_3222 10/26/11 3:36 PM Page 1 it should stand on its own and it does!

(Little 5 Points)

BEST BREAKFAST J.Christopher’s jchristophers.com

20 Metro Area Locations Known for its bright and contemporary, casual dining experience, J. Christopher's has been serving traditional breakfast and lunch favorites, as well as unique menu items since 1996. Signature dishes include Blueberry Crunchcakes, Eggs Benedict and Eggs Christopher.

Little 5 Points 404.688.1828 Midtown 404.875.1667 thevortexbarandgrill.com The Vortex's award winning hamburgers are big, beautiful and delicious. There are 20 varieties offered and you can create your own version with a unique combination of toppings. Some unique varieties include the Elvis Burger, Splanish Fly and Double Bypass burger.

BEST BURRITO Willy’s Mexicana Grill 19 Area Locations Catering 404.422.7107 willys.com

Atlanta’s original burrito chain.

Willy’s award winning signature California-style burritos keep the concept of freshness true. Now with 19 area locations. College Students make sure to check out their $4 burritos on the first Tuesday of the month with college ID. Contact their Catering Hotline for tailgating this fall.

AtlAntA’S FAvorite DelicAteSSen! Full Breakfast & lunch Menu www.goldbergbagel.com

voted Best Deli, Best Bagels

25 Kinds of Bagels - Breads - Deli Sandwiches Deli Meats - Smoked Meats - Smoked Fish 1272 W.Paces Colony Square 4520 ChambleeFerry Rd at Food Court Dunwoody Rd 404-266-0123 404-888-0877 770-455-1119 Georgetown Shopping Ctr Just off I-75

NEW LOCATION! 4383 Roswell Rd 1062 Johnsons 3003 N. 404 256-3751 Ferry Rd. Druid Hills Rd. At Wieuca 770-578-3771 Toco Hills Road 404-329-5000

Atlanta’s Favorite Family Style BBQ BEST BBQ

Contact You’re Nearest Location for Catering

PigNChik.net Sandy Springs / Buckhead 4920 Roswell Rd • 404-255-6368 Chamblee / Brookhaven 5071 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. • 770-451-1112 NEW LOCATION! Emory Area 1815 Briarcliff Rd. • 404-474-9444 PG 8 • insiteatlanta.com • November 2011

Copelands_InSite1111_Copelands_InSite1111 10/26/11 10:41 AM Page 1

BEST CAJUN Copeland’s

Cumberland 770.612.3311 Kennesaw 770.919.9612 copelandsatlanta.com

Copeland's Famous New Orleans Restaurant and Bar offers great Cajun cuisine in a French Quarter inspired setting. Don’t miss their famous bruch buffet. Enjoy $5 Martinis and $6 Appetizers while listening to live music during Jazzy Fridays. Spice up the holidays with a Copelands Famous Fried Turkey dinner for parties large and small. Call store locations for details.

BEST CHINESE Chin Chin

3887 Peachtree Rd. 404.816.2229 and other area locations chinchinonline.com

From crab rangoons to cashew chicken, Chin Chin offers fine dining that won’t break the bank. Chin Chin has several locations around Metro Atlanta, each with the same great flavor, healthy portions and elegant décor. A perennial Best Of winner!

BEST CUBAN

Havana Restaurant

3979 Buford Hwy #108 404.633.7549 havanarestaurantatlanta.com An Atlanta icon at their original Buford Hwy. location for many years. After the building was lost in a fire many thought that they would have to live without Havana’s great Cuban cuisine. They have moved up the road and their Cuban menu is as good as ever!

Spice up the Holidays with a Famous Cajun Fried Turkey & all the fixin’s Available for Take-Out Only.

Ask about our full service Catering and Delivery.

BEST DINER Landmark Diner

3652 Roswell Rd. 404.816.9090 landmarkdiner.com

A landmark of good eats, 24 hours a day!

When you crave a 2 a.m. breakfast or an 8 a.m. steak, the food at Landmark Diner will hit the spot. Check out their $19 Special.

Choose 2 Dinners from 10 blackboard daily specials plus 2 Appetizers & 2 Desserts.

BEST ETHIOPIAN Desta Ethiopian Kitchen 3086 Briarcliff Rd. NE 404.929.0011 destaethiopiankitchen.com

• Cajun Fried Turkey • Louisiana Cornbread Stuffing • Red Hot Mashed Potatoes • Green Beans with Ham • Mashed Sweet Potatoes • Biscuits • Creole Corn • Turkey Gravy • Homemade Desserts

CUMBERLAND 770-612-3311 KENNESAW 770-919-9612

continued on page 11

agave restaurant

an eclectic southwestern eatery & tequila bar . est. 2000

Reservations at 404 588 0006 or online at : www.agaverestaurant.com 242 Boulevard S.E. Atlanta . 30312

www.CopelandsAtlanta.com

Your Neighborhood Pizzeria!

BEST PIZZA! Pre Selected chef’S MenuS & Private rooMS available Consistently Voted One Of Atlanta’s Best Restaurants INsite Magazine Best of Atlanta Winner Best Southwestern Cuisine & Best Margarita !!

& Multiple Atlanta Locations: www.JohnnysPizza.com PG 9 • insiteatlanta.com • November 2011

FILM

THE EX FACTOR

3rd Rock’s Kristen Johnston Returns To The Sitcom World With The Exes

By ALex S. MorrISon

i

t’s been a minute since 2-time emmy award winner Kristen Johnston was in the spotlight– it’s been a decade since her breakthrough show, 3rd Rock From the sun, went off the air. but, just like former castmate Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Johnston’s fortunes seem like they’re about to change. after a decade of supporting roles (eR, ugly betty), critically acclaimed turns in new York theatre, and teaching acting at nYu, Johnston returns to a leading role with the new tV Land sitcom the exes, in which she co-stars opposite Donald Faison (scrubs), Wayne Knight (seinfeld) and Diedrich bader (the Drew carey show). early next year, she’ll also co-star opposite alicia silverstone and sigourney Weaver in director amy Heckerling’s Vamps, as well as releasing her memoir, Guts: the endless Follies & tiny triumphs Of a Giant Disaster.

We recently spoke with the statuesque 6’ tall beauty (who posed nude for Peta a few years ago) about her theatre background, studying with David mamet and her new show.

I’ve read that some of your early teachers tried to steer you away from acting as a profession. Why? i teach acting at nYu now, because i want to be the acting teacher i never had. i had one professor when i was a sophomore at nYu who told me i was not going to make it. another professor– totally different year in a different place– had just seen me in a dramatic play and said, “the best you can ever hope for is sketch comedy.” i had another teacher tell me that i would be impossible to cast because of my height. all of these classes were in the times square area of new York. ten to 15 years later, there was a huge billboard in times square for 3rd Rock, with me straddling a rocket. i remember thinking, “i hope those fuckers see that!”

teacher for a screenwriting class saved my life. i’d just talked to my mom that morning about moving back to milwaukee and doing something else because i just couldn’t take it anymore. but he pulls me aside and says, “i just want to tell you that you are really fantastic.” i told him i didn’t know if i was going to come back to nYu. He said, “before you stop, there’s a 2-month summer intensive program with mamet and macy in Vermont. Just go up there and see what happens!” i did, and became a member of their theatre company within two years.

How did that experience impact you? it changed my life in every single way. the pragmatic simple technique that i was taught made so much more sense to me than method. i would be working with these people in a method class and you’re in a shower and i’d open one of my eyes, like, “i’m not feeling this. You really think you’re in a shower?” they would be like, “Do you smell the bar of soap?” i’d say, “ i don’t smell anything!” i like to be pragmatic: Let the script be your guide. mamet taught a bunch of classes, and he’s just magnificent. anyone that says he doesn’t like women has their head up their ass. He gets women very well. He also gets how men are with women very, very well. He writes to his strength: He’s a man.

What was it about The Exes that drew you to return to a TV series commitment? my character is written like a real person, not a wack-a-doodle. she’s funny and makes funny faces, because i’m playing her, but she’s not a freak. the casting world of Hollywood and theatre are two different animals. in new York [theatre], i can play the lead girl. i have so many opportunities to play deeper, different characters… two years ago at the atlantic, i played this raging drunk who beat her kids. it’s a bit more limited within the Hollywood realm, but i’m not complaining. i’m happy to have work. unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of opportunities because they don’t write really funny secondary female roles anymore. Whenever there is a really great, funny leading role, i’m there! i don’t care what it is… it could even be porn if it’s written right… that was a joke.

That must have been a redemptive moment. absolutely. no one can ever tell you if you’re going to make it or not. Look at Dustin Hoffman, or Philip seymour Hoffman, or any Hoffman. Films, television and theatre are about real people. if you want a fantasy movie, that’s something else. Granted, i’m not going to be playing tom cruise’s love interest since he comes up to my pelvis, but i seem to be doing all right. the problem is that most acting teachers are failed actors. it’s exciting to teach at a school like nYu, where it’s like, “Look, i have to leave for a month because i have an acting job,” and then i come back and totally trash all the actors on it… just kidding! i’ve been teaching seven years, and i get emails from [former students] saying, “Oh my god, i just did a movie and all i thought about was this thing you said.” it’s really fulfilling.

How would you describe your character? my character’s name is Holly Franklin, a workaholic who’s single and lives alone. these three guys across the hall, she’s their divorce attorney. she was renovating this apartment across the hall to move into with her fiancé, but she catches him having sex with the decorator. One by one she starts collecting these lonely divorced guys, and they all live together. it sounds dumb, but it’s really funny. What i love about her is that i relate to her.

You initially made a name for yourself with David Mamet and William Macy’s Atlantic Theatre Company. How did you get involved with them? my steam had been butchered by those teachers’ comment and i was at the end of my sophomore year at nYu. i started thinking, “Oh my god, what if i love acting, but i just suck at it?” thank God, this

How so? my 30s were spent working on 3rd Rock and doing publicity, just working my ass off. i had a long-term boyfriend for the first part of it, but when i moved back to new York after 3rd Rock i was single and all of my friends were married with children. i was the odd man out. Holly has spent her whole life working and is

PG 10 • insiteatlanta.com • November 2011

onLy you hAve controL over your FAte. every SIngLe Actor I know who IS SucceSSFuL hAS Been toLd By SoMe IdIot thAt they’d never MAke It, So don’t LISten. just on the cusp of asking, “What else is there? maybe i need to have a life.” they’re giving me great stuff to work with, and it’s the most fun, collaborative set. i know everybody gives you a load of horseshit, but i’m being totally honest with you. it’s the most fun i’ve ever had on a money job in my life.

How would you say sitcoms have changed in the years since 3rd Rock ended its run? that’s a great question. What’s fascinating to me is that the tV Land executives respect the art form of the sitcom. When they picked the show up, the head of the network called me, very excited. He said, “We love the show! now, you’re a jewel in our crown.” i said, “Honey, only if your crown is made by mattel!” they love and respect the form, and they want to keep it alive. but it’s like a great white shark: it’s in danger. it can be done very, very badly.

When it’s done well, it’s a joy. i’ve been so fortunate to be a part of 3rd Rock. this is a very different show, but it is absolutely on par.

What’s the difference between working on a smaller cable network as opposed to one of the majors?

it’s better. before, i was part of a big conglomerate of people who just wanted the numbers and the money. they were all petrified, trying to keep their jobs. there is no feeling of that here. it feels like we’re part of a new adventure– a renaissance. cable is not terrified every second. We can’t drop the F bomb, although that would be awesome, so it’s not like we’re dirtier. but they let it breathe, and therefore we’re funnier. if you have network executives breathing down your neck, sweating and shaking in fear, saying, “say that line differently!” you’re not going to be funny.

You’ve taught acting at NYU for years.

What messages would you give to aspiring actors?

Only you have control over your fate. every single actor i know who is successful has been told by some idiot that they’d never make it, so don’t listen. if you’re in a classroom situation where the teacher can say to you whether you will or won’t make it, get yourself out of that class as fast as possible, because that isn’t an acting teacher. that’s a failed actor. surround yourself with non-toxic people, and trust them. no one can tell you, your mom, you dad, anyone. Why not go for it?

As you walk through our door into the world of Desta expect greetings and warm smiles. Their friendly wait staff assist you with cuisine selection and within minutes your fresh order arrives, lifting your spirit with its warm aroma. Prompt, friendly service and quick delivery of traditional Ethiopian delicacies make for a wonderful and unique dining experience which is the hallmark of Desta Ethiopian Kitchen.

BEST GREEK Athens Pizza

1341 Clairmont Rd. 404.636.1100 athenspizzaatlanta.com

Steaks has been a phenominal success as they provide patrons with an authentic Japanese dining experience.

Candler Park 404.687.8888 Midtown 404.874.8887 flyingbiscuit.com The Flying Biscuit serves great breakfast, lunch and dinner seven dats a week.

They offer daily and seasonal specials.

Kids eat free Monday thru Thursday from 4-7pm.

BEST MEDITERRANEAN Mediterranean Grill Originally opened in the summer of 1977 by the Papadopoulos family. Athens Pizza is still serving the same delicious Greek cuisine their customers have come to expect.

Some of the favorite recipes on their Greek dishes go back 50 years.

Best in Greek & italian Cuisine Since 1966

1363 Clairmont Rd. 404.633.9233 bhojanic.com Mediterranean Grill is a perenial Best Of Winner. For over a decade their loyal customers have continued to flock to this family / chef-owned and operated restaurant. They serve authentic regional dishes like gyros, falafel and kabob sandwiches made to perfection. Try their fall off the bone lamb shank.

BEST ITALIAN Sotto Sotto 313 N Highland Ave 404.523.6678 wrestaurants.net When Riccardo Ullio opened Sotto Sotto, he envisioned a restaurant serving all of the delicacies from his childhood. Over a decade later, the cozy authentic Italian spot in historic Inman Park has been named Atlanta’s Best Italian Restaurant by too many publications to mention. Sotto Sotto’s kitchen strives to create authentic Italian food with flavors developed from centuries of Italian culinary traditions.

BEST JAPANESE Kobe Steaks

5600 Roswell Road 404.256.0810 kobesteaks.net Owner Katsuhiko "Vic" Watanabe opened Kobe Steaks in a small midtown location 32 years ago. Shortly after they moved to their current residence in Sandy Springs. Kobe

• Zagat Rated • Dine In or Take Out • Lunch & Dinner Specials

BEST MEXICAN BEST MARGARITAS Pancho’s Mexican

2641 Buford Hwy. 404.325.2898 panchomexican.com

BEST INEXPENSIVE RESTAURANT Eats

600 Ponce de Leon Ave. 404.888.9149 eatsonponce.net For alnost 20 years now, people have been heading down to Ponce to experience their great jerk chicken and pasta dishes. Over all this time Eats has maintained the great quality of their food and kept their prices low!

eatsonponce.net • now accepting Visa & Mastercard

N. Decatur Plaza 404.320.0101 Midtown 404.917.1100 East Cobb 678.996.0045 mediterraneangrill.com

BEST INDIAN Bhojanic

Bhojanic understands the need for authentic Indian fare.. The finest vegetables and meats are used to create the flavorful experience of the Indian culture. The food you find at Bhojanic is exactly like the food cooked in the homes of India.

Best Inexpensive Restaurant

BEST MEAL DEAL The Flying Biscuit

November SPeCIALS

Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina has become an Atlanta landmark. They offer superior quality and great value that makes Pancho’s a hit with customers. Take advantage of their $4.99 lunch specials and their selection of combination diners offered for just $7.95! They are known for Margaritas as much as their food. Pancho’s margaritas are made using the finest ingredients and top shelf tequilas. Try the Monster Margarita and enjoy with friends.

BEST MIDDLE EASTERN Mezza mezzabistro.com

www.baldinos.us

moNDAy – Baldinos Extra Special (#7) TueSDAy – Like it Hot? Grilled & Toasted The HOT Italian WeDNeSDAy – Ham it Up - (#5) Boiled Ham & Cheese w/ soup or side ThurSDAy – “Check Out Our New Chicken Breast” – Try our #21 FrIDAy – Meatless Combo - Tuna (#10) or Veg Stir Fry (#27) w/ side SATurDAy – Steak Out- A-Steak Sub Your Choice (#11,13, or 19) SuNDAy – American Special - (#14) w/ choice of soup or side

Marietta 80 Powers Ferry Rd 770-321-1177 (closed Sundays)

$3.49 All Day!

Doraville 5697 Buford Hwy. 770-455-8570

Voted Best suBs in AtlAntA

Best Ethiopian Cuisine

www.destaethiopiankitchen.com

2751 Lavista Rd. 404.633.8833

Mezza a Lebanese bistro and dar offers one of the most characteristic elements of Lebanese cuisine. Much like tapas, Mezza is an array of hot and cold appetizers. At Mezza you will find the most authentic middle eastern tapas and great wines. Enjoy belly dancing and hookahs while dining on the weekends.

continued on page 12

Catering and Party Reservations Available

404.929.0011 Hours

Mon-Thus: 9am–12am Fri-Sun: 9am–1am

3086 Briarcliff Rd. NE • Atlanta, GA 30329 • (Inside Williamsburg Shopping Center) PG 11 • insiteatlanta.com • October 2011

BEST NEW RESTAURANT Double Zero Napoletana

and more you are sure to find something to tempt your tastes.

BEST RIBS Fat Matt’s

BEST SOUTHWESTERN Agave

5825 Roswell Rd. 404.991.3666 doublezero.com New to the Castalluci Restaurant group, Double Zero has made a big splash since it opened in Sandy Springs.

Inspired by southern Italian cuisine, the restaurant is much more. Lively atmosphere, inspired menu, extensive winelist all at affordable prices make Double Zero a hit!

1811 Piedmont Ave. 404.607.1622

BEST NOODLE BOWL Doc Chey’s

BEST SANDWICHES Erbert and Gerbert’s

fatmattsribshack.com

Featuring finger-licking-good smoked meat and tangy sauce. Eat ribs by the slab, half-slab, as a combo or on a sandwich and listen to local blues bands in this friendly honky-tonk.

1556 N. Decatur Rd. 404.378.8188 1424 N. Highland Ave. 404.888.0777 563 Memorial Dr. 404.688.4238 doccheys.com The original panasian noodle house in Atlanta.

Menu includes dim sum, salad bowls, soup bowls, noodle bowls and rice plates. Best Spicy Thai Basil Noodle Bowl in the city!

2752 E. Ponce De Leon Ave. 404.370.6009 erbertandgerberts.com Erbert & Gerbert’s is a sandwich shop dedicated to serving better, more flavorful sandwiches than anyone else. Originally founded in Wisconsin, their Atlanta store is the only one in the south featuring regional flavors. Erbert & Gerbert’s bakes their own bread and carries Gluten-Free products.

Everything is prepared fresh in the store, no pre-sliced or prewrapped anything and they ony use organic or locally grown products.

BEST PIZZA Johnny’s Pizza

BEST SEAFOOD McCormick & Schmick’s

242 Boulevard SE 404.588.0006 agaverestaurant.com Agave’s unique blend of eclectic southwestern cuisine, extensive tequila bar and wine list coupled with exceptional service makes this one of Atlanta’s top restaurants.

They are the recipient of numerous awards from various publications for their inspired dining experience.

BEST SUB SANDWICH Baldinos Giant Jersey Subs 80 Powers Ferry Rd. 770.321.1177 5697 Buford Hwy. 770.455.8570 baldinos.us Since 1975, Baldinos Giant Jersey Subs has been recognized as the only true New Jersey Style submarine in the South. When you eat a Baldinos sub, you know the difference. This month Baldinos is offering a specialty sub each day for just $3.49!

1810 Cheshire Bridge Rd. 404.874.8304 Multiple Area Locations johnnyspizza.com

190 Marietta St. 404.521.1236 600 Ashwood Parkway 770.399.9900 mccormickandschmicks.com/atlanta

BEST TAPAS Eclipse di Luna

Johnny's Pizza has been synonymous with great pizza in Atlanta since 1977. They specialize in NY style pizza, which is thin in the middle and thick around the edges.

The secret to their success is in the preparation. They always use the finest ingredients accompanied with friendly staff that keeps customers coming back. Try one of the house specialties: Johnny’s Deluxe, Pesto Buffalo Chicken.

Famous for classic seafood specialties served in an unpretentious atmosphere, the menu at McCormick & Schmick's changes daily and features the freshest seafood in Atlanta. From local North Georgia Trout to Lobster, King Crab, Cashew Crusted Tilapia

Upon opening in 1997, Eclipse di Luna set the trend in tapas style restaurants in Atlanta. With over two dozen tapas to choose

4505 Ashford Dunwoody Rd. 678.205.5862 764 Miami Circle 404.846.0449 eclipsediluna.com

raging

continued on page 16

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FILM FILM

TRUMP Movie Reviews CARD ABDUCTION (PG-13) 

Abduction is one of those paranoid thrillers that are too silly to take seriously if you think about them, so the trick is to make them exciting enough that you don’t have time to think. High school senior Nathan Price (Taylor Lautner) discovers the people who raised him (Maria Bello, Jason Isaacs) aren’t really his parents. This discovery starts everyone looking for Nathan, from the CIA (Alfred Molina) to an international terrorist (Michael Nyqvist). His guardians are killed and his therapist (Sigourney Weaver), who’s also a CIAgent, helps Nathan By Love andB.his girlfriend-to-be Karen (Lily Collins) escape. s But is on, from Pittsburgh onetheofchase AmericA’s most to Arlington to a westbound train and back successful and high profile businessto Pittsburgh, with danger everywhere.

With men, Donald trump was well known Twilight coming to an end next year, Abduction long before survivor producer mark Burnett is a chance show whether tapped him tofor starLautner in the to Apprentice.

But he can carry a movie, dramatically and at the box there’s no denying that the reality show office, with his shirt (mostly) on. Since he can’t turned trump from a cartoonish curiosity really, they’ve hedged their bets by surrounding into a bona fide phenomenon, with his signahim with a solid supporting cast. Even Collins ture catchphrase– “You’re fired!”– inextricais impressive next to Lautner, but his buff, bly entering the pop culture lexicon. brooding good looks could keep him viable as a Although the Apprentice initially flounscreen presence as long as there’s a Team Jacob. dered a bit in the ratings, Burnett and trump –Steve Warren stumbled upon a winning formula by recruiting second- and third-tier actors, athletes, THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM (N/R) models and musicians forLIVING a celebrity edition of the show. now in its third incarnation, the Apprentice tosses disparate “48 Thecelebrity news headlines were devastating: stars such as rocker Bret michaels, wrestler EXOTIC ANIMALS KILLED AFTER OHIO Goldberg, baseball legend Darryl strawberry, ESCAPE.” The details of the story seemed too former governor ron Blagojevich and sharon incredible to believe.

Zanesville, Ohio resident osbourne togetheropened for a variety of team-of the Terry Thompson the enclosures building exercises andassembled challengesondesigned to exotic animals he’d his 73-acre test theirthen business mettle. suicide by shooting farm, committed “the Donald, ” as head. the crazy-coiffed himself in the Nearly 50 real animals– estate magnate if often known, recently held including 18 rare Bengal tigers, 17 lions and court with reporters to discuss the show’s numerous bears– were killed in an all-night current season. hunt. Unfortunately, as this documentary makes all too clear, the situation in Zanesville Can tellunique. us a little bit about the Webber’s selecwasyou hardly Director Michael tion filmprocess? focuses on two central characters, wildlife it’s veryspecialist interesting, so many rescue Timbecause Harrison and exotic celebrities wantTerry to be Brumfield, on the show after animal owner both of the whom success of theThey’re previous two seasons.

We live in Ohio. initially at odds: Brumfield wanted some athletes, some actors, some has been raising a pair of African lions in a small pen several years and, models andfor some wrestlers, so i when wouldthe saymale escapes, six is forced to relocate themspot intowe an even probably or seven people per smaller horsedown. trailer.the Thehardest lions arething unhappy, the were turning is that depressed (who raised them weclinically really have some Brumfield good people that want as his children tofrom go oncubs) veryloves badly.these But animals i guess maybe we’ll andthem can’t for bearthe to next part with and itHarrison save show,them, because looks is trying to do tothehappen. right thing by helping to like that’s going relocate the lions to a facility designed to give themis adequate care. The grabsthan hold How this season going tostoryline be different of your emotions and won’t let go, but Webber past seasons? also bigger issue oflike thewe’ve sale and Well,addresses when youthehave a success ownership of like exotic animals in achanges. state that had, you don’t to do too many has ZERO in placetone. to control the What we do regulations have is a different the cast industry.

We see monkeys, cougars, hyenas has been very interesting: they’ve been very and deadly poisonous snakes being tough and very nasty, but there’s alsoauctioned a lot of offand in the heart of respect Amish country.

We see a fun humor with to what happens, small ichild babyinalligator, which don’tholding think wea had the last oblivious one. to the fact that it will grow to be an 8-foot With Joan [rivers] and with Piers [morgan], carnivore could consume itlong was really nastythat people really hating him each on one gulp.

And we see the results of the other. these people hate each other, but exotic it’s wildlife infant choked death by also funny.trade– i thinkanthat might be thetobiggest the family’s boa constrictor, woman mauled differentiation in terms of theathree casts. by her friend’s pet chimpanzee, a trainer killed by the who’doff co-starred in Will Can you grizzly usuallybear tell right the bat who is Ferrell’s Semi-Pro. Webber wisely refuses to going to do well and who isn’t? choose sides between Harrison and Brumfield, that’s always the most interesting queswho ultimately become close and do what’s best tion to me because i’d like to think of myself for the animals. But, through Harrison, The as being okay with people. But often i’ll say, Elephant In The Living Room makes a potent “this one is that goingownership to be a star, thenanimals he statement of” and exotic turns out to be a dud.

You never really know. needs to be more firmly regulated, both in Ohio You feel like you’ve known these celebrities

and in the other 9 states that have no laws to control this insidious industry. The result is one of the year’s most powerful and moving documentaries.

–Bret Love

The Donald Waxes Rhapsodic On The Celebrity Apprentice, “You’re Fired!” & Fixing NBC

A

HELL AND BACK AGAIN (NR) 

Legislators should be made to watch Hell and Back Again before voting on whether to cut veterans’ benefits. For everyone else, viewing is optional. Danfung Dennis was embedded with a Marine company in Afghanistan in 2009 and got some great combat footage at the risk of his through about them for almost so manyas real own life.reading The real thing looks years, but a lot of times somebody as the fake stuff in The Hurt Lockerthat andyou Black don’t of so Unfortunately highly turns out to be awasn’t star.

Hawkthink Down.

Dennis You don’tscenes know of what will happen withand ablejust to give random sniper fire pressure and the of battle. conversations withheat displaced locals a beginning, middle and end for dramatic purposes. Instead What doesthem a celebrity have in to the do to really he’s used as flashbacks story of Sgt. set themselves and leader show that Nathan Harris,apart a platoon who they’re was shot inin itthe to win it? sent home to Winston-Salem, hip and i can tell you from seasons With 1 and a2 titanium and North Carolina, to recover. from the regular people reallythis rod holding his Apprentice, shattered leg together want oncefinds in ahimself while you’ll leadertoofwin. menevery suddenly dependent have a quitter, but it doesn’t happen on his wife Ashley, pain meds andoften. walking iaids. think Inthespite reason they do ithis is the of everything onlylevel wishofis to intensity feel for charity.increasingly Unlike return tothey combat, and their it becomes the regular Apprentice, where somebody clear that’s not going to happen.

Scenes where works mewith for aguns pretty for a Harrisfor plays at good home salary are downright year, onespeaks the money to charscary.with He this never directlygoes to the camera ity. yearconsiderable we raised millions dollars. butLast there’s voiceoverofthat sounds everybody has a charity they love; some like he is. Dennis gets toothat clever about inserting flashbacks, juxtaposing of a door in are foundations they’vethe setopening up themselves NorthinCarolina soldiers in a they door years advancewith of the show.kicking so i think in Afghanistan suggesting thatit’s every time really fight moreand intense because a charHarris looks sick or ity they’re fighting for.pensive he’s haunted by memories of war. The documentary ends with Willieare Nelson thechallenges worst title to song since What yoursinging favorite watch “You Light Up My Life. ” the celebrities tackle?

–Steve Warren Well, we do have a lot of different challenges, whether we go back to the selling of the lemonade something THE IDESorOFdoing MARCH (R) else very basic without having to deal with Proctor & Gam ble or Kodak, etc. sometimes [sponsor-based The Ides of March is good enough thatbut youthey’re want it challenges] are sort of interesting, to be better.

The sad truth is we can no longer expensive for us to do. the ratings suggest be shocked a drama that shows how politics that the by fans’ favorite part of thedirty show by can be,issothe Idesboardroom, looks like theand evening news with better far the boardroom actors.

More naïveover thanthe theyears rest of us, Stephen has gotten longer because of Meyers (Ryan Gosling) is a 30-year-old that. the challenges still have plenty known of timeas “thewe’re best media mind the aspects, country.” but He’swebeen and focused on in both recruited strategist Paul Zarathe (Philip Seymour have beenbytrying to lengthen boardroom Hoffman) to work on the campaign of Pennsylvania because of strong viewer requests. governor Mike Morris (George Clooney), one of twolike finalists for the Democratic presidential You’re a prosecuting attorney in the nomination at the time of the potentially decisive boardroom. Do you meter your approach to Ohio primary.

Stephen’s wooed personally by different personalities? intern Molly Stearns (Evan Rachel Wood) and Yes, i think you deal with different people professionally by rival campaign manager Tom differently. i deal with Goldberg differently Duffy (Paul Giamatti). Clooney, who also directed, than i deal with Governor Blagojevich. i co-produced and helped adapt this film version dealt with Dennis rodman and Joan rivers of Beau Willimon’s play “Farragut North,” gets to differently than some of the other contes-some voice the standard liberal lines, including tants.

You have to have that ability. that could have inspired the Occupy Wall Street movement. But Morris is human and the film’s How do you feel togoing in the message seems be back that the onlyboardpolitician room after a little hiatus? without dirty little secrets is the one whose dirty i justsecrets get a haven’t great kick of it. i Disillusioned really like little beenout exposed. ityet? a lot. they want renew forofanother Campaigned outtoyet?

The itIdes March gives two thinking you or onethree more seasons, reason to and hold we’re your nose as you vote. about that. i like having a little bit –Steve of a break Warren between shows, where it goes on once a year.

MARGIN CALL Do you ever feel (R) bad about firing someone,  or is it just part of the job? i always feelwho bad… no,donot always.will someThose of us don’t numbers never times don’t like people. hardthe onesrecent/ are fully icomprehend what the caused when youfinancial really like and respect current crisis.

Margin somebody Call attempts and they make a mistake.

Like, as aninvestment exto dumb it down for us by having

THE THREE MUSKETEERS professionals, on at least three occasions, Their Own with The Sound of Music (without ask each other to explain things in simpler the songs), it tells the true-ish story of how a terms. That may help dummies in the audience coach turned around the team at a struggling but it hurts the credibility of a film that deserves girls’ Catholic college outside Philadelphia in a marginal thumbs-up at best. It’s set during a 1972, leading them to the first women’s college sleepless night in early 2008 when a downsizing basketball national championship. Cathy brokerage firm has to decide whether to save Rush (Carla Gugino) is married to an NBA itself by dumping its toxic assets and poisoning coach (David Boreanaz) but in the spirit the entire financial industry. Stanley Tucci, of the emerging women’s movement, she just laid off, spotted the problem and passes it tires of being defined by a man and wants to on to young colleague Zachary Quinto. Quinto achieve something herself. An experienced adds his own analysis and passes the news up player who’s never coached, she gets the job the food chain – to co-worker Penn Badgley, at Immaculata College because she’s the only their boss Paul Bettany, his boss Kevin Spacey, applicant. She immediately locks horns with his boss Simon Baker and everyone’s boss the Mother Superior (Ellen Burstyn), who wants Jeremy Irons. Unlike Up in the Air and The to “just use these activities to suppress their Company Men, which dealt with the effects hormones.” She will obviously be harder to win of downsizing on people, Margin Call follows over than most of the teams they face. True to the money. Spacey, of all people, is the only the formula, Cathy builds the team’s skills and one humanized – hey, his dog just died. In the spirit gradually, but fast enough to give them a three years it took debuting writer-director winning season that qualifies them for a wild J.C. Chandor to get Margin Call from script to card berth in the championships. The film’s screen it has sadly become no less relevant. The greatest asset is Marley Shelton as a beatific but Occupy Wall Street movement has made some human nun who questions her vocation until It turned out to Be a good phrase, But It was a people ask for the first time how we got into this she blossoms as Cathy’s assistant. Despite the FLuke. the very FIrst I was a LIttLe potentialshow for sappiness (especially with a G mess and this moviedurIng will help them understand... wIth one oF the contestants and used rating) and preachiness (heck, it’s aI Catholic if exasperated they can still afford a ticket.

The [producer] Mighty Macs keeps its eye on the –Steve Warren school), the LIne, “you’re FIred!” when Mark If you’ve liked this story umpteen times Burnett and I agreed to doball. the show we dIdn’t have before no reason not to like it this time.

MARTHAthat.

MARCY MAY (N/R) we’d say,there’s weMARLENE thought “get the heLL out –Steve Warren



oF here” or soMethIng.

“How far are we from yesterday?” asks Martha to ample, the last season. her sisterscott in an Hamilton, early scene offrom this buzz-worthy indie, iand hadonetoofletthescott go. i’m a great of scott: compelling twists to thefan movie is that, He medals and he’s great fromwon sceneolympic to scene,gold the viewer is never quiteasure at champion.

But he understood first. Told entirely from the point ofthat viewhe of made a young awoman mistake show aand really had no and whoonhastheescaped culti in the Catskills choice. about that, returned itofelt hervery familybadly in Connecticut, webecause experience ithings considered to be aOlsen) greatdoes, person, i as Marthahim (Elizabeth whilebut coping have to do what’s stress right.which it’s never fun, butfilm it’s with post-traumatic coats the entire easier like somebody whenand with thiswhen tone iofdon’t impending dread. Theor editing they’re really, bad. quite know where we set design allowreally us to never are from scene to scene, whether we’re with Martha’s cold, confused sister fired, (Sarah” Paulson) brotherThat line, “You’re became and a pop culin-lawphenomenon.

(Hugh Dancy) Can or if you we’retalk at the compound ture about the with theof creepy, charismatic leader Patrick (John origin it?

Hawkes) - who Marcy May. but First-time it turned outrenamed to be a her good phrase, it director Sean Durkin a hell show of a film, one was a fluke.

Duringhas thecreated very first i was doesn’t explain all its plotone points but nonetheless athat little exasperated with of the conremains captivating, than frustrating. testants and i used rather the line, “You’re fired!”The film is full of surprises, none of which off as When [producer] mark Burnett andcome i agreed particularly twistywe or didn’t forced, have and the acting to do the show that.

We is topnotch. Olsen, sister Mary-Kate thought we’dthe say,younger “Get the hellof out of here”and or Ashley, is beautiful subtle in a great role, carrying something.

And and all of a sudden America went every scene. we’reitleft wondering much about crazy over Though the show. happens to be a great the exact reasonstV Martha does of what she does, catchphrase.

Guide ormuch one of the major the film left me very satisfied. did a poll and, after entertainment magazines –Benjamin Carr “Here’s Johnny!” and one other great, it was #3 on the top 100 phrases in television hisTHE so MIGHTY MACS (G)big honor. it’s been tory! that was a pretty an amazing thing and an amazing phrase that  just seems to work. it really caught on, and From Rocky to Dodgeball, movies are it’s been an amazing thing tosports watch. always about underdogs. Wouldn’t you like to see do oneyou about overdogs a change?

The What think is yourforbiggest accomMighty Macs isn’t it.

Mixing A League plishment, your business success or the of

THE MILL & THE CROSS (N/R) fact that you raised such self-sufficient  children?

The Milli’m & the Cross is an “art film” in more Well, getting a lot of credit on the chilways one, an been artfully made lookivanka at an dren. than everybody’s asking about artist creating art.is It’s film to appreciated and the answer yes,ashe’ll bebe back on the rather thanthey’re enjoyed, onegood you’d likethey to spread show. But very kids. went out on agood coffeeschools, table and at your to very andperuse they were greatown speed, rather than watching straight students. i couldn’t wait toitget them through on the for 95 ibutt-numbing minutes.

LikebeSunday show. had no idea the show would into initsninth the Park andwith tenthGeorge season,without which isSondheim’s pretty songs, theinfilm on an unspecified amazing the takes worldplace of television. day on a hillside with Pieter. That’s Pieter Bruegel Elder who painted There’s the been lots(Rutger of newsHauer), surrounding NBC The Way to Calvary in 1564.

His version of the lately, and your show does well for them. scene to NBC Christ’s crucifixion What leading you think needs to do to features get back some people, most of whom are paying no in the500 ratings game? attention Jesus. of the film focuses on Well, i to know Jeff Much Gaspin (chairman of nBc the daily lives of the simple people of Flanders Universal television entertainment) and, as (now Belgium) who served Bruegel’s you know, he’s new to the role. iasthink he’s models. living – and,job weatsee, sometimes going to They’re do a spectacular nBc. they dying under brutal Spanish occupation.not The need –more shows like the Apprentice. artist explains his intent to show “saints necessarily from a reality standpoint, but returning from the past to mourn the current they need shows that capture the imaginastate of Flanders.” It’s no more unusual for tion. artists to project their time onto history than frankly, certain shows that are on should it is for later viewers to add their own third be changed because, while they get some layer of contemporary parallels. Michael York prettya banker good reviews, theyofdon’t get people plays and patron Bruegel who adds watching. it’s nice to get both.

We’ve had his own criticism of the Spanish. Charlotte nominations and a lot of good ac-who emmy Rampling, the only other principal actor colades passed our way, and that’s always speaks (all in English), plays the model for nice.Virgin But ultimately have people the Mary. It’syou nothave cleartowhether she’s watch. nBc is going to Mary. really Polish do well.director i know speaking as herself or as their leadership and icreated think they’re Lech Majewski has some winners, amazing so i think they’ll turn it around.

PG 13 • insiteatlanta.com • November 2011

visuals that will stay with you, but what little narrative binds it together is either left to your imagination or spelled out too prosaically.

–Steve Warren

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3 (R)  After hating the first so much that I skipped the second, I approached Paranormal Activity 3 with the lowest possible expectations, which it easily surpassed. With the concept of using extensive homevideo having been adopted and improved upon by J.J. Abrams and others in bigger and better movies since this bargainbasement series began, the result here is far more watchable than the first Paranormal Activity. There’s less of the annoying handheld camerawork and the night-vision sequences are better lit. That makes them look less authentic but it’s a trade-off I applaud. The story is told in flashbacks from the opening scenes, spoilers that tell you the little girls, Katie and Kristi, will survive. (Fans of the series know that anyway because Katie Featherston was in 1 and 2 as Katie and Sprague Grayden joined her in 2 as Kristi.) Back in 1988 the girls move into a new house with their mother, Julie (Lauren Bittner), and stepfather, Dennis (Christopher Nicholas Smith), a wedding videographer. When strange things start happening, possibly involving Toby, the imaginary friend Kristi insists is real, Dennis sets up video surveillance the CIA would envy. That includes the effective – from a suspense standpoint – use of a camera on an oscillator that pans back and forth between the living room and kitchen. There’s still a lot of waiting, but with more payoffs, real and ersatz, than in the first movie. The second scene, in 2006, should have been saved for the end instead of coming between the selection of a tape and the contents of that tape.

–Steve Warren

TAKE SHELTER (R)  Is Take Shelter a portrait of a man going crazy? All the signs point to it: Michael Shannon, brilliantly scary as Curtis, an almost ordinary guy; his mother (Kathy Baker), who was diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic in her thirties, about the age he is now; Curtis’ erratic behavior, delusions, hallucinations and nightmares. Or could he be onto something? Just because he sees and hears things others don’t, doesn’t mean they’re not there, does it? They thought Noah was crazy too. Curtis isn’t building a boat and herding animals into it, just expanding the storm shelter in the backyard and stocking it with necessities to sustain him, his wife (Jessica Chastain) and their hearing-impaired daughter (Tova Stewart), because he has “a feeling that something’s coming.” With financial difficulties all around, there’s the possibility the storm Curtis foresees won’t be weather-related. The ubiquitous Ms. Chastain gives the best of her 87 performances this year. Slow but impossible to look away from, Take Shelter fulfils the promise writer-director Jeff Nichols showed in his first film, Shotgun Stories.

–Steve Warren

THE THREE MUSKETEERS (PG-13)  I don’t suppose The Three Musketeers could ever not be fun. Each generation of boys needs its own version of the swashbuckling classic. The latest isn’t exactly “Dumas da merrier” but it will do, as the story provides a better plot than most of today’s screenwriters can fabricate. D’Artagnan (Logan Lerman, an all-American boy awash in a sea of mostlyBritish accents) is a country boy trained by his retired-Musketeer father in the use of the sword, “the weapon of the Musketeer.” (I thought that would be the musket.) He goes to Paris to become a Musketeer, but they’ve fallen PG 14 • insiteatlanta.com • November 2011

on hard times because of “budget cuts.” (Each remake is a product of its time.) D’Artagnan soon teams up with the famous trio – Athos (Matthew Macfadyen), Porthos (Ray Stevenson) and Aramis (Luke Evans) – and falls in love with Constance (Gabriella Wilde), a lady in waiting to the Queen (Juno Temple), who has yet to consummate her marriage to teenaged King Louis XIII (Freddie Fox). They help foil a plot by Cardinal Richelieu (Christoph Waltz) to start a war with England (at least until the sequel). The cleric’s in league with the Duke of Buckingham (Orlando Bloom), Athos’ rival for the love of treacherous Milady de Winter (Milla Jovovich). The period production design, including some new-fangled “airships,” is impressive, if a little heavy on CG artificiality, and the 3D is 3decent, if unnecessary. There’s good stuntwork when it’s not computer-augmented, and plenty of the kind of swordplay that made me a bloodthirsty tyke until I learned the downside of killing.

–Steve Warren

THE WAY (PG-13) 

I suppose there’s a small niche audience that really likes to see Martin Sheen walk. They’re well served by The Way, a Euroadtrip movie that worked better for me as a travelogue than a human drama. Sheen plays Tom Avery, a California ophthalmologist who’s informed that his estranged son Daniel met an accidental death in France. Daniel had just begun the traditional 800-km. pilgrimage known as El Camino de Santiago de Compostela, or The Way of St. James. Going over to claim the body, Tom decides to finish the walk for his son. Despite being antisocial Tom reluctantly acquires three traveling companions: a jolly fat Dutchman (Yorick van Wageningen), a bitter Canadian woman (Deborah Kara Ungar) and an Irish writer with writer’s block (James Nesbitt). They trek through the Pyrenees, meeting colorful locals at every stop, while Tom scatters Daniel’s ashes along the way. Everyone learns some life lessons but most are vague enough that each viewer can take their own lesson from the story – or not. The scenery of France and Spain gave me an urge to jump on the next plane. The Way was written, produced and directed by Emilio Estevez, who also appears as Daniel in flashbacks and fantasies.

–Steve Warren

WEEKEND (N/R)  It should be all right to have a minority opinion on a film about minorities, and I wasn’t as blown away as most critics by Weekend. My problem is not that the potentially romantic protagonists are both men – viewers of any gender or orientation should be able to relate to their situation – but that I could see no reason for these two to be together for more than one hormone-, drug- and drink-fueled night. Writer-director-editor Andrew Haigh and his stars, Tom Cullen and Chris New, have been widely acclaimed for their work here, and if I could get past the premise I’d join in the praise. Russell (Cullen) is shy and semi-closeted, comfortable with being assimilated into a group of straight friends; but he needs someone to love. Glen (New) is here, queer, get-used-to-it; but having been burned in one relationship he’s not looking for another. They shouldn’t spend more than Friday night together but they do, with a Sunday deadline imposed by Glen’s upcoming two-year stay in America. Granted, their conversations become more interesting as they spend more time together, but they also reveal more differences that would make it harder for them to bridge the gap as a couple. It’s a copout to strive for realism, yet expect our Hollywood-programmed hearts to root for this mismatched pair to stay together.

–Steve Warren

Film

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Joel McHale On TV’s Most Relentlessly pretty wigged out by dean Pelton. In every single scene, Creative Sitcom if you watch him walk into the room, the dean finds a

By Alex S. morriSon

I

n case you haven’t heard, the sitcom is back, with shows ranging from Modern Family and The Big Bang Theory to The office and 30 rock reinvigorating what was, until recently, dismissed as a dying art form. community (nBc Thursdays) is one of our favorites for its colorful cast of characters, its remarkably clever writing, and for creator dan harmon’s endlessly inventive ideas (including a classic claymation christmas episode and a paintball-centered episode that parodied spaghetti westerns). unfortunately, though it has proven a hit with critics (new york Magazine and salon.com rated it the best show of 2010), when it comes to the emmys community is the rodney dangerfield of sitcoms: It gets no respect.

But still harmon and his excellent cast (including The soup’s Joel Mchale, Mad Men’s alison Brie, The hangover’s Ken Jeong and comedy legend chevy chase) continue taking bold creative risks, opening the third season with a tongue-in-cheek musical number and booking heavyweights such as John Goodman and The Wire’s Michael K. Williams as guest stars.

We recently spoke with Joel Mchale to find out how his character will evolve this season, what Goodman and Williams add to the show, and where harmon’s crazy concepts come from.

What you think it is about Community that continues to draw in all the viewers?

It draws in viewers? That’s great! I hope we get an american Idol-like audience here soon, but I think the originality of the show is not like anything else on tv, if I do say so myself. I think, going back to shows like M*a*s*h or cheers, it’s an ensemble and the world around them changes drastically. I think it’s the right combination of actors, and obviously now, with John Goodman, I feel like that will really bring even more people in with someone of his status and stature. can you talk about how Jeff will change this season and how we’ll see his relationship with annie develop?

I can tell you that the relationship will develop further on the romantic end of things, much to the chagrin of half the audience… or at least those who comment on message boards, where it’s divided right down the middle. They’ll be like, “oh, so sweet,” or they’re like, “It’s disgusting.” I know that Jeff’s father will become present in the series. Jeff has a lot of father issues, so that will be dealt with. according to dan, my character’s going to be put through hell, so I’m really looking forward to taking the journey.

Do you have a feeling like you’re going for broke and just going crazy with the stories? yeah, I think at one point people were talking about how the show was going to become about relationships, which obviously it is about that. But as far as a lot of stuff happening in an episode, they’re so action-packed it’s like we’re making a movie every week. There’s so much stuff to shoot– many specialty shots– and it’s great, but it’s as densely packed as a wonderful lasagna.

Is having John Goodman’s character on the show going to change the dynamic between the “kids” and the Dean?

I haven’t seen that yet in the scripts. all the stuff that John is doing is setting up the darth vader-like empire that is the air conditioning repair school, and my guess is that it’s going to get really hairy in a couple of episodes.

That’s a good question though, because Jeff is always

i wAS rAiSed CAtholiC, So i think At Any moment the Sky will open And i will Be CruShed By A lArge Bird thAt died in mid-Flight. So i’m Still keeping my pAper route.

way to touch Jeff and it always weirds him out. My guess is that at some point he will be forced to help the dean, but I haven’t seen it yet. can you talk about what John Goodman brings to the show?

They knock out a lot of John’s scenes at the end of the day, so a lot of the actors just go and watch him. It’s like we just got a stealth Bomber and no one can touch it.

But it’s one of those things where we are all so excited and we wonder what bet he lost to have to come on the show!

A lot of people would have left The Soup when they got a big primetime network TV show. Why do you still do it?

Well, I love doing it and I have a contract, so I can’t leave it or they could kill me! no, I didn’t really want to leave. It’s difficult enough to have anything work on television, and I wasn’t about to leave something that was working when all my friends are there. My best friend from childhood is a writer and performer on The soup, so it’s a real family. They’ve made the schedule work, so there was really no reason to quit something that’s not broken. and who knew what was going to happen with community when we started two and a half years ago?

I was raised catholic, so I think at any moment the sky will open and I will be crushed by a large bird that died in mid-flight. so I’m still keeping my paper route.

I’ve heard a rumor that you guys have a banner on the set that celebrates your zero Emmy nominations. Is that correct? yes, I tweeted a photo of it. dan had that made, and at one point it was stretched across the entrance of our sound stage here at Paramount. It’s in the exact same font as the Glee sign that says, “congratulations, Glee, on your nine emmy nominations.” ours says, “congratulations, community, on your zero emmy nominations.”

Of all these new guest stars, like John, Michael K. Williams and Martin Starr, I just wanted to know who’s shaking things up most behind the scenes?

John and Michael K. Williams, they’re the new antagonists. It’s not going to be chevy/Pierce anymore; it’s going to be coming from outside the group. That has definitely made the set more exciting and it brings a whole new energy. obviously when you get a caliber of actor like John and Michael, it really pushes everyone to bring their a game.

Where do you guys find the inspiration for such quirky characters and storylines on Community?

That’s left up to the writers. I don’t have the imagination like dan harmon, who is a certified genius. The idea for dan was that he wanted to make a sitcom that his uncle in Wisconsin would watch. a lot of the stuff that he had written previously, I think he was told that it was kind of “out there.” If you go to a place like a community college or a bar, where there’s a group of people that don’t necessarily choose to be with each other, naturally the characters will come out. I think dan just draws on his experience of going to community college and it works out great. Thank god!

Growing up, which comedians had the most impact on your own sense of humor?

I would say for me it was between Monty Python, Bill cosby, Firesign Theater and steve Martin, because as a child he was like some sort of father of comedy. I think richard Pryor’s Live on The sunset strip is probably one of the greatest performances.

local

The Book FesTival oF The MJCCa CeleBraTes 20 Years as one oF aTlanTa’s Top liTerarY evenTs!

By Marci Miller

W

hether you’ve gone digital to or still like the feel of flipping the pages, books are alive and well in Dunwoody this fall at the Book Festival of the MJCCA. the 20th edition of this festival, one of the South’s premier cultural events, is scheduled for november 5 – 20, 2011 at the Marcus Jewish Community Center. A highlight of Atlanta’s literary calendar for 20 years, the Book Festival of the MJCCA presents more than 40 of the year’s best and brightest authors in a variety of forums, including: Political journalist and moderator Jim Lehrer; political commentator Chris Matthews; united States Senator Joe Lieberman; Academy Award-winning actress Dyan Cannon; beloved American media personality regis Philbin; and many more. this year’s lineup features Pulitzer Prize-winning, bestselling authors; rising literary voices; television and film stars; humorists; journalists; historians; novelists; and scholars. More than 10,000 visitors will enjoy engaging speaker programs, author meet-and-greets, book signings, panel discussions, the PJ Library Storytelling Festival, the annual esther g.

Levine Community read, the george Stern Family Lecture, and more.

Festival organizers say that for two weeks each year, they are proud to bring the community authors from around the world who are also celebrities, public figures, and pop culture icons. During the Book Festival, the community comes together to explore, learn, and be uplifted together by these extraordinary authors. People come to hear an author discuss his or her book, and can’t wait come back to another program, this time with friends or family. the Festival is such a wonderful, communitybuilding event. they invite the community to experience so much during the festival. From learning about the history of google; to hearing personal accounts by acclaimed novelists; to listening to fascinating stories of being a fish out of water living in China. they can hear about personal experiences with autism, Israeli counter-terrorism, conversion, and awakening sexual identity.

HigHligHts include:

A Night of improv Saturday, November 5, 7:30pm (Non-Member$16/Member $11) Join Dad’s garage and the MJCCA for a hilarious night of improv looking back on 20 years of Book Festivals.

Amy EphroN, LoosE DiAmoNDs… AND othEr thiNgs i’vE Lost (AND fouND) ALoNg thE wAy Monday, November 7, 6:30pm (Non-Member: $16/Member $11) With her wonderful sense of humor, Amy ephron weaves together the most insightful and just plain funny stories of her life to form

a tapestry of a woman’s experiences from childhood through marriage, divorce (and remarriage).

EricA JoNg, sugAr iN my BowL: rEAL womEN writE ABout rEAL sEx Monday, November 7, 8:00pm (Non-Member: $16 /Member: $11, with the Amy Ephron event) Author of Fear of Flying, Jong presents an anthology of candid essays giving surprising insight into how women of all ages feel about sex.

Jim LEhrEr, tENsioN city: iNsiDE thE prEsiDENtiAL DEBAtEs, from KENNEDy-NixoN to oBAmA-mccAiN Tuesday, November 8, 8:00 pm (Non-Member: $16 / Member: $11) From the man widely hailed as “the Dean of Moderators” comes a lively and revealing book that pulls back the curtain on more than forty years of televised political debate in America. chris mAtthEws, JAcK KENNEDy: ELusivE hEro Saturday, November 12, 8:00 pm (Non-Member: $22 / Member: $15) hardball host Chris Matthews weaves firsthand encounters with JFK into a great American novel.

LOCAL LISTINGS FOR STARTS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28 IN THEATERS EVERYWHERE CHECK THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

LocaL 5.0" X 7.0"

ATLANTA INSIGHT DUE TUES 5PM

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sENAtor JoE LiEBErmAN, thE gift of rEst: rEDiscovEriNg thE BEAuty of thE sABBAth Sunday, November 13, 7:00 pm (Non-Member: AE: (circle one:) Artist: (circle one:) ART APPROVED $16 / Member: $11) Angela Maria Josh Heather Staci Freelance 2 the MJCCA’s esther g. LevineAurelio Park on november 8th at 8pm.

Tickets are $11

By Ian coveLL AE APPROVED Community read program. In Emmett imJay for members and $16 for non-members.

For LehrerSteve has been caLLed the Tim McCool Philip CLIENT APPROVED this book, Senator Lieberman more information and tickets about the festival, “dean of moderators.” it is a fitting title for offers simple suggestions for call the box office at 678-812-4005, or go online Deadline: Confirmation #: a man who has moderated eleven televised atwww.atlantajcc.org. introducing the Sabbath into presidential debates over the previous six elecyour own life. tions. beginning with the first ever between KenWhen did you know you wanted to be a journalnedy and nixon up until most recently between ist? Was there a particular moment in your life DyAN cANNoN, DEAr Obama and mccain he seems to be the one factor where it became apparent that this was the path cAry: my LifE with cAry that has not changed. you were meant to take? grANt born in Wichita, Kansas in 1934, he earned a When i was a sophomore in high school. i had Saturday, November 19, 7:30 pm bachelors of Journalism in 1956 from the Unifailed in my real desire to be a ma(Non-Member: $22 / Member: $15) versity of missouri. after being jor league baseball player so i deWith unparalleled honesty, a reporter for both the dallas cided to be a sports writer. at that award-winning film and televimorning news and the dallas same time an english teacher wrote sion actress Dyan Cannon Times-herald, he went on to beon a paper i had written, “Jimmy, shares the heartwarming and come the city editor for the latter. you’re. Very good writer.” That did heartbreaking story of her magi- his newspaper career eventually it. and i have never looked back cal romance and stormy marriage to screen opened up the doors for one in from writing or reporting. legend Cary grant. public television. he is probably most well known for being the How has the delivery of news other half of “The rEgis phiLBiN, how i got this wAy changed from when you began Sunday, November 20, 3:00 pm (Non-Member: macneil/Lehrer newshour,” until now? which he departed from in 1996 after its 20th year. $22 / Member: $15 / Premier Seating: $50) how do you see it being delivered in say, the next mr. Lehrer has been the recipient of numerAs the iconic talk show host of one of tele5-10 years? ous awards for journalism including two emmys vision’s most enduring talk shows, Live! with Only the technology has changed and if serious and the George Foster Peabody award. he has regis and Kelly, regis Philbin will make his journalists stay with it and afloat that is all that also been the author of 20 novels, two memoirs, first appearance at the Book Festival of the will ever change. democracy requires real and and three plays. in his latest work of non-fiction, MJCCA. honest information.

“Tension city: inside the Presidential debates from Kenndy-nixon to Obama-mccain”, Lehrer tickets may be purchased MJCCA box ofWhat makes a good question? How do you get a recounts his experiences from the “view from the fice, online or by phone. In addition to paid straight answer from a politician? middle seat”…“down the blade of a knife”.

The title events, there are several free community short and straight- forward questions are the is credited to a quote from President George h. events which still require ticketing. there best.

There is no way to force anybody to answer W. bush. it is a memoir that captures a standard are also series tickets available and patron any question, but the direct ones have the best he has set for all future moderators to follow. sponsorship opportunities.

Jim Lehrer will be appearing at the 20th edition chance of being answered... or show up the For more information on the festival, please unanswered. of the “book Festival of the mJcca” at Zaban visit www.atlantajcc.org.

ALL HAIL THE DEAN

Five Minutes With Television Legend Jim Lehrer

J

PG 15 • insiteatlanta.com • November 2011

from, there is something to please any taste. Their tapas is priced affordably to encourage multiple sampling.

BEST TACOS Raging Burrito & Taco

BEST THAI Top Spice

141 Sycamore St Decatur 404.377.3311 ragingburrito.com

3007 N. Druid Hills Rd. 404.728.0588 2997 Cobb Pkwy 770.988.9007 topspiceatlanta.com

Uniquely different, Top Spice promises food enthusiast a truly enjoyable dining experience. Rooted in the warm flavors of the Southeast Asia, their dishes are infused with Thai and Malaysian flavors to create distinctive tastes. The menu features aromatic and savory dishes to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

BEST WINGS Hooters

BEST BREWERY Gordon Biersch

BEST ACOUSTIC CLUB Eddie’s Attic 515 N. McDonough St. 404.377.4976 eddiesattic.com Decatur's most prominent music venue features some of the best acoustical music in the city. Made famous by the frequent appearances of the Indigo Girls, they still offer great new acts on a nightly basis.

Raging Burrito delivers some out-of-theordinary taqueria fare in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Located on the lively square, this Decatur Mexican restaurant features a great variety of tacos. The baja fish tacos are out of this world! They offer a full bar with over 16 beers and 50 tequilas.

BEST LOOKING WAITSTAFF BEST BARTENDERS The Tavern at Phipps

3500 Peachtree Rd. 404.814.9640 thetavernatphipps.com

13 Atlanta Locations hooters.com Hooters wings are fresh, never frozen and have been their signature menu item since the first Hooters opened in Clearwater, FL in 1983. Hooters now offers 12 wing sauce varieties on boneless, traditional or naked wings. Every Monday from 6 PM to close, guests can enjoy all you can eat wings for just $10.99.

Hooters makes you happy!

NIGHTLIFE

The great looking waitstaff along with some of the most entertaining bartenders in the city make The Tavern at Phipps an exciting night out. On any given night you’ll find their Best Looking Waitstaff happily bustling drink & menu orders back and forth while their bartenders like Nicholas Bustos (as featured in GQ Magazine) put on a show.

BEST BEER SELECTION The Porter Beer Bar

1156 Euclid Ave 404.223.0393 theporterbeerbar.com Located in the heart of Little Five Points, this cozy restaurant with its hand-crafted wooden booths and exposed brick wall is the perfect place for a casual dinner of gourmet pub grub and a few glasses of one of the 30 beers on draft or one of the 400 bottled beers available. The beer list is only microbrews and small imports, offering pours not available at most local bars.

BEST BLUES CLUB Blind Willie’s 828 N. Highland Ave 404.873.2583 blindwilliesblues.com This popular Virgina Highland blues joint recently celebrated its 18th anniversary.

They have won multiple awards and Blind Willie’s doesn’t seem to be slowing down one bit.

848 Peachtree St. 404.870.0805 3242 Peachtree Rd. 404.264.0253 gordonbierschrestaurants.com Gordon Biersch is an upscale brewery restaurant specializing in handcrafted German lagers brewed in-house. They brew with the highest quality, traditional ingredients imported from Germany, including barley and wheat from the 130 year-old family owned Weyermann Malting in Bamberg. The tradition of using only the freshest, purest ingredients governs every aspect of the Gordon Biersch experience.

BEST COMEDY CLUB Laughing Skull Lounge 878 Peachtree St. 877.523.3288 vortexcomedy.com Located in the back of the Vortex in Midtown, this intimate comedy club has made a big imprint on Atlanta’s comedy scene.

BEST HAPPY HOUR Tin Lizzy’s 3639 Piedmont Rd. 404.846.6000 415 Memorial Dr. 404.554.8220 1136 Crescent Ave. 404.537.5060 tinlizzyscantina.com Tin Lizzy's is a fun and casual cantina and taqueria. If you need a good happy hour spot, Tin Lizzy's is the right place. They stock their bar with the finest spirits available. Live acoustic performers add to the lively happy hour vibe during the week. Great place to meet friends for appetizers and margaritas.

The Best Wings Are Our Thing!

Hooters of Downtown Atlanta 404-522-9464 209 Peachtree St NE

Hooters of Cumberland 770-984-0287 2977 Cobb Pkwy SE

Hooters of Tara 770-478-2262 6785 Tara Blvd

Hooters of Douglasville 770-947-8009 7010 Concourse Pkwy

Hooters of Roswell 770-992-4540 795 Holcomb Bridge Rd

13 Atlanta Locations!

Hooters of Gwinnett Hooters of McDonough 770-497-0880 3550 Gwinnett Place Dr

Follow Us on facebook facebook.com/hooters

678-583-9003 1858 Jonesboro Rd

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770-943-8896 5464 Wendy Bagwell Pkwy

Hooters of Conyers 770-483-5010 1099 Iris Dr SE

Hooters of Lawrenceville 770-513-7260 860 Duluth Hwy

Hooters of Newnan 770-254-1687 1001 Bullsboro Dr

Hooters of Canton 678-493-0369 100 River Pointe Pkwy

Hooters of Kennesaw 770-590-8820 2102 Old Highway 41 NW

Serving Our Nearly World Famous Chicken Wings Since 1983

PG 16 • insiteatlanta.com • November 2011

visit Hooters.com

BEST IMPROV Whole World Theatre

BEST COUNTRY The Peachtree Tavern

1216 Spring St. 404-817-7529 wholeworldtheatre.com Now in their 19th year, Whole World Theatre remains among the top improv theatres in town with laugh out loud comedy sketches nightly.

3179 Peachtree Rd. 404.842.1700 peachtreetavern.com

BEST IRISH PUB Meehan’s Public House Three Area Locations 101concepts.com Meehan’s is an authentic Irish eatery that offers a full menu of classic Irish dishes elevated to the gourmet level. Meehan’s Public House offers guests a full menu of classic Irish fare with a gourmet touch. Meehan’s comfortable yet a lively atmosphere is a draw for the after work crowd, families and those out and about and visiting Atlanta alike.

BEST LATIN MUSIC Loca Luna

550 Amsterdam Ave. 404.875.4494 loca-luna.com

PANCHO’S

Catering Now Available

The Peachtree Tavern has always been known for offering great live musical acts, but county? That’s right, they still book rock bands but their country acts have attracted a huge following. With Cowboys closed, this is the best place to go in the city. Catch Kyle Park Nov. 5 and Roger Creager Nov. 12.

BEST LOCAL MUSIC The Earl

Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

Thanks aTlanTa!

BesT Mexican ResTauRanT

MonsTeR MaRgaRiTas $4.99 Lunch Specials

488 Flat Shoals Ave. 404.522.3950 badearl.com The Earl prides itself on booking the hottest local acts in Atlanta. Check their schedule and you'll see that the club features the best bands that the ATL has to offer. Shows run nightly, so keep checking back to see when your favorite is playing.

BEST MARTINIS Fernbank

Monster Burritos

767 Clifton Rd. 404.929.6300 fernbankmuseum.org Samba. Salsa. Merengue. They have it all at Loca Luna, where you'll find live Latin music nightly and great food. Loca Luna offers a great space for getting your groove on. The entire place is drapped in tropical and authentic latin decor.

Atlanta loves sipping their martinis among the dinosaurs! Fernbank’s Martinis & IMAX offers great martinis, stunning films, live music, and creative cuisine within the museum atrium. This is a popular spot for singles looking to mingle and couples in search of something different.

continued on page 21

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PG 17 • insiteatlanta.com • November 2011

CONCERT C LENDER FRIDAY OCTOBER 28

529 East Atlanta Black Mass CENTER STAGE Ofwgkta EARL St. Vincent EDDIE’S ATTIC David Jacobs-Strain FAT MATT’S The Bretheren HIGHLAND INN Laserbeam Kitty MASQUERADE Weatherbox SMITH’S Rich Robinson TABERNACLE Umphrey’s McGee VARIETY Portugal. The Man.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 29

529 Chapter 24 EARL Ra Ra Riot EDDIE’S ATTIC Foster & Lloyd FAT MATT’S Little Brother HIGHLAND INN Carnivores, Sealions MASQUERADE 99x Brouhaha PEACHTREE TAVERN Appetite For Destruction SMITH’S The Downtown Executives STAR BAR Soulphonics & Ruby Velle TABERNACLE Umphrey’s McGee

PEACHTREE TAVERN Kyle Park SMITH’S Matt Hires TABERNACLE David Crowder Band VARIETY Lalah Hathaway VINYL Band to Band Combat

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 6

529 Aids Wolf EARL Bonaventure Quartet EDDIE’S ATTIC Emily Lynch FAT MATT’S Tony Bryant MASQUERADE Nero TABERNACLE Feist

MONDAY NOVEMBER 7

529 Fletcher C. Johnson ARENA AT GWINNET Foo Fighters EARL Death Match EDDIE’S ATTIC Open Mic FAT MATT’S Uncle Sugar MASQUERADE The Sounds

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 8

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MONDAY OCTOBER 31

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 9

SUNDAY OCTOBER 30

EARL Davila 666 EDDIE’S ATTIC Songwriter’s Open Mic FAT MATT’S Dry White Toast MASQUERADE Larry & His Flask & Lionize

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 1

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THURSDAY NOVEMBER 3

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SATURDAY NOVEMBER 5

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PG 18 • insiteatlanta.com • November 2011

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THURSDAY NOVEMBER 10

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 11

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SATURDAY NOVEMBER 12

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SUNDAY NOVEMBER 13

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MONDAY NOVEMBER 14

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TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15

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THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17

529 Austin Lucas EARL The Tandoori Knights EDDIE’S ATTIC Foz from Rehab FAT MATT’S The Chickenshack MASQUERADE Red Jumpsuit Apparatus SMITH’S The Trews STAR BAR Tim Koher & The Big Tent Party Band VINYL Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 18

529 Accidents BLIND WILLIE’S The Nighthawks CENTER STAGE Dave Barnes EARL Stomp & Stammer’s Anniversary EDDIE’S ATTIC Willy Porter FAT MATT’S Johnny Scales MASQUERADE Jungle Bells 2011 THE LOFT Parachute PEACHTREE TAVERN Stoney Larue SMITH’S David Ball VARIETY Josh Ritter WILD BILL’S Eddie Money

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 19

529 Chris Danko Benefit CENTER STAGE Richard Cheese EARL Stomp & Stammer’s Anniversary EDDIE’S ATTIC AMP Student Showcase FAT MATT’S Burning Time THE LOFT Kaki King MASQUERADE Passafire PEACHTREE TAVERN She’s Country Tour SMITH’S The Last Waltz Ensemble STAR BAR Gringo Star TABERNACLE Moe. VARIETY Partners with a Passion WILD BILL’S Chris Cagle

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 20

529 Hellbender EDDIE’S ATTIC Disappear Fear FAT MATT’S Tony Bryant MASQUERADE Battle of the Bands TABERNACLE Hollywood Undead

MONDAY NOVEMBER 21

529 Sleepy Genes EDDIE’S ATTIC Open Mic FAT MATT’S Uncle Sugar MASQUERADE Holy Ghost!

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 22

EDDIE’S ATTIC Michael Tolcher FAT MATT’S Crosstown Allstars FIVE SPOT Jam Session MASQUERADE GWAR SMITH’S Emperor X

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 23

CENTER STAGE The Stuffing EDDIE’S ATTIC Ryan Horne FAT MATT’S The Hollidays THE LOFT The Stuffing VINYL The Stuffing

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 24

529 Goth Danse Party EARL Cheap Time FAT MATT’S The Chickenshack PEACHTREE TAVERN Ocean Street

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25

529 Today The Moon, Tomorrow The Sun EARL Noot D’Noot EDDIE’S ATTIC Bi-Annual Open Mic Shootout FAT MATT’S Snave & The Grass PEACHTREE TAVERN Mama’s Love SMITH’S I.O.Z. STAR BAR Jimbo Mathus VARIETY The Whigs Plymouth Rock Show WILD BILL’S Brantley Gilbert

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 26

EARL Future Islands EDDIE’S ATTIC Ellis Paul FAT MATT’S The Radio Ramblers STAR BAR Death of Kings TABERNACLE Mac Miller VARIETY Shawn Mullins VINYL In It For The Chicks WILD BILL’S Blackberry Smoke

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 27

EDDIE’S ATTIC Sugarland’s Kristian Bush FAT MATT’S Tony Bryant MASQUERADE Pierce The Veil

MONDAY NOVEMBER 28

529 Diarrhea Planet EARL Mark Sultan EDDIE’S ATTIC Kelly McFarling FAT MATT’S Uncle Sugar

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 29

EARL The Sights FAT MATT’S Crosstown Allstars FIVE SPOT Jam Session

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 30 FAT MATT’S The Hollidays THE LOFT Thursday

Road Warriors

This Month’s Hottest Shows

By Sacha DzuBa

Nov. 4 – uNkNowN hiNSoN

The Earl Break out your bushy side-burns and bring along your plastic vampire fangs, Unknown Hinson is comin’ to town. The hard drinkin’, hell raisin’ rockabilly vampire is the self-proclaimed “king of country westerntroubadours”. Also known as the voice of Early Cuyler in the Squidbillies (on Adult Swim) he’s a great crooner and a smokin’ guitar player with a preference for “party liquor, sexy womerns, and fine guitars”. His famous fans include Matt Groening and Billy Bob Thornton, heck Hank Williams III has a tattoo of him on his arm!

He’s got lyrics and a style that’s darkly satirical, with his tongue set firmly in his fanged cheek and music that’s country-western, rockabilly, blues, and rock influenced. Wax your pompadour back and bring your own jar ‘o’ ‘shine to party with the original rockabilly Dracula, Unknown Hinson!

Nov. 6 – Nero

The Masquerade Hailing from London, England, Daniel Stephens and Joe Ray are electronic music duo Nero. These musicians are best known for producing drum and bass, dubstep and house. They’ve remixed The Streets, La Roux, Daft Punk, and Deadmau5. Along with sometime vocalist Alana Watson, however, they’ve swiftly been gaining popularity and radio play after releasing their own tracks. Their first two singles “Innocence” and “Me & You” were championed by radio jockeys and DJs including Chase & Status, Skream, Tiësto and Diplo. Their debut album, Welcome Reality was released in August of this year and debuted at number 1 on the UK album chart and their track “Promises” debuted at number 1 in the UK

singles chart. Fans of Deadmau5 and Daft Punk are sure to love experiencing a night of beat heavy dance electronica from these brits. Wear your dancin’ shoes.

Nov. 6 – FeiSt

The Tabernacle Leslie Feist achieved initial and huge success as one of original members of musical collective, Broken Social Scene. Her solo career as an indie artist has rivaled and possibly succeeded the popularity of Broken Social Scene. Feist’s album The Reminder, won her five Juno Awards and garnered four Grammy nominations. Recently Feist reunited with BSS, was prominently featured in the band’s biography entitled This Book Is Broken, and sings on BSS’s most recent album Forgiveness Rock Record.

Feist is touring in support of her own latest release, Metals. She’s got a brilliantly lovely voice and often layers her vocals in loops. Her recent music is more stripped and acoustic with moments which swing into boisterous and driving territory; this is indie-folk with shades of blues, jazz, and country. Intimate and engaging, this is a concert evening that will have you listening rapturously.

Nov. 13 – JaSoN BoNham’S LeD zeppeLiN experieNce

Center Stage This is a celebration of the life of legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham and truly a unique experience. Jason Bonham, John Bonham’s son, leads a superb performance of 20 iconic Zeppelin songs.

This evening of music is complete with duets of father and son, via video screen, along with other video surprises, and memorable recollections of events in the band’s history. Robert Plant recently gave Bonham his blessing when the two joined forces for a Florida radio interview. “The DJ said, ‘Robert, what do you think about Jason going on the road doing this Zeppelin tour?’”. Robert said, ‘Jason’s a bit of a rascal but I’ll tell you this–nobody else plays drums like him. There was, once, but his father is no longer with us. As long as Jason does it with a smile on his face, he has my blessing.” Enjoy a unique experience, a top-notch evening of classic Led Zepplin hits with consummate musicians, a tribute and celebration of a truly loved and legendary rock band.

Nov. 14 – peter murphy w/ She waNtS reveNge

The Masquerade Peter Murphy is often known as the “Godfather of Goth”. Though initially known as the vocalist of Bauhaus, one of the main rock groups credited with being progenitors of the goth scene, Mr. Murphy has had a very successful solo career. His track “Cuts You Up” was a staple during the 80’s. He recently toured and performed songs with Nine Inch Nails and appeared as “the cold one” in the film Twilight: Eclipse. His latest album Ninth is a return to his classic sound and shows that his baritone voice has aged like a fine wine, sonorous, smooth, and poised. Along with Los Angeles DJs Justin Warfield and Adam “Adam 12” Bravin and their moody, Joy Division-inspired band, She Wants Revenge; this should be a night where there can be no doubt that black is the new black.

Nov. 29 – tori amoS

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Tori Amos is the original piano writhing songstress.

With her debut album, Little Earthquakes and follow up Under the Pink, Tori Amos won over an almost fanatical devotion of followers. The honesty, pain, and brutality of her experiences punctuated the songwriting of her first four albums. From that point onwards however, Tori Amos healed, got married,

We got next Into It. over It.

had children, and her songwriting and music took the form of strange, stream of consciousness conceptual story albums. Her latest album, on celebrated classical label Deutsche Grammophon, is a tribute to some of her favorite composers. Carrying on the celebrated classical tradition of variations on a theme, Tori Amos takes inspiration from such renowned composers as Bach, Chopin, Debussy, Granados, Satie, and Schubert to create bold new works of her own. Though not exactly a return to form, this music brings Tori’s accomplished, expressive, and powerful piano playing back to the forefront with backing by orchestra, string quartet, and even vocals from her own daughter. A magical evening of music from one of the original ladies of the piano, Regina Spektor, Fiona Apple, and Sara Bareilles, eat your hearts out.

Nov. 25 – toNy BeNNett

The Fox Theatre One of the still remaining classic and classy crooners, Tony Bennett came up alongside great performers such as Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Rosemary Clooney. Known for his instantly recognizable powerhouse of a voice, he has spent over 60 years performing and recording songs from “The Great American Songbook”. Don’t know what that is?

Ever heard of George Gershwin? Irving Berlin?

Cole Porter? If you’re still unsure, think of Michael Buble or Diana Krall, but with the style and pizzazz of an American James Bond. I can remember getting Tony Bennett’s album Steppin’ Out and really enjoying the discovery of classic jazz through Tony’s versions of the songs. He’s been keeping his performances fresh for years often performing with only the backing of a small jazz combo. His shows are filled with warmth, showmanship, exquisite musicianship, and good-natured humor.

Tony is 85th and still going strong, a living musical treasure. This show is a rescheduling of his April performance. Don’t miss this fantastic performer!

Artists on the verge of making it big

Latest Project: Proper (no Sleep) For Fans of: Death Cab For Cutie, Mineral, Paper the operator Why You Should Care: Because IIoI mastermind evan thomas Weiss wrote and released 52 songs in 52 weeks for free; wrote 12 songs about 12

By John B. Moore

E

van Thomas Weiss is not what you’d call a traditional musician. Although he’s about to release his debut Proper, he’s already put out a number of songs. Fifty-two, to be exact.

Several years ago, Weis (using the moniker Into It. Over It.) launched his 52 Weeks project. From September 2007 to September 2008, he wrote and recorded one track every week for a year, making each available for free online and eventually releasing a CD. No stranger to challenges, he also once wrote twelve songs about twelve different U.S. towns. So no, he’s not your typical write/record/tour/repeat artist.

Proper, aptly enough, will mark his first proper album. The Chicago musician is about to spend the fall touring the UK with Koji then hit the U.S. with Frank Turner and Andrew Jackson Jihad. He was kind enough to speak with us recently about the new record.

You’ve got a full length coming out later this year. What can you tell me about that?

I just got back from Eudora, KS a couple of days ago after recording 12 new songs. I spent 15 days making the record with my buddy Ed Rose at Blacklodge Studios. It was an honor getting to work with

different U.S. towns; and recorded a split single with fellow Chicago-based pop-rocker Koji BeFore he recorded his recently released debut album. With that kind of dedication and commitment, you know Weiss isn’t just in it for the money.

him. The studio was incredible. It was a new experience for me being so far away from home as well as recording so much material in one session. All the same, I’m super proud of the songs. It’s the first cohesive thing I’ve ever really done since I started doing IIOI. Everything about it was a challenge. I’m glad I made it out of there mentally okay (laughs). The record will be called Proper, seeing as it’s the first proper thing I’ve ever done.

What can you tell me about your new split single out with Koji?

Well, at this point, those recordings are a year old and the record has been out for 9 months. The reaction we’ve gotten from it has been incredible. We were just two friends making something we could be really proud of. It was an opportunity to showcase an incredible community of great people and musicians in the Chicago area. It was a way to pool our resources into one big effort. But most importantly, it was a way to show people how close we are and how we work together. Koji and I love making stuff. This was the best thing we could have done. It was an incredible time.

Had you worked with Koji before?

I’ve played bass on a lot of his recordings. Him and I had been friends for close to 10 years. Our old bands used to play together when we were both near the Philadelphia area. Then we both happened to go solo right around the same time. It was fate, really.

Now that you’ve had a little time since 52 Weeks came out, what was the most surprising thing you discovered while working on that record?

I mean, that wasn’t really working on a record. It was a project where the songs were released, for free, every Thursday. It was never intended to be released. I had never intended at the time to tour playing the IIOI songs. It just kinda took on a life of its own two

years after 52 Weeks was finished and I decided it might be fun to do a tour. Then one tour became two tours. Then I did the 7” project.

Then I lost my job. Then I didn’t stop. Doing 52 Weeks really just showed me that I can do anything if I work hard enough. Whenever I’m doubting myself or start freaking out, I just think about that. It’s really grounding (laughs).

Has it changed the way you approach writing music now?

It really just helped me develop a style of songwriting which I can finally call my own and try some things I’d always wanted to try but could never previously justify. I’ve been writing the same style songs since I was 15. That project just helped expand and solidify it.

Can you talk a little bit about the 12 Towns series of records?

Twelve Towns was a way to bring together an entire community of bands, labels and artists in one collectible project. Six split 7” records featuring a different spectrum of creativity in our growing U.S. DIY community. When I started the project, there wasn’t really any plan.

I just said I wanted to do it and then slowly, it came together. It was really incredible being able to work with (and bring together) so many people in one shot.

Any other interesting musical projects you’ve been thinking about?

On a constant quest to finally form a D-beat thrash band here in Chicago. I have to get back into playing/writing punk.

What’s next for you?

Hanging out, riding my bike, enjoying Chicago, doing merch for The Swellers on their co-headliner with Fake Problems, then the Twelve Towns LP/CD comes out, then I’m going to the UK with Koji, then I’m doing full US/Canada with Frank Turner and Andrew Jackson Jihad... and then Thanksgiving.

PG 19 • insiteatlanta.com • November 2011

MUSIC

MUSIC

Album Reviews Reviews by B. Love, John B. Moore and Jody Grant PINK FLOYD – 14 Studio Albums Rematsered (EMI) Finally, the definitive Floyd collection JM: Listening to Pink Floyd’s 30year, 14-album catalog, two things are clear: One, they were more than a bit pretentious at the beginning.

With droning organ solos and album titles like A Saucerful of Secrets and The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, you can almost imagine that scene from Spinal Tap with the little people dancing around the replica of Stonehenge actually came from the acid-soaked minds of these guys; and two, damn, did they evolve into a truly amazing band.

With Syd Barrett out of the band in 1968, and Roger Water and David Gilmore established as the group’s anchors it still took another few years and albums under their belts before the Pink Floyd’s sound made the move from odd ball hippie ramblings to tight, concentrated atmospheric rock that would go on to justifiably solidify the band’s rep as musical geniuses. You can really hear the change between 1969’s Ummagumma (I’m not making this stuff up folks) and 1970’s Atom Heart Mother. By 1973, with the release of Dark Side of the Moon, the band hit a major high point that lasted up until their last release, 1994’s The Division Bell.

It’s important to note that Waters bolted from the band in the mid ‘80s. Although he was arguably the most important contributor to the band’s best works (Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, The Wall and Animals), Pink Floyd– led exclusively by longtime guitarist Gilmour at this point– managed to turn in a few more great records before calling it a day and deflating the massive pig. The band had a one-off reunion at Live Aid 8 in 2005, but unlike the neverending tours by The Who and Kiss, it’s a safe bet that these just released, re-mastered albums by Pink Floyd is the closest you’ll get to experiencing band’s brilliance from here on out.

As a society, we love to constantly cite bands for their undeniable influence and talent, only to sober up a few years later and realize that maybe the crown was placed on the wrong head (remember Jamiroquai?).

But in the case of Pink Floyd, the band truly deserves the adulation they receive from all corners; from stoners to soccer moms, skinny-jeaned hipsters to the pleated Dockers crowd and everyone in between.

HAIL THE TITANS – Hymns of Mare Nostrum (Self Released) Powerful prog for the 21st century indie scene JG: Can I just say this up front?

Indie music in 2011 is seriously fucking boring.

Starting with the massively over-praised new M83 album (which sounds like tracks left on the cutting room floor after the sessions for Yes’ Tales from Topographic Oceans), there isn’t much out there that raises more than a disinterested shrug. It’s an entire genre of indie that I call “meh”core. As in: “What did you think of the new PG 20 • insiteatlanta.com • November 2011

The Dean’s List

(insert anonymous new indie band here) album? It got a great review from (Pitchfork/ Stereogum/Drowned In Sound/Chunklet).”

“Meh.” In contrast to the tide of beige currently drowning indie rock is this, the thrilling new debut album by Hail The Titans. The album, “Hymns of Mare Nostrum,” represents the culmination of a year’s work, most recently concluding with the pressing of one thousand limited-edition CDs paid for entirely by fan contributions. Based out of Montgomery, Alabama, Hail The Titans play what is commonly dismissed as “post-rock” now and was once dismissed as “prog rock.”

Their sound exists firmly along the Mogwai/ Explosions in the Sky/Slint/Mars Volta axis of brawny n’ spacey instrumental rock.

For those familiar with the genre, Hymns of Mare Nostrum won’t be anything new, but familiarity doesn’t breed contempt. Instead it breeds the familiar-but-never-old rush of passion that all our favorite rock and roll bands inspire. The songs have wryly selfserious names like “The Physical Limitations of Nonlinear Waves in Motion” that wouldn’t be out of place in the middle of a King Crimson album. Honestly the song titles don’t matter except as helpful guideposts to a tight-yet-explorational set of fiercely played songs. This stands proudly alongside Mogwai’s “Young Team” or Explosions’ “How Strange, Innocent” as a post-rock debut worth embracing.

BEN FOLDS – The Best Imitation of Myself: A Retrospective (Epic/Legacy) Alt-rock’s Elton John gets the Best Of treatment JM: From the sounds of their self-titled debut in 1995, it was clear that Ben Folds Five was going to be more than a flash-inthe-pan alt-rock band. A guitarless trio, with frontman Folds more than making up for the void with his piano, the group sounded both comfortably familiar (everything from Elton John to The Beatles) and shockingly original over the span of just a dozen songs.

It seems fitting then that, 16 years later, Folds is being celebrated with a 3-disc retrospective. The Best Imitation of Myself includes a disc of 18 classics, another of live tracks, and a third of 22 rarities (including a handful that have never been released before). Better still, the collection features three brand spanking new Ben Folds Five tracks that serve as a precursor to the band’s eagerly awaited reunion album.

Folds’ style has changed little from that first album, still leaning more towards engaging storyteller than traditional piano-pop lightweight. But his connections have gotten more interesting over the years, including a recent album of songs written by author Nick Hornby (About a Boy) and collaborations with Amanda Palmer, Damian Kulash and Neil Gaiman. Aside from being an amazingly talented musician and songwriter, Folds has somehow managed to make a cappella hip, with an instrument-free album and as a judge on The Sing Off. With every band now automatically getting a greatest hits package after simply staying together for more than two albums, it’s nice to see someone who has actually earned the retrospective treatment get their due.

RICH ROBINSON – Through A Crooked Sun (Circle Sound/Thirty Tigers) Brother’s gonna work it out BL: This is not the first time Rich Robinson has attempted to establish himself as a solo artist.

Back in 2001, when the Black Crowes took a hiatus after the Lions tour, he formed a band called Hookah Brown, which worked together for two years without releasing an album. In 2004 he released his solo debut, Paper, on which he handled guitar, bass and, for the first time, lead vocals. Self-released on his Keyhole Records label, the album was neither critically or commercially successful, coming across more like an expression of eagerly awaited artistic liberation than a well-structured creative statement. Chris and Rich reunited the band in 2005, but Rich continued to venture off on his own during breaks, forming a group called Circle Sound with Luther Dickinson and Black Crowes members Sven Pipien and Rob Clores.

Now, with his second solo LP, the 42-yearold Rich seems determined to stand on his own artistic feet, reckoning with a newfound spiritual consciousness as he looks back on a life filled with mistakes. The opening track, “Gone Away,” features call-and-response vocals between him and his psyche over a trippy bed of multitracked guitars: “I fell the distance of the deepest canyon drop/ That’s how you bleed, sir/ It took me years to climb back to the top/ That’s what you need, sir.” On the bluesy “It’s Not Easy,” he reflects on materialism, empathizing with the lonely souls who buy “shiny new gadgets that steal our focus from what’s really going on / Blissful and clueless as we’re lulled into a state of confusion.” With the introspective ballad “Hey Fear,” he addresses our tendency to remain mired in unhealthy situations out of a healthy fear of what lies on the other side.

It’s deep, thought-provoking stuff, echoing the work of another guitarist who emerged from a dysfunctional band to discover mid-life spiritual enlightenment: George Harrison. But, as with much of Harrison’s work, many tracks on Through A Crooked Sun lack the “x factor” that can make a good song great… namely, a dynamic frontman. Rich Robinson’s vocals have improved a lot, and he remains a great songwriter and one of rock ‘n’ roll’s best guitarists. But the fact remains that he is at his best when he’s working with his brother. GRADE: B THERE FOR TOMORROW- The Verge (Hopeless) Orlando-based alt-pop band that’s just as bad as you’d think they’d be.

JM: It seems r a t h e r appropriate that the poppy (I refuse to call them pop-punk) band There For Tomorrow hails from Orlando.

Like their hometown, the band’s sound is safe, overly contrived and palatable enough for Middle America, but without even a hint of originality.

Around since 2003, the band has certainly cultivated “the look” (complete with swooping haircuts, the 2010 version of hair metal’s Aqua Net ‘do) and name-dropped the right influences (Jimmy Eat World, Blink 182). But they’ve failed to spend any real time on the music, which is an all-too-common complaint with bands still

focusing on getting a label deal rather than going the DIY route and winning over fans on the merits of their songs.

On The Verge, their third full-length LP, There for Tomorrow whips through 12 heavily– produced tracks, each of which is basically indistinguishable from the last. The fact that the band has “a programmer” is rather telling, giving an idea of just how soulless their sound can get.

They apparently recorded a documentary about making this album to better illustrate their transition as a maturing group. Just a head’s up, guys: Pretentiousness and over-production don’t always equal maturity. GRADE: CDEX ROMWEBER DUO – Is That You In The Blue?

(Bloodshot) Still rockin’ after all these years BL: Their name may be a bit of a misnomer (only 5 of Is That You In The Blue’s 14 tracks actually feature a duo approach), but Dex and Sara Romweber were both seminal artists on the ‘80s college-rock scene: he was one-half of the legendary Flat Duo Jets, while his older sister worked alongside Mitch Easter in Let’s Active and was a founding member of Snatches Of Pink.

Working together since 2007, the siblings continue to churn out the unique brand of bluesy rockabilly that made Dex one of Jack White’s biggest influences. “Jungle Drums” opens the album at a frenetic pace, with demented vocals, blistering guitar and crushing drums rollicking like a run-away freight train. Elsewhere, they explore everything from reckless surfrock (“Gurdjieff Girl”) and western laments (“Nowhere”) to classic ‘50s balladry (the title track). Thirty years on from their genre-defining days in Athens, the Romwebers still know how to rock the retro sound. GRADE: B+ EMPEROR X – Western Teleport (Bar/None) Jacksonville-based indie-rocker turns in another great record JM: So you t h o u g h t Jacksonville, FL was only good for churning our classic rock staples and nu metal mooks?

Emperor X (aka Chad Matheny) is a native of Jacksonville, and you’d be hardpressed to find the influences of native sons like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Limp Bizkit or Molly Hatchet in any of his songs.

On Western Teleport, his third full length LP, Emperor X continues the satisfyingly minimalist indie-rock vibe that made his first two efforts so enjoyable. Songs like the opener, “Erica Western Teleport,” and “Canada Day” carry hints of everyone from Death Cab For Cutie (you’d be forgiven for thinking Ben Gibbard fronted the band) to classic Sebadoh. He also continues with the transportation theme introduced on his earlier records.

To be honest, the album may take a couple of listens for the songs to really penetrate fully. But once they finally click, they are there for good. Hard to imagine a band like Limp Bizkit or Skynyrd writing a song like “The Magnetic Media Storage Practices of Rural Pakistan.” GRADE: B

BEST MUSIC VENUE OUTDOOR Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

2200 Encore Pkwy. 404.733.5050 vzwamp.com

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre has quickly become the entertainment destination for music lovers across the region. Set on 45 acres of beautifully-landscaped wooded land in Alpharetta, the 12,000-seat Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park provides a unique setting for both music lovers and first-time concertgoers.

BEST MUSIC VENUE INDOOR Masquerade

695 North Ave. 404.577.8178 masq.com Masquerade continues on while offering great touring and local acts nightly. The venue has great acoustics for their eyedrum piercing acts. Along with a large stage the venue offers three rooms for dancing and lounging and an outdoor deck. It attracts a combination of loud rock, 80s retro music, and modern electronics. Expect to see a changing crowd depending on the night.

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR The Red Door Tavern 3180 Roswell Rd. 404.846.6525

BEST SPORTS BAR Dugan’s

777 Ponce de Leon 404-885-1217 4975 Flat Shoals Pkwy 678-205-4058 Dugan’s has a legion of fans in their neighborhoods. Sports fans come out to watch the Falcons and their favorite NFL and NBA teams. Dugan’s has great wings and a full menu plus plenty flat screen TV’s.

Check out their specials during the week.

LIFESTYLE BEST BODY WAX Brazilian Wax by Andreia Six Area Locations waxingatlanta.com

Owner Andreia Longshore has been waxing for over 19 years. They have recently expanded to their sixth location in Sandy Springs. Be sure to take advantage of their $35 Brazilian Wax.

BEST BOOT CAMP Higher Purpose Fitness 3130 Mathis Airport Pkwy 678.525.6347 higherpurposefitness.com

The Red Door Tavern serves as Buckhead’s favorite watering hole. Their loyal clientele pops in throughout the day and every night of the week to throw back some beers among friends. Expect a younger crowd on the weekends with live music and two dance floors. UGA fan base.

BEST POOL HALL Twain’s Billiards and Tap

211 E. Trinity Place 404.373.0063 twains.net This favorite Decatur establishment offers an eclectic mix of live music, a substantial menu, variety of draft beers, darts and of course the best billiards in the area.

BEST SMALL MUSIC VENUE Smith’s Olde Bar

All Boot Camps are not alike. This one located in Swanee / Cumming burns fat fast. They offer 45 minute high energy sessions to get you in and out. Their trainers are highly certified with degrees from top nationally recognized organizations.

BEST CAR WASH Cactus Car Wash Midtown 404.876.3232 Buckhead 404.846.4040 cactuscarwash.com

Winner of multiple awards in Atlanta, their Ponce location was recently rated as best nationally. See their Best Of Atlanta coupons for $3.00 Off and Free Exterior Wash with Oil change (Ponce location).

1578 Piedmont Ave. 404.875.1522 smithsoldebar.com Original live music seven nights a week.

The music venue is located upstairs from the bar and offers an intimate setting. Here you will find national acts on weekends as well as local artists during the week.

continued on page 22 PG 21 • insiteatlanta.com • November 2011

BEST HAIR SALON Van Michael

BEST NAIL SALON Sugarcoat a nail and beauty bar

Five Area Locations vanmichael.com

256 Pharr Road 404.814.2121 1062 St. Charles Ave 404.249.0013 sugarcoatbeauty.com

Voted one of Atlanta’s best and most affordable salons by numerous publications over the years. They now have five salons including the new East Cobb location located at The Avenue.

BEST HEALTH CLUB LA Fitness

As the largest chain of professional tanning salons, memberships at Hollywood Tans can be used at any of their 250+ locations nationwide. No appointments are necessary, and with an average of 15 booths at each location, you can be in and out on your schedule. Their vertical tanning system gives customers the most comfortable, sanitary way to achieve their perfect shade.

You will notice the difference the moment you walk in the front door. The crystal chandelier, the mirror-flecked nail bar, the funky mirrored furniture, the custom pedicure thrones, the great selection of hard to find skincare, cosmetics, candles and even lingerie. But what really sets Sugarcoat apart is that they are dedicated to providing the most sanitary nail care services available. New clients receive a complementary personalized pouch of non-metal tool kit. Nail files, buffers, toe separators, birchwood sticks, pumice stones, etc. are never shared.

RETAIL BEST ADULT STORE Starship

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MUSIC

THE GRIOT

Senegalese Singer Baaba Maal Embraces Africa’s Ancient Storytelling Tradition

By Bret Love

i

f you’re curious enough to trace hip-hop’s lineage back to its roots in Africa, you’ll find a direct line to the West African storytelling tradition of the griot. griots are oral historians, passing down stories in the form of poems and praise songs from one generation to the next, and were often community arbitrators and advisors to warriors and kings. senegalese singer/guitarist Baaba Maal was not born into the griot caste, but his best friend Mansour seck was. Working together in the group Dande Lenol (Voice of the People), the duo achieved great success in europe and Africa back in the ‘90s by combining sociopolitically relevant lyrics with infectious Afropop music. recording under Maal’s name, they became one of Africa’s most internationally renowned acts and, along with youssou n’Dour, helped to put senegal on the world music map. now, Maal is embarking on a unique speaking tour, which will find the united nations Development Program youth emissary sharing stories as well as playing songs from his 12-album career. We recently got an opportunity with the world music icon about the tour’s concept, the griot tradition, and the problems facing Africa today.

How did the idea for this unique speaking tour come about? this is something we have been doing for many years in Africa. it is part of our tradition where musicians visit a village, play some songs and then we all sit down and discuss the issues of the day. i wanted to find a way to bring this to the West. i think it was originally the British Museum in London that invited me to give a lecture about 5 years ago, and i incorporated a few songs into the lecture and the audience was very appreciative.

We have developed it from there.

What is the appeal for you to be able to share stories with your audience as well as the music for which you’re best known? it gives me a chance to explain the songs, as many have messages. they talk of our traditions and ancient stories, and also about the rights of women and the importance of education. i know not many people can understand the words in my songs, and i am always asked what my songs mean. it also gives us a chance to show that Africa is a beautiful and culturally rich continent– a very different place to the one portrayed as blighted by famine, war and disease in the western media.

What was your childhood like, growing up in the 1950s and 1960s in Senegal? i remember it fondly. i was very lucky to have a loving and supportive extended family. We moved twice a year, from our farming lands over the river senegal in Mauritania and then back to our hometown. it was in Podor where i first went to school in a small classroom with about 70 other kids, and it is still the place i feel most at home.

When we finish our tours, it is always to Podor that i return.

Can you talk about Mansour Seck’s influence in your decision to become a musician, and how your family responded to your decision? i have known my best friend Mansour since

i could first walk, as our families were great friends. his was a griot family, so we were always surrounded by music. At the age of 17 i traveled all over West Africa with him– we went to Mali, guinea and Mauritania and took our guitars. it was an amazing musical journey. i managed to hide my musical career from my father until one day he heard my voice on a song on the radio. then i think he was quite proud of me. i was very lucky, because my mother was a singer and encouraged me to sing as well.

What would you say is the importance of the griot tradition in Africa today? it’s a tradition that goes back many thousands of years. Before radio, tV and mobile phones, this was the way in Africa that the oral tradition was passed on from generation to generation. the griots gave advice and helped with the everyday problems that people faced. griots today are still very important, but they no longer have the monopoly on information. it was quite difficult for me in the early days to be accepted, as i was not born into this caste.

What would you say are the most prominent issues facing Africa today?

We face many challenges– hiV, malaria, poverty and conflict– but i’d like to see a lot more emphasis on the importance of education as a un Millennium Development goal for all children.

We need to build more classrooms, employ more teachers and make sure that children have access to the latest technology. the developed nations can help with this, but it must be a partnership with the local population and not just gifts. in fulani we have an ancient saying: “Don’t give a fisherman a fish when he needs a net.”

What are your favorite parts of Africa to visit?

Africa is such a huge, diverse continent, from the great sahara and Kalarahi Deserts in the south to the Jungles of the equator and the many mountain ranges and vast savannahs. of course, i have to say that senegal is my favorite place, but other places i love to visit are essouria (a beautiful coastal town in Morocco) and the mountains of the southern cape in south Africa.

What tourist attractions would you recommend for visitors to Senegal? i’d recommend that you spend time in the bustle of vibrant Dakar and take a boat trip out to goree island. then you could travel south and see the coastal fishing villages and great beaches, such as those at toubab Dialow. continue from there to the mangrove swamps of the saloum Delta national Park, where there are some great small hotels to stay in. Lastly, you have to travel north to Podor and stop off in the old french colonial capital of st Louis, which is very much like old new orleans. Podor is on the river senegal and on the edge of the sahara, and if you come in early December you’re invited to our festival Les Blues di fleuve, which is three days of music, arts and great fun!

It’s been several years since Television was released. Do you have plans to release a new album soon? i’ve been in the studio recently on many different projects. i recorded a song with harry Belafonte last year for his latest project

edUCatIon for Me IS the key. the fUtUre of afrICa IS In the handS of the yoUth, and we MUSt reSpeCt thIS and work to Make the ContInent a Better pLaCe for aLL to LIve In.

about the civil rights movement in the usA, and i’ve been working with a very talented english musician called sam Duckworth, who i met on a collaborative project called Africa express (with Damon Albarn). i’ve also been working on some of my own new songs with a collective from the usA called Playing for A change. some of this is already available to watch on the internet, as is a song i did for

the new film “A Life in A Day,” directed by Kevin MacDonald.

What are your hopes and dreams for the future of Africa? education for me is the key. the future of Africa is in the hands of the youth, and we must respect this and work to make the continent a better place for all to live in.

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Music

NEW DAWN, NEW DAY, NEW LIFE Blair Crimmins Reinvents Himself As A Retro-Jazz Man

By Alex s Morrison

S

ometimeS life’S changeS come along so gradually over the course of time, you don’t even realize the evolution. at other times, a curveball comes along out of left field and knocks you across the noggin like an express freight train to the medulla oblongata. for atlanta musician Blair crimmins, the latter analogy became shockingly literal back in 2007. Riding his skateboard after a day of drinking at the Sweetwater 420 festival in candler Park, crimmins fell and hit his head on the concrete, suffered a massive concussion and woke up in the hospital three days later. at the time, crimmins was the frontman for atlanta band Bishop Don, which was in the process of recording their second album.

But the accident’s explainable side effects– tinnitus and a temporary loss of smell– were overshadowed by a more inexplicable result: he never wanted to hear an electric guitar again. instead, crimmins’ debut album blends ragtime, Dixieland and gypsy jazz influences to create an imaginary soundtrack to some speakeasy from the Prohibiton era. he’s not the first atlanta act to traffic in this anachronistic sound– the Bonaventure Quartet, Bernadette Seacrest and a fight to the Death all mine similar sonic territory. But where other bands take a more smooth and seductive route,

crimmins’ concoctions careen with a sense of abandon that sounds like the bastard son of tom Waits and gogol Bordello. Ukelele, vibraphone, dirty brass, coronet and more find their way into the merry mix, and even slower songs “Without You” and “a Demon like me” boast a sense of playfulness that make it clear crimmins is having the time of his life. and so will you.

Tell me briefly about the accident and the physical effects of that. it was a new beginning for me. When i came to i felt like a different person. for a while, i was convinced that something had switched the circuitry around in my brain and i was just not the same person i used to be. it felt like a different personality, almost.- some of that noticeable to my closest friends. it wasn’t insanely dramatic. i wasn’t schizophrenic or have multiple personalities. i had a different attitude about things and a different process was going on in my head. after a while, i just went with it. i started over. i started over musically and in a lot of ways in my life on the personal side of things. musically, it was like having a renaissance. i started picking up every instrument i could get my hands on and started writing and creating new sounds. it was like rediscovering music and the things that drew me to it in the first place. i feel like a kid again.

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For a lot of people, this musical maturing, it happens fairly gradually over a span of a few years where for you it seemed like it was literally a knock on the head. maybe nothing actually biological happened after the accident. maybe it was a wakeup call and i had to grow up. i realized i was doing some things that weren’t safe and i needed to grow up really quickly. the accident itself was a very immature thing. i’m on a skateboard getting pulled by my dog and i’m three sheets to the wind – time to grow up, time to start taking things seriously. if you want to play music and make it your life, then you need to take that seriously too.

How old were you when this happened?

27.

Interesting! There is the 27 thing with Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix. The rock stars that die at 27. metaphorically, the rock star did die. i got a second chance at it though.

Do you miss him? no, not at all. i don’t even know who that guy is.

Had this music-- Ragtime, Dixieland, and Gypsy Jazz-- been an interest for you before? i did a lot of jazz studies. When i was a teenager, i started taking guitar and music very seriously. i learn guitar by jamming on the blues- electric blues. once i got to jazz and the scholars music, i studied pretty diligently and then went to school for it, but i didn’t really fit in with the scene. What most jazz students do go over the same tired-ass jazz standards over and over againtrying to impress each other with different changes and it didn’t do anything for me. i wanted to cut loose and perform on stage. i wanted to rock out basically. that’s why i stopped playing jazz and started playing and writing rock music. it’s a strange paradox when these people playing free jazz are living in the prison of some academic music book. they are not free at all. they are doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing. i still feel that this kind of jazz that i’m playing it is the punk rock of its time. it was the devil’s music, and the people that played it were rock stars. When i started digging into the record stores and started discovering Jellyroll morton, gene oliver, and the early louis armstrong, i couldn’t believe what i was hearing. it really excited me and made me want to create that kind of energy now.

There was a time where Jazz was the popular music. It was what was played on the radio. I think it’s cool that you and guys like A Fight To The Death are finding the accessible intersection between jazz and popular music where it doesn’t feel like it’s the property of the intellectual elite. it’s more like a beer that you can chug a bunch of and have a good time rather than a fine wine that you are supposed to know everything about and be some kind of connoisseur in order to enjoy. this is the people’s drink.

I’ve got to ask you about Ray Carr and

the Kickstarter campaign you did. Tell me about the concept for that and how you guys did it? the project was presented to me by filmmaker/puppeteer Raymond carr.

We met over at carroll Street café, my girlfriend works over there and he’s kind of a regular. he listened to my music and had this idea for a short narrative film– a long form narrative music video, that’s how he pitched it to me. he wanted to use some of my music in it- specifically, “old man cabbage.” i agreed to it and then we talked over a couple of beers and started coming up with ideas for me to score the entire film. it evolved more and more into a music video that had a whole story behind it. he put the whole thing together and hired all the extras and all the crew. he did an amazing job coordinating the entire thing and starting the Kickstarter campaign. i’ve been trying to help out as much as i can, but he is a pro and he knows what he is doing.

Tell me what’s next for the band. What do you have planned for the future? i want to make another full-length record. i’ve started the process with that writing the tunes coming up with a concept of the record and where i’m going to push the form of the music next. i do like to evolve the craft and i don’t plan on making a series of records that all kind of sound the same. i’m in a creative stage right now. most of this year, i’ve been booking us out and we’re going to keep touring the Southeast and playing a lot of venues and colleges and trying to get a record released sometime next year.

What’s your long-term goal? Is there a certain kind of career you envision for yourself? absolutely, to see this project and see a career forming is very gratifying for me right now. if things go the way they are then i’ll be able to keep performing and make a living and fend off the evil day job.

Music

SAMIAM

The ‘90s Punk Legends Return With Their First New Album in 5 Years

By John B. Moore

A

s kids growing up in California in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s, samiam had nothing but time to commit to developing their own brand of sing-along pop-punk. But as the decades went on, it was harder and harder to find time to rehearse, write songs and play shows as commitment to families and jobs added up and eventually scattered the band members across the country.

But thanks to a fan base that never went away and technologies that allow the band to compose entire albums despite being on two separate coasts, samiam is back with their first proper full length in five years (Trips)and will hit the road for their first headlining tour in almost a decade. singer Jason Beebout spoke recently about being a punk rocker and family guy, playing Fest without a bassist and what life was like on a major label in the 90s.

Obviously there have been some considerable amounts of time between the last few albums. Was that a conscious decision or did you just let time get away from you. What was going on? it was a conscious decision in that we all had to go to work (laughs). we live pretty far apart. serg (Loobkoff, guitar) lives in LA; i live in san Francisco and the other guys live in Brooklyn, so it’s kind of hard to get together on weekends to work on songs. we have to e-mail stuff back and forth and when we do get together we have to book some shows around it. Every now and then i’ll fly out to new York to work on some songs, or go down to LA to see sergie, but it takes awhile to get things together and we are all really busy with other things. we can’t expect sergie to take off work all the time for us, so things have to be right.

I’m assuming it’s gotten easier over the past few years though, with advances in technology, to be a band spread out across the country.

Absolutely. This record was brought to you by garage Band. it would have taken a whole lot longer without it. it was all finished as far as the songwriting was concerned before we ever got together to play and that’s never really been the case before.

Was the writing any different with Trips than other releases? no. some bands usually get together and someone has the lyrics and you add the guitar and everything else around it, but we’ve always done it backwards. serge usually writes his music and i try and write around it and make it fit. Cram it in if it doesn’t.

Are there any songs on this album that have been hanging around for awhile and for whatever reason didn’t fit on other records or were these all written for this album?

As far as i’m concerned they are all new. i didn’t have anything lying around. i’m not exactly the most prolific lyricist in the world. sergie and sean (kennerly, guitar), who knows with those guys. They could

have written these songs five years ago and ripped them off.

Is there a general theme to the songs that make up Trips?

You know, there wasn’t at first – at least i didn’t think there was - but in retrospect, yeah, it all is kind of based around me losing my job. That’s what i wrote a lot about, my old employer. sean did pretty well when he chose the name “Trips” for the record because that kind of sums it all up: traveling through life and traveling through different emotions and all that bullshit, but really that’s what it’s all about. i had a kid, i lost my job, all this stuff happened at once and makes you try and figure what you are going to do to move forward. it’s all a trip.

Are things working out now? Have you found a new job? oh yeah, i’m fucking doing great now. i’m about to open up a new bar in san Francisco. in this past year things have been fantastic. This record turned out much better than i ever imagined, setting up these tours… we started talking about tours awhile ago because i was broke and we get a little bored playing the old songs over and over, so we got together and started working on a record. At one point i thought, “Holy shit, i remember how to do this.”

This will be your first headlining tour in about a decade, right? it’s been awhile. we’ve always been a little hesitant about committing to things because we had other things going on that were making money for us. i couldn’t quit my job to be in a band, i had to quit my band to be in a job. But i can work whenever i want now, which is so much better.

You and the guys in the band have been doing this for a long time now. Do you ever think, I’m married, I’m a dad now, I just don’t have time to be in a band anymore? in a way, yeah. i’ve could have been playing music for money for the past 20 year if i had wanted to, it was totally possible. But i would never be home.

That’s not something i enjoy. now that i have a family that i care about i really don’t want to (be on the road). i’m having a hard time just thinking about being away for a few months. i enjoy playing music, but you have to have a balance.

Was it tough with the other guys to carve out a time when you could be on the road for three solid months? well, you know, i think between me and Billy (Bouchard, bass) and Charlie (walker, drums) we’re probably the flakiest ones in the band. The only problem for me is i have dependants and i can’t really drag them along with me without feeling guilty. sergie is more employed. But sean is kind of a bohemian because he’s a craftsman and can always find work wherever he is, so really it’s just sergie who has been holding us up.

Because you guys are so far apart and obviously there’s not that many times you can get together and practice and

nowadays, it seeMs like it’s pointless to have a record laBel. it doesn’t cost anything to Make a record now and Just aBout noBody will Buy it. it Just seeMs like an unnecessary Middle Man. rehearse, do you play in any bands on the side or do you play with friends?

How do you avoid staying rusty? i sing with my kids. i have no idea what the other guys do. sergie plays a lot of guitar and sean is in a lot of other bands and all the other guys are in other bands too.

You guys have been around since the late 80’s. What have you noticed change the most about your music, for good or bad? i guess our music is less contrived because we don’t have as much time to sit around and fiddle with it. now we’re more like, “That sounds alright, cool. it’s done.” i’m kind of happy with it. we have also defined ourselves, in our own minds better. i had a limited amount of self criticism when i was younger. i have a better idea now of what i do well and what we do well – and what we don’t.

The music industry itself has changed a lot since you guys first started playing, as well. Anything that’s really surprised you? nowadays, it seems like it’s pointless to have a record label. it doesn’t cost anything to make a record now and just about nobody will buy it. it just seems like an unnecessary middle man. You can put out your own record on your web site if you have enough will or energy – we don’t. we’re all lazy. why would you go through the middleman when you can sell vinyl or a download on your website … all that sweet, sweet corn will be yours!

Do you have any positive memories

about being involved with Atlantic Records in the 90’s?

At the time i was so excited i couldn’t believe it. i was finally doing something my mom would be proud of, though she wouldn’t like our music. when people are spending that much money on you it’s exciting and i was naïve enough to think they were spending money on us. until i realized they were spending our money.

You guys are playing Fest this year – how many times have you played there? we played it a couple of years ago without our bass player. it was one of those situations where your job conflicts with your art. our bass player was working at a bar Halloween night – which is a busy night for bars. He finished work and was going to go straight to the airport and he didn’t make it, because he got fucked up at the bar at work. so we were all there with no bass player. we talked to the people there and we ended up getting bass players from other bands to sit in with us and it fucking ruled. it was a really good show… these guys both learned eight songs each and they rocked it!

Any one you’re planning on seeing after your show? Are you even planning on sticking around after your show?

That is the last show of our three month tour, so i’m going to be pretty much getting out of dodge and heading home and let the baby know he still has a daddy. i also have a daughter that’s pretty much due right around then, so that could be pretty tense for me. i’ll be cutting it kind of close.

PG 27 • insiteatlanta.com • November 2011

MUSIC

THE POWER OF PERALTA OUT HERE ON MY OWN Cobra Skulls’ Devin Peralta on Their New Album, Signing With Fat Wreck Chords different perspectives on punk and music than & Playing Fest the other two original members. They play

By John B. Moore

a

xL rose CouLd Learn a LIttLe about time management from devin Peralta.When Peralta, founder and frontman/bassist for Cobra skulls had a few weeks off from tour, he checked into a hotel with the sole purpose of walking out with enough songs for their next full length. Three weeks later, between the tiny soaps and towels he likely liberated from the hotel, he had the bones for agitations, easily the band’s strongest effort.

The record, the band’s first for the punk indie label fat Wreck Chords, shows the Cobra skulls more confident in their playing and lyrics. Peralta spoke with us recently about that new record, mercenaries and dodging drunk punks at fest.

What can you tell me about Agitations?

It’s so rad. Like probably the best album of the decade and stuff. (Laughs) Just kidding. but seriously, I think it will change people’s lives and be the catalyst for a new post apocalyptic religion.

Like angels and airwaves.

Tell me about the time constraints around writing this one?

Well, we are a fairly busy band. We toured in January and february and when that was over we all split up to live in different towns with the knowledge that we would be hitting the studio in less than two months. no one lives within four hours of one another, so it wasn’t possible to jam stuff out. I basically said to myself, ‘okay, gotta write an entire album, though I already had a few ideas, in three weeks’ so I just checked into a hotel for three weeks, wrote it all and then we got together a week later and rehearsed the songs for eight days and then recorded it.

Did you feel any more pressure this time around, with this being your first full length for Fat? I can remember fat Mike (label founder) telling me that I had to write a hit/our best album, but if there was pressure, I didn’t feel it.

I grew up listening to lots of fat bands and I am definitely stoked that we are with fat. They are a truly independent label run by punks for punks, but I think I just deluded myself into thinking the album/label/writing process was no big deal and nothing to worry about, so I felt free to just write what I wanted, like a first record.

This album seemed easier to get into than any of your other records. do you think the band’s sound has evolved since you first for started? so the other ones were hard to get into? (Laughs) The band has definitely evolved. adam (beck, guitar) and Luke (swarm, drums) have entirely

differently and have different influences. I have always been a bit experimental with my writing and that’s what makes us hard to categorize, but I think I have, for the first time, really figured out how I want to write and what I want to play.

I love the song “The Mockery.” Can you talk a bit about how that one came about?

I’ve long been bothered by the should-beillegal mercenary corporations that our military industrial complex champions and gives special treatment over our military, but it wasn’t until I actually met an employee of xe (formerly blackwater) while I was at the World Cup in south africa that I had a song to write. I “bro-ed down” with this guy over a few beers in Johannesburg and he spilled his guts (metaphorically) about how he was a marine in Iraq and how he couldn’t wait to be in blackwater, make insane amounts of money and not have to follow the same rules and regulations as our troops. this song also begins just regarding how our military itself has become so engorged as a business since WWII, which is the reason why mercenary groups for profit have come to be.

This is your second album this year - why did you decide to release an EP earlier this year rather than just add them to this record?

Well, it’s hard to add an eP to a record you have yet to write or record or even think about.

I like records, but I also like eP’s. Last summer I had a few songs in my pocket, but not enough to record a full length. We only had a month off, so there wasn’t time for a full length then. I was hoping the eP would come out earlier than it did, but things get pushed back and it was released 6 months after recording. by the time bringing the War home came out, we were then getting ready to record a proper full-length.

You guys spend a lot of time on the road. Any tips for staying sane?

I think we all deal with tour stresses in different ways. I think if eat, sleep and spend every waking hour of every day with two or three people for three months in a row nerves are going to rattle, so I think the best trick is to give your mates space, let them be and don’t push buttons. In addition to that, a sense of humor is a must and offering help and random acts of kindness go a long way.

You guys are playing Fest this year. Have you played there before? What are you expecting? this is will be our third fest. I’m expecting a lot of drunk punks, mostly between the ages of 18-35 that will act like they’re 15 again. It’s a lot of fun.

What are your tour plans for the rest of the year?

This is pretty much it for 2011. We might have a few random shows, but we’ll probably not do much till the new year.

What’s changed the most for you guys since you first got together?

The crowds. Well, I mean, the first tour, there were no crowds. People know who we are now. our first tour was 10 days long and no one knew us, much like most bands’ first tours. now people actually come to see us and sing along.

Those are all the questions I had. Anything else you want to cover? no way, man. you guys asked that last time you sent me an interview. I had a great response and you didn’t print it.

PG 28 • insiteatlanta.com • November 2011

By John B. Moore

Leaving The Major Label World Behind

t

he story of the band (any band) that couldn’t get back their album from the major label that refused to release it is pretty much a music journalism cliché at this point. It can’t even be considered an urban legend because it happens aLL the tIMe. some petty label reps would rather lock the tapes in a warehouse in perpetuity rather than hand them back to the band that created the music. the guys in against Me! are unbelievable lucky then when you realize that, not only did the label put their record out, but it actually handed them back the album when the two decided to part ways. the label, however, was also going to track down every album not yet sold and destroy them like religious fanatics at a harry Potter book burning.

Which led to the band re-releasing 2010’s White Crosses as a double album… which led to the creation of the band’s own label, treble Music… which means that a major label can actually be credited for helping the punk rock community for once. frontman tom Gabel spoke with us recently about the situation.

Can you talk a little about the new label? How long had you had the idea of launching it?

We didn’t know what we were going to do after we got out of our contract with Warner.

We had some labels approach us, we were considering the options but nothing was making me really excited. starting our own label seemed like the most original direction we could head in.

Do you plan on eventually signing other bands? definitely. hopefully we’ll be making some announcements concerning that very soon.

StartIng oUr own laBel SeeMed lIke the MoSt orIgInal dIreCtIon we CoUld head In.

What made you decide to re-release White Crosses?

When we left sire/Warner they gave us the album back, just handed over all of the assets, everything, which was amazing of them. but, consequently that meant they were also going to destroy all of the copies they manufactured, literally send recall notices to all of the stores that had any copies in stock and throw them in the trash. at the time the album had only been out for like six or seven months, we still had a year of touring planned in support of the album, which we had spent like two years making. We worked hard on the album. We want it to still be available for people. Plus we had a lot of material we recorded when making the album that had never been heard and then there was also all of the artwork that Chris norris had made for the album that Warner originally shot down. re-issuing gave us the chance to do it the way we had originally intended for the album to be presented.

Had you been planning the Black Crosses album (second CD) all along?

Well, we started planning it the second we knew we were getting the album back. the name ‘black Crosses’ was actually a fan suggestion, I liked it.

Is running your own label easier or harder than you thought it would be?

We’re just getting started really. ask me this question again in a year or two.

You’ve just finished a pretty big tour. Aside from Fest, do you have any others shows planned this year? other than going to europe in november we’re pretty much done touring for a second. I’ve spent the past month building a studio in florida, we’re going to record the next against Me! album there but first, in october I’m producing and recording the new Cheap Girls album there.

I want to focus on recording for the time being, take a break from the road.

Have you started writing new music yet? yes, for sure, I write constantly.

I read somewhere that you plan to put out an album a year? Is that correct?

I want to do more than that. as to whether or not they will all be against Me! albums, we’ll see.

You guys have played at Fest for years. Is there a sense of local pride that it started and remained in Gainesville, FL? not felt by me, it’s just a fest.

Have you ever attended as a fan? no, whenever we haven’t been playing, I try to avoid Gainesville when fest is happening.

So how do you describe Fest to people who have never been? a bunch of bands play, spread out at all of the venues in town. everyone’s either drunk or high on cocaine.

Politics

HOW THE 99% OCCUPIED WALL STREET BY iAN coVEll

s

ocio-political revolutions do not begin overnight. They start with one simple question which begets another and another and so on. slowly these questions formulate ideas which trickle out like water through a tiny crack in a very large dam. Then suddenly, and seemingly without warning, the culmination of ideas gather momentum and bursts forward in a great deluge to become an unstoppable flow that takes on a life of its own.

The past year has been a watershed for ideas about ending government corruption, limiting the political influence of the wealthiest of us, and empowering ordinary people to question the status quo peacefully with the use of tools, such as social media, that have never before been implemented in such a cause. in response, governments both here and abroad have responded to protestors with varying levels of confusion, incompetence, and violence. starting in late December 2010, the world watched the arab spring blossom, then the european summer heat up. now, with literally thousands of protesters in the streets of new York and in numerous major u.s. cities, we find ourselves in the bitter and stark reality of the american Fall. The season of change is upon us.

The revolution is being televised, streamed, uploaded, and tweeted. While a formal list of demands has still not been submitted by the movement‘s organizers, one thing is certain: people are mad as hell and they’re not going take it anymore.

occUPY WAll stREEt: tHE BEGiNNiNG oF A REVolUtioN

september 17th was the first day the occupiers gathered in new York city and it is considered the official birth of the occupy Wall street movement. an estimated 1000 people took part in that event after responding to a call from the canadian anti-consumerist publication adbusters for 20,000 people to set up tents and protest corporatocracy. However, pinpointing when and where the ideas of the movement germinated and the people involved in planting the seeds of it is something that gets very little discussion. according to the october 17th issue of Motherjones. com, it was several months prior, in June, when the leaders of the movement began meeting and working together with those that had taken part in the arab and european uprisings. at an artist’s space on 16 Beaver st, near Wall street, the new York city General assembly was born. They were tutored in how to implement successful tactics of organization using direct democracy, non-violent protest, and multi-media marketing to get their message out to their followers. on July 14th, the domain name occupywallst.org was registered and by august23rd the hacktivist group anonymous had thrown its support behind the movement. recently, big journalism.com provided a link to the over 3000 emails that were exchanged between members of the Google group set up to organize occupy Wall street, radical organizers, and media personalities and their support staff. all of them can be found at owsmail.dc406.com.

DAYs oF RAGE: tHE REVolUtioN is UNDERWAY

Throughout the month of september the protests started to take shape. protestors made Zuccotti park, formerly liberty plaza park, into a campground and staging area for the nYcGa to disseminate information and organize their supporters. During the first few

days, the protest received almost no coverage although early supporters Keith olbermann and roseanne Barr did their best to draw attention to the cause. soon enough though, on september 20th, the nYpD started paying attention began cracking down by arresting masked protestors citing an outdated 1845 law banning masks in public. in the days and weeks that followed, tension between protestors and the government began to escalate.

During a march on the 24th , a video was released of an nYpD officer that showed him pepper-spraying four law abiding civilians without provocation, among them a 24-year-old school teacher. This action prompted anonymous to act and they identified the officer as Deputy inspector anthony Bologna and warned the nYpD to change their violent approach or “…we will take you down from the internet…” as the month continued, more and more wellknown personalities, thinkers, and organizations began to attach themselves to occupy Wall street. chief among these were documentary filmmaker Michael Moore, actress susan sarandon, libertarian socialist noam chomsky, and american philosopher Dr. cornel West. in addition, the transport Workers union of america became the first labor union to support the movement. outrage was about to reach a fever pitch october proved to be pivotal in solidifying the foundation of the oWs movement. only days after Jp Morgan and chase donated an unprecedented $4.6 million to the nYpD, 5000 people marched towards the Brooklyn Bridge which shut down traffic for two hours and resulted in the arrests of 700 protestors.

Many who participated claimed the nYpD herded them on to the bridge and trapped them. as a result, support grew in numbers of people on the streets of new York city, around the country, and the world. it also grew in financial support with occupywallst.org raising $300,000 in small, private donations. every day that the movement continues it gains in numbers of supporters, detractors, and curious onlookers. as of october 15th , the movement has spread to an estimated 951 cities in 82 countries. people want answers and everyday they have more and more questions. Who really controls our government? Did Wall street do this alone or with the collusion of corrupt politicians? What is the best way to make our voices heard. The occupy Wall street movement is not going to be ignored. While few answers are being given, the list of questions being asked to our government, to big business, and to ourselves is getting longer by the hour.

tAKiNG tHE NEXt stEP: ActioN

Here are a few things you can do to occupy Wall Street in your daily life: 1. november 5th is Bank transfer Day. leave your branch bank and transfer your finances to a local credit union.

2. This holiday season don’t shop at publicly traded retailers. shop for gifts through independent retailers.

3. engage in activist trading. corporations only listen to shareholders and purchasing just one share of stock gets you invited to shareholders meetings. There are groups, such as the interfaith center on corporate responsibility, that hold corporations accountable.

4. Become an informed voter. This is the information age. Do your homework and find non-partisan sources for your facts. Follow the money trail of the candidate you think you may want to vote for at opensecrets.org. see if they’re telling the truth at fact check.org.

Fri, nov 4

JARON & THE LONG ROAD TO LOVE w/ Joe Firstman

sat, nov 5

KYLE

Fri, nov 18

sat, nov 12

ROGER PARK CREAGER

(Texas Country) w/ dallas martin

sat, nov 19

(Texas Country)

w/ curtis grimes

Fri, nov 25

Country STONEY LARUE She’Stour MaMa’sLove (Texas Country) w/ mockingbird sun

w/ heidi newfield (Trick Pony)

(Jam Rock)

uga vs. ga tech Pre-Party

• mondays BoB’s KaraoKe (no cover) • tuesdays Ladies night (no cover) • weLFare wednesdays - Live music - Best country draFt sPeciaLs CLUB 3179 Peachtree rd. 404-842-1700 • www.Peachtreetavern.com

Veterans Helping Veterans If you are a veteran and served as part of the OIF or OEF mission, we need your help.

Dr. J. Douglas Bremner at Emory University is conducting a research study to examine how Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may affect memory and learning. We are looking for veterans who served in OIF or OEF and do not have a diagnosis of PTSD. If you do have severe stress related to the war, such as flashbacks, sleep disturbance, memory loss, feeling detached or easily angered you may qualify for another part of the study. Please call or email us.

All tests and procedures will be conducted at Emory University and Emory Briarcliff Campus.

For more information or to see if you qualify for the study please call Stacy Ladd at (404) 712-2014 or email adeshay@emory.edu.

Compensation will be provided for your participation.

PG 29 • insiteatlanta.com • November 2011

Enjoy

your Toys!

Best Adult toy selection

Column

VIDIOTS

upComing DvD releases anD reviews

By B. love & John B. moore

aDventures in pornolanD

This fascinating film plays like a documentary, featuring big names in the porn industry (Ron Jeremy, herschel savage, Kimberly Kane) playing themselves. The sex stars weren’t told that the lead actors were improvising in character, with Brad Brough playing Ethan, a Canadian indie director looking for a break in hollywood, and Greg salman playing the college friend-turned-director who helps him get into porn.

Those seeking full-frontal action will be disappointed, as the film is more about the psychology of the sex industry and the impact it has on Ethan’s marriage. But it still makes for a riveting, if somewhat unfulfilling character study.

aqua unit patrol squaD 1: season one

after hitting 100 episodes, the creators of aqua Teen hunger Force announced they were re-branding. The show still follows food items/roommates Meatwad, Master shake and Frylock, but they’ve relocated from Jersey to seattle. But aside from a new theme song and opening title sequence, the show is exactly the same. Their balding, Camaro-loving neighbor Carl is still there, as are the incompetent aliens that visit on a regular basis in hopes of world domination. This set also includes a disc of season seven of aqua Teen hunger Force. You can call it whatever you want, but this is absurdist cartoon comedy at its best.

BoreD to Death: the Complete seConD season

The second season of hBo’s most underrated comedy is brought to you by the New Yorker and

pot. Based on the number of mentions of the magazine and times someone flames up a joint, there’s GoT to be some kind of product placement deal in place. Regardless, it’s still extremely entertaining. The show follows Jason schwartzman as Jonathan ames, a writer who now works as a private detective, his mentor George Christopher (Ted Danson) and his buddy Ray heuston (Zach Galifianakis). Even more satisfying than the first season, the only frustrating aspect of Bored to Death is the fact that each season is only eight episodes long.

JurassiC park ultimate trilogy

also known as what happens when three giants of the filmmaking industry (director steven spielberg, effects master stan Winston, and composer John Williams) work together. Granted, The lost World played a bit like a cut-rate B movie and the trilogy is partially to blame for hollywood’s special effects obsession. But 1993’s Jurassic Park remains one of film history’s most innovative monster movies, and Jurassic Park III was an adrenalinecharged rollercoaster ride. The digitally remastered Ultimate Trilogy includes all three films, plus extras including making-of docs, archival featurettes, all new cast/crew interviews and digital copies.

wwii in hD: ColleCtor’s eDition

It’s been 66 years since the second World War ended, but it’s easy to understand why people remain fascinated with the deadliest conflict in human history, which resulted in over 50 million deaths. This 4-disc collector’s edition includes the critically acclaimed original history Channel series as well as two new specials, all culled from over 3,000 hours of color footage few people even knew existed. The specials, The Battle For Iwo Jima and The air War, delve deeply into some of the 6-year war’s bloodiest battles. all in all, a must-own for history buffs and a great cautionary tale on the devastating effects of global conflict.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

By B. love

huge selection of

Adult Novelties & toys Dreamgirl lingerie • romantic enhancers gag gifts • Bachelorette PArty suPPlies XXX DVD & Blue ray • toBacco accessories MAgAziNes & More…

Roswell Rd. • 770.677.9650 Midtown • 404.815.9622 Piedmont • 404.262.9113 Clarkston • 404.298.6663 Northside • 404.607.7176 Tantra: Marietta • 770.499.2284 PG 30 • insiteatlanta.com • November 2011

C

oCa-Cola has used polar bears in its ads since 1922, so changing their iconic red cans to white and featuring a mama polar bear with two cubs is a savvy marketing ploy. But they’re also donating $2 million to World Wildlife Fund’s polar bear conservation efforts, and encouraging fans to join their Arctic Home cAmpAign (www. arctichome.com) by texting package codes to 357357 to donate $1. Coke will match all donations up to an additional million, and the funds will be used in WWF’s efforts to protect rapidly dwindling polar bear habitat, particularly a 500,000-square mile area high in the arctic, where summer sea ice is likely to last the longest. Kudos to Coke for their environmental philanthropy!

It’s rare that we have the same fashion tastes as celebrities, but we’re just as taken with the atlantabased Honesty Jewelry (honestyjewelry.com) line as urban music stars such as T.I., Drake and Chili have been. Created by Nicole Jones

(a.k.a. andruw Jones’ wife) and so so Def Records’ Chantel Watkins, honesty’s stackable bracelets use a variety of natural gemstones, beads, antique charms and hand-made metal pieces to create a look that says “I’m hip and down-to-earth, but also have the bank to rock a $300 trio of bracelets!” They have an extensive collection for women, with men’s and children’s lines coming soon, and can be purchased at 8 metro atlanta boutiques as well as via their website.

If you spend as much time traveling, using skype and recording as we do, you’ll love the superBeAm pHones from andrea Electronics (www. andreaelectronics.com). The company designs technology for fighter jets and astronauts, and their dual-purpose headphones are as high-tech as any we’ve seen. The UsB headsets feature an in-line UsB sound card that bypasses your computer’s built-in sound system, providing superior deep bass and sparkling treble via separate mics built into each headphone’s housing. With superior noise reduction and 3D surround sound recording, they’re the perfect headphones for video conferencing, audio/video recording, or simply getting your multiplayer game on.

Novak Djokovic

SPORTS

FANATIC A Monthly Sports Wrap-up Southern nightS!

BEST aDuLT VIDEO STOrE!

BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS

Now that SUPER BOWL XLV is over, football fans can get to the real issue: Will there be a 2011 season? If you let NFL commissioner Roger Goodell tell it, a new collective bargaining agreement is imminent. But listen to others close to the situation and they’ll say it’s not such a sure thing. While officials work out the numbers, Fanatic knows three things that’ll happen, lockout or no lockout: 1) An SEC defender (Auburn’s Nick Fairley or LSU’s Patrick Peterson) will be the No. 1 pick in the Draft; 2) An 18-game season will be approved; Super Bowl XLVI will kick-off We NOW3)carry as planned on Feb. 5, 2012 in TobaccoIndianapolis.

UP !

Y X E ys S a d i l o Th e H

(Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers); Coach of the Year (Gregg Popovich, San Antonio); Most Improved Player (Kevin Love, Minnesota); Sixth Man of the Year (Jamal Crawford, Atlanta); Most Surprising Team (New Orleans Hornets); Biggest Disappointment (PhoenixSince Suns).

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“He’s a beast. What can you say? Some of the shots he made, I was like, ‘Wow. Did he just make that in my face?’

A player like that, you have to live and die defending him one on one. If he makes big shots, you have to go to the other end and stay poised.” –New Mexico guard Dairese Gary, on JIMMER FREDETTE, BYU star and college’s leading scorer

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1. NBA All-Star Game (Feb. 20, 8PM, TNT) We don’t know if there will be more celebrities on the hardwood playing or celebrating courtside at L.A.’s Staples Center.

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3. Ohio State at Wisconsin, Pittsburgh at Villanova (Feb. 12, 2PM, 9PM, ESPN) The top two teams in the nation go on the road to very, very hostile environments.

4. Daytona 500 (Feb. 20, 12PM, Fox) Gentlemen, start your quest to stop Jimmie Johnson from winning an unprecedented sixth straight Sprint Cup championship.

5. This UNC at Duke (Feb. 9, 9PM, ESPN) big meeting (and another on March 5) goes a long way in deciding North Carolina bragging rights and the ACC crown.

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