buzz
Champaign-Urbana’s community magazine FREE
w eekly
WEEK OF MARCH 3, 2011
FARMVILLE
4
RAWR!
9
GIVE A LITTLE BIT
12
more on
THE217.COM
buzz
VOL9 NO9
MARCH 3, 2011
w eekly
www.bodyworkassociates.com
IN THIS ISSUE
$ 6 T $IPJDF GPS
GREENER PASTURES
5
CU-Garden turned a park into a growing educational opportunity.
Serious Pain Relief
SEXY SHAKESPEARE
9
Not your average Midsummer’s Night Dream
Try aa Precision PrecisionNeuromuscular Try Neuromuscular Massage and getMassage $5 off your next visit!*
ENVIROCAMPUS
13
Get involved in green RSOs on campus.
2 campus locations: Now with 2 campus locations: r *MMJOJ 6OJPO 0BTJT ] 6SCBOB r "3$ ] $IBNQBJHO
GOING THE DISTANCE
HANGING WITH BROS 11
PS NJOVUFT &YQJSFT 12-31-10 021709 BZ
19
How to make a long-distance relationship work
CALENDAR
15
Your guide to this week’s events in CU
Topless Female Dancers 18 to enter • Mon-Thur 8pm-1am • Fri-Sat 8pm-2am • $5 Cover (Always Hiring, We’ll Train)
Silver Bullet Bar
1401 E. Washington Urbana 217.344.0937
www.silverbulletbar.net
ON THE217.COM ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Have you been bitten by the anime bug? Then, you better not miss out on buzz’s new anime column, “217chan!� It’ll be up this Friday!
COMMUNITY Not drinking this Unofficial? Like to still have fun without vomiting? Check out our interview with the Treehouse Club for a primer on Alternative Unofficial.
FOOD & DRINK It’s Unofficial! Hooray! In honor of this holiday, check out what Ramine has to say about beer. “Beerdom� will be up Friday.
MOVIES & TV Coffee is for closers! A “Favorite Scene� about Alec Baldwin’s performance in Glengarry Glenn Ross, up this Saturday.
OB/GYN practice in Champaign for 30 years.
MUSIC
• Student insurance accepted • Walk-in appointments • Close to campus • Contraception Dr. Suzanne Trupin 2125 South Neil Street Champaign, IL 61820 Everybody loves Mumford and Sons. Not this guy! Check out our new column, “Records We Dissed,â€? online now. 2
buzz
EDITOR’S NOTE BRAD THORP
It makes me kind of sad that I won’t have any real photos of myself anymore. I have a few from when I was really little, but there aren’t even that many of those. That number definitely falls off even further when you start to get into my awkward teenage years, I mean, how lame was it to get your picture taken, right? I did a great job of avoiding that whole process. In fact, there is very little record of me even existing between the ages of 13 and 16 (which may or may not be a good thing. I don’t think I’ve decided yet). I started thinking about the “record� I have for myself and, honestly, I’m not too happy about it. It is kind of like looking through your camera after a big weekend, or a party, and seeing that half of the pictures you thought were on there, don’t even exist. It is quite a letdown. I tend to tie memories to tangible items, whether they be photos, ticket stubs or some other small item I picked up along the way. I have done this my entire life, keeping small reminders of good times, while not really being sure why. I only knew I would want to remember something. Now that I have a few years under my belt, I am very thankful I did this. I have a huge collection of things that serve as my tangible memory bank. Very similar to pictures in photo albums, I can look at these and recall so many intricate details of an event that I would have otherwise forgotten. Some of my best memories are “stored� this way. It is way too easy to forget the small details and the small memories that got you to where you are now. You can think of a whole period of time, maybe a year, maybe several, and pull out a few good memories, but those tend to be the major ones. There are lots of smaller ones that have made you who you are, even if you can’t remember them. These are the memories we should hold on to tightest. These are the ones that say the most about you and where you’ve been. I think it is important for us to keep these tangible reminders of ourselves, other than photos, so that we don’t lose our own records. Through this process, hopefully one day I’ll be able to look back on my youth and recreate an accurate depiction of myself.
the217.com
LIKES
&
GRIPES
JORDAN RAMOS ASSISTANT FOOD & DRINK EDITOR
LIKES
» Cubs fans: I’m talking REAL Cubs fans, not the fair-weather Cubs fans. The kind I can have an intellectually stimulating conversation with about how absolutely filthy Marmol’s slider is when he’s on, how listening to spring training games on the radio just isn’t the same without Santo and how Castro is the same age we are, all while trying to convince ourselves that they’re not really that bad this year, right? » Accents: They are just so attractive, whether you’re from Boston, London or (mmmm) Australia! They make people like Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale and Jude Law (if possible) so much sexier. I want to go visit my best friend at UNC again. Her friends all said I had an accent there. » Cubs fans with accents: I’ve never actually met one, but I’d like to. I’d imagine I would want to listen to them talk about baseball all day. LAUREN HISE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
GRIPES
BUZZ STAFF
COVER DESIGN Annaka Olsen EDITOR IN CHIEF Brad Thorp MANAGING EDITOR Claire Keating ART DIRECTOR Annaka Olsen COPY CHIEF Emily Siner PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Ramzi Dreessen IMAGE EDITOR Peggy Fioretti PHOTOGRAPHERS Sean O’Connor, Erik Kwan, Jaci Wandell DESIGNERS Adam Fabianski, Sanny Lin, Olivia LaFaire MUSIC EDITOR Dylan Sutcliff FOOD & DRINK EDITOR Jeanine Russell MOVIES & TV EDITOR Matt Carey ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Lauren Hise COMMUNITY EDITOR Nick Martin CU CALENDAR Elisia Phua COPY EDITORS Emily Blumenthal, Drew Hatcher, Maggie Puniewska SALES MANAGER Carolyn Gilbert MARKETING/DISTRIBUTION Brandi Willis PUBLISHER Mary Cory
TALK TO BUZZ
» Wavering Weather: It’s either springtime, or it’s not. It’s either time for me to break out my light jackets, or it’s not. It’s either time for this depressing winter to end, or it’s not. Make up your mind, Mother Nature! » Martin Chlapecka: You will NOT go at all!!!! » Time it takes to absorb material: I saw this movie once where the man only had to flip through the pages of a book to absorb everything in it. Think of how much faster that would make doing homework. » Living in a non-pet friendly building: Life is just so much better with a dog. Or, even, with a fish! I would take a fish at this point. Is that too much to ask?
ON THE WEB www.the217.com EMAIL buzz@readbuzz.com WRITE 512 E. Green St., Champaign, IL 61820 CALL 217.337.3801
We reserve the right to edit submissions. buzz will not publish a letter without the verbal consent of the writer prior to publication date. buzz Magazine is a student-run publication of Illini Media Company and does not necessarily represent, in whole or in part, the views of the University of Illinois administration, faculty or students. © ILLINI MEDIA COMPANY 2011
MARCH 3 - 9, 2011
HEADS
UP!
WORLDFEST AT SPURLOCK MUSEUM by Jessica Bourque If you know what a guzheng, tabla and berimbau are, then congratulations! You are infinitely more cultured and music savvy then I am. But more importantly, you may want to check out Spurlock Museum’s upcoming WorldFest, a world music extravaganza that will feature musicians from all over the country. Not only will the event feature guzhengs, tablas and berimbaus, but also several other obscure instruments. “In WorldFest, we celebrate the many forms of cultural performance like storytelling, dancing, singing, playing music and puppetry from around the world. This spring’s WorldFest is a celebration of music,” said Kim Sheahan, WorldFest coordinator. WorldFest will take place on Saturday, March 5, from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. The lineup includes eight performers: Sandunga, William Hope, Yu-Chen Wang, Han-Jui Chen, Steve Gorn, Jason Finkleman, Manpreet Bedi and Phil Clark. Performers will not only play solo sets but also come together to play some unique duets. The performers represent genres of music from China, Brazil, Cuba, Africa, Australia and India. “We’ll be playing traditional didgeridoo and berimbau music, fusing the didgeridoo with world percussion and pushing stylistic boundaries for all the instruments we play,” said Clark. All of WorldFest’s featured musicians have travelled across the country (some across the world) to perform at many distinguished venues. To see all of these talented performers, Spurlock asks for a $5 donation. So even if you don’t know what a bansuri is (it’s a bamboo flute, by the way), listening to cool music by world-renowned musicians promises to be entertaining. Plus, there will be crafts for the whole family. As Clark put it, “Broadening your musical horizons is always a good thing!” buzz
3
Food
&
Drink
t i p e ke al
loc
March 3 - 9, 2011
the217.com
There are plenty of area farms to supply fresh, local produce and meat to CU
by Samantha Bakall
G
oing to school in central Illinois means seeing fields is nothing out of the ordinary. Illinois especially is known for growing incredible amounts of corn and soybeans for feed, ethanol and other uses. However, Illinois also has farms that do everything from growing fruits and vegetables to tending livestock and making cheese.
More information is available on all of these farms at their websites: » triplesfarms.com » bluemoonfarm.biz » tomahnousfarm.org » prairiefruits.com
Prairie Fruits Farm
Blue Moon Farm Only 10 miles north of CU is Blue Moon Farm, a small, 20-acre farm that also grows only organic produce. Blue Moon Farm offers a wide variety of vegetables such as kale, sugar snap peas, beets, garlic, heirloom tomatoes, kohlrabi, potatoes and asparagus. Blue Moon Farm sells about 70 percent of its produce at the Urbana’s Market at the Square. The rest of its produce is marketed to other restaurants and stores in the CU area, like the Common Ground Food Co-op and Strawberry Fields. Storage vegetables, potatoes and carrots, are available even through the winter months! The farm also has a winter market where orders are taken online and paid for upon pickup. Pickup is in the area behind the Common Ground Co-op in Lincoln Square Mall. This is a great way to continue eating and buying locally during the winter. 4
buzz
Tomahnous Farm Another certified organic farm, just north of Mahomet, Ill., Tomahnous Farm is a family run farm offering fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs, flours, honey, eggs, milk and meat — veal, goat, lamb, chicken and turkey. Tomahnous doesn’t use pesticides, herbicides, artificial fertilizers, hormones or antibiotics on any of its products. Its produce ranges from “asparagus to salad mix to zucchini, and both berries and tree fruit,” according to its website. In addition to its produce, Tomahnous sells a wide variety of flowers that are available year round! Like Blue Moon Farm, Tomahnous products can be found at the Market at the Square in Urbana. Tomahnous Farm also sells products at a farmer’s market called Market on Main in Mahomet. The Mahomet farmer’s market opens sometime in May on Wednesdays from 3–6 p.m.
Triple S Farm Located in Stewardson, Ill., Triple S Farm’s focus is on meat — chicken, turkey, hogs and cattle — and organic produce. Stan Scott Schutte, owner of Triple S Farm, has been cultivating the family farm’s 200 acres for over 30 years. “All the pastures are certified organic, and all the animals are drug free since 1998. The produce is certified organic, the poultry is free range and no GMO grains are used,” according to the farm’s website. Triple S Farm offers about every cut of meat available, including various types of bacon (peppered, Canadian, apple wood and nitrate-free); already prepared products like bratwursts, sausages, corned beef and hot dogs; uncommon cuts of beef like tri tip and sweetbread (very common in California; tri tip is the triangular end piece of sirloin. Sweetbread is the thymus gland); and poultry products, including free range eggs.
One of the more unusual local farms, Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery, is the first farmstead cheese-making facility in Illinois. In addition to its cheese and dairy products, Prairie Fruits Farm grows certified organic tree fruits — peaches, apples, pears, cherries — and berries — strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, currants, gooseberries and jostaberries (described as a cross between a blackberry and a gooseberry). Prairie Fruits Farm’s specialties are its goat cheeses and goat milk. The cheese is sold at the Market at the Square in Urbana, Common Ground Co-op in Lincoln Square Mall and in stores such as Whole Foods in the Chicagoland area. The goats are on a “forage-based diet,” meaning they have free reign of the pastures and land to feed. When the weather is nice, Prairie Fruits Farm offers a “dinner on the farm,” where the farm’s chef prepares a five-course meal with fresh, local ingredients, most grown on the farm. The dinners give guests a great opportunity to experience local foods and flavors using ingredients grown in Illinois. Prairie Fruits also hosts Farm Open House Saturdays & Breakfast, where its sells some of its cheeses and local breakfast foods, and visitors are allowed to visit with the baby goats. Blue Moon and Tomahnous Farms also provide spring veggies such as kale, spring onions, shitake mushrooms and spinach.
March 3 - 9, 2011
the217.com
growing community Douglass Park Garden hopes to help expose the area to fresh produce and how to grow it by Emily Siner
O
ne year ago, sophomore Steve Heiss received a letter from the White House — Michelle Obama, to be exact. He was part of a team of students from the University involved in a national competition for funding to build the CU-Garden, an educational community garden in Champaign. So he asked the Obamas, who had just built an organic vegetable garden at the White House, for their support. The team ended up with Michelle’s endorsement and a $10,000 grant from accounting firm Ernst & Young. The team has started to build the garden in Champaign’s Douglass Park, located right across the street from Booker T. Washington Elementary. The school will use the garden to supplement its science program. In fact, senior Erin Harper, the executive director of CU-Garden, is currently helping to rewrite the school’s science curriculum to incorporate the garden into every grade’s education. Kindergarteners will learn about vegetables; third graders about insects; fifth graders, basic botany. But most importantly, all students will get to see firsthand where their food comes from — not from a supermarket,
but straight from the ground across the street. Almost 70 percent of the students come from low-income families, according to a CU-Garden presentation, and the CU-Garden program gives them the rare opportunity to eat fresh, locally grown food. In short, this garden may change their lives, one vegetable at a time. “We really hope that it will combat childhood obesity,” Harper said. “They can be exposed to fresh vegetables at an affordable price.” Community members can also rent out 8-by-4 foot beds in the garden for personal use. So far, the CU-Garden team has built three garden beds for the school and hopes to build the community beds this spring. But the team relies on student and community volunteers to build it. No matter how much gardening experience they have, they will be able to help make the Douglass Park garden functional and beautiful, Harper said. Starting at the end of March, the CU-Garden will be hosting workdays open to the public every Saturday, according to Harper. For updates on upcoming workdays, visit cu-garden.com.
Douglass Park in Champaign. Photo courtesy of cu-garden.com
Slam Dunk Your Way Into a Big 10 Basketball Game!
The new MacBook Pro State-of-the-art processors. All-new graphics. Breakthrough high-speed I/O. Three very big leaps forward.
Up to 2x Faster Processors
Up to 3x Faster Graphics
With all-new quad-core and dual-core processors, the new MacBook Pro isn’t just faster. It’s phenomenal.
The 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pro feature discrete AMD Radon graphics for stunning visuals.
WPGU 107.1 is giving away tickets to all Big 10 Games. Tune in every tuesday from 1-9pm and call to win your tickets for that week.
Ultrafast Thunderbolt I/O New input/output technology lets you connect high-speed peripherals and high-resolution displays.
Brought to you by:
E. Green Street • www.illinitechcenter.com 217.337.3116
Store Hours: Mon–Sat: am–pm Sun: Noon–pm
buzz
5
March 3 - 9, 2011
the217.com
THIS WEEK
KR ANNERT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
5pm 7:30pm
TH MAR 3
THESE SPONSORS MAKE GOOD STUFF HAPPEN:
Krannert Uncorked with the Traditional Jazz Orchestra // Marquee A Midsummer Night’s Dream—It’s a Bacchanal!
Mark Morris Dance Group
// Depar tment of Theatre
7:30pm
UI Harding Symphonic Band and UI Hindsley Symphonic Band // School of Music FR MAR 4
10am 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm
Nancy and David Morse Maxine and Jim Kaler Anna Merritt Anonymous
Dance for People with Parkinson’s // Marquee Ian Hobson, piano // School of Music Mark Morris Dance Group // Marquee A Midsummer Night’s Dream—It’s a Bacchanal! // Depar tment of Theatre
About 10pm
In remembrance of Virginia R. Ivens, Endowed Sponsorship
Afterglow: Tree Thump
// Marquee
Blues at the Crossroads: The Robert Johnson Centennial Concerts Frances and Marc Ansel
7:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm
Dessert and Conversation: A Midsummer Night’s Dream—It’s a Bacchanal! // Depar tment of Theatre Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra: Classics III // CUSO Mark Morris Dance Group // Marquee A Midsummer Night’s Dream—It’s a Bacchanal!
Anonymous Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin Judith Rowan and Richard Schacht
SU MAR 6
Illinois Brass Quintet
Blues at the Crossroads: The Robert Johnson Centennial Concerts // Marquee WE MAR 9
7:30pm
1st place: Stephanie Klein 2nd place: Alex Billings 3rd place: Sarah Francik enjoy the movies at savoy 16 theater!
// School of Music
TU MAR 8
7:30pm
AcAdemy AwArds contest winners
Anna Merritt
// Depar tment of Theatre
3pm
to our 2011
Jill and James Quisenberry
SA MAR 5
6:30pm
congratulations
UI University Band and UI Campus Band // School of Music
TH MAR 10
5pm 7pm 7:30pm 7:30pm
Krannert Uncorked // Marquee Studiodance I // Dance at Illinois Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin // Marquee A Midsummer Night’s Dream—It’s a Bacchanal! // Depar tment of Theatre
9pm
Studiodance I
// Dance at Illinois
C A L L 3 3 3 . 6 2 8 0 • 1. 8 0 0 . K C P A T I X
Corporate Power Train Team Engine
Marquee performances are supported in part by the Illinois Arts Council—a state agency that recognizes Krannert Center in its Partners in Excellence Program.
6
40 North and Krannert Center—working together to put Champaign County’s culture on the map.
THE217.COM
Get out. Sound off. Champaign-Urbana.
buzz
THE217.COM
Food
&
Drink
March 3 - 9, 2011
the217.com
don’t waste your waste Food scraps can make excellent additions to your compost pile
by Keirstin Westfallen
M
aking trash and having food waste is inevitable, but it does not always have to go unused. Whether used for growing vegetables, flowers or other plants, compost is a worthwhile addition to most gardens. Composting also does not have to be an intense and time-consuming project, said Sandra Mason, horticulture extension educator at the University of Illinois Extension. “Composting is like a lot of things: You can make it a time-consuming issue as you want to,” she said. “Certainly, by adding more time, your time, you can get a finished compost product faster. It really depends on how fast you want to have that working compost.” Depending on the contents of a compost, materials could take a year to decompose naturally. However, by making the right additions to a compost, people can produce a finished product within six to eight weeks. “Once you get the finished compost, it just looks like soil,” Mason said. “It’s amazing what it used to be, and now it just looks like this wonderful soil you can add to your garden.” Speeding up the process involves shredding the materials going into the compost and monitoring what materials are actually being added.
Leaves, grass and food waste make good additions to compost. “We all have food waste,” Mason said. “So rather than putting it down the garbage disposal, which takes energy and uses up a lot of water, why don’t you go ahead and use that and put it into your compost? You’ll actually have a finished product that your plants will appreciate.” While composting is something Mason said could be done by the everyday homeowner, gardeners — vegetable gardeners, particularly — are the people who take it the most seriously. The organic matter in the compost goes a long way in helping to grow healthy plants, said Mason. The compost is a natural source of nutrients for the plants. Additionally, the organic matter helps to lock in soil moisture, reducing the amount of watering that needs to be done for a crop. In areas where the topsoil has already been replaced with clay, compost can make a difference in loosening that soil. Since composting is done with readily available materials, Mason called it a free source of soil addition. “If you have healthy soil, the plants themselves tend to be healthier,” she said. “Rather than relying on fertilizers, compost is one of those things
Captain Morgan...
WPGU Madness of March Bracketmaster Do you have what it takes to be..
Used with permission from Yun Huang Yong and the Creative Commons
that I think can really help for a lot of folks when it comes to trying to get a better crop, whether it’s vegetables or flowers.” Aside from helping out the individual gardeners, composting also plays a part in protecting the environment as a whole. Rather than contributing to huge piles of waste, people can use composting
to reuse that waste in producing something else, namely the plants and vegetables in their gardens. “A lot of people think they need to buy peat moss to add to soil, but really, you’re better off adding compost,” said Mason. “It’s cheaper in the long run and certainly more environmentally friendly than using peat moss.”
March 8 LIVE BA ND!
Captain Bracketmaster? Register to Win an Apple Macbook and do some good at the same time. Stop by www.the217.com for more details!
2011 Captain Morgan Norwalk, Ct • Drink Responsibly. Captain’s Orders. buzz
7
March 3 - 9, 2011
the217.com movie review
PG-13
The Adjustment Bureau
by Adam Dreyfuss
★★✩✩✩
Movies with pro-environmental messages
Week of Friday, March 04 - Thursday, March 10 The Illusionist (L’illusionniste) (PG) Fri: (5:30), 7:30 Sat & Sun: (3:30), (5:30), 7:30 Mon - Thu: 7:30 PM
by Matt Carey
The Professional (Leon) (R) Digital Presentation Fri & Sat: 10:00 PM Thu: 10:00 PM La Traviata Encore: Royal Opera House (NR) Digital Presentation Sat & Sun: 12:00 PM
Y S
reen oga pa Lacy Russell, LMT
217•367•9642 office 217•840•8177 cell russellmassage@yahoo.com Massage Therapy, Couples Massage This card is good for $10 off first time appointments. Not valid w/ other discounts or promotions.
2nd Floor, 115 W. Main St, Urbana, IL 61801 www.greenyogaspa.com
SAVOY 16 217-355-3456
S. Neil St. (Rt. 45) at Curtis Rd.
www.GQTI.com
$ 5.75 BARGAIN TWILIGHT D A I LY 4 : 0 0 - 6 : 0 0 P M * excludes Digital 3D & Fathom events
SHOWTIMES 3/4 - 3/10
No passes S Stadium seating
SPRING MOVIES
Saturday & Sunday 9 & 10 AM SHREK FOREVER AFTER (PG)
BEASTLY (PG-13) 12:45, 2:55, 5:05, 7:15, 9:25
FRI/SAT LS 11:50
THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU (PG-13)
12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:25, 9:50 S RANGO (PG) 11:00, 11:45, 1:30, 2:15, 4:00, 4:45, 6:30, 7:15, 9:00, 9:45 FRI/SAT LS 11:30 S TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT (R) 12:00, 2:20, 4:40, 7:00, 9:20 FRI/SAT LS 11:40 HALL PASS (R) 11:30, 12:15, 1:55, 2:40, 4:20, 5:10, 6:45, 7:30, 9:10, 9:55 FRI/SAT LS 11:35 3D DRIVE ANGRY (R) $2.50 PREMIUM PER 3D TICKET 12:05, 2:35, 5:05, 7:35, 10:05 I AM NUMBER FOUR (PG-13) 11:15, 1:45, 4:15, 6:50, 9:15 FRI/SAT LS 11:45 UNKNOWN (PG-13) 11:10, 1:40, 4:20, 6:55, 9:30 FRI/SAT LS 12:05 BIG MOMMAS LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON (PG-13) 7:20, 9:50
3D JUSTIN BIEBER: NEVER SAY NEVER DIRECTOR’S FAN CUT (G) $2.50 PREMIUM PER 3D TICKET 11:25, 4:15, 9:05
FRI/SAT LS 11:30
3D JUSTIN BIEBER: NEVER SAY NEVER (G) $2.50 PREMIUM PER 3D TICKET
1:50, 6:40
S 3D GNOMEO AND JULIET (G) $2.50 PREMIUM PER 3D TICKET 12:20, 2:25, 4:30, 6:35, 8:40 FRI/SAT LS 11:00 GNOMEO AND JULIET (G) 11:20, 1:25, 3:35, 5:40 S JUST GO WITH IT (PG-13) 11:35, 2:05, 4:35, 7:10, 9:45 NO STRINGS ATTACHED (R) 5:15, 7:35 S THE KING’S SPEECH (R) 11:05, 1:50, 4:30, 7:05, 9:35 TRUE GRIT (PG-13) 12:10, 2:45, 10:00
FREQUENT MOVIEGOERS Sign up at www.gqti.com for the Frequent Moviegoer Club
Earn points & see movies for a bargain price.
8
buzz
An Inconvenient Truth (2006)
Art Theatre House 7616 www.theCUart.com
126 W. Church St. Champaign
3Favorites
Used with permission from Universal Pictures
The Adjustment Bureau, the latest action romance hybrid from Universal Pictures, is the story of David Norris (Matt Damon), an up-and-coming Obamaesque politician who discovers that the control of the world is not actually in the hands of the human race. In fact, every major decision made since the 1950s has been made secretly by a group of superior beings that at one point in the film are referred to as angels. Fortunately, this superior race has only our best interests in mind, so there is nothing to worry about — that is, until David falls in love with Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt). Unfortunately for David, his relationship with Elise was never supposed to happen, according to the master plan of the superior beings. Now, he can either forget BUZZ about her or have his personality erased. THURSDAY While the whole underlying concept of the film MARCH 3 may seemcorp a little ridiculous, it is actually very well note...keep this same size always fleshed out. The plot, which is based on a short story by Philip K. Dick (Minority Report, Do An1 X 5.417 droids Dream of Electric Sleep?), requires a certain 1/8th pagebut the film does take its suspension of disbelief, time to fully explain the world of the characters and the rules which guide them. Where the film really falls short is in the dialogue department. Often, it seems as if a really well orchestrated scene is completely deflated by a poorly placed pun, or awkwardly romantic line. Damon and Blunt are clearly trying their best to create
believable characters, and while their acting talent does shine through, they are never fully able to overcome the defects in the writing. The otherworldly beings are played by a group of slick-talking, middle-aged white men who seem to be playing a throwback to a 1950s version of themselves. They speak in short swift film noir-ish sentences and stare off into space for no apparent reason. It should come as no surprise that one of these fast-talking gents is played by John Slattery of Mad Men fame, an actor who seems to be becoming typecast as an old school company man. In this group is also one much younger man who dresses equally nice but does not seem to fit in. This character is played by a talented Anthony Mackie (The Hurt Locker, Notorious), but this odd casting choice is so out of place that it is even alluded to in the film itself. The film was gripping throughout: Every time I was sure I knew were the film was going, it turned in an unanticipated direction. But while the pacing is well done, nothing can make up for the atrocious dialogue. It is no surprise that Universal decided to push the film’s release date back from an award season September to the movie doldrums of March, though it is unfortunate that they did not spend this extra time making the film into something great. The Adjustment Bureau had a lot of potential, but it inevitably falls flat.
The coolest news I heard this week: by Matt Carey
Shane Black directing Iron Man 3
I’m sure I wasn’t the only person who was disappointed with Iron Man 2. The story was all over the place, the action scenes were unexciting, and much of the film seems like nothing more than a set up for the Joss Whedon Avengers movie coming in 2012. When the director of the first two Iron Man films, Jon Favreau, announced he wouldn’t be returning to finish the trilogy, I was relieved. The first Iron Man, while a lot better than a movie about a millionaire who engineers a mechanical heart from scratch has any right to be, was still simply OK in my eyes. I actually enjoyed Edward Norton’s The Incredible Hulk more. But now I’m very excited to see
where they go with the series as Shane Black will be taking over to direct Iron Man 3. Shane Black has been an action movie screenwriter for nearly 20 years, breaking into the industry by writing Lethal Weapon. Six years ago, he wrote and directed arguably one of the best action/comedy hybrids ever, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Since its minimal release, the movie has gathered a cult following, and you all should consider joining in the craze. The movie deftly combines quick, witty dialogue and the tenseness that there are actual stakes at risk in the plot. If Shane Black can even bring a morsel of the cleverness displayed in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang to Iron Man 3, then things are looking up for the series.
Admittedly, Al Gore is not the most captivating screen presence. But his documentary about how much we are all screwing up the planet manages to be a watchable film with a strong message. Sure, the movie is essentially one man presenting a really elaborate PowerPoint presentation, but at least the subject matter is interesting and has mass appeal, since it concerns all of us. Plus, the movie features a clip from one of the best animated shows ever, Futurama. In a movie so decidedly dour, at least there’s comic relief.
Wall-E (2008)
This is my favorite Pixar movie. I know a lot of people disagree with that, especially because Pixar’s library is filled with classics, but no film is a more effective display of the animation medium than WallE. The first half-hour of the film has nearly no dialogue and instead plays like the silent comedy that Buster Keaton never got to make. Thus, much of the humor comes from Wall-E’s subtle body movements, which is aided by the unbelievably gorgeous animation. I once got a chance to see this movie on Blu-Ray and I nearly fainted from the sheer awesomeness on display.
Princess Mononoke (1997)
What’s that you say? An anime movie from 1997 that is strangely prophetic about how Earthlings are destroying the planet and its natural resources? Why, Carey, you’ve finally lost it! But it’s true. Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, Ponyo, countless other movies that well worth checking out) directed this film about the maniacal patrons of a town made of iron that look to destroy the forest beasts and their way of life. By the way, this isn’t the type of anime you’re used to seeing on Cartoon Network; this is bloody and violent and therefore really cool.
arts
&
entertainment
March 3 - 9, 2011
Clothing Optional The Bard’s safest play takes a risqué turn
the217.com
Do you
know what’s going on around you?
Photo by Val Oliveiro
by Jeff Nelson
this production of Dream would not take place in pre-classical Greece, but in the Caribbean just on the eve of Carnival, from which we derive our Mardi Gras. These special pre-Carnival reveries are called J’ouvert, and here our Midsummer is set. “J’ouvert is a major evening for transgressions where societal norms and sexual roles are bent,” said Dixon. “There is a communal agreement to transgress this night and give in to those desires that have been building throughout the year. In the bending of sexual roles, women can be more aggressive.” Shakespeare’s “G-rated” comedy in the woods is transformed into a license for licentiousness in the Caribbean with steel band accompaniments. No wonder her title for this adaptation is A Midsummer Night’s Dream — It’s a Bacchanal! The posters and Internet postings are clear about the transformation of this production: ”Strong adult content including full nudity — for mature audiences only.” “This is a play that is a celebration of the body as a component of the performing expression,” said Dixon. “The body needs to be released fully as a performing vehicle.” In his fascinating book, Shakespeare’s Bawdy, Eric Partridge analyzes Shakespeare’s sexual allusions with thoroughness and a wonderful etymological perspective. He lists A Midsummer Night’s Dream as the play with least sexual references. He describes it as “a safe play, hence a favorite in school examinations.” Beginning March 3 at the Colwell Playhouse stage at Krannert Center, that traditional image will undergo a thorough reexamination. A Midsummer Night’s Dream — It’s a Bacchanal! will be performed on weekends from March 3 to March 13. Check for further information at krannertcenter.com or call 333-6280.
briefbox
There is a great scene in Rowan Atkinson’s Blackadder where he pays a visit to Queen Elizabeth I’s court and encounters William Shakespeare. In a brief encounter, he punches the Bard and declares, “That is for every schoolboy and schoolgirl for the next 400 years. Have you any idea how much suffering you are going to cause? Hours spent at school desks trying to find one joke in A Midsummer Night’s Dream?” Not a subtle moment in television comedy, but it makes a point. Making A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a play from 1595-96, relevant to modern audiences takes some effort by even the most creative directors. UIUC Department of Theatre professor and director Lisa Gaye Dixon is pushing limits of what this Elizabethan fantasy offers. So what makes this story of fantasy, fairies, pranks and confused emotions so popular in spite of its age and dated humor? To begin with, it has everything mentioned in the previous sentence, and a plot full complex but fully understandable situations. Historian and documentary filmmaker Michael Wood adds, “The play contains some wonderful courtly poetry mixed with hilarious low-life scenes.” Mark van Doren, a locally-born Shakespearean scholar, notes while identifying some passages of lyrical poetry in Act IV, “Had Shakespeare written nothing else than this, he still might be the best of English poets.” Robin Goodfellow, better known as Puck, ends these extravagant events with an apology for the play’s “weak and idle theme.” He may be indulging in a lapse of self-effacing modesty as he speaks for the Bard, but bad productions A Midsummer Night’s Dream are a confusing, crashing bore where the complex story and lyrical poetry run way ahead of the talent. Plus, any director of this theatrical warhorse faces numerous preconceived images audiences have of numerous productions and films of the piece that date back to 1909. Reinventing a well-worn classic without destroying its integrity is always a challenge. Dixon, however, has some noteworthy new ideas. Dixon is a local product: a former student at Champaign Centennial High School, a degree in anthropology from UIUC and an MFA in performance from Illinois State University. Having spent years in the acting circuit, she has returned home to assume the position of associate professor of theatre at UIUC. She first decided that
A Midsummer Night’s Dream — It’s a Bacchanal! Krannert Center, Colwell Playhouse When: Thursday, March 3, to Saturday, March 5, and
Thursday, March 10, to Saturday, March 12, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, March 13, at 3 p.m. Address: 500 S. Goodwin Ave., U. Cost: $8 to $15
buzz
9
arts
&
entertainment
One on One
March 3 - 9, 2011
the217.com
with todd marshall Graphic Artist
by Tasneem Mahmoud
K
nown for his distinctive sketches of prehistoric creatures, Todd Marshall is a graphic artist who started his career by painting album covers for rock ‘n’ roll artists before moving on to tattooing, painting motorcycle tanks and becoming an airbrush teacher. When he began attending Art Center College of Design in California, he took an interest in sketching dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. He was inspired by Mark “Crash” McCreery, head designer at Stan Winston Special Effects Studios, which designed motion pictures such as Jurassic Park. Aiming to inspire young artists, Marshall will have an exhibit of his work on display at indi go artist co-op through Tuesday, March 8. » buzz: When did you first take an interest in art? Todd Marshall: Since I can remember, actually. I’ve always sketched and loved art. ... I was always captivated by my dinosaur books and films when I was really young. They always had a marvelous way of transporting my imagination, and I had always wished that I could someday do the same for others through my artwork. It wasn’t until my early adult life that I really took my art seriously, though, but most of that is because of the incredible backing and support of my wonderful family, good friends, colleagues and mentors. I’ve been producing paleo-art for the last 11 years professionally of my 23 plus years in entertainment art/concept art production, and I’m loving every second I get to focus on it. Prehistoric vertebrate animals are my heart’s pure passion and obsession. It seems like every spare minute I’m lost in the Mesozoic somewhere/sometime.
» buzz: Which artists inspire you the most? TM: That’s such a tricky question. Truth be told, every artist has something so special to add and to admire and respect about their vision and talent. Every artist. I love seeing these magnificent animals through other artists’ eyes and minds. I find it so inspiring. If I had to pin something down, though, ... I guess I would say art by some of the old school artists that really made an impact on my life at a very young age. Artists like Charles R. Knight, of course. ... I was also captivated by the illustrations by Peter Zallinger and Rod Ruth, to name a few. I still have those old books, and I’ll never be without them! I cherish them, and there is still something about their art when I look at it that totally transports me away in my mind ... pure magic! » buzz: Have you always been interested in sketching prehistoric creatures? TM: Oh, yes. I think I’ve been fascinated by dinosaurs from some of my youngest memories. My favorite story being that I remember watching One Million Years B.C. and being just blown away. Remember now, that was in the late ‘60s, and that was top-notch special effects for the time. I really believed that somehow they had timetraveled someone with a movie camera back in time and filmed these awesome animals! I watched the movie, got up and started drawing dinosaurs. My father came home and said, “Well ... that’s great, Todd. Now let’s try learning how to write your name!” When I was a kid, I would stay up to any hour of the night waiting for any movie having dinosaurs in it ... King Kong (the original), Valley of Gwangi,
Back Home Again
Photo used with permission from Todd Marshall
The Lost World, just any of them! Anything with dinosaurs and monsters! I’ve never gotten over the magic and love I have for these animals. So, basically, I guess that also shows that drawing/art I’ve always done as far back as I can remember. They’ve both been in my heart for 43 years now. I’ve always thanked my wonderful parents though for being so supportive and encouraging through my life with my heart’s fascinations. » buzz: What is the most challenging aspect about being an artist? TM: Well, I love realism in the type of art I produce to a high level, but I also love trying to reach a balance of that and of leaving places for the viewer’s mind to fill in my artwork. It’s a very delicate balance. » buzz: Do you plan to pursue music again at any point? TM: Ha! You caught me off guard with that question! Good one. Yes, actually. I’m in the very rough stages of putting together a new rock band project. I love old classic rock and roll and rhythm and blues, so I want to form a fun new rockabilly project. I want the old-school sound mixed with a contemporary cutting-edge
crunch sound. I’m actually looking for a stand up bass player right now! Any of you crazy cats out there, look me up! I have a great guitarist and drummer, and we’re ready to start flirting with danger, baby. So lock up your daughters, Champaign, we’re gonna rock you. » buzz: What are your future goals as an artist? TM: I just want to keep learning and honing my skills, first off. I truly believe artists never stop learning. I mean, if you think you know it all and you’re the cat’s meow, then man, you’re done. Move on. I never want to feel that way about what I do. I’ve got some great projects lined up for the future, and I’m trying to finish others right now I’m really proud of. I really just want my art to help inspire others, to mentor and pass my knowledge on and for others to reach for their dreams, search their hearts and really go for it! You can’t go wrong if you follow your heart. Sure, you always have disappointments along the way, but you’ll always experience the most fantastic highs, feel so much pride, do so much good in the world if you just follow your heart and stay true to yourself. Corny? Yeah, maybe, but true. Go ahead. Challenge yourself and see what happens!
Mark Morris Dance Group returns to Krannert
by Clara Bush Mark Morris Dance Group will perform March 4 and 5 in the Tryon Festival Theatre — its 12th show at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. The group, whose headquarters are in Brooklyn, N.Y., first came to the Illinois campus in 1987 and have come annually since 2001. “We started a relationship with them many years ago,” said Bridget Lee-Calfas, public information director for Krannert. This year, Mark Morris Dance Group will perform three pieces from its active repertoire: two set to selections from Mozart Dances entitled “Eleven” and “Double,” and one set to Lou Harrison’s “Grand Duo.” Each piece features live music, something for which the company is known. According to Mark Morris, its founder, “music is meant to be played,” and while it is unusual that the company insists on only performing to live music, Morris doesn’t find it odd. “Why not?” he said. “It’s just way better.” The group premiered the “Eleven” and “Double” in 2006. “Eleven” features 15 dancers accompanied by four string instruments and a piano, while “Double” features 16 dancers accompanied by two pianos, according to Helen Frank, marketing director for Mark Morris Dance Group . 10
buzz
Used with permission from KCPA and Mark Morris Dance Group. Photo by Stephanie Berger.
The final piece, “Grand Duo,” set to music composed by Lou Harrison of the same title, has four parts and features 14 dancers accompanied by violin and piano. The group premiered the piece in 1993. This show is also part of the Shadow Program, which is designed to give dance students an understanding of the dynamics of being part of a professional company. “It’s an opportunity to do some mentoring and give them the opportunity to see what it’s like,” said Lee-Calfas.
Three University dancers who have an interest in dancing professionally were chosen this year by the dance department. This performance was the first leg of the program. The dancers will also go to Mark Morris Dance Group’s headquarters in Brooklyn for a week. Though the group hails from New York, it calls Krannert its “Midwest home.” “Lucky for us, Krannert has been [letting the company perform] for a long time, so we developed an audience,” said Morris. “My work is supported here.” Morris said all he can ask for when people see the show is that they watch and listen. “I wouldn’t want them to expect anything,” said Morris. For a “casual encounter between the audience and the company,” as Lee-Calfas described it, Mark Morris and a few company members will facilitate a discussion after the show. “Mark Morris Dance Group is not untouchable,” said Frank. “It’s important that Mark Morris, the choreographer and the dance group be involved with the people who exist in the world. Dance isn’t something that exists in a vacuum.”
MUSIC
catching up with ...
March 3 - 9, 2011
the217.com
The Beeson Brothers
by Jeremy Lin buzz magazine caught up with The Beeson Brothers, a band of four brothers who play a combination of blues, rock and funk. Right now, they are playing shows around CU, including a benefit concert at The Canopy Club on Friday, March 4. » buzz: What are you guys up to? Drew Beeson: We’re looking forward to the spring and playing some outside shows. Myles Beeson: Winter is a slower season for music and concerts, but when you get into spring and summer, there are a lot of really fun outside shows. So we’ve just been practicing a whole bunch of stuff. We’ve got a bunch of new songs that we’re doing. » buzz: You guys are playing a couple of shows around CU soon. Tell us more about these. MB: It’s a benefit for Hurricane Katrina relief. ... It’s also the Summer Camp on the Road Tour. Basically, the Summer Camp guys have a tour that goes into a bunch of different cities and college campuses, and they have kind of a battle of the
bands. How it works is, however many fans you have come vote for you. One of the bands from that night gets selected to play at Summer Camp music festival. DB: The Cowboy [Monkey] show is going to be a little bit different. We’ll be headlining that one. There will be a couple of openers. That’ll be more relaxed. We have a longer set, so we can play some new stuff. » buzz: I have to ask: Do you have other brothers besides you four? MB: Yeah. We’ve got one more brother. His name is Nolan. He’s a sophomore in high school. DB: He plays a little bit of bass and drums. So we’re kind of shooting for, once he gets a little older, incorporating the fifth brother, which would be cool. » buzz: How has being in a band consisting of family members affected your music? Have you guys had any arguments on tour? DB: It works out because, since we are a big family, everything is really family-oriented. We’re all influenced by each other a lot. You get a lot of
master of the loop
The Beeson Brothers in Champaign on Feb. 17, 2011. Photo by Sean O’Connor
sway out of that. When we started listening to music, my dad introduced us to old ‘50s and ‘60s stuff, and we all kind of stuck with that. It’s cool because as we’ve all grown, we all got our own taste of music. It’s cool because we all have the same root, but we are different off-shoots.
» buzz: The members of the band have all attended UIUC. How do you balance school and a band? MB: We do have regular practices scheduled, and they can run pretty late, till two in the morning or something. Yeah, it’s not easy, but it’s something we all like doing, so we just keep on going.
Keller Williams prepares to return to The Canopy Club
by Kaitlyn Henaghan
K
eller Williams has been interested in music since he was a mere toddler. He got his first guitar when he was three, but he just pretended he could play until he was about 12. He switched from guitar to a hockey stick eventually because it was easier to hold. He got a piece of twine that acted as both a strap and cable, and this acted more like an electrical guitar. Eventually, Williams had his buddy teach him the basic guitar chords, and he was able to put the chords to music he heard on the radio, developing his style from influences such as Michael Hedges, Victor Wooten and Jerry Garcia. Music was an important part of his household growing up. “My first real instrument is much like most kids’: pots and pans!” Williams said. “I would always just bang around on those and make whatever music I could. The piano was another stop on the daily rounds I would make around my house as a kid.” Williams said he was able to play by ear and pick up songs pretty quickly. He also played trombone when he was in high school, and it’s starting to creep its way back into his musical style. Williams got his first real gig when he was 16, playing small things like talent shows. He started to get bigger crowds around New Year’s in either ’98 or ’99, he said, when he started incorporating the bass into his loops, and people started to dance and take notice of what he was really doing.
The band, String Cheese Incident, is what really gave Williams his big push. “String Cheese Incident kicked me out of the restaurant and bar gigs I was playing and brought me to the national level. They really propelled me forward in terms of where my career went,” Williams said. Although his shows usually have a plethora of instruments incorporated, Williams is trying to have more of a “weekend warrior” mentality and do more with less. In general, he’ll only rock two guitars and a bass. On one of the guitars is a synthesizer pickup, so he’ll play the guitar while making one of hundreds of different sounds. If he’s at a theater with a nice piano, he’ll incorporate that into his set as well. Fans will notice a very interesting feature while he performs on stage: He does it all barefoot. “It started off as a comfort thing, but once live phrase sampling started happening, my toes became very important because I have to hit small buttons with them. It went from comfort to a necessity,” Williams said. Although Williams has a fairly recent album, he will not be playing any of these songs at The Canopy Club concert for one big reason — they’re directed at kids ages 10 and under. He recently recorded this as well as publishing a kids’ book. “The book really started off as a song I wrote. I sent it to a friend, he illustrated it, and the next thing I know, I’m a children’s book author!” Williams said. “As far as the album Kids, I wanted
Used with permission from Keller Williams
to make music for kids that the parents would actually enjoy listening to as well. This album opened up a whole new world I never even knew existed: the power of children’s music and the community that’s out there to support it.” Williams has played at The Canopy Club once
a year for the past 10 years. Come check him out this Thursday, March 3, at The Canopy Club, where he’ll be playing music off of his 16 albums (with the exception of Kids, of course). Tickets will be $20 in advance and $23 at the door. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the show begins at 9:30. buzz
11
March 3 - 9, 2011
the217.com
Vision of green
QUICK PICK ALBUM review ARTIST:
Radio Head
Album:
King of Limbs
Grab the headphones and 37 minutes. Push aside any distractions. King of Limbs requires your complete attention. Radiohead released this latest nugget free of charge on Friday, Feb. 18, on its website, though it only remained up for less than a week. After In Rainbows’ release, where fans could pick up the album at any price they were willing to pay, King of Limbs’ form of release was not shocking but still far from the norm. Short, but not exactly sweet, Radiohead continues with the haunting of vocals of Thom Yorke but lacks the melodic tones of past albums like OK Computer. Drums, rather than guitar, push the songs along. My favorite would be the second track, “Morning Mr. Magpie,” because it will be as close as this album gets to upbeat or melodic. If you’d like to best experience this album, you might care to sit in a dark room with two room-sized surround sound speakers and play it on loop about seven times. That seventh time will be worth the effort put in, but you must be patient with this one to find the treasure. —Ashley Sarver ARTIST:
Iron & Wine
Album:
Kiss Each Other Clean
Iron & Wine will never cease to make something so repetitive so beautiful. Starting with his 2002 album, The Creek Drank the Cradle, Samuel Beam made simple yet complete songs that play with sincere compassion. Nothing ever felt forced, and tracks played with an easy edge. It’s music that just sounds right. His latest, Kiss Each Other Clean, is no different, though it’s certainly continued the journey away from his first very acoustic album. It lacks some of the melodies that made much of his earlier work so memorable, but its new layers and creative additions make up for it. Some songs are admittedly slightly boring; I’m not exactly sure what the first song, “Walking Far From Home” contributes to the album. I wouldn’t call this album anything special, but it certainly has its perks with “Big Burned Hand” and “Your Fake Name is Good Enough For Me,” which include some awesome horn additions. Each album Beam puts out retains his humble quality while still sounding new, and this one is no exception. —Carrie McMenamin ARTIST:
The Rural Alberta Advantage
Album:
buzz
by Ashley Sarver
T
he Giving Tree Band began with a vision and two brothers, Todd and Eric Fink. Their vision for the band was a reflection of their personal lives that they wanted to carry over into their work as artists: to make environmentally-focused life choices. This vision and formation of a band began in 2004, a time when “going green” was not as popular and trendy. Now consisting of seven close friends, the band has made both small and big efforts to stay aligned with its green lifestyle. The members play with instruments made from reclaimed woods, such as naturally fallen trees and recycled wood from decks or old instruments. The album they’re currently touring to promote was recorded using a zero-carbon method, and the album’s cases are made using recycled paper. The Giving Tree Band encourages other musicians to make similar green choices, like buying new instruments from FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) certified companies and making CD sleeves with at
least a certain percentage of recycled materials. This family-like group of talented guys spreads its message of being nice to the greenness around us by just “being happy, as cliché as it sounds.” “Love and joy attract people and makes them want to know what’s behind that,” explained Todd. Witnessing just one of their performances will convince you of their genuineness and downto-earth lifestyles that are sure to inspire you to make more environmentally friendly choices in your life. The seven perform with constant harmonies through voice, violin, banjo, guitar, steel guitar and mandolin, and they keep the beat moving and kickin’ through the upright bass and drums. Their green efforts are as enlightening as their energy-filled performances. If you want to see how this band does all these things practically while catching some killer folk tunes, look out for the show on Saturday, March 26, at The Canopy Club with Margot and the Nuclear So and Sos.
Departing
When The Rural Alberta Advantage re-released its debut album, Hometowns, on Saddle Creek Records in 2009, the Canadian indie-rock trio blew up, but definitely not to the point of super-stardom. The typical listener wants big music, and The Rural Alberta Advantage doesn’t ever promise to deliver that but is perfectly fine without it, especially on its sophomore album, Departing. The band’s lack of bass and minimal instrumentation of guitar, keyboard and drums represents the core attribute of The Rural Alberta Advantage’s unique musical style. Summed up, the album feels homey and relaxing, even at its loudest moments in songs like “Stamp,” where the drummer blasts beats over a jumpy, heartbreaking melody. The band members collaborate perfectly and create the illusion that the listener is actually a part of the music. Departing is a feel-good album ironically about breakups — about regaining that calm composure afterward with the help of folked-up songs like “Coldest Days” that encourage melodramatic swaying. You can get it yourself on March 1. —Adam Barnett
12
The Giving Tree Band on its environmental mission
Photo taken by Tracy Graham. Used with permission from The Giving Tree Band
the217.com March 3 - 9, 2011
I got nothin’ but Bieber fever!
Green Fever Student organizations devote their efforts to a sustainable future by Eli Chen
M
aybe you recycle. Maybe you ride a vintage bike and clip your stylish water canteen to it every day. Or maybe you don’t do any of these things but want to become more involved. If you’re wondering how you can help, here are four organizations who can answer.
ROOTS AND SHOOTS Founded in the 1990s by Dr. Jane Goodall, Roots and Shoots is a global organization that seeks to promote public education on environmental issues by offering volunteering opportunities. The UIUC chapter is currently working with local grade schools such as Westview Elementary to educate children on endangered species and recycling. They also perform clean-ups at the Champaign County Forest Preserve. In addition to volunteering activities, they offer a variety of social and fundraising events. “If we don’t do something to help the earth or the environment, what’s going to happen in 10 or 100 years?” said Margaux Leja, president. “You have to make little steps on an individual level to make a difference in the long run.”
Society for Environmental Studies Although this RSO is less campaign-intensive than other organizations, it seeks to unite people passionate about the same causes. Founded last spring, it was initially meant to bring together students in the School of Earth, Society and Environment, but the club now welcomes all majors. “We want to provide a place to congregate and brainstorm about things we’d like to work on,” said Kim Pekar, president of SES. “We talk about classes we’ve taken, and we’ve even started this corny thing called ‘greenformation’ to share what we’re passionate about.” SES puts on various social events, with the possibility of a trip to Kickapoo and a sustainable scavenger hunt this semester. Additionally, the group is looking to help campus bars implement glass recycling.
Students for Environmental Concerns If you hunger for activism, Students for Environmental Concerns (SEC) is the organization for you. Being the oldest environmental organization on campus, SEC has a long history of accomplishments, from stopping dam construction at Allerton during the ‘60s to raising student fees for sustainable projects. President Amy Allen said the group is working on initiating composting for a garden project in north Champaign and fighting to build a wind turbine on campus this year. SEC offers many opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience with green campaigns.
Red Bison Working with the environment isn’t just about attending meetings — it’s about getting your hands dirty. Focused primarily on ecological restoration, Red Bison meets every Sunday to clean up and remove invasive species in CU fields. Currently, members are working on a project to revive prairies next to the president’s house and along the edge of Savoy. “We really value prairies, and it’s an important part of our natural heritage,” said president Sarah Menning. “Now there’s less than 1 percent of them remaining. It’s really important to preserve biodiversity in these areas and appreciate prairies.” Despite the small size of the organization, Menning enjoys the Red Bison “family” that she has gained from her involvement.
Zach Channic , Devin Lundberg, amd Chris Kunz, members of Red Bison, clear away invasive plants along a strip of prairie in Savoy. Photos by Eric Kwan
buzz
13
MARCH 3 - 9, 2011
the217.com
EMERGING CULTURE
Another classic story is brought to CU viewers
by Tracy Woodley
T
he Art Theater in downtown Champaign is bringing an Italian stage classic to its screen this weekend. On Saturday, March 5, and Sunday, March 6, at noon, the theater will be showing a digital recording of Giuseppe Verdi’s 1853 opera La Traviata as part of the Art Theater’s Performing Art series that features recorded performances of famous operas, ballets and productions of Shakespeare plays.
Art Theater operator Sanford Hess has recently begun the Performing Art series, which features recorded performances of famous operas, ballets and plays. Photo by Jaci Wandell
According to its Emerging Pictures fact sheet and operaincinema.com, La Traviata, or “the Fallen Woman,” is an opera in three acts and tells the story of Violetta Valery, a young Parisian, who meets admirer Alfredo Germont and falls in love. Conflict arises when Alfredo’s father forces Violetta to leave his son because their relationship has created a scandal for the Germont family. Violetta must comply, despite her love of Alfredo, and tells him that she no longer loves him. Alfredo denounces her throughout Paris, and months later Violetta becomes gravely ill with tuberculosis. Alfredo learns of his father’s actions and of Violetta’s profound love and becomes remorseful, as he realizes that it may be too late to ask for her forgiveness. The opera was adapted from the play La Dame aux Camellias, which was based on the novel of the same name written by Alexandre Dumas. The performance in the recording was staged at the Royal Opera House in London on June 26, 2009, and stars several renowned singers, including American soprano Renée Fleming as Violetta and Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja as Alfredo Germont. The role is a demanding one, and requires a wide vocal range as well as endurance — Violetta is onstage for almost the entire performance. Art Theater operator Sanford Hess said he brought the Performing Art series to the theater to offer “more opportunities for fans to come out.” The series also infuses variety into the theater’s schedule, adding to its current program of movies. “It’s been something I’ve wanted to do since I joined the Art Theater in 2010,” said Hess.
The pieces in the Performing Art series are obtained through Emerging Pictures, which is an extensive digital specialty film and alternate content distributor in the United States. Emerging Pictures provides theaters with a wide range of programming that includes recordings of live performances as well as foreign and independent films. Hess chooses the pieces in the series from the catalogue with recommendations from staff at Emerging Pictures, though the pieces are all selected from Emerging Picture’s current releases. To accommodate the presentation of the films in the series, new hardware had to be installed in the Art Theater’s viewing space, said Hess. Emerging Pictures releases its films in digital prints, which require the latest projection technologies. According to Hess, the Art Theater will be showing one opera and ballet per month until June. So far the series has been well received, and Hess said the theater will continue to show these films as long as people come.
2010
$2 Tuesdays all draft beers $2
Resale stoRe
DRAFT BEERS
Bud Light Miller PBR Peroni Fat Tire Rogue Blue Moon 1554 Goose Island IPA Guiness Domaine Dupage Smutty Nose Old Brown Dog Killian’s Red
1201 S. Neil Street Champaign, IL 217.355.8656
14
buzz
DanDelion
Out-of-towners in your spot tomorrow?
Located in the old Jillian’s building Closed Monday Open Lunch: Tues-Fri 11-2pm Open daily: Tues-Sun at 5pm
We can fix that!
1417 W. Kenyan Rd, Urbana, IL • (217) 337-0913
CALENDAR
MARCH 3 - 9, 2011
Complete listing available at
THE217.COM/CALENDAR
SUBMIT YOUR EVENT TO THE CALENDAR: Online: forms available at the217.com/calendar • E-mail: send your notice to calendar@the217.com • Fax: 337-8328, addressed to the217 calendar Snail mail: send printed materials via U.S. Mail to: the217 calendar, Illini Media, 512 E. Green St., Champaign, IL 61820 • Call: 531-1456 if you have a question or to leave a message about your event.
THuRsday 3 live music Jazz in the Courtyard Illini Union, U, 12pm Billy Galt and Jeff Kerr AnSun, C, 7pm The Diva and The Dude Emerald City Lounge, C, 8pm An Evening with Keller Williams Canopy Club, U, 9:30pm, $23 Doors open at 8pm
dj Milk and Cookies at Klub Kam’s Kam’s, C, 8pm DJ BJ Dance Night Po’ Boys, U, 8pm Here Come the Regulars Red Star Liquors, U, 9pm Stitches at The Clark Bar The Clark Bar, C, 10pm DJ Luniks Firehaus, C, 10pm, $5 Open Deck Night Radio Maria, C, 10pm
dance music Swing Dance Illini Union, U, 9pm
karaoke DJ Bange Rosebowl Tavern, Ltd., U, 8:30pm RockStarz Karaoke — Presented by Seize A Moment Productions Senator’s Bar & Grill, Savoy, 9pm Liquid Courage Karaoke Memphis on Main, C, 9pm RockStarz Karaoke — Presented by Seize A Moment Productions Bentley’s Pub, C, 10pm
open mic S.P.E.A.K. Cafe Krannert Art Museum and Kinkead Pavilion, C, 7pm
movies IPRH Film Series: After Hours Krannert Art Museum and Kinkead Pavilion, C, 5:30pm Best Worst Movie The Art Theater, C, 10pm
stage A Midsummer’s Night Dream — It’s Bacchanal
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, U, 7:30pm, $15 For mature audiences only Jupiter’s Comedy Club Jupiter’s II, C, 8pm Open Stage at Red Herring Red Herring Coffeehouse, U, 9pm
Foundations of Tango Phillips Recreation Center, U, 8:30pm, $35
FRIday 4
DJ Bange Karaoke Phoenix, C, 9pm
stage
A Midsummer’s Night Dream — It’s Bacchanal live music Krannert Center for the Lukas Clide Performing Arts, U, Illini Union, U, 12pm 7:30pm, $15 Art and Bluegrass at the For mature audiences only IMC The Fairy Doll lectures Urbana-Champaign Inde- Virginia Theatre, C, 7pm, pendent Media Center, U, $7-$9 Language Processing 6pm, $3 Mark Morris Dance Brown Bag Seminar The Band Of Heathens Group Beckman Institute, U, Highdive, C, 7pm, $15 Krannert Center for the 12:30pm New Riders of the Golden Performing Arts, U, campus activities Maize 7:30pm, $10-$36 Huber’s West End Store, Hummus Competition festivals C, 8pm 2011 Amy Mitchell Trio with El The Illini Juggling and The Hillel Foundation — Guapo Unicycle Club’s Annual The Margie K. and Louis N. Cohen Center for Jewish Boomerang’s Bar and Grill, Festival U, 8pm Armory, C, 6pm Life, C, 6pm Matt Poss museum exhibit kids & families Memphis on Main, C, opening 9pm Baby Time Paleo Exhibit and BranchDouglass Branch Library, C, D-ROKA Cowboy Monkey, C, ing Out Reception 10:30am Indi go artist co-op, C, Thursdays at the Library 10:30pm, $3 7pm Champaign Public Library, dj C, 3pm museum exhibit DJ Tommy Williams ARTfusion Chester Street, C, 9pm, $3 Winter Prairie Skies Douglass Branch Library, DJ Mella D William M. Staerkel PlanC, 4pm Red Star Liquors, U, 9pm etarium, C, 7pm miscellaneous DJ Cal Emmerich Secrets of the Sun Boltini Lounge, C, 10pm William M. Staerkel PlanJapanese Tea Ceremony DJ Delayney etarium, C, 8pm Japan House, U, 2pm, $6 Call 244-9934 to register Highdive, C, 10pm, $5 lectures Tour of Japan House dance music Friday Forum: US PeaceJapan House, U, 4pm Urbana Country Dancbuilding Efforts in Iraq classes & workshops ers Contra Dance and and Afghanistan: Success or Failure and How Do Home Ownership Course Workshop Phillips Recreation Center, We Know Land of Lincoln Legal AsU, 6:30pm, $4-$5 University YMCA, C, 12pm sistance Foundation, C, New dancer orientation at Chat ‘n Chew: Self-De6pm termination vs. Federal Storytelling: Telling Your 7:30pm Brazilian Carnival Regulation Story in Word, Color, Radio Maria, C, 10pm, $7 Native American House, Fiber, Bead and Stitch Doors open at 9pm for U, 12pm Shared Space: An Artist VIP guests Brazil as a Player in Co-op , U, 6pm, $50 South-South Cooperation Tango Quick Start to Promote Sustainable Channing-Murray Founda- concert Ian Hobson Development in Drylands tion, U, 6:15pm, Krannert Center for the of Latin America, Africa $25-$35 Performing Arts, U, and Asia Restorative Circles Beckman Institute, U, Presentation and Practice 7:30pm, $4-$10 3:30pm Group World of Science Talk Champaign Public Library, karaoke RockStarz Karaoke — William M. Staerkel PlanC, 6:30pm Presented by Seize A etarium, C, 7pm, $1 Latin Dance Moment Productions Parkland College, C, recreation Senator’s Bar & Grill, Sa6:30pm, $55 voy, 9pm Open Gym Volleyball Belly Dance 101 Karaoke at Po’ Boys Champaign County Parkland College, C, Po’ Boys, U, 9pm Brookens Administration 7:30pm, $35
Moment Productions Senator’s Bar & Grill, Savoy, 9pm RockStarz Karaoke — kids & families Presented by Seize A Moment Productions Tales for Twos Douglass Branch Library, C, Boomerang’s Bar and Grill, U, 9pm 10:30am Center, U, 5:30pm, $1 Photo ID required for admission
Zoo Improv Champaign Public Library, C, 2pm
fundraisers Taste of the Town 2011 Memorial Stadium, C, 6pm, $50-$100
fundraisers
stage
miscellaneous
The Official Unofficial Summer Camp: On the Road Canopy Club, U, 8pm, $5
CU Comedy Show — Double Headliner Memphis on Main, C, 7pm, $5 A Midsummer’s Night Dream — It’s Bacchanal Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, U, 7:30pm, $15 For mature audiences only The Fairy Doll Virginia Theatre, C, 2pm, $7-$9 Mark Morris Dance Group Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, U, 7:30pm, $10-$36 La Traviata The Art Theater, C, 12pm, $18-$20 PechaKucha Night Canopy Club, U, 8:20pm, $7
World Heritage Student Exchange Program Informational Session Urbana Free Library, U, 2pm
miscellaneous International Coffeehouse Etc. Coffee House, U, 4pm
saTuRday 5 live music WorldFest 2011 Spurlock Museum, U, 12:30pm Live Jazz with Panache Jim Gould Restaurant, C, 7pm Kilborn Alley Blues Band Phoenix, C, 9pm Brushfire Memphis on Main, C, 9pm, $5 Blues Deacons Bentley’s Pub, C, 9pm The Duke Of Uke Cowboy Monkey, C, 10pm, $5
dj DJ Randall Ellison Chester Street, C, 9pm, $3 DJ Belly Red Star Liquors, U, 9pm DJ Space Police Boltini Lounge, C, 10pm DJ Luniks Highdive, C, 10pm, $5
festivals The Illini Juggling and Unicycle Club’s Annual Festival Armory, C, 9am
museum exhibit Secrets of the Sun William M. Staerkel Planetarium, C, 8pm Solar System Safari William M. Staerkel Planetarium, C, 7pm
Ikebana Workshop Japan House, U, 9:30am Call 637-5221 to register
sunday 6 live music Live Jazz with Panache Jim Gould Restaurant, C, 7pm Sonic Explorations for Two Saxophones Krannert Art Museum and Kinkead Pavilion, C, 3pm Live Irish Music with Emerald Rum Blind Pig Co., The, C, 5:30pm Dennis Stroughmatt and L’Esprit Creole Iron Post, U, 7:30pm
miscellaneous World Heritage Student Exchange Program Informational Session Champaign Public Library, C, 2pm
classes & workshops
food & drink
stage
Sunday Brunch with a Diva Emerald City Lounge, C, 10am, $9
La Traviata The Art Theater, C, 12pm, $18-$20 Drag Show Chester Street, C, 10pm, $4
festivals
kids & families
Watercolor Faculty Discussion Parkland Art Gallery, C, 3pm
RockStarz Karaoke — Presented by Seize A
Open Gym Basketball Champaign County Brookens Administration Center, U, 1pm, $1 Photo ID required for admission
Open Mic Night Phoenix, C, 9pm
Reaching Out To Homeless Women First United Methodist Church of Champaign, C Call 356-9078 for more information
karaoke
How the Past Was Green, or Was It? Museum of the Grand Prairie, Mahomet, 2pm
open mic
Salsa Night with DJ Dr. J Radio Maria, C, 10pm
Kids Climbing Adventure Clinic Activities and Recreation Center (ARC), C, 10am, $20-$28 Nano Days Orpheum Children’s Science Museum, C, 1pm
environmental issues
Salsa Dance Lessons: Beginners Capoeira Academy, C, 6pm, $5 Salsa Dance Lessons: Intermediate/Advanced Capoeira Academy, C, 7:30pm, $5
volunteer
Dinosaur Duets with the Urbana Pops Orchestra Indi go artist co-op, C, 6pm Classics III: The Highlands and the Horn Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, U, 7:30pm, $5-$31
Big Dave’s Trivia Night Cowboy Monkey, C, 7pm Trivia Night The Blind Pig Brewery, C, 7pm Bentley’s Bitchin Bingo Bentley’s Pub, C, 7:30pm
classes & workshops kids & families
dance music
concert
game-playing
The Illini Juggling and Unicycle Club’s Annual Festival Armory, C, 9am
art
museum exhibit opening Feature Exhibit Rededication Spurlock Museum, U, 1pm
MOnday 7 live music One Dollar Wild Mondays Canopy Club, U, 10am Jesse Johnson Illini Union, U, 12pm
dj DJ Randall Ellison Chester Street, C, 9:00 pm, $2 ‘80s Night with DJ Mingram Highdive, C, 10pm
karaoke RockStarz Karaoke — Presented by Seize A Moment Productions Mike ‘n Molly’s, C, 10pm
buzz
15
March 3 - 9, 2011
the217.com
stage
miscellaneous
dance music
Monday Night Comedy Illini Union, U, 7pm Abe Froman Project Mike ‘n Molly’s, C, 9pm
Tarot Reader Boltini Lounge, C, 7pm
8th Grade Dance Joe’s Brewery, C, 11pm
classes & workshops karaoke
Spurlock Museum, U, 7pm Leadership Speaker Series: Chris Gardner Illini Union, U, 7pm
Goodnight Storyshop Champaign Public Library, C, 6:30pm
campus activities
Rainbow Coffeehouse Etc. Coffee House, U, 6pm
lgbt
Nutrition Cafe Activities and Recreation Center (ARC), C, 4pm Tea Ceremony Study Group Japan House, U, 6pm, $7 Top Rope Belay Endorsement Clinic Activities and Recreation Center (ARC), C, 9pm, $30-$40
RockStarz Karaoke — Presented by Seize A Moment Productions Bentley’s Pub, C, 10pm RockStarz Karaoke — Presented by Seize A Moment Productions The Corner Tavern, Monticello, 8pm Dragon Karaoke The Clark Bar, C, 9pm
Tuesday 8
open mic
game-playing
live music
Open Mic Tuesdays Cowboy Monkey, C, 10pm
T-N-T Tuesday Night Trivia with Cara and Tanino Boltini Lounge, C, 7pm Trivia Tuesdays Memphis on Main, C, 7pm
Duplicate Bridge Game Ginger Creek Shops, C, 7pm Bingo Night Memphis on Main, C, 8pm
Alec Stern Illini Union, U, 12pm Andy Moreillon Fat City Bar & Grill, C, 7pm Craig Gaskin and Friends Senator’s Bar & Grill, Savoy, 7:30pm Dueling Guitars Jupiter’s II, C, 8pm The Piano Man Canopy Club, U, 9pm Tuesday Night Troubadours Rosebowl Tavern, Ltd., U, 9pm
art
literary
A Call to Arts: Open Critiques Art Coop, U, 7pm
Table Talk Book Club Douglass Branch Library, C, live music 6:30pm Kirby Kaiser Illini Union, U, 12pm kids & families Happy Hour Jazz Tuesday Twos Emerald City Lounge, C, Champaign Public Library, 6pm C, 9:45am, 10:15am, Live Irish Music 10:45am Bentley’s Pub, C, 7pm Walk-in Storytime and Caleb Cook Creative Play Rosebowl Tavern, Ltd., U, Class Act, C, 2pm, $2 9pm
lectures If These Walls Could Talk: Stories from the U of I Observatory Loomis Lab, U, 8pm
campus activities Nutrition Walk In La Casa Cultural Latina, U, 5pm
kids & families O Baby! Champaign Public Library, C, 9:45am Rookie Cooks Douglass Branch Library, C, 4pm
lectures Know Your University: The Sustainable Student Farm: Learn, Grow Food and Eat It University YMCA, C, 12pm Nazi-Looted Art and U.S. Museums
Revive, Restore, Relax: Weston Wellness Weston Residence Hall, C, 3pm Stress Less Party Illini Union, U, 5pm
game-playing
community Locals’ Night Po’ Boys, U, 4pm
illini media Frat Feud The Red Lion, C, 10pm
classes & workshops
dj DJ Tommy Williams Chester Street, C, 9pm, $2 Country Night Highdive, C, 8pm DJ Randall Ellison Boltini Lounge, C, 9pm Old School Night Red Star Liquors, U, 9pm Wompdown Wednesdays: Chalice Mug Night! Canopy Club, U, 9pm, $1 I Love The ‘90s with DJ Mingram Soma Ultralounge, C, 10pm
Real Computing Help Douglass Branch Library, C, 6pm
dance music
Wednesday 9
karaoke
Salsa and Tango Dancing Cowboy Monkey, C, 8pm
RockStarz Karaoke — Presented by Seize A Moment Productions Senator’s Bar & Grill, Savoy, 9pm RockStarz Karaoke — Presented by Seize A Moment Productions Route 45 Wayside, Pesotum, 8pm SuperStar Karaoke AnSun, C, 9pm
RockStarz Karaoke — Presented by Seize A Moment Productions Fat City Bar & Grill, C, 10pm RockStarz Karaoke — Presented by Seize A Moment Productions Geovanti’s, C, 10pm
Euchre Po’ Boys, U, 7pm Bingo Mike ‘n Molly’s, C, 9:30pm
kids & families
Around the World Wednesdays Spurlock Museum, U, open mic 9:30am Open Mic Comedy Night Let’s Get Ready for KinMemphis on Main, C, 9pm dergarten! Champaign Public Library, lectures C, 9:45am Lifelong Learners: A Con- Storyshop at the Branch versation with Parkland’s Douglass Branch Library, C, President 10:30am Champaign Public Library, seniors C, 10am Balgopal Lecture on Senior Free Wii Days Human Rights and Asian Phillips Recreation Center, Americans U, 9am Levis Faculty Center/Visiclasses & workshops tor’s Center, U, 7pm Improv Workout game-playing Class Act, C, 6:30pm, Board Silly $10 Douglass Branch Library, Growing Your Own Food: C, 4pm Gardening Tips From a CU64 Chess Club Farmer McKinley Presbyterian Common Ground Food CoChurch and Foundation, op, U, 6:30pm C, 7pm Pre-registration is required
ROCK, COUNTRY, FOLK, JAZZ, BLUES, FUNK—the castle has IT ALL! WHERE MUSIC IS KING
209 E. WASHingTOn ST in BLOOMingTOn, iL 309 820-0352
3/3
THE217.COM
Get out. Sound off. Champaign-Urbana.
THE DiRTY DOZEn BRASS BAnD
WiTH JOn CLEARY: PiAnO, BASS & DRUMS
3/4
FOUR BiTCHin’ BABES A MUSiCAL COMEDY SHOW
3/5 3/11 3/12 3/15 3/17 3/18 3/19 3/23
DAnnY & THE DEViLS ARTIST SOnS OF THE nEVER WROng AT OUR JACKiE gREEnE WEBSITE THE TOSSERS EMERSOn BACKYARD TiRE FiRE FinD US, LiKE US! WE’LL LiKE YOU BACK MURDER BY DEATH THE ATTiCUS METAL TOUR iii FEATURing BORn OF OSiRiS,
CELEBRATing THE BEST OF BABES, BOYS, AnD BOTOX
WATCH
ViDEOS
DARKEST HOUR, AS BLOOD RUnS BLACK, THE HUMAn ABSTRACT & MORE
FOR A COMPLETE SCHEDULE, TICKETS & VENUE INFO, VISIT
WWW.THECASTLETHEATRE.COM 16
buzz
Let me Fin-ish!*
the217.com March 3 - 9, 2011
*Dolphin humour
FREE WILL ASTROLOGY
MARCH 3 – 9
jone sin’
ARIES
Sept. 23-Oct. 22
“That Certain Chemistry”—watch where you drink
March 21-April 19
“The most fundamental form of human stupidity is forgetting what we were trying to do in the first place,” said Friedrich Nietzsche. So for instance, if you’re the United States government and you invade and occupy Afghanistan in order to wipe out al-Qaeda, it’s not too bright to continue fighting and dying and spending obscene amounts of money long after the al-Qaeda presence there has been eliminated. (There are now fewer than 100 al-Qaeda fighters in that country: tinyurl.com/forgetwhy.) What’s the equivalent in your personal life, Aries? What noble aspiration propelled you down a winding path that led to entanglements having nothing to do with your original aspiration? It’s time to correct the mistake.
TAURUS
April 20-May 20
GEMINI
May 21-June 20
The Carnival season gets into full swing this weekend and lasts through Mardi Gras next Tuesday night. Wherever you are, Taurus, I suggest you use this as an excuse to achieve new levels of mastery in the art of partying. To get you in the right mood, read these thoughts from literary critic Mikhail Bakhtin. He said a celebration like this is a “temporary liberation from the prevailing truth and from the established order,” and encourages “the suspension of all hierarchical rank, privileges, norms, and prohibitions.”
When Bob Dylan first heard the Beatles’ *Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,* he only made it through the first few tunes. “Turn that s--- off!” he said. “It’s too good!” He was afraid his own creative process might get intimidated, maybe even blocked, if he allowed himself to listen to the entire masterpiece. I suspect the exact opposite will be true for you in the coming weeks, Gemini. As you expose yourself to excellence in your chosen field, you’ll feel a growing motivation to express excellence yourself. The inspiration that will be unleashed in you by your competitors will trump any of the potentially deflating effects of your professional jealousy.
CANCER
June 21-July 22
Jungian storyteller Clarissa Pinkola Estes says one of her main influences is the Curanderisma healing tradition from Mexico and Central America. “In this tradition a story is ‘holy,’ and it is used as medicine,” she told *Radiance* magazine. “The story is not told to lift you up, to make you feel better, or to entertain you, although all those things can be true. The story is meant to take the spirit into a descent to find something that is lost or missing and to bring it back to consciousness again.” You need stories like this, Cancerian, and you need them now. It’s high time to recover parts of your soul that you have neglected or misplaced or been separated from.
LEO
July 23-Aug. 22
You’ve been pretty smart lately, but I think you could get even smarter. You have spied secrets in the dark, and teased out answers from unlikely sources, and untangled knots that no one else has had the patience to mess with -- and yet I suspect there are even greater glories possible for you. For inspiration, Leo, memorize this haiku-like poem by Geraldine C. Little: “The white spider / whiter still / in the lightning’s flash.”
VIRGO
Aug. 23-Sept. 22
I wouldn’t try to stop you, Virgo, if you wanted to go around singing the Stone Roses’ song “I Wanna Be Adored.” I wouldn’t be embarrassed for you if you turned your head up to the night sky and serenaded the stars with a chant of “I wanna be adored, I deserve to be adored, I demand to be adored.” And I might even be willing to predict that your wish will be fulfilled -- on one condition, which is that you also express your artful adoration for some worthy creature.
LIBRA
by Matt Jones
“The difference between the right word and the almost right word,” said Mark Twain, “is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug.” Because the difference between the right word and the almost right word will be so crucial for you in the coming days, Libra, I urge you to maintain extra vigilance towards the sounds that come out of your mouth. But don’t be tense and repressed about it. Loose, graceful vigilance will actually work better. By the way, the distinction between right and almost right will be equally important in other areas of your life as well. Be adroitly discerning.
SCORPIO
Oct. 23-Nov. 21
SAGITTARIUS
Nov. 22-Dec. 21
CAPRICORN
Dec. 22-Jan. 19
“Dear Rob: In your horoscopes you often write about how we Scorpios will encounter interesting opportunities, invitations to be powerful, and creative breakthroughs. But you rarely discuss the deceptions, selfish deeds, and ugliness of the human heart that might be coming our way -- especially in regards to what we are capable of ourselves. My main concern is not in dealing with what’s going right, but rather on persevering through difficulty. - Scorpio in the Shadows.” Dear Scorpio: You have more than enough influences in your life that encourage you to be fascinated with darkness. I may be the only one that’s committed to helping you cultivate the more undeveloped side of your soul: the part that thrives on beauty and goodness and joy.
Acupuncturists identify an energetic point in the ear called the spirit gate. If it’s stuck closed, the spirit is locked in; if it’s stuck open, the spirit is always coming and going, restless and unsettled. What’s ideal, of course, is that the spirit gate is not stuck in any position. Then the spirit can come and go as it needs to, and also have the option of retreating and protecting itself. I’d like you to imagine that right now a skilled acupuncturist is inserting a needle in the top of your left ear, where it will remain for about 20 minutes. In the meantime, visualize your spirit gate being in that state of harmonious health I described.
In his parody music video, “Sickest Buddhist,” comedian Arj Barker invokes a hip hop sensibility as he brags about his spiritual prowess. Noting how skilled he is when it comes to mastering his teacher’s instructions, he says, “The instructor just told us to do a 45-minute meditation / but I nailed it in 10.” I expect you will have a similar facility in the coming week, Capricorn: Tasks that might be challenging for others may seem like child’s play to you. I bet you’ll be able to sort quickly through complications that might normally take days to untangle. (See the NSFW video here: tinyurl.com/illBuddhist.)
AQUARIUS
Jan. 20-Feb. 18
The sixth astronaut to walk on the moon was engineer Edgar Mitchell. He asserts that extraterrestrials have visited Earth and that governments are covering up that fact. The second astronaut to do a moonwalk was engineer Buzz Aldrin. He says that there is unquestionably an artificial structure built on Phobos, a moon of Mars. Some scientists dispute the claims of these experts, insisting that aliens are myths. Who should we believe? Aquarius, I recommend that like me, you opt for the smart mavericks instead of the smart purveyors of conventional wisdom.
PISCES
Feb. 19-March 20
If I were you, Pisces, I’d make *interesting fun* your meme of the week. According to my reading of the astrological omens, you will be fully justified in making that your modus operandi and your raison d’etre. For best results, you should put a priority on pursuing experiences that both amuse you and captivate your imagination. As you consider whether to accept any invitation or seize any opportunity, make sure it will teach you something you don’t already know and also transport you into a positive emotional state that gets your endorphins flowing.
Stumped? Find the solutions in the Classifieds pages.
Across
1 Some gas stations 4 Melodic offshoot of punk rock 7 Pirate, slangily 13 MTV’s VMA statuette 15 Do something as a favor 16 It was big for everyone to have one in the 1990s 17 Sewing machine foot pedal 18 ___ Esurance (cartoon spy in TV ads) 19 Actress Nicollette 20 Training subject for a 60-down 22 They’re paired up in science classes 24 Honduras home 26 It may be hard to follow 27 King, in Cancun 28 Tropical 1980s Robin Williams comedy 34 Ron behind the Pocket Fisherman 35 Triply 39 Kansas State’s all-time winningest women’s basketball coach 43 “Children ___ Lesser God” 46 Ear-related prefix 47 Missile storage building 48 Oregon senator who resigned in 1995 over sexual harassment charges 54 Viking achievements, for short
55 Behind closed doors 56 “I Love You (___ Least I Like You)” 58 Bombshell 59 What this grid is decidedly not (but baby-safe plastics are) 62 Picks apart a sentence 63 Where mad villains get locked away 64 Like the kid who rarely gets hand-me-downs 65 Prefix before -topian 66 “And many more”
Down
1 Rolls-Royce’s parent company 2 Eerie Edgar 3 Recovers from a night on the town 4 Forwarded item 5 ___ Carta 6 Capital ___ (credit card company) 7 More in need of massage 8 Roger who left “At the Movies” 9 Actor Delon 10 Knight ___ (media company purchased by McClatchy in 2006) 11 Staring with an evil bearing 12 Minute 14 “Weekend Edition” network 17 “___ be awesome!” 19 Gp. with shelters
20 Letters on Soviet rockets 21 ___ Alto, CA 23 Place to belly up to 25 Troy’s buddy, on “Community” 29 Diner staple 30 Neighbor of Greece: abbr. 31 “Addams Family” cousin 32 “Thar ___ blows!” 33 Makes a mistake 36 Question about a rumor 37 Chilly 38 “The Dukes of Hazzard” spinoff 40 Hands on the table 41 1.008, for hydrogen: abbr. 42 As well 43 San Luis ___, California 44 Franco-Italian cheese 45 Cockamamie 49 “Honi soit qui mal y ___” 50 Spotty breakouts 51 Family symbol 52 “___ daisy!” 53 Carts for hauling 57 Org. whose first champs were the Houston Oilers 59 Awesome, at one time 60 See 20-across 61 PC key
buzz
17
Classifieds Place an Ad: 217 - 337 - 8337 Deadline: 2 p.m. Tuesday for the next Thursday’s edition. Inde x Employment 000 Services 100 Merchandise 200 Transportation 300 Apartments 400 Other Housing/Rent 500 Real Estate for Sale 600 Things To Do 700 Announcements 800 Personals 900
• PLEASE CHECK YOUR AD! Report errors immediately by calling 337-8337. We cannot be responsible for more than one day’s incorrect insertion if you do not notify us of the error by 2 pm on the day of the first insertion. • All advertising is subject to the approval of the publisher. The Daily Illini shall have the right to revise, reject or cancel, in whole or in part, any advertisement, at any time. • All employment advertising in this newspaper is subject to the City of Champaign Human Rights Ordinance and similar state and local laws, making it illegal for any person to cause to be published any advertisement which expresses limitation, specification or discrimination as to race, color, mental handicap, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, political affiliation, prior arrest or conviction record, source of income, or the fact that such person is a student. • Specification in employment classifications are made only where such factors are bonafide occupational qualifications necessary for employment. • All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, and similar state and local laws which make it illegal for any person to cause to be published any advertisement relating to the transfer, sale, rental, or lease of any housing which expresses limitation, specifications or discrimination as to race, color, creed, class, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental handicap, personal appearance, sexual oientation, family responsibilities, political affiliation, or the fact that such person is a student. • This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. Our readers are informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal oppportunity basis.
Deadline:
2 p.m. Monday for the next Thursday’s edition.
Rates:
Billed rate: 43¢/word Paid-in-Advance: 37¢/word
Photo Sellers
30 words or less + photo: $5 per issue
Garage Sales
30 words in both Thursday’s buzz and Friday’s Daily Illini!! $10. If it rains, your next date is free.
Action Ads
• 20 words, run any 5 days (in buzz or The Daily Illini), $20 • 10 words, run any 5 days (in buzz or The Daily Illini), $10 • add a photo to an action ad, $10
18
buzz
march 3 - 9, 2011
050 APARTMENTS
BUSINESS OPPS
studentpayouts.com
Paid Survey Takers needed in Urbana. 100% FREE to join. Click on Surveys.
APARTMENTS
Furnished/Unfurnished
410
2 Bedroom Available Fall 2011 From $785. 217-367-6626.
Furnished
1006 S. 3rd, Champaign
HUGE Fall 2011 1 and 2 bedrooms. Location, location. 3 level apartments. Hardwood floors, covered parking, laundry, furnished, patios. Value pricing. Office at 309 S. First, C. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP universitygroupapartments.com 352-3182
BEST OFFER CAMPUS
506 E. Stoughton, Champaign
1 Bedroom Loft 2 Bedroom 3 Bedroom 4 Bedroom Campus. 367-6626 Available August 2010
APARTMENTS
420
Furnished
602 E. Stoughton, C
Fall 2011. Unique 1 & 2 bedroom apartments. All furnished, laundry, internet. 2 Bedrooms starting at $387/person. Parking available. Must see! THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 352-3182
For Fall 2011. Extra large efficiency apartments. Security building entry, complete furniture, laundry, off-street parking, value pricing. Office at 309 S. First, Champaign THE UNIVERSITY GROUP universitygroupapartments.com 352-3182
307, 310 E. White, C 307, 309 Clark, C
Fall 2011. Large studio, double closet, well furnished. Starting from $360/mo. Behind County Market. Office at 309 S. First, C. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP universitygroupapartments.com 352-3182
NEW KITCHENS 307 - 309 - Healy Court 2+3 Bedrooms Starting at $343 per person
theuniversity 309 S. First, C.
420 APARTMENTS
group
2 full baths universitygroupapartments.com 217-352-3182
420 APARTMENTS
Furnished
John Street Apartments
58 E. John, C. Fall 2011. Studio, two and three bedrooms, fully furnished. Dishwasher, center courtyard, onsite laundry, leather furniture, flat screens, parking. Starting at $298/ person. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP universitygroupapartments.com 352-3182
604 E. White, Champaign
Old Town Champaign
510 S. Elm, C. Available Fall 2011. 2 BR close to campus, hardwood floors, laundry on-site, W/D, central air/heat, off-street parking, 24 hr. maintenance. Value pricing. Office at 309 S. First, C. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP universitygroupapartments.com 352-3182
Fall 2011 studio and 4 bedroom penthouse with leather, flat screen, hardwood. Secured building. Private parking, laundry on-site. Value pricing. Office at 309 S. First, C. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP universitygroupapartments.com 352-3182
2nd & Chalmers. Leather furniture. Flat screen TV. Remodeled kitchens. 2 full baths. Walk-in closets. 1 and 4 bedrooms. $360/person. Office at 309 S. First, C. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP universitygroupapartments.com 352-3182
NEWLY REMODLED 503 - 505 - 508 White 2 Bedroom with den $790 3 Bedroom $830-950
Furnished
104 E. Armory, C.
509 Bash Court, C.
Fall 2011 Great 3 bedroom, near 6th and Green. Fully furnished, dishwashers, laundry. Off-street parking. Starting at $330/person. Office at 309 S. First, C. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP universitygroupapartments.com 352-3182
203 Healey, Champaign
Corner of Fourth and University Gorgeous 2 Bedroom Apartments. Now Leasing for Fall 2011. Brand new, energy efficient, fully furnished, new appliances. Only $499/person! www.nearnorthcu.com
Fall 2011. Great location on the park. Private balconies. Fully furnished 3 bedrooms. Leather furniture. Flat screen TV. Hardwood floors. Parking, laundry, value pricing. $300/person. Office at 309 S. First, C. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP universitygroupapartments.com 352-3182
203 S. Sixth, C.
For Fall 2011. Large 4 bedrooms, 2 bath. Balconies, laundry, covered parking. Starting at $300/person. Office at 309 S. First, C. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP universitygroupapartments.com 352-3182
Available June
Studios, 1, 2, 3, 4 BR Starting at $365 THE UNIVERSITY GROUP universitygroupapartments.com 352-3182
509 Stoughton, C
Fall 2011 Near Grainger, spacious studios and 2 bedrooms, laundry, value pricing, parking. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP universitygroupapartments.com 352-3182
307, 310 E. White, C 307, 309 Clark, C
Contact Andy at 217-369-2621
New Kitchens Hardwood Floors, Leather Furniture Flat-Screen TVS
group
Fall 2011. Large studio, double closet, well furnished. Starting from $360/mo. Behind County Market. Office at 309 S. First, C. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP universitygroupapartments.com 352-3182
universitygroupapartments.com 217-352-3182
CAPSTONE QUARTERS CONDOMINIUMS
$750 2 bed 2-bath (per bedroom)
420
Free Heat Fall 2011. Location!! 4 bedroom, 2 bath. Some skylights and flat screen TVs. Covered Parking. Laundry. $375/person, includes heat and A/C. Office at 309 S. First, C. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP universitygroupapartments.com 352-3182
Fall 2011 5th and Green location Outdoor activity area. 1 and 2 bedrooms available. Garage offstreet parking, laundry, and value pricing. Office at 309 S. First, C. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP universitygroupapartments.com 352-3182
111 E. Chalmers, Champaign
1005 S. Second, Champaign
420 APARTMENTS
Furnished
605 S. Fifth, C.
Security Entrance For Fall 2011, Large studio, 1, 2 bedroom, Loft Apartment. Furnished, balconies, patios, laundry, off-street parking, value pricing. Office at 309 S. First, C. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP universitygroupapartments.com 352-3182
theuniversity
420 APARTMENTS
Furnished
the217.com
Apartment Living Redefined Now Leasing
866.613.6004
for August
2011
$99 Security Deposit
Convenient
-Only 1.5 miles to Union -One block from bike path to campus -On-Site Management -22 Illini Bus route every 1/2 hour -Utility Package Available -Individual Leases
CALL US TODAY
217.FOR.RENT
CapstoneQuarters.com greenstrealty.com
Equipped -Private bedrooms each with own bath -Free cable & high speed internet -9 Foot ceilings with crown molding -Full size washer and dryer -Clubhouse with 24 hour fitness center -31 seat theatre, free for residents -24 hour computer lab -Group study room & game room -Resort style pool -Fully furnished or unfurnished Professionally managed by
1091 N. Lincoln Ave. Urbana, IL 61801
the217.com march 3 - 9, 2011
Go green: Recycle your PBR.
DOIN’ IT WELL
by Jo SangEr and Ross Wantland
Getting over the long-distance hump Dear “Doin’ It Well,” I’m in a long-distance relationship with my girlfriend, who is studying abroad this semester, which is even more long distance. And sexually, it’s great when we’re together. But when we’re apart, she does not feel comfortable taking her clothes off for video or photos, but I feel like that’s a very important part of a sex life for me, as a long-distance substitute to the real thing, so this is very frustrating for me (and for her) ... I was wondering if you’ve ever seen a situation like this, and if you have any advice or thoughts. —Giuseppe Dear Giuseppe, Thanks for this great question. Negotiating desires and boundaries in a relationship is hard enough, but when we can’t work things out in person, that can be difficult. In some ways, there are two questions here: a) how can we be intimate in a long-distance relationship? and b) what if our partner isn’t into something that turns us on (or visa versa)? Not surprising to our fans, we think that the answer lies somewhere in communication! Going the Distance
When you are in a long-distance, sexual relationship, couples can find the paths to sexual intimacy difficult. For starters, the lack of physical proximity can make it difficult to feel connected.
APARTMENTS Furnished
420 APARTMENTS Furnished
705 W. Stoughton, U
Fall 2011 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. Spacious living area. Communal balcony & great backyard. Plus a bar area in kitchen, dishwasher, washer/dryer in each unit, value pricing. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP universitygroupapartments.com 352-3182
H
H H
HUGE!
H H
309 N. Busey – August 2011
2 BR Fully furnished, W/D, ethernet & parking. Close to Beckman. $625/mo. Call Chris anytime. 352-3182 or 841-1996
H
H
As we’ve discussed, connection is not only a desired outcome of sexual intimacy for some folks, but it’s also a precursor to sexual intimacy. This makes for a double whammy in long-distance relationships: You may feel disconnected and not be able to connect sexually to help re-build that connection. In his book The Five Love Languages, Dr. Gary Chapman identifies five ways people might express love to another person (or ways they would like to be loved): affirming words, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service and physical touch. Because some rituals of expressing affection might be tied to things we do in person, we have to get creative. Long-distance relationships often require both parties being committed to finding new ways to communicate when face-to-face isn’t an option. Can’t Always Get What You Want
In your question, your partner is uncomfortable being sexual long-distance in some particular ways. She might just be nervous about the possibility she could be caught or exposed, or she might be uncomfortable in that position in general, whether or not someone else could view it besides you. Whatever the reason, it’s important to value both of your feelings and attitudes towards this and also have a conver-
420 APARTMENTS
GREAT VALUE
306-308-309 White, C Fall 2011. Furnished studios, 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms. Balconies, patios, laundry, dishwashers, off-street parking. Behind County Market. Starting at $265/person. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP universitygroupapartments.com 352-3182
509 E. White, C.
Fall 2011. Large Studio and 1 bedrooms. Security entry, balconies, patios, furnished. Laundry, off-street parking, value pricing. Office at 309 S. First, Champaign THE UNIVERSITY GROUP universitygroupapartments.com 352-3182
Furnished
207/211 John C.
411 HEALEY, Champaign
sation about how you can be sexual in ways that you both enjoy. Sexual relationships are often negotiations to find the best ways to meet everyone’s needs. This doesn’t mean that we get what we want every time, though. Sometimes in relationship negotiations, it may be better to understand the basic need that each person is trying to express. For instance, when you want your partner to be visually sexual, you might have a simple need (i.e., to feel loved, desired, connected) that you’re expressing. Your girlfriend, on the other hand, probably has a simple need she’s expressing (i.e., to feel valued, secure, loved). So the actual need might be similar, although you could have different avenues to meet that need. Get What You Need
Try talking with her about what she doesn’t like about that. Bring it up outside of a time that you might be looking to have sex, which will take the pressure off both of you. Share what being sexual through pictures or videos would means to both of you, and be patient listening to each other. Together, you can figure out if there are other ways to meet those needs. Not everyone is game being sexual in the same ways, thus the negotiation process. In most dialogues like this, no one finishes where they started. But in the conversation, there could be middle
420 HOUSES FOR RENT
2 Bedrooms. Great Location, on-site laundry, parking. Value pricing. Office at 309 S. First C. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP universitygroupapartments.com 352-3182
Best Location - Fall 2011 Spacious 4 bedroom apts. Fully furnished, dishwasher, laundry, leather furniture, flat-screen TV and value pricing. Covered parking. $360/person. Phone 352-3182. Office at 309 S. First, C. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP universitygroupapartments.com
Or, Naughty Skype Blues
510 ROOMS
FALL 2011 Campus Houses 712 W. California 10, 11 Bedrooms $310/person 367-6626
Fall 2011 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath, $330/bedroom. Campus Houses. Washer/dryer. 217-367-6626.
House For Rent $450/mo. Contact Evan (217) 722-3007
ground that would be satisfying and stimulating for both of you. But maybe not! That’s really something that you and she would need to decide. Let’s Get Physical ... Virtually
What does it take to be sexual over phone, text, or Skype? It depends on you and your partner. For some people, long-distance may require making “sex dates” to set the mood, get the apartment free, etc. For others, it might just happen easily during an IM chat or phone talk. If you’re comfortable, you could share sexy pictures with each other. Or you could masturbate with the camera focused on each other’s faces — as opposed to genitals — to make some connection to the pleasure being experienced without the same risk of naked pictures. Find a time during a casual conversation to discuss what you might want, or raise the issue and let your partner think about what they want. As you work together, be creative and think about what you’re really wanting from each other. Thanks to our readers at Emerald City who enjoyed our recent anal health column! Stay tuned until next week as we dress up our column and discuss role playing. What do Ross and Jo need? You! Send us your questions and comments at buzzdoinitwell@yahoo.com.
530
CAMPUS ROOMS- $295/ Month
All Utilities. Internet 217-367-6626
NOW AVAILABLE for your iPhone and iPod Touch
Download it in the App Store today.
Check these ads online at classifieds.the217.com
buzz
19
March 3 - 9, 2011
the217.com
AND ANOTHER THING ...
by MICHAEL COULTER
the benefits of boxes ... and other indicators the economy is improving Apparently, our economy is starting to make a recovery. I totally think I noticed that. I mean, it’s to the point that I don’t even leave the house because I’m sick of wading through all those silver dollars filling the streets, and I’m tired of dodging all those poor people joyriding in their Rolls-Royces. OK, maybe it’s not that good yet. In fact, I’m sure there are people out there who may even think it’s getting worse. There’s always some jobless, hungry buzz kill waiting to ruin everyone else’s good time. Regardless, there are supposedly some good signs for our economic recovery, but let me just say, you’ve really got to be looking for them. The first optimistic sign is that the sale of men’s underwear is slowly going back to previous levels. The thinking, if there actually is any, is that men don’t buy new boxers and briefs unless they have plenty of free spending money. From my experience, guys don’t buy new underwear unless the old underwear no longer has an ass in it, and even then they have to be down to the absolute last pair. Hell, I’m inclined to believe 80 percent of a pair of underwear just naturally biodegrades before it can be removed.
was worth a shot.” The only other option is that, as a nation, we’ve decided to use the World Wide Web exclusively for pornography. We’re also drinking our fancy coffees again. Starbucks revenues increased 9.5 percent this past year after falling 6 percent the previous year. That probably actually is a good sign. When we start once again paying $4 for something that costs about a dollar, you would have to assume we’re rolling in money. I shouldn’t make fun of those coffee folks much, though, as I am now a smoothie junkie. The only side effect of my addiction to the Green Tea Tango is that I’m far more self-righteous about other people’s stupid expensive drink choices. Boxes are also making a rebound. I don’t understand this much, but since everything we consume is in a box at one time or another, when we sell more boxes it means we are buying more things. It’s mostly for durable goods like appliances and furniture in this case. Sure, it makes more sense to me just to look at the sales of durable goods instead of the sale of boxes, but what the hell does Mr. Logic know. We’re back to playing golf again, and that’s supposedly always a good sign of secure finances. People are still playing less golf than they were before everything went to hell, but it is steadily increasing. True, I When the economy is doing poorly, didn’t play at all last year. My everyone tends to go out less. When we do absence from the golfing world be blamed on poor go out, we don’t splurge on desserts. The cannot economy, though. I attribute it National Restaurant Association says we to the fact that I’ve since found many other ways to put myself are now back on the sweet train because in an absolutely terrible mood instead of hitting the links. If I sales of desserts are up, as is restaurant get the urge to play golf now, I dining in general. I have to say, I’ve have just chew on some foil instead. never skipped dessert since the economy It ends up being much cheaper and it sucks just as much. has been in the crapper. City dwellers are also walking less and taking more Another sign is our dessert consumption. When cabs. Wow, not surprising at all. We are apparthe economy is doing poorly, everyone tends to ently committed to being in good shape only if go out less. When we do go out, we don’t splurge we are dirt-ass poor. Car sales are up, too, once on desserts. The National Restaurant Association again proving my previous theory. Walking is says we are now back on the sweet train because for the cash-strapped and people who don’t sales of desserts are up, as is restaurant dining know how to ride a bus, and we’d really like to in general. I have to say, I’ve have never skipped keep it that way. dessert since the economy has been in the crapHey, I’m all for good news of any kind and some per. Of course, in all fairness, the only thing I will of it probably makes sense in a weird way. Still, I acknowledge as dessert are cocktails, and those get the impression it’s not quite time for the whole are always in fashion. There’s nothing like a vodka, country to give each other a high five. Sure, unwhiskey and absinthe sundae to get the digestive derwear, coffee, boxes and golfers may be good signs, or it could just be that we’ve decided to go system working after a fine meal. We’re even looking up better things on the Inter- down quickly in a blaze of glory instead of slowly net. Searches like “unemployment benefits” and in a spark of frugality. Sure, it doesn’t make sense “social security” have been trending down since to spend money we all don’t really have anymore, July. I don’t know about that one. It could just be but it certainly wouldn’t be the first time it hapthat more people have given up even trying. “Oh, pens. Actually, it may have been what started all that’s still the definition of unemployed? Well, it of this to begin with. 20
buzz