360 January 3 2012

Celebrating one of nature’s most majestic creatures PAGE 3

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday January 3, 2013

Entertainment

Music

Roger Ebert

The great impact when pop culture and social networks clash

One writer’s countdown of the top 25 songs of the past year

“Zero Dark Thirty” the tale of a loner CIA strategist who knows she’s right

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E2 - Thursday, January 3, 2013

NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK This is the lightest week of the year when it comes to new DVD releases.

“Looper”: Time travel is like meth to many writers. The plot gimmick has a powerful addictive draw despite, more often than not, it resulting in a slow, painful death.

Rian Johnson gave into the attraction and uses time travel in “Looper.”

The story is about a future where murders are so hard to commit that victims are sent 30 years into the past where hit men kill them and dispose of the bodies. It’s a profitable life for Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) until he has to kill his future self.

Johnson’s script doesn’t dwell on the time-travel elements. Instead, it focuses on the relationships that emerge between these close encounters of the clock kind. The most interesting is Joe’s connection to Sara (Emily Blunt), a single mother living on a remote farm with her special son.

Joe’s presence in their lives shifts both her timeline and his own.

The only problem with the film is the side effects of a time-travel story — even when handled with such thought and sincerity. If you allow yourself to ponder certain elements — like why Johnson creates parallel time lines with no explanation — then the film collapses on itself.

It’s best to step back and look at the story’s central questions: What are the elements that shape our lives and what influence do others have on us? That’s where the film is its strongest and why you should make time to see it.

“Doctor Zhivago”: Keira Knightley stars in this adaptation of Boris Pasternak’s novel that aired on “Masterpiece Theatre” in 2003.

“Cosmopolis”: Robert Pattinson stars in the David Cronenberg film based on the Don Delillo novel.

“War of the Dead”: Americans on a World War II mission must face the same soldiers they killed before.

Andrew Tierman stars.

“The Thompsons”: Cursed vampires are looking for another clan who can help them survive.

“Little Birds”: The friendship of two young women is tested when they leave home. Juno Temple and Kay Panabaker star.

“Lillie”: The 13-part drama looks at the life of Lillie Langtry.

“Justified: The Complete Third Season”: Timothy Olyphant stars as the U.S. Marshal who has a very old school

YOUR ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION GUIDE TO WHAT’S GOING ON IN SKAGIT COUNTY AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS

Upcoming movie releases Following is a partial schedule of coming movies on DVD. Release dates are subject to change: JAN. 8 Dredd - Lionsgate Frankenweenie - Disney House at the End of Street - Fox The Inbetweeners Movie - Lionsgate Samsara - MPI JAN. 15 Branded - Lionsgate The Other Dream Team - Lionsgate The Possession - Lionsgate 17 Girls - Strand Taken 2 - Fox To Rome With Love - Sony Won’t Back Down - Fox JAN. 22 End of Watch - Universal Searching for Sugar Man - Sony JAN. 29 The Cold Light of Day - Lionsgate/ Summit Hotel Transylvania - Sony Paranormal Activity 4 - Paramount Seven Psychopaths - Sony

This Week Ahead Page 5 Next up on the Anacortes Public Library’s Winter Film Series: “My Fair Lady”

Inside

FEB. 5 Alex Cross - Lionsgate/ Summit Celeste and Jesse Forever - Sony Here Comes the Boom - Sony

Phone 360-416-2135

FEB. 12 Bully - Anchor Bay The Perks of Being a Wallflower -- Lionsgate/ Summit Robot & Frank - Sony Silent Hill: Revelation - Universal

Hand-deliver 1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274

FEB. 19 Sinister - Lionsgate/ Summit n McClatchy-Tribune News Service

way of dealing with bad guys.

“Trial & Retribution: Set 6”: David Hayman and Victoria Smurfit play investigators on the London police force. This is the four concluding mysteries in the series.

“Being Human: The Complete Second Season”: Syfy Channel series about what happens when a werewolf, vampire and ghost share a house.

“Cat in the Hat: Hurray, It’s Valentine’s Day”: You can watch this animated story at home, you can watch it in Rome.

“The Trouble With Bliss”: A 35-year-old man (Michael C. Hall) has reached a dead end with his life. n Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee

SUBMISSIONS Email features@skagitpublishing.com vrichardson@skagitpublishing. com (recreation items)

Get Involved.................................... 6 Music Reviews................................. 8 2012’s Top Singles........................... 9 On Stage........................................ 10 Tuning Up..................................... 11 Travel............................................. 12 Hot Tickets.................................... 14 Roger Ebert.................................... 16 At the Lincoln Theatre.................. 17 Movie Listings............................... 17 Movie Mini-Reviews..................... 17 Out & About.............................18-19

Mailing address P.O. Box 578 Mount Vernon, WA 98273 Online events calendar To list your event on our website, visit goskagit.com and look for the Events Calendar on the home page HAVE A STORY IDEA? w For arts and entertainment, contact Features Editor Craig Parrish at 360-416-2135 or features@skagitpublishing.com w For recreation, contact staff writer Vince Richardson at 360-416-2181 or vrichardson@ skagitpublishing.com TO ADVERTISE 360-424-3251

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, January 3, 2013 - E3

COMMUNITY

On the wings of eagles Breathtaking raptors take flight at Skagit Eagle Festival Frank Varga / Skagit Valley Herald

Skagit Valley Herald staff

The 2013 Skagit Eagle Festival takes place every weekend during January, in and around Concrete, Rockport and

Marblemount.

You’ll enjoy indoor and outdoor activities including eagle watching, free tours, walks and educational programs, arts and crafts, wine tasting, river rafting, music,

Scott Terrell / Skagit Valley Herald

dance and more. Bring your camera and dress for unpredictable January weather.

For the latest information, contact the Concrete Chamber of Commerce at 360-8538784 or visit www.skagiteaglefestival.com.

Scott Terrell / Skagit Valley Herald

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E4 - Thursday, January 3, 2013

ENTERTAINMENT

A

canceled TV show with a devoted fan base comes back to life. A video game changes its ending. A comic turns her personal tragedy into unexpected fame.

Welcome to the world of online entertainment, where the interaction between fans and artists created a whole new dynamic in 2012. Ever-evolving technology and the subcultures that grow up around it resulted in some of the year’s most fascinating stories on the Web and social networks.

There were the usual attention-grabbing fare that got millions of clicks until the next big thing happened — from Whitney Houston’s death to the rise of Honey Boo Boo. But other stories had deeper implications because they shined a spotlight on the interactive digital landscape. We selected 10 that caught our attention in 2012; some focused on a celebrity or a personality, others on websites or trends.

South Korean entertainer PSY (left) performs “Gangnam Style” during halftime of the Seattle SeahawksBuffalo Bills game on Dec. 16 in Toronto.

Psy What happened: Little-known South Korean rapper Psy released a music video for the single “Gangnam Style” on his official YouTube channel and within two months it became the mostviewed video ever on YouTube.

Key stats: More than 1 billion views on YouTube.

The result: Psy takes America by storm, appearing on numerous TV shows and even getting “Meet the Press” host David Gregory to dance on live TV. Why it matters: The subject of “Gangnam Style” — the lifestyle of those living in an upscale neighborhood in Seoul — had little relevance to audiences outside of South Korea, but the song quickly became an international sensation anyway. (Psy’s goofy little horse dance probably had a little to do with it.) But just as “Star Trek” fans were able to instantly compare the differences between the American and Japanese versions of the “Star Trek Into Darkness” teaser when all were released online, this video demonstrates that the Internet is rapidly blending pop cultures into one.

Nathan Denette The Canadian Press via AP

POP CULTURE ONLINE The Internet’s influence has never been greater B y P AT R I C K K E V I N D AY / L o s A n g e l e s T i m e s

Pandora Radio What happened: In July, the online streaming music service announced it had increased the number of active listeners nearly 50 percent over the previous 12 months. Despite the rapid growth, the company argues that its royalty payments are robbing it of profit.

Key stats: 62.4 million active listeners.

The result: Pandora execu-

tives testified before Congress in November in support of the Internet Radio Fairness Act, which would lower the amount Pandora pays in royalties and bring it in line with what broadcast radio pays.

Why it matters: Pandora is now the third most popular form of music behind broadcast radio and CDs. Musicians are arguing against the legislation, as the growing form of music distribution is finally providing them

money after years of lost income to illegal music downloading.

As more and more streaming music services appear online, including a rumored music service from Apple in early 2013, the battle for profit and market share will become only more intense.

Tig Notaro What happened: During a standup set at the club Largo

in Los Angeles, comedian Tig Notaro wandered away from her planned material and did a 30-minute set about being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Comedian Louis C.K., who was present, tweeted that it was “masterful,” then later made the set available on his website for $5 a download.

Key stats: 75,000 downloads sold in the first week.

The result: Notaro, 41, became an almost overnight sensation after the August show. Famous comedians who attended praised her to their Twitter followers. In October, Louis C.K. made the set available to all, using the model he’d set up for his own standup special that bypassed major label distribution.

Sales of the set were high enough to have landed it at No. 3 on the Billboard charts if self-distributed recordings were counted.

Why it matters: Though big stars such as Louis C.K. and the band Radiohead have been able to self-distribute their work to a prebuilt fan base, Notaro showed you could move product and gain a following purely through online word of mouth.

Kickstarter What happened: The website for crowd-funded projects such as video games, albums and prospective products has been around since 2009 but really came into its own this year. All 10 of its highest-funded projects happened in 2012. The top was the $10.2 million raised for the Pebble watch, a smartwatch designed to sync with an Android or iPhone that features an easyto-read e-paper screen.

Key stats: The three highestfunded projects were: $10.2 million for the Pebble e-paper watch, $8.6 million for the Ouya video-game console and $3.9 million for the video game “Project Eternity.”

The result: Video games are the big winners, with seven of the top 10 involving game-related technology.

See INTERNET, Page E7

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, January 3, 2013 - E5

THE WEEK AHEADin the area ‘POWER PAST COAL’ CONCERT AND WORKSHOP The Conway Muse will host a special “Power Past Coal” concert and workshop featuring guitarist/singer/ songwriter Dana Lyons at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, at 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway.

Attendees can learn how they can raise questions and concerns about Bellingham’s proposed Cherry Point coal export terminal before the Jan. 21 “scoping” deadline. $10 suggested donation, free for children. 360-445-3000 or www.conwaymuse.com

CONTRA DANCE 7 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, Depot Arts Center, 611 R Ave., Anacortes. Learn the fundamentals of contra dance and practice dancing to live music. No partner needed. $8 at the door.

360-755-3969 or www. skagitcontra.org

‘HOLY LAND, WHOSE LAND?’ MODERN DILEMMA, ANCIENT ROOTS 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9, Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Author Dorothy Drummond will discuss the conflicting Israeli and Palestinian claims for the same real estate, as well as the issues preventing peace in the region. Free.

360-293-1910, ext. 21, or library.cityofanacortes.org

Winter film series “My Fair Lady” is the next entry in the Anacortes Public Library’s Winter Film Series, set for 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4, at the library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes.

Audrey Hepburn stars as Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower seller who learns to speak impeccable upper-class English under the tutelage of Prof. Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison), who then passes her off

as a high society lady. Directed by George Cukor, this film adaptation of Lerner and Loewe’s stage musical, which was based on the original play “Pygmalion” by George Bernard Shaw, won eight Oscars.

Academy Award nominee Nick Alphin will introduce and share insights about the movie. Free. 360-293-1910, ext. 21, or library.cityofanacortes.org.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E6 - Thursday, January 3, 2013

GET INVOLVED ART CALL FOR ARTISANS: The Mount Vernon Downtown Association is accepting new artisan applications through Jan. 15 for the 29th annual Tulip Festival Street Fair, set for April 19-21 in downtown Mount Vernon.

Participant selections will be made by March 1. For information or an application prospectus, visit www. mountvernondowntown. org/events.html or email mvstreetfaircoordinator@ gmail.com.

ART CLASSES FAMILY ART DAYS AT MoNA: The Museum of Northwest Art, 121 S. First St., La Conner, offers Family Art Days each month. Sessions are open to all ages and skill levels and include guided walkthroughs of exhibitions.

Limited to 15 participants

First Friday Gallery Walks

January 4 6 - 9 pm Anne Martin McCool Gallery Scott Milo Gallery The Majestic Inn and Spa Anchor Art Space Gallery at the Depot www.anacortesart.com

per session. To register: 360-466-4446, ext. 108, or FAD@museumofnwart.org.

Information: www.museumofnwart.org. Workshops are free with museum admission. Admission: $8 adults, $5 seniors, $3 students, free for members and ages 11 and younger.

Next up: Mixed Media Self Portraits: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26.

Explore a variety of media and put together a dimensional collage that reflects your individualism.

Line Wash Drawing: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 23. Try this fun way to draw with india ink and a twig as a drawing tool, then add color with a watercolor wash.

12-Feb. 2. Art students will draw and create four masterworks, with a different focus each week: Star Wars/ black & white, fantasy anime/mixed media, avengers assemble/intro to color theory, and cartoon comic strip/intro to writing and sequential art. Register by Jan 9.

Mixed media: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays, Jan 12-Feb. 2. Students will experiment with five mediums other than pencil.

They’ll use color partnered with drawings in markers, chalk, ink, watercolor and colored pencil as they complete two pieces of art.

Register by Jan. 9.

cortes Center for Happiness, 619 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. This dance has no steps and you already have all the experience necessary. Free. 360-4642229 or www.anacortes centerforhappiness.org.

shoes. For information, call Rosie at 360-424-4608.

superhero attire is encouraged. $20-$35.

Art at the Y: Creative SWING DANCE: The Paper Crafting: Ages 7 Mount Vernon High School to 12, 4:30 to 6 p.m. Monjazz bands will present days and Wednesdays, Jan. a swing dance from 7 to 14-Feb. 6. Participants will 9:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, at complete six to eight projChrist The King Church, ects, including origami, book 2111 Riverside Drive, building and more. $45-$65.

CONTRA DANCE: 7 to Mount Vernon. Enjoy Y Fun Club: MLK Jr. 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, dance lessons, live music, Day: Kindergarten to sixth Depot Arts Center, 611 R grade, noon to 5 p.m. MonAve., Anacortes. Learn the silent auction, dessert sale and raffle. $6, $10 couple, day, Jan. 21. Activities will fundamentals of contra include swimming, Youthdance and practice dancing $20 family. Proceeds will benefit the MVHS Band Fit, LEGO Camp and to live music. No partner more. $20-$30, second child needed. $8 at the door. 360- and Orchestra Boosters. discount available.

755-3969 or www.skagit Swim lessons: Ages 3 to contra.org.

MUSIC SKAGIT VALLEY MUSIC 13, weekday evenings and BEGINNER SQUARE CLUB: The club welcomes Saturday mornings. YMCA staff members offer swimDANCE LESSONS: 7 p.m. performers, listeners and ming lessons year round.

Tuesdays beginning Jan. guests at 1:45 p.m. ThursPAPER PLAYSHOPS: Winter Youth Indoor 8 at the Mount Vernon day, Jan. 31, at Vasa Hall, Join Kari Bishay to get cre- Senior Center, 1401 CleveSoccer: Ages 5 to 12, Jan. 1805 Cleveland St., Mount ative and “play with stuff” land St. Families, couples, 28-March 16. Winter league Vernon.

Come and sing, ART CLASSES: Dakota at the Anacortes Center includes a weekly practice. singles welcome. First two play an instrument or just Art offers a variety of art for Happiness, 619 Com$55-$65. weeks are free, then $4 per enjoy the music. Free. For classes and workshops at mercial Ave., Anacortes. lesson. For information, call information, call Marsha 17873 Highway 536, Mount Workshops are held from SENIOR HIKE: Join 360-424-4608 or 360-424Pederson at 360-757-4906.

Vernon. 360-416-6556, ext. 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. All Friends of the Forest from 9675.

5, or www.dakotaartcenter. materials are provided. $18 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Jan. com.

RECREATION each class. Preregistration ROMANIAN CROATIAN 11, for a gentle 1.5-mile hike required: 360-464-2229 or FITNESS AND FUN FUSION DANCE WORKthrough forest and wetland WATERCOLOR FOR www.anacortescenterfor AT THE Y: Skagit Family SHOP: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. habitats in Anacortes. Meet KIDS!: 4:30 to 6 p.m. happiness.org.

YMCA offers a variety of at the end of 32nd Street, Thursdays and 5 to 7 p.m.

Wednesdays, Jan. 9-30, at Next up: activities for kids at 215 off of D Avenue. Learn Saturdays during January the Burlington Community Greeting card extravaE. Fulton St., Mount Verabout the beaver that mainat the Anacortes Center Center craft room, 1011 ganza: Jan. 13. Learn strat- for Happiness, 619 Comnon. For information, call tain the wetlands, and the Greenleaf Ave., Burlington. egies for creating unique 360-336-9622 or visit www. winter waterfowl that visit mercial Ave., Anacortes.

Kids ages 7 to 13 will learn birthday and thank you skagitymca.org. there. Free. 360-293-3725 or brush handling, color mix- cards, then stamp, emboss, Dance Master John Lovric Next up: www.friendsoftheacfl.org. is joined by guest Dance ing and more. $40 plus $20 cut, punch, layer and build Winter YouthFit: Ages Master Anamaria Dulama one-time supply fee payenough for your entire year 8 to 12, 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. (visiting from Romania) able to instructor. Register of card-giving occasions.

THEATER Tuesdays and Thursdays, to offer this special series

by Jan. 3 with Burlington THEATER CLASSES: AnaJan. 8-Feb. 7.

Healthy tips, of classes. $10 per session.

Parks and Recreation: 360CARTOONING FOR cortes Community Theatre’s gym activities, group games Free for children. For infor755-9649.

KIDS: 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Class Act School for the and more. $10-$40. mation or to register, call Jan. 8-29, Burlington Parks Performing Arts is enrolling Superheroes in Training: INTRO TO ILLUSTRAand Recreation Center, 900 360-464-2229 or visit www. Ages 3 to 6, 4:30 to 5:30 kids from preschool through TION ART CLASSES: E. Fairhaven Ave., Burling- anacortescenterfor 12th grade for winter classes p.m.

Fridays, Jan. 11-Feb. happiness.org.

Burlington Parks and Rec- ton. Kids ages 7 to 12 will on acting and theater arts.

1. Each day kids will comreation will offer a series of learn basic drawing skills Classes are held at ACT, 918 plete a mission teaching CLOG DANCING FOR art classes for ages 8 to 14. and leave with a portfolio M Ave., Anacortes. Details: the importance of being a BEGINNERS: Free lesson Instructor Max Elam will of their favorite cartoon 360-293-6829 or www.act superhero while developing from 10 to 11 a.m., folintroduce young artists to characters. $40, includes theatre.com/classact. basic motor skills.

Creative a variety of styles and art supplies. Register by Jan. 3: lowed by regular clog dancing from 11 a.m. to noon mediums. Each four-session 360-755-9649.

Thursdays, at the Mount class costs $45. Supplies Vernon Senior Center, included. To register, call DANCE 1401 Cleveland St., Mount 360-755-9649.

Vernon. No fee, no partner SOUL MOTION GRATIEpic illustrations and creature creations: 10 a.m. TUDE DANCE: 6:30 to 9:30 needed. First three lessons are free. Wear comfortable p.m. Friday, Jan. 4, Anato noon Saturdays, Jan.

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Thursday, January 3, 2013 - E7

ENTERTAINMENT

w Internet Continued from Page E4

Why it matters: Developers with high profiles in the online gaming world, such as Chris Roberts, creator of the “Wing Commander” series, were able to bypass game publishing companies.

As Roberts noted on his website, “Star Citizen,” the biggest crowd-funded video game in history, with just more than $7 million raised from 101,000 people, will “cost less, be more creatively pure, and, most importantly, be built for the real core audience — not some corporate suit worried about including all the casual gamers.”

‘Arrested Development’ What happened: Six years after the beloved but ratings-challenged comedy series was canceled by Fox, the show did the near impossible: It reassembled the original cast to film a new season for Netflix, the online streaming film and TV giant. Production began in August for a 10-episode season.

Key stats: More than 500,000 mentions on Twitter, including a spike when production began.

The result: Excitement was so high that the number of episodes ordered was raised to 12 to 15. The show will premiere on Netflix in early 2013.

Why it matters: Netflix, which had started streaming original content with the mob comedy “Lilyhammer” in February, is seen as a savior for beloved yet low-rated shows.

The broadcast networks may be struggling for ratings, but TV viewing is surging online. More than 60 percent of Netflix’s

streaming views are for TV online fundraising site for shows, and subscriptions to the charity Child’s Play. online TV provider Hulu Key stats: $80,000 Plus top 3 million. raised for charity as part of the “Retake Mass Effect 3” effort.

‘Kony 2012’ The result: The outcry What happened: A worked and two weeks short online film created after the game’s release, for the nonprofit organiBioWare posted a statezation Invisible Children ment on its website informto promote its crusade ing fans that it was working to bring Ugandan cult to address their concerns. and militia leader Joseph A free, downloadable Kony to justice became an ending was released three unlikely viral sensation, months later. despite its grim subject Why it matters: Though matter. audience disappointment Key stats: 18.3 million often leads to companies views on Vimeo; 94.7 milaltering the artistic content lion views on YouTube. of their products in variThe result: The capture ous ways (director’s cuts, of Kony became a cause special editions, etc.), the celebre despite criticisms organized and near-instanabout the film’s inactaneous reaction to “Mass curacies and simplificaEffect 3” was possible tions, and the issue was only through the prolifembraced by politicians in eration of message boards Washington and elsewhere. and online fundraising.

Kony, however, remains at Creators can defend their large. artistic rights, but few comWhy it matters: “Kony panies will risk alienating a 2012” showed that viral highly organized fan base. video was not just about instant fame and pop cul‘Innocence tural curiosities but could spur social action. Howof Muslims’ ever powerful the viral What happened: Two video may be, it remains videos uploaded to Youan elusive prize, as the Tube, “The Real Life creators of “Kony 2012” of Muhammad” and realized when their follow- “Muhammad Movie Trailup, “Kony 2012 Part II — er,” which served as trailers Beyond Famous” failed to for a longer project titled catch on.

“Innocence of Muslims,” sparked outrage in the ‘Mass Effect 3’ Muslim world.

Protests in several What happened: “Mass countries led to multiple Effect 3” was one of the deaths and the California most highly anticipated filmmaker who made it games of the year and sold more than 1.3 million was sentenced to death in absentia in an Egyptian copies the month it was court. released. However, fans Key stats: 5.3 million were greatly let down by combined views of the two the final moments of the videos on YouTube. trilogy’s concluding chapThe result: After a ter. deadly backlash, YouTube So a grass-roots effort was launched to urge game blocked the offending videos in multiple countries, developer BioWare to including Egypt, Libya and issue a new ending while Saudi Arabia. The video raising money through an

can still be viewed in the United States; however, filmmaker “Sam Bacile” (aka Mark Basseley Youssef) was arrested in the U.S. and sentenced to a year behind bars after pleading guilty to violating the terms of his release from an earlier conviction for an unrelated matter.

Why it matters: The same borderless reach of YouTube that allowed Psy to become an international sensation also allowed freedom of speech in one country to inflame anger in another part of the world.

YouTube and parent com-

pany Google found themselves mired in international laws and arguments about Internet censorship at home.

dios raises $36 million in investment from major entertainment figures, including Robert Downey Jr. and “Avatar” producer Jon Landau.

Why it matters: After Maker Studios What happened: Maker years of steady growth using YouTube and social surpasses Machinima to become the No. 1 indepen- media to market short form video content to the dent YouTube network of channels, allowing amateur key youth demo, Hollyfilmmakers to produce and wood and tech players are distribute their shows and finally getting serious. Suddenly, the world of low-cost films. entertainment is getting Key stats: 5,000 chanan upgrade, with Maker nels with 140 million subcompleting work on a scribers and more than 2 40,000-square-foot producbillion views a month.

The result: Maker Stution facility this year.

Continue the cycle – please recycle this newspaper

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E8 - Thursday, January 3, 2013

REVIEWS MUSIC CDS Compiled from news services

Bo Isaac & The Rounders

“Diamond in the Ruff” proves that highly volatile Freeway is still the stoic iceman when it comes to rapping and rhyming. With steel, busy beats behind him, “No Doubt” is nail hard and just a “Dollar” little Lil Wayne-y. “Ghetto Street” is good and ghostly, but a bit of a gangster retread.

Bo Isaac is When you’re the hard guy, staying bad a 29-year-old forever can become a grind, especially eastern Kenwhen you’re an acknowledged peaceful tucky native Muslim. That could be why Freeway has who says he was raised on the music of the bluegrass masters. And his new album, added a dose of coy and clever humor to his menacing, low-voiced rants. The romp“Dollar,” sure sounds like he absorbed a ing (and Just Blaze-produced) “Early” lot of what he was hearing. finds Free toying naughtily with morning Elmer Burchett Jr., a respected bluesexuality while “Sweet Temptation” allows grass singer and songwriter, wrote or cowrote 11 of the tracks. The others are both him to make light of MCs with tight slacks from the public domain — “John Henry” and pseudo-African allegiances. Fun. and “Nobody’s Business.” n A.D. Amorosi, The Philadelphia Inquirer The title cut, which features an old-time sound, finds the singer wondering where Daughn his money and his woman went while Gibson he was working two jobs. “Flat Footin’, Tennessee” is a dance tune. “A Whisper “All Hell” Away” is a gospel song performed as a duet with Haley Burchett.

Josh Martin “Whippoorwill” is about a woman who spent more than left her footprint on his heart. “Miner’s a decade drumCry” tells the story of a cave-in that killed ming in punk 29 miners. “Lee County Line” is about a and hard rock man who married a moonshiner’s daugh- bands in central ter and inherited her grandfather’s recipe. Pennsylvania, including in Allentown’s “Road To Summertown” is nostalgia for Pearls and Brass, but you wouldn’t know skinny dipping and blackberry picking. it from “All Hell,” his debut under the Good album. pseudonym Daughn Gibson.

The album is a unique blend of deep n Keith Lawrence, Owensboro Messengercountry melodies and sample-based Inquirer instrumentation.

Gibson, now based out of Carlisle, Freeway fell in love with country music when he “Diamond in worked as a long-haul truck driver, and the Ruff” his writing adapts the genre’s classic strain of character-driven hard-luck narratives, Different with empathetic songs about being an generations of old man in a young girl’s world, about Philly’s oldwriting a song about rain on the highway, school rap scene about bad guys who grow up to be “totally made a handworthless.” some showing His resonant, dramatic baritone calls to in 2012. In a year that saw Beanie Sigel mind Waylon Jennings, Lee Hazlewood, releasing a minor hit before heading back and Scott Walker, but the music owes to prison and Schoolly D touring with more to contemporary studio obsessives Public Enemy, having Freeway back in like James Blake, the Magnetic Fields, or action is a bonus. Like his pal Beans, Free- Grimes, with spooky textures and sparse way was a member of Jay-Z’s Roc-a-Fella electronic beats mingling with acoustic family in the early 2000s and stayed hard guitars and piano. throughout the decade and its four solo n Steve Klinge, The Philadelphia Inquirer releases.

Stephen Kalinich and Jon Tiven

soul duet with soul man Willie Jones on “God Helps Those.” On this disc Kalinich’s lyrics tend to be more earnest, in an introspective and idealistic way, but as with the music, they never go soft, or soft-headed.

“Yo Ma Ma: Symptomology; Shortcuts to Infinity”

n Nick Cristiano, The Philadelphia Inquirer

Tom Harrell

This two-disc set proves to be an inspired pairing of two veteran artists.

Stephen Kalinich is a lyricist and longtime Beach Boys collaborator. Brian Wilson called him “a poetic genius.” Jon Tiven is a producer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter with an affinity for R&B; he has helmed terrific comeback albums by Wilson Pickett and Philadelphia’s Garnet Mimms, among others.

“Symptomology” is credited to Yo Ma Ma, an alter ego that allows the duo to play younger than they are. It’s full of dirty, horn-accented rock ‘n’ roll delivered with snarl and swagger, as you can gather from such titles as “Let’s Get Stoned,” “Grow a Pair” and “Once My Zits Go Away.” It all packs a visceral punch, enhanced by the fact that Kalinich and Tiven, for all the wit here, never display any ironic distance from the material.

Shortcuts to Infinity is similar musically while bringing out more rootsy touches, and it can hit just as hard, as with the Bo Diddley-esque thrust of “Climb Some Walls” and the chugging rock of the seven-minute-plus centerpiece “Out of the Darkness” (with Queen’s Brian May on guitar).

But there are also more laid-back moments, like the laconic, J.J. Cale grooving of “Harsh,” the dreamy “Red Black Horizon,” and a classic-sounding pop-

“Number Five”

Trumpeter Tom Harrell begins this CD with obsession.

His opening duet on Dizzy Gillespie’s “Blue ‘N’ Boogie” with the Philly-born drummer Jonathan Blake is a clamorous call to action, and a bracing start.

Harrell keeps the interest high for this set of originals, released this year and featuring various setups of his long-running quintet with tenor saxophonist Wayne Escoffery and bassist Ugonna Okegwo.

The title track is a pretty number with Harrell’s trumpet rising over Danny Grissett’s doodling piano, while “Journey to the Stars” is more muscular bebop, with Harrell spraying lines over a fast, churning bottom. “Star Eyes” finds Harrell ruminating alone and quoting extensively, his breaths forming a kind of human accompaniment.

Harrell throughout is a legato presence, well-phrased and lyrical. That he manages this level while keeping his schizophrenia under control is amazing. But the music holds up even if you don’t know this. n Karl Stark, The Philadelphia Inquirer

CONTINUE THE CYCLE – PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

The best singles of 2012 grower of a debut, “Lonesome Dreams.”

14. Torche: “Kicking”: Sludge metal at its most accessible, from Miami’s stoner 1. Japandroids: “The House That kings.

Heaven Built”: The Canadian duo wins 15. Kacey Musgraves: “Merry Go 2012’s Titus Andronicus Award for crafting ‘Round”: The Texas singer-songwriter’s a brainy, brawny punk-rock anthem that’s debut single was a nifty “Little Boxes” equal parts hooks and heart. update.

2. Juicy J featuring Lil Wayne and 2 16. Icona Pop: “I Love It”: We predicted Chainz: “Bandz a Make Her Dance”: The that this impressively pedigreed (it was writThree 6 Mafia don’s breakout solo hit is ten by British up-and-comer Charli XCX), definitely the best strip-club banger ever crazy-catchy Swedish import would be a done by a former Oscar winner.

Song of the Summer contender when it was 3. Tanlines: “Brothers”: This underreleased last spring, and lo, it came to pass. stated synth-pop track is one of countless 17. Frank Ocean: “Bad Religion”: There standouts on the Brooklyn duo’s official is no such thing as a bad Frank Ocean song. debut, “Mixed Emotions.”

This wrenching love song may be the best of 4. Tomas Barfod featuring Nina Kinert: the best, though.

“November Skies”: The Danish producer’s 18. Teen Mom: “You and Me”: Gentle signature song is a great example of elecbut mighty pop from the District’s greatest tronic music’s potential for warmth and living fuzz trio. expansiveness.

19. Brolin: “NYC”: This year was kind to 5. A.C. Newman: “I’m Not Talking”: shadowy bedroom producers (see: Burial, Seamless ’70s AM pop from the New Porand Weeknd), and while reclusive Brit Bronographers co-founder. lin got less love than his counterparts, this 6. Big Boi featuring Kelly Rowland: eerie and beautiful track — which comes “Mama Told Me”: In its original form, this attached to the year’s best video — was just was a wavery experiment in video game as masterful. funk featuring Swedish electro group Little 20. Katy B featuring Geeneus and JesDragon. Rowland pinch-hits on the official sie Ware: “Aaliyah”: Britain’s reigning pop version, which sounds like a crunk experigoddesses pay (probably unintentional) ment conducted by Jimmy Jam and Terry tribute to country classic “Jolene.”

Lewis in 1986.

21. Goat: “Run to Your Mama”: Here’s 7. Chairlift: “I Belong in Your Arms”: the deal with Goat: Its members are SwedPure narcotic goodness from Brooklyn’s ish, they wear masks, their music is a weird, best ‘80s synth-pop revivalists. muddy mix of funk/folk/psych/whatever, 8. Usher: “Climax”: Who knew Usher’s they like to sing about themselves (“Goatman,” “Goatlord,” etc.) and they are utterly velvet-gloved R&B would lend itself to such a Weeknd-style tweaking? This Diplo- and entirely awesome. This is the group’s produced track mixed together a little bit of most-listener-friendly track, but that’s not saying much. everything — strings, techno, quiet storm, 22. Kendrick Lamar featuring Gunplay: that underwater thing the Weeknd does — “Cartoon and Cereal”: How great is this and emerged as a seamless slow jam. track, which didn’t make it onto Lamar’s 9. Kanye West featuring Jay-Z and Big Sean: “Clique”: ‘Ye didn’t match his heroic breakout album, “good kid, m.A.A.d city,” 2011 output this year, but when he did show even though it probably should have? up, he made every second count. In his best Great enough to make Gunplay, a rapper for whom America had previously held no verse of 2012, he shouts out George Tenet affection, into a star by association. and handily smokes both Sean and Hova.

23. Brad Paisley: “Southern Comfort 10. The Lumineers: “Ho Hey”: Simple Zone”: One of Nashville’s biggest stars and sweet folk that’s less self-consciously rustic than Mumford and Sons and catchier leaves no country constituency un-insulted, from churchgoers to gun owners to NASthan almost anything else on the radio.

CAR fans, on this deceptively subversive 11. Killer Mike: “Reagan”: A pitiless ode to internationalism. indictment of gun-runners, rappers and 24. Sabi featuring Wale: “Where They several recent presidential administrations, this was the best politically minded song of Do That At”: The pride of Washington teams with next year’s Nicole Scherzinger the year. for what would have been the best banger 12. Miguel: “Adorn”: Hiccupy, dreamy electro-R&B that ties with “Climax” as the of 2006.

25. Carly Rae Jepsen: “Your Heart is a year’s slinkiest slow jam.

13. Lord Huron: “Time To Run”: Sweep- Muscle”: Oh, Carly Rae Jepsen. This was your second single. ing throwback folk from the L.A. band’s

By ALLISON STEWART Special to The Washington Post

Thursday, January 3, 2013 - E9

E10 Thursday, January 3, 2013

Thursday, January 3, 2013 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area January 3-13

TUNING UP Playing at area venues January 3-10

THURSDAY.3

FRIDAY.4

JUSTIN HAYES 7 p.m., Concrete Theatre, 45920 Main St., Concrete. $15. 360-941-0403 or www.concrete-theatre.com.

ALAN HATLEY BAND 9 p.m., Varsity Inn, 112 N. Cherry St., Burlington.

No cover. 360-755-0165.

SUNDAY.13 “JAZZ AT THE LIBRARY”: TRISH, PHIL & HANS 2 to 3 p.m., Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Free. 360-293-1910, ext. 30.

SATURDAY.5 JIM BASNIGHT BAND 9 p.m., Longhorn Saloon, 5754 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360-766-6330.

Thursday.3 THEATER

Justin Hayes: 7 p.m., Concrete Theatre, 45920 Main St., Concrete. $15. 360941-0403 or www.concrete-theatre.com.

Friday.4 No events submitted

Saturday.5 MUSIC

Dana Lyons: “Power Past Coal” concert and workshop: 7 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10 suggested donation, free for children.

360-445-3000.

Sunday-Friday.6-11 No events submitted

Saturday.12 MUSIC

viaVoice: a cappella quartet, 7:30 p.m., Maple Hall, 104 Commercial, La Conner. $15-$17, free for ages 17 and younger accompanied by an adult. 360-466-2665 or www.laconnerarts.com.

Sunday.13 MUSIC

“Jazz at the Library”: Trish, Phil & Hans, 2 to 3 p.m., Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Free.

360-293-1910, ext. 30.

THURSDAY.3 Marvin Johnson (piano): 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center, Firehall Cafe, 321 Front St., Lynden. No cover. 360-354-3600.

FRIDAY.4 Rattletrap Ruckus: 8 p.m., Redlight, 1017 N. State St., Bellingham. Free. 360927-1949 or www. redlightbellingham. com.

Band Showdown: with Gravel Hitch, Bodhi and Creech, 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $1.

360-778-1067.

Alan Hatley Band: 9 p.m., Varsity Inn, 112 N. Cherry St., Burlington. No cover.

360-755-0165.

Randy Norris, Jeff Nicely (blues): 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. No cover.

360-445-3000.

Jammin’ Jeff: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon.

360-422-6411.

Hooves, The Actual Odds, Sarah in the Wild: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $3. 360-778-1067.

Scott Lindenmuth: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-5881720.

Nick Vigarino: 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-755-3956.

John Carswell and Blues Union: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

No cover. 360-5881720.

Dana Lyons: 7 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10 suggested donation, free for children. 360-4453000.

Jim Basnight Band: 9 p.m., Longhorn Saloon, 5754 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360-766-6330.

Jammin’ Jeff: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon.

360-422-6411.

Flying Monkeys: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-7666266.

Louis Ledford and Guests: 9 p.m., Redlight, 1017 N. State St., Bellingham. $5.

360-927-1949 or www.redlightbelling ham.com.

SATURDAY.5 Lozen, Trophy Wife, Uh-Oh: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $6. 360-778-1067.

SUNDAY.6 Gary B’s Church of the Blues (blues, classic rock): 6 to 10 p.m., Castle Tavern, 708 Metcalf. St., Sedro-Woolley. 360-855-2263.

WEDNESDAY.9 Terry Nelson & Friends: 4 to Bow Diddlers: 5:30 p.m., 8 p.m., The Station House, Edison Inn, 5829 Cains 315 E. Morris St., La Conner. Court, Edison. 360-766-6266.

No cover. 360-466-4488.

Stilly River Band: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

THURSDAY.10 Rattletrap Ruckus: 8 p.m., Redlight, 1017 N. State St., Bellingham. Free. 360-9271949 or www.redlightbelling ham.com.

Trish Hatley: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

E10 Thursday, January 3, 2013

Thursday, January 3, 2013 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area January 3-13

TUNING UP Playing at area venues January 3-10

THURSDAY.3

FRIDAY.4

JUSTIN HAYES 7 p.m., Concrete Theatre, 45920 Main St., Concrete. $15. 360-941-0403 or www.concrete-theatre.com.

ALAN HATLEY BAND 9 p.m., Varsity Inn, 112 N. Cherry St., Burlington.

No cover. 360-755-0165.

SUNDAY.13 “JAZZ AT THE LIBRARY”: TRISH, PHIL & HANS 2 to 3 p.m., Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Free. 360-293-1910, ext. 30.

SATURDAY.5 JIM BASNIGHT BAND 9 p.m., Longhorn Saloon, 5754 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360-766-6330.

Thursday.3 THEATER

Justin Hayes: 7 p.m., Concrete Theatre, 45920 Main St., Concrete. $15. 360941-0403 or www.concrete-theatre.com.

Friday.4 No events submitted

Saturday.5 MUSIC

Dana Lyons: “Power Past Coal” concert and workshop: 7 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10 suggested donation, free for children.

360-445-3000.

Sunday-Friday.6-11 No events submitted

Saturday.12 MUSIC

viaVoice: a cappella quartet, 7:30 p.m., Maple Hall, 104 Commercial, La Conner. $15-$17, free for ages 17 and younger accompanied by an adult. 360-466-2665 or www.laconnerarts.com.

Sunday.13 MUSIC

“Jazz at the Library”: Trish, Phil & Hans, 2 to 3 p.m., Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Free.

360-293-1910, ext. 30.

THURSDAY.3 Marvin Johnson (piano): 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center, Firehall Cafe, 321 Front St., Lynden. No cover. 360-354-3600.

FRIDAY.4 Rattletrap Ruckus: 8 p.m., Redlight, 1017 N. State St., Bellingham. Free. 360927-1949 or www. redlightbellingham. com.

Band Showdown: with Gravel Hitch, Bodhi and Creech, 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $1.

360-778-1067.

Alan Hatley Band: 9 p.m., Varsity Inn, 112 N. Cherry St., Burlington. No cover.

360-755-0165.

Randy Norris, Jeff Nicely (blues): 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. No cover.

360-445-3000.

Jammin’ Jeff: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon.

360-422-6411.

Hooves, The Actual Odds, Sarah in the Wild: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $3. 360-778-1067.

Scott Lindenmuth: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-5881720.

Nick Vigarino: 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-755-3956.

John Carswell and Blues Union: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

No cover. 360-5881720.

Dana Lyons: 7 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10 suggested donation, free for children. 360-4453000.

Jim Basnight Band: 9 p.m., Longhorn Saloon, 5754 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360-766-6330.

Jammin’ Jeff: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon.

360-422-6411.

Flying Monkeys: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-7666266.

Louis Ledford and Guests: 9 p.m., Redlight, 1017 N. State St., Bellingham. $5.

360-927-1949 or www.redlightbelling ham.com.

SATURDAY.5 Lozen, Trophy Wife, Uh-Oh: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $6. 360-778-1067.

SUNDAY.6 Gary B’s Church of the Blues (blues, classic rock): 6 to 10 p.m., Castle Tavern, 708 Metcalf. St., Sedro-Woolley. 360-855-2263.

WEDNESDAY.9 Terry Nelson & Friends: 4 to Bow Diddlers: 5:30 p.m., 8 p.m., The Station House, Edison Inn, 5829 Cains 315 E. Morris St., La Conner. Court, Edison. 360-766-6266.

No cover. 360-466-4488.

Stilly River Band: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

THURSDAY.10 Rattletrap Ruckus: 8 p.m., Redlight, 1017 N. State St., Bellingham. Free. 360-9271949 or www.redlightbelling ham.com.

Trish Hatley: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E12 - Thursday, January 3, 2013

TRAVEL

Disney World’s new Fantasyland becomes a reality

By MARJIE LAMBERT The Miami Herald

ORLANDO, Fla. — Magic Kingdom has added a forest to Fantasyland, doubling its size and reorganizing it into two mini-lands with polished charm, color, music, storytelling, longlashed cuteness and talking critters, be they a gruff but softhearted seagull or a kindly candelabra with a French accent.

The expansion, which officially opened Dec. 6, adds an area called the Enchanted Forest with two castles, hills, groves and waterfalls. It contains the ride Under the Sea — Journey of the Little Mermaid, an enhanced meet-and-greet built around the story of “Beauty and the Beast,” a table-service restaurant that serves wine and beer, and several smaller features.

Much of existing Fantasyland is now part of Storybook Circus, headlined by double Dumbo rides, a rethemed Barnstormer junior coaster, the Casey Jr. water play area and such old favorites as the Mad Tea Party and the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

The two key attractions in the Enchanted Forest center around princesses — Ariel, the mermaid and daughter of King Triton, and Belle, an official member of Disney’s princess lineup. Both incorporate new technology and an emphasis on characters.

And like most of Fantasyland, they appeal primarily to younger children.

Under the Sea is a traditional ride in which clamPhotos by Ellen Creager / Detroit Free Press shell cars take guests under the sea and past scenes The new Fantasyland officially opened at Disney and music from “The Little World in Orlando. Highlights are a new “Under the Sea” Little Mermaid ride in Prince Eric’s Castle. Many Mermaid” movie, much as little girls in princess costumes visited the park on its boats take riders past scenes of happy singing people on first official opening day on Dec. 6.

Although the New Fantasyland opened Dec. 6, in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, nothing tops the sight of the Cinderella Castle there, decorated for the holidays.

“It’s a Small World After All” — but the mermaid’s music is vastly better. Favorites: Ursula, the fabulous, villainous sea witch, sings “Poor Unfortunate Soul,” and lobsters and a conga line of fish dance to the calypso beat of “Under the Sea.” The ride itself is almost identical to the version that opened at Disneyland in California in 2011, but the Orlando attraction has more space for landscaping and an elaborate queue. Guests walk past waterfalls and into the grotto under Prince Eric’s Castle, where Scuttle the seagull entertains them with an interactive scavenger hunt. Afterward, fans can meet the princess in Ariel’s Grotto.

Enchanted Tales with Belle is an enhanced meet and greet in a richly detailed setting, a fun storytelling experience. Guests are assigned roles by a trilling and effusive Madame Wardrobe, then turned over to

Lumiere (the candelabra), who introduces them to a surprised Belle.

Belle tells the story of how she and Beast met as guests wave their props, roar like the Beast, slap their hands on their thighs to make the sound of galloping horses and cheer on the kids who get roles in the story.

Little ones get their pictures taken with Belle and exit beaming. So did a couple dads who played the parts of suits of armor. (“Yaayyy Daddy!” cried a little voice from the rear of the room, as Belle took Daddy’s arm and posed with him.)

The expansion, elements of which are still under construction, uses the area formerly occupied by 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea as well as previously undeveloped land. Still to come are Princess Fairytale Hall, a meet-and-greet site for princesses who don’t have a home of their own, in 2013; and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, its bones rising above

construction walls, to open in the first half of 2014.

On both sides of Fantasyland, the new and revamped attractions have an amazing level of detail, from the mother-and-child elephant footprints in the asphalt near the twin Dumbo rides to the ambience signaled by the kinds of rock used in the Beast’s Castle and Prince Eric’s Castle (rough, sharpedged and foreboding for the former, warm, golden and rounded for the latter) to Maurice’s inventions in and around his cottage at Enchanted Tales with Belle.

Gone are the flat painted plywood scenes in Snow White’s Scary Ride, torn down to make room for Princess Fairytale Hall.

Instead, a holographic rose drops petals in Be Our Guest restaurant in the Beast’s Castle, snow sparkles on ledges of Cinderella Castle, and electronic crabs get help from guests in the scavenger hunt in the Under the Sea queue.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, January 3, 2013 - E13

TRAVEL Guests now have more opportunities to interact with characters, which for many youngsters are as important as the rides — the Beast in his restaurant, Belle in Enchanted Tales, Gaston by his tavern near the Beast’s Castle, the Little Mermaid in Ariel’s Grotto, plus Goofy, Donald, Daisy and Minnie at Pete’s Silly Sideshow in Storybook Circus, which opened in October.

Disney is promoting Be Our Guest restaurant in the Beast’s Castle as another attraction, and in some respects it is. It is set in beautiful rooms designed to look like the film, with as much attention to detail as any new ride, and the rose theme woven throughout. In the ballroom — the main dining room — diners can see snow falling beyond the high, arched windows. Red napkins are folded and twisted into the shape of large rosebuds.

Belle and Beast whirl in a dance atop a seven-foot music box in the Rose Gallery. In the West Wing, a slashed portrait of the prince changes to a portrait of the Beast.

Since the original story was set in the French countryside, the cuisine is French influenced. Lunch is fastcasual: Guests place their orders on touch screens, and the food is brought to the table. At night, servers take dinner orders. For the first time in Magic Kingdom, wine and beer are available, although with dinner only.

The ambience is quiet and as elegant as it can be in a theme park where the Beast stalks through the dining room and many guests are wearing sneakers. For theme-park dining, the food is very good, but not as good as meals in several of the resort’s hotels. The wait staff is attentive, sometimes to the point of being intrusive, but that might be expected in a new and very visible opening.

Here’s hoping they mellow as they find their rhythm. Din-

ner entrees are $15.99-$29.99; wine $8-$17 per glass.

Be Our Guest’s dessert cart offers tempting cupcakes and cream puffs, but we opted to stop by Gaston’s Tavern for a LeFou’s Brew, a nonalcoholic slushy based on apple juice with a taste of marshmallow and a mangopassion fruit foam. The drink has a nice tang, as if the juice came from Granny Smith apples.

Test track: Not all of Disney World’s news comes from Fantasyland.

At Epcot, Test Track, closed for upgrading in April, reopened this month with Chevrolet sponsorship. The basic ride remains the same — the car still hits 65 mph, the fastest of any ride at a Disney park — but all the visuals have changed. Plus, the Imagineers have added a preshow and an after-show.

Before the ride, guests design their own custom concept vehicle — shape, wheels, engine, color — on a touch screen at a design kiosk.

As they work, the screen shows how the design affects capability, responsiveness, efficiency and power. It’s a game of balance — increase the power, for example, and the car will lose efficiency.

Riders get an electronic card that they swipe at the kiosk so their design follows them through the ride and the postride show.

While the old ride wound through a mockup of a GM test facility, where it was tested for attributes including suspension, braking and handling, the new one runs through the inside of a computer so riders have the sense that everything is virtual.

Some riders compared it to a scene from the movie Tron .

As the ride vehicle is “tested” for capability, responsiveness, efficiency and power, so are the riders’ concept cars, with results displayed during the ride. (This function didn’t work for my design; it

Local travel VACATION CRUISE OPTIONS: Representatives from Holland America Line and AAA Travel will discuss new cruise itineraries to destinations around the world at 6 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 10, at AAA Travel, 1600 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. Free.

RSVP: 360-848-2090.

The new Fantasyland officially opened at Disney World in Orlando. Highlights are a new “Under the Sea” Little Mermaid ride in Prince Eric’s Castle.

Camano Island. 360-3870222 or www.camanocenter.org.

“Fiddler on the Roof”: Saturday, Jan. 26. $65$70.

Seattle Boat Show: Tuesday, Jan. 29. Check out the latest boats and boating gear. $15-$20, transportation only. Buy tickets at the door for $12. Pay by Jan. 15.

Frye Museum and Volunteer Park Conservatory Tour: Tuesday, Feb. 12: Enjoy a docent tour of the 60-year-old Frye Museum, lunch in its cafe, and then tour the 100-year-old conservatory. $21-$26, includes tour and transportation. Lunch on your own. Pay by Jan. 29.

“ACROSS NORTHERN FRANCE”: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes.

Cultural traveler Rudy Gahler describes his Road Scholar trip to Brittany and Normandy, complete with historical notes. Free.

360-293-1910, ext. 21, or library.cityofanacortes.org. SHORT TRIPS: Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation offers travel oppor DAY TRIPS: Camano tunities for ages 12 and Center offers trips for older (adult supervision seniors and others, departing from and return- required for ages 12-18).

For information or to regising to Camano Center, ter, call 360-336-6215.

606 Arrowhead Road,

wasn’t clear whether there live music. “The bowling is was a glitch or whether it more just for the fun of it,” was because I had started my she said. design later than others in The lower level will be the same session.) Then the family-oriented at all hours, ride vehicle crashes through she said (the alley is open 10 to the outside and runs at a.m. to 2 a.m.), but upstairs high speed on the track cirwill be 21-and-over-only late cling the building, just as it nights on weekends.

SVH_4.949x4.75_ JANUARY Week1 did before the redesign.

Afterward, guests can swipe their design card at a virtual slot-car course and see their virtual car compete Paying Out Up To $7.1 MillionPaying Out Up To $7.1 Million against other riders’ designs.

They can make a commercial for their concept car and email it to friends, take their photo with their concept car—or with other Chevrolet models — and email it, too.

JANUARY AT TULALIP BINGO

Splitsville: Over at Downtown Disney, in what used to be the Virgin Megastore at Pleasure Island, Splitsville Luxury Lanes was scheduled to open a two-level, 30-lane bowling alley last week.

Splitsville is an untraditional bowling alley, especially at Disney World, where it will cater mostly to out-of-towners and have no league play.

Food and beverage service will account for about 70 percent of the operation, said Jessica Anderson, a sales and event manager. There will be seating for about 500 (some of it outdoors), two sushi bars, menu items including sandwiches and pizza, and

ELVIS’ LUCK OF THE DRAW

TUESDAY

JANUARY 8

$3,000 JANUARY 27

Each guest present and playing will receive (1) playing card for that particular session and the lucky winners matching the (2) cards drawn will receive $50 cash each!

(5) $100 winners at 11AM & 3PM sessions and (10) $200 winners at 7PM session. Each guest will automatically be entered upon initial buy-in starting Jan 1 - Jan 26 with drawing to be held Jan 27.

Winners must be present and playing with a valid receipt to claim prize.

Winners must be present and playing with a valid receipt to claim prize.

$5

HOT SEAT DRAWING

SUNDAY

(ELVIS’ BIRTHDAY)

ALL SESSIONS

PLINKO

CASH DRAWING

WEDNESDAYS

JANUARY 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 (1) Winner drawn at each session halftimes. Winner will play Plinko for a chance to win up to $500 Cash.

Winners must be actively playing a bingo slot machine to claim prize.

No seat hopping allowed.

WINNERS CLUB DISCOUNT OFFER MUST BE WINNERS CLUB CARD HOLDER

Valid 1/1/13 - 1/7/13 SVH BNG0113

Bring in this ad to claim $5 Winners Club discount $5 Off any 11am or 7pm session

One coupon per guest per week • Redeem at cashier window - Not valid with any other offer. No cash value. Only original ad will be honored for special offers - no copies.

Management reserves the right to cancel or amend promotion at any time.

1-800-631-3313

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E14 - Thursday, January 3, 2013

POP CULTURE Q&A

HOT TICKETS NEUROSIS: Jan. 5, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxon line.com.

LADY GAGA: Jan. 14, 2013, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-745-3000 or www.livenation. com.

CIRQUE ZIVA: Jan. 17, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds. 425-275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org.

QUICKSAND: Jan. 18, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.show boxonline.com.

JACKSON BROWNE: Jan. 20, Benaroya Hall, Seattle. 206-215-4747 or www.livenation.com.

MONTEREY JAZZ FESTIVAL ON TOUR: Jan. 22, Benaroya Hall, Seattle. 866-833-4747.

DOWN: Jan. 22, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxon line.com.

PINBACK: Jan. 23, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxon line.com.

THE WALKMEN: Jan. 27, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.livebation.com.

“AMALUNA”: Cirque du Soleil: Jan. 31-Feb. 24, 2013, Marymoor Park, Redmond. 800450-1480 or www.cirquedusoleil.com.

LEWIS BLACK: Feb. 1, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.livenation.com.

MUSE: Feb. 1, KeyArena, Seattle. 800745-3000 or www.livenation.com.

THE SONICS, MUDHONEY: Feb. 2, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

EXCISION: Feb. 2, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.livenation.com.

ELLIE GOULDING: Feb. 4, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxon line.com.

INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT: Feb. 6, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds. 425-275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org.

BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH: Feb. 7, Columbia City Theater, Seattle. 800-838-3006 or www.brownpapertickets.com.

SOUNDGARDEN: Feb. 7-8, The Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.live nation.com.

RA RA RIOT: Feb. 8, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.livenation.com.

LED ZEPAGAIN: Feb. 8, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www. showboxonline.com.

SUPER DIAMOND (Tribute to Neil Diamond): Feb. 9, Showbox at the Market, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

TOMAHAWK: Feb. 12, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showbox online.com.

MARILYN MANSON: Feb. 12, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.show boxonline.com.

LEFTOVER SALMON: Feb. 15, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.live nation.com.

PILOBOLUS: Feb. 16, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds. 425-275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org.

THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Feb. 16-17, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS: Feb. 17, Comcast Arena at Everett. 866-332-8499 or www.comcastarenaeverett.com.

COHEED AND CAMBRIA, BETWEEN THE

BURIED AND ME: Feb. 19, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showbox online.com.

EELS: Feb. 19, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxon line.com.

FEED ME, TEETH: Feb. 20-21, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www. showboxonline.com.

GALACTIC: FEATURING COREY GLOVER: Feb. 22, Showbox at the Market, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

MICHAEL KAESHAMMER: Feb. 22, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds.

425-275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org.

STS9: Feb. 22, Showbox SoDo, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

AARON NEVILLE: Feb. 23, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or www.mountbakertheatre.com.

IVAN & ALYOSHA: Feb. 23, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

PENNYWISE, LAGWAGON: Feb. 23, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

HEY MARSEILLES: March 1, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

MARC MARON (comedy): March 1, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or LiveNation.com.

YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: March 1-2, The Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.livenation.com.

MOE: March 2, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

ANBERLIN: March 3, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.show boxonline.com.

G. LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE: March 6, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-7453000 or www.showboxonline.com.

FRIGHTENED RABBIT: March 8, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA: March 9, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds.

425-275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org.

MAROON 5, WITH NEON TREES & OWL CITY: March 11, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-7453000 or www.livenation.com.

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO: March 13, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds.

425-275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org.

VOLBEAT: March 22, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

BRIAN REGAN: March 13, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.live nation.com.

RIHANNA: with A$AP Rocky: April 3, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.livenation.com.

NANCI GRIFFITH: April 5, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds. 425-275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org.

LORD OF THE DANCE: April 5, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or www.mountbakertheatre.com.

TECH N9NE: April 6-7, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxon line.com.

THE AIRBORNE TOXIC EVENT: April 8, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-7453000 or www.showboxonline.com.

‘Hell on Wheels’ is coming back to AMC cast changes — if that is as diplomatic as I can be about it — and I never got over it.”

Q: Is “Hell on Wheels” coming back?

And, she said, “At a certain point A: Yes, though not without some offyou’re so familiar with the rhythms that camera drama. In November, Deadline. you can reach a point where you get lazy. com reported that AMC was set to renew I’m afraid I did that.” the show for a third season, without As if to underscore her unhappiseries creators Joe and Tony Gayton but ness with “Minds,” she guest-starred on with Josh Shiban continuing as show the season premiere of NBC’s “Law & runner — the person most responsible Order: Special Victims Unit,” which airs for getting the show made day-to-day. opposite the CBS show, and said that Then Shiban announced he was leaving. work was more challenging. She is also a That delayed a full announcement of a voice on the animated series “Dan Vs.,” third season until a new show runner was airing on the Hub channel. found.

That show runner is now John Wirth, Q: Is the movie “The Man Who Fell to whose background includes work on “V,” Earth” available on DVD? “Falling Skies” and “Terminator: The A: With the 1976 film starring David Sarah Connor Chronicles.” And a third Bowie and directed by Nicolas Roeg, the season of 10 episodes is slated for the answer is yes and no. It has been released third quarter of 2013. on DVD several times, and on a CriteBy the way, Deadline notes that “Hell rion edition Blu-ray in 2008. However, on Wheels” “is the latest AMC series hit neither the Blu-ray nor the DVDs are in by major creator/show runner departures. current release. So Amazon.com lists it “The Walking Dead’s” Frank Darabont for sale from various vendors but at often left in Season 2, And “Rubicon” creator/ high prices. (An unused Blu-ray can run exec producer Jason Horwitch exited you about $130, for example.) The movie during production on its first and only is easily available as streaming video on season.”

Amazon and Netflix.

Also, “Mad Men” creator Matt Weiner quit the show during negotiations for a Q: I want to know if the program fifth season (which aired in 2012) when “Unforgettable” is going to be on the AMC asked him to cut the running time later schedule for CBS. of each episode to make room for more A: It appears so. When CBS commercials. A deal was finally made announced its 2012-13 schedule in May, it for fifth and sixth seasons, and Weiner did not include the drama starring Poppy stayed.

Montgomery, which had aired in 2011-12.

Then, the following August, it announced Q: Can you please tell me what hapthat the show would be back for 13 epipened to Paget Brewster from “Criminal sodes in summer 2013.

Minds”? I love that show, but really miss “I don’t understand what makes a her. show stay on or what makes it go away,” A: Brewster left the series at the end Montgomery told the Give Me My of the seventh, 2011-12 season (and had Remote website, “but I sort of accept nearly left the season before during bud- that it’s right if they make that decision. get cuts which also led to the departure And so when it was gone, I was sad, I of A.J. Cook from the show). will always love that character and the “I really didn’t feel challenged anypeople I work with, so I understood. And more and I wanted to learn something I’ve worked with CBS for so long that I and be excited again,” the actress said, was like, ‘They’re family. We’ll do someaccording to the Hollywood Reporter. “I thing together again.’ And when it came was getting cranky on “Criminal Minds” back, I was genuinely flabbergasted and and we’d gone through some unnecessary thrilled.”

By RICH HELDENFELS Akron Beacon Journal

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, January 3, 2013 - E15

Madonna’s MDNA is top-grossing tour of 2012

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Los Angeles Times

Madonna delivered the highest-grossing concert tour of the year and raked in nearly $300 million at the box office worldwide, according to Pollstar, the concert-industry tracking magazine.

Madonna’s MDNA tour visited 67 cities for 88 performances that grossed $296.1 million, an average of $4.4 million a night, Pollstar’s data shows. Her average ticket price was just over $140, far from the priciest concert tickets of the year.

Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band came in at No. 2, grossing $210.2 million from 81 shows in 66 cities on the Wrecking Ball tour. Springsteen sold more tickets than Madonna — nearly 2.3 million to her 2.1 million — but at significantly lower ticket prices. Seats for Springsteen’s shows averaged just under $92.

Third place went to Roger Waters with $186.4 million, making him the only act in the top 10 most lucrative tours who also made that list last year.

Coming in behind Waters, Coldplay finished at No. 4 with $171.3 million, followed by Lady Gaga in fifth place with $161.4 million.

Rounding out Pollstar’s top 10 were Cirque du Soleil’s “Michael Jackson: The Immortal” tour at No. 6 (with a gross of $140.2 million), Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw’s Brothers of the Sun stadium tour (No. 7, $96.5 million), Metallica (No. 8, $86.1 million), Elton John (No. 9, $69.9 million) and the Red Hot Chili Peppers (No. 10, $57.8 million).

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E16 - Thursday, January 3, 2013

MOVIES

Two hours of watching a CIA strategist who knows she is right

O

sama bin Laden is dead, which everybody knows, and the principle facts leading up to that are wellknown. The decision to market “Zero Dark Thirty” as a thriller therefore takes a certain amount of courage, even given the fascination with this most zero and dark of deaths (the title is spyspeak for “half-past midnight,” the time of bin Laden’s death).

The film stars Jessica Chastain, the ubiquitous new star who now dominates the American acting landscape.

Roger One could even argue the film IS Ebert Jessica Chastain and her character.

She plays Maya, a lone-wolf CIA agent who sticks to her conviction that bin Laden is not in a cave in Afghanistan hunched over a kidney dialysis machine, but is likely living in relatively open sight.

In reality, when the terrorist was finally tracked down and taken out, the universal astonishment was that his hiding place was a large, walled compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, and that his residence there was relatively widely known — in the same area, anyway, as the location of a Pakistan military college.

Most of the film involves the search of the allied side, including the tracing down of leads that many Americans considered too obvious and in plain sight to be plausible. To Maya, however, that is the whole beauty of bin Laden’s scheme; one is reminded of Poe’s “The Purloined Letter”: It is wise to conceal something in plain sight. What takes imagination is to act on it — to back her hunch with the impulse to

Elite Navy SEALs raid Osama Bin Laden’s compound in a scene from “Zero Dark Thirty.”

Columbia Pictures via AP

‘ZERO DARK THIRTY’

HHH Maya.............. Jessica Chastain Dan...................... Jason Clarke Patrick................. Joel Edgerton Jessica................. Jennifer Ehle George.................. Mark Strong Joseph Bradley..... Kyle Chandler Larry.................. Edgar Ramirez n Running time: 157 minutes.

MPAA rating: R (for strong violence, including brutal disturbing images, and for language).

believe it is plausible. Here is a disagreement between the timehonored methods of espionage and a quicker, more intuitive approach involving a hunch too good to be true.

The film’s first two hours or so consist of a struggle between the Maya faction and the Maya nonbelievers, and the stakes are huge in the decision to pull the trigger.

Consider the embarrassment to President Barack Obama and his advisers if they had turned out to be publicly, sensationally, embarrassingly wrong. You can’t call in the Navy SEALs to break into a huge compound on the land of a nation that is, theoretically anyway, an ally. The administration’s subsequent portrait of those climactic moments and the possibility of its being wrong are very convincing.

The subtext deserves a movie of its own, about a disagreement between macho males who feast on torture and hard-boiled guts, and a woman who depends more on her intelligence and imagination. The leading male characters in the opening of the film are in the tradition of that beloved formula in which an expert team acts together with high tech.

Maya, on the other hand, is more like the dutiful female heroine of one of those thrillers set in big business and corporate finance,

who uses no privileged intelligence but is willing to fly in the face of the way men have always done things.

As Maya, Chastain shows again how versatile an actress she is. Apart from Meryl Streep, who else has appeared in new movies with such a range and ability to convince? Much credit is due to Mark Boal, the Oscar-winning journalist and writer of Bigelow’s “The Hurt Locker,” who begins with facts and not a formula easily shaped as conventional forms of fiction. I gather that much of Bigelow’s early preparation for this film took place before (in those shadowy places where such things reside) it began to be known that the end of this film could not turn out quite as everyone expected.

The film’s opening scenes are not great filmmaking. They’re heavy on jargon and impenetrable calculation, murky and heavy on theory. The parts that everyone now wants to see involve

the attack itself. Here the film uses the modern style of underlit shaky-cam, with dialogue that’s hard to follow and rapid action in shadows and confusion. We do finally see a version of what must have happened, and even see something of bin Laden’s face and the moments of his death, and it’s all well-enough made, but to paraphrase the MGM slogan, “That’s not entertainment.”

The raid on the compound cannot logically be well-lighted and staged, and bin Laden and the other occupants of his home cannot be based on our knowledge of his personality and motivation, because that’s not how the film starts out. Thus “Zero Dark Thirty” is not the payoff for the events that have been building onscreen, but is a masterstroke of fate.

My guess is that much of the fascination with this film is inspired by the unveiling of facts, unclearly seen. There isn’t a whole lot of plot — basically, just

that Maya thinks she is right, and she is. The back story is that Bigelow has become a modern-day directorial heroine, which may be why this film is winning even more praise than her masterful Oscar-winner “The Hurt Locker.”

That was a film firmly founded on plot, character and actors whose personalities and motivations had become well-known to the audience. Its performances are razor-sharp and detailed, the acting restrained, the timing perfect.

In comparison, “Zero Dark Thirty” is a slam-bang action picture, depending on Maya’s inspiration. One problem may be that Maya turns out to be correct, with a long, steady buildup depriving the climax of much of its impact and providing mostly irony. Do we want to know more about Osama bin Laden and alQaida and the history and political grievances behind them? Yes, but that’s not how things turned out. Sorry, but there you have it.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, January 3, 2013 - E17

MOVIES MINI-REVIEWS Compiled from news services.

Ratings are one to four stars.

“Flight” — After opening with one of the most terrifying flying scenes I’ve witnessed, in which an airplane is saved by being flown upside-down, Robert Zemeckis’ “Flight” segues into a brave and tortured performance by Denzel Washington -- one of his very best. Not often does a movie character make such a harrowing personal journey that keeps us in deep sympathy all of the way. Washington plays a veteran commercial pilot who has built up a tolerance for quantities of alcohol and cocaine that would be lethal for most people.

Drama, R, 138 minutes.

HHHH “Hyde Park on Hudson” — Bill Murray plays Franklin Roosevelt as a sometimes lonely and sad man whose vacation getaway is his mother’s family mansion, Springwood, near Hyde Park in upstate New York. Here in June 1939, he receives guests whose visit could change the course of world history: England’s King George V (Samuel West) and Queen Elizabeth (Olivia Colman). Witnessing from backstage is his sixth cousin, Daisy (Laura Linney), with whom FDR has a sweet and secret affair. Murray finds the exact tone, gentle and confiding, for this view of Roosevelt. Biography, R, 94 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Life of Pi”: A miraculous achievement of storytelling and a landmark of visual mastery. Inspired by a worldwide best-seller that seemed unfilmable, it is a triumph over its difficulties. It is also a moving spiritual achievement, a movie whose title could have been shortened to “Life.” The story involves the 227 days that its teenage hero (Suraj Sharma) spends drifting across the Pacific in the same lifeboat as a Bengal tiger. The movie quietly combines various religious traditions to enfold its story in the wonder of life. How remarkable that these two mammals, and the fish beneath them and birds above them, are all here. One of the year’s best. Fantasy, PG, 125 minutes. HHHH “Lincoln” — Steven Spielberg’s new film focuses

AT AREA THEATERS ANACORTES CINEMAS Jan. 4-11 The Metropolitan Opera: Les Troyens (NR): Saturday: 9:00 a.m.

Les Miserables (PG-13): Friday-Thursday: 1:15, 4:30, 7:45 Parental Guidance (PG): Friday: 1:30, 4:05, 6:30, 8:55; Saturday: 4:05, 6:30, 8:55; Sunday-Thursday: 1:30, 4:05, 6:30 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (PG-13): Friday-Thursday: (1:00), 4:15, 7:30 360-293-7000 BLUE FOX DRIVE-IN Oak Harbor 360-675-5667 CASCADE MALL THEATRES Burlington For listings: 888-AMC-4FUN (888-2624386).

CONCRETE THEATRE Jan. 4-6 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (PG-13): Friday: 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: 7:30 p.m.; Sunday: 4 p.m.

360-941-0403

on only a few months of Lincoln’s life, including the passage of the 13th Amendment ending slavery, the surrender of the Confederacy and his assassination.

Rarely has a film attended more carefully to the details of politics. Daniel Day-Lewis creates a Lincoln who is calmly self-confident, patient and willing to play politics in a realistic way. Not about an icon of history, but about a president who was scorned by some of his opponents as a hayseed from the backwoods. He understood them better than they did him.

Sure to win many Academy Award nominations. Drama, PG-13, 149 minutes. HHHH “Rise of the Guardians” — Hyperactive 3D animated fantasy regarding the plight of Jack Frost, who nobody seems able to see. Called upon in a crisis to help the Guardians (Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, etc.), he saves the day. Younger children like the breakneck action, magical ability to fly, and the young hero who has tired of being overlooked. Animated adventure, PG, 89 minutes. HHH “Skyfall” — “Skyfall” triumphantly reinvents 007 in one of the best Bonds ever made.

This is a full-blooded, joyous, intelligent celebration of a

OAK HARBOR CINEMAS Jan. 4-11 Parental Guidance (PG): Friday-Saturday: 1:25, 3:55, 6:40, 8:50; SundayThursday: 1:25, 3:55, 6:40 Jack Reacher (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:05, 3:45, 6:30, 9:10; Sunday-Thursday: 1:05, 3:45, 6:30 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (PG-13): Friday-Thursday: (1:15), 4:30, 7:45 360-279-2226 STANWOOD CINEMAS Jan. 4-11 The Metropolitan Opera: Les Troyens (NR): Saturday: 9 a.m.

Les Miserables (PG-13): Friday- Thursday: 1:20, 4:30, 7:45 Parental Guidance (PG): Friday-Thursday: 1:30, 4:00, 6:50, 9:00 Jack Reacher (PG-13): Friday-Thursday: 1:10, 3:50, 6:40, 9:20 This Is 40 (R): Friday: 12:50, 3:40, 6:30, 9:10; Saturday: 3:40, 6:30, 9:10; Sunday-Thursday: 12:50, 3:40, 6:30, 9:10 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (PG-13): Friday-Thursday: 1:00, 4:15, 7:30 360-629-0514

beloved cultural icon, with Daniel Craig taking full possession of a role he earlier played unconvincingly. The film at last provides a role worthy of Judi Dench, returning as M, who is one of the best actors of her generation.

She is all but the co-star, with a lot of screen time, poignant dialogue, and a character who is far more complex and sympathetic than we expect.

In this 50th year of the James Bond series, with the dismal “Quantum of Solace” (2008) still in our minds, I don’t know what I expected in Bond No. 23, but certainly not an experience this invigorating. Action, PG-13, 143 minutes. HHHH “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” — “The Hobbit” is stuffed with Hollywood’s latest technology — 3-D, highspeed projection and Dolby’s Atmos surround sound system. The result is some eye candy that truly dazzles and some that utterly distracts, at least in its test-run of 48 frames a second, double the projection rate that has been standard since silent-film days. It’s also overstuffed with, well, stuff. Prologues and sidestepping backstory.

Long, boring councils among dwarves, wizards and elves.

A shallow blood feud extrapo-

lated from sketchy appendices to J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” to give the film a bad guy. Fantasy-action, PG-13, 169 minutes. HH1⁄2 “The Impossible” — The tsunami that devastated the Pacific Basin in the winter of 2004 remains one of the worst natural disasters in history. We were in Europe when it struck, and we sat mesmerized, watching the news on TV -- again and again, that towering wall of water looming from the sea, tossing trucks, buses and its helpless victims aside. In this terrifying triumph of special effects, Juan Antonio Bayona’s film becomes a powerful story of a family’s cohesive strength. With Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor and Tom Holland. One of the best films of 2012. Drama, PG-13, 114 minutes. HHHH “Zero Dark Thirty” — Two hours of watching a loner female CIA strategist who knows she is right — and the payoff that she is. Jessica Chastain stars as Maya, who was right all along, providing the film with a timely heroine. Lots of murky action in the big capture and death, but lacking the split-second timing and relentless action of director Kathryn Bigelow’s “The Hurt Locker.” Thriller, R, 157 minutes. HHH

AT THE LINCOLN THEATRE 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon 360-336-8955 n www.lincolntheatre.org

‘A Late Quartet’ 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Jan. 4-5 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7 When the beloved cellist of a world-renowned string quartet receives a life-changing diagnosis, the group’s future suddenly hangs in the balance; suppressed emotions, competing egos, and uncontrollable passions threaten to derail years of friendship and collaboration. As they are about to play their 25th anniversary concert, only their intimate bond and the power of music can preserve their legacy. Inspired by and structured around Beethoven’s Opus 131 String Quartet in C-sharp minor, “A Late Quartet” pays homage to chamber music and the cultural world of New York.

Rated R. $10 general, $9 seniors, students and active military; $8 members; $7 children 12 and under. Bargain matinee prices (all shows before 6 p.m.): $8 general, $6 members, $5 children 12 and under.

The Met Live in HD: ‘Les Troyens’ 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 5 The Met offers a rare opportunity to witness Berlioz’s vast epic, last performed at the Met in 2003.

Deborah Voigt, Susan Graham, Marcello Giordani, and Dwayne Croft lead the cast, portraying characters from the Trojan War. Met Principal Conductor Fabio Luisi marshals the large-scale musical forces.

In Italian with English subtitles. $23 adults; $19 seniors; $16 students and children with $2 off for Lincoln members.

Please recycle this newspaper

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E18 - Thursday, January 3, 2013

OUT & ABOUT ART

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 19-20, at the Skagit County Historical Museum, 501 S. Fourth St., La Conner. Artists will show and sell a variety of Native and Native-inspired art. A special presentation Saturday evening will feature “Neqáx Kwélengsen” from the Samish Nation.

Visitors are invited to watch and learn as the artists carve, weave, make baskets or hats, knit and create. Visitors can also participate in a silent auction of the artists’ works.

Admission: $5, $4 seniors, $10 families. 360-466-3365 or www.skagitcounty.net/ museum.

QUILT MUSEUM TEMPORARY CLOSURE: The La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum will be closed through mid-February, while contractors install a fire suppression system, restore the first level and refinish the museum’s floors. Watch for the museum to reopen in midFebruary with the exhibit “Color, Design & Inspiration: Kaffe Fassett & Brandon Mably in La Conner.”

360-466-4288 or www. laconnerquilts.com.

FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK: Check out a variety of art on display during a reception from 6 to 9 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 4, at several galleries and other venues in downtown Anacortes.

Featured artworks include paintings and prints, baskets, sculptures, pastels, fiber arts, glass, ceramics, wood, photography, jewelry and more. 360-293-6938.

MORE SMALL PAINTINGS: A show featuring small paintings on canvas and paper by Anne Martin McCool will open with a reception during the First Friday Gallery Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4, and continue through Jan. 31 at Anne Martin McCool Gallery, 711 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

The show will also include paintings and prints

by Cathy Schoenberg, sculptures by Tracy Powel, glass art by Bob Metke, ceramics by Patsy Thola Chamberlain, jewelry by Carole Cunningham and Debbie Aldrich, turned wood by George Way, baskets by Jane Hyde and handwoven scarves by Martha Tottenham. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday through Saturday or by appointment.

360-293-3577 or www. annemartinmccool.com.

OPENING AT MONA

Two new Museum of Northwest Art exhibits — “Eduardo Calderón: Portraits of 20 Northwest Artists” and “Black and White Color Study from the Permanent Collection” — will open with a reception from 2 to 5 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 12, and continue through March 13 at the museum, 121 S. First St., La Conner. For details, see New MoNA Exhibitions under Art. Pictured: Jim Ball, Silver Days, 1999, acrylic/mixed media on board (triptych).

MEMBER SHOW: Allied Arts of Whatcom County’s annual Members Show will open with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4, and continue through Jan. 26 at the Allied Arts Gallery, 1418 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham. The show will feature work from nearly 100 Allied Arts members, including professional artists, students and new or emerging artists. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday, and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. 360-676-8548 or www. alliedarts.org.

NEW MoNA EXHIBITIONS: Two new exhibits will open with a reception from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, and continue through March 13 at the Museum of Northwest Art, 121 S. First St., La Conner.

“Eduardo Calderón: Portraits of 20 Northwest Artists”: Calderón interviewed a cross section of Northwest artists ranging in age, background and mediums each uses to make art, and photographed the artists in their homes. The exhibition includes Calderón’s audio

ACRYLIC PAINTINGS: A show of new paintings by Jennifer Bowman continues through Jan. 29 at Scott Milo Gallery, 420 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Also showing are photographs

by Randy Dana, Dick Garvey and Lewis Jones; fused glass by Robin Larson; pastels by Amanda Houston; and acrylics by Joel Brock.

Gallery hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 360-2936938 or www.scottmilo. com.

“FIRST SNOW”: Works

by Aleut artist Thomas Stream are featured in a and transcribed interviews “Are black and white colnew show at Arctic Raven with the artists about influ- ors?” as well as the science Gallery, 130 S. First St., ences, backgrounds and and history behind black Friday Harbor. Stream what brought them to the and white. uses geometric designs Northwest (if the artist was Museum hours are noon embodied in his creatures not already a native). The to 5 p.m. Sundays and to reflect the importance of show also includes works Mondays, and 10 a.m. to Aleut spiritual beliefs. 888by each artist.

5 p.m. Tuesdays through 378-3222 or www.arctic “Black and White Color Saturdays. $8, $5 seniors, $3 raven.com.

Study from the Permanent students, free for members Collection”: Presenting and ages 11 and younger.

FALL ART SHOW: The black, a symbol for sophis- 360-466-4446 or www.

Salish Sea Plein Air Art tication and authority, and museumofnwart.org.

Group’s fall show conwhite, which suggests purity tinues from 7 a.m. to 5 and neutrality, the exhibiNATIVE ARTISTS: p.m. daily at the Rexville Grocery, 19271 Best Road, tion offers an atypical look Award-winning Pacific Mount Vernon. 360-466at the Northwest palette.

Northwest artists will be Plus, excerpts from studies featured at “A Gathering of 5522 or www.rexville grocery.com. that tackle the question, Native Artists 2013” from

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, January 3, 2013 - E19

OUT & ABOUT “WILD EAST MEETS WILD WEST”: A show of photographs from Nakhodka, Russia, by Georgy Pakin continues through Jan. 6 at the Whatcom Museum Lightcatcher Building, 250 Flora St., Bellingham. Pakin’s photos vividly portray daily life in and around Nakhodka during Soviet and postSoviet times, including the presence of Americans in Nakhodka, its large fishing operations and other activities. Museum hours are noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday “HONEY, I SHRUNK THE through Sunday. $10; $8 students, military, seniors ART”: The 22nd annual ages 62 and older, $4.50 show of small artworks ages 5 and younger. 360continues through Jan. 27 778-8930 or www.whatcom at Matzke Fine Art Gallery & Sculpture Park, 2345 museum.org.

Blanche Way, Camano LECTURES Island. The show features AND TALKS small format paintings, sculptures, glass and more EDUCATION UPDATE: by 40 artists. Gallery hours The Fidalgo Democrats will are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sathost a presentation of the urday and Sunday, or by video “Good Things Are appointment. 360-387-2759 Happening in Anacortes or www.matzkefineart.com. Schools: An Education Update” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, “CALIFORNIA IMPRES- Jan. 8, at the Anacortes SIONISM, SELECTIONS Public Library, 1220 10th FROM THE IRVINE St., Anacortes. PresentMUSEUM”: The exhibit ers will include Anacortes continues through Feb. 17 School Board President at the Whatcom Museum, Jeannette Papadakis, 250 Flora St., Bellingham.

Superintendent Chris BorThe show features 50 paint- gen and others. Refreshings from the Impressionist ments will be available.

Period (1890-1930) showBring a nonperishable food casing an array of Califordonation for the food bank. nia landscapes, from coastal 360-293-7114. beaches to vast deserts.

Also called California plein MARITIME SPEAKER air painting, California SERIES: “MODEL BOATS”: Impressionism focused on 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, capturing the special light Anacortes Public Library, and color of the state’s 1220 10th St., Anacortes. landscape and helped to Randy Flodquist will disdefine modern landscape cuss the art and science painting. of model boats. Free. 360Museum hours are noon 293-1910, ext. 21, or library. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through cityofanacortes.org.

Sunday. $10, $8 student/ senior/military, $4.50 chil“ICE AGE FLOODS dren ages 5 and younger, NATIONAL GEOLOGIC free for museum members. TRAIL”: 7 p.m. Wednesday, 360-778-8933 or www.what Jan. 23, Anacortes Public commuseum.org.

Library, 1220 10th St., “GLACIAL SPEED”: A show of recent artwork by Cynthia Camlin continues through Jan. 13 at the Skagit Valley College Art Gallery in the Gary Knutzen Cardinal Center on the SVC campus, 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. The exhibit interprets environmental change through visual metaphors, depicting the phases of melting glaciers through abstracted forms. Gallery hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

360-416-7812.

Anacortes. Gene Kiver, professor emeritus of geology, details one of the largest documented floods in Earth history, sending 500 cubic miles of water across the Pacific Northwest. Free.

360-293-1910, ext. 21, or library.cityofanacortes.org.

MUSIC JAZZ AT THE LIBRARY: TRISH HATLEY, WITH PHIL & HANS: 2 to 3 p.m.

Sunday, Jan 13, Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Enjoy live music in a quiet setting.

Free. 360-293-1910, ext. 21, or library.cityofanacortes. org.

MORE FUN TWO-MUSEUM PASS: Take your family to visit two local museums for one price with a two-museum pass from the Skagit County Historical Museum and the Children’s Museum of Skagit County. $15 buys a family pass good at both museums: the Historical Museum, 501 S. Fourth St., La Conner; and the Children’s Museum, located inside the Cascade Mall in Burlington. Passes are available at either location.

For information, contact the Historical Museum at 360-466-3365 or www. skagitcounty.net/museum, or the Children’s Museum at 360-757-8888 or www. skagitchildrensmuseum.net.

Tours start inside the visitors’ center. The hatchery is open daily for self-guided tours. 360-336-0172, ext.

304, or education@skagit fisheries.org.

EAGLE WATCHING: View bald eagles wintering on the Skagit River from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Jan. 27, at three eagle watcher stations on Highway 20: Howard Miller Steelhead Park in Rockport, Sutter Creek rest area at milepost 100 and the Marblemount Fish Hatchery, 8319 Fish Hatchery Road. Volunteers will provide spotting scopes and binoculars. Free. 360856-5700.

STEAK DINNER: Welcome the new year at the Knights of Columbus’ steak dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Hall, 719 Ferry St., Sedro-Woolley. Enjoy a complete steak dinner with beverages, salad bar and dessert for $8, or have a hamburger with fries for $5. For information, call Doug at 360-853-5344.

EMPTY BOWL PROJECT: La Conner High School students will hold the third annual Empty Bowl Dinner from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11, in the La Conner High School culinary arts room, 502 N. Sixth St., La Conner. Enjoy a meal of homemade soup, bread, FISH HATCHERY coffee and cookies. $5. Add TOURS: Skagit Fisheries a hand-painted bowl (yours Enhancement Group will to keep) for $10 more. Prooffer free guided tours ceeds will be donated to of the Marblemount Fish Friendship House to help Hatchery facility from 10 it build a new kitchen. For a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays information, contact Melaand Sundays, through Jan. nie Graham at 360-46627, at 8319 Fish Hatchery Road, Marblemount. Learn 3173 or email mgraham@ lc.k12.wa.us. about the enhancement group, hatchery operations, MODEL RAILROAD salmon and their life cycle OPEN HOUSE: The and other visitors to the Whatcom-Skagit Model area, such as bald eagles.

Railroad Club will host an open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at 1469 Silver Run Lane, Alger. The club operates large, permanent HO- and N-scale model railroad layouts. Admission is by donation to help continue building the layouts. www. whatcomskagitmrc.org.

“MUSIC AND MEMORIES”: The inaugural Music and Memories Auction to benefit The Bradford House and Gentry House will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at St. Joseph Center, 215 N. 15th St., Mount Vernon. Hans & Phil, Trish Hatley and Joan Penney will perform live music. The event will feature a buffet dinner and live and silent auctions.

Skagit Adult Day Program, the parent organization for The Bradford House and Gentry House, is designed to serve individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Tickets: $50, available at www. skagitadultdaycare.org.

Information or tickets: 360428-5972.

SPAGHETTI FEED AND PROGRAM: The Skagit, Whatcom, Island Trail Maintaining Organization (SWITMO) will present a spaghetti feed fundraiser from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at the Sedro-Woolley Community Center, 703 Pacific St., Sedro-Woolley.

Enjoy food provided by Joy’s Bakery of SedroWoolley, along with a program featuring the Alaskan adventures of two local motorcyclists. $10, $5 ages 12 and younger. Tickets are available at Joy’s Bakery or call the SWITMO office at 360-424-0407.

9:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, at Christ The King Church, 2111 Riverside Drive, Mount Vernon. Enjoy dance lessons, live music, silent auction, dessert sale and raffle. $6, $10 couple, $20 family. Proceeds will benefit the MVHS Band and Orchestra Boosters.

STAR PARTY: Explore the night sky and view distant galaxies, planets and nebulas beginning at dark Friday, Jan. 18, at Fort Nugent Park, 2075 SW Fort Nugent Road, Oak Harbor.

No telescope is needed and all ages are welcome. Dress warmly. Canceled if cloudy.

Free. For information, call Dan Pullen at 360-679-7664 or visit www.icas-wa.webs. com.

CRAB FEST: The annual event will take place from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at Camano Center, 606 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island. Enjoy a whole Dungeness crab, with side dishes, dessert and more.

Swingnuts Jazz will provide live entertainment. A cash bar will be available. 360387-0222 or www.camano center.org.

SKAGIT WEDDING SHOW: Prospective brides and grooms can find everything they’ll need for their big day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20, at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes. Vendors from Skagit, Snohomish, Island, Whatcom, and King counties will be available in a casual setting. The event will include a fashion show at 3 p.m., prize drawings and a “man cave” where guys can hang out, watch sports on HD-TV and enjoy an adult beverage.

SWING DANCE: The Tickets: $8 advance, $10 at Mount Vernon High School the door. skagitweddingjazz bands will present show.com or 866-585-6752 a swing dance from 7 to or 360-428-5972.

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