Skinnie Magazine April 2010 by Skinnie Magazine

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CONTENTS | APRIL

2010

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FEATURES] ___________________________ p.010

A healthy serving of soup

p.012

Tasting The Rainbow

p.020

making it look easy

p.024

Jason Ellis never sleeps

p.026

there is no have to, just want to

p.030

That special feeling

p.032

Kidz in the hall

p.034

The reign continues

p.047

katrina kicks ass

p.050

The Yes Men

p.054

SXSW 2010

p.070

Welcome to the club

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EVERY ISSUE

Editor’s Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p.006 The Skinnie / Hearsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p.008 Accoutrements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p.014 Destination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p.016 Action Sports Roundup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p.025

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by Som Khamsaysoury

by Ramon Gonzales

by Lauren Felechner

by Eleni Vazquez

by Patrick Douglas

by Alex Mendoza

by Richard Cold

by An Enthusiastic Skinnie Staff

by Jasen Davis

by Ramon Gonzales

by Richard Cold

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For The Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p.034 Under The Radar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p.036 Flicks / Keepin It Reel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p.038 Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p.040 Audio / Locals Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p.042

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Video Games / Bits and Bytes . . . . . . . . p.044 Skinnie Scene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p.059 Happy Endings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p.072

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The Old Fashioned Romantic Feelin’ It obviously isn’t the most PC thing to say, but being that I am a proud Mexican-American, if anyone can speak candidly about the facts, it would be me. Mexican dudes love a handful of things, two of said handful would be The Smiths (or anything Morrissey related for that matter), and, well… white women. Needless to say, when Ms. Zooey Deschanel graced the big screen last year in the painfully honest role of “Summer,” in the gem (500) Days of Summer, softly singing the lyrics to another Steven Morrissey penned classic, I just about melted. To explain just how captivating she was, Deschanel’s character all but rips a lovelorn man’s heart out of his chest with a smile, and I was still rooting for her. Aside from her ability to light up the screen, Zooey, along with partner Matt Ward have concocted a combination of pop noir and folk disposition as the highly addictive She & Him. Two records deep, a successful film career, and now officially the new girl of my dreams, I have to tell you… our cover story this month is enough to make me start climbing mountains.

APRIL 2010 J ISSUE #99 10184 Sixth St. Suite A Rancho Cucamonga, Ca. 91730 Ph. 909-476-0270 Fax 909-476-5931 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PUBLISHERS Chief Executive Officer

Jimmy Clinton

EDITORIAL Ramon Gonzales Jasen T. Davis, Alex Mendoza, Eric Bonholtzer, Brook Ellis, “Felix” Ulery, Kristie Bertucci, Patrick Douglas, Lacy Ottenson, Elysia McMahan, Melissa Fouler, Gretchen Meier Editor-In-Chief

Contributing Writers

For editorial submissions, email editorial@skinniemagazine.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ART & DESIGN Robb Sackett Vidal Diaz, Jason Bailey, Erik Faiivae

Art Director Contributing Staff

PHOTOGRAPHY Alan Rivera, Sean Myers, Joanna Miriam, Dave Gatson, Rick Mann, Karen Curley, Harmony Gerber, Edison Graff, Timothy Sheppard, Erik Faiivae, Mark Sacro, Michael Vincent, Christian Sosa Contributing Photographers

Sales & Marketing Sales/Marketing Director

Jason Zahler Sean Francis Liza Dalida, Ta’ Mara Aarin, TJ Avila, Aaron Amaya Andy Alexander, Leigh Ann , Julius Lopez, Antoinette Belton Entertainment Director

As always, our most sincere thanks for picking up this issue and getting familiar with our pages. And Zooey…should you ever develop a affinity for chubby Mexican Mama’s Boys – I’d gladly oblige.

Advertising

For all sales inquiries email sales@skinniemagazine.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Administrative Aaron Amaya House Of Designs Amara Omeregie Contributing Staff Daniel Torres, Antoinette Belton, Ryan Mercer, Andy Valenzuela, Andrea Alvis, and Angelique Promotion Director Webmaster

online editor

Ramon Gonzales ACCOMPLICES & Alibis Alexis ___________________“Lexi” ________________Amparan ___________________________writer ___________________________________________________ “Lexis” in Greek means word. Words happen to be one of Alexis’ favorite things. It is notable, upon meeting this girl, that she uses plenty of them; to express opinions, state facts, and to express opinions in such a way as to convince you they are facts. You will rarely meet someone more excited to share their thoughts on any subject, and if she seems a know-it-all it is simply because she has a lexicon of interests.

_Sean _______________Myers ___________________photographer ______________________________________________________________________________ Sean Myers first started taking photos at the age of 6 when camping then bought his first camera at 8 years old. Now with a camera collection of over 50 cameras aging from 1913 to current digital he covers everything from nature to concerts/clubs and even exotic animals. “Being single allows me to pursue my passions. Photography, motorcycles and nature.”

FASHION Fashion Director

Michelle Ngo

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SUBSCRIBERS If the post office alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within two years. LEGAL DISCLAIMER The content in this magazine is for entertainment and intended for mature audiences only. Advertisers are responsible for their ads placed in the magazine. Skinnie Magazine is not responsible for any actions taken by their readers. We may occasionally use images placed in public domain. Sometimes, it is not possible to identify and/or contact the copyright holder, if you claim ownership of something we’ve published, we will gladly make a proper acknowledgement. Skinnie Magazine does not share opinions and/ or views stated by the writers and or photographers. Some of the content published may be of a mature nature; we do not, in any way, condone underage drinking or any other illegal activity. All submissions become property of Skinnie Magazine, be it text, photos, art, etc. Skinnie Entertainment Magazine All Rights Reserved. 2010

_Som _____________Khamsaysoury _____________________________________________photographer ______________________________________________________ Coming from a sleepy town in central California, Som Khamsaysoury eventually escaped the smell of cow dung and found solace in Southern California. While he was tucked away in “the armpit of California” he found his mojo in writing and photograaphy.Som enjoys taking portrait pictures, long walks on the beach, romantic conversations under the full moon, strip clubs and cheap happy hour drinks.

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Cover Photo by: Taea Thale

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FOREPLAY

HEARSAY

words by Alexis Amparan

Toyota Spin-A-Thon in full tilt: Just when the hipsters thought they were going to have to return their Priuses (seriously, how do you make that plural) Toyota has come up with a logical explanation…it’s a scam! A reporter researched one of the claimants and found that they were $700,000 in the hole and behind on their payments – so this must be an elaborate con, right? Probably NOT, but Toyo is REALLY praying for a miracle. Be careful out there.

If the steeple’s a-rocking, don’t come a-knocking:

Some of the best sushi and hot dogs are made from Trunk Whale Meat.

First Lady Michelle Obama has her no reported injuries or deaths, but that may work cut out for her as part of Presibe because no one can pronounce its name dent Obama’s Task Force on Childhood Obe– Eyjafjallajokull. The family of the Seaworld sity. The president hopes to eliminate childtrainer who died in a whale attack has asked hood obesity within a generation. A recent that the death video be sealed. 100 miles away, study shows that 7.3 percent of boys and 5.5 a Los Angeles sushi chain has been closed on percent of girls are extremely obese. The resuspicion of selling illegal whale meat. The acsults were worse for minority children, with cused would keep the meat frozen in a car 12 percent of black teenage girls and 11.2 perbehind the restaurant to avoid suspicion. The cent of Latino teenage boys judged extremely pope has apologized for the “hopelessly inobese.What else is new adequate response” in healthcare? Nothing to allegations of abuse in particular, just bricks in Ireland, but more through windows, cut abuse scandals are bepropane lines, and ing reported across threatening phone calls Europe, including Pope for Democrats who Bennedict XVI’s forvoted to approve the mer archdiocese in 2,309 page bill. In case Germany. After a rise you weren’t aware, we in sexual assault crimes time traveled back to in Argentina’s Mendoza 1951 and the Cold War. province, officials have The British have interauthorized chemical cepted over 20 Russian castration for rapists. “Octomom” Family Portrait bomber jets over UK The rapists can volairspace since the beginning of 2009.The Rusunteer for the program. Some humans need sians have confirmed the flight of the planes, to be spayed and neutered, and for enough but do not admit to any airspace violations. cash, they’ll joke about it. The “Octomom” Police have charged a 16-year-old boy in New who can’t pay to refinance her house with Jersey with “harassment and bias intimidaher 14 children in it now has a PETA sign on tion” for calmly announcing over the store’s her lawn: “Don’t Let Your Dog or Cat Become intercom, “Attention, Walmart customers: All an Octomom. Always Spay or Neuter.” She black people, leave the store now.”A volcano was paid a flat sum a month’s supply of veggie erupted under a glacier in Iceland. There are burgers and hot dogs.

words by Gretchen Meier

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Here’s a few tips: God doesn’t like porn and he will punish you for watching it at church, also don’t spend the night at the place you’re burglarizing. In Ames, Iowa a man was caught trying to leave the First Christian Church in the morning with assorted loot including a 26” flat screen. He had spent the night at the church post-break in and used the flat screen to watch some of his personal porn collection.

Stay classy, Vallejo: If you were working at the Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center March 5, 2010 you might have met the 17 year old who shot himself in the balls. Though probably medically charted as “testicular damage caused by a firearm” don’t you prefer the sound of “fruit basket foul play.” Note to self: gun safety lessons are cheaper than nadreplacement surgery.

A good business model for surviving unemployment: There is a man in Irvine, CA who has been unemployed for 19 months, kicked out of his foreclosed home, and is now living off of flyer miles which he earned while employed in – brace yourself – the finance industry. He moves nomadically between hotels in his leased luxury automobile, picks up wine from his storage unit and feeds himself on unemployment checks and continental breakfasts. Can’t keep a brother down.

What does a hamster fetch on eBay these days: Times are tough, but Staten Island criminals are reaching a new low. Eden II School for Children with Autism reported that they were the victims of a break-in. Among the items stolen: laptops, cameras, gaming systems, a sock puppet, and a hamster. WTF? Yes sir, that’s right…a sock puppet and a hamster. What is this world coming to?

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Foreplay

HEARSAY

CONTINUED...

Apology accepted, Lil’ Bow Wow: In a lapse of judgment moment Lil’ Bow Wow tweeted about ‘whippin the lambo’ while intoxicated in January. He commented on how numb his face was, threw in a few typos, made a strategy to have Chris Brown take the wheel and then got pulled over. A humility-filled apology was later made in which he called himself ‘stupid and immature.’ Indeed.

informeR

Oh, Canada, give me a break:

A Healthy Serving of Soup G4’s “Web Soup” Returns for Season 2 with Chris Hardwick words by Som Khamsaysoury

Lyanna Washington, a college student from Oakland, CA, pulls out her camera phone and captures the conflict between one just barely over the hill passenger and another way-past-his-prime Vietnam vet inside a bus iin a misunderstanding over spit shining and Stacy Adams boots. The end result was one bloody nose, if not broken, needing the “Amber Lamps” and Epic Beard Man is now birthed into Internet immortality. In three days since the video was uploaded, it has clocked in over three million hits. It was inevitable. Aside from the obligatory nut shots, face-plants, and more nut shots, the Interwebs have taken over pop culture. As sites like YouTube, CollegeHumor and Break have thrived on user generated content, garnering millions of views each day. It made perfect sense for a network geared towards nerds and the web generation to capitalize on all the shenanigans that’s been taking up all this bandwidth. Now in its second season, G4’s “Web Soup” has shocked audiences with its unparalleled collage of hilarious, nasty and sometimes straight up weird viral videos. The format is fairly simple, just think of E!’s “Talk Soup,” replace all the TV shows with web videos and swap out the lanky Joel McHale for the equally funny Chris Hardwick, who in the past has hosted MTV’s “Singled Out” and currently in G4’s other popular show “Attack

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of the Show” as their resident “Gadget Pro” afficionado. Episodes of “Web Soup” feature themed segments like “This Week in FAIL,” which highlights stunts gone wrong, and “Things You Can’t Un-See,” which depicts the web’s most shocking, over the top viral videos.

Tofino, British Columbia is trying to keep amazing American fast food concept out of their silly surf town. At a recent council meeting members proposed the drafting and adoption of a bylaw banning fast food chain restaurants in hopes of preserving their town’s charm. But what’s more charming than surfers eating a breakfast sandwich out of a wrapper in the back of their truck while sipping on a soy latte in a 20 ounce cup?

Africa, you are freaking me out man: A Russian woman flew home from Equatorial Guinea to have surgery to remove a parasitic worm that was lurking in her eye. Prepare to vomit some more – the worm was a side effect of a disease called Loiasis which was probably transmitted by a bug bite and manifested itself into a worm which wanders around the body and affects somewhere in the neighborhood of 12 million people.

“Ten years ago, if you said you had a show that took place on the Internet, People would have patted you on the head and said, ‘awww, that’s adorable,’ “ explained Hardwick. “ ... A dramatic metamorphosis started at the beginning of the millennium and we’re still only in the delicate pupae stage.” Season number two is committed to go a step beyond, up the ante in what was presented in the first season. “Up Top Hands,” “Watermelon Head” and the rest of the crew promise to bring bigger breaks, nut shots that just make no sense, crazier accidents and face-plants while Hardwick curates with his brand of irreverent tongue-incheek commentary. “It only feels like work when there are times you have to stop down for the tapes and they may have to rearrange a couple of things so there’s a good couple 10-15 minutes where we’re just all sitting around, that’s the only time it feels like work,” says Hardwick. “But when you’re actually doing it, it doesn’t feel like work.”

My grandma’s horny: Okay, call it a cutaneous horn but there is nothing cute about what is happening on the forehead of Zhang Ruifang, 101 year old Chinese woman from the Henan province. She has a 2.4 inch, horn shaped lump of keratin

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Foreplay

HEARSAY

CONTINUED...

growing on her dome, above her left eye and it’s little twin is coming in on the right. Her children are afraid that it could be genetic or that she might turn into a goat and I’m afraid to report that cutaneous horns are common

If you’re going to St. Petersburg, be sure to pack your helmet:

informeR

Tasting The Rainbow

Some Prominent Politicans Against Homosexuality Are…Coming Out words by Ramon Gonzales

Via a phone interview with radio station KERN-AM 1180 in Bakersfield, CA, Republican Senator Roy Ashburn somberly uttered the words, “I am gay…Those are the words that have been so difficult for me for so long. But I am gay. But it is something that is personal and . . . I felt with my heart that being gay didn’t affect -wouldn’t affect -- how I did my job.” The same Roy Ashburn voted with party lines and in 2005 denied the bill allowing same sex marriage in California. The same Roy Ashburn also infamously voted against a measure to make May 22nd a day of memorial for slain gay-rights leader Harvey Milk. The same Roy Ashburn was placed in handcuffs following a night of boozing at a gay club and getting behind the wheel in Sacramento. His way around the obvious hypocrisy….He was voting in support of his constituents. How convenient. Whatever your feelings are regarding homosexuality in America, there seems to be an interesting trend among vehemently anti-Gay figures. Roy Ashburn is just one of a few decision makers who have been publicly outed under very unsavory circumstances. Hypocrisy among politicians has never been a far stretch, but this just seems masochistic. Idaho Senator Larry Craig ended up flushing his political career almost literally. In 2007, the Senator caught a case for lewd conduct in a Minneaplois airport bathroom, after an undercover sting operation busted Craig trying to solicit some playtime in the shitter. A staunch conservative, Craig’s voting record remained obviously anti-Gay. In the fallout from the incident, Craig would allegedly spend

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some $213,000 dollars in public relation and legal fees. He would maintain that his was a victim of entrapment and is not gay. Who can forget the Reverend Ted Haggard? As the former leader of the National Association of Evangelicals, Ted was a spiritual counselor to former President Bush and head of an organization with over 30 million members. In fact, Haggard held weekly meetings with President Bush; that is until he was found to be paying male prostitutes for sex and dabbling in the occasional snort of Crystal Meth. Disgraced, Haggard spent his Evangelical career admonishing the perversion of homosexuality. Us Representative Mark Foley, was found to be sending sexually explicit emails to Congressional Pages (White House interns, teenage boys in most cases) all while chairing the Caucus of Missing and Exploited Children. Vehemently against the sexual exploitation of underage children, Foley was speaking from experience. Florida Rep. (McCain Campaign Chairman) Bob Allen supported a ban on gays adopting children. Then, got busted for offering an undercover cop $20 bucks to suck his cock in a public bathroom. In the 2009 documentary Outrage, openly gay Congressman Barney Frank puts it very simply, “Those who make the laws, should be subjected to them.” If ever there was an argument that could be made about how being gay is not a choice, this politicians and their dismantled careers would serve as prime examples.

63 people have been injured and 3 killed in St. Petersburg. By what? Falling ice. That’s right, Chicken Little, the frozen stuff is murdering pedestrians left and right (and then left again). When are the Russians going to get a break? Besides the racial stereotypes they are now going to sport helmets to work…this is awesome.

So easy, my kid could do it: As if people weren’t already, irrationally afraid of flying now they’ve got another reason to go Greyhound. The son of a flight controller at JFK was recorded directing air traffic while on break from school. While the pilots got a kick out of the ‘apprentice’ the FAA laid the smack down on his father and alleviated him from his duties. Really? This story is screaming with potential as a Disney flick starring Bruce Willis and some future out-of-work child star.

Riding the white horse in London town is finally affordable: No wonder none of the UK celebrities are moving here; according to recent ‘market trends’ a dose of nose candy is 2 pounds (cheaper than coffee, wine and beer). This may be because the Brits are inhaling a rustic watered-down hybrid of the white stuff mixed with things like painkillers and anthelminthic drugs which fight parasitic worms. Wait a minute, shouldn’t we be sending this to Africa…

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ACCOUTREMENTS 1

4 5

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Come out the pockets

Here Are A Handful Of Reasons To Get That Wallet Bending 1 Dissizit

California Love New Era

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Q2 Cube Radio

Queen Baby Jewelry

Samsung MD320

Tequila El Gran Jubileo

The fitted baseball cap has gone from a sporting necessity to a fashion staple over the past few years. California–based Dissizit has launched their tribute to the West Coast with their California Love New Era Series Fitted Caps. Both the ‘Bear’ and ‘Love’ limited run will go quick. Stay fresh and rep CA.

As the world has officially transitioned from terrestrial radio into satellite broadcasting, radio has transformed entirely to meet every niche market possible. This homage to vintage chic allows listeners to tune into their favorite PC programmed satellite radio stations without the bulky receiver and gnarly wires.

In case you have been living under a rock for the last year, gold is back in full effect after a couple of decades in the fashion time out corner. Merging incendiary rock n’ roll designs with timeless craftsmanship, King Baby Jewelry, particularly the Queen Baby ladies line is a perfect way to lace the better half.

I remember our first TV had two clicking knobs and one hell of a coat hanger antenna. We have come a long way. This computer monitor can function for both work or play and when couple with an AMD graphics processor can display six separate images or one image in six parts.

Using all natural ingredients and a natural oxygenation process, Jalisco’s best kept secret is now all the rave among tequila enthusiasts. Producing a Blanco, Reposado, and an Extra Añejo aged 5 years (as opposed to two); EGJ crafts fine tequila with a finish that is worth the price tag.. Time to ditch of the overpriced hype, EGJ is the goods.

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PASSPORT

destination

San Sebastian, Spain A Precious Stone In Spain’s Emerald Coast Situated on the Bay of Biscay and near the French border, the Basque Country, San Sebastian, the summer capital of Spain is a sprawling beach land. Over the years, this quiet town has become a crowded and popular destination for those seeking pleasant weather, old world charm and a haven away from the stress of the big city. Bounded by lush, rolling hillsides and one of the sweetest strips of coast in all of Spain, there’s something refreshing about this place you won’t be able to get enough of. The city’s hot summers and mild winters have made it the undisputed queen of Basque resorts, which has drawn sun lovers from all around the world for generations. Crisp days and cool nights. A time to gather around the flame. Spain has an extraordinary artistic heritage and offers a pleasing mix of Gothic, modern and traditional Spanish architecture. You can

opt to travel back in time through grand churches and buildings. The close proximity to France is eloquently reflected in many of its streets, whose dreamy air reminds some of the decadent streets in Paris. Aside from just a grand party scene, unsurpassed sunsets, bikini-clad babes, Mediterranean fashion, and a sacred cuisine that is sure to leave you substantially impressed, this particular part of Spain manages to retain the perfect amount of comforts to grant just about anyone’s wishes.

Make Sure To Bring Your Speedo With its three main beaches, including Ondarreta, La Zurriola and La Concha, Donostia-San Sebastian is considered to have the most exquisite shorelines in all of Spain. Because of its gardens and villas that escort you towards the sand, Ondarreta has an

words by Elysia McMahan

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aristocratic feel to it and is the most emblematic of the three. If you intend on wearing your string bikini or Speedo out onto the beach while tending to your hangover, you’re likely to fit right on in with everyone else strutting along the sea edge in droves. La Concha is always heaving with life, as well as with those daring enough to show off a little more skin than the majority can usually tolerate. All of these beaches offer up world-class surfing, parasols and sun beds to guests and during the summer there is a fourth beach on Santa Clara Island that can be reached by ferry from the harbor. Some of the world’s best kept secret spots are now yours for the taking.

Come For More Than Just The Food Every destination has its own character, its own flavor. How is San Sebastian different from everywhere

else? Prepare to be blown away by the remarkably preserved Basque culture within the capital of Guipuzcoa. The richness of its different districts (the City Center, Zona Romantica and the Old Quarter) will leave you in a state of grace. Basque food would have to be one of Spain’s most excellent offerings. Some of the most delectable treats in store would have to be those in low-key bakeries and simple pizza shops in and around old town. Pintxos (pronounced “pinchos”) are a version of tapas, which can be served hot or cold and San Sebastian have taken them to an entirely different level. Anything from mini pizzas, croquettes to foie gras are done better here than anywhere else in the country. And although this old port town may have more Michelin stars per square mile than anywhere else on Earth (like at such places as Akelare and Arzak), don’t think you’ll have to break your budget to take part in a fine meal. When it comes to festivals and parades, there are numerous exciting events such as the Film Festival, Tinkers Parade, the Jazz Festival, and the Tamborrada to take part in. The beginning of September features

events related to Basque culture. Every year on January 20th, San Sebastián Day kicks off. At midnight, in the Konstituzio plaza, the mayor raises the flag and for 24 hours the whole city is flooded with the sound of drums. Adults all dress as cooks and soldiers and march all night around the city. If you come during July and August expect to push your way through massive crowds, especially if you arrive during the week of Semana Grande. This week is the main tourist season; packed with sporting events, music and world-famous firework displays held every night in La Concha Bay. On August 31st, Semana Grande street is worth walking along to witness the candlelit ceremony which commemorates San Sebastian’s destructive 1813 fire. These fiestas are only just a taste of what is in store during your visit. San Sebastian does not miss a day or month without some sort of celebration. Make sure to check their local listings upon arrival and you’ll be sure not to miss a beat of this city’s heart. The people of Donostia (The Donostierras) are actually one of the main attractions of this city. Donostierras are warmhearted, welcoming and funloving, as revealed by their rambunctious celebrations and festivals. If it’s time for the Running of the Bulls, which is from July 7 to 14, be sure to take the one-hour bus ride and check out Pamplona for this little bit of Spanish madness. But even if you don’t make your way out to these parts, Fiesta de San Fermin is fiesta time throughout Spain and it is very likely that you’ll find yourself wrapped up in some sort of commotion.

Far From Ibiza This is where the party’s happening! The streets

of the Old Quarter are virtually a maze of discos, nightclubs and taverns. This festive, nocturnal Spanish town definitely has a distinguished way of celebrating as if they’re bringing in the millennium all over again. Gatherings tend to quiet down come 3:30 in the morning, but not to fret, if you still haven’t been fulfilled by that time, you can always journey to other parts of town. For the best disco and a solid copa (a mixed drink) you’ll want to head to Bataplan. If you’re in the mood for a bar full of beautiful people, Euro techno/house music and a place where bathtubs are

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PASSPORT

built into the walls as seats…you may very well have found your calling. Illumbe is where you can push your senseless festivities to last until about 7:00 in the morning (depending on how many free drinks you can obtain or how many Euros you haven’t lost during your drunken stupor). The Gros district is an alternative, as it also has an attractive setting ranging from tapas bars to Irish Pubs. For a more Bohemian feel to your night, there’s

always the Reyes Catolicos, alongside the Paseo de la Concha, where you can feed off the vibes of others. Are you the type who prefers those quieter evenings? Take a laid-back wander along the promenade in La Concha. There’s nothing like the soothing night breeze, the sharp aroma of the sea, and the pleasure of walking beneath the stars to finish off an ideal evening. Nevertheless, when you’re in town you’ll not want to forget drinks! The red wine, Basque cider and the Txakoli here are to die for! One cannot party forever, but here in Spain they certainly encourage you to do so.

Basque Culture At Its Best! Whether it be the unforgettable views

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from the top of Monte Ilguedo that haunt you in your sleep or simply exploring the Spanish gastronomies, you may leave your heart behind in this enchanting place; wanting to return in the future and discover more about it. Are you longing for the depths of a mystery? Well, you certainly won’t be magnifying danger here but this is the preservation of a fine thing; forever scratching the surface of variety. This is a location where the bar stools have not lost their shine and one that continues to respect the needs of local citizens as well as tourists. An unspoiled landscape that is easy to travel and navigate by foot, San Sebastian is a sophisticated resort without the standard holiday resort trimmings you’re used to and strays away from the ‘Tomatina’ tomato fights or ham-on-a-stick contests. It creates the idyllic starting point from which to explore the entire Basque Country. Even now, during such a tough financial time, Spain has, somehow, found enough money and enough pride to celebrate every single day of the year. It’s so magnificent…that you may even confuse it with a mirage. Be prepared to feast your eyes on that which makes for a good high.

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MAKING IT LOOK EASY

Fuel TV’s Eero Ettala Takes Competition All Over The Globe words by: Lauren Felechner rs

How does a snowboarder from Helsinki, Finland put himself on America’s map? Well, dominating the slope style competition in the Winter X-Games this year, landing his own TV show on FUEL TV and riding for such sponsors as Oakley, Red Bull and Nitro might have something to do with it. Eero Ettala is Finland’s 25-year-old pride and joy on the slopes making his way up in the world of snowboarding with what seems to be without him even trying. His effortless style and skills, (and when I say effortless I mean the guy landed a standard issued backside 1080 mute the very first try ever, simply because he asked a guy what the “trick” to it was,) makes for awesome competition boarding, but even with Ettala’s level of skill, contests aren’t the first on his to-do list. “I have always been way more into filming, and more contests I do, less time I have for filming. So I just try to pick the most important and most interest contests and do those and the rest of the time I just

concentrate on getting a good video part,” Ettala explained.

on FUEL TV, where him and other Oakley riders get to travel the world riding the sickest trails.

This boarder comes off as one modest mothereffer because all of the hype and huge crowds don’t determine who e is as a rider. Along with his passion for filming, his passion for backcountry trails plays a role in his pickiness for contest-riding.

“For me this sounded perfect,” Ettala said,“I was kind of bored on doing the same old video part, and now I got a chance to ride with new people and see new places. I wouldn’t call it a year off filming, but at least it was real fun and refreshing! I was real stoked I got this opportunity!”

“For me it’s just way more rewarding to be able to do your own thing and use your brain. Just get out there and look at the terrain and find your own jumps and cliffs and landings,” Ettala said. Earlier this year in the Winter X-Games, Eero landed first place in slope style, bouncing back with a vengeance from 13th place the year before. Although contests may not be Eero’s determining factor in boarding, he came prepared this year with better tricks, speed and more jumps. Besides finding this Fin on the slopes competing, you can find him doing his thing across the glove on “Tracking Eero”

Although the TV show is an amazing opportunity for Eero and while he was not the only one approached for the show, (another Oakley rider, Jake Blauvelt was busy filming another movie at the time,) filming the show has brought on some scary and crazy experiences that he was lucky enough to walk away from. Eero pulled a Sonny Bono on us in British Columbia, (minus the whole dying part,) when he drifted too much to the left on his backside seven on a jump, landing straight into a tree. With immense pain consuming his body all at once, this pretty little foreigner came out with only a torn leg muscle. So

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what does his girlfriend think of his crazy antics? “She doesn’t really care about any of that, she knows that boys are boys and we need to get weird sometimes,” Ettala laughed. Besides him dive-bombing into a tree and getting weird, Eero actually hates watching himself on the screen because it embarrasses him. “It’s really weird to hear my own voice and my way of talking English always sounds pretty horrible,” Ettala joked, “However, I think I have it pretty figured out, how to stay natural in front of the camera. Sometimes it’s hard when you’re tired and bummed to talk on the camera, then I might act a little happier, but normally I feel like being myself.” Along with filming and the snow, skating lies among Eero’s many passions as well. And that is why he was so stoked to join SKULLCANDY, who has both skate and snowboarding teams, as well as impressive products. With another year of theWinter Olympics to a close, one can only wonder if we will see Eero repping for Finland in the next few years to come. Perhaps a little Shaun White, Eero Ettala rivalry? Highly unlikely. Although the Olympics might be most competitive athletes’ ultimate goal for complete and total domination of their sport, this Fin would only consider it if they ever started a slope style or big air competition for snowboarders. “I am not really a fan of all the hype and pressure that goes down for the Olympics. For me, it is just another contest,” Ettala explained. So what should we expect next from this rider who seems to have taken a different path in the sport from most? He’s a skater, a snowboarder, into photography and film, and you can find his pretty face splashed on your TV screen, as well as follow his personal updates on his website. Well his switch triple back flip is still in the making and waiting for a complete landing. With it being a trick you wouldn’t normally just try and bust out at any time, Eero is waiting for the perfect jump with the perfect conditions. “I hope I still get it one of these days cause I hate leaving something in the halfway. I just figured since the double was pretty easy for me, why not adding one more flip in there, but that actually was a bit more complicated than I thought,” Ettala said. When that perfect moment in snowboarding history finally occurs, not only will Eero become the Travis Pastrana of the snow, but he might want to think of entering more contests so he could rape everyone of their titles and their cash, and well, brag about being the whole badass crazy enough risking breaking his neck with that switch triple back flip.

Photo by Barash

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Jason Ellis never sleeps

The Renaissance Man Breaks Bones and Boundaries words by: Eleni Vasquez

One doesn’t become Jason Ellis, radio host of The Jason Ellis Show, former professional skateboarder, undefeated mixed martial artist, actor, surfer, motocross rider, husband and father by sitting around wasting life. Instead, to become damn well near superman, or Jason Ellis, take life by the fucking balls and make it happen! Jason Ellis lost his father and brother in a short period of time. Realizing life could end at any moment, Ellis wanted to live each day as it was his last, and his success is history.

“I did spend a lot of time kicking back on the couch smoking weed and wasting my days being drunk and all that kind of stuff. It just lit a fire under my ass after that whole thing happened [the death of my family].”

Arriving to the United States from Australia at the age of 17 to become a pro skater, Ellis met his dream by 1990. He set a Guinness World Record for the biggest drop into a 70-foot skateboard ramp in 2001. Although tough as nails, eventually the concrete

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poundings started to take a toll on his body. Over the course of his skating career, Ellis said he broke over 20 bones, some, such as his elbows and collar bones, over and over, was knocked out numerous occasions, including a time that caused him to piss his pants, as well as having ankle and knee surgeries. “When the mega ramp came [while skating at the X-games], I was kinda on my way out. It was even extra dangerous for the old man to be out there doing what he was doing,” Ellis said.

ACTION SPORTS ROUNDUP

by Lacy Ottenson

Surfing Gets Some National Love Surfing got a front page lead to the sports section in the Sunday Edition of The New York Times earlier this month when it ran a feature focusing on the aerial and how the move has impacted the sport of surfing since the godfather of aerials Christian Fletcher first started heaving himself into the upper atmosphere back in the 80s. The story featured interviews and credible insight from well known pro surfers and aerialists, new and old, like Jordy Smith, Pat Gadauskas, Dane Reynolds, Christian Fletcher and of course, Kelly Slater.

Taking the Plunge Ellis is an extreme force of outrageous, but positive energy, being successful at all his endeavors; however, his main focus at the moment is his radio show on Sirius/XM, The Jason Ellis Show. His show is so shocking, that he was even dubbed “The Prince of Media” by none other than Howard Stern himself. “Radio is my passion. I don’t think there has been anything else that I’ve done that I’ve been so naturally gifted at. I really think about it 24-7, to make sure we come up with a better show everyday, for me to be where am I right now and get bigger, bigger and someday being the number one guy of all time. That’s the plan,” Ellis said. The momentum is building. His show features a segment such as, “Dude, am I gay?” where callers ask Ellis if sexual acts count as being gay. Recently, the show’s crew allowed themselves to be bit by giant anacondas while grabbing transvestite’s tits. The Jason Ellis Show is about to host its fifth Ellismania, where Benji Madden of Good Charlotte and Riki Rachtman, former host of Headbangers Ball, will be the headline fight. Not a joke, will actually strap on gloves and box. Ellismania’s card is intense. Not only are two rivals, Madden and Rachtman ready to pound the shit out of each other, Jason Ellis and others will be fighting blindfolded wearing electric dog collars, as well as Ellis’ wheelchair fight against Mark Zupan of the documentary, Murderball. Both Ellis and Zupan will be taped to wheelchairs and will compete to knock each other out of their seats three times! “I talk for four to five hours a day—I have a lot of ideas. I am the type of person that comes up with an idea and makes it happen. That’s how Ellismania came on the radio: what if we did this, what if we did that? The next thing you know, we are doing it!”

his projects, including his musical sensation, Taintstick—a comedic metal band comparable to Spinal Tap. The band features members of the radio show and Benji Madden. Jason has had a small, but noteworthy acting career, such as playing Prancer in Paul Blart: Mall Cop. “If anybody wanted me to do a movie, I’d totally do that, but my acting career is quite pathetic. I’m in most of the deleted scenes, that’s how good I am,” Ellis said. Nevertheless, Jason Ellis’s crazy antics are just one aspect of his personality. Surprisingly, he has a seemingly normal family life and genuinely loves to stimulate his friends and fans into a healthier lifestyle. A usual day involves him waking up, changing a diaper, making his children breakfast, sparring at the gym, prepping and doing his radio show and returning home to his wife and children. To sum it up, Jason Ellis is a multi-tasking, multi-talented, hilarious, caring, go-getter. Amazingly, he finds time for all his interests, because “riding, motor, surfing, skating, fighting, being a role model is all part of his radio show.” “To me, it’s all one thing. I live my life from every angle to the fullest. That’s what my radio show is all about,” Ellis said. “I’m very fortunate. I already had the skating career which is enough for one person to want, and then to get this[radio show] and know I’m actually helping people day to day, whether it is knowing I’m making them laugh, or motivating them to lose some weight, or any of that stuff. There is so much you get back from that type of stuff; on top of it, I do have a job that doesn’t suck. “I always say, if you work hard enough and you think about it, you become obsessed with your goals, you get ‘em. Either that or you die, one of the two,” Ellis said.

Ellis said the radio show is the engine behind almost all of

Pro FMXer Robbie Maddison-the dude who twice broke his own world record for furthest jump on a motorcycle–finally took what many consider the scariest plunge: he finally got hitched; after a four year engagement to Amy Sanders, the couple tied the knot in Australia earlier this month.

Saying Goodbye to An Original Z-Boy Bob “The Bullet” Biniak, one of the original members of the infamous Dogtown skate kids, passed away at the Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville, FL after suffering a massive cardiac arrest Thursday, March 7. Born in 1958, Biniak became one of the original members of the legendary Zephyr skate team in the early 70s, and competed in the 1975 Del Mar Nationals which was immortalized in the 2002 film Dogtown and the Z-Boys.

LA Based Skate Retailer Goes Back to its Roots When Nine Star, an LA-based surf/skate shop and indoor skatepark was forced to shut down its skate facility at the store, the owners began immediately looking elsewhere to reopen. Finally they’ve found a new place to call home, off Olympic Blvd in West LA. Nine Star will be kicking off with a grand opening celebration in late March, including the Plan B Skate Team featuring P-Rod and friends, for a rad skate demo. .

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What He Said, Zooey Deschanel and Matt Ward Don’t Mind A Healthy Dose of Doubt While awards are always good, the ultimate success of a film is almost always gauged on how much money it made at the box office. When you’re talking about a movie that made a mere $12,000 in just three days of distribution, there’s not much more to be said about its impact on paying moviegoers. That’s exactly what happened with the little seen road flick “The Go-Getter,” when it was released three years ago. The biggest positive to come out of the movie ended up being much more valuable culturally than a few extra

bucks. Without that production, there would be no trace of the charming She & Him. Director Martin Hynes began putting together the pieces for “The Go-Getter,” in 2005 by casting Zooey Deschanel in a lead role and employing indie Portland rocker M. Ward to handle the soundtrack duties. Knowing that Deschanel had displayed some pretty impressive chops in “Elf” a few years earlier, she was asked to collaborate with Ward on the track “When I Get to the Border,” to close out Words by Patrick Douglas photo by: Sam Jones

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the film. It was a meeting that Ward wouldn’t soon forget. “I first heard her singing voice in the movie ‘Elf,’ and I remember thinking this is somebody who probably has a few records under her belt and is an accomplished singer,” Ward recalled. “She has a voice that’s very hard to forget. That was my first impression was that she’s an incredible singer.” The two decided to collaborate on a project after Deschanel showed Ward some songs she had been working on in private. “Later on, when we

“After the initial shock of letting someone hear the songs (wore off) it actually became quite effortless” Zooey Descahnel

What She said. met, was when I first heard her first demos of her own songs,” he said. “I knew that there was a great record inside of these demos because the voice was unforgettable and the songs were great and if you have those two things, as a producer, it makes making a good record pretty easy.” Despite having to overcome a small dose of self-consciousness in the very beginning, Deschanel was quickly on board with the idea of writing an album with Ward. “After the initial shock of letting someone hear the songs (wore off) it actually became quite effortless,” said Deschanel. “As far as my demos go, I have always approached them as a little bit of a dress rehearsal where I can try out harmony parts and play with the songs a bit.”

Ward, an already accomplished musician who has had a successful solo and collaboration career, agreed to properly produce the songs and add guitar and drums. That resulted in the 2008 debut “Volume One.” “I feel like a lot of people were surprised with ‘Volume One.’ I think a lot of people really didn’t know what to expect,” he said. “I for one was really surprised when I first heard Zooey’s demos and that she was such an incredible songwriter and it’s been great to be part of that process. So much of it was curiosity to see what’s gonna happen if we try to record these songs.” Deschanel, who has starred alongside Jim Carrey in “Yes, Man,” Will Ferrell in “Elf,” and Mark Wahlberg

in “The Happening,” just to name a few, is excited to have Ward be her leading man in the music business. “Matt always has really exciting production ideas that bring out the best in the songs. I feel incredibly lucky to work with him,” she said. With the debut album released and receiving a good share of critical praise, there was still an urge to prove that She & Him wasn’t just created on a whim by an actress wanting to moonlight as a musician. Even if a debut album is impressive it seems people want to know if it can be followed up. Not a problem, according to Ward, as the two hit the studio again to record the soon-to-be-released follow-up, “Volume Two.” “I love it. It’s been a great

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“I think it would be strange to live in a world where artistically whatever you do is golden” Matt Ward

progression for She & Him. People have seen the project as a whole and not just a one-off,” Ward said. “I think the project still continues to surprise people.” “We have an infrastructure to support us now that makes things run smoothly, but with each new step we take there are new challenges and hurdles to overcome, but that’s what makes it fun,” Deschanel added. Because the two musicians are so perfectly separated in their interests, it’s a relatively smooth and organic process in writing, recording and producing music together, according to Ward. “The things that Zooey loves to do in the studio are different from the things that I love to do in the studio,” he explained. “We’re both doing what we love in covering a lot of bases between the two of us because we can. Vocals and piano is mainly Zooey and as far as guitars and productions and strings and arrangements, these are things that I love to work with. Arranging the drums and the backdrop. Because of this division of labor, we’re

able to, I think, be pretty productive. I think we’re able to accomplish quite a lot pretty quickly.” Another perk to the collaboration is the fact that neither one are counting on She & Him to pay the bills or make a career out of it. It’s like having a guilt-free affair on your spouse, whereas in this case, the spouse is a highly successful acting career for Deschanel and a highly successful solo and producing career for Ward. “Neither of us are putting any unnecessary pressure on the project,” said Ward. “Neither of us are in a situation where we need to go on tour for the next 24 months. It’s just not something that we need to do as opposed to a lot of younger bands that need that. I think we’re both inspired by getting our hands dirty in different kinds of projects whether it would be acting or producing or playing guitar on someone’s record. I think we’re both inspired by that change in atmosphere. That ends up coming into play on She & Him in ways that are sort of hard to measure.” A lot of people are quick to criticize and the simple fact that Deschanel has already established herself photo by: Taea Thale

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as an actress makes some scoff at the attempt at musicianship. It’s not something that bothers the two, says Ward. There are always going to be assholes in the world and they actually help inspire the songwriting by adding fuel to the fire. “It really doesn’t matter who you are or what you do for a living, there’s always going to be some doubters,” he said. “They come in all different kinds of shapes and sizes and flavors and in my opinion they never completely go away. I think they’re sort of necessary in the equation to keep it real. Any time somebody comes along and doubts what you’re doing, I don’t see that as necessarily a negative thing. I see that as an opportunity to convince people of what you’re doing. It makes you work harder and maybe it changes what you do.” “I think it would be strange to live in a world where artistically whatever you do is golden,” he said with a laugh. “I’m very proud of the fact that She & Him are able to put the songs first.”

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THe

sPECIALs Return! Ska Legends Make Sweet Music Again words by: Alex Mendoza photo by: Andy Willsher

It was 24 long years before vocalist Terry Hall and rhythm guitarist Lynval Golding joined the stage once more to play songs they once shared together as The Specials. As melodramatic as it may sound, it marked the beginning of monumental occasion for fans of the band – the reunion of Ska-preservationists, The Specials. While Ska may not hold the same weight as it did in the past, or its brief second generational pop culture appearance in the ‘90s with bands such as Save Ferris, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Reel Big Fish and No Doubt’s earlier material, The Specials’ decision to reunite presents a possible scenario – another mainstream return for the sounds of 2 Tone and Ska; especially considering that the group is often cited as one of the original fathers of the genre. The prediction may read as lofty – if not a bit batty - but for a band that has not performed together in over 24 years and somehow managed to nab a spot to perform at Coachella speaks volumes about the band’s influence in music. While far from anything that could be called an event, The Specials’ 2009 reunion definitely is a special year for fans of the genre; a chance to reminisce and dabble with nostalgia. The reunion, however, never started as something intentional. No, instead it was something of a spontaneous nature that served as an unexpected catalyst. One of those clear-cut moments where something incredible is on the verge of manifesting, but you’re left with no choice but to somehow laugh at the fact that it was never planned in the first place. “It was kind of funny that we were both in the same place performing at the same time,” Terry says. His British accent is light and he speaks in a quick manner - an interesting contrast to the cool and relaxed nature of The Specials’ music. “I think we were simply happy to be doing it and enjoying it.”

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At the same time one cannot help but imagine a sense of anxiety for a band that is re-emerging in a vastly different musical landscape. Terry, on the other hand, seems more concerned about having a great time more so than their relevance to the times. “You know, I’m not really sure about where we stand. I know there are pockets of fans all over the place with certain cities in the US, Japan and parts of Europe. I think for Ska and Reggae there’s always going to be someplace where it’s appreciated, or where there’s going to be some type of revival. 10 years later. 20 years later – for some people it’s still going to be something they enjoy and I think that it’s going to be good.”

This sense of confidence derives from the fact that The Specials are different people than they were 24 years ago. Most of them have kids and have experienced life outside of success, venturing on various routes only to come back together with a newfound sense of knowledge and experience. For most groups dealing with this type of exposure after such a long hiatus would be crippling. Based on Terry’s words, however, it is evident the focus is to please the fans and have a great time. Fame seems to be least of their concerns, or any unnecessary changes to their material. “We handle things in a smarter, mature way now. Things are different now with this group because we’ve all grown up. Some of us have had kids and we’ve learned to look past all the small stuff that

tended to lead to confrontation. Because once you deal with kids, musicians are easy,” Terry laughs. “But right now part of our plan for the future is to go to places we’ve never played. We’re also getting ready for Coachella and all these other festivals and it is exciting. I’ve heard lots of good things about Coachella and I’ve never been there myself. We feel excited and inspired that we get to play this massive event and share it with other big names.” There is a noticeable difference to the line-up, however, as original member Jerry Dammers is not part of The Specials reunion. The entire ordeal is one of those classic stories swirling with controversy and comments from both subjects – Jerry and Terry – tend to be radically different. This is the type of material people tend to thrive upon,

but in a cool and methodical way Terry always finds himself heading in the other direction. “I don’t deal with this type of stuff the way a lot of other people do. Even though I am doing a lot more interviews that I have done in the past doesn’t mean I am suddenly going to allow what other people say affect what we’re doing as a band. There’s a certain risk and even if the interviewer has the best of intentions if it’s something bad it can turn into something really nasty really fast,” Terry says in response to a question about Jerry’s absence and the comments Jerry had made about the reunion. “But we know where our place is our and the place we click most as a band is on the stage. We’re all so

different on the stage. Different creatures I guess, but it’s important for us to know where we’re at as a band and where everything works best. We just want to see how this whole thing works out, playing our music and just getting a feel for it as we go along. That’s how we take things now – slow. It’s a big difference from the past, but seems to be working out quite well.” Whether new content lies on the horizon remains to be seen, as Terry’s responses to such questions were always met with comments always hinted to “feeling things out as the year progresses”. It’s no reason for complete disappointment, as it appears the 2010 version of The Specials are thrilled to perform yet again to fans both old and new.

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KIDZ in the hall Class Is In Session words by: Alex Mendoza

Every music genre tends to have a smear that obscures the artistic credence of the genre. Among the hitlist, Rap tends to take the most flack of them all. The general lyrical content – even in the mainstream world – tends to glorify the success of owning living lavish, acquiring vast amounts of wealth and courting hundreds of beautiful women to bed. It’s the ideal life that apparently garners much praise. For Kidz in the Hall, however, it’s an image they thrive in straying from. “I felt that there was a lyrical void. There was this place that I had always thought about going to, but I was too afraid because it wasn’t like everything else out there,” Naledge comments in regards to their latest work, The Land of Make Believe. It marks the third album release for the hip-hop alternative duo, who previous musical outings marked the origins of a fresh style. Eccentric beats and intellectual charisma are but a few of the tools

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the Ivy League duo has at their disposal. It makes perfect sense, though, because these University of Pennsylvania graduates are anything but the typical image of a rapper. Their lyrics are especially deep and pensive in The Land of Make Believe – something producer Double O and MC Naledge are highly content with. “It’s about musical evolution,” Double O confidently states. Every time he speaks there is an unmistakable pride. It never teeters on the lines of arrogance, but rather the tone of an artist with a clear-cut vision in his head. “We felt that it was time to go in an entirely different direction with no fear, or hesitation. To take rap to places where we thought our fans were ready to go.” “This is the first album where we both just let go of everything that ever held us back,” Naledge adds. He energetically recalls the creative process behind the album, zipping through the process with a sense of urgency. “These days you can’t just rap

about the stuff you own anymore. You can’t just rap about the girls you’re with, or even rely on a cool accent anymore. You have to have some type of songwriting ability. They want something worth their time and something they can relate to.” The idea of reformation is a strong theme in the album, both in terms to the lyrical content and the accompanying beats. Kidz in the Hall embrace their latest artistic pursuits with no hesitation and tackle a variety of styles that differs from their previous content. Adding Naledge’s self-reflective lyrics into the mix only adds in delivering an unexpected vulnerability to these tracks. Even as Ivy League graduates Kidz in the Hall finds no resistance from the rap fan base. Their academic and intellectually charged songs are effortlessly mixed with the mainstream elements of the best hip-hop and rap tracks. It is rhythm with a beating heart. Rap with soul and lyrics geared to deliver an inspiring and viable message.

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FOR THE RECORD

by Felix Ulery & Melissa Fouler

The Reign

Continues Almost Two Decades Deep The KINGS Hold Court

Gaga Good Morning Regardless of what you may have heard, Lady Gaga’s sex laced, honey bun eating mass homicide video for ‘Telephone” was not pulled from MTV. According to one of the program managers at the network, the video has been airing regularly on AMTV early morning videos in its edited state. I was convinced music altogether was pulled from MTV, they sure had me fooled.

words by: Richard Cold

“We all felt like we needed to redefine the Kottonmouth Kings… take things to the next level,” says Brad X of the, 11th, yes, 11th studio effort from the hip-hop collective. What began 1995 as the result of a burgeoning Southern California scene, a conglomerate of punk rock disregard, street-laced brass, and a timeless “don’t stop the rock” disposition, has developed into a fullfledged lifestyle movement that has ultimately cemented its influence not only in Southern California, but carried across the globe and a generation. Long Live The Kings marks 15 years of Kottonmouth Kings, a milestone very few musicians could ever hope to see. Even more than the impressive longevity of the ensemble is the most recent addition of respected, bombastic lyrical impresario, Dirtball to the fold. There aren’t too many groups that can make an addition after 10 albums and 15 years without pissing off their purist fanbase, but Kottonmouth, along with their

collection of cohorts have maintained the kind of family cohesion that resonates with fans in a way that guarantees, if you are down with the Kings, you are down with the entire team. Brad X spoke of the move, “Adding Dirtball to the group was a natural fit for the group and where we wanted to take our sound in the future. We’ve done so many tours together that he was already part of the family. Dirtball is one of the most underrated emcees in the game, as he has unlimited range. I really think the songs on the record speak for themselves and Dirtball played a large role in that evolution.” Having spent almost a full calendar year hard at work in the studio, some 45 songs were inevitably sorted through for what promises to be yet another shining example in the legacy of independent music’s most proven pushers. Come 4/20…the spark will once again be lit.

Corgan Disses Mayer Jessica Simpson’s new odd BFF Billy Corgan recently said in an interview that Simpson’s ex John Mayer is “trying to destroy his own career.” He also commented on what Mayer had to say about Simpson (that whole sexual napalm thing), saying that some things people should just keep their mouth shut on. Couldn’t have said it better myself.

Hold The Hot Sauce Beastie boy fans will have to wait a little longer for Hot Sauce Committee Pt. 1., as Adam “MCA” Yauch is still recovering from salivary gland cancer. Originally slated to be released in September of last year,Yauch said he is hoping, pending on the state of his health, to have the disc released in September of this year. Get better soon man!

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FOR THE CONTINUED... RECORD

ABBA Ain’t Airborne The Rock and Roll induction ceremony took place last month with the class of 2010 including: Genesis, ABBA, The Stooges, Hollies and Jimmy Cliff. Unfortunately for those who were looking to dance, jive and have the time of their lives (yeah I just did that) half of ABBA was unable to make the ceremony. Bjorn Ulvaeus had previous plans and Agnetha Faltskog doesn’t like airplanes.

...Music Video? __________________________________________________________________________________________ words by Richard Cold

Jimmy Eat World and The Format are a few names that come to mind when one thinks of strong indie bands that found their start in the heat of Arizona. …music video? (Complete with ellipsis, all lower-case lettering, and question mark) with a sound all their own are destined to become another. Paul Jenkins,Wes McCanse, and J. Lugo Miller are becoming known for their lush hybrid of electronic and pop music that often manipulates noise in catchy and instantly likeable ways. Proof of this is they have already caught the attention of NPR’s Robin Hilton from All Songs Considered and James Tritten of Fort Lowell Records (a Tucson-based label specializing in 7” vinyl). The local darlings and fan favorites continue to garner impressive local support.The band’s newest track, “You’re Not In Love” premiering on You Heard Us Back When from Zia Records (an Arizona- and Nevada-based record store) in celebration of Record Store Day, and their first limited-run 7”, “I’m Afraid of Everything” b/w “feelgooddesperation”, is slated for release on July, 13. A healthy dose of unconventional makes …music video? Interesting enough to give a spin, the result is what makes you stay.

For fans of chick singers: We Are The Fallen, ex Evanescence members and Carly Smithson of American Idol fame have teamed up to bring you some straight-up rock. To add to this femmefest, We Are The Fallen are hitting the road all April with Finnish rock band HIM who happen to be fronted by the hottest chick in Rock N Roll,Ville Vallo.

A Lovely Nightmare

MY HERO __________________________________________________________________________________________ words by Ramon Gonzales

Earning their chops performing in front of numerous capacity crowds in the most grueling settings, the dance club stage is where Non-P, now known as My Hero, crafted their versatile ability to control the party. An infectious combination of hip-hop cadence and R&B melody, has helped propel MH into a prime candidate for music’s next promising prospect. Originating in Seattle, the transformation to My Hero has come with a healthy amount of exposure via radio and television. The band’s palatable mix of bouncy “hip pop” rides the current wave of electro fused party music, but remains rooted in the foursome’s competency to not only perform, but create as well. My Hero’s anchor is the kind of songwriting that not only manages to reach a broad audience, but does so with undeniable attention to the healthy balance between keeping the rhythm live, and not having to appeal to the lowest common denominator. As club music continues to push mindless choruses, six-month dance crazes, commercial–like catchphrases, and the same 808-reliant dynamics, My Hero knows how to retain artistic integrity and give the people in front of the stage no other option but to move.

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There has been some debate as to whether or not the Cape Town Internet sensation Die Antwoord is real. Blending techno, rap, D.A. uses the kind of imagery that both incites snickers and induces nightmares. Either way, you can’t fake beats and flows like this and one thing is certain; Die Antwoord is well outside conventional comprehension. Since bursting on to the interwebs in early February, Ninja,Yo-Landi Fi$$er, & Co. have signed to a major label and are working on a film with District 9’s Neill Blomkamp.

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FRESH PRODUCE

KEEPIN’ IT REEL words by Cookie Sanchez

Long Live Conan Contractually, Conan O’Brien cannot appear on the small screen as a host of a show until September. Instead, Conan is going out on the road. Complete with Andy Richter and bandleader Max Weinberg, the 32-date “Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television” national tour will give fans a chance to get a Conan fix between now and later this year.

Ryan Reynolds is Buried The first featured picked up from this year’s Sundance festival will see a release on September 24, 2010. The gritty thriller stars Ryan Reynolds as a private contractor in Iraq who is kidnapped and buried alive. The film is definitely not for the squirmy.

FLICKS

Nightmare on elm street

Do You Have A Hall Pass?

Release Date: April 30th Studio: New Line Cinema

That’s right, this is a remake of the original Nightmare On Elm Street, in a brave attempt to bring back the franchise. Jackie Earl Haley, who was amazing as Rorshach in The Watchmen, plays the ultimate nightmare, Freddy Kruegar, a child molester and murderer who was eventually burned to death by the parents of his victims, but now stalks teens in their dreams. Hopefully the new Nightmare On Elm Street serves its purpose.

Wall street never sleeps Release Date: April 21st Studio: 20th Century Fox The sequel to the 80’s movie, Wall Street. the stock market has crashed, and Michael Douglas once again returns as Gordon Gekko. The ultimate businessman, Gekko uses Moore (LaBeouf) to take revenge on the people who killed his mentor. Gekko has just been released from prison and is trying to repair his relationship with his daughter Winnie, but it’s Oliver Stone, the twist looms.

afterlife Release Date: April 9th Studio: Anchor Bay Christina Ricci is a young woman who dies in a car crash only to wake up on a mortician’s table, apparently alive, even though the mortician (Neeson) claims that she is dead, and he’s there to guide her to the other side.. The heart of the horror in this film is the mystery. What’s really going on? That should be enough of a hook to get butts in seats for this thrill ride.

Date night Release Date: April 9th Studio: 20th Century Fox Steve Carrel and Tina Fey are a married couple in a relationship that has become about as interesting as an uncooked block of wet tofu. To keep the marriage from going away completely, the couple decides on a date night at a fine dining establishment in Manhattan, only to get swept up in a bizarre set of comedic circumstances involving the mob, corrupt law enforcement, car chases, slapstick violence, etc.

death at a funeral Release Date: April 23rd Studio: Sony Screen Gems Baking on the kind of revelations that happen to rear their sometimes, ugly head when someone passes, Chris Rock brings his brand of humor to a funeral in which resentment, reservations, and regret lead to situations that almost force you to laugh. If nothing else, you know there will be a good “white guy” joke.

With titles like Dumb and Dumber, There’s Something About Mary, and the in development Three Stooges project, brothers Bobby and Peter Farrelly have cemented their rep in comedy. Owen Wilson, Christina Applegate and Alyssa Milano have begun work on the next film from the Farrelly’s about a man who has never been able to settle down in, Hall Pass.

Will Ferrell Keeps It Real Under his Gary Sanchez Productions imprint, Ferrell along with partner, director Adam MacKay (Step Brothers), have unveiled the three stars for the company’s upcoming sitcom set for 10-episodes on Comedy Central. ‘SNL’ alum Chris Parnell and Horatio Sanz will star opposite Jon Heder (Neopolean Dynamite) in a story of an underachiever whose friends, a convict and burned out teacher, provide all kinds of laughs.

The Karate Krap Even before the film premieres, the Will Smith financed remake of The Karate Kid, is garnering award buzz. Pint-sized Smith, son Jaden, has earned the “2010 ShoWest Breakthrough Male Star of the Year award.” A collection of theatre owners throughout the United Sates, the ShoWest convention is held annually in Las Vegas.

words by Jasen T. Davis

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The Verdict

FRESH PRODUCE

IS IN!

My Cousin Vinny Other than the hilarious lingo of Joe Pesci, Marisa Tomei proved why girls with shitty accents are undeniably hot.

Philadelphia

DVDs

William Kunstler: disturbing the universe

The Oscar winning classic boasts some of the finest acting from both Hanks and Washington about the touchy subject of AIDS.

Available On: April 27th Studio: New Video Group

My daddy is a lawyer and he defended the Freedom Fighters, civil rights activists, alleged terrorists, rapists, and murderers. What does your daddy do? William Kunstler’s daughters offer a sentimental, defensive documentary about their father’s ‘colorful’ career. No one really likes lawyers except their kids, apparently. The sisters have presented this paternal portrait with all the proper exhibits and a clear dossier but the jury is hung.

Pirate Radio

Disgrace

Release Date: April 13 Studio: Universal Studios

Release Date: April 27th Studio: Fortissimo Films

In modern film schools across the world the soundtrack can be more interesting than the narrative captured on film. And “Pirate Radio” may be a big studio version of this phenomenon. But, it’s only rock and roll and I like it. And if you’re like me you’ll forgive the film for not being historically accurate or enlightening and just get some satisfaction from its plausibility and aural soul food.

John Malkovich is perfect as a Disgrace. He plays David Lurie, a professor who is consumed by a sex scandal with a mixed-race student. Not too salacious today but, in post-apartheid South Africa; absolutely. Lurie’s well is poisoned by his all-too aloof attitude towards women as sexual objects and foreboding distrust of/disdain for Africans. Lurie weakly attempts to unravel his prejudices and shortcomings but fails to; Malkovich’s performance succeeds as a Disgrace.

Yes MAN Fix The World

Five Minutes Of Heaven

Release Date: April 1st Studio: HBO A list of things that might get you killed in America: 1) Make fun of Bush 2) Wear a gold ice-skating outfit with a behemoth phallus to a business presentation 3) Defend the pros of slave labor. This list is also a play-by-play of what The Yes Men do in this film to point out how desperate (worldwide) we have become to save a buck in ‘this economy.’

Never has Jack Nicholson been more electric, as his character is pitted against Tom Cruise in one of the film’s most enduring scenes.

And Justice For All Al Pacino owns as the frazzled Arthur Kirkland amidst a collection of misfits and a slew of corruption; Easily one of his best performances.

Release Date: April 5th Studio: IFC Films This film explores what might happen if you got to confront the man who killed your brother, destroyed your parents’ lives and left you emotionally crippled. What would he say and why would it matter? What if you just really want revenge, not answers? Liam Neeson, as the killer, does his best to assuage the sole survivor and his own conscience. I say, selfish but poignant.

words by Alexis Amparan

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A Few Good Men

In The Name Of The Father This real life story of false conviction boasts some of the best acting in film history between Emma Thompson and Daniel Day Lewis.

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FRESH PRODUCE FRESH PRODUCE

locals only

Destined For The Main Stage

Audible Mainframe

An effortless blend of funk cadence, hip hop sensibility, and rock n’ roll rebellion, AM fuses a greater awareness with the kind of party soundtrack that ensures and easy swallow. A potent reminder of how much can have an articulate stance without having to resort to gibberish in the hook.

The Greenery

AUDIO

MGMT

Congratulations Label: Sony/Columbia Available On: April 13th

MGMT are about to embark onto a scene that is post- Oracular Spectacular. That is, this psychedelic-hipster-electro duo not only has their own first release to live up to, but they also must do so when so much good music around has been notably influenced by them. Expectations for the sometimes puzzling / always entertaining free-lovin’, freak-flag-flying, hippies of a new era are no doubt very high. Simply put...MGMT delivers and then some.

Cypress hill Rise Up

Priority Records B–Real & Sen Dog’s 8th studio album Rise Up is brimming with guests and surprises from Tom Morello to Mike Shinoda to Everlast. Not much of a departure from the previous releases, but with Cypress Hill called Priority Records their new home, Rise Up does mark a new era in the acreer of the Southern California staples.

Drops: April 20th

coheed and cambria

Sharon jones and the dap kings

Year of the Black Rainbow

I Learned the Hard Way

Columbia

Daptone Records Year of the Black Rainbow is the prequel to the first four albums. Already proving to be one of the more stylistic, energetic and noteworthy releases of the year, the first single The Broken and the follow-up Here We Are Juggernaut have fans’ salivating at the mouth more.Vivid, detailed, epic.

The only way to enjoy this album is on vinyl. Take this bad Jackson home, un-wrap it and listen to the revival of 60’s & 70’s soul / funk / R&B the way the band intended. Even if they don’t know that’s what they want you to do. Sharon and the Dap Kings redefine cool.

Drops: April 13th

Drops: April 6th words by Felix Ulery

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DOVES

With smart-assed lyrical delivery and all the crunch you would expect from a Southern California hardcore band, The Greenery figured out that serious music should have a bit of tongue in cheek sass. Unleashing an energetic assault on every stage the band takes their sudden ascension is the direct result keeping heavy music light-hearted.

Romak & The Space Pirates

The Places Between

Heavenly Records Highly recommended listening, period. This 2 Disc CD / DVD Best Of set (3 discs total). is as comprehensive as it is good. A great crash course in the discography of one of the U.K. most underrated acts of the last generation, the kind of ambience that Doves are known for pours out from the speakers and leaves you amazed.

Drops: April 6th

Boasting Southern California swag, Zen Combining gypsy-esque imagery with competent song writing, Romak & The Space Pirates are weird, and they relish it. With a cover of Rick Astley’s timeless one hit wonder, “Never Gonna Give You Up,” the art student sincerity of the band is what endears you…the tunes are what make you stay.

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BITS & BYTES Holy Rusted Sequel Batman! The Boy Wonder seeks to make a bold return to the gaming realm in Arkham Asylum 2. In early cast lists detailing the game Robin is listed as one of the characters, along with The Joker and Two Face. It should be interesting to see how Robin fits in the genredefying world Batman: Arkham Asylum created.

Mac Users Getting Some Steam

GAMES

dead to rights:retribution GENRE: action/shooter PUBLISHER: namco DROPS: IN Stores Now

Dead to Rights functions on the same level of the Clive Owen film, “Shoot ‘Em Up”. Unapologetically loud, bombastic and at times a bit ridiculous with its high-flying gunplay and blatantly Matrix-influenced stylistic devices, Dead to Rights: Retribution is a title that reinvents itself by implementing stealth elements and of all things a canine partner.

The premise of buying a game online and then downloading right then and there has led gamers to playing hits such as Portal, Counter Strike and Half-Life 2 over and over again. Now Mac users have the option on sharing in on the fun with Valve’s decision to distribute for the Mac platform. The first simultaneous release for the Mac and PC will be Portal 2, while other titles such as Left 4 Dead 2, Half-Life, Counter Strike and Team Fortress will be available from the start.

Bungie’s Next Step

Super Street Fighter IV

2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa

genre: fighting PUBLISHER: CAPCOM Drops: In Stores

genre: sports PUBLISHER: EA SPorts Drops: in stores

Street Fighter was more than just a game: it was a revolution that led kiddies to the arcades like Lemmings to the slaughter. Set aside all those worries, though, because Street Fighter returns in a celebratory fashion. Souped-up gameplay mechanics, a slew of characters to choose from (old and new) and top-notch graphics lend themselves to the ultimate 3D Street Fighter experience.

EA manages to recreate the energetic atmosphere of the World Cup – if not the sport as a whole – with its keen attention to detail. 199 national teams and 10 licensed stadiums make an appearance, adding to the authenticity of EA’s soccer experience. A World Cup tournament is possible to play online, along with random matchmaking sessions for those simply looking to get a quick fix of online competition.

The GAMES YOU LOVE TO HATE

Fairytale fights

Jack from the “Jack and the Beanstalk,” Little Red Riding Hood, and Snow White – have somehow been kicked out of their own stories as the lead. In order to earn back respect they have to find a magic kettle while bloodily dismembering gingerbread cookie and other storybook-resident creatures. There’s lots of blood, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that a poorly constructed title with bad controls, an indecisive camera and sub-par graphics.

words by Alex Mendoza

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Faceware Technology is responsible for some of the most recognizable faces in gaming, whether its God of War III or Grand Theft Auto IV, the software is a critical factor in creating convincing animations to drive the story, earn our sympathy or even our hatred. Well, the company responsible is licensing this technology to gaming companies so they can do everything in-house. First up to bat is Bungie, the same developer responsible for the gargantuan “Halo” series. It should be interesting to see how they implement this technology into their next title.

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Skinnie girl Katrina

Kicks Ass Starring in the upcoming superhero blockbuster, Kick Ass, Katrena Rochell plays “Rita The Junkie.” But beauty, brains, and ambition are all included in this British brunette’s package.

This year you have roles ranging from a mistress to a junkie - do you enjoy the extremes? I love playing mad crazy characters. I would consider myself a character actress. I’m attracted to the characters that are screwed up and not perfect. Who wants to play the good girl?

Your role in Kick Ass is likely to endear you to nerds - ever date a nerd? I love so-called “nerds.” It seems (like) women are no longer attracted to the popular sports guy. I’m attracted to “nerdy” type guys. I like smart men, unusual ones. I like a man who can teach me something and keep me guessing. I love ideas and brains.

We hear you are working on a film about Crystal Meth? I’m acting in, and producing a film dealing with America’s biggest epidemic. We are shooting at the end of summer and the film is set in Middle America. It is such a horrible drug that affects so many good families. Its one of those drugs that once you try it, you will never be the same. I know people that have fallen into the depths of hell because of this drug and I despise it

Any downside to life as a celebrity…? I would hardly call myself a celebrity! I’m always out there busting my ass looking for my next gig.

With your recent work with superheroes, what superpower would you want? I would love to be able to bend time or control people’s minds!

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Skinnie girl

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NITTY GRITTY

The yes men Legitimacy Is In The Bag, Legacy Is Up Next words by: Jasen T. Davis

The Yes Men are informational saboteurs and cyberspace pranksters who use guerillastyle, improv comedy tactics to give the abusively rich and powerful a solid reality check.

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Their usual methodology is to pose as executives of a corporation and attend a business conference where they deliver a satirical exposition about the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s true intent, using shocking imagery and

brutally honest language, much to the astonishment of their audience (usually members of the media) who may never figure out those business executives were actually the Yes Men.

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Nitty gritty

In one instance, the Yes Men posed as representatives of Dow Chemical and appeared on BBC World. There, they formally apologized for the Bhopal disaster (an industrial disaster that killed thousands of people) and offered to pay back relatives of the deceased. This brought renewed attention to the catastrophe, and as a result Dow Chemical’s stock dropped by $2 billion. Sweet justice. In another, the Yes Men and 2,000 volunteers handed out counterfeit copies of the New York Post, with headlines that indicated New York City was doomed because of the results of global warming (Headline: “We’re Screwed!”). Within the article it was clearly illustrated that the government agencies and corporations responsible knew about the disaster, but dealing with it wouldn’t really get them votes or help profits, so the deaths of millions worldwide was inconsequential. What’s truly shocking is that when the Yes Men pose as business representatives, they are usually undiscovered by major news media or people organizing these business conferences. As their claims get more and more absurd (in one instance, the Yes Men pretended to be business reps for Re-Burger, a company that had figured out how to turn the excrement of factory

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workers into hamburger patties in order to feed them in lieu of a paycheck) the response is that they are taken seriously. This scares me. Their work is an example of culture-jamming. Rather than just getting high and bitching about the gov’ment (I’m talking to you, hippies) groups like the Yes Men don’t drop out or tune off, they use the media against itself, performing activist behavior in an original way that provokes more of a response than the usual rally or demonstration. You can learn more about them at www.yesmen. org. You can also get tips on how to stage pranks of your own. Don’t just be entertained…allow yourself to be informed and empowered. The Yes Men Fix the World is the latest film from this serious group of anti-consumerism, activist pranksters. Where did you get the idea for the Yes Men? Andy and Mike were interested in politics and wanted to make a change. They couldn’t get involved in the WTO protests in Seattle, but they wanted to do something. They got the idea to set up the WTO website and when they were invited to several conferences, they just went with it to see how far they could go. It was almost accidental.

Were there any early Yes Men attempts that failed horribly? I wouldn’t say it failed horribly, but there was one that didn’t achieve anything. During the Bush campaign the Yes Men put together a Bush campaign bus. They tried to pretend to be Bush organizers, to pose as the uberBush, but it was more on the harmless side. It seems to me that the worst case scenario is when nobody notices. The college students that got angry in the first film didn’t seem to like who the Yes Men were pretending to be. They were mad, but they were paying attention. The reaction of the college students in the film, while unfavorable, was at least a reaction.The impact is more about getting media attention around an issue.We have these big, powerful corporations doing criminal things, and if nobody sees anything the system is not going to work. Are there any organizations or corporations you don’t want to go after? I don’t think these choices are ever made…if a group is doing something wrong, we’ll consider it. Targets are chosen based on other activists taking interest. When we went after the Chamber of Commerce, it was because it was connected to activists working on climate change. There are many targets, but only so many hours in a day. So even if it was the CIA, NSA or Blackwater, you’ll go after them? Of course. If a group is subverting democracy we’ll go after them. We just have a style of activism, but we encourage everyone to speak out against abuses. Everyone should challenge greedy, criminal behavior… but I doubt if the CIA or the NSA is concerned about the Yes Men. Is it getting more difficult to pull off your pranks? No…it’s actually getting easier. There are thousands of business conferences every year. It’s a big conference, and things are so bland they aren’t even paying attention. Once you put on a suit and tie it’s generally assumed you are supposed to be there. What advice do you have for other groups who would like to emulate the Yes Men? We would encourage them.The Yes Men have a certain style, a certain approach. Civil disobedience is one way, but there has to be activism and activity to make a change. Organizing is what led to civil rights changes. If you go to our website, you’ll get plenty of advice. Have any organizations threatened you with civil or criminal action? Yes, in fact. It’s almost never happened, but recently the Chamber of Commerce threatened the Yes Men with civil action, which is ironic considering they attempt to reform frivolous lawsuits. We are getting sued by them,

but we are represented by lawyers from the Electronic Frontier Foundation so we’ll beat them. Have you guys received any threats of violence? No.They have a lot of money to spend on suing people, and that’s what they do. But their lawsuits are more for scaring people. It seems that most corporations and organizations don’t “get” the joke and treat you with some measure of politeness, while the college students from your first film got upset. Is this common? I think that it’s the format. Hopefully universities are going to promote critical thought and critical thinking. But business conferences just presume that people with suits and ties are supposed to be there. But business conference people are much more bored, I guess. In that environment they are just going to be more likely to go along with whatever is happening. Which organizations out there really need a Yes Men-style attack? The big banks that are trying to thwart financial reform. The health insurance companies…even with the new bill that’s going to give them more customers. They all need a Yes Men intervention. We need a lot more rabble rousing. The banks were just left off the hook. Has anyone tried to pull a similar Yes Menstyle attack on you guys? There was the Glenn Beck show. They emailed us during the Chamber of Commerce prank, and tried to invite us to the show. We think they were trying to get us there to serve us legal papers. Tell me about your new film. There’s a lot of rundowns of some of the biggest Yes Men pranks. One was the Dow catastrophe that killed so many people…Andy went on BBC and said that Dow would take responsibility for their actions and reimburse the victims. It got a lot of interest going and the media covered it for a while. Normally, people don’t talk about that disaster. Another one is the Yes Men impersonated Exxon Mobile and went to an oil conference in Canada and claimed that companies could still get oil from millions of dead human bodies, and then we had another one where we printed a dream edition of the New York Times announcing the Iraq War was over and Bush was being accused of treason. So the Yes Men are worldwide? Oh yes. The work we do is complimentary and it’s helpful to the organizations to get their story out. Especially with climate change, there are numerous organizations who want to help us. And we want to help them.

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Nitty gritty

SXSW2010 Austin, Texas…Nobody Does It Better.

words & photos by Ramon Gonzales

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What began as a grassroots way to shine a spotlight on Texas artists has become a multinational, globally inclusive event. Convening in Austin, Texas, in the shadow of the state’s Capitol building and around the corner from UT, thousands upon thousands of film and music’s decision makers gather for what is part industry convention and weeklong party. After carefully mapping out a fiveday itinerary that included sometime with a reunited HOLE in a bar no bigger than a living room, an intimate show with BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE, and a tribute to West Coast Gangsta rap with DJ QUIK,THA DOGG POUND, and BONE THUGS N’ HARMONY on the same stage, a sudden realization began to unfold. If you started your day out at 11 am, finished at 2 am, and changed locations every 30 minutes to ensure you covered as much ground as possible, you would still miss out on so much. The transformation of small dive bars, pizza joints,

cafes, and college dance clubs, all within walking distance of each other, into a multitude of live music venues means you physically can not travel a step in any direction without being enveloped in music. ANDREW W.K. performing in a park with GWAR, run across town for SNOOP DOGG and LADY GAGA in a warehouse, back up Red River to try and watch MUSE play at STUBB’S BBQ…the festival/convention remains the biggest event of its kind and proves epically frustrating for fans. In not wanting to miss a beat, we decided to ease some of the frustration of having to choose who to see and who to miss. SXSW was intended to introduce NEW music and while the opportunity to watch superstars who normally perform in arenas, take the stage at a bar was undeniably cool, in the spirit of SXSW, we decided to wonder the ins and outs of 6th St. to find the lesser known highlights of the festival. Get familiar…

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Nitty gritty

The Ghost of A Thousand – Brighton, U.K. Proudly, our editorial staff has been singing the praises of this band for quite some time now. Having gained a foot hole as one of the U.K. most promising hardcore acts, headlining festivals, garnering radio play, and supporting major acts, SXSW marked TGOAT’s very first time coming to the states. In a word… relentless. Destined to take the reigns as the U.K.’s next dominant export, the band’s most recent release New Hopes, New Destinations, is an absolute A-Bomb of angst, aggression, and articulate rock music. Unlike the repetitive drag of most “hardcore” acts, TGOAT is leading the charge, not repeating a formula.

Taste of SXSW2010

Here Are A Few Bands That Were At SXSW That We Thought Should Get Some Recognition.

Mariachi El Bronx – Los Angeles, CA. What began as the alter ego of brass LA punk band,The Bronx, has actually become an entity all its own. The novelty that initially came with watching a ferociously aggressive punk band perform traditional Mariachi music in full garb has faded away with the band’s ability to legitimize their craft. Hints of Bolero, Romanticos, and the gangster polka that is Corrido music, all resonate in Mariachi El Bronx with traditional instrumentation and the kind of lyrical storytelling that remains some of the most vividly penned folk-esque tunes to emerge in a generation. Side project… this is a bit more serious than that.

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A visceral, effortless blend of, get this, pop, metal, electronic, and punk rock exudes with blaring energy and biting sarcasm from Elle Bandita. As commanding as she is confident, Elle owns the stage with the kind of swagger that is reminiscent of punk’s boisterous stage, back when music was dangerous and going to show meant having to be prepared for the unexpected. Hailing from Rotterdam, the band uses a healthy dose of electronic samples in their sound, capturing the notoriously dark Terrorcore vibe synonymous with their hometown during the 1990s. Rounded out with a multitude of musical influences that remain apparent, Elle Bandita is fundamentally punk in the truest of form.

Kasms – Dalston, U.K. An infectious concoction of post-punk artsy, pop music playfulness, and a serving a dark wave brooding, make Kasms one of SXSW standouts. Having already caused a stir across the pond with a raucous live show and the kind of antics that result in broken equipment, pissed off club owners, and allegedly a coffee-burned spectator, the London underground has already championed Kasms for the last few years. Front woman Rachel Mary Callaghan tosses her 5-foot, maybe 93 lb. frame with reckless abandon all while belting out soaring melodies over dark, dancey decadence that walks a fine balance between the likes of Siouxsie and Sonic Youth.

Trash Talk – Sacramento, CA To give you some insight to this Bay Area threat, the band’s 2008 self-titled release on their own Trash Talk Collective Imprint is 12 songs and just 14 minutes long. A combustible blend of thrash, grind, crust, and hardcore influences, the M.O. of Trash Talk is simple, annihilate. Spastic frontman Lee

Elle Bandita – Rotterdam, Netherlands

Speilman doesn’t do much talking in between songs, but punishes his audience once the music starts. Trash Talk’s sound serves as a rallying cry for a new generation of punk fans who, similar to the band, are through with the goofy haircuts, shitty clichés, and marketing friendly gimmicks.

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Photo courtesy of The ID Agency

SKINNIE Scene

HOLLY & KENDRA @ Wet republic

INDEX ________________________________________________________________ LOS ANGELES

LAS VEGAS

SAN DIEGO

INLAND EMPIRE

p.060 Weekly Club Listings

p.062 Weekly Club Listings

p.064 Weekly Club Listings

ORANGE COUNTY

p.066 Weekly Club Listings

p.068 Weekly Club Listings

Calendar Club Pictures

p.061 Ethos Fashion Show at

p.065 St Patrick’s Day at Shar-

p.069 Daredevil Rockfest at Lake

The Music Box

keez, New Port

Perris Fairgrounds

To Receive Updates on Skinnie Scene Club Listings or To Submit Your Events, E-mail: Update@skinniemagazine.com to be Added to Our Weekly Skinnie E-blasts.

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SKINNIE SCENE Los angeleS

Photos Courtesy of Eric Faiivae & Alan Rivera

LA CALENDAR

04.02 Alkaline Trio @ House of Blues Hollywood

Suicide Girls Movie Premier

Rebel Spirit Show @ Kress

Groove Armada @ The Music Box

Rebel Spirit Show @ Kress

Groove Armada @ The Music Box

Rebel Spirit Show @ Kress

04.02 AHL/Skinnie Mag Top 100 Bands @ The Shore 04.03 AHL/Skinnie Mag Top 100 Bands @ The Shore 04.07 A Fine Frenzy @ Largo 04.08 Amon Amarth @ House of Blues Hollywood

04.08 Rob Zombie @ Club Nokia 04.09 Warped Pre-Party w/ Andrew W.K. @ Key Club 04.12 Crystal Castles @ The Echoplex 04.14 Them Crooked Vultures @ Club Nokia 04.15 The Specials @ Club Nokia 04.20 The Bronx @ El Rey Theatre 04.22 Hole @ Music Box @ Fonda

04.24 Conan O’Brien @ Gibson Amphitheatre

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SKINNIE SCENE Los Angeles Ethos Fashion Show @ The Music Box Photos by Brenda Bravo

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SKINNIE SCENE Las vegas

Photos Courtesy of Napkin Nights

LV CALENDAR 04.02-04 Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend @ Orleans

Duran Duran @ Wet Republic

Yvonne Straho (Chuck) @ Tabu

Lavo

Tryst

Tao

Tryst

Bill Bellamy @ Wet Republic

04.03 MC Hammer @ Silverton Hotel & Casino 04.03 Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend @ Orleans 04.03 Alkaline Trio @ House of Blues 04.07 Andrew “Dice” Clay @ Hilton 04.09 AC/DC @ MGM Grand Garden Arena

04.09 30 Seconds To Mars @ Pearl 04.10 Muse @ Mandalay Bay Events Center 04.16 Artic Monkeys @ House of Blues 04.24 Eagles @ MGM Grand Garden Arena

04.24 Freedom Festival w/ KMK, Unwritten Law, (hed)pe @ Fremont East

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SKINNIE SCENE orange county

Photos Courtesy of Erik Faiivae, Alan Rivera, and Christian Sosa

OC CALENDAR

04.02 Bad Religion @ House of Blues

Skinnie MagazineCenterfold Search @ Slidebar

Skinnie Magazine 8yr Anniversary @ Sutra

Fresh Peaches Bikini Show @ Tia Juanas

O2C @ Irvine Improv

Skinnie MagazineCenterfold Search @ Slidebar

Skinnie Magazine 8yr Anniversary @ Sutra

Fresh Peaches Bikini Show @ Tia Juanas

Skinnie MagazineCenterfold Search @ Slidebar

Skinnie Magazine 8yr Anniversary @ Sutra

04.03 The Fab Four @ Grove of Anaheim 04.08 Pink Martini @ Renee & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall 04.09 Drop, Dead Gorgeous @ Chain Reaction

04.09 Daniel Tosh @ Improv (Brea) 04.10 Murder By Death @ Detroit Bar 04.10 The Dickies @ Hidden Valley 04.12 Retribution Gospel Choir @ Detroit Bar 04.15 Willie Nelson @ Grove of Anaheim

04.22 The Bronx @ House of Blues 04.25 Eagles @ Honda Center 04.29 The Antlers @ Detroit Bar

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SKINNIE SCENE orange county St. Patrick’s Day @ Sharkeez, Newport Beach Photos by Alan Rivera

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SKINNIE SCENE San diego

Photos Courtesy of Tim Sheppard & Napkin Nights

SD CALENDAR

04.03 The Black Eyed Peas w/ LMFAO @ SD Sports Arena

Hard Rock

Voyeur

Bar West

Soulja Boy @ Sports Arena

Voyeur

Hard Rock

Fabulous @ Sports Arena

Bar West

Hard Rock

Voyeur

04.04 The Church @ Anthology 04.05 RJD2 @ The Casbah

04.08 Citizen Cope @ Wavehouse 04.08 Owl City @ SOMA 04.09 Colin Hay @ Anthology 04.11 Elvis Costello @ Balboa Theatre 04.11 Fear Factory @ House of Blues 04.15 The Big Pink @ The Casbah

04.19 Jeff Beck @ 4th & B 04.19 Sia @ House of Blues 04.21 The Growlers @ Beauty Bar 04.29 Conan O’Brien @ San Diego Civic Theatre

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SKINNIE SCENE Inland empire

Photos Courtesy of Erik Faiivae

IE CALENDAR

04.02-03 Nuclear Cowboyz Freestyle @ Citizens Bank Arena

Toro Sushi

Miss Mountain High Contest

Anenberg USB St. Paddy’s Day @ Buffalo Inn

Toro Sushi

Miss Mountain High Contest

Anenberg USB St. Paddy’s Day @ Buffalo Inn

Toro Sushi

Miss Mountain High Contest

Anenberg USB St. Paddy’s Day @ Buffalo Inn

Toro Sushi

04.19 Chase Long Beach @ Glasshouse 04.13 Dillinger Escape Plan @ Glasshouse 04.14 Vampire Weekend @ Fox Theatre

04.15 She & Him @ Glasshouse 04.16-18 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival @ Empire Polo Fields 04.24 The Deer Hunter @ Glass House

04.25 X103.9 Presents Three Days Grace @ Citizens Bank Arena 04.25 Sommore @ The Improv Ontario 04.29 Murder City Devils @ Glasshouse

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SKINNIE SCENE INLand empire Daredevil Rockfest @ Lake Perris Fairgrounds Photos by Sean Myers

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BEHIND THE SCENE

A True Social Network Clubdistrist.com Considers The Bigger Picture words by: Ramon Gonzales

The kind of immediacy the internet has afforded has transformed the way people communicate, interact, and party. The plethora of social networking websites has allowed the sort of connection once thought unimaginable. When it comes to marketing, promotion, just old fashioned getting the word out, the keyboard is often the biggest weapon. Long before the doors open and needle hits the record, the CEO of Clubdistrict.com Hans Tharau is one of many industry tastemakers that realizes that if you aren’t the know, you are left behind. Clubdistrict.com has essentially taken nightlife and created a global community. What was your thinking in developing site? The thought was to create a nightlife portal that everyone, including competitors, can use to promote themselves, business, events, etc. for free. In fact, if you post a video on the site, it shows up on the home page. If you’re a club photographer or a venue wanting to post your photos in the club galleries, you can upload them from your account and in return we give you a free banner ad in your gallery. If you post a blog, it shows up in the blog section for everyone to read. It’s all about creating something for the nightlife industry that can help contributors reach their intended audience without obstructions or cost. What was the starting point? The catalyst for creating this site? We originally we started out in 2001 as PubDistrict. com, remaining local to Southern California nightlife.

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It became very popular, but was limited in reach due to its design and our lack of understanding on how to go national. ClubDistrict.com and its mission to support the passion that feeds American nightlife was a vision and inspiration from above. How did you get started in this industry? I was an engineer in the semiconductor and software industries. What originally got me started was the Internet boom of the late 90’s. My original concept for PubDistrict back then was to create a pubcrawl/barcrawl site, where people can design or build a pubcrawl online and evite friends to go. Once discovering the OC club scene back in 2000, I dropped the bar idea and launched PubDistrict as a club oriented site. You have a network of contributors... what’s the criteria of content for Clubdistrict.com We have roughly 900 contributors who post events, videos, and blogs on the site.The criteria is that the content must be related to nightlife. This includes music, fashion, artists, pop-culture, and anything that you want people with an interest in nightlife to know. We welcome competitors as well; they can post club galleries to our site, brand the photos with their logo and even post a free ad leading back to their website. Considering how important viral marketing has become, what kind of impact have you seen from Clubdistrict and its affiliates?

We are finding that people pass our content along when it’s something they are passionate about. Mainly major artist interviews, music downloads and events; those seem to get retweeted and dropped into facebook continually. We’ve had Fedde le Grand, Z-Trip, Scotty Boy and many other top artists retweet us. We’ve had a couple artists actually credit ClubDistrict.com and our content tweeting result in their music tracks charting. With all of the social media sites that exist, how does Clubdistrict offer something different to compete? ClubDistrict is not a social network, it is the beginning of a massive nightlife portal. Similar to what Yahoo has become in the mainstream. The current site is a beta test site where we can test out new features and build strong relationships with the partners who will join us on a much larger future roll out.What really makes ClubDistrict.com standout, is the fact that you can promote on it for free. I can’t think of any websites that will post your video on their home page for free, or give you a free clickable banner ad for posting photos. How difficult is it to stay on top of the best parties, best locations, best artists? Very difficult. When you go national, it’s not just about the good party in your city, it’s about the best parties in the nation. The same with artists; it’s not just about the local DJ anymore, it’s about the global DJ. We research every artists and put them through a past, present and future set of questions. It’s a lot of work.

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Happy Endings words by Eleni Vazquez

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 20) What will seem like a win-win situation in taking over your friend’s car payments, will result in a sour lemon result. They will “absentmindedly” forget to mention the right-side emergency break is faulty and as you speed at 80 miles-per-hour on the freeway, the tire will lock and you’ll crash into a wall and break your nose! TAURUS (Apr 21- May 21) Being a nice person, taking your relative’s baby for a stroll may result in disaster—if you’re not careful. The tot will notice a colorful balloon tied to a sign and ask for it. But stop and put on the locking breaks first! Otherwise, as you try to steal the balloon, the stroller will roll into a busy street!

pubic line. A family walking by will notice, assume it is a perverted act, call the police and have you arrested. LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22) Hey, you better shape up your attitude; you might end up on Tool Academy. VIRGO (Aug 23- Sept 23) It is probably best not to take in your friend’s cat; that little beast will shit in an inconspicuous place, and while it smells horrid, you won’t be able to find it for weeks.

GEMINI (May 22-Jun 21) To avoid a life of shame, don’t use well-known song lyrics as love advice of your own to your friends. It’s a song, not the solution, dumbass.

LIBRA (Sept 24-Oct 23) Most phones have access to some sort of GPS/ map application. It will be wise to use it prior to driving on slippery roads, because letting your loaded friend navigate via “memory” will cause you to make a sharp turn at the last minute shooting your car into a hydro plane and slamming into a city sign. Hope you can reverse and drive away before the police find you.

CANCER (Jun 22-Jul 22) It’s probably best to ensure the blinds to your windows are closed before scratching your itchy

SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 24) There’s nothing wrong with getting drunk and rocking out in the pit. Just avoid giant beer bellies

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slamming nearby, because you’ll sprain your thumb smashing into it! SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23-Dec 21) If you keep heckling the band you are enjoying and try to grab their crotches, your face will get smashed by the guitarist’s guitar. CAPRICORN (Dec 22- Jan 30) Be specific to the bar’s address and suite number you will be meeting your friends and family at. Neglecting to do so, will leave you walking into a private party of ugly swingers, in which they gleefully invite you to join so they can rape you with their eyes. AQUARIUS (Jan 21-Feb 19) Don’t ask your germ-a-phobic grandmother to put lotion on your new tattoo. The thought of touching such a hideous defamation of your body (in her mind) will cause her to have a heart attack and nearly die! PISCES (Feb 20-Mar 20) Pssst. That’s not a real medical marijuana card--so, um, you won’t be off the hook once your popped with a fat stash in your ass!

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Local Mischievers

IN THE MIX

Heathyr lawrence

_Cut _______and ________Stitch/Lucky ______________________13 ______Apparel ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Harnessing the counter culture of rock music and rebellion, all while retaining a fundamental sense of just how important timeless designs are, Lawrence has help craft unapologetic fashion forward pieces for Southern California based Lucky 13 Apparel. Showcasing an appreciation for vintage flair, Lawrence continues to cement Lucky 13’s reputation as one of the dark horses in the world of street fashion.

Lindsey carmichael

Tattoo ___________Aficionado __________________-__Gold _________Rush ________Tattoo ______________ Making an early connection with tattoo culture through the punk rock bands he idolized as a kid, Carmichael became a student of the art form at a young age. Immersing himself in the old Tattootime Series of books, along with mentors like Bob Roberts, Rick Spellman and Leo Zulueta; Lindsay displays a masterful grasp of traditional tattoo art with more than three decades of knowledge.

Discerning, Spontaneous, Provocative. Hornitos Tequila and Skinnie Magazine are on the hunt for Local Mischievers. We’re searching for a Clothing Designer not concerned with current styles other than the ones they’ve made, a DJ who is redefining the scene by spinning beats entirely their own, a Musician/Band creating music we never even knew we would like and an Artist creating images for no reason other than that it ‘just feels right’. Any genre, any medium. Mischievers celebrate the now and realize great style is difficult to define, but easy to recognize. We’re highlighting the people that don’t just follow the beat of a different drummer but are the drummer themselves. Each month Skinnie Magazine will select a top Local Mischiever from submitted nominations. This Mischiever will receive a feature in Skinnie Magazine and party with full VIP treatment. A Hornitos Tequila stocked Limo will chauffer the Local Mischiever and friends for a night to party it up Skinnie Magazine style. To submit your Local Mischiever nominations, log on to SkinnieMagazine.com and click on the Hornitos Tequila Mischiever icon. Submit two or more pictures along with a quick description of why you think this person is the top Mischiever in their category. You can also email your nominations to: mischiever@skinniemagazine.com. If your Local Mischiever submission is picked you will join the party too!

Efrem schultz

steven andrew

Doubling as the frontman of the seasoned Southern California punk rock band Death By Stereo, Schultz has also spent years behind the turntables. A fixture in Southern California’s second wave of hardcore punk rock music, Efrem has been featured alongside many other artists to loan his vocal talents, including collaborative efforts with members of Aiden,Atreyu, and System Of A Down.

While most DJs remain akin to the 808 and hook heavy bangers, Steven Andrew has built a reputation delivering a healthy combination of the obscure and obligatory tracks ranging from new wave, electro, post punk, death rock and synth pop. Going old school and cranking out regular mixtapes, Steven Andrew knows how to educate and entertain a capacity dance floor.

Motivator of Speakers/Death By Stereo/Radrok __________________________________________________________________

Submit Your Mischiever to Mischiever@SkinnieMagazine.com

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Cross-Fade Champ/Disko Lemonade/Addiction/Defkon ________________________________________________________

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