Your Magazine Vol. 1, Issue 5: Special Edition Best of 2011

YOUR introduction

Letter from the Editors

Most of the students we have talked to said that this past semester was one of the busiest yet, but we also saw some amazing projects, productions, and efforts as a result of this semester’s hard work. For Your Mag, we marked our first ever issue, successfully fundraised to print issues, and received SGA recognition at the end of the semester as a result of our hard work. Looking back, what were your best accomplishments and favorite moments?

Before considering your options for your 2012 resolution, instead of trying to change something you didn’t like, we suggest making your effort to stay positive throughout those moments that weren’t your favorite. And stay positive through your resolutions, too! Don’t promise yourself you’ll go to the gym because you want to lose weight, go because it makes you feel good. Don’t cut back on facebook because you hate how distracted it makes you feel, cut back because of the new ways you’re going to be spending that time off the computer.

A positive spin will make for a positive year. In this special edition of Your Mag, we took a look at some of our favorite moments of 2011 and anticipate some of our favorites for 2012.

Thanks for letting us be Your Mag.

Olivia Moravec

Kilian Webster

Editor-in-Chief

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Assistant Editor

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YOUR introduction

Featured

Articles

07 12 15 22

How to Find Your Soulmate Before The Apocalypse

Article by Madeleine Andrews

The Future of Men’s Fashion

Article by Elijah Clarke-Ginsberg

Our Top Ten Movies of 2011

Article by The A&E Writers

It’s Not the End of the World

Article by Kiera Murray

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YOUR introduction

Staff Editor in Chief/ Founder Assistant Editor Managing Editor Copyeditor Copyeditor Copyeditor Copyeditor Photo Director Photographer Photographer Photographer Photographer Photographer Photographer Photographer Photographer Creative Director Designer Designer Designer Designer Fashion Editor Fashion Fashion Fashion Fashion Fashion A&E Editor A&E A&E A&E A&E A&E A&E

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Olivia Moravec Kilian Webster Krista Firkins

Romance Editor Romance Romance Romance Romance

Madeleine Andrews Rachael Moore Katelyn O’Brien Devan Norman

Features Editor Features Features Features Features

Taylor Meacham Hope Kauffman Kevin Sweeney Nelson Ramm Alex Fierro-Clarke Hannah Wallace Fred Kim Rebecca Roche Nick Hayes

Marketing Director Asst. Marketing Director Marketing Marketing Marketing Marketing Marketing

Pete Ivanecky Adriana DePalma Maddy Wojdak Haile Lidow Elijah Clarke-Ginsberg

Head Stylist Stylist Hair Stylist Blog Editor Web Writer Web Writer Web Writer Web Writer Web Writer

Emily Tannenbaum Kelsey Leahy Elijah Clark-Ginsberg Tess Babbitt Haile Lidow Olivia Hoffman Nick Johnston Matt Merksamer Jen Prince Molly O’Connor Lorena Mora Marc Hecht Charis Talcott

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Madeleine Andrews Matthew Grossbart Julie Travers Frankie Olito Caitlin Anders Beata Rybka Kiera Murray Christina Jedra Taylor Smith Liz Mantey Callina Patterson Ean Williams Roxi Fernandez Crystal Yuen Lauren Dizazzo Tiffani Hilier Katie Lohman Val Navarro Lacey Russell Bonnie Ong Lorena Mora Raymond Bellinger Molly O’Connor Madeleine Andrews Alexandra Parker Steve Selnick

YOUR introduction

Table of Contents

ROMANCE

6 Best Romantic Advice from YourMag in 2011

Vincent Scarpa, Taryn Balchunas, Olivia Moravec, and Frankie Olito (Compiled by Madeleine Andrews)

7 How to Find Your Soulmate Before the Apocalypse

Madeleine Andrews

FASHION 8 10 12 13

Editor’s Top Ten Picks of 2011 A Look Back at 2011: Top Ten Men’s Fashion Trends The Future of Men’s Fashion: What’s Next for 2012?

Looking Forward to Fashion: What to Expect of 2012

Emily Tannenbaum Elijah Clarke-Ginsberg Elijah Clarke-Ginsberg Emily Tannenbaum

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 14 The Playlist: Best Covers 15 Best of Film, 2011 17 Best of Music, 2011

The A&E Writers (Nick Johnston, Jen Prince, Marc Hecht, Matthew Merksamer)

FEATURES 19 20 22 23

Taylor Smith Christina Jedra Kiera Murray Liz Mantey

Books to Write Home About Gone Viral: Biggest Internet Trends of 2011 It’s Not the End of the World Best Cocktails for the New Year

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YOUR romance

The Best Romantic Advice

from Your Magazine in 2011

1.

Music and rebounds are the best break-up cures.

4.

When

introducing him to the family, let him be himself, but not if “himself” includes being disrespectful.

7.

Don’t

rush into a relationship, especially not: 1) with your summer love or 2) because your wedding will broadcast on E!

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2.

A walk of

shame is only a walk of shame if you’re ashamed about what you’ve donehold your head high. you had fun, right?

5.

8.

You’re an

idiot for breaking the nice guy’s heart.

Don’t hook

up with your classroom crush this semester if you want it to be anything more than casual.

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3.

6.

Trust

yourself and listen to your instincts.

Use OKCupid with caution,

maybe you won’t find love but you could possibly make new friends, find old ones and go on some fun dates.

9.

Leave

your high school love.

Advice // Vincent Scarpa, Taryn Balchunas, Olivia Morevac, Frankie Olito, Matthew Grossbart Compiled // Madeleine Andrews

YOUR romance

How to Find Your Soulmate

BEFORE THE APOCALYPSE Text // Madeleine Andrews

Let’s assume the Mayans got it right and we have an impending apocalypse on our hands. You may be thinking that finding love is more important now than ever. So how will you meet your soulmate before time runs out? The answer: stop looking.

This method of refusing to settle for anything less than perfection led her to cut ties with plenty of perfectly nice guys. I’m not suggesting that she should have gone for these guys, ignoring the things she didn’t like about them, but she also shouldn’t have closed them off completely. I share her story and mine to show that one ought not try to implement any sort of method when it comes to love. Whether you’re actively hating love or loving love, you’re wasting your energy.

When I embarked on my career as an Emersonian in the spring of 2009, I had sworn off love completely. I’m sure most, if not every person reading this has done the same at some point.

It took three devastating heartbreaks in a row for me to decide any satisfaction I got from a serious relationship was not worth the pain it would inevitably lead to. I took this “anti-love” sentiment a step further by deciding the only way to avoid heartbreak was to inflict it. If I was the one in control, then I couldn’t get hurt, right?

Wrong.

After I gave up my stint as a spiteful heartbreaker, I stopped engaging romantically with anyone for a while. I shifted my focus onto the things I knew I loved: my friends, books, yoga, and music.

By focusing on my passions, I was able to move forward and become whole. Gone were the days when I yearned for someone to fill a space; I stopped experiencing loneliness because I liked myself enough to enjoy my own company.

It was an incredibly selfish and ineffective way to get by in the world of love, and I do not recommend it to anyone. I was so guarded and spiteful that I ended up with several unsatisfying “relationships”. Not only were they unsatisfying, but they were painful as well. Painful to a series of perfectly nice suitors and ultimately myself.

A close friend of mine went a different route. She had her heart broken a number of times too, but rather than turning against love, she wanted it more than ever.

Only once you find this kind of self-love are you ready to be part of a healthy relationship. It was no coincidence that during the time love was the farthest thing from my mind, my soulmate appeared. Or rather, I accidentally met him. But the details of how are irrelevant; the most important thing was that I found him because I wasn’t looking, and it became a healthy relationship because I wasn’t using any method as a way of making it work. I let it unfold naturally, and doing this lead to greater happiness than I ever knew was possible.

She embarked on a quest to find the perfect guy. Thus, she set impossibly high standards and was perpetually disappointed: He was too tall, he wasn’t funny, he took me to see a movie I hated…

So this New Year, resolve to look for love only within yourself and trust that the world won’t end until everything falls into place as it should.

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YOUR fashion editor’s

TOP 10 PICKS

of 2011

Text//Emily Tannenbaum

As this year comes to an end, I thought I’d reminisce a bit and show you all my favorite pieces and trends of 2011. Although I am still dreaming about owning most of these items, they have definitely made an impression in the fashion world and all over Emerson... Enjoy!

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Men’s Watches for Women: I love the look of giant watches on skinny wrists. (Is that weird?) This year’s trend of leather, gold, and tortoise shell bands and faces makes every outfit chic and classy. My favorite: Michael Kors Women’s Oversized Tortoise Shell Acrylic Chronograph Watch ($225 at preferred-watches.com)

Satchel Bags- Similar to the messenger bag, the satchel bag is a versatile purse with an over the shoulder and cross-body option, though slightly smaller. With a variety of looks from industrial to slouchy and brightly colored to muted cool tones, this style bag can be incorporated into anyone’s collection. My favorite: Marc by Marc Jacobs D3 Home Satchel ($498 at polyvore.com)

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The Maxi Skirt- This item was really popular this past summer and fall seasons. (Especially on no-shave days!) Wearing one will help you break away from those worn denim shorts on a hot summer day or can even be a great replacement for sweatpants on days you just want to be cozy! Throw on a simple cami or a chunky sweater and you are good to go for any weather! My favorite: Maxi Front Split Skirt ($92 at Topshop)

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The Platform- That’s right! Gone are the days of stilettos and all-around shortness. The biggest trend in shoes this year has been an obvious platform and chunky heal. And it’s hard to talk about this homage to the 70’s without mentioning the name Jeffrey Campbell. It’s his innovation that has really made these pieces not just shoes, but works of art. My obvious favorites: Jeffrey Campbell’s Lita in Purple Ostrich ($169.95 at solestruck.com)

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Collared Blouses- The collared blouse has become a staple piece in any fashionista’s wardrobe this year! Like the old simple tank, it can be worn by itself with jeans on a casual day or layered under a chunky sweater to add a bit of style to those colder days. This perfect blouse is flowy, beautiful, and can look so whimsical buttoned to the top. My Favorite: Haute Hippie Silk Pocket Blouse in ANY COLOR! ($275 at Nordstrom)

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YOUR fashion

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The Collar Necklace- I guess the neck wins body-part of the year! Perfect for all of those collared blouses, the collar necklace is a really pretty staple this year for jewelry. Just button the shirt all the way, clasp your necklace so it is under the collar and, voila! You are ready to walk those fashionable Paris streets! My favorite: A.N.A Gold Toned Hammered Metal Collar Necklace ($17.99 at JC Penny) Friendship Bracelets- Sometimes it’s good to be reminded of your youth. This year the friendship bracelets we all braided and loved in middle school came back for the latter part of this year. Not only are the colors fun and varied, they also make the perfect just-because gift for your BFF. My favorite: Give. Friendship Bracelets. Each bracelet you buy feeds a child for a week ($9.00 at give-jewelry.com)

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The Wedge- Let’s face it; it’s hard to walk in heels ALL the time. Well, the year of wedges has made that a little easier.

The shape of the wedge makes them very comfortable and, in my not-so-humble opinion, very hot! A wedged sandal, boot, or even platform can transform any street into a runway.

My favorite: Marc by Marc Jacobs Wedges in Brick ($284 at couture.zappos.com)

Thigh High Socks- As the knee-high boot gave way to the over-the-knee, socks, too, had to rise to the occasion. Thigh high socks and leg warmers add a really sexy edge to anything you’re wearing. Your boyfriend, that cutie in class, and even that one you don’t think sees you will have to make a double take when you’re wearing these with a cute mini skirt or dress. My favorite: Betsey Johnson’s Slouchy Thigh High ($22 at Zappos.com)

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Color Block- Why worry about matching when you can pair any color under the sun? Color blocking has been huge this year whether you’re wearing one very colorful dress or mixing and matching colored skirts, blazers, and jeans.

This year was the time to experiment and play! I know I loved seeing all of the pinks and blues and greens and reds! Let’s hope these bold choices continue to thrive during 2012! My favorite: ASOS Colourblock Stripe Pencil Skirt With Belt ($45.45 at asos.com)

fashion writers’ favorites

“Strong, Sexy, Sheer! I am absolutely in love with the cascade of sheer tailored oversized shirts that have arisen this fall.

These feminine pieces have just the right amount of class and masculinity to be worked into any outfit!” Tess Babbitt

I love everything sheer this season from long sleeve blouses to floor length maxi skirts because it combines sophisticated with sexy in the most flattering way.”

Kelsey Leahy

“I think my favorite trend of 2011 was the Peter Pan collar. It’s great to be worn plain, tucked into a high wasted skirt in the summer, or underneath a cable knit sweater for winter. You can also dress it up with a necklace or a bolo tie!”

“Velvet loafers (or any loafer, really) are hands down my favorite style of flat from 2011. They add an air of 18th century elegance to any ensemble and toe the line beautifully between menswear and womenswear.”

Elijah Clark-Ginsberg

“My favorite trend from 2011 is long, floorlength skirts because they are comfortable and sophisticated. I went to Urban Renewals in Allston on three different occasions this semester alone because I kept wanting a maxi Olivia Hoffman in every color.”

Haile Lidow

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YOUR fashion

a look back at 2011 Top Ten Men’s Fashion Trends Text//Elijah Clark-Ginsberg

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DOUBLE-BREASTED JACKETS are back in vogue.

(Gordon Gekko costume optional) Slimmed down and sans 80s shoulder pads, the doublebreasted jacket is a unique and impactful piece of tailored menswear. Whether you opt for a powerful charcoal double-breasted suit or a smart navy blazer like the aptly named Navy Double Breasted Blazer from Gant by Michael Bastian ($565.50 at Gant) is up to you.

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Bid adieu to sleek briefcases from major design houses like Prada. Maybe it’s the recession or maybe it’s the fashion world’s recent return to work wear brands, but either way the new it bag for men is a RUGGED BRIEFCASE that’s handmade and built like a tank.

They’ll run you less than a designer bag (although high-quality leather and fine craftsmanship still don’t come cheap) and they’ll probably last a lifetime.

Filson’s Leather Field Satchel ($795 at Need Supply) is a beautiful (and durable) specimen.

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The meek have inherited the earth… or at least the jock’s jacket.VARSITY JACKETS have become a fashion staple for stylish men who probably never watch football, unless forced. If you’re a fan of classic Americana style, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more ‘in’ layering piece.

You can get them everywhere from H&M to Barney’s, but my favorite is the Junya Watanabe Man Varsity Leather Jacket ($960 at Très Bien Shop).

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Even if you’re just an urban woodsman, classically styled HIKING BOOTS have been this fall and winter’s au courant footwear choice. For a look taken straight off the feet of an alpinist from decades past, these boots offer the comfort that you’d expect.

They’re not for everyone, but if they strike your fancy, you’ll be looking Matterhornchic and walking on clouds. My favorites: Danner Mountain Light Gothenburg ($360 at Danner)

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Men no longer have to rely on just a watch to ornament their wrists. This summer, we saw brightly colored stacks of BRACELETS on the arms of fashionable attendees to Fashion Weeks worldwide and exhibitions like Pitti Uomo. If you’ve still got friendship bracelets from your childhood, now would be a good time to dig them out. If not, try something colorful and chic like the Miansai hook bracelet (from $55 at Miansai).

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YOUR fashion

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With their chunky brick-red soles, BUCKS are hard to overlook, and they’re one of relatively few opportunities that you’ll have to wear blue suede shoes in a socially acceptable context. My favorite bucks are either navy or off-white, but light grey ones were everywhere during New York Fashion Week. I’ll have to stay true to blue and recommend Mark McNairy’s Suede Derby Bucks ($340 at Mr. Porter) though.

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A recent obsession with all things English countryside has made QUILTED JACKETS one of 2011’s hottest items (literally...those down fills will definitely keep you toasty). Even if you’re not off hunting foxes or slogging through peat bogs, quilted jackets add a layer of impeccable British polish to your look. The best option? Moncler Gamme Bleu’s Waxed Ripstop Sportcoat ($2,265 at Barney’s).

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If bright bracelets aren’t enough color for your wrist, there’s always a more understated NATO STRAP for your watch. These nylon straps, originally used in the military, are a simple and cheap way to give a whole new personality to your watch. Just make sure you buy the right width. There are plenty of videos online showing how to swap out your watchstrap, or you can go to a jeweler if you’re having trouble. My favorites are boldly striped in preppy colors like the USM from NatoStraps.com ($10 at natostraps.com).

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They’re not just for Christmas parties any more.

FAIRISLE SWEATERS, and just about everything else you can knit a pattern onto, are making a big comeback. Donning one will put you on the fast track to ski chalet chic and will act a bit like a hot toddy for your torso. Fairisle sweaters are no place for restraint; the cheekier the pattern, the better. Take Cardinal Fairisle Crew from Gant by Michael Bastian ($195 at Gant) for instance. That’s how you do a sweater.

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They’re called go-to-hell pants for a reason. To pull off these COLORFUL CHINOS, you need a flagrant disregard for what anyone else might think of your wardrobe choices. This summer was all about outprepping each other with increasingly bright pants, and if NYFW was any indication, next summer won’t be any different. I’m especially partial to kelly green models, like Ben Sherman Chino Pants ($99 at Nordstrom).

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YOUR fashion

the future of men’s fashion: What’s next for 2012

A

ssuming the world doesn’t end, we’ve got a lot of great menswear to look forward to in 2012. Heritage Americana ruled the runways in 2011, and it doesn’t look like 2012 is going to be any different. Michael Bastian unequivocally stole the show at New York Fashion Week with his James Dean-infused collection for Spring/Summer 2012, and there’s no shortage of designers following suit with similarly all-American collections.

Michael Bastian’s similarly well-received S/S 2012 collection for Gant, which looks like a series of snapshots from an Ivy League study abroad program in the South Pacific, is a perfect

Text//Elijah Clark-Ginsberg

2012’s fascination with color continues down into footwear. It’s a miracle the runways of NYFW weren’t stained permanently neon what with all the brightly colored contrast soles sent plodding down them. If teal pants or a hunter orange sweater still seems a bit over-enthusiastic, contrast soles are a much more subtle way to inject color into an outfit without sacrificing panache. Perhaps the most conservative form of the contrast sole is the buck, with a brick red sole that says, rather than screams, that the wearer is up to date with the latest trends. Light grey models were a favorite among designers for their Spring/Summer 2012 collections, so it’s safe to say that you can’t go wrong with bucks this spring.

Richard Chai Love (Spring/Summer 2012)

Michael Bastian (Spring/Summer 2012) example of the bright colors and punchy layers that will be at the forefront of the menswear world in the coming year. Of course, we did our share of embracing color in 2011, but designers are taking it to new heights in 2012. In the New Year, we’ll be seeing fewer brightly saturated classics and more electric teals, greens, pinks, and oranges. It’s not for the faint of heart, but fashion never is.

Michael Bastian for Gant (Spring/Summer 2012) Unfortunately, the news isn’t all good. We’re beginning to see the current trend for slim, tailored menswear snap back towards a preference for loose, slouchy silhouettes. With some designers opting for trousers and even suits that hang off models like hand-me-downs on a waifish Bar Mitzvah boy, perhaps the end of the world wouldn’t be so terrible after all.

Tommy Hilfiger

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YOUR fashion

looking what forward to fashion to expect in 2012 Text//Emily Tannenbaum

2011

was no doubt a successful and fun year for the fashion industry!

But with it behind us, we’ve all been very excited to see what the upcoming year has in store… literally.

There are many exciting trends coming down the runways for the winter, spring, and summer of 2012.

One thing I have noticed is the childlike quality this year seems to have. All of most innovative prints, shapes, and colors of the year could have been inspired by somebody’s 6 years old. But maybe that’s why we love them! For example polka dots are continuing to be a huge whimsical trend. There is something about the nature of the pattern that just makes everyone smile! By mixing polka dots with other patterns, you can make many of your go-to looks more fun and free-spirited!

Keeping with the pattern spirit, the freshest things to hit the catwalks, so far, are animal prints! But not the usual cheetah spots or zebra stripes, actual patterns of animals! Bird and cat prints especially will be flying and purring their way into our hearts and wardrobes.

As far as shape, you might as well pack up your pencil skirts and minis, for at least a little while. Peplums and fuller skirts have been taking over the runways! But don’t worry; leather and lace are keeping these poufy styles sexy and flattering!

Now as far as bags are concerned, it seems bright colored skins are the way to go. From tangerine to neon green, from ostrich to snake skins it seems that all of the major designers are on the same page! So make it a New Years resolution; don’t be afraid to go big and bold!

This year is the year to try new things, have fun, and most importantly; mix and match! You’d be surprised what patterns can go with certain textures and cuts!

Throw out some of those old fashion 101 rules we all hold so dear. You may surprise yourself with how much fun fashion can be!

1. Premium Patent Leather Skirt for $115 at topshop.com, 2. Victoria Beckham’s Spring 2012 Collection 3. Brahmin Anywhere Convertible Bag for $235 at Brahmin.com, 4. Pink Spotty Satin Balcony Bra for $31 at topshop.com, 5. Adidas X Jeremy Scott JS Polka Dot Boots for $170 at collette.fr

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YOUR arts&entertainment

Monthly Playlist Best Covers

Ah, the new year approaches. Time for friends to get together and celebrate the past year, while preparing and hoping for the next. Actually, it’s more like “getting together and fighting for three hours while getting really drunk, stopping your roommate from setting your neighbor’s cat on fire, and finding out ways to clean up vomit without spilling your drink,” but hey, we’re optimists. Here’s a playlist of some of our favorite covers (combining the best or forgotten songs of the past with some of our favorite artists) to help you to forgive, forget, and remember the jolly times you’ve had this year.

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1.

Nick Cave and Neko Case “She’s Not There” (The Zombies)

11.

2.

Karen O. and Trent Reznor “Immigrant Song” (Led Zeppelin)

12.

Tom Waits “King Kong” (Daniel Johnston)

3.

Drive-by Truckers “Everybody Needs Love” (Eddie Hinton)

13.

Yo La Tengo “Little Honda” (the Beach Boys)

4.

TV on the Radio “Heroes” (David Bowie)

14.

Crystal Castles feat. Robert Smith “Not In Love” (Platinum Blonde)

5.

The Who “Summertime Blues” (Eddie Cochran)

15.

Bjork “It’s Oh So Quiet” (Betty Hutton)

6.

Frank Black “Road Movie to Berlin” (They Might Be Giants)

16.

Glen Hansard/Marketa Irglova “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” (Bob Dylan)

Say Hi to Your Mom “I’m So Tired” (The Beatles)

7.

Beechwood Sparks “By Your Side” (Sade)

17.

8.

Ingrid Michaeklson “Creep” (Radiohead)

18.

Black Flag “Louie Louie” (Richard Berry)

9.

Stiff Little Fingers “Johnny Was” (Bob Marley)

19.

Gnarls Barkley “Reckoner” (Radiohead)

10.

Jeff Buckley “I Know It’s Over” (The Smiths)

20.

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The Clash “Police on my Back” (The Equals)

Bobby Womack “California Dreaming” (The Mama’s and The Papa’s)

YOUR arts&entertainment

Our Top Ten Movies of So here we are again, another year passed, so many movies seen. It’s pleasant enough that we could write a haiku about it, but instead we’re going to list our favorite movies of the year. We’re missing some important stuff because we’re on a deadline (I’m looking you, Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), but you can always check out our blog to see if we have any reactions that will make us change the list.

Onwards!

Ten Like Crazy

2011

It’s the story of young, star-crossed love. Boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl, you know the drill. But in Like Crazy, director Drake Doremus’s attention to the slightest frustrations of long distance romance, augmented by the handheld camera work, give the story a refreshing rawness. In this portrayal of a modern relationship, Anna, (Felicity Jones) a spunky Brit, makes the first move on fellow LA student Jacob (Anton Yelchin) and asks him on a date. Her instincts prove to be accurate, and the pair fall irrevocably in love. Unfortunately, graduation looms and the rest of the film follows their relationship over the course of several years as they’re separated and reunited by the laws of visas and immigration. The magic in this glowing little film is the chemistry between the leads. Jones and Yelchin portray this relationship so naturally- there was no set script- that what emerges is something palpably real. Your heart breaks with theirs. // Jen Prince

I’m sure at this point if you’ve heard anything at all about 50/50, you’ve heard the movie you get is not the movie you expect. I, personally, expected that at least some drama was inherent in a movie about cancer even if it was marketed as a pure comedy. That was surely false advertising. This movie has its extremely funny moments, of course, but overall it is incredibly sad and filled with raw and honest human emotion. I don’t generally cry in movies no matter how tragic they may be, but I shed some tears during this one. This is easily one of the (if not the) best Seth Rogen performances – which makes sense, considering the movie is based off the true events that happened to Rogen’s good friend and screenwriter, Will Reiser.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt continues to exude the chops that prove him to be one of the best actors of our generation, and he interacts fantastically with all of his supporting cast members (Anna Kendrick, Anjelica Huston). // Matt Merksamer

Eight/Seven (Tie) HUGO T he Artist

50/50

Nine

Do you remember your first movie? Chances are if you’re doing anything tangentially related to art, you do. There’s something alluring about the appeal of celluloid, and god knows we’re all drawn to it like moths to a flame. I’m a pretty bitter and cynical person when it comes to Hollywood, and even films in general, but these two movies reminded me of what it was like to sit the theater when I was three, and just be full of wonder at what was going on in front of my eyes. Hugo is Martin Scorsese’s love letter to cinema, a way for him to explain to his children why he does what he does, and why he loves cinema; and The Artist is a sweet, funny and melancholy ode to an era in film history that would change everything, perhaps for the worse. These films run the gambit of human emotion in their runtimes, and I was moved by them all throughout the journeyI laughed, I cried, and most importantly, I remembered why I liked watching movies. // Nick Johnston

Something old (classic R-rated raunchiness), something new (a female centric comedy proving that the girls can be just as nasty as the lads), nothing borrowed, and no one left feeling blue. In Bridesmaids, co-written by Kristin Wiig, who stars in the film, and Annie Mumolo, the ladies get their turn in this Judd Apatow film of epic comedic proportions.

Wiig’s charming Annie, jobless and recently evicted, is appointed maid of honor in her best friend’s (Maya Rudolph) wedding. Faced with losing her best friend and the onslaught of spinsterhood, Annie wrecks havoc every step of the wedding planning process with the help of a hilarious supporting cast of bridesmaids. Melissa McCarthy redefines toilet humor in a particularly memorable bathroom scene and Rose Byrne gives the “bad bitch” role typical of male-centered comedies surprising depth. It’s director Paul Fieg’s comedic common sense that allows the cast to be unhinged and unforgettable while simultaneously generating a genuine concern for character. Bridesmaids is the kind of wedding to which you’d want to go. // Jen Prince

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Six BRI DESM AI D S

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YOUR arts&entertainment Rango

Five

In Gore Verbinski’s escape from the Caribbean, Rango is a delightfully animated and cleverly written film that likely entertains adults even more than the kiddos. Johnny Depp voices Rango himself, meaning there’s no shortage of surreal moments interwoven with ingenious wit that all can appreciate. With help from visual consultant Roger Deakins and Industrial Light + Magic, Rango has all the cinematic nuances of being shot, with all the color and playfulness of an animated film. Rango, a lost house lizard, finds himself in the western-style town of Dirt, whose mayor is a fat ancient tortoise (voiced by Ned Beatty, who looks a little like his character) that controls the water supply of the town. Rango assumes the persona of a cowboy hero, the savior of the townspeople, and the fun ensues as Rango finds himself more and more involved with the goings-on of the dusty community. Rango is an imaginative display of visual style and well-crafted character dialogue, exploring genre archetypes and cliches for the amusing reusability they possess. // Jen Prince

Steven Soderbergh’s uber-realistic disaster movie succeeded in doing at least two things this year: it dethroned The Help from the box office, and it also scared the hell out of most of the people who saw it. Soderbergh (assisted by an amazing cast) does lots of little tricks to make sure that you stay fearful, and also makes you wonder why you didn’t bring Purell with you to the theater. Despite all of the science jargon and trickery behind the camera, the film never loses its focus on the human element, and remains interesting and incredibly empathetic. Forget Melancholia, this is how the world ends—not with the fantastic scenes of another planet crashing into earth, but in the mass graves near the trash-strewn streets, where the last few people alive toss down plastic flowers on to your grave to mark your memory somehow—and you also don’t have to sit through two hours of Kirsten Dunst being depressed at her wedding afterwards. // Nick Johnston

Three S hame

D rive

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C ontagion

If not for any other reason, Steve McQueen’s capacity for human emotion alone separates him from most of his peers. Shame is fascinating, painful, and absolutely sympathetic to the plight of his protagonist, a sex addict whose life is turned upside down by the reappearance of his sister. His ability to empathize with every character, to capture the pain in their eyes, and to defy our expectations with regards to their depictions as either a “hero” or a “villain,” places him at the very highest echelon of directors alive today. Shame represents the pinnacle of what cinema has the capacity to be in the modern age – a devastating, heart-wrenching film that captures the beauty and pain of modern life through extremely precise and subtle direction and the fantastic performances of Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan – two of the best working actors today. We’re lucky to have a director like McQueen making movies, and Shame is the second proof of this. // Matt Merksamer

Terrence Malick has made five movies in the past forty years, every one of them a masterpiece in their own right. Tree of Life is no exception – he’s been developing this film since before Badlands, his 1973 debut. The film is like a vignette of memories that contemplate the place of one American family in the 1950’s among the whole history of the universe itself. My father told me the film reminded him exactly of his adolescence in the fifties. It’s an incredible story of childhood – the definitive moment when we lose our innocence and know it and the ensuing struggle to regain it – and the regrets that adult bitterness can never salve. Due to its autobiographical nature, it may be inaccessible for some, but nonetheless it is a breathtakingly beautiful film in its direction, cinematography and the incredibly layered performances by Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain. It may take a viewing or two to follow the actual storyline of the movie, but there is one, although it is presented in a non-linear manner, as Malick chooses to emphasize atmosphere and tone over the conventions of Hollywood. A beautiful film that posits a real philosophical challenge, and if you choose not to accept it it’s simply aesthetically magnificent. // Matt Merksamer

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How to make the best movie of 2011: Add one part 70’s revenge thriller (preferably the ethically vague type), two parts great directing and cinematography, one part fantastic casting (the performances from actors like Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, the ever-astounding Albert Brooks, and the wonderful supporting cast of character actors), one part Los Angeles (an evocative setting that directly influences the flavor), and two parts adrenaline. Shake the mixture up. Garnish with 80’s style, cinematic magical realism (the elevator scene, in particular, is a necessity to this cocktail working) and a fantastic soundtrack. Serve cool, and savor an experience you’re not likely to forget anytime soon. // Nick Johnston

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YOUR arts&entertainment

2011

The Best of Music

2011 was an interesting year for music. From the Justin Bieber debacles, to the Avalanches and Bon Iver twitter fights, to the deaths of some pretty amazing talents like Gil-Scott Heron and Amy Winehouse, it was a crazy time to be around, and we hopefully represent some of that spirit. So, here’s our list of our favorite albums that came out in 2011 (and good lord, don’t send us hate mail that the new Bon Iver or Fleet Foxes isn’t on here, it’s our list, and if you want to read more praise for those two records just read the Pitchfork list again), not in any particular order. Music should just be celebrated, and ranking albums is just cheap publicity for lesser magazines who want attention from all media outlets. These are the albums that moved us; the ones that shocked us; and the ones that made us wonder if Tegan and Sara could ever forgive us for liking Tyler the Creator.

C ymbals E at G uitars , L enses A lien While their debut album Why There Are Mountains had some incredible songs on it, it was nowhere near as comprehensive as Cymbals Eat Guitars’s sophomore Lenses Alien. The title is assuredly paying homage to a Guided By Voices album, but I’m not really sure why (not that that record isn’t awesome as hell) because that’s where the similarities between the two end. Lenses Alien is thoroughly mature post-rock. It’s filled with epically rocking songs, which isn’t to say it’s wholly upbeat. These songs flow together thematically and musically making it a cohesive album that’s just a great time to listen to. This album has extremely proficient musicianship on all fronts that ranges from a shoegazy feel to a much more classical rock. It’s got catchy riffs, good lyrics and is an all-around great time—Robert Pollard would be proud. // Matt Merksamer

T he D ece mb e rists , T he K ing I s D ead

There’s nothing like a good concept album. Unless that album was Hazards of Love, in which The Decemberists overdosed on allegory and fairy tale. Thankfully, The King is Dead is a pleasantly clear head by comparison. In the opening track, frontman Colin Meloy reassures us, saying ‘Don’t Carry It All’ (and one might take this to mean all the convoluted story lines of Hazards) and implores us to “raise a glass to turnings of the season.” It’s incredibly lighthearted coming from Meloy, and you have to admit, it’s a nice change.

The accompanying vocals from Gillian Welch perfectly complement Meloy’s, who it seems still can’t resist throwing in an obscure word from his rarefied vocabulary here and there- but hey, that’s why we love him.

With a touch of twang and some feel-good harmonica playing in tracks ‘All Arise!’ and ‘Rise To Me’, The King is Dead is Americana the beautiful, rising to the occasion. // Jen Prince

F uc k ed U p , D av id C omes

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L ife

After the band’s 2008 release The Chemistry of Common Life, I assumed that they had hit their peak and there was nowhere left to go with their brand of hardcore stylings. David Comes to Life brings that style to new heights and a new medium—a rock opera about love in 1970s England. It may be hard to discern this at first, with Damian Abraham’s snarling, throat-destroying vocals front and center, rendering the lyrics, and therefore the story, at times completely indiscernible. This aggression is undercut with the most melodic pre-hardcore punk songwriting, a contrast between instrumentation and vocals that requires multiple listens to fully unpack. This album is somewhere between London Calling, Husker Du’s Flip Your Wig, and Slayer’s Reign in Blood, and it’s something wholly original. It’s the new millennium’s Quadrophenia, a love story given context by anger and hatred; the best rock opera in ages, and certainly the best punk album of the year, and Abraham’s voice eventually comes to dominate you. Fucking ‘A, boyo. // Marc Hecht

K ing K rul e , K i n g K ru l e If you’ve ever wondered what you would get if Morrissey and Tom Waits grew up in the age of rap, dupstep and computer-generated music and collaborated, well, this is for you. Archy Marshall has been making music under an alias, Zoo Kid, for years and is still just seventeen. This new EP, abandoning his earlier stage name and going for an odd moniker King Krule isn’t a huge leap from that. His music mixes guitar, drum beats and other fairly simple backbeats that have a moody and atmospheric vibe. The main accomplishment of this record is his lyrical maturation. He has a surprisingly deep, brooding voice that shouldn’t come from such a frail, white, red-haired body. But it does and it’s breathtakingly beautiful. He sings a sort of spoken word pseudo-rap that reminds me of the style of lounge jive that Tom Waits started his career with. Krule’s voice isn’t quite as nicotine-coated and whiskey-washed as Waits’ but his lyrics are just as riddled. Yet, they also evoke the poetics reminiscent of a fellow Englishman, good ole Moz. Krule seems to long for some hope, any escape, but he knows he won’t find it in the bleak world his lyrics swirl about in.

Keep an eye out; I have a feeling he’s going to grow into a wonderful artist in the future – maybe when he loses his youthful optimism upon reaching his twenties. // Matt Merksamer

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YOUR arts&entertainment T he M ountain G oats , A ll E tern als D eck The most frustrating thing about talking with people at bars about music is the derision that John Darnielle gets nowadays. “Oh,” they always say, “he was so much better when it was just him, a cassette player and a guitar.” Not only is that opinion (in my own) completely and totally wrong, but Darnielle deserves all the credit in the world for getting to where he’s gotten. His songwriting has only improved through the years, and All Eternals Deck is a fascinating meditation on death, star power, Charles Bronson, vampires, and the world of tarot mysticism (given that the f ictional deck is outlined and displayed in the liner notes of the record). In fact, one could say the album adds up to that- a series of predictions, taking our knowledge of the past and reinterpreting it in a new light to say what’s to come, for him, for his band, and, god knows, for all of us. So if I ever get that any guff about Darnielle in a bar ever again, I’ll hand ‘em a copy of All Eternals Deck, and maybe smash a glass or two and pretend it’s a switchblade and that I’m in West Side Story. You make records that are worth that, John, and I’ll defend them even if I get stabbed doing so. // Nick Johnston

T y S eg all , G o o dbye B re ad For years, Ty Segall has been slowly chipping away at his career, releasing a single here, an EP there. But with Goodbye Bread, Segall has finally arrived. By far his best work to date, Goodbye Bread is the perfect mix of lyrical artistry and drippingly sweet guitar melodies. On first listen, the dissonance, distorted vocals, and guitar strains run together at a comfortable mid-tempo pace, but Segall forces you to listen to every track, mesmerized by the songwriting that makes each song feel autonomous. It’s the kind of rock ‘n’ roll you love to love—it really is impossible not to- because you feel what Segall feels. He’s pissed off, in love, bored, you name it, and it captivates you with every wailing guitar pluck and barely there line. And when Segall begs ‘Won’t you take me to the hill / Put me in your Coupe de Ville / And tell me that you love me still’ you’ll say yes, again and again. // Jen Prince

S t . V ince nt , S t ra nge M ercy Who knew that Annie Clark would spice up her third studio record by adding a little Steve Albini to her particular mixture of “beautiful melodies telling you terrible things” (thank you, Mr. Waits)? Nobody, that’s who. This guitar-based, absolutely wonderful record can be wistful, angry, and sad, but god knows it never stops being beautiful. Strange Mercy doesn’t exactly improve on the Disney-esque wonder of her past record, Actor, but it instead provides a way for her band to grow and change organically, to make sweet and troubling music for a desperate time. I saw her live for the first time this year, and her ferocity on stage shocked me. Her catalogue is being reinterpreted in light of this new release, and with the personal nature of this album, god knows it should be. Songs like “Year of the Tiger” very obviously deal with depression, a song she apparently wrote while isolating herself in Seattle and suffering in solitude. The pain concealed within each beautiful song, coupled with the incredible melodies and saccharine nature of her voice pushed Strange Mercy to the very top of my list this year. She doesn’t want to be a cheerleader no more, but I’ll always be her’s. // Nick Johnston

T he S trok e s , A ngl es It’s been five years since The Strokes’ last album, First Impressions of Earth, and there was a growing anticipation for The Strokes to get there with their new album. No one really knows where “there” is, but Julian Casablancas and company go everywhere in Angles. The sharp guitar punching through the melody is still there in all its Stroksiness, as well as Casablancas’s alluringly monotone vocals. But with its incredibly diverse and unpredictable tracks, Angles becomes a battle between band members—a musical disagreement in the best way. Everyone gets their turn, especially drummer Fabrizio Moretti, who steps up to the plate in a big way. From the 80’s groove backdrop in “Macchu Picchu“ (think Men at Work) to the more classically Strokes’ guitar-istry of “Under The Cover of Darkness,” Angles is as experimental and complex as it is just plain fun. In the third track, Casablancas insists that”‘Happiness is two different things,” but, in listening to Angles, two doesn’t even begin to cover it. // Jen Prince

T om W aits , B ad

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Me

When Tom Waits sings “I’m the last leaf on the tree,” it’s an honest acknowledgement of his position in the music industry. No one else does what he does, and no one else could. This is his magic, his fusion of gin-soaked bars with the world of Brecht and Weill, and it’s ever present on his newest L.P., Bad as Me, his 17th studio effort and best record since Blood Money continues some of the rockabilly stylings he demonstrated in Orphans, but improves upon them tonally and musically (the title track being the best example of this, a blistering, rockin’ effort). He’ll take you on a journey that runs the gambit of human emotion, from sweet longing (“Chicago”), to the regretful, wistful howls at last call (“New Year’s Eve”), even to the battlefield, where you’ll fall apart with a man named Luce. We should certainty hope that winter never comes for Waits, because if he’s still making music this good when he’s 80, it’ll be a fucking blessing. Raise your glasses to the king, people. // Nick Johnston

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C r e ator , G ob lin

It goes without saying that this album can be incredibly disturbing. Played off as another trip to Tyler’s therapist, he begins the album with a self-reflexive monologue, “admitting” that we caught him lying about being a serial killer or a rapist and how the critical reaction to his previous album Bastard, no matter how positive, means nothing to him. From there the album moves through abrasive beats straight out of a horror film soundtrack, and when it does slow down for a soul-sung chorus on “She”, it’s about spying on a girl and killing any other guy who shows up there. However, through all of these off-key synthesizers and and chants of “kill people, burn shit, fuck school”, there’s always the undercurrent of Tyler speaking to his therapist, just a twenty-year-old kid trying to work through his problems in his love life, family life or otherwise. Goblin’s a surprisingly affecting album hidden in a monster movie gorefest. It’s also just really funny at points, as long as you can stomach really dark humor. Just don’t listen to “Bitch Suck Dick”. That song sucks. // Marc Hecht

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YOUR features

Text // Taylor Smith

The Help - Kathryn Stockett

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo - Stieg Larsson

books to write home about

Set in Jackson, Mississippi in the early 1960s, The Help is a moving and informative novel about the true lives of black domestic servants working in white Southern homes. Miss Skeeter Phelan, a white journalist, decides to unveil the secret side of the Southern household. She and the servants face opposition from every angle, but they forge ahead. If you’re looking for a story of true courage and soul, The Help will exceed every expectation.

A dark and intriguing mystery, this novel shows an ugly side of human nature. Henrik Vanger hires journalist Mikael Blomkvist to investigate the unsolved disappearance of his great-niece, Harriet.

Harriet had vanished from an island owned by the Vanger family forty years prior and was never seen again. Blomkvist teams up with Lisbeth Salander, a young computer hacker with an excellent memory and a fiery temper, to solve the mystery. The novel takes an intense look at the way Swedish men treat Swedish women. If you’re looking for a murder mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end, this book won’t disappoint.

The Best of Me - Nicholas Sparks

Nicholas Sparks delivers another bestseller in this new novel. The story involves a man and a woman who have gone their separate ways. They return to their old Southern hometown for the funeral of a friend. A vivid romantic novel, The Best of Me will not let down any romance lovers.

Steve Jobs - Walter Isaacson

A popular biography writer, Isaacson presents another mind-blowing work. Based on more than forty interviews over two years, Isaacson recreates the riveting story of the rise and fall of Steve Jobs. He captures Jobs’ creative personality and passion while explaining his impact on multiple industries.

The Art of Racing in the Rain - Garth Stein

In a totally different approach to a story about family, The Art of Racing in the Rain is told by a dog, Enzo. He watches as his master, Denny Swift, undergoes typical hardships including the loss of his wife and a custody battle over his daughter. A heart-wrenching but comic story, The Art of Racing in the Rain is an all around interesting and innovative novel!

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YOUR features

Gone Viral The Biggest Internet Trends of 2011

Some of the biggest indications of what a person deems important are which videos they watch on YouTube. Unfortunately, based on some of this year’s most-viewed videos, we may indeed be approaching the apocalypse.

Text // Christina Jedra

Karmin: Since posting this video in early April, these Berklee College of Music alums snagged a record deal and have a new single out.

With her 1940s suicide rolls in the song, Amy shocks viewers as an unsuspectingly gifted rapper (who seems to view breathing as an optional activity).

Views: 51,309,519

http://youtu.be/khCokQt--l4

eHarmony: Debbie never could have anticipated that her love for cats would end up on millions of people’s computers. Or maybe that’s actually what she wanted all along since her name seems to be Cara Hartmann and she didn’t actually shed a tear throughout her twominute melodrama. Nice acting, though!

Views: 18,825,612 http://www.youtube.com/user/hartmanncara

First Kiss: If only love were as simple as Elliott and Bowie make it look. “You kiss me, I kiss you!” These two will make you melt and will make you wish that your special someone cheered after having the honor of planting one on you.

Views: 18,774,618

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http://youtu.be/iEN-kHe5o_Y

YOUR features

*

The numbers of views in this article are as of December 28, 2011 and reflect only the views for the given URL.

Rebecca Black: What could better signify the deterioration of quality music today than Rebecca Black’s auto-tuned debacle, Friday? While she certainly poses some important life questions (What seat should she take? What day is after Friday?), she mostly represents the fact that people with money and technologically skilled producers will often get more attention than legitimately talented artists.

Views: 15,532,885

http://youtu.be/kfVsfOSbJY0

Baby Monkey: The only thing better than watching the camaraderie between this miniature monkey and its buddy the pig is the song that goes with it!

Views: 10,948,638

http://youtu.be/5_sfnQDr1-o

Jonah Mowry: Since uploading a revealing video in August in which he admits to depression and self-harm because of bullying at school, Jonah Mowry has received an outpouring of support from family, friends, and the viewers around the world who can relate. According to a message in the video description, he said, “I felt a huge weight off my shoulders; I’m happy… I’m more confident and feel stronger every day.”

Views: 8,664,258

http://youtu.be/TdkNn3Ei-Lg

Rick Perry Campaign Commercial: Rick Perry approves this message and apparently approves of throwing his campaign in the garbage. His recent campaign video – where he questions how “gays can serve openly in the military but our kids can’t openly celebrate Christmas or pray in school” – received almost all thumbs-down ratings. Of course we’ll never know what exactly people thought was so distasteful about the video because the comments have been disabled. Stay strong, Rick.

Views: 7,313,487

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http://youtu.be/0PAJNntoRgA

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YOUR features

It’s Not the End of the World.

Text // Kiera Murray

T

he end is near -- or so says the Mayan calendar, Nostradamus, and a number of awful Hollywood productions which shall remain nameless. Rumors of the apocalypse have been circulating for years, and recent changes in climate, including the occasional East Coast earthquake, have added to the mounting hysteria. And while these events are definitely bizarre, according to the scientific studies they’ve triggered, there’s a long way to go before before we have to worry. So relax, it’s not the end of the world -- not yet anyway.

This is how I think of it: As a journalism student, I’m constantly told that my industry of choice is dying – that by the time I graduate, Twitter and bloggers will have killed it. I keep the “It’s not dying, it’s changing” response in my back pocket at all times. Imagine how scientists must feel! They devote their lives to our beloved planet only to be confronted with people convinced that it’s going to end. I bet they’ve said “It’s not dying, it’s changing” a few times in their careers, only more eloquently and with words I wouldn’t understand.

Wyatt Oswald is Assistant Professor of Science at Emerson and teaches courses all over the science spectrum, from Climate Change to Plant Science to Human Evolution. Analyzing the world, the weather, and what it all means is a daunting task. There are so many natural and man-made factors that go into the way our planet works, you can’t always focus individual events. “The snow storm around Halloween was not normal, but if you’re trying to look for evidence for consequences of global warming, you can’t point to a singular event,” said Oswald. “It is outside the realm of what has happened historically, but once in a while we get snow in October. You want to look for broader

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trends.” An example is the fact that this November was the warmest November in recorded Boston area history. While it gave us a chance to frolic in the Commons a little longer, it gave scientists something to work with.

What we do know, is that the planet has warmed by one to two degrees Celsius in the last 250 years, and studies and simulations have shown that greenhouse gases emitted by humans are a contributor. Because the amount of time that we’ve studied this is relatively short in Earth-years, we are still learning. However, according to Oswald, even if we stopped emitting carbon dioxide tomorrow, we have already put so much into the atmosphere that the effects would be the same for the next twenty years. While global warming may not mark end the world, it will separate it into winners and losers, he said. Some areas will experience negative effects, while others will flourish (agriculturally, for example) in the warmer weather. The United States emits the most greenhouse gases, both as a whole and per head, but we have the resources to adapt to climate change. Countries in South Asia emit less greenhouse gases, but they have much less financial resources to deal with environmental forces, such as cyclones which are common in that area and will only intensify as water levels rise.

Young people have enough stress in their lives, with the economy tanking and college loans piling up, yet we still entertain the idea of our lives ending in a rather dramatic way. It’s human nature to be impressed by rare events and get excited when things out of the ordinary happen, said Oswald. We feel the need to make sense of an event, like attributing the snow storm to global

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warming or the earthquake to the end of the world. However, the public doesn’t generally have the scientific knowledge to make these assessments.

“And we don’t have our act together when it comes to global change,” said Oswald. But is it still worth it to make changes if the heat is already turned up? Absolutely. “Going green” has not been at the forefront of political concerns since we’re coming up to another election year, but as we continue to research and understand the planet, we can do more to implement change, whether it’s buying a reusable mug at Starbucks or figuring out how to help the less developed countries deal with climate change. So when the clock strikes 11:11 on 12/31/12, things are not going to end. After we look around and scream “Happy New Year!” and possibly plant a wet one on the cute guy standing next to us, that’s when we need to buckle down and get serious about going green.

YOUR features

BEST COCKTAILS for saying “goodbye” to 2011, and bringing in 2012 As you watch the ball drop and start the countdown from 10...9...8..7.. make sure you have a drink in your hand that makes a statement about 2012. If you are looking for a new drink to toast to the New Year and say goodbye to 2011, it’s time to get creative. A flute of champagne is too cliché and you should treat yourself to more than cheap vodka or boxed wine. Here are a few of the best cocktails from 2011 to bring a great start to 2012.

If you don’t want to have that toast and first New Year’s kiss without some bubbly here is a twist on the classic.

The chill of winter can get to your spirits down this holiday season. This version of a hot chocolate will warm you up and get you ready for that new years kiss.

“Hand Me My Mimosa”

“Chocomint it!”

6 drinks

1 drink

1/4 cup orange liqueur 2 tablespoons white sugar 1 cup orange juice 1 (750 milliliter) bottle brut champagne, chilled

2 tablespoons coffee flavored liqueur 2 tablespoons peppermint schnapps 3/4 cup boiling water 1 envelope instant hot chocolate mix Whipped cream, for garnish Shaved semisweet chocolate, for garnish

If a Mimosa reminds you too much of your mother than maybe you’ll need an even more exotic drink to spice up your New Year. Maybe adding orange juice to your champagne just isn’t enough. If more really is better than this is the right drink for you.

Bring in your new year like a champion by shaking up your champagne.

If you really want to spice up 2012, here is a fun cocktail that combines favorite holiday spices and that all too familiar taste of tequila.

“Ringing Spiced Bells” 1 drink

“Punch of the Champions”

1/4 cup silver tequila 1/4 cup lime juice 1/4 cup cranberry spice syrup 1/4 cup ginger beer 1 lime wedge, for garnish

20 drinks

1 can frozen cranberry juice concentrate 1 can frozen pink lemonade concentrate 1 (¾3/4 cup) can frozen limeade concentrate 1 bottle white wine, chilled 1 liter carbonated water, chilled 2 bottles champagne, chilled 1 lemon - sliced, for garnish 1/2 cup fresh mint, for garnish

Text // Liz Mantey Recipes adapted from: Allrecipes.com

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