AltWeeklies Wire
Trendzilla: The Return of Quiksilver's '80s Stylesnew
One long-standing company that's actually making good on the '80s is Huntington Beach sports-action giant Quiksilver, which has re-introduced elements of its most iconic pieces from the '80s, when people weren't afraid of color (in an un-ironic sort of way) and thigh-bearing short shorts.
Is It Funny Yet? Second City Enters the Obama Eranew
Hope versus fear, optimism versus skepticism -- that's the theme of Second City's smart, often hilarious response to this historic moment, America: All Better!
Chicago Reader |
Albert Williams |
12-22-2008 |
Theater
The Gundersons Get Us Ready for Basil, the Robot of Our Dreamsnew
The Gundersons claim to have possibly solved one of the most challenging problems in robotics, and just a few weeks ago, they published an entire book, Robots, Reasoning and Reification, about it.
A Cautionary Tale About Airports and Holiday Horrorsnew
We have all heard the horror stories, but up until last year I can't say I really believed them. All that changed last Christmas, when the forces of the friendly skies conspired against me for three days straight, eventually breaking me.
Santa Barbara Independent |
Ethan Stewart |
12-22-2008 |
Travel
Seattle's New Way to Fetishize Coffeenew
As a marketing strategy, "cupping" is straight from the wine-industry playbook. As a means of enjoying coffee, it's mostly hot air.
Seattle Weekly |
Jonathan Kauffman |
12-22-2008 |
Food+Drink
Don't Let the Holidays Trap You in Old Family Scriptsnew
Family. Merrymaking. Gift giving. It ought to be so cozy and fun, just like an old postcard. But making it through the next few weeks definitely has its challenges.
NOW Magazine |
Elizabeth Bromstein |
12-22-2008 |
Advice
Eco Hustle: You'll Tide Edition
Revisiting Dickens' A Christmas Carol brings up some uncomfortable comparisons to go with our holiday cheer.
Flagpole Magazine |
Alan Flurry |
12-22-2008 |
Commentary
Faith Ringgold's Art Quilts Tell the African-American Storynew
Internationally-known painted quilt artist Faith Ringgold talks about her art, her influences, and her thoughts on race in America.
Mountain Xpress |
Alli Marshall |
12-19-2008 |
Art
The Local (and Profitable) Face of Etsy.comnew
The online crafter site provides a viable option for local D.I.Y. types to sell their unique products.
Mountain Xpress |
Alli Marshall |
12-19-2008 |
Shopping
Why Christmas?new
There's no good reason for a sane, rational person to like this time of year. And yet, I do.
The Coast, Halifax's Weekly |
Lezlie Lowe |
12-19-2008 |
Commentary
Dame Edna Has a New Makeup Collection. Is That Scary? Maybe a Little.new
On an unusually soggy day in Los Angeles, the unusual new MAC cosmetics muse is giving interviews at a creaky old bungalow at the Chateau Marmont. You know Dame Edna — wacky cat-eye glasses, lavender hair, Tony-winning Broadway show, alter ego to Australian comedian Barry Humphries?
L.A. Weekly |
Gendy Alimurung |
12-19-2008 |
Fashion
The Best Gift: A Bottle of Winenew
While there are a multitude of things to consider when choosing the perfect wine, there are essentially two types of gifts: bottles meant to be drunk now and bottles meant to be drunk later. The trick is to find those that will appeal to both the cork dork and the wine novice.
The Memphis Flyer |
Michael Hughes |
12-19-2008 |
Food+Drink
'Prince of Persia' Might Be Dumb, but It Sure is Pretty!new
Ubisoft's newly released game is the perfect example of the emphasis on the pretty to the exclusion of the interesting. The gorgeous art style, Matrix-esque combat, and cinematic storytelling will definitely impress players -- but about 20 minutes into the game, PoP loses most of its luster.
The Portland Mercury |
Earnest 'Nex' Cavalli |
12-19-2008 |
Video Games
Veterans Against War; For Screenprintingnew
A former Guantanamo Bay guard hosts an anti-war screenprinting party.
The Portland Mercury |
John Motley |
12-19-2008 |
Art
Take Romance for a Hike: Love and Looking Good on the Trailnew
Here in the Pacific Northwest you're just as likely to have a guy or gal ask you out for a walk in the woods as you are to get asked for a dinner and a drink. With a little forethought, you can combine an outdoor adventure with a little romance and look good while you do it.
Eugene Weekly |
Camilla Mortensen |
12-18-2008 |
Recreation
