pageeight AROUNDTOWN Little Big Planet creates gigantic experience a gamer’s own level online for the whole world level, the creating process is quite lengthy. This trophy called Just Beginning, which is achieved w Rexly Penaflorida to play. The “Create” part of the LBP slogan is reviewer found himself spending a few hours by completing the main story line. There are w Managing Editor the epitome of the game. In the Create Level creating just one level in which the player had 48 trophies overall, and they are bound to keep mode, the level possibilities are only limited to to go up a ramp and through a crevice to find players interested in the game. When the Playstation 3 (PS3) hit store shelves the player’s imagination. The level can be as treasure. The game may look flawless, but there are two years ago, one of the games that was featured complicated as the story As for the online minute errors in the game. A main element of in ads as a Playstation franchise was Little Big levels or as simple as a aspect of the game, the the gameplay is jumping from place to place. Planet (LBP). However, gamers waited two car race between two experience is amazing. The height of the jump can be increased by long years for the LBP’s appearance. players. The materials The levels created by how hard the player presses the X button. LBP finally has arrived on the PS3, and it is for level creation are other players really show Sometimes, the character might not be able to considered one of the best games of 2008. With found all over the story off how creative people reach places that should be reachable no matter enjoyable levels, a plethora of downloadable levels and the players can be with the materials how hard the button is pressed. There are also content and an immense amount of materials for has to accumulate as given in the Create Level times when the game freezes and the console creating levels, LBP is sure to astound gamers many materials as they mode. Playing online is has to be restarted. worldwide. can in order for their essential in LBP because In a West Word interview with Media The main character is a little tiny figure named level to be very complex. there are some sections in Molecule, the game’s production team, they Sackboy who saves the world by defeating the The objects in the game the story line that require were blown away by the creativity of the created Collector who has taken prisoners from different also act the way that two or more players to levels. Asked about what would be the next parts of the world. Along the way, Sackboy they should in real life. reach a certain goal. Based step for the production team, they said, “We receives help from many different characters For example, if a ball on the number of players want to nurture the community, add extra tools, and is challenged by numerous obstacles in each is placed in the middle needed to reach a certain and generally unleash the creative sack person level such as burning logs, spiked creatures and of the level, it must be area, the process could that lives in everyone.” LBP has raised the level numerous traps. The main story is long and is attached to a string on a make players frustrated or of creative gameplay and it will be a timeless bound to keep players hooked to the game, but ceiling in order for it to very happy. classic for every hardcore gamer. the real fun begins when the player creates their stay afloat otherwise, gravity will act and cause If finishing the story or making new levels own level. the ball to fall down. Players can also use their make players very boring, there are also trophies Little Big Planet The slogan of LBP is “Play, Create, Share.” current materials to create new objects that can that can be collected. Similar to Microsoft’s The slogan addresses the three main things be published and shared through the LBP online XBOX 360 achievement program, trophies of LBP: the story levels, the creation of new community. While players may think that a car are certain missions that players can get by PS3 levels by the player and the chance to publish race between two players might be a simple completing certain goals. An example is the Downtown Owl wins over reader with style and characters fierce North Dakota blizzard. life. and how these themes connect to the rest of wwNaomi Prale The characters are involved in interesting As the story unfolds, the characters find Mitch’s life. Around Town Editor plots that tell readers completely different themselves recounting past experiences Another strong chapter involves a conversation stories every chapter. Klosterman uses a round (Horace), falling in love (Julia), Horace has with friends that The state of North Dakota is filled with rural robin style, and alternates talking about the and imagining a famous brawl relates to a true account, the towns where the nearest grocery store is 10 characters. between two classmates along incident of Gordon Khal, an miles away. In Chuck Klosterman’s Downtown Each character gets roughly a third of the with how to murder a high school anti-Semitic North Dakotan Owl, the town of Owl, ND, Klosterman writes book to tell about his/her own story of his/ teacher (Mitch). One of the best who refuses to pay his taxes or great line after great line, allowing the reader to her in downtown Owl. Mitch is a third-string chapters of this book is an account to support the U.S. government. visualize a town where the evening commute quarterback on the high school football team, from Mitch. As he listens to his Klosterman takes one incident takes 18 seconds. with a deep grudge against his English teacher/ English teacher talk about the book and masterfully connects it to Klosterman’s tale is a collection of ever- coach. Horace is 73 and a widower, has lived 1984—the book is set during the everyone in the town, establishing changing characters, scenes and formats. most of his life in Owl and enjoys spending his 1983-84 school year—he questions himself as a persuasive writer. The story revolves around three dissimilar afternoon with his cronies at the local diner, the strong thematic elements of The novel relates that Khal characters living in very similar environments, drinking coffee. Julia has just moved to Owl, a this book and how these themes is notorious because he spent a each dealing with his/her life until all three of recent college graduate about to teach history, connect to the extramarital affairs large portion of his life evading them are connected with similar troubles, in a and has a hard time adjusting to small town that his teacher hides from his wife the federal government, and in the massive shootout that accompanied his capture, Khal escaped from Bland plot can’t match up to Bond’s performance the authorities and was never seen again. Although the film does not disappoint in terms together near the end of the film. However, Khal’s aversion to federal authority is of great w Hillary Lindwall of action, the plot is not visible in the film at nothing is explained, which left this reviewer interest to North Dakotans. Some of Horace’s w News/Wire Editor all. It seems as though many events occur that feeling perplexed. companions agree with Khal’s actions, feeling are strung together without Despite the confusing nature of the script, that farmers had been tricked by the government Although the newest James Bond story, a discernible story line. Although the actors do a good job of conveying their during times of prosperity and eventually went Quantum of Solace, was expected to entertain writers attempt to connect Casino characters. Daniel Craig carries over his bankrupt.. viewers just as these films have in the past, the Royale and Quantum of Solace, the successful Bond role from the previous film and The writing style of Downtown Owl spends latest 007 flick has failed to carry on the success product is confusing rather the new characters are also believable. less time on the plot itself, and concentrates more of its predecessor, Casino Royale. Director than clever, which makes the In addition to good acting, the on the descriptions of the characters and setting. Marc Forster, who did not direct Casino Royale, movie less enjoyable. music of the film increases Klosterman creates complex descriptions that falls short of producing an instant classic. Although the Daniel Craig the intensity of the action do not necessarily provide vivid details, but fill Quantum of Solace immediately begins as James Bond films came out and creates a mysterious mood at up most of the novel. Readers learn more about right where Casino Royale left off. After being nearly two years apart, the viewer times. the characters than the plot, and this creates a betrayed by Vesper, the woman he loved in is expected to remember exactly Overall, Quantum of good if not better understanding of the novel the previous film, James Bond (Daniel Craig) what happened in the previous Solace will not disappoint than if Klosterman had spent his time writing has difficulty keeping his current mission film. Bond fans in terms of about the plot. completely professional. This reviewer saw both films acting, cinematography Klosterman’s first novel uses many Bond captures Mr. White (Jesper Christensen), and was confused by the attempted and style, and the action ingredients in order to create a story that tells his enemy from Casino Royale, and questions tie-ins rather than intellectually scenes are exciting and people what it means to be normal. In a normal him with M (Judi Dench), the director of stimulated. Along with the nonsensical well-staged. However, small town, the events surrounding everyone’s British intelligence (MI6). It is revealed that requirement for previous knowledge, the lack of a cogent plot life create the unique feelings that readers take the organization who blackmailed Vesper in the title of the film seems completely causes the film to fall flat. from this story. order to steal Bond’s casino winnings in the unconnected to the storyline. If more had been The novel makes an important point of how previous film is more dangerous and potent than Although the secret organization explained, the film may a person’s destiny is to go nowhere, because in previously expected. is known as Quantum, this is not have been salvaged, but the end, the characters end up accomplishing Bond’s mission leads him to many areas clearly revealed in the film and the story line goes nowhere, so nothing. Downtown Owl is a celebration of the of the world including Haiti, Italy, Austria, and the only visible connection to neither does the movie as a whole. lives of people that usually go uncelebrated, South America. While in Haiti, Bond meets the word “solace” is the fact Future James Bond films should focus a creating a novel that is more about characters Camille (Olga Kurylenko), a woman who leads that a lot of action occurrs in the little more on plot and less on explosions. and personalities than about plot. 007 to Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric). desert. This major player in the secret criminal Additionally, because the Downtown Owl organization from Casino Royale known as movie consists of a series of Quantum of Solace Quantum conspires to control the water supply seemingly unconnected events, of Bolivia by forging deals with Bolivian this reviewer thought that General Medrano (Joaquín Cosio). the entire story would come Directed by Marc Forester Chuck Klosterman pagenine

WestWord Ruined pulls on audience’s heartstrings

Uzma Ahmad militia force also pays routine visits to the bar, a space between two palm trees. The rest of the Occasionally, acting performances were a bit ww receiving V.I.P. service due to his high social stage is the actual bar, consisting of a pool table over exaggerated and cliché. Johnson (Fortune) Editorials Editor status. and chairs, with palm trees in the background to would overemphasize his emotions during his Trouble disrupts the bar’s attempts to find his lost wife, Currently playing at the Goodman Theatre, extravagant nightlife when resulting in exaggerated acting. Ruined sheds light on present day life in the opposing militia start attending However, the actresses Rashad Democratic Republic of Congo, a nation being the bar, causing outside politics (Sophie) and Ekulona (Mama torn apart by a bloody civil war. Inspired by to infiltrate the peace and Nadi) were able to embody the stories of brave women of the Congo, the excitement of Mama Nadi’s their characters emotionally, play offers the audience insight on the harsh hospitality. resulting in extremely dynamic lifestyles of the inhabitants of a small mining When a hostile soldier, Fortune performances that captured the town in this country. (Chiké Johnson), ends up the hearts of the audience. Throughout the course of the play, the bar’s door, searching for his lost The performers also adopted plot solely takes place at a locally acclaimed wife, matters only become more central African accents which bar. The bar is owned by Mama Nadi (Sadia complicated. These encounters, were believable and added Arrika Ekulona), a savvy businesswoman who combined with the emotional reality to the stage. provides her customers with everything from conflicts of the Mama Nadi’s Ruined offers a unique story cold beer, warm meals, live music and dancing, girls as they journey through a filled with emotion and intellect. to the company of women. male-dominated society, lead up Vibrant stage activity and The story begins when Christian (Russell G. to a twisted and heart-tugging engaging actor performances Jones), a local trader, arrives at Mama Nadi’s climax. allow the audience to analyze bar with a supply of goods that includes drinks, Since the play entirely takes critically the conditions of the food and two refugee girls who were abandoned place in a bar, the stage setup is war-ridden Congo. by their families after being brutally raped by rather simple. Yet, it involves Photo courtesy Goodman Theater Ruined runs through Dec. local militia. significant, creative touches that 7 at the Goodman Theatre, Despite the fact that one of the girls, Sophie set a comfortable mood for the located at 170 North Dearborn (Condola Phyleia Rashad), is “ruined”—her audience. add the feeling of a forest atmosphere. Street in Chicago. For tickets genitals destroyed by sexual assaulters— Mama One side of the stage consists of a bar counter Although the play is not a musical, live and more information, call 312.443.3800 or Nadi reluctantly takes in both women, adding against a wall with stools, drinks, and a few singing by the bar prostitutes is involved as part visit GoodmanTheatre.org. them to her prostitutes and waitresses. touches to give off the impression of African of the bar’s nightlife. Live music, consisting The girls continue to live under Mama culture. At the edge of the wall is a doorway of authentic African drums and the guitar Ruined Nadi’s care, attending to militia soldiers and that clearly leads to the girls’ sleeping quarters. are also part of the bar’s performances. This rich foreigners who frequently visit the bar Between scenes, this wall is rotated to reveal clever setup truly presents a bar atmosphere and and its “services.” Commander Osembenga this inside bedroom. On the other end of the distracts the audience from the sometimes slow- Goodman Theatre (Kevin Mambo), the harsh leader of the rebel stage is the bar’s entrance; the doorway creates moving plot. Wannabe America’s Next Top Model is a waste of viewer’s time

style, to making outfits from a dart or a pintuck from shearing. Even wwSarah Espinosa for models in a small more embarrassing: many of the competitors Sports Editor fashion show. At least neglect to consult the fashion dictionaries Reality television just needs to go away. The the challenges actually available on their desks. new show Stylista on the CW network proves allow the contestants to The show is so bland that it doesn’t even just that. The show, which features 11 hopeful display their skills to their have the typical love-to-hate characters (see: amateur designers fighting for a junior editor advantage or disadvantage Omarosa, The Apprentice), nor does it have position at the high fashion magazine ELLE, as the case may be. Even any problems that one would find remotely leaves the viewer concluding that the show the first assistant’s task— interesting. It is dull with stupid cat fights. lacks originality. serving Slowey breakfast— When contestants get eliminated, there is The main criticism of the show is that it challenges the contestants usually no specific reason besides the fact that is virtually identical to Tyra Banks’ America’s to select and present the their team lost. Slowey just says, “You’re not Next Top Model (ANTM) except that the main food in a pleasing manner. the right fit. Please pack up your desk and go.” goal is different. That is to be expected, as the Although fashion sense and The missing oomph in the show makes it program has the same executive producers as design aesthetic are more seem to last longer than its 8-8:30 p.m. slot on ANTM. subjective, the wannabes Wednesday. The show is all about drama, including are tested on information manipulating, lying, cheating, backstabbing that any aspiring fashion Stylista editor should know. and the rest of the whole nine yards. Executive contestants performing a challenge on teams In one challenge, it is downright shameful producer Banks clearly is starting to run out of that change from week to week. The challenges good ideas for television. the way some of the competitors can’t tell an vary from designing a photo essay for a certain CW network Every week, the scenario is the same, with empire waist from a high-waisted pant, a pleat Hanson grows up to amaze concert goers and create new sounds for everyone to enjoy of Nowhere, took the House of Blues (HOB) by Walk, the band roused the crowd as they tore they most wanted to hear, and they waited in Bridget storm Nov. 4. into “Great Divide.” The song’s lyrics are delirious anticipation of the tune that started Walking into the stifling room with mostly touching, explaining how we can save the it all. The first chords of “Mmmbop” sent ww Van Der Bosch female fans of all ages crammed wall-to-wall world if everyone could just work together, the crowd wild. With their now-lower-pitched Staff Writer was quite overwhelming. It was surprising to perfect introduction for the siblings’ new social voices, mixing with a richer acoustic sound, the see how many people still supported the brothers awareness. band’s biggest hit single seemed much more Thinking about Hanson without automatically even after their long hiatus to create their own After finishing the song, the brothers Hanson meaningful and a lot less bubble gum. Lighters bursting in one’s personal rendition of record company, 3CG, named for their pre- talked about their latest philanthropic effort, a and cells phones were immediately brandished, “Mmmbop” might be Middle of Nowhere, independent release, 3 Car collaboration with Tom’s Shoes. Tom’s Shoes in a Purple Rain-inspired homage to Hanson. difficult. After seeing Garage. is a footwear company with which Hanson has Hanson left the stage, with the crowd cheering the teenyboppers-turned- Hanson began the partnered to make sure that children in need are continuously for an encore after an amazing 20-somethings on The set with “Something adequately shod. For every pair bought, Tom’s performance, and the boys did not disappoint, Walk Tour singing about Going Round,” off the Shoes will donate shoes to a child somewhere returning to cover the Police hit “Message in a politics and international band’s newest album in the world who cannot afford to purchase their Bottle,” which everyone loved. issues, this reviewer Walk. The people in the own. Overall, Hanson put on an amazing show, will no longer have any crowd responded well, After playing a few more songs from Walk, proving to the public that they are much better problems seeing past the singing and dancing Hanson delighted the crowd with “Crazy than the disposable pop group everyone thought mistakes Hanson had along. Taylor’s punchy Beautiful” from This Time Around. Because the they were. made as young boys. piano and Zac’s muscular majority of the crowd was female, this upbeat The once blond, long- drumming, matched with love song was a hit. Hanson haired, bubble gum pop their newly profound The night wound down with acoustic versions group Hanson, known for lyrics, really kicked off of familiar numbers from Middle of Nowhere, their helium harmonies on the night. Concentrating “A Minute Without You” and “Where’s the their debut album Middle early on the new CD Love,” tunes that primed the crowd for the song House of Blues pageten AROUNDTOWN Restaurant isn’t worth expensive price Suhail Ansari Italian kitchen, and the aioli just tastes like performance, it does not make up for the avoid. In the recent economic downturn, this ww pasta and not-so-expensive olive oil, to put it shortcomings of the menu. reviewer would not be surprised to find an World Editor bluntly. Despite the restaurant’s nice location, it does empty storefront soon. Instead of enjoying all three dishes, the patron not give its “bang for its buck,” so to speak. might just go for the funghi, pasta draped in a Although the portions are generous, the large Al Primo Canto The recently opened Al Primo Canto mushroom sauce with caramelized shallots, and feast is not economical to any student, as it does restaurant attempts to bring a galeteria, or an have the others packed, just to justify the cost. not appeal to the wallet or the palate. eatery that specializes in roasted meats like ones Now, if one is wondering when this reviewer Al Primo Canto, located at 5414 W. Devon 5414 W. Devon Ave., Edgebrook found in Southern Brazil, to the Edgebrook will get to the meats, what a galeteria is meant Ave. in Edgebrook, is one place diners should neighborhood, adjacent to Lincolnwood. to be about, he should keep in mind that this is This is a perfect location for those students exactly what the review himself was thinking. who wish for a nice—partially formal—night Finally, after all the fillers, clashing appetizers out, right after they receive their paycheck/ and pastas, come the meats and side dishes. At allowance. this point, it does not even matter what the side The restaurant is located next to an empty dishes are, one just wants to get to the meat of retail space, so the entrance is confusing, but things, literally. the nice staff will probably help one open the The cordero, marinated leg of lamb that is double doors. Once inside, the obstacle to get roasted, finally offers something good to the If I scored well on inside seems well worth it. patron. The lamb is roasted to perfection and Al Primo Canto is breathtakingly well put presents a satisfying mix of spices and savor. together. This reviewer was transported from a The maninha, charcoal grilled beef tenderloin, my SAT orACT, cold Tuesday night in Chicago to a small, warm however, comes off only at average as the dry rub is not enough to satisfy the absence of an accompanying sauce. The specialty, galeto am I eligible for a al primo canto, young chicken marinated in an array of spices and slowly scholarship? roasted, does redeem the restaurant to some extent. This excellent dish gives the patron something for his Yes! money as it celebrates the st year, greatness poultry can offer, La more Robert Morris College a savory taste with a more RMC awarded tender meat. 7 million has scholarships After the grand feast, of than $1 s. available up to $15,000 which required two waiters in scholarship for delivery, one can decide a year toward the to go the extra mile for a desert. completion of your and cozy Brazilian village galeteria. Not surprisingly, desert offered little Bachelor’s Degree! The stained wood used throughout the design compensation for the ill defined menu, as it was is reminiscent of a warm cup of coffee on a sloppily prepared. To find out if you qualify, freezing, typical Chicago winter day. This reviewer ordered the tres leches cake, The chairs are designed to evoke a feel of a cake soaked in tree sweet milks, a seemingly call or go online today. earthiness, combined with a gothic taste; the two nice and neutral finish to a long meal. influences do not clash, as one would expect. Contrary to the description, part of the top This imposing figure actually blends together portion of the cake was not entirely soaked in with the decorative ceiling, beautifully stained the milk mixture. This reduced the taste of the and distressed tables and the coordinated, three- dessert to day-old cake. prong forks. Such a short-coming was not a surprise after Unfortunately, the food belies the ambiance. the main courses. Again, a flaw emerged in the 800-RMC-5960 | robertmorris.edu This sit-down restaurant offers two ways to presentation of the galeteria idea. order food: either off the A la Carte & Take Although the wait staff gives an excellent Out menu or from the Prix-fixe menu, which is a set, $29.95 feast including two aperitivos (appetizers), three pastas, a trio of meats and four acompanamientos (side dishes). If the latter choice sounds like a lot of food, it is. If the waiter asks one not to share the feast, ignore him, because one person cannot possibly My story finish all the dishes in one—or multiple— sittings. “A T O A K T O N , THE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE The first course of the prix-fixe includes BECOMES WHAT YOU WANT TO MAKE OF IT . ” eggplant caponata, roasted eggplant with tahini paste prepared like hummus, and pao de queijo, or cheese bread. Although the cheese bread is wonderfully soft and cheesy, the eggplant caponeta seems like hummus disguised with a JENNIFER YAZMIN CARRILLO fancy name. For Jennifer Carrillo, Oakton Community College is the “reel” deal. A promising The two go on to clash more than Sarah Palin filmmaker, Carrillo came to Oakton to complete her first two years and save money and Joe Biden. While the cheese invokes a more before transferring to a four-year college. But Carrillo is making the most of her savory taste, the pseudo-hummus tries to bring Oakton experience by going beyond the basic general education courses. She has in a citric undertone, very unsuccessfully. Such taken independent study classes tailored to her needs, pursued her interests of film an experience is carried into the pasta course. and psychology, and participated in various clubs and organizations. When Carrillo When designing the menu, the owner transfers, she will leave with more than ju st extra credit hours and extra money— probably decided to bombard the patron with she also will take away a fulfilling college experience. amazing dish after dish, and that is what happens… without the amazing part. Three perfect looking plates of pasta arrive warm and fresh to the table. Now one must remember that these are meant to be continued... for one patron, and one of those dishes of pasta probably could fill up said patron. Being the curious creature he is, this reviewer decided to Start here. Go anywhere. try a bit of all three pastas. The marinara is way too suggestive of an 1600 E. Golf Rd., Des Plaines • 7701 N. Lincoln Ave., Skokie • www.oakton.edu