FEATURES

Tak Feature Page 6

LIFE & STYLE

McQueens Tragic Death Leaves Fashion World Stunned

Page 12

NEWS

Volume 1, Issue 3

MARCH 2010

INDEX
VOICE NEWS FEATURES LIFE & STYLE FOOD & FUN 2-3 4-5 6-7 8-9 10

GAMES & TECH 11-12

Volume 1, Issue 3.indd 1

3/1/2010 1:50:12 PM

MARCH 2010

VOICE
Curie, and Sidonie Colette. They were influential and infamous figures of the early feminist movement, each portraying the diversity of woman nature and the strength of individual character. The picketing group are representing International Womans Day in the 21st century, showing that women have come together in even greater numbers. The Triangle Factory building, in the upper right hand corner, is an icon for early reform. The exploitation of womens labor went up in flames in a horrific story which spurred the growth of unions for the improvement of working conditions and equal rights. The fists from the Russian propaganda poster symbolize the restrictions womens movements have faced. Womans Rights began to spring up internationally after the fall of Communism, but women still struggle today on a global level for equality.

College Tribute to Womens Month and Inuential Women in History

By Kelsey Sweet The women depicted in this composition include (from top to bottom) Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Harriet Tubman, Rosie the Riveter, Marie

Editor-In-Chief: Kevin Hidalgo Newspaper President: Dante Colombatti Public Relations Director: Yushi Imai Public Relations: Danial Alvarez, Frederick Broussard, Patrick Hall Marketing and Social Media: Chalita Walden Graphics: Daniel Alvarez, Kelsey Campbell, Mandi Gum, Remedy Jeannie Huynh, Jennifer Leung Reporters: Andrea Emmes, Justin Fitzwater, Tiffany Kantor, Violet Koncz, Leslie Mendez, Casey Sunich Photographers: Baokhanh Hoang, Brennen Scott, Neeyaz Zolfaghari Illustrators: Benjamin Black, Justin Fitzwater, Kelsey Sweet Advisor: Khara Cloutier Email: News@LACanvas.com Public Relations: PR@LACanvas Sales: Sales@LACanvas.com Phone: (818) 485-2486

When In The Market For A Web Designer

By Brennen Scott Making a decision about which web designer to choose has been a journey with many up and downs. Some designers wanted me to send my work and payments with out every meeting them. I realize this is the age of electronic interfacing but Im old fashion when it comes to investing in something as important as my personal web site. Being able to meet a web designer in person gives me a chance to evaluate them personally. Even at the moment when I did meet some designers it felt as if they would just throw every big word that has to do with web designing at me. Confusing and not interested is the result from that. As a business man myself, I have learned that making things simple and clear is better for the client.

L.A. CaNVas
Deadline Schedule
Next Issue April 2 Editorial Deadline March 19

MARCH 5, 2010

THE CREATIVE COMMUNITY

Advertisement Deadline March 19 For all submissions including letters to the editor and publicity releases, send to News@LACanvas.com

THE ART INSTITUTE of California - Hollywood

5250 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601
The college newspaper is published as a learning experience. The editorial and advertising materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, are the responsibilities of the student newspaper staff. Under appropriate state and federal court decisions, these materials are free from prior restraint by virtue of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Accordingly, materials published herein, including any opinion expressed, should not be interpreted as the position of The Art Institute of California - Hollywood, Art Institutes, or any ofce or employee herein. No material may be reprinted without the expressed written permission of L.A. Canvas.

With a few months having gone bye and many hours of searching for the right web designer a simple referral from a fellow photographer paid off big. Lindsay Gatz you are my web angel. Agreed to meet in person, made the process simple and most important great customer service. Having the right design to compliment my photo work was of all importance and Lindsay made that happen. I just have a few words of advise when looking for a web designer. Until someone is compliant with your every web design need dont settle. Realize that your site is your identity, it determines how your potential client sees you and ultimately decides if your the right choice.

Volume 1, Issue 3.indd 2

3/1/2010 1:50:21 PM

VOICE
Are Churches Really Good For Us?
By Kyle Hogland Yes would seem to be the answer. But is that true? I grew up going to church three times a week for over twenty years. I qualified for a state speech contest, and missed it to go to church. Vacation? School Trip Activity? Yes, I made arrangements for someone to pick me up and go to church. I was a die hard church-goer. Most would consider this extreme, but I was under the impression that church came first. It does. But not the way man has organized it. Just because someone puts the word church on their front door, and cracks open the bible, doesnt make them a church. You can tell me My church isnt like that, its very open. Let me ask you this then, Do you think that you need to be a part of a church similar to how yours is set up? Do you think that you wont be as good if you dont go there? If not, then why do you go? I havent been in a church that didnt have some sort of division. Some sort of attitude like, This church is a little better than others because ... Or, If you dont come to church (like this) then you will get weak. Or in some extreme cases, such as the one I was a part of, If you dont go to a church like ours, you have lost your soul and are bound for hell. As much as they deny it, one of these attitudes is there. Christ doesnt want this. If you believe in Him, then you should come together with other believers, but never block anyone from your circle. Your circle should be with every believer in the world. The church is spiritual, and we all make it up. Dont worry about the traditional times and practices. Meet with believers when you can, and however and wherever you want. If that means over coffee or at school, then there ya go-- and you didnt have to spend any money or extra time to make it happen either.

MARCH 2010

contact:

American Fairy-tale
By Benjamin Black A monster broke out and ravaged a kingdom Damsels took arms Since the shining knight was sleeping Chaos clung to the monsters intent It ate the sun And to the castle went Defenses were down First Prince charming was found Insuring maids as he drops the glass slipper while being eaten It could be said that the princess was dead Once it breached the castle walls But she mused Unaware As terror spilled into her home In its savaged She was ravaged Placed inside a dark abold To the beast She tried healin But it only saw killin And so to the villain Her life was sold But then the beast Felt life slip As a bulge disturbed its form And in the end The princess would win As erupting from its corpse Was an innocent new-borne
They really love me! I taught they would like that one!

State Of The Union Address.

Illustration by Vince Barbre

Volume 1, Issue 3.indd 3

3/1/2010 1:50:24 PM

MARCH 2010

NEWs
NoHo News Briefs

Photos by Neeyaz /Canvas Stuff

Cancer Society Raises Awareness

By Kevin Hidalgo The American Cancer Society held a kick-off event at the North Hollywood Park to raise awareness and get volunteers for their 5th Annual Relay For Life in Studio City and North Hollywood on February 20. Volunteers of the American Cancer Society walked throughout the neighbor of North Hollywood soliciting volunteer for their relay that will take place on May 22 23 from 9 a.m. to 9 a.m. the next day. The event will be held at the Walter Reed Middle School. Cancer survivors as well as those affected by cancer are welcome to participate in the relay. A luminaria event is held during the night to honor those that have faced cancer and survived or for those that lost the battle but are remembered by their loved ones. For more information please visit www.RelayForLife.Org/ StudioCityNoHoCA or you can contact them by email at Vanessa. diperri@cancer.org or call (213) 427-7291.

Volume 1, Issue 3.indd 4

3/1/2010 1:50:27 PM

nEWs

MARCH 2010

Photos by Brennen Scott/Canvas Stuff

Hearts 4 Haiti Raises Money For Aid

By Brennen Scott As the recovery efforts continue, of the earthquake that struck Haiti earlier this year, millions of people across the world are fighting to raise aid for the people of Haiti. The students at The Art Institute of California Hollywood have put their artistic achievements aside to hold a charity dance to raise relief funds. The dance was a collaborated effort by the Students Activity Committee, the Haus of M and Rock Star Energy drink. The dance raised over a thousand dollars for Haiti, all of which will go to help Haitians get the necessities to help them through this disaster. The energy in the room grew as the night went on and the dance floor came alive. A delicious array of Caribbean food from Coleys in North Hollywood was served to those who attended the dance. A clean night of dancing, food, and games helped celebrate the fact that Haiti is in our hearts the whole way through their recovery.

By Leslie Mendez The Spoke (n) Art Ride is a once-a-month bicycle tour of art galleries in North East Los Angeles organized by NELA Arts and led by Josef-Bray Ali ; owner of Flying Pigeon. The ride is done at a slow pace that gives riders an opportunity to socialize and admire art in all sorts of mediums and styles. The ride is held the second Saturday of every month and the route consists of galleries in and around Hyland Park. The ride changes route and theme every month but the $1 vegan tacos, $1 home brew, gallery after party and mini block party are always the last stop. Last months ride was a blast and I didnt even take my bike! I attended the ride and followed the riders in envy from a car taking pictures for this story. The riders met at Flying Pigeon and rallied up at York and Figueroa street to go over the route. First Stop was THIS Gallery who was hosting its first opening. I loved how instead of greeting us with wine and cheese there was a bucket of ice that contained Pabst

Blue Ribbon, organic juices and Boxed water instead. Second stop was 2 Tracks art studios. The place was a maze of art studios; where one exhibit ended another began. There was live charcoal drawing, food, music, a variety of artists displaying their work and artist performing their art forms. Third stop was Caf de Leche and the rest of the galleries on Ave 50. The riders parked their bikes and wandered in and out of the galleries. I was intrigued by the commotion happening at Outpost and walked over to watch the live screen printing. The Art Ride came to a close at around 10:30 p.m. at The Bike Oven where everyone lined up for tacos. The Art Ride takes place every second Saturday of the every month. They meet at the Flying Pigeon in L.A. It is located on 3714 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90065. The Bike Oven is always open for submissions so if you would like to get your work up your can shoot an e-mail with Art Ride as the subject to Veronica at blackwomansidekick@hotmail.com.

Volume 1, Issue 3.indd 5

3/1/2010 1:50:37 PM

KING
Written by Violet Koncz | Illustrated by Justin Fitzgerald

e walks the dimly lit room as the sound of his footsteps appear to align themselves with the sounds of pencil on paper. Fifteen pairs of eyes study a naked human figure, while his eyes continue to examine them. He looks over their shoulder and corrects a student every now and then. The air of confidence radiates from him, as he takes a pencil and draws with deft motions, correcting a curve here and there. This is Tak Salmastyan, instructor at the Art Institute of California-Hollywood who teaches color theory, fundamentals of design, fundamentals of observational drawing, and perspective drawing. His name literally translates as The King, and its a role he does not mind wearing Born and raised in Armenia, Tak decided at five years old that he wanted to be a painter. He was fourteen years old when he graduated from The Academy of Fine Arts with Honors and Excellence. By sixteen, he knew he wanted to be a teacher. I consider myself an American artist with Armenian flavor, says Tak. Tak came from Armenia in 1990 to find a better future. Like many people from the Soviet Union, Tak was looking for freedom and liberty for his own mind. When Tak was young, he went through classical training in fine arts. As he grew up, a lot of inspiration came from the great masters like Picasso, Da Vinci, and many others. The most important thing to get good at drawing, in Taks opinion, is the human figure because the teachers used to say if you can draw figure, than you can draw anything. Tak has taught at the Art Institutes since 1997. He started out as the original drawing instructor for The Art Institute of California-Santa Monica, but after some time, he came to The Art Institute of California - Hollywood. He enjoys teaching and takes a lot of pride in what he does. Not only does he teach to the best of his ability, he learns from, and is inspired by, his students every day, adding I enjoy my fellow colleagues and fellow students. Tak enjoys being a teacher, and considers his students his investments. He believes that a good teacher gives the same energy, love, and passion to teaching them even if they have different skills and personalities. To him the ultimate reward to being a teacher is when you inspire your students to be good and do the best they can in all aspects of their life. He wants them to be a better person in their life in general. Taks paintings are unique. I just like gold, its a symbol of being rich, but in a painting, I just want to show that the subject in the painting is intrinsically very rich, Tak says about his use of 24 karat gold paint or gold leaf in his paintings to show their deep values. He rarely uses black because black has no light. I would love to see light in everything. In misery, Id like to see light. Instead of black, he uses indigo blue. Geometry is also a recurring theme in many of Taks paintings. He believes that it is the balance of the universe. He says that it is hard to destroy geometry, but easy to rearrange, making it crisp, clean and balanced.

Volume 1, Issue 3.indd 6

MARCH 2010

Features

3/1/2010 1:50:46 PM

Volume 1, Issue 3.indd 7

A very distinct technique Tak uses in his paintings is how he puts both irises into one eye. He says that sometimes [people] are so complicated that [they] wanted to see what they would look like simplified. It is a simple strategy but creates interest in his paintings. Tak is intrigued by human nature and people. His paintings and drawings center around the human figure. Thats why I ask a lot of questions. I want to know everything about human nature, Tak says. This inquisitive man can make anyone laugh with his silly questions about why someone does something a certain way or how come people like this or that. It is very important to be inspired by simple things, Tak believes. When artists are young, they tend to look to other experienced artists for inspiration. As they get older, Tak has discovered their inspiration changes. They learn that everything around them can be a source of inspiration. Artists must learn that through experience and life they become their own inspiration, he thinks. It starts with excitement, then you get inspired, and then you start working, says Tak. You never know where your next source of inspiration will be. It could be on the way to school, or at a museum. What inspires you could be anything: a leaf on the ground or even a stray hair on someones jacket. The possibilities really are endless. Upon defining art, Tak realizes that time defines art. We have no legitimate definition for art because it is always changing. Its really hard to define art. It evolves, Tak says. He thinks that today, art is when you look at something and it is more than what you see. He says that its like a book. You have to be able to read it. If you understand the title than you can read the painting. He believes that art should be deeper than what you see. It should make you wonder, fantasize, and ask questions about the world we are in. Tak believes that art is universal and should be understood by everybody, not just one group. He says that, I care about people in general. If you are an artist then your art should be for everybody. Not only should a painting please the observer, it should be thoughtful, meaningful, and somehow tell a story that is universal. People are easily inspired by this talented teacher/artist. He says that his affect on the school is positive and inspirational. The best compliment Tak has ever received was when a fellow colleague said to him, Tak, youre reputation exceeds you, all students want to be like you. He even says that believe it or not, students themselves tell him they want to be just like him. Of course he jokes with them by asking Do you mean bold like me? With such a high reputation, it is no doubt that there can be a downside. The truth is those complements are like heavy burdens because they make me like a role model and I do not have the right to disappoint anyone. He is still very grateful for his position and status among the students.

You never know where your next source of inspiration will be...What inspires you could be anything: a leaf on the ground or even a stray hair on someones jacket. The possibilities really are endless.

TAK

3/1/2010 1:50:53 PM

MARCH 2010

McQueens Death Leaves Fashion World Stunned

By Tiffany Kantor Surprise and devastation sweep the nation, as the country continues to mourn the death of British designer Alexander McQueen. McQueen was found dead in his home at the age of 40. McQueen, one of the most influential fashion designers of the decade, was found hung in his home in London after committing suicide, the day New York fashion week began and the day before the funeral of his mother, Joyce, was to take place. A coroner official confirmed that McQueens body was found hanging in a closet in his London apartment. His death came shortly after the tragic death of his mother a week prior. McQueen had been faced with a lot of heartache and depression following the suicide of his closest friend, mentor and muse Isabella Blow, who committed suicide in 2007 after battling depression. In an upcoming article for Australias Harpers Bazaar magazine, McQueen also confesses that he was also heartbroken by a relationship that went south with a mysterious Australian. The article will be published in the magazines April issue. McQueens family and friends are comforted by the thought of Isabella, and hope the two will be reunited soon. The shock and devastation leaves his close family members, who were unsure whether or not to postpone his mothers funeral, speechless of the events that took place the following day. His extraordinary design talent dressed many celebrities, including: Rihanna, Madonna, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Lady Gaga, who wore his signature Armadillo boots in her video Bad Romance. We are devastated to learn of the death of Alexander McQueen, one of the greatest talents of his generation. In such a short career, McQueens influence on street style, pop culture, and the worlds museum was astonishing. His passing marks an insurmountable loss, said Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue. Shortly after McQueens death, his clothes started flying off the shelves. The response was immediate, said Kate Brindley, head of press at the London department store Liberty in an interview with The Times. At about 4 p.m., just after the news broke, all of our Alexander McQueen stock started flying off the shelves. Two of the most requested pieces are the skull print scarf and a black shoulder-pad T-shirt from his summer collection. McQueen had worked previously as the Chief Designer of the French Haute Couture House Givenchy, and more recently as the Creative Director of Gucci and having personal collections distributed in over 39 countries in specialty and department stores. Integral to the McQueen culture is the juxtaposition between contrasting elements: fragility and strength, tradition and modernity and fluidity and severity, states McQueens officials website, alexandermcqueen.com. Friends, family, and the fashion world mourn the passing of McQueen, but his legacy will live on in every garment he touched.

LIfE And STYlE

Illus trati on b y Just in Fitz wat er /Ca nv as Sta ff

Volume 1, Issue 3.indd 8

3/1/2010 1:50:57 PM

LIfE And STYlE

MARCH 2010

Upcoming Fashion Show to Debuts Project Runway Collections

By Casey Sunich Project ETHOS is rolling out its red carpet yet again in Los Angeles to kick off the spring season the right way with dozens of emerging talent. Taking place in the newly renovated Music Box in Hollywood, Project ETHOS is presenting ten up-and-coming fashion designers including two from the acclaimed hit reality television competition Project Runway. The nights long event not only will premiere rising designers but also musical talent and promising exhibition artists. On March 19, three of the biggest artistic industries merge for one special night to complement each other for this years Project ETHOS.

Photo by Baokhanh Hoang/Canvas Staff

Stylish Boutique Brings High-End Style to NoHo

By Tiffany Kantor Textured concrete flooring lined with a brick basing, antique chandelier dcor with exposed rustic brick, natural touches of plant centerpieces with small bird decorations on the walls, large woodframed mirrors for a spacious interior of casual clothing from cardigans to silk dresses, dressing rooms detailed with antique white hangers and soft purple curtains. Sound intriguing? Thats only the dcor. Indexx, the casual chic store on Lankershim boulevard, offers a wide selection of clothing. Indexx has been in business for over ten years at another location in Studio City and for two and a half years in North Hollywood. The owner, Joy Yassan, saw North Hollywood as the up and coming area that it is, and loves the trendy and artsy feel of the surroundings. Indexx offers a wide variety of clothing, from urban to feminine, baggy to fitted, daytime to nighttime and downtown to name brand items. Indexx caters to women in their early twenties to late forties. They offer a versatile selection of garments from the plain white T-Shirt to a silk dress with also a small selection of accessories including belts and fedoras. Yassan did not only create the retail stores on her own, but she also pulls clothes for TV shows, such as Desperate Housewives and the Ghost Whisperer. Several celebrity clients also enjoy the clothes featured at Indexx. Some celebrity shoppers include Halle Berry, Kim Kardashian, and Victoria Beckham. Yassan also makes frequent house calls for Jennifer Lopez. Do not think Indexx carries only expensive clothing items, though. More recently, Yassan has sought to incorporate more inexpensive pieces as well. With prices that range from five dollars to three hundred, there is something for everyones budget. Indexx offers a ten percent discount to all students who show their ID. Some of the popular brands they carry are J Brand Jeans and Viereek silk dresses. Indexx is not limited to the items in their store; they also order items on consignment and special order with no additional charge for you. In addition, they offer hem and alterations. With their continuous change of beautiful window displays, they keep the boutique filled with incredible casual-wear pieces for all styles. What is great about Indexx, among other clothing stores, is that they work closely with their clients and offer image consulting to help you, as the client, be completely satisfied with your purchase. If requested they will also offer a little help and advice on what would suit you best in what you are looking for. Sales representatives, Ann Erin and Kristina Menjivar, work closely with you, suggesting which items would work well with your body, as well as those pieces that would best complement your chosen garment. Indexx warmly encourages you to stop by and check out their great selection of clothing where they can confidently offer you a great shopping experience at their conveniently located boutique.

Photo Courtesy of Project Ethos

Performance by featured artist at last years event. Fashion, music and art come together at the Music Box March 19.

Volume 1, Issue 3.indd 9

3/1/2010 1:50:59 PM

MARCH 2010

10

FOOd And FUn

ver wonder why green is so synonymous with St. Patrick's Day? According to ancient legend, the patron saint of Ireland (or "Patrick" to his friends) used the three-leafed clover in an effort to explain the holy trinity. Today it is the registered trademark of Ireland but even the non-Irish are expected to wear at least the color green in his honor. Though in recent years we've associated the green apple martini with the Big Apple in New York, the original recipe was first concocted in Ireland by mixologist Barry Lovern. Included here are the makings for a Caramel Appletini courtesy of David Ballam at Eclectic Wine Bar & Grille. The lower alcohol content of Han Vodka is the perfect base for the fruity flavor of this drink.
Photo by Max Beard/Canvas Staff

Singing Time With Andrea Emmes

By LA Canvas After being diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), a pain disorder that causes the bodys nerves to misfire and send a deluge of pain signals throughout the body in 2006, Andrea Emmes saw music and song writing as her escape. After having a successful career in Las Vegas as a singer in a group, she diced to return to the Lord which inspired her songs for her first solo artist CD, Im On My Way. Her love of music and resolve to get over her injury helped her win the Los Angeles Music Awards Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year in 2008.

LOCAL ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Check out Emmes album Im On My Way at http://www.andreaemmes.com/

CanVas: What made you decide you wanted to be a singer? EMMes: Since I can remember, Ive been surrounded by music. My dad is a musician and used to be in a band when he was younger and I got a lot of musical inuence from him growing up. I love the expression of emotion in song and nd a real joy in singing. CanVas: Who are your biggest inuences? EMMes: My dad is denitely a big inuence. He is a self taught musician, playing the piano, harmonica and guitar. But I am a huge fan of singer/ songwriters too, such as Amy Grant. CanVas: Whos voice do you wish you had? EMMes: Sometimes I wish I had Mariah Careys voice because of the amazing control she has, but Im happy to have my voice. Canvas: What was the rst CD you ever bought? EMMes: Wow, I cant even remember. I remember Michael
Music

Jacksons Thriller but that was a 12 album. CanVas: Do you have a musical experience that changed your life? EMMes: Anytime I go to a concert, I am inspired and overwhelmed with emotion and by how much I want to be up there myself. Its quite a rush to be onstage in front of thousands of people performing. I love it. CanVas: How did music come into play when you where recovering from your accident? EMMes: Besides God, music was my refuge and a huge help in keeping me sane and emotionally together. After getting hurt and laying in bed for so many months, it can really play havoc on your psyche, so I would listen to all my favorite musicians, cds, etc and just try to get lost in their emotion. Plus, I was inspired to write my own music and songs, chronicling my pain and heart while hurt. CanVas: What did you take away from that whole

experience? EMMes: I knew that those times can be difcult and you may lose things in your life that you feel are important, that there is always strength in God. I may have had to relearn a lot of things in my life after the accident and change careers and my outlook, but I realized that I still have a purpose and worth, especially through God and it was important for me to share that with others who are struggling with hard times. There is always hope. CanVas: How did you feel about winning the music award for Best Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year? EMMes: I was blown away when I won. I wrote the album while laying in bed nine months in pain every day. I wrote it to help me get through the monotony of pain and being in bed and in hopes that it might reach a couple of people and help them through their hard times. It made me realize that no matter what your situation is, there is always hope, you should never let your hard times keep you from your dreams.

From David Ballam at Eclectic Wine Bar & Grille 1 3/4 oz of Han Vodka 1/2 - 1 oz of Rose's Apple Martini Mix splash of triple sec Swirl caramel into a martini stem glass and around rim of glass. Garnish with a slice of apple.
Photo by Baokhanh Hoang/Canvas Staff

Khara Cloutier
In honor of National Womens History month, heres a tribute playlist to some of the female pioneering legends who have helped shape rock music history (well, at least by my American standard of what constitutes history).

Name
Atomic Connection Barracuda Can the Can Deceptacon Seether Doll Parts Angry Johnny Naked Eye Cannonball

Artist
Blondie Elastica Heart Suzi Quatro Le Tigre Veruca Salt Hole Poe Luscious Jackson The Breeders

Album
Eat to the Beat Elastica Little Queen Suzi Quatro Le Tigre American Thighs Live Through This Hello Fever In Fever Out Last Splash
volume

By Kyle Hogland If Adam Sandler was testing wine here, he would say, "Now, now, dats' wut' i caw' some high quality wine!" A beautiful world of its own, with wine bars, a daily changing menu of deliciously filling food, family service, and a winery is the last of its kind left in L.A. Is it good? As phone text-ers would say, "OMG". Yes, it is. The service is amazing, and the food is perfect. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, wine parties, whatever you want, the San

Antonio Winery gives it to you. First established in 1917 as a small house-sized business, the winery was able to survive the "prohibition" period by working with churches to produce their 'sacramental' wine. Now, in 2010, they are the only winery left in L.A. and one of the top 15 largest wine producers in the U.S. Experience the fine life of Italy by taking a tour and seeing the hundreds of barrels lining the walls. San Antonio Winery, a global persevering leader in our world.

Volume 1, Issue 3.indd 10

3/1/2010 1:51:06 PM

GAMEs & TECh

11

MARCH 2010

Fiber Optic Breaks Ground on High Speed Internet

By Ryan Stuhl The evolution of the domestic internet connection is almost as fastidious as Darwins diagram of human evolution. Some of us remember the annoying beeps, squeaks, bobbles, and tones that were associated with our internet connection back in the early 90s, and we also remember how big of a deal it was when DSL first came out. Now we are Twittering about how slow DSL is and how awesome direct cable and FiOS systems are. But the ongoing problem isnt always about the speed, its about bandwidth, and reliability. Until now ... On February 10, Google announced that it is taking applications for locations throughout the United States to test out a new hyper-speed fiber optic broadband system. The new system promises to deliver speeds of up to a gigabit per second, a speed that equal to more than 100 times faster than the average broadband speed in America. So, where should they test? The answer is San Luis Obispo. The reasons are numerous, beautiful weather, a large population of tech people, a central location between Silicon Valley and Hollywood, but the most important is San Luis Obispo, a hub for connectivity between the United States and China. The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce has been advocating to the City of San Luis Obispo to formally apply for the testing in hopes that it would bring more business to the area.
Cartoon by Justin Fitzwater/Canvas Staff

Game Spouses Strike Back

By Andrea Emmes For those who have ever worked in the game industry before, long hours and demanding work situations have become the norm in recent years, but in November of 2004, Erin Hoffman, a spouse and employee of Electronic Arts (EA) made a monumental impact in the world of gaming. Hoffman, like many others in the industry, were subject to long hours, no overtime, and little respect from management during what is known in gaming as crunch time. Crunch time is a critical moment in the production of a game, where designers, programmers, and testers spend 14-16 hour days feverishly trying to finish by deadline. Ray Cobo, a former employee of EA, states that projects were run pretty much the same way as any other game studio in the world (long hours, crappy crunch food, no overtime, sometimes working six to seven days a week). One particular spouse [Erin Hoffman] was sick of never seeing her husband because he was coding for the game all the time, and when he was home, he was fried. So, she decided to write about it in her blog and it spread like a wildfire in Malibu. I think it had 5,000 responses in just a few days. Pretty soon, she was getting calls from lawyers and the next thing you know, EA had a civil lawsuit on their hands. The outcome resulted in some really positive regulations and a greater awareness to promote a stronger work and life balance, said Cobo. Late in 2004, Hoffman, along with her husband, Leander Hasty, were the main plaintiffs in the successful class action suit on behalf of software engineers at EA, which awarded the plaintiffs $14.9 million for unpaid overtime. A few weeks ago, another spouse from Rockstar Games, anonymously posted a blog on the well-known gaming magazine Gamasutra, criticizing the harsh working conditions at the company, asking it to stop lest legal action be taken. With the internet, there is not only a voice to be heard in the viral abyss, but that it can and will be heard by potential millions is a Godsend, to some. Long gone are the days where in order to air your grievances, you must write a letter to the editor of your local paper or news station in the hopes that your thoughts will be eventually published, and finally made known to the public. Another way to get your complaints heard and hopefully met with a response, was to write a letter to the corporate higher ups. However, most of the time, those means never produced desired results. Now we are in the blogging age which has become like an online diary for all to read. If corporate higher ups from other game companies want to avoid any bad press and legal woes, they will have make necessary changes to make working conditions healthier for all.

11054

Volume 1, Issue 3.indd 11

3/1/2010 1:51:10 PM

MARCH 2010

12

GAMEs And TECh

3-D Tech Changes the Game

Titans, and Harry Potter and the s home Deathly Hollows theater were all filmed on systems traditional 2-D become more film and converted sophisticated and to 3-D in the services, like Netflix wake of Avatars and On-Demand success. Many digital cable provide other films, such as consumers with a Transformers 3 and more convenient the final films in way to view the the Twilight series, latest movies from might be filmed in the comfort of their 3D from the start. own home, movie 3-D is meant to industry executives better immerse have begun to the viewer in the scramble in search world they are of new ways to experiencing. excite moviegoers However, the and get them to question remains their local cinemas. whether the The success of push to convert James Camerons everything to 3-D Avatar has everyone really benefits the banking on 3-D as viewer. Even films the experience that that have long since you just cant find left theaters are Illustration by Justin Fitzwater/LA Canvas at home. Though being considered 3D effects help to immerse viewers in the stunning world Cameron the technology for 3-D. Cameron created. is coming, it will spoke out against require customers the conversion in both capture a more realistic to buy everything from a new a keynote presentation at the and affecting performance and 3-D compatible television to the 3-D Entertainment Summit, to allow himself to be more DVD player required to play the and specifically against Alice in involved in planning each shot new format. as it was being recorded. Rather Wonderlands conversion. While there have been plenty It doesnt make any sense to than filming actors motions and of movies recently that were shoot in 2-D and convert to 3-D, then taking that data and putting created with 3-D in mind, even said Cameron. it into a computer and hoping some originally filmed in 2-D are for the best, he is able to view With Camerons virtual being converted to cash in on the a monitor that displays a lowcamera technology and everexcitement Avatar has spurred. evolving 3-D technology, resolution rendering of what the To date, the film has grossed directors are being given even shot will look like in real-time so over two billion dollars in more tools to shape their visions he is able to make more accurate worldwide box offices according into something that people decisions about how he would to BoxOfficeMojo.com. Utilizing might want to go see. It is up like the scene to play out. More a new virtual camera system to filmmakers to take these of the actors movement and and the latest in 3-D technology, tools and use them creatively to emotion is preserved. people are hailing Camerons excite audiences and get them Aside from this new process, latest as a game changer and the much has been made of the into theaters. However, you feel savior of cinema. about the new trend toward 3-D, impact that 3-D has on the film. Cameron designed the virtual its obvious its not going away Movies like Tim Burtons Alice camera system as a way to anytime soon. in Wonderland, Clash of the By Justin Fitzwater

Screen capture of Simplz:Zoo gameplay.

Best of Both Worlds

By Andrea Emmes Question. What kind of games do you like? Do you prefer to play puzzle games? How about simulation games? How about both? If I told you there was a fun PC game that offers both choices, youd probably thank me, right? I mean who doesnt want the best of both worlds? Well, Reflexive Entertainment gave me the unique opportunity to test Simplz: Zoo the day before it was available to the public. Lets just say, that Simplz: Zoo is two for the price of one. Not only an award winning game developer, Reflexive is one of the largest casual game distribution networks in existence reaching consumers with an extensive catalog of both PC and Mac games. In business since 1997, Reflexive has been passionate about making great games. Russell Carroll, Designer and Producer, has nothing but high praises for his company and its games. With our last game, Airport Mania, we set out to make people smile. Airport Mania did very well, and to date has been one of our bestsellers across the platforms. With Simplz: Zoo, we hope to delight even more people with a similar comical style and lots of make-you-smile goodness. Simplz: Zoo (available now www.simplzzoo.com) inventively combines the fun of a Match-3 puzzle game, with the casual enjoyment of a simulation game. Thus, challenging the player to create the number one zoo in the world. Simplz: Zoo is both fun and addicting. All I can say, is Youre welcome.

Volume 1, Issue 3.indd 12

3/1/2010 1:51:15 PM