Weekender Issue 12.19.07

Here it is, just in time for the holidays: our totally unscientific, wholly biased look at some of our favorite things from 2007. Weekender Editor Michael Lello lists his favorite concerts and CDs of the year. Mystery Mouth recaps his (or her? We’re not telling) best meals of 2007. Correspondent Ignatious Schiavo takes a look back at some of the year’s top movies. Weekender General Manager Rachel A. Pugh lets us in on the best style innovations of the year, and Weekender Graphic Designer Steve Husted catches us up on the top tech toys of ’07.
CONCERTS
The Arcade Fire
Tower Theatre, Upper Darby, Pa. A religious experience. Each note and gesture connected with each member of the sold-out crowd, which stayed on its feet for the entire show as Win Butler and his Canadian cohorts delivered anthem after anthem from the band’s catalog of powerful, emotional, direct songs.



Phil Lesh and Friends
Tweeter Center, Camden, N.J. Lesh always brings it, but this time he and his mates hit the stage with a swagger, almost a brazen cockiness, thanks to new frontman Jackie Greene. The young Greene not only infused the Grateful Dead-heavy setlist with his own style but also made some of his own tunes sound like they belonged right next to those classics.



Foo Fighters
Wachovia Arena, Wilkes-Barre Twp. Good old T-shirt-and-jeans hard rock courtesy of Dave Grohl and company. That said, the Foos were not afraid to play slower, more delicate tracks to complement the heavier material that dominated the set. Honorable mention: Bloc Party, Tower Theatre; Silversun Pickups, Trocadero Theatre, Philadelphia; Bob Weir and Ratdog, Eisenhower Auditorium, University Park, Pa.; Rush, Montage Mountain Amphitheater


-- Michael Lello - Weekender Editor



CDs
The Arcade Fire “Neon Bible”
The Canadian art rockers amped up their precious orchestral pop with some Bruce Springsteen-like everyman appeal. An album about religion, war and even Jessica and Ashlee Simpson’s dad, “Neon Bible” shines a light on our times without resorting to whiny political demagoguery.



Dr. Horsemachine and the Moneynotes “This Year We Hunt”
Now known simply as The Moneynotes. This 6-song EP from the Scranton-area band is a revelation. It sounds like nothing you’ve ever heard before, but paradoxically, sounds strangely familiar, too.



Matt Pond PA
“Last Light”
Emotional, soft-ish rock that packs a punch. “Last Light” finds singer/songwriter Matt Pond and his band on edge, reflecting the uneasy times during which the record was made. It may still be considered chamber pop, but there’s power in the delicateness. Honorable mention: Lily Allen, “Alright, Still …”; Band of Horses, “Cease To Begin”; Lewis & Clarke, “Blasts Of Holy Birth”; New Pornographers, “Challengers”; Okay Paddy, “Where You Went?”; Radiohead, “In Rainbows”


-- Michael Lello - Weekender Editor



FOOD Ipanema Grill
(1911 N. Main Ave., Scranton)
A unique dining experience, this Southern Brazilian steakhouse offers Rodizio, which brings more than 12 different kinds of meats to your table on sword-like skewers. It’s a very interactive way to dine with selections ranging from beef, chicken and turkey to quail, pork and lamb. The service was wonderful and was definitely one of the best dining experiences the Mouth has ever had.



Twigs
(1 E. Tioga Street, Tunkhannock)
Off the beaten path in quaint downtown Tunkhannock, Twigs is well worth the drive with its wide array of sandwiches, wraps and salads, all with interesting ingredient combinations such as Georgia peach, chicken, candied walnuts and brie drizzled with a Twigs-made bourbon balsamic. The decor is intimate and, as the name might imply, earthy and comfortable.

Isabella Restaurant and Bar
(1140 Rt. 315, Wilkes-Barre)
Isabella is a place one could get used to — it is the epitome of elegance. From the polite, well-trained staff to the d�cor, Isabella was impeccable with staggeringly divine cuisine, desserts and drinks. For a flawless and intimate dining experience, Isabella is top notch.


Honorable mention: Circles, Leggio’s, Kildare’s, Brixx


- Mystery Mouth



MOVIES “No Country for Old Men”
Cormac McCarthy’s vision plus the Cohen Brothers unique style alone says “winner.” Throw in Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin and perhaps the most deliciously twisted character to ever flip a quarter (just whisper his name “Anton Chigurh,” shudder), and this contemporary Western is brought to gloriously gritty, rambling life as arguably the finest film of the year.



“American Gangster”
Ridley Scott’s foray into the world of organized crime in Harlem produced an instant classic. Of course it did not hurt to have Denzel and Russell Crowe clash as they “owned” these two tragically flawed and unforgettable characters. Watch out Marty, Ridley may prove to be a “Goodfella” himself.



“Sicko”
Michael Moore’s latest documentary takes us into a world as sinister as either of his last two offerings. The U.S. health care industry is taken to task, and rightly so. There was perhaps no more “important” film this year because of the upcoming elections and the factual information compiled and handed ever-so-concisely to the viewer. Use that info wisely, young Jedis, and you and yours have a wonderful holiday season.


-- Ignatious Schiavo | Weekender Correspondent



STYLE The white suit
Although most think it’s seasonal, the white suit surprisingly fits all year around. Always a sure way to brighten up an otherwise drab work wardrobe, the white suit (winter white for fall and winter) creates a fresh clean professional look for the working woman.



Shirtdresses
Sporty dresses keep you looking feminine while not looking too overdressed. They are perfect in the spring for a casual workplace yet also beneficial for an outdoor barbeque. These dresses can be worn by women with a number of different body types and look complete with a wide belt.



French cuffs
Regardless of gender, French cuffs top off any dress shirt. Paired with a suit, a little bit of the French cuff seen from the sleeve supports a polished look. Accessorized with cuff links, it is the final touch for a well-dressed woman or man in any professional or forma setting. Honorable mention: Punked Chucks by MAG, oversized purses, Koolaburra boots, BCBG Maxazria Strapless Taffeta Party Dress


- Rachel Pugh | Weekender General Manager



TECH iPhone by Apple
I spent $634 and all I got was: An alarm clock, calculator, my e-mail, Safari Web browser with Edge and WiFi, an iPod with movies, iTunes music store, the weather forecast, Google maps, text messages, a 2-megapixel camera, my photo library, notepad and YouTube on my phone. I may even pick up my phone to tell you how cool I am.



Mac OSX Leopard
With more than 300 new features, Apple has redefined the computer. Leopard offers a new desktop look with Stacks. Organizing all of your e-mail/Web downloads into a nice, clean stack in your dock allows for a clutter-free desktop. With Quick Look you can preview any file without even opening it. And Time Machine allows you to step back in time to retrieve that accidentally deleted file.



Nike + iPod by Apple and Nike
A pair of Nike running shoes, an iPod and a unique sensor that slips into your shoe is all you need for the perfect motivational workout. As you run, a voice comes over your workout music telling you your distance run, length of laps, pace, calories lost and even your personal best. Pick your favorite workout songs and even a power song to push you that extra mile. The voice also will congratulate you along the way while you exercise and perform your best.


Honorable mention: iPod Touch, Amazon Kindle, Tom Tom Navigation System


- Steve Husted | Weekender Graphic Designer