A&E

t seems as though with the release of "Synecdoche, New York," the inevitable and long-awaited directorial debut from one of cinema's most prominent writers has finally come to pass. Charlie Kaufman creates a world where he plays puppet master for not only the verbal level of character interaction, but for the film's overall display as well. Kaufman's work is enhanced by the truly all-star cast, which runs the gamut of Oscar worthies to independent film starlets. While the audience experiences the stellar script materializing before its eyes, the content does, however, veer off course as things wind down into overly symbolic and somewhat impractical referential gestures.

Nintendo has a tin ear for music games. The latest, "Wii Music," from its "Touch Generations" series, can't carry a tune beyond "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."

ASUCI and Southern California-based production company MopTop Lobster presented Monday Night Comedy at the Anthill Pub's fourth show of the fall quarter this past Monday. Featuring five comedians, jokes ranged from political humor to stories about watching pornography.

Fourth-year English and drama major Aylin Zafar took off on a plane for the East Coast this summer for the UCDC Summer Internship program, where students get a chance to live and work in the heart of Washington D.C. Zafar turned her back to those flag-pinned politicians and headed to 635 Massachusetts Avenue, along with 54 other interns, to work at the headquarters of National Public Radio.

The Claire Trevor School of the Arts presented its annual Gassmann Electronic Music Series at Winifred Smith Hall, featuring musician, composer and new UC Irvine professor Kojiro Umezaki, on Oct. 15. Umezki, who presented his riveting program "Alternate," showcasing the beauty of the Shakuhachi, a Japanese end-blown bamboo flute. Like a painter, Umezaki wields his Shakuhachi to create one unifying masterpiece that heightens the senses.

There's an unspoken desire in most of mankind to live a life of unconditional love and perpetual care. Parallel to that lies the fear of being utterly forgotten and ultimately ignored without reason. First-time film director Philippe Claudel delves into these underlying themes with "I've Loved You So Long."

Keane's "Perfect Symmetry"; Of Montreal's "Skeletal Lamping"

A crowd of 40 students, professors and fans gathered inside the bookstore awaiting the arrival of acclaimed author and UC Irvine alum Elizabeth Hartley Winthrop. Winthrop took part in the exclusive UCI Bookstore Author Series in order to promote her new novel, "December."

Every American has a very strong opinion about our 43rd president, George W. Bush. Whether you hate or love him, there is no denying that there are infinite interpretations of his last two terms in office. For this reason, viewers must take Oliver Stone's new film "W." simply for what it is — a cheap laugh and a disorganized interpretation of Mr. President's psychological makeup and enormous unpopularity.

The air outside of the Bren Events Center smelled of sweat, weed and booze. Tens of thousands gathered to witness Shocktoberfest and its two headliners, Matt Costa and Three 6 Mafia.

A bright, sweet sound and a soft voice drifting in the calm ocean breeze; sounds like the perfect backdrop for a relaxed, intimate setting on the beach as the sun slowly sets over the Pacific's horizon. You may think this is simply a fixture of your imagination, but it's a reality if you look no further than Huntington Beach's Matt Costa, who is set to play this year's Shocktoberfest hosted by ASUCI.

Catalyst, a biweekly collaborative art exhibition produced by UC Irvine students, is more than simply an art show. Showcasing work by art majors and non-art majors alike, the event is just as much a party as it is a presentation.