Cauldron

Issue date: 12/4/07 Section: Features

THE OFFICE SEASON 3 DVD

We at the Cauldron feel that, as hardworking and dedicated students and newspaper-creators, we should certainly fall under the "nice" category this year. To that end, we have jointly compiled a Christmas list featuring our chimney on Dec. 24. In case our wishes are granted that particular chimney can be found atop the Guadalupe House. If not, perhaps our gift ideas may suit our readers, as well.

Merry Christmas,

The Cauldron Staff

The Office Season 3

In my humble opinion, TV got boring a long while ago. Save my quasi-addiction to the Discovery Health Channel and the occasional dose of nostalgia that is Nick at Nite, I had all but given up on the idea of getting anything substantial from cable programming. Then came "The Office." Smart, ridiculously deadpan and somehow relatable comedy had returned to network television. I love so many things about "The Office" that I have trouble even beginning to describe why Season 3 on DVD is at the top of my hypothetical Christmas list. From the awkward but completely "awwww"-worthy interaction between Jim and Pam to the crack-up antics of satirical boss-from-hell Michael Scott, "The Office" just satisfies my comedic soul. Seasons 1 and 2 are my guilty pleasures (even though I've already seen each episode enough times to read lines with the actors), and, I must admit, I cannot wait to add Season 3 to my collection. $39.99 at Target stores and target.com
Amber Chemam

'Conversations with Other Women' DVD

I believe it was the combination of my fondness for "Brick's" Nora Zehetner and my history of renting off-the-radar films that led Netflix to suggest 2005's "Conversations with Other Women." Usually I am suspicious of random recommendations, but with a cast led by two of my favorites, Aaron Eckhart and Helena Bonham Carter, I couldn't resist giving this one a try. The film follows their two characters, whose names are never mentioned, as they flirt at a wedding reception. As the pair continues to interact, it becomes more and more apparent to the viewer that there is a history between the two. More interesting than the lengthy dialogue is the innovative use of split-screen. For most of the film, each of the actors have a camera focused on them and, therefore, each occupies his or her own side of the screen. Occasionally the split screen is utilized to show past and present or fantasy and reality simultaneously.
$12.99 at Amazon.com.
Lauren Weiner

Bare Escentuals 'Get Started' Kit

As a life-long insomniac, I have seen my fair share of late-night infomercials. From vegetable choppers to self-squeezing mops to vacuum-sealed, space-saving bags, I have been tempted to buy every mechanism that promised to make my life easier, whether I regularly chop vegetables or not. However, one infomercial in particular consistently keeps me glued to the TV screen: Bare Minerals by Bare Escentuals powder foundation. The smiling women in the ad have me convinced that by purchasing a "Bare Escentuals Get Started Kit," which includes a skin primer, three brushes, several different powders and a how-to DVD, my skin will magically transform, and, of course, blemish-free-or at least appear that way. I don't wear a lot of makeup except on special occasions, and I hate the way liquid foundation feels, so the concept of mineral-based powders having the same coverage as a liquid, not to mention SPF 15, seems too good to be true.
$60 at Sephora
Abby Haun

Quick Pod Pro Tripod Kit

I love to "solo snap" anytime I feel like making funny faces for my own amusement or want to document a good eye-makeup or hair day, in hopes that such a picture might end up being Facebook-or Myspace-worthy. Intrigue rushed over me when I came across a certain gadget while gift browsing online. The Quick Pod Pro Tripod Kit allows you to take great self photos without having to strain your arms out to reach. Also, forget tapping that kind-looking stranger on the shoulder for assistance with your camera. This everyday photo wonder attaches to most all cameras and camcorders that have a standard tripod fitting. It is compact and features a built-in self-image positioning mirror to assure that you aim in the right direction. You can also attach the legs and use it as a regular tripod.
$28.95 at Pictureline.com
Susan Trawick

'Mass Effect' video game

As any avid video-gamer knows, putting video games on a Christmas list is a risky prospect. There are a lot of video games in the marketplace and the vast majority of them are, quite frankly, crap. If you are lucky, you get exactly what you asked for. If you are not lucky, you get… "Bomberman: Act Zero." I am taking my chances this Christmas and putting "Mass Effect" for the Xbox 360 on my list. In the futuristic "Mass Effect," the gamer takes on the role of Commander Shepard, an elite human solider who has been tasked with-what else?-saving the universe. While the basic concept is not exactly fresh, the storytelling in the game is reportedly top-notch, thanks to the extra effort that Bioware put into the dialogue options. The gameplay combines elements from the classic Bioware-RPG formula with shooting elements from recent games like "Gears of War." The graphics are clearly some of the best available on 360, and the voice-work and music are supposed to be exceptional as well. It all adds up to one must-have game.
$59.99 at Best Buy
Michael Golden

'Gastroanomalies' by Lileks

If humorists have groupies, I am chief among them. Ever since I discovered James Lileks and his snarky, erudite brand of humor, I have been a rabid fan, and his most recent book is high up on my Christmas wish list. Lileks takes vintage advertisements, postcards and matchbooks-and in the case of his newest work, cookbooks-and spears them with good-natured ribbing. "Gastroanomalies" is the sequel to the indigestion-inducing original "Gallery of Regrettable Food," and this time around, Lileks is serving up another helping of truly terrifying cuisine from the golden age of postwar cooking. His sarcastic explanations are the ideal match for perky vintage text that cheerfully describes horrific dishes like "tongue mousse" and "jellied calf's liver." If anything, "Gastroanomalies" will make Aunt Mabel's casserole dishes seem slightly less menacing, if not all-out appetizing.
$16.29 at Amazon.com
Danielle Stillman

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