PAGE 6A
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012
TELEVISION
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Keeping viewers tuned in
DANE VEDDER
dvedder@kansan.com
The days of watching television as a singular experience are ending. While some shows simply air a brief sneak peek of the series' next episode, others integrate their content into the smartphone community with online trivia and interactive games.
Major television networks are always brainstorming for innovative ways to get viewers more involved; simply tuning in to the series each day or week is no longer enough. These networks understand their job: competing for your attention. If someone is watching their show, answering text messages and drinking a beer, the network is competing with the cell phone and the bottle of beer. The problem that many networks face is how to keep viewers interested in their content after they have watched the weekly installment of that series. The advent and popularity of smartphones solved this problem rather easily, by allowing networks to release online video clips, interviews with stars and interactive smartphone apps that keeps the network's content on the minds of viewers after they turn off the TV.
Before the rise of smartphones, shows like American Idol and
X-Factor made their fans feel involved by allowing them to vote for their favorite participants online and by text message. Giving viewers a sense that their input made a difference in the outcome of the competition helped American Idol become one of the most popular primetime series for several years.
When accessed from a smartphone, new content interaction usually includes a website or app that lets fans play free games and trivia based on the series' storyline. The popular series "The Walking Dead" offers a mobile device flash game, "Atlanta Run," in which you play as a survivor fighting your way through hordes of zombies in downtown Atlanta.
"Sending in votes was honestly one of the best parts of the show," Nett said. "It made me feel like the fans were more important than the actual performers."
Jacob Nett, a senior from Kansas City, Kan., remembers voting for his favorite singers in American Idol years ago.
As many other series continue to jump on the bandwagon, the synergy of new technology and popular television will force networks to expose viewers to more and more content.
Edited by Madison Schultz
ACROSS
1 Stroller
5 Goya subject
9 Play-wright Levin
12 Emanation
13 Press agent?
14 Affirmative action?
15 Stormy, as weather
17 IRS employee
18 Dwell
19 Bygone anesthetic
21 "Monopoly" corner
22 "Car Talk" medium
24 Clone
25 Solidify
28 Coconut provider
31 Many millennia
32 Lubricate
33 Afternoon social
34 Ness or Lomond
36 Whatever number
37 Membership
38 Takes a break
39 Roker or Yankovic
41 Brother or Curly
43 Public celebration
47 Extinct kin of the kiwi
48 April payment
51 Boom times
52 Twice-monthly tide
53 String instrument
54 "Holy cowl"
55 Recedes
DOWN
1 Two-
some
2 Mysterious
character
3 Curved
paths
4 Speak
evil of
5 Mar-
ceau's
specialty
6 Exist
7 Stewart
of
Comedy
Central
8 Chipped
in a
chip
9 Not fully
developed
10 Lasso
56 Gaelic
CHECK OUT
THE ANSWERS
http://bit.lv/11Gi2fB
11 Hebrew month
16 Tokyo's old name
20 Gratuity
22 Jockey's handful
23 Partner
24 Aviv preceder
25 Court
26 Grow
27 Capri-corn
29 Meadow
30 Wrestling surface
35 Height of fashion?
37 Record holder
39 Backbone
40 Intent
41 Self-satisfied
42 Crosby pal
43 Dandies
44 Use a teaspoon
45 New Mexico art colony
46 Wheel-base terminus
49 Kan. neighbor
50 Taxi
SUDOKU
| | 4 | | | | | 1 | | | 9 | |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 3 | | | | | 7 | 6 | 2 | | | 2 |
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| | | 1 | | | | | | 2 | | |
| | 6 | 8 | | | 9 | | | 4 | 3 | |
| | | 9 | | | | | | 8 | | |
| | | | | 1 | 2 | 4 | | | | |
| 8 | | | | | 3 | | | | | 4 |
| | 7 | | | | | | | | 5 | |
12/06
Difficulty Level ★★★
RYPTOQUIP
QI MCNMAC VHC VFAC EN
JLQXXB TM V HNMC PCHB
UVJECHITAAB, Q JTMMNJC
ELCB LVPC OAQUF-QE ONXEHNA
Today's Cryptopucl Clue: M equals P
Guy: Why is Kaysha sc ugly?
Girl: You mean Ke$ha?
Guy: Whatever. Still ugly.
day?
Guy: We actually have a group conversation going on the beach. It's like we actually have friends!
Girl: Want to study on Fri
Guy. Not really, I can fail the final and still get an A, so I don't really care.
Girl: Why don't you just not show up then?
Guy: Well, I don't want to fail.
Girl 1: What's your political affiliation?
Girl 2: Caucasian
CATCH OF THE WEEK
IF YOU COULD TAKE A TRIP ANYWHERE, WHERE WOULD YOU GO AND WHY?
I would probably go to Finland because that's where my mom's side is from, and I would be able to see my heritage. Anywhere my family is from. I think England and Ireland would be cool, and that's also part of my heritage as well. Then I would also probably go back to Spain because I was there in high school, and it would be cool to go back.
WHAT ARE THE TOP 3 APPS ON YOUR PHONE?
The NFL app, during the summer I use the MLB app and then probably Facebook. My favorite football team is the Vikings, and my favorite baseball team is the Royals, although the Twins are a close second.
FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT A GUY?
Probably his smile.
Abby Montgomery
HOMETOWN: Eagan, Minn
YEAR: Senior
MAJOR: Psychology
INTERESTED IN: Men
WOULD YOU RATHER GO CLUBBING OR HAVE A CANDI FLUGE DINNER?
Probably dinner, especially if it's one of the first dates, because then we could get to know each other.
Definitely adventurous, outgoing and athletic, because I'm really outgoing and like to try a bunch of different things. It would definitely be fun to try things, like go hiking or go surfing. Anything athletic.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE
PART OF THE HOLIDAY SEA-
SON?
Spending time with my family and being able to go home to Minnesota and see my mom's side and all my cousins. I relax and spend time with them. Also, all of the women on my mom's side have a spa day and that's really fun.
To nominate next week's Catch, email entertainment editor Megan Himman, mhimman@kansan.com
Local venues great for live music
LYNDSEY HAVENS
lhavens@kansan.com
Lawrence has a unique music scene rarely found in most college towns. The atmosphere and vibe of Lawrence has drawn in many performers over the years, ranging from big headliners to local bands. The key factor that has allowed for this diversity of performers to pass through Lawrence is the multiple music venues that Lawrence offers. Massachusetts Street alone is lined with venues that feature indie, folk, rock, rap and everything in between. Five venues in particular
- Jackpot, The Bottleneck, Replay Lounge, Liberty Hall and Jazzhaus - often feature great performances on any given night. These venues bring in the artists you already know and love and will introduce you to your next favorite band. These articles highlight the overall vibe of each venue and describe what can be expected from seeing a show there. No matter where your preferences may lie, you can be sure to find a place to suit your taste.
JACKPOT
Jackpot Music Hall is relatively new to the old-time Lawrence music scene. Founded in 2004, Jackpot filled a void for a mid-sized, intimate venue on Massachusetts Street. According to Jackpot's website, "with a finished-wood atmosphere and high quality service, the Jackpot Music Hall allows the viewer a more personal connection to the music." Cole Eisenmenger, a sophomore from Norfolk, Nebr., has not only attended shows at
Jackpot, but he has also been a performer alongside his band The Kessel Run. "That gives you the chance to be really close to the audience. It makes the concert very personable for both the band and the audience. It makes the whole experience more enjoyable when you can really feel each others energy." Eisenmenger said of the small venue.
Sam Goodrich, a sophomore from Topeka, also has seen the Jackpot from both an audience member's and performer's point of view. Goodrich has seen Tame Impala. Stardeath and White Dwarfs play at Jackpot, as well as playing a show there a few years ago with a Scottish band that he and his dad are part of. Goodrich described the overall vibe of the venue to be very 'hipster-esque.' A lot of local bands play there as well as attracting some mildly-popular acts, so the turnout is usually pretty good for most shows. Overall, I suppose I would sum up the vibe as a nice, chill, 'underground' type of place.
THE BOTTLENECK
Prior to being a music venue, the Bottleneck has been everything from a roller rink to a paper warehouse. Brett Mosiman, the current owner, purchased the venue in 1985 Mosiman deemed the Bottleneck a fitting name in honor of the wide variety of beers available. According to the venue's website, "The Bottleneck soon cemented its status as a scheduled stop on many major-city, national tours, giving nearby University students access to some of the best names in modern music." These names cover a wide range of headliners such as Radiohead, Sublime, String Cheese Incident and many more. Brianna Brown, a freshman from Lewood., recently saw State Radio perform at the Bottleneck.
"The Bottleneck is a great sized venue. I loved having the option to sit down on the bleacher-style seating, or be able to stand directly in front of
the stage." Brown said.
Brown plans on coming back to the Bottleneck to see other shows in the future, and he has already bought tickets to see Greensky Bluegrass perform in December. John Castello, a junior from Topeka, agrees that the size of the venue is ideal.
"The Bottleneck is really fun to go with a group of friends. You can really get close to the stage and it creates a more personal feeling with the band that is playing." Castello said.
REPLAY LOUNGE
Replay Lounge is home to the Lawrence townies. Founded in 1993, Replay was originally a burger joint and arcade. Whether you prefer to listen to indie/rock bands from the bar or outdoor patio, Replay offers its loyal locals the option of both. There's a corner stage for indoor shows and a large patio for outdoor shows. In a smoke-free business town, having a patio decorated with wall art from artist TM2 creates a nice environment for the warmer nights. According to Replay's site, "Indoor shows are typically rock-based and start at 10 p.m. Outdoor shows are generally acoustic-based and end by 11 p.m. due to city noise ordinances." In addition to the choice to remain inside or outside of the venue, Replay provides a good time whether you choose to sip on PBR or play some pinball. According to Replay's site, the venue is now a "full bar and pinball shrine."
"There are a lot of locals up front near the bar, and around the music there's more of a younger crowd. It's fun with the live music and DJs though! I hear they have good bar food too," said Leandra Brown, a senior from Leawood.
LIBERTY HALL
"We show movies when we're not rocking out," is Liberty Hall's mantra. According to their website, this venue is Lawrence's most attractive cultural cornerstone. Maddie Stangland,
a freshman from Lakeville, Minn., would agree.
"It's very beautiful in there. It feels very Greek, it reminded me of Greek mythohoov" Stangland said.
Stangland went on to describe the overall vibe of the venue to be a very "relaxed setting, with an old timey feel because of the architecture of the building and the murals that are on the walls."
Stangland saw her first show there this past month and would definitely go back since "the price is so reasonable for such good live entertainment." The group she saw was Matt & Kim, and she said that the performance was amazing.
"They made the whole place very energetic and since it's such a small venue there isn't a bad seat in the house. You'll enjoy the show no matter where you stand," Stangland said.
Because Liberty Hall is a larger-sized venue compared to others on Massachusetts Street because it draws in bigger names. The next big headliners for this venue include Jeff Mangum and Morrissey.
JAZZHAUS
Jazzhaus originally opened in 1982 as a Private Club. According to their website, this "was the only way that Kansans could serve, and purchase liquor by the drink." This finally changed in 1992 and has since then remained an intimate nightclub. There is a stage at one end with a small adjoining lounge and bar area. The Jazzhaus offers fixed seating with a "romantic candelit atmosphere," and "original artwork that adorns the walls," the site reads. "They keep the lighting down really low, the seating arrangement is really sweet and gives the venue a cabaret feel. They also attract a lot of local acts, so the turn out from what I have heard is usually decent but not too crowded," said Sam Goodrich, a sophomore from Topeka. Brianna Brown, a freshman from Leawood, is most drawn in by the art at the Jazzhaus.
"I love the energy in there. The room is long and narrow, so that's a little different." Brown said. "My favorite part has to be the art that they have on the walls though, I can honestly say I haven't seen anything like that at any other music venue. That sets Jazzahaus apart from the rest."
Edited by Stéphane Rogue