Westboro Baptist Church based out of Kansas, had publicized its intent to protest the Performance Riverside production of “The Laramie Project,” which opened on the night of Nov. 20. As word spread throughout the community, many people organized to form a counter-protest.

The holiday season is a time of family, giving, togetherness and warmth. Everyone is a little nicer and happier during this special time of year. Helping people get into the holiday spirit are movies and specials, new and old, that outline the true meaning of the season.

Video games may be violent, they may teach you compassion, they may objectify women and they may show you true romance, but one thing they are not is cheap. Gamers have been paying top-shelf prices for these games for years only to be misled into buying defective products and lifeless creations.

Every actor that wears the tux brings one special characteristic to playing James Bond. Sean Connery provided sex appeal. Roger Moore added the sophistication, Pierce Brosnan made 007 cool for a new generation and Daniel Craig gives us the heart of James Bond.

If you’re a “Naruto” fan, you may be a bit disappointed. If you’re a gamer you will be let down. If you’re a “Naruto” fan and a gamer, you will be both. Although Cyberconnect2 created a simple and artistic fighter for the Playstation 3, they have failed at creating a true tribute to the popular “Naruto” series.

“Be sure of your target before you shoot. Ineffective firing will reveal your position and draw enemy fire. Do not fire too long from the same position. Move frequently so the enemy will not be able to attain accurate aim.” Not too often do we see such words in a cartoon designed to save American soldiers’ lives, but at the Camp Anza exhibit showcased at the Riverside Metropolitan Museum, the cartoon with this script is just one of many relics saluting the sacrifices of American heroes from World War II that hail from right here in Riverside.

Reality shows have been taking center stage this year, featuring big time rap artists like Diddy and newcomer 50 Cent. Curtis Jackson, also known as 50 Cent, has already made his entrance on the big screen in the film “Get Rich or Die Trying,” where he depicted his life story.

Performance Riverside has done it again. Yet another quality production of an all-American classic was brought to the Landis stage. The theatrical achievement of “Annie Get Your Gun,” premiered Nov. 7 in the Landis Performing Arts Center. Aside from being well- performed locally, it has the history of being a Broadway classic.

Putting a human face on what is for most people an ideological battle, “No on 8” protesters chanted and cheered to Riverside City College students passing by. The “last minute” rally, as Griffith Fuller Jr. explained, was a passive protest with no real speeches or marches occurring.