Column: Angie Barker, Entertain Me

Happy December!

The rain, ice, and snow have come like the flying reindeer ahead of the holiday season sleigh. Their arrival is the Salvation Army bell-ringing starter gun of shopping, baking, wrapping, and decking… the halls, not your relatives.

Well, Mother Nature can bring on the trials because the chilly temp and icy sidewalks are no match for the warm fuzzies the holidays give me. I love the holidays; all of them. I am an equal opportunity celebrator. And in that spirit I am going to help you stereotype your loved ones into single theme categories, but in exchange I will give you the greatest gift of all…no, it’s not an iPad. Oh, I want one too! With every fiber of my being but let’s be realistic, Apple needs to get a handle on Flash and a screen that’s visible outdoors. My optimistic hope that Apple will correct these oversights is the only resource of willpower I have left. One day there will be an iPad with both features and I will meet you at the checkout. But until the greatest gift is created (fingers-crossed) I will supply you with a resource of unlimited gift giving possibilities.

For the Bookworm | “Autobiography of Mark Twain: Volume 1” by Mark Twain and “Room” by Emma Donaghue

Mark Twain’s will states that his autobiography couldn’t be published for 100 years after his death. Which begs the question “Why did everyone he know have to be dead before his words went public?” Scandalous! Emma Donaghue’s “Room” is a perfect holiday treat; Easy to digest since it is written from the perspective of a 5-year-old and so good you’ll want to share with friends.

For the Gamer | “Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4” and Xbox 360 Kinect

Does the Entertainment Section of the store make you nervous because you buy the right game for the wrong counsel, right movie but wrong format, right series but wrong volume? Here’s an easy hint for the gamers on your holiday list: everyone loves a LEGO game. The Kinect can be bought with a 360 system or as an add-on separately. Controller-less gameplay is amazing and kids don’t even know they are exercising.

For the Gleek | “Glee the Music: Volume 4”, “Glee the Music: The Christmas Album”

Volume 4 is the first compilation from this season and has 18 of the best songs and The Christmas Album is the first specialized compilation. This season “Glee” has introduced over 50+ songs onto iTunes so a gift card is always an option too.

For the Rocker | iPod Nano, Rockband 3

The new style iPod is fun and a great starter gift for younger kids. The touch screen navigation and video is worth the shuffle upgrade. Rockband 3 is available for all major game counsels with new features like 3 part harmonizing, keyboards, and access to a music library of over 2,000 songs.

But my family and friends are not a single stereotype! They are obviously two stereotypes. No worries, I still got you covered. A bookworm + a rocker = the eReader Kindle. A gamer + a gleek = “Glee Karaoke Revolution” for Nintendo Wii. A gamer + bookworm = “100 Classic Books” for Nintendo DS. A gleek + a rocker = redundant!

See you at the stores people! There are only 11 shopping days left.

Albert Lea resident Angie Zoller Barker’s column appears every Monday in the Albert Lea Tribune. Email questions, recommendations, or comments to entertainmecolumn@gmail.com.