ENTERTAINMENT
And The Winner Is...
Never Fade Away: A Review
STEPHANIE ORR
Copy Editor
William Hart is an author whose first novel, “Never Fade Away,” was
released in March, 2002. Hart uses a series of journal entries volleying
between those of John Goddard, an unstable Vietnam veteran teaching an
English as a Second Language (ESL) class at a California college, and those
of Tina Le, a Vietnamese student with a painful past, to tell the story. The
novel is set in the 1980’s and probes the relationships between the teacher
and student, and the teacher and
administrators.
I felt the novel started out slowly, loosing my interest almost immediately.
The action was constantly interrupted by social sermonettes presented as the
ramblings of Goddard. Though some of these were interesting and valid, the
majority seemed out of place and seemed to do nothing for the forward
movement of the action. The character interactions were limited, but
incidents were presented from both characters point of view which was
somewhat entertaining.
The story did seem to pick up momentum toward the end, but as soon as it
become interesting it was over, leaving me with an ending that fit, but was
not desirable.
Perhaps the best part of the novel was Hart’s portrayal of Le as a
sympathetic character trying to make a life under difficult circumstances.
Hart’s use of Le causes the reader to think about what it is like for
foreign students who come to America.
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BEHIND THE MIC WITH SHAUN THOMAS
MELISSA BOWEN
Reporter
Occupation: Student
Responsibilities: Commentary for LCA and WLCA.
When can Shaun be heard: Tuesdays from 6 to 9 pm.
Radio Pet Peeve: Shaun doesn’t like having a messy studio, or people
being afraid on the radio.
Most Embarrassing Moment: “When I was five I fell in some dog poop in
front of my house.”
Best part of being on the Radio: Having the opportunity to reach so
many people.
Best part of LC: The instructors really help.
If you could be any Simpson’s character who would you be: Moe
Favorite Movie: The Godfather Trilogy and Gangster Movies
Favorite Music: Hip Hop
What Shaun does in his free time: Work, talk to my friends and spend
time with my ball and chain.
Favorite Cartoon: Voltron and Transformers
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The 10-Second CD Reviews
ANTHONY GREFF
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Rating System:
*****
****
***
**
* |
Buy it now!
Buy it on Sale
Burn your friend’s copy
Consider listening to it
Don’t waste your time |
|
|
Faith Hill “Cry”
RCA
* * * *
Overall an average CD, but Faith’s voice makes it so much
better to listen to.
When to buy it: If you like her current single “Cry” |
July For Kings “Swim”
MCA
* * * *
These guys have talent. The CD starts off slow, but once it
gets going you’ll enjoy the ride.
Sounds like: Matchbox 20 |
SugarCult “Start Static”
Ultimatum Records
* * * *
Good sing along album. If you want something you can just
keep in your CD player this is it.
|
Rosie “Dirty Child”
Island
* * *
Pink meets Fiona Apple.
|
|
Fozzy “Happenstance”
Megaforce Records
* * *
If you can get past lead singer Chris Jericho’s voice, it’s
not a bad album. |
Michelle Branch “Broken Bracelet”
* * * *
Before “The Spirit Room” there was “Broken Bracelet,”
Branch’s Indy debut CD.
When to buy it: If you are an acoustic fan. |
POD “Satellite”
Atlantic
* * * *
This is an awesome CD! The Special Edition CD includes three
extra songs and a DVD. How can you beat that especially at regular CD
pricing? |
Paulina Rubio “Border Girl”
Universal
* * *
It’s a different mix of music. Paulina strives more in the
high energy pop songs than the others. |
|
H20 “All We Want”
MCA
* * *
Who to buy it for: H20 and hardcore punk fans with short
attention spans. (It’s only got five tracks.) |
Natalie Imbrulia “White Lillies Island”
RCA
* * *
Not as good as her first CD, but still worth picking up. |
Stone Sour
RoadRunner
* * * *
This CD is pure rock. Questionable lyrics but the music is
something.
Think: guilty pleasure. |
Duncan Sheik “Daylight”
Atlantic
* * * *
You’d probably here it: On The River 101.1… but I could see
at least one song going Top 40. |
|
Sinch
RoadRunner
*
CD just does nothing for me.
Saving Grace: “Something More” |
Gabe Dixon Band “On a Rolling Ball”
WB
* * * *
Think: Billy Joel with the lighter music and a piano. |
Road Rules Compilation
RoadRunner
* * * *
Who’s on it: Jimmy Eat World, The Get Up Kids and Dashboard
Confessional (among others). |
Something Corporate
“Living through a Window”
Drive-Thru Records
* * * *
One word: Potential. |
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The Evolution of Toys
ANTHONY GREFF
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
- OPINION -
I can remember growing up, I was always into the hottest toys.
Whether it was action figures, games or sports toys, I was into it. Those were
the days when you would get satisfaction simply by going down the toy aisle.
Ninja Turtles, He-man and GI Joes ran my life.
Whatever was hot and new, I probably wanted it, and over the years my collection
grew. Back then, the joy of playing with toys mattered the most.
Then over time I my purchasing reasons transformed into pure collecting
purposes. It was always awesome playing with toys, but now that my money is
involved, the whole experience took on a different meaning.
Along with my new reason for buying toys, came a change in the toys themselves.
Action figures that bared hardly or no resemblance to the character now started
actually looking like something. After all these years technology caught up with
the plastic figures that used to look so fake.
Bad looks are now out the door, especially with something called “real scan
technology.” Real scan is a system where the toy makers can scan the full bodies
of people, head, face ect. and make a replica or close resemblance.
It may not sound like much, but when you see the effect for the first time it
may catch your attention. Currently the scanning process is being used by the
toy maker Jakks Pacific, and also by the toy lines for “Spiderman,” “Lord of the
Rings” and “Star Wars.” When you go shopping for your little ones whether they
be brother, sister, son or daughter, I suggest you check out the new look of
today’s toys.
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Attack of the
Greenwheel(ed) Monster
Anthony Greff
Entertainment Editor
graphic courtesy of
islandrecords.com
Greenwheel is basically five guys who really enjoy entertaining. Based
out of St. Charles, Mo., these local boys have two singles on mainstream
radio. One of which, “Shelter,” is on the Spiderman Soundtrack. Their CDs do
no justice to their concerts. Bassist Brandon Armstrong shares his
experiences with life and music.
Bridge: What was your environment like
growing up?
Brandon Armstrong: It was ok. Typical
St. Charles. It wasn’t bad. Overall it was good.
BR: What urged you to get into music?
BA: I got into music in sixth grade. It
was just something that I did. Then there was something about it that I
liked. I originally started playing saxophone, then moved on to bass.
BR: What is your inspiration musically?
BA: The inspiration comes from all
different types of sources. This album’s inspiration was mostly from the
band being out on their own. Other inspirations for our music are books,
movies and life.
BR: What is the songwriting process for
Greenwheel?
BA: We went down to Nashville and began
writing. Everybody brought their own thing to the table, whether it be one
verse or a whole song.
BR: Why go by the name Greenwheel?
BA: Originally we were “Soma Holiday”
but copy write issues came up so we had to come up with something else. We
just put a bunch of words together and were like, “That will work.” There is
no deep meaning or anything to it.
BR: How would you describe Greenwheel’s
music?
BA: It’s really hard to say, but I’ll go
with rock music.
BR: What keeps you going on the road?
BA: The fans, the energy from the crowd
and the other bands we’re on tour with.
BR: Anything to say to your fans?
BA: Keep supporting Greenwheel and we
will keep giving you music that you like.
BR: Anything to say to potential fans?
BA: Buy our CD and check it out.
Greenwheel.
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Advertise HERE!!!!
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Finch Flying High and Living Life
Anthony Greff
Entertainment Editor
graphic courtesy of
finchmusic.com
Alternative fans know these guys from songs like “postscript” and “letters
to you”. If you haven’t heard of them it’s time to sit back and learn
something new about these punk rockers who just like to have fun. The Bridge
got to talk to guitarist Randy Strohmeyer and here is what he had to say
about Finch and life in general.
Bridge: What was your environment like
growing up?
Randy Strohmeyer : I had two awesome
parents and they took care of me very well. It was fun.
B: What urged you to get into music?
R: At family get-togethers my cousin
would always have a guitar and from that I always had this desire to try it.
That year I got a guitar for Christmas, and I’ve been playing ever since.
B: What is your inspiration for songs?
R: Everybody had screwed up stories in
their lives and that’s what we use for our songs and our lyrics.
B: What is Finch’s songwriting writing
process?
R: We write all the music together
except the lyrics which are done by Nate [Barcalow]. Everyone puts in
equally as much as the next person.
B: Why name your band “Finch?”
R: It doesn’t really mean anything, it’s
just our name. We didn’t want to pigeon hold ourselves by a certain name.
B: How would you describe Finch’s music?
R: I don’t, I just let the music speak
for itself. Then just let people come up with their own opinion.
B: How did your record deal with
Drive-Thru Records come about?
R: I’ve listened to Drive-Thru Records
for awhile, due to the bands they had on the label. I then e-mailed them one
day thanking them for finding these awesome bands. After that we both kept
in touch over time. When I got in my band, they came over to see us and fell
in love with it.
B: What keeps you going on the road?
R: It’s amazing. It’s our dream. Why
wouldn’t we want to follow our dreams?
B: Do you want to say anything to your
fans?
R: Thank you so much for being
supportive of our band and being there when we need you. Our fans are great!
B: Do you want to say anything to
potential fans?
R: Bypass what you may have heard and
listen to the music. If you like it, tell your friends. If you don’t like
it, that’s fine too
Finch.
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|
A Review of “8 Mile”
MELISSA BOWEN
Reporter
GRAPHIC COURTESY OF
COUNTINGDOWN.COM
I recently got the chance to see Eminem’s acting debut in the new movie “8
Mile.” Here is my analysis: The story is about Jimmy (Eminem) and the road to
fulfilling his dream of becoming a rap star.
Overall, I thought Eminem acted well, considering this was his first movie. This
is definitely geared toward an older audience, so keep kids at home for this
one.
I give this movie a nine out of ten. Marshall should definitely keep up the good
work (and stay blonde).
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Random Funny E-mail
Dear Tech Support:
Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed a slow down
in the overall performance, particularly in the flower and jewelry applications
that had operated flawlessly under Boyfriend 5.0.
In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as
Romance 9.5 and Personal Attention 6.5, but installed undesirable programs such
as NFL 5.0 and NBA 3.0. And now Conversation 8.0 no longer runs and
Housecleaning 2.6 simply crashes the system. I’ve tried running Nagging 5.3 to
fix these problems, but to no avail. What can I do?
Desperate
Dear Desperate:
First keep in mind, Boyfriend 5.0 is an entertainment package, while Husband 1.0
is an operating system. Try to enter the command: C:/I THOUGHT YOU LOVED ME and
download Tears 6.2 to install Guilt 3.0. If all works as designed, Husband 1.0
should then automatically run the applications Jewelry 2.0 and Flowers 3.5.
But remember, overuse can cause Husband 1.0 to default to Grumpy Silence 2.5,
Happy Hour 7.0, or Beer 6.1. Beer 6.1 is a very bad program that will create
Snoring Loudly. WAV files. Whatever you do, DO NOT install Mother-in-law 1.0 or
reinstall another Boyfriend program. These are not supported applications and
will crash Husband 1.0.
In summary, Husband 1.0 is a great program, but it does have a limited memory
and cannot learn new applications quickly. You might consider buying additional
software to improve memory and performance. I personally recommend Hot Food 3.0
and Lingerie 7.7.
Good Luck,
Tech Support
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Perfecting the Jedi Mind Trick
And the Winner is...
Sent in by Kelsey Connett
(Stop in at The Bridge office to collect your prize!)
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