pulse

June, 2007

Social Graffiti: “f#a#(infinity),” Godspeed You Black Emperor!
Check out the review, plus the exclusive playlist of the month!

Required Reading: “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Tawin
It’s been part of English syllabi since seventh grade, but only now, as a senior in AP English, am I discovering why Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” is considered the quintessential American classic.

‘Eclipse’ fails to surpass other books in Twilight series
“And so the lion fell in love with the lamb.” -- The above quote clearly defines what “Eclipse,” the third book in the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer, is all about.

‘Poker Diaries’ a red hot read
“The Poker Diaries” by Liza Conrad cannot be judged by its cover no matter how cliché that sounds. At first glance, one might think the book is just another average teen book, and while “The Poker Diaries” does have the factors that make it that, it also has an edge and flare that make it memorable.

A ‘Ride’ worth taking
These are some things you might find on Maximum Ride’s to-do list: figuring out her true feelings for her best friend, taking care of her brothers and sisters, finding out who her real parents are and saving the world.

Get this ‘Gift’
“The Ultimate Gift” wasn’t received well in theaters, but it is a wonderful movie that’s worth watching. Based on the book of the same name by Jim Stovall, the movie stars James Garner (“The Notebook”), Drew Fuller (TV’s “Charmed,” “Army Wives”) and Abigail Breslin (“Little Miss Sunshine”).

June, 2007

IPods still rule mp3 world
For several years, the iPod has been the electronic gadget to have. But is it still the most popular, or are other mp3 players gaining ground?

Fun, functional iPod gear
With the widespread popularity of iPods, it could be easy to mix up mp3 players among owners. However, there are hundreds of choices of accessories to personalize iPods instead of opting for the standard stark white iPod look.

Diva battle royale: Hilary Duff vs. Martina McBride
Martina McBride and Hilary Duff recently released new albums on the same day. “Dignity,” Duff’s fourth studio album is good but not great. McBride’s new album, “Wake up Laughing,” is her ninth studio album. It’s not wonderful, either.

‘Disneymania 5’ a worthy effort
“Disneymania 5” is the latest in the Disneymania series, featuring “music stars sing Disney...their way!” All songs are rated on a scale of one to four Mickeys, with one being just OK and four being amazing.

Social Graffiti: “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” The Beatles
When I was 10 years old, my father owned a store in Kanawha City. On weekends, I would go to work with him. One day, when pricing socks became tedious, I decided to take a walk. As I took in the sights and sounds of the city, a store caught my eye: Budget Tapes and Records.

Repetition hurts Carbon Leaf
Carbon Leaf’s album, “Love, Loss, Hope, Repeat,” has some songs worth a listen, but I don’t know if I’d recommend the whole album. You may, as I sometimes do, grow tired of it. Released in 2006, it has generally insightful lyrics, a mellow, alternative sound — and very little musical variety.

Three Days Grace write about life
ust about every teenager will be able to relate to one or more of the songs on Three Day Grace’s “One X.” That’s because the majority of them talk about the struggles of life.

Potential evident on Everlife CD
Everlife is for the more bubbly people in the world. The up-and-coming band’s second, self-titled album is a mix of pop and bubblegum rock. The CD is easygoing and girl-oriented.

Required Reading: “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath
“Much madness is divinest sense to a discerning eye,” Emily Dickinson once said. In her largely autobiographical novel, “The Bell Jar,” Sylvia Plath proves that this eye is hers, making insanity seem beautifully rational by painting despair with poetry.

A librarian’s top teen book picks
Sissonville High School librarian Julee Strahler recommended the following books for teens. Reading is a personal hobby with widely varying tastes. The list covers a wide range of genres to accomodate these tastes.

‘Summer’ hits a homerun
In Steve Kluger’s “Last Days of Summer,” Charlie Banks, a fictional rookie third baseman for the New York Giants, is a hero. He took on the role of father figure when one young boy needed it the most.

‘Freedom Writers’ a good book, too
The movie “Freedom Writers” is great, but did you know that there is also a book by the students and teacher that the movie is based on? “The Freedom Writers Diary” by the Freedom Writers and Erin Gruwell is wonderful.

A delightful twist on a classic tale
According to Frank Beddor’s “The Looking Glass Wars,” Lewis Carroll’s classic “Alice in Wonderland” is not the truth, but the mistaken recollections of Alyss Heart’s stories to him about her home world.

May, 2007

Una guía a la cocina Mexicana
Many high school students choose to study Spanish to fulfill their foreign language requirement. Test your skills with the article below. And don’t worry, there’s an English translation below!

The Bean Awards: Celebrating the best in local Mexican cuisine since 2007
There are numerous restaurants in the Charleston area, each with its own unique atmosphere and special qualities. So how do you know which one to choose?

Cozumel serves up a taste of Mexico in Charleston
Once in a while, everyone has a craving for Mexican food. And whether it’s tacos, burritos, quesadillas or chimichangas, great Mexican food isn’t hard to find in Charleston.

Rio Grande overflows with taste
If you are a Mexican food lover like I am, let your imagination run wild and you can almost hear the fajitas sizzling and feel the sharp, hot taste of the jalapenos on your tongue.

Fashion focus: Put spring in your step (and your wardrobe, too)
Modest girls everywhere are celebrating this spring season, as the latest fashions feature more classy clothing including flowing summer dresses, Bermuda shorts and longer tees and tanks.

Smith Says: DVDs you should see: "Babel"
I am quite wary of Hollywood’s attitude of rewarding movies that make grand, portentous social statements. While I have nothing against these kinds of films, I grow frustrated when Hollywood hails and hypes them at the expense of other, less “important” movies.

Social Graffiti: The art of a great mix tape
Though it’s more accurate to say “ripped CD” or “iPod playlist” these days, the mix tape is a seminal part of music culture. It’s you taking the best elements from across the board and putting them together to express your emotions.

Web woes: MySpace causes trouble between friends
Top 8. By now, everyone from your little brother to your history teacher knows what this means. But is it really such a big deal if you’re on someone’s or not?

Anberlin’s latest great, as usual
As you pick up the CD case, you wonder what kind of music could be inside when the cover contains multiple, vertical charcoal-looking smudges on a plain white background. Opening the case, you find a shockingly orange disc.

Fratellis revel in debauchery
You probably have never heard of The Fratellis, but you probably have heard their music. Their jumpy punk sing-along “Flathead” is featured in the latest iPod commercial.

Daughtry transcends ‘Idol’ success
Chris Daughtry proves that you don’t have to win “American Idol” to be a hit. His band’s self-titled release, “Daughtry,” has gone double platinum and been in the Billboard Top 10 for all but one week since its release in November. Not bad for last season’s fourth place finisher!

Relient K’s latest ‘Score’
In March, Relient K released its fifth full-length album, “Five Score and Seven Years Ago.” The band has matured greatly since its “Marilyn Manson Ate My Girlfriend” days but continues to spill out witty and thought-provoking lyrics throughout the CD.

‘Tithe’ a spellbinding read
Welcome to a faerie tale where pixie dust is most likely poisonous and faeries are not always good; where magic is just a dangerous illusion and everything can turn upside down in a second. In “Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale,” author Holly Black distorts faerie tales and creates a dark, edgy mix of magic, myth and the modern.

Required Reading: “The Phantom of the Opera” by Gaston Leroux
Ghosts. An underground lake. Mysterious voices that permeate walls. These are the motifs of Gaston Leroux’s “Phantom of the Opera,” which was a tantalizing novel long before it was commissioned as a theater show.

Chick lit fans will love ‘Love’
If you love teenage drama or over-the-top, everything-works-out-perfectly types of entertainment, then you’ll love Love Bukowski and the “The Principles of Love” books by Emily Franklin.

The recipe box: Flan
Flan is a popular Spanish dessert. It’s a custard dish that has endless varieties for all tastes, so if you’re looking for a fresh dish for your next fiesta, why not try some flan?

April, 2007

Are teens stereotyped for their musical tastes?
Teenagers face a lot of stereotypes. They get stereotyped based on how they talk, who they hang out with, what activities they’re involved in, and even what clothes they wear. But do teens get stereotyped based on what music they listen to?

Instrumentals, lyrics, vocals: What about music makes you listen?
What do people look for in their music? Is it lyrics, vocals or instrumentals that grab their attention? Does it depend on those catchy lyrics, the emotional impact or the intricate guitar riffs? What about a pleasant piano solo, or the vocalist’s voice?

What do parents think of mainstream music?
When it comes to music, there’s mainstream music and what most teens would consider old music. Mainstream music is what you hear on the radio - things like rock, rap and country.

Smith Says: DVDs you should see: “An Inconvenient Truth”
“An Inconvenient Truth” is not a political film. I say this now, at the beginning, to eliminate any misconceptions that it is. That it not only deals with the heavily politicized issue of global warming but also stars former Vice President Al Gore would be enough to turn away a number of viewers from the get-go. I’m sure there are even people out there who will skip past this very article without even reading it, simply because of its subject matter.

‘O.C.’ finale a fitting tribute
After four years of drama, laughter and suspense, “The O.C.” is over. From the way the plot picked up from season one and was carried by the tides, you would never have expected the lives of these Orange County teenagers and adults to wash back onto the sandy shore.

Cobalt SS a sports car for tree-huggers
With rising gas prices and the popularity of sports cars, it is a challenge to find a car that gets good gas mileage but still has the power to have some fun at the light. I believe that Chevy has a car that is an answered prayer for sports car enthusiasts and tree huggers alike — the Cobalt SS.

Social Graffiti: Songs that will change your life
This month, I have compiled a list of 43 of my favorite songs. Some are songs that I have loved since I was a little boy, others are new favorites. But all mean a great deal to me and have helped make me the person I am today.

Christian band is ‘real’ deal
Sanctus Real’s latest release, “The Face of Love,” is an inspiring album filled with captivating lyrics and unique melodies that catch a listener’s attention from the get-go.

Shins spread wings on latest album
In the now-famous scene from Zack Braff’s breakout hit, “Garden State,” Natalie Portman hands Braff her oversized headphones, telling him that the music will “change your life, I swear.” Out of the headphones come the marvelous pop sounds of The Shins’ “New Slang.” From this moment on, the Shins’ star has been on the rise.

Making music outside the mainstream
Jaded with the lack of variety on the radio and fed-up with people humming the same tunes repeatedly, I went into the record store with a mission: to find something so wildly different and eccentric that I was sure to be grateful as for Rick Dees’s Weekly Top 40 as I once was many moons ago. I came out of the shop with what I thought to be a foreign CD from the Middle East and with the thought of “Mati-what?!” running through my mind.

Required Reading: “Jane Eyre,” Charlotte Brontë
If every person has a distinct inner self, then they also possess a mask to veil those parts that they don’t want others to see. In “Jane Eyre,” a Gothic romantic suspense novel, Charlotte Brontë weaves a tale of bitter trial, secret triumph and hidden temptation that probes the psyche while sweetly ravaging the heart.

Teen trilogy a more subtle kind of apocalypse
What happens when perfection isn’t good enough? Author Scott Westerfeld explores that theme in his futuristic “Uglies” trilogy.

Hot reads for a cool spring break
Spring Break is almost here, and if you’ve got plans to hit the beach for some sun, why not pack a book and do more than just get a tan? There is nothing like sitting in the sand, reading a good book and listening to the sound of the ocean’s waves.

The recipe box
Peanut butter egg

March, 2007

Prom: Find funky accessories at Cornucopia
It hangs off shelves. It dangles from the ceiling. It is packed into cases. While Cornucopia offers everything from incense to bohemian clothing to home décor to hand-painted reading glasses, the eclectic shop’s main draw is its extensive collection of jewelry. Located on Bridge Road in Charleston, Cornucopia offers, well, a cornucopia of items for anyone looking for gifts, unique decorations or even accessories for prom.

Prom: Charleston Town Center’s got it all
Have you ever wished there were just one place you could go to find everything you need? If so, Charleston Town Center is the perfect place for you. From stores for clothes to stores for accessories and shoes, Town Center has it all for both females and males.

Heavenly hardcore from The Devil Wears Prada
I’m a guy, and I like The Devil Wears Prada. But by The Devil Wears Prada, I don’t mean the fashion-oriented book or film. No, I’m talking about the Christian hardcore band — which has no relation to the aforementioned Prada.

Smith Says: DVDs you should see: "The Crow"
It’s not uncommon for movies to become more famous for what goes on behind the scenes than for what’s actually on the screen. There are countless Hollywood stories of disastrous shoots (“Apocalypse Now”), budget overruns (“Cleopatra”), raging egos (just about any Stanley Kubrick film) and even star deaths (“Rebel Without a Cause”). Of all these infamous films, perhaps the one that stands out most prominently, at least in terms of tragedy, is 1994’s “The Crow.”

Are home entertainment options killing the movie theater?
There are many ways of watching movies today besides the traditional route of going to the theater. You can rent movies, watch them on television, buy them or even have them shipped to your home. With the times changing, are people also changing?

Music review: Check in to this Hotel
As a part of Elephant Six Collective, a recording company that produced notable 90s indie rock acts like Of Montreal, Apples in Stereo and Beulah, Neutral Milk Hotel is a group of contributing musicians who came together under the guidance of singer/songwriter Jeff Mangum to produce music with a fantastic compilation of sound and meaning.

Social Graffiti: “Kid A,” Radiohead
Since I grew in the 90s and am a music aficionado, I love Radiohead. When I first conceived this column, I made a list of all the albums that I felt have shaped me or had an impact on my life. Radiohead is featured prominently on it with four albums.

Required Reading: “Bless Me, Ultima” by Rudolfo Anaya
If you’ve never heard of this title, then you probably haven’t been listening to your English teachers. “Bless Me, Ultima” by Rudolfo Anaya is a book long plucked from the Chicano plains that has made its way to the top of many AP Literature reading lists.

Book review: ‘Morrie’ a must-read memoir
I first discovered author Mitch Albom when a friend recommended “The Five People You Meet in Heaven.” I appreciated his straightforward, inspirational writing style and was more than delighted to read his earlier book, “Tuesdays with Morrie.”

Book review: ‘Powers’ provides thrill, romance
There are plenty of good books in stores today, but it’s always great to find a truly unique idea instead of overused fantasy clichés. One mind-bending new story is “Powers” by Deborah Lynn Jacobs.

The recipe box: Cottage cheese, bacon and noodles
My great-grandmother was Polish. She would fix this dish for my mother when she was a little girl. Over the years, the “recipe” has been passed down through the family, even though there isn’t a specific formula for making it. When we tell people what it is and that it’s our favorite food, they think we’re crazy. But everyone who has tried it has praised it.

February, 2007

Dazzling dates:
Alternatives to dinner and a movie
Places to go in and around Charleston and Huntington

Crocs take a bite out of fashion
People of all ages — and even animals — have taken pride in the way they look since the dawn of time. Many styles only last for a month or a season, but they live on in our photos for life. Every time we give in to a trend, we hope that it will be the one to last, but usually it doesn’t. Surprisingly, though, as it looks right now, one current trend might have some staying power: Crocs.

Smith Says: DVDs you should see
These days, it’s nice to see a B-movie that actually embraces exactly what it is, rather than attempting to be something it is not. Unlike Mel Gibson’s recent “Apocalypto,” a lowbrow, simple-minded action movie hiding behind a façade of artistic and intellectual importance, “Crank,” recently released on DVD, is clear in its intentions from the get-go.

First person singular:
When bad movies happen to good people
The film industry is in what could be called a “cinematic depression.” In 2006, many films were released that were cheap and just plain awful. The list includes, but is not limited to, “Beerfest,” “Jackass Number Two,” “John Tucker Must Die” and animated comedies about talking animals.

Great mags for music lovers
I rarely read magazines. Usually when I’m in the check-out line of a convenience store, none of those magazines catch my eye because I have never been interested in celebrities’ lives, which is what they cover. However, I recently discovered two that I do enjoy - Under the Radar and Harp, both of which are music magazines.

Required reading:
“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Besides an interesting plot, Fitzgerald embellishes this book with beautiful prose, startling observations and embedded symbolism. He writes in a pithy, poetic style that is largely descriptive of nature. His words ring of insight and grave realization of fate, but they quickly progress as a storyline, too. But perhaps the surest reason that “The Great Gatsby” has endured as an American classic is because it vividly portrays the crumbling of the American dream.

Book review: Fall into the ‘Gap’
I know that most teens do not like to read, but personally I think that is just because they have yet to find the right book. “Big Stone Gap” by Adriana Trigiani could be that book. It amused me to no end with its wonderful and refreshing twist on self-discovery.

Book review: Young teens will get a kick out of ‘Rules’
“Soccer Chick Rules” by Dawn FitzGerald immediately captures the reader’s attention. The first chapter opens with a descriptive scene from narrator Tess Munro’s soccer practice, and the action does not let up throughout the story. Preteen and teenage girls, especially those involved in sports of any kind, will take a special liking to this action.

Book review: After ‘Twilight,’ there’s a ‘New Moon’
It all began with a paper cut. In Stephenie Meyer’s debut album, “Twilight,” readers were introduced to 17-year-old Bella Swan, who fell in love with a vampire. The eagerly-awaited sequel, “New Moon,” came out in August and was greeted with an almost scary euphoria by fans.

CD review: Switchfoot’s latest a nice addition to band’s catalog
San Diego-based rockers Switchfoot have been gaining notice ever since their 2003 release “The Beautiful Letdown” produced the hit singles “Meant to Live” and “Dare You to Move.” They followed that up with 2005’s “Nothing Is Sound,” and then in December 2006, they released their sixth album, “Oh! Gravity.”

CD review: Red Jumpsuit Apparatus perfectly captures adolescence
I’m picky about music. I like lots of music, but it takes a really original band for me to love them. The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus is one of those bands. I haven’t been able to listen to anything but its debut, “Don’t You Fake It,” since I got it for Christmas.

Social Graffiti:
“The Beatles (The White Album),” The Beatles
When I was 8 years old, I bought my first Beatles record - “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” I instantly fell in love with it, playing it repeatedly. Soon afterward, I began to explore the rest of the Beatles’ catalog, devouring each album in turn before moving on to the next. Finally, I came to “The White Album.” It blew me away like nothing else I had ever heard.

The recipe box: Super Bowl party planner
Everyone knows that February has what is probably the most beloved day for all males in the United States - Super Bowl Sunday. The big game is a perfect time for a big party, so whether you’re attending a bash or throwing one of your own, or having friends over any time of the year, here are some quick and easy dishes that are gauranteed party pleasers.

The recipe box: “Shower Them with Kisses” cake
This time of year, you may be planning to bake for your sweetheart. If so, then this recipe is the perfect one to show him or her that you care. It takes a bit of work, but the results will be well worth it.

January, 2007

Smith Says: DVDs you should see
"Stander" a hidden gem
The old saying may be “truth is stranger than fiction,” but for Hollywood, fiction is more entertaining. Even the most fascinating real-life tales usually require significant cinematic spin before they make their way to the big screen.

Music Review: Don’t be fooled by Dolls’ flamboyance
With “Yes, Virginia...,” The Dresden Dolls have created the most bizarrely brilliant, genre-defying musical hybrid in alternative music. Combining the energy and spirit of punk rock with the theatrical flair of cabaret, the Boston duo draws heavily from the 1920s German burlesque/cabaret shows that thrived during the Weimar Republic.

Social Graffiti: “Transatlaticism,” Death Cab for Cutie
Being a disciple of music, I keep a close eye on the music press to see what bands have been deemed the hottest new indie bands by the powers that be. Several years ago, the music community was on fire about a fresh-sounding band out of the Pacific Northwest called Death Cab for Cutie. For several months, every magazine I picked up was singing the praises of this little band and the brilliance of its new album “Transatlanticism.”

Music Review: ‘Parade’ ushers in new MCR sound
After two years without a new album, My Chemical Romance recently released its new album, “The Black Parade,” to the delight of thousands of fans. The band’s old sound was gone, clichés were relinquished and any uncertainty of its role as a prodigious band was removed.

The Recipe Box: Grandma’s Chili
For as long as I can remember, my grandma has been making me her special chili. Just recently, she decided to stop making it, so she passed the recipe on to me. I guarantee 100 percent that this chili is just as good as Wendy’s — maybe even better. I absolutely love this stuff, and I hope that you will, too!

December, 2006

Cilantros spices up downtown dining
Nine months ago, the building next to Virgil Sadorra’s downtown restaurant Delish caught fire. Though no one was hurt, the restaurant’s annex, which sold wraps, was destroyed and Delish itself was forced to close. Fans of the restaurant and its sandwich shop needn’t worry - both places will reopen in new venues soon. ... In the meantime, Sadorra recently opened Cilantros, his new tex-mex restaurant at the site of the old Delish (110 McFarland St.)

Smith Says: DVDs you should see: 'Run Lola Run'
When people think of Germany, movies are usually not the first thing to come to mind. Beer, yes. Bratwurst, maybe. The autobahn, sure. But movies? Not so much. And while it is true that Germany isn’t exactly a renowned hotbed of cinema, that isn’t to say the country hasn’t produced any noteworthy films. In 1998, Germany produced one of the most original movies ever made - the award-winning “Lola rennt,” better known to American audiences as “Run Lola Run.”

DVD review: Race out and rent ‘Cars’
“Cars,” Pixar’s latest film, was released on DVD just in time for the holidays. It stars Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt, Larry the Cable Guy and many more famous faces, er, voices. They all bring life and excitement to this movie, even though this is the first Pixar movie where there are no human characters (even minor ones).

Social Graffiti: “Los Angeles,” X
I first heard of X through Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” when it was published in November 2003. ... It was the record’s cover that caught my eye — a blurry black and white photo of a fiery “X,” standing alone in the dead of night, blazing with defiance.

Sufjan Stevens: a legend in the making
Sufjan Stevens has undertaken what can be viewed as either the most brilliantly ambitious or the most outlandishly bizarre project in music history. He has decided to make 50 concept albums in 50 years - one for each state.

The Summer Obsession: Message makes this debut worthy
The Summer Obsession’s debut album, “This is Where You Belong,” deserves a listen from everyone - if not for its passé guitar riffs and repetitive drum beats, then for its lyrics.

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah rock the ‘Net
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah is the biggest band in the country that no one has ever heard of. Within a week of posting its homemade, self-titled debut album on the Internet, the band sold nearly 45,000 copies out of its manager’s apartment.

Mayer matures on new CD
If John Mayer’s new album, “Continuum,” were a person, it would be a suave twenty-something with really good hair. All the ladies would flock to it, and in its spare time, it would collect vintage vinyl records and hang out at jazz clubs.

Killers only average? No way!
While perusing November’s Flipside, I was shocked to read a disparaging review of The Killer’s new album. Ever since I bought the album, it has been in constant rotation in my CD player and on my iPod. I was shocked to hear that someone had less then positive things to say about it.

Choco-Scutterbotch cookies
The holiday season is here, and that means so are holiday parties. Whether you’re throwing a bash or attending one, try this cookie at your next holiday event.

Peaunt butter fudge
Every year at Christmas time, I ask a family member to make some peanut butter fudge for me. It’s like tradition at my house. This year, though, I have decided to take the initiative and make it myself.

November, 2006

New Charleston restaurants have something for everyone
Let’s face it: finding a good, inexpensive restaurant isn’t always easy. That’s why people tend to stick with favorites. However, Charleston has several new restaurants that are worth branching out of one’s comfort zone to try.

Smith Says: DVDs You Should See - "The Proposition"
Quelling any whispers that the western is all but dead, “The Proposition,” which was recently released on DVD, takes its place beside the best of Sergio Leone, Clint Eastwood and Sam Peckinpah as one of the strongest and most original films to grace the genre.

Social Graffiti: “Oh, Inverted World,” The Shins
I was exposed to the Shins in the same way as many others — through Zach Braff’s 2004 movie “Garden State.” In one of the film’s expositional scenes, Braff first meets his love interest, played by Natalie Portman, and she passes him her bulky headphones with the disclaimer, “It’ll change your life, I swear.” From the headphones comes the glorious alt-pop of The Shins’ song “New Slang.”

CD Review: New sound for Evanescence
The Grammy-winning alternative rock band Evanescence released the new album “The Open Door” in early October. The day it came out, I eagerly came home and looked at the beautiful cover for a few seconds before ripping the plastic off, anxiously awaiting the fruits of the band’s very prolonged labor...

CD Review: Killers’ latest only average
In 2004, The Killers released “Hot Fuss,” the band’s first CD. With catchy tracks like “Mr. Brightside,” “All These Things That I’ve Done” and “Somebody Told Me,” it was a solid release. Now, two years later, the band has released its second album, “Sam’s Town.” While several songs are catchy and have the potential to become hits, most are merely mediocre.

Book Review: Flaws don’t ruin ‘Tiny Lights’
I volunteer at my local library, so naturally I read a lot. Of late, I’ve been reading random books that I think look really interesting. I haven’t been disappointed yet. The thing that really caught my eye about Patrick Neate’s “City of Tiny Lights” was the cover, full of pixilated images of “happenings” in London (most pertaining to the novel). It’s also very colorful.

Video Game Review: ‘Final Fantasy’ switches to combat play with ‘Cerberus’
“Final Fantasy VII: Dirge of Cerberus,” the latest installment in the Final Fantasy video game series, was released in August. It’s a great game that’s fun and addicting. It has tons of your favorite characters from the series, but it also has some big changes compared to the other Final Fantasy games. One of the biggest is that it’s a combat game, not a role-playing game.

The Recipe Box: Football cake
With high school football season winding down, why not throw a tailgate party for your favorite gridiron gang? You can finish the celebration with this football cake. It’s sure to score a touchdown with all your guests.

October, 2006

Book review: A romance with bite
Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” sounds like your typical teen love story: Boy meets girl, girl likes boy. Except there’s one small twist - boy is a vampire.

Book review: ‘Lovely Bones’ a great read
Sometimes you find a summer book that really grips perfection, and Alice Sebold’s “The Lovely Bones” is an excellent contender. In it, Sebold makes beauty out of tragedy by telling the fictional story of Susie Salmon’s encounter with death.

Book review: ‘Prep’ a disappointing read
“Prep” is the coming-of-age tale of naïve, restrained Lee Fiora, a 14-year-old from South Bend, Ind. At the beginning of her freshman year, she decides to go to Ault - a prestigious boarding school on the East Coast - just as much to get away from her boring life and ordinary family as for the “for a better education” cover story.

Social Graffiti: “The Modern Lovers,” The Modern Lovers
Editor’s note: This is the first in a recurring series about life-changing music albums.

CD Review: Did Xtina go ‘Back to Basics’?
Many people thought that after her last CD, “Stripped,” Christina Aguilera’s days of singing were over. She began dating music executive Jordan Bratman, whom she married last year, and became a changed woman. She removed most of her piercings and changed her wardrobe completely. Now she’s back with a new CD.

CD review: Simpson at best with latest CD
Jessica Simpson’s “A Public Affair” far surpasses her last three albums. That’s not to say that those discs weren’t great — this one is just awesome. Jessica breaks her groove of mostly slow songs and gives listeners something to shake their tushes to.

Underwood delivers at State Fair concert
In August, Carrie Underwood, who stole hearts on season four of “American Idol,” came to West Virginia to perform at the West Virginia State Fair. A near sell-out crowd came to see her perform.

Taste of Charleston a flavorful experience
Taste of Charleston, the annual food sampling event sponsored by WSAZ, was a huge success again this year, even with the change of dates. The two-day event is traditionally held on Labor Day weekend in conjunction with the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta. This year, it was held a week earlier, on Aug. 26-27, to avoid conflict with the WVU-Marshall football game.

The Recipe Box: Frosted Jack-O’-Lanterns
Have you ever been invited to a Halloween party and been told to bring a dish? Well, here is a quick, easy and fun dish to bring. I guarantee everybody at the party will be amazed at the idea and want to know where you got the recipe.

June, 2006

Suburban teens can relate to this book series
Megan McCafferty’s growing Jessica Darling series, which includes “Sloppy Firsts,” “Second Helpings” and the recently published “Charmed Thirds,” is ideal for high schoolers who can commiserate with McCafferty’s heroine. However, nostalgic graduates and adults will also be able to empathize.

Holy cow, this ice cream is good!
Are you tired of having ice cream simply scooped from a bucket into a cup? Maggie Moo’s will change that. At this relatively new store in Southridge Centre, your ice cream is served from a frozen marble slab.

Take a trip through time with ‘Yestermorrow’
When I first opened this book and read a page or two, I knew it would be one of those books that you can read quickly and easily. That’s the first plus for Stefan Petrucha’s “Yestermorrow,” the first in the Timetripper series. It’s not very long (a little over 200 pages), and the narrative is casual and simple.

This book’s a ‘keeper’
verybody should read Jodi Picoult’s “My Sister’s Keeper.” It’s the story of a younger sibling, Amy, who has spent her whole life in the shadow of older sister Kate.

New Noize
Who: The Academy Is..., an indie rock quintet from Chicago -- What: the debut album “Almost Here”

Mall madness: How do girls’ and guys’ top five stores compare?
When you go to the mall, where’s your first stop? Is it for some new garb at American Eagle or for some good grub at Chick-Fil-A? These answers will vary, but one thing does play a big role in your response: your gender.

May, 2006

Quaker Steak & Lube for race fans and wing lovers
“Racers, start your engines!” “Three, two, one, go!” These are some of the things you’ll hear if you visit Quaker Steak & Lube, the latest restaurant to open on Corridor G. At this establishment, they really get into the racing theme.

Go fish: Taste-testing the new Goldfish snack packs
Nabisco unleashed the 100-calorie snack pack craze in 2004 when it debuted a four-item line that included Wheat Thins, Cheese Nips, Chips Ahoy and Oreos. Now, more than 25 different products come in their own 100-calorie portions. Pepperidge Farm - the guys who make Goldfish crackers - got into the game in March. FlipSiders give their takes on the new snacks.

Book Review: ‘Eragon’ not just for fantasy fans
The first time I saw the book “Eragon,” I thought that it would be one of those hokey dragon books that only science-fiction geeks would like. Boy, was I wrong!

Should you read ‘Dante’s Inferno’?
You’re probably familiar with “Dante’s Inferno.” You may have had to read it in English class at some point. But if you haven’t, is it worth a read?

KJ-52 drops new CD
Christian rapper KJ-52 is back with his new CD, “Remixed,” in stores May 2. The disc features humorous remixes of several of his songs.

April, 2006

Fashion 411
Spring style: something for everyone
Though spring has come, Mother Nature hasn’t quite relinquished the cold weather yet. However, as we eagerly await the end of our dreary winter season, we can at least embrace thoughts of spring break and warm weather...and check out the new fashions that accompany these things.

Heat up the dance floor with these prom trends
Spring is right around the corner and that means so is prom. For girls, the issue at hand is what to wear. Well, here are some tips to help you stay up to date on the latest prom fashion trends, so you can look your best when the big night comes.

Flaunt these flaws and get stopped by the fashion police
Whether you’re headed out with your boyfriend, buds or just by yourself, you want to look good. Obey these rules (compiled with help from BBC Canada’s “What Not to Wear”) and maybe you’ll look more like a lil’ miss instead of a miss-demeanor.

Restaurant Review
Satisfy your Mexican craving at Los Agaves
Hola seniors and senoritas, if you’ve had a hard day and are in the mood for a nice fiesta dinner, then Los Agaves Mexican Restaurant will provide it. Los Agaves is a restaurant rich in culture so if you feel like seeing and hearing things from Mexico, then stop in for a meal.

CD Review
Train switches musical tracks on latest album
For a band that has scored several huge hits, three platinum albums and two Grammy awards, Train still struggles to attain the mainstream success that many bands with half its credentials seem to have. Throughout its 12-year existence, the San Francisco-based band has battled personal setbacks, an ever-changing music scene and more than its fair share of unwarranted criticism, all the while backed by an intensely loyal fan base.

Book Review
Readers abuzz over ‘Bees’
Lily Owens never really knew her mother. She may have even killed her. Unfortunately, she knows her abusive father all too well, and she may never escape him or the terrible, blurred memory of the day her mother was killed.

Product Review
Express your true colors
There are many hair products on the market that promote themselves for whatever hair type (curly, straight, colored, etc.) or problem (oily, dry, etc.) you may have. Now, there are even hair care products for specific hair colors.

March, 2006

Check this out
Customers reap benefits of comic collector’s passion
As a child, 39-year-old Cheryl Pauley of Elkview had a huge collection of comics - it was one of the earliest forms of reading she experienced. When she decided to open a comic book store, she knew she’d have plenty of stock. In 1985, she opened a shop in Charleston and named it after herself, giving birth to Cheryl’s Comics and Toys.

Review: Think country music’s not for you? Think again.
While teenage music fans have never had a problem discussing their interests in rock, pop, punk or even rap music among friends, country music has long been considered something of a taboo topic. Even for many adults, admitting a fondness for country in the presence of music aficionados is viewed as something of a social faux pas.

Book review: ‘Prep’ yourself for a great read
Curtis Sittenfeld’s debut novel “Prep” is an achingly accurate portrayal of adolescent ambition and the angst that accompanies it. An addictive page turner from beginning to end, “Prep’s” wit, wisdom and empathy cause the reader to laugh, smile and cry, becoming more attached to the novel’s protagonist Lee Flora as the pages left to read dwindle. Lee’s inner world as conveyed by Sittenfeld is one that will stay with the reader due to its remarkable warmth and excruciating truthfulness.

Book review: It’s no ‘Secret,’ this book’s worth a read
Julie Anne Peters’ “Keeping You a Secret” is a surprising read, not because of the subject matter (teen sexuality) but because of the enjoyment factor. This book starts out very slowly, and then picks up all of a sudden. The only bad part is that it seems like just as the book gets good, it’s over.

February, 2006

Silverman one crass comedienne
Sarah Silverman’s stand-up comedy movie “Jesus is Magic” is downright rude and confrontational — not for the faint of heart. But if you can get past that, you may enjoy her fearless stage style and quirky act.

CD Review: Buy Bolton for romance
Michael Bolton’s music can be described with a variety of adjectives - soft, positive, and romantic among them. If any of those fit the bill for your listening pleasure, then you will enjoy Bolton’s 2002 CD, “Only a Woman Like You.” It’s a collection of love songs for all the romantics out there.

Help yourself to kids edition of ‘O’Reilly Factor’ book
I like to read. I love everything from science fiction to children’s books to biographies, but one thing I’ve never really gotten into is self-help books. My opinion has always been that they were stupid, and the adult writers who penned them had no idea what they were talking about.

January, 2006

Digital death:
Are mp3s killing the age of the album?
In today’s world of mp3 files and iPods, the concept of buying a CD from the store is all but obsolete. After all, what reason is there to spend $15 on a CD when the same songs can simply be downloaded from the Internet for free (shame on you) or pennies apiece?

Reality show turning viewers into ‘Beach’ bums
MTV’s “Laguna Beach,” subtitled “The Real Orange County,” finished its second season earlier this fall. But even though it’s over, students at Riverside High School are still in a frenzy over the show, which features a beautiful setting, gorgeous teenagers, big houses and expensive cars.

CD review: ‘People’s Champ’ is off the hook
Paul Wall is fairly new to the rap game, but his debut album “The People’s Champ” is definitely worth a listen. From its dope beats and the skilled DJing by DJ Michael “5000” Watts to the fresh vocals of Paul Wall himself, it’s one to play at a party to get people off the wall and on the floor.

Theater review: Fantastic ‘Phantom’ a show to see
Earlier this year, I was able to attend a touring production of the Broadway show “The Phantom of the Opera” in Columbus. I saw last year’s movie version of it, and it was both wonderful and inspiring - better than I’d expected.

CD review: More redneck revelry on ‘All Jacked Up’
Country singer Gretchen Wilson captured the attention of everyone — country lovers or not - with last year’s debut album “Here for the Party” and it’s raucous single “Redneck Woman.” This fall, she released her second album, “All Jacked Up.”

December, 2005

CD Review: Make ‘plans’ to buy this one
Death Cab for Cutie

Book Review: History buffs will enjoy ‘Red scare’ novel
“Catch a Tiger by the Toe,” by Ellen Levine

Vamos al baile!
In October, Spanish III and Dance I classes from St. Marys High School traveled to Nitro to attend a touring performance of Ballet Folklorico Mexicano - “Ollimpaxqui.”

November, 2005

Movie Review:
'Shoes' better for a night in than out
In Her Shoes" may not be quite worth your money in theaters, but it would definitely be a good choice for a girls' night in when it comes out on DVD. I for one would have preferred to wait and see it that way. It's not bad, it's just another chick flick romantic comedy. However, I never seem to tire of those, so I rather enjoyed it.

Concert Review:
David Gray a concert to remember
David Gray is a singer-songwriter from Manchester, United Kingdom. He is probably best known in the U.S. for his 2000 smash hit “Babylon” from the disc “White Ladder.” ... I recently saw Gray in Philadelphia, and when I arrived at the Tower Theater, I had no idea that I would be seeing one of the greatest concerts ever.

October, 2005

CD Review:
Lecrae’s ‘Real Talk’ is real hot
From its raw beats to its blazing lyrics, there is no doubt that Christian rapper Lecrae’s debut album “Real Talk” is hot. Lecrae is part of the 116 Clique, whose name derives from Romans 1:16, which states, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel.” This is shown through their, and now his, music.

Concert Review:
Duff concert a good start to school year
Growing up, whenever I pictured my senior year, I never thought that after the first day I would blow off a home football game in order to attend a Hilary Duff concert. This, however, is what happened.

Music Review:
Check out these old-school artists
For the past few years, artists like Usher and Tyrese have been getting plenty of media attention as the new stars of R&B and soul music. YM magazine once called Usher “the Next Big Thing,” and Tyrese was dubbed “the Next Luther Vandross” at a BET event honoring the late singer.

Book Review:
‘Half-Blood Prince’ darkest Harry Potter yet
The Harry Potter books are not for kids anymore.

Food Review:
Taste of Charleston a great sample of area foods
The Taste of Charleston is held annually on the Saturday and Sunday of Regatta weekend at the Charleston Civic Center, and it’s an event for the whole family. This year’s Taste was sponsored by WSAZ Charleston and West Virginia Dodge Dealers. It featured food samples from 38 local vendors as well as live music and entertainment for children.

What’s hot, what’s not in fall fashion
As teens, a lot of us want to be trendy, stylish and fashionable. And we all know that most parents don’t have a clue about what’s hot and what’s not, so I’ve scoped out the stores around town and come up with the latest trends for hot fall and winter fashion.