Music, Movies and More
May 22, 2006
DUSTY RHODES AND THE RIVER BAND KEEP THE OC ROCKIN’ AND FOLKIN’ PG. 4
New Movie Far Cry From Novel Have You Shabued? Hot Movies for a Scorching Summer
INSIDE
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T H E B U Z Z @ D A I LY T I T A N . C O M
THE BUZZ
CONTENTS
02 Entertainment News Concert Calendar Top 10 iPod Downloads 03 Flashback Favorite 04 Dusty Rhodes and The River Band 06 New Movie Far Cry From Novel ON THE COVER: Dusty Rhodes and The River Band keep the OC Rockin’ and Folkin’ / Photo provided by Dusty Rhodes and the River Band.
THE BUZZ ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Dianika Abbott EXECUTIVE EDITOR Nicole M. Smith DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Can Sengezer ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Emily Alford
INSIDE By Mahsa Khalilifar Daily Titan Columnist
So I am graduating this weekend, and I regret to say this will be my last “Inside Buzz” ever, but we are not going out that easy, well at least just not yet. There were many memorable moments and a lot of craziness that has happened over this semester … Britney Spears became a mother and is now pregnant with her second, yes, you heard me right: she is going to have two with Mr. Kevin “I like making babies” Federline. Let’s hope she will not be curious to find out if the third time’s a charm … Tom Cruise hooked up with Katie Holmes and before we knew it, “TomKat” was born into the world. My Persian parents were excited at the thought of the Iranian legacy being carried on in Hollywood with the name of Cruise’s and Holmes’ baby girl, Suri … let’s hope it turns out to be a good one … Ben Affleck ditched J. Lo for another Jennifer. Jennifer Garner gave birth to his baby girl, Violet; unfortunately Garner’s captivating show, “Alias,” was shortlived and came to an end as it
TOP 10 IPOD DOWNLOADS By Mahsa Khalilifar Daily Titan Columnist
PRODUCTION Dianika Abbott Danielle Torricelli ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Sarah Oak Amber Dillion The Daily Titan 714.278.3373 The Buzz Editorial 714.278.5426 thebuzz@dailytitan.com Editorial Fax 714.278.4473 The Buzz Advertising 714.278.3373 ads@dailytitan.com Advertising Fax 714.278.2702 The Buzz , a student publication, is a supplemental insert for the Cal State Fullerton Daily Titan. It is printed every Thursday. The Daily Titan operates independently of Associated Students, College of Communications, CSUF administration and the CSU system. The Daily Titan has functioned as a public forum since inception. Unless implied by the advertising party or otherwise stated, advertising in the Daily Titan is inserted by commercial activities or ventures identified in the advertisements themselves and not by the university. Such printing is not to be construed as written or implied sponsorship, endorsement or investigation of such commercial enterprises. Copyright ©2006 Daily Titan
was cancelled this season - sigh … Hip hop artist Kanye West came out spewing politically incorrect messages such as how our President allegedly favors whites over blacks, yet ironically he became even more popular than ever in the music world. Reggaeton artists took over the hip-hop genre with their club beats and urban style. Daddy Yankee did his thing with hot singles and featured remixes with star power performers, such as G-Unit and Snoop Dogg … It has turned into the “Boy Band” comeback moment: Ashley Parker Angel (O-Town), Nick Lachey (98 Degrees & former Jessica Simpson flame), and Brian Littrell all released solo albums … New CD releases of the week include country group, Dixie Chick’s Taking The Long Way … band Def Leppard’s Yeah!… legend Johnny Cash’s Personal File … New DVD releases include Steve Martin’s sequel “Cheaper By the Dozen 2” … “Boston Legal - Season 1” Celebrity gossip of the year: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, will they ever actually tie the knot? … Is Jennifer Lopez finally going to reveal what our gossip sources are buzzing: that she is expecting? Hopefully we’ll find out … thanks everyone for taking a peak inside the lives of the rich and famous with me … I hope your summer is filled with much fun, laughter, and of course, tons of gossip! Peace out. -M
The Buzz is your source for the most updated trends going on in the music industry and where would we be today without the ever-so-popular and trendy iPod? So for you iPod fanatics out there: shuffle, nano, mini, etc … here’s the list of the Top 10 downloads according to www.Apple. com for the week, some pop, hip-hop and everything else in between. Happy listening!
1. “SOS” by Rihanna 2. Daniel Powter’s “Bad Day” 3. “Over My Head (Cable Car)” by The Frey 4. Nelly Furtado feat. Timbaland’s “Promiscuous” 5. “Ridin’” by Chamillionaire & Krayzie Bone 6. Lil Jon Feat. E-40’s “Snap Yo Fingers” 7. “Dani California” by Red Hot Chili Peppers” 8. Fort Minor’s “Where’d You Go” 9. “Unfaithful” by Rihanna 10. Cassie’s “Me & U”
Read the Buzz online at www.dailytitan.com
Concert Calendar MAY 29
MONDAY UCLA Jazz & Reggae Festival Los Angeles
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TUESDAY Brother Anaheim HOB Anaheim
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WEDNESDAY Some Girls Glass House Pamona
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THURSDAY 30 Seconds to Mars Avalon Hollywood Hollywood
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FRIDAY The Fenians Galaxy Theatre Santa Ana
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SATURDAY Madonna Staples Center Los Angeles
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SUNDAY
He is Legend Chain Reaction Anaheim
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MONDAY Ashlee Simpson Santa Barbara Bowl Santa Barbara
MAINSTREAM 3 ‘SAY ANYTHING’: AN INSTANT CLASSIC T H E B U Z Z @ D A I LY T I TA N . C O M
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By Natalie Murillo
Daily Titan Staff Writer
When people think about great ‘80s movies, “Say Anything,” should be on everyone’s list. “Say Anything” came out in 1989 starring John Cusak as Lloyd Dobler and Ione Skye as Diane Court. It had all the elements classic ‘80s movies have like “The Breakfast Club,” “Pretty in Pink,” or “St. Elmo’s Fire.” “Say Anything” deals with first loves, first heartbreak and figuring out what to do with life. The classic song, “In Your Eyes” appears in the scene where Dobler holds his huge boom box over his head in an attempt to remind Court of their love together and is the most memorable scene in the movie. In the beginning, Dobler is talking to his two female friends about asking Court, the valedictorian of their class, on a date. His friend, Corey Flood played
John Cusack (Left) and Ione “Say Anything.” by Lili Taylor warns Dobler he might possibly get hurt if he makes a move on Court to which he replies, “I want to get hurt.”
and they go to a huge graduation party where Court becomes closer to the people she went to school with but never had the time to get to know. In time, however, with stress that clouds Court’s home life when her father gets notification from the Internal Revenue Service that they are auditing him, she decides to take the advice Photo provided by 20th Century Fox of her father and Skye (Right) in 20th Century Fox’s 1989 hit, break up with Dobler. “I gave her my This introductory foreshadowing heart, and she gave me a pen,” is one of the greatest I’ve seen in Dobler says while talking to his movies. sister from a phone booth in the Dobler does ask Court out, middle of a thunderstorm. Court
strikes a nasty blow to Dobler’s heart when she gives him a pen to write her when she decides to end the relationship. Dobler sulks for a long time but eventually, when Court finds out her father is a crook, she begs Dobler to take her back, and in the end they go to England together for the fellowship Court received for her education, and her father goes to prison. “Say Anything” is a classic because of the issues it touches on like choosing a life career and love at a young age. In the movie Dobler tells Court’s dad, “I don’t want to sell anything, buy anything or process anything as a career … as a career, I don’t want to do that,” which shows her father that he doesn’t see himself in business however Dobler does aspire to be a kickboxer and refers to it as the “sport of the future.” “Say Anything” is one of the classics that can make a person laugh and cry so if you don’t have this movie yet, add it to your collection soon.
HAVE YOU EVER SHABUED? By Erika Dresser For The Daily Titan
Are you tired of taking your girlfriend to the same old Italian restaurant every time you want to go on a date? Do you and your friends crave something more than drab burritos and burgers from fast food chains? Seek no further friends; a wonderfully unique dining experience is only a few minutes away. Have you ever given any consideration to the exhilarating art of Shabu Shabu? It means “Swish Swish” in Japanese and it is a form of traditional Japanese cuisine where each person cooks his or her own food in a boiling pot of hot water. Easily spotted from the main road, Mitsu E Shabu Shabu is located at 225 N. Harbor Blvd. in Downtown Fullerton. The small, yet simple restaurant has a wonderful character all its own. The stainless steel counter tops glisten brightly as they beckon customers to sit and relax. It takes a moment to get use to the ordering process, because it is done on a computer when you first enter the restaurant. Before
anyone is given the option to be seated each party will pick from one of three menu options and put their orders into the computer themselves. For the meat lovers there is a 10-piece beef meal for $13.25 or a 15-piece beef meal for $15.45. For those who enjoy seafood, there is an all seafood option available that includes shrimp, scallops, fish, squid, mussels and fishcake. All dinner options come with vegetables, noodles, and iced coffee. Once the order is placed you have your pick of any available seat in the house. For each seat there is a small metal pot filled with hot water with a piece of seaweed inside. Karen Chiu, manager and part owner, said the seaweed makes the beef tender and soft and adds natural salt flavoring to the meat. Next to each pot there is a wooden tray containing soy sauce, fresh garlic, sesame chili oil, chili powder, chopped green onions, radish, and a tin can filled with water and cooking instruments. The first item served is a beautifully decorated plate with a pile of fresh mushrooms, noodles, Japanese parsley, carrots, tofu, rice noodles, and cabbage
flanked by two shabu sauces. The veggies go directly into the boiling pot of water to cook. The yellowish looking sauce is a sesame sauce for dipping the vegetables in and the darker sauce is called ponsu. Chiu said ponsu is a citrus soy sauce for the beef. Into this you can mix green onions, white radish, and garlic to create your own great flavor that fits each person’s individual taste. The beef is sliced in the dining room, which may guarantee freshness and quality. “I like that they’re cutting the meat right in front of you so you know it’s fresh,” said Elizabeth Jebejian, a Cal State Fullerton senior majoring in business management. She and her roommate Laurel Fong, live down the street and saw the restaurant as they were walking by. “I’ve been to a few of these kinds of places before and some of them can be kind of sketchy, but this ones really good. I would definitely recommend it,” Fong said. The “Shabu-ing” comes in SEE Shabu Shabu PAGE 7
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DUSTY RHODES AND THE RIVER BAND
By Dominic Kingdamo Daily Titan Staff Writer
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his isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Orange County music. Or an Orange County band. This is fun music. Classic music. Some might call it simple music, but it’s more simplistic. Some might call it old folks music, but it’s timeless. It’s music that draws its influences from artists like Yes, The Band, Bob Dylan and The Beatles. Musicians whose time, some might say, has come and gone. This isn’t how an Orange County band should sound, but no one in Orange County is complaining. Dusty Rhodes and the River Band are a self-made, blue-collar band. Consisting of six regular members, they’ve pulled themselves up by their proverbial bootstraps to consistently tour, make music and represent Orange County over the past few years. Dusty Rhodes and the River Band’s humble beginning started with Dustin Apodaca, 21, the band’s founder, front man and namesake. Originally going by just Dusty Rhodes, a nickname given to Apodaca as a child, and then adding the Santa
Ana River Band, the band’s name was eventually lengthened and then shortened to its current status. “It started [when] I recorded a demo, a six-track demo,” said Apodaca, a rambunctious character with long, frizzled hair. His build doesn’t reflect the stereotypical look of a lead-singer, his chubby frame still possesses some baby fat, or maybe it’s just his beer belly. “Kyle and Des, his roommate at the time, played bass, and Kyle played drums,” said Apodaca. For the most part, a conversation with Apodaca, who handles vocals, keyboard, and accordion duties for the band, is entertaining at best, and many who are up to the challenge probably walk away more than a bit confused. The Kyle that Apodaca refers to is Kyle Divine, 21, the other lead singer and also the band’s guitar and harmonica player. Already you can see Dusty Rhodes makes an effort to blend as many instruments as possible into a sonic soundscape that challenges listeners yet is still pleasing to the ear. “Originally it was just Dustin playing these crazy songs on his guitar, and I thought it was cool,” Divine said. “But I didn’t really want to play music at the time, so I said I would just play drums because that’s all I have time
for.” While the original three-member line-up didn’t last long, they managed
“Originally it was just Dustin playing these crazy songs on his guitar, and I thought it was cool.” KYLE DIVINE Dusty Rhodes
to play a few shows, the first one at a local venue called The Shack. “Around that time, I got a call from Dustin asking me if I can yodel,” said current bassist Allen Van Orman. Once Van Orman was added, Divine slid over to playing guitar and their longtime drummer Tim Schneider was added. “At that point we started becoming more of a rock band and less of a folk band,” Divine said. Although the band’s sound has evolved over the years, it still reflects
these two genres more than anything, and they sometimes describe themselves as prog-folk. “It was good, but it was sloppy,” Divine said. “Charming. It was really simple back then, [that] was the big difference. But it was still really charming, really fun.” So the band continued to add more pieces to the puzzle, further enhancing their layered sound. “Then I met Dre at a show and went and talked to her and asked her to join the band,” Divine said. Dre is 21-year-old Andrea Babinski, who plays violin and mandolin. “We were looking for any kind of weird instrumentalist, and she just happened to be there at the time,” Divine said. “We were desperate,” Apodaca chimed in, amidst chuckles from Van Orman and protests of, “Hey!” from Babinski. The band members seem to seize any opportunity to jab each other with juvenile remarks, something they all seem to enjoy whether dishing them out or on the receiving end. “And Edson [Choi] came on a little before that. He plays banjo and guitar,” Divine said. That lineup came together some time in 2002, and aside from a new drummer, it remains intact.
Going on four resemble a family m They can often b Fullerton apartment also lives. At one point Ba and although Apoda cially a tenant, he’s able amount of time couch. The newest mem Chirco, came onbo ago after Schneider band to further pu education. Once the would need a new invited Chirco, her worker (where Div audition. Max Knies, a fri band, became their When asked if the they decided to app answer was a resou “I’ve been serio Apodaca said. Which is hard to meet and hang out larly Apodaca, but able to believe it. If you can’t see alities, you can cert product and their w “We’ve always d ing music for a liv
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KEEP THE OC ROCKIN’ AND FOLKIN’
r years now, they more than a band. be found at Divine’s t where Van Orman
abinski lived there aca was never offi’s spent a considere on the living room
mber, drummer Eric oard a few months r decided to quit the ursue his academic e band realized they drummer, Babinski r Trader Joe’s covine also works), to
iend and fan of the manager in 2002. ey got serious when point a manager, the unding “no.” us from day one,”
o believe when you with them, particut somehow you’re
it in their persontainly see it in their work ethic. dreamed about playving,” Divine said.
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Dusty Rhodes and The River Band started with one man and a dream. Now the band tours accross the country sharing their music/Photo provided by Dusty Rhodes and The River “To not have to work a regular job and be able to play music.” Apodaca said he hopes financial freedom is in the future but so far that hasn’t been the case. In fact, it’s been just the opposite. Most of the money made from their day jobs goes right back into the band. After coming home broke after touring, Divine had to sell his truck but recently bought a van to go out again on a new tour that started May 18 right here in Fullerton and concludes a month later at the Knitting Factory in Los Angeles. Along the way they’ll be stopping in Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Kansas and Oklahoma. The band has been touring since 2002, and their travels have taken them all over the country to as far as New York. “Once we got Max we booked our first tour, and it was the worst tour we’ve been on,” Divine said. “Booking wise, it was so spread out and we had so many really long drives.” While their touring schedule has brought them to various states, their primary fan base remains in Orange County and Wichita, Kan., where Divine originates from. “We go back every year and there’s more and more people that I didn’t
know when I lived out there that are we want to get to,” Chirco said. When you hear their voices, you get listening to our band,” Divine said. While they all certainly seem to love the impression that they feel they’re on the verge of something. playing, touring, and well, “I have always taken my each other, music seriously, and that’s I asked them why it’s cool, because we’re what was difall on the same page about ficult about that,” Chirco said. what they do. “And finally, I feel like “When we we’ve found the missing were preparlink… ” Divine said before ing for this being cut off by Chirco. album, a lot “I’ll be serious, I don’t of the times want to be slumming it, and weren’t fun I don’t want to be sleeping because we on floors. But you know ANDREA BABINSKI had to crack what? That’s what you’re Dusty Rhodes down and get gonna have to do if that’s really, realwhat you’re gonna have to ly serious… do,” Chirco said. ” Babinski said, until interrupted by Apodaca said the band is too good Apodaca. and something is definitely going to “I thought that was fun,” Apodaca happen. said. Chirco, who originally was appreApparently even the daunting tasks hensive about crashing the tight-knit are enjoyed by some, which goes to band’s party, now seems to be as comshow how dedicated and passionate fortable with everyone as they are. “It worked out. I like ‘em. I love they are with what they do. “I don’t think any of us have ever ‘em. I want to be with all of them,” Chirco said. doubted this band,” Babinski said. Apodaca said, “He’s a real pirate. And that passion exists in all of them now, from the oldest member to He’s a pirate just like one of us.” The band has recently finished the newest. “I will do what it takes to get where recording their yet-to-be released, still
“I don’t think any of us have ever doubted this band.”
untitled album. Their first release as a six-piece was the album Cut Open Like A Fish, and they’ve recently finished recording their yet-to-be released, still untitled follow-up album. Divine’s description of their sound as charming and really fun is deadon, but it certainly has evolved into a more layered and technically sound offering, giving listeners songs ranging from simple folk ditties to lush, atmospheric, instrumental soundscapes that envelop listeners. Amidst protests from Apodaca, Babinski revealed that they’re actually talking to a label right now, which could have something to do with the delay of their next album coming out. “If this happens they’re going to put out our record and promote the hell out of it, and we’re going to tour like crazy,” Babinski said. As confident as the band is that they’ll eventually make it, they seem to be happy no matter what the future holds for them. “I’m actually having fun doing what I’m doing right now. I’m happy ... working at a crappy job and playing music,” Apodaca said. You can hear some of their songs, new and old, and find out more about the band on their MySpace page at www.myspace.com/dustyrhodes.
MOVIES
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‘DA VINCI CODE’ BETTER IN PRINT By Kirsten Alto
Daily Titan Staff Writer
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f you want to know about this film, know this first: it’s good, not as good as it could have been, though, and definitely not as good as the book. But then again, no movie ever is. Harvard symbolist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) and French cryptologist Sophie Neveu (Audrey Tautou) spend the two hours and 28-minutes running from the French police, and an albino monk, Paul Bettany, through Europe following clues left behind by a Louvre curator in his dying moments. The clues supposedly lead to a dark secret that would expose Christianity as fraudulent – the Holy Grail. The highly talked about adaptation did adequately follow Dan Brown’s best selling plot pretty well, considering the time limit. But, the point of the book was
to give the reader suspense from clue to clue with clues in between the clues. However, the film lacked suspense because everything was shortened and smooshed together for the film. What once was a suck-you-in thriller is now way too rushed. The movie keeps main points in tact, and the reasons behind the secret, why it was kept, how it was kept, were all conceivable. Throwing in significant parts of the book like the 200-yearlong witch hunts, is what makes this film so intriguing still, even among its disappointments. I, for one, believe that the Bible is no less fictional than Brown’s bestseller, and much less convincing. The religious sects who are protesting this film must have realized its plausibility also if they don’t believe in the strength of their faith and are worried about this movie swaying their followers. But I do find it strange that
there would be such protests considering Langdon’s character was the mediator for religious viewers. Perhaps it’s director Ron Howard’s doing that Langdon turns into the character who’s so nervous about offending anyone that his common phrases throughout the film were “it may have happened,” and “he might have done that.” It looks like Howard was much too concerned with the public’s reaction to the film that he forgot the whole point was to make it good. The performances by Hanks and Tautou is sub-par compared to Ian McKellen, who makes the film as Langdon’s old friend and Holy Grail fanatic. McKellen is not in the film long enough, however, to save it completely. Despite the movie’s flaws, it’s a must-see summer hit and big numbers are sure to show up at the box office. And if you haven’t read the book already, get to it.
Photo provided by Columbia Pictures
Audrey Tautou (Left) and Tom Hanks (Right) star in Columbia Pictures’ suspense thriller, “The Da Vinci Code.”
ENJOY THE HEAT WITH STYLISH FLARE By Lauren Padilla
Daily Titan Staff Writer
S
ummer is here and in the excitement of warm days at the beach we often forget our sensibility. Summer brings us beautiful dresses, exquisite sandals and sexy bikinis, but it can also bring out the ugly side of fashion. The heat can bring out the most gruesome fashion mistakes; here are six of the ultimate in ugly. Midriffs: Okay … I’m all for confidence, but if your stomach isn’t exactly up to par please don’t flash the world. If there is a bulge it should be covered and under no circumstances should a midriff be worn if you have fat coming out of the tops of your jeans! Problem areas should be hidden, not broadcasted. Showing a little stomach can be okay, but when I say a little I am referring to about a half an inch above your pants or skirt. Also, just because it’s sum-
mer doesn not mean midriffs are acceptable everywhere. They are always a casual item and not appropriate for formal or special occasions. Low cut anything: I’ll be the first to congratulate someone who underwent the pain of a Brazilian or bikini wax,
It is very unnatural when you can see the line where you real and fake [tan] color meet. LAUREN PADILLA Daily Titan Staff Writer
but I really don’t need proof. Visibility that low is never acceptable.
Sisqo’s “Thong Song” came out about six years ago, so please keep them covered. I wish I didn’t even have to go here, but just in case it’s not common knowledge; no one, and I do mean no, one likes to see a “plumbers butt.” So please don’t go that low. Panty lines: Summer brings out the thinnest, sheerest fabrics and ultimately the worst panty lines. Wear a thong … I promise they are really not that uncomfortable, but if you’re that reluctant opt for a slip. Make sure your underwear is neutral. There is nothing worse than patterned or colored underwear under white pants or a white skirt. It really doesn’t take much to invest in about 10-12 neutral thongs. Flintstone feet: It’s summer; thongs and sandals are all our feet will see for three months so can’t we at least give them a little attention? They have been waiting all
year to breathe, isn’t it only fair that we make sure they look pretty for their debut? Nothing kills a beautiful summer ensemble like a pair of dirty, dry unkept feet … enough said. Too short shorts/skirts or dresses: Summer is the time to show off your legs and the bottom of your buttocks is not a part of your leg. If I see cheeks my eyes are closing. Tan lines: Everyone loves some color but the whole point of tanning is to have a natural looking glow. It is very unnatural looking when you can see the lines where your real and fake color meet. There is nothing like horrible bikini lines to steal the attention away from the new summer dress you bought. Put on some sunscreen, pull down your straps, or for the more risqué … sunbathe topless in your backyard (just make sure you’re not visible to nosy neighbors)
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HOT FLICKS FOR A SIZZLING SUMMER By Jody Cason
Daily Titan Staff Writer
Summertime is just around the corner; and as usual, Hollywood has a great line-up of summer films to lure people back into the theaters and out of the heat. Sequels, remakes and new comedies dominate the silver screen this blockbuster season – which officially begins on Memorial Day weekend. The following is a list of some of the major films that will hit theaters starting this Friday. May 26- “X-Men: The Last Stand” – starring Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen and Halle Berry. This film is the third and final episode of the X-Men Sci-Fi trilogy. Wolverine, Storm and Mystique are back to figure out what to do after a “cure” for their mutancy has been discovered. Will they decide to become humans after all, or will they choose to preserve their mutant powers? Find out this Friday. June 2- “The Break-Up” – starring Vince Vaughn, Jennifer Aniston and Joey Lauren Adams. Vaughn and Aniston play an unmarried couple that decides to end their relationship once and for all in this comedy-romance. Unfortunately, neither one wants
ture is the story of Lightning McQueen, a cocky little car that wants to race in the Piston Cup C h amp io n s h ip in California. A little town along Route 66 detours him along his way to the race, however. This is where he meets up with a 2002 Porsche named Sally, and a 1951 Hornet named Doc Hudson, who both set out to teach Lightning greater lessons in Photo provided by 20th Century Fox life than winning Strom (Halle Berry, Left) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackmand, Right) stars in 20th Century a race. Larry the Fox’s “X-Men: The Last Stand.” It will appear in theaters on May 26th. Cable Guy is also featured in the film to give up the condo in which they This time around Schreiber and both reside. In “War of the Roses” Stiles play the petrified parents as the voice of Mater, the buckstyle they each try to gain sole who discover their young son toothed rusty tow truck. custody of the place by devising Damien is the actual Antichrist. June 30- “Superman Returns” hostile tactics that will drive the Mia Farrow plays Mrs. Baylock, – starring Brandon Routh, Kate the nanny who goes to great Bosworth and Kevin Spacey. other out. The Man of Steel returns to June 6- “The Omen” – starring lengths to ensure Damien’s survival. Earth to rekindle his love for Lois Liev Schreiber, Julia Stiles and Mia Farrow. This film is a remake June 9- “Cars” – featuring the Lane and to save the planet once of the classic 1976 horror classic voices of Owen Wilson, Paul again from total destruction. Kevin Spacey plays Lex Luthor, who has starring Gregory Peck and Lee Newman and Bonnie Hunt. This computer-animated feabeen released from prison just in Remick. time to stop Superman from his do-gooder ways. X-Men’s Bryan Singer is the director of this film.
Shabu Shabu FROM PAGE 3
when the platter of raw meat is brought to the table. Using a pair of tongs the tradition is to dip the beef into the boiling water chanting “Swish Swish, Shabu Shabu,” The meal was very light yet filling.
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July 7- “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” – starring Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley. This sequel to the 2003 hit film features Captain Jack Sparrow fighting off danger once again. He must pay back a debt to Davy Jones, the captain of the Flying Dutchman. In order to do so he enlists the help of friends Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, who must put their wedding plans on hold in order to save Sparrow from severe punishment. July 28- “Miami Vice” – starring Jamie Foxx, Colin Farrell and Gong-Li Crockett and Tubbs go undercover once again to take on the drug smuggling world in this feature-length version of the 1980s hit television series. This time both have girlfriends who somehow manage to get tangled up in the mess. Michael Mann whose credits include “Collateral” and “The Insider” directs this film. August 4- “The Ant Bully” – starring the voices of Nicolas Cage, Paul Giamatti and Julia Roberts. This animated-adventure film features a young boy named Lucas who is tired of being picked on by the neighborhood bully. He decides to take out his aggravations on an ant colony by ruining their village. The ants then shrink Lucas down to their size and teach him valuable lessons as he fixes the village he has damaged.
Dinner prices can be a little steep for students so it might be better to go during lunch hours when the prices are a bit more affordable. And next time your girlfriend begs you to take her somewhere nice or your friends are sitting around bored and hungry on a Friday night, drive on down to Mitsu E and ask yourself: Do you Shabu?
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THE BUZZ
BLACK COTTON PICKS APART ITS CRAFT By Dominic Kingdamo Daily Titan Staff Writer
The San Diego based hip-hop group, Black Cotton, rocked the crowd when they won the Cal State Fullerton’s Battle of the Bands Last month. While the group has been busy planning their next move, I had the opportunity to talk to the groups,, JimBo Slice, better known as James Thompson, a CSUF Student and one of the four Black Cotton MC’s. The Daily Titan: So to start, how many members are there in Black Cotton? James Thompson: Originally there were three and it extended to kind of like five. So there are five. [JimBo Slice, Strong Man, Greedy G, Neo Nardmatic and producer Marre-L]. DT: Can you just tell me about how Black Cotton got started? JT: We were playing around in one of the group member’s [houses]. His name is Rashad Johnson [Neo Nardmatic]. We were at his mom’s house and we were playing around on a little cheap Radio Shack microphone, and we had this little beat program. I can’t even remember what program, I think it was… DT: Was it Frooty Loops? JT: Frooty Loops, I think that’s exactly what it was. We made a little bunk beat just to mess around and play with for our friends, and they liked it! [laughs] We put a little 16 bars to the song, and they liked it, they were like, “This is pretty good.” We didn’t take it too serious. I think Thanksgiving of last year we met…Marre-L, and he does beats. Him and Rashad… grew up together, they were like old elementary school friends, and we find out he did music. After we ate we went into the basement and he used Frooty Loops also, and we decided just to do it again. There were three of us - me, Greg [Thomas, Greedy G] and Rashad. We wrote 16 bars to another song and we recorded it and we put it on CD for all of our friends and they loved it…they said you guys should really think about doing something and from there it blossomed. It went from playing around, to having a couple of songs, to having six songs, and so on and so forth. DT: So it seems like you’re a fan of hip-hop. Did you always rhyme and freestyle? JT: Yeah, we freestyled at parties or on our way to clubs, we’d mess
Photo provided by Jackie Kimmel
JimBo Slice, James Thompson (Second to the right) hangs out with the rests of black cotton at the Off-Campus Pub after winning the CSUF Battle of the Band.x around…but we never took it serious like we do now. DT: Now when you first recorded about a year ago, that was your first time recording and writing? JT: First time even trying to do it for a song, you know? We freestyled and joked around at parties and stuff, but that was it. DT: So who are you guys influenced by? JT: Everything. From Jay-Z to Lupe Fiasco, to the White Stripes to Coldplay. Everything. You can’t be a fan of music if you only like one genre of music. DT: How would you describe your sound? JT: Our music is like hip-hop with an R&B swagger. We do all types of music; we do hardcore hip-hop, we do club stuff to get people to dance, we do serious stuff where we touch on social issues. There’s a little bit of everything. We’re like a conscious couffee in a gangsta stance. DT: How did you guys end up in the Battle of the Bands? JT: [My friend] Jaime brought it to my attention. We go to clubs to pass out CD’s all the time … and he was like, “Hey, Battle of the Bands, you guys should enter it.” So I was like, “Hmm, why not? Worth a shot.” So Jaime brought the CD down and I totally forgot all about it. Jackie [Kimmel, Battle of the Bands event organizer] called
me out of the blue one day and was like, “Hey, we want you guys in the Battle of the Bands.” DT: So do all of you guys go to Fullerton? JT: I go to Fullerton. Rashad’s graduated, he’s got a master’s degree in psychology. That’s why we’re trying this, because it’s not the only thing [we’re doing]. We’re not your regular hip-hop group where all we’ve got is hiphop or we’re not going to do anything. I’m graduating next summer … and all the rest of the guys are in San Diego. DT: Was Battle of the Bands your first time performing in front of an audience? JT: That was our second time performing. We threw a big party maybe a month before that. We had a stage and we rented out equipment and everything. DT: And so how was your first time? How was your second time? How were they different from each other? JT: First time we had more of a crowd because the party was huge. That was really cool. It was a rush, to say the least. The one at Fullerton, it was a smaller crowd, and we were sort of catering to the judges. It’s always a rush to perform in front of people. You let yourself go and that’s what we do. We were nervous at first and we get to the first song, and after the first verse everything is
smooth sailing after that. It was similar as far as the rush, but it was just a bigger crowd the first time. DT: Now after you guys performed at Battle of the Bands, did you feel like you had won? Did you feel like you performed better than everyone else? JT: We knew that we were different. The line-up was mostly rock bands. We were the only hip-hop band. If anything, I knew we were going to get a look just because we were different. I never, never expected to win it. I thought we would get an honorable mention or third place, and when they called our name I was shocked. I couldn’t believe we won it. That was crazy. They called the runner-ups … then up to third, second, and I didn’t hear our name, so I thought, “Oh, they must have hated hip-hop.” We weren’t disappointed because we expected not to win anything. We just wanted the exposure. So to win was just a bonus. DT: So what did you guys get out of winning? JT: We get a $150 gift card to Tower Records, we have consignment to put our CD’s in any Tower Records that we choose, and we’re going to perform at the grand opening [of Tower Records] in Buena Park in mid-June. DT: Are you guys getting a good reaction from audiences and fans? JT: Yeah, well, it seems like everybody has a band today, so the
last thing you want to do to your friends is say, “Hey man, listen to my demo.” But, seriously, all the feedback we’ve been getting is positive, everything we hear. I mean, I don’t like the positive feedback … you don’t learn anything from the positive. If everybody just says you’re great, you don’t learn anything. I want some critique, but honestly there hasn’t been any. DT: Has the recording process changed for you guys as you’ve gotten more into it? JT: Well when we first started we had a cheap studio. We’ve invested a lot of money. We bought a $500 microphone, built our own soundproof booth and moved the studio to Rashad’s house. We’ve got ProTools now. Everything is getting better. We’re getting better everyday. More than anything it’s just fun, it’s fun to do. DT: So where do you guys want to take this? JT: We’ll take a swing at it. We’ll take it as far as it takes us. Like I said, we all have careers to fall back on. This isn’t our only option. We can do anything we want. We’ll go until it stalls out. If it doesn’t go anywhere, we had fun, you know? At least we tried. We’re shooting for the moon. We’re shooting for the stars. DT: To finish up, is there anything in particular you want people to take away from your music? JT: I want to touch every emotion. I want to make them think, dance, laugh. I want it to be music people can relate to. People like to dance, [but] there are social issues we like to touch on. That’s why we named our group Black Cotton. It was originally a 2Pac song, but we wanted people to remember … the country was built on cheap labor, slave labor and cotton money. America is centuries deep in cotton money. We’re not an extremist…pro-black kind of group or anything, we just want people to remember. Money is printed on cotton also, it’s not printed on paper. Cotton is also like caught on, like Black Cotton (CaughtOn). [Blacks] are like one of the most copied races in America as far as dress and music. Hip-hop is one of the highest grossing music [genres] today. It outsold country music about two years ago. It’s all those things… More information on Black Cotton can be found at www. TheBlackCotton.com. Their Feast or Famine Mixtape Vol. 1 is available for purchase, and they are currently working on the follow-up.
