is telling the world

Dina M. Tartaglia

• assistant copy editor

She is finally coming out. We have been waiting all season for Ellen Morgan to come out and tell the world that she is a lesbian. We already know Ellen DeGeneres, the actress who portrays Morgan, is a lesbian.

DeGeneres' April 30 episode of "Ellen" has been the subject of much debate in newspapers, magazines and even on "Oprah." There is a controversy about whether or not a sitcom with such content should be seen on television.

On April 30, the cast will include Laura Dern as Ellen's love interest and Oprah Winfrey as her psychiatrist. This notorious evening is expected to go down in history as the first program to have a homosexual main character.

"She is trying to draw attention to the issue, but homosexuality is being portrayed in a negative light because of the publicity she is circulating around herself," senior Kara Thornton said.

Even though there may be voices of dissension about the sitcom, continuing education student Nick Ritrovato revealed a discrepancy in Morgan's timing.

"The character DeGeneres portrays is in her 40s and usually people find their identity much earlier than that," Ritrovato said.

No matter which opinion you hold, the truth of the matter is that on April 30, a homosexual main character will be able to enter your home. The determining factor is in your own hands~the remote control.

by KellyAnn Monahan staff writer

Faces and places tend to come and go in life. But every once in a while you come across something really different.

Club 925 Music Saloon, a joint merger between Philadelphia's Country Station 925 WXTU and the new Sheraton Valley Forge Hotel in King of Prussia, is the first radio club to exist in the country.

With a grand opening on April 3, country devotees everywhere did not wait too long to take action.

"We had 3,000 people at the door in three nights on the first weekend alone," Janet Donovan, programming assistant for WXTU,said.

But the attraction of the night club goes beyond just the name association with the radio station, which is the fourth largest country station in America.

If you stepped inside for even a glance, the atmosphere would tell it all.

Where else could you find Garth Brooks platinum records on the wall or an autographed picture of Wynonna?

Pulsating lights and driving music creates the illusion of a hightech night spot, while the country memorabilia assists in the laid-back environment resembling that of a Hard Rock Cafe.

Be careful not to become too laid back, though, especially if you are on the dance floor. You may just step on someone.

Needless to say, the dance floor is not very large. Dancing wingdingers do not seem to mind the confined space, though. Some of the less shy country boys even look as if they actually might enjoy the close contact. Especially when one of the high-boot, mini-skirt, bustierwearing cocktail waitresses waltzes by. (I guess this does not hurt.)

But what makes Club 92.5 truly unique from all of the other clubs />' _( cl> are the live Nashville recording artists.

Artists like Nikki Nelson and Kippi Brannon have already visited to meet fans and sign autographs.

MCA recording artist Big House perfonned Iive on April 19.

According to Mark Vizza, Morning Show producer and promotions representative for WXTU, record companies in Nashville are very excited because they now have an outlet that they can use to show off their new talent.

Gina Preston, Morning Show air personality for WXTU, feels the key to maintainingthe success of the club is "continuing the level of enthusiasm and excitement through the involvement of the Nashville record labels."

Preston also regards remembering the customers and fans as a high priority when considering the success of the club.

"These are people who like a party atmosphere and who are drawn together through their love of dancing and of country music," Preston said.

Not to worry if you are an aspiring country dancer, either. Wednesday night is beginner's night.

So if you want to witness live WXTU broadcasts on Saturday nights, meet Nashville recording artists, sweat a little (or a lot) on the dance floor and take part in the country craze that is sweeping the nation, Club 92.5 is your calling.

And no, you do not have to get decked out in cowboy boots and rhinestone outfits to fit in the crowd. The ticket to fitting in at this club is simply being yourself.

"WXTU is the place for people who like the country way of life and for those who don't even know they do yet," Donovan said.

Once you do make it past the towering bouncers at the front door, Club 925, with its high energy and charismatic following - proves to be one night spot that will stick around for a long time.

And, as Vizza notes, "You just never know who you are going to meet."

The club is open Wednesday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Saturday nights from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. with a cover charge of $5 for all nights. The location is l l 60 Frrst Ave. in King of Prussia. For more 'infonnation call (6f0)'-660-WXTU.