INXS: MichaelHutchericeIn Excess

by Marianne McKlm staff writer

A band that had it all and was ready to conquer the world was unfortunately cut short a few years ago. INXS was a band that was around for twenty years and had numerous albums and countless hits. INXS is still around todiiy, but they are definitely not the same without their fearless lead singer, Michael Hutchence, with his sexy, tantalizing voice and sultry ways.

They come from the land down under. Farriss and his brothers Jon Farriss and Tim Farriss were always involved with music and were playing instruments since they were young ,boys. Finally, they decided they should form a band. This band, originally known as The Farriss Brothers, consisted of Andrew Farriss, Jon Farriss, Tim Farriss, Garry Beers, Kirk Pengilly and Michael Hutchence. They started out as being a pub band in Australia. After a name change, they became one of the biggest bands of their time.

Many people agree Michael Kelland Hutchence had the stage presence that made people notice him. He is often compared to legends Jim Morrison and Mick Jagger. Born on January 22; 1960 in Sydney, Hutchence was the lead vocalist in the band.

In 1978 The Farriss Brothers spent ten months writing, rehearsing and playing at local pubs in the western part of Australia. In 1979 they returned to Sydney and started playing at least six or seven nights a week in local bars. They also grabbed the attention of Gary Morris who was the manager of Midnight Oil, a popular group during this time. The Farriss Brothers toured with Midnight Oil for a short time, they then dropped Morris as their manager and were signed by Chris Murphy to a top label. During this time the band decided to change their name from The Farriss Brothers to INXS meaning "In excess." The newly named band made their live debut in September of that year in New South Michael Hutchence and INXS went from small Australian pubs to MTV.

Wales. This first concert started off a long succession of the band and numerous hits.

This band sold over 20 million records, played thousands of shows, had numerous hits, MTV Video Awards, British Awards, and Grammy nominations in 17 years, but all this happened with the same six men that started this band in 1977.

Even though lead singer, Michael Hutchence had his depressive moments, no signs were showing in November of 1997. The band was in Australia celebrating their 20th anniversary and just about ready to head off their "Lose Your Head Tour" on November 25.

On November 22, 1997 Hutcbence was found banging in his hotel room. He was only 37 years old. It is suggested that this was a suicide but many do not believe that be was capable of taking his own life. His girlfriend, and mother of his baby, did not accept the fact that he took his own life and believed there was foul play involved. However, a blood analy- sis revealed that he had cocaine, alcohol and Prozac in his system. Family, friends, band members and fans were in complete shock regarding this news. Hutchence is missed by many and even though INXS still plays shows, they will never be the same. He was a beautiful individual inside and out and could magically transform words into magnificent lyrics. It wasn't just his captivating looks, his stunning curly hair, his gorgeous smile and mesmerizing eyes, it was who be was and what he wanted to conquer in life. Even though he is no longer with us, he is still on the top of my list, right under Eddie Vedder.

In Michael's own words, ''Hate baby hate, when there's nothing left for you. You're only human. What can you do? It'll soon be over. Don't let your pain take over you. Love baby love, it's written all over your face. There's nothing better we can do than live forever ... well that's all we've got to do."

by Cheryl Tranchitella staff writer

Christmas is right around the comer and the shopping begins. If you are looking for a reasonable and memorable gift, Color Me Mine might be just be what you are looking for.

Color Me Mine, located at 109 W. Lancaster Avenue, is a ceramic store where anyone can go in and customize a piece. The pieces range from kids, birthdays, holidays and more. The three most wanted pieces are the mugs, the cupcake jars and picture frames.

There are six simple steps in this process. First, choose a ceramic piece, next sketch your design, select your colored paints, then paint your piece to your desire, the piece is fired overnight in the kiln. Finally you can pick up the finished product. The whole painting process usually takes from an hour to an hour and a half. The smaller pieces are usually ready to be picked up in a week. The larger pieces take from 10 to 12 days to be done and ready to take home to enjoy.

The prices of these pieces are reasonable. They are generally $10 to $15. The ornaments are only $5. The most expensive item in the store is the "turkey plate" priced at $55.

Kellie Dunn, studio manager, said that business has been picking up since the holidays are corning. "We are now open seven days a week with extended hours due to the holidays," Dunn said. After Jan. it will be closed Mondays. Hours are Tuesday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 12 pm. to 9 p.m.

The holiday section bas a huge selection of items including santas, snowmen, angels, stars, trees, teddies, stockings, mittens, wreaths, dreidels, kiddy cups and more.

A new item is coming in, a Menorah with Noah's Arch wrapped around. The most popular Christmas item is the lighted Christmas tree. All pieces are led-free, nontoxic, dishwasher and food safe. Microwave use is not recommended.

The last day to get a piece back is before Christmas is Dec 16. The store is closed at 3pm on Christmas Eve.

"People are always in making something, no matter what age. Anything in here is the best gift no matter bow old or how young you are, it is made from the heart," Dunn said.

If for some reason you do not think you have talent there are books, magazines, stamps, stencils and painted samples in the studio for you to use. You can also look through 20,000 images on the computer in the studio, print them out and paint it on to your piece. There are over 75 colored paints to use on 300 different items not including holiday items.

"A handmade gift is sincerely priceless," Dunn said.

Alexis Strlzzlere which is located next to the lower that started with the letter 's' so assistantfeatures editor athletic fields off of Radnor we •could switch it to the word

Welcome to the jungle, where there is fun and games and a whole lot of paint and paintbrushes. Radnor High School would like to ask all its seniors who believe they are made from the best stuff on earth to report to the field house ~d plan to get messy. It's that time of year again. Time to create a work of art that has become a tradition amongst RHS seniors.

A vision of catchy eye candy to view when driving past the field house, this freestanding building used mostly for storage has become the sketchpad for RHS seniors' artwork. Every year the seniors gather together to design a theme that best represents the graduating class. This year's theme: "Seniors, Made From the Best Stuff On Earth" and "Welcome to the Jungle."

Possibly ·o~eof the oldest traditions among RHS students, Mike McBride, senior class adviser and adviser for the mural, can remember when he was in high school and students would sneak onto RHS grounds late at night to paint on the field house,

Chester Road.

"Although it was illegal and if you were caught by the police you would get into a lot of trouble, students would organize them~ selves and sneak over to the school late at night to paint messages on the field house," McBride said. About 10 years ago after so many years of illegally painting on the building, the tradition was accepted by the administration and they decided to make this tradition legal and for the seniors.

The class officers organize about 25-30 seniors who volunteer their time and energy to paint the field house. They use money collected from fundraisers to purchase paint and supplies. Twice a year the field house receives a fresh coat of paint and a new theme.

"In the beginning of the year we paint the field house with a message that .represents our class and in the spring we repaint the field house with a goodbye message right before we graduate," senior Ashley Mahady said. "We wanted to come up with a slogan

'seniors' and plus we liked the 'Welcome to the Jungle' theme," Mahady said. Madahy said that origin1illyin addition to the Snapple theme the plan was to paint McBride's face on one side of the field house but due to the tragic incident of Sept 11th they decided to paint an American flag instead. Plans fell through, however, due to lack of supplies and hands and they advertised for Lower Merion week to gather spirit among the students instead.

Lower Merion week is the precelebration of a hopeful victory for the bigge&tfootball game of the RHS football season. This year celebrated the 105-year anniversary of the oldest-running public high .school football ·game in the countcy, RHS vs. Lower Merion high schO(!l.

'Toe top of the field house is currently in the process of being redone. We started to paint over the already-done Snapple theme to paint an inspiring message about America after the incident but this plan also fell through too because we discovered it cost too much to completely repaint the

The field house at Radnor High School will forever be a memory to the students who took part in painting it. • top of the field house and plus we didn't have enough student help," Mahady said.

"I think what the school has allowed these students to do is great. The students don't have to worry about getting caught illegally painting the field house and it's a great class activity for them. I believe it also helps to raise the students' spirit for the school because there i_sso little of it in any school these days," McBride said. Without a doubt the mural painted on the field house does raise the- students spirits. Every senior who has taken part in this activity has painted his or her name on the back wall of the field house. The rest of the walls are covered in jungle print with wild animals and on the front of the field house lies the inscription 'We've got fun and games" and "Caution, seniors on property." It is easy to see how much time and dedication it takes to complete a project like this. Being made from the best stuff on earth isn't easy but these seniors have proved it is worth the while.

by ,Jen Smith •staffwriter

The time has come. Fall semester is winding to a close and finals are here. As the days progress and winter break grows near, Thursday night partying begins to give way to all-nighters and library cramming sessions. For students at Cabrini College, effectively studying for finals often includes some of their longtime friends, the Campus Comer delivery guys.

"l'd rather have Campus Corner than any food on this campus," freshman resident Anthony Pepe said. "I always order before studying. It gets me through my work." Another benefit of order- ing from "Campus" as it has become affectionately nicknamed, is that their hours are convenient for late night hunger pangs. "Studying can make you hungry, and campus is always there." Pepe said of his favorite food delivery service.

Another location for convenient one-stop food pick-ups is Wayne's very own Wawa. A popular spot for Cabrini students, the local Wawa oper~tes 24 hours a day serving everything from hoagies to ice cream to chips and ·pretzels.

Krista Stella, sophomore and avid fan of Wawa, said this about her favorite food spot. "I prefer junk food when I'm studying. If I have something small to snack on

I can keep my mind on my work and I study longer, without becoming distracted. I'm personally a fan of the cheese doodles and chocolate Wawa has to offer." Stella isn't alone. Out of 20 students polled, eight would prefer to hit up Wawa than to order out or make something themselves.

" I don't eat while-I'm studying. Making something takes too long," Matt Tooley said of his study food preference. "I like to go out rather than order because it gives me a nice break from my work." Many people agree that food and studying do not go together and that if you're hungry, a break is definitely in order.

Food is not the only release for the frustrated student working

®ffhard toward good final grades. Listening to music is a generally universal release to the stresses of hitting the books. It is well known that classical music can have a •calming effect on the senses. However few students at Cabrini make use of this form of musical therapy.

"I don't really listen to music while I study," Stella said. "I get distracted and find myself singing and then I lose sight of what I'm trying to do. I don't have a lot of classical music so I don't listen to that too much either."

Stella is not alone. Out of the 20 students polled, only two listened to music at all and not one ever thought to pop in a classical CD to aid in their study sessions.

There are a few students who like their study time to be musically accompanied however. Junior Sean Atwell enjoys studying along to his favorite music. "I listen to music while I'm studying. It's nice to have the noise in the background, but when I have to really focus, I usually turn it off."

"Studying for finals is a stress. There is so much to worry about and just making it through them is a miracle. The real miracle though, would be making it through without gaining ten pounds. All that snacking can sure add up," said Stella. "Thank God for the gym."