Buzz Magazine: Feb. 26, 2004

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PHAT THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 3, 2004 buzz

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Pilates Center energizes community (Page 4) ARTS

Author Max Berry talks capitalism (Page 7)

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Predicatable Oscar winners predicted (Page 23, 24)

Author Max Barry talks corporate globalization

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CABLE GUBLA! | FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 3, 2004

buzz

editor’snote

insidebuzz

BY MARISSA MONSON | EDITOR IN CHIEF

The Story

4 Replenishing mind, body and spirit

A

s the Democratic presidential horse race winds down, a dark horse has entered the fray. Well, not really. It’s more like the slow fat horse that always loses, but is always recognized because he stays in the race. Old faithful Ralph Nader has entered the presidential race once again, and once again, he will lose. Republicans will call it insignificant and Democrats will call it the most significant event of the race, especially if Bush wins. Nader has done some great things in the world of consumer advocacy. He also made a surprising show in the 2000 election for the Green Party. However, Democrats believe that Nader lost the race for Al Gore by diverting would-be votes from the Democrats to the Green Party. As Democrats smack their foreheads in disgust as Republicans simultaneously do the triple pump cheer, I remain frustrated at—and inspired by—Ralph Nader. Frustrated as a Democrat who will vote for any Democrat to get Bush out of the White House and recognizes Nader’s threat in a close race.

Outside the Lincoln Building in downtown Champaign, horns honk, engines whirl and cars whoosh by. However, inside suite 102, the home of the Pilates Center...

Arts

6 Talking with author Max Barry Max Barry is a witty guy. His seven-line bio begins with “Max Barry is Australian, for which he apologizes ... “

Music 13 Spinnerty talks remix You may have heard about the beef between rappers NAS and Jay-Z ...

Calendar 14 C-U royalty The Delta Kings The Delta Kings have been fusing blues and rock since the early ...

Film

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY Inspired as a person who would really like to see change. I know that the Democratic candidate and the incumbent are in similar tax brackets and probably hob-knob at the same functions. I also know that no matter who I vote for in 2004, the country will continue to be run by a politician. As much as my liberal blood tells me that Nader may blow it and hand the election over to Bush, I can’t be completely disgusted with Nader. By marginalizing Nader, we are limiting the idea that our country can change and that true democracy actually exists. Our country is run by one of the most well-known oil tycoons and corporate cheerleaders the U.S. presidency has ever seen. Nader, in his own words, is challenging the “corporate-occupied territory” and the “two-party duology;” two things, among others, that probably need to be challenged. I wonder: If Ralph Nader didn’t exist as the friendly radical, would anyone even notice him? Maybe not. But with him here, I can curl up in my cozy bed at night knowing the short fat horse will always be trailing the horse in the lead, watching his every move. That counts for something. -M.M.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You know that library book you checked out in 1999 and still have in your bookcase? It's time to return it to the library, preferably along with a partial payment. Remember the unconscious way you broke up with one of your old flames? It's time to send an apology. How about that dumb thing you did to sabotage your own happiness once upon a time? Isn't it about time you forgave yourself and shed your lingering remorse? Hell has frozen over, Aries. Pigs have grown wings. Make the atonements you thought you'd never make in a thousand years.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Let's do a check-in, Leo. In the first eight weeks of 2004, how well have you taken advantage of the stellar wealth-building opportunities? Have you been doing the inner work necessary to increase your value? Have you unleashed your imagination in a quest to heal and supercharge your relationship with money? Have you started to lay the groundwork for the livelihood you want to be doing by March 1, 2009? It's prime time to intensify your efforts in all these tasks. P.S. I suggest that you also cultivate relationships with collaborators who can help you attract resources you'll need for a long time.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): University students in Poland have discovered an unexpected way to boost their grades: wearing red underwear while taking tests. Ever since researchers presented evidence of the "red underwear effect," clothing stores have reported a run on scarlet-hued bras, underpants, and boxer shorts around exam times. Maybe it's merely the result of mass hysteria, but what difference does it make if it truly enhances the students' performance under pressure? I suggest you consider hopping on this trend, Taurus. What have you got to lose from regularly donning red skivvies during this, the final-exam phase of your yearly cycle?

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Lent is the period between Ash Wednesday and Easter when devout Christians commemorate the 40 days that Christ allegedly spent resisting the devil's temptations in the wilderness. Growing up Episcopalian, I was taught to imitate Jesus every year at this time by giving up something I had a strong attachment to. My usual choice was candy. It so happens, Virgo, that even if you're not Christian, the coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to renounce three experiences that you have become a bit addicted to. Those experiences are berating yourself, denying yourself pleasure, and giving till it hurts. I urge you to give them all up between now and April 10.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): If oil companies were given a green light to drill Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, they'd ultimately produce 42 million gallons of black gold every day. America's dependence on foreign oil would diminish, which might in turn reduce its inclination to use military force to ensure its supply. But there is a simpler way to accomplish the same goal. If the fuel efficiency of SUVs were boosted a mere three miles per gallon, America's daily oil consumption would decrease by 49 million gallons. I suggest you keep this scenario in mind, Gemini, as you head towards a turning point in your personal life. Rather than exploit and pollute one of your natural talents for a seemingly good cause, I suggest you seek an alternate way to accomplish that good cause. It may take a relatively minor adjustment.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): It's time for a check-in, Libra. What progress have you been making in your work on this year's major assignment? As I suggested two months ago, you should expedite the dying of the Old You, preparing the way for the birth of the New You later in 2004. So have you been taking brave steps to liberate yourself from the past? Have you opened yourself to the possibility of making radical departures from business-asusual? Do you whisper the word "resurrection" to yourself as you fall asleep each night? If you've been carrying out this quest in even a half-assed way, the coming week will bring you a poignant gift.

THUNDERBIRD (also known as CANCER) (June 21-July 22): In an effort to improve the image of the pit bull, New York City has officially changed the dog's name to "New Yorkies." I propose that we Crabs try a similar experiment. Isn't it time we try shedding our linguistic connection with the killer disease? How about if for the next three weeks we call our sign "Thunderbird" or "Quantum Flux" or "Vanquisher" instead of "Cancer"? Let's see if it stimulates subtle changes in the way we think about ourselves. It's the perfect time to try it. We're currently in an astrological phase when we have maximum power to transcend limitations.

22 Welcome to Mooseport not welcome ACROSS 1 Tree that yields

PHOTO | CHRISTINE LITAS

Volume 2, Number 1 COVER DESIGN | Lauren Hoopes

Editor in chief Marissa Monson Art Directors Meaghan Dee & Carol Mudra Copy Chief Chris Ryan Music Jacob Dittmer Art Katie Richardson Film Paul Wagner Community Emily Wahlheim Calendar Maggie Dunphy Photography Editor Christine Litas Calendar Coordinators Lauren Smith, Cassie Conner, Erin Scottberg Photography Christine Litas, Roderick Gedey Copy Editors Chris Ryan, Jen Hubert, Suzanne Sitrick, Erin Green Designers Chris Depa, Jordan Herron, Glenn Cochon, Adam Obendorf, Sue Janna Truscott Production Manager Theon Smith Sales Manager Jon Maly Marketing/Distribution Melissa Schleicher, Maria Erickson Publisher Mary Cory

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Your ability to speak moving words and initiate useful changes is at a peak. So is your knack for revealing your inner beauty and attracting the help and attention you want. How will you wield these awesome powers? Like a manipulative megalomaniac bent on ruling your little corner of the world, always angling for personal gain? Or like a fascinating fount of blessings, eager to share your wealth as you hunt down inspiring adventures with relentless ingenuity? SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Northern California, the place I call home, has more spiritual workshops per capita than anywhere else on earth. On a given weekend, you can choose from yoga retreats, meditation classes, astrology intensives, and a hundred other adventures in woo-woo. Grizzled veterans of the scene have a phrase to describe the attitude of workshop leaders

who are overly proud of how enlightened they are -- who ooze a pretentious solemnity that belies the divine grace they're supposedly championing. The term is "stinky Zen." It's a perfect way to convey the fact that humorless self-importance can sabotage even the finest ideals. Be on the alert for this stench, Sagittarius - not only in New Age types, but in everyone else, too. I nominate you to be the earthy whistleblower who makes sure that all the deep truths stay fun and funny. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Some British celebrities turn down the honors their government proposes to bestow on them. For example, actor Albert Finney refused to become a knight, saying it was "a disease which perpetuates snobbery." Similarly,some people reject gifts they can't use or don't want.My friend Glenda's uncle offered to give her an ostrich farm in Louisiana on the condition that she move there and oversee its operation. No thanks, she said. I advise you to be on the alert for meaningless honors and pseudo-blessings like these,Capricorn.Don't let them distract you from the real thing, which will arrive later. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): At no time in the week ahead will you be struck by lightning, squeezed by a giant python, or blindsided by an old nemesis.I do predict that an unexpected force will hit you upside your attitude, but it will be the kind that's good for you. Here are some examples of what form this intervention might take. You could be splashed with a squirt gun by a friend who wants to break down an awkwardness or formality that has undermined your closeness; you could be hit with rolled-up socks thrown by a child who has something important to tell you; or you may be hugged with surprising ferocity by a person who is suddenly sorry to have been taking you for granted. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Some astrologers believe that an unusually high percentage of babies born on February 29 grow up to be bisexual. I would go further and say that people born on that day are more likely to become bisexual, transgendered, double-jointed, ambidextrous double agents who are equally skilled at accessing both their left and right brain. Even you Pisceans who were not born on that exceptional day will be injected with a hefty dose of the February 29 spirit this week. It should be an excellent time to have your cake and eat it, too.

✍ HOMEWORK:

Unleash an outrageous boast about how you're going to pull off a certain feat that you've previously lacked the chutzpah to attempt. Testify at www.freewillastrology.com.

Got an opinion? E-mail us at buzz@readbuzz.com or you can send us a letter at 1001 S. Wright St., Champaign, IL 61820. We reserve the right to edit submissions. Buzz will not publish a letter without the verbal consent of the writer prior to publication date. Free speech is an important part of the democratic process. Exercise your rights. All editorial questions or letters to the editor should be sent to buzz@readbuzz.com or 337-8317 or buzz, 57 E. Green St., Champaign, IL 61820. Buzz magazine is a student-run publication of Illini Media Company and does not necessarily represent, in whole or in part, the views of the University of Illinois administration, faculty or students.

Copyright Illini Media Company 2004

fragrant balsam 9 Club for wayward youths 15 High guy? 16 Miss ___ (teacher in “Peanuts”) 17 Directed 18 Much-mistrusted name in news, once 19 Reels off 20 Steep rocky eminence 21 Name on a compact 22 U.S.N. functionary 23 Some rainwear 27 Secretly amassing 31 Place for candlesticks 34 Relief 35 Arena shout 36 First-nameless private eye in Robert B. Parker mysteries 37 Like some hotels, for short 38 It might receive feedback, briefly

39 1999 sitcom about

a hockey playerturned-social worker 41 Finishes some of 43 Alumni ___: Abbr. 44 Single or double 45 Ringers in a ring 49 Huckleberry eaters 51 Not hiding much 53 Outgrowth 56 Tab, for one 57 Two-time U.S. Open champ 58 Filling choice 59 Practical school subject 60 Venus and others DOWN 1 Messy snack 2 Sea, metaphori-

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event 10 Razor’s handle 11 Title character in a new 1997 ABC sitcom 12 Tag sale site?: Abbr. 13 “Carry the ___ that’s born to be king” (“Skye Boat Song” line) 14 Period piece 20 Surveils 22 Shot the breeze 24 Flooded 25 1943 conference site 26 Actor von ___ of “The Seventh Seal,” 1957 28 Like some codes 29 One who enjoys unlimited travel? 30 Sprouts 31 When repeated, Harold Rome song lyric before “I fear you reared me wrong”

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@ f r e e w i l l a s t r o l o g y. c o m 415.459.7209(v)• 415.457.3769 http://www.freewillastrology. com P.O. Box 798 San Anselmo, CA 94979

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buzz FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 3, 2004 | HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATE!

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PLEASE, PLEASE DO NOT SEE FROM JUSTIN TO KELLY | FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 3, 2004

buzz

This is, like, so gonna be the best teen movie ever! BY JOHN PIATEK | STAFF WRITER

“

G

ive her the right look, the right boyfriend, and bam! In six weeks, she’s being named prom queen.” Sound familiar? This line from She’s All That is just one little nugget from the Hollywood gold mine that is the “teen movie.” A cash cow for film studios for many years, teen movies are a strong force in Hollywood and are showing no signs of letting up. Recently, two new teen movies hit theaters: The Perfect Score and You Got Served, receiving one star each from Buzz. Even with so many new teen movies coming out each year, there are some distinct features that, for better or worse, seem to be in every single teen movie out there. First, throw away any deep plot ideas and go talk to the first high school girl with Starbucks coffee and a Gap bag in her hands and ask her how her day was at school. No high school dilemma is considered off-limits in these movies. How hard a test will be, what outfit to wear to the dance and how intense cheerleading practices can be are to the creators of teen movies what the assassination of Julius Caesar was to William Shakespeare. Basically, plot does not matter. But if plot doesn’t matter, what does? The answer here is simple: looks. Since the target audience is usually fickle, styleconscious teenagers, the actors—who are sometimes in their late 20s—need to walk, talk and definitely look the part. With people like Jennifer Love Hewitt, Reese Witherspoon and Freddie Prinze Jr. in starring roles, beautiful people are featured everywhere in teen movies. Even the “ugly” people—the characters who are supposed to be unattractive and unappealing— are attractive, like Julia Stiles’ antisocial character in 10 Things I Hate About You. The soundtrack is part of the teen movie’s signature. Teen movie audiences like to hear their favorite radio songs within movies, so teen movies have contemporary soundtracks. When soundtracks for films like Can’t Hardly Wait and Varsity Blues included tracks from popular bands such as Blink-182, Green Day and Third Eye Blind, they quickly moved up the charts and became fan favorites. Teen movies tend to reinforce the social structures familiar to most teenagers. Many teen

films have the stereotypical nerds, jocks and bullies. These films are about connecting to a specific age group, and stereotypes are used to create familiarity for their audience. Sexual themes often dominate teen movies. Frequently, characters in teen movies are shown at a fast-moving stage in their mental development where sex is a central theme. Like most high-schoolers, the characters in teen movies are just beginning to deal with their sexuality, often with humorous results. In American Pie, four friends make a pact to lose their virginity before prom is over, and hilarity ensues. In the past few years, movie studios have released some really bad teen movies. There have been quite a few, however, that were genuinely good movies. Here’s a recap of the famous lows and highs.

The Bad Never Been Kissed Drew Barrymore plays an undercover reporter who tries to go back to high school for a story but ends up looking less intelligent than most of the high-schoolers. Bring It On Only Hollywood could try to make people care about feuding cheerleading squads. The limited appeal of this movie ruined it immediately. The sequel went straight to video. Drumline A movie about a drumline in the high school band never got more interesting than its title. Dude, Where’s My Car? The movie Stifler—er, Seann William Scott— and Ashton Kutcher made to kill time between their other more successful activities. It has since become an icon, to the effect of, “This movie was so bad, it reminded me of Dude, Where’s My Car?” From Justin to Kelly This film is an example of a movie that was truly manufactured to be sold to teenagers, with no acting, no plot and absolutely no attempts at being a legitimate movie. She’s All That The movie about turning an unpopular girl into the prom queen made more of an attempt to show off how pretty Rachel Leigh Cook is than to make the audience care about the characters.

The Good Not all teen movies will make the sophisticated movie fan cringe. Over the years, many teen films have proven to be successful both critically and commercially. These films have found success by following essentially the same formula as their bad counterparts, but also by truly focusing on all the nuances of the teen movie genre. Successful teen movies have embraced simple plotlines, beautiful people and stylish everything, and made them serve as background for the things that make a movie good in the first place: solid acting, chemistry between characters and an appeal that reaches beyond just high school kids. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Ferris’s day of playing hooky took him to Wrigley Field and a parade instead of to school for a lecture from teacher Ben Stein. His day of self-discovery and the movie’s message of carpe diem resonated with people of all ages. Clueless Alicia Silverstone became the master of all things high school and also made America fall in love with her method of coping with life: shopping and makeovers. Legally Blonde Reese Witherspoon’s spacy and perky character got all the way to Harvard Law School by using her clever acting and likability. American Pie A surprise hit, its success was fueled largely by word-of-mouth. The onscreen chemistry among the characters was of top-caliber quality, especially between the main character Jim (Jason Biggs) and his father (Eugene Levy), and their talk about what happened to the apple pie … Sixteen Candles Molly Ringwald’s character may have been forgotten on her birthday, but viewers of this movie won’t forget its fun depiction of high school life. There’s no such thing as a genre without its parodies, and teen movies are no different. In 2001, Not Another Teen Movie comprehensively spoofed many recent teen movies. It parodied the basic character types from several teen movies, such as the dumb jock, the cheerleader who complains all the time and the movie’s non-star: the token black guy. His line: “I am the token black guy. I’m just supposed to smile and stay out of the conversation and say things like, ‘That is whack.’” When a new teen movie comes out, it’s not obvious whether it will be worth seeing. Good teen movies are good movies first and teen movies second. Otherwise, a teen movie just ends up being another bad teen movie. Opening this weekend in the teen movie genre are Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen and Eurotrip. Next weekend is Club Dread. Which list will these films make? The only way to tell is to swallow your pride and cough up the cash.

intro

buzz FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 3, 2004 | I’M NOT SO FOND OF OUR PRESIDENT, OF THE LATIN CLUB

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News of the weird Bush “troubled” by gay marriage? FIRST THING’S FIRST ...

Well, he is troubled ... BY MICHAEL COULTER | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

W

e had one gay guy in the small town where I grew up; at least one gay guy we knew about. He never said he was gay necessarily, but it was pretty much a given in the community. He drank at the same bar, shopped at the same grocery, got his hair cut at the same barber, and no one ever gave him too much shit about his sexual preferences. He was pretty much accepted. Thank God he never fell in love and decided to try and get married. I’m sure they would have lynched his ass. Everyone’s all in this big uproar about San Francisco marrying same-sex couples and Massachusetts saying it’s unconstitutional to bar gays from marriage. We’ll watch them on television and in movies, sure. We’ll allow them to be parents, OK. We might even allow them to set fashion trends so long as they don’t try and bring back those God forsaken culottes. For shit’s sake, though, we can’t let them get married. That would make them just like the rest of us. We here in the U.S. of A. consider marriage a special commitment, not to be entered into lightly. Granted, we’re generally very bad at it, but it’s still special, especially the third or fourth time. How could we trust gays with such a luxury? What the hell are we afraid of, that they’ll do it better than the heterosexuals have? That’s setting the bar pretty low. Like a gay uncle, though, everybody has an opinion. Our president chimed in, saying he strongly believes “marriage should be defined as between a man and a woman.” Wow, I can’t believe our president is for gay marriage. Wait, you may say. He just said he was against gay marriage. Yes, but he also said there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and there weren’t. I’m proud to say I have cracked his intricate code. He’s a big dumbass liar and the opposite of what he says is usually the truth. Not only is the president “troubled” by what he’s seeing, so is the First Lady. She says it’s a “very shocking issue for some people.” Well, she married into a family of men who can’t leave the house without bombing something, and she can’t seem to keep her daughters from drinking their way across the country, so I suppose she’s qualified to speak about what is shocking. I’d like to hear what she says about the issue. Well, she feels it should be debated in public so the people can decide. She then declined to comment on her position. Um, no disrespect, Mrs. Bush, but are you

aware of the definition of the word “debate”? Then you have the new governor of California putting in his two Deutschmarcs. “In San Francisco, it is license for marriage of same sex. Maybe the next thing is another city that hands out licenses for assault weapons and someone else hands out licenses for selling drugs, I mean you can’t do that,” Schwarzenegger said. He’s right. It would be a shame if countless citizens were killed by gay marriage or teenagers became hooked on gay marriage. After all, who doesn’t know that marriage doesn’t kill, only gay marriage does? Gay marriage is, of course, merely a gateway union to such long-term commitments as a car loan or, God forbid, a mortgage. People, this will not stand. I’m sure he’ll have his own cute little catch phrase for the debate before the end of the week. I have my own little catch phrase. Guns and drugs are a public safety issue, not a social one, you freaking moron. St. Louis Archbishop Raymond Burke helpfully pointed out that “Homosexuality is in itself a disorder ... and they need to learn how to live a chaste life.” Whether he said this while he watched another priest molest a child is a question of fact, but let’s face it, the type of “chaste life” the clergy lives isn’t necessarily setting the standard for acceptable behavior in our society. It’s like an alcoholic preaching to a junkie about throwing away his life. With all the talk and all the gay marriage, let’s be honest, it’s a show of love more than a binding legal union. Insurance companies aren’t going to give benefits to gay spouses until they absolutely have to. Inheritance, taxes and retirement funds aren’t going to change. In order for all this to happen, it might be a better idea if the older partner adopted the younger one. There’s no law against that. I really just don’t understand the hoopla. Letting gays marry in no way cheapens your traditional marriage. Also, it doesn’t necessarily make you gay. Just because a gay marriage couple lives next door to you, it doesn’t mean you have to ask them to dinner or even nod to them when you pass on the street. It’ll be just like always, except they’ll be married. I’m single, but from what I’ve heard, marriage is no picnic. I know a few separated couples who can speak to such a thing. Still, I bet most of them will marry again. Some will marry again and again. It’s their right. They pay taxes.

They have dreams and hopes. Who’s to say they won’t eventually find happiness? They probably deserve it. Everyone does, no matter what their gender. Michael Coulter is a videographer at Parkland College. He writes a weekly e-mail column, “This Sporting Life” and has hosted several local comedy shows.

NEWS THAT SOUNDS LIKE A JOKE

GREAT ART!

Among the modest amount of information revealed at the CIA’s new Science and Technology museum, according to a December Associated Press story, is that early versions of a tiny spy camera mounted to the back of a pigeon nonetheless failed because it was too heavy, forcing the pigeon in one test “to walk home.”

“The Empty Museum” installation by Ilya and Emilia Kabakov consists only of four walls, representing the walls of a 19th century art gallery with nothing on them. According to a New York Times reviewer, “The blank walls and the spotlights suggest the cruel Minimalist reduction and dematerialization of art, and most specifically, perhaps, the death of painting.” It is enjoying an apparently successful run through April in New York City.

A NATION OF WIMPS Donald Johnson sued a West Palm Beach, Fla., Shoney’s restaurant for $55,000 because he thought its clam chowder was potato soup, and the chowder left him with nightmares; in January, he won $407 in damages. And in January, Tanisha Torres of Wyandanch, N.J., filed a lawsuit against Radio Shack because she was offended that a clerk had listed her hometown in the store’s records by a local joke name, “Crimedanch,” which she said makes her feel like a criminal. And William Tremmel filed a lawsuit in September against a company repairing the boardwalk at Virginia Beach, Va., after he used its portable toilet without permission; some of the workers, fed up with strangers using their facility, blocked Tremmel inside for 25 minutes before letting him out, for which “mental suffering” he now wants $100,000.

GOVERNMENT IN ACTION Budget Necessities: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported in January that the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego was hard at work producing a musical theater production based on the life of serial killer Andrew Cunanan, the 1997 murderer of his former lover Gianni Versace, for which the playhouse had received a $35,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. And in October, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District revealed, in a request for more funding, that it was paying a man about $460 a day to scoop used condoms from the chlorine tanks at its Jones Island plant.

Copyright 2004 Chuck Koplinski, distributed by United Syndicated Press

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community

FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 3, 2004 buzz

Stretching beyond exercise

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FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 3, 2004 | SO MANY FILMS ON THIS PAGE

illio Shout out to:

The Pilates Center strengthens mind, body and spirit

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utside the Lincoln Building in downtown Champaign, horns honk and cars whoosh by. Inside suite 102, however, home of the Pilates Center, there are few distractions, only the calm repetition of instructions to participants in a Pilates mat class. Janice Dulak, owner of the Pilates Center, carefully sidesteps the women lying on bright blue mats as she confidently repeats instructions. “One, two, three, four. Squeeze the thighs. And stretch. Again.” Pilates is an exercise regiment that can be an alternative to the more traditional cardiovascular workouts. Pilates, unlike most cardiovascular exercises, stresses fewer, more precise movements, which according to Dulak, is a more efficient way of exercising. “Pilates integrates strength, stretch and control in specialized exercises that initiate from the center or the ‘powerhouse’ of the body,” said Dulak as she instinctively inhales,

tightens her abs and runs her hands over her midsection. “Basically, Pilates is flexibility with control.” The center specializes in the teachings of Joseph Pilates, the founder of Pilates. Pilates discovered the exercises while serving as a nurse in World War I. He used the springs of hospital beds to help his patients while they were immobile, Dulak said. He then brought the exercises to the United States in 1926. The Pilates Center is the first studio in Central Illinois to specialize in his teachings. Dulak has spent over 700 hours studying and training with Romana Kryzanowka, Pilates’s protégé, and is now one of six Level Two instructors in the nation. “The training for the teaching of Joseph Pilates is very intense,” said Dulak. “You could go on the Internet and find places that would train you to teach Pilates in one day. But, that is the difference between Joseph Pilates and the Pilates you see on the videos — the training method.” At a mat class Wednesday night, Dulak moves a group through the warm-up. While Joseph Pilates did not believe in mat classes, the classes have become so popular that Dulak now offers them. She would prefer to offer the classes and have her students learn under her supervision in a safe environment than have them go elsewhere. She pauses to adjust students’ legs, stretch arms, and tighten abdominals. Her eyes, focused and sharp underneath her thick rimmed glasses, never leave her students as she spots

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Deadline is March 15

Janice Dulak's intermediate Pilates mat class. The Pilates Center also offers beginner and advanced level mat classes, as well as private lessons.

the tiniest imperfections in positions from across the room. “Stretch. That’s it, Gretchen,” she said. “Remember, it’s about doing it correctly, not just doing it.” The class moves quickly through exercises. Dulak recites the names of exercises like a mantra and her students quickly contort their bodies into “turtles,” “elephants” or “rocking chairs.” They bring noses to knees, squeeze tushies and swing legs. Their lips are pursed, their eyes raised to the ceiling, full of concentration. Faces grimace and groans slip out as Dulak prods them to raise their legs higher or reach their arms further. While their movements are slow and controlled, their cheeks are pink with exertion and beads of perspiration cling to their hairlines. “Pilates does not feel like a typical workout,” said Susan Feuille, who has been coming to the center for a year. “It may not look like we are straining, but look at our

faces. It’s a workout.” The class collectively inhales and exhales on Dulak’s command. There is a whoosh of exhaled air as the group goes into its last stretch, its “dessert,” as Dulak said. They tuck their legs underneath their chests and stretch their arms, fingers crawling to the end of the mat. They slowly peel themselves off the mats, twisting from side to side, moving back into an upright position. The silence from the cool-down is replaced with the murmur of contented voices. Some of Dulak’s students, like Feuille, say that after Pilates class they feel rejuvenated—a major difference from traditional cardio workouts, Dulak said. “Pilates is very addictive,” Feuille said. “It is the only exercise class that I have ever gone to that I feel energized after. I feel good, not tired like I usually do after a regular workout.” Other differences from the gym are more obvious. There are no clanking weights or pounding feet on treadmills. In fact, all feet inside the center are bare.

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OSCAR PICKS: Best Actor and Actress BY MATT PAIS | LEAD REVIEWER Jude Law has been telling voters not to throw their vote away on him, asking them to shift their vote to Sean Penn for his role as a grieving father in Mystic River. Nice gesture, Jude, but it won’t be enough. Lost in Translation has Oscar buzzing as much as any small-scale film since Shine, and Bill Murray’s career-crowning performance won’t go unnoticed. He gave weight even to Translation’s most obvious scenes, shifting between offbeat humor and subtle sadness with the grace and dignity of a veteran schlump. His closest competition is Penn, a wellrespected but rarely rewarded actor whose nomination puts him as close as he’s ever been to Oscar gold, but he’s still just out of reach. Johnny Depp could steal a few Murray votes from those who want to reward comedy by recognizing his performance as swaggering, staggering pirate Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Prediction: Murray Less than a year after her Best Actress victory for The Hours, Nicole Kidman’s Oscar is generally regarded as a literal example of winning by a nose. But while Kidman’s prosthetic-enhanced performance was hardly a revolutionary alteration, Charlize Theron’s beauty-banishing transformation into Monster serial killer Aileen Wuornos was downright gutsy. She should be able to edge out Diane Keaton, who is riding a wave of older-womencan-be-sexy momentum all the way to a legitimate shot at winning her first statue since 1977’s Annie Hall. Naomi Watts gave a brave, unglamorous performance in 21 Grams and revealed previously unseen range, but the Academy will perceive her as someone with more opportunities to be rewarded in the future. In America’s Samantha Morton and Whale Rider’s Keisha CastleHughes were both surprising, but deserved, nominations. Expect to see them glowing just to be mentioned in this company. Prediction: Theron The Oscars will air on ABC Sunday, Feb. 29 at 7 p.m.

RETURN OF THE KING ★★★★ ELIJAH WOOD AND IAN MCKELLAN Even if The Return of the King doesn’t win the grand prize on Oscar night, anything short of best director victory for Peter Jackson would be an unforgivable injustice. He has raised the bar for fantasy and redefined themes of friendship, honor and courage on a grippingly grand and poignantly intimate scale. Besides its structural limitations, The Return of the King is more than a rousing ending to a celebrated legend; it’s a battle cry for epic filmmaking. (Matt Pais) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

Drive-thru Reviews

LOST IN TRANSLATION | BILL MURRAY

WILL BILL MURRAY SEAL HIS CINDERELLA STORY WITH AN OSCAR? | FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 3, 2004

FOCUS FEATURES

24

2/25/04

50 FIRST DATES ★ ADAM SANDLER AND DREW BARRYMORE It is quite amusing to see the same few actors show up in most of Sandler’s comedies. It works well in many of the films. But this isn’t one of them. And as far as hilarious Adam Sandler films are concerned, 50 First Dates isn’t one of them either. (Jennifer Keast) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy CITY OF GOD ★★★★ ALEXANDRE RODRIGUES AND LEANDRO FIRMINO In tackling a complex socio-political structure of poverty, corruption and terror, the film creates an atmosphere of spiraling futility around its characters who have to go deeper into the city’s criminal epidemic if they want any chance of getting out. Throughout City of God, you’ll wonder how this city could be real, pray that it isn’t, and thank God it’s not yours. (Matt Pais) Now showing at Beverly LOST IN TRANSLATION ★★★★ BILL MURRAY AND SCARLETT JOHANSSON Sofia Coppola’s latest work embodies the importance of a familiar face in a country full of strangers. Throughout the subtle, stupendous Lost in Translation, Bob and Charlotte discover in each other not just a friendly face but an ally in the universal game of lost and found. (Matt Pais) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy MASTER AND COMMANDER

★★★★

RUSSELL CROWE AND PAUL BETTANY Peter Weir buffs will get a kick out of watching this film and remembering The Truman Show. While Truman’s aquatic-oriented scenes introduced the director’s ability to craft stimulating scenes of sea-swept peril, Master and Commander achieves a far higher degree of oceanic fanfare. It’s a glorious tale of adventure on the high seas sure to put wind in any landlubber’s sails. (Matt Pais) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy MIRACLE ★★★ KURT RUSSELL AND PATRICIA CLARKSON America’s victory may not have actually been a miracle in the spiritual sense of the word, but what Miracle gets right is the feeling of national desperation that was extinguished by the unpredictable triumph of 20 college-aged hockey players. It was something the country needed then and something Disney obviously thinks we need now. It’s an inspirational blast from the past, and that’s something to quack about. (Matt Pais) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

THE TRIPLETS OF BELLEVILLE ★★★★ MICHELE CAUCHETEUX AND MICHEL ROBIN The concept of losing a child and then employing a comic relief animal to find him and remove him from captivity might sound like a particular fish film, but this is definitely an animated film for adults. Triplets of Belleville is a crowning achievement for animation that Hollywood should take notice of before Americans go overseas for the next Walt Disney-esque production.(Jason Cantone) Now showing at Boardman’s Art Theatre

OPENING THIS WEEKEND THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST JAMES CAVIEZEL AND MONICA BELLUCCI Based on Gospel narratives from the New Testament, Mel Gibson put together a graphic representation of Jesus Christ’s last 12 hours. Containing dialogue only in Latin and Aramaic, this film hits theaters on Ash Wednesday and should spark plenty of controversy. (Paul Wagner) Opening this weekend TWISTED ASHLEY JUDD AND SAMUEL L. JACKSON It’s dangerous to be Ashley Judd’s boyfriend because they all die, apparently at her hands. Her family’s history of murder —her father was a serial killer—makes her an obvious choice for a suspect. But is she really offing her former lovers? See the film to find out. (Paul Wagner) Opening this weekend DIRTY DANCING: HAVANA NIGHTS DIEGO LUNA AND ROMOLA GARAI Cuba, revolutions, romance and, you guessed it, dancing abound in this flick. An American girl moves to Cuba with her family where she is noticed by a local boy because of her dancing skills, NOT her good looks. When her family is told to leave, will she choose more dirty dancing—and love, obviously—in Havana or home back in the good old US of A? (Paul Wagner) Opening this weekend CLUB DREAD JAY CHANDRASEKHAR AND BILL PAXTON Club Dread is the place to be for single swingers looking to party and hook up. It’s paradise, really, except that a serial killer is loose and killing people all over the place. The club’s staff does nothing to stop the carnage; they only hide it the best they can. Brought to you by the creators of Super Troopers, this film is sure to kill the audience with laughs. (Paul Wagner) Opening this weekend

BOARDMAN’S ART THEATRE 1-800-BEST PLACE (800-237-8752) or 1-217-355-0068 eTickets/Reservations and info. at www.BoardmansTheatres.com Exclusive HPS-4000 & SDDS/DTS/DD Presentations

126 W. Church St., Champaign

Russian Ark NR

Directed by Alexander Sokurov. 96 minutes, a cast of thousands, and one single continuous shot! Live introduction to the film! SHOWTIMES: Friday at 7:30PM (LIVE INTRO) Matinees Sat/Sun at 3:30PM

The Fog of War PG-13

The Triplets of Belleville PG-13

Oscar nominee for Best Documentary Feature.

SHOWTIMES: Sat-Thu daily at 5:15PM & 7:30PM

Oscar nominee for Best Animated Feature and Best Song!. SHOWTIMES: Nightly at 10:00PM Sat/Sun at 1:30PM

buzz

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“Pilates is very addictive. It is the only exercise class that I have ever gone to that I feel energized after.�

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TWISTED (R) Fri. & Sat. 12:40 3:00 5:20 7:40 10:00 12:20 Sun. - Thu. 12:40 3:00 5:20 7:40 10:00

WELCOME TO MOOSEPORT (PG–13) Fri. 12:30 2:50 5:20 7:40 10:00 12:20 Sat. 12:30 2:50 5:20 10:00 12:20 Sun. - Thu. 12:30 2:50 5:20 7:40 10:00

CLUB DREAD (R) Fri. & Sat. 12:30 2:50 5:10 7:40 10:00 12:15 EUROTRIP (R) Fri. & Sat. 12:50 Sun. - Thu. 12:30 2:50 5:10 7:40 3:10 5:20 7:40 9:50 12:10 Sun. - Thu. 12:50 3:10 5:20 7:40 10:00 9:50 DIRTY DANCING (PG–13) Fri. & Sat. 1:10 3:20 5:30 7:40 9:50 ★ RETURN OF THE KING (PG–13) Fri. - Thu. 12:20 4:20 8:20 12:00 Sun. - Thu. 1:10 3:20 5:30 7:40 MIRACLE (PG) Fri. - Thu. 1:10 9:50 4:20 7:10 10:00 ◆ PASSION OF CHRIST (R) (2 ★ MONSTER (R) Fri. & Sat. SCREENS) Fri. - Sun. 11:15 1:15 2:00 4:15 5:00 7:00 8:00 9:45 12:20 2:40 5:00 7:30 10:00 12:15 Mon. - Thu. 1:15 2:00 4:15 5:00 Sun. - Thu. 12:20 2:40 5:00 7:30 10:00 7:00 8:00 9:45 AGAINST THE ROPES (PG–13) Fri. & Sat. 1:00 4:00 6:50 9:30 12:00 Sun. - Thu. 1:00 4:00 6:50 9:30 50 FIRST DATES (PG–13) (2 & Sat. 12:20 12:40 2:40 3:00 4:50 5:10 7:00 7:20 9:10 9:30 11:20 11:40 Sun. - Thu. 12:20 12:40 2:40 3:00 4:50 5:10 7:00 7:20 9:10 9:30

SCREENS) Fri.

community

buzz FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 3, 2004

Owner and instructor Janice Dulak adjusts Melissa Docampo's shoulder position during a Pilates mat exercise.

Assorted shoes, from Converse All-Stars to knee-high boots, clutter the entranceway. Beyond that, nothing in the center is cluttered. The carpeted floor is missing traditional “workout� equipment. There are no weight machines or stair steppers. Rather, simple wooden machines that look more like bed frames and chairs are sporadically placed around the center like furniture. These devices are the equipment used in Pilates exercises. According to Dulak, the main apparatus used in Pilates is the Reformer. Though appearing to be a simple, flat wooden bed, the Reformer allows users to perform more than 50 different exercises on it. Pilates has over 500 exercises that can be used both on the mat and on the machines. Each apparatus at the center is multifunctional and can be used to exercise many different muscles, from the abdominals to the glutes.

– Susan Feuille

[

more information.

Tai Chi Specialty Classes Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese exercise/martial art discipline that has been in existence for many centuries. The art is based on slow and gentle movements, which are designed to exercise every joint and muscle in the body, with an emphasis on internal energy development, or “Chi�, for health maintenance. Develop internal energy and increase body awareness, focus, flexibility, circulation, balance, strength and coordination. Advanced registration is required. The cost for the course is $70 for 12 classes. UI Campus Recreation will hold these classes Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. in 120 IMPE. Session II will be March 30May 6. To register, call 333-3806 or visit www.campusrec.uiuc.edu/schedules/specialty.

★ MYSTIC RIVER (R) Fri. Thu. 12:50 4:00 7:00 9:50

BUTTERFLY EFFECT (R) Fri. & Sat. 5:00 9:40 12:00 Sun. - Thu. 5:00 9:40

Sunday Zen Meditation Meeting

YOU GOT SERVED (PG–13) Fri. & Sat. 12:50 3:10 5:10 7:20 9:20 11:20 Sun. - Thu. 12:50 3:10 5:10 7:20 9:20

BARBERSHOP 2 (PG–13) Fri. Thu. 12:20 2:40 7:20 ★ CITY OF GOD (R) Fri. & Sat. 1:00 4:00 7:00 9:40 12:10 TEEN DRAMA QUEEN (PG) Sun. - Thu. 1:00 4:00 7:00 9:40 Fri. & Sat. 12:30 2:50 5:10 7:20 9:20 11:20 Sneak Preview: GIRL NEXT Sun. - Thu. 12:30 2:50 5:10 7:20 DOOR (R) Sat. 7:40 9:20 Showtimes for 2/27 thru 3/4

5

“The machines look very unassuming, but you must have an amazing amount of strength and control,� Dulak said. “Every piece of equipment lends itself to a different scenario for a different client.� The diversity of Pilates is an important aspect of the exercises. According to Dulak, Pilates is suitable for people of all ages. Workouts can range from a gentle physical therapy session to intense training suitable for a member of the Cirque du Soleil. Dulak herself used Pilates to regain her strength after a knee injury threatened her dance career. Many of Dulak’s clients are now using Pilates to recover from therapy themselves. Leigh O’Malley underwent complete ankle reconstruction surgery and has been using Pilates as a form of physical therapy. “After my surgery, I felt I needed complete body realignment,� said O’Malley. “I have recovered faster, it’s amazing how much stronger I am. It’s a terrific workout.� The Pilates instruction at the Pilates Center makes it safe for everyone, including those like O’Malley who are recovering from an injury, said Dulak. In addition to Dulak’s training with Leslie Campbell Driesnger reaches for her feet during a stretch. Kryzanowka, Dulak’s instructors are also highly qualified. To qualify for the Joseph Pilates training program, individuals must be at an intermediate level, which takes at least 100 improve posture and flexibility, and promote mental and hours of lessons, Dulak said. The training program has several physical harmony, she said. Dulak stressed that Pilates can be levels, and participants usually get around 600 to 700 hours of much more than just exercise. She said that it is a discipline, a training. Participants must also pass an eight-hour written and method to develop strength, ease of movement, and efficiency. “Once you do Pilates, you realize what you are missing at oral exam. The last part of the program is taught only by Kryzanowka or her daughter Shari. Dulak only semi-jokingly the gym,� said Dulak. “It’s not just an exercise, it changes your life.� buzz refers to the program as boot camp. The high caliber of the instructors at the Pilates MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT Center allows their clients to experience the numerous benBKS Iyengar Yoga Institute of Champaign-Urbana efits of Pilates in a safe envi407 W. Springfield. Lois Steinberg, director. Yoga based on the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar. This form of ronment, said Dulak. Though yoga therapy is designed to balance and strengthen the body. The institute specializes in asana, Pilates can strengthen the pranayama, therapeutic and teacher education classes. Offering intro to Asana, continuing Asana, muscles, Dulak sees other Asana for women, men, seniors and plus sizes, as well as Asana for healing classes. Call 344-Yoga for benefits as well. Pilates can

PHOTOS | CHRISTINE LITAS

022604buzz0524

Becca Foli (right) practices leg exercises.

Prairie Zen Center, 515 S. Prospect, Champaign, NW corner of Prospect & Green. Enter through door from parking area. Introduction to Zen sitting, 10am. Full schedule: Service at 9 a.m. followed by sitting; Dharma Talk at 11 followed by tea until about noon. Can arrive at any of the above times, open to all, no experience needed, no cost. For information, call 355-8835 or www.prairiezen.org. Prairie Sangha for Mindfullness Meditation Monday evenings from 7:30-9 p.m. and monthly retreats on Sunday. Theravadan (Vipassana) and Tibetan (Vjrayana & Dzogchen) meditation practice. Meets in Urbana. For more information, call or email Tom at 356-7413 or shayir@soltec.net. www.prairiesangha.org.

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community

FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 3, 2004 buzz

What is your job position?

Q & A

LauraHuth

I am the executive director of the Champaign Habitat for Humanity and I coordinate many of the fund-raising efforts. I am in charge of administrative duties, and I also create program activities. Do you have any new projects coming up?

PHOTO | COURTESY OF LAURA HUTH

Within the upcoming year, we will build a handful of homes in Champaign, hoping to reach our goal of six new houses. Peter Fox, of the Fox Development Corporation, and his wife Kim have created a $20,000 matching challenge, meaning if we are able to raise that amount, then they with match it dollar for dollar, which will be used to construct the first home. The student chapter that is affiliated with our group builds a house every year and will probably begin later this fall, with construction completed in 2005. Also, this summer we have three people doing two different bike rides to raise enough money to build another house. Habitat for Humanity is a not-for-profit organization that strives to eliminate poverty housing by building new homes for families in need. Laura Huth, executive director of the local Habitat, came to Habitat in January and has been working with non-profit organizations for over a decade. Currently, Huth is excited about some of Habitat’s upcoming projects including an open house and reception Thursday, Feb. 26, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Habitat office, 40 E. University Ave., Champaign.

How does someone become a part of this organization? People can sign up to be volunteers on a work site and do not have to have any carpenter skills. Volunteers can also work in our resale shop of housewear in downtown Champaign. We also have a committee that helps with the work of building, fund-raising and community outreach, which all has to happen before anything else can.

CDA AWARDS The Champaign Downtown Association held its annual Downtown Awards Ceremony Monday, Feb. 23 at Jackson’s Ribs and Tips, 116 N. First St., Champaign.

Founders Award

All of those honored by the CDA have invested capital, time and heart into the growth of downtown Champaign. These awards recognize the vision and commitment of those people, said Lisa Meid, president of the Champaign Downtown Association.

Bob Osiek, Pedro Heller, and Joe Donahue (The Esquire Lounge) Mike Royse (One Main Development) Dr. Hanoka

Given in appreciation of outstanding action to advance downtown Champaign.

Achievement Award Given in honor of significant capital investment that enhances downtown Champaign. Friendship Award Given in gratitude for an outstanding contribution to the betterment of the downtown Champaign community. Chamber of Commerce Chris Bucher (UPS Driver) Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Insight Communications Boneyard Art Festival Sergeant Scott Friedlein, Alcohol Enforcement Unit Sergeant

Boardman’s ART Theatre Barfly The Lodge Verde

Seely Johnson Downtown Commitment Award Given in recognition of caring, work and service for the advancement of downtown Champaign over an extended period of time. The Robeson Family

How did you become involved in Habitat for Humanity? I have worked at another not-for-profit environmental organization for nearly a decade, so because of my previous skills and interests, this job seemed like a natural fit for me. I also have been a member of the council in Urbana for seven years and became aware of the local housing issue, which is actually a big concern in this community. Why do you think this is an important program? It’s important because there are many people living in sub-standard housing in our community. I had always thought I understood this issue from the city council’s meetings, but once I started here and received three to four calls a day from families and saw the waiting list with over 100 other families, this issue really became eye-opening. Champaign County put out a survey on homelessness and found that over 100 children are homeless every night, without a place to study or have friends meet them. It’s very important that the children in our community have a decent household and a stable environment and can grow up just being kids.

moviereview

How can the Champaign-Urbana community contribute to Habitat for Humanity on a regular basis? People can call the office at (217) 355-6460, or visit our Web site, www.prairienet.org/habitat, to better learn about the different opportunities. The waiting list continues to grow on (a) daily basis and even though we have sites that have been donated, we always need people wanting to volunteer. Donations also allow us to greatly expand our projects and now they can be matched dollar to dollar, which will propel us into next project. How do you decide where the projects take place? We build projects wherever we’re able to get lots of space, and so far, the city has been providing these lots for us. Also, we are open to trying to keep the family in the place where they already have their children in school, have friends and support networks. In the next 20 years, what’s one thing you hope to see change in the world? I would like to see a much greater awareness in the lack of affordable housing. People need to learn about this issue and then become active to help make a change.

film

FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 3, 2004 | WATCH THE OSCARS!

project and six houses a year is quite a feat. Watching people give their time and donations is truly amazing.

What is your favorite part of your job? My favorite part is the interaction with everyone who is so deeply dedicated to this cause. There are many players involved in this

buzz

LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

OSCAR PICKS: Best Movie and Director BY MATT PAIS | LEAD REVIEWER To the chagrin of suspense lovers, Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, the flawed but satisfying ending to the greatest fantasy trilogy of all-time—Take that, Star Wars!—is practically a lock for this year’s Best Picture award. Even before the first two installments were nominated for the Academy’s top prize and then defeated by inferior films, the industry perceived Rings as one long movie rather than three separate sagas. It was filmed all at once, and now that the curtain has fallen on Middle Earth, the approximately 10-hour epic can finally get what it deserves. It wasn’t the year’s best film, but the series has won a place in history, and it will win Best Picture. Best chance of an upset: If Rings is this year’s Titanic, then Mystic River, an ensemble drama with the kind of weight Oscars are made of, is this year’s L.A. Confidential, and Lost in Translation is this year’s Good Will Hunting. But remember what won in 1997? Prediction: Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Just call him the little hobbit that could. Somehow, director Peter Jackson took three novels that were generally considered unadaptable and transformed them into movie magic. Jackson gave Lord of the Rings a vividness and depth that easily could have vanished beneath the trilogy’s countless characters and faux-Shakespearean dialogue. For the past two years, he’s had to sit back and watch other directors accept his award (Roman Polanski for The Pianist and Ron Howard for A Beautiful Mind), but not this year. This year, Jackson will be king. Don’t count out Sofia Coppola, this year’s indie darling for the sublimely nuanced Lost in Translation, or Clint Eastwood for his gracefully told Mystic River. Peter Weir made Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World boom and Fernando Meirelles turned City of God into an insightful frenzy, but their chances would be better in a different year. Prediction: Jackson The Oscars will air on ABC Sunday, Feb. 29 at 7 p.m.

CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGE DRAMA QUEEN ★★ BY ART MITCHELL | STAFF WRITER

C

onfessions of a Teenage Drama Queen can be seen as the ideal American teenage girl’s life. As keenly observed by one of the main characters in the film, “Sometimes I’m surprised how often I get my way.” Lindsay Lohan stars in this film that chronicles the transitory phase that many high school students endure: moving to a new town and becoming the new kid at school. Lohan plays Mary, who prefers to be known as Lola—an obvious nickname, really. She moves from the bright lights and city sights of New York City to Dullwood, N.J. Lola’s aspirations and dreams of becoming a star are so much a part of her personality that they sometimes distort her perceptions of reality. Although she is the new kid in school, she quickly befriends Ella (Alison Pill), as they both realize that they are super fans of the biggest rock band around, Siddarthur. Ella and Lola

moviereview

AGAINST THE ROPES

★★

BY JANELLE GREENWOOD | STAFF WRITER

A

fter last year’s flop, In the Cut, Meg Ryan has bounced back from failure like a Hollywood prizefighter in Against the Ropes. Ryan’s career was made famous through her embodiment of America’s sweetheart in too many romantic comedies, but her acting range shows her potential to break typecast and branch out into equally popular and meatier roles. Against the Ropes looks like it will break the mold for Meg Ryan like Erin Brockovich did for Julia Roberts. Similarly, both Ryan’s and Roberts’s roles follow the lives of two extraordinary women who managed to break into a man’s world and shake things up. The inspiration for Against the Ropes comes right from the life of legendary boxing manager Jackie Kallen (Ryan), who single-handedly managed to break into the male-dominated world of boxing and make a career for herself. Growing up in the Midwest in the midst of her uncle Ray Ray Kallen’s successful boxing career, Jackie’s love for boxing grew from a

quickly become best friends and are an interesting pair, considering Ella is quiet and subdued while Lola is outgoing and wild. Ella introduces Lola to the inner workings of your typical high school. Unfortunately, all she shows us is the “hot guy,” Sam (Eli Marienthal), and the “popular girl that everyone fears,” Carla (Megan Fox). Lola soon learns that to achieve her dream of becoming a famous actress, she must outdo Carla in every way possible: getting the lead in the school play, going to the hottest concert and party of the year, and other fickle rites of passage teenagers hold so dear. The screenplay was adapted from Dyan Sheldon’s book Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, which was obviously good enough to put on the silver screen. But as is the trend in Hollywood these days, the book was far superior to the film. The acting in the film seems to be forced and contrived, as if everyone on the set was working for the paycheck and thought the movie was going to be an after-school special. The story only works if you believe that the social systems that exist in a “real life” high school setting are a microcosm of the real world; the most important thing in the world is to be popular and to be thought of as cool. Of course, the majority of individuals who will go to see this film most likely hold this mantra to be true, and it will most likely fit into their system of beliefs. Is that a good thing? Like, totally! There are some definite positives in the film. The actresses do not generally appear in situations or scenes that are designed or written purely for laughs, such as the scene when Lola, Ella and Carla are all racing through the school

homegrown desire to stay in the family business. Unfortunately, her own career in the boxing world falls just short of hitting the glass ceiling. Kallen struggles as a boxing manager’s secretary, hoping for a better life, but ultimately gives into the stereotype that women do not belong in this sport. After a team loss for her manager, Kallen’s frustrations heat up in an argument over boxing knowledge with the unsympathetic owner of the boxer, Sam LaSalle, played by a grittier Tony Shalhoub from Monk. Eventually, LaSalle offers the boxer to Kallen for $1 to prove that she talks more bull than she’s worth. Kallen chases her dream to manage on her own only to realize that her newly purchased boxer is a poor investment due to his unknown drug habit. The moment leaves her with nothing, but soon she propositions street hustler Luther Shaw (Omar Epps) after watching him in a fight and seeing his raw talent. Luther’s raw sensibilities show him to be a loose cannon, but Kallen sees potential and asks a family friend, Felix Reynolds (Charles S. Dutton), to help coach Luther and transform him into a star. This role suits Ryan’s playful aggression and manages to stay within Kallen’s character without feeling silly. The only real problem Ryan encounters is a forced accent, not familiar to anyone living in the Midwest, which possibly comes from Kallen’s real-life background as a Jewish mother living in Michigan. Unfortunately, neither Kallen’s real Jewish

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CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGE DRAMA QUEEN | LOHAN to see the cast list for the upcoming school play. Glenne Headly, who plays Lola’s mother, performs her role well, as she is able to capture the elements of a mom who cares for the well-being of her children without seeming overbearing. The elements of teenage society today are expressed very well in this film, with its focus on fashion and popularity as a consistent theme throughout. Unfortunately, those are some of the only consistently shown factors in the film, as any semiconscious viewers will definitely have questions about certain characters. Some would say that this film would work perfectly for high school girls who love fashion and popularity. But this movie would seem to work much better for girls who are not yet in high school, and do not yet know the brutal reality of humiliation, depression and oppression in a high school setting. This movie comes off as incredibly unrealistic in almost every aspect, but the few redeeming qualities might make it worth some 13-year-olds’ $6.50.

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AGAINST THE ROPES | CHARLES S. DUTTON & MEG RYAN background nor her role as a mother is evident in the film, and that’s more the fault of bad writing than Ryan’s acting ability. The story uses Luther and Felix to beef up the plot and give it street and boxing credibility, but often times it sidesteps their characters to showcase the glory of just existing in the boxing world. In all fairness, though, the cinematography does capture a certain element that draws on the boxers’ and the audience’s adrenaline. More importantly, the camera getting up into the sweat and blood, while still focusing on the strategy and true feelings of victory that accompany a win, gives the feeling of attending a real match. The moments in the ring put the audience right where it needs to be: front and center. If the rest of the film focused its attention on the characters with the same gritty detail as the fighting, it might be more than a contender for this season’s signature sport film.

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film

★★

BY MATT PAIS | LEAD REVIEWER

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he title sure sounds inviting, but from the first moment of Welcome to Mooseport, which treats us to the backside of a middle-aged man running naked in the street, the quiet Maine city doesn’t appear to be a great place to live—much less visit— onscreen. It’s a cute little movie town, the kind where everyone knows each other by name and things like, well, men running naked down the street, are accepted and encouraged because everyone is just so darn close. Just imagine the chaotic hilarity that would be caused if an ex-president, after losing his house in a divorce settlement, came to Mooseport and wanted to become mayor! And if the most average lunkhead in town, a hardware store owner and handyman named, appropriately, Harold “Handy” Harrison, actually had the gall to run against the president!

moviereview

EUROTRIP ★★

BY JASON CANTONE | STAFF WRITER

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hile the names Alec Berg, David Mandel and Jeff Schaffer might not ring any bells with Eurotrip’s audience members, almost everyone is familiar with the TV show that the three men wrote for: Seinfeld. Now, Eurotrip, touted as being from the producers of Old School and Road Trip in order to push college students into the seats, serves as the writing dream team’s chance to make it to the big time—or at least the big time among raunchy college sex comedies. To call Eurotrip raunchy is to make a profound understatement. From S&M and incest to more male nudity than a National Geographic documentary, many will assume that this film represents the mindsets of college students across the nation. Incest is OK, as long as it’s funny and regretted. Hallucinogenic drugs are worth a try or two. When a man and woman fall in love, it’s OK to have unprotected, premarital sex right away—even if it’s in the most inappropriate place in the entire world (see the film to find out where). It seems that all of this obscene behavior is justified as long as it provides a good laugh or two. And luckily, for the sake of the

audience, there are more laughs than one would expect from the film’s trailer. Genuinely hilarious teen sex romps are hard to find because movie producers almost always aim for low blows involving gross-out jokes and a couple of topless girls to keep people from demanding their money back. Unknowns are cast, costs are kept low and the studio is bound to earn a profit from whatever allowance money college students haven’t already spent on party cups and pitchers. However, Eurotrip’s main laughs come not from gross-out scenarios but from comedic situations worthy of at least a good chuckle from people of all ages. The setup is, of course, incredibly simplistic. The film’s male hero gets dumped on graduation day and the hurt gets even deeper at a party featuring a “Was that actually Matt Damon?” cameo and a funny, catchy song that will reverberate in your head for days. He quickly decides to join his friends on a, yes, Euro-trip, so he can track down and have wild, crazy German sex with his pen pal who he once thought was a man. Like Old School, the comedy is in the details, and a lack of plot allows the comedic situations to keep coming. Along the way, the group encounters a gay Italian man (Saturday Night Live’s Fred Armisen) who simply distracts the film and is even less funny than he appears in the film’s trailer. The real highlights come from interaction with a robot outside the Louvre in Paris and a dark, sexual cameo from Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess) with an anal

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MAX BARRY SOUNDS OFF

Compiled by Jason Cantone

WELCOME TO MOOSEPORT | HACKMAN & ROMANO Tom Schulman may be among the most erratic, inconsistent writers in film history (he’s written Dead Poets Society, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, and 8 Heads in a Duffel Bag, to name a few), and some of the jokes in Welcome to Mooseport make a duffel bag sound pretty appealing. There are a few decent chuckles, but the comedy mostly reeks of sitcom-style pandering, and you can’t help waiting for the laugh track after Romano’s familiar everyman shtick. It may be an election year, but Welcome to Mooseport doesn’t offer much in the realm of real-life commentary. In fact, the Democratic Cole continually compares his post-presidency reputation and financial status to Bill Clinton’s. But while Americans might fantasize about a different man having succeeded Clinton, moviegoers certainly don’t fantasize about such superficial slop that’s little more than an unwelcome, Capitol anthill.

Rumors abound that Madonna’s had plastic surgery. Sharon Osbourne announced, “I went into shock at Madonna’s new head.” Yet, Osbourne seemed just fine when her husband bit off that unsuspecting dove’s head.

SATIRICAL WRITER SPEAKS ON CAPITALISM, HORROR STORIES AND VIDEO GAMES BY KATIE RICHARDSON | ARTS EDITOR

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The protests have begun against Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ. Let’s hope the screaming religious groups actually see it so they don’t embarrass themselves like they did with the controversial The Last Temptation of Christ, when nuns picketed a scene that didn’t even exist in the film.

ax Barry’s a witty guy. His seven-line publicity bio begins with “Max Barry is Australian, for which he apologizes” and ends with “He writes full-time, the advantage being he can do it while wearing only boxer shorts.” This should offer some insight to the kind of humor found in his novels: sardonic and inyour-face. So far, he’s written two novels: Syrup and his latest installment, Jennifer Government. The former satirizes the marketing world, targeting Coca-Cola, while the latter imagines a distopian world in which “taxation has been

Filmmakers are looking at an odd trend in Italy these days: going gay to avoid the military. Directors have expressed interest in making a documentary about doctors who give fake gay certificates to men. Gays are not allowed to serve in Italy’s army and are exempt if they get a medical certificate confirming their homosexuality. So, what about metrosexuals there? Superstar Sting is so certain he won’t pick up an Oscar for “You Will Be My Ain True Love” on Sunday that he’s decided not to bother with writing an acceptance speech. This, however, fits his trend of not bothering to write original lyrics in the past 10 years, either.

C-UViews

Compiled by Roderick Gedey

Welcome to Mooseport

EUROTRIP | JACOB PITTS, MICHELLE TRACHTENBERG probe like no one has ever seen before (that is, if anyone’s actually seen an anal probe at all). Director Jeff Schaffer keeps the laughs flowing until the predictable but still humorous end, but the lack of any standout characters or situations keep the film down. This is a situational comedy that takes all emphasis away from character development, but Michelle Trachtenberg provides the most jaw-dropping performance. Once the star of Nickelodeon’s Harriet the Spy, Trachtenberg comes out of her shy shell and shines. Her absinthe incest scene seems almost like a slap in the face to her Nickelodeon roots and will probably guarantee her future roles in these films. Movies such as Old School and Road Trip aren’t judged by their quality, but by how much laughter comes from the inane situations. With this qualification for excellence, Eurotrip does a surprising job at infusing the year’s raunchiest sex comedy with enough funny moments that you won’t mind pulling out a passport and spending $7 to go see it.

★★★★ Matt Anderson Urbana

“I like the stupidity."

★★★★ Amandine Ledent Urbana

"Ray Romano was pretty funny."

★★★ Brian Mosley Monticello

"(Ray Romano) played the same character with the same personality (as on TV)."

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arts

FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 3, 2004 | “PHEW! DADDY, THIS TASTES LIKE GRANDMA.”

Movie News TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX

WELCOME TO MOOSEPORT

Ooh, ooh, this’ll be great, they could even date the same woman! Actually, it isn’t that bad of an idea. With so many films treating presidents like ultra-sensitive sociological subjects, it’s always nice to see a movie (such as the moronic but harmless My Fellow Americans) actually have a sense of humor about the office. As former President Monroe “Eagle” Cole, Gene Hackman looks so comfortable that it’s as if he actually knows what it feels like to be president, which could be deja vu from his role as the commander in chief in Absolute Power. Hackman is a great authority figure, an actor with such stern dignity that he can’t help but flock to roles that allow him to flex his unassailable political clout. If he were really to run for president, some Americans would probably vote for him thinking he had actually held the office before. This time, though, Hackman just comes off as a power-hungry bully, and TV funnyman Ray Romano, in his first leading role (outside voicing a woolly mammoth in Ice Age), exhibits more pitiable psychosis than inspiring perseverance as Handy. The emotional kick is that Handy has dated veterinarian Sally Mannis (Maura Tierney) for six years, but he’s too afraid to pop the question. While his cowardice drives her into the expresident’s arms, a media frenzy ensues and Welcome to Mooseport presumes this romantic and political David and Goliath story would actually hold the country’s attention—or one viewer’s, for that matter—for an entire campaign.

DREAMWORKS LLC

moviereview

THE CUBS GOT GREG MADDUX! | FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 3, 2004

PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH HUTSON

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abolished, the government has been privatized and American corporations rule the world.” People also assume the last names of the corporations they work for. Barry didn’t start out writing about corporate conglomerates and politics, though. His first pieces, written in high school, were short horror stories, wherein his classmates were characters—victims. He was reading a lot of Stephen King then. Now, he’s reading Chuck Paluhnick’s Fugitives and Refugees because Barry is “going to Portland, Oregon, and it will be a good introduction to the place,” he said. He’s currently touring America in an effort to promote Jennifer Government. He’s already off to a good start. Steven Soderbergh and George Clooney’s movie company is currently adapting the book into a movie. Nicole Kidman’s name has been mentioned as a possibility for the lead role. His Web site, NationStates.net (where people can develop their

own country with their own political system), receives over 85 million hits a month. He created it in an effort to promote his book. “I thought I should do something to let people know my novel exists,” he said. When he first started it, he would have been happy with just 1,000 hits. More people have been to his Web site than have read his books. Needless to say, there is a bit of irony in this. Despite the fact that globalization may make for a great video game, it also makes for a great book. The main character, Jennifer, collects payment from victims of crime. In this world, one must pay for legal action if one is attacked or robbed. Though the plotline may seem like the epitome of the dark underside of the surge of corporate power—capitalism run amok— Barry maintains he isn’t an anarchist. “For the record, I’m not anti-capitalist. I certainly don’t think capitalism or corporations are perfect, but I don’t want to get rid of them completely. My politics are kind of strange. Corporations should be regulated, but like I said, I don’t think they should be abolished. I guess you could say I’m a ‘militant moderate.’ “ He has certainly used what he knows about corporations as fodder for comedy and literature. While studying marketing at an Australian university, he learned corporate strategies that astounded him. For instance, the “Just Noticeable Difference Theory” tells students exactly how much they can shrink a candy bar before anyone notices. “First you shrink it by 4 percent and don’t change the price. There are actual bodies of work written on this,” he said. “After that, I got a job marketing at Hewlett-Packard. I took my 40minute lunch breaks and spent them writing Syrup. In that, I basically betrayed the marketing world,” he said. And were there any legal consequences to using brand names like CocaCola in Syrup and Nike in Jennifer Government? Barry doesn’t seem overly worried about the repercussions. “When I first wrote Syrup, I got two different responses from

the people I showed (the manuscript) to. One side said, ‘Coca-Cola is going to love you, Max. You’re going to be giving them all this free publicity.’ The other group of people said, ‘Coca-Cola is going to hate you because you’re painting them in this horrible light. They’re going to sue you.’ It turns out that it wasn’t that big of a deal. There are fantastic free speech laws, like ‘the protection of parody.’ In fact, one reporter I spoke with called Nike (which is used in Jennifer Government) and their official statement on the subject was: ‘This is not the first book to use the Nike name for the purposes of satire and it won’t be the last.’ “ The purpose of satire for Barry is to entertain. He doesn’t like to write essays and dress them up as fiction. He’s a fiction writer, careful to make sure that satire and political agendas doesn’t get in the way of writing a good story. Although he’s been compared to writers like George Orwell (remember 1984?) and Aldous Huxley (any Brave New World fans out there?), he isn’t comfortable accepting the compliment—yet. “I don’t think I’ve written anything as groundbreaking as they did,” Barry said. He’s also happy that he isn’t labeled a “science fiction writer.” “It’s not really a futuristic story. I suppose it can be called sci-fi to those who really know what sci-fi is, but I think it can be positioned without being pigeonholed,” he said. buzz

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“GOOD GOD. THIS DOES TASTE LIKE GRANDMA! I WANT SOME MORE!” | FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 3, 2004

bookreview

Reefer Madness

★★★

Eric Schlosser

BY MATT COHN | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

E

ric Schlosser’s Reefer Madness demands no exaggeration. “Reefer Madness,”the first of three essays in his book, does not refer to an epidemic among smokers of marijuana. Rather, it is a ruthless presentation of facts rolled up in the papers of draconian drug laws which have impaired the federal government’s judgment. As with Fast Food Nation, Schlosser has a nose and heart for those downtrodden by the government and capitalism at large. He conveys the life stories of our country’s most dejected, needlessly exploited and demoralized human beings, and deftly questions some of its drug and economic policies in the process. In Fast Food Nation, it was Kenny Dobbins, a man who, among other serious injuries, fried his lungs with chlorine while cleaning “blood tanks and gut bins” because the meat packing plant did not provide him with adequate safety gear. “Reefer Madness” tells the story of Mark Young, among others. Young enjoyed smoking pot daily while holding unglorious working-class jobs. Hoping to earn some money, he was solicited to introduce two

bookreview

Fast Food Nation

★★★★

Eric Schlosser

BY LOGAN MOORE | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

E

ric Schlosser makes one thing depressingly clear in Fast Food Nation: the title of his book is no euphemism. Very rarely is the average reader prepared for a book that is well-researched, heartfelt and as unbiased as it can be while conveying a completely unambiguous message. A number of authors have tackled the fast food industry with the “gross-out” factor in mind. The triumph of Fast Food Nation is the picture that Schlosser paints. It is much bigger—one in which the vagaries of the fast food industry are simultaneously the cause and symptoms of an American system which unabashedly condones liberal, free-market capitalism and all the commercialism, homogenization, greed, corruption and general immorality that goes along with it. Schlosser doesn’t make you just feel sick eating a Big Mac; he makes you feel guilty. To clarify, the book is not some liberal, socialist rant against the whoring of America by major corporations. It is, in fact, a startlingly factual, objective book. When confronted with the facts contained within, however, it is hard not to come to the same conclusions as its author. Schlosser begins his tale in California in the 1950s with the humble beginnings of the McDonald’s franchise, the rise of Disney, and the beginning of America’s love affair with science and industry. Throughout, he shows how McDonald’s and the

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large-scale marijuana growers to people representing buyers from Florida. After a detailed investigation, Young was arrested for conspiring to manufacture the 12,000 pounds of marijuana in question. Young faced a potential life term in prison for introducing people to each other, in accordance with the governments “mandatory minimun sentence” for drug-related offenses. Young has just recently been released from prison, and does not intend to abide by the law that got him jailed. Schlosser’s tone is not incendiary, and it doesn’t need to be. His cogent documentation of facts and statistics are enough to outrage any taxpayer, pothead or not. The federal government spends $4 billion a year fighting the war on marijuana, and yet it is believed that the DEA only finds between 10 and 20 percent of marjiuana grown in the United States. Young was never directly accused of consuming marijuana, yet he was lucky to get out of prison before the age of 158. “Reefer Madness” and the book as a whole attempt to uncover the workings of a global black market. Drug dealers and migrant farmworkers supply highly demanded goods to our society that cannot be documented by standard economic measures. The second essay, “In the Strawberry Fields,” documents the struggle of Mexican migrant workers in California’s strawberry industry. Hard-working men and women willing to sharecrop for corporate growers are lucky to be compensat-

ed for their work. It is somewhat difficult for an illegal immigrant to file taxes. Nonetheless, this labor is conducted, and it adds up to millions of dollars in shadowy “free market” American capitalism. The final essay, “An Empire of the Obscene,” tracks the career of Reuben Sturman, America’s most prolific pornographer. Sturman spent most of his adult life justifying his trade amidst accusations of every obscenity crime imaginable. Schlosser winds through court case after court case. The essay begins to read like a hopelessly plot-driven adult movie. There is a good deal of fast-forwarding before the Law & Order-style legal climax. Reefer Madness flashlights its way through the purposefully inaccessible world of “sex, drugs and cheap labor in the American black market.” Schlosser approaches strangers on the street who have become unintentional martyrs for millions of ordinary Americans; those who enjoy eating strawberries, those who can simply identify the smell of marijuana, and those who want to put Buzz down right now for the new issue of Hustler.

succeeding fast food industry have slowly and irrevocably altered the American landscape— everything from what we eat, to how we eat, to the way products are marketed to us. Fast Food Nation’s greatest strength may lie in its willingness and ability to show the effects this has had on the average citizen. While Schlosser points out that the fast food industry is largely responsible for modern marketing techniques and, along with Disney, almost wholly responsible for the despicable practice of marketing to children, he also links this to an almost epidemic level of obesity among adults and children alike. He illustrates the way in which the fast food industry, through illegal marketing techniques and government-condoned monopolies, has a stranglehold on American agriculture, which has led to the death of the independent farmer and some of the most horrifying food manufacturing practices of any industrialized nation. Schlosser takes a stab at the ubiquity of fast food, its homogenization of American society and its ties to suburbia and urban sprawl. At the same time, the book shows how the hiring and business practices of the fast food industry, its assembly line mentality and obsession with production has led to a generation of minority youth who are disenfranchised and often without a steady income or a high school diploma. Most startling, Schlosser documents the way in which the U.S. government has not only turned a blind eye to these practices, but has aided the process every step of the way through government subsidies, tax breaks and the swift squelching of any legislation which might hinder it. The results of these government practices con-

sist of highly contaminated meat, produced under revolting circumstances in meat packing plants and slaughterhouses around the country, staffed mostly by an unaccountable migrant labor force working the most dangerous jobs in America for a few dollars a day. Many cultural anthropologists have reached the conclusion that what a society eats is more indicative of its nature than its art and literature. In Fast Food Nation, Schlosser uses the fast food industry to illustrate the evils of our present society and does an infuriatingly accurate job of it.

BOOK REVIEW GUIDE

★★★★ ★★★ ★★ ★ No stars

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FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 3, 2004 | WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT LISTED ON OUR CALENDAR? Send your listings to calendar@readbuzz.com

MEETINGS & WORKSHOPS Community Workshop on SSI – SSI Project to explain basics of Supplemental Security Income and help qualified residents apply for benefits. Illinois Disciples Foundation. Fri, 12-1:30pm. For information, call 352-6533. Border Crossers Discussion Group – Exploring the works of international authors. This week the group will discuss the book When Elephants Dance by Filipino-American Author Tess Uriza Holthe. Borders Bookstore. Thur, 7pm. 351-9011. Farm Bureau: Exploring Opportunities – The Champaign County Farm Bureau Young Ag Leader Committee is holding this session to address niche marketing, specialty corps and agritourism. Farm Bureau Auditorium. Thur, 7pm. 2004 Conference on Strategic Growth for Businesses & Entrepreneurs – Over 20 hours of valuable growth strategies for businesses and entrepreneurs for the average price of an hour of consulting. Hawthorn Suites. Thur, 8am-5:30pm. Register online at www.cugrow.biz. 2004 Art Exhibition Series Call for Artists – The Champaign Park District is seeking local visual artists to apply for this exciting new venue at the Springer Cultural Center. Exhibits strive to present artistic and ethnic diversity of Champaign Urbana and surrounding area artists. Now-Mar 19. For more information, call 398-2376. Loose Womyn Discussion Group – Discussion topics are loose, the womyn need not be. This Thursday, the group will discuss the book Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. 7pm. Borders Bookstore, 802 Town Center Blvd. For more information, call 3519011. Bilingual Convotable – A La Casa event, free. Are you learning Spanish and want practice? Are you a native Spanish speaker and want to improve your English communications skills? Try the Bilingual Convotable. Every Tue, 4-6 pm, LCCL Living Room. Fiesta Committee Meetings – Tuesdays at 6 pm, the annual Latina/o cultural show that educates and entertains. If you are interested in the FIESTA committee or want to perform, attend these meetings. Meetings will be held in the LCCL Conference Room. Champaign County Audubon Society – Mike Ward, a Ph.D candidate in the Animal Biology Department from the University will talk about Studying the Behavior of Endangered Blackcapped Vireos in Texas and Terns in Northern Illinois for Population Management. Meet in Room 242, Bevier Hall. Mar 4, 7:30pm. For more information, call Arlo at 443-2499. Foundation of Teamwork – Competition demands that organizations do more, in a shorter response time, with fewer resources. Participants will identify their communication style and develop plans to build better working relationships with other team members. Class meets Thursday from 8:30am-12:30pm at 1315 N Mattis Ave, Champaign. Course fee is $110. To register, call 351-2235.

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PHONE: 217/337-8337

Pangaea Dance class – Pangaea Dance studio is holding a six-week belly dancing class beginning Mar 4. Thursdays, 5:30pm. The instruction will cover 6 weeks (we will take 1 week off for spring break). After the six weeks, we will start a new beginner class, and those who continue from the first session will form an intermediate class. We also offer private classes, which women may begin at anytime. For more information, call Ishara at 469-8895 or visit www.cubellydance.com.

SPOKEN WORD Closing Ceremonies for Black History Month – This annual event is the closing event for Black History Month. The Central Black Student Union welcomes everyone to this traditional ceremony. Still Black See Memphis will perform. Illini Union Ballroom. Fri, 7pm.

MIND BODY SPIRIT Artist’s Way Group – A 12-week adventure in recovering and celebrating our creative spirit. Mondays, Mar 1-May 17, 7:30-9:00pm at McKinley Foundation. To register or for more information, contact Jo Pauly at 337-7823 or jopauly@prairienet.org. Walking in This World Group – The sequel to the Artist's Way with 12 new weeks of strategies and techniques for expressing our creative spirit. Mondays, Mar 1-May 17, 5:45-7:15pm at McKinley Foundation. To register or for more information, contact Jo Pauly at 337-7823 or jopauly@prairienet.org. Mothers & More Discussion Group – The group will discuss the book Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende. Borders Bookstore. Mon, 7pm. 351-9011. Simplicity Discussion Group – Ideas to simplify & bring meaning to life. The group will discuss the book Repacking Your Bags by Richard Leider & David Shapiro. Borders Bookstore. Mar 4, 7pm. 3519011.

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P O P C O N C E R T R E L Y

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HELP WANTED | Full Time Express Personnel Services 217.355.8500 101 Devonshire Dr., Champaign Software Engineers: Innovative Security Systems is looking for 3 software engineers to help develop and test the PitBull product line. Unix/Linux experience preferred, but not necessary. Email resume to jobsat@argus-systems.com.

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Courtyard Apartments 713 S. Randolph, Champaign Renting for Fall/2 & 3 Bedrooms. Furnished & Unfurnished From $608/mo. Includes cable, parking, water. Has laundry facility and seasonal pool. Near campus and downtown Champaign. 352-8540, 355-4608 pm. www.faronproperties.com

CAMPUS APARTMENTS Furnished JOHN SMITH PROPERTY MANAGEMENT www.johnsmithproperties.com (217)384-6930 “believe the hype”

CAMPUS APARTMENTS Unurnished 309 W. Springfield, C. Spacious 2 BR townhouse now available. $550/mo. Flexible lease. 352-8540. PM 355-4608. www.faronproperties.com

800 W. Church, C. Now avail. Economical 2 BR. $450/mo. 352-8540, 355-4608 pm. www.faronproperties.com

CLEANING Exact Extraction. Carpet & upholstery cleaning. Free estimates. 6883101.

LAWN CARE FREE ESTIMATES: Tree trimming, Topping, Removal, Stump Grinding. 384-5010.

OFF-CAMPUS APARTMENTS Unfurnished Brand new luxury 1, 2, 3, bedroom apartments available in Champaign. Call Manchester Property Management at 359-0248 for an appointment.

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Elysium on the Prairie, Live Action Roleplaying – Vampires stalk the city streets and struggle for dominance in a world of gothic horror. Create your own character and mingle with dozens of players who portray their own undead alter egos. Each session is another chapter in an ongoing story of triumph, tragedy and betrayal. Fridays,“Vampire: The Masquerade.” For more information, visit www2.uiuc.edu/ro/elysium/intro.html. Check site for location, 7pm.

FILM The Fog of War – Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Feature! WINNER, Best Documentary: National Board of Review, Chicago Film Critics, and L A Film Critics Association..."The Fog of War: Eleven Lessons From the Life of Robert S. McNamara." Directed by Errol Morris: DGA Award nominee, Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Documentary. Rated PG13. Boardman’s Art Theatre. Starts Sat, runs through week. Russian Ark – 300 years of Russian History. 33 Rooms at the Hermitage Museum. 3 Live Orchestras. 1 Single Continuous Shot... A 19th century French aristocrat, notorious for his scathing memoirs about life in Russia, travels through the Russian State Hermitage Museum and encounters historical figures from the last 200+ years. Rated NR. Boardman’s Art Theater. Playing Friday, Saturday, Sunday. The Triplets of Belleville – Playing all this week, this Sundance favorite centers around a lonely boy named Champion and his grandmother. After growing into a master bicyclist, Champion is kidnapped just before he enters the Tour de France bicycling race. The rest of the film focuses on the quest to rescue Champion. Along they way they encounter the "Triplets of Belleville," three eccentric female music-hall stars from the '30s. Rated PG-13. Boardman’s Art Theatre. For more information, go to www.boardmansarttheatre.com. Telluride MountainFilm Tour – If you enjoy highcaliber films filled with the excitement of outdoor extreme sports, intimate looks at real-life adventurers and experiencing films that will open your eyes, shock you and fill you with wonder, you are in luck. A selection of these films from Telluride, CO, will be showing at Savoy 16 Theatre. Mar 15, 7pm, $10. Ticket proceeds are donated to the Campership Program, BSA. To buy tickets, go to Champaign Surplus.

KIDS & FAMILY T.A.C.K. – The library’s Thursday Arts and Crafts for Kids program welcomes children to come make a craft. Douglass Branch Library, Conference Room. Thu 4-5pm. African Crafts with Dawn Blackman – For elementary school-age children. No registration. Douglass Branch Library. Fri, 4-5pm. Baby Time – Come to the library for a half-hour of lap-bouncing, nursery rhymes, music activities and play time for your infants. Douglass Branch Library, meeting room. Thu 10:30-11am. Family Fun Day Sunday in the Square – Enjoy interactive rides this Sunday. There will also be food, shopping, games, miniature golf and more. Lincoln Square Mall. Sun 1-5pm. For more info, call the Urbana Business Association at 344-3872. Funfare – Come to The Phillips Recreation Center for Funfare Thur, 10:30-11am, presented by the Urbana Free Library Children’s Department, for stories, songs and films for children of all ages. No registration. For more info, call 367-4069. Babies’ Lap Time – Babies are invited to Phillips Recreation Center for Babies' Lap Time Tue from 10-10:30am, presented by The Urbana Free Library Children’s Department. This program is for our youngest patrons, ages 6-24 months with an adult. No registration. For more info, call 367-4069.

WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT LISTED ON OUR CALENDAR? Send your listings to calendar@readbuzz.com | FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 3, 2004

O Baby! – Lap-bouncing, nursery rhymes and music activities for infants with a caregiver. Champaign Public Library, main library. Mon 9:30-9:50am or 10:30-10:50am. No registration required. For more information, call 403-2030. Tuesday Twos – Stories, songs and movement activities for 2-year-olds with a parent or grandparent. Tue 9:30-9:50am or 10:30-10:50am. Champaign Public Library, main library. No registration required. KnowZone – Homework help for school-aged children. Tue 4-5pm. Douglass Branch Library. No registration required. Rookie Cooks – Hands-on cooking class for elementary school students, presented by U of I Extension. Douglass Branch Library. Mar 1, 4-5pm. Registration: 403-2090. My Preschool Genius – A book-centered program focusing on language. Preschoolers can listen to dynamic picture book presentations and explore the art of picture book illustration. Champaign Public Library. Mar 2, 9:30-10am. Registration required. Call 403-2030. Storyshop – Stories, songs and rhymes for preschoolers through third-graders, 9:30-10am or 10:30-11am at Champaign Public Library, and 10:30-11am at Douglass Branch Library, both in Champaign, Mar 3. No registration.

Know Your University: Cecil Bridgewater – Now a respected jazz trumpet player, arranger, producer, and educator, this Champaign native returns for his final week of Krannert Center's Jazz Threads project – a season-long community engagement project exploring jazz. Cecil Bridgewater pays special attention to local jazz history during this appearance in the University YMCA's popular noontime lecture series. University YMCA. Tue, 12pm. Free.

"Without Reservations: An Urban Indian's Comic, Poetic & Highly Irreverent Look at the World” – Acclaimed Native American novelist, poet and storyteller Sherman Alexie will speak. Sherman Alexie is a Spokane/Coeur d Alene Indian from Wellpinit, Washington who has published 14 books and written the award-winning screenplay for the film "Smoke Signals." MSEB, rm 100. Wed, 7:30pm. For more information, contact the Native American House at 265-9870.

CAS/MillerComm2004: The Impact of Race on Theatre and Culture – Producing director of the New Federal Theatre in New York, Woodie King has served the cause of social justice for 35 years, providing a powerful resource for those who have had to struggle to make their voices heard. He discusses the politics of art and historic intersections of race and theatre. Levis Center. Wed, 3-5pm. Free.

The Teller's Art: First Wednesday Storytelling Concert Series for Adults – Megan Wells’ storytelling is wise, passionate and precise, her charisma, warm and loving. Megan carries audiences beyond time and space to the deep sources of imagination and culture. Verde Gallery and Verdant Coffee & News. Wed, 8pm. 366-3202.

Soul Food Luncheon – The Parkland College Black Student Association sponsors this annual event. Parkland College South Lounge. Thur, 11am-1pm. Tickets: $6.50.

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BY SHARIKA SARKETT | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Colloquium: Water as a Complex Environmental System Initiative – Mr. Eaton is a candidate for a faculty position in the Water as a Complex Environmental System Initiative, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. 124 Burrill Hall. Mon, 3pm.

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Art-to-Go – Presentation, discussion and hands-on activity for school-age children led by Krannert Art Museum staff. Douglass Branch Library. Mar 3, 45:30pm. No registration. Girls, Girls, Girls! – Games, crafts, and reading time for girls in grades 1-4. Douglass Branch Library. Mar 5, 4-5pm. No registration. Captain Underpants Party – School-age children can dress as a favorite character from the Captain Underpants book series to win a prize at this kidcontagious party. Champaign Public Library. Mar 6, 2-2:45pm. No registration. Family Resource Fair – sponsored by the Common Ground Food Co-op, activities, food and information on community services and organizations that serve families and children in the Champaign Urbana area will be available. Wisegarver Hall, Illinois Disciples Building. Mar 14, 12-4pm. For more information, call 344-5459.

UPCOMING EVENTS

By Lorraine Hansberry Directed by Shirley Basfield Dunlap With guest artist Cheryl Lynn Bruce

Celebrating Black History – This community event includes a clothing fashion show, hair show and entertainment. There are $5 Bergner’s coupon packets available, which include $5 off coupons and six other coupons to be used in Bergner’s of Market Place Mall. Sat, 2-4pm.

Mar 4-14

“Share a Meal with Community Shares” – This fundraiser will help raise funds for dozens of local non-profits working to address such issues as hunger, homelessness, health care, domestic violence. To participate, simply eat at Silvercreek restaurant, with 30 percent of your meal going to one of these charities. Going on now. Call 3283402 for reservations. International Dinner – Sunday April 4, the University of Illinois YMCA, Office of International Student Affairs, and the Cosmopolitan Club will host its 21st annual International Dinner. Latzer Hall at the University YMCA, 6-8pm. There will be a food buffet from different countries. Tickets go on sale Monday, each $10. There will be international performers who will entertain the audience with dancing, singing, and other forms of art performance. For more information, call Becca Nieto at 337-1514.

KrannertCenter.com 217.333.6280

Associated lecture: "The Impact of Race on Theatre and Culture" by Woodie King, Jr., Producing Director, New Federal Theatre, New York. Mar 3, 5pm Levis Center, 919 W Illinois, Urbana

but an art form. While men’s styles are relatively simple, women’s styles are imply yet boldly printed across a plain often fashioned into crown-like designs, ceramic plate (see pullquote), Carrie Mae intricately braided, threaded and styled. Weems’ quote reflects her use of art to address Rush says this process can take several issues of African-American culture. The cap- hours to several days and sometimes tion next to her plate explains that Weems involves more than one hairdresser work“transcends and unites trans-Atlantic cultural ing in a chain. A hair sign is an advertisement for a local difference between Africa and African America through hair.” The African hair roots hairdresser or barber displaying the various popular and classical hairstyles they offer. The run deep. The main focus of the exhibit is in the hair hairdressers commission local artists to paint signs, which are complemented by diverse the signs for them so they can display them by African sculptures with ornate hairstyles. The the side of the road or wherever conveniently notifies the public that display gives a the hairdresser is locatdeeper look into the ed nearby. The accuraimportance of hair cy of the painted hairin African culture styles is depicted in and the influences photographs displayed that have come -Carrie Mae Weems next to the signs. into play b e t w e e n The exhibited hair African and Africansigns, striking in their American cultures. According to curator Dana Rush, “African bold simplicity and bright hues, come from hair design is both aesthetic and symbolic.” Rush’s personal collection. Rush acquired the There is a Yoruba proverb that says, “The hair individual signs throughout the 1990s in Benin adds to a woman’s beauty.” Beyond the aes- and Togo while living in Western Africa, she thetic, hairstyles may serve to identify “ethnic said. The signs display hairstyles from the origin, gender, religious or political affiliation, 1970s to the more contemporary styles of social status, or profession of the wearer,” as today and are painted in a variety of styles on a variety of signs. There is a portable folding Rush explains in her gallery guide. Hairdressing, then, is not only a vocation, sign, as well as a sign painted on the back of a chair. The back of one sign was even used by children as a chalkboard to do their math homework on. Rohit Negi, a University graduate student in urban planning with a concentration in cultural studies, said, “One thing I notice in (Africa) is that art and everyday life is much closer. This is beautiful stuff. It’s much different than what you see here (in America) where the object and the product in advertising is more removed. In Africa there is a thin line between art and advertising.” The people on the signs are painted to look attractive not only through their hair but through their clothes, makeup and jewelry, implying that people who get their hair done there will come out looking beautiful. This objective is also seen in American advertising. Thus, the signs are evidence of cross-cultural advertising goals. A recent trend in African hair signs Two-sided hair sign. Artist: H. Adjanor Lomé, Togo private collection

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Department of Theatre

International Festival: A World of Culture Under One Roof – Community and campus arts groups join together for this family-oriented event sampling worldwide arts and culture. See performances taking place in Krannert Center theatres, visit culture booths in the lobby, and have a snack at the Ethnic Cafe. Kids will want to spend time at the Kids Corner too. Krannert Center lobby. Sat, 124pm. Free.

being matters.

Supported, in part, by the Frances P. Rohlen Visiting Artists Fund/College of Fine and Applied Arts and the Chancellor’s Brown v. Board of Education Jubilee Commemorative Committee.

arts

FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 3, 2004 | STOP BEING SHEEP ... ARTS COALITON GALLERY... FEB 26-MARCH 1

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Bon Coiffure: Hair signs from West Africa

PHOTO COURTESY OF KRANNERT ART MUSEUM

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“Went looking for Africa and found it tightly woven in a woman’s hair.”

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displays a large face on one side, indicating the presence of many “high fashion” magazine cutouts pasted on the back. The roots of the importance of contemporary hairstyles can be seen in the sculptures on display. One mask from Liberia shows how the Dan people pluck their hairlines in order to achieve the desired look of a smooth, rounded and arched forehead. With braids on the sides, this look is considered to be beautiful and distinguished. Another carved wooden figure with an ornately carved coiffure is said to represent

this week Th Feb 26 Wine Tasting 5pm, free Th Feb 26 UI Oratorio Society, UI Chamber Singers, UI Chamber Orchestra 7:30pm, $2-$5

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the “spirit spouse,” a spirit of the opposite sex that everyone has. The spirit spouse carving is important if relationships need to be improved with one’s human spouse. “When you commission the spirit spouse you want to make it as beautiful as possible,” said Rush. “And hairstyle is important in the Baule people’s ideal of beauty.” The exhibition runs through March 21 at the Krannert Art Museum. Dana Rush will give a guided tour of the exhibition March 14 at 1 p.m. buzz

krannert center

Su Feb 29

Th Mar 4

Sweeney Todd Libretto 2pm; $5.50

Wine Tasting 5pm, free

Mark Moore, tuba 3pm, $2-$5

Jazz Crawl and Jam Session 5pm, Iron Post 6:30pm, Krannert Center 8pm, Canopy Club 9:30pm, Zorba's 11pm, Cowboy Monkey

Sweeney Todd 3pm, $8-$20

Fr Feb 27

Tu Mar 2

UIUC Composers Festival: 21st Century Piano Commission Competition Recital 7:30pm, $2-$5

Know Your University: Cecil Bridgewater noon, University YMCA, free Jazz Threads Sponsor:

Sa Feb 28 International Festival: A World of Culture Under One Roof 12 noon, free Illini Statesmen Barbershop Chorus 7pm, FGH, $9-$14 Sweeney Todd 7:30pm, $8-$20 Sponsors: Illinois Opera Theatre Enthusiasts (IOTE)

Coporate Season Underwriters

Patron Season Sponsors

CAROLE AND JERRY RINGER

A Raisin in the Sun 7:30pm, $6-$13

Creative Intersections Sponsor:

We Mar 3 CAS/MillerComm2004: The Impact of Race on Theatre and Culture 5pm, Levis Center, free Tokyo String Quartet 7:30pm, $16-$32 Sponsors: Avis and Dean Hilfinger Jean and Howard Osborn Helen and Daniel Richards David Sansone Masako and Wako Takayasu

Some Krannert Center programs are supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Illinois Arts Council, and patron and corporate contributions.

Season Sponsors

Liszt Symposium: Works for Piano and Orchestra 7:30pm, $10-$17

Sweeney Todd and A Raisin in the Sun are supported in part by the Frances P. Rohlen Visiting Artists Fund/College of Fine and Applied Arts. The Jazz Threads project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts Challenge America—Access to the Arts Program.

A Raisin in the Sun is supported in part by the Chancellor's Brown v. Board of Education Jubilee Commemorative Committee.

KrannertCenter.com 217/333-6280 or 800/KCPATIX 217/333-9714 (TTY) 217/244-SHOW (Fax) 217/244-0549 (Groups) kran-tix@uiuc.edu Ticket Office Open 10am to 6pm daily; on days of performances open 10am through intermission.

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IN SICILY, WOMEN ARE MORE DANGEROUS THAN SHOTGUNS. | FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 3, 2004

ARTIST’S CORNER BY KATIE RICHARDSON | ARTS EDITOR

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FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 3, 2004 | WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT LISTED ON OUR CALENDAR? Send your listings to calendar@readbuzz.com

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This spring at Krannert JEFF NELSON | CONTRIBUTING COLUMN

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ayla Lopez is a dignified, beautiful and smart third-year photography student at the University of Illinois. While she specializes in self-portraits, she takes many types of photographs. Her dedication to and willingness to work on her craft is evident to anyone who knows her, as is her talent. She can make even the most mundane spaces interesting and effective. For instance, she can make a dull bathroom exude a whimsical fresh feeling, or give a bodiless dress a personality of its own. She is definitely someone who sees beauty in everything, but on top of that she possesses the talent to show others that beauty as well.

When did you first start taking photos? My sophomore year of high school—I was 15. How do you think other mediums inspire you? I love and appreciate all forms of art. There are so many different mediums of art that are just mind-blowing and fascinate me ... painting, bookmaking, fibers, sculpture ... the list goes on. Music has always been a huge part of my life, ever since I was child, and it’s just as inspiring in my work as any visual art. What are your plans for the future? After graduating, I’ll most likely work in the photography field for a couple years and then go to grad school as soon as

possible. I’m anxious to devote all my time to my work. Since you take pictures of the things in your immediate vicinity, what environment most helps you in to creating your best work? A comfortable, solitary place with music provides for the best work. I need to be completely absorbed in my environment and the moment. Indoors? See above. Outdoors? I generally don’t shoot outdoors.

ith a short March combined with Spring Break and income tax time in April, Urbana’s Krannert Center could provide you with a fine arts break that could be just what you need as spring approaches. The month of spring’s first showing begins March 3 with the return of the glorious Tokyo String Quartet. They will be joined by faculty pianist Ian Hobson in Dvorak’s Piano Quartet, and that is only one-third of the treats your ear will hear that night. Professor Hobson will also join forces with the Pacifica Quartet March 31, when he will play the piano part of the Brahms’ Quintet. Chamber and instrumental music fans will also have an opportunity to see pianist Jonathan Faiman March 14 at 3 p.m., violinist Joshua Bell on April 1 and local artists Laurien Laufman and Timothy Eden giving a recital of 19th century music for cello and piano April 8. Faculty member and violinist Sherban Lupu and his ensemble of University students will perform Britten’s “Simple Symphomy” and other light orchestral works April 14. For something different and daring, it is always a pleasure to welcome back the cutting edge of modern chamber music, The Kronos Quartet. On April 3, they will perform a new work, “Sun Rings.” For those who want their music fully orchestral, check out The San Francisco Symphony March 17. Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas will perform Mahler’s Fifth Symphony and the Berg Violin Concerto with Champaign native Gil Shaham. Dawn Upshaw is the featured soloist with the visiting Australian Chamber Orchestra April 24. Upshaw will sings arias from Bach Cantatas. Watch for local orchestra The Sinfonia da Camera’s performance March 13 and April 7. These performances will each feature a major guest artist to the tune of Sergiu Luca (violin) and Charles Rosen (piano). Your choices for local orchestras also include: the UI Symphony Orchestra March 18, April 15, and May 4; the UI Philharmonia April 25 and the CU Symphony April 23. Jazz dominates the program March 7 with Cecil Bridgewater and Clark Terry. There will also be three days of UI Jazz Band concerts on April 30, May 1 and May 2. For something really different, try the Liszt Symposium March 4 through March 6. Some of the world’s greatest Liszt pianists will be take part in a program that is part symposium and part performance. On April 17, fans of choral music will have their own night with performances by the UI Women’s Glee club and the UI Black Chorus, and their will be a “pops” concert by the CU Symphony April 4 featuring Susan Teicher of the Ferrante & Teicher legacy. Remember them? In theater, the Department of Theater will present A Raisin in the Sun from March 4 through March 14, on weekends at the Colwell Playhouse with Chicago actress Cheryl Lynn Bruce and guest director Shirley Basfield Dunlap. From April 1 through April 11, the Department of Theater will showcase a rarely performed early Tennessee Williams’ play, Spring Storm, under the direction of faculty member Tom Mitchell. If you want your music and drama combined, UI Opera will perform Purcell’s The Fairy Queen on April 23 and 24. buz z

Amazingly, Krannert offers more than just these offerings. Contact 333-6280 or www.KrannertCenter.com

Your 2004 Oscar Pick Grand Prize: 52 admit two passes to Savoy 16 1st Prize: 52 admit one passes to Savoy 16 2nd Prize: 24 admit one passes to Savoy 16

Best Leading Actor

Best Animated Feature

Best Picture

Johnny Depp, Pirates of the Caribbean Ben Kingsley, House of Sand and Fog Jude Law, Cold Mountain Bill Murray, Lost in Translation Sean Penn, Mystic River

Brother Bear Finding Nemo The Triplets of Belleville

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Lost in Translation Master and Commander: The Far Side of the Mystic River Seabiscuit

Best Supporting Actor

Best Director

Best Adapted Screenpl

Alec Baldwin, The Cooler Benicio Del Toro, 21 Grams Djimon Hounsou, In America Tim Robbins, Mystic River Ken Watanabe, The Last Samurai

City of God The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Lost in Translation Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World Mystic River

American Splendor City of God The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Mystic River Seabiscuit

Best Leading Actress

Best Original Song

Best Original Screenpl

Keisha Castle-Hughes, Whale Rider Diane Keaton, Something’s Gotta Give Samantha Morton, In America Charlize Theron, Monster Naomi Watts, 21 Grams

“Belleville Rendevous”, The Triplets of Belleville “Into the West”, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King “A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow” , A Mighty Wind “Scarlet Tide”, Cold Mountain “ You Will Be My Ain True Love”, Cold Mountain

The Barbarian Invasions Dirty Pretty Things Finding Nemo In America Lost in Translation

Best Supporting Actress Shohreh Aghdashloo, House of Sand and Fog Patricia Clarkson, Pieces of April Marcia Gay Harden, Mystic River Holly Hunter, Thirteen Renee Zellweger, Cold Mountain

NAME: ADDRESS: PHONE: EMAIL: Send entries to DI Marketing, 57 E. Green St., Champaign, IL 61820 OR enter online at www.dailyillini.com Drop off entries at our 57 E. Green St. location, DI at the Y on 1001 Wright Street OR Savoy 16 Theatres, 232 W. Burwash, Savoy

Only one entry per person. IMC employees are not elligible. Must be 18 to win. All prizes won through a random drawing. Prizes non transferable. The Daily Illini reserves the right to print winner’s names

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3/23 Three Days Grace @ Metro 3/24 12 Stones, Skillet, Pillar, Grits, Big Dismal @ House of Blues 3/26 Newsboys, Rebecca St. James @ UIC Pavilion 3/26 American Music Club @ Old Town School of Folk Music 3/26 Dolly Varden @ Subterranean 3/26 Al Green @ House of Blues 3/26 Great Big Sea @ Metro, 18+ 3/26 Franz Ferdinand @ Empty Bottle 3/26 Proclaimers @ Abbey Pub 3/26 Slip @ Double Door 3/26 Southern Culture on the Skids @ FitzGerald’s 3/26 TV On the Radio @ Empty Bottle 3/27 Campbell Brothers, Calvin Cooke @ Old Town School of Folk Music

CHICAGOVENUES Abbey Pub 3420 W Grace, Chicago, (773) 478-4408 Allstate Arena 6920 N Mannheim Rd, Rosemont, (847) 6356601 Aragon 1106 W Lawrence, Chicago, (773) 561-9500 Arie Crown Theater 2301 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, (312) 7916190 Bottom Lounge 3206 N Wilton, Chicago, (773) 975-0505 Chicago Theatre 175 N State St, Chicago, (312) 443-1130 Congress Theatre 2135 N Milwaukee, Chicago, (312) 923-2000 Double Door 1572 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, (773) 489-3160 Elbo Room 2871 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, (773) 549-5549 Empty Bottle 1035 N Western Ave, Chicago, (773) 276-3600 Fireside Bowl 2648 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, (773) 486-2700 House of Blues 329 N Dearborn, Chicago, (312) 923-2000 Martyrs' 3855 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, (773) 404-9494 Metro/Smart Bar 3730 N Clark St, Chicago, (773) 549-0203 Old Town School of Folk Music 4544 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, (773) 728-6000 Park West 322 W Armitage, Chicago, (773) 929-5959 Riviera Theatre 4746 N Racine, Chicago, (773) 275-6800 Rosemont Theatre 5400 N River Rd, Rosemont, (847) 671-5100 Schubas 3159 N Southport, Chicago, (773) 525-2508 UIC Pavilion 525 S Racine, Chicago, (312) 413-5700 Vic Theatre 3145 N Sheffield, Chicago, (773) 472-0449

ART NOTICES National Biennial Ceramics Invitational ("Elevating the Utilitarian: Transforming the Vessel through Surface Decoration") – March 1April 9, the Parkland Art Gallery will host the 9th Biennial Ceramics Invitational. This year's exhibit includes nationally known artists Sam Chung of Michigan, Julia Galloway of New York, John Glick of Michigan, Michael Hunt of North Carolina, and others. A reception will be held Mar 16 from 6-8pm, with a gallery talk by Berti and O'Donnell at 7pm. For more information, call 351-2485. Creation Art Studios: Art Classes for Children and Adults – All classes use the spontaneous art process to demonstrate technical instruction and the exploration of materials. Personal interests, ideas, dreams and more are expressed and developed through collage and assemblage art, drawing, painting, sculpture and ceramics. CPDU's offered. Creation Art Studios, 1102 E Washington in Urbana. Call Jeannine Bestoso at 344-6955 or go to www.creationartstudios.com for information. Join Artists and Workshops at Gallery Virtu – The artist-owned cooperative Gallery Virtu invites applications from area artists. The gallery offers workshops for adults, teens and children in knitting, embroidery, photography, jewelry making, printmaking, papermaking, bookbinding and ribbon flowers. The gallery also offers original works by the members including jewelry, pottery, collages, sculptures, journals, hats, handbags and other textiles. Gallery Virtu, 220 W Washington in Monticello. Thu 12-4pm, Fri 12-8pm, Sat 10am6pm. For more information, call 762-7790, visit www.galleryvirtu.org or e-mail workshops@galleryvirtu.org. Collage for the Soul – Learn the many aspects of collage techniques while engaging your creativity and exploring your mind and heart. Scrapbookers, it’s time to branch out from craft to art! Sandra Ahten will teach the class, in which all materials will be provided. High Cross Studio, 1101 N High Cross Rd in Urbana. Feb 17- Mar 16, Tue 7-9pm. Other drawing and painting classes are also offered. For more information, call 367-6345 or go to www.spiritofsandra.com.

WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT LISTED ON OUR CALENDAR? Send your listings to calendar@readbuzz.com | FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 3, 2004

ART EXHIBITS & GALLERIES Boneyard Pottery – Ceramic Art by Michael Schwegmann and others. 403 Water St in Champaign. Tue-Sat 11am-5pm. 355-5610. Broken Oak Gallery – Local and national artists, original art including photography, watercolors, pottery, oil paintings, colored pencil, and woodturning. Refreshments served by the garden all day Saturday. 1865 N 1225 E Rd in White Heath. Thu-Sat 10am-4pm. 762-4907. Café Kopi – “Digital Evolutions,” photographs by John Sfondilias on display through February. 109 N Walnut in Champaign. Mon-Thu 7am-11pm, Fri-Sat 7am-12pm, Sun 11am-8pm. 359-4266. Creation Art Studios – Featuring original art by students and members of the studio. 1102 E Washington St in Urbana. Mon-Fri 3-5:30pm, Sat 14pm and other scheduled studio times. For more information, call Jeannine Bestoso at 344-6955. Country in the City – Antiques, Architectural, Gardening and Home Accessories. Custom designing available. 1104 E Washington St in Urbana. ThuSat 10am-5pm. 367-2367. Framer's Market – Frame designers since 1981. Ongoing work from local artists on display. 807 W Springfield Ave in Champaign. Tue-Fri 9:30am5:30pm, Sat 10am-4pm. 351-7020. Furniture Lounge – Specializing in mid-century modern furniture from the 1920s to the 1980s – retro, Danish modern, lighting, vintage stereo equipment and vinyl records. 9 E University in Champaign. Sun-Tues 12-4:30pm, Wed-Sat 115:30pm. 352-5150. Glass FX – New and Antique Stained Glass Windows, Lamps and unique glass gifts. Gallery is free and open to the public. Interested in learning the art of Stained Glass? Beginning, intermediate and advanced stained glass classes offered. 202 S First St in Champaign. Mon-Thu 10am-5:30pm, Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 9am-4pm. www.glassfx.com. 359-0048. Griggs Street Potters – Handmade functional and decorative pottery. 305 W Grigg St in Urbana. MonFri 11am-4pm, or call for appointment. 344-8546. Hill Street Gallery Inc. – Oil and watercolor paintings, hand painted T-shirts, handmade jewelry. 703 W Hill in Champaign. Sat 12-5pm or by appointment during the week. 359-0675. Larry Kanfer Gallery – European Collection featured in the gallery. Both limited and open edition prints by Larry Kanfer, nationally acclaimed photographer. 2503 S Neil in Champaign. Free and Open to the Public. Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm. 3982000. www.kanfer.com. LaPayne Photography – Specializes in panoramic photography up to 6 feet long of different subjects including sporting events, city skylines, national parks and University of Illinois scenes. 816 Dennison Dr in Champaign. Mon-Fri 9am-4pm and by appointment. 356-8994. Old Vic Art Gallery – Fine and original art, hand signed, limited edition prints, works by local artists, art restoration, custom framing, and periodic shows by local artists. 11 E University in Champaign. Mon-Thu 11am-5:30pm, Sat 11am4:30pm. 355-8338. Prairie Boatworks Gallery – Beautifully hand-crafted gift items and unique Valentine’s Day cards. Also, over 35 regional artist to choose from. 407 E Main St in Mahomet. Tue, Fri, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-4pm. 586-6776. For more information, contact Mary at 356-8228 or tangoradesigns@aol.com. Steeple Gallery – Vintage botanical and bird prints, antiques and framed limited edition prints. 102 E Lafayette St in Monticello. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm. www.steeplegallery.com. 762-2924. Verde Gallery – The work of local artist Sylvia Arnstein will be on display in the halls and café. 17 E Taylor St in Champaign. Cafe: Mon-Sat 7am-10 pm. Gallery: Tue-Sat 10am-10pm. 366-3204.

Ziemer Gallery – Original paintings and limited edition prints by Larry Ziemer. Pottery, weavings, wood turning and glass works by other artists. Gallery visitors are welcome to sit, relax, listen to the music and just enjoy being surrounded by art. 210 W Washington in Monticello. Tue 10am-8pm, Wed-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm. www.ziemergallery.com. 762-9786.

ART EXHIBITS – ON VIEW NOW

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BY BRIAN MERTZ | STAFF WRITER

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Creation Art Studios – Artwork by instructors Jeannine Bestoso, Amy Richardson, and Shoshanna Bauer, and the studio’s friends and family. 1102 E Washington St in Urbana. Hours: Mon-Fri 35:30pm, Sat 1-4pm and other scheduled studio times. For more information, call Jeannine Bestoso at 344-6955.

osters and handbills cover walls, lampposts and business windows in Champaign-Urbana for shows every week of the year. This week, advertisements for two shows will have more in common than just a shared musical genre. The Champion Sound Dance Party featuring the 5th Platoon DJ Crew at Highdive on Thursday, March 4 and Scratch & Brother Ali at Canopy Club on Saturday, March 6 both feature some major hip-hop talent. But more than that, they are both the main events of Hip-Hop Awareness Week. Hip-Hop Awareness Week is an annual week-long series of events organized by the Urbana-Champaign Hip-Hop Congress. While the event may have begun in November 2002 as a celebration of the organization, UC Hip-Hop’s promotions and marketing head Derek Lo said that there are larger goals for the week of events. “A number of people hear “hip hop” and they immediately think negative stereotypes about thuggish ruggish bone, gangsta rappers, or PIMP’s,” Lo said. “While gangsta rap is one aspect of hip-hop culture, there are certainly many other aspects of hip-hop culture that are vibrant, diverse and positive.” “It is funny when people say, ‘Who needs to be more aware of hip-hop? It’s everywhere.’ And it is, in certain forms,” said Matt Harsh, UC Hip-Hop’s events head. “But the art forms that have derived form hip-hop culture transcend most conceptions of hip hop. Hot 105.5 ain’t hip-hop.” “While part of our goal is to negate these negative stereotypes of hip hop, the week is not necessarily a complete reaction to that,” Lo said. “We want it to be more forward. We want to show people that hip hop is here and strong, in any form.” Hip-Hop Awareness Week will feature live performances, DJ workshops, a b-boy competition and panel discussions that will explore politics, education, women and business in hip-hop. “We decided to have the panels because they

“Distant Voices Nearer: A Celebration of American Indian Art” – Featuring paintings by DeHaven Solimon Chaffins, jewelry by Ben Yellowhorse, ceramic sculptures by Lynn Hone, ceramics by Laguna Potter and Michael Kanteena, pottery from Acoma and Mata Ortiz. On display at Verde Gallery through Mar 20. Opening reception for Chaffins and Yellowhouse Thur at 7pm. 17 E Taylor St in Champaign. Cafe: Mon-Sat 7am-10 pm. Gallery: Tue-Sat 10am-10pm. 366-3204. “Transitions” – Work from Nicole Cisne on display at Aroma Café through Mar 21. Artist statement: “The vehicle for my artwork is the female nude... Society and the fashion industry of today are the primary causes of an epidemic of eating disorders and false body images in many young women... Hopefully the viewer will see that the female figure is beautiful, no matter what size.” 118 N Neil in Champaign. Open 7 days a week, 7am-Midnight. For more information, contact Amanda Bickle at 356-3200 or art4aroma@yahoo.com. “Picturing Performance: Japanese Theater Prints of the Utagawa School, 1790–1868” – The focus of artistic production in 18th and 19th century Japan (Edo period) was the world of entertainment. This exhibit captures a views of this world of illusion and fantasy (Ukiyo) through richly-colored and compositionally provocative woodblock prints know as Ukiyo-e. The exhibition is on view through Mar 21. 500 E Peabody in Urbana. Tue, Thu-Sat 9am-5pm, Wed 9am-8pm, Sun 2-5pm. Suggested donation $3. 333-1860. “Bon Coiffure: Hair Signs from West Africa” – This exhibition offers viewers a glimpse into the art of African hair styling, African hair sign painting and African hairstyles in traditional masks and sculpture. Hairdressers also hire artists to hand paint signs to advertise their skills and represent their repertoire of coiffures. Bon Coiffure is on view through Mar 21. 500 E Peabody in Urbana. Tue, Thu-Sat 9am-5pm, Wed 9am-8pm, Sun 2-5pm. Suggested donation $3. 333-1860.

Retro & Recycled Clothing for Men and Women

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Mon-Sat Sunday

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H A I R S A L ON

“Beyond East and West: Seven Transnational Artists” – The Krannert Museum has put together a traveling exhibition bringing together the work of seven major contemporary artists who share a connection to both worlds. 500 E Peabody in Urbana. Tue, Thu-Sat 9am-5pm, Wed 9am-8pm, Sun 2-5pm. Suggested donation $3. 333-1860. “Whistler and Japonisme: Selections from the Permanent Collection” – This anniversary marks the 100th anniversary of James McNeill Whistler’s death, highlighting his works on paper and examines the influence that Japanese woodcuts had on his artistic technique. On display at Krannert Art Museum through Mar 28. 500 E Peabody in Urbana. Tue, Thu-Sat 9am-5pm, Wed 9am-8pm, Sun 2-5pm. Suggested donation $3. 333-1860.

MUSIC PERFORMANCE The Parkland Wind Ensemble and the Parkland Community Orchestra – The wind ensemble will include in its program "The Golden Years" by Leroy Anderson and "Montmartre March" by Haydn Wood. The orchestra, conducted by Jack Ranney, will perform "Il Re Pastore Overture" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart / Mueller and others. First Baptist Church of Champaign in Savoy. Mar 7 at 3pm.

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FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 3, 2004 | REMEMBER TOTAL RECALL AND HOW AMAZING IT WAS?

Getting to know your hip-hop neighbor

50% OFF ALL CLOTHING!

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION | MEAGHAN DEE

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really allow students to interact and get involved in the week. People will have the opportunity to talk about their ideas and opinions, rather than just watching performers,” Lo said. But while there is an educational component to Hip-Hop Awareness Week, the biggest events will be the two major performances at Highdive and Canopy Club. The 5th Platoon Crew is made up of three world-class DJs. Vinroc is a two-time DMC World Champion. I-Emerge is the 2003 U.S. Champion. And DJ Neil Armstrong has earned respect around the globe for his mixtapes. Not only will The 5th Platoon Crew entertain the Highdive crowd on Thursday night, but they will teach some of their turntable skills at a workshop Friday at the Lincoln Theatre. Saturday night, Canopy Club will host two big name MCs. Scratch is the human beatbox for The Roots and took over for the legendary Rahzel. Scratch also performed with his bandmates for Jay Z’s critically acclaimed Unplugged session on MTV. Brother Ali has earned his underground fame as an MC on Minneapolis hip-hop label Rhymesayers. His 2003 release Shadows on the Sun has been met with praise from the critics. While the members of UC Hip-Hop put in a great deal of effort to organize all the events, landing these big MCs required some help. “I’d have to give credit to Ian [Goldberg] at the Canopy Club for booking them,” Lo said. “We came to him with the idea of a show at the end of the week with some artists in idea, and he was very receptive. So he did some calling around and pretty much booked two of the dopest live acts in hip hop.” In addition to Scratch and Brother Ali, the members of UC Hip-Hop were also looking at some other big acts in the hip-hop world. “We were really close to booking some acts like Slick Rick, Rahzel, even DJ Shadow with Blackalicious, but some of their

schedules didn’t match with ours,” Lo said. “UC Hip-Hop may work with Canopy again to bring one of those acts, so look out for that.” Lo said that some of the obstacles the organization faced included finding funding, publicizing the events and juggling schedules with school. But in addition, organizing Hip Hop Awareness Week was a learning process for the current members of the UC Hip-Hop Congress. “This was a first for many of us,” Lo said. “The people who were instrumental in putting together the last two Hip-Hop Awareness Weeks graduated and so most of the board members in UC Hip-Hop really had no experience with putting together a week like this.” UC Hip-Hop worked with Highdive, Canopy Club, The Illini Union Board and 3D Productions to organize and promote. “This year we are pushing to reach the general public rather than having events that only hip-hop heads can enjoy,” said Victor Carreon, President of UC Hip-Hop. “We’ve done this by outreaching to more organizations and businesses within the community, starting earlier and booking acts we previously could not afford.” “We’ve taken some major steps in terms of organization and planning, but the main concepts have essentially stayed the same,” Lo said. “We are still going to educate people on the four basic elements of hip hop: break dance, DJing, rapping (MCing) and art (graffiti).” Lo expects this year’s Hip-Hop Awareness Week to build on the success of past years’. “I think overall, it helped that we had a vision and planned ahead,” Lo said. “The last couple of years, Hip-Hop Awareness Week took place in the fall semester. But we wanted to make this one big and so we made it in the spring to give us more planning time.” Lo said that planning has already begun for next year’s Hip-Hop Awareness Week. “Next year is going to be bananas. That’s all I can say.” buzz

HIP-HOP AWARENESS WEEK MAIN EVENTS THURSDAY, MARCH 4TH Dance party and DJ showcase Featuring 5th Platoon DJ Crew members: Vinroc, I-Emerge and Neil Armstrong 10 p.m. at Highdive ($5 cover charge)

FRIDAY, MARCH 5TH Correct Technique DJ Workshop with members of the 5th Platoon 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Lincoln Theatre (Free Admission)

IL Breaks Break dance competition featuring Midwest’s finest breakdancers. 6 p.m. in the Illini Union Courtyard Café ($3 Student, $5 Public, $2 Competitors)

SATURDAY, MARCH 6TH Discussion Panels with guest speakers 12-6 p.m. in Lincoln Hall

Live Hip Hop Scratch (of the Roots) and Brother Ali 10 p.m. at Canopy Club ($10 advance tickets and $13 at the door)

For updates and more information, check UC HipHop Congress’ website, www2.uiuc.edu/ro/hiphop/ Scratch (of the Roots) and Brother Ali head up the UC Hip-Hop Congress’ main even Saturday night at Canopy Club.

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I WISH I HAD A NEW PLAN...A DAMAGE PLAN! | FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 3, 2004

CDReviews

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DO MAKE SAY THINK Winter Hymn Country Hymn Secret Hymn CONSTELLATION

★★★★ BY MATT COHN

Winter Hymn Country Hymn Secret Hymn is Do Make Say Think’s latest and largest work of musical architecture. This album commands a snowy and remote Canadian landscape. It sounds like a building. I would like to review Winter Hymn Country Hymn Secret Hymn as though it were this building.

WINTER HYMN FREDERICA The entrance has been constructed to resemble a secluded Canadian barnhouse. You walk in and hear music that might accompany a dance in this barn, a barndance. But there is nobody in the building.The echo of your footsteps reverberates in perfect increments off of the barn’s walls. It sounds like there are two of you percussively walking. Echoes accumulate. A generator suddenly flips on in time with the music. The mechanical buzz sounds exactly like a distorted bass guitar. WAR ON WANT You walk through a small door at the end of the foyer, down a small hallway made of ice, toward the light from another opened door. Speakers at each end of the hallway broadcast the same solo violin performance and the notes sonically crash into each other at changing intervals, according to your position in the narrow echo chamber. AUBERGE LE MOUTON NOIR People sit in the brightly lit utility room at the end of the hallway, breathing foggy air and crumpling pieces of paper until you arrive. Something is wrong with the furnace and it emits a dirty, yet rhythmic buzzing sound. The men eventually fix the furnace allowing you to hear acoustic instruments from the next room.

COUNTRY HYMN OUTER INNER & SECRET The fourth room in Chez Do Make Say Think accentuates the world around it. You are standing in a geodesic atrium. A large steel computer and accompanying tape machine sit plaintively in the middle. The tape machine prints out a small rhythmic ticket, and the computer flashes a repeating pattern of colors and ascending bass sounds. The tape machine starts repeating the same calculation and smoke rises from the computer. It overheats and explodes, shattering a hole in the dome. 107 REASONS WHY A greenhouse toward the far end of the atrium. Open windows. Cars zipping by on the expressway, birds singing, plants slowly growing. ONTARIO PLATES

The smoke from the explosion clears, and you see a door.Through it lies a desolate concrete room with a single window, ten feet up. Six men with musical instruments sit and sulk. They really liked that computer, and so they begin playing an ode to it. One of the drummers and the bassist give way to wind and brass players, their numbers uncountable in the room’s darkness. They play funereally. A guitarist sparsely weaves himself into the mix. Two measures of just him and then a colossal rush of simultaneity. How else can it be described? Two drummers, bass, guitar, keyboard, trumpet, wind, white noise, birds chirping, expressway traffic. The whole fucking thing causes the structure to start melting, shakes the building’s foundation.

SECRET HYMN HORNS OF A RABBIT The building’s fire alarm begins to sound, and you run back into the shattered atrium.You use a magnetic tape reel as a grappling hook. Sliding down the roof, you walk slowly from the building to the nearby expressway, and stand in the middle.There is no traffic at first, but then large semis approach, swerving wildly. You witness large trucks crashing over each other from your spot on the snowed-over-grass median. The trucks spill their percussive and acoustic contents onto the thoroughfare. IT’S GONNA RAIN Shards of glass and engine parts skitter on the ground. Cars slow down, but still pop their tires on the wreckage. Sparks fly as the rims scratch against the pavement. The gentle crackling of fire from exploded trucks wafts through the winter air. HOORAY! HOORAY! HOORAY! A large van drifts toward you on the expressway. The letters DMST are stenciled on the side, with a picture of a hammer and a T-square. The van stops to pick you up. You get in, even though it makes strange sputtering and grinding noises. A man in the back of the van accompanies the noises with an acoustic guitar. They crescendo. All of the van’s passengers hum in unison. You look out the window of the van to see smoke billowing from the burning building. The van’s stereo bumps a bass melody similar to the one you heard in the building’s barnish foyer. Do Make Say Think is driving you away from their carefully constructed, beautifully imploded building.

The Hurly-Burly

STARS Heart Arts and Crafts

★★★★ BY LOGAN MOORE

Aah, Valentine’s Day, that special one day of the year where those who are single, become bitter and antagonistic towards people in relationships, and rightly so. Having raged against the Hallmark holiday from hell for so many years, I was unprepared for this Black Saturday, one that I would be spending with my girlfriend. Suddenly, I realized that invisible battle lines had been drawn, I was no longer single, I was the enemy. I felt uncomfortable around my single friends. I actually felt bourgeoisie for having a girlfriend. I have a feeling that the boys and girls in Stars never get like this. Heart is an album that earnestly and fiercely celebrates love; it’s peaks and it’s valleys, in all of their complexity. Heart is an album that addresses what many on either side of the great divide rarely admit; that being in love is often times just as hard as losing a love. And it’s a brave move on their part. In an indie community where credibility, irony, and cold intellectualism are prized above all else, it feels like a fucking revelation to hear a band that frankly adresses relationships and emotions with no hint of pretentiousness. An album full of honest to goodness pop songs overflowing with the sort of emotional maturity and time-tempered optimism that used to be part and parcel to popular music. This is no smoochy love-fest. The ladies and gentlemen of Stars have had their hearts broken, and they tell these tales from both sides of the story. No accusatory, infantile,“you broke my heart, you bitch” anthems, here. Stars understands that when the dust settles, the deaths of relationships, just as their births, involve two people. They weave these tales of new loves, old loves and lost loves on a rich bed of horns, strings, guitars, piano, synthesizer and drums (both live and machine). Arts and Crafts has been knocking me out lately and this album is no exception. Stars realizes that the right instrument, carefully placed in a song at just the right time, is oftentimes just as moving as it’s content. The way the piano delicately plinks around the drum machine in “Heart” perfectly reflects the melancholy revelations of the song’s boy-girl conversation. The stately horns that waft throughout “The Woods,” add all the late-night grandeur a song about the possibility of love between two good friends deserves. The graceful acoustic strumming that adorns the chorus of “Romantic Comedy” provides a delicate counterpoint to the conversation between two lovers in a disintegrating relationship. Did I mention that this album slam-dunks the conversational duet? A much-maligned genre gets its due as (insert two lead vocalists here) trade off vocals over Heart’s soaring, graceful ballads. Heart begins with a recording of each member of the

OnTheSpotReview

Sifting through the commotion and crap of music culture

DAMAGEPLAN New Found Power

COMPILED BY LOGAN MOORE

Elektra BY LOGAN MOORE

Crazy, oddly-named, dance rock act !!! are set to release their new album on Touch and Go in June. The album will be preceded by a limited edition white vinyl single, for all you collectors. A few of the tracks have been mixed by Maurice Fulton (Mu, Playgroup) the rest by the band themselves. Let the indie rock assshaking begin. Coming on the heels of his excellent Blue Note debut What’s Wrong With This Picture?, Van Morrison will be visiting the U.S. for a planned five date affair beginning March 31st and ending April 9th. The tour is set to hit New York, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Chicago, and Boston.

Before Listening

What the hell? Moment of the week On March 6th history will be made my friends. Industrial shock rock band Hell On Earth have vowed that on stage at the Sun N’ Steel Metalfest in Pinellas County, Florida lead singer Billy Tourtelot will engage in “consensual cannibalism.” Yes, that’s right, this guy is gonna eat somebody. A contest is being held on Hellonearth.com and one lucky contest winner will be able to help Billy eat somebody. Rumors that Dick Cheney has entered the contest but will only participate if he gets to eat a baby have yet to be validated.

Ladies and gentleman, I present to you Damageplan. Y’know I could see a lot of people buying this one just for the cover: “So like their totally walking away from this major explosion behind them, but their all like we don’t give a fuck about no explosion, ‘cause we’re like totally bad ass. It’s metal as fuck, dude.” Come on we’ve all heard conversations like that. According to the promotional sticker on the cover,“Pantera’s Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul have a new plan…Damage Plan.” I didn’t make that up. The photo on the back is pretty priceless too. They’re standing around in an abandoned parking garage scowling meaningfully at the camera like their totally about to kick the photographer’s ass. Rock. The members of Damageplan all look like the sort of guys who hang around the knife vendor’s table at the flea market. There are creative song titles as well: “Wake Up,” “Explode,”

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band declaring their name and “this is my heart.” As the album takes it’s bow, (lead male vocalist) sings over flowering strings “We all come to an end/ And we all end together.” This sort of sentiment may be too much for some people. It shouldn’t be. On Valentine’s Day or any other damned day, we should all take a moment to celebrate love. Single or attached, in present or in memory, it’s the one thing in life that forces us, more than anything else, to examine ourselves, at our best and at our worst. On the inside cover of Heart, there is a message that states,“Long live the soft revolution!” Here’s to that.

buzz DJ

Northstar Lounge hosted by Czar Absolute – slam poetry and hip-hop DJ' s – Nargile, 10pm, $1 “Le Femme Confident” w/ DJ Aquanet & Queen Betsy – Nargile, 10pm, $1 DJ Chef Ra – roots/rock/reggae - Barfly, 9pm, free DJ Boardwalk – Mike 'n Molly's, 10pm, $1 Dream Sequence – Caffe Paradiso, 10pm-12am, free

MUSIC PERFORMANCE

Temporary Residence

"G" Force Karaoke – Elmers Club 45, 7-11pm Tokyo String Quartet – The Tokyo Quartet presents Schubert quartets this year with all the passion, technical finesse, and elegance. They have also invited U of I faculty artist and pianist Ian Hobson as their special guest for a performance of Dvorák's Piano Quartet. Foellinger Great Hall, 7:30pm. Flex tickets: $30, sc & stu $29, UI & yth $16. Single tickets: $32, sc & stu $31, UI & yth $18.

★★★★

ON STAGE

BY SHADIE ELNASHAI

THE Shakespeare PROJECT – The University of Illinois and Parkland College theatre departments join in a performance that puts a new twist on Shakespeare. Audiences will experience the balcony scene from "Romeo & Juliet" as a late night phone call, the wooing scene from "Taming of the Shrew" as a World Wrestling Federation bout, and other innovative interpretations. This production introduces the listener to Shakespeare's most memorable scenes coupled with energetic portrayals of his most recognizable soliloquies. Parkland Theatre, 8pm, $2.99. Call 351-2528 for tickets and information or e-mail theatre@parkland.edu.

EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place

The unrelenting passion and intensity of Explosion in the Sky’s show at Caffe Paradiso is gloriously captured in a studio setting, to create one of the quintessential post-rock albums. The raw sound of their previous offering is replaced with a more articulate profundity that manages to naturally juxtapose serenity and devastation. With The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place, the Texas quartet have delivered the sort of substantial opus that few acts successfully create. Though the influences are numerous, they are more allusions than direct citations. The outro to “The Only Moment We Were Alone” seems to be a melodic version of Mogwai’s distorted explosions of noise. The opening riff of “Memorial” is similar to what Radiohead’s “No Surprises” would sound like were it to have a more pessimistic voice, and the references to Godspeed You! Black Emperor are manipulated so as to be considerably more triumphant and celebratory. Each piece is a living entity that evolves, ever increasing in complexity, yet maintaining a beautiful simplicity within its emotive soundscape. As with any genuine post-rock album, this is an experimental reaction against traditional-rock, each track seamlessly blending into the next, meanwhile assuming various distinct-yet-related forms. When post-rock implements vocals, they are incidental and effectively nothing more than another instrument. Explosion in the Sky’s orchestra consists of two guitars, a bass and drums, but Munaf Rayani’s lead guitar is every bit as eloquent as the majority of lyricists. To overlook the meanings of the songs is to not truly engage with the album. The title of the opening track, “First Breath After Coma”, in the context of the first sounds (one is something akin to a heart-monitor, the other echoing a heart-beat), provides one logical interpretation. Meanwhile “Six Days At The Bottom Of The Ocean” has been revealed to be inspired by the plight of “Blunt Force Trauma,” and of course the surely anthemic, “Fuck You.” The inside cover has our boys majestically perched atop a pile of dirt, wide blue sky in the background. Nuclear explosions, landscapes of devastation, the whole thing is mildly post-apocalyptic, as if in the time when a great plague sweeps the land and God will call upon the men of Damageplan to lead the remainder of humanity to a Utopia of metal, bar fights, and cowboy boots with flames inscribed on them. Or they could just be self-aggrandizing poop heads. Let’s find out.

After Listening I’m gonna be honest here. Metal is a lot like cigarettes or McDonald’s; it’s gotta get you young or else it’s not going to get you at all. I missed out on my metal phase and thus, I simply don’t “get it.” This album is probably very good for a metal album. Drums that could only be described as “bone-crushing”and guitars that could only be described as “pummeling” with a lead singer who could only be described as “Satanic.” Very dense chord structures, no melodies, lots and lots of screaming. One could beg the question does Pantera really need a side project that does the exact same thing as Pantera, but these questions are irrelevant to people who wear Soul Fly t-shirts. In Damageplan’s defense they are much closer to the original spirit and intent of metal than toddler metal whinebags like Disturbed. They’re all good musicians. Still this isn’t exactly music you’d wanna study or make sweet love to your lady to. It’d be great for ritual human sacrifice though. Here’s to that.

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FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 3, 2004 | WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT LISTED ON OUR CALENDAR? Send your listings to calendar@readbuzz.com

C-UVENUES Assembly Hall First & Florida, Champaign, 333-5000 American Legion Post 24 705 W Bloomington Rd, Champaign, 356-5144 American Legion Post 71 107 N Broadway, Urbana, 367-3121 Barfly 120 N Neil, Champaign,352-9756 Barnes and Noble 51 E Marketview, Champaign, 355-2045 Boltini Lounge 211 N Neil, Champaign, 378-8001 Borders Books & Music 802 W Town Ctr, Champaign, 3519011 The Brass Rail 15 E University, Champaign, 352-7512 Canopy Club (Garden Grill) 708 S Goodwin, Urbana, 367-3140 Channing-Murray Foundation 1209 W Oregon, Urbana C.O. Daniels 608 E Daniel, Champaign, 337-7411 Cosmopolitan Club 307 E John, Champaign, 367-3079 Courtyard Cafe Illini Union, 1401 W Green, Urbana, 333-4666 Cowboy Monkey 6 Taylor St, Champaign, 398-2688 Clybourne 706 S Sixth, Champaign, 383-1008 Curtis Orchard 3902 S Duncan Rd, Champaign, 359-5565 D.R. Diggers 604 S Country Fair Dr, Champaign, 356-0888 Elmer’s Club 45 3525 N Cunningham, Urbana, 344-3101 Embassy Tavern & Grill 114 S Race, Urbana, 384-9526 Esquire Lounge 106 N Walnut, Champaign, 398-5858 Fallon’s Ice House 703 N Prospect, Champaign, 398-5760 Fat City Saloon 505 S Chestnut, Champaign, 356-7100 The Great Impasta 114 W Church, Champaign, 359-7377 G.T.’s Western Bowl Francis Dr, Champaign, 359-1678 Highdive 51 Main, Champaign, 359-4444 Huber’s 1312 W Church, Champaign, 352-0606 Illinois Disciples Foundation 610 E Springfield, Champaign, 352-8721 Independent Media Center 218 W Main St, Urbana, 344-8820 The Iron Post 120 S Race, Urbana, 337-7678 Joe’s Brewery 706 S Fifth, Champaign, 384-1790 Kam’s 618 E Daniel, Champaign, 328-1605 Krannert Art Museum 500 E Peabody, Champaign, 333-1861 Krannert Center for the Performing Arts 500 S Goodwin, Urbana,Tickets: 333-6280, 800-KCPATIX La Casa Cultural Latina 1203 W Nevada, Urbana, 333-4950 Lava 1906 W Bradley, Champaign, 352-8714 Legends Bar & Grill 522 E Green, Champaign, 355-7674 Les’s Lounge 403 N Coler, Urbana, 328-4000 Lincoln Castle 209 S Broadway, Urbana, 344-7720 Lowe’s Big Barrel & Summer Club 14 N Hazel, Danville, 4428090 Malibu Bay Lounge North Route 45, Urbana, 328-7415 Mike n’ Molly’s 105 N Market, Champaign, 355-1236 Mulligan’s 604 N Cunningham, Urbana, 367-5888 Murphy’s 604 E Green, Champaign, 352-7275 Nargile 207 W Clark St, Champaign Neil Street Pub 1505 N Neil, Champaign, 359-1601 Boardman’s Art Theater 126 W Church, Champaign, 3510068 The Office 214 W Main, Urbana, 344-7608 Parkland College 2400 W Bradley, Champaign, 351-2528 Phoenix 215 S Neil, Champaign, 355-7866 Pia’s of Rantoul Route 136 E, Rantoul, 893-8244 Pink House Routes 49 & 150, Ogden, 582-9997 The Rainbow Coffeehouse 1203 W Green, Urbana, 766-9500 Red Herring/Channing-Murray Foundation 1209 W Oregon, Urbana, 344-1176 Rose Bowl Tavern 106 N Race, Urbana, 367-7031 Springer Cultural Center 301 N Randolph, Champaign, 3551406 Spurlock Museum 600 S Gregory, Urbana, 333-2360 The Station Theatre 223 N Broadway, Urbana, 384-4000 Strawberry Fields Cafe 306 W Springfield, Urbana, 328-1655 Sweet Betsy's 805 S Philo Rd, Urbana

Ten Thousand Villages 105 N Walnut, Champaign, 352-8938 TK Wendl’s 1901 S Highcross Rd, Urbana, 255-5328 Tommy G’s 123 S Mattis Ave, Country Fair Shopping Center, 359-2177 Tonic 619 S Wright, Champaign, 356-6768 Two Main 2 Main, Champaign, 359-3148 University YMCA 1001 S Wright, Champaign, 344-0721 Verde/Verdant 17 E Taylor St, Champaign, 366-3204 Virginia Theatre 203 W Park Ave, Champaign, 356-9053 White Horse Inn 112 1/2 E Green, Champaign, 352-5945 Zorba’s 627 E Green, Champaign

CHICAGOSHOWS FEBRUARY 2/26 Alaska @ Bottom Lounge, 18+ 2/26 Afrodisiacs @ House of Blues, 18+ 2/26 Bobby Conn & The Glass Gypsies @ Empty Bottle 2/26 Asleep at the Wheel @ Fitzgerald’s 2/26-27 Gossip @ Bottom Lounge, 2/26 all ages 2/27 Junior Brown @ Subterranean 2/27 Boris Grebenshikov & Aquarium @ Martyrs 2/27 John Hammond, Jr. @ Old Town School of Folk Music 2/27 Sting @ Rosemont Theatre 2/27 Peter Case @ Schubas 2/27 Exo @ Congress Theater, 18+ 2/28 Erykah Badu @ Auditorium Theatre 2/28 Flying Luttenbachers @ Fireside Bowl 2/28 Further Seems Forever @ Metro 2/29 Academy @ Metro 2/29 Cannibal Corpse @ House of Blues 2/29 Elefant @ Double Door 2/29 Carbon Leaf @ Schubas 2/29 Ellis Marsalis Trio @ Old Town School of Folk Music

MARCH 3/1 Elvis Costello & Stevie Nieve @ Oriental Theatre 3/2 Yeah Yeah Yeahs @ Metro 3/3 Red Stick Ramblers @ FitzGerald’s 3/4 Jazzanova @ Smart Bar 3/4 Kraig Jarret Johnson & The Program @ Schubas 3/4-5 Neil Young & Crazy Horse @ Rosemont Theatre 3/5 Clarence Clemons & The Temple of Soul @ Joe’s 3/5 Faun Fables @ Schubas 3/5 British Sea Power @ Empty Bottle 3/5 Richard Buckner @ Schubas 3/5 Chieftans @ Symphony Center 3/5 Bob Dylan @ Aragon Ballroom 3/5 Forty Piece Choir @ Metro, 18+ 3/5 Galactic @ Vic, 18+ 3/5 Luomo @ Abbey Pub, 18+ 3/5 Edwin McCain @ House of Blues, 18+ 3/6 Liftpoint @ Metro 3/6 Crossing @ Old Town School of Folk Music 3/7 Get Up Kids @ Metro 3/7 Rhonda Vincent @ Old Town School of Folk Music 3/10 Tara Jane O’Neil @ Gunther Murphy’s 3/11 Keb’ Mo’ @ House of Blues, 18+ 3/11 Walkmen @ Metro, 18+ 3/12 DJ SS, Grooverider, Shy FX, Twisted Individual @ Metro, 18+ 3/12 Church @ House of Blues 3/12 Antigone Rising @ Schubas 3/12 Futureman & The Isiah Williams Project @ Old Town School of Folk Music 3/12 Kid Rock @ Allstate Arena 3/12 Michael Mayer, Superpitcher @ Smart Bar 3/12 Liz Phair @ Vic 3/12 Von Bondies @ Double Door 3/13 Paul Kelly @ Double Door 3/13 Sage Francis, Joe Beats, Grand Buffet @ Logan Square Auditorium 3/13 Mavericks @ Park West 3/13 Grant Lee Phillips @ Abbey Pub 3/13 Saw Doctors @ Vic 3/13 Shipping News @ Subterranean 3/14 Liz Phair @ Vic 3/15 Cooper Temple Clause @ Double Door 3/17 Jerry Joseph & The Jackmormons @ Schubas 3/17 Bogdan Raczynski @ Empty Bottle 3/18-19 Melissa Etheridge @ House of Blues 3/19 Johnny Dowd @ Subterranean 3/19 Dream Theater @ Riviera 3/19 Britney Spears, Kelis @ Allstate Arena 3/19 Starlight Mints @ Abbey Pub 3/20 Jewel @ Star Plaza 3/20 Liars, Young People @ Logan Square Auditorium 3/20 Macabre @ Oasis 160 3/21 Amon Tobin, Kid Koala @ Metro, 18+ 3/22 Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson @ United Center 3/23 Ted Leo/Pharmacists @ Logan Square Auditorium

meredith monk

MacArthur “Genius” Award-winner and composer Meredith Monk presents a solo concert showcasing her extraordinarily creative work, capturing the audience's attention with evocative sounds from her one-of-a-kind vocal instrument.

3.10.04 7:30pm

m e r cy

A new work by Meredith

Monk and Ann Hamilton

Filled with visual and sonic wonders, mercy offers a stunning meditation on the mystery, beauty, and sadness of life. Vocal pioneer Meredith Monk collaborates with artist Ann Hamilton, a fellow MacArthur "Genius" Award-winner whose work has been shown at Krannert Art Museum. Produced by The House Foundation for the Arts, Inc.

3.13.04 7:30pm being matters.

217/333-6280 KrannertCenter.com

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WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT LISTED ON OUR CALENDAR? Send your listings to calendar@readbuzz.com | FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 3, 2004

ThursdayFeb26

FridayFeb27

SaturdayFeb28

LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC

Mike Ingram – Record Service, 3pm, free U of I #1 Jazz Combo – The Iron Post, 7pm, TBA Acoustic Music Series: Joni Laurence – Aroma, 8pm, free WEFT Sessions CD Release Party: Temple of Low Men, Solips, LadyRadio, The Invisible, Jeremy Keller – Cowboy Monkey, 8pm, $4 The Bryan Holloway Somethin' – jazz – Zorba's, 9:30pm, $3 Umphrey's McGee, Orquestra Ranura – Canopy Club, 10pm, $10 Eclectic Theory – White Horse, 10pm, free Country Connection – Rose Bowl Tavern, 9pm, free

Finite Element – Record Service, 4pm, free Jeff Helgesen Quintet – The Iron Post, 5pm, TBA The Prairie Dogs – Tommy G's, 5-7pm, free Parkland Big Band – Highdive, 5:30pm, $3 Teitur, Mike Ingram – Canopy Club, 7pm, $10 Albert Flasher – The Phoenix, 9pm, TBA The Bryan Holloway Somethin' – jazz – Cowboy Monkey, 5-7pm, $2; Brass Rail, 10pm, free Split Lip Rayfield, Green Mountain Grass – Cowboy Monkey, 10pm, $7 Centaur, At Knifepoint – Nargile, 10pm, $5 Saving Face, Alienz Lie, Missing the Point, This Day in History – The Premier Inn, TBA, $5 Maurice and the Mindset – Tommy G's, 10pm, cover Mike and Joe – Canopy Club, 10pm, $4 X-Krush – Daddio’s in Bloomington, TBA The Brat Pack – Ju-Ju’s in Bloomington, 9:30pm1:30am, cover Country Connection – Rose Bowl Tavern, 9pm, cover

Triskelion – Pages For All Ages, 7pm, free Coco Montoya – blues – Highdive, 7-10pm, $15 Lucky Boys Confusion, Best Days Behind, Saraphine, Missing the Point – Canopy Club, 9pm, $12 Lorenzo Goetz, Essence of Logic, Synesthesia – Nargile, 9pm, $5 Buick All-Stars – Embassy Tavern, 9:30pm, free Candy Foster and Shades of Blue – Cowboy Monkey, 10pm, $3 The Delta Kings – Tommy G's, 10pm, cover One Night Stand – The Iron Post, TBA Reasonable Doubt – Huber's, 8-11pm, TBA Open Juke Box – The Phoenix – 9pm, TBA Parkland and Normal Community Bands Joint Concert – Wesley United Methodist Church in Bloomington, 2:30pm, free Country Connection – Rose Bowl Tavern, 9pm, cover

DJ DJ J-Phlip – Barfly, 9pm, free DJ Delayney – hip hop, house – Nargile, 10pm, $5

MUSIC PERFORMANCE

"G" Force Karaoke – Pia's in Rantoul, 9pm-1am The Cheezy Trio – live rock ’n’ roll karaoke – Daddio’s in Bloomington, 9:30pm-12:30am, cover UI Oratorio Society, UI Chamber Singers, UI Chamber Orchestra – Bach's Cantata No. 78 ("Jesu, der du meine Seele") shares this program with two works by Arvo Pärt: the Collage on b-a-ch and the Te Deum. Foellinger Great Hall, 7:30pm. Tickets: $5, sc $4, stu $2.

DJ

Multicultural Dance Studio – Courtyard Cafe, 811:30pm, free

Hip Hop Agaist Racism: DJ Spinnerty, DJ D-Lo, Czar Absolute & Amun, Melodic Scribes, Limbs & Agent, Mos, ALiteration, Spoken Word, Guru Jonah, TBA – Illinois Disciples Foundation, 8pm, $4 DJ Bozak – house/hip-hop/downbeat – Barfly, 9pm, free DJ Impact – Nargile, 10pm, $5 DJ Mertz – Courtyard Cafe, 10pm, free DJ Tim Williams – Highdive, 10pm, $5

AROUND TOWN

MUSIC PERFORMANCE

DANCING

Wine Tasting – Sample wines and learn about the different kinds of wine tonight at Krannert Center. The center and Sun Singer Wine & Gifts, Ltd. host the wine tastings. Each week, two or three wines are introduced for free tasting. You can also buy full glasses of wine for $3.50 per glass. The center’s Interlude Bar will sell the featured wines throughout the week at regular price. Krannert Center lobby, Interlude Bar, 5pm, free.

UIUC Composers Festival: 21st Century Piano Commission Competition Recital – This concert features the world premiere of a newly commissioned work for piano by Brad Decker, Podia. Foellinger Great Hall, 7:30pm. Tickets: $5, sc $4, stu $2.

ON STAGE Definition – ten-minute play festival – Courtyard Cafe, 7pm, $2

DJ DJ Sophisto – Barfly, 9pm, free DJ Tim Williams – Highdive, 10pm, $5 “Twice as Nice�: DJ Mertz & DJ J-Phlip – house – Nargile, 10pm, $5

MUSIC PERFORMANCE "G" Force Karaoke – Historic Lincoln Castle Hotel Alumni Tap Bar, 9pm-1am Illini Statesmen Barbershop Chorus – In their spring show, our local barbershop singers welcome Aces High, Illinois District quartet champions Dan Smith Jr (tenor), Greg Lee (lead), Mat MacFayden (baritone), and Jerry Metzo (bass). Foellinger Great Hall, 7pm. Tickets: $14, sc $13, stu $9. Sweeney Todd – part of the School of Music Opera Series. Stephen Sondheim's Tony Award-winning musical thriller about "the Demon barber of Fleet Street" tells of the barber Sweeney Todd, who uses his skill to revenge his wrongful incarceration. His partner in crime, Mrs. Lovett, helps dispose of the evidence with "The Worst Pies in London." Sweeney Todd will be sung in English. Tryon Festival Theatre, 7:30pm. Flex tickets: $18, sc & stu $16, UI & yth $8. Single tickets: $20, sc & stu $18, UI & yth $8.

DANCE

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SalSabor presents: Latin Nights @ Club Lava – Salsa, Mambo, Merengue, Bachata – Lava, 11pm2am, $3 Swing Dance – Courtyard Cafe, 9pm-12:30am, $2; free lesson 9-10pm

FILM 21st Annual Insect Fear Film Festival – This year features The Tuxedo, Mimic, Tail Sting and episodes of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, PowerPuff Girls and MonsterMothMan. Doors open at 6pm, movies start at 7pm, and admission is free. Foellinger Auditorium. For more information, visit the UI Department of Entomology Web site or call 244-2491.

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SundayFeb29 LIVE MUSIC Lucky Boys Confusion, The Red Hot Valentines, 15 Minutes Late, Troubled Hubble – Canopy Club, 8pm, $12 Human Order, DIY – Red Herring, 8pm, $4 Leap Year Party – The Iron Post, TBA Crystal River – Rose Bowl Tavern, 8:30pm, free

DJ Blends by Otter – Cowboy Monkey, 10pm, free Leap Year Party w/ DJ Fritz – Nargile, 10pm, free Reel to Reel and the Wheels of Steel: Spicerack Movies with soundtrack provided by DJ Spinnerty and DJ Bozak – Mike 'n Molly's, 10pm, $1 Spundays w/ Dj Delayney – hip hop & soul – Boltini Lounge, free

buzz

MUSIC PERFORMANCE Sweeney Todd – part of the School of Music Opera Series. Stephen Sondheim's Tony Award-winning musical thriller about "the Demon barber of Fleet Street" tells of the barber Sweeney Todd, who uses his skill to revenge his wrongful incarceration. His partner in crime, Mrs. Lovett, helps dispose of the evidence with "The Worst Pies in London." Sweeney Todd will be sung in English. Tryon Festival Theatre, 3pm. Flex tickets: $18, sc & stu $16, UI & yth $8. Single tickets: $20, sc & stu $18, UI & yth $8. Mark Moore – tuba – Works by Thom Ritter Georg, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and William Kraft can be heard on this recital by a School of Music faculty artist. Foellinger Great Hall, 3pm. Tickets: $5, sc $4, stu $2.

buzz

the Russian sailors trapped in the Kursk submarine, terrifyingly evoking sentiments of ominous paranoia, imprisoning solitude and a suffocating claustrophobia. There is something incredibly cinematic about The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place, though it is too riveting and demanding of focus to function as a score. It is capable of instantaneously inspiring so much imagery and emotion, but to appreciate the subtler connotations of the music requires an investment of time so as to truly indulge in an interactive dialogue with it. This is an exemplary album that promotes a form of rock more suited to an intimate setting and headphones than an arena or party. This sophisticated and cerebral take on the genre bodes well for the new millennium, and for one of its most promising new bands.

ON STAGE Definition – Ten-minute play festival – Courtyard Cafe, 7pm, $2

MondayMarch1 LIVE MUSIC Open Mic – Za's Italian Cafe, 7pm, free Ludacris, Chingy – Assembly Hall, 7:30pm, $32.50 Open Mic Night hosted by Brandon T. and Mike Ingram – Cowboy Monkey, 10pm, $2 Jazz Jam hosted by ParaDocs – The Iron Post, 7:30pm, TBA Rodeo Girl Collective – WEFT station, 10pm, free

DJ 20N2OUT – Barfly, 9pm, free Chill in the Grill – hip hop – Canopy Club, 10pm, free DJ Betty Rocker – Mike 'n Molly's, 10pm, free “Case of the Mondays:� House music – Nargile, 10pm, free

MUSIC PERFORMANCE Community Drum Circle – Ten Thousand Villages, 7-9pm, free "G" Force Karaoke – Kam's, 10pm-2am

COMEDY DeBono – improv comedy – Courtyard Cafe, 910pm, free

TuesdayMarch2 LIVE MUSIC The Invisible, Life at Sea, Signsedso – Nargile, 9pm, $4 Open Jam / Open Mic hosted by Openingbands.com and Brandon T. – Canopy Club, 10pm, $2 Adam Wolfe, Jess Greenlee – acoustic – Tommy G's, 10pm, free Illinois Disciples Foundation Benefit Show: Hollowed Out, Green Mountain Grass, Theory of Everything, Kate Hatthaway, Larry Gates – Cowboy Monkey, 9pm, $5 Crystal River – Rose Bowl Tavern, 9pm, free

DJ DJ Resonate – hip-hop – Barfly, 9pm, free NOX: DJ ZoZo, DJ Kannibal, DJ Rickbats – The Highdive, 10pm, $2

COMEDY Spicy Clamato – improv comedy – Courtyard Cafe, 9-10pm, free

WednesdayMarch3 LIVE MUSIC Kilborn Alley – Tommy G's, 9pm free Openingbands.com Showcase: Shipwreck, Darrin Drda's Theory of Everything, Von Frickle – Canopy Club, 10pm, $3 Adam Wolf, Jess Greenlee – acoustic – Ju-Ju’s in Bloomington, TBA Green Mountain Grass – bluegrass – Iron Post, TBA Hard Poor Korn – Rose Bowl Tavern, 9pm, free

music

FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 3, 2004 | KUATO SAYS:“OPEN YOUR MIND�

CHARTS PARASOL RECORDS’ TOP 10 SELLERS 1. Comsat Angels - It's History (Nano) 2. The Legends - Up Against The Legends (Labrador) 3. Xiu Xiu - Fabulous Muscles (5 Rue Christine) 4. Camera Obscura - Underachievers Please Try Hard (Merge) 5. All Night Radio - Spirit Stereo Frequency (Sub Pop) 6. Papa M - Hole Of Burning Alms (Drag City) 7. Doug Powell - Day For Night (Parasol) 8. The Ponys - Laced With Romance (In The Red) 9. Moonbabies - The Orange Billboard (Hidden Agenda) 10. Lanterna - Highways (Badman)

NEW RELEASES Layo & Bushwacka! - All Night Long Clint Black - Spend My Time Cam’ron - Purple Haze Cee-Lo - Cee-Lo Green... Is the Soul Machine The Get Up Kids - Guilt Show The Living End - Modern Artillery

MUSIC REVIEW GUIDE

Flawless Good Mediocre Bad Unlistenable

★★★★ ★★★ ★★ ★ No stars

TopFive

Too much of a good thing? MENDOZA MUSIC LINE BY DAN FINNERTY | STAFF WRITER

Y

ou may have heard about the beef between rappers Nas and Jay-Z that sparked off a few years ago. But these two lyricists have another connection, they have both been a big part of a new trend that has been emerging in hip hop: the remix album. Since the early days of dance music and hip hop, the remix (sorry Puffy, you did not invent the remix) has been included on 12� singles to make songs more dance floor/DJ friendly. Producers would add more punch to the drums, extend intros and outros, rework the instrumentation, or a host of other tricks. One recent development in remixing is to put new vocals/rhymes over the-hot-Neptunes-beat-ofthe-moment so people can still shake their asses to beats they recognize. Another new development in remixing is the mash-up, combining existing hip-hop vocals with non-hip-hop songs. Recent mash-ups include 50 Cent with Nine Inch Nails, Missy Elliot with AC/DC and Planet Rock with “The Girl From Ipanema.� This new phenomenon has sparked off the remixing of entire albums. Instead of just concentrating on the single, producers have been reshaping the whole vibe of an album by putting new emotions and twists on each song for appreciation beyond the dance floor. Nas released God’s Son in late 2002. You may have heard songs like “I Can,� “Made You Look� and “Thugz Mansion� from this release. When I first heard the album, I liked maybe four songs. Soon after this release, a then-unknown producer, 9th Wonder, came out of the woodwork with God’s Stepson, an album of all lyrics from God’s Son over new beats. I consider the 9th Wonder version absolutely classic! Songs that I had ignored on the original Nas were given new life. New parts of the lyrics were popping out at me. With the different emotional styles of the beats, the lyrics were given new meaning. I can confidently say I love every song on the 9th Wonder version. Other producers followed 9th Wonder. MF Doom released Nastradoomus, with lyrics from

Songs for worshipping Satan

1. Debbie Boone - “You Light Up My Life� Oh sure, you thought her father was Pat Boone, but in truth, she was demon spawn and “You Light Up My Life� was a pledge of eternal allegiance to her dark lord. Who else but Beelzebub’s succubus could have composed such a wanton hymn to demonic orgies and win a Grammy the year that punk broke. Ladies and gentleman, I rest my case.

2. Slayer - “South of Heaven� Man, was there ever a band more appropriate for paying tribute to his unholiness than fucking Slayer? Some choice “South of Heaven� lyrics include, “The root of all evil is the heart of a black soul� and “Promiscuous mothers

with your incestuous fathers.� What the hell? They were probably just speaking in tongues or something. Rock on, Slayer. Surely you will be Lucifer’s backing band in Hell.

Nastradamus over MF Doom beats. Today a slew of beatsmiths have remixed Jay-Z’s The Black Album. Kev Brown’s The Brown Album offers Jay’s lyrics over smooth and cerebral Philadelphia-styled beats. Dangermouse comes with The Grey Album. This one has a cool concept: Jay-Z lyrics of The Black Album plus beats made from samples solely from the Beatles’ White Album. DJ Lt. Dan combines Hova’s rhymes with classic Hip-Hop beats circa 1994 to create The Black Remixes. Kno, of The Cunninlynguists, flips Jigga into The White Album. Last but not least, 9th Wonder also did Black Is Back using his signature soulful beats. But why is this important? A lot of trueschool hip-hop heads have said Nas fell off after his first album, Illmatic (1994). The singles from his other albums including God’s Son had some mainstream appeal. Too many times, I’ve heard, “Why can’t Nas put out another album in the same vein as Illmatic?� God’s Stepson, to me, is just that. It’s all about production and it has a huge effect on the words. 9th Wonder made a big name for himself in the underground with God’s Stepson. Almost magically, this unknown producer was asked to provide a beat for Jay-Z’s version of The Black Album along with heavy hitters like Timbaland, Eminem, Kanye West and others. It seems appropriate that the first huge album that contains a 9th beat would go on to receive the remix treatment that he pioneered. So what does this mean for the future of hip hop? This is a sort of “minor league� for bedroom producers, getting their craft noticed by hot MCs and wider audiences. The resulting collaborations excite me: producers that make beats that actually sound like hip hop, as opposed to a lot of stuff that comes out under that name, working with MCs that started their careers and gained respect through doing traditional hip hop and have since moved into new territory. Recently, the Beastie Boys released the vocal-only versions of songs from their first two albums. I can’t wait to hear what people come up with. buzz Dan Finnerty (AKA DJ Spinnerty) co-hosts Needledrops with DJ Bozak on WEFT 90.1 FM Saturdays, 10 p.m.-midnight. crazy sampling. Man, if lines like “And in the land of rape and honey/You pray� don’t conjure up images of gaunt, pasty Gothic kids doing that weird circle jerk kick dance they do, I honestly don’t know what does.

3. Dio - “Holy Diver� He had lasers and a giant dragon in his stage show. He fronted Black Sabbath for a spell. His name was Ronnie James Dio and he was Satan’s lapdog. Fronting possibly the worst 80s metal band automatically qualifies you for lieutenant general in the army of the damned. If you disagree, check the album cover. A black demon tossing a “suit� into the river Styx. Anarchy, dude. Total chaos. That’s what Ronnie James was all about.

5. Iron Maiden “Two Minutes To Midnight� “The killer’s breed or the demon seed/The glamour, the fortune the pain/Go to war again, blood is freedom’s stain/But don’t you pray for my soul anymore.�Seriously, no one out-metaled Iron Maiden. No one.

4. Ministry - “The Land of Rape and Honey� And Trent Reznor thought he was cool. Whatever. Ministry was all about the devil, metal guitar riffs and

Next week: Top five popular bands that suck What’s yours? e-mail us at music@readbuzz.com

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buzzpicks Life Sea, Signsedso

Music gets progressive with Von Frickle

at

Rock for rock’s sake

C

hicago-based quartet Life at Sea experiments with sounds and incorporates film footage into its live show, making anyone who catches the act take notice. The lyrics center around abstract themes such as isolation and revelation. The members honed their skills while participating in various other bands throughout their indie rock careers, such as Man is Five, L’Spaerow and The Dynamites. The band already shows much potential, as well as a gift for blending the old with the new, traditional rock ‘n’ roll with modern rock sounds. Signsedso recently returned to its Illinois roots from recording its first full-length album in Arizona. The band also has three self-released EP’s under its belt and is ready to jump back into the live music scene. The band stresses rocking for rock’s sake, and their new music does just that. Signsedso brings unadulterated rock ‘n roll to the stage with high intensity and passionate expression. Life at Sea and Signsedso will be at Nargile Tuesday night along with The Invisible. Music starts at 9 p.m. with a $4 cover.

H

ead to Canopy Wednesday for a night of experimental, melodic music. Illinois band Von Frickle is heavy on instrumentals and light on mainstream riffs, and the results are distinctive, expressive rock sounds that will catch any listener’s attention. You may remember Von Frickle from last year’s Battle of the Bands, in which the band was a finalist. Darrin Drda’s Theory of Everything will also take the stage, performing music that is at once melodic and experimental. From flute to bass to vocals, Drda creates lasting sounds and intricate, meaningful songs. Shipwreck, Harman Jordan’s side project, will perform as well. The show starts at 10 p.m. with a $3 cover.

15

Coco Montoya sings the blues

B

lues rocker Coco Montoya carved his place in the music world through more than 30 years of constant touring and playing. From his fiery guitar playing to his weathered vocals, Montoya takes listeners on a fast-paced, Southern blues rock ride. Catch Montoya this Saturday at Highdive. Show starts at 7 p.m. with a $15 cover.

Jillian’s and Miller Lite – Good Call!

The Delta Kings fuse blues, rock ’n’ roll

T

he Delta Kings have been fusing blues and rock ’n’ roll music since the early 1990s. Playing mostly in roadhouses and at biker parties and festivals, the band has created a unique sound through the years that incorporates everything from R&B to country, rockabilly to blues, and all things rock ’n’ roll. The band released its first CD, Damn Thing Bites, in 1997 and has gone on to release rarities, live recordings and, most recently, the CD Roadhouse Hullabaloo. The Delta Kings will be performing Saturday at Tommy G’s. The show starts at 10 p.m. For extra photos, check out readbuzz.com

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buzzpicks Life Sea, Signsedso

Music gets progressive with Von Frickle

at

Rock for rock’s sake

C

hicago-based quartet Life at Sea experiments with sounds and incorporates film footage into its live show, making anyone who catches the act take notice. The lyrics center around abstract themes such as isolation and revelation. The members honed their skills while participating in various other bands throughout their indie rock careers, such as Man is Five, L’Spaerow and The Dynamites. The band already shows much potential, as well as a gift for blending the old with the new, traditional rock ‘n’ roll with modern rock sounds. Signsedso recently returned to its Illinois roots from recording its first full-length album in Arizona. The band also has three self-released EP’s under its belt and is ready to jump back into the live music scene. The band stresses rocking for rock’s sake, and their new music does just that. Signsedso brings unadulterated rock ‘n roll to the stage with high intensity and passionate expression. Life at Sea and Signsedso will be at Nargile Tuesday night along with The Invisible. Music starts at 9 p.m. with a $4 cover.

H

ead to Canopy Wednesday for a night of experimental, melodic music. Illinois band Von Frickle is heavy on instrumentals and light on mainstream riffs, and the results are distinctive, expressive rock sounds that will catch any listener’s attention. You may remember Von Frickle from last year’s Battle of the Bands, in which the band was a finalist. Darrin Drda’s Theory of Everything will also take the stage, performing music that is at once melodic and experimental. From flute to bass to vocals, Drda creates lasting sounds and intricate, meaningful songs. Shipwreck, Harman Jordan’s side project, will perform as well. The show starts at 10 p.m. with a $3 cover.

15

Coco Montoya sings the blues

B

lues rocker Coco Montoya carved his place in the music world through more than 30 years of constant touring and playing. From his fiery guitar playing to his weathered vocals, Montoya takes listeners on a fast-paced, Southern blues rock ride. Catch Montoya this Saturday at Highdive. Show starts at 7 p.m. with a $15 cover.

Jillian’s and Miller Lite – Good Call!

The Delta Kings fuse blues, rock ’n’ roll

T

he Delta Kings have been fusing blues and rock ’n’ roll music since the early 1990s. Playing mostly in roadhouses and at biker parties and festivals, the band has created a unique sound through the years that incorporates everything from R&B to country, rockabilly to blues, and all things rock ’n’ roll. The band released its first CD, Damn Thing Bites, in 1997 and has gone on to release rarities, live recordings and, most recently, the CD Roadhouse Hullabaloo. The Delta Kings will be performing Saturday at Tommy G’s. The show starts at 10 p.m. For extra photos, check out readbuzz.com

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WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT LISTED ON OUR CALENDAR? Send your listings to calendar@readbuzz.com | FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 3, 2004

ThursdayFeb26

FridayFeb27

SaturdayFeb28

LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC

Mike Ingram – Record Service, 3pm, free U of I #1 Jazz Combo – The Iron Post, 7pm, TBA Acoustic Music Series: Joni Laurence – Aroma, 8pm, free WEFT Sessions CD Release Party: Temple of Low Men, Solips, LadyRadio, The Invisible, Jeremy Keller – Cowboy Monkey, 8pm, $4 The Bryan Holloway Somethin' – jazz – Zorba's, 9:30pm, $3 Umphrey's McGee, Orquestra Ranura – Canopy Club, 10pm, $10 Eclectic Theory – White Horse, 10pm, free Country Connection – Rose Bowl Tavern, 9pm, free

Finite Element – Record Service, 4pm, free Jeff Helgesen Quintet – The Iron Post, 5pm, TBA The Prairie Dogs – Tommy G's, 5-7pm, free Parkland Big Band – Highdive, 5:30pm, $3 Teitur, Mike Ingram – Canopy Club, 7pm, $10 Albert Flasher – The Phoenix, 9pm, TBA The Bryan Holloway Somethin' – jazz – Cowboy Monkey, 5-7pm, $2; Brass Rail, 10pm, free Split Lip Rayfield, Green Mountain Grass – Cowboy Monkey, 10pm, $7 Centaur, At Knifepoint – Nargile, 10pm, $5 Saving Face, Alienz Lie, Missing the Point, This Day in History – The Premier Inn, TBA, $5 Maurice and the Mindset – Tommy G's, 10pm, cover Mike and Joe – Canopy Club, 10pm, $4 X-Krush – Daddio’s in Bloomington, TBA The Brat Pack – Ju-Ju’s in Bloomington, 9:30pm1:30am, cover Country Connection – Rose Bowl Tavern, 9pm, cover

Triskelion – Pages For All Ages, 7pm, free Coco Montoya – blues – Highdive, 7-10pm, $15 Lucky Boys Confusion, Best Days Behind, Saraphine, Missing the Point – Canopy Club, 9pm, $12 Lorenzo Goetz, Essence of Logic, Synesthesia – Nargile, 9pm, $5 Buick All-Stars – Embassy Tavern, 9:30pm, free Candy Foster and Shades of Blue – Cowboy Monkey, 10pm, $3 The Delta Kings – Tommy G's, 10pm, cover One Night Stand – The Iron Post, TBA Reasonable Doubt – Huber's, 8-11pm, TBA Open Juke Box – The Phoenix – 9pm, TBA Parkland and Normal Community Bands Joint Concert – Wesley United Methodist Church in Bloomington, 2:30pm, free Country Connection – Rose Bowl Tavern, 9pm, cover

DJ DJ J-Phlip – Barfly, 9pm, free DJ Delayney – hip hop, house – Nargile, 10pm, $5

MUSIC PERFORMANCE

"G" Force Karaoke – Pia's in Rantoul, 9pm-1am The Cheezy Trio – live rock ’n’ roll karaoke – Daddio’s in Bloomington, 9:30pm-12:30am, cover UI Oratorio Society, UI Chamber Singers, UI Chamber Orchestra – Bach's Cantata No. 78 ("Jesu, der du meine Seele") shares this program with two works by Arvo Pärt: the Collage on b-a-ch and the Te Deum. Foellinger Great Hall, 7:30pm. Tickets: $5, sc $4, stu $2.

DJ

Multicultural Dance Studio – Courtyard Cafe, 811:30pm, free

Hip Hop Agaist Racism: DJ Spinnerty, DJ D-Lo, Czar Absolute & Amun, Melodic Scribes, Limbs & Agent, Mos, ALiteration, Spoken Word, Guru Jonah, TBA – Illinois Disciples Foundation, 8pm, $4 DJ Bozak – house/hip-hop/downbeat – Barfly, 9pm, free DJ Impact – Nargile, 10pm, $5 DJ Mertz – Courtyard Cafe, 10pm, free DJ Tim Williams – Highdive, 10pm, $5

AROUND TOWN

MUSIC PERFORMANCE

DANCING

Wine Tasting – Sample wines and learn about the different kinds of wine tonight at Krannert Center. The center and Sun Singer Wine & Gifts, Ltd. host the wine tastings. Each week, two or three wines are introduced for free tasting. You can also buy full glasses of wine for $3.50 per glass. The center’s Interlude Bar will sell the featured wines throughout the week at regular price. Krannert Center lobby, Interlude Bar, 5pm, free.

UIUC Composers Festival: 21st Century Piano Commission Competition Recital – This concert features the world premiere of a newly commissioned work for piano by Brad Decker, Podia. Foellinger Great Hall, 7:30pm. Tickets: $5, sc $4, stu $2.

ON STAGE Definition – ten-minute play festival – Courtyard Cafe, 7pm, $2

DJ DJ Sophisto – Barfly, 9pm, free DJ Tim Williams – Highdive, 10pm, $5 “Twice as Nice�: DJ Mertz & DJ J-Phlip – house – Nargile, 10pm, $5

MUSIC PERFORMANCE "G" Force Karaoke – Historic Lincoln Castle Hotel Alumni Tap Bar, 9pm-1am Illini Statesmen Barbershop Chorus – In their spring show, our local barbershop singers welcome Aces High, Illinois District quartet champions Dan Smith Jr (tenor), Greg Lee (lead), Mat MacFayden (baritone), and Jerry Metzo (bass). Foellinger Great Hall, 7pm. Tickets: $14, sc $13, stu $9. Sweeney Todd – part of the School of Music Opera Series. Stephen Sondheim's Tony Award-winning musical thriller about "the Demon barber of Fleet Street" tells of the barber Sweeney Todd, who uses his skill to revenge his wrongful incarceration. His partner in crime, Mrs. Lovett, helps dispose of the evidence with "The Worst Pies in London." Sweeney Todd will be sung in English. Tryon Festival Theatre, 7:30pm. Flex tickets: $18, sc & stu $16, UI & yth $8. Single tickets: $20, sc & stu $18, UI & yth $8.

DANCE

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SalSabor presents: Latin Nights @ Club Lava – Salsa, Mambo, Merengue, Bachata – Lava, 11pm2am, $3 Swing Dance – Courtyard Cafe, 9pm-12:30am, $2; free lesson 9-10pm

FILM 21st Annual Insect Fear Film Festival – This year features The Tuxedo, Mimic, Tail Sting and episodes of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, PowerPuff Girls and MonsterMothMan. Doors open at 6pm, movies start at 7pm, and admission is free. Foellinger Auditorium. For more information, visit the UI Department of Entomology Web site or call 244-2491.

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SundayFeb29 LIVE MUSIC Lucky Boys Confusion, The Red Hot Valentines, 15 Minutes Late, Troubled Hubble – Canopy Club, 8pm, $12 Human Order, DIY – Red Herring, 8pm, $4 Leap Year Party – The Iron Post, TBA Crystal River – Rose Bowl Tavern, 8:30pm, free

DJ Blends by Otter – Cowboy Monkey, 10pm, free Leap Year Party w/ DJ Fritz – Nargile, 10pm, free Reel to Reel and the Wheels of Steel: Spicerack Movies with soundtrack provided by DJ Spinnerty and DJ Bozak – Mike 'n Molly's, 10pm, $1 Spundays w/ Dj Delayney – hip hop & soul – Boltini Lounge, free

buzz

MUSIC PERFORMANCE Sweeney Todd – part of the School of Music Opera Series. Stephen Sondheim's Tony Award-winning musical thriller about "the Demon barber of Fleet Street" tells of the barber Sweeney Todd, who uses his skill to revenge his wrongful incarceration. His partner in crime, Mrs. Lovett, helps dispose of the evidence with "The Worst Pies in London." Sweeney Todd will be sung in English. Tryon Festival Theatre, 3pm. Flex tickets: $18, sc & stu $16, UI & yth $8. Single tickets: $20, sc & stu $18, UI & yth $8. Mark Moore – tuba – Works by Thom Ritter Georg, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and William Kraft can be heard on this recital by a School of Music faculty artist. Foellinger Great Hall, 3pm. Tickets: $5, sc $4, stu $2.

buzz

the Russian sailors trapped in the Kursk submarine, terrifyingly evoking sentiments of ominous paranoia, imprisoning solitude and a suffocating claustrophobia. There is something incredibly cinematic about The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place, though it is too riveting and demanding of focus to function as a score. It is capable of instantaneously inspiring so much imagery and emotion, but to appreciate the subtler connotations of the music requires an investment of time so as to truly indulge in an interactive dialogue with it. This is an exemplary album that promotes a form of rock more suited to an intimate setting and headphones than an arena or party. This sophisticated and cerebral take on the genre bodes well for the new millennium, and for one of its most promising new bands.

ON STAGE Definition – Ten-minute play festival – Courtyard Cafe, 7pm, $2

MondayMarch1 LIVE MUSIC Open Mic – Za's Italian Cafe, 7pm, free Ludacris, Chingy – Assembly Hall, 7:30pm, $32.50 Open Mic Night hosted by Brandon T. and Mike Ingram – Cowboy Monkey, 10pm, $2 Jazz Jam hosted by ParaDocs – The Iron Post, 7:30pm, TBA Rodeo Girl Collective – WEFT station, 10pm, free

DJ 20N2OUT – Barfly, 9pm, free Chill in the Grill – hip hop – Canopy Club, 10pm, free DJ Betty Rocker – Mike 'n Molly's, 10pm, free “Case of the Mondays:� House music – Nargile, 10pm, free

MUSIC PERFORMANCE Community Drum Circle – Ten Thousand Villages, 7-9pm, free "G" Force Karaoke – Kam's, 10pm-2am

COMEDY DeBono – improv comedy – Courtyard Cafe, 910pm, free

TuesdayMarch2 LIVE MUSIC The Invisible, Life at Sea, Signsedso – Nargile, 9pm, $4 Open Jam / Open Mic hosted by Openingbands.com and Brandon T. – Canopy Club, 10pm, $2 Adam Wolfe, Jess Greenlee – acoustic – Tommy G's, 10pm, free Illinois Disciples Foundation Benefit Show: Hollowed Out, Green Mountain Grass, Theory of Everything, Kate Hatthaway, Larry Gates – Cowboy Monkey, 9pm, $5 Crystal River – Rose Bowl Tavern, 9pm, free

DJ DJ Resonate – hip-hop – Barfly, 9pm, free NOX: DJ ZoZo, DJ Kannibal, DJ Rickbats – The Highdive, 10pm, $2

COMEDY Spicy Clamato – improv comedy – Courtyard Cafe, 9-10pm, free

WednesdayMarch3 LIVE MUSIC Kilborn Alley – Tommy G's, 9pm free Openingbands.com Showcase: Shipwreck, Darrin Drda's Theory of Everything, Von Frickle – Canopy Club, 10pm, $3 Adam Wolf, Jess Greenlee – acoustic – Ju-Ju’s in Bloomington, TBA Green Mountain Grass – bluegrass – Iron Post, TBA Hard Poor Korn – Rose Bowl Tavern, 9pm, free

music

FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 3, 2004 | KUATO SAYS:“OPEN YOUR MIND�

CHARTS PARASOL RECORDS’ TOP 10 SELLERS 1. Comsat Angels - It's History (Nano) 2. The Legends - Up Against The Legends (Labrador) 3. Xiu Xiu - Fabulous Muscles (5 Rue Christine) 4. Camera Obscura - Underachievers Please Try Hard (Merge) 5. All Night Radio - Spirit Stereo Frequency (Sub Pop) 6. Papa M - Hole Of Burning Alms (Drag City) 7. Doug Powell - Day For Night (Parasol) 8. The Ponys - Laced With Romance (In The Red) 9. Moonbabies - The Orange Billboard (Hidden Agenda) 10. Lanterna - Highways (Badman)

NEW RELEASES Layo & Bushwacka! - All Night Long Clint Black - Spend My Time Cam’ron - Purple Haze Cee-Lo - Cee-Lo Green... Is the Soul Machine The Get Up Kids - Guilt Show The Living End - Modern Artillery

MUSIC REVIEW GUIDE

Flawless Good Mediocre Bad Unlistenable

★★★★ ★★★ ★★ ★ No stars

TopFive

Too much of a good thing? MENDOZA MUSIC LINE BY DAN FINNERTY | STAFF WRITER

Y

ou may have heard about the beef between rappers Nas and Jay-Z that sparked off a few years ago. But these two lyricists have another connection, they have both been a big part of a new trend that has been emerging in hip hop: the remix album. Since the early days of dance music and hip hop, the remix (sorry Puffy, you did not invent the remix) has been included on 12� singles to make songs more dance floor/DJ friendly. Producers would add more punch to the drums, extend intros and outros, rework the instrumentation, or a host of other tricks. One recent development in remixing is to put new vocals/rhymes over the-hot-Neptunes-beat-ofthe-moment so people can still shake their asses to beats they recognize. Another new development in remixing is the mash-up, combining existing hip-hop vocals with non-hip-hop songs. Recent mash-ups include 50 Cent with Nine Inch Nails, Missy Elliot with AC/DC and Planet Rock with “The Girl From Ipanema.� This new phenomenon has sparked off the remixing of entire albums. Instead of just concentrating on the single, producers have been reshaping the whole vibe of an album by putting new emotions and twists on each song for appreciation beyond the dance floor. Nas released God’s Son in late 2002. You may have heard songs like “I Can,� “Made You Look� and “Thugz Mansion� from this release. When I first heard the album, I liked maybe four songs. Soon after this release, a then-unknown producer, 9th Wonder, came out of the woodwork with God’s Stepson, an album of all lyrics from God’s Son over new beats. I consider the 9th Wonder version absolutely classic! Songs that I had ignored on the original Nas were given new life. New parts of the lyrics were popping out at me. With the different emotional styles of the beats, the lyrics were given new meaning. I can confidently say I love every song on the 9th Wonder version. Other producers followed 9th Wonder. MF Doom released Nastradoomus, with lyrics from

Songs for worshipping Satan

1. Debbie Boone - “You Light Up My Life� Oh sure, you thought her father was Pat Boone, but in truth, she was demon spawn and “You Light Up My Life� was a pledge of eternal allegiance to her dark lord. Who else but Beelzebub’s succubus could have composed such a wanton hymn to demonic orgies and win a Grammy the year that punk broke. Ladies and gentleman, I rest my case.

2. Slayer - “South of Heaven� Man, was there ever a band more appropriate for paying tribute to his unholiness than fucking Slayer? Some choice “South of Heaven� lyrics include, “The root of all evil is the heart of a black soul� and “Promiscuous mothers

with your incestuous fathers.� What the hell? They were probably just speaking in tongues or something. Rock on, Slayer. Surely you will be Lucifer’s backing band in Hell.

Nastradamus over MF Doom beats. Today a slew of beatsmiths have remixed Jay-Z’s The Black Album. Kev Brown’s The Brown Album offers Jay’s lyrics over smooth and cerebral Philadelphia-styled beats. Dangermouse comes with The Grey Album. This one has a cool concept: Jay-Z lyrics of The Black Album plus beats made from samples solely from the Beatles’ White Album. DJ Lt. Dan combines Hova’s rhymes with classic Hip-Hop beats circa 1994 to create The Black Remixes. Kno, of The Cunninlynguists, flips Jigga into The White Album. Last but not least, 9th Wonder also did Black Is Back using his signature soulful beats. But why is this important? A lot of trueschool hip-hop heads have said Nas fell off after his first album, Illmatic (1994). The singles from his other albums including God’s Son had some mainstream appeal. Too many times, I’ve heard, “Why can’t Nas put out another album in the same vein as Illmatic?� God’s Stepson, to me, is just that. It’s all about production and it has a huge effect on the words. 9th Wonder made a big name for himself in the underground with God’s Stepson. Almost magically, this unknown producer was asked to provide a beat for Jay-Z’s version of The Black Album along with heavy hitters like Timbaland, Eminem, Kanye West and others. It seems appropriate that the first huge album that contains a 9th beat would go on to receive the remix treatment that he pioneered. So what does this mean for the future of hip hop? This is a sort of “minor league� for bedroom producers, getting their craft noticed by hot MCs and wider audiences. The resulting collaborations excite me: producers that make beats that actually sound like hip hop, as opposed to a lot of stuff that comes out under that name, working with MCs that started their careers and gained respect through doing traditional hip hop and have since moved into new territory. Recently, the Beastie Boys released the vocal-only versions of songs from their first two albums. I can’t wait to hear what people come up with. buzz Dan Finnerty (AKA DJ Spinnerty) co-hosts Needledrops with DJ Bozak on WEFT 90.1 FM Saturdays, 10 p.m.-midnight. crazy sampling. Man, if lines like “And in the land of rape and honey/You pray� don’t conjure up images of gaunt, pasty Gothic kids doing that weird circle jerk kick dance they do, I honestly don’t know what does.

3. Dio - “Holy Diver� He had lasers and a giant dragon in his stage show. He fronted Black Sabbath for a spell. His name was Ronnie James Dio and he was Satan’s lapdog. Fronting possibly the worst 80s metal band automatically qualifies you for lieutenant general in the army of the damned. If you disagree, check the album cover. A black demon tossing a “suit� into the river Styx. Anarchy, dude. Total chaos. That’s what Ronnie James was all about.

5. Iron Maiden “Two Minutes To Midnight� “The killer’s breed or the demon seed/The glamour, the fortune the pain/Go to war again, blood is freedom’s stain/But don’t you pray for my soul anymore.�Seriously, no one out-metaled Iron Maiden. No one.

4. Ministry - “The Land of Rape and Honey� And Trent Reznor thought he was cool. Whatever. Ministry was all about the devil, metal guitar riffs and

Next week: Top five popular bands that suck What’s yours? e-mail us at music@readbuzz.com

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I WISH I HAD A NEW PLAN...A DAMAGE PLAN! | FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 3, 2004

CDReviews

12

2/25/04

DO MAKE SAY THINK Winter Hymn Country Hymn Secret Hymn CONSTELLATION

★★★★ BY MATT COHN

Winter Hymn Country Hymn Secret Hymn is Do Make Say Think’s latest and largest work of musical architecture. This album commands a snowy and remote Canadian landscape. It sounds like a building. I would like to review Winter Hymn Country Hymn Secret Hymn as though it were this building.

WINTER HYMN FREDERICA The entrance has been constructed to resemble a secluded Canadian barnhouse. You walk in and hear music that might accompany a dance in this barn, a barndance. But there is nobody in the building.The echo of your footsteps reverberates in perfect increments off of the barn’s walls. It sounds like there are two of you percussively walking. Echoes accumulate. A generator suddenly flips on in time with the music. The mechanical buzz sounds exactly like a distorted bass guitar. WAR ON WANT You walk through a small door at the end of the foyer, down a small hallway made of ice, toward the light from another opened door. Speakers at each end of the hallway broadcast the same solo violin performance and the notes sonically crash into each other at changing intervals, according to your position in the narrow echo chamber. AUBERGE LE MOUTON NOIR People sit in the brightly lit utility room at the end of the hallway, breathing foggy air and crumpling pieces of paper until you arrive. Something is wrong with the furnace and it emits a dirty, yet rhythmic buzzing sound. The men eventually fix the furnace allowing you to hear acoustic instruments from the next room.

COUNTRY HYMN OUTER INNER & SECRET The fourth room in Chez Do Make Say Think accentuates the world around it. You are standing in a geodesic atrium. A large steel computer and accompanying tape machine sit plaintively in the middle. The tape machine prints out a small rhythmic ticket, and the computer flashes a repeating pattern of colors and ascending bass sounds. The tape machine starts repeating the same calculation and smoke rises from the computer. It overheats and explodes, shattering a hole in the dome. 107 REASONS WHY A greenhouse toward the far end of the atrium. Open windows. Cars zipping by on the expressway, birds singing, plants slowly growing. ONTARIO PLATES

The smoke from the explosion clears, and you see a door.Through it lies a desolate concrete room with a single window, ten feet up. Six men with musical instruments sit and sulk. They really liked that computer, and so they begin playing an ode to it. One of the drummers and the bassist give way to wind and brass players, their numbers uncountable in the room’s darkness. They play funereally. A guitarist sparsely weaves himself into the mix. Two measures of just him and then a colossal rush of simultaneity. How else can it be described? Two drummers, bass, guitar, keyboard, trumpet, wind, white noise, birds chirping, expressway traffic. The whole fucking thing causes the structure to start melting, shakes the building’s foundation.

SECRET HYMN HORNS OF A RABBIT The building’s fire alarm begins to sound, and you run back into the shattered atrium.You use a magnetic tape reel as a grappling hook. Sliding down the roof, you walk slowly from the building to the nearby expressway, and stand in the middle.There is no traffic at first, but then large semis approach, swerving wildly. You witness large trucks crashing over each other from your spot on the snowed-over-grass median. The trucks spill their percussive and acoustic contents onto the thoroughfare. IT’S GONNA RAIN Shards of glass and engine parts skitter on the ground. Cars slow down, but still pop their tires on the wreckage. Sparks fly as the rims scratch against the pavement. The gentle crackling of fire from exploded trucks wafts through the winter air. HOORAY! HOORAY! HOORAY! A large van drifts toward you on the expressway. The letters DMST are stenciled on the side, with a picture of a hammer and a T-square. The van stops to pick you up. You get in, even though it makes strange sputtering and grinding noises. A man in the back of the van accompanies the noises with an acoustic guitar. They crescendo. All of the van’s passengers hum in unison. You look out the window of the van to see smoke billowing from the burning building. The van’s stereo bumps a bass melody similar to the one you heard in the building’s barnish foyer. Do Make Say Think is driving you away from their carefully constructed, beautifully imploded building.

The Hurly-Burly

STARS Heart Arts and Crafts

★★★★ BY LOGAN MOORE

Aah, Valentine’s Day, that special one day of the year where those who are single, become bitter and antagonistic towards people in relationships, and rightly so. Having raged against the Hallmark holiday from hell for so many years, I was unprepared for this Black Saturday, one that I would be spending with my girlfriend. Suddenly, I realized that invisible battle lines had been drawn, I was no longer single, I was the enemy. I felt uncomfortable around my single friends. I actually felt bourgeoisie for having a girlfriend. I have a feeling that the boys and girls in Stars never get like this. Heart is an album that earnestly and fiercely celebrates love; it’s peaks and it’s valleys, in all of their complexity. Heart is an album that addresses what many on either side of the great divide rarely admit; that being in love is often times just as hard as losing a love. And it’s a brave move on their part. In an indie community where credibility, irony, and cold intellectualism are prized above all else, it feels like a fucking revelation to hear a band that frankly adresses relationships and emotions with no hint of pretentiousness. An album full of honest to goodness pop songs overflowing with the sort of emotional maturity and time-tempered optimism that used to be part and parcel to popular music. This is no smoochy love-fest. The ladies and gentlemen of Stars have had their hearts broken, and they tell these tales from both sides of the story. No accusatory, infantile,“you broke my heart, you bitch” anthems, here. Stars understands that when the dust settles, the deaths of relationships, just as their births, involve two people. They weave these tales of new loves, old loves and lost loves on a rich bed of horns, strings, guitars, piano, synthesizer and drums (both live and machine). Arts and Crafts has been knocking me out lately and this album is no exception. Stars realizes that the right instrument, carefully placed in a song at just the right time, is oftentimes just as moving as it’s content. The way the piano delicately plinks around the drum machine in “Heart” perfectly reflects the melancholy revelations of the song’s boy-girl conversation. The stately horns that waft throughout “The Woods,” add all the late-night grandeur a song about the possibility of love between two good friends deserves. The graceful acoustic strumming that adorns the chorus of “Romantic Comedy” provides a delicate counterpoint to the conversation between two lovers in a disintegrating relationship. Did I mention that this album slam-dunks the conversational duet? A much-maligned genre gets its due as (insert two lead vocalists here) trade off vocals over Heart’s soaring, graceful ballads. Heart begins with a recording of each member of the

OnTheSpotReview

Sifting through the commotion and crap of music culture

DAMAGEPLAN New Found Power

COMPILED BY LOGAN MOORE

Elektra BY LOGAN MOORE

Crazy, oddly-named, dance rock act !!! are set to release their new album on Touch and Go in June. The album will be preceded by a limited edition white vinyl single, for all you collectors. A few of the tracks have been mixed by Maurice Fulton (Mu, Playgroup) the rest by the band themselves. Let the indie rock assshaking begin. Coming on the heels of his excellent Blue Note debut What’s Wrong With This Picture?, Van Morrison will be visiting the U.S. for a planned five date affair beginning March 31st and ending April 9th. The tour is set to hit New York, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Chicago, and Boston.

Before Listening

What the hell? Moment of the week On March 6th history will be made my friends. Industrial shock rock band Hell On Earth have vowed that on stage at the Sun N’ Steel Metalfest in Pinellas County, Florida lead singer Billy Tourtelot will engage in “consensual cannibalism.” Yes, that’s right, this guy is gonna eat somebody. A contest is being held on Hellonearth.com and one lucky contest winner will be able to help Billy eat somebody. Rumors that Dick Cheney has entered the contest but will only participate if he gets to eat a baby have yet to be validated.

Ladies and gentleman, I present to you Damageplan. Y’know I could see a lot of people buying this one just for the cover: “So like their totally walking away from this major explosion behind them, but their all like we don’t give a fuck about no explosion, ‘cause we’re like totally bad ass. It’s metal as fuck, dude.” Come on we’ve all heard conversations like that. According to the promotional sticker on the cover,“Pantera’s Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul have a new plan…Damage Plan.” I didn’t make that up. The photo on the back is pretty priceless too. They’re standing around in an abandoned parking garage scowling meaningfully at the camera like their totally about to kick the photographer’s ass. Rock. The members of Damageplan all look like the sort of guys who hang around the knife vendor’s table at the flea market. There are creative song titles as well: “Wake Up,” “Explode,”

buzz

band declaring their name and “this is my heart.” As the album takes it’s bow, (lead male vocalist) sings over flowering strings “We all come to an end/ And we all end together.” This sort of sentiment may be too much for some people. It shouldn’t be. On Valentine’s Day or any other damned day, we should all take a moment to celebrate love. Single or attached, in present or in memory, it’s the one thing in life that forces us, more than anything else, to examine ourselves, at our best and at our worst. On the inside cover of Heart, there is a message that states,“Long live the soft revolution!” Here’s to that.

buzz DJ

Northstar Lounge hosted by Czar Absolute – slam poetry and hip-hop DJ' s – Nargile, 10pm, $1 “Le Femme Confident” w/ DJ Aquanet & Queen Betsy – Nargile, 10pm, $1 DJ Chef Ra – roots/rock/reggae - Barfly, 9pm, free DJ Boardwalk – Mike 'n Molly's, 10pm, $1 Dream Sequence – Caffe Paradiso, 10pm-12am, free

MUSIC PERFORMANCE

Temporary Residence

"G" Force Karaoke – Elmers Club 45, 7-11pm Tokyo String Quartet – The Tokyo Quartet presents Schubert quartets this year with all the passion, technical finesse, and elegance. They have also invited U of I faculty artist and pianist Ian Hobson as their special guest for a performance of Dvorák's Piano Quartet. Foellinger Great Hall, 7:30pm. Flex tickets: $30, sc & stu $29, UI & yth $16. Single tickets: $32, sc & stu $31, UI & yth $18.

★★★★

ON STAGE

BY SHADIE ELNASHAI

THE Shakespeare PROJECT – The University of Illinois and Parkland College theatre departments join in a performance that puts a new twist on Shakespeare. Audiences will experience the balcony scene from "Romeo & Juliet" as a late night phone call, the wooing scene from "Taming of the Shrew" as a World Wrestling Federation bout, and other innovative interpretations. This production introduces the listener to Shakespeare's most memorable scenes coupled with energetic portrayals of his most recognizable soliloquies. Parkland Theatre, 8pm, $2.99. Call 351-2528 for tickets and information or e-mail theatre@parkland.edu.

EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place

The unrelenting passion and intensity of Explosion in the Sky’s show at Caffe Paradiso is gloriously captured in a studio setting, to create one of the quintessential post-rock albums. The raw sound of their previous offering is replaced with a more articulate profundity that manages to naturally juxtapose serenity and devastation. With The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place, the Texas quartet have delivered the sort of substantial opus that few acts successfully create. Though the influences are numerous, they are more allusions than direct citations. The outro to “The Only Moment We Were Alone” seems to be a melodic version of Mogwai’s distorted explosions of noise. The opening riff of “Memorial” is similar to what Radiohead’s “No Surprises” would sound like were it to have a more pessimistic voice, and the references to Godspeed You! Black Emperor are manipulated so as to be considerably more triumphant and celebratory. Each piece is a living entity that evolves, ever increasing in complexity, yet maintaining a beautiful simplicity within its emotive soundscape. As with any genuine post-rock album, this is an experimental reaction against traditional-rock, each track seamlessly blending into the next, meanwhile assuming various distinct-yet-related forms. When post-rock implements vocals, they are incidental and effectively nothing more than another instrument. Explosion in the Sky’s orchestra consists of two guitars, a bass and drums, but Munaf Rayani’s lead guitar is every bit as eloquent as the majority of lyricists. To overlook the meanings of the songs is to not truly engage with the album. The title of the opening track, “First Breath After Coma”, in the context of the first sounds (one is something akin to a heart-monitor, the other echoing a heart-beat), provides one logical interpretation. Meanwhile “Six Days At The Bottom Of The Ocean” has been revealed to be inspired by the plight of “Blunt Force Trauma,” and of course the surely anthemic, “Fuck You.” The inside cover has our boys majestically perched atop a pile of dirt, wide blue sky in the background. Nuclear explosions, landscapes of devastation, the whole thing is mildly post-apocalyptic, as if in the time when a great plague sweeps the land and God will call upon the men of Damageplan to lead the remainder of humanity to a Utopia of metal, bar fights, and cowboy boots with flames inscribed on them. Or they could just be self-aggrandizing poop heads. Let’s find out.

After Listening I’m gonna be honest here. Metal is a lot like cigarettes or McDonald’s; it’s gotta get you young or else it’s not going to get you at all. I missed out on my metal phase and thus, I simply don’t “get it.” This album is probably very good for a metal album. Drums that could only be described as “bone-crushing”and guitars that could only be described as “pummeling” with a lead singer who could only be described as “Satanic.” Very dense chord structures, no melodies, lots and lots of screaming. One could beg the question does Pantera really need a side project that does the exact same thing as Pantera, but these questions are irrelevant to people who wear Soul Fly t-shirts. In Damageplan’s defense they are much closer to the original spirit and intent of metal than toddler metal whinebags like Disturbed. They’re all good musicians. Still this isn’t exactly music you’d wanna study or make sweet love to your lady to. It’d be great for ritual human sacrifice though. Here’s to that.

calendar

FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 3, 2004 | WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT LISTED ON OUR CALENDAR? Send your listings to calendar@readbuzz.com

C-UVENUES Assembly Hall First & Florida, Champaign, 333-5000 American Legion Post 24 705 W Bloomington Rd, Champaign, 356-5144 American Legion Post 71 107 N Broadway, Urbana, 367-3121 Barfly 120 N Neil, Champaign,352-9756 Barnes and Noble 51 E Marketview, Champaign, 355-2045 Boltini Lounge 211 N Neil, Champaign, 378-8001 Borders Books & Music 802 W Town Ctr, Champaign, 3519011 The Brass Rail 15 E University, Champaign, 352-7512 Canopy Club (Garden Grill) 708 S Goodwin, Urbana, 367-3140 Channing-Murray Foundation 1209 W Oregon, Urbana C.O. Daniels 608 E Daniel, Champaign, 337-7411 Cosmopolitan Club 307 E John, Champaign, 367-3079 Courtyard Cafe Illini Union, 1401 W Green, Urbana, 333-4666 Cowboy Monkey 6 Taylor St, Champaign, 398-2688 Clybourne 706 S Sixth, Champaign, 383-1008 Curtis Orchard 3902 S Duncan Rd, Champaign, 359-5565 D.R. Diggers 604 S Country Fair Dr, Champaign, 356-0888 Elmer’s Club 45 3525 N Cunningham, Urbana, 344-3101 Embassy Tavern & Grill 114 S Race, Urbana, 384-9526 Esquire Lounge 106 N Walnut, Champaign, 398-5858 Fallon’s Ice House 703 N Prospect, Champaign, 398-5760 Fat City Saloon 505 S Chestnut, Champaign, 356-7100 The Great Impasta 114 W Church, Champaign, 359-7377 G.T.’s Western Bowl Francis Dr, Champaign, 359-1678 Highdive 51 Main, Champaign, 359-4444 Huber’s 1312 W Church, Champaign, 352-0606 Illinois Disciples Foundation 610 E Springfield, Champaign, 352-8721 Independent Media Center 218 W Main St, Urbana, 344-8820 The Iron Post 120 S Race, Urbana, 337-7678 Joe’s Brewery 706 S Fifth, Champaign, 384-1790 Kam’s 618 E Daniel, Champaign, 328-1605 Krannert Art Museum 500 E Peabody, Champaign, 333-1861 Krannert Center for the Performing Arts 500 S Goodwin, Urbana,Tickets: 333-6280, 800-KCPATIX La Casa Cultural Latina 1203 W Nevada, Urbana, 333-4950 Lava 1906 W Bradley, Champaign, 352-8714 Legends Bar & Grill 522 E Green, Champaign, 355-7674 Les’s Lounge 403 N Coler, Urbana, 328-4000 Lincoln Castle 209 S Broadway, Urbana, 344-7720 Lowe’s Big Barrel & Summer Club 14 N Hazel, Danville, 4428090 Malibu Bay Lounge North Route 45, Urbana, 328-7415 Mike n’ Molly’s 105 N Market, Champaign, 355-1236 Mulligan’s 604 N Cunningham, Urbana, 367-5888 Murphy’s 604 E Green, Champaign, 352-7275 Nargile 207 W Clark St, Champaign Neil Street Pub 1505 N Neil, Champaign, 359-1601 Boardman’s Art Theater 126 W Church, Champaign, 3510068 The Office 214 W Main, Urbana, 344-7608 Parkland College 2400 W Bradley, Champaign, 351-2528 Phoenix 215 S Neil, Champaign, 355-7866 Pia’s of Rantoul Route 136 E, Rantoul, 893-8244 Pink House Routes 49 & 150, Ogden, 582-9997 The Rainbow Coffeehouse 1203 W Green, Urbana, 766-9500 Red Herring/Channing-Murray Foundation 1209 W Oregon, Urbana, 344-1176 Rose Bowl Tavern 106 N Race, Urbana, 367-7031 Springer Cultural Center 301 N Randolph, Champaign, 3551406 Spurlock Museum 600 S Gregory, Urbana, 333-2360 The Station Theatre 223 N Broadway, Urbana, 384-4000 Strawberry Fields Cafe 306 W Springfield, Urbana, 328-1655 Sweet Betsy's 805 S Philo Rd, Urbana

Ten Thousand Villages 105 N Walnut, Champaign, 352-8938 TK Wendl’s 1901 S Highcross Rd, Urbana, 255-5328 Tommy G’s 123 S Mattis Ave, Country Fair Shopping Center, 359-2177 Tonic 619 S Wright, Champaign, 356-6768 Two Main 2 Main, Champaign, 359-3148 University YMCA 1001 S Wright, Champaign, 344-0721 Verde/Verdant 17 E Taylor St, Champaign, 366-3204 Virginia Theatre 203 W Park Ave, Champaign, 356-9053 White Horse Inn 112 1/2 E Green, Champaign, 352-5945 Zorba’s 627 E Green, Champaign

CHICAGOSHOWS FEBRUARY 2/26 Alaska @ Bottom Lounge, 18+ 2/26 Afrodisiacs @ House of Blues, 18+ 2/26 Bobby Conn & The Glass Gypsies @ Empty Bottle 2/26 Asleep at the Wheel @ Fitzgerald’s 2/26-27 Gossip @ Bottom Lounge, 2/26 all ages 2/27 Junior Brown @ Subterranean 2/27 Boris Grebenshikov & Aquarium @ Martyrs 2/27 John Hammond, Jr. @ Old Town School of Folk Music 2/27 Sting @ Rosemont Theatre 2/27 Peter Case @ Schubas 2/27 Exo @ Congress Theater, 18+ 2/28 Erykah Badu @ Auditorium Theatre 2/28 Flying Luttenbachers @ Fireside Bowl 2/28 Further Seems Forever @ Metro 2/29 Academy @ Metro 2/29 Cannibal Corpse @ House of Blues 2/29 Elefant @ Double Door 2/29 Carbon Leaf @ Schubas 2/29 Ellis Marsalis Trio @ Old Town School of Folk Music

MARCH 3/1 Elvis Costello & Stevie Nieve @ Oriental Theatre 3/2 Yeah Yeah Yeahs @ Metro 3/3 Red Stick Ramblers @ FitzGerald’s 3/4 Jazzanova @ Smart Bar 3/4 Kraig Jarret Johnson & The Program @ Schubas 3/4-5 Neil Young & Crazy Horse @ Rosemont Theatre 3/5 Clarence Clemons & The Temple of Soul @ Joe’s 3/5 Faun Fables @ Schubas 3/5 British Sea Power @ Empty Bottle 3/5 Richard Buckner @ Schubas 3/5 Chieftans @ Symphony Center 3/5 Bob Dylan @ Aragon Ballroom 3/5 Forty Piece Choir @ Metro, 18+ 3/5 Galactic @ Vic, 18+ 3/5 Luomo @ Abbey Pub, 18+ 3/5 Edwin McCain @ House of Blues, 18+ 3/6 Liftpoint @ Metro 3/6 Crossing @ Old Town School of Folk Music 3/7 Get Up Kids @ Metro 3/7 Rhonda Vincent @ Old Town School of Folk Music 3/10 Tara Jane O’Neil @ Gunther Murphy’s 3/11 Keb’ Mo’ @ House of Blues, 18+ 3/11 Walkmen @ Metro, 18+ 3/12 DJ SS, Grooverider, Shy FX, Twisted Individual @ Metro, 18+ 3/12 Church @ House of Blues 3/12 Antigone Rising @ Schubas 3/12 Futureman & The Isiah Williams Project @ Old Town School of Folk Music 3/12 Kid Rock @ Allstate Arena 3/12 Michael Mayer, Superpitcher @ Smart Bar 3/12 Liz Phair @ Vic 3/12 Von Bondies @ Double Door 3/13 Paul Kelly @ Double Door 3/13 Sage Francis, Joe Beats, Grand Buffet @ Logan Square Auditorium 3/13 Mavericks @ Park West 3/13 Grant Lee Phillips @ Abbey Pub 3/13 Saw Doctors @ Vic 3/13 Shipping News @ Subterranean 3/14 Liz Phair @ Vic 3/15 Cooper Temple Clause @ Double Door 3/17 Jerry Joseph & The Jackmormons @ Schubas 3/17 Bogdan Raczynski @ Empty Bottle 3/18-19 Melissa Etheridge @ House of Blues 3/19 Johnny Dowd @ Subterranean 3/19 Dream Theater @ Riviera 3/19 Britney Spears, Kelis @ Allstate Arena 3/19 Starlight Mints @ Abbey Pub 3/20 Jewel @ Star Plaza 3/20 Liars, Young People @ Logan Square Auditorium 3/20 Macabre @ Oasis 160 3/21 Amon Tobin, Kid Koala @ Metro, 18+ 3/22 Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson @ United Center 3/23 Ted Leo/Pharmacists @ Logan Square Auditorium

meredith monk

MacArthur “Genius” Award-winner and composer Meredith Monk presents a solo concert showcasing her extraordinarily creative work, capturing the audience's attention with evocative sounds from her one-of-a-kind vocal instrument.

3.10.04 7:30pm

m e r cy

A new work by Meredith

Monk and Ann Hamilton

Filled with visual and sonic wonders, mercy offers a stunning meditation on the mystery, beauty, and sadness of life. Vocal pioneer Meredith Monk collaborates with artist Ann Hamilton, a fellow MacArthur "Genius" Award-winner whose work has been shown at Krannert Art Museum. Produced by The House Foundation for the Arts, Inc.

3.13.04 7:30pm being matters.

217/333-6280 KrannertCenter.com

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3/23 Three Days Grace @ Metro 3/24 12 Stones, Skillet, Pillar, Grits, Big Dismal @ House of Blues 3/26 Newsboys, Rebecca St. James @ UIC Pavilion 3/26 American Music Club @ Old Town School of Folk Music 3/26 Dolly Varden @ Subterranean 3/26 Al Green @ House of Blues 3/26 Great Big Sea @ Metro, 18+ 3/26 Franz Ferdinand @ Empty Bottle 3/26 Proclaimers @ Abbey Pub 3/26 Slip @ Double Door 3/26 Southern Culture on the Skids @ FitzGerald’s 3/26 TV On the Radio @ Empty Bottle 3/27 Campbell Brothers, Calvin Cooke @ Old Town School of Folk Music

CHICAGOVENUES Abbey Pub 3420 W Grace, Chicago, (773) 478-4408 Allstate Arena 6920 N Mannheim Rd, Rosemont, (847) 6356601 Aragon 1106 W Lawrence, Chicago, (773) 561-9500 Arie Crown Theater 2301 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, (312) 7916190 Bottom Lounge 3206 N Wilton, Chicago, (773) 975-0505 Chicago Theatre 175 N State St, Chicago, (312) 443-1130 Congress Theatre 2135 N Milwaukee, Chicago, (312) 923-2000 Double Door 1572 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, (773) 489-3160 Elbo Room 2871 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, (773) 549-5549 Empty Bottle 1035 N Western Ave, Chicago, (773) 276-3600 Fireside Bowl 2648 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, (773) 486-2700 House of Blues 329 N Dearborn, Chicago, (312) 923-2000 Martyrs' 3855 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, (773) 404-9494 Metro/Smart Bar 3730 N Clark St, Chicago, (773) 549-0203 Old Town School of Folk Music 4544 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, (773) 728-6000 Park West 322 W Armitage, Chicago, (773) 929-5959 Riviera Theatre 4746 N Racine, Chicago, (773) 275-6800 Rosemont Theatre 5400 N River Rd, Rosemont, (847) 671-5100 Schubas 3159 N Southport, Chicago, (773) 525-2508 UIC Pavilion 525 S Racine, Chicago, (312) 413-5700 Vic Theatre 3145 N Sheffield, Chicago, (773) 472-0449

ART NOTICES National Biennial Ceramics Invitational ("Elevating the Utilitarian: Transforming the Vessel through Surface Decoration") – March 1April 9, the Parkland Art Gallery will host the 9th Biennial Ceramics Invitational. This year's exhibit includes nationally known artists Sam Chung of Michigan, Julia Galloway of New York, John Glick of Michigan, Michael Hunt of North Carolina, and others. A reception will be held Mar 16 from 6-8pm, with a gallery talk by Berti and O'Donnell at 7pm. For more information, call 351-2485. Creation Art Studios: Art Classes for Children and Adults – All classes use the spontaneous art process to demonstrate technical instruction and the exploration of materials. Personal interests, ideas, dreams and more are expressed and developed through collage and assemblage art, drawing, painting, sculpture and ceramics. CPDU's offered. Creation Art Studios, 1102 E Washington in Urbana. Call Jeannine Bestoso at 344-6955 or go to www.creationartstudios.com for information. Join Artists and Workshops at Gallery Virtu – The artist-owned cooperative Gallery Virtu invites applications from area artists. The gallery offers workshops for adults, teens and children in knitting, embroidery, photography, jewelry making, printmaking, papermaking, bookbinding and ribbon flowers. The gallery also offers original works by the members including jewelry, pottery, collages, sculptures, journals, hats, handbags and other textiles. Gallery Virtu, 220 W Washington in Monticello. Thu 12-4pm, Fri 12-8pm, Sat 10am6pm. For more information, call 762-7790, visit www.galleryvirtu.org or e-mail workshops@galleryvirtu.org. Collage for the Soul – Learn the many aspects of collage techniques while engaging your creativity and exploring your mind and heart. Scrapbookers, it’s time to branch out from craft to art! Sandra Ahten will teach the class, in which all materials will be provided. High Cross Studio, 1101 N High Cross Rd in Urbana. Feb 17- Mar 16, Tue 7-9pm. Other drawing and painting classes are also offered. For more information, call 367-6345 or go to www.spiritofsandra.com.

WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT LISTED ON OUR CALENDAR? Send your listings to calendar@readbuzz.com | FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 3, 2004

ART EXHIBITS & GALLERIES Boneyard Pottery – Ceramic Art by Michael Schwegmann and others. 403 Water St in Champaign. Tue-Sat 11am-5pm. 355-5610. Broken Oak Gallery – Local and national artists, original art including photography, watercolors, pottery, oil paintings, colored pencil, and woodturning. Refreshments served by the garden all day Saturday. 1865 N 1225 E Rd in White Heath. Thu-Sat 10am-4pm. 762-4907. Café Kopi – “Digital Evolutions,” photographs by John Sfondilias on display through February. 109 N Walnut in Champaign. Mon-Thu 7am-11pm, Fri-Sat 7am-12pm, Sun 11am-8pm. 359-4266. Creation Art Studios – Featuring original art by students and members of the studio. 1102 E Washington St in Urbana. Mon-Fri 3-5:30pm, Sat 14pm and other scheduled studio times. For more information, call Jeannine Bestoso at 344-6955. Country in the City – Antiques, Architectural, Gardening and Home Accessories. Custom designing available. 1104 E Washington St in Urbana. ThuSat 10am-5pm. 367-2367. Framer's Market – Frame designers since 1981. Ongoing work from local artists on display. 807 W Springfield Ave in Champaign. Tue-Fri 9:30am5:30pm, Sat 10am-4pm. 351-7020. Furniture Lounge – Specializing in mid-century modern furniture from the 1920s to the 1980s – retro, Danish modern, lighting, vintage stereo equipment and vinyl records. 9 E University in Champaign. Sun-Tues 12-4:30pm, Wed-Sat 115:30pm. 352-5150. Glass FX – New and Antique Stained Glass Windows, Lamps and unique glass gifts. Gallery is free and open to the public. Interested in learning the art of Stained Glass? Beginning, intermediate and advanced stained glass classes offered. 202 S First St in Champaign. Mon-Thu 10am-5:30pm, Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 9am-4pm. www.glassfx.com. 359-0048. Griggs Street Potters – Handmade functional and decorative pottery. 305 W Grigg St in Urbana. MonFri 11am-4pm, or call for appointment. 344-8546. Hill Street Gallery Inc. – Oil and watercolor paintings, hand painted T-shirts, handmade jewelry. 703 W Hill in Champaign. Sat 12-5pm or by appointment during the week. 359-0675. Larry Kanfer Gallery – European Collection featured in the gallery. Both limited and open edition prints by Larry Kanfer, nationally acclaimed photographer. 2503 S Neil in Champaign. Free and Open to the Public. Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm. 3982000. www.kanfer.com. LaPayne Photography – Specializes in panoramic photography up to 6 feet long of different subjects including sporting events, city skylines, national parks and University of Illinois scenes. 816 Dennison Dr in Champaign. Mon-Fri 9am-4pm and by appointment. 356-8994. Old Vic Art Gallery – Fine and original art, hand signed, limited edition prints, works by local artists, art restoration, custom framing, and periodic shows by local artists. 11 E University in Champaign. Mon-Thu 11am-5:30pm, Sat 11am4:30pm. 355-8338. Prairie Boatworks Gallery – Beautifully hand-crafted gift items and unique Valentine’s Day cards. Also, over 35 regional artist to choose from. 407 E Main St in Mahomet. Tue, Fri, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-4pm. 586-6776. For more information, contact Mary at 356-8228 or tangoradesigns@aol.com. Steeple Gallery – Vintage botanical and bird prints, antiques and framed limited edition prints. 102 E Lafayette St in Monticello. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm. www.steeplegallery.com. 762-2924. Verde Gallery – The work of local artist Sylvia Arnstein will be on display in the halls and café. 17 E Taylor St in Champaign. Cafe: Mon-Sat 7am-10 pm. Gallery: Tue-Sat 10am-10pm. 366-3204.

Ziemer Gallery – Original paintings and limited edition prints by Larry Ziemer. Pottery, weavings, wood turning and glass works by other artists. Gallery visitors are welcome to sit, relax, listen to the music and just enjoy being surrounded by art. 210 W Washington in Monticello. Tue 10am-8pm, Wed-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm. www.ziemergallery.com. 762-9786.

ART EXHIBITS – ON VIEW NOW

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Creation Art Studios – Artwork by instructors Jeannine Bestoso, Amy Richardson, and Shoshanna Bauer, and the studio’s friends and family. 1102 E Washington St in Urbana. Hours: Mon-Fri 35:30pm, Sat 1-4pm and other scheduled studio times. For more information, call Jeannine Bestoso at 344-6955.

osters and handbills cover walls, lampposts and business windows in Champaign-Urbana for shows every week of the year. This week, advertisements for two shows will have more in common than just a shared musical genre. The Champion Sound Dance Party featuring the 5th Platoon DJ Crew at Highdive on Thursday, March 4 and Scratch & Brother Ali at Canopy Club on Saturday, March 6 both feature some major hip-hop talent. But more than that, they are both the main events of Hip-Hop Awareness Week. Hip-Hop Awareness Week is an annual week-long series of events organized by the Urbana-Champaign Hip-Hop Congress. While the event may have begun in November 2002 as a celebration of the organization, UC Hip-Hop’s promotions and marketing head Derek Lo said that there are larger goals for the week of events. “A number of people hear “hip hop” and they immediately think negative stereotypes about thuggish ruggish bone, gangsta rappers, or PIMP’s,” Lo said. “While gangsta rap is one aspect of hip-hop culture, there are certainly many other aspects of hip-hop culture that are vibrant, diverse and positive.” “It is funny when people say, ‘Who needs to be more aware of hip-hop? It’s everywhere.’ And it is, in certain forms,” said Matt Harsh, UC Hip-Hop’s events head. “But the art forms that have derived form hip-hop culture transcend most conceptions of hip hop. Hot 105.5 ain’t hip-hop.” “While part of our goal is to negate these negative stereotypes of hip hop, the week is not necessarily a complete reaction to that,” Lo said. “We want it to be more forward. We want to show people that hip hop is here and strong, in any form.” Hip-Hop Awareness Week will feature live performances, DJ workshops, a b-boy competition and panel discussions that will explore politics, education, women and business in hip-hop. “We decided to have the panels because they

“Distant Voices Nearer: A Celebration of American Indian Art” – Featuring paintings by DeHaven Solimon Chaffins, jewelry by Ben Yellowhorse, ceramic sculptures by Lynn Hone, ceramics by Laguna Potter and Michael Kanteena, pottery from Acoma and Mata Ortiz. On display at Verde Gallery through Mar 20. Opening reception for Chaffins and Yellowhouse Thur at 7pm. 17 E Taylor St in Champaign. Cafe: Mon-Sat 7am-10 pm. Gallery: Tue-Sat 10am-10pm. 366-3204. “Transitions” – Work from Nicole Cisne on display at Aroma Café through Mar 21. Artist statement: “The vehicle for my artwork is the female nude... Society and the fashion industry of today are the primary causes of an epidemic of eating disorders and false body images in many young women... Hopefully the viewer will see that the female figure is beautiful, no matter what size.” 118 N Neil in Champaign. Open 7 days a week, 7am-Midnight. For more information, contact Amanda Bickle at 356-3200 or art4aroma@yahoo.com. “Picturing Performance: Japanese Theater Prints of the Utagawa School, 1790–1868” – The focus of artistic production in 18th and 19th century Japan (Edo period) was the world of entertainment. This exhibit captures a views of this world of illusion and fantasy (Ukiyo) through richly-colored and compositionally provocative woodblock prints know as Ukiyo-e. The exhibition is on view through Mar 21. 500 E Peabody in Urbana. Tue, Thu-Sat 9am-5pm, Wed 9am-8pm, Sun 2-5pm. Suggested donation $3. 333-1860. “Bon Coiffure: Hair Signs from West Africa” – This exhibition offers viewers a glimpse into the art of African hair styling, African hair sign painting and African hairstyles in traditional masks and sculpture. Hairdressers also hire artists to hand paint signs to advertise their skills and represent their repertoire of coiffures. Bon Coiffure is on view through Mar 21. 500 E Peabody in Urbana. Tue, Thu-Sat 9am-5pm, Wed 9am-8pm, Sun 2-5pm. Suggested donation $3. 333-1860.

Retro & Recycled Clothing for Men and Women

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Mon-Sat Sunday

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H A I R S A L ON

“Beyond East and West: Seven Transnational Artists” – The Krannert Museum has put together a traveling exhibition bringing together the work of seven major contemporary artists who share a connection to both worlds. 500 E Peabody in Urbana. Tue, Thu-Sat 9am-5pm, Wed 9am-8pm, Sun 2-5pm. Suggested donation $3. 333-1860. “Whistler and Japonisme: Selections from the Permanent Collection” – This anniversary marks the 100th anniversary of James McNeill Whistler’s death, highlighting his works on paper and examines the influence that Japanese woodcuts had on his artistic technique. On display at Krannert Art Museum through Mar 28. 500 E Peabody in Urbana. Tue, Thu-Sat 9am-5pm, Wed 9am-8pm, Sun 2-5pm. Suggested donation $3. 333-1860.

MUSIC PERFORMANCE The Parkland Wind Ensemble and the Parkland Community Orchestra – The wind ensemble will include in its program "The Golden Years" by Leroy Anderson and "Montmartre March" by Haydn Wood. The orchestra, conducted by Jack Ranney, will perform "Il Re Pastore Overture" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart / Mueller and others. First Baptist Church of Champaign in Savoy. Mar 7 at 3pm.

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FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 3, 2004 | REMEMBER TOTAL RECALL AND HOW AMAZING IT WAS?

Getting to know your hip-hop neighbor

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really allow students to interact and get involved in the week. People will have the opportunity to talk about their ideas and opinions, rather than just watching performers,” Lo said. But while there is an educational component to Hip-Hop Awareness Week, the biggest events will be the two major performances at Highdive and Canopy Club. The 5th Platoon Crew is made up of three world-class DJs. Vinroc is a two-time DMC World Champion. I-Emerge is the 2003 U.S. Champion. And DJ Neil Armstrong has earned respect around the globe for his mixtapes. Not only will The 5th Platoon Crew entertain the Highdive crowd on Thursday night, but they will teach some of their turntable skills at a workshop Friday at the Lincoln Theatre. Saturday night, Canopy Club will host two big name MCs. Scratch is the human beatbox for The Roots and took over for the legendary Rahzel. Scratch also performed with his bandmates for Jay Z’s critically acclaimed Unplugged session on MTV. Brother Ali has earned his underground fame as an MC on Minneapolis hip-hop label Rhymesayers. His 2003 release Shadows on the Sun has been met with praise from the critics. While the members of UC Hip-Hop put in a great deal of effort to organize all the events, landing these big MCs required some help. “I’d have to give credit to Ian [Goldberg] at the Canopy Club for booking them,” Lo said. “We came to him with the idea of a show at the end of the week with some artists in idea, and he was very receptive. So he did some calling around and pretty much booked two of the dopest live acts in hip hop.” In addition to Scratch and Brother Ali, the members of UC Hip-Hop were also looking at some other big acts in the hip-hop world. “We were really close to booking some acts like Slick Rick, Rahzel, even DJ Shadow with Blackalicious, but some of their

schedules didn’t match with ours,” Lo said. “UC Hip-Hop may work with Canopy again to bring one of those acts, so look out for that.” Lo said that some of the obstacles the organization faced included finding funding, publicizing the events and juggling schedules with school. But in addition, organizing Hip Hop Awareness Week was a learning process for the current members of the UC Hip-Hop Congress. “This was a first for many of us,” Lo said. “The people who were instrumental in putting together the last two Hip-Hop Awareness Weeks graduated and so most of the board members in UC Hip-Hop really had no experience with putting together a week like this.” UC Hip-Hop worked with Highdive, Canopy Club, The Illini Union Board and 3D Productions to organize and promote. “This year we are pushing to reach the general public rather than having events that only hip-hop heads can enjoy,” said Victor Carreon, President of UC Hip-Hop. “We’ve done this by outreaching to more organizations and businesses within the community, starting earlier and booking acts we previously could not afford.” “We’ve taken some major steps in terms of organization and planning, but the main concepts have essentially stayed the same,” Lo said. “We are still going to educate people on the four basic elements of hip hop: break dance, DJing, rapping (MCing) and art (graffiti).” Lo expects this year’s Hip-Hop Awareness Week to build on the success of past years’. “I think overall, it helped that we had a vision and planned ahead,” Lo said. “The last couple of years, Hip-Hop Awareness Week took place in the fall semester. But we wanted to make this one big and so we made it in the spring to give us more planning time.” Lo said that planning has already begun for next year’s Hip-Hop Awareness Week. “Next year is going to be bananas. That’s all I can say.” buzz

HIP-HOP AWARENESS WEEK MAIN EVENTS THURSDAY, MARCH 4TH Dance party and DJ showcase Featuring 5th Platoon DJ Crew members: Vinroc, I-Emerge and Neil Armstrong 10 p.m. at Highdive ($5 cover charge)

FRIDAY, MARCH 5TH Correct Technique DJ Workshop with members of the 5th Platoon 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Lincoln Theatre (Free Admission)

IL Breaks Break dance competition featuring Midwest’s finest breakdancers. 6 p.m. in the Illini Union Courtyard Café ($3 Student, $5 Public, $2 Competitors)

SATURDAY, MARCH 6TH Discussion Panels with guest speakers 12-6 p.m. in Lincoln Hall

Live Hip Hop Scratch (of the Roots) and Brother Ali 10 p.m. at Canopy Club ($10 advance tickets and $13 at the door)

For updates and more information, check UC HipHop Congress’ website, www2.uiuc.edu/ro/hiphop/ Scratch (of the Roots) and Brother Ali head up the UC Hip-Hop Congress’ main even Saturday night at Canopy Club.

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ARTIST’S CORNER BY KATIE RICHARDSON | ARTS EDITOR

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FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 3, 2004 | WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT LISTED ON OUR CALENDAR? Send your listings to calendar@readbuzz.com

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This spring at Krannert JEFF NELSON | CONTRIBUTING COLUMN

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ayla Lopez is a dignified, beautiful and smart third-year photography student at the University of Illinois. While she specializes in self-portraits, she takes many types of photographs. Her dedication to and willingness to work on her craft is evident to anyone who knows her, as is her talent. She can make even the most mundane spaces interesting and effective. For instance, she can make a dull bathroom exude a whimsical fresh feeling, or give a bodiless dress a personality of its own. She is definitely someone who sees beauty in everything, but on top of that she possesses the talent to show others that beauty as well.

When did you first start taking photos? My sophomore year of high school—I was 15. How do you think other mediums inspire you? I love and appreciate all forms of art. There are so many different mediums of art that are just mind-blowing and fascinate me ... painting, bookmaking, fibers, sculpture ... the list goes on. Music has always been a huge part of my life, ever since I was child, and it’s just as inspiring in my work as any visual art. What are your plans for the future? After graduating, I’ll most likely work in the photography field for a couple years and then go to grad school as soon as

possible. I’m anxious to devote all my time to my work. Since you take pictures of the things in your immediate vicinity, what environment most helps you in to creating your best work? A comfortable, solitary place with music provides for the best work. I need to be completely absorbed in my environment and the moment. Indoors? See above. Outdoors? I generally don’t shoot outdoors.

ith a short March combined with Spring Break and income tax time in April, Urbana’s Krannert Center could provide you with a fine arts break that could be just what you need as spring approaches. The month of spring’s first showing begins March 3 with the return of the glorious Tokyo String Quartet. They will be joined by faculty pianist Ian Hobson in Dvorak’s Piano Quartet, and that is only one-third of the treats your ear will hear that night. Professor Hobson will also join forces with the Pacifica Quartet March 31, when he will play the piano part of the Brahms’ Quintet. Chamber and instrumental music fans will also have an opportunity to see pianist Jonathan Faiman March 14 at 3 p.m., violinist Joshua Bell on April 1 and local artists Laurien Laufman and Timothy Eden giving a recital of 19th century music for cello and piano April 8. Faculty member and violinist Sherban Lupu and his ensemble of University students will perform Britten’s “Simple Symphomy” and other light orchestral works April 14. For something different and daring, it is always a pleasure to welcome back the cutting edge of modern chamber music, The Kronos Quartet. On April 3, they will perform a new work, “Sun Rings.” For those who want their music fully orchestral, check out The San Francisco Symphony March 17. Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas will perform Mahler’s Fifth Symphony and the Berg Violin Concerto with Champaign native Gil Shaham. Dawn Upshaw is the featured soloist with the visiting Australian Chamber Orchestra April 24. Upshaw will sings arias from Bach Cantatas. Watch for local orchestra The Sinfonia da Camera’s performance March 13 and April 7. These performances will each feature a major guest artist to the tune of Sergiu Luca (violin) and Charles Rosen (piano). Your choices for local orchestras also include: the UI Symphony Orchestra March 18, April 15, and May 4; the UI Philharmonia April 25 and the CU Symphony April 23. Jazz dominates the program March 7 with Cecil Bridgewater and Clark Terry. There will also be three days of UI Jazz Band concerts on April 30, May 1 and May 2. For something really different, try the Liszt Symposium March 4 through March 6. Some of the world’s greatest Liszt pianists will be take part in a program that is part symposium and part performance. On April 17, fans of choral music will have their own night with performances by the UI Women’s Glee club and the UI Black Chorus, and their will be a “pops” concert by the CU Symphony April 4 featuring Susan Teicher of the Ferrante & Teicher legacy. Remember them? In theater, the Department of Theater will present A Raisin in the Sun from March 4 through March 14, on weekends at the Colwell Playhouse with Chicago actress Cheryl Lynn Bruce and guest director Shirley Basfield Dunlap. From April 1 through April 11, the Department of Theater will showcase a rarely performed early Tennessee Williams’ play, Spring Storm, under the direction of faculty member Tom Mitchell. If you want your music and drama combined, UI Opera will perform Purcell’s The Fairy Queen on April 23 and 24. buz z

Amazingly, Krannert offers more than just these offerings. Contact 333-6280 or www.KrannertCenter.com

Your 2004 Oscar Pick Grand Prize: 52 admit two passes to Savoy 16 1st Prize: 52 admit one passes to Savoy 16 2nd Prize: 24 admit one passes to Savoy 16

Best Leading Actor

Best Animated Feature

Best Picture

Johnny Depp, Pirates of the Caribbean Ben Kingsley, House of Sand and Fog Jude Law, Cold Mountain Bill Murray, Lost in Translation Sean Penn, Mystic River

Brother Bear Finding Nemo The Triplets of Belleville

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Lost in Translation Master and Commander: The Far Side of the Mystic River Seabiscuit

Best Supporting Actor

Best Director

Best Adapted Screenpl

Alec Baldwin, The Cooler Benicio Del Toro, 21 Grams Djimon Hounsou, In America Tim Robbins, Mystic River Ken Watanabe, The Last Samurai

City of God The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Lost in Translation Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World Mystic River

American Splendor City of God The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Mystic River Seabiscuit

Best Leading Actress

Best Original Song

Best Original Screenpl

Keisha Castle-Hughes, Whale Rider Diane Keaton, Something’s Gotta Give Samantha Morton, In America Charlize Theron, Monster Naomi Watts, 21 Grams

“Belleville Rendevous”, The Triplets of Belleville “Into the West”, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King “A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow” , A Mighty Wind “Scarlet Tide”, Cold Mountain “ You Will Be My Ain True Love”, Cold Mountain

The Barbarian Invasions Dirty Pretty Things Finding Nemo In America Lost in Translation

Best Supporting Actress Shohreh Aghdashloo, House of Sand and Fog Patricia Clarkson, Pieces of April Marcia Gay Harden, Mystic River Holly Hunter, Thirteen Renee Zellweger, Cold Mountain

NAME: ADDRESS: PHONE: EMAIL: Send entries to DI Marketing, 57 E. Green St., Champaign, IL 61820 OR enter online at www.dailyillini.com Drop off entries at our 57 E. Green St. location, DI at the Y on 1001 Wright Street OR Savoy 16 Theatres, 232 W. Burwash, Savoy

Only one entry per person. IMC employees are not elligible. Must be 18 to win. All prizes won through a random drawing. Prizes non transferable. The Daily Illini reserves the right to print winner’s names

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Elysium on the Prairie, Live Action Roleplaying – Vampires stalk the city streets and struggle for dominance in a world of gothic horror. Create your own character and mingle with dozens of players who portray their own undead alter egos. Each session is another chapter in an ongoing story of triumph, tragedy and betrayal. Fridays,“Vampire: The Masquerade.” For more information, visit www2.uiuc.edu/ro/elysium/intro.html. Check site for location, 7pm.

FILM The Fog of War – Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Feature! WINNER, Best Documentary: National Board of Review, Chicago Film Critics, and L A Film Critics Association..."The Fog of War: Eleven Lessons From the Life of Robert S. McNamara." Directed by Errol Morris: DGA Award nominee, Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Documentary. Rated PG13. Boardman’s Art Theatre. Starts Sat, runs through week. Russian Ark – 300 years of Russian History. 33 Rooms at the Hermitage Museum. 3 Live Orchestras. 1 Single Continuous Shot... A 19th century French aristocrat, notorious for his scathing memoirs about life in Russia, travels through the Russian State Hermitage Museum and encounters historical figures from the last 200+ years. Rated NR. Boardman’s Art Theater. Playing Friday, Saturday, Sunday. The Triplets of Belleville – Playing all this week, this Sundance favorite centers around a lonely boy named Champion and his grandmother. After growing into a master bicyclist, Champion is kidnapped just before he enters the Tour de France bicycling race. The rest of the film focuses on the quest to rescue Champion. Along they way they encounter the "Triplets of Belleville," three eccentric female music-hall stars from the '30s. Rated PG-13. Boardman’s Art Theatre. For more information, go to www.boardmansarttheatre.com. Telluride MountainFilm Tour – If you enjoy highcaliber films filled with the excitement of outdoor extreme sports, intimate looks at real-life adventurers and experiencing films that will open your eyes, shock you and fill you with wonder, you are in luck. A selection of these films from Telluride, CO, will be showing at Savoy 16 Theatre. Mar 15, 7pm, $10. Ticket proceeds are donated to the Campership Program, BSA. To buy tickets, go to Champaign Surplus.

KIDS & FAMILY T.A.C.K. – The library’s Thursday Arts and Crafts for Kids program welcomes children to come make a craft. Douglass Branch Library, Conference Room. Thu 4-5pm. African Crafts with Dawn Blackman – For elementary school-age children. No registration. Douglass Branch Library. Fri, 4-5pm. Baby Time – Come to the library for a half-hour of lap-bouncing, nursery rhymes, music activities and play time for your infants. Douglass Branch Library, meeting room. Thu 10:30-11am. Family Fun Day Sunday in the Square – Enjoy interactive rides this Sunday. There will also be food, shopping, games, miniature golf and more. Lincoln Square Mall. Sun 1-5pm. For more info, call the Urbana Business Association at 344-3872. Funfare – Come to The Phillips Recreation Center for Funfare Thur, 10:30-11am, presented by the Urbana Free Library Children’s Department, for stories, songs and films for children of all ages. No registration. For more info, call 367-4069. Babies’ Lap Time – Babies are invited to Phillips Recreation Center for Babies' Lap Time Tue from 10-10:30am, presented by The Urbana Free Library Children’s Department. This program is for our youngest patrons, ages 6-24 months with an adult. No registration. For more info, call 367-4069.

WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT LISTED ON OUR CALENDAR? Send your listings to calendar@readbuzz.com | FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 3, 2004

O Baby! – Lap-bouncing, nursery rhymes and music activities for infants with a caregiver. Champaign Public Library, main library. Mon 9:30-9:50am or 10:30-10:50am. No registration required. For more information, call 403-2030. Tuesday Twos – Stories, songs and movement activities for 2-year-olds with a parent or grandparent. Tue 9:30-9:50am or 10:30-10:50am. Champaign Public Library, main library. No registration required. KnowZone – Homework help for school-aged children. Tue 4-5pm. Douglass Branch Library. No registration required. Rookie Cooks – Hands-on cooking class for elementary school students, presented by U of I Extension. Douglass Branch Library. Mar 1, 4-5pm. Registration: 403-2090. My Preschool Genius – A book-centered program focusing on language. Preschoolers can listen to dynamic picture book presentations and explore the art of picture book illustration. Champaign Public Library. Mar 2, 9:30-10am. Registration required. Call 403-2030. Storyshop – Stories, songs and rhymes for preschoolers through third-graders, 9:30-10am or 10:30-11am at Champaign Public Library, and 10:30-11am at Douglass Branch Library, both in Champaign, Mar 3. No registration.

Know Your University: Cecil Bridgewater – Now a respected jazz trumpet player, arranger, producer, and educator, this Champaign native returns for his final week of Krannert Center's Jazz Threads project – a season-long community engagement project exploring jazz. Cecil Bridgewater pays special attention to local jazz history during this appearance in the University YMCA's popular noontime lecture series. University YMCA. Tue, 12pm. Free.

"Without Reservations: An Urban Indian's Comic, Poetic & Highly Irreverent Look at the World” – Acclaimed Native American novelist, poet and storyteller Sherman Alexie will speak. Sherman Alexie is a Spokane/Coeur d Alene Indian from Wellpinit, Washington who has published 14 books and written the award-winning screenplay for the film "Smoke Signals." MSEB, rm 100. Wed, 7:30pm. For more information, contact the Native American House at 265-9870.

CAS/MillerComm2004: The Impact of Race on Theatre and Culture – Producing director of the New Federal Theatre in New York, Woodie King has served the cause of social justice for 35 years, providing a powerful resource for those who have had to struggle to make their voices heard. He discusses the politics of art and historic intersections of race and theatre. Levis Center. Wed, 3-5pm. Free.

The Teller's Art: First Wednesday Storytelling Concert Series for Adults – Megan Wells’ storytelling is wise, passionate and precise, her charisma, warm and loving. Megan carries audiences beyond time and space to the deep sources of imagination and culture. Verde Gallery and Verdant Coffee & News. Wed, 8pm. 366-3202.

Soul Food Luncheon – The Parkland College Black Student Association sponsors this annual event. Parkland College South Lounge. Thur, 11am-1pm. Tickets: $6.50.

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BY SHARIKA SARKETT | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Colloquium: Water as a Complex Environmental System Initiative – Mr. Eaton is a candidate for a faculty position in the Water as a Complex Environmental System Initiative, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. 124 Burrill Hall. Mon, 3pm.

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Art-to-Go – Presentation, discussion and hands-on activity for school-age children led by Krannert Art Museum staff. Douglass Branch Library. Mar 3, 45:30pm. No registration. Girls, Girls, Girls! – Games, crafts, and reading time for girls in grades 1-4. Douglass Branch Library. Mar 5, 4-5pm. No registration. Captain Underpants Party – School-age children can dress as a favorite character from the Captain Underpants book series to win a prize at this kidcontagious party. Champaign Public Library. Mar 6, 2-2:45pm. No registration. Family Resource Fair – sponsored by the Common Ground Food Co-op, activities, food and information on community services and organizations that serve families and children in the Champaign Urbana area will be available. Wisegarver Hall, Illinois Disciples Building. Mar 14, 12-4pm. For more information, call 344-5459.

UPCOMING EVENTS

By Lorraine Hansberry Directed by Shirley Basfield Dunlap With guest artist Cheryl Lynn Bruce

Celebrating Black History – This community event includes a clothing fashion show, hair show and entertainment. There are $5 Bergner’s coupon packets available, which include $5 off coupons and six other coupons to be used in Bergner’s of Market Place Mall. Sat, 2-4pm.

Mar 4-14

“Share a Meal with Community Shares” – This fundraiser will help raise funds for dozens of local non-profits working to address such issues as hunger, homelessness, health care, domestic violence. To participate, simply eat at Silvercreek restaurant, with 30 percent of your meal going to one of these charities. Going on now. Call 3283402 for reservations. International Dinner – Sunday April 4, the University of Illinois YMCA, Office of International Student Affairs, and the Cosmopolitan Club will host its 21st annual International Dinner. Latzer Hall at the University YMCA, 6-8pm. There will be a food buffet from different countries. Tickets go on sale Monday, each $10. There will be international performers who will entertain the audience with dancing, singing, and other forms of art performance. For more information, call Becca Nieto at 337-1514.

KrannertCenter.com 217.333.6280

Associated lecture: "The Impact of Race on Theatre and Culture" by Woodie King, Jr., Producing Director, New Federal Theatre, New York. Mar 3, 5pm Levis Center, 919 W Illinois, Urbana

but an art form. While men’s styles are relatively simple, women’s styles are imply yet boldly printed across a plain often fashioned into crown-like designs, ceramic plate (see pullquote), Carrie Mae intricately braided, threaded and styled. Weems’ quote reflects her use of art to address Rush says this process can take several issues of African-American culture. The cap- hours to several days and sometimes tion next to her plate explains that Weems involves more than one hairdresser work“transcends and unites trans-Atlantic cultural ing in a chain. A hair sign is an advertisement for a local difference between Africa and African America through hair.” The African hair roots hairdresser or barber displaying the various popular and classical hairstyles they offer. The run deep. The main focus of the exhibit is in the hair hairdressers commission local artists to paint signs, which are complemented by diverse the signs for them so they can display them by African sculptures with ornate hairstyles. The the side of the road or wherever conveniently notifies the public that display gives a the hairdresser is locatdeeper look into the ed nearby. The accuraimportance of hair cy of the painted hairin African culture styles is depicted in and the influences photographs displayed that have come -Carrie Mae Weems next to the signs. into play b e t w e e n The exhibited hair African and Africansigns, striking in their American cultures. According to curator Dana Rush, “African bold simplicity and bright hues, come from hair design is both aesthetic and symbolic.” Rush’s personal collection. Rush acquired the There is a Yoruba proverb that says, “The hair individual signs throughout the 1990s in Benin adds to a woman’s beauty.” Beyond the aes- and Togo while living in Western Africa, she thetic, hairstyles may serve to identify “ethnic said. The signs display hairstyles from the origin, gender, religious or political affiliation, 1970s to the more contemporary styles of social status, or profession of the wearer,” as today and are painted in a variety of styles on a variety of signs. There is a portable folding Rush explains in her gallery guide. Hairdressing, then, is not only a vocation, sign, as well as a sign painted on the back of a chair. The back of one sign was even used by children as a chalkboard to do their math homework on. Rohit Negi, a University graduate student in urban planning with a concentration in cultural studies, said, “One thing I notice in (Africa) is that art and everyday life is much closer. This is beautiful stuff. It’s much different than what you see here (in America) where the object and the product in advertising is more removed. In Africa there is a thin line between art and advertising.” The people on the signs are painted to look attractive not only through their hair but through their clothes, makeup and jewelry, implying that people who get their hair done there will come out looking beautiful. This objective is also seen in American advertising. Thus, the signs are evidence of cross-cultural advertising goals. A recent trend in African hair signs Two-sided hair sign. Artist: H. Adjanor Lomé, Togo private collection

S

Department of Theatre

International Festival: A World of Culture Under One Roof – Community and campus arts groups join together for this family-oriented event sampling worldwide arts and culture. See performances taking place in Krannert Center theatres, visit culture booths in the lobby, and have a snack at the Ethnic Cafe. Kids will want to spend time at the Kids Corner too. Krannert Center lobby. Sat, 124pm. Free.

being matters.

Supported, in part, by the Frances P. Rohlen Visiting Artists Fund/College of Fine and Applied Arts and the Chancellor’s Brown v. Board of Education Jubilee Commemorative Committee.

arts

FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 3, 2004 | STOP BEING SHEEP ... ARTS COALITON GALLERY... FEB 26-MARCH 1

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Bon Coiffure: Hair signs from West Africa

PHOTO COURTESY OF KRANNERT ART MUSEUM

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“Went looking for Africa and found it tightly woven in a woman’s hair.”

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displays a large face on one side, indicating the presence of many “high fashion” magazine cutouts pasted on the back. The roots of the importance of contemporary hairstyles can be seen in the sculptures on display. One mask from Liberia shows how the Dan people pluck their hairlines in order to achieve the desired look of a smooth, rounded and arched forehead. With braids on the sides, this look is considered to be beautiful and distinguished. Another carved wooden figure with an ornately carved coiffure is said to represent

this week Th Feb 26 Wine Tasting 5pm, free Th Feb 26 UI Oratorio Society, UI Chamber Singers, UI Chamber Orchestra 7:30pm, $2-$5

@

the “spirit spouse,” a spirit of the opposite sex that everyone has. The spirit spouse carving is important if relationships need to be improved with one’s human spouse. “When you commission the spirit spouse you want to make it as beautiful as possible,” said Rush. “And hairstyle is important in the Baule people’s ideal of beauty.” The exhibition runs through March 21 at the Krannert Art Museum. Dana Rush will give a guided tour of the exhibition March 14 at 1 p.m. buzz

krannert center

Su Feb 29

Th Mar 4

Sweeney Todd Libretto 2pm; $5.50

Wine Tasting 5pm, free

Mark Moore, tuba 3pm, $2-$5

Jazz Crawl and Jam Session 5pm, Iron Post 6:30pm, Krannert Center 8pm, Canopy Club 9:30pm, Zorba's 11pm, Cowboy Monkey

Sweeney Todd 3pm, $8-$20

Fr Feb 27

Tu Mar 2

UIUC Composers Festival: 21st Century Piano Commission Competition Recital 7:30pm, $2-$5

Know Your University: Cecil Bridgewater noon, University YMCA, free Jazz Threads Sponsor:

Sa Feb 28 International Festival: A World of Culture Under One Roof 12 noon, free Illini Statesmen Barbershop Chorus 7pm, FGH, $9-$14 Sweeney Todd 7:30pm, $8-$20 Sponsors: Illinois Opera Theatre Enthusiasts (IOTE)

Coporate Season Underwriters

Patron Season Sponsors

CAROLE AND JERRY RINGER

A Raisin in the Sun 7:30pm, $6-$13

Creative Intersections Sponsor:

We Mar 3 CAS/MillerComm2004: The Impact of Race on Theatre and Culture 5pm, Levis Center, free Tokyo String Quartet 7:30pm, $16-$32 Sponsors: Avis and Dean Hilfinger Jean and Howard Osborn Helen and Daniel Richards David Sansone Masako and Wako Takayasu

Some Krannert Center programs are supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Illinois Arts Council, and patron and corporate contributions.

Season Sponsors

Liszt Symposium: Works for Piano and Orchestra 7:30pm, $10-$17

Sweeney Todd and A Raisin in the Sun are supported in part by the Frances P. Rohlen Visiting Artists Fund/College of Fine and Applied Arts. The Jazz Threads project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts Challenge America—Access to the Arts Program.

A Raisin in the Sun is supported in part by the Chancellor's Brown v. Board of Education Jubilee Commemorative Committee.

KrannertCenter.com 217/333-6280 or 800/KCPATIX 217/333-9714 (TTY) 217/244-SHOW (Fax) 217/244-0549 (Groups) kran-tix@uiuc.edu Ticket Office Open 10am to 6pm daily; on days of performances open 10am through intermission.

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“GOOD GOD. THIS DOES TASTE LIKE GRANDMA! I WANT SOME MORE!” | FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 3, 2004

bookreview

Reefer Madness

★★★

Eric Schlosser

BY MATT COHN | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

E

ric Schlosser’s Reefer Madness demands no exaggeration. “Reefer Madness,”the first of three essays in his book, does not refer to an epidemic among smokers of marijuana. Rather, it is a ruthless presentation of facts rolled up in the papers of draconian drug laws which have impaired the federal government’s judgment. As with Fast Food Nation, Schlosser has a nose and heart for those downtrodden by the government and capitalism at large. He conveys the life stories of our country’s most dejected, needlessly exploited and demoralized human beings, and deftly questions some of its drug and economic policies in the process. In Fast Food Nation, it was Kenny Dobbins, a man who, among other serious injuries, fried his lungs with chlorine while cleaning “blood tanks and gut bins” because the meat packing plant did not provide him with adequate safety gear. “Reefer Madness” tells the story of Mark Young, among others. Young enjoyed smoking pot daily while holding unglorious working-class jobs. Hoping to earn some money, he was solicited to introduce two

bookreview

Fast Food Nation

★★★★

Eric Schlosser

BY LOGAN MOORE | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

E

ric Schlosser makes one thing depressingly clear in Fast Food Nation: the title of his book is no euphemism. Very rarely is the average reader prepared for a book that is well-researched, heartfelt and as unbiased as it can be while conveying a completely unambiguous message. A number of authors have tackled the fast food industry with the “gross-out” factor in mind. The triumph of Fast Food Nation is the picture that Schlosser paints. It is much bigger—one in which the vagaries of the fast food industry are simultaneously the cause and symptoms of an American system which unabashedly condones liberal, free-market capitalism and all the commercialism, homogenization, greed, corruption and general immorality that goes along with it. Schlosser doesn’t make you just feel sick eating a Big Mac; he makes you feel guilty. To clarify, the book is not some liberal, socialist rant against the whoring of America by major corporations. It is, in fact, a startlingly factual, objective book. When confronted with the facts contained within, however, it is hard not to come to the same conclusions as its author. Schlosser begins his tale in California in the 1950s with the humble beginnings of the McDonald’s franchise, the rise of Disney, and the beginning of America’s love affair with science and industry. Throughout, he shows how McDonald’s and the

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large-scale marijuana growers to people representing buyers from Florida. After a detailed investigation, Young was arrested for conspiring to manufacture the 12,000 pounds of marijuana in question. Young faced a potential life term in prison for introducing people to each other, in accordance with the governments “mandatory minimun sentence” for drug-related offenses. Young has just recently been released from prison, and does not intend to abide by the law that got him jailed. Schlosser’s tone is not incendiary, and it doesn’t need to be. His cogent documentation of facts and statistics are enough to outrage any taxpayer, pothead or not. The federal government spends $4 billion a year fighting the war on marijuana, and yet it is believed that the DEA only finds between 10 and 20 percent of marjiuana grown in the United States. Young was never directly accused of consuming marijuana, yet he was lucky to get out of prison before the age of 158. “Reefer Madness” and the book as a whole attempt to uncover the workings of a global black market. Drug dealers and migrant farmworkers supply highly demanded goods to our society that cannot be documented by standard economic measures. The second essay, “In the Strawberry Fields,” documents the struggle of Mexican migrant workers in California’s strawberry industry. Hard-working men and women willing to sharecrop for corporate growers are lucky to be compensat-

ed for their work. It is somewhat difficult for an illegal immigrant to file taxes. Nonetheless, this labor is conducted, and it adds up to millions of dollars in shadowy “free market” American capitalism. The final essay, “An Empire of the Obscene,” tracks the career of Reuben Sturman, America’s most prolific pornographer. Sturman spent most of his adult life justifying his trade amidst accusations of every obscenity crime imaginable. Schlosser winds through court case after court case. The essay begins to read like a hopelessly plot-driven adult movie. There is a good deal of fast-forwarding before the Law & Order-style legal climax. Reefer Madness flashlights its way through the purposefully inaccessible world of “sex, drugs and cheap labor in the American black market.” Schlosser approaches strangers on the street who have become unintentional martyrs for millions of ordinary Americans; those who enjoy eating strawberries, those who can simply identify the smell of marijuana, and those who want to put Buzz down right now for the new issue of Hustler.

succeeding fast food industry have slowly and irrevocably altered the American landscape— everything from what we eat, to how we eat, to the way products are marketed to us. Fast Food Nation’s greatest strength may lie in its willingness and ability to show the effects this has had on the average citizen. While Schlosser points out that the fast food industry is largely responsible for modern marketing techniques and, along with Disney, almost wholly responsible for the despicable practice of marketing to children, he also links this to an almost epidemic level of obesity among adults and children alike. He illustrates the way in which the fast food industry, through illegal marketing techniques and government-condoned monopolies, has a stranglehold on American agriculture, which has led to the death of the independent farmer and some of the most horrifying food manufacturing practices of any industrialized nation. Schlosser takes a stab at the ubiquity of fast food, its homogenization of American society and its ties to suburbia and urban sprawl. At the same time, the book shows how the hiring and business practices of the fast food industry, its assembly line mentality and obsession with production has led to a generation of minority youth who are disenfranchised and often without a steady income or a high school diploma. Most startling, Schlosser documents the way in which the U.S. government has not only turned a blind eye to these practices, but has aided the process every step of the way through government subsidies, tax breaks and the swift squelching of any legislation which might hinder it. The results of these government practices con-

sist of highly contaminated meat, produced under revolting circumstances in meat packing plants and slaughterhouses around the country, staffed mostly by an unaccountable migrant labor force working the most dangerous jobs in America for a few dollars a day. Many cultural anthropologists have reached the conclusion that what a society eats is more indicative of its nature than its art and literature. In Fast Food Nation, Schlosser uses the fast food industry to illustrate the evils of our present society and does an infuriatingly accurate job of it.

BOOK REVIEW GUIDE

★★★★ ★★★ ★★ ★ No stars

Flawless Good Mediocre Bad Unreadable

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calendar

FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 3, 2004 | WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT LISTED ON OUR CALENDAR? Send your listings to calendar@readbuzz.com

MEETINGS & WORKSHOPS Community Workshop on SSI – SSI Project to explain basics of Supplemental Security Income and help qualified residents apply for benefits. Illinois Disciples Foundation. Fri, 12-1:30pm. For information, call 352-6533. Border Crossers Discussion Group – Exploring the works of international authors. This week the group will discuss the book When Elephants Dance by Filipino-American Author Tess Uriza Holthe. Borders Bookstore. Thur, 7pm. 351-9011. Farm Bureau: Exploring Opportunities – The Champaign County Farm Bureau Young Ag Leader Committee is holding this session to address niche marketing, specialty corps and agritourism. Farm Bureau Auditorium. Thur, 7pm. 2004 Conference on Strategic Growth for Businesses & Entrepreneurs – Over 20 hours of valuable growth strategies for businesses and entrepreneurs for the average price of an hour of consulting. Hawthorn Suites. Thur, 8am-5:30pm. Register online at www.cugrow.biz. 2004 Art Exhibition Series Call for Artists – The Champaign Park District is seeking local visual artists to apply for this exciting new venue at the Springer Cultural Center. Exhibits strive to present artistic and ethnic diversity of Champaign Urbana and surrounding area artists. Now-Mar 19. For more information, call 398-2376. Loose Womyn Discussion Group – Discussion topics are loose, the womyn need not be. This Thursday, the group will discuss the book Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. 7pm. Borders Bookstore, 802 Town Center Blvd. For more information, call 3519011. Bilingual Convotable – A La Casa event, free. Are you learning Spanish and want practice? Are you a native Spanish speaker and want to improve your English communications skills? Try the Bilingual Convotable. Every Tue, 4-6 pm, LCCL Living Room. Fiesta Committee Meetings – Tuesdays at 6 pm, the annual Latina/o cultural show that educates and entertains. If you are interested in the FIESTA committee or want to perform, attend these meetings. Meetings will be held in the LCCL Conference Room. Champaign County Audubon Society – Mike Ward, a Ph.D candidate in the Animal Biology Department from the University will talk about Studying the Behavior of Endangered Blackcapped Vireos in Texas and Terns in Northern Illinois for Population Management. Meet in Room 242, Bevier Hall. Mar 4, 7:30pm. For more information, call Arlo at 443-2499. Foundation of Teamwork – Competition demands that organizations do more, in a shorter response time, with fewer resources. Participants will identify their communication style and develop plans to build better working relationships with other team members. Class meets Thursday from 8:30am-12:30pm at 1315 N Mattis Ave, Champaign. Course fee is $110. To register, call 351-2235.

LIVE JAZZ at

PHONE: 217/337-8337

Pangaea Dance class – Pangaea Dance studio is holding a six-week belly dancing class beginning Mar 4. Thursdays, 5:30pm. The instruction will cover 6 weeks (we will take 1 week off for spring break). After the six weeks, we will start a new beginner class, and those who continue from the first session will form an intermediate class. We also offer private classes, which women may begin at anytime. For more information, call Ishara at 469-8895 or visit www.cubellydance.com.

SPOKEN WORD Closing Ceremonies for Black History Month – This annual event is the closing event for Black History Month. The Central Black Student Union welcomes everyone to this traditional ceremony. Still Black See Memphis will perform. Illini Union Ballroom. Fri, 7pm.

MIND BODY SPIRIT Artist’s Way Group – A 12-week adventure in recovering and celebrating our creative spirit. Mondays, Mar 1-May 17, 7:30-9:00pm at McKinley Foundation. To register or for more information, contact Jo Pauly at 337-7823 or jopauly@prairienet.org. Walking in This World Group – The sequel to the Artist's Way with 12 new weeks of strategies and techniques for expressing our creative spirit. Mondays, Mar 1-May 17, 5:45-7:15pm at McKinley Foundation. To register or for more information, contact Jo Pauly at 337-7823 or jopauly@prairienet.org. Mothers & More Discussion Group – The group will discuss the book Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende. Borders Bookstore. Mon, 7pm. 351-9011. Simplicity Discussion Group – Ideas to simplify & bring meaning to life. The group will discuss the book Repacking Your Bags by Richard Leider & David Shapiro. Borders Bookstore. Mar 4, 7pm. 3519011.

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• PLEASE CHECK YOUR AD! Report errors immediately by calling 337-8337. We cannot be responsible for more than one day’s incorrect insertion if you do not notify us of the error by 2 pm on the day of the first insertion. • All advertising is subject to the approval of the publisher. The Daily Illini shall have the right to revise, reject or cancel, in whole or in part, any advertisement, at any time. • All employment advertising in this newspaper is subject to the City of Champaign Human Rights Ordinance and similar state and local laws, making it illegal for any person to cause to be published any advertisement which expresses limitation, specification or discrimination as to race, color, mental handicap, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, political affiliation, prior arrest or conviction record, source of income, or the fact that such person is a student. • Specification in employment classifications are made only where such factors are bonafide occupational qualifications necessary for employment. • All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, and similar state and local laws which make it illegal for any person to cause to be published any advertisement relating to the transfer, sale, rental, or lease of any housing which expresses limitation, specifications or discrimination as to race, color, creed, class, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental handicap, personal appearance, sexual oientation, family responsibilities, political affiliation, or the fact that such person is a student. • This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. Our readers are informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal oppportunity basis.

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Photo Sellers 30 words or less + photo: $5 per issue Garage Sales 30 words in both Thursday’s buzz and Friday’s Daily Illini!! $10. If it rains, your next date is free. Action Ads • 20 words, run any 5 days (in buzz or The Daily Illini), $14 • 10 words, run any 5 days (in buzz or The Daily Illini), $7 • add a photo to an action ad, $10

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HELP WANTED | Full Time Express Personnel Services 217.355.8500 101 Devonshire Dr., Champaign Software Engineers: Innovative Security Systems is looking for 3 software engineers to help develop and test the PitBull product line. Unix/Linux experience preferred, but not necessary. Email resume to jobsat@argus-systems.com.

HELP WANTED | Part Time

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Champaign-Urbana's arts and entertainment weekly, is one year old and growing! And we're looking for student advertising sales representatives to make it grow even more. Our new sales representatives will be asked to find new customers for buzz and to work on creative ads and marketing plans for buzz customers. It's a great opportunity for someone looking for real-world sales, business and advertising experience. Great for marketing, business or advertising majors, but any kind of student may apply. We're looking for two reps who are: • Outgoing, organized, and goaloriented • Able to work independently and learn the job as they go • Available at least three days a week (five is better) Monday-Friday for at least 10 hours a week during business hours. Your own transportation is a plus, but not required. Pay is commission based, but with a guaranteed draw. If you are interested, please fill out the special buzz ad representative application at: The Daily Illini 57 E. Green St., Champaign, or at DI@Y 1001 S. Wright St., Champaign.

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CAMPUS APARTMENTS Furnished | Unfurnished

Courtyard Apartments 713 S. Randolph, Champaign Renting for Fall/2 & 3 Bedrooms. Furnished & Unfurnished From $608/mo. Includes cable, parking, water. Has laundry facility and seasonal pool. Near campus and downtown Champaign. 352-8540, 355-4608 pm. www.faronproperties.com

CAMPUS APARTMENTS Furnished JOHN SMITH PROPERTY MANAGEMENT www.johnsmithproperties.com (217)384-6930 “believe the hype”

CAMPUS APARTMENTS Unurnished 309 W. Springfield, C. Spacious 2 BR townhouse now available. $550/mo. Flexible lease. 352-8540. PM 355-4608. www.faronproperties.com

800 W. Church, C. Now avail. Economical 2 BR. $450/mo. 352-8540, 355-4608 pm. www.faronproperties.com

CLEANING Exact Extraction. Carpet & upholstery cleaning. Free estimates. 6883101.

LAWN CARE FREE ESTIMATES: Tree trimming, Topping, Removal, Stump Grinding. 384-5010.

OFF-CAMPUS APARTMENTS Unfurnished Brand new luxury 1, 2, 3, bedroom apartments available in Champaign. Call Manchester Property Management at 359-0248 for an appointment.

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film

★★

BY MATT PAIS | LEAD REVIEWER

T

he title sure sounds inviting, but from the first moment of Welcome to Mooseport, which treats us to the backside of a middle-aged man running naked in the street, the quiet Maine city doesn’t appear to be a great place to live—much less visit— onscreen. It’s a cute little movie town, the kind where everyone knows each other by name and things like, well, men running naked down the street, are accepted and encouraged because everyone is just so darn close. Just imagine the chaotic hilarity that would be caused if an ex-president, after losing his house in a divorce settlement, came to Mooseport and wanted to become mayor! And if the most average lunkhead in town, a hardware store owner and handyman named, appropriately, Harold “Handy” Harrison, actually had the gall to run against the president!

moviereview

EUROTRIP ★★

BY JASON CANTONE | STAFF WRITER

W

hile the names Alec Berg, David Mandel and Jeff Schaffer might not ring any bells with Eurotrip’s audience members, almost everyone is familiar with the TV show that the three men wrote for: Seinfeld. Now, Eurotrip, touted as being from the producers of Old School and Road Trip in order to push college students into the seats, serves as the writing dream team’s chance to make it to the big time—or at least the big time among raunchy college sex comedies. To call Eurotrip raunchy is to make a profound understatement. From S&M and incest to more male nudity than a National Geographic documentary, many will assume that this film represents the mindsets of college students across the nation. Incest is OK, as long as it’s funny and regretted. Hallucinogenic drugs are worth a try or two. When a man and woman fall in love, it’s OK to have unprotected, premarital sex right away—even if it’s in the most inappropriate place in the entire world (see the film to find out where). It seems that all of this obscene behavior is justified as long as it provides a good laugh or two. And luckily, for the sake of the

audience, there are more laughs than one would expect from the film’s trailer. Genuinely hilarious teen sex romps are hard to find because movie producers almost always aim for low blows involving gross-out jokes and a couple of topless girls to keep people from demanding their money back. Unknowns are cast, costs are kept low and the studio is bound to earn a profit from whatever allowance money college students haven’t already spent on party cups and pitchers. However, Eurotrip’s main laughs come not from gross-out scenarios but from comedic situations worthy of at least a good chuckle from people of all ages. The setup is, of course, incredibly simplistic. The film’s male hero gets dumped on graduation day and the hurt gets even deeper at a party featuring a “Was that actually Matt Damon?” cameo and a funny, catchy song that will reverberate in your head for days. He quickly decides to join his friends on a, yes, Euro-trip, so he can track down and have wild, crazy German sex with his pen pal who he once thought was a man. Like Old School, the comedy is in the details, and a lack of plot allows the comedic situations to keep coming. Along the way, the group encounters a gay Italian man (Saturday Night Live’s Fred Armisen) who simply distracts the film and is even less funny than he appears in the film’s trailer. The real highlights come from interaction with a robot outside the Louvre in Paris and a dark, sexual cameo from Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess) with an anal

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MAX BARRY SOUNDS OFF

Compiled by Jason Cantone

WELCOME TO MOOSEPORT | HACKMAN & ROMANO Tom Schulman may be among the most erratic, inconsistent writers in film history (he’s written Dead Poets Society, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, and 8 Heads in a Duffel Bag, to name a few), and some of the jokes in Welcome to Mooseport make a duffel bag sound pretty appealing. There are a few decent chuckles, but the comedy mostly reeks of sitcom-style pandering, and you can’t help waiting for the laugh track after Romano’s familiar everyman shtick. It may be an election year, but Welcome to Mooseport doesn’t offer much in the realm of real-life commentary. In fact, the Democratic Cole continually compares his post-presidency reputation and financial status to Bill Clinton’s. But while Americans might fantasize about a different man having succeeded Clinton, moviegoers certainly don’t fantasize about such superficial slop that’s little more than an unwelcome, Capitol anthill.

Rumors abound that Madonna’s had plastic surgery. Sharon Osbourne announced, “I went into shock at Madonna’s new head.” Yet, Osbourne seemed just fine when her husband bit off that unsuspecting dove’s head.

SATIRICAL WRITER SPEAKS ON CAPITALISM, HORROR STORIES AND VIDEO GAMES BY KATIE RICHARDSON | ARTS EDITOR

M

The protests have begun against Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ. Let’s hope the screaming religious groups actually see it so they don’t embarrass themselves like they did with the controversial The Last Temptation of Christ, when nuns picketed a scene that didn’t even exist in the film.

ax Barry’s a witty guy. His seven-line publicity bio begins with “Max Barry is Australian, for which he apologizes” and ends with “He writes full-time, the advantage being he can do it while wearing only boxer shorts.” This should offer some insight to the kind of humor found in his novels: sardonic and inyour-face. So far, he’s written two novels: Syrup and his latest installment, Jennifer Government. The former satirizes the marketing world, targeting Coca-Cola, while the latter imagines a distopian world in which “taxation has been

Filmmakers are looking at an odd trend in Italy these days: going gay to avoid the military. Directors have expressed interest in making a documentary about doctors who give fake gay certificates to men. Gays are not allowed to serve in Italy’s army and are exempt if they get a medical certificate confirming their homosexuality. So, what about metrosexuals there? Superstar Sting is so certain he won’t pick up an Oscar for “You Will Be My Ain True Love” on Sunday that he’s decided not to bother with writing an acceptance speech. This, however, fits his trend of not bothering to write original lyrics in the past 10 years, either.

C-UViews

Compiled by Roderick Gedey

Welcome to Mooseport

EUROTRIP | JACOB PITTS, MICHELLE TRACHTENBERG probe like no one has ever seen before (that is, if anyone’s actually seen an anal probe at all). Director Jeff Schaffer keeps the laughs flowing until the predictable but still humorous end, but the lack of any standout characters or situations keep the film down. This is a situational comedy that takes all emphasis away from character development, but Michelle Trachtenberg provides the most jaw-dropping performance. Once the star of Nickelodeon’s Harriet the Spy, Trachtenberg comes out of her shy shell and shines. Her absinthe incest scene seems almost like a slap in the face to her Nickelodeon roots and will probably guarantee her future roles in these films. Movies such as Old School and Road Trip aren’t judged by their quality, but by how much laughter comes from the inane situations. With this qualification for excellence, Eurotrip does a surprising job at infusing the year’s raunchiest sex comedy with enough funny moments that you won’t mind pulling out a passport and spending $7 to go see it.

★★★★ Matt Anderson Urbana

“I like the stupidity."

★★★★ Amandine Ledent Urbana

"Ray Romano was pretty funny."

★★★ Brian Mosley Monticello

"(Ray Romano) played the same character with the same personality (as on TV)."

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arts

FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 3, 2004 | “PHEW! DADDY, THIS TASTES LIKE GRANDMA.”

Movie News TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX

WELCOME TO MOOSEPORT

Ooh, ooh, this’ll be great, they could even date the same woman! Actually, it isn’t that bad of an idea. With so many films treating presidents like ultra-sensitive sociological subjects, it’s always nice to see a movie (such as the moronic but harmless My Fellow Americans) actually have a sense of humor about the office. As former President Monroe “Eagle” Cole, Gene Hackman looks so comfortable that it’s as if he actually knows what it feels like to be president, which could be deja vu from his role as the commander in chief in Absolute Power. Hackman is a great authority figure, an actor with such stern dignity that he can’t help but flock to roles that allow him to flex his unassailable political clout. If he were really to run for president, some Americans would probably vote for him thinking he had actually held the office before. This time, though, Hackman just comes off as a power-hungry bully, and TV funnyman Ray Romano, in his first leading role (outside voicing a woolly mammoth in Ice Age), exhibits more pitiable psychosis than inspiring perseverance as Handy. The emotional kick is that Handy has dated veterinarian Sally Mannis (Maura Tierney) for six years, but he’s too afraid to pop the question. While his cowardice drives her into the expresident’s arms, a media frenzy ensues and Welcome to Mooseport presumes this romantic and political David and Goliath story would actually hold the country’s attention—or one viewer’s, for that matter—for an entire campaign.

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moviereview

THE CUBS GOT GREG MADDUX! | FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 3, 2004

PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH HUTSON

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abolished, the government has been privatized and American corporations rule the world.” People also assume the last names of the corporations they work for. Barry didn’t start out writing about corporate conglomerates and politics, though. His first pieces, written in high school, were short horror stories, wherein his classmates were characters—victims. He was reading a lot of Stephen King then. Now, he’s reading Chuck Paluhnick’s Fugitives and Refugees because Barry is “going to Portland, Oregon, and it will be a good introduction to the place,” he said. He’s currently touring America in an effort to promote Jennifer Government. He’s already off to a good start. Steven Soderbergh and George Clooney’s movie company is currently adapting the book into a movie. Nicole Kidman’s name has been mentioned as a possibility for the lead role. His Web site, NationStates.net (where people can develop their

own country with their own political system), receives over 85 million hits a month. He created it in an effort to promote his book. “I thought I should do something to let people know my novel exists,” he said. When he first started it, he would have been happy with just 1,000 hits. More people have been to his Web site than have read his books. Needless to say, there is a bit of irony in this. Despite the fact that globalization may make for a great video game, it also makes for a great book. The main character, Jennifer, collects payment from victims of crime. In this world, one must pay for legal action if one is attacked or robbed. Though the plotline may seem like the epitome of the dark underside of the surge of corporate power—capitalism run amok— Barry maintains he isn’t an anarchist. “For the record, I’m not anti-capitalist. I certainly don’t think capitalism or corporations are perfect, but I don’t want to get rid of them completely. My politics are kind of strange. Corporations should be regulated, but like I said, I don’t think they should be abolished. I guess you could say I’m a ‘militant moderate.’ “ He has certainly used what he knows about corporations as fodder for comedy and literature. While studying marketing at an Australian university, he learned corporate strategies that astounded him. For instance, the “Just Noticeable Difference Theory” tells students exactly how much they can shrink a candy bar before anyone notices. “First you shrink it by 4 percent and don’t change the price. There are actual bodies of work written on this,” he said. “After that, I got a job marketing at Hewlett-Packard. I took my 40minute lunch breaks and spent them writing Syrup. In that, I basically betrayed the marketing world,” he said. And were there any legal consequences to using brand names like CocaCola in Syrup and Nike in Jennifer Government? Barry doesn’t seem overly worried about the repercussions. “When I first wrote Syrup, I got two different responses from

the people I showed (the manuscript) to. One side said, ‘Coca-Cola is going to love you, Max. You’re going to be giving them all this free publicity.’ The other group of people said, ‘Coca-Cola is going to hate you because you’re painting them in this horrible light. They’re going to sue you.’ It turns out that it wasn’t that big of a deal. There are fantastic free speech laws, like ‘the protection of parody.’ In fact, one reporter I spoke with called Nike (which is used in Jennifer Government) and their official statement on the subject was: ‘This is not the first book to use the Nike name for the purposes of satire and it won’t be the last.’ “ The purpose of satire for Barry is to entertain. He doesn’t like to write essays and dress them up as fiction. He’s a fiction writer, careful to make sure that satire and political agendas doesn’t get in the way of writing a good story. Although he’s been compared to writers like George Orwell (remember 1984?) and Aldous Huxley (any Brave New World fans out there?), he isn’t comfortable accepting the compliment—yet. “I don’t think I’ve written anything as groundbreaking as they did,” Barry said. He’s also happy that he isn’t labeled a “science fiction writer.” “It’s not really a futuristic story. I suppose it can be called sci-fi to those who really know what sci-fi is, but I think it can be positioned without being pigeonholed,” he said. buzz

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community

FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 3, 2004 buzz

What is your job position?

Q & A

LauraHuth

I am the executive director of the Champaign Habitat for Humanity and I coordinate many of the fund-raising efforts. I am in charge of administrative duties, and I also create program activities. Do you have any new projects coming up?

PHOTO | COURTESY OF LAURA HUTH

Within the upcoming year, we will build a handful of homes in Champaign, hoping to reach our goal of six new houses. Peter Fox, of the Fox Development Corporation, and his wife Kim have created a $20,000 matching challenge, meaning if we are able to raise that amount, then they with match it dollar for dollar, which will be used to construct the first home. The student chapter that is affiliated with our group builds a house every year and will probably begin later this fall, with construction completed in 2005. Also, this summer we have three people doing two different bike rides to raise enough money to build another house. Habitat for Humanity is a not-for-profit organization that strives to eliminate poverty housing by building new homes for families in need. Laura Huth, executive director of the local Habitat, came to Habitat in January and has been working with non-profit organizations for over a decade. Currently, Huth is excited about some of Habitat’s upcoming projects including an open house and reception Thursday, Feb. 26, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Habitat office, 40 E. University Ave., Champaign.

How does someone become a part of this organization? People can sign up to be volunteers on a work site and do not have to have any carpenter skills. Volunteers can also work in our resale shop of housewear in downtown Champaign. We also have a committee that helps with the work of building, fund-raising and community outreach, which all has to happen before anything else can.

CDA AWARDS The Champaign Downtown Association held its annual Downtown Awards Ceremony Monday, Feb. 23 at Jackson’s Ribs and Tips, 116 N. First St., Champaign.

Founders Award

All of those honored by the CDA have invested capital, time and heart into the growth of downtown Champaign. These awards recognize the vision and commitment of those people, said Lisa Meid, president of the Champaign Downtown Association.

Bob Osiek, Pedro Heller, and Joe Donahue (The Esquire Lounge) Mike Royse (One Main Development) Dr. Hanoka

Given in appreciation of outstanding action to advance downtown Champaign.

Achievement Award Given in honor of significant capital investment that enhances downtown Champaign. Friendship Award Given in gratitude for an outstanding contribution to the betterment of the downtown Champaign community. Chamber of Commerce Chris Bucher (UPS Driver) Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Insight Communications Boneyard Art Festival Sergeant Scott Friedlein, Alcohol Enforcement Unit Sergeant

Boardman’s ART Theatre Barfly The Lodge Verde

Seely Johnson Downtown Commitment Award Given in recognition of caring, work and service for the advancement of downtown Champaign over an extended period of time. The Robeson Family

How did you become involved in Habitat for Humanity? I have worked at another not-for-profit environmental organization for nearly a decade, so because of my previous skills and interests, this job seemed like a natural fit for me. I also have been a member of the council in Urbana for seven years and became aware of the local housing issue, which is actually a big concern in this community. Why do you think this is an important program? It’s important because there are many people living in sub-standard housing in our community. I had always thought I understood this issue from the city council’s meetings, but once I started here and received three to four calls a day from families and saw the waiting list with over 100 other families, this issue really became eye-opening. Champaign County put out a survey on homelessness and found that over 100 children are homeless every night, without a place to study or have friends meet them. It’s very important that the children in our community have a decent household and a stable environment and can grow up just being kids.

moviereview

How can the Champaign-Urbana community contribute to Habitat for Humanity on a regular basis? People can call the office at (217) 355-6460, or visit our Web site, www.prairienet.org/habitat, to better learn about the different opportunities. The waiting list continues to grow on (a) daily basis and even though we have sites that have been donated, we always need people wanting to volunteer. Donations also allow us to greatly expand our projects and now they can be matched dollar to dollar, which will propel us into next project. How do you decide where the projects take place? We build projects wherever we’re able to get lots of space, and so far, the city has been providing these lots for us. Also, we are open to trying to keep the family in the place where they already have their children in school, have friends and support networks. In the next 20 years, what’s one thing you hope to see change in the world? I would like to see a much greater awareness in the lack of affordable housing. People need to learn about this issue and then become active to help make a change.

film

FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 3, 2004 | WATCH THE OSCARS!

project and six houses a year is quite a feat. Watching people give their time and donations is truly amazing.

What is your favorite part of your job? My favorite part is the interaction with everyone who is so deeply dedicated to this cause. There are many players involved in this

buzz

LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

OSCAR PICKS: Best Movie and Director BY MATT PAIS | LEAD REVIEWER To the chagrin of suspense lovers, Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, the flawed but satisfying ending to the greatest fantasy trilogy of all-time—Take that, Star Wars!—is practically a lock for this year’s Best Picture award. Even before the first two installments were nominated for the Academy’s top prize and then defeated by inferior films, the industry perceived Rings as one long movie rather than three separate sagas. It was filmed all at once, and now that the curtain has fallen on Middle Earth, the approximately 10-hour epic can finally get what it deserves. It wasn’t the year’s best film, but the series has won a place in history, and it will win Best Picture. Best chance of an upset: If Rings is this year’s Titanic, then Mystic River, an ensemble drama with the kind of weight Oscars are made of, is this year’s L.A. Confidential, and Lost in Translation is this year’s Good Will Hunting. But remember what won in 1997? Prediction: Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Just call him the little hobbit that could. Somehow, director Peter Jackson took three novels that were generally considered unadaptable and transformed them into movie magic. Jackson gave Lord of the Rings a vividness and depth that easily could have vanished beneath the trilogy’s countless characters and faux-Shakespearean dialogue. For the past two years, he’s had to sit back and watch other directors accept his award (Roman Polanski for The Pianist and Ron Howard for A Beautiful Mind), but not this year. This year, Jackson will be king. Don’t count out Sofia Coppola, this year’s indie darling for the sublimely nuanced Lost in Translation, or Clint Eastwood for his gracefully told Mystic River. Peter Weir made Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World boom and Fernando Meirelles turned City of God into an insightful frenzy, but their chances would be better in a different year. Prediction: Jackson The Oscars will air on ABC Sunday, Feb. 29 at 7 p.m.

CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGE DRAMA QUEEN ★★ BY ART MITCHELL | STAFF WRITER

C

onfessions of a Teenage Drama Queen can be seen as the ideal American teenage girl’s life. As keenly observed by one of the main characters in the film, “Sometimes I’m surprised how often I get my way.” Lindsay Lohan stars in this film that chronicles the transitory phase that many high school students endure: moving to a new town and becoming the new kid at school. Lohan plays Mary, who prefers to be known as Lola—an obvious nickname, really. She moves from the bright lights and city sights of New York City to Dullwood, N.J. Lola’s aspirations and dreams of becoming a star are so much a part of her personality that they sometimes distort her perceptions of reality. Although she is the new kid in school, she quickly befriends Ella (Alison Pill), as they both realize that they are super fans of the biggest rock band around, Siddarthur. Ella and Lola

moviereview

AGAINST THE ROPES

★★

BY JANELLE GREENWOOD | STAFF WRITER

A

fter last year’s flop, In the Cut, Meg Ryan has bounced back from failure like a Hollywood prizefighter in Against the Ropes. Ryan’s career was made famous through her embodiment of America’s sweetheart in too many romantic comedies, but her acting range shows her potential to break typecast and branch out into equally popular and meatier roles. Against the Ropes looks like it will break the mold for Meg Ryan like Erin Brockovich did for Julia Roberts. Similarly, both Ryan’s and Roberts’s roles follow the lives of two extraordinary women who managed to break into a man’s world and shake things up. The inspiration for Against the Ropes comes right from the life of legendary boxing manager Jackie Kallen (Ryan), who single-handedly managed to break into the male-dominated world of boxing and make a career for herself. Growing up in the Midwest in the midst of her uncle Ray Ray Kallen’s successful boxing career, Jackie’s love for boxing grew from a

quickly become best friends and are an interesting pair, considering Ella is quiet and subdued while Lola is outgoing and wild. Ella introduces Lola to the inner workings of your typical high school. Unfortunately, all she shows us is the “hot guy,” Sam (Eli Marienthal), and the “popular girl that everyone fears,” Carla (Megan Fox). Lola soon learns that to achieve her dream of becoming a famous actress, she must outdo Carla in every way possible: getting the lead in the school play, going to the hottest concert and party of the year, and other fickle rites of passage teenagers hold so dear. The screenplay was adapted from Dyan Sheldon’s book Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, which was obviously good enough to put on the silver screen. But as is the trend in Hollywood these days, the book was far superior to the film. The acting in the film seems to be forced and contrived, as if everyone on the set was working for the paycheck and thought the movie was going to be an after-school special. The story only works if you believe that the social systems that exist in a “real life” high school setting are a microcosm of the real world; the most important thing in the world is to be popular and to be thought of as cool. Of course, the majority of individuals who will go to see this film most likely hold this mantra to be true, and it will most likely fit into their system of beliefs. Is that a good thing? Like, totally! There are some definite positives in the film. The actresses do not generally appear in situations or scenes that are designed or written purely for laughs, such as the scene when Lola, Ella and Carla are all racing through the school

homegrown desire to stay in the family business. Unfortunately, her own career in the boxing world falls just short of hitting the glass ceiling. Kallen struggles as a boxing manager’s secretary, hoping for a better life, but ultimately gives into the stereotype that women do not belong in this sport. After a team loss for her manager, Kallen’s frustrations heat up in an argument over boxing knowledge with the unsympathetic owner of the boxer, Sam LaSalle, played by a grittier Tony Shalhoub from Monk. Eventually, LaSalle offers the boxer to Kallen for $1 to prove that she talks more bull than she’s worth. Kallen chases her dream to manage on her own only to realize that her newly purchased boxer is a poor investment due to his unknown drug habit. The moment leaves her with nothing, but soon she propositions street hustler Luther Shaw (Omar Epps) after watching him in a fight and seeing his raw talent. Luther’s raw sensibilities show him to be a loose cannon, but Kallen sees potential and asks a family friend, Felix Reynolds (Charles S. Dutton), to help coach Luther and transform him into a star. This role suits Ryan’s playful aggression and manages to stay within Kallen’s character without feeling silly. The only real problem Ryan encounters is a forced accent, not familiar to anyone living in the Midwest, which possibly comes from Kallen’s real-life background as a Jewish mother living in Michigan. Unfortunately, neither Kallen’s real Jewish

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CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGE DRAMA QUEEN | LOHAN to see the cast list for the upcoming school play. Glenne Headly, who plays Lola’s mother, performs her role well, as she is able to capture the elements of a mom who cares for the well-being of her children without seeming overbearing. The elements of teenage society today are expressed very well in this film, with its focus on fashion and popularity as a consistent theme throughout. Unfortunately, those are some of the only consistently shown factors in the film, as any semiconscious viewers will definitely have questions about certain characters. Some would say that this film would work perfectly for high school girls who love fashion and popularity. But this movie would seem to work much better for girls who are not yet in high school, and do not yet know the brutal reality of humiliation, depression and oppression in a high school setting. This movie comes off as incredibly unrealistic in almost every aspect, but the few redeeming qualities might make it worth some 13-year-olds’ $6.50.

PARAMOUNT PICTURES

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NEW LINE PRODUCTIONS

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AGAINST THE ROPES | CHARLES S. DUTTON & MEG RYAN background nor her role as a mother is evident in the film, and that’s more the fault of bad writing than Ryan’s acting ability. The story uses Luther and Felix to beef up the plot and give it street and boxing credibility, but often times it sidesteps their characters to showcase the glory of just existing in the boxing world. In all fairness, though, the cinematography does capture a certain element that draws on the boxers’ and the audience’s adrenaline. More importantly, the camera getting up into the sweat and blood, while still focusing on the strategy and true feelings of victory that accompany a win, gives the feeling of attending a real match. The moments in the ring put the audience right where it needs to be: front and center. If the rest of the film focused its attention on the characters with the same gritty detail as the fighting, it might be more than a contender for this season’s signature sport film.

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film

OSCAR PICKS: Best Actor and Actress BY MATT PAIS | LEAD REVIEWER Jude Law has been telling voters not to throw their vote away on him, asking them to shift their vote to Sean Penn for his role as a grieving father in Mystic River. Nice gesture, Jude, but it won’t be enough. Lost in Translation has Oscar buzzing as much as any small-scale film since Shine, and Bill Murray’s career-crowning performance won’t go unnoticed. He gave weight even to Translation’s most obvious scenes, shifting between offbeat humor and subtle sadness with the grace and dignity of a veteran schlump. His closest competition is Penn, a wellrespected but rarely rewarded actor whose nomination puts him as close as he’s ever been to Oscar gold, but he’s still just out of reach. Johnny Depp could steal a few Murray votes from those who want to reward comedy by recognizing his performance as swaggering, staggering pirate Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Prediction: Murray Less than a year after her Best Actress victory for The Hours, Nicole Kidman’s Oscar is generally regarded as a literal example of winning by a nose. But while Kidman’s prosthetic-enhanced performance was hardly a revolutionary alteration, Charlize Theron’s beauty-banishing transformation into Monster serial killer Aileen Wuornos was downright gutsy. She should be able to edge out Diane Keaton, who is riding a wave of older-womencan-be-sexy momentum all the way to a legitimate shot at winning her first statue since 1977’s Annie Hall. Naomi Watts gave a brave, unglamorous performance in 21 Grams and revealed previously unseen range, but the Academy will perceive her as someone with more opportunities to be rewarded in the future. In America’s Samantha Morton and Whale Rider’s Keisha CastleHughes were both surprising, but deserved, nominations. Expect to see them glowing just to be mentioned in this company. Prediction: Theron The Oscars will air on ABC Sunday, Feb. 29 at 7 p.m.

RETURN OF THE KING ★★★★ ELIJAH WOOD AND IAN MCKELLAN Even if The Return of the King doesn’t win the grand prize on Oscar night, anything short of best director victory for Peter Jackson would be an unforgivable injustice. He has raised the bar for fantasy and redefined themes of friendship, honor and courage on a grippingly grand and poignantly intimate scale. Besides its structural limitations, The Return of the King is more than a rousing ending to a celebrated legend; it’s a battle cry for epic filmmaking. (Matt Pais) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

Drive-thru Reviews

LOST IN TRANSLATION | BILL MURRAY

WILL BILL MURRAY SEAL HIS CINDERELLA STORY WITH AN OSCAR? | FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 3, 2004

FOCUS FEATURES

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50 FIRST DATES ★ ADAM SANDLER AND DREW BARRYMORE It is quite amusing to see the same few actors show up in most of Sandler’s comedies. It works well in many of the films. But this isn’t one of them. And as far as hilarious Adam Sandler films are concerned, 50 First Dates isn’t one of them either. (Jennifer Keast) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy CITY OF GOD ★★★★ ALEXANDRE RODRIGUES AND LEANDRO FIRMINO In tackling a complex socio-political structure of poverty, corruption and terror, the film creates an atmosphere of spiraling futility around its characters who have to go deeper into the city’s criminal epidemic if they want any chance of getting out. Throughout City of God, you’ll wonder how this city could be real, pray that it isn’t, and thank God it’s not yours. (Matt Pais) Now showing at Beverly LOST IN TRANSLATION ★★★★ BILL MURRAY AND SCARLETT JOHANSSON Sofia Coppola’s latest work embodies the importance of a familiar face in a country full of strangers. Throughout the subtle, stupendous Lost in Translation, Bob and Charlotte discover in each other not just a friendly face but an ally in the universal game of lost and found. (Matt Pais) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy MASTER AND COMMANDER

★★★★

RUSSELL CROWE AND PAUL BETTANY Peter Weir buffs will get a kick out of watching this film and remembering The Truman Show. While Truman’s aquatic-oriented scenes introduced the director’s ability to craft stimulating scenes of sea-swept peril, Master and Commander achieves a far higher degree of oceanic fanfare. It’s a glorious tale of adventure on the high seas sure to put wind in any landlubber’s sails. (Matt Pais) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy MIRACLE ★★★ KURT RUSSELL AND PATRICIA CLARKSON America’s victory may not have actually been a miracle in the spiritual sense of the word, but what Miracle gets right is the feeling of national desperation that was extinguished by the unpredictable triumph of 20 college-aged hockey players. It was something the country needed then and something Disney obviously thinks we need now. It’s an inspirational blast from the past, and that’s something to quack about. (Matt Pais) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

THE TRIPLETS OF BELLEVILLE ★★★★ MICHELE CAUCHETEUX AND MICHEL ROBIN The concept of losing a child and then employing a comic relief animal to find him and remove him from captivity might sound like a particular fish film, but this is definitely an animated film for adults. Triplets of Belleville is a crowning achievement for animation that Hollywood should take notice of before Americans go overseas for the next Walt Disney-esque production.(Jason Cantone) Now showing at Boardman’s Art Theatre

OPENING THIS WEEKEND THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST JAMES CAVIEZEL AND MONICA BELLUCCI Based on Gospel narratives from the New Testament, Mel Gibson put together a graphic representation of Jesus Christ’s last 12 hours. Containing dialogue only in Latin and Aramaic, this film hits theaters on Ash Wednesday and should spark plenty of controversy. (Paul Wagner) Opening this weekend TWISTED ASHLEY JUDD AND SAMUEL L. JACKSON It’s dangerous to be Ashley Judd’s boyfriend because they all die, apparently at her hands. Her family’s history of murder —her father was a serial killer—makes her an obvious choice for a suspect. But is she really offing her former lovers? See the film to find out. (Paul Wagner) Opening this weekend DIRTY DANCING: HAVANA NIGHTS DIEGO LUNA AND ROMOLA GARAI Cuba, revolutions, romance and, you guessed it, dancing abound in this flick. An American girl moves to Cuba with her family where she is noticed by a local boy because of her dancing skills, NOT her good looks. When her family is told to leave, will she choose more dirty dancing—and love, obviously—in Havana or home back in the good old US of A? (Paul Wagner) Opening this weekend CLUB DREAD JAY CHANDRASEKHAR AND BILL PAXTON Club Dread is the place to be for single swingers looking to party and hook up. It’s paradise, really, except that a serial killer is loose and killing people all over the place. The club’s staff does nothing to stop the carnage; they only hide it the best they can. Brought to you by the creators of Super Troopers, this film is sure to kill the audience with laughs. (Paul Wagner) Opening this weekend

BOARDMAN’S ART THEATRE 1-800-BEST PLACE (800-237-8752) or 1-217-355-0068 eTickets/Reservations and info. at www.BoardmansTheatres.com Exclusive HPS-4000 & SDDS/DTS/DD Presentations

126 W. Church St., Champaign

Russian Ark NR

Directed by Alexander Sokurov. 96 minutes, a cast of thousands, and one single continuous shot! Live introduction to the film! SHOWTIMES: Friday at 7:30PM (LIVE INTRO) Matinees Sat/Sun at 3:30PM

The Fog of War PG-13

The Triplets of Belleville PG-13

Oscar nominee for Best Documentary Feature.

SHOWTIMES: Sat-Thu daily at 5:15PM & 7:30PM

Oscar nominee for Best Animated Feature and Best Song!. SHOWTIMES: Nightly at 10:00PM Sat/Sun at 1:30PM

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TWISTED (R) Fri. & Sat. 12:40 3:00 5:20 7:40 10:00 12:20 Sun. - Thu. 12:40 3:00 5:20 7:40 10:00

WELCOME TO MOOSEPORT (PG–13) Fri. 12:30 2:50 5:20 7:40 10:00 12:20 Sat. 12:30 2:50 5:20 10:00 12:20 Sun. - Thu. 12:30 2:50 5:20 7:40 10:00

CLUB DREAD (R) Fri. & Sat. 12:30 2:50 5:10 7:40 10:00 12:15 EUROTRIP (R) Fri. & Sat. 12:50 Sun. - Thu. 12:30 2:50 5:10 7:40 3:10 5:20 7:40 9:50 12:10 Sun. - Thu. 12:50 3:10 5:20 7:40 10:00 9:50 DIRTY DANCING (PG–13) Fri. & Sat. 1:10 3:20 5:30 7:40 9:50 ★ RETURN OF THE KING (PG–13) Fri. - Thu. 12:20 4:20 8:20 12:00 Sun. - Thu. 1:10 3:20 5:30 7:40 MIRACLE (PG) Fri. - Thu. 1:10 9:50 4:20 7:10 10:00 ◆ PASSION OF CHRIST (R) (2 ★ MONSTER (R) Fri. & Sat. SCREENS) Fri. - Sun. 11:15 1:15 2:00 4:15 5:00 7:00 8:00 9:45 12:20 2:40 5:00 7:30 10:00 12:15 Mon. - Thu. 1:15 2:00 4:15 5:00 Sun. - Thu. 12:20 2:40 5:00 7:30 10:00 7:00 8:00 9:45 AGAINST THE ROPES (PG–13) Fri. & Sat. 1:00 4:00 6:50 9:30 12:00 Sun. - Thu. 1:00 4:00 6:50 9:30 50 FIRST DATES (PG–13) (2 & Sat. 12:20 12:40 2:40 3:00 4:50 5:10 7:00 7:20 9:10 9:30 11:20 11:40 Sun. - Thu. 12:20 12:40 2:40 3:00 4:50 5:10 7:00 7:20 9:10 9:30

SCREENS) Fri.

community

buzz FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 3, 2004

Owner and instructor Janice Dulak adjusts Melissa Docampo's shoulder position during a Pilates mat exercise.

Assorted shoes, from Converse All-Stars to knee-high boots, clutter the entranceway. Beyond that, nothing in the center is cluttered. The carpeted floor is missing traditional “workout� equipment. There are no weight machines or stair steppers. Rather, simple wooden machines that look more like bed frames and chairs are sporadically placed around the center like furniture. These devices are the equipment used in Pilates exercises. According to Dulak, the main apparatus used in Pilates is the Reformer. Though appearing to be a simple, flat wooden bed, the Reformer allows users to perform more than 50 different exercises on it. Pilates has over 500 exercises that can be used both on the mat and on the machines. Each apparatus at the center is multifunctional and can be used to exercise many different muscles, from the abdominals to the glutes.

– Susan Feuille

[

more information.

Tai Chi Specialty Classes Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese exercise/martial art discipline that has been in existence for many centuries. The art is based on slow and gentle movements, which are designed to exercise every joint and muscle in the body, with an emphasis on internal energy development, or “Chi�, for health maintenance. Develop internal energy and increase body awareness, focus, flexibility, circulation, balance, strength and coordination. Advanced registration is required. The cost for the course is $70 for 12 classes. UI Campus Recreation will hold these classes Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. in 120 IMPE. Session II will be March 30May 6. To register, call 333-3806 or visit www.campusrec.uiuc.edu/schedules/specialty.

★ MYSTIC RIVER (R) Fri. Thu. 12:50 4:00 7:00 9:50

BUTTERFLY EFFECT (R) Fri. & Sat. 5:00 9:40 12:00 Sun. - Thu. 5:00 9:40

Sunday Zen Meditation Meeting

YOU GOT SERVED (PG–13) Fri. & Sat. 12:50 3:10 5:10 7:20 9:20 11:20 Sun. - Thu. 12:50 3:10 5:10 7:20 9:20

BARBERSHOP 2 (PG–13) Fri. Thu. 12:20 2:40 7:20 ★ CITY OF GOD (R) Fri. & Sat. 1:00 4:00 7:00 9:40 12:10 TEEN DRAMA QUEEN (PG) Sun. - Thu. 1:00 4:00 7:00 9:40 Fri. & Sat. 12:30 2:50 5:10 7:20 9:20 11:20 Sneak Preview: GIRL NEXT Sun. - Thu. 12:30 2:50 5:10 7:20 DOOR (R) Sat. 7:40 9:20 Showtimes for 2/27 thru 3/4

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“The machines look very unassuming, but you must have an amazing amount of strength and control,� Dulak said. “Every piece of equipment lends itself to a different scenario for a different client.� The diversity of Pilates is an important aspect of the exercises. According to Dulak, Pilates is suitable for people of all ages. Workouts can range from a gentle physical therapy session to intense training suitable for a member of the Cirque du Soleil. Dulak herself used Pilates to regain her strength after a knee injury threatened her dance career. Many of Dulak’s clients are now using Pilates to recover from therapy themselves. Leigh O’Malley underwent complete ankle reconstruction surgery and has been using Pilates as a form of physical therapy. “After my surgery, I felt I needed complete body realignment,� said O’Malley. “I have recovered faster, it’s amazing how much stronger I am. It’s a terrific workout.� The Pilates instruction at the Pilates Center makes it safe for everyone, including those like O’Malley who are recovering from an injury, said Dulak. In addition to Dulak’s training with Leslie Campbell Driesnger reaches for her feet during a stretch. Kryzanowka, Dulak’s instructors are also highly qualified. To qualify for the Joseph Pilates training program, individuals must be at an intermediate level, which takes at least 100 improve posture and flexibility, and promote mental and hours of lessons, Dulak said. The training program has several physical harmony, she said. Dulak stressed that Pilates can be levels, and participants usually get around 600 to 700 hours of much more than just exercise. She said that it is a discipline, a training. Participants must also pass an eight-hour written and method to develop strength, ease of movement, and efficiency. “Once you do Pilates, you realize what you are missing at oral exam. The last part of the program is taught only by Kryzanowka or her daughter Shari. Dulak only semi-jokingly the gym,� said Dulak. “It’s not just an exercise, it changes your life.� buzz refers to the program as boot camp. The high caliber of the instructors at the Pilates MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT Center allows their clients to experience the numerous benBKS Iyengar Yoga Institute of Champaign-Urbana efits of Pilates in a safe envi407 W. Springfield. Lois Steinberg, director. Yoga based on the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar. This form of ronment, said Dulak. Though yoga therapy is designed to balance and strengthen the body. The institute specializes in asana, Pilates can strengthen the pranayama, therapeutic and teacher education classes. Offering intro to Asana, continuing Asana, muscles, Dulak sees other Asana for women, men, seniors and plus sizes, as well as Asana for healing classes. Call 344-Yoga for benefits as well. Pilates can

PHOTOS | CHRISTINE LITAS

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Becca Foli (right) practices leg exercises.

Prairie Zen Center, 515 S. Prospect, Champaign, NW corner of Prospect & Green. Enter through door from parking area. Introduction to Zen sitting, 10am. Full schedule: Service at 9 a.m. followed by sitting; Dharma Talk at 11 followed by tea until about noon. Can arrive at any of the above times, open to all, no experience needed, no cost. For information, call 355-8835 or www.prairiezen.org. Prairie Sangha for Mindfullness Meditation Monday evenings from 7:30-9 p.m. and monthly retreats on Sunday. Theravadan (Vipassana) and Tibetan (Vjrayana & Dzogchen) meditation practice. Meets in Urbana. For more information, call or email Tom at 356-7413 or shayir@soltec.net. www.prairiesangha.org.

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community

FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 3, 2004 buzz

Stretching beyond exercise

buzz

film

FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 3, 2004 | SO MANY FILMS ON THIS PAGE

illio Shout out to:

The Pilates Center strengthens mind, body and spirit

O

utside the Lincoln Building in downtown Champaign, horns honk and cars whoosh by. Inside suite 102, however, home of the Pilates Center, there are few distractions, only the calm repetition of instructions to participants in a Pilates mat class. Janice Dulak, owner of the Pilates Center, carefully sidesteps the women lying on bright blue mats as she confidently repeats instructions. “One, two, three, four. Squeeze the thighs. And stretch. Again.” Pilates is an exercise regiment that can be an alternative to the more traditional cardiovascular workouts. Pilates, unlike most cardiovascular exercises, stresses fewer, more precise movements, which according to Dulak, is a more efficient way of exercising. “Pilates integrates strength, stretch and control in specialized exercises that initiate from the center or the ‘powerhouse’ of the body,” said Dulak as she instinctively inhales,

tightens her abs and runs her hands over her midsection. “Basically, Pilates is flexibility with control.” The center specializes in the teachings of Joseph Pilates, the founder of Pilates. Pilates discovered the exercises while serving as a nurse in World War I. He used the springs of hospital beds to help his patients while they were immobile, Dulak said. He then brought the exercises to the United States in 1926. The Pilates Center is the first studio in Central Illinois to specialize in his teachings. Dulak has spent over 700 hours studying and training with Romana Kryzanowka, Pilates’s protégé, and is now one of six Level Two instructors in the nation. “The training for the teaching of Joseph Pilates is very intense,” said Dulak. “You could go on the Internet and find places that would train you to teach Pilates in one day. But, that is the difference between Joseph Pilates and the Pilates you see on the videos — the training method.” At a mat class Wednesday night, Dulak moves a group through the warm-up. While Joseph Pilates did not believe in mat classes, the classes have become so popular that Dulak now offers them. She would prefer to offer the classes and have her students learn under her supervision in a safe environment than have them go elsewhere. She pauses to adjust students’ legs, stretch arms, and tighten abdominals. Her eyes, focused and sharp underneath her thick rimmed glasses, never leave her students as she spots

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PHOTOS | CHRISTINE LITAS

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Deadline is March 15

Janice Dulak's intermediate Pilates mat class. The Pilates Center also offers beginner and advanced level mat classes, as well as private lessons.

the tiniest imperfections in positions from across the room. “Stretch. That’s it, Gretchen,” she said. “Remember, it’s about doing it correctly, not just doing it.” The class moves quickly through exercises. Dulak recites the names of exercises like a mantra and her students quickly contort their bodies into “turtles,” “elephants” or “rocking chairs.” They bring noses to knees, squeeze tushies and swing legs. Their lips are pursed, their eyes raised to the ceiling, full of concentration. Faces grimace and groans slip out as Dulak prods them to raise their legs higher or reach their arms further. While their movements are slow and controlled, their cheeks are pink with exertion and beads of perspiration cling to their hairlines. “Pilates does not feel like a typical workout,” said Susan Feuille, who has been coming to the center for a year. “It may not look like we are straining, but look at our

faces. It’s a workout.” The class collectively inhales and exhales on Dulak’s command. There is a whoosh of exhaled air as the group goes into its last stretch, its “dessert,” as Dulak said. They tuck their legs underneath their chests and stretch their arms, fingers crawling to the end of the mat. They slowly peel themselves off the mats, twisting from side to side, moving back into an upright position. The silence from the cool-down is replaced with the murmur of contented voices. Some of Dulak’s students, like Feuille, say that after Pilates class they feel rejuvenated—a major difference from traditional cardio workouts, Dulak said. “Pilates is very addictive,” Feuille said. “It is the only exercise class that I have ever gone to that I feel energized after. I feel good, not tired like I usually do after a regular workout.” Other differences from the gym are more obvious. There are no clanking weights or pounding feet on treadmills. In fact, all feet inside the center are bare.

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PLEASE, PLEASE DO NOT SEE FROM JUSTIN TO KELLY | FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 3, 2004

buzz

This is, like, so gonna be the best teen movie ever! BY JOHN PIATEK | STAFF WRITER

“

G

ive her the right look, the right boyfriend, and bam! In six weeks, she’s being named prom queen.” Sound familiar? This line from She’s All That is just one little nugget from the Hollywood gold mine that is the “teen movie.” A cash cow for film studios for many years, teen movies are a strong force in Hollywood and are showing no signs of letting up. Recently, two new teen movies hit theaters: The Perfect Score and You Got Served, receiving one star each from Buzz. Even with so many new teen movies coming out each year, there are some distinct features that, for better or worse, seem to be in every single teen movie out there. First, throw away any deep plot ideas and go talk to the first high school girl with Starbucks coffee and a Gap bag in her hands and ask her how her day was at school. No high school dilemma is considered off-limits in these movies. How hard a test will be, what outfit to wear to the dance and how intense cheerleading practices can be are to the creators of teen movies what the assassination of Julius Caesar was to William Shakespeare. Basically, plot does not matter. But if plot doesn’t matter, what does? The answer here is simple: looks. Since the target audience is usually fickle, styleconscious teenagers, the actors—who are sometimes in their late 20s—need to walk, talk and definitely look the part. With people like Jennifer Love Hewitt, Reese Witherspoon and Freddie Prinze Jr. in starring roles, beautiful people are featured everywhere in teen movies. Even the “ugly” people—the characters who are supposed to be unattractive and unappealing— are attractive, like Julia Stiles’ antisocial character in 10 Things I Hate About You. The soundtrack is part of the teen movie’s signature. Teen movie audiences like to hear their favorite radio songs within movies, so teen movies have contemporary soundtracks. When soundtracks for films like Can’t Hardly Wait and Varsity Blues included tracks from popular bands such as Blink-182, Green Day and Third Eye Blind, they quickly moved up the charts and became fan favorites. Teen movies tend to reinforce the social structures familiar to most teenagers. Many teen

films have the stereotypical nerds, jocks and bullies. These films are about connecting to a specific age group, and stereotypes are used to create familiarity for their audience. Sexual themes often dominate teen movies. Frequently, characters in teen movies are shown at a fast-moving stage in their mental development where sex is a central theme. Like most high-schoolers, the characters in teen movies are just beginning to deal with their sexuality, often with humorous results. In American Pie, four friends make a pact to lose their virginity before prom is over, and hilarity ensues. In the past few years, movie studios have released some really bad teen movies. There have been quite a few, however, that were genuinely good movies. Here’s a recap of the famous lows and highs.

The Bad Never Been Kissed Drew Barrymore plays an undercover reporter who tries to go back to high school for a story but ends up looking less intelligent than most of the high-schoolers. Bring It On Only Hollywood could try to make people care about feuding cheerleading squads. The limited appeal of this movie ruined it immediately. The sequel went straight to video. Drumline A movie about a drumline in the high school band never got more interesting than its title. Dude, Where’s My Car? The movie Stifler—er, Seann William Scott— and Ashton Kutcher made to kill time between their other more successful activities. It has since become an icon, to the effect of, “This movie was so bad, it reminded me of Dude, Where’s My Car?” From Justin to Kelly This film is an example of a movie that was truly manufactured to be sold to teenagers, with no acting, no plot and absolutely no attempts at being a legitimate movie. She’s All That The movie about turning an unpopular girl into the prom queen made more of an attempt to show off how pretty Rachel Leigh Cook is than to make the audience care about the characters.

The Good Not all teen movies will make the sophisticated movie fan cringe. Over the years, many teen films have proven to be successful both critically and commercially. These films have found success by following essentially the same formula as their bad counterparts, but also by truly focusing on all the nuances of the teen movie genre. Successful teen movies have embraced simple plotlines, beautiful people and stylish everything, and made them serve as background for the things that make a movie good in the first place: solid acting, chemistry between characters and an appeal that reaches beyond just high school kids. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Ferris’s day of playing hooky took him to Wrigley Field and a parade instead of to school for a lecture from teacher Ben Stein. His day of self-discovery and the movie’s message of carpe diem resonated with people of all ages. Clueless Alicia Silverstone became the master of all things high school and also made America fall in love with her method of coping with life: shopping and makeovers. Legally Blonde Reese Witherspoon’s spacy and perky character got all the way to Harvard Law School by using her clever acting and likability. American Pie A surprise hit, its success was fueled largely by word-of-mouth. The onscreen chemistry among the characters was of top-caliber quality, especially between the main character Jim (Jason Biggs) and his father (Eugene Levy), and their talk about what happened to the apple pie … Sixteen Candles Molly Ringwald’s character may have been forgotten on her birthday, but viewers of this movie won’t forget its fun depiction of high school life. There’s no such thing as a genre without its parodies, and teen movies are no different. In 2001, Not Another Teen Movie comprehensively spoofed many recent teen movies. It parodied the basic character types from several teen movies, such as the dumb jock, the cheerleader who complains all the time and the movie’s non-star: the token black guy. His line: “I am the token black guy. I’m just supposed to smile and stay out of the conversation and say things like, ‘That is whack.’” When a new teen movie comes out, it’s not obvious whether it will be worth seeing. Good teen movies are good movies first and teen movies second. Otherwise, a teen movie just ends up being another bad teen movie. Opening this weekend in the teen movie genre are Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen and Eurotrip. Next weekend is Club Dread. Which list will these films make? The only way to tell is to swallow your pride and cough up the cash.

intro

buzz FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 3, 2004 | I’M NOT SO FOND OF OUR PRESIDENT, OF THE LATIN CLUB

3

News of the weird Bush “troubled” by gay marriage? FIRST THING’S FIRST ...

Well, he is troubled ... BY MICHAEL COULTER | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

W

e had one gay guy in the small town where I grew up; at least one gay guy we knew about. He never said he was gay necessarily, but it was pretty much a given in the community. He drank at the same bar, shopped at the same grocery, got his hair cut at the same barber, and no one ever gave him too much shit about his sexual preferences. He was pretty much accepted. Thank God he never fell in love and decided to try and get married. I’m sure they would have lynched his ass. Everyone’s all in this big uproar about San Francisco marrying same-sex couples and Massachusetts saying it’s unconstitutional to bar gays from marriage. We’ll watch them on television and in movies, sure. We’ll allow them to be parents, OK. We might even allow them to set fashion trends so long as they don’t try and bring back those God forsaken culottes. For shit’s sake, though, we can’t let them get married. That would make them just like the rest of us. We here in the U.S. of A. consider marriage a special commitment, not to be entered into lightly. Granted, we’re generally very bad at it, but it’s still special, especially the third or fourth time. How could we trust gays with such a luxury? What the hell are we afraid of, that they’ll do it better than the heterosexuals have? That’s setting the bar pretty low. Like a gay uncle, though, everybody has an opinion. Our president chimed in, saying he strongly believes “marriage should be defined as between a man and a woman.” Wow, I can’t believe our president is for gay marriage. Wait, you may say. He just said he was against gay marriage. Yes, but he also said there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and there weren’t. I’m proud to say I have cracked his intricate code. He’s a big dumbass liar and the opposite of what he says is usually the truth. Not only is the president “troubled” by what he’s seeing, so is the First Lady. She says it’s a “very shocking issue for some people.” Well, she married into a family of men who can’t leave the house without bombing something, and she can’t seem to keep her daughters from drinking their way across the country, so I suppose she’s qualified to speak about what is shocking. I’d like to hear what she says about the issue. Well, she feels it should be debated in public so the people can decide. She then declined to comment on her position. Um, no disrespect, Mrs. Bush, but are you

aware of the definition of the word “debate”? Then you have the new governor of California putting in his two Deutschmarcs. “In San Francisco, it is license for marriage of same sex. Maybe the next thing is another city that hands out licenses for assault weapons and someone else hands out licenses for selling drugs, I mean you can’t do that,” Schwarzenegger said. He’s right. It would be a shame if countless citizens were killed by gay marriage or teenagers became hooked on gay marriage. After all, who doesn’t know that marriage doesn’t kill, only gay marriage does? Gay marriage is, of course, merely a gateway union to such long-term commitments as a car loan or, God forbid, a mortgage. People, this will not stand. I’m sure he’ll have his own cute little catch phrase for the debate before the end of the week. I have my own little catch phrase. Guns and drugs are a public safety issue, not a social one, you freaking moron. St. Louis Archbishop Raymond Burke helpfully pointed out that “Homosexuality is in itself a disorder ... and they need to learn how to live a chaste life.” Whether he said this while he watched another priest molest a child is a question of fact, but let’s face it, the type of “chaste life” the clergy lives isn’t necessarily setting the standard for acceptable behavior in our society. It’s like an alcoholic preaching to a junkie about throwing away his life. With all the talk and all the gay marriage, let’s be honest, it’s a show of love more than a binding legal union. Insurance companies aren’t going to give benefits to gay spouses until they absolutely have to. Inheritance, taxes and retirement funds aren’t going to change. In order for all this to happen, it might be a better idea if the older partner adopted the younger one. There’s no law against that. I really just don’t understand the hoopla. Letting gays marry in no way cheapens your traditional marriage. Also, it doesn’t necessarily make you gay. Just because a gay marriage couple lives next door to you, it doesn’t mean you have to ask them to dinner or even nod to them when you pass on the street. It’ll be just like always, except they’ll be married. I’m single, but from what I’ve heard, marriage is no picnic. I know a few separated couples who can speak to such a thing. Still, I bet most of them will marry again. Some will marry again and again. It’s their right. They pay taxes.

They have dreams and hopes. Who’s to say they won’t eventually find happiness? They probably deserve it. Everyone does, no matter what their gender. Michael Coulter is a videographer at Parkland College. He writes a weekly e-mail column, “This Sporting Life” and has hosted several local comedy shows.

NEWS THAT SOUNDS LIKE A JOKE

GREAT ART!

Among the modest amount of information revealed at the CIA’s new Science and Technology museum, according to a December Associated Press story, is that early versions of a tiny spy camera mounted to the back of a pigeon nonetheless failed because it was too heavy, forcing the pigeon in one test “to walk home.”

“The Empty Museum” installation by Ilya and Emilia Kabakov consists only of four walls, representing the walls of a 19th century art gallery with nothing on them. According to a New York Times reviewer, “The blank walls and the spotlights suggest the cruel Minimalist reduction and dematerialization of art, and most specifically, perhaps, the death of painting.” It is enjoying an apparently successful run through April in New York City.

A NATION OF WIMPS Donald Johnson sued a West Palm Beach, Fla., Shoney’s restaurant for $55,000 because he thought its clam chowder was potato soup, and the chowder left him with nightmares; in January, he won $407 in damages. And in January, Tanisha Torres of Wyandanch, N.J., filed a lawsuit against Radio Shack because she was offended that a clerk had listed her hometown in the store’s records by a local joke name, “Crimedanch,” which she said makes her feel like a criminal. And William Tremmel filed a lawsuit in September against a company repairing the boardwalk at Virginia Beach, Va., after he used its portable toilet without permission; some of the workers, fed up with strangers using their facility, blocked Tremmel inside for 25 minutes before letting him out, for which “mental suffering” he now wants $100,000.

GOVERNMENT IN ACTION Budget Necessities: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported in January that the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego was hard at work producing a musical theater production based on the life of serial killer Andrew Cunanan, the 1997 murderer of his former lover Gianni Versace, for which the playhouse had received a $35,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. And in October, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District revealed, in a request for more funding, that it was paying a man about $460 a day to scoop used condoms from the chlorine tanks at its Jones Island plant.

Copyright 2004 Chuck Koplinski, distributed by United Syndicated Press

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CABLE GUBLA! | FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 3, 2004

buzz

editor’snote

insidebuzz

BY MARISSA MONSON | EDITOR IN CHIEF

The Story

4 Replenishing mind, body and spirit

A

s the Democratic presidential horse race winds down, a dark horse has entered the fray. Well, not really. It’s more like the slow fat horse that always loses, but is always recognized because he stays in the race. Old faithful Ralph Nader has entered the presidential race once again, and once again, he will lose. Republicans will call it insignificant and Democrats will call it the most significant event of the race, especially if Bush wins. Nader has done some great things in the world of consumer advocacy. He also made a surprising show in the 2000 election for the Green Party. However, Democrats believe that Nader lost the race for Al Gore by diverting would-be votes from the Democrats to the Green Party. As Democrats smack their foreheads in disgust as Republicans simultaneously do the triple pump cheer, I remain frustrated at—and inspired by—Ralph Nader. Frustrated as a Democrat who will vote for any Democrat to get Bush out of the White House and recognizes Nader’s threat in a close race.

Outside the Lincoln Building in downtown Champaign, horns honk, engines whirl and cars whoosh by. However, inside suite 102, the home of the Pilates Center...

Arts

6 Talking with author Max Barry Max Barry is a witty guy. His seven-line bio begins with “Max Barry is Australian, for which he apologizes ... “

Music 13 Spinnerty talks remix You may have heard about the beef between rappers NAS and Jay-Z ...

Calendar 14 C-U royalty The Delta Kings The Delta Kings have been fusing blues and rock since the early ...

Film

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY Inspired as a person who would really like to see change. I know that the Democratic candidate and the incumbent are in similar tax brackets and probably hob-knob at the same functions. I also know that no matter who I vote for in 2004, the country will continue to be run by a politician. As much as my liberal blood tells me that Nader may blow it and hand the election over to Bush, I can’t be completely disgusted with Nader. By marginalizing Nader, we are limiting the idea that our country can change and that true democracy actually exists. Our country is run by one of the most well-known oil tycoons and corporate cheerleaders the U.S. presidency has ever seen. Nader, in his own words, is challenging the “corporate-occupied territory” and the “two-party duology;” two things, among others, that probably need to be challenged. I wonder: If Ralph Nader didn’t exist as the friendly radical, would anyone even notice him? Maybe not. But with him here, I can curl up in my cozy bed at night knowing the short fat horse will always be trailing the horse in the lead, watching his every move. That counts for something. -M.M.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You know that library book you checked out in 1999 and still have in your bookcase? It's time to return it to the library, preferably along with a partial payment. Remember the unconscious way you broke up with one of your old flames? It's time to send an apology. How about that dumb thing you did to sabotage your own happiness once upon a time? Isn't it about time you forgave yourself and shed your lingering remorse? Hell has frozen over, Aries. Pigs have grown wings. Make the atonements you thought you'd never make in a thousand years.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Let's do a check-in, Leo. In the first eight weeks of 2004, how well have you taken advantage of the stellar wealth-building opportunities? Have you been doing the inner work necessary to increase your value? Have you unleashed your imagination in a quest to heal and supercharge your relationship with money? Have you started to lay the groundwork for the livelihood you want to be doing by March 1, 2009? It's prime time to intensify your efforts in all these tasks. P.S. I suggest that you also cultivate relationships with collaborators who can help you attract resources you'll need for a long time.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): University students in Poland have discovered an unexpected way to boost their grades: wearing red underwear while taking tests. Ever since researchers presented evidence of the "red underwear effect," clothing stores have reported a run on scarlet-hued bras, underpants, and boxer shorts around exam times. Maybe it's merely the result of mass hysteria, but what difference does it make if it truly enhances the students' performance under pressure? I suggest you consider hopping on this trend, Taurus. What have you got to lose from regularly donning red skivvies during this, the final-exam phase of your yearly cycle?

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Lent is the period between Ash Wednesday and Easter when devout Christians commemorate the 40 days that Christ allegedly spent resisting the devil's temptations in the wilderness. Growing up Episcopalian, I was taught to imitate Jesus every year at this time by giving up something I had a strong attachment to. My usual choice was candy. It so happens, Virgo, that even if you're not Christian, the coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to renounce three experiences that you have become a bit addicted to. Those experiences are berating yourself, denying yourself pleasure, and giving till it hurts. I urge you to give them all up between now and April 10.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): If oil companies were given a green light to drill Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, they'd ultimately produce 42 million gallons of black gold every day. America's dependence on foreign oil would diminish, which might in turn reduce its inclination to use military force to ensure its supply. But there is a simpler way to accomplish the same goal. If the fuel efficiency of SUVs were boosted a mere three miles per gallon, America's daily oil consumption would decrease by 49 million gallons. I suggest you keep this scenario in mind, Gemini, as you head towards a turning point in your personal life. Rather than exploit and pollute one of your natural talents for a seemingly good cause, I suggest you seek an alternate way to accomplish that good cause. It may take a relatively minor adjustment.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): It's time for a check-in, Libra. What progress have you been making in your work on this year's major assignment? As I suggested two months ago, you should expedite the dying of the Old You, preparing the way for the birth of the New You later in 2004. So have you been taking brave steps to liberate yourself from the past? Have you opened yourself to the possibility of making radical departures from business-asusual? Do you whisper the word "resurrection" to yourself as you fall asleep each night? If you've been carrying out this quest in even a half-assed way, the coming week will bring you a poignant gift.

THUNDERBIRD (also known as CANCER) (June 21-July 22): In an effort to improve the image of the pit bull, New York City has officially changed the dog's name to "New Yorkies." I propose that we Crabs try a similar experiment. Isn't it time we try shedding our linguistic connection with the killer disease? How about if for the next three weeks we call our sign "Thunderbird" or "Quantum Flux" or "Vanquisher" instead of "Cancer"? Let's see if it stimulates subtle changes in the way we think about ourselves. It's the perfect time to try it. We're currently in an astrological phase when we have maximum power to transcend limitations.

22 Welcome to Mooseport not welcome ACROSS 1 Tree that yields

PHOTO | CHRISTINE LITAS

Volume 2, Number 1 COVER DESIGN | Lauren Hoopes

Editor in chief Marissa Monson Art Directors Meaghan Dee & Carol Mudra Copy Chief Chris Ryan Music Jacob Dittmer Art Katie Richardson Film Paul Wagner Community Emily Wahlheim Calendar Maggie Dunphy Photography Editor Christine Litas Calendar Coordinators Lauren Smith, Cassie Conner, Erin Scottberg Photography Christine Litas, Roderick Gedey Copy Editors Chris Ryan, Jen Hubert, Suzanne Sitrick, Erin Green Designers Chris Depa, Jordan Herron, Glenn Cochon, Adam Obendorf, Sue Janna Truscott Production Manager Theon Smith Sales Manager Jon Maly Marketing/Distribution Melissa Schleicher, Maria Erickson Publisher Mary Cory

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Your ability to speak moving words and initiate useful changes is at a peak. So is your knack for revealing your inner beauty and attracting the help and attention you want. How will you wield these awesome powers? Like a manipulative megalomaniac bent on ruling your little corner of the world, always angling for personal gain? Or like a fascinating fount of blessings, eager to share your wealth as you hunt down inspiring adventures with relentless ingenuity? SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Northern California, the place I call home, has more spiritual workshops per capita than anywhere else on earth. On a given weekend, you can choose from yoga retreats, meditation classes, astrology intensives, and a hundred other adventures in woo-woo. Grizzled veterans of the scene have a phrase to describe the attitude of workshop leaders

who are overly proud of how enlightened they are -- who ooze a pretentious solemnity that belies the divine grace they're supposedly championing. The term is "stinky Zen." It's a perfect way to convey the fact that humorless self-importance can sabotage even the finest ideals. Be on the alert for this stench, Sagittarius - not only in New Age types, but in everyone else, too. I nominate you to be the earthy whistleblower who makes sure that all the deep truths stay fun and funny. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Some British celebrities turn down the honors their government proposes to bestow on them. For example, actor Albert Finney refused to become a knight, saying it was "a disease which perpetuates snobbery." Similarly,some people reject gifts they can't use or don't want.My friend Glenda's uncle offered to give her an ostrich farm in Louisiana on the condition that she move there and oversee its operation. No thanks, she said. I advise you to be on the alert for meaningless honors and pseudo-blessings like these,Capricorn.Don't let them distract you from the real thing, which will arrive later. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): At no time in the week ahead will you be struck by lightning, squeezed by a giant python, or blindsided by an old nemesis.I do predict that an unexpected force will hit you upside your attitude, but it will be the kind that's good for you. Here are some examples of what form this intervention might take. You could be splashed with a squirt gun by a friend who wants to break down an awkwardness or formality that has undermined your closeness; you could be hit with rolled-up socks thrown by a child who has something important to tell you; or you may be hugged with surprising ferocity by a person who is suddenly sorry to have been taking you for granted. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Some astrologers believe that an unusually high percentage of babies born on February 29 grow up to be bisexual. I would go further and say that people born on that day are more likely to become bisexual, transgendered, double-jointed, ambidextrous double agents who are equally skilled at accessing both their left and right brain. Even you Pisceans who were not born on that exceptional day will be injected with a hefty dose of the February 29 spirit this week. It should be an excellent time to have your cake and eat it, too.

✍ HOMEWORK:

Unleash an outrageous boast about how you're going to pull off a certain feat that you've previously lacked the chutzpah to attempt. Testify at www.freewillastrology.com.

Got an opinion? E-mail us at buzz@readbuzz.com or you can send us a letter at 1001 S. Wright St., Champaign, IL 61820. We reserve the right to edit submissions. Buzz will not publish a letter without the verbal consent of the writer prior to publication date. Free speech is an important part of the democratic process. Exercise your rights. All editorial questions or letters to the editor should be sent to buzz@readbuzz.com or 337-8317 or buzz, 57 E. Green St., Champaign, IL 61820. Buzz magazine is a student-run publication of Illini Media Company and does not necessarily represent, in whole or in part, the views of the University of Illinois administration, faculty or students.

Copyright Illini Media Company 2004

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