z buz
champaign . urbana
The normal make a living, the deranged make history. The only way to tell my Dad something is to write it on a note, and tie it to a brick, and throw it through a window. Of course, now Dad’s armed with a brick. Screwed-up people settle fights through violence. This can escalate into a war that can kill millions. Normal people settle disputes over cookies, cakes, and pies. Normal people are fat. After all, once you’ve driven your drunk father to your mom’s parole hearing, what else is there? You got arrested for drunk driving and it’s my fault? Everybody has hope for the perfect love. Normal people are raised to believe that there’s someone out there who’s your soul mate, your best friend, your lover. My dad always told me that when you find that person, “You gotta nail her”! Growing up, road trips with Dad were something I hated. Sitting still for hours, singing that stupid song, “100 bottles of beer on the wall. 100 bottles of beer...” Dad, you know, keeping up with the song. If you ask my dad for help... he’ll help. Like a vulture helps an over-run armadillo on a Texas highway. One peck at the time. Dave has his moments. In fact, if you let Dave hit on a typewriter for, like a thousand years, he would eventually type the word monkey. In fact, he would only type the word monkey. That’s his favorite word.
w e e k l y
In my family, goodness is just badness that hasn’t had a drink yet. My dad’s full of encouragement and support. It just feels like abandonment and neglect. A salamander can grow a new tail in three weeks. My dad can score new tail in three minutes. I was raised by Ken Titus. I can see BS through eight miles of led enforced concrete through a blizzard. Erin has a special relationship with my father. She makes it possible for him and I to communicate. I mean without her, I’d be talking about him instead of to him. Dad is a new person. A person who has learned that forgiveness is better then revenge. Next year, we’ll teach him that heart attacks are not like women. You just can’t keep having them! My dad don’t like lies. He says it hurts people in the long race. He prefers the truth. That hurts them instantly. The most powerful person in your life is the one that knows all your secrets and all your lies. Dad thought you could get through anything if you just “quit being a wussy!” You could get your arm ripped off; Dad would find the arm, get some packing tape and . . . strap it back on.
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FREEZING AND LOVING IT — FOR A GOOD CAUSE
03 | 09 | 06 . 03 | 16 | 06 s o u n d s f r o m t h e s c e n e FREE
THE DARK, DISGRUNTLED COMEDY OF CHRISTOPHER TITUS
pg. 18
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Internship & Job Fair
Full-Time Jobs & Internships Friday, March 17th, 2006 10am-3pm Lake Shore Campus Gentile Center 6525 N. Sheridan Road Chicago, IL
For a list of registered employers: www.luc.edu/resources/career/fairs.htm
MA R. 9
FASHION IS A FORM OF UGLINESS SO INTOLERABLE THAT WE HAVE TO ALTER IT EVERY SIX MONTHS.
• Admission -$10 at the door • Free admission for Loyola students and alumni • No Pre-Registration • Dress for Success • Bring ample supply of résumé
For more information: Loyola University Chicago Internship & Career Center Lake Shore Sullivan Center, Room 296 73-508-2874
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no.1O
Cover Design • Claire Napier Editor in chief • Erin Scottberg Art Director • Claire Napier Copy Chief • Sara Sandock Listen, Hear • Anna Statham Stage, Screen & in Between • Elyse Russo Around Town • Lianne Zhang CU Calendar • Todd Swiss Photography Editor • Austin Happel Designers • Brittany Bindrim, Nikita Sorokin, Allie Armstrong Calendar Coordinator • Brian McGovern Photography • Austin Happel Copy Editors • Sarah Goebel, Ruth McCormack, Meghan Whalen, Dan Petrella Staff Writers • Paul Prikazsky, Tatyana Safronova, Syd Slobodnik, Todd J. Hunter Contributing Writers • Michael Coulter, Seth Fein Production Manager • Paula Newcomb Sales Manager • Mark Nattier Marketing/Distribution • Brandi Wills Publisher • Mary Cory
TALK TO BUZZ e-mail: buzz@readbuzz.com write: 57 E. Green St. Champaign, IL 61820 call: 217.337.3801 We reserve the right to edit submissions. Buzz will not publish a letter without the verbal consent of the writer prior to publication date. 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. First copy of Buzz is FREE, each additional copy is $.50 © Illini Media Company 2005
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UNDER THE COVER |1-3| 3 3 3 |4-8| 4 6 8 | 9 - 13 | 9 11 12 13
INTRO First Things First • Michael Coulter This Modern World • Tom Tomorrow Life in Hell • Matt Groening
AROUND TOWN Freezin’ for a Reason • Tim Peters In Your Words with Vivian Zapata The Local Sniff • Seth Fein
LISTEN, HEAR Shrink Wrap brings live music to campustown • Brian McGovern Local music, what’s your excuse? • Marynia Aniela Kolak Akron/Family and Angels of Light review • Dan McDonald Local Music Awards DJ Nominees
| 14 - 17 |
CU CALENDAR
| 18 - 23 |
STAGE, SCREEN & IN BETWEEN
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Christopher Titus comes to CU • Nathan Kramer A flea in her ear review • Syd Slobodnik Movie reviews Hidden Gem/Guilty Pleasure • Brent Simerson Movie Time Listings Dragon Quest VIII • Annette Marie Gonzalez Artist’s Corner: Bri Santiago • Matt Hoffman
19 19-20 21 22 23 | 24 |
CLASSIFIEDS
| 25 - 28 |
THE STINGER
25 25 26 26 26 27
Doin’ it well • Kim Rice & Kate Ruin Jonesin’ crosswords • Matt Gaffney Free Will Astrology Slowpoke • Jen Sorensen (Th)ink • Keef Knight Likes and Gripes
erin scottberg EDITOR’S NOTE
Exciting Features: • • • •
I
’ve been waiting to write this column for a long time. Since last night’s episode was a rerun, I finally have my chance (buzz goes to press before 8 p.m. Wednesday so on a newcreativ ework episode week, this column er would be outdated by the time it got to you). Yep, I’m talking LOST. I’m as addicted to the show as a sorority girl to is to tanning beds (but better for me, LOST isn’t cancer-causing). Not since the time I spent my weekends glued to TGIF and SNICK have I been so dedicated to a time slot. Well, I guess I watched Dawson’s Creek in junior high, but that’s because I had a crush on Pacey ... Drafting your favorite college teams in the tournament I’ll admit it. When my boyfriend, Dave, fi rst wanted me to watch the show at the end of last Creating your own college program and roster using semester, I wasn’t too keen on the idea. I really players from your drafted teams don’t watch TV that much and didn’t care to start. So I watched the pilot — not bad, but I Creating your own starting line-up before every round to wasn’t hooked. Then I saw the second episode and next thing I knew I was having cold sweats maximize scoring potential when all the video stores were out of disc six for Real-time stats of up-to-the-minute scoring and standings days. Now there’s no going back. It’s honestly one of the best television shows on the air. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the first five minutes of the second season might possibly be the best television that’s ever aired in the history of broadcast communications. For real. The show is so damn good that after a six-episode marathon, Dave and I would go out only to return home early to watch more. Yeah, some create d for
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you b y
of our friends made fun of us, but guess what? They’re hooked now too. Because I know some of you readers aren’t caught up (You’re forgiven. Thank God for VCRs and DVRs), I’ll refrain from talking shop, but I have to tell you (stop reading if you haven’t seen “Maternity Leave”), Claire’s memory is coming back, Locke’s loosing his cool and shit’s about to get good. I’ve made a conscience decision to stay away from any LOST Web forums or message boards — the show is much more fun when you figure things out by yourself. It keeps your mind sharp. Anyway, I know if I started visiting those there’s no way this magazine would come together every week. And I’d fail out of school. I really think LOST is going to be the next Star Trek. In a few years, people are going to attend LOST conventions dressed as Tailies and Others. There are already LOST junkies writing their own plots and dreaming up fictional stories about the romantic interludes of Jack and Kate, or Sawyer and Kate, or Jack and Sawyer ... I have to hand it to ABC. When they have something good, they know how to work it. Visit amazon.com and look up The Bad Twin by Gary Troup. Then read “About the Author.” It’s definitely one of the best marketing gimmicks I’ve seen in a while. But then again, do you expect anything less from the best TV show ever?
sounds from the scene
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ARGUMENTS ARE TO BE AVOIDED; THEY ARE ALWAYS VULGAR AND OFTEN CONVINCING.
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michael coulter FIRST THINGS FIRST
What Americans worry about Are gas prices really more troublesome than cancer?
I have a friend, Andy, who
moved away years ago and he was a pleasure. I haven’t seen him in a while, but I remember one thing about him more than anything else: he worried about everything. If he had sex, he assumed he had contracted a disease. If he got drunk, he was convinced his liver was permanently damaged. He once got light-headed and went to the emergency room because he was positive he was having a heart attack. The doctors determined he simply stood up too fast. Sure, heart attacks are serious business, but usually not if you’re a healthy 28-yearold man. Worrying was like crack for Andy; he couldn’t get enough of it. As I said, I haven’t seen him in several years, but I bet he’s a basket case now. How could he not be? A regular person in this day and age has all sorts of new things to worry about, so I can only imagine those new worries added to my friend’s already extensive list of items to stress over. Context Marketing recently did a survey to find out the top worries of Americans. I only hope Andy never sees the results. 61 percent of Americans are worried about gas prices. That seems sort of silly. I mean, I get pissed off about gas prices, but it’s not something I really feel I can worry about. My dad will drive 10 miles out of his way to get gasoline that’s two cents cheaper a gallon and I tend to worry more about his logic than the actual price of gas. It just seems that with all the life and death issues floating around, gas prices really should be secondary. It’s sort of like worrying about how fallout will affect your car’s finish in the event of nuclear war. Health care is something that 52 percent of us worry about. See, now that at least makes sense to me. This is a life and death problem, literally. The fact that it’s still an issue people need to worry about is sort of sad though. For crapsake people, Canada can do it, so we should probably step up and get something done. Maybe instead of worrying about health care quite so much, we should make sure that when the next election rolls around, we actually elect someone who will do something about it. Third on the list is terrorism and 42 percent of us worry about that. Um, wow, 20 percent less than gas prices on the old worry scale. Way to set our priorities. My guess as to why less than half of those surveyed worried about terrorism is
because they’ve finally just accepted it as a way of life now. It’s probably gonna happen within our borders again, it’s probably gonna suck really bad again, so it’s more about waiting than actually worrying about it. They may take our comfort, but they can never touch our indifference. Outsourcing is at number four with 38 percent of Americans worrying about it. That’s a skewed number though because I’m fairly sure some of those people hired foreigners to worry for them. AIDS and cancer finally clock in at number five with a less than impressive 35 percent worry rate. Geez Louise, I remember when that was pretty much all we worried about and now it’s number five on the list. AIDS and cancer, yeah man, that shit ain’t even scary to most of us anymore. The world is becoming a very odd place. Number six, at a 28 percent worry rate, is immigration. It didn’t say one way or the other but I’m supposing that most people would like to have less of it. We appreciate you giving us your tired and poor huddled masses if they promise only to do the shit jobs regular Americans don’t want to do, but really, even then there’s sort of a limit, okay? Plus, quit trying to make us like soccer. At number seven on the list is obesity. Yeah, always good to throw a little vanity on the fire. Number eight is natural disasters and global warming in a tie at 24 percent. Yep, the world’s getting all Old Testament and only about a quarter of Americans are worried. In all fairness, that number is expected to increase to 100 percent the moment the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse appear. Avian flu and mad cow disease finally sneak in at number nine with a 21 percent worry rate. This makes me feel sort of good. The national media attempt to scare the piss out of us on a regular basis when it comes to these diseases and even though we may listen, it doesn’t mean we’re worried. Who could blame us? What with obesity, gas prices and immigration, worrying about something like a freaking plague with wings is really gonna have to take a back seat. Finally at number ten, at 20 percent on the index, is homelessness, but I’m guessing that was only so we can appear to be caring in some sort of way. I suppose the list seems reasonable in some way, especially if you’re going to capture the big picture of worry. It’s easier than freaking out about the personal things most of us really worry about. My friend Andy looks more normal each day.
OOPS! WE MADE A MISTAKE • We misspelled some Local Music Awards nominees in last week’s list. See page 12 for
the right names.
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around town
Members run to take the plunge into Lake of the Woods as a part of the Polar Plunge in Mahomet on Saturday, March 4.
AUSTIN HAPPEL • PHOTO
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CENTRAL ILLINOIS RESIDENTS “FREEZIN’ FOR A REASON” ASHLEY WOOLLEY • STAFF WRITER
P
articipation was at an all-time high for the local sector of Law Enforcement Torch Polar Plunge as 125 contributors plunged
head-first into the 40-degree water at Lake of the Woods in Mahomet, Ill. March 4. The annual event, benefiting Special Olympics Illinois, celebrated its sixth year in Mahomet as participants made their way through the flags and down the runway to the banks of the lake. The event raised $37,000 as men and women of all ages, wearing vibrant costumes, made waves in the calm lake water. Groups of plungers included members of Law EnforceINTRO | A ROUND TOWN | L ISTEN, HEAR | CU CALENDAR | STAGE, S CREEN &
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ment, the Knights of Columbus, the Rantoul Police Department, Special Olympics coaches and athletes, Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council from the University of Illinois, the U.S. Army, and many more. Unique costumes among matching team members ranged from basic swim trunks and T-shirts to Superwoman, Michelangelo of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Dr. Seuss characters Thing #1 and Thing #2, and The Simpsons. However, every costume came out of the water the same: wet and very cold. “It’s a massive rush,” Lynn Reitmeier, a 16-year-old plunger said, when describing jumping into the lake. “It’s a shock, and you go completely numb.” According to the St. Joseph, Illinois resident, the thrill of the plunge and the charity benefited are more than enough to make the minutes of severe cold worthwhile. “For other things, I wouldn’t do this,” Georgeanne Kulton, plunger and area director of Special Olympics Illinois Eastern Prairie/Area Eight, said. “But for Special Olympics, I would.” Kulton, the area director for Special Olympics Illinois in Champaign, described her most memorable experiences sounds from the scene
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PICK UP A PACK OF SUGAR THAT ACTUALLY SAYS, “SUGAR� ON IT AND SAY, “YOU DROPPED YOUR NAMETAG!�
Participants quickly run out of the Lake of the Woods, after plunging into its frigid waters as a part of the Polar Plunge fundraising event Saturday, March 4. with Specia l Olympics to be obser ving accomplishments of the train-ed athletes. “I love watching you guys do what you do,� Kulton said to spectators Michael and Sue Camarata. The couple, who have been involved with Special Olympics Illinois since 1989, proudly
explained that their participation included training and statewide competitions in basketball, swimming, bowling and softball. After hearing about Polar Plunge, the athletes decided to attend and volunteer to help at the event that has done so much for them. The Polar Plunge has benefited nearly 20,000
5
athletes and raised more than $1.2 million for cold participants and spectators were invited training, competitions, equipment and awards to warm up at a post-plunge part y at Elks throughout its seven years in Illinois. Partici- Pavilion, Lake of the Woods Forest Reserve. pants are required to raise at least $75 in spon- Giveaways during the party included restaurant sorships from friends, family and co-workers and gift certif icates from Ned Kelly’s, Chevy’s, must be 18 years of age or have a waiver signed Olive Garden and Cheddar’s, free stays at by a parent or guardian. hotels Fairfield Inn, Baymont Inn and Eastland Pol a r Plu n g e i n M a homet h a s g row n Suites, a redneck snack basket, and many more. signif icantly throughout its six years at Lake Prizes were awarded to plungers according to of the Woods. The f irst plunge in 2000 was the amount of money in sponsorships collected comprised of 30 plungers and raised $6,000, and included an off icial plunge hooded sweatabout 16 percent of Saturday’s earnings. The shirt, f lannel pants, an embroidered f leece vest 83 plungers and $17,697 earned in the 2005 and a Columbia jacket. T-shirts were availplunge nearly doubled this year, thanks to able for $15 with the phrase “Too chicken to plungers and sponsors. plunge,� and Law Enforcement Torch Run Despite the 45-degree temperature and clear Polar Plunge hats were a lso sold for $12. skies in Mahomet on Saturday, Kulton said that Proceeds of these sales were donated to Special the high turnout of the event had nothing to do Olympics Illinois. buzz with the weather. “If people want to do something for a good cause, they’re going to do it.� Kulton said. Spec i a l Ol y mpic s coach Ca r l Kagawa of the Eastern Illinois Eagles described the plunge of 2004 as similar to the Manteno Plunge, in which ice 10-inches thick had to be cut and removed from Lake of the Woods so that plungers could enter the water. “It felt like needles,� said Kagawa, a plunger of six years. “But everybody Members of the Canadian National Railroad team plunge survived.� into Lake of the Woods in Mahomet at the Polar Plunge Fol low i n g S at u rd ay’s plu n g e, fundraising event Saturday, March 4.
CHRISTINA LEUNG • PHOTO
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AUSTIN HAPPEL • PHOTO
MA R. 9
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MARCH 10TH
Vivian Zapata proudly shows off her work at the Art East Annex 2, March 2. She plans to become a working artist and to eventually allow others to experience the self-expression that art offers to her.
TATYANA SAFRONOVA • STAFF WRITER
The artist is standing in front of an easel, skep-
tically examining the painting. The woman looking back from the black and white selfportrait has a ponytail, a contemplative look, and large dark eyes. The left eye is too big, however, and the blending is all wrong. Vivian Zapata says she will have to repaint. School projects like the portrait take up all of Zapata’s time, a sophomore majoring in painting at the University of Illinois, but she’s slowly chiseling out a place of her own in the world of art. In August, Zapata was selected as the official artist of the 2005 Latin GRAMMY Awards in a nation-wide contest sponsored by Latino Art Beat. The contest required young artists to express in their artworks what Latin-American music means to them, keeping the theme of the GRAMMY Awards in mind.
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“Right away I knew it was something I couldn’t pass up,� says Zapata, whose mother is Mexican and father is Colombian. “I identify so much with the subject.� Zapata grew up around art and music. Her father, an obstetrician and gynecologist, plays Colombian bolero on the guitar and collects art. “His office is like a museum,� Zapata says, explaining that all the artworks have a maternal theme. Her mother and her grandmother in Mexico play the piano, and her mother teaches the instrument. For her family, like for all Latin Americans, Zapata says, Latin-American music is a pervasive “unifying force.� “It’s what drives us, it reflects who we are, what we want. ... We’re loving, we’re ver y family-oriented, unified, energetic, and full of poetry. ... I think in any situation where we have the ability to express ourselves through
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our culture, it teaches the American audience,� she pauses, and then asks, “What is American? It’s all of us, you know. It teaches those who maybe are not familiar with Latin-American culture about what our values are [and] what our cultures are.� Over the summer, Zapata researched images of singers and instruments, and made sketches. The final piece ended up coming together only three days before the deadline. “I actually arranged it like a puzzle. I made the combination by spacing everything in and around ... the gramophone and then when it came to coloring, that’s when I was listening to [LatinAmerican] music.� Zapata listened to music by David Bisbal, a Spanish pop artist also popular throughout Latin America. “I let the music inspire me,� she said. Zapata traveled to Los Angeles in August and sounds from the scene
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The 2005 Latin GRAMMY Awards poster designed by Zapata.
was honored along with the GRAMMY nominees who received autographed posters of her drawing. In November, Zapata returned to Los Angeles for the ceremony. “Once we walked into the actual hall, the programs for the event – they were stacked on tables ... – and every single program cover was my poster, and it was surreal,” she said. “Imagine thousands of people with your drawing in their hands. It was amazing, amazing, amazing!” Zapata’s winning drawing reflects her fascination with narrative surrealist art that portrays the subject in a situation. “[They are] dream-like situations: they evoke ... real-life situations but they’re more poetic,” she said. One of her own favorite pieces is an early pencil drawing of her brother. Zapata said, “It’s something really fascinating to me because, you know, pencil on paper, sounds from the scene
it’s so abstract, it’s something flat. ... I think I really captured him and who he is ... his benevolence, I think, came across in his eyes.” Hurriedly, she begins to apologize for sounding “poetic”. She later apologizes again and again but can’t stop talking like a poet, using words that are as vibrant as her art. “Art, in many ways, is hierarchical ... especially, like, if you think of New York, like the very elite [small art world there. But] really it’s something that, you know, a lot of people can learn to appreciate. The other side of the spectrum is, you know, there are people that don’t get exposure to art at all.” After meeting other art students in Los Angeles, Zapata realized that with other artists she could “network and make something bigger.” She plans to become a working artist and to eventually allow others to experience the self-expression that art offers to her. INTRO | A ROUND TOWN | L ISTEN, HEAR | CU CALENDAR | STAGE, S CREEN &
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ARE YOU A PARKING TICKET? YOU GOT FINE WRITTEN ALL OVER YOU.
seth fein THE LOCAL SNIFF
Wake up CU city councils! You just need to learn how to promote yourselves...
FIRST SNIFF Perhaps it’s just me, and maybe I am going out on a limb here, but I think that any and all attempts to disrupt or cancel UnOfficIal St. Patrick’s Day are about as asinine as the “War on Drugs�. I am not condoning it, just as I don’t “condone� drug use. No my friends, not me. Believe me when I state that I think that those who participate in this charade should be airlifted to Carbondale. But I also have some understanding of what restrictions do to people. And it never ends well. Ever. Like they aren’t going to get wasted! Come on! Consider it: Next year, the city councils of Urbana and Champaign team up with the university to literally ban this party. They close down campus and cancel class on Friday. They block the streets and spend our tax dollars by bringing in the riot gear squad or whatever. They take all preventative measures. They literally ban the bars from “promoting� Unofficial. Guess what happens? One of two things. It either incites a riot or it transfers the drinking to private residences. I mean, after all, what’s more important than protesting the banning of a ridiculous and semi-offensive “holiday�? People like
to break things. Especially things that are not theirs. Especially when they are drunk. What’s more fun than breaking windows and drinking beer at 8 a.m.? Nothing, according to the Acacia house, I am sure. And that would be worse than what was originally just a full day’s worth of drinking green swill. If it doesn’t incite a riot, it will only give the students an excuse to create their own “Unofficial� — which will no doubt be more uncontrolled and unsafe. At least now it’s centered in a part of town that is primarily brick and concrete in order to clean up all the puke. From what I hear, preventing the bars from opening early simply forced people to start drinking in their homes at 7 a.m. rather than be at Kam’s or some other bar that usually ends up inciting bad decisions and accidental pregnancies. THE SNIFFER: “I HAVE THE SOLUTION!� Just let them get fucked up. In fact, let’s encourage it! Let’s put a little promo behind this thing! Should these towns pretend like this is any different than a football Saturday? It’s just alcohol. It’s just a bunch of drunk-ass fools breaking beer bottles and vomiting in the streets. We live with a BigTen campus and every year the students fi nd
excuses to drink until they pass out. Please, let’s just embrace it. Now the kicker: Let’s charge them for it. I propose that on Unofficial, bars can open at 7 a.m. — but they must charge a cover to get in the door. Then take that money and use it to fill the city coffers in order to offset the costs of cleanup and vandalism. If the idiots want to break the town in half for a day because they are young and capable, then I say, let them raise hell. And simply make them pay. You know they will. Why? They’re idiots. CONFESSION. Hi, I am Seth Fein. Are you like me when I state that without question, you are compelled, no matter what else is going on in your life, to think about the show LOST with an unnecessary amount of scrutiny and deliberation until Wednesday at 8 p.m.? I’m not alone? Oh thank Gawd! I thought I was. Thank you for coming forward. Seriously. I have never been so obsessed by a show on television in my life. I have lived without cable for years and I didn’t even have the basic channels for the last nine months. But my stupid brother and his wife got us hooked and now on Wednesday nights, I’m shushing my girlfriend and telling my sweet little puppy to shut her big yapper so that I might find out more about the Dharma Initiative. And then after it’s over, I feel this huge empty hole inside because I didn’t get enough for one week. Ten bucks says that by 2007, there are support groups for people who can’t stop repeating the numbers: 4,8,15,16,23,48. Just a call. BAND OF THE WEEK One of the newest and most dearly beloved
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of the scene are the young indie band, fi refl ies. That’s all lowercase deliberately. Though I am not sure why. Already amassing a steady following within the scene, they are branching out and playing some dates regionally coming up here soon. Most importantly, they are releasing their fi rst full length on April 20th at the Cowboy Monkey with a slew of local support. They are one of our most promising bands. Go see them. FINAL WHIFF See, I miss being in college sometimes. And though I never did the Unofficial thing or tailgated or kissed 10 people in one night or fl ashed anyone, I kind of like what it represents. At my age, if you behave that way, your peers just look at you like you’re a jackass, tell you to grow up and walk away. And for good reason. That type of behavior is just uncalled for as an adult. But when you are 20 years old, single and unsure of your next move, I see no reason why you shouldn’t do all of the above and then some, just as long as you maintain some composure and don’t sleep with 10 people in one night. And that is what I mean when I call them idiots, even though they aren’t idiots per se. They are simply being ‘idiotic’, which is a far cry from being a consummate idiot. And I am jealous to an extent. There are times that I miss being able to be idiotic and get away with it. Even with that said, you couldn’t pay me to chug green beer at 8 a.m. That’s just beyond my limitations. At least, it is now. Seth Fein is from Urbana. When he was in college, he watched as his roommate vomited green on himself and his dog. You can’t ban something that hilarious. He can be reached at sethfein@hotmail.com.
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We can do that. For your next planned event or weekend meal. E-mail Jim: Foudinis@hotmail.com
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9
SHRINK WRAP BRINGS LIVE MUSIC TO CAMPUSTOWN • STAFF WRITER
L
et’s face it. In their natural form, straight out of the birth canal, newborn babies are, more or less, creepy-bordering-on-ugly looking. Brand new music, on the other hand, has no messy wipe-off-the-blood-and-mucus transitional period. A great new song captivates and enthralls from the very first time it’s heard, straight from the natal canal of musical harmony. WPGU 107.1, the student-run radio station, procreates such musical bundles of joy to the world of Champaign-Urbana through its on-air programs. Shrink Wrap, one such program, hosted by music director Chris Faron, has aired every Tuesday from 9 to 10 p.m. for the past couple of years and features an hour of the best new music releases. Most recently the show has featured new material from Built to Spill, Mogwai, and Belle and Sebastian. “It’s f irst and foremost about the latest and greatest new music,” Faron explained. “I work really hard every week to pull together a diverse group of great-sounding songs that have yet to impact anywhere. I hope that when people tune in they ... discover something they’ve never heard before and might wind up really liking.” Along with having a delightfully clever title and delivering the newest, noncommercial tunes, Shrink Wrap, according to Faron, also serves as a test ground “to see what works and what doesn’t before we fully unleash it on the public.” A lot of the show’s songs eventually go on to become a part of the regular rotation of other WPGU programs. Faron emphasized exactly how new the songs that appear on his show are: “The only way you’re going to get fresher new music is if you sit in the recording studio as the band plays a song they just wrote.” More novel than the recorded on-air portion of Shrink Wrap is its newest complementary component – live performances. Every Tuesday from 10 p.m. to midnight, WPGU puts on a concert showcasing the best new local talent at Joe’s Brewery in the heart of campus town. “You can hop in your car at 9:55 p.m., listen to the last five minutes of Shrink Wrap on WPGU as you drive to Joe’s, then stop your car, walk into Joe’s and catch the first local band starting their set. It’s pretty amazing really,” Faron said. The live portion of Shrink Wrap is, believe it or not, brand new. Fill in appropriate pun involving packaging here. Since January, the WPGU crew has been going to Joe’s to introduce some of the great local bands Champaign-Urbana has to offer while DJing in between with new local and national music. “You really can’t go wrong with free live music, and the
sounds from the scene
bands that play Shrink Wrap Live are really good and really diverse as well,” explained Faron. In the upcoming weeks, bands such as Triple Whip (March 14), Shipwreck (March 28), and The Lonely Hearts (Apr il 11) wil l perform at the WPGU event. Shrink Wrap Live is looking to increase student attendance at local artists’ shows. Generally, area bands play at venues at more distant, downtown ChampaignUrba na locat ions such a s the Highdive and Cowboy Monkey, which take some extra effort to get to. Shrink Wrap Live, on the other hand, brings music to the students right in campustown. “All people have to do is show up,” Faron said. “[And] with a great location like Joe’s in the middle of campus town, that just gives students even more of a reason to go check it out.” However, students are not the only targeted audience. According to Faron, WPGU is reaching out to “anybody and everybody ... from senior citizens to soccer moms”. Faron commends Green St. Records and Openingbands.com for getting a larger student audience involved in the scene. Shrink Wrap Live at Joe’s attempt to boost this awareness of local talent even more. “There are some great local bands out there that have a whole lot to be proud of ... I’m surprised that more of them haven’t gotten more national recognition,” commented Faron. However, some local bands, such as the Headlights and the Living Blue, have recently returned from national tours, receiving positive press from near and far. Additionally, the Headlights were featured on a February episode of Grey’s Anatomy. With some national exposure, however minimal, it is no wonder attendance at local shows has been on the rise recently. Nevertheless, it can still be better. With all these great area bands, WPGU and buzz are hosting the 2006 Local Music Awards on April 6 at the Highdive to
ILLUSTRATION BY NIKITA SOROKIN
BRIAN MCGOVERN
honor them all. Although people can go online to vote at www. cumusicawards.com/2006, they can also head over to Joe’s on Tuesdays to watch live performances by some of the nominees and cast their votes in the flesh. Since voting ends at the end of the month, the station urges as many people as possible to come out and give their favorite CU bands their dues. WPGU’s Shrink Wrap Tuesdays hopes to bring awareness to all the great non-Nickelback music out there in the world, a whole lot of which is com ing from r ight under the collective campus’ nose. As Faron said: “Hopefully even more people will start paying attention to our local music scene ... I have a feeling that in the next couple of years something great is going to happen.” buzz Come out to Joe’s this Tuesday March 14 at 10 p.m. for a live performance by Triple Whip.
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YOU’RE TOO EXPENSIVE TO DIE.
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SPEC
IAL
U IUC P RESA
LE!
May 3
Assembly Hall
UIUC STUDENT PRESALE THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 10 FROM 10AM TO 5PM AT ILLINI UNION (CASH ONLY) $4.50 STUDENT DISCOUNT. PUBLIC SALE SATURDAY, MARCH 11 AT NOON. For more information visit www.uofiassemblyhall.com Tickets at the Assembly Hall Box Office & all Ticketmaster outlets. Charge-by-phone: 217-333-5000 or order online at www.ticketmaster.com
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GETTIN ROBBED BY COKE MACHINES.
LOCAL BAND SUPPORT, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?
WHAT THE HELL?!
MARYNIA ANIELA KOLAK • GUEST COLUMNIST
KYLE GORMAN • STAFF WRITER
This column originally appeared as a post on Openingbands.com. As suggested by Todd Hunter, buzz is running it in place of Soundground this week. Soundground #116 will return next issue. I have been trying to go to at least one show a week, as long as I’m in town, for the past several years that I’ve lived here. I’ve gone by myself several times; I’ve brought friends several times; I’ve called up several people beforehand if I knew it would be a great show; I’ve literally brought in strangers off the street. Two months from now I’ll be moving out of here and I’ve been thinking a lot about my time in CU, trying to put my finger on exactly why I feel like I am the only person enjoying shows in this town. For example, I went to two shows this past weekend. I ran to the bus straight after work and made it to see Mexican Cheerleader at the IMC, one of my favorite bands from back in Chicago (I used to see these guys regularly several years ago). I was one of maybe fifteen people remaining for this last band at 10:00 p.m. Sunday evening I worked my butt off to make it to the Iron Post to catch the much anticipated Gogogo Airhearts and Jai-Alai Savant show. The music I heard was, hands down, the best, most revolutionary, most poetic and beautiful music I have heard in my five years here. Best show. I was one of two people at this show. Literally. So, what’s the deal? I love seeing local bands. But, after seeing the same acts over and over, I start itching to see other live acts coming through town. Unfortunately, when I do go to these fantastic shows (thanks to good booking agents), I am consistently finding a lack of “the regulars�. A scene is not built on a few local bands. A scene is built by a community. There must be a passion for the music that is whole-hearted and drama-free. It’s more than just seeing local bands. It’s watching the opening acts and buying their records when you get moved. It’s anticipating an
act coming for weeks and then getting to see them rock ‘n’ roll live in the bars for everyone to hear? in a small, smoky club. It’s about moving everyone I’ve heard British 1977 punk, rockabilly, stoner else to hear your music — like a local band last rock, and several classics in the past week alone week playing on an MTD bus to promote their going to different DJ nights. show. It’s about dancing and shaking your hips Don’t be afraid to go and meet people who aren’t at shows and not caring what anyone else thinks like you or to whom you think you are “musically because you’re there for the music. inferior.� Go to the Rosebowl Tavern to see the Believe it or not, there is a huge portion of Feudin’ Hillbilliles. Go to Metal Monday at the shows here that 90 percent of the community is Highdive and request your favorite high school missing. I’m not talking about the jam-packed, anthem. Go to a high school ska-punk show or sweaty, cattle-herding social shows that everyone play that acoustic rendition of “Raw Power� at attends, lining up beforehand in rows. I’m talking the Espresso open-mic. Believe it or not, there about the smaller shows with ten to twenty in is a huge thriving scene out there. The problem attendance on Sundays and Thursdays, where a is that this scene is unawakened and scattered few die-hards make their way to see live music and untapped. I never thought it possible when I — to see live music. first came here that Recently, attendance I could know so THE MUSIC I HEARD WAS, has dwindled down much more about HANDS DOWN, THE BEST, MOST to five to 10 people, REVOLUTIONARY, MOST POETIC AND music and be tenbut the movement t housa nd scores BEAUTIFUL MUSIC I HAVE HEARD continues. I’ve seen le s s pretent iou s IN MY FIVE YEARS HERE...I WAS the best music here than I used to be. ONE OF TWO PEOPE AT THIS SHOW. I owe this to my that most will never LITERALLY. – MARYNIA ANIELA KOLAK hear of again. A few in nate cur iosit y of the bands I’ve seen and the fantastic in these intimate settings have gone on to become people I’ve met here over the years — the unheard underground music giants, and I’ve seen and had musical geniuses. a beer with them all here in Champaign-Urbana. I have heard from so many people who I have You were all in the other room waiting and tried to introduce to the scene that they hate bitching, “there ain’t no decent scene here.� going to shows because it’s depressing. That’s My question to the community, from the right, depressing. I might have become numb bottom of my heart is: Why do you only stay for to being one of few show-goers because I have your friends’ bands? tits of steel and am still not afraid to make a fool If you are in the band, where the hell are you of myself. But there are a lot of people here who for the other shows? I can only think of two really want to go to shows, but won’t because people in bands who consistently come out to they know it’ll be the same social hierarchy not only support other local bands, but more scene, ass-kissing chaos. You have to set an importantly to support the visiting bands. Why example yourself. do you leave early or late according to the fluxes One travelling musician I spoke to said it best: of the local band hipsters? Aren’t you here for the “What kind of town is this where you all can’t music? We have so many fantastic music DJs in even hold on to a damn record store?� this town. Where are you when they are spinning Seriously.
11
moment of the week
Two unforgettable British vocalists have been having some trouble with the law recently. Pete Doherty, the ex-Libertines’ and British tabloids’ frontman, was the subject of The Sun’s “Get Pete Off The Street� campaign after he was arrested for stealing a car and admitted to a London hospital for manic depressive treatment. Here’s to putting the lovable junkie behind bars. In other news, Morrissey, ex-Smiths’ frontman and Wildean pop idol, recently revealed that the FBI has interviewed and investigated him for being a suspected threat to American national security a la John Lennon. It has yet to be revealed what sort of dirt the FBI expects to find on the Mancunian celibate gay vegetarian, but this writer suspects it has something to do with repeated threats made towards an unknown disc jockey and his disturbing, but vague assertion that “the bomb will bring us together.�
Pete Doherty
PHOTO COURTESY OF FOREVERILL.COM
MA R. 9
Morrissey
! " # $ " $ % & # & '!
sounds from the scene
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JAUNDICE IS WHERE I DRAW THE LINE.
album REVIEW
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2006 LOCAL MUSIC AWARD NOMINEES
AKRON/FAMILY AND ANGELS OF LIGHT Akron/Family & Angels of Light
Apparently, Akron/Family and Angels of Light have heard Abbey Road, Blonde on Blonde, and probably some Creedence Clearwater Revival, Modest Mouse, and Animal Collective. However, unlike Akron/Family and Angels of Light’s contemporaries, few bands channel the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll in such a refreshingly melodramatic fashion. Akron/Family and Angels of Light released Akron/Family & Angels of Light, a pseudo-split between the two bands released by Young God Records. The first seven tracks are Akron/Family’s material and the final five belong to Angels of Light, under which name former Swans front man Michael Gira plays. Gira owns Young God Records and uses Akron/Family as his band for this album. The fun of Light is that the two distinct styles distinguish themselves from the man (or men) singing in front to the drums in back as the record digresses in this folksy concoction. Akron/Family has a “freak folk” sound, as my friend called it, which blends ‘60s rock with older country and folk sensibilities. They borrow much of the opening of Light from the Beatles’ “Because.” Bits of “Sun King” shine through later on “Dylan, Pt. II,” and Dylan’s unmistakable low-fi sound — the tinny snares and tambourines used in “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” – have a hand in “We all Will.” Gira later covers “I Pity the Poor Immigrant,” as well. Much of Akron/Family’s parts gradually separate from this un-folk wall of sound they create; whatever does not gradually emerge appears out of left field. “Future Myth” brings to mind what music might sound like years from now. A battle between electronic signals and fading instruments dominate late in the song, only to be cut off and conquered by a beat box and synthesizer. The unexpected change ruins the end of “Future Myth”; even though the instruments are thematically appropriate, the song should end 26 seconds earlier. But this is one of the only weak spots found in the first seven tracks. “Moment” could be a whole album on its own. Feedback from the guitars and drums should be the sounds that end an album rather than help kick it off. But, “Moment” is an anthem and manifest announcing Akron/ Family’s arrival.
The song feels as if it could blow up at a ny moment , and then all of sudden, out of t he shout i n g chor u se s comes a ditty that’s absurdly catchy. “Moment” works in movements, stringing together sounds that theoretically should be nowhere near each other in a f ive-minute pop tune, but Akron/Family makes these sounds work. Dueling guitars and the bubble gum “ba-ba”s make the end of “Moment” one of the best pop songs in a while. Light takes a heavier country/folk turn on Gira’s half. All his songs are haunting — Akron/ Family’s accompaniment work in building suspense on closing track “Come for my Woman” is unsettlingly superb. “Woman” starts off sounding like Gira lifted it from Tarantino’s Kill Bill Vol. 2 soundtrack, but in a switch from one movement to another — this album is all about taking long songs and turning them into threepiece opuses — the song ends the record like Hitchcock ends his movies: off-balance. Surprise is the re-emerging theme of Light; the record starts in a way many would end it and ends in a way nobody expects. Closing out the record on such an unsettling note might leave some listeners hanging and unfulfilled — but this is a good thing. Not only do Akron/Family and Angels of Light break conventional rules of style and presentation, they break open the mold of what rock records can sound like today. This is a record of finding a middle ground of mixing old sounds with new sensibilities. Light would be revolutionary if Abbey Road and Blonde on Blonde were never released – but, they were. Consequently, the record owes a lot of its goodness to those influences. The homage to the rock ‘n’ roll days of yore might be annoying if these guys were hacks — but, they’re not. They co-opt sounds we know and reintroduce them to us in a new way. Audiences are left with a record that acts as a surprisingly good reminder of what folk and rock influences can do together, not unlike what Dylan did by introducing the Beatles to the harmonica and pot. Catch Akron/Family at the Canopy Club Wednesday March 15 at 9 p.m.
BEST FOLK/AMERICANA: • Elsinore • Angie Heaton & the Gentle Tamers • Elanors • The Beauty Shop • Joni Laurence
PHOTO COURTESY OF MYSPACE.COM
BY DAN MCDONALD
BEST DJ: • DJ Lil Big Bass • DJ Mertz • DJ Bozak • DJ Elise • J Phlip BEST FEMALE: • Joni Laurence • Holly Rushakoff • Erin Fein (Headlights) • Lynn O’Brien • Adriel Harris (Elanors)
Fire Flies Headlights (EP 2) • The Living Blue (Fire, Blood & Water) • Triple Whip (Snake Creep Down) • Terminus Victor (Under Surveillance) •
BEST MALE: • Larry Gates (Lorenzo Goetz) • John Hoeffleur (The Beauty Shop) • Tristan Wraight (Headlights) • Steve Ucherek (The Living Blue) • Noah Harris (Elanors)
BEST NEW ARTIST: • Cameo Turret • fireflies • Megan Johns • Bailey • Lynn O’Brien BEST ROCK: • The Living Blue • Headlights • Lorenzo Goetz • Tractor Kings • Shipwreck
BEST RECORD: • Shipwreck (Origin)
PHOTO COURTESY OF JONI LAURENCE
[Young God Records]
Joni Laurence
BEST JAZZ/R&B: • Desafinado • Ear Doctor • Kilborn Alley • J. Helgesen • Nu-Orbit Ensemble BEST HIP-HOP: • Krukid • Al-iteration • Sanya N’ Kanta • C King • Agent Mos
CHECK OUT MORE AND VOTE AT
WWW.CUMUSICAWARDS.COM/2006
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THIS ISN’T UP TO STARFLEET REGULATIONS.
13
W PGU / B UZ Z L OCAL MUSIC AWAR D S
DJ NOMINEES DJ ELISE
EITHER/OR:
DJ LIL BIG BASS
With her roots in Urbana, Kayla Brown, a.ka. DJ Lil Big Bass, started DJing when she was 15. Also a singer/songwriter, Brown was nominated under the Best Female Artist category for the 2005 Local Music Awards. As far as DJing is concerned, Brown is influenced by Aphrodite, anything from the UK’s Moving Shadow label, EZ Rollers and two-step “UK pop”. Discovered at a house party by the late Bill-E Most, Brown played under his production company Organic Grooves for four years. Brown also used to DJ with J Phlip at the Highdive in a combo called the SHE-Js on Wednesdays during the summer. Additionally, Brown is a member of the trio Darling Disarm in which she sings and plays acoustic guitar.
Say, with June, October Fall, So They Just Something For Sundown and Flying for FSMA.org Below Radar. Show is a benefit
Uivstebz-! Nbsdi!:
w. Saturday Looks Good To Me Saturday, March 11
w. Brian Lee ** Early Show at 7,
Doors at 6. **
Sunday, March 12
(Maura Davis of Denali)
with Hanalei, Push To Talk & The Respondent
Sunday, March 12 - 10:30 pm
Comedian & Author of “Rumination s on College Life ” with special guests Dave & Steve
Urbana or Champaign? 217 Big Lebowski or Royal Tenenbaums? That’s like saying your right hand or your left? I love them both ... but, Big Lebowski. Beatles or The Stones? As a DJ I should say The Stones, but I like The Beatles better. What was the first CD you ever owned? I started buying tapes. My first tape was Aerosmith Pumped. What song do you get the most requests for? Anything by Michael Jackson. First childhood pet: A wiener dog named Greta Dream venue: Paradise Garage in New York ... it’s a legendary dance club that jumpstarted dance music culture. Check out DJ Bozak Wednesdays at Boltini and Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at Soma. – Allie Snyder
J PHLIP
Mo nday, Ma rch 13, 7 pm
FIN AL RO UN D! !!!
arch 14 Tuesday, Mom for more info!
PHOTO BY ROSS FLOYD
visit www.canopyclub.c
akron/family
DJ MERTZ
Representing his hometown of Palatine, Illinois, 27-year-old Brian Mertz, known as DJ Mertz by his fans, accredits his love for bass to the time he spent playing tuba in his high school band. His roots in DJing started eight years ago on the radio station WESN 88.1 in Bloomington before he came to WPGU. Four years later, he took off playing on turntables at parties, bars and clubs. As far as his musical influences are concerned, Mertz references the impressions left on him by Ben Watt, The Smashing Pumpkins, Marvin Gaye and Underworld, as well as fellow DJing partner J Phlip and friend DJ Bozak.
EITHER/OR: Urbana or Champaign? Champaign. I live smack dab in the middle of downtown, and play downtown ... no contest. Big Lebowski or Royal Tenenbaums? Lebowski. Beatles or The Stones? The Beatles. Again, no contest. What’s in your CD player right now? Cosmo Baker’s Love Break, a mixtape of old soul gems ... on my iPod is Justin Martin’s new house mix called “Take Me Out.” What was the first CD you ever owned? Boyz II Men Cooleyhighharmoney ... and there goes all my cred right out the window. Which Greek god would you want to be? Dionysus ... the god of wine and all the good that comes with it. Enough said. How do you relax? Put on a great album on VINYL such as Marvin’s What’s Going On, or Sufjan Stevens or Sun Kil Moon and drink green tea. Come out and listen to DJ Mertz Thursdays at Soma (with J Phlip) from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Fridays at Boltini from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. – Anna Statham
w guests: Probably Vampires, Monte Carlos
Wednesday, March 15
PHOTO BY ROSS FLOYD
Urbana or Champaign? That’s a tough one. Champaign because it’s where I’m from, but I live in Urbana now. I’m such a traitor. Big Lebowski or Royal Tenenbaums? I’ve never seen The Royal Tenenbaums, so Big Lebowski. Beatles or The Stones? Beatles. What was the first CD you ever owned? I think it was TLC. It was when I moved from tapes to CDs. What was your first childhood pet? I had three hamsters. They were all named Timmy. Use your favorite swear word in a sentence: I don’t fucking swear. Catch J Phlip this Saturday, March 11, at Trevia in Chicago. Her next local show is Tuesday, March 14 at Boltini at 10:30 p.m. – Leah Nelson
PHOTO BY AUSTIN HAPPEL
PHOTO BY TREVOR TAYLOR
Champaign or Urbana? Chambana Big Lebowski or Tenenbaums? Tenenbaums ... love that mutha f’n soundtrack. Beatles or The Stones? That’s so difficult ... Why you gotta play like that? Well, I guess I like how Mick Jagger dances. He’s got the moves, so I assume I’ll stick with The Stones. Greatest turn off: Trance, mad hair gel or mousse, people who come to a party and say, “I know the DJ” (they truly need a good pat on the back, I assume), cops shutting down my party (booo!), smelly forks and tight black jeans with white Reeboks. Greatest turn on: Smiles, alone time, funky crazy ass bass lines, DJ Bozak’s deodorant, funky original boots, singing in the shower, teasing my boss (gotta love him!) and straight up tofu. Check out DJ Elise Friday and Saturday nights at Boltini. – Christina Rodriguez
EITHER/OR:
DJ BOZAK
Nine years ago Adam Boskey started listening to hip-hop because it was the rebellious thing to do. Boskey, aka DJ Bozak, found the music funky and intriguing, especially the technique of scratching. After high school Boskey bought equipment so he could scratch and he began to enter DJ battles. Ironically, his rebellious musical interest led to a long-running radio show on WEFT 90.1 and regular gigs in Champaign and Urbana. If you see DJ Bozak at Boltini or Soma, avoid requesting the Pussycat Dolls’ “Don’t Cha” – it’s one song he refuses to play.
EITHER/OR:
Her former high school is only a few minutes away from the U of I campus, where she is a general engineering major, but Jessica Phillippe’s musical influences reach far beyond CU. Known in the music scene as J Phlip, Phillippe spins every Sunday at Lava in Chicago. The 22-year-old who sang in the choir at Central High School was constantly around music in her youth. Her father worked as a “live sound guy,” she said. Influenced by the house music she heard in “dirty Urbana basements and downtown lofts” while she danced at house parties as a teenager, she acquired her first turntables three years ago. Phillippe began her local career a short time later at Barfly, where she worked as a waitress. J Phlip was featured on “Fresh Faced DJ Nights” on Sundays at the club. “It was the first time I played for people outside of my room,” she said. Around the same time, Phillippe started spinning at house parties and her music career blossomed from there.
Urbana or Champaign? Urbana. Big Lebowski or Royal Tenenbaums? Royal Tenenbaums. Beatles or The Stones? The Stones. Which Greek god would you like to be? Aphrodite ... that was sexy stuff What song do you refuse to play? “Linger” by the Cranberries. What dead celebrity would you like to face in a boxing match? Richard Nixon. Join DJ Lil Big Bass at Boltini on Fridays from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. – Heather Peart
PHOTO BY AUSTIN HAPPEL
EITHER/OR:
Samantha Oare, also known as DJ Elise, is a native of Champaign, Illinois. She has officially and “seriously” been DJing for the past two years around town at places such as Record Service, Boltini and various house parties where she plays everything from house to rock, as well as downtempo to trip-hop. Her musical influences include Curtis Mayfield, Mark Farina, Ada, Nina Simone, Larry Levan, Bjork and Bebel Gilberto. Every Friday, you can find DJ Elise at Boltini for happy hour from 6 to 10 p.m., where she has been playing for more than a year. Whereas she plays a wider range of music on Fridays, she sticks to strictly house music on Saturdays. “I want Champaign to keep its mind open to other music out there and realize that there are so many producers out there who use samples of some of the favorites we all enjoy,” she said.
w.
Lorenzo Goetz
Thur sday Marc h 16 Coming Soon:
March 21 - Skeletons March 22 - Octopus Project March 23 - Rainer Maria with planesmistakenforstars April 1 - Hank III April 2 - Keller Williams
708 S. Goodwin Urbana, IL 344-BAND
www.canopyclub.com Advance Tickets for Canopy Club Concerts on sale now at: Exile on Main Street, The Canopy Club, Family Pride Convenience Store, Bacca Cigar, or call 1-800-514-ETIX. OR you can print your tickets at home on JayTV.com!
NOW ACCEPTING VISA/MC!!! sounds from the scene
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THU. MARCH 9 Live Bands U of I Jazz Guitar Combo Iron Post, 7pm, $2 The Parkland Chorus and Chamber Singers Spring Concert Wesley Foundation 7:30pm, donations Keith Harden with Paul Sabuco The Hideaway, 8pm, free The Lesser Birds of Paradise, Oceans Courtyard, 8pm, $4 student/ $5 Grass Roots Revival Aroma Cafe, 8pm, free Caleb Rose Bowl Tavern 9pm, free Soulful Minds Showcase f/ Da Omen, Money Rone, Cantone Nargile, 9pm, cover Allister, June, October Fall, So They Say, Something For Sundown, Flying Just Below Radar Canopy Club, 9pm, $10 Jazz Sandwich Zorba’s 9:30pm, $3 Will Rogers Band Neil St. Pub, 10pm, free Live Karaoke Band Tommy G’s, 10pm, free Shovelwrack White Horse Inn, 10pm, free Johnnyork, The Czars, Pulsar47 Cowboy Monkey, 10pm, $5
Concerts University Symphonic Band I and Chamber Winds Krannert Center, 7:30pm, $6, $2
Liquid Courage Karaoke The Office, 10pm, free
Lectures / Discussions Robert Price Lecture [how new technology holds the keys to economic success] Wohlers Hall, 1pm, free Editing and Writing: Using Your Skills In and Beyond the Academy Illini Union, 3pm, free Fred Rubin in Concert [An hour of songs, humor, and chatter] Allen Residence Hall, 7pm, free Speculative Fiction Media Discussion Group [discussion of the graphic novel “V for Vendetta”] Vahalla Games 7pm, free “The Telenovela Genre: Melodrama, Folktales and Urban Legends” International Studies Building, 12pm, free
Miscellaneous Krannert Uncorked Krannert Center, 5pm, free
Film “The Manchurian Canidate” Krannert Art Museum 5:30pm, free Illinois Disciples Foundation’s Human Rights Film Series: “The Soldier’s Heart” Illinois Disciple Foundation, 7pm free “Aeon Flux” Virginia Theatre 7pm, $3
FRI. MARCH 10
DJ Generic DJ Jackson’s Ribs-NTips, 8pm, cover DJ Limbs Boltini 10:30pm, free
Dancing Swing Dance McKinley Foundation, 9:30pm, free
Karaoke “G” Force Karaoke Pia’s of Rantoul, 9pm, free Karaoke Fat City Saloon, 9pm, free Karaoke by Paul Faber Dragon Productions Jillian’s Billiards Club, 9pm, free
Live Bands Billy Galt Blues Barbecue 11:30pm, free Jim Pugh / Dave Dickey Quintet Iron Post, 5pm, free Keith Harden Corkscrew 6pm, free Bailey Wake the Dead Cafe 6:30pm, cover Barb Hamilton Maxie Hubers 8pm, free Candy Foster and the Shades of Blue Memphis on Main 8:30pm, $4 Elsinore, Head for the Hills, Phrygian Squire Iron Post 9pm, cover
Delta Kings Phoenix 9pm, cover Country Connection Rose Bowl Tavern, 9pm, $1 Headlights, The Metal Hearts, Watery Domestic Courtyard 9pm, $4 student/ $5 Alma Afro Beat Ensemble, Fotamana Cowboy Monkey 9:30pm, $5 Will Rogers Band Neil St. Pub, 10pm, $3 Hell’s Bells [AC/DC tribute] Tommy G’s, 10pm, cover
Concerts The Ten Tenors Assembly Hall 7:30pm, $32.50, $29.50 Vienna Philharmonic Krannert Center, 7:30pm, $49. $32
DJ DJ Elise Boltini 6pm, free DJ Bozak Soma 8pm, cover DJ LNO w/Dangerzone Nargile 9pm, cover DJ Delayney Barfly 10pm, free DJ Tim Williams Highdive 10pm, $5 DJ Resonate, DJ Boardwalk Mike & Molly’s 10pm, cover DJ Dance Party Canopy Club 10pm, cover DJ Lil Big Bass Boltini 10:30pm, free
Of Montreal and Saturday Looks Good To Me
Karaoke Liquid Courage Karaoke The Brickhouse, 9pm, free
Lectures / Discussions “Law in the Age of Networks: Implications ofNetwork Science for Legal Analysis” College of Law, 9-11:45am, 1:155:30pm, free “The Dual Career of ‘Arirang’: The Korean Resistance Anthem that Became a Japanese Pop Hit” International Studies Building, 1pm, free
Volunteer as an Eager Beavers Pre-school Assistant for the Champaign Park District Two volunteers are needed to assist with the Eager Beavers Pre-school program at the Douglas Community Center in Champaign. There are two time slots available, from 10-11:30 in the morning or from 3-4:30 in the afternoon. This opportunity takes place every weekday. Activities such as reading to children, helping with arts and crafts and singing are just a few of the fun things that the program volunteers do. Training will be provided, as well as a volunteer shirt. Contact Kari Hester at kari.hester@cparkdistrict.com or (217)398-2571 —Todd Swiss
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DJ DJ Delayney Barfly 10pm, free Metal Mondays: DJ Dirtleg and DJ J Vance Highdive, 10pm free
March 11th, 9 p.m. Canopy Club, $12 advance/ $13 at the door
Lectures / Discussions Congressman Tim Johnson on National Agriculture [reservations required, call 217-3512464] Parkland College 9am, free “ACIDS Colloquium Series on Conflict and Security: Facts, Fiction, and the Politics of a Nuclear Iran” Armory Building 3:30pm, free “Salaam Roundtable” Gregory Hall, 7pm, free “Speaking Truth to Power” Illini Union, 7:30pm, free Collection in Context Lecture: “Mies van der Rohe” by Marcel Franciscono Krannert Art Museum 12pm, free
Miscellaneous Viva Las Divas [Drag Show] Illini Union, 8pm, $5 w/UIUC ID, $8 Etc. Coffeehouse Wesley Foundation, 9pm, free
Film Family Movie Nights Douglass Annex, 6pm, $3 per person $10 for family of 4 Film Series: Chronicles of Narnia Noyes Lab, 9pm, $2 w/ UIUC ID, $3
Comedy Spicy Clamato Illini Union 8pm, free De Bono Courtyard 9pm, free
Family Fun Culture Contact: Urbana [Celebrate a day off of school with global stories, games and crafts. Grades K-6. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-register.] Spurlock Museum, 9am, $2 per child
No, don’t ask that; that’s a stupid question. Of Montreal is not actually from or inspired by Montreal, Quebec; that would be stupid. If Boston, Chicago, America, Asia and Rush 2021 have taught us anything it’s that geographically named bands are awful and Of Montreal is crazy good. Heralding from the equally hip, band-spawning city of Athens, Georgia, Of Montreal began as members of the second wave of the Elephant Six Collective (Neutral Milk Hotel, Apples in Stereo, Olivia Tremor Control…duh!). For everyone who has no idea what I’m talking about, it means they are a really big deal to the Only-Likes-Bands-You’ve-Never-Heard-Of crowd.
Dancing Introductory Tango Lesson & Dance [Lesson from 89:30pm, dance until 1am.] Phillips Recreation Center 8pm, $15, $10 students
WILL-FM Second Sunday Concert: Breve Mocha Saxophone Quartet Krannert Art Museum 2pm, free
SAT. MARCH 11
A neo-psychedelic group, Of Montreal gives many nods to the Beatles and Brian Wilson in their music. But they branch off even farther than that, drawing inspiration from Afro beats, Kafkaesque literature and, most recently, STRAIGHT UP TECHNO! Fun, free-spirited and overwhelmingly complex, Of Montreal delivers a style of pop music which has no comparison and is easily one of the best bands of the past ten years. Expect high energy, swirling lights, and lots of hip twisting.
Live Bands Grass Roots Revival Pages for All Ages, 7pm, free Much The Same, Hell in the Pacific, The Anti-Social End, The Signal, Coco Coca IMC 7pm, $4 Keith Harden Hubers 8pm, free Bailey Canopy Club 8pm, cover Country Connection Rose Bowl Tavern, 9pm, $1 Blame Twilight, Escape From Earth, The Felix Culpa Courtyard, 9pm, $4 student/ $5 Of Montreal, Saturday Looks Good To Me Canopy Club 9pm, $12 in advance/ $14 Big Grove Zydeco Iron Post 9pm, $3 The Big Easy Fat City Saloon 9pm, cover Will Rogers Band Neil St. Pub, 10pm, $3 X-Krush Tommy G’s 10pm, cover Broken Day, The Dog and Everything Cowboy Monkey 10pm, $5 The Beauty Shop, The Invisible, Shipwreck Mike & Molly’s 11pm, $4
Concerts Annual Gospel Concert Parkland College, 7pm, cover Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra Krannert Center 7:30pm, $29, $10 students Asian American Idol Illini Union, 7:30pm, $2 w/ UIUC ID, $3
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TUE. MARCH 14 Live Bands Billy Galt Blues Barbecue 11:30am, free Crystal River Band Rose Bowl Tavern, 9pm, free WPGU’s “Shrink Wrapped” Tuesdays: Triple Whip Joe’s Brewery, 10pm, free U of Idol Competition featuring Live Karaoke Band Canopy Club, 10pm, $3
DJ DJ XM Nargile, 9pm, free Subversion: Industrial/Darkwave Highdive, 10pm, cover DJs Hoff and Gambino Mike N Molly’s, 10pm, cover DJ Tremblin BG Barfly, 10pm free DJ J-Phlip Boltini, 10:30pm free
The Place of Religion in Higher Education University YMCA 12pm, free “Reflecting on the Health of Political Color: 2006 Ukranian Parliamentary Elections” International Studies Building 12pm, free
DJ
Film
Tango Dancing Cowboy Monkey, 8-10:30pm, free Salsa Dancing Cowboy Monkey, 10:30pm, $3
“An Unfinished Life” Virginia Theatre, 7pm, $2
WED. MARCH 15 Live Bands
Liquid Courage Karaoke Geo’s 9pm, free
Irish Traditional Music Session Bentley’s Pub, 7pm, free Kayla Brown & Mike Ingram Silvercreek, 7pm, free Chambana Jackson’s Ribs-NTips, 8pm, cover Akron/ Family, Probably Vampires, Monte Carlos Canopy Club, 9pm, $8 in advance/ $10 Green St. Records presents: The Breaks, Mike Winegardner ,Marmaduke Iron Post 9pm, $5 Jammin’ Jimi Bean w/ Mark Allen of Anger Managemen Tommy G’s, 9:30pm, free
Lectures / Discussions
Concerts
Dancing International Folk Dancing Illini Union, 8pm, free Latin Dance Night McKinley Foundation, 9:30pm, $1
Karaoke
“Social and Ethnic Conflict in Colonial Peru and the Language Used in Legal Petitions” International Studies Building, 2pm, free
University New Music Ensemble Krannert Center, 7:30pm $5
Open Decks Soma, 8pm, free DJ Stifler Highdive, 8pm, $3 before 10pm, $5 Chef Ra Barfly, 10pm, free DJ Mertz Boltini, 10:30pm free
Dancing
Karaoke “G” Force Karaoke T&T Tavern, 7pm, free Liquid Courage Karaoke Geovantis, 10pm, free
Lectures / Discussions “Improving Quality and Equity in Education: an International Perspective” ACES Library 10am, free “Cooperative Games, Statistical Physics and Trust in Ad-Hoc Networks” Siebel Center for Computer Science 4pm, free “Visions of the Nation through Race, Gender, and Space” Spurlock Museum 4pm, free “The U.S. Media on China’s Economic Ascendance: A Panel Discussion” Foreign Languages Building, 5:30pm, free
“New Frontiers of Exclusion: Private Higher Education and Women’s Opportunities in Kenya” International Studies Building, 12pm, free Peace, War, and the Christian Church [Paul Bolt, Professor of Political Science, USAF Academy, will discuss the war on terror in the light of the just war tradition, as well as the responsibility of the church in contributing to peace and security.] Illini Union, 12pm, free
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Concerts
International Coffeehouse Wesley Foundation 4pm, free “Closing Pandora’s Box” [Human rights conundrums in cultural heritage protection] Temple Hoyne Buell Hall 4pm, free “Journeying East: Literary Travelers in Eastern Europe” [Elizabeth Kostova, author of “The Historian,” will speak] Music Building 6pm, free Transparency of the Media [Bob McChesney, Institute of Communications Research, will discuss the relationships among democracy, media, and activism.] University YMCA 12pm, free
Spectacles of the Real: Truth and Representation in Art and Literature Illinois Program for Research in the Humanities and OPENSOURCE Art Through March 31
Film “It Was a Wonderful Life” Illini Union, 7pm, free “Crab Orchard” Virginia Theatre, 7pm, $5 “Go Further: Multicultural Film Night” Illini Union, 8pm, free
PUZZLE pg. 25
This wonderfully compelling exhibit is a collaboration between OPENSOURCE and the Illinois Program for Research in the Humanities (IPRH). With works of art dealing with the often debated idea of the “real,” this split exhibit truly explores the notion of multiple realities and truths. Artists from around the world are featured, showing their perceptions and criticisms of reality. From semi-abstracted paintings which portray events in history, to collages that challenge the function of the news media as purveyor of the truth, to more intangible works made with flash animation and video, this exhibit brings a wide range of different media into a coherent and thought-provoking meditation on the functions of art in relation to reality. In addition to the works of art being displayed, there are two upcoming panel discussions on March 14 at 4 p.m. and March 16 at 3 p.m. relating to the real and the art world at the IPRH building. This is a remarkable group of events that is not to missed. —Todd Swiss
VISIT WWW.CUCALENDAR.COM FOR THE MOST CURRENT E VENTS AND TO ADD YOUR OWN. MORE ART LISTINGS ON PG. 16
“Saturday Looks Good To Me is only interested in making your new favorite songs,” says their label Polyvinyl. I find this very touching, because they care enough about us to make our favorite songs. I also think it is a very true statement on the fact that all SLGTM songs are my favorite songs...well, a lot, anyway. Beautiful melodies, creative lyrics and just enough reverb fill their songs, which fill the listener with a sense of the happy summer days of long ago as well as those summer nights fresh in our head and hard to forget. They capture all the character of mid-20th century pop while doing something new and original. And they use a TON of tambourine! Come out to the Canopy Club and see two of the best indie pop acts around, but only if you promise to get your dance on. —Brian McGovern
DJ
Film
DJ Bozak Soma, 8pm, cover MJ Wave Tracks, 10pm, free before 10pm DJ Tim Williams Highdive 10pm, $5 DJ Elise Boltini, 10:30pm, free
Chronicles of Narnia Noyes Lab, 9pm, $2 w/ UIUC ID, $3
Karaoke Liquid Courage Karaoke Geo’s 9pm, free
Miscellaneous Annual African Fashion Show Illini Union, 7pm, free Etc. Coffeehouse Wesley Foundation, 9pm, free
Comedy Christopher Titus Virginia Theatre, 8pm, $27, $24
Poetry / Readings Elizabeth Kostova [author of the best selling novel, “The Historian.”] Pages for All Ages, 2pm, free Sarah Wisseman Signing of “The Dead Sea Codex” Borders, 2pm, free
SUN. MARCH 12 Live Bands Dave Dickey Big Band Iron Post, 6pm, cover
Aye-Aye Booking presents Much the Same, Hell in the Pacific, The Anti-Social End, The Signal, Coco Coca IMC 7pm, cover Monte Montgomery, Brian Lee Canopy Club, 7pm, $12 Crystal River Band Rose Bowl Tavern, 9pm, free Charlotte Martin, Darling Disarm, Ryan Groff Cowboy Monkey, 9pm, $8 in advance/ $10 The Respondent, Ambulette, Hanalei, Push to Talk Canopy Club, 10:30pm, $7
Concerts Alexander Kobrin, Piano Krannert Center, 3pm, $34
Concerto Urbano Krannert Center, 7:30pm, $6, $2
MON. MARCH 13 Live Bands Feudin’ Hillbillys Rose Bowl Tavern, 6pm, free Michael Davis Bentley’s Pub 7pm, free Jazz Jam with ParaDocs Iron Post, 7pm, cover Rehearsal Space: Ambitious Pie Party Canopy Club, 9pm free Open Mic Night Cowboy Monkey, 10pm, free Finga Lickin The Office 10:30pm, free
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art & theater Pattern Language: Clothing as Communicator [This exhibition highlights the ways in which artists go beyond the everyday utility of clothing and instead use garments as a format to critique standard notions about clothing, fashion and society, and to invent new forms of communication between wearers, their clothes and the fashion system. The exhibition includes historical work, contemporary projects and new proposals, and interactive and wearable editions, some commissioned specifically for this project.] Krannert Art Museum through April 9 Project 66: An Exploration of Utopia Inspired by the Works of Ilya and Emilia Kabakov [Project 66 is both an installation and a website created by a group of students from the School of Art and Design, the Department of Computer Science and other campus units. To learn more about the project, visit http://orchid.cs.uiuc. edu/people/adamczyk/final.] Krannert Art Museum through July 30 Uninterrupted Flux: Hedda Sterne, A Retrospective [Hedda Sterne’s impressive art career began in the late 1930s when she exhibited with the Surrealists in Paris and her career continues into the present. Despite her dynamic body of work, Sterne has been almost completely ignored in art historical narratives of the post-war American art scene. Uninterrupted Flux: Hedda Sterne, A Retrospective brings together almost 100 works from museums across the country and Sterne’s own collection.] Krannert Art Museum through March 26 Canvas: “Math as Art” [A collaborative project with the Integrated Systems Laboratory at Beckman Institute and School of Art and Design.] Krannert Art Museum, March 9, 7 p.m., free 2006 National Biennial Ceramics Invitational Parkland Art Gallery through March 29 Spectacles of the Real – Truth and Representation in Art and Literature [The Illinois Program for Research in the Humanities (IPRH) has joined with OPENSOURCE Art to investigate the relation between realism, the “real” and the image; philosophical realism and the idea of artistic truth; and the resurgence of realism in art and literature. This series of exhibitions and talks will combine IPRH’s acknowledged strengths in humanities
scholarship with OPENSOURCE’s burgeoning reputation as a site for innovative art and curatorial practice.] IPRH through March 31 Photographs by Nick Mann [Beautifully detailed pictures record a wide range of subjects, from stark rural landscapes and lovely wildflowers to familiar UIUC landmarks and lush canyon vistas.] Pages For All Ages through March 31 In Human Form [20 artists explore how we portray ourselves] Verde Gallery through April 1 John Chichon, S.J. Hart, John P. Sherrod [mixed media, painting] Springer Cultural Center through March 26 Vitamin C - It’s Good for You! [Ceramics exhibition curated by Professor Ron Kovatch, School of Art and Design, U of I. Features work by some of the best ceramic artists in Illinois.] Cinema Gallery from March 11 to April 15 Life Drawing Sessions [Drop-in sessions to practice and improve your life drawing skills] Sundays from 1-4 p.m. at the Independent Media Center, $8. Contact Kindra Crick at 352-4668; kindredspark@gmail. com for details. A Flea in Her Ear [To test her husband’s fidelity, a young wife sends a letter from an imaginary admirer, suggesting a hotel tryst that touches off a dizzying string of madcap mix-ups.] Krannert Center’s Colwell Playhouse, March 9-12, 7:30 p.m., $13 DanceBrazil [Alive with raw energy and physical prowess, DanceBrazil fuses traditional Afro-Brazilian movement, capoeira martial arts and modern dance to create breathtaking performances.] Krannert Center’s Tryon Festival Theatre, March 15, 7:30 p.m., $30 Oklahoma [Part of the News-Gazette Broadway Series] Assembly Hall, March 13 7:30 p.m., $42, $38, $29
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DanceBrazil Wednesday, March 15 at 7:30pm “How does one describe an emotional experience that bypasses the head and the heart and goes right to the feet and the hips…how does one describe the metaphorical placing of a hand on the rapid pulse of Africa and Brazil?” (The Sacramento Bee) Alive with raw energy and physical prowess, DanceBrazil fuses traditional Afro-Brazilian movement, capoeira martial arts, and modern dance to create breathtaking performances. Artistic director Jelon Vieira pioneered the art of capoeira in the United States, teaching movie stars Wesley Snipes and Eddie Murphy, and even soccer star Pele, the explosive maneuvers. The program is accompanied by soul-stirring live music. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Concert Prep with Gabriel Solis: 6:45pm, Foellinger Great Hall, free Flex: $28 / SC & Stu 27 / UI & Yth 13 Single: $30 / SC & Stu 29 / UI & Yth 15 Patron Co-sponsors: Janet and Ralph Simmons Anonymous Corporate Bronze Sponsor: The Great Impasta An ArtesAméricas Program of The University of Texas at Austin. (www.artesamericas.org) Funded in part by the National Dance Project of the New England Foundation for the Arts, with lead funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. Additional funding provided by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Ford Foundation. Funded in part by the Heartland Arts Fund, a program of Arts Midwest funded by the National Endowment for the Arts with additional contributions from General Mills Foundation, Land O’Lakes Foundation, Sprint Corporation, and the Illinois Arts Council.
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THISWEEK WEEKAT AT THIS
FEATURED EVENTS FEATURED EVENTS
E RT E EPREFROFROM RIM A RT K RKARNANNENRT C ECNETNETRE R F OFRO R T HTEH P NIGN G A RT S S
Kronos Quartet: Visual Music Kronos Quartet: Visual Music Tuesday, March at 7:30pm Tuesday, March 28 28 at 7:30pm “Visual Music represents multiple viewpoints about “Visual Music represents multiple viewpoints about musical relationships visual perception. What we’re musical relationships andand visual perception. What we’re trying to is dotois give to give each piece a visual environment trying to do each piece a visual environment to live breathe in. I’m if this a play, to live andand breathe in. I’m notnot suresure if this is aisplay, a a a recording, show, a concert.” film,film, a recording, a TVa TV show, or aorconcert.” (David Harrington, Kronos Quartet founder (David Harrington, Kronos Quartet founder andand violinist) firstfirst violinist) Further extending nature of recent its recent multimedia Further extending thethe nature of its multimedia works, Kronos Quartet juxtaposes video projections works, Kronos Quartet juxtaposes video projections by by Catherine Owens, Mickey T, and Willie Williams Catherine Owens, Mickey T, and Willie Williams withwith music by Steve Reich, John Zorn, Krzysztof Penderecki, music by Steve Reich, John Zorn, Krzysztof Penderecki, Terry Riley, Conlon Nancarrow, Sigur others. Terry Riley, Conlon Nancarrow, Sigur Ros,Ros, andand others. The 90-minute performance creates an exotic visual The 90-minute performance creates an exotic visual soundscape conveying an uncomplicated, direct, soundscape conveying an uncomplicated, direct, andand timely message of peace. timely message of peace. Know University Lecture Series Know YourYour University Lecture Series withwith David Harrington: noon, University YMCA, David Harrington: noon, University YMCA, freefree Talkback: after show, Talkback: after thethe show, freefree Illinois Program Research in the Humanities Curtain Illinois Program for for Research in the Humanities Curtain Discussion: about 9:30pm, Lobby, CallCall Discussion: about 9:30pm, Lobby, freefree Flex: & Stu & Yth Flex: $28$28 / SC/ SC & Stu 27 27 / UI/ &UIYth 20 20 Single: $30 / SC & Stu 29 / UI & Single: $30 / SC & Stu 29 / UI & YthYth 22 22 Patron Sponsors: Patron Sponsors: Alice John Pfeffer Alice andand John Pfeffer Patron Co-sponsors: Patron Co-sponsors: Thornton Walter John Walter JoyJoy Thornton Walter andand John Walter
Mar ThTh Mar 9 9
Mar Fr Fr Mar 1010
Mar SaSa Mar 1111
Mar WeWe Mar 1515
Krannert Uncorked Krannert Uncorked 5pm, 5pm, freefree
Studiodance Studiodance I I 7pm, $7-$14 7pm, $7-$14
Studiodance Studiodance I I 7pm, $7-$14 7pm, $7-$14
UI Symphonic Band I and UI Symphonic Band I and Chamber Winds Chamber Winds 7:30pm, $2-$6 7:30pm, $2-$6
Vienna Philharmonic Vienna Philharmonic 7:30pm, $30-$49 7:30pm, $30-$49
Champaign-Urbana Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra Symphony Orchestra 7:30pm, $10-$29 7:30pm, $10-$29
Concert Prep: Concert Prep: DanceBrazil DanceBrazil 6:45pm, 6:45pm, freefree
A Flea in Her A Flea in Her EarEar 7:30pm, $6-$13 7:30pm, $6-$13 Studiodance Studiodance I I 7:30pm, $7-$14 7:30pm, $7-$14
Endowed Artist Underwriter: Endowed Artist Underwriter: Valentine Jobst Valentine Jobst III III A Fle^Ha in Her A Fle^Ha in Her EarEar 7:30pm, $6-$13 7:30pm, $6-$13 Patron Underwriters: SoleSole Patron Underwriters: Rosann Richard Noel Rosann andand Richard Noel Studiodance Studiodance I I Corporate Lead Sponsor: 9pm, $7-$14 Corporate Lead Sponsor: 9pm, $7-$14
Nightcap Nightcap 10pm, 10pm, freefree
Mar SuSu Mar 1212
Creative Intersections Creative Intersections Sponsor: Sponsor:
DanceBrazil DanceBrazil 7:30pm, $13-$30 7:30pm, $13-$30 Patron Co-sponsors: Patron Co-sponsors: Janet Ralph Simmons Janet andand Ralph Simmons Anonymous Anonymous An ArtesAméricas Program of The An ArtesAméricas Program of The
Alexander Kobrin, piano University Alexander Kobrin, piano University of Texas at Austin. of Texas at Austin. Corporate Sponsor: Corporate GoldGold Sponsor: (www.artesamericas.org) (www.artesamericas.org) Cliburn VanVan Cliburn International Piano International Piano presentation is funded in part ThisThis presentation is funded in part by by the National Dance Project of the the National Dance Project of the Competition Winner Competition Winner England Foundation for Arts. the Arts. NewNew England Foundation for the 3pm, $18-$34 $18-$34 Trudy & Michael Timpone 3pm, Trudy & Michael Timpone Corporate Silver Sponsor: Corporate Silver Sponsor:
Patron Co-sponsors: Patron Co-sponsors: Sylva Walker Sylva Walker Anne Weisel Anne Weisel
Special additional support A Flea Special additional support A Flea in Her in Her EarEar performance for for thisthis performance waswas 3pm, $6-$13 3pm, $6-$13 provided by the Office provided by the Office of of Chancellor Richard Herman. Concerto Chancellor Richard Herman. Concerto Urbano Urbano 7:30pm, $2-$6 7:30pm, $2-$6 A Flea in Her A Flea in Her EarEar 7:30pm, $6-$13 7:30pm, $6-$13 Studiodance Studiodance I I
program is funded in part ThisThis program is funded in part by by the Heartland Fund. the Heartland Arts Arts Fund.
UI New Music Ensemble UI New Music Ensemble 7:30pm, $2-$6 7:30pm, $2-$6
Mar ThTh Mar 1616 Krannert Uncorked Krannert Uncorked 5pm, 5pm, freefree UI Symphony Orchestra UI Symphony Orchestra 7:30pm, $2-$6 7:30pm, $2-$6
9pm, $7-$14 9pm, $7-$14
3 3333.36.268208 0 8 0800.0K.CKPCAPTAITXI X
Patron Season Sponsors Patron Season Sponsors Corporate Power Train Team Engine Members Corporate Power Train Team Engine Members Rosann Richard Noel Rosann andand Richard Noel
Marquee perfor- 40˚ North Marquee perfor40˚ North and Krannert and Krannert mances are supported mances are supported Center, working Center, working part the Illinoistogether in partinby thebyIllinois together put Chamto puttoChamArts Council— Arts Council— a a paignpaign County’s culture County’s culture agency state state agency whichwhich on theonmap. the map. recognizes Krannert recognizes Krannert its Partners CenterCenter in its in Partners in Excellence Program. in Excellence Program.
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esistance is futile, because on March 11, we’re all about to die. Stand-up comic Christopher Titus stands primed and ready to bring his fi fth annual End of the World Tour to Champaign’s Virginia Theatre. Titus explodes into Champaign merely days after Showtime sold his 90 minute stand-up special, Norman Rockwell is Bleeding, to Comedy Central. This one man stand-up show gave Titus the opportunity to account for each and every one of his outrageous family stories. He relished the opportunity by daring anyone to call him or anyone member of his family anything but dysfunctional; Titus wears this as a badge of honor. He tells hilarious and haunting stories about his abusive father and his crazy mother. Titus explains, “I hold them up to ridicule, and then a few moments later you’ll be feeling sorry for them. It will be both brutally honest and hilarious. You will laugh. Then you will feel ashamed that you laughed, and then you’ll keep on laughing.” Although performing on the heels of his highly successful Norman Rockwell is Bleeding show, Titus refuses to reuse any joke or retell any story from Rockwell. “I’m happy for anybody who saw Norman Rockwell is Bleeding, but there won’t be a single joke which carries over into my show at the Virginia Theatre.” This will not be a let down for any of his fans, as the Virginia show will retain all of Titus’ swagger and edge which has become a trademark of his stand-up performances. “I don’t dick around with my act. I’ve seen actors work as comics solely for the purpose of scoring better acting gigs. They’re not honest; it’s the biggest crime in the comedy scene. Be honest, because audiences know if you’re lying. They’re not stupid; you can’t trick an audience into believing a lie.” Such was Titus’ reasoning and inspiration behind his self-titled Fox hit sitcom, Titus which aired in 2000. After 16 years of performing stand-up, Titus began to work as the creator, producer, writer, and star of Titus. A precursor to his Showtime special, he easily found inspiration for the half-hour sitcom. “The show is wickedly close to my life. My dad never missed a drink, never missed a joint, and never missed a party.” Titus couples this with a softer defi nition of his father. “He also never missed a day of work, a house payment or a car payment. He was a single parent and he did his best.” To create an interesting dynamic, the production team fi lmed each episode of Titus from start to stop without intermission. INTRO | A ROUND TOWN | L ISTEN, HEAR | CU CALENDAR | STAGE , S CREEN &
Fittingly, to prevent any need for a laugh track, the production team also fi lmed each episode in front of a live audience. “I hate laugh tracks more than anything. So we did it in one take in front of an audience. Most sitcoms start and stop, but we’d just do it straight through. It was the only way to get real laughter, to do it like a play. And the laughter’s so good.” Titus aired for three seasons before Fox cut it from their lineup of dysfunctional family sitcoms. Fox, notorious for airing such sitcoms as Married ... With Children, The Simpsons and Malcolm in the Middle, apparently were pushed too far by the third season of Titus. “We went dark early and stayed dark. Don’t forget, in the second season, I was in a coma. They literally pulled the plug on me. The fi rst episode was called ‘Dad is Dead,’ and we had a pool going on when he was going to die.” The sitcom continued to unnerve Fox executives as story lines from the third season stretched from a suicide episode, to being arrested as a terrorist, to beating up a kid with a baseball bat. Production on a fourth season never began. Fox executives were pushed too far, and after 54 episodes, the network canceled Titus. Titus kept himself busy between the cancellation of Titus and the airing of Norman Rockwell is Bleeding. “You beat your head against the wall, and then you keep on writing. Creating comedy is hard, but it is what you have to say. Once you make it here you just need to stop listening to your critics. Tell it the way you want. Don’t try and please your fans; as soon as you do they will leave.” During a three year hiatus from the television scene, Titus made five appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, along with three appearances on Craig Kilborn’s Late Late Show. He also made guest appearances on both The Twilight Zone and CBS’ highly acclaimed Yes, Dear. Now, more than six years after Fox hired Titus, FX asked him for a new pilot which would be not only ground breaking and hilarious, but also one which no network would ever air. Titus agreed, and less than an hour later, he had the premise for the sitcom packaged for the taking. Showtime attacked his premise fi rst, but not long after they did, Comedy Central bought the rights to the pilot. Titus will star in the pilot, a sitcom which will be titled Special Unit. “My character will be a badass half-cop, half-criminal who [has] pissed on everybody from the mayor on down. Due to the IN
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Fairness & Disabilities act, I’m forced to start this program called Handi-Capable Cadets.” Similar to Titus, Special Unit will push the envelope of humor right up against the edge. The new sitcom will be directed by Brian Cranston, who ironically starred as the father in Malcolm in the Middle, which at the time rivaled Titus for position of the top Fox sitcom. To make a busy 2006 even better for Titus, January saw the release of the third and final season of Titus on DVD. The cause for the late release has been traced to the departure of certain top Fox executives who played a key role in dismantling and canceling Titus. “The only thing I can think to say is, I know it was only 54 episodes, and we never made syndication, but I never sold it out. Fox kept asking me to tone it down; I never would. And that’s one of the reasons it’s not on the air anymore. But I’m proud of that. I mean, would you rather have 54 kick-ass episodes, or 54 episodes plus another few seasons that just blew?” buzz It’s that same swagger that will arrive at the Virginia Theatre on March 11. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. for the 8:00 show. To purchase or reserve tickets, contact the Virginia Theatre’s ticket office at (217) 356-9063. sounds from the scene
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OH MINNIE DRIVER, WHO EVER TOLD YOU, YOU COULD PULL OFF A LEATHER JUMPSUIT?
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theater review A FLEA IN HER EAR SYD SLOBODNIK • STAFF WRITTER
R. ERIC STONE • PHOTOS
Those who dislike farces find them too emotionally over-the-top, loud and bawdy, with slamming doors, flirtatious chambermaids and a myriad of other naughty behaviors. But if your taste favors the extreme pleasures of farce, Georges Feydeau’s A Flea in Her Ear will be your cup of tea, or more appropriately, your bowl of punch. Director Sue Lawless’s present production of the 1907 Feydeau French classic at he Krannert Center’s Colwell Playhouse touches all the bases of this comic genre and delightfully tells a tale of a supposedly unfaithful husband and the devious plans of a suspicious wife. This translation, by John Mortimer, creator of television’s Rumpole of the Bailey series, is set in the Paris drawing room of Monsieur and Madame Chandebise. The play begins with a state of chaotic emotion as Madame Raymonde Chandebise and her friend, Lucienne, plan to entrap Madame’s husband with a secret love letter, which sets up a rendezvous at a local hotel. Despite a rather slow-paced opening night first act, which features rather standard amateur comedic performance styles, Lawless nicely picks up the play’s pace several notches. By the second act, all hell breaks loose at the Hotel Coq d’Or. Here Lawless’s skillful handling of her large ensemble cast shines, and, as characters don various disguises, identities are confused as people check in and out of rooms and even a hotel worker,
8PPEmFME
Farces are really an acquired theatrical taste.
Maria Alexina Pallas as Raymonde and Caroline Holmes as Lucienne
Michael Brusasco as Chandebise.
named Poche, bears a striking resemblance to Monsieur Chandebise. Third-year graduate student Michael Brusasco is this production’s most skilled player as he balances the duel roles of Chandebise and Poche with grand comedic aplomb. Aaron Golden’s Don Homenides, the Spanish gun touting jealous husband, is a riot, along with Caroline Holmes, who plays his silly wife Lucienne. Scenic designer Jeremy R. Bruce’s first and third act drawing room makes an appropriate representa-
tion of opulent middle-class elegance, contrasting nicely to the gaudy multi-colored and multi-leveled set for the hotel Coq d’ Or in act two, all paralleling the roller coaster conflict of the characters’ lives. This pleasantly entertaining production of A Flea in Her Ear provides loads of laughs and continues until Sunday, March 12 at the Colwell Playhouse at the Krannert Center in Urbana. For tickets, please contact the Krannert Ticket Office at (217) 333-6280.
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dozen insane copycats hoping to cash in on the lucrative sci-fi genre. Unfortunately, the only films involving cloning and elaborate government conspiracies as of the present are tired duplicates of the aforementioned seminal works. Sci-fi fans are in dire need of something innovative and provocative to stimulate their hankering for the fantastic. And Ultraviolet is not the answer to their prayers. After an epic plague decimates much of the Earth’s population, the remaining survivors are divided between healthy humans and vampiric “hemophages.� Being a hemophage isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The disease offers superhuman speed, strength and intelligence. Violet (Milla Jovovich) is one such hemophage who lost both her husband and unborn child to the disease, and has since made it her mission to defeat the nefarious government hell bent on destroying her people. After intercepting a “cure� for the hemophages, Violet discovers the package contains a boy named Six (Cameron Bright) whose blood can supposedly be engineered to reverse the plague’s effects. A long, violent struggle between Violet and the government’s anonymous hordes ensues over the valuable boy. sounds from the scene
Jovovich fits perfectly in the context of writer/ director Kurt Wimmer’s newest techno-blurred sci-fi spectacle. Wimmer’s movie (just like Jovovich) is visually stunning and violently charismatic on the surface, but at its core it’s nothing more than a vapid retread of every post-Matrix actionthriller. Style and substance are key ingredients to a good sci-fi movie, but the characters and action set pieces are garishly cartoonish and overwhelmed by computer-generated imagery. The plot itself is a bizarre combination of Japanese anime, totalitarian government movies and, oddly enough, John Cassavetes’ 1980 indiedrama, Gloria. But all the sources that Wimmer ripped off have been addled beyond the point of coherence. Due to the passÊ story line and the overused themes of oppressive governments, freedom and prejudice, Ultraviolet comes off as something bland and totally unoriginal. There’s the requisite slow-motion bullet ballets and highly stylized Kill Bill swordplay, which prove to be mind-numbing but entertaining. Like Wimmer’s 1984-esque Equilibrium, Ultraviolet’s action sequences are engaging, but hardly sufficient to pad the hour and a half running time. In the end, the film suffers from the same sci-fi clichÊs as the lame Charlize Theron flick, Aeon Flux.
Edith Peacock
SCREEN GEMS
For every Matrix or Star Wars film, there are a
ULTRAVIOLET • MILA JOVOVICH
After the first two installments of the doomed Resident Evil movie franchise, it is clear that Jovovich—L’Oreal spokeswoman and former model—should either enroll in an acting class with some credibility, or return to modeling full time. As in all her movies, she delivers her dialogue with such lethargy and lack of conviction that you are convinced someone is influencing her performance with the aid of a shotgun. At least she wears her leather jumpsuits and scanty wardrobe well.
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out of the news for quite a while now. A lot of rumors have flown, words have been said, etcetera. Now after months of media attention, the comedian has turned out something new, and there is little chance that it will generate the same negativity. Chappelle and director Michel Gondry, who shared an Oscar with Charlie Kaufman for writing Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, teamed up for Block Party, a documentary that chronicles the production and staging of the party to end all parties, while incorporating the concept of the traditional neighborhood block party. However, Chappelle’s Block Party is far from traditional. Chappelle starts off in Ohio, where he hands out invatations to various townspeople about a top secret event in New York City, assuring them that the transportation and lodging fees will be covered. Eventually these people find themselves standing on the streets of Brooklyn, waiting eagerly as a stellar lineup gets ready to take the stage. As host, Chappelle mingles with the crowd while artists like Erykah Badu, Kanye West, Mos Def, Talib Kweli and the Roots put on excellent performances. Most surprising was the return of the long-defunct hip-hop trio The Fugees, who put on a show that was nothing short of spectacular. As a f ilm, this would be just as enjoyable to country music fans as hip-hop enthusiasts. The whole concept is quite remarkable; how Chappelle is able to conceptualize something on such a massive scale and still turn out a flawless product truly demonstrates his genius. And unknowingly, he showed the public that his sense of humor and good spirit were not killed by the nasty accusations made by bloodsucking media types. One might say that this movie is the Woodstock of the 21st century.
In this photo provided by Brazan PR., Dave Chappelle stars in all-new freestyle standup material, in ‘Dave Chappelle’s Block Party.’
Eyrkah Badu and Dave Chappelle as they arrive for the premiere of Chappelle’s movie “Block Party” Tuesday, Feb. 28 in New York.
AP PHOTO • TONY TRIBBLE
2 blocks north of Savoy 16
Comedian Dave Chappelle has been in and
AP PHOTO • ROGUE PICTURES/BRAZEN PR
Chiropractic Honors the Body’s Ability to Heal Itself, Naturally
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AUTO INJURIES?
Comedian Dave Chappelle, left, arrives at the local premiere of his new movie “Dave Chappelle’s Block Party” at a movie theater in Beavercreek, Ohio, Wednesday, March 1. INTRO | A ROUND TOWN | L ISTEN, HEAR | CU CALENDAR | STAGE , S CREEN &
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DESPERATION IS A STINKY COLOGNE.
HIDDEN GEM
MRS. HENDRSON PRESENTS
H OT E L R WA N D A ( 2 0 0 4 )
JEFF GROSS • STAFF WRITER
S howing at Boardman’s Art Theatre, Mrs.
Henderson Presents is a delightful but little-known comedy directed by Stephen Frears (High Fidelity). Those who have any knowledge of the existence of this film most likely do because of Judi Dench’s Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her role as Mrs. Henderson. This is a shame, as this film is an overlooked gem. Mrs. Henderson Presents is the tale of a whimsical old widow named Laura Henderson who has a lot of money, and is ver y bored and lonely. She decides to buy a dilapidated theater called The Windmill as a means to occupy her lonely time. With the help of theater impresario Vivian Van Damm (Bob Hoskins), they tur n the theater into a popu lar and
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entertaining diversion from the times of depression with their non-stop nude revues. The magic and comedy of the film are derived from its social incongruity. Many of the jokes are funny simply because they are uttered by an elderly, respected woman. Other characters have wit that challenge the norms of the times. Succinctly speaking, Mrs. Henderson Presents is a lighthearted version of Shakespeare In Love, both of which star Dench in Oscarnominated roles. As a film, Mrs. Henderson Presents is nothing outstanding, but it is wholly entertaining and enjoyable, fulfilling an important purpose of cinema. The film is entirely worth its ticket price in laughs and is also a perfect choice for a date.
Unbeknownst to much of the developed world, from April to July, 1994, the African country of Rwanda was decimated by a mass genocide that stemmed from a history of civil bi-ethnic strife. In the film, Paul Rusesabagina (Don Cheadle), an ethnic Hutu, manages an elite four-star hotel when the Rwandan president is murdered in April. This triggers an intense chain of events, ultimately leading to an uprising of the Hutu extremists against the minority Tutsis. Paul and his wife Tatiana (Sophie Okonedo), an ethnic Tutsi, heroically shelter hundreds of Tutsi refugees from the brutal holocaust amid violent pressure from the Hutu extremists and the Rwandan army. The film, based on a true story, effectively emphasizes the haunting reality of the firstworld indifference towards the massacre. In all, one million Rwandans would be murdered in one hundred days as the Western world, fixated on O.J. Simpson, barely batted an eye.
MGM/USA
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GUILTY PLEASURE
MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS • NORMA HEYMAN & DAME JUDI DENCH
If you own Super Mario Brothers 3 for Nintendo, then you are certainly aware of the sheer brilliance of the movie The Wizard. For the population not as nerdy or cool as us, this film introduced the excitement of Super Mario Brothers 3 and the mystique of the Nintendo Power Glove before either was actually released to the public. The movie is centered on Jimmy Woods (Luke Edwards), a video game prodigy that has a host of mental problems due to the death of his sister and the divorce of his parents. When Jimmy’s brother Corey (Fred Savage) discovers that his parents want to put Jimmy in a “special” home, he decides that the two must travel to California to compete in the ultimate video game championship. Sure there would be danger, from hired goons to Jimmy’s arch-rival Lucas (Jackey Vinson), but this adventure exemplifies the prevailing force of determination. Does Jimmy have what it takes? Rent it and find out.
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video game review DRAGON QUEST VIII: LEGEND OF THE CURSED KING (PS2) ANNETTE MARIE GONZALEZ • STAFF WRITER "5::
4(523$!9 -!2#( his isCORP NOTE KEEP THIS SAME SIZE ALWAYS the game that role-playing game (RPG) fans have been waiting for. Dragon Quest VIII is the type of game that pays homage to the classic RPGs of yore that placed more emphasis on gameplay, and less on flashy cut-scenes and high production values. There is plenty of substance here that will keep you busy for fifty hours just scratching the surface and a hundred hours for the hardcore explorer who searches every nook and cranny of the DQ8 game world. Say goodbye to your friends and bid sunlight adieu, for this game will keep you immersed in its beautifully rendered world for months. The story for DQ8 is pretty simple: an evil jester named Dhoulmagus steals a powerful and legendary scepter and places a curse on the castle of which he stole it from. This curse transforms the inhabitants, King Trode and his daughter, Medea, into a hideous monster and a majestic horse, respectively. You take on the role of a nameless palace guard who is one of the few survivors from the curse, and proceed on an epic quest to seek out the evil intentions of Dhoulmagus and stop his reign of terror. Along for the ride come King Trode, Princess Medea and Yangus, a retired thief seeking to provide his services on the journey. You eventually meet Jessica, a brazen, red-haired young woman with magical powers, and Angelo, a womanizing Templar who follows a lifestyle of vice. They both become very useful allies as the game progresses. The roles of
T
Local Music Local Talent Local Achievements
each of these characters become clear as you work through the game. Battles are turn-based requiring much strategy on your part. If you think that you can just whip through the battles by simply smashing the Xbutton repeatedly, then you’ve got another thing coming. You will have your ass handed to you on a silver platter many times throughout the game by countless foes unless you effectively utilize each character’s abilities. Battles are also random, which in other RPGs I felt was a major pain in terms of frequency, however in DQ8, the battles are nicely separated at about one every 20 steps or so. Even then the battles in this game are actually fun, especially with the variety of spells and attacks to choose from. Every time you step into new territory, there is a new roster of monsters to fight, which definitely keeps the game fresh. The bosses and monsters can be challenging, which keeps you on check in terms of leveling up and distributing skill points earned in battle. These types of decisions can make a difference. The characters and the monsters in the game are animated beautifully. The animations are smooth and everything from facial expressions to the expansive environments are extremely detailed. The vocal acting in the game also adds a touch of personality to the characters. The acting is well-done and can often be humorous thanks to the wonderful job by the writers who cre-
SQUARE ENIX
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ated the game. The musical score certainly contributes to immersing the player in this mystical world. The soundtrack consists of live orchestra recordings and sounds, which truly adds on to the experience. Expansive environments with tons of side quests and surprises, a motley crew of characters, and hordes of monsters to battle are the ingredients of a well-executed adventure, and SquareEnix has certainly delivered. DQ8 is definitely worth your time, just remember to put the controller down once in a while.
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WOMEN, CAN’T LIVE WITH THEM... END OF SENTENCE.
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ARTIST’S CORNER
bri santiago
MATT HOFFMAN • STAFF WRITER
Describe flower arrangement. What aesthetic considerations go into it and how do you approach a new piece?
Flower arranging is like sculpture. You keep adding and adjusting and cutting. Aesthetically, most people try to put too much in. Sticking to a color scheme consisting of a few colors, or only using a few elements when you first start will help to make a piece beautiful. Once you are experienced, you can make it more complicated without having the arrangement look like a big mess of colors. I know that when I craft something new, I fuss over it for months, constantly moving on to new things and never finishing anything. That obviously wouldn’t be possible with what you do. How do you know when a piece is “done”?
It’s hard to know when a piece is ever done. I’m relatively new at designing, so I tend to want to make everything I do perfect. I have to force myself to move on, especially when I’m under a time constraint. Designers have a certain amount of orders that they take, and they have to get them out at all different times; so you are under pressure. Usually a piece is done when there are no big gaps where flowers are missing but it’s also about the look you are going for. It could simply be a vase with five calla lilies, or a rose bowl exploding with flowers.
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Bri Santiago grew up in Winfield, Ill., and from the time she was little, her mom always emphasized the importance of being creative and having fun. The first art classes that really changed her life were photography and figure drawing. While taking these classes, Santiago realized that she had a talent for arts and said she could spend weeks working on one drawing. Santiago went to the University of Illinois for photography and ended up working as a photo assistant in Chicago for many photographers and became very burned out. She had always been interested in flowers and plants and knew she needed to work in an environment where she could have creative freedom. That’s how she ended up with her current job, working at A New Leaf, 1818 North Wells, Chicago, where she takes care of plants and designs floral arrangements. Bri Santiago arranges flowers. More about you personally. What drives you and inspires you? Who are your influences in your art and work, and what do you hope to accomplish? Are there other forms of art that you enjoy?
It’s funny. In high school when I took figure drawing, there was one other girl who was an amazing portrait artist, and I constantly worked my butt off to be as good as her. People that are more experienced at my job do the same thing. I see their work and I push myself to try new things and learn from them. Besides that, I surround myself with creative people who support me. I have a friend who is a tattoo artist who is amazing, and my sister inspires me to work on photography and drawing as well. My sister took a glass blowing class and inspired me to get into the class. I took that for a couple semesters and ended up doing a final project involving glass containers and ikebana-style floral arrangements in them. I love to experiment. In the same vein as the above question, perhaps because I’m such a music lover, what do you listen to? Who are your favorite musicians?
I have always loved music. Living in Chicago, there are so many shows that I want to see and venues to check out. Right now, I listen to Metric, My Morning Jacket, the Deftones, and
PJ Harvey. The list could go on and on. That’s another thing about my job that helps me be creative, we get to listen to any music that we want and everyone has different taste, so it’s a great place to hear new music. Describe your clients. How do you connect with them? Is all your work for commercial purpose, or do you put items on display?
Because of the location in Old Town, our clients are usually upper-class women who want arrangements for their dinner parties or plants delivered to their homes, but we also get the guy who wants a plant for his apartment or an arrangement for his girlfriend. We do centerpieces for events going on in Chicago as well. When the mayor has dinners or there is an event at the Chicago Cultural Center, we make interesting centerpieces for those clients as well. We are going to be working on a project soon where the designers make floral pieces to go with works of art that are being displayed at one of the museums in Chicago. It’s a very diverse job. A New Leaf also has a space that is connected to it that is rented out for weddings and corporate events. Some of the designers are also event planners for that space and work with the bride or company that is having the event. They work on the design of the space, including everything from setting up
the chairs and tables and deciding on a theme by using f lowers or birch branch sculptures, whatever the client wants. We also do work for non-profit organizations for free or at a cheaper cost. The owner of A New Leaf donates a lot of arrangements for charities and we even sent pieces to a shelter for the victims of hurricane Katrina in Chicago to help lift their spirits. What is on the horizon for you – either artistically or in life (or both)?
I hope to eventually have a design day at the store and work with clients in the event space. After that, I hope to start my own shop, or be a freelance floral designer and if that means moving, I’m definitely up for the experience. Final interview questions are always lame. Mine is no different. Give me three words that DO NOT describe you.
Boring, close-minded, uninterested To find out more about Santiago’s floral designs you can contact her at A New Leaf in Chicago at (312) 642-8553 . The Web site for the event space at A New Leaf is www.1820northwells.com
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'VSOJTIFE
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Mar. 9
LAUGH AND THE WORLD LAUGHS WITH YOU CRY AND THE WORLD LAUGHS AT YOU.
• 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.
Employment 000 )&-1 8"/5&%
#64*/&44 4&37*$&4
110
1006 S. 3RD, C.
August 2006. 1 bedrooms. Location, location. Covered parking & laundry, furnished & patios, ethernet available. Office at 309 S. First, Champaign. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 352-3182
1BSU 5JNF Cowboy Monkey is now accepting applications for waitstaff. Come make great money working in one of Champaign’s coolest bars. Apply in person at 6 Taylor St. between 2 and 7pm, Mon-Fri.
106 DANIEL, C. For August 2006. 1 bedroom apartments. Ethernet available. Some townhouses. Office at 309 S. First, Ch. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 352-3182
JAVA PROGRAMMER Experienced Java Programmer needed for temporary position. Possible long term position for the right person. Consultants also welcome to apply. Good Salary and Benefits. Send Resume, Cover letter with salary history to: sharie.carter-bane@pertan.com
)&-1 8"/5&%
509 Stoughton
Apartments
400
'VMM 1BSU 5JNF Earn $5000 as an egg donor. Must be 20-29 and a non-smoker. Please call Alternative Reproductive Resources at 773-327-7315 to learn how you can help a family fulfill its dreams. Route Delivery Driving positions are available in the Kankakee and Decatur areas. Part-time now, full time in th summer. This comission based position offers high $ earnigs potential for a motivated responsible person not intimidated by hard work and physical lifting. we offer full/ par ttime positions with flexible ours, psme weekends are required. CDL liscence is not necessary but helpful. A clean driving and criminal record is requiried and compliance with company grooming/ uniform policy. Call 1-800-466-6096 for more info.
Services #64*/&44 4&37*$&4
100 110
We Care in Home Care Provider. 24hrs./ day. We provide 4 hrs. minimum. We do light housekeeping, laundry, bath, meal, and errands. We are very dependable at reasonable rates. 25 yrs. experience. Mary 217-384-7146, 217-778-0071.
Fall 2006. Efficiencies. Secured building. Private parking. Laundry on site, ethernet available. Office at 309 S. First, Ch. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 352-3182
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'VSOJTIFE 6OGVSOJTIFE 1 bedroom lofts $535 2 bedrooms $575 3 bedrooms $650 4 bedrooms $925 Campus, parking. Spring ‘06, 367-6626
105 E. JOHN Available Fall 2006. 1 bedroom furnished, great location. Includes parking. Phone 352-3182. Office at 309 S. First, Champaign. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup95.com
Near Grainger, Spacious studios and 2 bedrooms, ethernet, parking. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 352-3182
506 E. Stoughton, C. For August 2006. Extra large efficiency apartments. Security building entry, complete furniture, laundry, off-street parking, ethernet available. Office at 309 S. First, C. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 352-3182
509 E. White, C. August 2006. Large 1 bedrooms. Security entry, balconies, patios, furnished. Laundry, off-street parking, ethernet available. Office at 309 S. First, C. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 352-3182
602 E. Stoughton
BEST VALUE 1 BR. loft from $480. 1 Br. $395 2 BR. $495 3 BR. $750 4 BR $855 Campus. 367-6626.
Fall 2006. Unique 1 & 2 bedroom apartments. All furnished, laundry, internet, and parking available. Must see!! THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 352-3182
Available Now 1 bedroom $385 Campus. 367-6626
GREAT VALUE
Available Now. 2 bedroom on campus. $550 per month. 367-6626.
306-308-309 White August 2006. 1 & 3 Bedroom furnished apts. Balconies, patios, laundry, dishwashers, off-street parking, ethernet available. 841-1996. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 352-3182
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207- 211 JOHN Fall 2006. Prime Campus Location. 2 Bedrooms. Office at 309 S. First, Champaign. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 352-3182 211 W. Oregon, U. House/upstairs 2 BR, living room, kitchen, bathroom, new carpet, parking, laundry, part furnished, appliances, $590/mo. available now. 815943-5076.
307 & 310 E. WHITE 307 & 309 CLARK Fall 2006 Large studio, double closet, well furnished. Office at 309 S. First, C. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup.com 352-3182
705 W. Stoughton 3 bedroom apartment Spacious living area. Communal balcony & great backyard. Plus a bar area in kitchen. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP 352-3182
503- 505- 508 E. White Fall 2006. 2 and 3 bedrooms. Furnished with internet. Parking and laundry available. On-site resident manager. Call Kyle, 202-7240. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 352-3182 Available Now- Studios 307 & 309 Clark and 307 & 310 White THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 352-3182
Old Town Champaign
510 S. Elm Available Fall 2006. 2 BR close to campus, hardwood floors, furnished, W/D, central air/heat, off street parking, 24 hr. maintenance. $595/mo. 841-1996. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 352-3182
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300.4
530
1 BR in 4 BR apartment. $350/mo, includes all utilities. 367-6626.
604 E. White, C. Security Entrance For Fall 2006, Large 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, loft (HUGE), furnished, balconies, patios, laundry, off-street parking, ethernet available. Office at 309 S. First, C. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 352-3182
JOHN STREET APARTMENTS 58 E. John August 2006. Two and three bedrooms, fully furnished. Dishwashers, center courtyard, on-site laundry, central air, ethernet available. Call Andy at 369-2621. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 352-3182 Available Now- Studios 1 bedroom • 2 bedroom• 3 bedroom www.ugroup96.com 352-3182
Other Rentals 500 )064&4
•
510
2 bedroom and 7 bedroom house on campus for Fall 2004. 367-6626. 52 E. DANIEL Spacious 4 bedroom with room for band practice in basement. West of First Street. Cats allowed. Hardwood floors, 2 baths, porch, some parking. $1300/mo. plus utilities. (217)328-3791. Great Campus Location 608 E. Stoughton, 6 bedroom house, free parking, W/D, $2,200. 359-3453 or 493-6519.
300.."5& 8"/5&% 550 1 bedroom, near campus $300 per month 367-6626 Fall 06-Summer 07, 2 BR, 1 bath, Presidential Tower, 3rd & John. Utilities included, $600/mo. Matt, (630)835-4280. Female roommates wanted, 502 W. Green, Urbana. 4 br, 2 bath, w/d in unit, on busline. Aug. ‘06- ‘07, $300/mo + utilities, call/ e-mail 217369-1290, linares@uiuc.edu.
RealEstateforSale 600 $0/%04 %61-&9&4
620
Now Leasing for Fall 2006! 1901 N. Lincoln Ave., Urbana 2, 3, & 4 bedroom units We offer a bathroom for each bedroom & incredible amenities that include a resort-style pool, movie theater, high-tech fitness center, computer lab & more! Capstone Quarters redefines apartment living. For Leasing information, call 217/FOR-RENT 217/367-7368 www.robesonrealestate.com
RENT IT!!! 337-8337
!
!!! !
LEASING NOW AND FOR AUGUST 2006 1111 E. Main, U- 3 br, $650 1207 E. Green, U- 3 br, $900 805 S. Urbana, U- 3 br, $850 407 E. Elm, U- 1 br, $450 239-6677 or www.robesonrealestate.com
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25
the stinger
kim rice & kate ruin DOIN’ IT WELL
jonesin CROSSWORD PUZZLE
“Nerdful Things� — books Stephen King almost wrote. Across 1 Detective novelist John Dickson ___ 5 Pointing thing 10 Octagonal order 14 Sundance Film Festival locale 15 ___ Doone cookies 16 Drive-___ 17 Stephen King book about a group of longwinded people? 19 Smell real bad 20 Pub projectile 21 Posh pup 23 Trip to Tanzania, maybe 26 Lawful quality 28 “Hostel� director Roth 29 Big bird
31 Feminine suffix in San Juan 32 Preppy top 34 Vicious and more 36 If’s partner, in programming 37 Entertainment center component 39 Weapons wielded in many Chuck Norris films 41 Poisonous coilers 43 Joe Perry’s band 45 Day planner abbr. 46 Oust competitor 47 Gp. that often funds PBS 48 Like snarky comments 51 He died with his Branch Davidians 53 Does some early 1990s special effects 54 “Slackers� star Devon 55 Long division word
56 Stephen King book about a guy who does nothing but complain? 62 Concert souvenirs 63 Play continuation 64 Scrape spot 65 “Jane ___� 66 Butler who ended with “damn� 67 ___-ball (bowling-like game) Down 1 New reporter 2 ___ standstill 3 Scott Joplin song 4 “The Mary Tyler Moore Show� spinoff 5 Secretary of State before Powell 6 Word after ginger or square 7 Watchdog’s warning
8 Number that “Sesame Street� was not “brought to you by� for many years 9 Nest residents 10 Chemical element #38 (also part of the name of a pre-Police Sting/ Stewart Copeland band) 11 Book about a geeky niche publication whose readership went from 10 to 0? 12 Pitcher Hershiser and namesakes 13 Blows chunkage 18 Cab collections 22 Milo’s movie pal 23 Mo. number nine 24 Hi, in HI 25 Book about some dork with the uncanny ability to create computer documents? 26 Uniforms that can be “throwbacks� 27 Says 30 They may be bitter 33 How some things are done “accidentally� 35 Stops along the Information Superhighway 38 Suffered sudden setbacks 40 He ran from Iran 42 “Family Guy� creator MacFarlane 44 “Realized how ___ was...� (Animals lyric) 48 Do in, Biblical-style 49 Pink Floyd song in 7/4 time 50 “You’re ___, baby!� 52 Private and others 54 “M*A*S*H� Emmy winner 57 Basic structural shape in Organic Chem 58 Printemps follower 59 Calligraphy need 60 Maiden named 61 “How about that� Answers pg. 15
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Talking the talk Speaking up for your sexual health
Dear Rice and Ruin, What is a tactful way to talk to your new partner about STDs and their sexual history? Thanks, Digging For Dirt Dear Digging, Props to you for acknowledging that sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk is a reality for everyone who is sexually active — including yourself. Part of becoming sexually healthy is addressing issues of STIs openly and honestly. The risk of getting or spreading an STI is something thousands of people, young and old, deal with every year. How you approach your sex partner(s) can have an effect on the conversation. Think about the time and place you’ll bring this up. Make sure you’ve got privacy and you’re not rushed. It can help to talk about sexual issues at a time when y’all aren’t aroused, as this will reduce the chance that passion will interrupt your conversation. Think ahead and be clear with yourself about what info you want to know and why. You and your partner don’t have to share every detail about your past. It’s up to you. Don’t ask for details you don’t want to hear, and respect it if your partner is not willing to share everything with you. Likewise, ask yourself what you are willing and not willing to share about your own past. Become the sexpert: educate yourself about STIs and ways to reduce risk of transmission. This will help you be confident with your sexual decisionmaking. Remember that a low-risk past doesn’t mean a person is necessarily STI free, just as having a high-risk past doesn’t mean a person definitely has an STI. If you really want to know where you and your partner stand with current risk of spreading STIs you can get tested together and discuss whether or not you may want to do anything that could put you at risk (sharing needles, sex play outside the relationship, not using condoms). STIs can be serious, but using humor to talk about them can help. Sex, and discussions about it, can be fun! Find a natural transition where this topic can be incorporated into your conversations. Let your partner know this topic is important to you because you care about your health. Be honest about how you are feeling about bringing this up — if you feel embarrassed or nervous, admitting to this can help ease the tension. Check in with your partner during the conversation to see how they are feeling and remember, this can be a challenge for both of you. Another way to make a potentially difficult conversation easier is by allowing all aspects of
your relationship to develop at the same pace from the beginning. Getting to know each other emotionally, physically and spiritually (if that’s your thing) can facilitate intimacy and trust. If you’re having a one-night stand there won’t be time for this kind of trust to develop, so again, latex protection is a fantastic idea! Together you can decide what you want to do, based on what you learn about each other. You could get an STI test together. Using protection (like condoms and/or latex dams) is a great way to reduce risk, and is a good idea no matter how your conversation goes for many reasons. Due to cultural shame and stigma around sexuality and STIs in particular, it can be hard for even those with good intentions to be up front about their level of risk. And because some STIs have no signs or symptoms, they can be unknowingly passed from one person to another. Also, not all STIs can be tested for, as with the human papilloma virus (HPV) in men who do not have genital warts. The bottom line is that latex shouldn’t be abandoned after the discussion. We hope this helps! Good luck! SEX 411 If you’re having a hard time bringing this up: • Remind yourself of all the reasons why you feel it’s important to talk about STIs. • Talk with people you trust and respect about how they’ve dealt with this conversation in their lives. • Consider talking with a sexuality professional about your own attitudes, thoughts and feelings about STIs and how to communicate with your partner. • Advocates For Youth says “Don’t let fear of how a partner might react stop you from talking with him/her. Be assertive! When a partner does not want to discuss sexual histories, we can’t just let the subject end there. We must make sure he/she knows that the relationship won’t work if we can’t communicate. We won’t know where we’re going unless we know where we’ve been!â€? •
Got sex questions? Get answers from professional sex experts. E-mail riceandruin@yahoo.com
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THE GOOD ENDED HAPPILY, AND THE BAD UNHAPPILY. THAT IS WHAT FICTION MEANS.
MA R. 9
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free will astrology MARCH 9 — 16 ARIES
March 21 – April 19
Dung beetles were considered sacred and lucky by the ancient Egyptians. In fact, the seemingly lowly insect, also known as a scarab, was worshiped as a symbol of transformation and resurrection, in part because it derives its nourishment from the waste matter of other animals. Since it also pushes balls of dung to its nest, it was thought to resemble the god Ra rolling the sun through the heavens. During the coming week, Aries, the scarab will be your power animal. May it inspire you to turn crap into treasure as you’re reborn from the deadness of the past.
T A U RU S
April 20 – May 20
It took an English woman named Venida Crabtree 33 years to learn how to drive. She failed her first driving test at age 17, but never gave up trying. Last year she finally succeeded, getting her first license at the age of 50. She’s your role model, Taurus. There’s a good chance that like her, you will soon be able to master a task or reach a goal that you’ve been plugging away at forever.
GEMINI
May 21 – June 20
I’m here at San Francisco’s Samovar Tea Lounge to meditate on your horoscope. I’ve decided that the beverage most likely to put me in the right mood is “Monkey-Picked Iron Goddess of Mercy” tea. That’s because my analysis of your astrological omens reveals that there’ll be something both steely and soft about your immediate future, both willful and delicate. “Iron Goddess of Mercy” is an apt metaphor for the influences you should seek. Furthermore, I suspect you’ll need the intervention of an agile and vibrant animal energy, which is suggested by the “Monkey-Picked” aspect of the tea. Using the Samovar menu as a divinatory tool for generating even more oracular information, I’ve come up with three additional phrases to capture the quality of your life in the coming days: velvety nuances of roasted chestnuts and eucalyptus; tastes that are zealously smoky yet gossamer and satiny; and not for the sinless.
CANCER
June 21 – July 22
As a Cancerian, you’re sometimes prone to indulging in pathological levels of self-sufficiency. You can get into the bad habit of making it hard for people to give you emotional support, constructive feedback, and plain old ordinary gifts. That’s why I hesitate to say anything that might encourage you to get into a woe-is-me, I-have-to-do-everything-myself mode of heroic martyrdom. Nevertheless, I’ve decided to take that risk. To achieve the breakthrough that’s now available, you may have to take what Ernest Hemingway described as the path to greatness: Push yourself “far out past where you can go, out to where no one can help you.”
LIBRA
Sept. 23 – Oct. 22
SCORPIO
Oct. 23 – Nov. 21
S AG I T TA R I U S
Nov. 22 – Dec. 21
CAPRICORN
Dec. 22 – Jan. 19
AQUA R I U S
Jan. 20 – Feb. 18
America’s finest news source, the newspaper and website known as The Onion (www.TheOnion.com), reported recently that President George W. Bush has hidden the nation’s report card in his sock drawer. Having received a D in international relations, a D in economics, and an F in military history, the Commander in Chief was too embarrassed to share the evaluation with anyone. I implore you to not be like him in the coming week, Libra. It may be hard to imagine, but you will generate good luck and healthy relationships if you freely admit your mistakes and shortcomings. This is one time when power can come from revealing your vulnerabilities.
At its best, a study of astrology illuminates your choices and leaves the choosing up to you. It helps you understand that your fate is never set in stone, but is always susceptible to the command of your free will. In that spirit, I’ve got a quiz for you to take. Here are four pairs of equally possible outcomes. Meditate on each pair, and decide which you’d prefer to induce in the coming week: (1) simmering happiness versus crazed longing; (2) love packed with chewy riddles versus infatuation that only temporarily frees you; (3) practical enthusiasm versus dizzying highs; (4) slow, epic bursts of subtle progress versus out-of-this-world fantasies.
On March 11 a Malaysian snake charmer will attempt to break the world record for kissing a poisonous serpent. Shahimi Abdul Hamid has in the past managed to survive while smooching a huge cobra 21 times, but this time he hopes to go further, exceeding the previous all-time high of 30. I don’t know his astrological sign, but if he’s a Sagittarius he has the best chance of succeeding. You Centaurs are at the peak of your ability to mix tenderness and intimacy with high adventure.
A reader named Christy McMunn wrote to tell me that she’ll be running for president of the U.S. in 2016. She promises that she will ruthlessly express the raw, naked facts, whatever the consequences may be. Her motto: “If you cannot handle the truth, be careful of what you ask.” I urge you to make that your modus operandi in the coming weeks, Capricorn. Be a greedy hunter in quest of the genuine story, the inside dope, and the piercing revelation. In preparation, strip yourself of any belief that might interfere with your receptivity to and enjoyment of the raw, naked facts.
This would be an excellent time for you to create your own personal religion, complete with rituals, prayers, and divinities that fit your precise needs. Feel free to borrow extensively from various spiritual traditions, of course, but make sure you give each belief or practice your own unique twist. And please include a few idiosyncratic touches that have never before been a part of any organized faith, like a holy day commemorating your first sexual experience or a sacred object obtained from a toy store or pawn shop or a rousing hymn adopted from an old Nirvana song.
After taking inventory of the astrological factors coming to bear on you the past eight years, I’ve decided you’re ready to leap to the next octave of your evolution. Therefore, I’ll tell you a truth that was articulated by the powerful activist Mahatma Gandhi. It was instrumental in his success at leading millions of Indians to overthrow British oppression. I hope that his demanding, controversial advice will play a central role in shaping your destiny for the next eight years. But beware: It will only work if you’re a brave rebel who relentlessly resists the conventional wisdom. Gandhi: “Every moment of your life is infinitely creative and the universe is endlessly bountiful. Just put forth a clear enough request, and everything your heart desires must come to you.”
VIRGO
PISCES
LEO
July 23 – Aug. 22
Aug. 23 – Sept. 22
The ancient Greeks had words for love that transcend our usual notions, writes Lindsay Swope in her review of Richard Idemon’s book Through the Looking Glass. Epithemia is the basic need to touch and be touched. Our closest approximation is “horniness,” though epithemia is not so much a sexual feeling as a sensual one. Philia is friendship. It includes the need to admire and respect your friends as a reflection of yourself--like in high school, where you want to hang out with the cool kids because that means you’re cool too. Eros isn’t sexual in the way we usually think, but is more about the emotional gratification that comes from merging souls. Agape is a mature, utterly free expression of love that has no possessiveness. It means wanting the best for another person even if it doesn’t advance one’s self-interest. The phase you’re currently in, Virgo, is providing you with opportunities to explore the frontiers of at least three of these kinds of love.
Feb. 19 – March 20
I’ve been present during the births of two children, Jasmine and Zoe. Both experiences were daunting, explosive, and ecstatic. Nothing else that has ever happened to me has rivaled the role they played in awakening my reverence for life. The gratitude and love that overflowed in me then will always remain a source of inspiration. If you choose to respond to the invitations the cosmos is now making available to you, Pisces, you will soon be visited by events that evoke comparable feelings. Homework: Though sometimes it’s impossible to do the right thing, doing the half-right thing may be a viable option. Give an example from your own life: http://www.freewillastrology.com
INTRO | A ROUND TOWN | L ISTEN, HEAR | CU CALENDAR | STAGE, S CREEN &
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B ETWEEN | CLASSIFIEDS | THE STINGER
sounds from the scene
MA R. 9
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buzz weekly •
ONLY THE SHALLOW KNOW THEMSELVES.
27
LIKES AND GRIPES BUZZ STAFFERS LET IT OUT
ANNA STATHAM Music Editor
ELYSE RUSSO Ar ts & Enter tainment Editor
BUY SELL TRADE
CDs LPs DVDs
110 S. Race St. Urbana 367-7927
1. Undercover cops: Why can they pretend to not be cops, but I can’t pretend to not be underage? 2.”Tagging”: Over the weekend I saw a girl take a picture of herself with a guy and then proceed to ask him his name so she could “tag him later” on her Facebook photo album. You know Facebook is monopolizing your life when you are using it to pick up guys at the bar. And it is working. 3. Dailydancer.com: I don’t know why this is bookmarked under my favorites. It’s not funny. The man is so awkward, I feel myself blush in embarrassment for him whenever I can’t resist the urge to click on his site. Then I get angry when I read the comments people leave him because this strange, annoying man is more popular than I’ll ever be. TODD SWISS Calendar Editor
1. Morningstar Chik’n Strips: I know, I know. They really do not taste like chicken, but they are tasty and you don’t have to worry about under cooking them and getting food poisoning. Also, vegetarians are better people. 2. The Hold Steady - Separation Sunday: This has been my most played album since Christmas by far. A quasi-concept album about a girl named Hallelujah, “the scene” and religion. The absolutely brilliant lyrics are spoken rather than sung, but that is just part of the fun. 3. Hearts: Yeah, my friends and I have been completely obsessed with this card game. Sure, you can play it on the computer with fake opponents, but how much fun is it to trash-talk at your monitor. CL AIRE NAPIER Art Director
1. Official insults: Boys who call girls obscene names for the female body on Unofficial. 2. What was I thinking? I suck for bringing my coffee thermos from work to Unofficial and of course losing it. 3. I’d like to thank the Academy: Yeah Reese Witherspoon for taking home the Best Actress Oscar.
sounds from the scene
1. Bella Sera, Pinot Grigio: Delicious and affordable; a fabulous wine to have at dinner. Bella sera means “beautiful night” in Italian, and I’ve many a beautiful night with this wine. 2. Musical soundtracks: I enjoy musical theatre soundtracks including but not limited to Wicked, Rent, Grease, Guys and Dolls, and Chicago. What else did you expect from the Stage, Screen, & In Between editor, honestly? 3. Getting “Schwinned”: I hate getting tripped
www.recordswap.com
and/or ran over by bicycles on the bike paths on campus. To all of you bicyclists, please invest in some serious bells and horns so that the number of “Schwinned” casualties may decrease. LIANNE ZHANG Community Editor
1. Mimosas: Nothing like having my morning OJ with a shot of champagne to start off the day. 2. Purple: It’s the new black 3. America’s Next Top Model season six: 12 randomly-picked model wannabes living together for three months competing for one modeling contract. Your weekly dose of reality-TV drama. Guaranteed. ERIN SCOT TBERG Editor in Chief
ited m i L
! ble a l i va sA t e k Tic
Star of Fox’s hit sitcom “Titus” and Comedy Central’s “Norman Rockwell is Bleeding”
Saturday
1. The original Tetris: What a delightful way to waste time, especially when it’s the plug ‘n play single with the block-shaped controllers. Keeps the mind sharp and has a great soundtrack, too. It’s even kind of fun to watch. 2. Gmail chat: No more messing with AIM Express. G-chat is everywhere you want it to be, just like Visa. Soon enough, it’ll be a verb. 3. Pistachios: Definitely the best nut there is. My roommate buys the giant bag from Costco once a month and it has become the centerpiece of the kitchen — no one can walk by without grabbing a handful. Best thing about pistachios: it’s okay if they fall on the ground.
March 11th, 8pm “Brutal, audacious and hilarious!” Time Magazine
“TV’s most original comic voice since ‘Seinfeld’!” Newsweek
z buz TICKET LINE
217.356.9063
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I THINK IT’S FUNNY TO BE DELICATE WITH SUBJECTS THAT ARE EXPLOSIVE.
MA R. 9
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1 6 , 2 oo 6
Categories Include: Best Rock Group
Local Music buzz Local Talent Local Achievements
Vote Now: Through March 27 www.cumusicawards.com Keep reading Buzz and listening to WPGU for additional information and features on the nominees and further announcements about this astounding event!
Best Folk/Americana Group Best Jazz/Blues Group Best Hip-Hop/R&B Group Best DJ Best New Artist Best Female Performer Best Male Performer 2005 Album of the Year Best Live Band/Performer Local Band You Most Want to See Reuinite sponsored by
Thursday April 06, 2006 The Highdive Because the music is all that matters INTRO | A ROUND TOWN | L ISTEN, HEAR | CU CALENDAR | STAGE, S CREEN &
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sounds from the scene