4 Year-end Reviews
CELEBRITIES GONE WILD: Starring racism, anti-semitism and Britney Spears by Jeff Fox
In America, there is no such thing as bad publicity. It seems in the world of celebrities that nothing can better promote a new movie or a recently-released CD like an “incident.” “They’re just desperate to stay in the spotlight, most times,” contends freshman Meagan Lorenz. “Why else would they do it?” Recently, such antics have become even more commonplace, reaching its climax with the Michael Richards incident at the Laugh Factory, when the man best known as Cosmo Kramer on “Seinfeld” made racist remarks at a group of African-Americans who had been heckling him. Although Richards claims that he acted on “pure rage”, he grasped attention at a level he had not attained since his work as Kramer. Kyle Doss, one of the hecklers, has responded to Richards’ outburst by saying, “That’s why you’re a reject, never had no shows, never had no movies. Seinfeld, that’s it,” and
after Richards issued an apology, he followed-up by saying he felt it was more of a “career move”. Unfortunately, this type of incident is not isolated. On July 28, 2006, Mel Gibson was arrested for speeding after driving 185 mph on a road with a 15 mph limit. He also drove under the influence. The anti-Semitic and sexually-harassing comments he made created a media frenzy, and it required two public apologies from the actor before the dust began to settle. Now, just over four months later, Gibson is back promoting his movie “Apocalypto”. Additionally, Britney Spears confirmed in the summer 2006 that she would be releasing a new album in the coming year. Just a few months afterward, Spears was photographed without underwear after a night on the town. This, along with her new friendship with Paris Hilton and her divorce from Kevin Federline, has put her in the
headlines more than usual. Danny Devito, in promotion of his movie “Deck the Halls,” appeared on “The View” in late November. He claimed to be drunk, and went on to speak of ineptness in President Bush and former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, as well as make sexual comments regarding his wife, before finishing the segment talking about his movie. However, Devito had appeared just under three hours before on “FOX and Friends,” seemingly completely sober. “There are so many things that ordinary people would get in so much trouble for, yet these things somehow boost a celebrity’s popularity and ego. They get away with so much that it’s ridiculous,” freshman Chelsea Thorsheim states. However, these sorts of activities will continue until the society in which we live changes its policies.
All Time Low has an all-time high with third album by Billy Hicks
With a pop-punk feel and an arsenal of well-strung together words, All Time Low has just put out its third and most successful album to date. “Put Up or Shut Up,” released in 2006, boasts quality songs and has sky-rocketed the band’s fan base. The seven song EP, released off Hopeless Records contains many strong
lyrics combined with a fast-paced sound led by lead singer and guitarist Jack Gaskarth. The band put out the EP in mid-summer and has been touring since all over the nation with bands such as Motion City Soundtrack, The Early November, Acceptance, Gym Class Heroes, Cartel, Cobra Straship, and The Academy Is….
The EP is a work of genius and is a great buy. It isone of those albums that will put a smile on your face when you are feeling a little down, and it makes people want to dance. So early into their careers, All Time Low has already put out a phenomenal album, and this is merely the start of what we are about to see from them.
Palahniuk does the dance macabre in ‘Diary’ by Laura Di Mattina
Chuck Palahniuk is an incredible author who can effortlessly capture any reader’s attention. In all of his work, most popularly in “Fight Club,” he manages to add in various twists that no one expects. These twists ensnare the reader and make it an instant page turner. Each character has an intriguing secret. Palahniuk’s writing talent is evident in “Diary,” a disturbing tale about how people use manipulation to make their own lives better. While the open-
ing is confusing, the main character, Misty, is involved in an overwhelming situation. Misty tries to find a way to move with her preteen daughter out of town, but she can’t because she is held captive by her mother-in-law. The town is falling apart, but her mother-inlaw is convinced that Misty can save the town by painting. The townspeople feel hopeless and rely on Misty as their savior. “Diary” takes a dark twist when Misty’s husband is in a coma and
Taking Back Sunday rocks ‘Louder Now’ by Stephanie Candullo
After two original albums, Taking Back Sunday managed to do it again with their third album titled “Louder Now” released on Warner Brothers Records. The album features the major hit “Make Damn Sure,” along with 10 other tracks, including “What’s It Feel Like to Be A Ghost,” “Liar (It Takes One To Know One),” “Up Against (Black Out),” “My Blue Heaven,” “Twenty-Twenty Surgery,” “Spin,” “Divine Intervention,” “Miami,” “Error Operator,” and “I’ll Let You Live.” Taking Back Sunday’s first album, “Tell All Your Friends,” was released in 2002. It was not very popular. Their second album, however, “Where You Want To Be,” brought them newfound
recognition by the teenage crowd. “Louder Now” opened up the doors for a larger crowd, making the band even more popular. The rock band is from Long Island, New York, and their members are Adam Lazzara on vocals and guitar, Fred Mascherino on guitar and vocals, Eddie Reyes on guitar, Mark O’Connel on drums, and Matt Rubano on bass. “Louder Now” brings new, upbeat flavor to their style. Whether you are driving or listening to music at home, you will enjoy this album. “Louder Now” is a must hear, along with their first two albums. If you like bands like Brand New and Straylight Run, then you should definitely listen to Taking Back Sunday.
her dead father-in-law suddenly reappears in her life. Through all the confusion, Misty is desperately trying to salvage any sort of relationship with her daughter, who is taking more interest in Misty’s mother-in-law. This tale is unexpected and somewhat tragic, but a very good read. Palahniuk’s creativity brings sinister surprises. Anyone who has ever considered revenge will enjoy this book.
Wh at a r e you l i s t e ni ng t o, r e a di ng , wat c hi ng? Se n d you r fil m , b o o k , m usic , a n d r e s tau r a n t r e v i e ws t o f t. pat r i o t p r e s s @ g m a i l . c om
Success is what they aimed for by Billy Hicks After solely dominating the internet music source, Cute Is What We Aim For has now taken the entire music scene by storm. With an up-and-coming genre of power pop, witty lyrics that appeal to struggling teenagers, and the soft and soothing voice of lead singer Shaant Hacikyan, Cute Is What We Aim For is building a huge fan base. After forming in January 2005, it began with Hacikyan and lead guitarist Jeff Czum. Shortly after, Fred Cimato (rhythm guitar) and Tom Falcone (drums) joined, and the band that was merely a side project was now in full force and on track to be signed. On November 29, 2005, Cute Is What We Aim For became the newest addition to the highly acclaimed label, “Fueled by Ramen.” With a record deal under their belt and a wide fan base thanks to their dominance on the internet, with such sites as purevolume.com and myspace.com, the band was set to record their first album. With their debut CD release on June 20, 2006, titled “The Same Old Blood Rush, With a New Touch,” Cute Is What We Aim For further surpassed any expectations. While selling 13,651 copies in its first week, Cute debuted at #75 on the Billboard’s Top 200. With its first week in sales, “The Same Old Blood Rush, With a New Touch” broke the label’s
internal record set by Panic! At the Disco’s “A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out” by almost 4,000 copies. By July of 2006, it had more than doubled its number of copies sold, selling 28,947 copies. This CD is well worth the buy. With a rare 12 quality songs, “The Same Old Blood Rush, With a New Touch” is composed of lyrical wit and a genre that is appealing to teenagers. The melodies of Shaant Hacikyan and the beats put together by the rest of the band provide for a great musical selection. With a brand new album out, Cute started on its first major tour in June 2006 to gain publicity. With great success and a still major growing fan base, the band put out its first music video in July 2006. “There’s A Class For This” premiered on mtvU and was directed by Jay Martin. Since then, with two tours under their belt and a soon and upcoming UK tour, Cute Is What We Aim For is making a voice for themselves. Barely two years together, the band has surpassed any of their expectations that they had set for themselves. Lead singer Shaant Hacikyan even stated on his blog on fueledbyramen.com saying,“this year has been the best and most memorable of my entire life. I just cannot believe what my life has become in one year.”
The Shins’ new album is Shinfully good by Mike Kirshenbaum
After the long awaited time between “Chutes Too Narrow”, “Garden State” and a ton of recently garnered fame, the Shins now return with their most recent album “Wincing the Night Away.” The eleven tracks album’s first single “Phantom Limb” highlights the 60’s popesque sounds that the Shins are famous for. “I give this song a thumbs up. A lot of people will like it,” remarks freshman Renee Marietta. The Shins front man James Mercer is not known for the depth of his lyrics, but for the appeal of his songs. He
makes the Shins memorable for great pop songs. The Shins have already won everyone’s hearts, thanks to actress Natalie Portman who gave the band instant stardom. In the movie “Garden State,” Natalie Portman tells Zach Braff, “This band will change your life.” While Shins fans may be hoping for Chutes Too Narrow II, “Wincing the Night Away” is not the same record as the last. The Shins have now removed themselves from the Indie world and are now ready for super stardom.
Seniors Sarah Frank and Stefanie Kern catch up on their “Harry Potter” reading.
photo by Sara Rosen
POTTER: New Rowling title revealed Continued from page 1
Rowling has said that at least one character will die. The question, of course, is who? Kate DiGiacomo, a senior, believes it will be either Ron or Hermione. “I think Ron and Hermione both know that Harry is destined to do some great things, so one of them will sacrifice themselves to save Harry so he can go on.” The amount of
speculation over such questions has certainly increased since the release of the title, and will continue to rise until the book itself is released. Overall, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows seems as if it will live up to the expectations of Harry Potter fans everywhere. Even though the title may not
have been well-received by some, there is no doubt they will read it anyway. Potter-mania lives on all over the world, and the anticipation for the final book is rapidly growing. When asked if she will stake out for the midnight release, avid Harry Potter fan Brittany Kapulsky only had one word: “Absolutely.”