Movies coming to a theater near you

Chris Rogers Staff Writer

CLR723@CABRINI EDU

Across the nation, a variety of movies have yet again hit the screens with full impact. Ranging from adventurous to more daring choices to pick from, film directors have once more proven the efficiency of their talent. So, tie up your shoes, grab your partner and race to the nearest movie theater. You will not be deceived!

Where have all the tomatoes gone

Possible shortage,increased prices of tomatoes as a result of this year’s hurricane season

SHARON M. KOLANKIEWICZ STAFF WRITER SMK724@CABRINI EDU

Imagine pizza shops not having enough tomato sauce to make the pizzas. Imagine going to Wendy’s or McDonald’s and the sandwiches are missing the slices of tomatoes.

Believe it or not many restaurants and especially pizzerias are suffering from the current tomato shortage. According to recent studies, there is a variety of reasons for the tomato shortage. The recent shortage and the skyrocketing prices have caused restaurant and pizza businesses to make changes to the menus.

The weather is also playing a role in the shortage. The hurricanes in Florida and the harsh weather in California have affected the shortage as well.

According to a recent report from CNN, the hurricanes which hit Florida really hard in the past couple months have caused the prices in tomatoes to double. Over 90 percent of the U.S.’ tomato crop is produced in Florida.

Major restaurant chains such as Wendy’s depend on large quantities of tomatoes. Recently the franchise decided not to advertise a new sandwich that are each topped with a slice of tomato. Recent statistics from Poynter Online state that Hurricane Charley and Francis, which hit Florida, forced farmers to replant the damaged tomatoes.

Gary Lucier an economist from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has said that since October, the prices have increase 167 percent. It is about $15 for a 25 pound box of tomatoes. The heavy amount of rain that has hit California has flooded the tomato crops.

Apparently, the pizzerias have been suffering the most. Many of the businesses are still recovering from the high prices of cheese. In addition, the Atkins Diet has caused people to avoid pizza due to the crust. The price for meat has also increased, and now they are faced with the price increase of the tomatoes.

Despite the increase in prices in tomatoes there is still hope for restaurants and the pizza shops. Sources in the pizza industry have expressed the tomatoes used in pizza sauces have now been harvested earlier than tomatoes used in for salads. However, if the high demand of tomatoes increases faster than the rate the farmers can replenish the crops, the higher prices will remain.

The assistant manager of Domino’s Pizza in Wayne said, “We are not aware of the tomato shortage as of now. It is not to say that the effect of the shortage won’t get worse. But so far we have not been aware or affected by a tomato shortage.”

On the other hand, some students have noticed an increase in prices for pizza this year compared to last fall. Maureen Cooper, a junior, said, “I definitely have noticed the price increase of pizza. Last year I paid less for pizza, and now today I pay more. Buying pizza is becoming more expensive.” young boy. “‘The Polar Express’ was one of my favorite books in the world when I was little. I can’t wait to see it again,” Alison Levington, a junior English secondary major, said. Starring Tom Hanks, Michael Jeter, Leslie Zemeckis, Eddie Deezen and Nona Gaye, critics call this movie “the sweetest ride this holiday season has to offer.”

Although some regions in the United States have been more affected by the shortage, some experts still worry about the future outcome. They are hoping the farmers will be able to replenish the tomato shortage quickly. They also hope that there will not be any future harsh weather effects such as Hurricanes Charley and Francis.

As you enter the theaters doors, do not get sidetracked by the sweet smell of popcorn, for time is precious and tickets are going fast. Surely, superhero fanatics have found themselves drawn to Mr. Incredibles thirst for action in the movie entitled “The Incredibles.” This PGrated, animated superhero adventure, is the number one choice for all the spiced-up families in search for some adrenaline rushing or mere entertainment. “I would definitely go see this movie because I enjoy all that’s animated,” Jennifer Scapellati, a junior English secondary major, said.

Remaining in the world of animation, both fantasy and action is also present in the movie “The Polar Express.” Inspired by a famous children’s book, this movie captures the spirit of Christmas through the eyes of a

Drifting away from the world of animation, both adolescent and adult viewers will experience a variety of movies that will keep them hanging on the tip of their seats. Rated PG-13 for sexuality, violence and language, James Bond’s star Pierce Brosnan, plays the role of a successful thief in the movie “After the Sunset.”

Tracked by FBI agent Woody Harrelson, this movie will leave you breathless, as a suspicionfilled game of intrigue begins.

“I’m actually kind-a looking forward to seeing this movie. Pierce Brosnan is a good actor. He was awesome in James Bond,” sophomore Ryan Nerney said. If your goal is to surprise your date with an evening of bonding, arm yourself with a bucket of popcorn, for chucky will undoubtedly boost your blood pressure to higher levels.

Accompanied by a team of psychopathic dolls, “The Seed of Chucky” will tiptoe his way back into your scariest nightmare, as Chucky attempts to resurrect his evil parents. Rated R for strong horror, gore, sexual content and language, this horror/comedy will satisfy only the more daring. Surely enough, others believe this movie would have attracted more people, had it come out during Halloween, “Chucky needs to retire, there’s been so many; it’s getting old. If it came out during Halloween, maybe it would have had better reviews,” Alberto Davila, a sophomore Internet computing major, said. Last but not least, rap fanatics will be treated to a documentary, “Fade to Black” of hip-hop star Jay-Z. Starring Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, R Kelly and more, this concert documentary records rapper Jay-Z’s November 2003 farewell performance at Madison Square Garden. Rated R for pervasive language including sexual lyrics, the Chicago Tribune said it “captures the electricity, camaraderie backstage, on stage and in the crowd.” On the other hand, the New York Daily News said, “the scenes feel forced.” This opinion was shared with Lauren Walker, a junior special education major, “I’m sick of watching biographies about people that haven’t accomplish something for the world.”