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Entertainment

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Clear transmissions

Emily Bingham
January 26, 2005

Whether he's doing homework in his Shaw Hall dorm room or driving across the state to visit friends at other schools, Mike Mannino can always listen to his favorite radio channel - without losing reception, without commercials and without ever having to fiddle with his radio's tuner. The James Madison College freshman is one of more than four million Americans nationwide who have tuned into the idea of satellite radio.

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'Flipaswitch' pairs South, stripteasers

Maddie Trier
January 26, 2005

Tired of seeing the same old musicals performed every year? Ready for some new talent to come to the stage? Then check out Riverwalk Theatre's brand new, never-before-seen musical "Flipaswitch." Written by local thespians Doug Austin and Roger Rochowiak, "Flipaswitch," is set during the Great Depression when five strippers (most of whom are past their prime), a timid comedian and their manager are stranded in Flipaswitch, Tenn. Flipaswitch is run by the morals of Bertha, the town reverend's wife, and the risqué group scrambles to gain acceptance, which requires some artfully placed lies. "We wanted to write (a show) that was totally original," Rochowiak said.

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ROIAL Players to perform Shakespeare's work

Maddie Trier
January 26, 2005

Comedic gags and jokes at William Shakespeare's expense are coming to campus. The ROIAL Players, a theatrical group from the Residential Option in Arts and Letters program, presents "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)" in room 49 of the Auditorium. Show times are 7:30 p.m.

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The Game's release follows footsteps of similar rap outfits

Jacqueline Wayneguite
January 25, 2005

Any new rapper would jump at the chance to hook up with leading rappers of today's industry. But just because you work with these moneymakers, doesn't mean you know how to create innovative music. Case in point: The Game's debut album, "The Documentary." In it, The Game brings together a number of big-name rappers - 50 Cent, Eminem and Mary J.

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Trail of Dead release 'dreamy, cohesive'

Emily Bingham
January 24, 2005

A band that names itself...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead has a lot to live up to. Indeed, fans have come to expect great things from these Austin, Texas rockers - the group is known for its violent, instrument-smashing live shows and its decible-busting studio albums. But with "Worlds Apart," the group's second major-label recording, Trail of Dead has finally proven it is worthy of such a weighty moniker. Trail of Dead has always produced emotional, original, energetic tunes.

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Government issues basic guidelines for diet, exercise

Ohmygod, could it be true - exercise and good nutrition are what make people lose weight? Last Wednesday, the government issued a statement urging Americans to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day and eat less calories, in what they're calling, "Dietary Guidelines for Americans." I guess we Americans need the extra encouragement from Big Brother, after all, we are one of the fattest nations in the land.

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Ex-Soul Coughing member goes solo

Emily Bingham
January 19, 2005

The only thing better than going out for a great meal is being able to relive the experience by savoring the refrigerated leftovers later as a midnight snack. Such seems to be the premise for the joint rerelease of Mike Doughty's two solo studio albums, "Skittish" and "Rockity Roll," which his label packaged together and put on record store shelves last month.

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'In Good Company' actors propel film

Emily Buckler
January 18, 2005

Usually, you expect films like "In Good Company" to gather an audience similar to typical "chick flicks," a stereotype that includes women and the reluctant men that are dragged there. The Friday afternoon screening of this movie, however, contained a diverse group of men and women, both young and old - a testament to the applicability of this film.

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Esthero drops awaited EP

Emily Bingham
January 18, 2005

If you're an Esthero fan, chances are you've been holding your breath in anticipation to a follow-up of the vocalist's addictive first album, "Breath From Another." Well, you can finally breathe easy. Like a smart hostess who dishes up a few appetizers to her guests to tide them over until dinner is served, Esthero has released a short, but successful EP, with a handful of tasty tracks that will appear among other songs on her forthcoming full-length album "Wikked Lil' Grrrls." It's been six years since Esthero first hit the airwaves with "Breath From Another." The disc was a smart, sassy debut for the Toronto-based singer, whose smooth vocals blended perfectly with the trip-hop beats and quirky sampling of her then-recording partner Martin McKinney.

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Local hip-hop, rock band to perform tonight at The Temple Club

Nhia Lee
January 18, 2005

One day, in its CD liner notes, Kill Filthy can thank Ruby Tuesday and Meridian Mall. It was about one year ago when lead vocalist Rich Ensley, who goes by the stage name of Filthy Rich, guitarist Josh Waddell and DJ Ryan Kramer,also known as Dr. Sketch, met as line cooks at the unlimited salad bar restaurant. "I had the initial idea of starting a band," said Ensley, 23.

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Local, national twang-rockers to play Temple Club tonight

Emily Bingham
January 14, 2005

When he was just 8 years old, and already dreaming of rock stardom, Robbie Fulks never envisioned that one day he would actually be a professional musician - or that he'd also be taking his own phone calls, answering his own e-mail and walking to the post office himself to mail merchandise to fans. "I pictured myself like Mick Jagger and having guys to do that for you," he said.