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Features

FEATURES

'Flying Daggers' soars with natural beauty

Emily Buckler
January 28, 2005

"House of Flying Daggers" is a must-see film that has somehow disappeared from local public radar underneath the corpulent folds of big budget American cinema. This is China's official selection for an Oscar in the foreign language film category, and it's no mystery why - "House of Flying Daggers," by "Hero" Director Yimou Zhang, has all the dramatic elements needed to make it an instant classic. The story takes place in A.D.

FEATURES

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.

FEATURES

Car buff explains love for vehicles

The automobile symbolizes many different things. For some of us, our cars are transportation to class, part-time jobs and the only way to get home and see family during the weekends.

FEATURES

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.

FEATURES

'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.

FEATURES

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.

FEATURES

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.

FEATURES

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.

FEATURES

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.

FEATURES

'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.