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Weird take on holiday play fails to entertain
It's hard to hate "A Christmas Carol." Aside from being an all-time classic, people generally know what to expect.
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Local hip-hop act to bring unique sound to Temple Club
Diamonds in the Rough must have known they were worthy of their name before they brought it to the masses, because the tracks the group of nine lay out on "Vision Quest" are stellar.
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Perfecting the drip
Tall or Grande. Latte or Americano. Chai or Yerba. It's all part of a vocabulary that's become as American as the term "supersize." While the American coffee craze is nothing new, the specialty coffee industry has exploded in the last decade and the Lansing area is no exception as people of all ages, especially students, flock to the same hangout: the local coffee shop. MSU graduate student Jiyoung Hwang typically gets a regular cup of coffee when she studies at Beaner's Gourmet Coffee, 270 W.
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'Blade' director talks comic books
They might be superheroes, but comic-book favorites like Batman and Blade can't make the death-defying leap from page to screen without a little assistance.
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'Enduring Love' combines comedy, suspense
A crimson hot air balloon touches down for a brief moment in a pastoral field. It's obvious the navigators are having trouble grounding the vessel. A handful of passersby rush to the rescue, throwing their weight on the balloon's basket.
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Editor picks top 5 CDs of 2004
In a year where music listeners packed piles of singles onto their sleek iPods, downloaded their favorite hits from iTunes and endlessly played that one Franz Ferdinand song, there were some good records released.
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Local landscape artist to display work at gallery
Okemos resident Juanita Baldwin will be exhibited at the East Lansing Public Art Gallery this year. Having no professional art background, Baldwin specializes in landscapes, seascapes and still lifes. Located inside the Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbott Road, Baldwin's art can be seen from 6 a.m.
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'GoldenEye' misses target
When I was in ninth grade, there was only one video game in existence. I kid you not. I occasionally heard rumors that there were other games, and even game systems, floating around, but I took no notice.
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'Closer' looks into nature of infidelity
There's nothing to like about the film "Closer." Its plot meanders aimlessly. Its characters are disgusting human beings.
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Martina McBride to play Breslin Center Sunday
Martina McBride will preform at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Breslin Center for her "The Joy of Chirstmas" concert tour. Winner of two Country Music Awards and the Academy of Country Music's Female Vocalist of the Year award, McBride will perform the concert using changing film backdrops and digital art projections. Ticket prices are $37.50 and $47.50.
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'American Idol' winner's CD forgets gospel roots
We all remember "American Idol" winner Fantasia Barrino who won over America with her powerful voice and touching songs dedicated to her daughter and family. Fantasia, who dropped her last name after winning the competition, put that voice and those songs on vinyl when she released her first album, "Free Yourself" on Nov.
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Philadelphia band shines through different genres
Is it jazz? Possibly folk? Maybe bluegrass? How 'bout rock? Three-part harmony? The trio, Maggi, Pierce and E.J., straight out of Philadelphia, makes music that is absolutely out of this world.
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'Producers' to play Wharton Center Tuesday
Mel Brooks' "The Producers" proves that it has become the best of Broadway. With 12 Tony Awards, the show has won more validation than any other production in history and is scheduled to open Tuesday at Wharton Center. "It's a hilarious piece that anyone who wants to have a few laughs can definitely enjoy," said actress Charley King, who plays Ulla in the production. The story stars Max Bialystock, a grumpy and forgotten theatrical producer and his naive accountant, Leo Bloom.
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Ettison Clio to release new CD, play on campus
Ettison Clio is like gossip floating from ear to lip - they quickly gain "whispering status" as their tunes become juicier and their fan base more widespread.
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Film portrays hardships of Sudanese refugees
For thousands of Sudanese refugees, a journey to America is like "going to heaven." At least that's the initial perception of teenagers featured in "Lost Boys of Sudan," the 2003 documentary that follows a group of orphaned refugees as they travel to the United States in search of employment and education. The film features Peter Nyarol Dut and Santino Majok Chuor, inspiring youths who lost their families during the civil war in Sudan.
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Jean sizes put weight on esteem
There is a point to this column, I swear. Magazines, movies and all the other crap-filled media in the world tell us to "watch out" for the freshman 15 when we come to college - like we're supposed to constantly walk around with an anti-doughnut or anti-beer necklace.
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Dark band with bad vocals to play Mac's
The Eternals are one of those bands that are totally grooveable - until the point when the lead singer opens his mouth.
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Rock your body
Welcome back to "Rock Your Body," The State News' fitness and nutrition column. Each week, we hit up our local experts with some questions and pass on their wisdom to you. But before we get to the goods, we thought we'd tell you a little bit about who'll be giving you advice. Tom Ostrander: Tom is the owner of Powerhouse Gym, 435 E.
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Free for all
For many people, the holiday season can be a time when extra cash is hard to come by. A need to purchase gifts and update winter wardrobes can leave students at a loss when it comes time to enjoy some of life's extras or even some of its necessities.
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'Alexander' an epic catastrophe
How do you take the story of a phenomenal ancient warrior and turn it into possibly the most boring three hours of your life?