Friday, December 20, 2024

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Features

FEATURES

Vino varieties

With thousands of varieties to choose from, picking a wine can be a daunting task. Fortunately, East Lansing has several wine experts to help you find what you're looking for.

FEATURES

Artists join forces to benefit the Ear

Concerns about the impending war with Iraq seem to be everywhere lately. They were present during a recent benefit concert for The Listening Ear Crisis Intervention Center when fans of local music and anti-war activists came together at Erickson Hall Kiva to hear arguments against military action - and some good tunes. Although the main focus of the event was to raise money for the crisis center, some of the songs had a strong anti-war message. "I don't think (protesting's) futile," said Paul Fagan, a member of Lansing-based Direct Action who spoke at the concert.

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New episodes of South Park promise hilarity

They're baaaaaaaaack.Within 24 hours, the newest episode of South Park will air, marking the beginning of 7 weeks of fresh harassment, offensive jokes and parody.And although last season's episodes were kick-ass, I have a feeling we ain't seen nothin' yet.A few recent happenings in the world of Comedy Central and South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone lead me to believe this season will be unforgettable.• Kenny is back.

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Nintendo goes high-tech with new Game Boy

There's a saying on "Good things come in small packages." Although that's not always true, Nintendo makes it certain this time around with its newly redesigned Game Boy Advance SP, which launches in North America Sunday. No bigger than a folded dollar bill when closed (though it is 1 inch thicker), this little gizmo is truly a tiny work of art. Not only does the SP make it the first truly portable Game Boy because of its compact size thanks to a flip-screen design, but Nintendo has also thrown in a number of other new features that really make it "shine" above anything the company - or its competitors has put out before. People can now slip the SP into a pocket and take it anywhere without scratching the screen.

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Sights and sounds of a world at war

In times of war, few aspects of society remain untouched. From music to movies to prime-time news, the way we view life and how we express ourselves undergo dramatic changes. The evolution of music into a form of political expression was solidified in the Vietnam War era, as artists took up their instruments to inspire and motivate. News coverage of conflict has come a long way from the spotty radio broadcasts of the 1940s, the body counts on the nightly news during the 1960s to the video-gamelike broadcasts during the first Gulf War. As Bush's 48-hour deadline looms ever larger on the horizon, our senses are flooded with sights and sounds of the changing world around us. Thirty-four years ago, musicians, artists, pop culture icons and concerned citizens gathered on a farm in rural New York to speak out against war and promote peace through music.

FEATURES

New releases

Although there isn't much in the way of new music in this week's releases, tributes and greatest hits are all the rage.Willie Nelson follows last week's The Clash with "The Essential Willie Nelson." The album, which contains a number of original recordings remastered, contains two discs, which features Julio Iglesias, U2 and Aerosmith.The New York Dolls releases "20th Century Masters -- Millennium Collection: The Best of the New York Dolls," which celebrates the band's six-year stand.

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Irish celebrate holiday with patriotism

Dublin, Ireland -Patriotism was all around me Monday as people sported the three colors of the country they love most - orange, white and green. I must admit I was ecstatic to learn that the dates of my Ireland study abroad program coincided with the celebration of the famous Irish holiday, St.

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Hot deal for 'Hot' tickets

If you know someone who likes it hot, get him or her a free ticket. The Wharton Center is offering a buy one student ticket get a second student ticket free for the production of "Some Like It Hot," starring award-winning actor Tony Curtis. The play is based on the film that also starred Curtis along with Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe.

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Charlevoix album 'Begging' for fans

As long as I don't have to deal with any more female "musicians" making money solely off of their T&A, I'll be happy. That is the thought that ran through my head when I picked up the most recent release by Kalamazoo-area rockers Charlevoix.

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Circus invades Breslin

It is not very common to see people flying inside Breslin Center. Spectators of all ages were kept in awe last weekend by the flying acrobats, spinning aerialists and trapeze artists making up the 330-year-old Royal Hanneford Circus.

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Show to feature student models

An East Lansing retailer and MSU students are working together this weekend to promote good fashion and have a good time. The "Allure Fashion & Music Show," sponsored by the University Activities Board, hits the International Center at 9 p.m.

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Kidman, Moore top list

The Best Actress race will likely be a competition of the ages, given all the actresses involved just might have put forth career-best performances. I say, apparently against the predictions of others, Renée Zellweger stands a good chance of walking away disappointed.

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Local artists unite for anti-war benefit concert

Some local bands are joining anti-war protesters for an on-campus concert. On Sunday, Ettison Clio, Bump, The Fuzz, Ellsworth, Nova Scotia and Lost Without Leaving will be playing a benefit concert entitled "Peace for the Ear" beginning at 6 p.m.

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Gallery helps ready artists

Vivid colors, photographs and artistic ability are on display at MSU's Kresge Art Center, showcasing the work of two studio art seniors preparing for life after graduation.

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'Hunted' offers pure, high adrenaline entertainment

Take a deep breath and plunge right in. "The Hunted" is a slick action flick featuring great action, fine performances and enough suspense to make you chew your fingernails off. Benicio Del Toro makes Rambo, the namesake of the film it will most likely be compared to, look like a bitch as Aaron Hallam, an AWOL special forces assassin who has apparently snapped after a bloody operation in Kosovo.