The James Logan Courier

By Thalia Hedges, Courier Staff Writer

In 1999, music group CKY and magazine corporation Big Brother joined forces to create the worldwide popular hit MTV show, Jackass. The boys in the show had no idea what they were getting into; one by one the guys —from stuntmen to circus clowns to just a guy who lived in a pickup truck — came together to form a strong but wacky, relationship that resulted in a crazy show that the public was not expecting.

The hit show consisted of stunts such as swallowing a live goldfish and throwing it up,running around NYC dressed up as apes bugging the public, having boxing matches in sport stores and wrestling with wild animals. None of the players had shame and they still don’t. The bigger and crazier the stunt, the better.

By Margaret Wappler, MCT Campus

Sons of a preacher man, the Kings of Leon are traditionalists, renovators of abandoned guitar lines from classic rock radio, which they expertly refurbish into modern, stadium-ready anthems. For better and worse, they're like the IKEA of rock: taking classic, clean designs and spitting out new versions that work for listeners who want to venture a bit afield but not too far.

At times, the Tennessee band's old-fashioned approach can be exactly the element that surprises: The piano at the close of "The End" finishes on a bright key instead of a discordant note, which would be in keeping with the song's somber mood. It's unexpected within the track's context, yet the choice can't help but recall old radio optimism, when the likes of Brian Wilson or Elton John wanted little more than to coax a smile.

By Julia Ortiz, Courier Staff Writer

Belinda, provocative and erotic, is a far cry from author Anne Rice's (pen name Anne Rampling) mystical and magical worlds from previous books while still containing a world of possibilites.

Between the relationship of 16-year-old runaway and 44-year-old children's book artist, adventure unravels like a ball of yarn. Scandal, family secrets and questions of right versus wrong plague the minds of Belinda's readers.

A drawback of this book is that, similar to much of Rice's other novels, it begins very slowly with seeming unnecessary description. Indeed, it can get a bit dry and frustrating to read so much detail about the rain when the story really gets exciting.

By Tish Wells
McClatchy Newspapers (MCT)

He's a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey with a fondness for planet Earth — which is good because he is constantly saving it from nasty aliens such as Daleks, Sontarans and Cybermen. He flies around in a classic blue British police box and can manipulate any lock in the universe with a sonic screwdriver.

Are you lost yet? Well, check out "Doctor Who: The Visual Dictionary" and you might be able to get caught up before the new season of the show starts in the spring of 2011 on BBC America.

A favorite of science fiction media fans, "Doctor Who" has been on-and-off British television for more than 40 years. The main character changes by regenerating into a new body — 11 times for 11 different actors — thus extending the series. He's had numerous companions _ male and female, young and old, human and alien, who provide him with friendship, challenge his assumptions and occasionally, even save his life.

By Billy O'Keefe
McClatchy-Tribune (MCT)

"Clash of the Titans'" dual multimedia failure began with Warner Bros.'s astounding ability to airball a dunk by failing, despite possessing all the technology money could buy, to remake a movie that actually made complete sense to remake.

With the video game, which fails to hold any candle whatsoever to the "God of War" games that took that original movie's premise and lifted it wholesale, the failure is now complete.

In fairness to game, it doesn't appear to have nearly the same budgetary freedom as the film. Most of "Titans'" storytelling takes place through the kind of static dialogue exchanges we expected from games 10 years ago, and most of those exchanges are bland even by those dated standards — more akin to receiving mission instructions in a "World of Warcraft" knockoff than playing out what's supposed to be mimicking a sweeping epic that "God of War" started retelling five years ago to exponentially more dazzling effect.

By Linh-Chi Nguyen, Courier Music Editor

Powerful and relentless, metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada concocts a twenty-one minute EP satiated with sheer momentum and minimal disappointment. Originating from Dayton, Ohio, the band produces an EP that is more brutal than their last three full lengths: Dear Love: A Beautiful Discord, Plagues, and With Roots Above and Branches Below. Now The Devil Wears Prada delivers Zombie EP, which is bursting with high-energy belts and mind-blowing riffs. The EP features a zombie apocalypse theme that is powerful and daunting, which in turn satisfies most metalcore lovers of this decade.

Each song is completely fusillading, exhausted of any potential for anything greater than what has already been produced. The EP is less melodic than the last album; in consequence, the brutality of the band is clearly presented in this EP, as well as their talent as instrumentalists. In addition, Mike Hranica screams in a fashion that shows a notable difference from their last full-length album.

By Kimmai Nguyen, Courier Staff Writer

Michael Dorris portrays his strengths in writing by creating detailed settings and a powerful plot that draws readers in. He knows how to express characters in the most realistic and balanced ways. He decides to divide his book A Yellow Raft in Blue Water into three first-person narratives.

The first chapter is viewed in the eyes of the teenage Rayona, daughter of an Indian mother and black father. She struggles with having mixed blood and feels abandoned by her mother when she gets dumped at her Aunt Ida’s house.

The second chapter is shown through her mother, Christine. This chapter travels through her as a teenager to the present. Christine felt she was the bastard child compared to her handsome, most adored brother Lee. She is conflicted with her overbearing mother whom she has to call Aunt Ida.

By Arthel Cargill, Courier Staff Writer

Ithaka by Adele Geras is a tale of romance, betrayal, and adventure. The book gives light to the idea of one woman's enduring love for her husband and the lengths to which she will go to keep that love alive. It tells the story of Odysseus's return to the city of Ithaka, his homeland and kingdom, and his wife, Penelope, whose undying loyalty, faithfulness, and unconditional love keep her waiting for him.

The conflict arises when suitors from neighboring Greek islands travel to Ithaka in order to win Penelope's love and acquire her hand in marriage. Penelope, unwilling to accept the cruel idea that her beloved husband may have not survived his voyage - or worse, that he was unfaithful to her - vows never to remarry, but begins to fall madly in love with Odysseus's best friend and brother in arms.

By Billy O'Keefe
McClatchy-Tribune (MCT)

There's a perfectly valid argument to be made in favor of "Despicable Me's" opening tutorial level, which holds players' hands at a pace that can generously be described as agonizing. The primary gameplay — straightforward 2D running and jumping — needs no introduction, but Gru's weapon (a multifunction raygun whose functions can be combined) and minions (those cute yellow guys, who help Gru solve puzzles and reach previously unreachable areas) justifiably merit some explanation.

By the end of the 20-minute tutorial, though, all the unskippable stopping and explaining is enough to make seasoned players wistful of the days when games had no scruples about dropping kids into a gauntlet and daring them to figure it out themselves.

By Andrea Higares, Courier Film Editor

CW series Supernatural premiered its sixth season on Friday, September 24.

In the fifth season finale, Sam Winchester (Jared Padalecki) falls into the pit of Hell and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) shows up to his long -lost girlfriend’s house. However, Sam didn’t stay in hell because he was shown right outside Dean’s house.

This season, Sam is back and Dean is out of the family hunting business. His return may have been early, but it wouldn’t be right without him. Dean is living the life he always wanted: a family and a home with a white fence dream. However, the viewer is left wondering how long that can last.

By Milto Ungashe, Courier Staff Writer

If you’re one with an adventurous appetite, like to try new things and are looking an authentic African dining experience, Zeni’s Ethiopian Restaurant in San Jose, is the place to go.

I had the opportunity to eat at this restaurant with my family last week and was pleasantly surprised by all of the flavorful spices present in each and every dish we ordered.

Upon entrance, I observed that the atmosphere and environment of the restaurant was really nothing fancy as it was quite small; it was pleasant nonetheless. The traditional Ethiopian paintings and artifacts covering the walls and live music filling the restaurant contributed greatly to a genuine Ethiopian ambiance. The service was great also: all of the waiters and waitresses were very nice and friendly. However, we did have to wait quite a bit for our food to be served, but once it was, we were very content.

By Andrea Higares, Courier Film Editor

Tired of listening to the same thing? Want something new? Then try the new exciting band Runner Runner.

The band is comprised of five talented men: lead vocalist Ryan Ogren, guitarists Nick Bailey and Peter Munters, bassist Jon Berry and drummer James Ulrich. Their love and passion for music came together, showing the world the next boy band that will drive listeners crazy.

Initially the individual members were not in the same band. However, they did share the road and played with each other often. On the road there was a connection that lead them to make this band.

By Linh-Chi Nguyen, Courier Music Editor

In a scene that is very concerned with overdone haircuts and embellished appearance, the band Bring Me the Horizon has risen atop with more dominance than the usual metalcore cliché. Those who have predominantly buried themselves in the genre of metalcore have likely familiarized themselves with this band. The British quintet, formed in 2004, has three solid albums to date: Count Your Blessings, Suicide Season and the new release titled There Is a Hell, Believe Me I've Seen It. There Is a Heaven, Let's Keep It a Secret.

With their debut album Count Your Blessings, Bring Me the Horizon established their status as a brutally dynamic band with insane instrumentals followed by vocalist Oliver Sykes's high-pitched (and occasionally low-pitched) screams. Two years later, Bring Me The Horizon unveiled their next release, Suicide Season, which denoted a more stylistic approach in respect to Sykes's seemingly differential vocal range and heavy instrumentals.

By Linh-Chi Nguyen, Courier Music Editor

A nine-year-old whose persona reigns with passion and intrigue sets off on a remarkable endeavor to piece together solace to mend his spirits. Author Jonathan Safran Foer concocts the character of Oskar Schell with much brilliance; his portrayal of this young boy doesn't lack in any dimension.

In the book Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, Oskar Schell has his entire life in transit. Schell fiends for the closure he has been always wanting after the terrible incident of 9/11. When he stumbles upon a lost key with an envelope that reads the word "Black" in red marker, he does anything in his power to discover whatever remaining connection he has with his father, Thomas Schell. The preteen embarks on his goal to visit everyone in New York with the last name “Black”. Though it sounds rather impossible, Oskar Schell feels as if he is obligated to find out who had any relation with the key. With this, he meets a plethora of people with differing personalities and situations. Oskar creates a considerable relationship with everyone he encounters.

By Amy Kaufman
Los Angeles Times (MCT)

LOS ANGELES — When Aaron Johnson walked in to audition for "Nowhere Boy," which centers on John Lennon's teenage years, the film's director instantly felt the young actor exhibited the same intensity and swagger as the music legend.

"I had a pretty good instinct right away that he was going to be Lennon," said Sam Taylor-Wood.
The connection between the 43-year-old director and her 20-year-old star proved to be profound. The two fell in love during the production of "Nowhere Boy"; the couple is now engaged and have a child together. But during a recent interview at L.A.'s Chateau Marmont, a casual Johnson, wearing cargo shorts and flip-flops, seemed perplexed by the fact that their May-December romance is getting so much attention with the U.S. release of the film.

By Andrea Higares, Courier Staff Writer

On September 24th, the season premieres of Smallville aired on the CW. Coming back for its tenth and final season, many believed it would not be a great start because of past premieres. However, it did really well.

This season starts out where the last one ended, when Lois Lane (played by Erica Durance) found Clark Kent’s (Tom Welling) lifeless body with a blue kryptonite knife in him. She sneaks away once she has pulled the knife out.

But once the knife is out, Kent heals and Lane learns his secret: he is The Blur. Throughout the rest of the show viewers see Kent becoming both more and less like Superman.

By Justyna Torres, Courier Staff Writer

David Archuleta’s new single “Something ‘Bout Love” is sure to make a chart topping hit.

Unlike most artists who tell fairy tale love stories, Archuleta makes it known that love is anything but that. He tells listeners that falling in love takes people on a rollercoaster: sometimes it hurts, but the ride overall is still an amazing one.

By Amanpreet Tatlah, Courier Staff Writer

Neon Trees' recently released album, “Habits,” has already made an impact. Enjoy the positive sensation of their music. Their first single, “Animal”, catches attention which is a very positive thing because the first single sets the tone for the quality of the rest of their album.

After listening to the whole album, this listener found that its other songs match up to the good quality of the single. Their songs make a person want to sing along and dance because the Neon Trees songs are not just about being gloomy, but about forgiveness, love and passion.

People relating to the lyrics and just having a good time enjoying the music is the vibe they aimed for, and the Neon Trees hit the target.

By Abraham Rangel, Courier Staff Writer

Released on June 15, 2010, Drake's Thank Me Later debuted at number one. Drake, a Young Money affiliate, released his debut album, selling around 447,000 in its first week. This rapper/singer from Toronto, Canada, delivered his debut album with catchy melodies, lyrical skills, and an honest singing voice.

With help from his engineer, 40, and other producers like Swizz Beatz, Kanye West, Francis & The Lights, Boi-1da, NoI. D., and Timbaland (just to name a few), this 14-track setlist are all songs that you are able to relate to with the complexity of Drake’s lyrics, but all with a simple concept.

By Mike Osegueda
McClatchy Newspapers (MCT)

When you take a traditional marching band and mix it with a little bit of punk rock spirit, the result is Mucca Pazza.

An enormous band of 20-30 musicians and cheerleaders (depending on the show), it's a bit like Band Geeks Gone Wild, the way Mucca Pazza gets on stage with mix-matched uniforms and genre-jumping sounds.

Wild and rambunctious, the band's performances have taken it to the "Late Show with Conan O'Brien," Lollapalooza and the Chicago River, where it played while floating in canoes.

By Steve Baragona, VOA News
Washington, DC

Today's steep rises in food prices, driven up by Russia's drought-devastated wheat harvest, present a worrying echo of the past for the authors of a new book.

In "Empires of Food," the authors say civilizations rise and fall on the backs of their food supplies, and the modern world is repeating mistakes that led earlier empires to fall.

Co-author Evan Fraser teaches sustainable development at the University of Leeds in England. But if he had his way, he would have liked to have been born in the Middle Ages.

By Tiffany Maycon, Courier Staff Writer

Ellen Hopkins certainly knows the meaning of creative writing. In her book, Tricks, she articulately tells an intricate story of various teenagers’ lives that somehow end up tied together to express a broader meaning.

The story is filled with complex writing and compelling life stories that create a fascinating reading experience. Along the way of each character’s journey to find a life that suits them, we find that life cannot always lead us the way that will satisfy us and only we can be comfortable and accepting ofwho we are.

By Billy O'Keefe
McClatchy-Tribune (MCT)

At no point does this review know whether "The Cages: Pro Style Batting Practice" is a smart option for would-be baseball stars who, for all baseball science can tell us, might screw up their swing technique by swinging a Wii remote at a television instead of a real baseball bat at a real baseball. Considering the discrepancies in bat weight, among other obvious factors, it's entirely likely this is more harmful than helpful for serious baseball players.

But taken simply as a video game simulation of a trip to the batting cages — and taking into account the limitations of the Wii even with the MotionPlus attachment in tow — "Cages" does a surprisingly good job at recreating this particular aspect of baseball practice.

By Billy O'Keefe
McClatchy-Tribune (MCT)

There's something a little bittersweet about the moment "Singularity" transforms, very early on, from a scary fight between your humble pistol and some fierce monsters to a solid but considerably less tense first-person shooter with typical weapons and typical human enemies.

Fortunately, the bland latter scenario doesn't last. And even the former scenario doesn't hold a candle to what happens once "Singularity" lifts the veil and shows what it can really do.

Set both in the 1950s as well as 2010, "Singularity" tells the story of how technology in the wrong hands in the past led to a dramatically different global climate in the present. We've all heard that one before, but what "Singularity" lacks in originality, it redeems in thoroughness, combining environmental designs, supporting characters, audio recordings, journal entries and even filmstrips to tell one engrossing story.

By Thalia Hedges, Courier Staff Writer

If you’re looking for a fun-filled event you should check out Laser Quest.

The chain's Mountain View facility, one of more than 50 in the U.S. and Canada, is located at 1400 N Shoreline Blvd # C3.. For $9 you can play a fifteen minute game in a huge dark room, surrounded with black lights, mazes and even ramps leading to more mazes on the second floor! But beware… you may run into tricky mirrors giving off false opponent battle lights.