Friday, February 20, 2009

Rolling Stone's Latest Issue Doesn't Fail to Entertain

The Feb. 19 issue of Rolling Stone features many political, musical and pop culture references throughout the issue as well as young-adult geared articles and advertisements. The 42-year-old magazine, based out of New York City, can often be seen as a music-lover’s go-to for everything happening today. Rolling Stone publishes many “lists” annually such as the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” and the “500 Greatest Artists of All Time”.
This issue, featuring many photos and commentary on President Obama’s inauguration, focused primarily on the musical performances following the ceremony. Performers such as Aretha Franklin, Sheryl Crow, U2 and many others were shown at what Rolling Stone calls the “Rock & Roll Inauguration”. Also, a six-page feature on Sean Penn, star of the new film “Milk”, was included in the entertainment line-up. As per usual, Rolling Stone featured the latest on the music charts, as well as film and album reviews. Though the organization of the magazine could use some tweaking, Rolling Stone does an excellent job of staying on top of the entertainment industry.
Rolling Stone winds every relevant musical, political and social aspect of U.S. entertainment today into one exciting magazine. Through incredible photography and cut-throat reviews, Rolling Stone never fails to please. Though geared towards 20-somethings, any Rolling Stone fan can agree that the magazine has something to offer everyone.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Robert Greene?

School teacher, journalist, editor? All are titles Robert Greene lends himself on his Website: soylentgreene.us. With many of these claims, Greene provides a link to another page where each fact can be checked. But, are these sources reliable?
After much investigation over the Web, I have come to the conclusion that only a few of these claims can be considered fact fact. After viewing and alumni Webpage of the college from which Greene graduated, Webpages of publications which Greene had claimed to work on, and the Institute for Humanist Studies page, it is clear that there is substantial evidence to back Greene’s history, but not enough to support each claim on his page.
On Wheaton College’s Webpage, a school that Greene claims to have attended, there is an alumni page where one can search for previous graduates. I happened to come across Greene’s name as well as the graduation year he had posted on his Webpage right on the site. Check. Greene indeed had graduated from Wheaton in the appropriate year, 1994, with a degree in Political Science, as he had stated.
After also viewing numerous Webpages for “The Oxx”, a motorcycle magazine of which Greene claimed to be the editor, I came across a few articles written by Greene, but never any actual documentation stating that Greene was the editor.
Nothing but Greene’s own page came across when searching for the Stephen L. French Forestry Camp, putting that claim to bed almost as quickly as it was made.
An ounce of truth did appear, however, when a photograph of Greene taken in 2003 was found on the Institute for Humanist Studies’ Webpage. Another solid claim from Greene.
An article published in “The Nashua Telegraph”, a newspaper based out of the school where Greene currently teaches, also quotes him on the 2008 Nashua teacher’s contract fiasco, identifying him as a journalism teacher from Nashua High School South.
Though many of these claims can be backed by outside information, there is not enough substantial evidence that would deem Greene a quality source. Unfortunately, there was more mystery in his claims than actual fact.

Draco and the Malfoys Make Magic

Draco and the Malfoys, a "Wizard Rock" band out of Rhode Island, is a current musical project designed to advocate reading and literature through rock and roll. Thier album, "Unsorted", consists of 12 tracks each based off the "Harry Potter" series. Made up of two brothers, Brian Ross and Bradley Mehlenbacher, the group performs at bookstores, libraries, and schools and also has made their music accessible on iTunes.

"My Dad is Rich", a song on the album, talks about the rivalry between two characters from the J.K. Rowling series: Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy. Though sung in a whiney, teen-like tone, "My Dad is Rich" conveys important plot information from the series. One line of the song, "How's your mommy doing in the Mirror of Erised?", recalls a scene from Rowling's first novel when Potter gazes at his mother's reflection in the magic mirror.

Though the musical quality is not quite up to par, "Draco and the Malfoys" can definitely appeal to fans of the "Harry Potter" series. The tracks lend a catchy tune to the books, giving a unique personality to the plotlines and characters.

Friday, February 13, 2009

A Bushel and a Plan

As Valentine’s Day approaches, Emily Sullivan, a senior at Nashua South, thinks carefully about how she is going to spend this special holiday.

An interview by Amy Cote, also a senior at South, reveals that Sullivan plans to spend the day with her boyfriend. “We are going out to dinner” said Sullivan. When later asked where she and her boyfriend were planning to go, Sullivan said that they were both planning to go to Uno’s in Nashua to spend the romantic holiday together.

“I can’t wait” said Sullivan.

Both Sullivan and her boyfriend plan to travel to the restaurant in Sullivan’s car.

About Me

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I'm Alissa. I should have totally lived in the 1940s. Writing is part of who I am, but not the only part. I'm inspired by the city, by its people, and by its glory. I know where I am going, and no one or nothing is going to hinder me. The one thing I desire most, what I strive toward... is a new beginning and a happy ending.

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