The cover of Paramore’s first CD, All We Know is Falling, offers a serene picture of a red couch. At first glance, it seems so comfortable and inviting, and yet from another view it looks plain, empty, and utterly forgettable. This cover sets the scene for a CD that is neither good nor bad. The only thing I can say is listening to it was a lackluster experience.

As I popped the CD in my player and poised my ear in so I could listen intently, I immediately heard strong instrumentals. I am not disputing the talent of this bunch because for a group of such young band members I could see them all growing immensely as artists. For example, the band’s drummer, Zac Farro is just 15 and is posed to have a wonderful career in the music business if he wants it. Likewise, the bassist and lead guitarist, Josh Farro and Jeremy Davis are equally talented.

This may or may not be true, but the fact is that Hayley’s voice, while teaming with potential, needs the strength to match the force of the band behind her. The vibe I got from Hayley was that of a ballad singer (think Amy Lee of Evanescence) while the band behind her was alternative (think Simple Plan).

When it comes to the music, "Whoa", was my least favorite track. Reminiscent of an emo song gone wrong, it just struck the wrong cord in me. However, I can say that it was the only track on All We Know is Falling that I truly disliked. The others, while unmemorable, were not interesting enough to make me want to turn off the CD. They just seemed to blend in to my day and were not enough to make me want to stop and listen had I been doing something else.

There are ten songs on the All We Know is Falling CD and for a freshman try it wasn’t a horrible one. I have heard better, but in my opinion, this wasn’t the worst album on the planet either.

Paramore is a young band, and because of this, they appeal to a certain audience. However, I feel that most people who have already gotten through the angst-ridden trials and tribulations of teenage love gone wrong will not find a place in their heart for this band.

Paramore has the possibility and the talent to do great things. It just was not happening on this particular album. The songs felt so similar that they all seemed to blend into one. Occasionally, one would jump out and make me take notice, but usually that was not the case. It was just one song after another that could have been a large orchestral piece broken up between sets.

The producer of this CD is a company called Fueled by Ramen. If you are familiar with bands such as, Panic! At the Disco and Fall Out Boy then you may recognize the name. All the bands on this label I have heard tend to be unique in some way and fall under the alternative or punk categories. Sadly, I must say that if you purchase this CD hoping to find Fueled by Ramen greatness you will be disappointed.

Paramore was a miss with All We Know is Falling, but bands are capable of change. Don’t write them off completely just yet. Who knows, they may end up surprising us someday. The talent is there. They just need to work out the kinks.

Star Rating:

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September 11, 2001 is a moment that will forever live in the infamy of American History. Nearly everyone that was old enough to remember the attacks remembers what they were doing when it happened and how it has affected them all these years later. So, as the news for this movie began circling I was immediately and anxiously awaiting the release. In fact, it was the most anticipated movie of my summer.

Nicolas Cage heads up the cast playing John McLoughlin, the Sergeant that led a small group of Port Authority police officers into the towers to help rescue people trapped. Cage offers a glimpse of an emotional side showing strength and fear with only his voice as we watch the events unfold with baited breath.

Michael Pena, while slightly unknown compared to Cage, is simply a scene-stealer. Pena beautifully portrays William Jimeno, one of the Port Authority officers, who is stuck with Cage’s McLoughlin beneath a pile of rubble. Pena moved into the Jimeno house to prepare for the role and the studying definitely helped. His performance was filled with emotion, force, and desperation. It was everything necessary to bring the movie together perfectly.

The lead women roles of Maria Bello and Maggie Gyllenhaal showed us how the wives of these men held on to memories when the lives of their husbands hung in the balance. We watched the turn of events in their minds and on their faces as life went from normal to unimaginable in a moment’s time.

A small bit part by Stephen Dorff also added to the strength of the movie. The horror of the events are as evident on his face as the tears in his eyes as he plays Scott Strauss, the man that came in and saved the lives of Jimeno and McLoughlin.

People might liken this to be an attempt on Stone’s part to make a stir, but they could not be more wrong. McLoughlin and Jimeno both have writing credits on the movie and their input heavily influenced the production. If you are looking for a touching, heart-wrenching story that could have been an action-flick but was unfortunately true, then this movie is for you.

If you see one movie this summer see World Trade Center. It is well worth the time and tears you will spend watching it.

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Most American Idol fans were more then excited to get their hands on the latest CD promoting the American IdolAmerican Idol: Season Five Encore. Season Five was definitely the most entertaining and talent-filled season of the show.

American Idol offered plenty of great singers and songs, which is why I considered buying the CD. Unfortunately, this is where the good times end.

While this wasn’t an option for early Idol retiree Melissa McGhee and “Chicken Little” crooner, Kevin Covais many of the other Idols had at least a few options that were much better than what was offered to us with this CD.

The best options offered to you on this CD are small, but there are a few good moments nonetheless. Chicken Little’s rendition of "When I fall in Love" was on of the best songs on the CD. Chris Daughtry doesn’t disappoint with his rendition of Bon Jovi’s "Dead or Alive" though I think that it would have been a better choice to have"Renegade" placed on the CD instead. Finally, while not my favorite, "Moody’s Mood for Love" by the soulful and jazzy Elliott Yamin is better than most of the songs on the disc, but again this was not my favorite song by Elliott.

If you are an Idol fan, it is almost a surefire bet that you will be as questioning as I am of the music choices. Questioning why Katharine McPhee sang "Think"instead of the better sounding "Black Horse and The Cherry Tree", and why Ace Young played "Father Figure "instead of crooning "That’s All" (which was a surprising and sentimental change, even if it did get him knocked off of the show) is a natural thing. So do not be surprised to be disappointed.

Some of the other badly chosen songs include "Superstition", sang by Bucky Covington, "I’m every woman", by Mandisa, and "Takin’ it to the Streets", by AI winner Taylor Hicks. The CD wraps it up with rather plain performances by Lisa Tucker who sang "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m yours)", "Walkin’ after Midnight" by Kellie Pickler, and finally "Midnight Train to Georgia" by Paris Bennett.

Add this to the fact that the cover art was somewhat campy, with all the faces lined up in a box of Idols (a la Brady Bunch) and you have a CD that just plain misses the mark. While I wanted to like it, I realized after more than one listen that I just could not get into it.

The icing on the cake was when my mother-in-law, a diehard American Idol fan and the nicest, most complimenting person I know who often disagrees with my musical assessments, happened to breeze into the room while Ashtyn and I were listening to the CD. Her take on the American Idol CD (which I was going to gift to her), was negative. She didn’t like it and it wasn’t worth the money any one could have spent on it.

I have decided to stick with my favorite memories of American Idol which I have kept on DVR. If you loved this season, I recommend the same for you. Here’s hoping the individual CD’s of this talented 12-some will be better because American Idol: Season Five Encores will prove to be a let down for any true blue Idol fan.

Star Rating:

Technorati Tags: American Idol, Music Review, Chris Daughtry, Paris Bennett, Bucky Covington, Kellie Pickler, Chicken Little, Mandisa, Lisa Tucker, Taylor Hicks, Ace Young, Elliott Yamin, Katherine McPhee

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The opening scene of each Magilla Gorilla cartoon will bring back great memories to any cartoon fan without the Boomerang Network. Mr. Peebles is sure to bring a smile to your face as he stands around, plotting, hoping, and looking for ways to get rid of a gorilla (Magilla) when no one buys them anymore. Magilla is the only gorilla in the pet store. Of course, with a gorilla like Magilla, you only need one. This late 60’s cartoon is out for the first time on DVD, to entertain both old and new fans as well as delight a whole new generation of children.

Jam packed into four DVD’s is 23 episodes and plenty of special features. Among the special features are the Live and Unplugged version of the Magilla Gorilla theme song, an interactive look at the Peebles Pet Shop and an interview with Allan Melvin, the voice of Magilla. There are also eight bonus cartoons included in the set.

Some personal favorites that made these DVD’s worth the watch include classic episodes like Private Magilla, where Magilla is drafted into the military and Big Game, where Magilla is adopted and hunted by the same person! Of course, as you would expect he comes out okay and ends up with his very own Butler in the process. The great thing about Magilla Gorilla is the package deal quality of it all. The Complete Series carries the MG name, but includes two other cartoons for every episode Punkin’ Puss and Mushmouse, the country bumpkin version of Tom and Jerry and Ricochet Rabbit.

Parents will be sure to recognize some subtle things they never caught as kids. You will hear the voice of Scooby Doo in Ricochet Rabbit and Droop-a-long should remind you somewhat of Bugs Bunny and the Mel Blanc franchise. You might even pick up on the interesting way that all the characters seem to hold small resemblances to other characters played in The Flintstones and The Jetsons.

The only negative thing I can say about Magilla Gorilla: The Complete Series is that a few of the cartoons did not hold up as well in the DVD conversion process than others. However, I have to say the overall quality is excellent. If you’re a cartoon lover and you’re looking for some quality cartoons for your kids, give Magilla a try. After all, it’s time someone took him home and kept him for a change.

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Written by Dom and Ash - Visit Website
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Turn the CD player up and keep it loud because The Reel Big Fish’s new album, Our Live Album is Better than your Live Album, will keep your energy going all night long! When it comes to live albums I am normally weary. After all, in the majority of live elements, voices and songs sound different. However, Reel Big Fish did not let me down. In fact, it was hands down one of the best live albums I have heard in quite some time.

The band is completely in sync on this one and you immediately learn how well they work together. Of course, this CD was a labor of love for the Reel Big Fish. This CD marks the first CD release since their removal on the roster at Jive Records. This is the first time in ten years that Reel Big Fish have been able to call themselves independent artists.

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Nintendo has been baiting faithful users with news of Wii for months. This new system, which should debut in time for the holidays is in competition with the debut of the even more anticipated, Sony Playstation 3. People are anxiously awaiting information to determine the price and a number of other factors in order to determine which game system to buy.

I believe it cost $99.00 at a Woolworth’s store in the mall. Back then,
one hundred bucks for a video game was considered expensive. However,
nothing ever seemed as satisfying as playing Mario and Duck Hunt.

As I got older I stuck with Nintendo. I remember my brother rigging our
television so he didn’t have to turn off the game. He was on a quest to
win Super Mario Bros. 3. He almost made it, too. Had my mom not turned
off the game on accident one morning, he probably would have. He was so
mad he didn’t look at the game for a week. Eventually he gave in
though. After all, Nintendo can be quite addictive.

I remember
Legend of Zelda when it was nothing more than a tiny little guy that
dotted around the screen. Now we see what Link looks like in all his
glory, blonde hair and all. Video games as a whole have come a long way
in their time in technology.

I will admit openly that I pay more attention to the game selection. I will never give up Nintendo merely because I have a special place in my heart for Mario. Add this to the fact that I am anxiously awaiting the back play capability for Duck Hunt and I’m ready for Wii to hit the stores. Of course, Dominick loves the power, versatility, and games that Sony puts out so I am sure that a Playstation 3 will find its way into our home as well.

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Just recently, I wrote an article about how Nintendo and Sony are coming out with their game systems this year. During the article I explained that Xbox was more or less washed up in my opinion and that like many, I wasn’t interested in that particular franchise.

The question needs to be asked if this would be even worth it. I am sure it will be popular for now. As it is free I am sure a number of people are going to be out there attempting to test the waters of video game making whether they have an Xbox or not. I don’t think that this will help to raise the sales of the Xbox though I think it was a good marketing move to come out with this now that the other systems will be making their way to stores.

However, it is an interesting prospect none the less. What one company can do, the others will learn how to. I can help but wonder when I will be making my own Mario game as I am sure the making your own system will be much more exciting when you’re actually interested in the platform you can use it on.

Technorati Tags: Microsoft. Video Game, Game Maker, Consumer

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Written by Ashtyn - Visit Website
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Ashtyn Evans is a writer, advocate, free thinker, and all around cynical person. Always quick to find the negative in anything pop culture, she loves being a part of that which she despises. Ashtyn and Dominick own numerous blogs together, as well as a full-time writing business. In her spare time she is a full-time college student studying History and Psychology. She plans to one day give up her freelance career and be a full-time blogger, novelist, and domestic goddess. She can be contacted for writing projects, fan mail, or just to say hi. She really is friendlier than we make her look.

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Zoos around the world attempt to provide a place of respite for endangered and unique animals while providing entertainment to animal lovers.

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One of the hardest parts of being disabled is not being able to get where you want to go at the drop of a hat. As someone who is disabled, I can tell you how a simple trip across town can turn into an accessibility nightmare.

With the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, there have been vast improvements towards making public buildings accessible. However, try going between a big city and a small town. You will see a difference.

Depending on the disability, accessibility issues may be different for everyone.

While steps are almost always a problem for a person with a physical disability (though it is true some have adapted to climbing with assistive devices) the size of the doorway in buildings and homes is going to matter more to a person in a wheelchair then to a person who can walk with braces and crutches.

In an ideal world, every building and residential property would have:

Unfortunately, this dream is not yet a reality.

Able-Bodied World View

The world has an able-bodied view. It is made for able-bodied individuals so finding an accessible home is a task for the disabled. Going shopping is a task. Getting in public buildings, though they are supposed to be accessible, can be a task.

When I went to Bowling Green State University, I complained to the city of Bowling Green about their lack of sidewalks. I got the media involved in my ongoing dispute with the BGSU accessibility office. I had issues with the university spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to put an elevator into Falcon Stadium for alumni when their campus needed a serious accessibility makeover.

At the time of my enrollment in the university, these were the main problems I found:

• Many buildings lacked automatic doors, so I had to shimmy them open from my chair.
• The ramp at the library was so steep and twisted, I was nervous every time I went down it.
• The dorms were hard to get into. I had to have help getting my key card into the high slot to get into my room.
• Getting food could be a task because some of the counters were high.
• The stages (I studied acting at BGSU) all had steps to access them, minus a small acting space upstairs in one building.
• Some elevator buttons were so high they were level with the hand of my 6 foot tall brother.
• The sidewalks on campus were bumpy and some of them had huge cracks I had to avoid.
• The town of Bowling Green did not have many sidewalks.
• Many old buildings were hard to navigate and had elevators that broke down constantly. Do not ask me how many times I was stuck upstairs after class, downstairs so I could not get to class, or in the elevators themselves.

I have not been back to the BGSU campus since 2000 when I vowed to find a college that was more accessible. After a year, the fighting became too much to handle while balancing classes and personal issues in my life.

When I attended BGSU, I would often drive down the side of the busy Bowling Green roads into town in my wheelchair. Some of the buildings were accessible, but most of them were old.

The Quest for Accessibility

I ended up at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. It is amazing what a difference a three-hour drive can make.

The pluses of WSU were:

Why can’t all schools be this way? As always, there was room for improvement, but compared to BGSU, WSU was a breath of fresh air. It was truly the first time I felt accepted. Only one other city I have been to, to date, has had such a welcoming vibe in terms of accessibility, and that is Manhattan.

Achieving Accessibility

When I went into a wheelchair at 16, and even before then, I was seldom invited over to my peers’ houses. In fact, one of the only places I remember going is to my friend’s house who was also in a wheelchair. It was a good thing his house had a ramp!

A lack of accessibility is something able-bodied people take for granted and you should not do this. You never know if you will be the next person in a wheelchair. Once it happens, it turns your life upside down and suddenly you become the next activist towards making the world accessible.

The time to act and get the ball rolling towards making the world more accessible is now. The key to this is becoming conscious of your surroundings and familiarizing yourself with the need for change.

I challenge all of the able-bodied individuals who read this, to the accessibility test. For a week, I want you to write down everything in your home, town, and workplace that you think could be improved. If you notice public buildings with no ramps or elevators, write it down. If your bathroom is so narrow you can barely get into it standing up, write it down. Write down anything you can think of that seems to need improvement.

At the end of the week, examine your list. I bet you will be surprised at how non-accessible the world really is. If you feel compelled to change the way the world develops businesses and real estate properties, send an email to your mayor, governor, city council members, and any other government officials. Let them know what buildings are still not accessible in your town. Make sure you stress how unacceptable this is.

Email real estate developers and tell them you support the development of disabled-friendly homes. Let them know that it is their duty as builders of housing for the public to make their homes accessible to everyone.

Together we can make the world more disabled-friendly. Together we can ensure that any person in a wheelchair has the access they need to doctors offices, dentist offices, hospitals, homes, and supermarkets. Without the support of the able-bodied population, we are fighting a losing battle. So, please take the time to support our cause just in case a loved one of yours is in our shoes and it is too late to make it easier in their and your lives.

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Written by Dominick - Visit Website
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Dominick Evans is in his late 20’s. He spends his days working as a full time writer/editor and a part time musician/composer. His passions in life include music, directing films, watching movies, reading books, watching sports, wheelchair football, politics and spending time with his family (fiancée Ashtyn, son Robert, and shih-tzu Oliver). Other interests include being an advocate for the disability and GLBT communities.

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Freedom is a simple word, but apparently, the meaning is more complex then I realized. I always assumed freedom meant you could live how you wanted without anyone telling you differently. Of course, looking at the world, I cannot imagine that is the meaning of freedom. If it is, it is obviously missed by some of the more influential people in this country.

When did freedom become free, based on how the government wants you to live? Instead of allowing people a basis for the pursuit of happiness, it has given us an excuse to create wars, enhance terror, and exhibit behavior that has bypassed fascism.

America started out with the belief that people needed to have the individuality to do things their own way. This could mean that you worship a different God or no God at all. Maybe it meant you are a part of a certain political party or that you do not follow politics because you believe it makes no difference. For all intents and purposes, it could mean you are gay, straight, or something beyond these labels. The point is that everyone was meant to have a fair shot no matter who they were or what belief systems they held.

In many ways, the founders of America started out with nothing when they came here to escape intolerance for their beliefs in Europe. They built this vast wasteland of an over-commercialized, under-educated, drug-induced society from sweat and blood. I cannot help but wonder how many of them are laughing and how many are rolling over in their graves at the sad state of affairs we are in today.

I can see why they would be laughing. To put it mildly, this country has easily become unintelligent, at best. In all of the decisions that the leaders make for America and other countries we appear as though we are un-schooled. In the decisions that people make concerning society and what is right and wrong, we appear racially biased, inconsiderate, and in some cases frightening.

Of course, I could see why they would be rolling over for the same reasons. It is an insult to know that you worked your ass off to build something, which people stopped taking care of once you died.

America is now a wasteland of excuses and ignorance, parading as a Superpower while we wait for our Messiah to come. How did we get here? I recognize Governor Bush was not a true elected official, which would explain him being one of the worst presidents in history, but he was not the only one making these decisions.

Are political figures so redundant and inept that they will put their vote with anyone in their party just to screw the other guy? I know the answer is yes. I suppose I am trying to understand why.

It has become unfathomable to me to understand why we cannot find one man in a cave. To boot, the idiot running our country has taken more vacations than a billionaire. This is all in the midst of the innumerable wars that are raging around the world and we have decided not to do anything about them. Well, except to send more troops, money we do not have, and weapons that is.

We will fight in Iraq while we send the boys in Afghanistan home. We will sit by idly as we watch Israel while we allow the biblical prophecies to be told, whether they are not really happening or going to be fulfilled or not. Yet we ignore areas like Darfur that could use our help. To the Darfurs of the world, we do not have the time, attention, or men to care. Besides, what exactly do we get from them anyway? With all that Bin Laden has given us, the least we could do was go away.

Gone are the days of gas for 99 cents, sexual freedom, and creative expression. The American people seem to like to be repressed because they continue to head down this path. It started with politics and now it is heading into other areas. You cannot see women breastfeeding on a baby magazine, you cannot have an opinion without being the one who is right, and you cannot live freely – no matter where you are in this country.

Come to think about it, it’s more sad than pathetic. Maybe one day this country will learn from its mistakes and practice what it preaches. It’d be nice to see an America that stood for something, for once.

Oh, and in the meantime….if Jesus shows up in Israel, tell him I was just kidding, okay?

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