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Nomenclature, baby

By Colleen Carroll · Sunday, July 1,2007 5:19 p.m.

The social security administration recently released the top baby names of 2006, proving again people have never seen the film “Splash.” The girl’s name Madison, that ubiquitous name of every new baby about which you hear, is on the decline after sweeping through the naming ranks, taking just number three this year.

University of Nevada to arm professors

Sunday, July 1,2007 5:17 p.m.

Universities across the country have been feeling the effects of the Virginia Tech shootings. Last month Notre Dame announced it would install an emergency communications system that would send voice and text messages to students in the event of an armed intruder on campus. But we’re not sure how effective that will be. Instead, we should lock our scopes on the solution proposed by the University of Nevada.

‘Something Missie in the Life of Jordan Bank’ premiers

By Tia Walker · Thursday, June 28,2007 2:52 p.m.

It began as a student production about an inventor of sea monkeys. But filmmakers Matthew Zatkoff, Teresa Becvar, Alex Kercheval and Daniel DeSloover never imagined that their production would soon evolve into their own independent film.

U.S. team on Iwo Jima searches for killed Marine

By Abdullah AlShihri and Eric Talmadge · Thursday, June 28,2007 1 p.m.

The U.S. search team looking for the remains of a Marine killed after filming the iconic flag-raising on Iwo Jima has found two possible sites and will recommend a larger team to excavate them, officials said Wednesday.

Court sides with school in ‘Bong Hits’ case

By Abdullah AlShihri and Pete Yost · Thursday, June 28,2007 12:59 p.m.

A high school student’s “Bong Hits 4 Jesus” banner got slapped down by the Supreme Court in a decision Monday that restricts student speech rights when the message seems to advocate illegal drug use.

Republican lawmakers call for U.S. to start pulling troops

By Abdullah AlShihri and Anne Flaherty · Thursday, June 28,2007 12:58 p.m.

en. George Voinovich said Tuesday he believes the U.S. should begin pulling troops out of Iraq, joining Richard Lugar as the second Republican lawmaker in as many days to suggest President Bush’s war strategy is failing.

Bong wrong

By Brian J. McFillen · Thursday, June 28,2007 11:57 a.m.

This week, the Supreme Court ruled that First Amendment free speech protection did not extend to the case of an Alaskan high school student who was suspended for displaying a banner reading “Bong Hits 4 Jesus” at a school-sponsored event.

Helmond: Crucial link to University community

By Brian J. McFillen · Thursday, June 28,2007 11:51 a.m.

Based on my observations of the current board’s shortcomings, I endorse Tyler Helmond. Yes, law student Helmond is the youngest candidate and one of the least experienced. When it comes to “getting things done,” I suspect he would be of dubious effectiveness. But as a voter, why choose an “effective” representative who doesn’t represent you?

That's What She Said

By Brian Spegele and Zack T Bloom · Thursday, June 28,2007 12 a.m.

well, he said it, but you get the point

Fireworks rock

By Erin Riley , Whitney Mitchell and Sara Amato · Thursday, June 28,2007 12 a.m.

Guide to local fireworks shops.

'1408' Grade: C

By Jacob Stewart and Shannon McEnerney · Thursday, June 28,2007 12 a.m.

If you're looking for a cheep thrill or a way to get your date to hold onto you for about an hour, "1408" should be on the list of must-see date films. If you're looking for cinematic excellence, skip it.

Beastie Boys The Mix-up Grade: B-

By Andy Shore and Scott Leadingham · Thursday, June 28,2007 12 a.m.

The Beastie Boys' latest release shows the audience another fold of a band that after two decades can still show us something fresh -- even if it is at the expense of your roommate kvetching about how the new Beastie Boys album he just downloaded doesn't sound like them at all.

Online only: 'Live Free or Die Hard' Grade: B+

By Chris Wisner · Thursday, June 28,2007 12 a.m.

For what it's worth, "Live Free or Die Hard" is a great action flick despite the occasional slow bits and unexplained plot device (C4 charges on hackers' computers = never explained). It's not "Die Hard" or even "Die Hard: With a Vengeance," but it certainly is leaps and bounds better than "Die Hard 2: Die Harder."

Clarkson is finally taking over her own career.

Kelly Clarkson My December

By Alyson Brodsy and Brian McFillen · Thursday, June 28,2007 12 a.m.

I'm issuing a challenge to my fellow indie rock snobs: Check out My December, the new Kelly Clarkson album. Not only will you be amazed by what you hear, it'll reaffirm the very values leading you to eschew the major labels in the first place.

Everything I need to know I learned from action movies

By Brian Hettmansperger and Shannon McEnerney · Thursday, June 28,2007 12 a.m.

B Hett spills his love for R rated flicks

These two will be in Terabithia in no time at all.

Bridge to Terabithia Grade:B Extras: B+

By Andrea Alumbaugh and Brian Stewart · Thursday, June 28,2007 12 a.m.

Kids and adults alike will appreciate this movie -- kids for the fantasy and parents for its realism. Be prepared for something more than a childhood adventure, and expect something a little different from traditional Disney when you watch this one.

"Evan Almighty” is the most expensive comedy ever, with a budget of $175 million. That works out to about $25 million per laugh.

'Evan Almighty' (PG) Grade: C

By Michael Reschke and Paige Ingram · Thursday, June 28,2007 12 a.m.

Perhaps I went in with too high of hopes for a humorous summer blockbuster movie. But for now, I'll stick with the original flood story. It has a better ending.

Worst Action Stars Ever

By Chris Wisner and Christina Stigliani · Thursday, June 28,2007 12 a.m.

You'd have to pay us to see any of these leading men star in anything

ACTION: These guys see a whole lot of it

By Chris Wisner, Michael Mellini and John Barnett and Jessica Anderson · Thursday, June 28,2007 12 a.m.

In honor of the release of "Live Free or Die Hard," WEEKEND asked: Who's the best action star? Resident movie buffs John Barnett, Michael Mellini and Chris Wisner offer their Top 5. We know we left off big names like Schwarzenegger and Stallone, but we were seeking quality over quantity (for films and muscle). We also know that Ford vs. Willis is a really tough call for top billing. But we love Bruce and we love lists, so we gave you both. If you can do better, tell us at weekend@idsnews.com.

'A Mighty Heart" (PG-13)Grade: B-

By Chris Wisner and Emily Pickett · Thursday, June 28,2007 12 a.m.

As the political thriller it sets out to be, "A Mighty Heart" works OK at best. I've grown weary of these films that find it necessary to photograph the Middle East with shaky, pseudo-documentarian camerawork. Here it only makes the viewing more complicated and a chore to keep up with.