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Wednesday, July 29
The Indiana Daily Student

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The Indiana Daily Student

The long dark tea-time of the soul

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SHANGHAI -- At times these past two months, it's been rough going as I've struggled to master Mandarin Chinese. "Master" Chinese? Perhaps "become acquainted with" is a better description of the progress I've made. I can finally get around by myself without referring to my trusty Lonely Planet guide to Shanghai, but having a conversation is still a hit-and-miss affair. Even ordering coffee has only recently joined my conversational skills; I had been drinking only cappuccinos because I couldn't quite figure out how to order an American-style brew.


The Indiana Daily Student

Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da

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One of life's great truths is no matter what happens, life goes on. Like all great truths packaged into an aphorism, Life Goes On has become a cliché, but it is true, nonetheless. But as true as it is, sometimes that concept feels like an impossibility. There are days when it feels like life shouldn't go on -- days when people die, relationships end, problems pile up and you can't understand how the rest of the world can just continue on with the daily grind.


The Indiana Daily Student

Gray's grievances

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Lawsuits have become a part of our everyday lives. McDonald's has been sued for selling coffee that was "too hot" and selling food that "makes you fat."


The Indiana Daily Student

Around The Nation

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Time needed for post-Sept. 11 changes WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Enormous intelligence and law enforcement gaps that contributed to the Sept. 11 attacks are being filled, but it will take years for America to build the systems needed to effectively combat terrorists, the heads of the FBI and CIA said Wednesday.

Film makes a massacre of 'The Alamo'

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Another historical war movie hits theaters, and while the historic aspects of "The Alamo" are fascinating to see on the big screen, the Hollywood vision weakens what could have been a wonderful film.


Godsmack shows its 'Other Side'

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After a six month delay, it is finally here. With underdeveloped melodies and an emotional core, Godsmack makes up for its first three albums with the acoustic EP, The Other Side. Taking influence from Alice in Chains and sharing its name with a song from 1992's Dirt, Godsmack made this EP eerily similar to 1993's Jar of Flies.


'Ella' is truly 'Enchanted'

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Ella of Frell, a spunky young motherless girl, is cursed from birth to be totally obedient -- to anyone and everyone. She lives in a magical, ogre/dwarf/giant inhabited world, and minutes into the movie, she gets a wicked stepmother and two evil stepsisters.



WANNA BE A DJ?

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If you want to learn to spin and scratch vinyl, find out how to get started as a DJ and get tips for working parties and clubs, then DJ Tom Slick (otherwise known as senior Lane Jones) is the man to see this Friday in the Willkie Auditorium.


'Mix'-ing it up in 'The O.C.'

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Before I begin my review of Music from The O.C.: Mix 1, let me inform you of something: I love "The O.C.," I watch it every week without fail, and it captivates me.


RELIVING THE LAUGHS

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Full Frontal Comedy members of past and present will join forces this Saturday to celebrate the student improvisational troupe's 10th anniversary with an alumni show.


FOR THE FANS

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Guster formed back in 1991 after the members met during freshmen orientation at Tufts University, a college in Boston. These artists received college educations and graduated prior to going pro.


Songs in the key of crap

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I'm going to go out on a limb and say that William Hung's Inspiration is the most legitimate product ever spawned from the "American Idol" empire. That's not really saying much, seeing as how most '80s Neil Diamond albums are far better than anything by Kelly, Clay or Ruben, but it's at least saying something.


Support local music?

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Transparency time: I am in a local rock band, I have friends in local rock bands and it profits me (usually just in beer, but sometimes monetarily) for people to go to local rock shows.


Uninspired 'Revolution:' 'Matrix' flops

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Warner Brothers has never been renowned for their spectacular DVD's, commonly using cheap paper DVD cases and other shoddy materials. As such, it's no surprise that "The Matrix Revolutions" continues this proud tradition of mediocrity, both in its packaging and content.


The Indiana Daily Student

'Risky Business' revisited

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In the rules of cinema, '70s porn stars turn into drug addicts and criminals. However, apparently in the 21st century porn stars move to the suburbs and enlighten the world of overachieving, nervous high school boys.


Don't turn off the TV yet

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Next week is the 10th annual national TV-Turnoff week. It's sponsored by the ironically titled TV-Turnoff Network, a nonprofit organization which encourages people to watch less television in order to "turn on life."


BLOOMINGTON LIVE!

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With acts ranging from the traditional jazz combo to punk-infused rock to a one-man electronic extraordinaire, this year's Live from Bloomington commingles all the right elements, promising to shake up the local live music scene. And it's anything but formulaic.



Only half as irritating as the old Modest Mouse

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It is great to hear that indie rock/pop trio Modest Mouse had changed its tune. It was always pretty iffy -- its music came across as intentionally difficult, and all in all they seemed to waste their potentially good songs on being agonizingly ironic and clever to appeal to overwrought hipsters.