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Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024

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D.C. gets charged up with electrifying Aussies

By Emily Lagg · Monday, Sept. 29, 2008

Torrential, apocalyptic rain did little to douse the spirits of the crowd of people who flocked to see the sold out Presets and Cut Copy show Friday night at the 9:30 club. The two Australian, electronic, critically-lauded bands managed to blend live performances with seamless technological assistance into fist pumping, bass-throbbing sets that coerced the crowd into gleeful, pseudo-violent dancing.

Fall into layers of cozy fabrics

Monday, Sept. 29, 2008

The change of seasons means it's time to phase out your summer wardrobe. Fall is a great time to layer your lighter-weight pieces that can be easily removed during warm afternoons. The trick is to be moderate in your choices without dressing at either end of the seasonal spectrum.

Actor gets behind camera for 'Choke'

By Kia Muhammad · Monday, Sept. 29, 2008

"Choke" director Clark Gregg described himself as ambitious, narcissistic and loving during a phone interview Thursday. The film, Gregg's first effort behind the camera, focuses on the troubled story of Victor Mancini, a man grappling with an addiction to sex, an ailing mother and an unquenchable thirst for love.

GIRL POWERED - Taffety Punk's all-female production of Shakespeare's best-known tragedy lets it all hang out. The women bring more swagger to Mercutio and more emotional honesty to Romeo than most male actors usually do.

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Female production nails 'Romeo'

By Hilary Crowe | September 29

Shakespeare may have been a literary genius, but Taffety Punk's brilliant all-female production of "Romeo and Juliet" exposes the playwright for what he truly is: the dirtiest old man English teachers in middle schools across America have ever exalted. "The play is loaded with overtly crass, sexual humor," T-Punk Artistic Director Marcus Kyd said.

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Folk's fiercest female falters this 'year'

By Traci J. Brooks | September 29

Ani DiFranco, who has 19 albums and three EPs to her name, does little to make her newest offering, "Red Letter Year," stand out from her previous arsenal of feminist-driven lyrics and aggressive, acoustic sound. Though the album is lyrically deep, it takes too long to deliver DiFranco's signature sound and even longer to become sonically appealing.

STEP TO THE BEAT - Former College of Arts and Sciences professor William E. Smith adds a new take on jazz shows by joining forces with Step Afrika. He learned to love step as an Alpha Phi Alpha Beta member during his years at Howard University.

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AU ex-prof musician takes the 'A' 'Trane'

By Jeff Lambert | September 29

For William E. Smith, being a jazz musician is a lot like being a kung-fu master. The saxophonist, composer and former College of Arts and Sciences professor said he sees similarities in his approach to music and Bruce Lee's approach to martial arts. "He created his own style by incorporating a lot of different styles, and it worked for him," Smith said.

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Griffin dishes dirt, honesty at DAR

By Caitlin E Moore | September 29

Fresh off a recent Emmy win, comedian Kathy Griffin performed for a full house at the DAR Constitution Hall on Thursday, armed with ample celebrity gossip. Griffin is both the scorn and love of the celebrity world. In a business where stars prefer to keep their behaviors secret, Griffin dishes the truth to eager audiences with reckless abandon.

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Dawn of Oscar season means pain, suffering

By Jordan Coughenour | September 29

As rain clouds close in and the weather dips, trapping us in heated sanctuaries or under heavy layers of fabric, the skies aren't the only darkening prospect in the coming months of fall and winter. With the summer blockbusters such as "Iron Man" and "Tropic Thunder" going on hiatus from theaters, this is the time when superheroes return to their secret bases and the demons come out to play.

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'S.T.A.L.K.E.R.' delivers brilliant 'Clear Skies'

By Michael Conte | September 29

Anyone who's played last year's "S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl" knows that it was a love-it-or-hate-it first person shooter/role playing game hybrid. On one hand, the massive open-ended world, beautiful yet terrifying environments and stunning artificial intelligence created a fresh and engaging experience.

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College rock makes grade

By Traci J. Brooks | September 29

The average college student spends the bulk of his or her time attending class, working on homework and relaxing on the weekends. But Will Anderson, lead singer and keyboardist for pop-rock band Sparky's Flaw - who will be hitting the stage at Jammin' Java in Arlington, Va.

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'Iced Earth' tour 'saves' 9:30

By Jordan Coughenour | September 25

Oakland, Calif.-based metal band the Saviours' road schedule is grueling on their music. Coming off the January release of their album "Into Abandon," the Saviours are currently in the first leg of their "Iced Earth" tour, headlined by the legendary and enduring group of the same name.

SEXCELLENT - Sam Rockwell stars as sex addict and love-hungry Vincent Mancini in Clark Gregg's directorial debut, an adaptation of Palahniuk's best-selling novel "Choke." Anjelica Huston co-stars as Mancini's mother, a departure from Houston's usual "stro

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Rockwell 'chokes' on sex, lies in novel movie

By Kia Muhammad | September 25

"Choke," adapted from the novel by Chuck Palahniuk, is a tale of sex, lies and love. The film follows Victor Mancini (Sam Rockwell), a sex addict who works at a Colonial-themed park and has trouble making ends meet while he pays for his ailing mother's nursing home care.

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Calendar

September 25

Thursday, Sept. 25 "The Sky, the Earth, and the Rain" 7 p.m., 9:30 p.m. WHERE: AFI Silver Theater and Cultural Center, 8633 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring, Md. METRO: Silver Spring (red line) INFO: Chilean director Jose Luis Torres Leiva brings a visually stunning award-winning film to the silver screen.

HELLO, CUPCAKES - Sweet teeth around D.C. can take a trip to many bakeries specializing in cupcakes, including Georgetown Cupcake (above) and Hello Cupcake (right). The cupcake craze started in New York and has made its way to D.C.

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Cupcakes take over Capital area

By Kristen Powell | September 25

Sandwiched between "The Facebook Book" and "What's Your Poo Telling You?" at Urban Outfitters in Georgetown, you'll find two books on cupcakes. The store is located just around the corner from Georgetown Cupcake and Baked and Wired, which also sells the small treats.

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Fitting in is easier than blending in

By Madalyn Wasilczuk | September 25

NAIROBI, Kenya - "Jambo?" Perhaps you recognize the word as a Swahili greeting. You may have learned it in a song or seen it on a list of greetings from around the world. More than just a greeting, it's a word that has brought to life for me the reality of my stay here in Nairobi, Kenya.

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'Sea' new exhibit

By Tracey Breese | September 25

If you missed out on that summer beach vacation of your dreams, soon you will be able to learn about the mysteries of the ocean. A new exhibit centered on the oceans will open to the public at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History on Saturday. The Sant Ocean Hall will open with a day packed full of speakers and entertainment relating to the exhibit.

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Don't fear old-fashioned romance

By Mia Libido | September 25

I'd like to think that I'm quite the romantic. But even I have a hard time finding someone to share the romance. Unfortunately, I feel that most people nowadays are too afraid to be thoughtful and compassionate for fear of being too clingy, too pushy, too awkward - the list goes on and on.

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Pass 'The Duchess'

By Lauren Linhard | September 25

Based on the tragic life story of Georgiana, the Duchess of Devonshire, "The Duchess" follows the late heroine as she rules the hearts of London, the fashion scene and the political trail. Once she's married off to the Duke of Devonshire, Georgiana becomes the "It Girl" of her time.

WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS - Michael Cera and Kat Dennings (far right) are both alumni of Judd Apatow films "Superbad" and "40 Year Old Virgin," respectively. The two join forces in the latest teen flick "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist," which

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Comic duo charms fans

By Caitlin E Moore | September 25

The teen romantic comedy "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist" combines two things most prevalent to young adults: music and love. Starring Michael Cera and Kat Dennings as the title characters, the film is based on the hit book by Rachel Cohn. The story follows Nick and Norah as two teenagers who have a late night New York City escapade together.

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Style means dressing for your shape, not trends

September 22

Tall, short or in between, the foundation of personal style is the task of making sure your clothes fit well and are flattering. Dressing for your figure requires effort, but with a few simple tricks for each body shape, you'll easily grasp this difficult concept.

The UFL and Why it's Good for the Sport

Section 202 hosts Connor Sturniolo and Gabrielle McNamee are joined by fellow Eagle staff member and phenomenal sports photographer, Josh Markowitz. Follow along as they discuss the United Football League and the benefits it provides for the world of professional football.

Solutions by The State News