Scene

News

Review: Old Growth; B

February 7

Dead Meadow "Old Growth" Matador Sounds like: They grew up amid the D.C. punk scene, liked stoner and psychedelic rock and then made a band ... Oh wait, they did. They met as fans on the D.C. punk-show circuit. What they have produced in the 10 years since the group first banded together is a relatively solid discography without a solid name or reputation.

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News

Music pervades everyday life in Tokyo

By Andrew Robinson | February 4

It is a commonly held notion that Japan's culture is unique from any other country, consisting of a fusion of traditional Asian influences and modern Western culture. While I do not feel qualified or motivated enough to confirm or deny the veracity of this theory, I can say there is at least one component of Japanese culture that I think is unique-music.

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News

Art Nouveau captures everyday beauty

By Kristen Powell | February 4

How can you deny the brilliance of an art form Surrealist painter Salvador Dalí once accused of possessing a "terrifying and edible beauty"? According to the Oxford Dictionary of Art, Art Nouveau developed as a style of architecture and decorative arts in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

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News

Theater options affordable for students

By Ali Goldstein | February 4

D.C. bursts with exciting theater beyond the comedy and tragedy staged on Capitol Hill. Plays as diverse as the Shakespearean classics and modern, boundary-pushing plays unfold on local stages. Unfortunately, the intimidating price tag that often comes with live theater makes it seem inaccessible to students.

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News

Alternating workouts alleviates boredom, works new muscles

By Darcie Piechowski | February 4

I may be alone in this, but I have this crazy idea that working out sometimes feels more like a chore than a hobby. Sure, 99 percent of the time (really 30 percent) I look forward to working out, but every now and then the motivation is just not there. I may be too tired, busy, dehydrated, sniffly or a host of other excuses I use to justify not working out.

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News

'Assassin' hits target dead-on, brings city to life

By David Tannenbaum | February 4

Many games have tried to fuse an action-oriented game with a city that feels completely alive. While there have been many noble attempts, most of them have ultimately failed. At best, a designer could hope for a minute amount of a "natural feel," while only providing the player with civilians who dawdle around and run at the sound of gunshots.

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News

Review: 'Days of Ruin' challenges players with darker story

By Mike Carusi | February 4

The original "Advance Wars" was a game that allowed a player to fight against a computer-controlled or human opponent on a map filled with soldiers, tanks and planes. It was a flagship title for the Gameboy Advance, and it has now spawned three sequels, the latest one being "Advance Wars: Days of Ruin.

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News

Stay stylish: Covered-up trends dominate runways

February 4

Vulgarity in fashion has been an issue since designers like Coco Chanel ruled the runways, but we're happy to say recent designs have showed us a lot less skin. The past year emphasized conservative styles with high-necked dresses, diving hemlines, longer sleeves and while lacking the formerly popular V-neck.

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News

Tech Bits

February 4

Microsoft Seeks to Acquire Yahoo In a shocking counter to Google's successful Internet business compared to Microsoft's lackluster one, The New York Times reported that Microsoft had made a $44.6 billion offer to purchase Yahoo on Friday. Microsoft's bid to purchase Yahoo is the result of the technological giant's effort to compete with Google's success on the Internet.

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News

Matt Nathanson dazzles music fans both old, new

By Traci J. Brooks | February 4

After almost 10 years of touring, Matt Nathanson continues to deliver performances that entertain and reach a diverse audience, as evidenced in Nathanson's sold-out show last Thursday at the Recher Theatre in Towson, Md. The show started off on the wrong foot, however, as opening act Ingrid Michaelson served up a decidedly boring and overly contrived set.

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News

Review: Me and You and The World: B-

January 31

Dave Barnes "Me and You and The World" Sounds like: A hopeless romantic steeped in gospel, country and soul. Dave Barnes delivers more of his fan-beloved gospel-inspired country on "Me and You and The World," due April 1 of this year. His Southern roots are as apparent as ever as he melds genres, creating a synthesis of sound that leaves audiences tapping their feet and humming along.

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News

Dorm Recipe: Quesadillas provide quick, simple snack

By Linda Beck | January 31

Cheese quesadillas Preparation time: 5 minutes Serving size: 2 people If you are looking for a light snack that is easy to prepare during the day or in the evening, try simple cheese quesadillas. With only two ingredients, this is the simplest recipe yet. In just five minutes, you can make several types of tasty quesadillas.

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News

Review: Angler: D+

January 31

Loom "Angler" Sounds like: A schizophrenic violinist chased by an angry mob with flame-throwers - in a bad way. When I listen to an album for the first time, I hope that there will be something I'm left humming. Loom's "Angler" makes that goal entirely impossible.

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News

Review: The Bedlam In Goliath : A

January 31

The Mars Volta "The Bedlam in Goliath" Sounds like: Prog-rock meets jazz fusion meets Latin groove Music enthusiasts love to hate The Mars Volta - it's easy, after all. No one really wants to sit through their 17-minute self-indulgence, only to discover an overall lack of pop-tune, do they? Even the most devoted Mars Volta fan is skeptical about their new material.

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News

IN SEARCH OF BOOTY: Self-gratification natural, healthy sexual exploration

By JANE DE BELLEVILLE and JACK RACKAM AND GRACE O'MALLEY | January 31

To brighten up your week, we thought we'd discuss having sex with the most important person in your life - you. That's right, we mean masturbation. When it comes to the arena of earthly delights, very few things are less talked about than self-loving. Masturbation is a fascinating and important topic, despite what some of you may have learned in Catholic school.

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News

Review: Heretic Pride: A

January 31

The Mountain Goats "Heretic Pride" Sounds like: Mountain Goats front man John Darnielle has gotten happier than on the last record There are certain things that will indubitably be in any Mountain Goats review. One, the band is frustratingly productive. Darnielle has made 16 albums since his 1991 debut and has averaged a full-length per year since 2000.

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News

Scene Calendar

January 31

Thursday Jan. 31 Ed Hamilton 7 p.m. WHERE: Olsson's Books & Records - Dupont Circle 1307 19th St. N.W. METRO: Dupont Circle (red line) INFO: Hamilton reads from his book, "Legends of the Chelsea Hotel: Living with the Artists and Outlaws of New York's Rebel Mecca.

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