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Americans rise early to invent another kind of idol

By Terissa Schor | December 12

Boards games. Safety seats. Tie-less shoelaces. If variety is the spice of life, then the Ronald Reagan Building was filled with flavor on Sunday afternoon at auditions for "American Inventor." Some 300 inventors (left), along with their family and friends, waited in line for hours to check in for "American Inventor" auditions on Sunday morning.

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News

Top five of 2005: The Scene recounts the year's best music

December 12

The Scene closes out fall 2005 at American University as five Scene writers offered up their picks for the best five albums of 2005. See how your record collection compares.

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News

Music notes

December 12

Various Artists "A John Waters Christmas" (New Line Records) Sounds Like: If that radio station that plays only Christmas songs starting on the day after Halloween was hit by a truck carrying thousands of tons of kitschy Americana. A- Try imagining Christmas at the home of acclaimed, award-winning, totally insane filmmaker John Waters.

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News

Santa's sleigh brings good games and bad

December 12

"Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance" For GameCube Nintendo Rated "T" for Teen $49.99 A- American gamers can stop being jealous of the Japanese. Nintendo's tactical role-playing series "Fire Emblem" is finally starting to trickle into the West. "Path of Radiance" is the first game in the franchise to hit GameCube in the States, and it's an excellent debut for them.

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News

Going home, leaving home

By Jen Turner | December 12

I came home on Nov. 30 to find a large, flat package on my bed. My dear host mother had purchased me an advent calendar, one of those darling ones that had a piece of chocolate behind every little door. The kind that my mother once refused to get back when we were a) younger and b) religious (two instances that I only have a vague memory of).

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News

Tech bits

December 12

ESRB gives 'F' to NIMF The National Institute on Media and the Family (NIMF) two weeks ago gave the video game industry a "D-plus" for increased sexuality and violence and said that the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) was "beyond repair." Last week the ESRB spoke back, stamping a large red "F" on the NIMF.

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News

Hollywood focuses lens on Sept. 11

By Robyn Abzug | December 12

As original as Hollywood films can get, there are always major real-life events that catch Tinseltown by its throat and will not let go. Next year, Americans will be treated to three separate feature films and one made-for-TV movie about the terrorist attacks on Sept.

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News

Classic musical triumphs in the nation's capital

By Christopher Patriquin | December 12

"Les Mis?rables," the critically acclaimed musical that has entertained millions for over 20 years, has come to the District's National Theatre just in time for the holiday season. Featuring a strong cast and orchestra, as well as some of the best sets in a musical, the tour puts together a performance that is comparable to, if not better than, the Broadway production.

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News

CGI fails in 'Chronicles'

By J. Watts | December 12

Disney and Walden Media's "The Chronicles Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe" has more punctuation in its title than most films these days. A brave move for a film that, unlike the title lion, Aslan, is more bark than bite. Or is it more roar than bite? This film is the most recent adaptation of the beloved C.

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News

Best alternative New Year's resolutions for people who have already kicked normal vices

By Melissa Beal | December 12

With 2006 fast approaching, it is officially time to decide what will change beginning on Jan. 1. That's right. It's a new year, a fresh start, time to ditch that disgusting habit (it's okay, everyone eats to ease the pain) and make a promise to change for the better.

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News

Ballet will make crowds 'crack' a smile

By Jeff Lambert and Mia Steinle | December 8

There are many things that make Christmas in America special. From the 24-hour TV marathon of "A Christmas Story" to claymation portrayals of favorite wintry characters, the American media knows how to usher in the holiday spirit. Perhaps an even more treasured memory than an awkwardly animated Rudolph leading Santa's sleigh one foggy Christmas Eve is watching ballet dancers move gracefully to Tchaikovsky's magical score.

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News

'Syriana' offers compelling perspectives

December 8

George Clooney is on a roll. A mere month after the brilliant "Good Night and Good Luck," the actor stars alongside another strong ensemble cast in the compelling political thriller "Syriana." Central to "Syriana" is the oil industry and its role in the world's politics and economy.

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News

The perfect songs for those winter blues...

By Drew Rosensweig & Chris DeWitt | December 8

Winter Wonderland, or "How I Learned to Stop Freezing and Love The Frosty Hell of December in Washington, D.C., with the Help of These Songs" Beseeched by The Eagle's music editor to write a list of songs regarding winter, I faced a predicament. I, being from South Florida, am used to winters that are 70 degrees and have only seen snow once .

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News

Horoscopes

By Tamara Brown | December 8

Aries (March 21 - April 19) Your life may seem to be an unopened container of Chef Boyardee this week. The contents are questionable and make a sloshing sound when moved. Once you break out the can opener, your one true Beefaroni will be yours for the taking.

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News

Droppin' and Poppin' in TDR

By Chris DeWitt | December 8

Why do people go to TDR? Is it the delectable cuisine? Is it the friendly service? Is it convivial atmosphere, perfect for studying or conversing with peers? Or is it the sweet, sweet music? Those smooth, contemporary jams that soothe not only the belly but also the soul! Majic 102.

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News

Scarcity increases demand

By Blair Bryant Nichols | December 8

Why is that when something is hard to find, or unavailable, it is unquestionably in higher demand? When a book goes out of print, it instantly becomes more valuable. When a famous artist dies, the prices of all his or her pieces skyrocket. When an athlete retires, his or her memorabilia is worth exponentially more than it was when he or she was playing.

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News

Clooney and Gaghan explore 'Syriana'

December 8

"Syriana" director and screenwriter Stephan Gaghan says he felt the tragedy of 9/11 deeply. Fighting fear, he traveled the next month. He has followed America's reaction along the way. "It felt like this car America was accelerating, like someone hit the gas and shifted into low gear," he says.

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