What's it like to sit in the front row?

By Michael M.

Many of you may have heard the expression, "In the front row," but is that all that it is made out to be? If you go to the musicals in town you might enjoy the close encounter, or the pounding sound of dancers right in front of you. You might even see their mistakes, dodge their sweat, or even get a wink. You'll surely feel a part of the show.
When attending sport games, who wouldn't love being up close to see Michael Jordan or Scottie Pippen in action. But, when attending the Auditorium Theatre, Civic Opera House, or Symphony Center you might want to consider the nosebleed area. Not only are the front row seats extremely close together and uncomfortable, but you also might want to bring a set of earplugs. Did you go there to hear them play or watch their feet and see the sweat fall to the floor?
Being close-up keeps you from seeing the full stage picture. So did you want to see the set, or the interaction of the actors? Close-up you will see that they are real humans who show nervousness or possibly boredom. I do not, however, want to discourage those front row lovers because I am sure it is all a matter of individual taste.
The day of any performance some theaters have several "rush" tickets that are available for the first two rows. They might be limited to two tickets per person and it is suggested you line up before the ticket office opens at 10:00 A.M. So before you buy those scalper tickets, inquire within first.

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It was one of the best nights of my life: a Dave Matthews Band concert review

By Michelle B.

On December 19, 1998, I had the chance of a lifetime. I went to the Dave Matthews Band concert. The sold-out show took place at the United Center. There were about 25,000 people there. Everyone there was extremely excited to see Dave perform. This was their last concert of the year and was shown live on the web. When the tickets went on sale, they sold out in seven minutes. I was lucky enough to know someone who had two extra tickets. So, my sister and I went. It was one of the best nights of my life.
The concert started at 7:00 P.M. James Brown's saxophonist Maceo Parker opened for Dave. He recently started his own band, and is now promoting his new CD. His music was great and the crowd enjoyed it. While Maceo's band was playing everyone was getting more and more excited for Dave to come out. At 8:10 Maceo finished, and around 8:20, Dave and the band came on stage.
They played "The Last Stop" as their opener. If you have ever heard it on the radio or their CD, you might think that it is a morbid song. At the concert, they completely changed the style. It was awesome. Dave is famous for changing the whole style of a song and ad-libbing. The atmosphere at the concert was awesome. Everyone was singing along with Dave and dancing. The only thing that I did not like was the fact that everyone around me was smoking. They did not play a lot of songs off their latest CD, Before These Crowded Streets. That surprised me. They played all of my favorite songs like "Lie In Our Graves," "What Would You Say," "Crash Into Me," "Jimi Thing," and " Too Much." They also played "So Much To Say," "Pantala Naga Pampa," "Don't Drink The Water," "Stay,"#41," and "The Maker."
After this, the whole band left the stage and it was completely dark. The only light came from people holding up their lighters. After ten minutes of screaming, Dave came out for the encore. Dave, Tim, and Carter were the only ones that came out. True Dave fans figured out that they were playing the "Christmas Song." They only play this song in December. After that they played one of the best songs, "All Along the Watchtower." Dave left the stage for good at 10:51. It was truly amazing.

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By Alex J.

The game of Myst starts as you find a book titled "Myst." The book takes you to a fantastic world created by a man named Artus who has disappeared along with his two sons. As you explore you will find that Myst was once a happier place and that some injustice was done, and you must discover what it was. There are words, numbers, pictures and even sounds that will be the key to puzzles you come across.
In this game there are no other people to interact with, no violence, combat or death. There are no points to collect or time limits. The isle of Myst hides four other magic books. Each one takes you to the world it describes. You will find that the two sons are trapped in the books accusing each other of destroying the world their father created.
The most challenging part of the game is finding out how things work on Myst, and how to find the hiding places of the books. Your goal in this game is to unlock the secrets of the books and determine which of the two brothers is guilty and to release the innocent one. I would recommend this game to anyone who likes solving puzzles.

Overall Rating: 4/4
Graphics: 8/10
Sound: 8/10
Play Control: 8/10
Gameplay: 9/10
Fun Factor: 10/10

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Top Ten Rap List

By Jason Y.

1. Mo Thugs Family and Bone Thugs 'n Harmony
Ghetto Cowboy
2. Will Smith
Miami
3. Chef and Master P
Kenny's Dead
4. Jay Z and Amil and Ja Rule
Can I Get A....
5. Jay Z
Hard Knock Life
6. Busta Rymes
Gimme Some More
7. Redman
I'll Be Dat
8. 2Pac
Changes
9. Mya and Blackstreet, Ma$e, and Blinky Blink
Take Me There (remix)
10. Mystical
That's The Rapper

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Twisted Metal 3

Ryan D.

Twisted Metal 3 outdoes its predecessors in terms of overall graphics and fun factor. It is a 1 to 4 player game, which is a welcome improvement over previous versions. In it, you can be one of many characters, including Roadkill, Auger, Spectre, Warthog, Flower Power, Minion, Sweet Tooth, Firestarter, Club Kid, and others.
All stages are new; only London is based on Paris (from Twisted Metal 2). The price for this game is $40. It is analog and vibration capable. Twisted Metal 3 is one of the best sequels of all time and one of the best games out for Playstation.

Go to password screen, and on D-Pad, and enter these codes.
Play as Minion and Sweet Tooth (hidden characters).
At password screen, enter left, left, left, right, right and then right, right, right, left, left.
Infinite Specials: Enter at password L1, L1, R1, R1, R1. Now start a game, quit it right away, and then the code will be in effect.
God Mode: Enter at password: L1, Square, X, R1, Start.

Overall Rating 9/10
Graphics 9/10
Sound 9/10-Rod Zombie music
Play Control 10/10
Gameplay 9/10
Fun Factor 10/10
Price $40
1-4 players
Challenge adjustable Yes - Easy Medium Hard.

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Shakespeare in Love

By Brittany B.

Tired of the teen-horror flicks now circulating at theaters? Of course you aren't! But try something different, take a break, grab a parent (rating-R), and go see Shakespeare in Love staring the British actor and former model, Joseph Fiennes, and the American actress, Gwyneth Paltrow. This movie, although its plot may sound boring, is actually a fast-paced romantic comedy about the one and only William Shakespeare, perhaps the best playwright ever.
Set in London in 1593, our hero Shakespeare is suffering from a bad case of writer's block because he cannot find an interesting plot to write about. People anxiously await a new play that he describes, "Romeo and Ethel, the pirates daughter" (good title), which is conveniently still inside his mind, he just cannot put it into words. That is, until he meets Viola (Gwyneth Paltrow), and instantly falls in love with her. Their romance is made in heaven and his pen begins to flow with the words of great poetry, which come to be "Romeo and Juliet." There is one little problem...Viola must marry another man. That is when the plot really becomes good.
Shakespeare in Love is a genuine movie, full of romance, comedy and some sword fights. Its dialogue is written like the real language spoken back then, so listen closely. But enjoy! Rating: A-

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A Look into the Future

By Erika H.

For many moons people have believed that horoscopes are the window to the future, that they are messages from deceased Roman Gods. Each sign has it's own personality, lucky numbers, colors they look best in, and a lucky day! I plan on telling you this plus your love rating (from 1 being the lowest to 10 being the highest) for Valentine's Day.

Capricorn
(22 Dec. - 20 January)
Color: Black and Blue
Lucky #'s: 6 and 0
Lucky day: Saturday
Love Rating: 8
Most compatible with: Taurus
Star: Saturn

Taurus will be giving you a run for your money. Although that is the person you are most compatible with, you will get into a large quarrel with them that could possibly end with devastating results.

Aquarius
(21 Jan. - 18 February)
Color: Violet
Lucky #'s: 3 and 4
Lucky day: Wednesday
Love Rating: 3
Most compatible with: Scorpio
Star: Uranus

Your planet is going to have some stormy weather so batten down the hatches!!! The boat that you call life is in for some turbulent sailing if you do not get organized soon.

Pisces
(19 February - 20 March)
Color: Blue
Lucky #'s: 3 and 63
Lucky day: Saturday
Love Rating: 7
Most compatible with: Virgo
Star: Mars

Family matters will monopolize your life this month. But don't worry, Gemini will pull you through awkward times. You will mostly rely on the Sagittarius closest in your life.

Aries
(21 March - 20 April)
Color: Red
Lucky #'s: 1 and 2
Lucky day: Tuesday
Love Rating: 10
Most compatible with: Sagittarius

You will find that the one you love will be waiting for you with open arms to show feelings for you in public. Do not overlook this opportunity it will not last long!

Taurus
(21 April - 21 May)
Color: Green
Lucky #'s: 1 and 2
Lucky day: Friday
Love Rating: 6
Most compatible with: Capricorn
Star: Mars

Your ruler Mars will be good to you this month. Well, that is as long as you are good to him. Friends and family will be a large part of your life. Don't repel their love for you. You will regret it in the future!

Gemini
(22 May - 21 June)
Color: Violet
Lucky #'s: 9 and 88
Lucky day: Tuesday
Love Rating: 1
Most compatible with: Leo
Star: Mercury

Don't look to the past, look to the future. If you do not, you will be pushed into a spiraling vortex that will be difficult to come out of. If you are pulled into this vortex, turn to Aquarius to pull you out.

Cancer
(22 June - 22 July)
Color: Sliver
Lucky #'s: 8 and 9
Lucky day: Monday
Love Rating: 9
Most compatible with: Libra
Star: Moon

Libra and Virgo will have much to do with you this month. Be yourself and not the poser you have been. Stay away from Pieces this month because they know something that could be deadly to your reputation.

Leo
(23 July - 23 August)
Color: Yellow
Lucky #'s: 2 and 7
Lucky day: Sunday
Love Rating: 6
Most compatible with: Gemini
Star: Sun

Don't get burned. With the sun being the hottest of astrological stars, you are in the clear this month. But be aware that you may get burned next month and months to come!!

Virgo
(24 August - 22 September)
Color: purple
Lucky #'s: 4 and 6
Lucky day: Sunday
Love Rating: 5
Most compatible with: Pisces
Star: Mercury

Stop being a nitpicker. This will lead you to a lot of trouble this month. If you relax and let everything take its course without you interfering everything will be fine. Trust me.

Libra
(23 September - 23 October)
Color: green and yellow
Lucky #'s: 2 and 7
Lucky day: Friday
Love Rating: 3
Most compatible with: Cancer
Star: Venus

You will find it easy to succeed this month. No one will get in your way. But around the 22nd this will all change so be prepared to deal with less success!

Scorpio
(24 October - 22 November)
Color: Blue and Green
Lucky #'s: 3 and 6
Lucky day: Tuesday
Love Rating: 8
Most compatible with: Aquarius
Star: Mars

Watch out!!! This is going to be a bad month for you. Sleep with one eye open and look behind your back when alone. Don't get caught in a sticky situation with out a back-up plan!

Sagittarius
(23 Nov. - 21 December)
Color: Blue
Lucky #'s: 1 and 6
Lucky day: Thursday
Love Rating: 8
Most compatible with: Aries
Star: Jupiter

You will find love in places that you least expect! Keep your eyes open. That good friend that you always talk to on the phone may become more then a friend.

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Be my valentine!

Collected by Hilary S. with help from Sarah Z.

To: Joe B.
Happy V Day! Will you be our Valentine?!
We love you!
From: Christina and Cathy

To: Ericka
I'm glad we became better friends this year.
And let the torch be with you always.
From: Jackie P.

To: My friends
Happy Valentine's Day!
From: Hilary, Krissy and Kelley

To: John L.
I love u! Hopefully it will work out!
From: anonymous

To: Everyone
Have a Happy Valentine's Day, and many more!
From: Debbie and Cathy

To: Taylor and Madeline
Happy Valentine's Day! Peace out! Play Ball!
From: anonymous

To: Mary W.
I like you a lot.
From: anonymous

To: My Best Friends
Happy Valentine's Day! Hope you have a great day.
From: Sarah Z.

To: Billy
I love you!
From: anonymous

To: Kelley H.
I like you a lot please like me. See you at the dance!
From: anonymous

To: Steve C.
I guess great things come in small packages.
You have such a baby face. You are sooo cute!!!
From: anonymous

To: Janice
Thanks for being great friends. "No, I don't."
From: Jonelle N. and Janelle

To: Kristen W.
Will you go out with me again?
From: Mike M.

To: Holly, Kathryn, Amanda, and Sarah
Hi Friends. Unfortunately I don't like Valentines,
so I will only say hi.
From: Gina

To: all my friends
Happy Valentines Day!
From: Savanna

To: Brian K.
You are cute!
From: anonymous

To: Ryan O.
Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are you!
From: anonymous

To: Janice
Janice, Janice, Janice, Janice, Janice, Janice, Janice.
From: anonymous

To: Brianna C.
Happy Valentines Day. I hope it's great! I love you.
From: Sean N.

To: Mike M.
You're the handsomest kid in the school! You're so dreamy.
You're as cute as a button.
Keep rockin! Ask me out wink, wink, you know who I am.
From: anonymous

To: Kristen W.
You know I love ya.
From: anonymous

To: All the people in the car
We love u zebra car! Even with all the litter
Of the "plastic bags" we love your wide trunk it's
been useful. Happy V Day!
From: anonymous

To: Adam, Heather, Angela, Kim, Laura and Billy
Happy Valentines wishes sent to all of you.
From: Mrs. Miserendino

To: Christa
I love you like the moon stars!
From: Bobby

To: Gina
Have a happy weird Valentines Day.
From: Amanda

To: Ryan L.
Anything is nothing but you're definitely something.
From: anonymous

To: Cathy
Don't blame me! I love ya! (so does Brent's friend!)
Don't worry he'll be back. (page)
From: anonymous

To: Joey M.
I love you and I hope you will love me too.
After you read this you will know me, I'm positive.
From: anonymous

To: Jackie and Hannah
Thanks for being a great friend! Have a great day!
Love always Jo
From: Jonelle N.

To: Billy D.
You are so cute. Me and my friends agree on that.
Maybe we can dance sometime.
From: anonymous

To: David K.
Hope we can go out!!
From: anonymous

To: Sean N.
Love ya!!
From: Brianna

To: Adam S.
Anything is nothing, but you're something!
Happy Valentines Day
From: Amy Fafinski

To: Billy D.
Roses are red, violets are blue, Billy you're sweet,
and I like you.
From: anonymous

To: Mrs. Miserendino
Happy Valentines Day. Don't forget to treat your
son extra special this year.
From: Michael M.

To: Kristin and Britts
Hey I hear da Bears are pretty good!!
From: Mike Ditka

To: Amanda
Are the fumes getting to you yet? Just Kidding,
I hope you have a happy Valentine's Day
and that a certain someone asks you out!
From: Ericka

To: Donna
I can't wait to see you again. Be mine!!
From: anonymous

To: Kelley
Have a great Valentine's Day and Happy Birthday!
From: anonymous

To: Anthony L.
I like you a lot. I think your really cute,
Happy Valentines Day, sweetie!
From: anonymous

To: Hannah, Kristin, Rosa, Katie, Kelly, Michelle, Tania, Jonelle, and Janice
Never forget that crazy night!
From: anonymous

To: Sarah, Kathryn, Gina, Amanda
Hey, I would like to say Happy Valentine's Day to all my friends
From: anonymous

To: Michael M.
Happy Valentines Day!
From: A Friend

To: Nacho, 3rd Quarter
Hi. Bye.
From: Gina the Huddini

To: Ricky A.
Happy Valentines Day!
From: A Friend

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