Edgar Allan Poe turns innocence into terror
By Christina S.

Books are not always a teen's main priority, but when you have at least five minutes of spare time, there is one book that is perfect for you, The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe. [pull quote- Of course, if you are one of those "happy, cheery" people, Poe is definitely not for you, but if you like suspense, mystery, and horror you will love his work.] This book is about 1,000 pages, but don't worry, it's not what you think. It is a collection of all of Edgar Allan Poe's tales and poems (that's where the title comes into play). Each tale is between four and twenty pages. The poem's range from one line to four pages in length.
Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) is one of the most intriguing and unique story writers of all time, and my personal favorite. He has a way of describing something in such great detail that something so innocent can turn into a terror. Once you understand what he is trying to say, then you can understand the story, no matter how complex his style of writing may be. You may be familiar with some of Poe's more popular tales and poems, such as "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Raven," but after reading this book all the way through, you will understand that there are other stories that are just as good and even better. Some of my favorites are "Hop-Frog," "Never Bet the Devil Your Head," and "The Black Cat". All of these stories have a real feeling to them, and you can picture everything that is described. It makes you involved and interested in what you are reading.
On an overall scale (1-10) of excitement, uniqueness, writing style and ability, and personal involvement, I would have to give this book an 11.

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Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds
"Live at Luther College" (RCA) A+
By Brittany B.

The roar of the crowd, the screams, the music. You would swear you're at a concert but you're not. It's really just Live at Luther College. This double CD, bearing very bright cover colors of blue, yellow and red, is packed with Dave Matthews Band hits such as: "Crash into Me," "Satellite," "What Would You Say," and "Ants Marching." This CD is very different from the Dave Matthews Band's last CD. It features Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds, two acoustic guitars, and an occasional comment from audience members.
Recorded at Luther College in Iowa in 1996, this CD is entertaining and has a very relaxed mood. "Live" does not only include songs, but it shows a very different side of Matthews, different from the music videos shown on MTV and VH1. When asked by an audience member to play a song Matthews and Reynolds had previously played, Matthews replied (in a very strange voice): "That'd be like, ya know…like, um…saying a thing, and then not saying it for a little while, then saying it again…Then people would be like 'Why'd he say that again?'"
Unlike their "Live at Red Rocks 8.15.95, "Live at Luther College" has a much better sound. "Live" has a soft and café-ish type feel, until "Warehouse" (on the second disc) comes on. You completely forget that it's only two guys, two acoustic guitars, and Dave's voice arrangements; you can seriously get into it.
This CD is currently played 24-7 at my house, o.k., so I exaggerate. This is a great CD, full of beautiful songs, wonderful guitar melodies and hilarious davespeak, but I would not recommend it to someone who has never heard of Dave Matthews or Tim Reynolds. For fans though, it is really an experience.

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Oscar nominations are in, along with some predictions
By Ericka H.

The Academy Awards (a.k.a. the Oscars) will be telecast on Sunday, March 21 at 7:00 P.M. Many movie stars are expected to present these awards, including; Robin Williams, Kim Basinger, Jack Nicholson, Steve Martin, Denzel Washington, Helen Hunt, Harrison Ford and Chris Rock.
The Oscars are given for twenty-four categories, including sound effects editing, visual effects, editing, best actor, best actress, and best picture, to name just a few.
The best picture Oscar is probably the most prized award. The nominees for the Best Picture of 1998 are: Elizabeth, Life is Beautiful, Saving Private Ryan, Shakespeare in Love, and The Thin Red Line. If I were to pick from a trend, such as last years "Titanic trend" I would pick Saving Private Ryan to win, but my personal pick is Life is Beautiful.
Four of the most prestigious awards given to only one person are for best supporting actor/actress and best actor/actress. The nominations for best supporting actor are: James Coburn in Affliction, Robert Ducal in A Civil Action, Ed Harris in Truman Show, Geoffrey Rush in Shakespeare in Love, and Billy Bob Thornton in A Simple Plan. All of these men were great, but as for who will take the shinny gold man home? I predict Geoffrey Rush from Shakespeare in Love.
Best Supporting actress nominations are as follows; Kathy Bates in Primary Colors, Brenda Blethyn in Little Voice, Judy Dench in Shakespeare in Love, Rachel Griffiths in Hillary and Jacky, and Lynn Redgrave in Gods and Monsters. My prediction for this category is Kathy Bates in Primary Colors.
The best actress award is as prestigious an award as that of best actor. The nominations for best actress are: Cate Blanchett in Elizabeth, Fernanda Montenegro in Central Station, Gwyenth Paltrow in Shakespeare in Love, Meryl Streep in One True Thing, and Emily Watson in Hilary and Jacky. This was is very hard category in which to pick a winner, but I think Gwyneth Paltrow will win for her outstanding performance in Shakespeare in Love.
The Best Actor nominations are: Roberto Benigni in Life is Beautiful, Tom Hanks in Saving Private Ryan, Ian McKellen in Gods and Monsters, Nick Nolte in Affliction, and Edward Norton in American History X. I am pretty sure Tom Hanks is going to take this award home for his performance in Saving private Ryan.
The last Oscar I will offer a prediction for is the award for most original song. The nominations are: "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" from Armageddon, "The Prayer," from Quest for Camelot, "A Soft Place to Fall" from The Horse Whisperer, "That'll Do" from Babe, a Pig in the City, and "Where You Believe" from The Prince of Egypt. I predict "Armageddon" will win.

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Henry IV premiers at renovated Page Theater
By Michael M.

On Sunday, 2/14/99, Shakespeare's Henry the IV opened at the Ruth Page Theater in Chicago at 1016 N. Dearborn. The renovated Page Theater was once a dance theater. Many company members swear they have sighted a long-gone caretaker's spirit, Mr. Edwards. With running up and down from third floor dressing rooms, it is no wonder many performers catch colds and sore throats. Or is it the ghost infecting them to convince them to leave? The last show is scheduled for May 2, 1999. Next fall, the Page Theater's new name will be Chicago's Shakespeare Theater. If you enjoy Shakespeare's tragedies, be sure to see Henry the IV before it closes in May.

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Spring
By Bryan C.

Spring,
Sun shining, Birds singing,
Flowers blooming, Kids singing
Spring

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In a galaxy far, far away…
By John S.

"The Phantom Menace," the newest chapter in the Star Wars Saga, comes to theaters in May 1999! What's it about? Star Wars: Episode I takes us back in time in the Star Wars Saga, to the days before "A New Hope". The days that forerun Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Leia, Princess of Alderaan. Episode I follows the adventures of a young Anakin Skywalker as he learns the ways of the Force under the guidance of Obi-Wan Kenobi. The boy will eventually realize the temptations of the Dark Side, his importance in overthrowing the Old Republic, and succumb to his destiny as Darth Vader, Lord of the Sith. The film includes a multitude of familiar and new characters, including a young wrinkle-free Yoda, R2-D2, and C3PO version 1.0.
The new Star Wars prequel will take audiences on a journey to the beginnings of the Star Wars saga. The original Star Wars trilogy (Episodes IV, V, and VI) told the story of Luke Skywalker. Skywalker became a hero in the struggle to overthrow the empire and confront one of the Empire's most determined henchmen, Darth Vader, who held the terrible secret of his father's fate (hence "Luke I am your father"). The new Star Wars trilogy will go back in time an entire generation to tell the story of Anakin Skywalker, the innocent boy who will one day become the dreaded Darth Vader.
In Episode I, Luke Skywalker's father is just a 9 year old boy named Anakin. In this earlier time, Obi-Wan Kenobi is a spirited young Jedi Knight. Qui-Gon Jinn is Obi-Wan's honorable Jedi master, trying to teach the Jedi way to his apprentice as their world begins to unravel in civic pandemonium. Episode I will take audiences through unimaginable realms and adventures, from the desert planet of Tatooine to the galactic capital world of Coruscant, the swamp world of Naboo, and beyond. This first chapter in the Star Wars saga follows young Anakin Skywalker's journey as he follows his dreams and confronts his fears in the midst of a galaxy in distress.
Episode I's cast features a mix of new and familiar faces. Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor play Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi, noble Jedi Knights at the height of their powers. Samuel L. Jackson dawns the role of Mace Windu, an instrumental Jedi Master. Natalie Portman plays a young queen, and Jake Lloyd brings an even younger life to Anakin Skywalker, whose mother Shmi is played by Pernilla August. Ian McDiarmid returns to his role as the mysterious Senator Palpatine, who one day will become the dreaded Emperor Palpatine. Frank Oz also returns to perform once again as the distinguished Jedi master and philosopher Yoda.
The Cast: Liam Neeson (Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn), Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Jake Lloyd (Anakin), Natalie Portman (Queen Amidala), the voice of Frank Oz (Yoda), Samuel L. Jackson (Mace Windu), Pernilla August (Shmi), Ian McDiarmid (Senator Palpatine a.k.a. Emperor Palpatine)

Captions
Star Wars: Episode I Movie Poster
Battle on Tatooine
Anakin
Naboo Swamp
Theed Palace
Palace Exterior
Mysterious Ship
Mace Windu, Jedi Master
Darkin Maul

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Dawson's Creek tackles teen life
By George Z.

The hit TV show, "Dawson's Creek" attracts teens of all ages. It airs Wednesdays at 7:00 on the WB (channel 9). The show revolves around four main characters, Dawson (James Van Der Beek), Joey (Katie Holms), Pacy (Joshua Jackson), and Jen (Michelle Williams). "Dawson's Creek" was created by Kevin Williamson, who wrote the horror movies, Scream, Scream 2, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Halloween H2O, and a lot more. Williamson has said that he based the show on his own teen years. Sometimes, the show's subjects are not appropriate for people under thirteen years of age. A big issue on the show is sex and how teens think about it. Alcohol is involved in some of the episodes, but never drugs.
The show is about a sixteen year old, Dawson Leery. He lives in a small town called, Cape Side. His best friend is a slacker, Pacy. His other best friend turned crush is named Joey. Jen was Dawson's girl friend in the first season, but now Joey is, or was this season. The show has had three newcomers this season, Jack, Andy and Abby. Jack, who stole Joey away from Dawson, just announced that he is gay. Andy is Jack's sister and has fallen in love with the slacker, Pacy and sent him from an "F" student to an "A" student. Then there is Abby, Dawson's Creek's bad guy. She uses her twisted ways to cause trouble and turn everyone against her. "Dawson's Creek" is fun to watch, and something new happens every week.

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Savanna gives a Dawson's Creek update
By Savanna S.

The television show, "Dawson's Creek" is about four friends. It is about their lives at home and at school. It has been on television for about one year. It is very popular.
The main characters in the show are Joey, Dawson, Jen and Pacey. A lot of the stories include their friend Jack, and his sister Andy. Joey is a girl who keeps in her emotions. Dawson lives in a fantasy world filled with Steven Spielburg movies. Pacey developed a "class clown" image for himself. Andy is emotional and very loving. Jack has a shy personality. Jen is someone who is streetwise and outgoing.
The story continues every week. So far this season, Dawson has broken up with his girlfriend, Joey. He is also making a movie about him and Joey, and it is going well. He has started to actually tape it now. Pacey and Andy are now going out together. Andy's mother was not doing well after the death of Andy and Jack's brother. But she is getting along much better now. Andy's brother Jack is now going out with Joey. They were having a few troubles also, but they are getting along much better. So, tune in to the next episode and see who will be breaking up with whom and will start to go out again. The show is on Wednesday nights at 7:00pm.

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WWF War Zone
By J. R. H.

WWF WAR ZONE lays the smack down on its wrestling game rivals, rocking the ring with the fiercest action ever seen in the PlayStation squared circle.
Like the World Wrestling Federation, War Zone's game play is violent, fast, and unpredictable. Whether you are ramming your opponents' head into a steal cage, slapping on the Sharpshooter or slamming him through a table, you will be amazed by the lifelike realism and exciting game play War Zone provides.
The game features over 15 wrestlers from "Stone Cold," everyone from Steve Austin to the Undertaker, who each have thirty authentic moves, including submission holds, top rope (and even top cage) aerial maneuvers, and special finishers like the Tombstone Piledriver.
War Zone also hits the mat with a variety of fun match types including: Tag Team, Steel Cage, Hell In a Cell, Weapons, War, Challenge, and Versus mode. Unfortunately, the originally promised Ladder matches were eliminated from the final version of the game. You can create your own wrestlers, learn moves through a training mode, and get into grudge matches against hated heels on your way to the title.
WWF War Zone is not only the best wrestling game on PlayStation, it is one of the most fun fighting games period. As D-Generation X might say, "Two words: Buy it!"

Overall Rating: 4
Graphics: 10
Sound: 9
Play Control: 9
Game Play: 10
Fun Factor: 10
Price: $49.95
Number of players: 1-4

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Hip kids hit TV
By Farah A.

"Zoe, Duncan, Jack, and Jane" is a great comedy about four offbeat New York teenagers. There is Jack who thinks he's so cool and is a twin to Jane who is dramatic and pure comedy! Duncan is such a wannabe and a big crack up! Zoe is the normal one in the group. Don't get me wrong though, these kids are far from normal.
For instance, in one episode, Jack is wearing these leather shoes and because he is so popular, Duncan, who is not popular, decides he has to have them. So Duncan exchanges his opera tickets for the shoes. When he gets the shoes, Duncan sticks them in people's faces because he thinks that is how they work. Well, it turns out that there is gum on one shoe, which he discovers after he's stuck it it in a girl's face... Meanwhile, Zoe and Jane are mesmerized by Zoe's mother's date, who has one big eyebrow, a "uni-brow."
That is just one of the many funny episodes. Many people say that this show is much like Seinfeld. Seinfeld had a long and funny life, so this show will probably do well also. I definitely give it a 9 out of 10.

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7th Heaven is a hit with teens
By Kelly H.

"7th Heaven's" Catherine Hicks is a mother of five who has just given birth to twins. The camera focuses in on her propped up in a hospital bed holding two tiny babies. She smiles warmly as her fictional family of six softly sings the theme from The Mary Tyler Moore Show, "You're Going to Make it After All." The show's director, Burt Brinckhuff said, "It was such a touching scene, I really didn't want to say cut!" The actors felt the same way. They continued to sing even after the cameras stopped
7th Heaven is a story of a loving family. In the family there is a stay-at-home mother(Catherine Hicks), a dad(Stephan Collins) who is a minister, and five kids plus the newborn twins. The television show is about love, trust, and faith.
The February 8 episode (when the twins were born) was the highest-rated hour of programming in the WB network's history. The drama appeals to teen (ages 12-17) viewers, mainly because of the young cast: Barry Watson,24, plays the oldest son, Matt; Jessica Biel, 17, is the athletic Mary; Beverly Mitchell, 18, plays the stubborn Lucy; David Gallagher, 13, is the talkative Simon; and Mackenzie Rosman,9, plays ruthless Ruthie. The twins are played by the quadruplets Lorenzo, Zachary, Myrinda, and Nikolas Bino.
7th Heaven is not over-rated. Millions of people are on their couches on Mondays at 7:00 P.M watching "7th Heaven.". If you are not one of those people watching, I think you should start. I will be on my couch watching it.

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Forsaken
Nintendo 64
By Matt C.

The world is forsaken, the world is forsaken. Well, of course it is if you don't read this review. The year is 2039, and Earth is a wasteland of scavengers and criminals. You must survive and complete a mission with the codename, "Forsaken." Hence the name. With the right combination of weapons you might win the game, but even with a Trojax and Titan character you might not win.
Forsaken has great sounds, but the programmers could have spent more time on the graphics. It has great replay value and game play. The game is wonderful with 4-player death matches and multi-player capabilities for the Nintendo 64.

Replay value: 9
Game play: 8
Graphics: 5/6
Sound: 10
Control: 9
Ease-of-use: 7
Here are some codes, enter these codes at the start screen.
A, R Button, Z, Right, Top C, Right C, Down C, Down C.
B, B, Z, Left 2X, Top C, Left C, Right C.

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Horoscope for fun
By Scott P.

Capricorn
December 22 - January 20
Look out - there is a big opportunity for you. Don't be afraid to try new things. Someone is waiting for you. Sagittarius plays a major role this month.

Aquarius
January 21 - February 18
Stick to basics. Don't change for just one person. Relax and just go with the flow. A special Gemini will be looking for you.

Pisces
February 19 - March 20
There will be a change in your life; it may be major. Don't be afraid to ask a special someone a big question you've been waiting to ask them. Leo may help you this month. Stay away from Gemini.

Aries
March 21 - April 20
Be on the lookout for people who may hurt you. Welcome change this month; it may help you later. A Virgo may be looking for you.

Taurus
April 21 - May 21
Look out for small changes; they may cost you a friend. Don't worry about what people say about you. Be unique. Cancer plays major role.

Gemini
May 22 - June 21
Look ahead. Don't get discouraged because of small problems. A problem will come up this month. Seek an Aquarius to help. Keep clear of Pisces.

Cancer
June 22 - July 22
Be sure to slow down and take a rest; you may be working too hard. If you have been procrastinating to ask a question, do it now. A Taurus is waiting for you.

Leo
July 23 - August 23
Your life will seem to be speeding up; be sure to keep up with it. A small but incorrect decision may cost you a good friend. Be sure to check if a Pisces needs extra help.

Virgo
August 24 - September 22
A large question may pop up this month. Be sure not to rush its answer; a bad decision could have a big impact on your life. Seek an Aries for help.

Libra
September 23 - October 23
Look out for people who need your help; they may try to trick you! A kind-hearted Scorpio will give you an extra hand when you need it.

Scorpio
October 24 - November 22
Everyone wants to give you a hand; but they all want something in return. Be careful whom you choose. A Libra may need your help.

Sagittarius
November 23 - December 21
Good things are in store for you. Offer to help people less fortunate than you are. A Capricorn is waiting for you.

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