Phantom Menace lives up to hype
By John S.

Episode I is set thirty years earlier than the original saga, Episode IV: A New Hope, but some things never change. A royal babe is in trouble. Not Princess Leia, this time its Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman). The Trade Federation sends battleships to her planet, Naboo, to persuade her to sign a treaty. To her rescue come two Jedi knights: master Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor). When the Federation send in droids to destroy Naboo, the Jedis link up with Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), a nine-year-old slave who will grow up to marry the queen, father the twins Luke and Leia, and turn from the Jedi cause to the dark side as Darth Vader.
Our heroes are the strikingly fearless Qui-Gon Jinn, who never loses his serious Jedi look, and his apprentice, the good-natured, mild-mannered young Obi-Wan Kenobi.
There is an aggressive jet-car derby, and you'd better believe it's the fastest high-octane race ever filmed, with vehicles that make sharp turns through caves and canyons like bolts of lightning. The climactic battle treats us to the special-effects equivalent of a cast of thousands, as a fleet of amphibious Gungans face down an equally vast plain of marching war droids.
The annoying loose and confusing plot has Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan fighting to protect the planet Naboo, led by the poised Queen Amidala. They take her away to Tatooine, where the Jedi meet Anakin, a slave boy whose racing prowess is the key sign that he may be "the chosen one." (Yes, a Force-feeling messiah.)
If there is an actor that makes "The Phantom Menace" great, it's Liam Neeson. His commanding presence gives the film its only hints of emotional activity but he is given too few opportunities for humor. Portman, a beauty and a gifted actress at eighteen, is stuck with an underwritten character. McGregor has an engaging sweetness, but Obi-Wan, disappointingly, is just an eager servant-sidekick, and spends the first half of the film trailing Qui-Gon like toiletpaper stuck on the bottom of his shoe. McGregor finally comes into his own in the final scenes, suggesting that the next two episodes will bring about the Obi-Wan we all know.
Comic relief appears in the form of the disliked sidekick, Jar Jar Binks, a gangly, floppy-eared Gungan, voiced by Ahmed Best but otherwise a fully digital creation. Jar Jar is an alien amphibian who lives in an underwater city and speaks in a stuttered English that still gets the point across. Jar Jar does things like grabbing food off plates with his long tongue and guides the Jedis in a submarine that gets chewed by a killer fish.
There are new digital characters along with appearances by old favorites such as younger versions of Jabba the Hutt and Yoda, who leads the Jedi Council on the planet Coruscant, along with Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson). Lucas did a great job in the creature department. Jar Jar's nemesis, Boss Nass, is a wonderfully disgusting alien. And Watto, the slave driver, is a fat-slobby fly who manages to levitate on tiny hummingbird wings.
One of the best parts is the pod race. Anakin climbs into his junkyard-made pod, powered by two huge engines, and with the help of the Force, makes alien pilots eat his dust. Another cool part is Obi-Wan's final light-saber duel with Darth Maul, near a melting pit that seems to drop into infinity. Yet another cool part is in the Gungan Underwater City, where Jar Jar leads the Jedis to his watery home in Otoh Gunga. The cities are enclosed in bubble membranes and surrounded by fish. This is one of my favorite movies and I think you should go see it, for the first time, or for the hundredth.

Email The Charger about this story.

Election blurs the line between right and wrong
By Brittany B.

Do you think that teachers and students ought to act ethically and morally? Then you should see "Election," starring Matthew Broderick and Reese Witherspoon. This R-rated MTV production is set at fictional George Washington Carver High School somewhere in Nebraska. Ethics and morals soon go out the window at this school. Tracy Flick (Witherspoon) is an over-achiever, a goal orientated senior, who is determined to become class president. So far she has no competition as she is the only student in the race. Matthew Broderick plays a teacher, Mr. McAllister (a.k.a Mr. M. by his students) who has won the "Teacher of the Year" award three years in a row.
All of a sudden "Mr. M." drops all his own ethics and morals, and decides to interefere in the campaign. He has decided he cannot handle any more of Tracy Flick's enthusiastic go-getter spirit, and that he is going to try to ensure her defeat. He coaxes the most popular, most naïve, most sweet and perfect ex-football star, Paul Metzler (Chris Klein) to run for president. Paul's sister, Tammy (Jessica Camble) then decides to join the race, to get back at her clueless brother. The competition is now on. Poster violations, lying, jealousy and misconduct soon turn the seemingly innocent high school election into a savage but hilarious political war.
"Election" really keeps you guessing "what's next?" With all the twists, you are left wondering throughout who will become president of George Washington Carver High School. This black comedy deserves an 'A' because it's hilarious, exaggerated…and somewhat realistic.

Email The Charger about this story.

A review of David Garza's This Euphoria
By Brittany B.

If you've ever seen those Best Buy commercials with the "Find 'em first at Best Buy" slogan, then you've seen David Garza. You know, the commercial with the chorus that is so hard to get out of your head: 'So step inside my new kind of love…' and the man who says, "Hi, I'm David (pronounced da-Veed) Garza. You don't know me, but you will." He is certainly sure of himself, and he should be.
Garza, an Austin, Texas native, is actually not new to the music scene, he has already made ten CDs. This Euphoria, his eleventh CD and his first on a major label, however, has gotten him much greater attention. For the last ten years, he has been playing small clubs and making records in his own room, but now he is opening for groups like Fastball.
This Euphoria is jam-packed with twelve under-four-minute songs. Some are quite edgy, such as "Glow in the Dark," and "Disco Ball World," and others, "Float Away," "I Know," and "Lost" are like soft lullabies, or "prom songs." Some songs are just in between. The mixture, texture and lyrics are great, and so is the singer.
This Euphoria is overflowing with David's unique voicing and poetic lyrics. For example, take this great line from "Sadness": "He's the only heaven in her sky. Still with every shadow of turning everyday he's slipping away. He's flying through a forest of bruised clouds. Slower than a second movement, he's slipping away." Although the lyrics in "Sadness" are pretty depressing, the beat in "Sadness" is anything but sad.
With several singles released, Garza still hasn't cracked the MTV playlist, although he certainly deserves to. You may not know David Garza now, but you will.

Email The Charger about this story.

When technology and adventure collide
By Farah A.

"The Matrix" is a high-tech adventurous movie about what the world is really like. If you're wondering what the Matrix is, it's the world you create around you. "The Matrix" stars Keanu Reeves as Neo and Lawrence Fishburne as Morphies. Morphies believes that Neo is the one born in the Matrix and is back once again.
It is a great movie, but it is a little hard to follow. Even I didn't completely understand it. I wish I could tell you more about it, but hey, as Morphies says in the movie, "I can only show you the door, you have to walk through it."

Email The Charger about this story.

By Danny S.

"Family Guy" is a new animated comedy on Fox. A preview episode aired after the Superbowl. The Griffins, the family that stars in the show, include dad, Peter, mom, Lois, their son, Chris, and daughter, Meg, the baby, Stewie, and the talking dog, Brian. The series actually started on April 11. It is a great show for people who like cartoons like "The Simpsons."
The creator of the show is Seth MacFarlane who also does the voices of Peter, Brian, and Stewie. Other voices are played by "Mad TV's" Alex Borstein who does the voice of Chris. Seth Green, of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, does the voices of Lois and Meg. The show was originally meant to be a short clip for "Mad TV," but Fox bought it.
According to the creator, "Family Guy" is based on "the average family." It is set in Rhode Island. The dad Peter likes to hang out with friends and drinks too much. The mom is just an average mom. Stewie is a very intelligent baby with a British accent and a huge vocabulary, who constantly plots to take over the world. The son Chris is not smart, unlike his sister Meg, who is.
The "Family Guy" does contain some inappropriate language, but it is also one of the funniest shows that I've ever seen. It airs on Sundays at 7:30 right after "The Simpsons" on Fox. I like the "Family Guy" and give it four stars.

Email The Charger about this story.

By Ryan D.

Rush 2 is a fairly old title for 64, but still remains a classic. Its style is unlike any other game; it features both high-impact racing as well as a halfpipe and stunt course. The only, and I mean the only drawback is that it is only for two players.
Rush 2 has more courses than the original Rush. It also features cities from all around America, such as New York Uptown and Downtown (these tracks feature subways!).
Rush 2 is a must for 64 owners; it will give you hours of entertainment and never get boring. Rush 2 costs $40 at your nearest retailer.
Gameplay: 10/10
Fun Factor: 10/10
Control: 8/10
Price: $40
Cheat Codes
These codes are great because you do not require a Gameshark.
To access the cheat menu, go to the setup screen and hold L+R+Z. While still holding them press all four of the C-buttons. If done correctly a Cheats menu should appear under the Audio option. To access the codes in the cheat menu simply put the cursor on the code you want to access then enter one of the following codes:
*Burning Wreck: Hold C-Up and press Z,Z,Z,Z
*Massive Mass: Hold L and R and press C-Up, C-Down, C-Left, C-Right
*New York Cabs: Press R, L, Z, C-Up, C-Down, C-Up
*Resurrect In Place: Hold Z and C-Left and press C-Right, then hold Z and C-Right and press C-Left
*Frame Scale: Z and C-Down and press C-Up, then hold Z and C-Up and press C-Down
*Super Speed: Hold L and R and press C-Up, C-Down, C-Left, C-Right
*Invincibility: Press L, C-Up, R two times
*Stunt Mode: Hold all four C buttons and press R, A, Z, L
*Super Tires: Hold L and R, and press C-Up, C-Right, C-Down, C-Left two times

Email The Charger about this story.

Do you know the name Cameron Mackintosh?
By Michael M.

He is 52 years old and it's been eighteen years since his production of "Cats." He is also the producer of "The Phantom of the Opera," "Miss Saigon," and "Les Miserables."
His last musical in New York, 1993, was a modern version of the ballet "Swan Lake." It was a London smash, but when presented to Broadway last year, it did so poorly that the tour was cancelled.
Mackintosh will produce a revival of "Oliver," scheduled to open in Toronto in November, and then to go on to Chicago's Auditorium Theater in early 2000. He is also currently readying a new musical version of "The Witches of Eastwick."
For now, however, Macintosh's production of "The Fix," a musical about a U.S. President involved in sex scandals is "on hiatus." He explained that he wanted "to wait until the end of our national convulsion" before he resumed production.

Email The Charger about this story.

Ginni the Huddini returns!
By Gina M.

Ha Ha I'm back!! I knew I'd be back. woo hoo!! No way I was not coming back. OK funky hat and crystal ball are needed at this point. Where did I leave them? Oh yeah in the cabinet. OK found them. OK crystal ball, these peoples want their fortunes so here they are. Took long enough.

AQUARIUS January 21- February 19
Your horoscope is that you've been bored lately. You're bored by the minute. So I suggest you do something to keep yourself from further boredom. Now I'm bored.

PISCES February 20- March 20
The path that you're taking is bumpy. Either because you're lost and falling over pointy rocks or because you're in a sticky situation. One of those.

ARIES March 21- April 20
Falconman and Birdboy say squaw, squaw, squaw! I'm guessing they said your grades will improve or something like that.

TAURUS April 22-May 21
All right what does this magazine say? I mean what's the crystal ball saying? This year has just gone by (yeah like a turtle) too bad you let your crush get away too. Don't worry you still have time (like 4 days or something like that).

GEMINI May 22- June 21
A pleasant surprise is in store for you. These fortune cookies need some more words in them. OOPS. Next!!

CANCER June 22-July 23
My kitty says meow! Say meow back. For some reason everybody's looking at you kid. Wait, the kitty wasn't saying meow to you. She was meowing at a squirrel outside. OK. almost everyone is looking at you.

LEO July 24- August 23
This month you are steamed. A couple of reasons for that: 1. Everyone is counting on you (what where they thinking?) 2. You have a HUGE test and need to cram for it, and 3. It is really warm outside so I suggest you wear shorts

VIRGO August 24- September 23
This year everything has gone by just the way you wanted it
--for the school year to be done already.

LIBRA September 24- October 23
Somebody is keeping secrets. Tick, tick. Wait, so am I. I suggest you keep on hiding these secrets you have so no one knows.

SCORPIO October 24- November 22
Good old Scorpio. Let's see what's going to happen to me. You'll be going on a luxurious trip and will have the window seat on the plane trip back and forth. I just LOVE my horoscope. For some reason nothing goes wrong. (I wonder why)

SAGITTARIUS November 23- December 21
So finally you've asked (if no one knows, I can't pronounce this word. back to my point) you asked your crush to go out (finally) and so far everything is going fine. Since you're all girlie girl acting now, I suggest you go shopping.

CAPRICORN December 22- January 20
Yes I'm almost done here. You're very hush, hush this month and you know what? Talk. Think of the things that you could of said: he's cheating! she's telling secrets that aren't being told loud enough so I can hear! they're passing notes! the cat is meowing in my ear!! and so on with the nagging remarks.

Have a fun summer. Also remember to do that important TV watching and listening to music. And all the rest of the stuff that goes on during summer. I'm guessing summer stuff. OK I'm out of here.
This is my crystal ball that has been helping me. I'll miss it. Oh well, I'll use it as a paperweight or something.

Email The Charger about this story.

The class of 1999 have their say...
Compiled by Katie M. and Nicole S.

Thanks for a great 3 years! Make your mark, rock Lake Park! I love ya all! Tight purple sweatpants rule! Love,
Felicia C.
This year was fun while it lasted. The three years at this school, especially this year would probably be the most memorable of my years in school. We also had great teachers and classmates.
Margaret O.
To all peeps: These past three years have been great! Thanks to all of my friends who made me feel welcome in Itasca. Even though my friends have changed, no matter what happened between us, I will never forget you. Thanks for the good times. Tight purple sweatpants rule!
Tania B.
The true artist helps the world by revealing mystic truths. BUSH RULES! Rock on! Love always forever,
Christina S.
Girls have cooties.
Mike C.
To Nicole, Janelle, Cathy, Jonelle, Kristin: Never forget the night with shaving cream and Jell-O. Thanks for being great friends. Rock Stars rule! Love always,
Janice H.
Remember the task before you is never as great as the power you have behind you!
Amanda H.
There are forgotten sets of teeth in the coffeepot! OYNGE!
Joe K.
To all of my friends - I love you all and I will miss you when I go to Driscoll. We have had a blast this year with all of our many adventures. Let the good times roll in high school!! Just remember- DAVE MATTHEWS BAND RULES! Love you all,
Michelle B.
Red is the devil! Yellow rules! C.W.D.'s RULE! Go Tupak. Thugs rule! Dennis Rodman rules! Chopsticks Rule!
Tina D.
I'm happy I'm going to Lake Park. I really didn't like the gym teachers throughout the years.
Matt P.
A blind squirrel will eventually find a nut. Don't think, it always gets you in trouble.
Louis C.
All you mommas, listen up!! To: Janice, Janelle, Jonelle, Christin Williams, Tania, Michelle, Kelly, Nicole, Hannah, Rosa, Jackie, Kristin, Katie, etc. It's been a fun year!
Cathy C.
Only I may dance! Testify!
Ed T.
I've definitely appreciated the differences between our school and most other schools. We've given each other more respect than expected from this age group. Spread the love BABY! Sumo wrestling rules and mud tastes goooood! Hendrix's fro will live on!
Hannah M.
Forever rock on, Rock Stars! Hope everyone makes new friends and keeps the old ones at L.P. Never forget the great memories we had at Peacock!
Kristin S.
I'm free forever ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha…
Ricky A.
This school has no fire sprinklers.
Scott P.
"Having a dream isn't stupid, Norm. It's not having a dream that's stupid."- John Ratzenburger (Cliff Claven) "Cheers"
Tristan B.
Go!! Mr. Martin Go!! Mr. Martin made the whole year. Bye!! Bye Peacock! Good riddance.
Brad C.
It's been a great 3 years at Peacock. It's kind of sad to be leaving. And thanx to all of my friends. I hope we stay in touch through high school. ROCKSTARS RULE! Love always, Jonelle N.
Thanks to everyone for making my three years at Peacock Wonderful. Peacock is the best. To my fellow classmates - good luck at Lake Park.
Michael M.
I had a great 3 years at Peacock. Everyone have a great summer and good luck in high school!
Jeff R.
Wherever life may take you, remember one thing: Dance to your OWN colors. I love you all and - PEACE OUT!
Katie M.
Hey everyone! This was a good year…I'll miss you peoples not going to Lake Park next year! Janelle- say "hi" to "Bryce" for me! Next year's gonna be sweet! Love ya everyone!
Julie D.
You'll have more fun if you be yourself and just let loose.
Stephanie Sparesus
The year is finally over. Thanks to all of my friends for being with me these three years…and a special thanks to all the teachers who helped me in my times of need.
Ericka H.
Thanks to all my friends in Peacock. You are all so groovy babies! Rockstars 4 eva! Hey homies, never forget chief bar tender! Hey also for those people, you know who you are… Rock on mudwrestlers and slip and slide! More divots! Remember, keep smiling and stay sweet!
Janelle B.
One quote comes to mind - "All that we see or have seen is but a dream within a dream." That is what this year has been - like a dream.
Christi H.
To, Janelle, Hannah and Leslie - Don't ever forget that day in back of school! Mudwrestlers rule! Slip and Slide. Janelle just couldn't hold it!! Thanks to all of my friends for a great 3 years. Luv ya all 4 ever!
Nicole S.
To my classmates, thanks for nine years of memories. Good luck in all you do. Remember, always strive for peace, give out love, and share your happiness.
Kelly D.
Be cool kids. Stay in school! Eat peaches!
Alex P.

Email The Charger about this story.

Disney film crossword
Each word in the grid is in the title of the movie in which the song appears.

Across
1 "A Whole New World"
3 "Casey Jr."
6 "I'm Late"
7 "Bella Notte"
11 "Love Is a Song"
12 "Never Smile at a Crocodile"
14 "Can You Feel the Love Tonight"
15 "Someone's Waiting for You"
19 "Gaston"
20 "On the Open Road"
21 "Be Our Guest"

Down
2 "The Unbirthday Song"
3 "Cruella De Vil"
4 "I Wan'na Be Like You"
5 "The Bare Necessities"
8 "You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly!"
9 "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes"
10 "Under the Sea"
13 "Once Upon a Dream"
16 "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah"
17 "Ev'rybody Has a Laughing Place" (same as 16)
18 "The Siamese Cat Song"

Email The Charger about this story.