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A&E

Memoirs of a geisha makes reporter spellbound

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By Lauren Holstner

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden is an amazing novel and an even greater story.  This novel is set in Japan before and during WWII.

Memoirs of a Geisha is about a small girl named Sakamoto Chiyo. Americans would say her name as Chiyo Sakamoto.  This young girl is only nine, her mother is dying, and so is her father.  Then she meets Mr. Tanaka, who she thinks will adopt her and her older sister.
Through many misunderstandings, and a long painful train ride, she ends up in the Nitta Okiya in Gion.  She has been separated from her sister, and with no where else to go she starts her life as a geisha in training. She goes to live at the okiya, which is a place geisha live and train when they want or are forced to become geisha.

This novel is the most amazing book I have read in a long time; iit is startling and extraordinary.  From the details to the story line,  I cannot tell if Sayuri (Chiyo’s geisha name) really did exist even though I know she did not, making it even more extraordinary.
I fell in love with this book after reading it; I still can’t even stop thinking about it.  I think anyone who likes a good story should read this.    This real life novel will draw readers in to a land barely any of us could imagine: the life of a geisha.

A&E

Gosman’s favorite lyrics from ‘Church of Rock and Roll’

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By Chase Gosman

“Forever Together”

You wouldn’t know it to look at me but
there’s a constant battle raging inside
It’s so hard to live these two lives
Hello Dr. Jekyll
Hello Mr. Hyde
We don’t understand
Travel’s said to broaden the mind, I’m
just losing mine

“(It’s) Too Late Baby”

The stories over, the curtains closing
We take our final bow
Once the hottest ticket around
The seats are all empty now
There’s still a way about you
that just turns me on
There’s a way about that
just keeps me going

“Freedom”

Liberty queen
She was an American dream
They put a statue of her in the river
Boats passing by catch the big woman’s eye
But a second glance, sailor don’t give her
Gathering moss, staring across from the city
It’s a pity
Nobody care-a
Bout a relic from a bygone era

A&E, Danielle Rehor

Outstanding Newbies: 2012 Grammy Predictions

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By Danielle Rehor

With the Grammys quickly approaching, we thought it only fair to cover one of the most anticipated categories out there: Best New Artist. Throughout the years this category has held quite a few surprises, including last year’s, with little-known Esperanza Spalding beating out the famed Justin Bieber. This year the category holds many different genres and styles, including rapper J. Cole, country trio The Band Perry, Nicki Minaj, indie artist Bon Iver, and dubstep producer Skrillex.

Will Win: Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj will win due purely to her popularity in combination with her unbeatable rapping and catchy tunes like “Super Bass.” Her skills may not match some of the other artists selected in this category, but she is captivating, in her own sense of the word, like no other. Her popularity is undeniable; she is the first artist to have seven singles on the Billboard’s Hot 100 at the same time.

Should Win: Bon Iver

The indie band has two albums, and their first album, “For Emma, Forever Ago,” was mostly recorded in a cabin in Wisconsin. Obviously, they are the coolest. Their two albums have won them a loyal following and they have been nominated for three other awards, Best Alternative Music Album, Song of the Year, and Record of the Year. They may seen the clear and obvious first choice, but because they are not mainstream, they could get overlooked for Best New Artist.

Dark Horse: The Band Perry 

The Band Perry is not much of an dark horse with their triple platinum single “If I Die Young” and quickly rising fourth single “All Your Life,” but they seem to rank just below Nicki Minaj. The sibling band has released only one album, self-titled The Band Perry. They are the only artist nominated for Best New Artist, that only has only one album, no EP’s or mixtapes. With a twangy country-pop sound, the trio could easily win this award as well.

A&E, Alyssa Book

Outrageous gesture spoils Madonna’s performance

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By Alyssa Book and Chase Gosman

This Sunday Madonna took the stage at Lucas Oil Stadium for the Super Bowl half-time performance.

The singer was presented by an army of Roman soldiers on an extravagant throne clearly trying to appear as pop royalty. Although she came across as an ancient queen, the stage was futuristic and brightly lit. By bringing modern artists, such as Nicki Minaj, Cee Lo Green, LMFAO, and M.I.A., along the way, she appealed to the younger audience.

Madonna performed her new single “Give Me All Your Luvin’,” along with classics like “Vogue” and “Music.”  Even though these songs were showcased, they were not necessarily sung live. They were rumored to be lip synced.

Sophomore Ross Lundy said the show could have been better.

“It wasn’t very good. They could have gotten an older band like they have in past years,” said Lundy.

The theatrics were amazing, but the show was upstaged by an obscene gesture by co-performer M.I.A.

M.I.A. was onstage for the performance of “Gimme Me All Your Luvin’,“ and unexpectedly flipped off the camera, making its way to millions over their television sets.

“Things like that should not have been on live TV,” said Lundy.

The obscenity was offense to viewers, as complaints filed in to the NBC network.

After the mishap, there were still some good moments in the show. Madonna ended with “Like A Prayer,” where Cee Lo Green accompanied her on a rising platform, showing the TV viewers the flashing lights from the stands as the back lights were turned off.

All in all, it will not go down as the worst halftime show, but it will not be the best either. Madonna, for age 53, proved she still has the spark that made her famous years ago. How long that spark will relate with audiences is the question.

A&E

‘The Summoning’ entices fans of the supernatural

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By Lauren Holstner

Readers who like supernatural stories then should read The Summoning by Kelly Armstrong. It is an amazing book that will make them thirst for more.

Have you ever wanted to have supernatural powers? Well, meet Chloe Sanders. She once had a normal life, until she could see dead people and they saw her. It all started on one nice afternoon. She went to school, and she was taken out on a stretcher, screaming.

A ghost had attacked her, but no one would believe her, so she ended up in the Lyle House, a place for troubled teens with mental problems. With medication, a new friend, and the kind nurses she should be able to stop seeing the ghosts. Well, maybe.

As her life at the hated Lyle House goes on she discovers many things that could happen, and all the Lyle House skeletons may just be her downfall. As her stay continues she discovers the mysteries that surround the place and its horrifying secrets, along with the secrets of her fellow supernatural house guests.

From things being not what they seem to extreme problems that will have you wanting more, this book is a great read. With page-turning events in almost every chapter, I love how this book keeps the reader guessing and wishing for more. I was not able to put it down until I finished it and now I cannot wait to read the rest of the series, which consists of five books.

Love ghosts? Love werewolves? Love sorcerers? Then this is the book for you.