by Abel Horwitz Daily Lobo Blame it on "The Lord of the Rings" for taking a book with a ravenous cult following and successfully translating it into a film. If it weren't for director Peter Jackson making such good films, other directors wouldn't think they could do it too.
by Abel Horwitz Daily Lobo The first step into El Taco Tote tells you everything. There's unlimited chips and a handful of salsas to your right, fresh grilled meats and tortillas straight ahead. A loudspeaker announces a number telling people their order is ready, first in English, then in Spanish.
When I was a kid, I got in trouble for reading too much. At night, I would read by flashlight under my covers so my mom couldn't see the light seeping out under my door. I spent my allowance on contraband - C batteries. And for about two years, the novel smuggled under the blanket with me was most likely written by Douglas Adams. I checked The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy out of my neighborhood library because of its cover. A green smiley face with no eyes sticks its tongue out and floats over a hitchhiking thumb.
Even the somber likes of Morrissey and AFI have some competition in the music-to-sit-alone-and-drink-to category from Let There be Morning, the latest record from The Perishers. Although just as passionate, the band doesn't come close to its angst brethren in terms of talent or style.
"Kung Fu Hustle" is like no movie on the planet. The humor is twisted, the fighting is choreographed by the same guy who did "The Matrix," and the violence finds itself comfortably nestled between Quentin Tarantino and Looney Tunes. If you like kung fu movies and Bugs Bunny, then "Kung Fu Hustle" is the film for you.
Billy Bob Thornton has not censored his usual personality to promote his upcoming PG-rated children's movie. For example, Thornton doesn't apologize for his public displays of affection toward women. "Show me a man who doesn't like to drink and doesn't like women, and I'll kiss your ass," he said.
It's been proven that when Nicole Kidman divorced Tom Cruise, she became a better actress. Her new film, "The Interpreter," shows that in a film that won't take home any Oscars, Kidman still shines.
by John Bear Daily Lobo Members of the band Gratitude made up a word for the type of music they play. They hail from San Francisco and call their style of music "Bobcore," after bass player Bob Lindsey. They pointed out his choice of clothing for the day: A white polo shirt in the preppie tradition that contrasted sharply with his heavily tattooed arms and checkered Vans.
by Matthew Paul Bailey Daily Lobo Paris Hilton is great. She is one of the biggest celebrities in the world, and I had the humbling pleasure of interviewing the beautiful heiress, who wanted to talk of her already heavily promoted horror film, "House of Wax.
by John Bear Daily Lobo When people think of Chris Rock, his abrasive manner of speaking during his comedic routines might come to mind. But when he is not on stage, Rock is pretty reserved. He talked of his new film, "The Longest Yard," a comedy about a football team of prison inmates.
You could read Global Frequency without looking at the cover and know it's written by Warren Ellis. His voice is that distinctive, his touch that inimitable. "Back away from the germs, toerag features," one character tells a would-be biological terrorist.
by Eva Dameron Daily Lobo The gallery is dimly lit so the aged, sensitive oil paint does not fade. "El Alma de Espa§a" features nearly 100 paintings and sculptures by Spanish painters from the late 16th century to the early 19th century. The show includes such masters as El Greco, Diego Vel†squez, Francisco Goya and Jose de Ribera.
Thirteen years ago, two guys who both dug indie rock became friends. From their friendship sprung the twice-a-year Crawls, held Downtown in the fall and the spring. Michael Henningsen, who recently stepped down as editor of the Weekly Alibi after nine years, said he and Joe Anderson met through their girlfriends at the time.
by Jeff Dalton Daily Lobo A hip-hop gathering on Saturday will provide Albuquerque with an alternative to Spring Crawl. The event takes place at Out ch'Yonda and will include a one-on-one B-boy grudge breakdancing contest. There will be live mural painting, music by DJ Shakedown and capoeira.
by Eva Dameron Daily Lobo UNM has its own Bobby McFerrin, except Ramon Calderon is from Cuba. Like the famed McFerrin, Calderon makes music with his mouth. This Friday he is putting on a concert called "Music with the Mouth Street Style" at the National Hispanic Cultural Center.
by Jessica Del Curto Daily Lobo He and his viola have graced many a stage, but Emerson de Biaggi's oddest performance was at a barbershop. De Biaggi, a Brazilian violist, is in Albuquerque this week working with UNM's Music Department. He has been playing the viola since he was 15.
by Michael Bennett Daily Lobo It is said good music goes through three stages, following a pattern of prototype, archetype and stereotype. Bang Sugar Bang's release Thwak Thwak Go Crazy! undoubtedly falls into the stereotype category. It is a sad matter when a band attempts to break conventions and instead languishes in them.
by John Bear Daily Lobo Enchantment, the Albuquerque Handbell Ensemble, keeps heads ringing. The group plays English handbells, which according to instructor Gail Downey, originated in 16th century England as a way for bell tower ringers to practice without driving the neighbors crazy.
by Eva Dameron Daily Lobo Gender is an abstract notion. A group of transgender people has created a show exploring its meaning. The Tranny Roadshow will stop in Albuquerque tonight as part of its national tour. From all over the country, 35 self-identified transgendered poets, rappers, filmmakers, storytellers, break-dancers, rock bands, comedians, actors, folk singers, photographers and zinesters came together to add their bits to the variety show.
Fairies and forlorn lovers will move across Rodey Theatre's stage this weekend. Diane Schulz, the director of the UNM's production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream," said the play is full of linguistic style that is not as intimidating as your high school English teacher made it seem.
Solutions by The State News
