Entertainment Sierra Gillespie, Entertainment Editor ‘Dear John’ not quite ‘The Notebook’ soldier who enlisted to keep out Just before John’s enlistment or connecting with the story, of “Dear John,” he needed to Sierra Gillespie of the trouble that constantly is over, the September 11 but a person who both read set his priorities in order and Entertainment Editor followed his teenage self. attacks occur, and John feels the book and watched the write about what the public Savannah is the opposite. it is his duty to re-enlist. In film would have a complete wanted to read: love. REVIEW2.5 out of 5 stars She is timid and sometimes the book this area is basically understanding of Savannah “Dear John” is a love story, soft-spoken, and, though not brushed over. John describes and John’s story. though it shows more anguish Nicholas Sparks, the author emphasized in the film, in Savannah as understanding Still, their story was and altercation than any of of “The Notebook,” just turned the book she is incredibly about his patriotic duty, but somewhat lacking. Sparks’ previous works. In out another book- religious. The pair comes in the film, her reaction is Sparks is considered some ways, “Dear John” turned-movie. from different backgrounds completely different. o n e o f t h e b e s t could be considered the most according to either story, and, Still, in both stories, romance authors of realistic of Sparks’ novel- as the two weeks go on, their John re-enlists for all time and is notable turned-movies, though in another two years. among the romance some ways that could be a readers and movie downfall. viewers of the day. He When reading a romance wrote such modern-day novel or watching a romantic classics as “A Walk to movie, people want to get r e l a t i o n s h i p Remember,” “Message in a lost in the unrealistic ways. The novel, “Dear John” was grows. Bottle” and “The Notebook.” They generally do not pick released in 2006, but it has just When their time is over, the But for as widely renowned up a book from the romance been made into a film. Though pair vows to continue their H i s and treasured as these novels section and hope to read the book and movie follow relationship through letters. central base and movies are, “Dear John” about conflict. the same general storyline, John is stationed in Germany, is in Germany, should not even be considered But maybe that is why “Dear there are obvious differences, and Savannah lives in North but for some time in the same category. While John” has all the appeal it does. making them two completely Carolina and is attending he fights in Iraq. reading “Dear John” it was It shows love in a true form, different versions. c o l l e g e . T h o u g h This puts a strain on difficult to imagine that the which could be considered The general story in both thousands of miles John and Savannah’s same author who wrote this good or bad, depending on works follows a soldier named apart, they stay relationship and causes mediocre novel wrote the how you look at it. Either John Tyree on his two-week close and write incredible conflict for the sentimental and endearing way, Sparks is a demanded leave. While on the beach, constantly. In remainder of both stories. novel “The Notebook.” romance author, who probably he meets a college student all of their Both plots share the same Sparks did not capture will not be ending his career named Savannah Curtis who letters and central idea, but the majority Savannah and John’s love the anytime soon. Hopefully his is vacationing there. Savannah s c a r c e of the events in the book and way he captured Allie and next book will embody the and John hit it off right away, p h o n e c a l l s , movie are different, ranging Noah’s. It seemed that he sort sappy characteristics that pull though their personalities are the pair c o u n t s from slightly contrasting to of spit it out and did not care on our heartstrings far more completely different. down the few days polar opposites. A person who to think twice about it. than “Dear John” did. In both the book and the until John’s enlistment is saw only the movie would not Sparks is obviously a movie, John is a muscular over. have trouble understanding fantastic writer, but in the case Lil’ Wayne’s rock album: disappointing and unnecessary Kelly Boruff When I first read about this Instead of the hip-hop bass With a new style should come songs off the album include Columnist album in Rolling Stones, I was beats that usually accompany a new batch of accompanying “One Way Trip,” featuring left in awe, with nothing but his voice in the songs, we vocals. However, with Rebirth, Kevin Rudolf, and “Knockout,” disbelief. “Lil’ Wayne doing a are faced with the sounds of Nicki Minaj, Shanell and featuring Nicki Minaj. The REVIEW2.5 out of 5 stars rock album?” I thought, “This guitars and drums. The songs Eminem, among others, are song “Drop the World,” cannot be serious.” And yet, have taken on a much slower still featured backing up featuring Eminem, has After topping off his 10 months later, with the album feel, and now, instead of driving their fellow already stuck its nose three-part saga of Tha Carter sitting in front of me, I was able down the street blasting my m u s i c i a n . out as the album’s IV, Lil’ Wayne takes a new to hear this transformation for Lil’ Wayne feeling more street Another artist first single. Expect spin in the music industry. myself. It was all too serious. than I could ever hope to featured on the to hear it constantly Rebirth is not just another The voice stays the same, with be without the presence of album is Kevin as soon as the name of an album, but a literal the synthesizer intact. The his music, I am faced with a Rudolf, the radio stations rebirth of the style and even language and the lyrics all D-list rock artist barely worth musician get their hands genre of the rapper-turned- have that Lil’ Wayne feel. So blasting at all. b e h i n d on an edited rock star’s signature musical what changed? The strangest thing of all is “Let it version of the sound. the featured artists on the CD. Rock,” song. w h o When you m a y are as close help Lil’ to the top as Wa y n e ’s Lil’ Wayne transition is, you can between take a risk the world a n d t r y of rap and rock. Rudolf new things. We should just himself seems to have a style hope, for the future of Lil’ that fits into both genres. Wayne, that Tha Carter IV Songs like “Get a Life” and heads back to where he came “The Price Is Wrong” show the from, instead of following the greatest change, and change road he is currently taking. for the worse at that, in his Rebirth was released on music. February 1, 2010, a change However, staying true to his from its original April release roots, his songs such as “Da Da date. I am sure we can thank Da” and “On Fire” do not fail to the concealed weapon charges Comic by Shay Corless please the fans of his former for that one. Proceed to buy albums. Other promising with caution.

Page 10 The Purple Sage February 17, 2010 Entertainment Films that lit up the silver screen in ’09 “An Education”—as is the birthday. I will admit outright Joe Meeker against it. Really, the only even though Academy voters Opinion Editor Academy’s wont to do—in that I have yet to see “The animated film that should owe the man for passing addition to “District 9,” “Up” Blind Side,” but a review from be walking home with over “Pulp Fiction,” this Ah, Oscar time, when a and, er, “The Blind Side.” a source close to me likened an Oscar this year is likely is not his year. It young man’s thoughts turn to Expanding the number the experience to “having your “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” but I remains a contender and high caliber film. A beautiful of nominees led to some head banged against a wall for digress. “District 9” is too a good third choice, but time, and one of my favorites, interesting picks. What the an hour and a half straight,” so weird, “The Blind Side” was a win would be a major as I love to discuss who will other five films would be I might hold off. In any case, never a legitimate upset. and should walk away with was anyone’s guess, and the most would agree that “The candidate, and “A “The Hurt that most prized of trophies. Academy used the opportunity Blind Side” is a bit of pandering Serious Man” and L o c k e r ” a n d And boy, what a year for to recognize some films to the audiences that helped “An Education” “Avatar” are discussion. with a bit more mass-market make it so popular. I read an are too little the front- This year, the Academy appeal. “Up,” while far from impassioned defense on the known, neither runners. To put increased the number of Pixar’s best work, is still a nomination of the blind side having enough it bluntly: Voters best picture nominees from solid choice, and I encourage the other day, their argument momentum to have a choice five to 10, resulting in the the Academy’s trend of being that nominating a film swing a win. between a taut, nomination of films that might “legitimizing” animated films. that audiences are more Of the five major intelligent thriller not have made the cut in a “District 9” is a really solid familiar with will increase contenders, I haven’t that doubles as an five-picture race. The sure action flick, the little sci-fi overall interest in the Oscars, seen “Precious” or “Up affecting character bets—the films that would film that could—as in, “could and in that, increase interest in the Air,” and while study and a pretty have been nominated had make $115 million.” And while in the other nominees. All I am sure they are good movie with the cutoff stayed at five— it might not be as good as the well and good, but when the both great films, most pretty pictures. I were “Inglourious Basterds,” “Star Trek” reboot, the social highest-grossing picture of “analysts” are saying know that sounds “Avatar,” “The Hurt Locker,” and political commentary all time is also up for the top they do not have much harsh, and I actually “Up in the Air” and “Precious,” aspects of “District 9” probably prize, the effect of giving “The of a shot, their moments really liked “Avatar,” the same few films that have helped make nominating a sci- Blind Side” a nod is probably having passed. but it is not a great film. been bandied about at every fi film a bit more palatable for negligible. T h i s l e a v e s It is good, and it does other major awards show this Oscar voters. When examining who will “Inglourious Basterds,” some great things year. (The MTV Movie Awards While those picks were good actually walk away with top “The Hurt Locker” and with CG, but there are notwithstanding.) surprises, the nomination of honors, immediately some cuts “Avatar.” Barring some too many blemishes With the other five slots, “The Blind Side” is a terrible have to be made. To start, none odd twist of fate, one to make it a seriously the academy chose to surprise, like opening a gift of the “extra” five nominees of these films is winning worthy candidate recognize the tiny, little known only to find you have been are going to win. “Up” is good, best picture, and while for best picture. The films “A Serious Man” and given angry bees for your but being animated is a sleight they all have their merits, story is overfamiliar, well, I have some the dialogue strong feelings i s p r e t t y o n w h o uniformly Pee-wee Herman is finally back should and t e r r i b l e Josh Heath to the success of that stage Wee. CBS stopped showing who should and the Mac Columnist show, which was recorded “Playhouse,” Toys ‘R’ Us not be awarded Guffin is called and broadcast on HBO, pulled all Pee-wee toys off the top honors. “unobtanium.” Seriously? Do any of you remember Reubens was signed on to do shelves and MGM removed My personal favorite out “Avatar” is neat. I am glad where the word of the day shows across America, even a video featuring Pee-wee. of the bunch is “Inglourious so many people have seen originated from? “Pee-wee’s stopping by Letterman a few Luckily, the public support Basterds.” Tarantino, while it. But its nomination speaks Playhouse” of course! I hear times, always in character as was immense and the whole an incredibly awkward dude, far more to its popularity some of you dissing Mr. Pee-wee. scandal was over in a matter is a pretty stellar filmmaker. than its quality. “The Hurt Herman out there. Well, he That tour made Pee-wee of months. Beyond his tropes—the smart Locker,” in addition to being is most certainly on his way a national sensation, and Throughout the late ’90s dialogue, the pop-culture a great film on its own merits, back to the top. he caught the eye of Warner and ’00s, Reubens put Pee- diatribes, the violence—the is a much better film. The Back in 1977, Paul Reubens Brothers, who decided to wee to rest, instead taking guy mostly makes relentlessly film, which centers on bomb had an idea for a character. make a movie about him. on small parts in movies and entertaining films. And techs in the early days of the He performed as a character They handed the helm over various television shows. Just “Basterds” is, well, pretty Iraq War, is pretty uniformly he created: Pee-wee Herman. to rookie director Tim Burton when it looked like Reubens relentlessly entertaining. It fantastic, with some of the With his distinctive laugh and and the movie was a box had everything back on track, sags in the middle, but the finale most exciting sequences in “I know you are, but what am office smash, propelling Pee- he was arrested again. The more than compensates. film this year. The opening I?” comeback, he immediately Wee to heights previously charges were dropped in I think my favorite thing minutes are even better than struck a chord with audiences unseen. 2004, but it hurt Reuben’s about “Inglourious Basterds” the opening moments of “Up,” everywhere. So much so that In 1986, Pee-wee’s biggest career. is how it stays with you. What dead serious. by 1980, Reubens had started media sensation was created: Lucky for us, he bounced I originally thought was a If “Avatar” wins, it will his own stage show, which “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.” With back quickly. Reubens started pretty good flick by Tarantino not be a tragedy, but it will was imbued with sexual its colorful characters, to tease the prospect of two standards has, over the last join the likes of “Crash” and innuendo and was much interesting setting and great new Pee-wee movies, one few months, grown and shifted “Forrest Gump” as a film that more adult than the Pee-wee comedy, Pee-wee was now more adult and dark, one in my perceptions, becoming did not really deserve the we know and love. Thanks a household name. He even concerning the Playhouse. something greater than its most prestigious award in got a star in the Hollywood In 2010, he appeared, as Pee- progenitor. Hollywood. “The Hurt Locker” Walk of Fame. But, as the wee on Conan O’Brien’s “The But “Basterds” is not going may not be my favorite film, but saying goes, the bigger Tonight Show” among other to win. Despite a win at the it is a great one and completely they are, the harder they shows to promote the return SAG awards a few weeks back, deserves the attention it has fall. of his live stage show “The it is still a very divisive film, been getting. I n 1 9 9 1 , R e u b e n s Pee-wee Herman Show.” with swaths of people turned I know a lot of people are was arrested. Reubens’ With the two movies off by the hyper-violence rooting for “Avatar,” but before mugshot took a while to being developed, Reubens and weird, alternate take on the ceremony rolls around, decipher, considering he is bringing Pee-wee back to WWII. To me, these are things give the other films a watch. had grown a large beard the public’s eye and soon that make the film great, as You might not like “The Hurt and had longer hair. But enough their hearts will once Tarantino’s willingness to Locker,” and yeah, you might there was a media frenzy again be open to loveable play around with the very still think “Avatar” is the best once it was discovered character from our past. conventions of history give the choice. As long as they do not it was the beloved Pee- film a great sense of fun. But pick “The Blind Side,” right?

February 17, 2010 The Purple Sage Page 11 Entertainment Unique atmosphere at local tea house Keeping in mind this and grassy. They are often said knowledge. To begin, relishing in the lingering aroma Katie Scheuer atmosphere and long-standing quite aromatic. we ordered the Tie Guan (which was slightly fruity and News Editor tradition of teahouses, it is not Finally, black teas have Yin Supergrade in the Gong quite delicious) and then sip surprising the Dobra also has the boldest flavor and the Fu style. Gong Fu, slightly the actual tea. Finally, our REVIEW2.5 out of 5 stars a unique set of dining rules. most caffeine. My personal reminiscent of wine tasting, is server explained that we could Upon entering the shop, all favorite is the Tie Guan Yin meant to enhance the sensory enjoy about 15 more infusions, For thousands of centuries, patrons are asked to turn off Supergrade. experience of the tea. When our adding five seconds to each drinking tea has been a their cell phones. They seat L e s t y o u f e e l tea was ready, the head server successive brew time, the time to enjoy friends, relax, themselves, after removing inundated by the brought a tea set complete taste and smell developing contemplate life or just get a their shoes on designated immensity of the menu, with six wooden cups, wooden over time. little pick-me-up. mats. A server brings a everything I have tried utensils and two tea pots. Later, Kelsey and I decided to The tea book Ch’a-su large menu and a small, (at least half the I was a bit intimidated at enjoy another pot of tea. This describes the best times silver bell from the Czech menu) is quite first, but the accommodating time, we went for a blend of for drinking tea as, “When Republic, one of the d e l i c i o u s gentleman was kind enough tea, fondly called the Russian we are interrupted while m a n y l o c a t i o n s a n d , to remove his shoes, join me Caravan. This aroma blend contemplating, during a good to which the tea at the table and explain came with a delicious side of conversation deep into the servers traveled as the Gong Fu process. spicy nuggets and fluffy, glazed night, when there is a light part of their training. He said that Gong cookies vaguely reminiscent of soft drizzle, with agreeable The menu contains Fu is a unique yet gingerbread. Our entire meal friends…when the children are everything from the universal method came to a mere $20, including at school, in a bamboo grove traditional Chinese green o f p r e p a r i n g a tip for our helpful server. on a spring evening, under teas to the more exotic tea. Merchants So, if you are ever on State unusual rocks.” Personally, anemones and gong fu w a l k i n g t h e Street, in the mood for tea, on I don’t need bamboo or odd teas. streets of China a romantic date or you just land formations to enjoy a As a basic rule of thumb with sacs of tea on have time to kill on a rainy good cup of tea; in fact, I look for the first-time tea drinker, their backs will perform day, head down to Dobra for every excuse possible to please note that true tea does Gong Fu, as will the most Tea for a delicious, pensive visit Madison’s tea house: not taste anything like Lipton expensive tea houses. experience. And remember, Dobra Tea. green tea and is worlds away t h e Like wine tasting, the taster tea is always best served with Located at 449 State St., from your average McDonald’s servers are knowledgeable, must first smell the beverage, a good friend. this shop blends effortlessly iced tea. Each type of tea friendly and more than willing the dual nature of its area. refers to a slightly different to help. The tables allow for upbeat type of plant and fermentation On my last visit to Dobra, chatting and the nonchalance process. Teas such as green Kelsey Rudisill and I decided of a Saturday spent walking tea provide a range from light to branch out a bit and explore into contemplative space. and citrusy to more complex the depths of our servers’ Netbooks versus new Apple iPad Brian Lenz for the iPad, however, few at around $3 per gigabyte, Web Page Manager are optimized for the 9.7 inch the price of a SSD gets shot high-resolution display of the upwards as your capacity iPad. increases. Standard SATA hard REVIEW2.5 out of 5 stars The iPad starts at $499 drives are priced nearer to 20 for the WiFi enabled 16 GB to 30 cents per GB, allowing The iPad is the newest model, the 32 GB at $599 and nearly 10 times as much installment of Apple’s wide the 64 GB at $699. Adding 3G storage for the same price. range of consumer electronics. compatibility is $629, $729 A standard netbook with Mimicking the gorgeous design and $829 for the 16, 32 and 64 a similar price to the 32 GB and functions of the iPod GB models, respectively. All iPad boasts more impressive Touch and iPhone, the iPad prices are well within reach for components (aside from the is the next step in portable anyone looking for a simple, multi-touch display): a 12.1- computing. in-home use appliance for inch high-resolution screen, There are numerous basic tasks like surfing the 1.6 gigahertz (GHz) processor, practical uses for the iPad, web, drafting emails or playing a 40 GB SATA hard drive and ranging from surfing the web games. 8 MB of video memory. The to playing games or even On the other side of the iPad does not quite reach the reading a book. Surfing online coin, consumers have a benchmarks for a netbook: is convenient using the built in different option: a netbook. The iPad has 9.7-inch high- WiFi incorporated in all three Netbooks are a variation of resolution multi-touch display, sizes of the iPad: 16, 32 and a laptop designed for overall 1 GHz processor, 32 GB SSD 64 gigabytes (GB). In addition, speed, battery life and low and an unlisted but limited all models have the capability weight. Some use solid-state amount of video memory. for enabling a 3G connection drives (SSDs), similar to SD If you are looking for speed through any provider. AT&T Flash cards used in many and compatibility with anything offers a no-contract plan for digital cameras, to drastically that you may need to do on a unlimited 3G use for $30 a increase the read and write low end computer, a netbook month. speeds, enhancing the speed is your best shot. However, Games and applications of bootup and file access if you are looking to have a on the iPad follow the same times. gorgeous, functional computer premise of the iPod and SSDs also enhance the to do basic tasks like surfing iPhone by using the AppStore durability of the drive itself. the web, forwarding your provided by Apple. Apple They do not use any moving chain letters or playing some boasts the impressive number parts and prevent damage intense Tap Tap Revolution, of 140,000 apps available for when the laptop or netbook iPad is the way to go. download on the AppStore. All is dropped. SSDs do generally applications are compatible cost more, however. Priced Comic by Luke Thering

Page 12 The Purple Sage February 17, 2010