pageten AROUNDTOWN Don’t get stuck eating at Pita Kabob three-way combo ($12.99) consisted of any meal. Baklava ($1) is a wwUzma Ahmad three meats including chicken shawarma, kofta pastry made of layers of Editorials Editor kabob, beef shawarma and lamb kabob. This phyllo dough filled with reviewer chose to order the three-way combo, chopped nuts and sweetened which consisted of chicken shawarma, kofta with syrup or honey. Walking into the recently opened Pita Kabob kabob and lamb kabob. Quite tasty, this traditional in Chicago’s West Ridge neighborhood, patrons The chicken shawarma is a plate of thiny dessert almost allowed are immediately impressed by the welcoming, sliced, lightly seasoned chicken steak cooked this reviewer to leave Pita bright, orange and maroon walls. Unfortunately, on a rotisserie. This entrée was savory, yet Kabob in a positive frame the ambience failed to offset the average quality pedestrian. of mind. Almost. of the food that followed at this Mediterranean The kofta kabob was less pleasant. The Overall, the restaurant restaurant that left a poor impression on this kabob, which is shaped like a footlong hotdog, seemed more suitable for a reviewer. is made of grilled and seasoned ground meat last-minute, late-night take- Among appetizers, the hummus ($2.99) is mixed with herbs. The meat was rather dry and out place. Although the adequate. Made of chick peas, tahini sauce undercooked and left a slightly bitter aftertaste. prices are low, the barely and olive oil, this Mediterranean dish tastes The most appetizing of the three entrées is edible food at Pita Kabob authentic and delectable and is appealing to the the lamb kabob. This meat was more delectable will not elicit a return visit. If, for some strange reason, eye. The hummus is served with hot, fresh pita and savory, yet did not surpass average. Pita Kabob entrées disappoint. Photo by Uzma Ahmad. bread. The white rice that accompanies this three- readers would like to form From there, however, the entire experience meat combo is ordinary and not of authentic their own opinions, the seemed to go downhill. Although the waitress Mediterranean style. Lentil soup that is provided oil for Mediterranean standards, the lamb was restaurant is located at 5701 was extremely pleasant, service was slow as with the entree was delicate but extremely heavy and unappetizing. N California Ave. and can be reached by calling patrons were second priority to the heavy take- bland. The salad that accompanied the lamb did not (773) 271-2771. out onslaught. Other entrée choices include sautéed lamb, compensate for the shortcomings of the lamb. Pita Kabob serves various types of sandwiches chicken or beef. The sautéed lamb ($9.99) Consisting simply of lettuce and chopped up ($4.99), including chicken, beef, kofta and consists of small pieces of lamb cooked with tomatoes, the salad felt more of something that Pita Kabob lamb. However, these can be offered in entrée tomato, onion, olive oil and various spices. could be whipped together by anyone at home. style ($9.99) and served with rice and a choice Although the lamb has tangy gravy, the meat Dessert at Pita Kabob may be the only aspect of lentil soup or salad. was undercooked. Chewing the meat felt that comes close to salvaging an unsatisfying 5701 N. California Avenue The entrées can also be combined into a difficult and unnatural. Drenched in too much Star Trek relates to hardcore ‘Trekkies’ as well as the public that Kirk is a daredevil because he steals his Kurtzman’s screenplay very interesting because very dark and creepy, whereas the Enterprise is w Hillary Lindwall stepfather’s car and launches it off a cliff even it deals with time travel. The topic is a good white and bright. This symbolizes an obvious w News/Wire Editor though he is a young child. Around the same background for the futuristic theme, and it is theme of good and evil that is prevalent time, a young Vulcan named Spock is grappling interesting to audience members as well because throughout the film. However, this being said, with his half human-half Vulcan identity. it is a form of science that currently seems to be the directing of the film was nothing special. So At first glance, Star Trek, directed by Lost The story jumps again to the future, when impossible. many movies about the future have been made and Fringe producer J.J. Abrams, may seem like both boys have grown into young men. Both join Furthemore, the crew of the Enterprise that it seems impossible for any director to a film that would not appeal to a large audience. Starfleet, an elite group of starship personnel. grapples with suchs issues as time travel, love come up with an original idea. Even so, Abrams On the surface, the film seems geared toward On their first mission on the USS Enterprise, and human emotion. Throughout the course of could not provide a reprieve from the monotony hardcore “Trekkies” (or “Trekkers,” as they the crew is sent to investigate another lightning the film, Spock considers undergoing the Vulcan of fantasized future technologies. prefer to be called) and science fiction fans. storm. On their journey, the Narada emerges ritual of draining all human emotion. This is an Overall, Star Trek is filled with action, Viewing the film suggests otherwise: even once again, and the captain is requested to interesting concept for audience consideration adventure and humor. The new Star Trek film those who are not fans of the Star Trek television board the Narada. because it is a rather obscure topic about which does a good job of appeasing fans of the original series could enjoy this new prequel very much. From this point, the film provides the back many people would not think. television series as well as recruiting new ones, story on the mythology known to all Star Trek Also, the acting was very good throughout making the movie a success. fans, providing insight into the origins of the the film. Even though the film is set in the future, beloved crew of the Enterprise: Kirk (played the characters are very relatable and believable. as an adult by Chris Pine), Spock (Zachary For example, Quinto played Spock very well. Star Trek Quinto), Sulu (John Cho), Scotty (Simon Pegg), Throughout the film, the viewer was able to Bones (Karl Urban), Chekov (Anton Yelchin) believe that he actually was a Vulcan. and Uhura (Zoe Saldana). Additionally, the cinematography of the film This reviewer found Robert Orsi and Alex is done very well. The enemy Narada ship is Directed By J.J. Abrams Terminator: Salvation lacks a challenge for competitive players watching a very bad action movie with cliché- w Rexly Penaflorida ridden dialogue. w Managing Editor As for the gameplay itself, it is very mediocre. The player fights against only three With every blockbuster movie that comes types of robots, two of which could be seen out, there is bound to be a video game that will in every section of the game, which made this relate to the movie in some way. Terminator: reviewer very bored and makes the game very Salvation is no exception. Although some monotonous. games replicate or transcend the excitement of Furthermore, an intriguing enemy who is the film from which they draw their inspiration, seen in one scene and who is expected to be Terminator: Salvation does not live up to its encountered later in the game completely movie counterpart. With very cheesy dialogue disappears. and linear gameplay, this video game does not Overall, the game is too easy. It takes about impress this reviewer at all. six to seven shots to take down an enemy, and The story begins in the year 2233, when The player takes on the role of John Connor with the player’s large amount of followers, the USS Kelvin is traveling through space to who has given up the role as leader of the battles are obviously not very difficult. Also, investigate a lightning storm. After realizing Resistance and is now a regular soldier. While the camera is very shaky. It gives the player that the storm is actually a black hole, a huge retreating from a very gruesome battle, Connor nausea, not what designers thought would be enemy ship called the Narada emerges, opening picks up a distress signal from a soldier named franchise is one that is well known. Not only the excitement that comes with the character’s fire on the Kelvin. Nero (Eric Bana), the captain David Weston. Weston says that he and his is the plot line pedestrian, but the game is very running around. of the Narada, orders the Kelvin’s captain, men are being held at Eagle Rock, the central quick. Players can finish the game in about two While the movie claims to be the number one Robau (Faran Tahir), to come aboard their ship hub of Skynet, which is the source of all the and one-half hours. action film in the country,Terminator: Salvation to negotiate. Robau then gives command of machines that are fighting the Resistance. With Unfortunately, the brevity of the game is gets terminated by this reviewer. the ship to his first officer, George Kirk (Chris a small group of people, Connor battles his way only one of its numerous drawbacks of the Hemsworth). After this, the ship is destroyed through and eventually arrives at game. The dialogue is inauthentic, and while just as Kirk’s son, James Kirk (Jimmy Bennett), Eagle Rock to rescue Weston and his men and most games today focus on gameplay to drive Terminator Salvation is born. to destroy Skynet. the story, this game uses cut scenes to progress The story resumes years later, when James One would expect the story line to be a little bit forward. Also, the voice actors are very poor Kirk is a child. It is obvious from this scene more complex considering that the Terminator in their performance. Playing the game is like Multiple Systems pageeleven

WestWord 4 Out of 5 Doctors recommend this album Fourth in a series Of 5 Doctors emerged from under the radar The voice of lead singer/bassist Cal Everett tiring at times. For this reason, it is good that w Hillary Lindwall long enough to reform common musical styles, is very soothing in tone, and at times, he sounds 4 Out Of 5 Doctors added a few slower songs, w News/Wire Editor set the standard for so-called “power pop” and like Sting. He especially sounds like the lead including “New Wave Girls” to break up the establish the musical tone for the remainder of singer of the Police during the second song on otherwise frenetic pace of the album. The year 1980 was a defining one that would the ‘80s. the album, “Jeff, Jeff.” Because of the trio of songwriters, the set the stage of the music scene for the next The band released its self-titled debut LP All of the songs on 4 Out Of 5 Doctors have distinct personalities of the band members decade. Upon removing themselves from ‘70s in 1980, a disc that features 11 songs of mixed a common ‘80s feel, but are all very obviously are very prevalent throughout the album. One rock and funk, ‘80s musicians had to find a new themes. The LP did not cause the band to different in terms of style and theme. This can be particular example is the song “Danger Man,” become instant pop stars, attributed to the fact to the fact that three of the the eccentric spy theme (“I play lead guitar for but they were able to band members (Everett and guitarists George the CIA”) of which proves to be very comical. open for popular bands Pittaway and Jeff Severson) wrote songs for the Throughout, 4 Out Of 5 Doctors features raw such as the Cars and the album. guitar combined with Tom Ballew’s powerful Clash and to tour with Furthermore, even though the album was drumming, literate lyrics and catchy tunes. musicians such as Hall recorded almost 30 years ago, the songs do not Overall, the album is very good. It has stood and Oates. at all seem dated or dull. On the contrary, the the test of time because of its unique themes Originally recorded songs have a fresh sound that must have seemed and catchy choruses. For this reason, 4 Out on vinyl, 4 Out of 5 ahead of its time in 1980. Of 5 Doctors has earned the distinction of cult Doctors was not widely One of the best songs on the album is “Opus classic. distributed on CD but 10,” a fast-paced, catchy rock-pop song. The resurfaced recently on only down side to this song,cult like the majority classics 4 Out of 5 Doctors iTunes™ as part of a of the album, is that it is sometimes difficult to compilation that includes understand the lyrics. their second (and only Most songs on the album are fast-paced, 4 Out of 5 Doctors other) LP, Second which is energizing for the listener, but can get Opinion. The first song on the album, “Modern Man,” Fight for Love’s monotones fail to impress opens with a series of fast, heavy drum beats. mood swings throughout the album. The songs Next, a synthesizer is alternate between being happy and sad, with prevalent, and finally, the w Hillary Lindwall w most of them focusing on the depressing side vocals are audible. This layering effect is a good News/Wire Editor musical style with which to express themselves. of love. However, none of his songs could be opening for the album because it sets a rather From the ashes of disco rose a new style of described as ballads because there is a persistent mysterious tone. The listener is not sure what to music, pioneered by the Washington D.C.- There has been a recent ongoing trend that a beat in every song, making it difficult to imagine expect next, and (s)he is induced to listen to the based band 4 Out of 5 Doctors. With searing runner up of has become more where any of his songs would be played. They entire LP in order to unravel the mystery. guitars in hand and heads full of hooks, 4 Out famous than the actual winner of the contest. cannot really be danced to, so they must settle The same is true for season five participant for being labeled as easy listening. . Although he did not win the However, it is not that easy to listen Tóibín’s epic immigration novel charms readers competition, he has released two a blonde Italian with whom she falls in love. albums, which is more than 2006 w Naomi Prale He slowly wins her over with his patient charm, winner can say. w Around Town Editor taking her to Coney Island, Ebbets Field and Released on May 5, 2009, home for dinner to the two-room apartment Yamin’s sophomore album, Fight that he shares with his large family. He talks for Love, sounds very much like a Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn is a coming-of- of having children who will become Brooklyn pop album. age novel set in the eponymous borough and Dodgers fans. Just as Ellis begins to fall in love However, the difference in provincial Ireland. It examines one young with Tony, she receives some distressing news between Yamin’s style and that of woman’s choice of where her home is. of her sister’s death and hurries back to Ireland pop artists is that Yamin combines to be with her mother. pop beats with a classic R&B As if Ellis’ sister’s death weren’t bad sound. Even so, many times on the album, Yamin comes off as Star Trek enough, Ellis comes to realize that she has two different lives, one in Ireland with her mother trying to hard rather than soulful. and one in Brooklyn with Tony. She has to The majority of the album choose where her heart belongs. Tóibín’s seems as if Yamin is trying novel is about the power of conformity, and to be an R&B and pop singer in the end, Ellis makes a choice that is true to simultaneously. Yamin should herself, a lesson all women should be able to decide between the two rather than understand. continuing on his hybrid quest. Tóibín uses a dark and mysterious tone to All songs on Fight for Love consist create emotion in his novel. Homesickness of the same instrumentation: and rupture are the main experiences of Ellis’ an obvious synthesized beat life, which creates a feeling of pathos upon coupled with piano. Although this technique to all of his songs either, so the album is which the reader can draw. Tóibín writes, “She does a nice job of featuring the voice of ultimately just depressing and monotonous. wondered if she could go out now, do anything the performer rather than the background, The only reprieve from the tedium of the rather than face her tomb of a bedroom...it the entire album is performed in this style album is the song “Cold Heart.” Even though was like the arrival of night if you knew you even though change is definitely needed. this song is also about love, it has a rather jazzy would never see the daylight again.” Feelings The title track of the CD, “Fight for feel, complete with horns in the background. of sympathy and sadness erupt from Ellis’ Love,” does not seem to have a melody until While every other song almost sounds like gloomy look on life in Brooklyn. the chorus is sung. It seems like a string Yamin is crying, “Cold Heart” finally gives the The immigrant experience in America has of disconnected notes. The track is rather listener the feeling that Yamin actually enjoys become a basis for several compelling and epic anticlimactic because it seems as if the title . narratives. Still others have exaggerated the track should be the best song on the album. Also, it is very easy to understand the words that accounts of true immigrant experiences. The After all, that is what the CD is named after. Yamin sings throughout the album and all of the latter is not the case with Brooklyn, as details Although Yamin’s voice is nice and rather songs are reasonably short, which are good aspects give life to each page and new happenings soothing, it gets overly shaky at times. It is considering the repetitive nature of the songs. unfold surprises, sadness and smiles for Ellis. as if Yamin is trying to add flair to his songs, Overall, Fight for Love is a rather mediocre As Ellis Lacey grows up in a small-town Tóibín’s complex story line and unusual mix but he is greatly overdoing it. The shaky album. Although the track “Cold Heart” is in Ireland post World War II, she does her best of characters give Brooklyn a fresh slant on the quality of his voice can especially be heard good, Yamin accomplished too little too late. but fails to find a job in the miserable economy typical immigration story because Ellis finally in the song “Know Better,” where his voice This song is not enough to salvage the album despite her bookkeeping skills. When an Irish learns to live her life by putting her past behind, almost seems unstable. However, his voice from its monotony or make the album at all priest offers her work in America, Ellis jumps at which is what immigrants come to America has a good range and he can hit a lot of notes. memorable. the chance for the job. She emigrates to work in every day to attempt. To add to the monotony of the song style a department store in a Brooklyn neighborhood, reflected by the entire CD, most of the songs on leaving her fragile mother and charming sister Brooklyn the album are about love. While love songs are Fight for Love at home. a musical staple, there are many other themes Ellis finds much more than money at about which songs can be written. Bartocci’s department store. She meets Tony, Colm Toibin Not only are all of his songs about love, Elliott Yamin but Yamin also seems to be undergoing a lot of