ENTERTAINMENTpage 19 Technique • Friday, December 1, 2000 • 19

Al, Joe, Dick, and W. Another Atwood classic ENTERTAINMENT The Two Bits Man gives a final The Blind Assassin again shows that analysis of this year’s presidential novelist Margaret Atwood is a woman Technique • Friday, December 1, 2000 election debacle. Page 21 who knows how to write. Page 25 M. Night Shyamalan’s effort not entirely ‘Unbreakable’ By Andrew Pilsch thralling story that marked The nerd ever—that he is in fact a Hate it when I’m missing bylines Sixth Sense as one of the best kind of superhero. films of last year and a box office Based on this story, it would MPAA Rating: PG-13 smash. It would also seem that seem that Shyamalan is tackling Starring: Bruce Willis, Samuel Shyamalan is attempting to please comic books in the same fash- L. Jackson, Robin Wright too many people instead of craft- ion that he handled ghost sto- Penn ing an intellectual and shocking ries—applying a modern realistic Director: M. Night Shyamalan tone to a fantastic genre. The Distributor: Touchstone problem, like many “origin of” Running Time: 106 minutes comic book issues (read Uncan- Grade: yy Shyamalan ny X-men #1 to see what I mean), employs many of is that this story is rather dull. Unbreakable, the new film Where this summer’s X-Men by talented filmmaker M. Night the same elements, covered similar ground but kept Shyamalan, is not as good as the but lacks the the action moving, Shyamalan brilliantly captivating The Sixth chose to explore the implications Sense, which is unfortunate. It’s cohesive story of of being born to protect others. safe to say that this film is one of The Sixth Sense. While this might prove to be the most anticipated since the fertile subject matter for a nov- release of a certain summer block- el, it is not what good cinema is buster (Sense was one of the ten all about. Frankly, there isn’t highest grossing films of last year story as his previous outing did. enough story here to go around. and deservingly so) and it sorely The setup is this: a former This movie will be compared disappoints. football player turned security to The Sixth Sense, as it should In Unbreakable, Shyamalan guard named David Dunn (Bruce be (and as I am doing), and found employs many of the elements— Willis) survives an otherwise fa- lacking. However, if it weren’t great acting, engrossing premise, tal train wreck, and is told by for his having stunned the world By Frank Masi / TOUCHSTONE PICTURES fascinating camera work, even a Elijah Price (Samuel L. Jackson, with Sense, Shyamalan’s current David Dunn (Bruce Willis) appears to be some kind of superhero after miraculously cute young kid—but this offer- brilliant as always)—who may surviving a train wreck; Elijah Price (Samuel L. Jackson) is more than mildly curious. ing lacks the cohesive and en- just be the biggest comic book See Unbreakable, page 23

Crazy couples in DT’s ‘Slightly Married’ Big Mouth sounds off By Alan Back immune from the insanity, not even the By G. K. Swamy and Kit couple, played by Christopher Schrader have built the story My cat just sprang a leak head of Blackbird Records, their current FitzSimons Hunt and Valerie Peek, air themselves in their rehearsals. label and a subsidiary of Atlantic. The It’s a surprise article! their marital woes onstage, yet Working with stock charac- There must be something in the water executive learned this truth the hard way seem flippant when discuss- ters, their brainstorming has they drink in . That’s about during a 1999 show at the Roxy. Married—well sort of. The ing these horrible dilemmas. produced a riotous mix of the only explanation that can account “He was the only person in the place new DramaTech show Slight- The husband is mildly in- scheming servants, rich old for the goofy things that keep springing sitting down!” LeBlanc recalled. “We were ly Married is actually three one- terested to find out that his misers, haughty divas, and (of up down there. Think about it: Louis playing a song, and we stopped it and act plays featuring odd couples wife is pregnant; the kicker is course) a young couple in love. Armstrong. Mardi Gras. The Hurricane. said, ‘You know, dude, we don’t care if with even odder problems. that she is almost full term Flavio (Adam Johnson) has A four-year-old kid who asked for—and we’re signed to your record label or not, Each play has a unique style, when he makes his discovery. returned after having disap- got—a big green trash can for Christmas, and we’re glad you’re here, but you are but the combined effect is quite This leads to further discus- pearing for four years to woo then promptly drove his whole family not going to sit down at a distinct—sometimes slapstick, sion that reveals a tale of adul- his true love Flavia (Jennifer crazy by pounding on it all day long. show!’ And we got the whole audience to sometimes tongue-in-cheek, tery, lies, and more adultery, Fulton). Of course, numer- That four-year-old was Fred LeBlanc, scream along with us.” occasionally rather dark—but throughout which the couple ous problems pop up to thwart now the self-described “unofficial front- Stunts like this are par for the course very humorous all the while. remains overly polite to each their union, yet they hold on man” and drummer of Cowboy Mouth. when the full band goes on, as anyone Bridal Terrorism, directed other. Each feels that even through thick, thin, and the Even when the band takes time off, he who’s seen them can readily attest. The by Amy McPherson, has a ubiquitous balcony scene. can still make plenty of noise and give man puts plenty of mileage on his kit at premise as strange as its title Various stock characters talk people a little peek at what’s been rat- these shows, routinely breaking drum- indicates. What happens when to, steal from, gamble with, tling around in his head these days. heads and reducing pair after pair of sticks the term “shotgun wedding” The charm of and laugh at one another to Getting the crowd moving is child’s is taken all too literally, and Foolz is that it create a swirling web of chaos play for him and his partners. Nobody is See LeBlanc, page 25 when a man is forced to marry doesn’t take itself that is miraculously resolved at gun-point? The play cen- in the end. ters around a marriage—not seriously, and Foolz embraces the stereo- one of tradition, but one of neither should typical characters and plot de- acceleration. vices that such situation Everything is faster these you. comedies are known for and days, from food to phones, makes fun of them (and itself, and this marriage is no excep- of course). The charm of this tion. The young hero, Lionel though they may be sleeping show is that it doesn’t take Stark (Brandon Yarbrough), around, it is no reason to make itself seriously, and neither is swept off his seat by a beau- the other feel less loved. The should you. Just sit back, re- tiful woman (Julie Dowling) caustic interplay between the lax, and enjoy the silliness. before finding himself in the couple provides the viewer with DramaTech’s first perfor- midst of his own wedding, a dark sense of enjoyment in mance next semester will be complete with a hilarious, if witnessing their attempts to William Shakespeare’s Mea- dysfunctional, set of in-laws solve the “problem.” sure for Measure. Auditions will and a British-only-when-he- The third feature is the com- be held at the start of the next wants-to-be judge. media del’arte production semester on January 8 and 9, The scene that follows is a Foolz. Performed in the tradi- 2001, at 7:30 p.m. in the Dra- panorama of action and hu- tion of the improvisational art maTech Theatre. They are mor, as the family tries to make form of 16th -17th century Ita- open to all, and no prior expe- it through the ceremony be- ly, Foolz features masked char- rience is necessary. For infor- fore Lionel’s feet get colder acters performing all sorts of mation, call (404) 894-3481. than they already are. In terms tomfoolery onstage. Wes of this goal, no one side of the Schrader has led an impres- Slightly Married plays on stage can truly be said to out- sive effort in bringing the cre- December 7, 8 and 9 at 8:00 do the other. ativity of this art to p.m. in the DramaTech The- The Problem is directed by DramaTech. atre. Admission is $4. To re- Siddharth Manay, and poses In true commedia fashion, serve tickets, call the reservation Courtesy of Fred LeBlanc / WWW.COWBOYMOUTH.COM quite a whopper. The featured the performers and director line at (404) 894-2745. Cowboy Mouth’s Fred LeBlanc is trading his much-abused drums for an acoustic guitar in a series of solo shows, including a visit to Smith’s Olde Bar on December 7. 20 • Friday, December 1, 2000 • Technique ENTERTAINMENT ...0101010 1010101010101010...... Two Bits Go stuff this in your stocking! COTTON CLUB (152 Luckie St.) 12/8—Beorcipe, Bent, Minus, Neurotica As much as I hate to say it, the that would have made the White could fall in love. She could hy- Web site: www.masq.com Two Bits in 2000 write-in cam- House spotless if they’d ever let me phenate her name and have an ad- (404) 874-1993 12/1—Southern Culture on the Skids, paign was a complete flop. At this live there.” At that point, someone ditional 1.4 kids to be as much of Royal Fingerbowl ROXY (3110 Roswell Rd.) point, it would be irresponsible to with a deep rural twang would stand a happy Republican as he is. Doesn’t 12/2—Kronic, Damn Grundy, Self-Denial, (404) 233-7699 sit idly, so I have decided to analyze up in the audience and shout, “Al, it just make you feel good through Unit 6, Klopek, Lunacy FPD, 12/1—Tyrone Smith Revue, Dale Hicks & the current state of politics in this you can’t sell that spot remover any and through? Griddlock the Goodtime Band election. As I see it, everyone associ- better than you can take your home Last but not least, we have to pay Web site: www.atlantaconcerts.com/ 12/2—Joe Jackson ated with this election except Joe state in an election.” Quick-witted homage to Katherine Harris. Wheth- cottonclub.asp Web site: www.atlantaconcerts.com/ Liebermann will lose their jobs. Gore would retort, “Oh, but you er or not you like her style of poli- roxy.asp To begin with, there’s George can remove thousands of spots for tics, one thing is for sure—this media DARK HORSE TAVERN (816 N. Highland Ave.) SMITH’S OLDE BAR (1582 Piedmont Ave.) W. As I write this, the election is only $21.95. With your purchase, event is going to detract from her (404) 873-3607 12/1—Drednot, The Union, 13 Stories (404) 875-1522 still being contested in court, and I’ll throw in the Wonder Squee- overall credibility. If you ask me, 12/2—Rev 7, Kitchens of Soul, IPS 12/1—White Animals, Film things keep getting weirder and gee.” His winning personality and she will ultimately be out of a job. 12/6—Vynl, Big Jack Pneumatic, Sue 12/2—White Animals, Patrick Smith Band weirder. I think it’s obvious that W. trustworthy demeanor make him You may feel sorry for her, but I can Wilkinson Band 12/3—Billy Joe Shaver, Willis Alan will be president, but he will be a assure you, she won’t go broke. As 12/7—Tender Idols, Lights Out, Falling Up Ramsey one-termer. All possible credibility we’ve already heard now, Harris is a 12/8—Persona, Favorite, Mercy Crush 12/4—Travisty Theory, Karen Russ & has been stripped from the man. I Gore’s winning successful mother and homemaker. Radiant Tribe, Big Foam Finger doubt that Texas will reelect him I believe that she will go on the road ECHO LOUNGE (551 Flat Shoals Ave.) 12/5—Apartment Projects, Dr. Dan either, so his political career will personality and with her kickin’ casserole ideas and (404) 681-3600 12/6—Viperhouse, Guy Smiley Blues end as abruptly as Scott Baio’s act- enter direct competition with Mar- 12/1—Kingsized, Gargantua, Fiend Exchange trustworthy demeanor 12/7—Fred LeBlanc, , ing career. Nonetheless, this is a tha Stewart. You’re probably think- Without a Face make him the ideal 12/2—Continental Drifters, Swimming Bare Jr. man who shrieks of walk-on moxie. ing that it will be an absolute shutout. Pool Q’s 12/8—Blue Dogs, Beth Wood I can just see the networks fighting on-air salesperson. Martha Stewart is renowned for con- 12/5—Gaza Strippers, Caustic Resin Web site: smithsoldebar.citysearch.com for the rights to write him into a suming her opponents, but Katherine 12/7—Slobberbone, Drive-By Truckers sitcom...George and Sue. He’s a con- Harris is not a woman to be reck- Web site: www.echostatic.com/ STAR BAR (437 Moreland Ave.) servative congressman from the oned with. I can easily see her in an echolounge (404) 681-9018 Midwest; she’s a ranking member an ideal on-air salesperson. all-out deathmatch with Martha 12/1—Deke Dickerson, Judge and Jury of NOW. If these two crazy kids Of course, we certainly can’t forget Stewart...pistols at dawn, or as the EDDIE’S ATTIC (515-B N. McDonough St.) 12/2—Fabulous Lounge Punks, Hot August can’t make it together, I don’t know W.’s running mate, the awe-inspir- case would be for two accomplished (404) 377-4976 Knights who can. ing Dick Cheney! I figure this is a cooks, spud-guns at dawn. 12/1—Pierce Pettis, Joyce & Jacque Web site: www.cloun.com/starbar.html Next, there’s the amazing Al. I man who I would invite to a party. The way things are looking now, 12/2—Cigar Store Indians, David Franklin 12/3—Chuck Brodsky, Doug Cox, Denice VARIETY PLAYHOUSE (1099 Euclid Ave.) don’t see him finding his way back The way I see it, people will pay the only person involved here who Franke (404) 521-1786 into politics—as we saw this time, Dick Cheney to show up at their won’t be out of a political career is 12/5—Ken Chrispens, Claire Campbell & 12/1—Victor Wooten his Tennessee homies wouldn’t even charity dinners. After all, that is a Joseph Liebermann. He’s already Bain Mattox 12/2—Jennifer Nettles Band, Will Hoge vote for him. However, I look at Al man who makes people just feel been reelected to his old position. 12/6—Kyle Shiver, David Culiner 12/3—The Wailers Gore and think, “Gee, what an ex- warm and fuzzy inside. I know that When all is said and done, he can go 12/7—Don Conoscenti, Kevin Meisel 12/8—Eddie from Ohio citing guy! If he were selling Ginsu when he goes to a celebrity dinner right back home to work. Everyone 12/8—Halcyon, Kristy Lee Web site: www.variety-playhouse.com Knives, I’d buy one.” With that in to help feed the hungry, Courtney else is going to have to find a new Web site: www.eddiesattic.com mind, a career in infomercials seems Love will come running over and line of work. I certainly hope for Check out the Tourdates Web site eminent. Think about the possibil- give him a big hug. After all, if there’s their sake that they read Two Bits. MASQUERADE (695 North Ave.) (www.tourdates.comwww.tourdates.com) to find out where your ities! “Hi. I’m Al Gore. You might one thing this election has shown If they do, they already understand (404) 577-2007 favorite bands will be performing next. Until 12/1—Junkman’s Attic, The Superbz, the Technique starts up publication again remember me from presidential elec- us, it’s what a loveable guy Dick their chosen destinies. Until next Driven, Vynl, Stranger by Day next month, you’re on your own when it tions such as the one in 2000. To- Cheney really is. You never know. semester, I am the Two Bits Man 12/2—Fastball, Bare Jr. comes to keeping yourself occupied. day, I want to show you a product Dick Cheney and Courtney Love wishing you a happy holiday.

“I’m just a walking drum of toxic waste.” -Alan Back. We couldn’t agree more. ENTERTAINMENT Technique • Friday, December 1, 2000 • 21

Crossword No Partridge Jokes, Please! 35. 69 ACROSS concern 100. Blvd. 44. Lit up, as a face 36. Bro’s sibling 101. Nine-month abbr.? 47. Diary-writing Frank 123 456 789 101112 37. Suffix for Legoman? 102. Is in France! 48. Expresso type 13 14 15 16 17 38. Give off 103. “_____ ideas?” 49. Hairdresser’s 18 19 20 21 39. Famous cookie man 104. Ripkin of baseball 50. Make like a cat’s back

22 23 24 25 26 41. Antis 51. Big Bird’s teddy bear 43. Depot (abbr) DOWN 56. “______trustworthy…” (3 wds) 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 45. “Bark!” 1. Fireplace leftover 58. Swedish pop group 35 36 37 38 46. “How do you know __” (4 wds) 2. Pair 59. Golf bag sights

39 40 41 42 43 44 45 52. Bump _____ log (2 wds) 3. Sandra _____ 60. Made leftovers, maybe (2 wds) 53. Batman foe ____ Al Ghul 4. _____ Kosh… 61. Sicilian volcano 46 47 48 49 50 51 54. Far-faring flying (abbr) 5. Keanu, in “The Matrix” 62. “How it first was” (abbr) 52 53 54 55. Canadian prov. 6. Give out, as force 63. Zero, as a balance 55 56 57 56. Be sick 7. Syrup’s ‘Before’ picture 64. Mummy’s home!

58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 57. Overly-focused sickness? (abbr) 8. VCR button 65. ‘Quake’ alternative 58. Riddle’s middle (4 wds) 9. Spy writer John le ______67. “Many times” to Yeats 67 68 69 70 67. Drone or queen 10. Sinking into insanity (2 wds) 72. Website abbr. 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 68. And the rest (abbr) 11. Where to make tracks? (abbr) 74. Hwy. 78 79 80 81 82 69. Heston’s grp. 12. 100 ACROSS follower 76. Horde, hide away 70. Fiddler’s location? 83 84 85 86 14. Dawn goddess 79. Kukla, Fran, and ______71. Boyfriend 15. 18-wheelers 80. I-have-nots? 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 73. Neither partner 16. Ties sandbags on 81. “____ de Amigo!” 97 98 99 100 75. Taxing org. 19. Drunken cartoon sound 82. ____-de-France

101 102 103 104 77. A French word! 24. Pre-psi letter 86. Grand ____Opry 78. Riddle’s end (2 wds) 26. Enzyme suffix 87. Demi-____ By Kit FitzSimons 16. Non-American peninsula 82. “Big Blue” 27. Big cat or car 88. Honest ____ Yule laugh! Yule cry! 17. Ogre 83. Woman’s magazine 28. Soon 90. Vietnam ____ Memorial 18. Answer to 46 ACROSS (3 wds) 84. Coffee alternative 30. Over in France? 92. McKellan of “X-Men” ACROSS 20. Mimicry expert 85. _____ Online 31. Dilbert intern 93. Pig pen 1. With 4 ACROSS, to make 23 21. Believer suffix 87. (Just a) bit 32. Plasm prefix 94. Tic-____ 4. See 1 ACROSS 22. Belief suffix 89. Last name in jeans 33. Leprechaun land 95. Eggs 7. “Wait a _____!” 23. “Bring that back” on a TI-83 91. Riddle’s answer (2 wds) 34. Tigger’s “Buh-bye!” (abbr) 96. That’s a moray! 10. Miracle-_____ 25. Ocean Spray prefix 97. Aladdin’s pal 35. Fuel 13. Take to court 27. ____-Man 98. Caesar’s off day? 40. Type of pigeon Answers on page 25. The editor’s ran- 14. English county 29. Riddle’s start (3 wds) 99. Wash 42. Little extra line on a typed M dom comments are below, as usual.

to employ direct, concise methods Unbreakable from page 19 to show the story. This week on the GT Cable Network Unbreakable is not a modern, feature would be praised much as would look good in some art house realistic comic book, but one of those By Rebekah Bardwell Mart on Cobb Parkway. Kara Wings of Desire was—as a fascinat- film where the plot concerns two water-colored, abstract, art books GTCN Correspondant tours the electronics, jewelry, and ing meditation on the nature of hu- people talking, but, this is a comic you purchased when you mistook it sporting goods departments, and manity, in other words, painfully book! If it’s not full of women and for something good. The structure This week on Flava 101, we’ll she finds out what’s on every- boring. As it is, Unbreakable is a men in spandex suits, it should at and appearance of this film would bring you your favorite videos one’s holiday wish list. step back in both technique and least be shot in the vibrant colors of suggest Shyamalan did not read many from Shaggy, Mya, Master P. Flava 101 comes on Mon- storytelling. If these films had been the comics. comics as a child. and Cuban Link. Flava 101 al- days at 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. and made in reverse order, everyone Shyamalan also composes a num- This movie resembles a painter’s ways gives you the freshest hip- Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. Phat Vid- would be claiming Shyamalan was ber of his shots through windows, attempt to create a superhero com- hop and R&B videos. eos come on Mondays at 3:30 a genius. between seats, and via reflected in ic. In the store, you recognize the Phat Videos knows that col- and 7:30 p.m. and Thursdays at This film is technically disap- mirrors. He is attempting to insert artistic value of it, but purchase the lege students sometimes lack cash, 7:30 p.m. on Channel 21. For pointing as well. Instead of the dark, the audience directly into the ac- new issue of “Batman” instead. Thiat so Kara is helping you out this more information, check the first colorless environments used to tell tion, as if we were watching it un- would be my advice to you in re- week with your holiday shop- floor of the student center, Mon- his ghost story, Shyamalan here em- fold on the street, before our eyes, gard to this film. Recognize it as the ping. She takes you inside one of day, December 4, or go to ploys a washed out color scheme, yet this detracts from Shyamalan’s work of a great filmmaker but see the hottest places to shop, Wal- www.gtcn.gatech.edu. full of grays, blues, and greens. This comic book, as that medium tends something else.

Genay is my hero, because he gives me back rubs and plays with my hair. I’m going to miss him ‘cause he’s graduating. :( 22 • Friday, December 1, 2000 • Technique ENTERTAINMENT

pursue, you know? We’re all creative Most of the time, my whole thing is LeBlanc from page 19 people, and we have to exercise that. trying to be positive, change your When we perform, not everybody’s life for the better. As a creative per- ‘Assassin’ an instant classic to splinters. With the group cur- going to be completely satisfied with son, though, you know that life’s rently in the middle of a seven-week their role in that dynamic. You have not all positive. It’s not something By Casey Fiesler the story of two lovers—a high break, though, he’s hit the road to to branch out and try new things.” you need to dwell on, but it’s some- Wish I had time to read like her society girl and a man running do a handful of solo shows and change LeBlanc trades the stage-shaking thing you have to deal with.” from the law. Their tale intro- the mood a bit. musical madness of the full band LeBlanc never plans to write any- Title: The Blind Assassin duces another internal story, as “The acoustic thing is kind of for a more introspective approach thing unnerving or sunny, but in- Author: Margaret Atwood the man entertains his lover with the same, except a lot of the intensi- when he works alone. The death of stead does his best to give his muse Publisher: Doubleday a science fiction story. ty is switched to my acoustic guitar. a brother, a crazy night during Mardi free rein. “When a song presents Released: 2000 Sounds complicated, right? I concentrate a little more on the Gras, a rough European tour, sitting itself to me as an idea or inspiration, It is. However, each aspect of songs, but it’s not the ‘sensitive singer/ by the bayou and watching the water I just try to let it come. I never know Most authors never see their this novel is equally fascinating. songwriter’ thing. Not like, ‘I gave roll past—it’s all fair game for him. what I’m going to get; it could be works achieve widespread study The two sisters are well born and my love a cherry.’” He said that the songs have evolved ‘Easy,’ it could be ‘Jenny Says’ [two in their lifetimes. The majority live a life of no complication until “Sensitive” is one word that will into the musical equivalent of the Cowboy Mouth singles].” of the books that we now con- the Great Depression, when Iris never be used to describe LeBlanc’s journal he keeps on the road and Or it could be a completely sider classics were spawned from enters a loveless marriage to save two self-released solo albums, …Play- posts on his website (http:// different enterprise: the odd bit of geniuses now dead for decades. her father’s business, and the im- ing the Game of My Life (1998) and www.fredleblanc.com), bits of production work for Sanchez and However, Margaret Atwood, the plications affect Laura’s life. The last month’s Double Dammit. This reflection and self-encouragement Deadeye Dick in the mid-1990s, Canadian author of the critical- parallels between the lives of the latter disc is a re-release of his 1995 say, or manning the boards for Dash ly acclaimed and studied book two lovers in Laura’s novel and EP Dammit, with two of the origi- Rip Rock’s 1998 album. Though The Handmaid’s Tale, proves one the lives of the high-society sis- nal songs removed and several pre- the side projects keep him out of (or of the exceptions to this rule. ters keep the reader continually viously unreleased tracks added. “I like to think I’m in) trouble while the band takes a The recent addition of The Blind guessing about what is real and Instead of going into a big studio break, he knows what takes priority. Assassin to her re- what is fiction. with a different group of players, he fortunate enough to “Cowboy Mouth is something poitoire has add- In addition made the original recordings at home know what I have, to special that we’re all a part of. That’s ed yet another The Blind Assassin to the original- and played all the instruments our bread and butter; the thing that dimension to has the plot and ity of this spi- himself. Unusual, perhaps, but he be thankful for it.” has given us the opportunity to do her increasing derweb of a explained that he needed to get Fred LeBlanc, solo work…I like to think I’m for- credibility as an eloquence to story, Atwood’s everything down before it got away on his role in Cowboy Mouth tunate enough to know what I have, author. make it another writing style, from him. to be thankful for it,” LeBlanc said. This novel the same that “A lot of those demos were What about the future? “Life has follows the lives modern classic. was so critical- recorded while I was writing the a way of surprising the hell out of of two sisters, ly acclaimed in songs. Some of them were from a that come to him from time to time. people when they least expect it. I the youngest of The Hand- very fresh inspiration, you know? Hearing a song like “Little Boys just keep giving it fuel for the fire…If whom’s death is introduced im- maid’s Tale and Cat’s Eye, con- And when I’m home, I don’t have a Who Tell” in the middle of this lot, it wasn’t for the weird, unexpected mediately: “Ten days after the tains a lush flair—her words chance to do anything fancy; I just then, is a real screwball. Probably things, life would be pretty damn war ended, my sister Laura drove practically envelop the reader. use this cassette four-track.” the most disturbing tune on either dull, and I’m all about keeping things a car off a bridge.” Narrated by She has the most masterful use What he caught on that rig covers album, it paints an eerie picture of exciting.” the surviving sister, Iris, the sto- of figurative language that I have the entire range of Cowboy Mouth’s what happens when a man of the Whether he happens to be beat- ry twists into a nonlinear story- encountered in contemporary 10-year history, including material cloth takes advantage of kids en- ing the tar out of his drums or being within-a-story-within-a-story. fiction., utilizing similes and that later ended up in the band’s trusted to his care. It also happens only slightly gentler with a six-string, Iris’s tale jumps between her cur- metaphors without ever seem- repertoire and songs he wrote in the to be the only song that doesn’t anything goes when he gets out on- rent life as an elderly woman ing contrived. Her often dark time following his departure from have an explanation in the liner stage. Keep a crash helmet handy— and her childhood and the events comparisons continually shock Dash Rip Rock in 1989. He notes—but not, LeBlanc stated, you never know when you (or he) leading up to her sister’s death. the reader into understanding. explained that his two albums were because the events he sings about might need it. In addition, the narrative pe- Though this novel takes a com- a way for him to explore new avenues were part of his childhood. riodically switches to a novel writ- mitment to read (the complexi- in songwriting without having to “People ask me if that’s a per- Fred LeBlanc will be performing at ten by Laura that was ty of the plot makes it hard to mount a full side project, as sonal story,” he commented. “It’s a Smith’s Olde Bar on December 7, posthumously published. Laura’s stop reading for too long—you’ll bandmates John Thomas Griffith personal story in that the person it with John Thomas Griffith opening. novel, The Blind Assassin, made forget too much), it’s well worth and have done happened to me was someone very Call (404) 875-1522 for more de- her a celebrity after her death it. The Blind Assassin has both “When you’re on the road as close. I’ve been presented with situ- tails, or visit either http:// due to its taboo content (at least the plot and the eloquence to much as Cowboy Mouth, there are ations like that, where people get www.cowboymouth.com or http:// by 1930’s standards). It follows make it another modern classic. certain aspects that you don’t get to away with things they shouldn’t. www.fredleblanc.com.

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the office is so festive tonight! (this time festive does not mean tacky, becca.) anyway, we have colored christmas lights hanging from the ceiling, and singing. and my week is done! home- work last monday, airplane due today, another quiz today. (today is wednesday.) ah, the life of an aerospace engineer. yeah, we design, like, airplanes and stuff. mine was funny looking. NOT like a sausage at all. though I don’t know if I’d be willing to fly in it... peach bowl! genay just mentioned the peach bowl. I’m gonna go to the peach bowl. daniel is going to let me SHOOT the peach bowl. right daniel? because he loves me. unfortunately he’s also a tease. oh well, you can’t win them all. my question of the day is whether it is possible to be addicted to a person, and if so, how do you break the addiction? is there a 12-step program? I want someone to be addict- ed to me. that’d be cool for a little while. merry christmas! whee.

We beat U[sic]GA. I cannot express how happy I was about it. I have never screamed so loud.