Valentines Day

Hey Guys!

So I'm back! Don't let the title fool you; I didn't suddenly get the urge to write about the holiday that usually ends with me claiming my independence. This blog is about the movie, "Valentines Day".

The movie revolves around 10 different characters all spending their holiday in different ways. One man proposes to his girlfriend, one juggles his girlfriend and his wife, the women seem to enjoy my version of the holiday, having an anti-valentines day party and celebrating being alone. The movie pans out in many different ways and there are several different twists that make it interesting.

Before I had actually seen it myself I heard several mixed reviews ranging from "I loved it!" to "It was such a dumb movie." Many people seemed to feel that there were way too many characters and too many story lines. This movie explored all different aspects of love. I saw young love, old love, new love, family love, and confusing love. If any of you have ever seen "He's Just Not That Into You" this movie is very similar to that, not just in that some of its characters are the same. There may be many different story lines, but in the end they all connect in different ways. For those twilight fans out there, Taylor Lautner has a cameo, sadly not shirtless.

This movie was cute, funny, and lighthearted. So to make a long story short, because I could tell you the whole plot here, if you aren't into chick flicks you probably won't enjoy it too well. But if you can put up with a few guys from the cast of Grey's Anatomy and some beautiful young actresses with a comedic edge then you'll enjoy this movie.

Well, that was my weekend guys, one more week til Break! I'm pulling for you!

Until next time,

Kristen. :)

Giving Back Smiles Radio

So my buddy Dave Norris apparently started a talk radio station recently and I just found out about it. I thought I would use this blog to let some more people know about it.

I just finished listening to the station's newest session and really dig it. I wouldn't necessarily call it all talk radio. I mean there's a lot of talking but they had a band in the studio in this session and played some tunes. If you live in Columbus (which you probably do because I'm guessing only Capital students know about this website), then you should check out the band Hurt People Hurt People.

So, if anyone wants to check out a locally run internet radio station, do so here. Its pretty much just some dudes talking about a bunch of random stuff (much like all talk radio stations) except they have some good tunes on there and I know the founder of this thing and he is a really cool and talented dude. Help out a local station and check this radio station out. Become their fans on facebook, twitter, myspace...whatever. Go to the website and subscribe to the stations so you can find out whenever they do a new show. I dig it, I hope some other people do too. Show some support for the local guys.

More Snow

Another big snowstorm hits Central Ohio, leaving a think blanket of fresh powder on Capital's campus.

School administrators say they're closing the campus at 2pm today.

What are you doing with the extra time? Any big snowball fights? Send us your comments.

Junius - The Martyrdom of a Catastrophist

BAND: Junius - Myspace

ALBUM: The Martyrdom of a Catastrophist (2009)

LABEL: The Mylene Sheath

RATING: 9/10

FAVORITE TRACK: A Dramatist Plays Catastrophist

SIMILAR: Constants, The Cancer Conspiracy, City Of Ships, Immanu El

REVIEWER: Zach Roesch

I first heard this band a few years back. After the first listen, I knew I would be a fan for a long time. Junius combines and puts an interesting spin on several genres of music. The fact is, if you want to hear something completely new and unique, you’ve come to the right place.

Junius has had a unique musical career to match their distinctive style. After forming in 2004, the band really never had a full-length album. They released a couple EP’s and that was about it. Listeners, I’m sure, were waiting a long time for this album. Even though the album was written in 2006, an almost 4 year recording process caused the release of The Martyrdom of a Catastrophist to be delayed heavily.

In short, this album is a masterpiece. It is musically stunning and, thematically, extremely interesting. With everything based on Immanuel Velikovsky’s beliefs, the lyrics do not disappoint. The lyrical content and music are both aided by frontman, Joseph Martinez’s beautifully droning voice. With tracks that range from lush soundscapes to powerfully crushing post-rock, this album has something for everyone.

Bottom Line: An album that takes four years to release had better be a great one. Junius definitely did not disappoint with this one. After only hearing a couple EP’s by the band, listeners like me have been waiting for a real CD for a long time and the wait was well worth it. Hopefully we don’t have to wait another four years for the next one.

Pelican - What We All Come To Need

BAND: Pelican - Myspace
ALBUM: What We All Come To Need (2009)
LABEL: Southern Lord Records
RATING: 9/10
FAVORITE TRACK: The Creeper
SIMILAR: Isis, Russian Circles, Rosetta, Baroness
REVIEWER: Zach Roesch



Hailing from a city where most bands are ahead of the musical curve, Chicago natives, Pelican, do not disappoint. There was once a time in metal and rock where a vocalist was the primary aspect of a band. Pelican disregarded that notion a long time ago and their unique brand of instrumental sludgy rock has laid the foundation for many bands to come.

After a comparatively disappointing release (City of Echoes), Pelican has returned after switching labels and they did so with style. What We All Come To Need is a much sought after step in the right direction. This record doesn’t focus too much on the need to be post-rock and unique. They return to a musical style more centered on catchy, heavy, riffing. The enticing guitar melodies invite the listener and keep them coming back for more.

Bottom Line: There is really not all that much that I can say needs to change on this record. It is an amazing musical work that steps back into the bands early days. Returning to a style of record like Australasia was a great idea in this listener’s mind. Keep the awesome riffs coming.

Track Listing:
01. Glimmer
02. The Creeper
03. Ephemeral
04. Specks of Light
05. Strung up from the Sky
06. An Inch Above Sand
07. What We All Come to Need
08. Final Breath