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Tripodder

Tom Fischer — Thu, 08 May 2008 19:27:27 GMT

Tripodder.com

Become A Slacker

As you adjust the volume while you’re listening to your favorite song, a magic genie appears and grants you a specific wish: “I will create a radio station just for you that you can take wherever you go. You are completely in control the content. Your wish is my command, what would you like?”

The hours and cost of downloading music from iTunes (or Limewire) are now over and you may only want to use your iPod on rare occasion. The genie has made this fantasy into reality with Slacker.com.

With our focus on innovation, technology and music, Tripodder.com interviews Slacker Vice President of Marketing Jonathan Sasse to bring you a more detailed understanding of why Slacker is being called, “the iPod killer.”

“We got a chance to do all the things we’ve wanted to do over the past decade and we’re having a lot of fun doing it,” Sasse. Sasse joined the Slacker Team of seasoned digital music space executives with resumes spanning from the release the first portable mp3 players in the ‘90s to creating the MusicMatch which became Yahoo! Music.

Compare the following process to your current routine of gathering and listening to music and see which you’d prefer.

Visit Slacker.com and type in your favorite artist. An intuitive system gives birth to your personalized station putting songs into spin that you should like from your selected artist and similar artists. If you land on an artist or song that you love, you can “heart” it and hear it more often. Find an artist or song you hate, you can ban it forever.

To further the experience, you can select several artists to create a comprehensive playlist of your favorites within one station. Tweak your station with varying levels of “artist discovery” to hear new artists with similar styles that you’ve likely never heard of. Bios of each artist and the song the album comes from pop up on your screen and with one click you become an instant expert.

If you don’t want to fool with creating a station, opt to select one of the 100 professionally programmed stations like “’90s Alternative,” “Today’s Hits,” even “Comedy.” Ok, you’re getting the picture.

Slacker.com has agreements with all four major publishing houses (EMI, Sony/ATV, Universal and Warner/Chappell) and experiencing the music online in the above described process is a free service. This last step will cost you, but is worth the investment. Plug in your Slacker Portable Radio and up to 4000 songs will be sent directly to the personalized stations on the Portable for your take with you on the go. Later in the day when you are in WI-FI range, you can instruct your Slacker Portable to connect to your account and keep your station fresh.

Imagine hundreds of new songs flying across the office automatically storing them on your Portable for you to listen to on you way back home that evening. You’re receiving new music you’ll love and you’re not even working to make it happen. In fact, Slacker’s slogan is, “Your Music Without the Work.” The cost for a Slacker Portable ranges between $199 and $299 depending on the number of stations and memory you want.

If you have 4,000 songs in your mp3 player, it took time to download them, right? The name “Slacker” truly represents the convenience of having a service do the work and research for you.

“We appeal to an interesting group of people who like a radio experience, but they are frustrated with traditional FM radio, satellite radio and how stale their music gets on mp3 players,” explains Sasse. For music lovers who want to keep their favorites to hear wherever they go, the Slacker portable allows users to upload their own mp3s too.

While Slacker.com is free service, it will soon have a minimal number of advertisements on both the online player and the Slacker Portable. For only $7.50 a month, users can purchase Slacker Premium Radio. Premium makes the online player and the Portable commercial-free, provides unlimited skipping and gives listeners the chance the save any song from the radio onto a personal library for “on-demand listening.” Having Slacker without the Premium option still gives users the ability to skip six songs an hour, pause, and create an unlimited number of personalized stations. The only catch with either service is you can’t rewind, you can only pause and skip to the next song.

Slacker DJs across the country are constantly programming and hand-selecting the channels to keep the experience fresh. “You might even get songs that were released on an album that hit the streets that day and you didn’t have to go research or download them,” says Sasse.

For Myspace.com users, Slacker has a publishing widget that lets you add your personalized radio station to your Myspace profile. Or surprise your friends and send them a station with their favorite artists they can enjoy. It’s the “mix tape” of the future.

Listen to our Slacker.com podcast interview with Jonathan Sasse on Tripodder.com’s podcast channel and add us on Myspace.com/Tripodder.

A Midsummer Night's Dream presented by CCDE

DL — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:47:21 GMT

The Children's Center for Dance Education presents The Children's A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Centre on Sunday, May 18 at 3:00 p.m.

The hour long ballet performance features a child friendly adaptation of Shakespeare's classic story set to the music of German composer, Felix Mendelssohn. Many will find Mendelssohn's music familiar, especially the recognizable "Wedding March." Come join the adventures of Titania, queen of the fairies, and the mischievous fairy, Puck as they revel through the forest with colorful butterflies, vivid dragonflies, fairies, and sprites. Children will have the opportunity to meet Titania after the performance.

Can't make it on May 18th? Be sure to see the kids of CCDE in one of these upcoming events!

"Weather or Not"
Jazz/Tapp Division
Harwood Middle School
Evansville, IN
Friday, May 9th
7:00PM

Barnes & Noble
Midsummer Vignette
Evansville, IN
Saturday, May 10th
3:00PM

DVD Reviews

Chad Benefield — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:47:53 GMT

April 29th

The Diving Bell and The Butterfly (Miramax)

Julian Schnabel nearly made himself a household name in the United States by directing this French film. He was nominated for an Academy Award, but lost to the Coen brothers (No Country For Old Men). If you ask me, the Academy got it wrong. But what’s new? The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is simply one of the most unbelievable stories I have ever witnessed. What makes it more unbelievable is the fact that it is true. The film tells the story of French Elle editor Jean-Dominique Bauby, who, at the age of 42, suffers a massive and immobilizing stroke. Physicians determine he has Locked-In Syndrome. He can hear and comprehend; he just cannot move or communicate. That is until his speech therapist, Henriette, guides him through the tedious and exhausting process of communicating with his left eye, the only body part he can move. He can blink it so she wants him to use it. Basically, Henriette recites the letters of the alphabet and Jean-Dominique blinks when she gets to the next letter in the word he’s trying to convey. I know what you’re thinking. That would require insane amounts of patience. Well, consider this . . . Bauby blinked out his entire autobiography, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, and his assistant, Claude, transcribed the whole manuscript. Look! This is amazing. Schnabel shoots much of the movie from Jean-Do’s point of view from his one good eye. The direction is ingenious, the performances are sensational and the film is inspirational. This is a rare MUST SEE! GRADE: B+

April 29th

The Golden Compass (New Line Cinema)

This mystical, and sometimes magical adventure flick is written and directed by Chris Weitz, who gave us 2002’s comedy-drama About a Boy. This endeavor is a far more elaborate undertaking than that Hugh Grant vehicle. In fact, it’s a trilogy that its stars, Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman, committed to before the first installment ever wrapped. The Golden Compass is a Lord-of-the-Rings/Narnia-type effort that achieves only half the results. It’s like Rachel Ray making a meal in 35 or 40 minutes. It slightly disappoints. Lord of the Rings had me hooked. When Part One of that trilogy ended, I couldn’t wait for the next eleven months to zip by so I could see Part Two. (You know a film is a success if it makes you will your life away so you can hurry up and get to the sequel). Excuse the following pun, I didn’t get that same “reading” from The Golden Compass. This story, about a strange phenomenon called “Dust” and a bizarre cult called “The Magisterium” is so complex and weird, I’m just not sure I care what happens next. GRADE: B-

May 6th

Over Her Dead Body (New Line)

What a great idea! Her dead body! Desperate Housewife Eva Longoria stars as Kate, a woman crushed on her wedding day by a gigantic and tacky ice sculpture! Now, don’t feel too badly. She got on my nerves and deserved it. In fact, if I was at the wedding and the ice sculpture hit her, then broke into a thousand bits on the pavement, I would have been the first to scream, “No harm done! Get some fruit flavoring and we’ll make slushies!” Over Her Dead Body is full of juvenile, slapstick comedy and is chock-full of one-trick ponies (Hey! There’s your obligatory Kentucky Derby reference! It is News 4U‘s May edition after all!) Eva Longoria proves that Gabrielle Solis is the only character she can play. Paul Rudd does his tired, one-expression (smug) routine. Lake Bell (whoever the hell that is) is as mechanical as C-3PO. And Jason Biggs reminds us that the only time he was funny was when he was deflowering his mother’s apple pie. Will anyone I know rent this? Over my dead body! GRADE: F

May 20th

National Treasure: Book of Secrets (Buena Vista)

The 2007 holiday movie season was full of disappointments. Sweeney Todd made me want shave my face off and Charlie Wilson’s War made me want to strap explosives to my body like an Afghan rebel. If you had tried to convince me that National Treasure was going to be one of the surprises of December, I would have called the white coats and had you carted off for some electroshock therapy. I didn’t care for 2004’s National Treasure at all and I was dreading the sequel like a hernia test. But Book of Secrets is an action-packed delight. Sometimes a good old-fashioned popcorn flick is just what the doctor (or Orville Redenbacher) ordered. And I must mention the glorious Helen Mirren, who stars as Ben Gates’ (Nicolas Cage) mother. Even in a rollicking action flick, she proves she is The Queen. GRADE: B-

Film Previews

Chad Benefield — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:17:37 GMT

May 9th

Speed Racer (Warner Brothers)

Confession time. Have I ever told you that I vomited during The Blair Witch Project? I did. I got horrid motion sickness and had to run out of the theatre to puke. Only, I didn’t make it. I threw up in a trash receptacle inside Theatre 13! Do you know how loud Dr. Pepper is when it hits a trash can full of hollow paper cups? It sounded like a performance of STOMP. I’ll be honest again. I’ve seen the trailers for Speed Racer and they make me nauseous. There’s a disturbing trend in modern cinema and that trend includes hand-held cameras and frenetic action and animated sequences. I loved the Bourne trilogy, but had to keep turning away from the screen so I wouldn’t projectile-vomit like Linda Blair. I liked Cloverfield, but had to pull my hoodie up over my head in case I wretched. Speed Racer looks stylish and ambitious, sports a cast that includes Emile Hirsch, Susan Sarandon and Matthew Fox, and is written and directed by the Wachowski brothers (The Matrix). Those are normally reasons to race and see a movie. I just hope I can watch this one.

May 16th

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (Buena Vista)

I cannot wait! I am as excited as a fraternity boy at a toga party! Talk about pitching a tent! Movie-going hasn’t been the same since The Lord of The Rings: Return of the King exited theatres in early 2004. For me, nothing has achieved that level of fantasy and special effects mastery. There is only one Peter Jackson. But Andrew Adamson is hot on his heels. Adamson directed The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, a solid fantasy full of magical lands, enchanting creatures and seamless special effects. The good news . . . Adamson has returned for the sequel and brought with him the original cast, a cast that includes huge names like Liam Neeson and Tilda Swinton. But that list also includes Georgie Henley, who, as young Lucy Pevensie, gives this movie franchise its wide-eyed wonder.

May 23rd

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (Paramount)

I cannot wait! I am as excited as a fraternity boy on keg and funnel night! Can you believe it’s been nearly 20 years since Indiana Jones went on his Last Crusade. Well, he’s taken a Geritol and a couple of swigs from a can of Ensure and he’s back for another. Yes, Harrison Ford, now 65-years-old, suits back up as everyone’s favorite archeologist and whip-wielding college professor. Steven Spielberg directs. Check! Cate Blanchett, Shia LaBeouf and John Hurt are along for the ride. Check, check, check! And they even saved a spot for Karen Allen! Say goodbye to the powdered milk, girl! You’re back in the game! So is Indy. This is going to be a HUGE hit!

May 30th

Sex and the City: The Movie (New Line Cinema)

I cannot wait! I am as excited as Samantha Jones when she sees a UPS guy with a big package! I was a huge fan of the HBO original series about four sassy and sexy women looking for love in New York City. Hail! Hail! The gang’s all here for the big screen edition! And there’s even more good news! Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, who defined sassy in Dreamgirls, joins the cast to play the assistant to relationship columnist Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker). If you’ve been watching the watered-down Sex on TBS, you’ve missed all the fun. You’ve been having safe Sex. See, HBO gave these girls the license to be themselves. They are beautiful, successful, stylish, witty, bawdy and horny. The big screen is going to give already well-established characters even more definition. I personally can’t wait to get me a bladder buster and a box of Butterfinger bites. I’m in the mood for Sex.

CD Reviews

People Who See Sound — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:59:23 GMT

Autistic Daughters
Uneasy Flowers CD (Kranky)

Drifty and sparse, yet melodic indie rock kinda sounds from New Zealand guitarist/vocalist Dean Roberts and his band. Uneasy Flowers blurs the lines between your standard guitar/bass/drums/vocal kinda setup and more bare-bones minimalist construction, much like the wonderful Low and their mellow, shimmering moodiness. Similarly, Roberts' vocals and lyrics are somber and soft-spoken, yet more prominent and focused than in his past work. Uneasy Flowers is a thematic album, with all tracks linked together lyrically. The subject is a character called Rehana, whose path is traced and described as a nomadic and ragged figure with a sort of tragic outlook. Looking for something a little on the sad and lonely side? Autistic Daughters provides the soundtrack, with a nicely subtle air and plenty of rich, gauzy textures.

- Todd Zachritz (3 Stars)

Autechre
Quaristice CD (Warp)

There's plenty of electronic-based acts that attempt to 'humanize' their machines, to coax real emotion from their gadgetry. Well, influential British duo Autechre are not of this mindset, whatsoever. For 15 years now, Rob Brown and Sean Booth have subverted and pushed the limits of (what some would call) 'techno' music into far-out abstractions, damaged beats, and alien soundscapes. Now, after confounding their audiences with the impenetrable algorithmic programming and skittering beats of their 2005 LP Untitled, they return to more, umm, listenable forms of electronica on the 20-track Quaristice. From proto-ambient pieces (the desolate yet lovely--and almost melodic-- 'Notwo') to industrial-like cutups ('Fol3') to blippy, mutant hip-hop ( 'fwzE' ), they cover a lot of ground on this 73-minute monsterpiece. In fact, most of these pieces are relatively short, and all seem to be individual sketches of textures put into sound format. Autechre create and inhabit entirely foreign worlds within their machinery, and this imaginative and quirky blend of styles and disorienting moods is both fun and evocative.

- Todd Zachritz (3 Stars)

Alan Vega –
Station CD (Blast First/Mute)

Wow, the legendary vocalist for NYC hellraisers Suicide is back with a scalding, scathing, and fiery album of fearsome grooves and sharp commentary on his homeland's social and political condition. The ominous knife on the cover says it all. Personally, I think Vega's work with Finnish minimalist electro-noise-sculptors Pan Sonic has been an inspiring move, as tracks like '13 Crosses 16 Blazin' Skulls' (my favorite cut here) are surgically-precise blasts of gut-level analogue rhythms boxes and blistering digital noise, with Vega's invective commentary legibly spoken/shouted on top. This is also a logical and faithful continuation of Vega's classic mid-70's work with Martin Rev as Suicide, all unhinged analogue electronics and madman yelps. In 'Devastated', Vega's proclamation of 'How's the future gonna play out for our kids!' is intense and proves that not all of us turn mellow and wishy-washy with age. 'Psychopatha' is a disturbingly funky urban nightmare set to industrial drums and hypnotic noise. Pretty intense and paranoia-inducing stuff, complete with Vega's raving maniac shouts and mutterings. As dangerous and experimental as anything in Vega's impressive 30-year back catalogue, 'Station' is tuned to the frequency of America circa 2008 A.D., on the edge of socio-economic collapse and growing consumer distrust. Vega's never been so necessary or relevant.

-Todd Zachritz (5 Stars)

Howlin Rain
Magnificent Fiend CD (Birdman/American)

Ethan Miller's other band, Comets On Fire, is pretty well-known in freaky folksy psychedelic circles for their overdriven lysergic space rock. But rather than mine one classic rock avenue, Miller chooses to branch out a bit with his other group, Howlin Rain. Here, he gets to tighten up and write straightforward organic (some would say hydroponic, even) rock "hits" (pun intended), inspired more by late-60's/early 70's-style stoner rock. You know, the kind they used to make before everything went 'metal' or 'punk'. Tight and bluesy, Magnificent Fiend brings to mind a bright Summer day, with the top down, rollin' (hmm, another pun) around town with nothin' better to do. 'Lord Have Mercy' is so groovy it would make the Black Crowes jealous. Yes, this is the real thing. Longhair rock isn't dead, it just went back underground. Howlin Rain are bringing it back up!

- Todd Zachritz (2 Stars)

TV Party Tonight

Fangirl — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:51:33 GMT

Just when you thought it was safe to turn the television set back on, all the really, really bottom of the barrel “reality” shows green lighted in those desperate days of the writers’ strike are hitting the airwaves. Some of them are so unfathomably ill-conceived that I actually totally thought the fake commercial for MILF Island during an episode of 30 Rock a few weeks ago was for real. Even worse, and I loathe to admit it, I considered making an effort to tune in. Gads. Catering to the admittedly unbecoming side of human nature that loves to rubberneck at a train wreck full of strangers, the entertainment industry is presenting us with an unprecedented level of painfully awful crap to watch instead of having to interact in the real world with our families and friends. And I’m on it.

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Secret Talents of the Stars- CBS

Too late! If you missed this 'black eye' of reality, your're too late. It was canned after one episode and the website was promptly disabled. Back to the drawing board for CBS...

Did you miss this celebrity/bizarro world version of the competition show America’s Got Talent? Well, you’ll have to hit it on their website while you still can because it was so awful, and PLEASE take a moment to contemplate exactly what that means in the realm of “reality” television, that it was canned after airing only ONE episode! A new King of Crap TV ascends to the throne! Hosted by the multi-talented dancer/actor/robot/televangelist doppleganger John O’HURL-ey and judged by a couple of useless tools and poor, poor Debbie Reynolds, (Someone please bitch-slap her agent!), this show set out to show celebrities doing something unexpected and different than what made them famous. A few “stars” I never heard of did boring stuff; some lady ice skater that I totally thought was going to be Borat because she stole his name, performed as a contortionist. Seriously. Country singer Clint Black, (Who I am pretty sure is also a robot, but can’t be positive because it is the hair that gives them away and he always has that damn hat on.) did stand-up comedy. He was actually good enough to join up with the next Blue Collar Comedy Tour, but that’s not really my kind of funny, you know? He seemed to have a problem shutting it off while the judges made their comments too. More evidence of animatronics intervention methinks. Then there was the beloved George Takei singing Willie Nelson’s country hit “On The Road Again.” Just those words all put together in a sentence sound so wrong. And it was. But he good-naturedly soldiered right on through it. It must have taken nearly as much guts as coming out did. Would someone please get this man a dignified series (They already killed him off in Heroes) so he can stop making the rounds of these insipid comi-tragedies? Just be glad it was cancelled so swiftly cause the next episode up featured Danny Bonaduce on a unicycle. I guess ole Danny-boy will just have to save it for the next Circus of the Stars.

Your Momma Don’t Dance-Lifetime

Ugh. I threw up a little in my mouth when I first saw clips from this show where aspiring dancers are partnered with one of their parents in a competition to see who can disgust me the most. They sell those little incest magazines at the porn stores, don’t they? Can we leave it there? Do we really need to be made to feel this uncomfortable by blood relatives bumping and grinding all over one another in sexy outfits on national television? Lifetime, you’ve made me feel so many emotions…but this? This from The Estrogen Channel? I mean Gay, Straight, or Taken was pushing it, but this is just too far. I would rather watch According to Jim.

Parking Wars-A&E

I can’t believe that a show where a camera crew follows the Philadelphia Parking Authority employees on their rounds booting or towing cars and issuing parking citations is already almost through its first season. Nothing major really seems to ever occur. Sure, people get irate, but it’s sort of a Cops light, where most folks are mercifully always wearing shirts. In fact, it is so lame that it almost transcends into awesomeness somehow. Almost. My two favorite characters are Steve “Garfield” the food and cat obsessed boot man, who lists Bad Religion as his favorite band on the PW website (!!) and seemingly unflappable Brian from the ticketing crew; mostly because I think it is inevitable that he will one day come completely unglued during a confrontation with an offender. I just get this vibe that when he Hulks-out, it’ll be delightfully shocking and especially spectacular. The results of which may even change the phrase from “going postal,” to “going parking authority.” If only they would step it up a notch, maybe with a sex scandal or a stabbing for the season finale cliffhanger, they just might keep me watching.

Fashion Forward

Katie Blair — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:23:47 GMT

Sex and the City Style

Sex and the City is a groundbreaking show that taught us all a thing or two about fashion, friends, and relationships. After years of on again, off again news that a movie based on the series is in the works, it has finally been realized! To celebrate the May 30th premier of Sex and the City: The Movie, here is a guide for dressing like your favorite fabulous character.

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Carrie Bradshaw

Carrie is the most daring, bold, and fashion-forward of the group. She's always pushing the envelope in impractical designer duds that only she can pull off with poise and confidence. Bite her style by selecting whimsical clothing in attention-grabbing prints. As a "Carrie" fashion rule, once you think your outfit is complete, add something – whether it's an oversized brooch, layered necklaces, or a mens’ necktie. This multi print chiffon dress by Miss Me provides a sold foundation for a "Carrie" outfit (District, $86.) But don't stop there! Add this quirky headpiece, ($28, Spree Boutique) trendy gladiator stilettos, (Carlos Santana, $99) unique clutch, and you're off to inspire women's fashion sense everywhere!

Charlotte York/MacDougal/Goldenblatt

Feminine, methodical fashion encompasses Charlotte's character style. This chic Park AvenueCharlotte's panache for all things romantic (District, $78.) muse is guaranteed to flaunt a look that is polished and elegant whether she's attending a black-tie event or cleaning the house. Remember to shop for clothing with girlie touches like floral motifs, subtle ruffles, and pastels. This "Belinda Dress" by Soundgirl perfectly embodies

Samantha Jones

This high-powered, fearless sex kitten wants to show you what she's working with, both physically and intellectually. Whether she's flaunting a form fitting power suit by day, or a plunging, skin-tight halter dress by night, she'll demand all eyes on her. The trick when interpreting Samantha's style is to look aggressive, but not cheap. This yellow keyhole dress (District, $49) flashes just enough skin to be sexy and serious at the same time.

Miranda Hobbes

Miranda's style is smart, sexy, and practical. Although she's often overshadowed by the fashion of her cast mates, the truth is, Miranda holds her own! You're sure to find a Jean Paul Gaultier lingerie-inspired top underneath her conservative, yet flawless blazer. Miranda doesn't shy away from showing a little skin once the sun goes down, and you can bet she will always be sleekly accessorized. Pairing this curve-hugging silver pencil skirt with a corseted top to show Miranda's sensual side, but adding a sheer cardigan proves she's also realistic.

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Still need more fashion inspiration? Be sure to attend The Ahh Spa and District's Sex and the City movie premier event at Blush Ultralounge on Friday May 30th. We'll be celebrating all things Sex and the City with a fashion show and team trivia challenge inspired by the series, seriously fabulous giveaways, Cosmo specials, and ultra-pampering spa treatments by the Ahh Spa. Call (812) 401-7777 for more details.

What's Cookin': House of Como

Ashley West-Albin — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:15:46 GMT

When I was told I was going to be sampling Arabian food this month, I cringed. I usually begin my food reviews with some quirky story of my past, but Arabian food? No quirky little story here… In my pea brain, I equated Arabia with Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves and a bunch of desert sands. Deserts mean hot, so I just figured the food was hot too! Makes perfect sense, eh?! So, I dragged my feet as I entered into the House of Como. My initial thought: “it’s April, why are there Christmas decorations up?”

Photography | Courtney Mertzger

If you aren’t an Evansville born and bred, such as myself, you have probably never even heard of the House of Como – but I’ll bet you have passed it once or twice. Have you ever been driving down 164, looked over to the railing down to Kentucky Ave. and glanced at a stark white building with black lettering and Santa Claus on top? Does it seem odd and out of place? Do you keep your eyes on the road like a responsible driver?

I walked into HOC and was instantly greeted by a table full of older gentlemen. We were shown to our table and sat with Martha Hage, the utterly charming owner and operator of HOC. Martha explained to us that Como had originally been the dining area of the Roca Bar and was owned by her late husband, George. In the 1950s, the House of Como moved close to the area where it stands now – the road to Henderson. Almost 35 years ago, House of Como burned down and Martha and George were forced to move to a new location, right down the block. Where HOC stands now, a car-hop drive-up eating establishment stood. (Think original Sonic.) The Hages enclosed the drive-up spots and the new House of Como was born.

We started our meal with some appetizers that you won’t find anywhere in area. Hummas was something I have tried before but it was a bit more biting than most Hummus I’ve sampled, as it was topped with paprika. It was also served with Arabian flat bread. This bread was as flat as a tortilla, but was flour bread! It was served warm and was compatible with any dish. Then came the Arabian salad. Have you ever tried the dressing at Nagasaki; know how it has that distinct flavor that you could never mimic but is so tasty? HOC’s dressing is all that and more. It is completely addictive with a hint of mint. Some people buy it by the gallon, it is so good. Even Martha’s dentist tries to extract the secret recipe when he has her under the laughing gas…she never budges. Our next appetizer was a bit more exotic, and I must say I was a bit shy at first but being the professional that I am, I mastered the Kibi Nea (raw ground beef and wheat on onion petals). If you enjoy sushi, you will definitely enjoy Kibi. Some people come in and only order this delectable dish.

I was ready for more Arabian food! Out came our main courses! Djage, Yebra Malfoof and Seneya Betinjin! Ah! This reviewer’s mouth was in pure Heaven. Djage is a baked chicken on a bed of ground beef, rice and pine nut stuffing. The chicken was a little crispy, and baked to a delicious golden brown. Yebra Malfoof is rolled cabbage leaves stuffed with a beef and rice and placed on a bed of rice stuffing. The cabbage is so tender, you can cut it with a fork. The Seneya Betinjin is an eggplant casserole with meat. Eggplant is usually a turnoff to me, but this eggplant was thick and rich. The bed of rice is rice, ground beef, pine nuts and cinnamon. This combination may sound a bit strange, but try it! The flavors harmonize so well with each other; your boring Hacienda days are over!

We rounded out our meal with some Baklava. This Baklava was different because it was encrusted with pistachio nuts – a very sweet and sticky twist to a more than satisfying meal.

I must say my meal was not at all what I expected, and HOC even offers an Italian menu, steaks, shrimp and other American fare.

The House of Como has been a fundamental in the vast world of Evansville restaurants for the past 60 years, but few even know it exists. Those that know it have been frequenting for many many years and have countless fond memories of George, the Syrian chef and the blonde girl from whom he stole the heart of many moons ago.

Oh, and if you are wondering about the Santa Claus on top of the building… When you walk into HOC, you’ll notice it’s riddled with Christmas tinsel and original decorations. It seems someone decided to put them up 35 years ago, and just never took them down.

When I left, Martha went back to her special seat at the bar – the one she began occupying when George let her take over the business a few years ago before he passed away – and the same group of gentlemen bid their farewells to us as we stepped out the door.

Visit the House of Como on 2700 S. Kentucky Ave. on Tuesday through Saturday or call (812) 422-0572 for carry-out.

Atrs & Etc.

Misc. — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:56:25 GMT

ART & EXHIBITIONS

New Harmony's 1st Annual Art Stroll will take place along the streets of New Harmony May 3rd.

Photography | newharmony.biz

• May 3: Penny Lane Coffeehouse – Penny Lane Art Market. Local artists and craftsmen gather to sell their creations.

• May 3: New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art – Art Stroll. Browse the art galleries and antique shops that line the quaint streets of New Harmony.

• May 3-4: Church Park – New Harmony’s First Annual Arts Fair. This event will feature fine art & crafts in all media, live music, and food. For more info, visit www.newharmony.biz/pages/artsinharmony.htm.

• May 4: Evansville Museum – 381 Days: The Montgomery Bus Boycott. Exhibit documents the story and courage of Rosa Parks.

• Continuing May 2 through May 4: Evansville Museum – Halston: A Family Remembrance of An Evansville Original. Call 425-2406 for more details.

• Continuing through May 25: Evansville Museum – Storefronts of America: The Mesker Story.

• Ongoing at Willard Library – the Adele & Paul Torian Native American Leaders of the Mid-19^th Century exhibition. This permanent exhibit features three rare volumes of Thomas L. McKenney’s History of the Indian Tribes of North America, which was published in 1838, 1842 and 1844.

MUSIC

Live Jam session at 3pm at Penny Lane every Sunday.

Photography | Mark McCoy

• Sundays: Penny Lane Coffeehouse – Open guitar jam at 3 p.m. & Live Celtic Music. Each Sunday, live Celtic music by Rowan Tree is performed from the intimacy of the stage at Penny Lane. Begins at 7:30 p.m.

• May 8: Roberts Stadium – This is Our Story. School production showcasing the instrumental music talents of student musicians. Tickets: $5

• May 10: Victory Theatre – Evansville Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Spring Concert. Middle and high school students showcase their talents in a 7 p.m. spring concert. Tickets: $7

THEATRE

Be a part of the 3rd Annual Wine and Art Festival at the Old Lock and Dam Park in Newburgh, IN on May 16th-18th.

Photography | historicnewburgh.org

• May 5: The Victory – Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Children’s author Judith Viorst has transformed her book about a little boy’s bad day into a musical for kids. Tickets: $5

• May 8: The Centre – Movin’ Out (Musical). Billy Joel’s smash Broadway musical ballet comes to Evansville. Tickets: $20-$50

• May 16-18: Evansville Civic Theatre – You're a Good Man Charlie Brown. Spend a day with Charlie, Snoopy, and the entire Peanuts gang. Sponsored by Lewis Bakeries.

• May 16: New Harmony Theatre – Personally Speaking Series: Lenny Leibowitz. Artistic Director for New Harmony Theatre and Assistant Professor of Theater at USI gives sneak peeks of NHT’s upcoming season. See www.ywcaevansville.org or call 422-1191 for details.

• May 31: University of Evansville’s Shanklin Theatre – Ecole de File. Evansville Dance Theatre performs this piece; Keith J. Martin directs. Visit www.edtdance.org for more.

• Continuing through May 4: Evansville Civic Theatre – The Smell of the Kill. Three married women discuss the pros and cons of letting the husbands die in a meat locker.

MISCELLANEOUS

• May 3: Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve - Ohio Valley Birding Festival - Family Day! Bird watching, hikes, workshops, children's activities, etc.

• May 3-4: Vanderburgh 4-H Center – Mater Gardeners Plant Show and Sale. Purdue University horticulturists peddle their wares and show off their skills.

• May 3-4: Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden - Bloomin' Zoo Garden Festival. Sale of lush, exotic zoo plants with procees benefiting educational programs.

• May 4: Evansville Museum - Charles E. Cobb Jr.: Civil Rights Activist, Author, Journalist, Lecturer. Mr. Cobb will give a talk in conjunction with the new 381 Days exhibit.

• May 9: Reitz Home Museum – Second Annual Wine Dive. An evening of wine tasting, a silent auction, and live entertainment in historic and elegant surroundings.

• May 9: Owensboro Riverfront – International Barbecue Festival. Enjoy a day of river atmosphere and the “best barbecue in the world.” Call 926-6938 for more details.

• May 10: Evansville Museum – Astronomy Day. Explore the wonders of astronomy by celebrating Astronomy Day. See special planetarium shows and exciting views of the sun and the moon.

• May 10: Communities of Solarbron – 10kRun/2MileWalk. Join the charitable retirement community for a 9 a.m. race and refreshments, with proceeds going to local charities and organizations. Register and get more info at www.solarbron.org or call 985-0055.

• May 12: Evansville Country Club – 14^th Annual Deaconess Classic. Annual day of golf to support Deaconess charities that have helped in breast cancer research and provided mammograms for women in need. Contact 450-3359 or visit www.deaconess.com for signup info and details.

• May 16: Eagle Valley Golf Course – YMCA Golf Outing 2008. Support the Y’s youth sporting and fitness programs by signing up for this annual “four man scramble.” Signups are $600 per foursome. Call 426-6210 for more.

• May 16-18: Old Lock and Dam Park, Newburgh – 3^rd Annual Wine and Art Festival. Wine tasting, specialty foods, seminars on wine production, music, art, and more. Visit www.historicnewburgh.org for more. Tickets: May 16^th Soiree $40; $5 for other events

• May 17: SWIRCA 16 W. Virginia St. – River City Senior Games Opening Day. Weeklong competitions between senior citizen athletes in a range of events from cycling to shuffleboard. Entry fee: $12. Call 464-7800 or visit www.swirca.org for more.

• May 19: Victoria National Golf Course, Newburgh – 6^th Annual Golf Benefit. Supporters of the Evansville Philharmonic gather for a game of golf with celebrities and ranked amateurs. Contact Evansville Philharmonic for more.

• May 25: Bridlewood subdivision – 17^th Annual Home Run Sweepstakes Open House. Easter Seals will hold a raffle where the winner gets either a new energy star home or $100,000! 2nd prize is $10,000... 3rd prize is $5,000... and 4th prize is $1,000 (2 winners). Call 437-2670 or visit www.in-sw.easterseals.com for details. Raffle tickets are $100.

• May 30: Evansville Riverfront – Evening on the River. Join others in the community for a nice evening meal, make a bid at the Pagoda's silent auction, then enjoy a carriage ride at the annual Evansville Parks Foundation and Keep Evansville Beautiful fundraiser from 6:30 to 10 p.m. For tickets, call the Evansville Parks Department at 435-6141.

We'll publish your event for FREE. Just send notice by the 15th of the month prior to the month of your event to events@news-4u.com or fax toll-free to 866-463-9748. Please include "for arts guide" in your submission.

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DIRECTORY OF KEY VENUES

• ArtWorks Gallery: www.hayniescornerartsdistrict.org [401-7301]

• Art Colony Gallery & Tea House: www.hayniescornerartsdistrict.org [428-7911]

• Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana’s Bower Suhrheinrich Foundation Gallery: www.artswin.evansville.net [422-2111]

• The Centre: www.smgevansville.com

• Evansville Civic Theatre & Underground at the Annex: www.civic.evansville.net [425-2800]

• Evansville Museum of Art, History, and Science: www.emuseum.org [425-2406]

• Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra (Box Office): www.evansvillephilharmonic.org [425-5050]

• Hoosier Art Salon (Broad Ripple & New Harmony Galleries): www.hoosiersalon.org [317-253-5340]

• New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art: www.usi.edu/nhgallery [682-3156]

• New Harmony Theatre: www.usi.edu/nht [648-7469]

• Penny Lane Coffeehouse: www.pennylanecoffee.com [421-8741]

• Rapp-Owen Granery: www.underthebeams.com [682-3128]

• Roberts Stadium: www.smgevansville.com

• University of Evansville Theatre: theatre.evansville.edu [488-2562]

• University of Southern Indiana Mallette Studio Theatre: www.usi.edu [422-3970]

• Vanderburgh 4-H Center: www.vanderburgh4hcenter.com [867-6217]

• The Victory Theatre: www.smgevansville.com

• Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve: www.wesselmannaturesociety.org [479-0771]

• Wheeler Concert Hall (UofE): www.evansville.edu [800-423-8633]

• Willard Library: www.willard.lib.in.us [425-4309]

Horrorscopes

Swami B2 — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:43:47 GMT

They’re baaack! Move over Miss Cleo, Swami B2 answers all your questions on love, life and the pursuit of happiness.

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Aries

March 8-April 2

Your work week will be drawn out and "totally amazing" like the season finale of The Rock of Love 2. In other words, it will suck and leave you miserably unfulfilled. Tasks mount as you drone your way past vapid days. Hedge weekly spending for a weekend bender, and possibly bail.

This week: Fast food yields a touch of the pukes.

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Sagittarius

November 31-December 8

Your cats cooperate and figure out how to breach the refrigerator door. While they munch on your leftovers, the dog ravages your beer stash and yaks all over the kitchen floor. Don't let this rattle your cage. Tonight, relaxation is replaced with pine-sol.

This week: Your iPod is stolen and maliciously replaced with an awful Jon Secada mix tape.

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Leo

January 16-February 11

Congratulations, You'll be receiving a hefty check in the mail! Or... not. Actually, you'll just get bills, and a summons for jury duty. Bummer.

THIS WEEK: PAY BRANDON.

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Capricorn

June 4-June 29

The Yankees suck this season, loyal baseball fan. An obnoxious Red Sox faithful insults Derek Jeter to your face, forcing an immediate and electrifying scuffle. His stupid Kevin Youkilis replica jersey is ripped off his back, the cops are involved, charges are filed....ehhh, but at least you eradicated that muttonhead smirk from his face. Further indicating the apocalypse is among us, the Cubs have a WINNING SEASON. Disgusting.

THIS WEEK: DON'T FORGET TO WATCH MONDAY NIGHT BASEBALL.

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Virgo

August 6-September 16

A Trading Spouses marathon lets you catch a break from your crap life and sneak a peek into someone else's. Revel the insanity and awkward tension as two contrasting families invert for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy the ridiculous humanity with some popcorn, although you'll probably burn it.

THIS WEEK: TELL AN OFFENSIVE JOKE AT WORK.

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Cancer

February 29-March 6

A clumsy tumble down the steps starts your day off on a sour note. Coworkers jeer and rudely point at your battered face and busted lips. Just because someone circulates a company-wide e-mail calling attention to the gaping rip in your pleated work khakis (with attached picture) doesn't mean you can't handle the heat. You shine through because you are a professional, and dammit, you have a job to do. No task is too mundane for you, worker bee.

THIS WEEK: INVEST IN NEW PANTS.

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Aquarius

December 1-December 25

The day erupts with a bang (literally) as you discover your porcelain throne has exploded. Rank toilet juice smatters every inch of your previously sanitized bathroom. Curious cats creep into the swampy fray and scatter mucky slime throughout your dwelling as you frantically shoo them away. An excruciating migraine adds to the fun.

THIS WEEK: GIVE UP.

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Scorpio

April 3-May 17

Escalating temperatures mean hairball season is in full swing. Prepare for battle with your shedding critters. Locate your grooming brush and perfect your stroke or else they'll be firing off hairballs left and right, leaving putrid surprises in your favorite sneakers. Ghastly hacking and revolting upchucking can be avoided with daily diligence.

THIS WEEK: WEAR FLIP FLOPS.

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Taurus

July 4-August 1

Your conservative girlfriend quits her job to pursue exotic dancing. Slathering on fruity lotion and gyrating for a filthy creep sporting an eye patch and Wild Turkey breath turns her crank more than crunching numbers and balancing budgets. It will be wise to concede your relationship, or her new found "passion" could leave you with more than you bargained for, like a nasty rash that requires medical attention.

THIS WEEK: YOUR eHARMONY PROFILE IS REJECTED.

What to do on Fridays

Brad Linzy — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 20:14:09 GMT

DOWNTOWN FRIDAYS
Owensboro and Evansville Get Out of the House this Summer

Spring and summer are a time of activity – a time to look for ways other than vegetating in front of a television to feel relaxed or entertained after a long workweek. Fortunately, for the cities of Owensboro and Evansville, the spring and summer months see the downtown riverfront districts come alive with things to do that won’t make you feel like you’re wasting your life away indoors …or breaking the bank.

Evansville’s “Fabulous First Fridays”

If I say “FFF,” that’s not a way of censoring myself and shielding my readers from an outburst of dirty language, it’s a reference to Fabulous First Fridays, which, from May 2^nd through the end of September, will bring a fun and unforgettable array of activities to the downtown and riverfront on the first Friday of every month.

Those who take advantage of FFF will enjoy free activities such as a “Movies By the Water,” which offers the public an opportunity to take in family-oriented films and share in a romantic and fun experience with friends, neighbors, and family under the stars and beside the Ohio River. Spring and summer revelers will also want to check out FFF’s “Cruise Ins,” which showcase antique and classic cars from bygone eras on Main Street. Also of interest are the live music shows and the new Multicultural Festival on June 7^th, which will introduce tri-staters to the menagerie of cultures that all call the River City home.

May will also witness the arrival of the annual Farmers Market, which, every Friday through summer, occupies the area near the corner of 2^nd and Sycamore from around 7 a.m. ‘til around 2:30 p.m. and features fresh produce booths, arts and crafts, flower vendors, herb growers, and just about anything else produced by the capable hands of area residents. Those interested in obtaining space for a booth should call Jocee at Downtown Evansville Inc. The number is 424-2986. Space is free but limited, so call now and book your spot.

Enjoy fresh produce from the farmers market.
Photography | Kirk Kirkpatrick

As always, check your News-4U for updated FFF summer event schedules or visit www.downtownevansville.org. See you there!

Owensboro’s “Friday After 5”

When a weary Owensboro workforce punches its Friday time clock signaling the end of a long workweek, something magical happens to help jumpstart a fun and rejuvenating weekend downtown. “Friday After 5” (FA5) was started in 1996 by Downtown Owensboro, Inc. as a 10-week summer festival to help revive the downtown riverfront as a prime entertainment destination and, thanks to sponsors like Coldwell Banker/Image Builders, has grown from there into a 16-week-long celebration of summer.

The weekly festivities kick off May 23^rd with a concert by The Velvet Bombers and will run through August 29^th. They feature performances on the RiverPark Center patio from some of the area’s most accomplished and seasoned regional and local acts like Bonepony, Black Widow, and more. Each week’s entertainment schedule is rounded out with a street fair activity focusing on something like motorbikes, pets, farming, or the annual chili cookoff, and a roundup of alternative courtyard entertainment. Some weeks will also see special events featuring even more local acts and live entertainment!

Jam every Friday next to the river with Fridays After 5.
Photography | Kirk Kirkpatrick

Friday After 5 is a massive logistical undertaking that many Owensboro residents agree improves the quality of life in the city and achieves its stated goal of enriching and enlivening the downtown area. We at News-4U are excited to continue covering it and look forward to this year’s events.

For a complete schedule of FA5 events, check out the website at www.fridayafter5.com, or keep picking up your News-4U all summer long!

Executive Inn Rivermont’s “Sprint Sunset Series”

And finally, proving that capitalistic competition is the heart beat which drives creativity in commerce, the Executive Inn Rivermont’s “Sprint Sunset Series” also features an exciting lineup of free summer entertainment every Friday just down the street from FA5 at the Mitch McConnell Plaza. This is a win-win situation for the public as The Sunset Series provides yet another alternative to sitting in your underwear eating corn chips in front of the boob tube on a beautiful Friday evening this summer. The Series kicks off on May 16^th with a concert by Flat Stanley and Wildman and continues the following Friday with a show from Evansville rockers Gonzo’s Toybox. Check www.executiveinnrivermont.com/SunsetSeries.html for more on who’s playing each week, or call 800-626-1936.

Photography | Executive Inn Rivermont

On the Page: AJ Alexander

Booker and Sarah — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:07:06 GMT

Pick up this month’s issue of Playboy Magazine and you’ll notice Miss May is Harrison High School graduate and Evansville native Amanda Herrmann, now known as AJ Alexander. She was hand-picked by Hugh Hefner and is well on her way to becoming Playmate of the Year. Booker & Sarah sat down with AJ to discuss her kids, showing up naked at her class reunion, and envious ex-boyfriends.

How did you get involved with Playboy? I first started by driving to Atlanta to a Casting Call with another friend from Evansville. She and I were both selected as the top 10. From there on I have appeared in 3 Special Edition Issues.

You were in a movie. Tell us about that. Yeah, it is called American Summer. The producer is the same as American Pie and Final Destination just to name a few. It was a great experience and I got to meet a lot of cool new people like Efrain Ramirez and Matthew Lillard. I played a deaf DJ (go figure...lol) so my lines were done by signing. The movie should be released in theatres by 2009. To top it off, that is how I met fellow Playmate, Jennifer Walcott, and she told me I had to be a Playmate.

You mention your hometown as Evansville. Thanks for keeping it real. Are you planning to keep EVV as your home? For now, yes, there is a small possibility of moving in the future. But I'd rather be with my family more than anything. That is what’s awesome about Playboy is that you can live wherever and still do what you love. And yeah, I had to help to put "the Ville" on the map...haha!

Everyone's worst dream is to show up at school naked. Is it weird that your classmates will all see you naked now? I never thought of it that way...haha! Everybody sees naked people from movies to magazines to fine art. I don't think it is weird. No one is forced to look at it if they don't want to.

What must you eat at Fall Fest? Pulled Pork, Fried snickers, and I gotta have my cherry cider!

Did you get to spend anytime with Kendra, Holly and Bridget from The Girls Next Door? Yes, with all three of them. I rode with Holly everyday to my shoot. They are all so wonderful in their own unique way! Kendra is my girl! She and I like to work out together and ride down Sunset Boulevard bumpin’ to music in her Escalade...HAHA!!! You will get to see me on Season 5 coming up on Girls Next Door. Check it out on E! Channel.

Is Kendra really as funny as she seems on the show? Kendra is hilarious! That’s why we bond so much. Some people may not like her laugh, but it cracks me up. She does some silly stuff coming up on Season 5 of the show.

Have any ex-boyfriends contacted you since appearing in Playboy? Funny you ask! A boyfriend from my freshman year sent me a message congratulating me. I am signing an issue for a guy whom I was HIS first kiss and none of his co-workers believe it!

What's the best way for a guy to pick up a Playboy model? Geez, I hate this question. I don't like to get hit on at all. Just because I am a Playmate doesn't mean I have "single" written on my forehead. A guy that keeps to himself and gives you respect are the kind that I go for. You can ask the guy I am dating now...

What do you do to stay fit? It mostly is all genetics, but I do try to hit up the gym here and there. Doesn't playing every sport for like 15 years count? LOL!

Have you ever kissed anyone famous? I never kiss and tell.

See AJ online at www.ajalexander.net