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This is the archive for October 2008

Friday, October 31, 2008

By Jenelle Gallardo, Courier Staff Writer

Though I've been to only two of the sixteen Pizza My Heart franchises the actual pies don't rival each other in comparison. I ordered a mushroom pizza and iced tea, and my friend ordered a supper veggie slice. The pizzas were overloaded with vegetables that actually tasted like vegetable and not that generic frozen stuff and they tasted as if they were picked from the farm that morning.


Curran Theatre
445 Geary Street
San Francisco


By Mia Tungol, Courier Staff Writer

Recently, "Spring Awakening", directed by Michael Mayer, was shown at the Curran Theatre in San Francisco.

Based on the play by Frank Wedelkind, "Spring Awakening" takes the audience back to Germany during the 1890's while discussing teen sexuality through rape, masturbation, and homosexuality. It's able to show the ignorance of the children that are raised by parents who are either too embarrassed of their child or too strict. Besides having sexual themes in this musical, "Spring Awakening" also demonstrates teen struggles with education through the success of some and the failure of others.

James Logan's choir director, Erin McShane said, "Spring Awakening is this generation's version of Rent. However, I would recommend it for mature audiences."


200 Larkin Street
San Francisco
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday:
10:00 am-5:00 pm
Thursday:10:00 am-9:00 pm
Friday-Sunday:
10:00 am-5:00 pm
Monday: Closed

By Mei-Xin Yang, Courier Staff Writer

Good news! The Fremont, Dublin, San Lorenzo, Union City, Castro Valley, Albany and Newark, or any the libraries in the Alameda County, are now "lending" tickets to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco to anyone who has a library card. Each ticket allows two adults and every child under 12 years-old to visit. You can also make reservations for the tickets.

Visit the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco's webpage.



A Hunger Like No Other
by Kresley Cole
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Pocket Star (March 28, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416509879
ISBN-13: 978-1416509875


By Jessica Stewart, Courier Editor-in-Chief

“Here he waits and suffers, offered to a column of fire that may weaken but is never-ending—never-ending, just like his life. His existence is to burn to death repeatedly, only to have his dogged immortality revive him again.

Detailed fantasies of retribution have gotten him this far; nursing the rage in his heart is all he has.

Until her.”


A story about a werewolf and a vampire, A Hunger Like No Other is one of the best paranormal romances I have ever read. It is the first in Cole’s new series about a mystical world within our own, filled with werewolves (or Lykae, as they are often referred to in this novel), vampires, Valkyrie, demons and witches. It is the perfect read for the romantic soul on a chilly Halloween night.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

By Hamed Noorzay, Courier Staff Writer

Local hip-hoppers Sharpshootin Brauds (SSB) have become a sort of nogan favorite. With all of the members being current Logan students, they seem to know just what it takes to make the kids become followers.

The group, based a friendship going back through middle school, only started rapping during high school. There are 12 members of SSB includingNoel (aka Leonelle,) Hebrew (aka Brewha,) Robert , Julious G, Chris M, Munark, Justin T, Raul R, Anthony L, Bryan B, Jonathan N, Andrew S. All have different talents which they contribute to the group.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008


Sweep: Blood Witch by Cate Tiernan
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Puffin (March 22, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 014240988X
ISBN-13: 978-0142409886


By Brandie Moore, Courier Book Editor

“‘Look, you don’t know me’” I told Hunter loudly. ‘You don’t know anything about me. So just shut up and leave us alone!’ I stomped angrily to the car. But as I pushed past Hunter, barely brushing against him, a sickening rush of energy hit me in my stomach—so hard that I gasped. He’s put a spell on me, I thought in panic, groping for the door handle. But he’d said nothing; he’d done nothing that I could see. I blinked hard. ‘Please, Cal,’ I whispered, my voice shaking. ‘Let’s go.’”


The "Sweep" series is a series of books by Cate Tiernan. Starting with Book of Shadows, the series is a work of fiction set against a U.S. East Coast background. Blood Witch is the third book in the series, which revolves around Morgan, who discovers she is a blood witch who must do battle with the dark forces of magick.

Throughout the series, which includes 14 volumes plus a bonus book, Morgan comes into contact with only an interesting set of characters and encounters many problems that teens face today.

Sweep: The Coven by Cate Tiernan
Paperback: 186 pages
Publisher: Puffin (January 29, 2001)
Language: EnglishISBN-10: 0141310472
ISBN-13: 978-0141310473


By Brandie Moore, Courier Book Editor

“‘Of course you’re not adopted!’ Said Mary k., looking at mom and dad for their agreement. Silence. Inside me, a wall came crashing down, and I saw what lay behind it: a whole world I had never dreamed of, a world in which I was adopted, not a biologically related to my family. My throat closed and my stomach clenched, and I was afraid I was going to throw up. But I had to know…There it was. My birth certificate…Then the edges of the paper grew cloudy as my eyes locked onto four words: mother’s name: Maeve Riordan.”


Sweep: The Coven is
the second in a 14-volume series of young adult novels focusing on witchcraft and the battle between the forces of good and evil. Many of the books center on Morgan, a girl who learns she has special magical powers that help her defeat the minions of dark magic. While battling evil, she also deals with many issues that face teens today.



Tuesday, October 28, 2008


Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus fans
will need special glasses to see her
film in 3-d.


By Jonathan Takiff
Philadelphia Daily News (MCT)

When movie critics talk about an action-adventure flick that really throws viewers into the picture, they often refer to it as a "roller-coaster ride."

It's been that way since 1952, when an amazing movie process called Cinerama — using a wraparound screen with a three-camera/three-projector array — was introduced with a production called "This Is Cinerama." The film's opening and most buzzed-about segment was a roller-coaster ride so realistic it made some viewers scream and sent others lurching for the exits in a fit of nausea.



"Dead Space"
For: Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and PC
From: EA
ESRB Rating: Mature (blood and gore,
intense violence, strong language)


By Billy O'Keefe
McClatchy-Tribune (MCT)

For something that so obviously wants to take video game horror to new frontiers, "Dead Space" isn't terribly frightening.

Or rather, that's what the opening sequence would have you believe.

Let there be no confusion: Some real scares pop up in "Space's" maiden hour, which provides a great introduction to what quickly establishes itself as one of gaming's most promising sci-fi universes. But that same period unleashes an abundance of ammunition and health packs _ considerably more than is needed to dispatch the nasty but rather weak mutants it tosses your way.

Saturday, October 25, 2008


Watch a slideshow/video of the event, free from youtube.com.
By Jose Rodriguez, Courier Staff Writer

Gravity provided the power, but the racers and the crowd brought the energy last Saturday, as San Francisco hosted the annual Red Bull Soapbox Races.

The races lasted from 1:00-4:00p.m. It was all fun and games for the competitors, and even more fun for the spectators. The admission was free, with the exception of the parking meters. It was worth the time to travel to San Francisco and spend the day watching the races.

The funniest part of the event was the start. At the starting line the racers, got to show off the car and then do a little dance before pushing off and racing down hill.

Friday, October 24, 2008


Tapioca Express
1707 Decoto Rd.
Union City, CA 94587
(510) 487-1887


By Mia Tungol, Courier Staff Writer

Tapioca Express offers a variety of drinks, delicious food, and simply a place to hang out.

When it comes to drinks, Tapioca Express has a wide selection. For example, they sell juices, flavored milk, milk tea, coffee, teas, shaved ice, and more. With their drinks, their customers are able to choose between what kind of extras they want added into the drink like boba or whipped cream for certain drinks like the snowbubble.

Ohlone College
43600 Mission Blvd.
Fremont

By Mei-Xin Yang
Courier Staff Writer


For the past 18 years, Ohlone College has held a flea market, the Ohlone College Super Flea Market, in the school's parking lot on the second Saturday of each month, throughout the year.

It is a great event to be experienced. At the flea market, you can find thousands of items at bargain prices. It is unique for those who are tired of shopping at the mall. You will get to talk to people, relax, and get a decent price. On the other hand, if you are thinking of cleaning out your house, and looking for a way to make some money for the items you no longer use, selling them at the flea market is be a great idea.

Thursday, October 23, 2008


Estelle's storytellng highlighted
her opening set.

By Jenelle Gallardo, Courier Staff Writer
Note: The Courier received free admission to this show, courtesy of the promoter.
San Jose State University's Event Center sure knows how to have a concert. After housing acts like Panic at the Disco and Weezer in the last two weeks, Saturday night's performers – Estelle, Gym Class Heroes, and The Roots - added to their busy gymnasium.

I arrived at the Event Center around 6 p.m. already seeing yards of people lining up, I make my way to will call. Getting my tickets rather easily and quickly, I decided to kill some time before the show instead of lining up on that surprisingly cold night. By 7 p.m. the lines disappeared and the caution tape on the staircases are ripped apart, so my guest and I climbed up to the venue.

Thursday, October 16, 2008


Doll Domination
Pussycat Dolls
Interscope Records


By Sandhaya Mansfield, Courier Staff Writer

The Pussycat Dolls are storming the music charts with their sophomore album- Doll Domination, released on September 23.

Three years and a sophomore album later the Dolls-Nicole Scherzinger, Ashley Roberts, Jessica Sutta, Melody Thornton, and Kimberly Wyatt continue to top the music charts. Their first single, "When I grow Up" has reached the Top 10 in 16 countries and has also snagged them their second MTV video music award Moonman.

Drop by The Courier's office in room 509 for a free Pussycat Dolls poster or sticker, while very limited supplies last.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008


Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers
by Lois-Ann Yamanaka

Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Harvest Books (April 15, 1997)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0156004836
ISBN-13: 978-0156004831



By Chyna Cunningham,
Courier Staff Writer

Wild meat and the Bully Burgers by Lois-Ann Yamanaka, in my opinion, is a fine example of what every book should contain. It’ll make you laugh, cry, and it’s plentiful with imagery.

The story takes place in Hawaii in the town called Hilo during the 1970s. The main character, which is also telling the story, is named Lovey Nariyoshi. She’s a Japanese-American girl who goes through many struggles like poverty, school bullies, and backbreaking work on a macadamia nut plantation, all while trying to find an identity of her own on the haole (Caucasian) infested island.
Weekly Reader: Sweep: Book of shadows

Book of Shadows: Book One (Sweep)
by Cate Tiernan
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Puffin (March 22, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0142409863
ISBN-13: 978-0142409862

By Brandie Moore, Courier Book Editor

“‘I banish limitations!’ I blurted out, unsure where the words had sprung from or why they felt right. Then it happened. As if obeying a director’s cue, we threw our hands apart from one another, up in the air, and stopped where we stood. In the next instant I felt a piercing pain in my chest, as if my skin literally ripped open. I gasped, clutched my chest, and stumbled. ‘What’s with her?’ I heard Raven say as I sank to my knees, pressing hard on the center of my chest. I felt dizzy, sick, and embarrassed.”


Have you ever felt there was more to you than you knew? Well, anything’s possible.

In Book of Shadows: Book One (Sweep) a novel by Cate Tiernan, Morgan Rowlands is a junior in high school, and on the first day of school her best friend Bree Warren greets her outside the school gates. They're talking about their summers when Bree’s boyfriend comes over. Bree tells him to go ahead into the school while she chats with Morgan. When the two of them are talking, a new student enters though the front door of the school.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008


ROCK BAND 2
Grade: B
For Xbox 360 (also on PlayStation 3 and Wii).
Rated for ages 13 and up. $59.


By Victor Godinez
The Dallas Morning News (MCT)

GETTING THE BAND BACK TOGETHER: If Rock Band had never existed, then Rock Band 2 would be an unqualified smash. The new songs, wireless instruments and superb online play are substantial improvements over the original. But if you already own the original, RB2 isn't an automatic purchase.

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE: Rock Band 2 will feel familiar to fans of the first game, from the menus to the game-play. It took me a few songs to remind my fingers how everything worked, but I was soon jamming to newly added tunes such as "Eye of the Tiger" and "Spirit in the Sky."

Saturday, October 11, 2008

By Jessika Robinson, Courier Staff Writer

For homecoming, an extreme make over it is not necessary when all the great tools for a fabulous formal look are at your fingertips.

The first thing you need is perfect lips. Make up artist Bobbi Brown says that the perfect lips shade is two colors darker than your natural lip shade. When picking your lipstick use this tip to get the perfect one. Don’t forget to carry a lip-gloss or lipstick in your purse for touch up through out the night.

Friday, October 10, 2008



By Mei-Xin Yang
Courier Staff Writer

Fleet Week, a spectacular weekend family event featuring precision flying over the San Francisco Bay by Navy's Blue Angels and the Canadian Snowbirds , a parade of Navy ships, ship tours and other exciting events, starts in earnest today.

According to the Fleet Week website, Fleet Week got it's start in May 1908, when the "Great White Fleet" of 16 US Navy battleships, all painted white, with dozens of escorts and 14,000 sailors, entered San Francisco Bay in a demonstration of the U.S.'s naval might. Back then, the fleet remained in San Francisco for two months, departing in July for Hawaii and the remainder of its 14-month tour of the world.



Chef Peking
515 Veterans Blvd., Redwood City 650.368.7815
Mon-Sat: 11am - 9:30pm, Sunday: 11:30am - 9pm


By Sandhaya Mansfield, Courier Staff Writer

A longtime favorite of the peninsula community, Chef Peking offers some tasty chinese dishes that come with an affordable tab.

At Chef Peking's you can dine in, take out, banquet, or even have your food catered. Chef Peking is a family run restaurant that offers very friendly service and great tasting food. For customers dining alone or families dining together, there are specials that can be purchased throughout the day for one solid price that come with the soup of the day, an eggroll, pork fried rice, and any one item of your choice. (For family dinners the portions are increased and for every person an additional item is added)
By Mia-Ashley Tungol
Courier Staff Writer

While I was at Great Mall in Milpitas on Sunday, I had a sudden craving for Starbucks. As my friend and I walked in, we saw many people in line, or simply enjoying their drinks with some company.

Starbucks offers various frappuccinos, coffees, and expressos to satisfy the needs of its customers. They also have juices, teas, and hot chocolate for those who would prefer non-coffee drinks.

Thursday, October 09, 2008

By Greg Kot
Chicago Tribune (MCT)

A lot of Oasis naysayers get hung up on originality.

OK, let's all admit that Oasis is the Puff Daddy of rock bands. Like the hip-hop impresario, the quintet from Manchester, England, appropriates sounds, lyrics and ideas from giant hitmakers of the past (most notably the Beatles) and turns them into new anthems for a generation that doesn't know or doesn't care whom Noel and Liam Gallagher are ripping off. They've been sued successfully by artists such as Neil Innes and the New Seekers for stealing melodies, but so what? Every band rips off somebody else to some degree; Oasis just happens to be pilfering from the biggest rock band of all time.

Oasis has bigger problems than a lack of originality on its seventh album, "Dig Out Your Soul" (Reprise), which came out Tuesday.

The Roots will perform, along with Gym
Class Heroes and Estelle, at the San Jose
Event Center, Oct. 13.

By Jenelle Gallardo, Courier Staff Writer
The Courier has received free tickets to this concert from a promotion company which will be used for review purposes.

The Roots, Gym Class Heroes, and Estelle, three big names is hip-hop are having a concert next Saturday at San Jose State's Event Center. To be honest, I'm still psyched for this concert even though my editors handed me this assignment hours ago.

The Roots got their start at the Philadelphia HS for the Creative Arts in the late '80's, having released eight albums to this date. Noted for having a jazzy and instrument-based sound, they are influenced by and have worked with artists like Jay-Z, Roy Ayers, and Cody Chesnutt. My favorite song of theirs being "Birthday Girl" featuring Patrick Stump.



By Brandie Moore, Courier Book Editor

Since this CD is a compilation of various artist's work, I'll review each track individually:

Track 1: Carrie Underwood-“All-American Girl”
I really like Carrie Underwood’s music, but, as good as this song may be, her voice sounds like it’s trying way too hard to reach those high notes. Even with the cracking voice, this is a beautiful father-daughter song.

Track 2: Rascal Flatts-“Winner at a Losing Game”
I can honestly say that this is NOT one of their best. This song is a real downer. I’ve heard many of their songs, but this is not the one that should be one the top 20 country songs. Don’t get me wrong; it has a pretty melody, too, but it’s not their greatest.

Wednesday, October 08, 2008


Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Harper Perennial (June 19, 2001)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0060934719
ISBN-13: 978-0060934712

By Brandie Moore, Courier Book Editor

“Her eyes were red and raw. Her hair was so fair it was almost white, her dress was of blue silk which shimmered in the candle-light. She glittered as she sat there. ‘Please don’t throw anymore mud at me,’ pleaded Tristran. ‘Look. I didn’t mean to disturb you. It’s just there’s a star fallen somewhere around here, and I have to get it back before the candle burns out.’ ‘I broke my leg,’ said the young lady. ‘I’m sorry, of course,’ said Tristran. ‘But the star.’ ‘I broke my leg,’ she told him sadly, ‘when I fell’ and with that, she heaved her lump of mud at him. Glittering dust fell from her arm, as it moved. The clot of mud hit Tristran on the chest. ‘Go away,’ she sobbed, burying her face in her arms. ‘Go away and leave me alone.’ ‘You’re the star,’ said Tristran, comprehension dawning.”


In the expository first chapter of Neil Gaiman's amazing novel, Stardust, we learn about Dunstan Thorn and and the events that set the stage for the ensuing adventure story Gaiman tells. Every nine years on May Day the people of the town of Wall are able to go though the wall for which the town is named into the magical world of Faerie. There, Dunstan meets an old tall man who tells Dunstan that he’ll help find Dunstan’s heart’s desire.

Tuesday, October 07, 2008


"TNA Impact!"
Reviewed for: Xbox 360 and Playstation 3
Also available for: Playstation 2
From: Midway
ESRB Rating: Teen (alcohol reference,
mild language, suggestive themes,
violence)



By Billy O-Keefe
McClatchy-Tribune (MCT)

Nearly eight years have vanished since the final Nintendo 64 wrestling game hit shelves, and the demand for a more modern representation of what made those games so much fun has only increased as hopes for such a thing have continually faded.

To its credit, "TNA Impact!" appears to be trying. Like the N64 games — and increasingly unlike THQ's competing "Smackdown" games — "Impact" prioritizes speed and accessibility with an arcade-style wrestling engine that's immediately easy to figure out. "Impact" doesn't match the N64 games button for button, but the philosophical parallels are everywhere.




Friday, October 03, 2008


(510) 683-8800
43785 Boscell Road, Fremont
Sun-Thu 11:30am-10:30pm
Fri-Sat 11:30am-1:00 am


By Mei Xin Yang, Courier Staff Writer

A couple of days ago, I went to Costco with my parents. As we finished shopping, I saw the new fancy Japanese restaurant call "Kaenyama" located next to the Yoswirl yogurt shop. I immediately asked my mom to let us have dinner there. As we walked in the restaurant, we were attracted by the elegant decorations- a nice bar, a waterfall, several teppanyaki tables and the corridor with lights on the ground guiding us the way to the bathroom.

Blondie's Pizza
2340 Telegraph Ave.
Berkeley, Ca.

By Sandhaya Mansfield, Courier Staff Writer

Blondie's Pizza serves salads, assorted sodas, teas, beers, and some really great pizza.

As far as pizza goes, it's sold whole and by the slice. If you're buying a whole pizza, they come in 12" (medium), 16" (large), and 18" (giant). Blondie's has cheese, pepperoni, and vegetarian pizza along with a 1, 2, or 3 topping pizza, and "The Carnivore" which comes with three meats and three vegetables. You can have pesto, tomato, or white garlic sauce and you can choose whether you want Blondie's thick or New York thin crust. Their toppings include, extra cheese, pepperoni, salami, sausage, roasted garlic tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, black olives, green pepper, and pineapple.


Cold Stone Creamery
30985 Courthouse Dr
Union City, CA 94587

(510) 477-9520

By Mia Tungol, Courier Staff Writer

Cold Stone Creamery has a clean environment, somewhat affordable pricing, and delicious ice cream.

Last Thursday, a friend told me that Cold Stone Creamery was giving out free ice cream after 5 PM. My friends and I decided to go to the Cold Stone located in Union Landing. We expected a long line, and we were right. Luckily, the line was going by quickly. However, what we didn't know was that customers only had two choices of ice cream: marshmallow or nutter butter.

Thursday, October 02, 2008


By Jenelle Gallardo,Courier Staff Writer

Following 2007's Punk Goes Acoustic 2, the minds at Fearless Records unleashed Punk Goes Crunk last April. Artists like New Found Glory, Say Anything, The Maine, and The Devil Wears Prada, just to name a few try at covers of popular songs like Akon's "I wanna Love You", Outkast's "Hey Ya!", and 2Pac's "California Love".


By Jamey Padojino, Courier Staff Writer

One of the newest pop-rock groups, Clique Girlz, prove to be different from their counterpart Disney Channel celebrities. The difference: the group comprised of sisters Paris and Destinee Monroe and best friend Ariel Moore have voices far beyond their years.

The girls’ ages range from 12 to 14 years old making them younger than their Disney Channel counterparts, but their talent is what makes them worthy of a listen.

Wednesday, October 01, 2008


Gingerbread by Rachel Cohn
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 176 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's
Publishing; 1st edition (March 1, 2002)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0689843372
ISBN-13: 978-0689843372

By Jenelle Gallardo, Courier Staff Writer

"I have promised to be a model citizen daughter . . . but enough is enough . . . Delia and I are planning a party at Wallace and Shrimp's house and I am spending the night whether Sid and Nancy notice or not. I will be as wild as I wanna be”.


I’ll be honest, I did not choose to read this book, I just picked this book off the shelf at the library for a quick read required for English class. Little did I know that this book would become one of my favorites. The author is also a co-writer for the upcoming movie Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, a movie I’ve been anticipating to see since I saw an ad a few months ago. Starring Michael Cera (Superbad and Juno) and Kat Dennings (The House Bunny and The 40 Year Old Virgin).

Frostbite by Richelle Mead
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Razorbill (April 10, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1595141758
ISBN-13: 978-1595141750

By Brandie Moore, Courier Book Editor

"I steeped on the doorway, standing in the path of sunlight that had been cast inside by opening the door. My eyes adjusted from the sun into the dimness within. Wind swirled through the open patio, dancing with the curtains around me. I was in the living room. It had all the ordinary items one might expect. Couches. TV. A rocking chair. And a body. It was a woman. She lay on her back in front of the TV, her dark hair spilling on the floor around her. Her wide eyes stared upward blankly, her face pale, too pale even for a Mori. For a moment I thought her long hair was covering her neck, too, until I realized that the darkness across her skin was bloodùdried blood. Her throat had been ripped out."


Dark, romantic, sad, and beautiful.

Richelle Mead has done it again! Frostbite is just as good if not better then the first book,Vampire Academy. Just as I said in my review of Vampire Academy last Wednesday, if you are a big fan of Twilight or just think it's a good story, then I strongly believe that you'll love these books.