Book Review: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

By Diana Herritt

Appealing to all ages, genders, and personalities, Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo pulls readers into a mind-gripping mystery.

Mikael Blomkvist, already in the middle of a scandal, finds himself trying to unravel the mystery of Harriet Vanger’s disappearance. Accompanying him is Lisbeth Salander, a character who certainly cannot be judged by her appearance. In their investigation, they work to uncover shocking secrets, and crack down on the Vanger’s case of over fourty years.

Steig Larsson’s intellectual writing style is intriguing and entertaining—not a single detail is left out in the novel’s thrilling plot. Each character is realistically created with unique features that flow perfectly into the story. If your looking for a one-of-a-kind tale sure to keep you up late reading, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo exceeds all expectations.

O.M.G.!

By Brian Scala

Electronic music is either a hit or miss with most people. For those who are into the scene, may have heard of an underground genre known as “dubstep” which is now scratching the surface of mass media. Dubstep, characterized by its insane wobbling bass and heavy subbass drops, is not a genre to be taken lightly. While true “dubbers” may wish for it to remain underground, Rusko is making that seem farfetched with his new banger. His debut LP, released in May, 2010, will change the dub scene forever.

O.M.G.!, is not your typical album by any means. Most albums tell stories and should be listened to in order (atleast the first time through), however, O.M.G.! is a collection of hits from all different subgenres incorporating a dubstep feel. At somepoints the listener wonders, “How are all these songs on the same album?” The answer is simple, the main goal of the album is to get you on to your feet and dancing. With hints of reggae, pop, hip hop, and techno, this album is well rounded in all that it is, and is excellent to listen to at extreme volume. Tracks to listen to first are “Woo Boost”(traditional dubstep feel), “Raver’s Special”(techno-dubstep), and the pop track “Hold On” featuring the Dirty Projectors lead singer Amber Hoffman.

Overall, Rusko is already a big name with quality music to back it up, and O.M.G.! is no exception. All those who are ready to change their musical world should take a listen, and then should take the plunge into the insane, mind/speaker-blowing world of dubstep. You will not be disappointed.

Hell's Kitchen

By Tucker Gaskill

We’re smack dab in the middle of season 8 of Hell’s Kitchen. The show starts with 16 aspiring chefs aiming for the prize of becoming head chef of LA market in Los Angeles and a salary of $250,000 a year. The show is on every Wednesday night at 8 P.M. on FOX. The first half of each episode the chefs have to compete in some sort of cooking challenge, the wining team gets the rest of the day off and goes somewhere with the host Chef Ramsay. The loosing team gets punished in some way either having to clean both kitchens or having to prep both kitchens for the dinner service. The second half of the episode Hell’s Kitchen opens for a dinner service that all of the chefs cook for. At the end of the service Chef Ramsay picks which team wins and which team looses, the loosing team has to nominate two team members for elimination. Chef Ramsay then picks who goes home.

This season has been full of surprises and full of entertainment. There hasn’t been an episode without a surprise or Chef Ramsay exploding at all of the chefs for messing up somehow. Every season there’s at least a couple of dinner services that both teams do extremely well, so far this season every dinner service either both teams or one team does terrible. Overall it has been an extremely entertaining season and you’ll be on the edge of your seat the entire time.

A Taste of Paris, France in the Heart of Concord

By Nicole Mitchell

Have you ever been to a restaurant with no menu? Well try this whimsical idea at Madeleine’s Bakery, located at 124 N. Main Street in Concord, NH. Madeleine’s is a Paris inspired work of art. While there is no concrete menu since the products change everyday, there is a basic menu of items the chef makes regularly. This menu is located on their website www.madeleinesed.com.

Consumers can get French pastries, cakes, homemade soups, sandwiches, quiches, and wedding cakes. Madeleine’s is a good place for spur of the moment desserts. Olivia Wheat, a senior at Hopkinton High School commented, “The coffee there tastes really good.” The bakery has a very cheerful atmosphere with a happy and welcoming staff. Another student, Kara McCluskey stated, “They have really good desserts and a large variety to choose from so it makes it hard to make a decision. [The bakery has a] really friendly atmosphere.” There is seating inside and outside during the summer. One can also walk across the street and eat in front of the State House or walk behind the building and eat in Eagle Square by the pond. Madeline’s specializes in personal sized cakes, which is a cake about 5 inches in diameter. While eating your personal sized cake, you can have an old fashioned soda in a glass bottle.

Chef Paul Brown, a New Hampshire native, opened the bakery in 2004 after attending UNH, culinary classes in Spokane, WA, and Delphin’s Gourmandise in Marblehead, MA under Master Pastry chef Delphin Gomes. Chef Paul has also visited Paris, France. Consumers can view his adventure to Paris on Madeleine’s website, noted above.

Weezy Baby

By Ashley Tibbetts

Most know him as Lil’ Wayne, Weezy, or Young Carter, but many know him as a rap legend. He has come to be one of the biggest names in today music. Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. is a role model for many. Through all the struggles and obstacles he has made it to the top. He is one of today’s most talented rappers. Creating rhymes since he was born. Weezy grew up in Hollygrove, a poverty-stricken and crime-ridden neighborhood in New Orleans. Just after he was born to Dwayne Michael Turner and Jacinda Carter, he was forced to say goodbye to his father who abandoned him and his mother just after his birth. At this time him and his mother were forced to survive in a criminal infested community. Soon enough his mother met Reginald “Rabbit” McDonald, who eventually became his stepfather. Years after his stepfather moved the family out from this poverty to East New Orleans. By that time Lil’ Wayne had begun to develop his interest in hip-hop and rap music.

Weezy was a straight-A student, but never felt that his true intelligence was expressed through a report card. He found music was the best way to express himself, and after taking the name Gangsta D he began writing rhymes. Combining a strong work ethic and aggressive self-promotion at 11 years old convinced the Cash Money label to take him on by rapping at block parties where Weezy caught Cash Money rappers eyes. Through the latter, recording artist Lil’ Wayne met Cash Money Records most powerful people, Brian “Baby” Williams and Ronald “Slim” Williams. He did leave an impression on the two influential people, but did not get a contract. After this Weezy did not give up. He repeatedly left free style recordings on Baby’s answering machine. At only 11 years old Wayne got his shot to sign with Cash Money, being the Records’ youngest artist.

A year after signing the contract Lil’ Wayne was caught in an incident that almost took his life. When he was 12 years old, Wayne left school early and headed home, according to police records he was sitting non the mattress in the master bedroom and began eating, but he stopped when he noticed a blue-steel Taurus 9 mm handgun. This gun claimed to be an unregistered gun that had belonged to his stepfather. Little Dwayne picked up the gun and began horsing around with it in front of the stereo blaring music. At 1:15 p.m., the boy accidentally fired a bullet through his chest. The slug then shot out of a lower left corner of a window. Somehow, it missed every vital organ. But he was dying. Dwayne dialed 911, wheezing as he spoke. He then awaited an off duty police officers arrival.

After recovering he had his first gig, it was during that time he was forced to drop out of the 10^th grade, had a daughter, Reginae Carter, with his high school sweet heart, Antonia.

Though Lil Wayne had been known in several states by 1999, it wasn’t until he released his solo debut, “Tha Block Is Hot” (1999), that he really got a big break being known all over the states. His solo album peaked at number three on the billboard’s album chart and at number one for the Top R’n’B/Hip-Hop Albums, while at the same time scored a nomination for 2000 Source award for New Artist Of The Year, Solo.

Following his success in 2004 this well-known rapper released his most recognized album yet, “Tha Carter.” Around this time, he collaborated with Destiny’s Child and T.I., earning him some awards such as the 2005 BET Award-Best Collaboration. While his lead single "Fireman" became a hit peaking at number 32 on Billboard Hot 100. Once again, the rapper that is famous for the red bandanna tied on his right arm or leg received positive reviews and gathered notable nomination for the 2006 BET Hip-Hop Award, the 2006 Billboard Music Award and the 2007 BET Award. In the period of 2006 to 2007, he gained more fans by releasing a series of mix tapes, "Dedication" and “Dedication 2” (2006), whereas in 2007, he recorded another Carter-titled album “Tha Carter III.” And in 2007 Weezy received the BET Hip-Hop Award, for MVP of the year.

Now, biggest selling rapper Lil Wayne has spent much of the past year in jail after pleading guilty to gun possession charges. In a statement, Cash Money owners Ronald ‘Slim’ Williams and Brian ‘Baby’ Williams has this to say. “The Cash Money family will continue to supports out artist and friend Lil Wayne in his current court case. We have worked with him since he was a teenager, and have seen him grow into one of the world’s most successful hip-hop artists, with a work ethic that is second to none. Wayne has our love and commitment during this difficult time. We always have and always will stand behind him.”

While Weezy is out of sight of fans, he has a website (weezythanxyou.com) that say how he is doing. This is a great site for fans! When he is released he plans to put an album in stores and shoot more videos for it. Lil Wayne is a legend and that will never change.

Fast, No Grease

By Jimmy Angell

A delicious and healthy alternative to fast food, Dos Amigos is located in Concord, NH. Fast and friendly, Dos Amigos serves a variety of different burritos, as well as an assortment of tacos, grilled items and other quick-serve, quickly eat foods. With their burritos they offer a ranchero sauce that comes in mild, medium, hot or even XXX. A Dos Amigos burrito is packed full with rice, black beans, lettuce, and whatever else you want; beef, chicken, guacamole or even fish. Dos Amigos is a fantastic alternante to typical fast food. Along with your main meal, you get a serving of delicious chips and guacamole. The food at Dos Amigos is both tasty and filling.

Contoocook Pizza Parlors

By Joshua Isabelle

In the small village of Contoocook New Hampshire the locals have two choices of pizza right in town only minutes from their homes. On the slightly more expensive side, there is the choice of Dimitris Pizza and Subs, right off of Park Ave in the center of town. It’s in a cute “small town” building. The property is clean and well kept. Inside this pizza parlor is very comfortable and a lovely setting which makes it a great place to bring the family. The service is amazing and all who work there are friendly. The pizza is tasty and enjoyable. The crust is semi-thick with minimal sauce and a thick layer of melted mozzarella cheese baked on top with your choice of toppings.

On the cheaper side there is Louie’s Pizza. Located also on Park Ave, in the same plaza as Colonial Village. Inside is very laid back and not so clean. The environment very comfortable; the floors are stained and dirty. The pizza is thin and taste-less with crust that is hard and undesirable. The cheese is thin and over cooked. The customer service isn’t preferable due to the fact that Louie doesn’t speak English that well. The building is unappealing not maintained. There is trash and debris on the property.

If neither of the choices are preferred there is Charlie Mac’s locate in the center of Warner just ten minutes from town. The pizza is very different then the original style. The crust is thin but well cooked, the cheese is also very good and the pizza itself is much larger the average pizza. It is a nice change every once in a while from eating the same pizza in town.