Envy review

Envy is a little-known comedy with legends Jack Black and Ben Stiller. Black plays Nick Vanderpark, while Stiller portrays Tim Dingman. The two work together in an office. While Tim is succeeding, Nick’s performance at the office is failing. Nick is never focused on his work because of his get-rich-quick schemes he is always coming up with. Finally, Nick actually comes up with a successful product and it’s an instant hit. Nick becomes wealthy, while Tim is left in the dust. He becomes extremely jealous of Nick’s new-found lifestyle and is determined to corrupt it.
The movie boasts a known cast list with names including Jack Black, Ben Stiller, Christopher Walken, Amy Poehler, and Rachel Weisz. All of these comedic geniuses help to create a funny movie that’s sure to be remembered. The movie does have some slow parts, but is a sure-hit for when you’re in a slap-happy mood.
Envy has laugh-out-loud moments and a raw, uncut feel to it. It boomed in the box office, but is one of my favorites. Anyone who likes Jack Black or Ben Stiller should check out this movie. While watching this movie, you have to have an open mind. While it is not the greatest, Envy is still pretty good on its own terms.

Winter Driving-January 2008 Issue

As the temperature lowers, the roads become worse and worse as the year winds down. Slippery ice and snow make it harder for drivers, especially inexperienced teens. To be safe this winter follow these tips for safe, winter driving:
1. Don’t pull out too quickly: Now that everything can get slippery, it is wise to take your time. Whether it’s pulling out of the driveway or the neighborhood, refrain from pulling out in front of the car that’s speeding down the (now) icy road.
2. Slow down! The speed limit may say 45 M.P.H, but that doesn’t mean you have to go the full speed. Slowing down 5-10 M.P.H. will make you that much safer on the roads.
3. Don’t rush for anything. If you’re late, then what’s five minutes going to mean? If you happen to be in the cycle of being late to everything, then you need to start leaving earlier from wherever you may be. Giving yourself enough time to get from place to place will keep you safe this winter when you’re rushing around trying to get holiday shopping done.
4. Keep your tank full. What happens when you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere with an empty tank? Nothing; you’re stuck. Driving with a full tank will enable you to travel different ways to dodge traffic zones or icy roads. Keeping your car with some water, snacks, and blankets could also let you stay comfortable in case you are stranded.
5. Two words-Cell phone. Having a phone will be handy if you happen to not listen to tip #4. If you have a car and no cell phone, tell your parents it’s no longer a social issue, it’s a matter of your safety. Oh, and make sure you have a car charger and/or a full battery too. What’s the use of a cell phone when it’s dead?
These are just a few tips that I hope will help all drivers, and future drivers. Don’t forget to just use common sense while you’re out there on the roads. If it looks like a blizzard out there, please don’t go out. That’s just hazardous to everyone’s safety.

Top Ten: Cover Songs

Cover songs have always been apart of pop culture. Recently, many rock bands have been creating cover songs that were once popular, and makes them popular again. These are my top ten rock cover songs from the 80s till now (listed with their cover artist).
10. “Crazy in Love” by Switchfoot: Switchfoot redid this Beyonce song for the Pepsi/Yahoo Music project. The band has done a great job from turning this from a hip-hop to rock song. This is a surprise coming from Switchfoot, since they are rockers. As a warning to all readers and fans of Beyonce: this version is probably not as great as the original and has a completely different sound to it; it’s nothing like the original.
9. “Take on Me” by MxPx: This A-Ha song was redone by punk-rockers, MxPx. Their version is much more upbeat than the original, and has taken MxPx’s punk flair. The 80s electric pop sound has been lost, but a new, modern hit has been found.
8. “El Scorcho” by Dashboard Confessional. This song, originally by Weezer, hasn’t lost any of its unique flair. It has only gained Chris Carraba’s (Dashboard Confessional) vocal talent. Dashboard hardly changed anything about this carefree song. Weezer’s lyrics in this song promote their carefree attitude and ability to write about most anything.
7. “Hey Jude” by Joe Anderson: This song was redone for the Across the Universe soundtrack. Anderson acted in the movie as the character Max Carrigan. The only difference between this version and the original is that Anderson’s voice has modernized this classic Beatles’ song. The new song also does not have the same harmonies as the Beatles, but has added in other ways to the song.
6. “Shadowplay” by The Killers: The Killers have changed this from a dark, post-punk Joy Division underground hit to a slightly more upbeat, electronic, indie rock song. The Killers added their own twist to this with new beginning instrumentals and lyrics (Oooh/Oooh/Oooh). For those who have never heard of Joy Division, The Killers version of Shadowplay is a good way to experience them.
5. “Smooth Criminal” by Alien Ant Farm: This metal-rock version of one of Michael Jackson’s biggest hits is sure to please most, if not all, rock fans, and those who are not fans of Jackson. The new version of this song has lost its electronic feel, but has added AAF’s garage rock sound. AAF has given this pop song an extremely different approach.
4. “Landslide” by Smashing Pumpkins: Fleetwood Mac’s original does not have a completely new twist when done by the Smashing Pumpkins. The Pumpkins have kept the feel of the song, except for the uniqueness of Billy Corgan’s voice. Keeping the song as the original slow, mellow song has kept the original feel of Fleetwood Mac. The Smashing Pumpkins have done wonders with an already huge hit.
3. “Time After Time” by Quietdrive: Cyndi Lauper produced this song in 1984, and had received a nomination for the Grammy’s Song of the Year Award in 1985. Quietdrive redid this song for their album, When All That's Left Is You, and the John Tucker Must Die soundtrack (2006). The new version is more upbeat, and has more of a rock feel to it.
2. “Let Go” by Boys Like Girls: Frou Frou (Now known as Imogen Heap) originally performed this song for the movie, Garden State, in 2004. Boys Like Girls has taken this progressive, electronic pop song, and turned it into one of their acoustic, pop/rock songs. “Let Go” can be found as a video on the AOL music page, as well as YouTube and other video sites.
1. From the Screen to Your Stereo, Vol. 2 by New Found Glory: This entire album includes songs the band has covered from various movies and artists. Favorites include “Lovefool” (The Cardigans), “Kiss Me” (Sixpence None the Richer), and “Iris” (Goo Goo Dolls). Each song has been given a punk-rock twist that is uniquely New Found Glory’s.