Published since 1915 by the students
of Xavier University
Published since 1915 by the students
of Xavier University
Emily Hoferer
Diversions Editor
What do Bill Clinton, “Full House,” Doris Day and the Spice Girls all have in common? Before you go google all of those, the answer is really quite simple: they all have their own “E! True Hollywood Story.”
The E! Network has been airing these one or two hour documentary specials since 1996.
Almost every Sunday the hard-hitting journalists at E! undercover the scandal, intrigue, mystery and phenomenon surrounding some of the most influential pop culture icons.
Some people find it hard to take THS seriously, mostly because it airs on a network that has reality shows about silicone Playboy Bunnies and Nick Carter.
But despite all of the crappy reality shows, THS has been nominated for an Emmy three times and still gets steady ratings for the cable network.
Clearly you are nobody until somebody makes your “E! True Hollywood Story.” Over 300 episodes have covered a variety of topics: actors, musicians, TV personalities, socialites, game shows, cult movies, class sitcoms, murder mysteries, adult film stars, athletes, reality stars and royalty.
Nothing is off limits. The shows range from the classic but outdated topics such as “Bewitched,” “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” and Daryl Hannah, to the brand new Jessica and Ashlee Simpson, “The Bachelor” and “Babes of the O.C.”
The great thing about THS is that they will never run out of ideas. They haven’t even done shows on icons such as Audrey Hepburn and the Beatles yet (although there is one on Paul McCartney’s ex, Heather Mills).
Some THS shows focus on things that have come and gone in TV Land. Shows that have ended, such as “Sex and the City” and “Saved By the Bell,” have their own shows, but those still in production such as “Survivor” have their own hour or two of THS.
We definitely haven’t heard the last from Snoop Dogg, Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan, but they all have THS that are sure to undergo heavy rewrites and additions.
But why is “E! True Hollywood Story” so addiciting? Besides the fact that it holds more truth than all the tabloids put together, it gives in-depth information by showing footage or interviewing people who really knew what was going on.
THS has made its mark in pop culture, too. For example, on an episode of “Will and Grace,” Jack McFarlan explains that an embarrassing situation would not be good for his “E! True Hollywood Story.”
Whether having a THS is a compliment or not remains to be seen. Rumors were swirling that Paula Abdul did not appreciate her episode.
Ellen DeGeneres, on the other hand, made jokes about it on her show, obviously showing that she was not offended by it at all. Most stars remain tight-lipped in public about the documentary’s accuracy.
One thing is certain; people still care about facts…even if those facts are about Tara Reid.
Emily Hoferer
Diversions Editor
1. Outrageous scandal- Think along the lines of inappropriate text messages from congressmen, jumping on couches that belong to billionaire women, insulting people of a different religion and sleeping with your hot co-star when you have a hot spouse.
2. Intense Childhood- This is the excuse that most people give Michael Jackson. It can include horribly strict parents, moving around a lot or being teased in school because you have braces, bangs, pimples or clothes that weren’t “fetch” enough.
3. Law Breaking- Start small with knocking over some trash cans, then graduate to being discovered with pounds of marijuana in your sock drawer.
4. Personal Pain- This usually encompasses your show being cancelled, a multimillion dollar divorce because you didn’t want to sign a pre-nup or finding out that you actually married Kevin Federline.
5. Great Achievements- These have to be noteworthy achievements, such as Oscars or Grammys or Noble Prizes. Other great achievements are being invited to “Oprah,” being on the cover of Time and having an endorsement deal with Gap.
6. Bitter Rivalry- Fighting, with words or hands, is pretty juicy stuff. Cat fights on the red carpet are a tame way to start, but the best rivalries are done (or rather, exaggerated) by the press. We at the Newswire know all about rivalries. Look for us in about fifteen years on “Time Well Spent: The E! True Hollywood Story.” We’ll be portrayed as the cynical campus newspaper. Arjay will probably be basking in the rays of number five on this list.
Stephanie Metz
Contributing Writer
I love TV. I really do. My stand-by show since high school has been “Gilmore Girls,” and I know some of you are rolling your eyes right now.
If you’re not a fan, you’re thinking that it’s overly dramatic and girly and that the characters drink way too much coffee.
You may be right, but if you love the show you’re thinking that it really doesn’t matter since a lot of girls are overly dramatic, girly and drink way too much coffee. Plus, the good points of the show outweigh the bad.
The writing is spectacular, hilarious and the pop culture references are the best TV has to offer. Lauren Graham (Lorelai Gilmore) has the best comedic timing of any actress I’ve ever seen.
The supporting cast is pretty amazing, too. Finally, the characters are real, flawed, but so loveable that they make us tune in week after week.
After holding my breath all summer to see if Cincinnati networks would even carry the CW (apparently my TV dance dedicated to the cable gods caught someone’s eye), I couldn’t wait to watch the GG season premiere last Tuesday.
This is the show’s first year without Amy and Dan Palladino, the writers, producers and directors of the show; so fans were understandably nervous about what the show would be like, post-Palladino.
After all, last season things ended pretty badly. In case you missed it, Lorelai slept with Christopher after Luke and Lorelai split up, and Logan left for London. The “L” key on my computer is now refusing to type ever again.
With the Palladinos gone and Stars Hollow in chaos, what would happen? Never fear, guys, the witty banter that cracks us up and the Gilmores we love are still as great as ever.
The season opener featured the Gilmores playing racquetball as well as trying not to talk about their problems. Let’s just say the Gilmores trying not to talk is just as funny as them talking about too much too fast.
The racquetball playing was pretty darn great, too. Logan left Rory a mysterious rocket when he left for London.
A rocket? Logan, what were you thinking? Yeah, Rory didn’t get it either. But the ensuing confusion made me laugh out loud, and the real story behind the rocket was adorable.
Let’s not forget the kooky gang from Stars Hollow. Babette was washing her unmentionables, Kirk crashed Taylor’s car into Luke’s diner and Taylor tried to install a camera at Stars Hollow’s one and only traffic light.
All right, I can’t avoid it forever; I have to talk about the Luke and Lorelai fight. Luke offered to elope. I have to confess I was watching between my fingers; I was so anxious about what would happen next.
Don’t get your hopes up, Lorelai didn’t take the bait. I know, I know, I was pretty devastated, too.
However, she stood up for herself. She gave Luke an ultimatum, he turned her down and she’s sticking to her word. Even though we might not like it, she’s a strong woman, and if you’re a fan I think you’ll respect her choice.
So, all in all, it was a funny, heart-rending episode. The only ingredient missing was a dinner with Richard and Emily . . . we can only hope we’ll see them in next week’s episode.
Jeff McMurray
Contributing Writer
Ashton Kutcher beats himself. This happened over the weekend when “Open Season” topped “The Guardian” in theaters. With that, I begin the first edition of “Unrated.”
This is your portal to the world of pop culture. If anything interesting and/or idiotic happens to a pop culture icon, you will read it about it here.
To show you how dedicated I am to satisfy your cravings for the hard-hitting news, I have already begun writing a piece for the next drunken tirade of your favorite actor.
‘Recently (insert name) has (insert act of stupidity)*. Supposedly, he/she is really sorry. The question people are asking, though, is what (insert name) is really sorry for.’
*If act is accidental drug overdose, please write to the sports page.
There were more, but, like Ben Affleck in 2004, I got lazy.
Now for something completely different. “Thank You for Smoking” hit stores this past Tuesday. It stars Aaron Eckhart as a quick-talking tobacco lobbyist showing the country that smoking is cool.
Now, “Unrated” does not support smoking but it supports you buying this movie, especially because it stars a pre-brainwashed Katie Holmes. I have also heard that this movie is required watching for all law students.
Because everyone pines to be a child again, it is my duty to tell you that Alfonso Ribeiro won “Celebrity Duets” on Fox. I also feel it is my duty to tell you this because no one watched the show.
For those of you who don’t know who Alfonso Ribeiro is, he was the backbone of the greatest show of our generation, “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.” He played Carlton, the lovable cousin of Will Smith.
And it was his trademark “Carlton Dance” that helped him win over the judges of “Celebrity Duets.” With the success of the show, look for Alfonso to put out a solo album.
That’s all for this week’s insane pop culture ramblings.
Hannah Balash
Contributing Writer
To replace that awkward time slot in your life between dinner and going out, the Xavier Players are proud to present a one-act trip into the wonderful world of the Caribbean with the world premiere of “Derek Walcott: Caribbean Blend.”
The show is a “blend” of scenes, dances and poetry by the Nobel Prize-winning author Derek Walcott.
Admission is $3 for students/seniors and $5 for adults, so the show is way cheaper than a movie. It runs 75-90 minutes in the GSC Studio, starting at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 5, 6 and 7, and at 4 p.m. on Oct. 8.
You might laugh or cry, but you will definitely be surprised. Come on out!
Ann Tassone
Managing Editor
Last Saturday night at Riverbend, Jake Owen opened for Carrie Underwood who opened for Brad Paisley. The show started at 7:30 p.m. and ended around 11:00 p.m. The stage was set up nicely for all three performers with streamers and bright lights.
Jake Owen came on stage a little after 7:30. My friends and I who attended the concert had never heard of him before that night, but at the end of the night, all of us went home and downloaded his music. His style’s combination of rock and country led the audience to really get into his performance. Although Jake is a newcomer to the music scene, people seemed to enjoy his music. On a scale of 1-10, I give him a 9. At the time, little did I know that he was as good as it was going to get.
After Jake’s performance, there was a brief intermission where people were invited to eat at the Papa John’s Pizza booth, get some drinks at the Jack Daniels’ booth or buy some merchandise at the booth that sold Jake Owen, Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley shirts, key chains and posters.
When Carrie came on stage, the crowd burst into applause and smiles. It was clear that just as many people were there to see Carrie as were there to see Brad. She began with a lively performance of “Young and Beautiful,” a song about “having fun while we’re still young and beautiful.”
This was a good way to start the concert because the crowd could really get into the music. People were immediately up, singing and dancing around in their seats. Carrie went on to sing most of the songs from her debut album, but the show really died down during the course of her performance. I wasn’t sure if Carrie was just having an off day or if her stage presence was really that bad.
After seeing Jake Owen’s outgoing performance, the crowd wanted to keep the momentum going. Sadly, though, it died while Carrie was on stage. For the most part, she stood in one spot on the stage, barely moving around to spice it up. She rarely smiled, and that really brought down the feeling in the arena. After thanking everyone who voted for her on “that one TV show I was on,” she left the stage. By that time, though, the crowd was ready for Brad Paisley. Overall score for Carrie: 5.
After another short break, Brad Paisley ran on stage while rockin’ out on the guitar. Luckily, his performance never lost its spunk. Throughout the show, he really looked like he was enjoying himself. The crowd got way into it. A couple in front of my friends and me began dancing crazily in the aisles. Although I wasn’t very familiar with Brad at the start of his show, I recognized a lot of his songs. He also made a slideshow of funny images that was broadcast throughout his performance on the wall behind him. It was a great idea for keeping the audience’s attention. His music was so good that he didn’t need to go that extra mile, but he did and it was appreciated. Brad’s overall score: 8.
Throughout the night, cowboy hats and boots were everywhere. It was good to see so many country fans in one place. Although the show could have been better, I’m glad I went. If you’re a country fan, download Jake Owen! You won’t be disappointed.
Emily Hoferer 
Diversions Editor
Come experience the singing, poetry and dancing as Nobel Prize winner Derek Walcott takes us on a historical journey to the conflict between the heritage of the Europeans and the West Indian culture. Shows are this Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m. in the GSC Theatre.
Poetry Readings
The English department’s Ryan Writers Series presents a reading by poet and fiction writer Gary Gildner on Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the Honors Villa. He is the author of Somewhere Geese Are Flying and Blue Like the Heavens. The event is free to all!
Late Night Movie
Pirates, Caribbean and treasure! What’s not to love? Come out to the Late Night Movie to see the 2006 blockbuster, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” in the GSC Theater. Showings are at 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Free to XU students with All Card.
Broadway
If you have been dying to see a broadway play, here is your chance to get tickets at a reduced price! The broadway plays in Cincinnati are held at the Aronoff Center. Call Pat Rose at the Office of Study Abroad at (513) 745-3464.
