College Times

"True Life" episode reveals the real MTV: a moral wasteland

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

MTV's latest ratings ploy - "I Work in the Sex Industry" - comes off as a half-truth filled piece of porn industry propaganda aimed right at those who need complete honesty the most: tweens and teens

California Dreamin'

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Growing into adulthood means you get to choose your own path but sometimes, wanderlust gets the best of everyone.

China goes censor crazy

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, Variety reported that China has released a government sanctioned list of criteria that is now banned from the country. Basically killing all fun in the country.

Daily Buzzkill

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

You never know you're going to miss someone until it's too late.

Marilyn Monroe: Way Hotter than Paris Hilton

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The New York Post recently reported a sex-tape has surfaced featuring the goddess of film, Marilyn Monroe. Sweet.

R-rated Trailers Coming Back to Theaters

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Now we can all look forward to smutty and violent previews for upcoming smutty and violent movies.

Scientific Advancements: Good for Humanity, Might End the World

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Let's forget, for a moment, all the lofty promises that science fiction movies made, including flying cars, virtual worlds and teleportation. The real futuristic world offers amazing scientific advances that could, unfortunately, destroy all civilization.

Some entertainment for the "Lost Generation"

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

When CT writers run out of ideas, thank God for YouTube. It's always here to save the day.

Stupid Actual Money

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

CT writer would much rather work for perks

The coolest applications for the everyday Joe

Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Technology is advancing at an exponential rate, particularly in the world online. The three applications that I found below represent the pinnacles of their respective fields but even then, they're only a glimmer of what we can expect in the near future.

We're wonks. And we will kick your ass (for charity).

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I've been called many things. And since I grew up, literally, in a hardware store in north New Jersey, most of them are not printable - even in a publication of such ill-repute like our own. That said, I've never been called a wonk (a person preoccupied with arcane details).

Why Canada Rules

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Their snacks are way better than ours.

Another Miley Cyrus scandal

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

After Vanessa Hudgens and Jamie Lynn Spears, pop starlets have endured enough controversy. That was until Miley Cyrus showed up.

Anti-smoking ads even a smoker can respect

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Tired of dead people and black lungs? Here's a list of Anti-Smoking PSAs that really get the job done.

Are young children already oversexed?

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Driving by the local high school these days proves one thing - kids today are a far cry from the way we used to be. It's accepted, but does that make it right?

Arizona in Song

Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I noticed a lot of Arizona imagery in some of the songs I've been listening to lately. Here's the best of the best.

Big Shoes to Fill

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Shaquille O'Neal's debut with the Phoenix Suns is minor compared to the real question on our minds: How does a man that large exist?

Cities threaten to fine those who curse

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Hold on to your ability to use your favorite four-letter words, because it might be taken away sooner than you might think. City officials in St. Louis, Missouri, are considering a bill that would ban swearing along with dancing on tables, drinking games and obscene music.

Dear Suns Fans,

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The regular season is over. The match-ups are set. The NBA playoffs are set to kick off on Saturday, which means that in just a few short weeks, Suns fans will either be celebrating Phoenix's first-ever NBA Championship or lamenting yet another far-reaching conspiracy by NBA higher-ups...

Defining Awesomeness

Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

This blog had one purpose and one purpose only: To celebrate and comment on the YouTube video of a guy jumping into his pants from various original positions.

Ear Sex

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

George Clinton once boasted in a song that he was "doin' it to you in your earhole." But we're pretty sure he never envisioned anything like porn for the blind.

Everything was better when we were kids - even getting sick

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

When you were a kid, getting sick and missing school usually fell one of two ways: legitimately ill or faking it. In adulthood, it's about the same. The only difference is that either way, it sucks so much more.

Fun with Phobias

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Did you ever have a fear of the great mole rat? There's actually a name for that.

Girls Gone Wild

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

With spring break in process, a word of advice, ladies: keep your breasts to yourself

HDDVD's last gasp paves the way for next format war

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

HD DVD checks out and Sony's Blu Ray wins the war. But we say it doesn't matter, because the next technological leap will replace the need for DVDs, period.

Hey Mr. Wizard, Give Me Back My Penis!

Thu, 08 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Men in Congo's largest city are hiding in fear after it was reported a band of rogue sorcerers were arrested for stealing and shrinking penises. But CT's Jessie Whitfield fears one suspect is still on the lam.

Honorable Mentions from 2007

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 05:00:00 GMT

If my Top 12 list had included nothing but stoner rock albums, you probably wouldn't take me very seriously when I try to write about bluegrass. So here are a few albums that, for whatever reason, didn't quite make the cut but are still very worthy of your attention.

I got a fun stabby weapon at self-defense class

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

With all the dangers of being a woman in Tempe, our CT writer recommends you take up a self-defense course. It's fun, easy and at the end of it, you can get cool weapons.

If I Were in Middle School

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

What messages are sent when a high-profile prostitute gets busted and becomes famous? CT sex writer and columnist investigates - as if she were 12 years old.

Kicking drugs with pot, a ceramic one

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 05:00:00 GMT

I've suffered allergies my entire life. For 21 straight years I've dutifully pumped my body full of drugs with names like Zyrtec, Optivar, Astelin, Benadryl, Nasalcort, Allegra, Singulair, Nasonex, Claritan, Clarinex and Seldane - shelling out anywhere from $10 to $35 per month, per drug, just for the right to breathe.

Knollege is Power

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

First they turned Winchell's into Vinchell's. Now, I've got my own ways to capitalize on the renaming movement.

Locked and Loaded

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Guns on public college campuses should be allowed - under the right circumstances, says writer Mike R. Meyer

Love, Hate and Karma

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Treat somebody good, the favor is returned; treat somebody bad, and deal with the consequences: so the theory goes. But when it comes to the way we treat people, it seems the return karma we receive is really just a roll of the dice.

Money, Money, Money

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

How twisted is it that a high school teacher makes $38,000 a year compared to a tow truck driver who makes $42,000 a year? According to a recent study in Parade magazine, America's values on money are disgustingly out of whack and completely turned upside down.

My Suns: A Rebuttal

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

When it comes to sports, I’m an optimist. I’m a fan of the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Cardinals and Chicago Cubs – so if I wasn’t, I probably would’ve blown my brains out by now. So, now that my beloved Suns are in a two-game hole to the defending champion San Antonio Spurs, I can’t help but hold out hope that they are going to pull out the series win.

New study says watching movies may lead to smoking

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 05:00:00 GMT

As an avid movie watcher and a regular smoker, I generally dislike others telling me that I can't enjoy either. I understand that some movies might be bad enough to induce eye cancer, and I also understand the reason why people frown upon smoking. I know it's bad for you, for me, and before I started smoking, I was just as opposed to it.

Next Stop: Adult Land

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Remember when you dreamed of the perfect job, tons of cash and the fairy tale wedding? Well, this is reality.

No Fools for April Fools

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Most April Fools Days are filled with practical jokes. So what happened this year?

One 'Mike' too many

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

I was born on August 24, 1973. The classic horror movie Halloween was released on October 25, 1978. Five years and two months is all I had. Before I even enrolled in kindergarten, my life had been unwittingly yet irreversibly changed.

My name is Michael Meyer.

One for the Ages

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

When it was all said and done, there's no other way to look at it: Super Bowl XLII was a massive success; as a game, and as an Arizona event to remember.

Payback begins with a capital B, or is that an H?

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Yesterday was the 10 year anniversary of Monicagate. And with Hillary looking strong in the Democratic primaries, Bill may find payback is coming - 10 years later.

Putting the Sex in Insects

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

New studies suggest certain creepy crawlies have developed a more effective way to get in the sack - shut up and play dead

Real World Happiness

Thu, 08 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Many students have set expectations about life after graduation. Most of them are wrong.

Reconnected

Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I tuned out from the world to find sanity. Now I'm forced to tune back in. And that may not be such a bad thing.

Remote Control Birth Control?

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Australian doctors say they're getting close to giving men a viable birth control device . . . via their favorite object: the remote control

Sell Out!

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Fifteen-year vegetarian eats meat and loves it.

Sex Problems for the Spanked?

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

A new study suggests that kids who were spanked may be more aggressive in seeking sex than their non-spanked counterparts

Sexism Sells

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Should rappers have a social responsibility or are they just responding to society?

Sin City

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Vatican recently unveiled a list of new sins which are considered to be more in line with today's world. A further examination may be needed.

Strike threatens future of movies

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The most interesting thing about reading mainstream entertainment news is very little of it has to do with actual movies or music. Typical entertainment "news" focuses on celebrity lifestyle: sex tapes, cat fights, rehab or on the opposite end of the spectrum, weddings, births and charity causes.

The Super Bowl in Haiku

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Writing blogs is fun,
Writing haikus is funner,
What an idea!

Travel? Stamp collecting? Illicit drugs?

Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Filling time after graduating college

TV: not just mindless drivel

Thu, 08 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

How a TV show led to the answer to we've all wondered: What's in Twinkies anyway?

Viva la Revolution!

Thu, 08 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Maybe it's closer than you think

Webinar is not a Word

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

All across pop culture people are fusing words into annoying terms and creating shallow buzzworthy phrases. But one term tops them all: webinar

Whips and handcuffs anyone?

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Fetishes aren't just for freaks and pervs

Why my video games aren't more like my movies

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

As video game technology grows exponentially, the basics of what made games awesome in the first place shows signs of disappearing.

Candidates using technology to their benefit

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The internet activates a whole new generation's fancy with information, and the fact that immediacy is its number one boast means that decisions can be made on more than just an appearance basis.

Freaky Russian Wilderness

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Strange occurrence almost 50 years ago has nothing to do with anything really, but it's still pretty interesting.

Everyone sucks eventually

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

I was driving home with CT's lovely and talented assistant editor Megan Dobransky the other day when a Nirvana song came on the radio. "I miss Nirvana," I said. "Do you think they would've sucked eventually?"

"Yeah," Meg replied without hesitation. "Everyone sucks eventually.

And in the blue corner

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 05:00:00 GMT

While Clinton trashed Obama's voting record in the Senate and Obama accused Clinton of doing anything to get elected, and both sent steely glances and sarcastic snickers zapping across the stage, behaving like bitter, vindictive children - I realized: this is the most entertaining television I've seen since "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" went kaput.
I also couldn't help but wonder: who would win in a fight, Hillary or Barack?

Anonymous' E-War against Scientology is ... kind of cute?

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Scientology falls under criticism again. This time by a militant, organized, and talented group of young individuals whose best weapon of attack is. . . pizza.

Even primates pay for sex

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Sex sells, which is why so many men pay for it. Name your price and a prostitute will feed your vice. Recent research suggests that despite evolutionary change, some things remain the same - females are more likely to put out if men give them what they want and need.

Getting Naked

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 05:00:00 GMT

A new cable television show has women stripping nude for the whole world to watch. Inside the new path to empowerment and a healthy body image.

Has the FDA gone mad?

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Last month the FDA declared meat and "natural" products derived from cloned cattle, swine and goats to be safe for human consumption, giving the go ahead for bioengineers to continue playing God in their laboratories.

Loss of a Landmark

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 05:00:00 GMT

With Tempe's most popular theater now shut down, we have to wonder if the city's charm is going to be traded away for high rise condos and fancy mozzarella sticks.

Mainstream America has bad taste

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Looking at Billboard's chart of the top-selling albums of 2007, one thought immediately jumps to mind: I think I'm in the wrong line of work. Daughtry? Akon? Fergie? Seriously???

I realize that music writers have a reputation for being elitists, and for the most part, it's well deserved.

Music Matters

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 05:00:00 GMT

My colleague Mike Meyer recently wrote a blog entry in which he outlined his frustration at the state of mainstream rock music because of the popularity of some decidedly uninspired acts. It was an argument that is definitely merited, but one that caused me to think about music criticism and the internet.

New Year's Resolutions: You will fail. I will judge.

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Lurking deep beneath the easy-going, forgiving surface, I contain a dark side - an evil, cynical monster waiting for you to make the inevitable wrong move and immediately judge you on it. That's why this time of the year is so secretly appealing to me.

No Regrets

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Tattooing used to be a rite of passage or the result of one beer too many. Now, new types of ink can easily be removed with a zap of a laser. If Tattooing is no longer permanent, what's the point?

Restaurant service sucks? Blame the kitchen.

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 05:00:00 GMT

From the point of view of someone who generally classifies a "good job" as something that pays the bills and allows you to keep some sense of sanity and humility, being a food server can be both the best and worst job. First the positives: quick money, flexible hours and a great way to meet people.

The Anti-Blog

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

College Times writers are assigned to blog about whatever tickles their fancy. One CT staffer wonders - who reads blogs, who writes them and why does anybody care?

The Ron Paul Effect

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Ron Paul is reinvigorating young voters' interest in politics. But with what effect?

Uncut and unedited DVD? Uninteresting.

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Let's cut to the chase: I hate unedited and uncut DVDs. They're long, boring and a waste of my time. And yet every video rental store in my area seems to think that's all I want. What happened to the theatrical versions?

What we learned from the writer's strike

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

After almost $2 billion lost from the WGA strike, there were lessons learned. Here's hoping someone took notes.

Bob Marley's about comedy, not music

Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Bob Marley. The name may conjure up some confusion, but we're not talking about the pot-smoking, reggae-singing superstar of the '60s and '70s, this is Bob Marley comedian extraordinaire. Just like the musician, he'll leave you with a smile on your face.

Marley began his comedic career on the East Coast where he graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington.

All Dressed Up

Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Today's hot five brings plenty of ways to get off the couch and enjoy the nightlife. Especially if you harbor some 80s nostalgia.

Annual Frock N rock show merges rock fashion with charitable giving

Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

What would Mick Jagger be without nut-hugging leather pants?

And Marilyn Manson without patent leather and scary spikes?

And what, pray tell, would Prince be without purple crushed velvet?

One word: boring.

Thankfully, fashion is as much a part of rock and roll as anything, and the fifth annual Frock N Roll Fashion show is set to outfit rock stars and wannabes alike, all in the name of charity.

Concert: This Week's Hot Five

Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

What's playing in town this week? The best are right here.

Haffo's debut Floats on diversity

Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

While many bands claim to be unique and difficult to categorize, it usually ends up being fairly easy to sum up their sound in a few words. Haffo is one of the rare exceptions to that rule. On their second full-length album, Floating Through Town, the band really is all over the place, seemingly switching genres and moods from song to song.

Harptallica adds a touch of class to thrash

Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

With Harptallica coming to town this weekend, we started thinking how cool it would be if this trend caught on. Here are some other orchestral thrash metal tributes we hope to see in the very near future.

Tubadeth - All-tuba ensemble plays Megadeth hits like "Wake Up Dead" and "Skull Beneath The Skin.

The Skin Art Expo has all things tattoo

Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Getting inked up comes with a huge responsibility and a huge adrenaline rush, so why not do it with hundreds of others who share your passion?

At the Skin Art Expo, you will find an atmosphere conducive to exploring ideas and finding an artist that fits you perfectly, especially if this is your first tattoo.

Cut Costs during Summer Heat

Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

It's coming: the unbearable summer heat. But with fuel costs at record levels and electricity costs rising, too, it may also be unbearable to your wallet.

Advice from a Graduate

Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Let's take a fond look back on all the good the bad and the ugly aspects of being a student.

America's Wang� that would be Florida

Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The summer is upon us, and as such, my family is attempting to plan the yearly family summer vacation. Call me a loser, but I thoroughly enjoy taking a trip with my family. While this does include sharing a hotel room with both of my parents and my three sisters, I know I will look back on these trips and have fond memories of the uncomplicatedness of it all; when all I had to worry about was hanging out in the sun, and not paying for the hotel and for food.

Draft excellence can solve all those venerable keg problems

Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Kegs are a pain in the ass. Often, the beer is too foamy or not cold enough. Or occasionally, you and your party pals can’t live up to the challenge of finishing a whole keg in one sitting and you’re left with stale, flat, wasted beer the next day.

Study: Feminists are sexy, better partners

Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

That’s the advice of a social psychologist who concludes in a new study that feminists make better partners and have stronger romantic relationships. Laurie Rudman of Rutgers University had found in earlier research that negative stereotypes of feminists – that they’re unattractive, man-hating lesbians, in a nutshell – cause young adults to distance themselves from the “F-word” and tone down their demands for equality.

A new addition to Tempe Marketplace adds a touch of Japan

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Equal parts style and substance, the new Kabuki Japanese Restaurant at Tempe Marketplace is the latest addition to the kind of great sushi you can find in the Valley.

Sneakers is the Disneyland of sports bars

Thu, 08 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

One of the coolest things about Sneakers is the variety of things to do. “Rock Band,” pool tables and dart boards will bring out your inner bar athlete, and for those who love the camera, there is also an old-school photo booth conveniently located next to all the action.

Jugheads - The Punk Paradise

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Spike up your Manic Panic mohawk, lace up your Doc Martin's and head to the Valley's hidden punk rock paradise.

Keg Party opens at the Tempe Marketplace

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The secret to success comes in the realization that presentation is half the battle. That notion is not lost on the staff of the Keg Steakhouse, the newest addition to the Tempe Marketplace shopping mall. The second half comes from the friendly staff and fantastic menu.

Mixed Drinks: The Holiday Shots

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Everyone knows Christmas is a time for giving. In this case, Christmas is the time for getting - a buzz, that is.

Mixed Drinks: The Trendy Shots You'll Want to Know

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Learn how to throw something other than a keg party by trying these popular mixed drinks from the staff of Taste Ultra Lounge, a new chic nightclub in
Scottsdale.

New euphoric bar and bistro offers a lot of everything

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

On the cover of Euphoria Bar and Bistro's menu, it says "a universal embracement of flavor." While it's probably meant to explain the food, it kind of explains the whole atmosphere.

Party Games of the Future

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Innovation in party games has been ongoing for decades. Now, we examine old-school lawn games like croquet and bocce ball that are re-emerging as games of the future, as well as regional games like cornhole that are finally making their way to Arizona.

PHX's Rose and Crown brings Brit authenticity downtown

Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Brits catch a lot of flack for their notoriously bad teeth, bizarre sense of humor and sore-thumb accent, but they sure do know how to get sloshed and have a good time.

Review: Dirty Devil

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 05:00:00 GMT

It's either the bar you sprinted to and downed five shots at during half-time at an ASU basketball game or the bar you didn't even notice as you stumbled out of the Sun Devil Stadium toward Mill Avenue in a drunken stupor after a football game.