I The Behrend Beacon Y , Trri r -- 1 r j rri /\ /kir rTi r 1 I P Word tX The Week: cytopteris - noun - small perennial rock ferns; bladder ferns; in some classifications placed in Polypodiaceae Santa Claus couldn't figure out a way to dispose of the dead body, so he buried it in some cytopteris and ran into the woods. Billboard Top 200 features several long-successful Nickelback's album, "All the Right Reasons," is nearing its second full year on the Billboard Top 200, and Carrie Underwood's "Some Hearts" is not far behind at 96 consecutive weeks. Both albums, however, have a long way to go before being placed on the list of albums which have spent the longest time on the Billboard: 1. The Dark Side of the Moon - Pink Floyd 741 weeks (14.25 years!) 2. Johnny's Greatest Hits Johnny Mathis 490 weeks 3. My Fair Lady Original Cast 480 weeks 4. Highlights from the Phantom of the Opera 331 weeks 5. Tapestry Carole King 302 weeks 6. Heavenly Johnny Mathis 295 weeks 7. Oklahoma/ Soundtrack - 283 weeks 8. MCMXC a.D. Enigma 282 weeks 9. Metailica Metallica 281 weeks 10. The King and I Soundtrack - 277 weeks LEB: more than By Jenna Sellitto staff writer jlsss43qpsu.edu In a poll conducted from random Penn State Behrend students across campus, 62c7( of students wanted to see more live bands and 36'4 wanted more comedy. The remaining 2c4 were split between lobbyists and student performances. It is clear from the results of the poll that Behrend students believe that the thing needed most around campus is more live music entertain ment. The Lion Entertainment Board, or LEB, is a student-run organization in charge of the majority of the live entertainment here at Behrend. They run the movies that play every Wednesday through Saturday across from Bruno's, they have already brought comedians Adam Ace and Josh Wade for orientation weekend, and they have a list of activi ties already planned for the upcoming fall and spring semesters. However, how much are they tak ing into consideration the students' demands? With a budget of $43,000 a year and a mission statement that states, "The Lion Entertainment Board must provide at least one event each week" the members are constantly trying to look for events broad enough to appeal to the majority of the students. The board also always tries to make the money spent on the entertainment well spent. The difficulty in arranging live band performances on campus is that taste in music varies from person to person. For example, a comedian is either funny or not funny, but a band can be country, rock, pop, and so on, leaving a bigger chance of disappointed stu dents due to the many different genre preferences. However, the LEB is always looking for student input and feedback. Meetings are open to the gen eral public and any student can come to the meet ings, even if they just want to come once. Meetings are held on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in Reed across from Bruno's. Members encourage new students to Kanye West wins album sales battle By Erik Holman staff writer ethso29@ . u.edu On September 11th, 2007, an album battle of epic proportions had started between performers Kanye West and Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson. The popular rappers had a musical showdown as both decid ed to release their third solo albums, West's "Graduation" and Jackson's "Curtis," on September 11th, 2007. West and Jackson have both released platinum selling albums in the past, so the anticipation for each new CD grew with the approaching release date. Prior to this date, each had released three singles to increase the hype for their new products: West had "Stronger," "Can't Tell Me Nothing," and "Good Life," while Jackson had "Straight to the Bank," "I Get Money," and "Ayo Technology." When those albums were released in stores that day, the stakes were high and experts and fans alike speculated on which would sell more. albums VMAs features fights, CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Chris Brown had a stellar performance at the Video Music Awards in Las Vegas. By Suzanne Fisher contributing writer smfsls3C=e su.ed Those who caught the Video Music Awards(VMAs) sunday evening experienced the true madness in what MTV claims to be an "awards ceremony." Aside from contro versial performances and a long awaited scuffle between rival rockers, there were a number of MTV "Moon Men" given out that night at the Palm's Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. But, with the exciting night of music, fighting, and disappointing perform ances, the awards seemed to take a back seat. Alicia Keyes and Chris Brown both -- standup performances and women around the nation collapsed at seeing Brown dance around the stage during his Michael Jackson tribute, which was beyond phenomenal. Comeback artist Britney Spears was not so lucky. After her disappointing routine many of her fellow celebrities did not show respect for her attempt at making a return to the pro fessional world of music. Pop culture fans have been following the drama that Spears just an acronym come and get involved. Brad Kovalick, a member of the LEB, is quick to point out the advantage of joining the Board. "It is a good job where I met most of my friends," he says. Since the club is a completely student-run organization anyone has the chance to get involved. This provides students with experience in organiza tions, as well as an opportunity to be laid back and have fun. Another perk of being on the board is the ability to influence the entertainment selection so that it reflects your own preference. Members of the Board also often get to meet some of the perform ers that come to Behrend. In the past, bands that have made an appearance at Behrend include Less than Jake, Punchline, and the Juliana Theory. This upcoming semester one of the bands that will be coming to Behrend is the Clarks. The Clarks are a very popular band in Pittsburgh, and since a large majority of students here are from Pittsburgh or surrounding areas, the Clarks are sure to be a hit. They will be performing here Thursday, November Bth. Student performances, such as the Matchbox Players or private groups, are always an option, but such groups need to speak with the LEB to get a spot to perform. You can even attempt to book your own band, if you stop by the LEB office on the first floor of Reed. The LEB is continuously working to make the entertainment here at Behrend even bigger and bet ter, so look forward to more exciting entertainment in the future. Realize that the Board is greatly influ enced by what the students think. If you have a request for a performer, suggest it to the LEB, and they will try their best to make it work. Upcoming performances from bands and comics can be found on the LEB office door, as well as on thier websie, www.behrendleb.com. The LEB plans events far in advance, so make reservations now for the coming performers this winter. Jackson even stated he would "retire from solo records" if West's sales were to exceed his. An on campus poll of students showed that popular opin ion at Penn State Behrend favors West. Freshman Andres Emedan states, "West's music is catchier and I can relate to his lyrics better. His music pro vides a more positive message. Not so much about killing people." There are a few who stick to Jackson's side, such as freshman Kyle Gerhart, who simply comments, "50 Cent has better beats." At the end of the first week, the results were out: West's "Graduation" sold over 930,000 copies and reached first place on the Top Album Billboard, while "Curtis" sold almost 660,000 and came in second. The count is not final, but it is pretty clear who has won the "rap battle." has been trying to leave behind: her infamous stints in rehab and ongoing custody battle with her ex-husband. After her sub-par per formance, comedian Sarah Silverman took shots at Spears, crushing the pop star's confi dence and dignity even further. Spears has expressed her disappointment in herself and blamed her dry performance on MTV, which changed her routine just days before the event. Her rumored boyfriend, illusionist Criss Angel, was supposed to set up a magic act for Spears to follow that would surely appeal to the crowd much more than her dance steps did. MTV found the routine too elaborate and with Spears's lack of effort and attendance the show simply could not go through with it. Drummer Travis Barker called the perform- ance "meager" and "very grey-area" on MTV.com. However, even Barker admits he wouldn't be able to perform during a chaotic event such as the VMAs either. Chaotic is an under statement looking back on the insanity during the show. Keyes was interrupted during her perform- ance while Kid Rock and Tommy Lee had a drunken brawl in the middle of her song Neither of the rockers for months to were seriously hurt CONTRIBUTED PHOTO come. No matter if but everyone knew Justin Timberlake had the most successful night they are commem why the fight took at the VMAs, receiving 4 awards. orating well place as soon as accomplished Pamela Anderson appeared on the stage to artists or simply embracing in the humor of a white trash scrap, we watch with one need in mind... pure entertainment. present an award. Justin Timberlake had a great night, receiv- Call Us Today (814)238-3456 Or Visit Us At www.cakleroommonscom One other performer who had a part in the race was Kenny Chesney, who came in third on the charts with over 300,000 albums sold. Although Jackson promises his retirement because of Kanye's sales, Jackson decided not to hang up his career anytime soon, much to the dismay of Kanye's faithful. Instead, Jackson found alternatives to cope with the sales, stating that West's label Def Jam "rigged the sales charts," that Def Jam gave West a better promotion, and claims his own label Interscope was not promoting him well enough. Jackson also made a new vow that he would release an album when Def Jam has its next huge release. So this "rap battle" would officially become an all-out war between rappers. Keep an eye out for an upcom ing "50 Cent vs. Jay-Z" battle, or any other artist on Def Jam's record. For now, it appears that West is CONTRIBUTED PHOTO the "Stronger" competitor and a true musical Kanye West(left) and Jackson face champion. off in 2007's biggest sales battle. Frida lame acts ing four awards: Quadruple Threat of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Best Choreography for "My Love - , and Best Direction for "What Goes around... Comes Back Around." Other winners included Fergie for Best Female Artist and Gnarls Barkley for best Editing Winner. Rihanna featuring Jay-Z won Monster Single of the Year and Video of the Year with - Umbrella." Beyonce featuring Shakira won Best Collaboration with "Beautiful Liar. - Fall Out Boy beat out Linkin Park and Maroon 5 by winning Best Group, and indie rock/hip-hop hybrid Gym Class Heroes won the Best New Artist cate- The VMAs may not be as elegant and prominent as the Oscars, but it creates just as much excitement than any other award show: the entire town of Las Vegas was either at the DO I. Colder Way, ads Calisp, PA 16801 September 21, 2007 ceremony or at one of the after-parties that MTV stationed around the city. Celebrities like Timberlake and Kanye West hosted after-parties for MTV where the celebrations con tinued until early Monday morning. People will talk about the VMAs
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