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Volume IV, Issue 5 July 24 - July 31, 2000

News & Opinion

Although he can't legally order a beer, Eric Smith is already considered a national expert on advanced Internet technology. The sharp diminishment of what Robert Putnam calls "social capital" is turning the average American into an island in a sea of alienation. Not even a complete viewing of the Mad Max trilogy would be adequate preparation for the sensory assault of a demolition derby. Also, protecting the Mississippi River and Texas's reputation, savoring naps, and more. News & Opinion contents page

Film & TV

New computer technology has been a mixed blessing for animated movies. If you've ever daydreamed about a long-lost friend, then "Chuck & Buck" is the must-see film of the summer. Thanks to the success of the trivia game shows and reality shows, there's more of the same coming. Also, an interview with horror director Guillermo del Toro, reviews of "X-Men," "Loser," and more. This week in Film & TV Better Living... Chuck and Buck(1) Chuck and Buck(2) Hamlet Loser(1) Loser(2) A Piece of Eden Pokemon 2000 Trixie What Lies Beneath X-Men(1) X-Men(2) PLUS Suspended Animation Guillermo del Toro TV Eye and more... Film & TV contents page Visit the Film Vault for thousands of reviews

Music

Now that the Lollapalooza Festival is no more than a flannel-encrusted memory, the Vans Warped Tour has filled the void as the biggest and best alternative rock showcase. After almost 40 years and millions of albums, Brian Wilson's melodies and harmonies are deeply engrained in popular culture. The "Theme from Shaft" is a great soundtrack song and a great piece of modern folk-hero mythology. Plus, Austin's Holy Charlie, the Royal Trux go off-road, and more. This week in Music Charlie Ribble Royal Trux Three 6 Mafia Brian Wilson PLUS Two-Faced Punk Theme from Shaft and more... Music contents page

	Arts & Leisure
	Summer Savor Return of the AFL One of the Beautiful People Through the Eyes of a Kid and more... Arts & Leisure contents page

	Books
	Lester Bangs wasn't the first rock critic, but he's the first to be biographied. John Cale's autobiography is about things that matter, like how music is made and how it communicates. Jim Sanderson's San Antonio is the fin de siècle Southwest. Also, understanding African pop music, reflecting on philosophy, and more. Books contents page

	Comics
	Come down from your Staggering Heights and get to the Red Meat of the matter with this swell set of cartoons that also includes K. Rat and Random Shots. Comics contents page Visit the official Red Meat site

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