Preceded by an unusual amount of Internet hype, Snakes On A Plane has finally hit the big screen and has somehow slithered its way to the number one movie of the week. Apparently, the simplicity of a name can do promotional wonders! Even though the entire story line is summarized in three words and “a” letter, people have found an urgent need to see the movie. I think the movie would have been a lot better if Samuel L Jackson was replaced with The Crocodile Hunter and in place of an airplane full of actors, they had unsuspecting passengers on their way to vacation. Then, some giant snakes were released and it was up to Steve Irwin to save the passengers. Though I hope in vain for this sequel, at least I can be excited about the star-studded soundtrack. (My advice: spend the money on the soundtrack and skip the movie. If your friends discuss the movie with you, pretend like you saw it by drawing really ridiculous assumptions from the movie title and you will probably still be able to partake in the discussion!)

The film opted for an emo-oriented album, so Cobra Starship, a supergroup consisting of members of The Academy Is, the All-American Rejects and other punk-pop groups. The collection also includes techno-tinged remixes of songs by Panic! at the Disco and Fall Out Boy that are truly awesome! If punk isn’t your thing, Cee-Lo, the mastermind behind Gnarls Barkley, provides a catchy hip-hop/funk song called “Ophidiophobia” (guess what that means) to round out the fun, energetic release. So check out the Snakes On A Plane soundtrack, for your snake (I meant sake), or I will tell Samuel L Jackson that you think he sucks!

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Imagine yourself in the following, high probability scenarios: “Hello, Nextel” “Cshh, Yes” “Um, hello. I need to know about international rates, can you help me?” “Cshh, sure. Where are you calling from, cshh?” “I’m not even using the Walkie Talkie feature, you can stop with the cshh’s. I’m calling from Azerbaijan.” “Please hold! Cshh…”

You are put on hold for 35 minutes, elevator music plays in the background, and then click…they hang up! All of the sudden, Boost Mobile somehow calls your cell phone and says, “Where you at?” You politely respond, “I am in the Congo.” Next thing you know, Boost Mobile follows Nextel’s logic to gain some quick cash from international calls and puts you on hold as well. You hang up this time and try Sprint: “Hello, operator?” “How does the wireless industry make you feel?” “Excuse me, I did not call to take a survey! I am calling from Herzgovina and need to know how much the rates are from here?” “Ah, Business is Beautiful isn’t it?” “Stop dodging the question!” “Yes you can.” “Yes I can what? Hello…Hello?” But it’s too late, the music has returned and there is no one left on the other end of the telephone. Aggravated, you decide to call Verizon Wireless: “Hello?” Operator: “I can’t hear you!” “Can you hear me now?” “That’s a little better, how can I help you?” “I am in Bangladesh, how much are your rates if I call from here?” “Please Hold.” “Wait, I thought you never stop working for me?” Don’t let this happen to you! If you are sick of exorbitant international cell phone rates, sudden hang ups, or you’re just sick of elevator music, we have the perfect solution for you: TravelCell!

With the creation of the cell phone, there is no reason why there should be a place in this world that your cell phone will not work. However, most international cellular phone providers charge an arm and a leg…literally. If only I had heard of TravelCell before my Euro-Trip I would be one arm richer. They supply travelers with the convenience and advantages of a cellular phone, anywhere in the world! Any local phones that do work overseas are sure to cost up to 200% higher per minute than a TravelCell. With a calling card, incoming calls are impossible and trust me, they are not convenient to use on a foreign payphone, which are difficult to find and operate. Hotel phones on average are 70% more expensive than TravelCell phones so forget that as well. TravelCell provides business and leisure travelers with the safety and convenience of a cell phone in over 150 countries worldwide. (Half of these countries I have never heard of, let me know if you discover they actually exist!)

If you somehow manage to travel to a place outside of those 150 countries, check out TravelCell’s latest satellite technology and ensure that you can keep in touch, anywhere! Iridium satellite phones, as they are called, from TravelCell are capable of making and receiving calls all over the world, including the North and South poles and the oceans. So if you’re an aspiring Eskimo, they got you covered! The only exceptions are fast moving vehicles and those areas restricted by the US Department of State (Currently, those countries are Hungary, Poland, North Korea, and North Sri Lanka) Satellite phones even work on cruise ships! Oh, and did I mention all incoming calls are free? Check out their homepage to see all further information and the deals you can receive as an international student or tour group!

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Though it seems impossible to imagine ourselves as the kids we once were, it’s still nice to reflect on the good old of days where ignorance was regarded as innocence and all was provided. Even with our experiences encountered during childhood, entertaining a family does not become any easier and discerning what your children like can be a near-impossible task. Finding proper activities for kids seems to have gotten even more tricky thanks to the current state of technologically advanced toys. Sometimes in that quest to find the newest, most up to date means of amusement for your child, the simple entertainment that has always been popular for children goes overlooked. So come on down to J&R Saturday, August 26 and let us show you a full day of true entertainment that all are sure to enjoy.

The day will begin with a performance by the Laughing Pizza, a real family musical band with their own style of entertainment for children. Beware though, their extremely catchy songs are sure to be heard incessantly by your child after the performance. “Laughing Pizza has performed at the White House and has earned five consecutive awards from the Parents’ Choice Foundation, the nation’s oldest evaluator of children’s products, as well as three awards from i-Parenting, the largest parenting network online“. They have received rave reviews all over: Susan Franks of Dateline NBC said, “I loved the Daddy Song. My nieces loved it - a great video! We watch it together over and over…” and have been featured in many magazines including Parenting (July 2005) and Nick Jr. (Summer 2005). Check out their website for complete details.

Then, Magic Frank, the amazing magician and entertainer, will perform some eye-opening tricks that are sure to leave the kids amazed and the parents utterly perplexed. He has performed at over 10,000 events including noble work at hospital pediatric wards, Cerebral Palsy centers, schools, police departments, video and toy stores and a professional baseball team. Consumer Reports featured one of Magic Frank’s videos in their “Best Gifts for 2004″ (December issue) for the second consecutive year (Best Gifts 2003). Magic Frank was also recommended in a story this February in Readers Digest, appeared on the CBS News Morning Edition in October of 2003 and was featured on Community Corner twice in 2004.

As if the other performance weren’t enough, Spongebob Squarepants, Boog and Elliot from Open Season, and Scrat from Ice Age will grace your kids with their humorous presence.

The excitement begins at 10AM…don’t be late!

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If Anthony Hamilton’s vocal chords were removed, the Isley Brother’s sound was modernized, John Legend’s soul was extracted and Jaheim’s gangster approach to R&B was superimposed on a body, what would this real “lyfe” Frankenstein creation be called? Even though that hint kind of gave it away, the answer is of course Lyfe Jennings. If you haven’t heard of him yet, the only possible reason is that you have been living in an underground bomb shelter with some really, really tight doors. His CD invades his personal life and allows the listener to accompany him on his experiential journey through “hood life,” without the constant rapper-like references to bling-bling and other vanities. His self-written lyrics are powerful and his story-like approach to R&B is beyond unique and definitely captivating. So don’t miss the five-time Showtime at the Apollo winner next Friday, August 25th at 5 PM for a live performance

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The UK born sensation Corinne Bailey Rae has brought her unique music style and song writing abilities to America. With her smash hit and debut single, “Put Your Records On,” echoing the soulful voices of Alicia Keys or fellow Brit, Natasha Bedingfield, combined with a music style comparable to Zero 7, it would be impossible to ask for a more perfect mixture.

Corinne brings to the stage an exciting array of instruments and powerful, self-written lyrics that prove her as an exemplary model for the word artist! To place this harmonious mélange of music in a single genre would fail to do something so unique, proper justice. Blending soul, jazz, and even some pop, Corinne Bailey Rae’s self-titled album is a must-have for all music lovers! Check her out live on Thursday, August 24 to see what I mean! The show starts at 5:00pm; so don’t be late…I promise you don’t want to miss this.

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Venturing for a walk on the streets, you are guaranteed to see one! Sitting uncomfortably in your airplane seat, no one is seen without one! When discussing audio, it seems almost inevitable that they will not only come up, but will eventually steal the focus of the conversation. What are these devices that have taken over our very existence? Obviously, the iPod! So why limit their already overwhelming presence to the outside world when you can conform and equip your dorm room with all your iPod’s needs? With over 1000 iPod accessories, it is clear who wears the pants in this relationship. So continue in your submissive ways and get some iPod dorm accessories that no college student can do without!

The iHome Clock Radio Home System combines three great features into one: an alarm clock, AM/FM Radio, and a quality stereo system for your iPod. With a really low price and a space saving design, this is the perfect accessory for the dorm room! Following along the same lines as the iHome, the Tivoli Audio Fashion Pal lacks the alarm clock, but makes up for it in style and portability. It is weather resistant so it can accompany you to the beach and runs off a rechargeable NiMH battery, giving you up to 16 hours of playback! Check out the entire selection of colors to see which fits your personal style best! The Bose SoundDock has already created a name for itself as being among the best iPod-compatible, music systems on the market! Simply dock your iPod or iPod mini and sit back as the room fills with vibrant, definitive, Bose quality sound! (Now in black!) For a cheaper option, check out Logitech’s MM22 Portable Speakers. If you think you have to compromise sound by purchasing small speakers, think again! These speakers deliver the excellent audio that you demand in a compact package that you can take on the road.

Now, here are two products that are sure to make you a little different from the iPod crowd: Whether or not you’re an aspiring DJ, this is the coolest gadget for any music lover: The ION iPod DJ Mixer. Basically, this is the future of the turntable! This DJ mixer has inputs for two iPods, giving you the ability to utilize thousands of tracks for your mixes. It even has inputs for two additional turntables or MP3/CD players. So now you can bring the club scene to your very own dorm room! Though this final iPod toy seems like the inventor combined apples with oranges, we still like the outcome! I mean, how can you go wrong by combining a massage cushion with built in speakers for your MP3 player? Well Homedics understood that you couldn’t and created this monster-crossbreed, Motor Massage Cushion with Built-in Speakers & Input Jack. Plug in and play your iPod or any other audio source that has an earphone jack while relaxing to 5 invigorating massage motors plus soothing heat!

Music plays a central role in the everyday lives of all people…sometimes even without their conscious knowledge. Music has the power to change moods, help induce relaxation, promote dancing, or even overcome the emotions. So why confine something so important to a pair of white headphones…unleash your tunes!

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Saying you need an entertainment system for your dorm room is an understatement. The media room of the house (also known as the living room) is a place to kick back, relax, talk and escape the hectic outside world. It is as important as any other place in the home and without it, the residence seems incomplete and old-fashioned. Why should the dorm room be any different? Why not transform your dorm room into a welcoming lounge where friends can visit, hang out and feel free from the sometimes-overwhelming pressure of college? Here are the essential additions you need to modernize your dorm, turning it into a source of much needed entertainment!

Let’s start with video in general. The center of attention will, of course, be the TV. With so many sizes, shapes and styles to choose from, the decision can be a tough one. Let us take the “con” out of confusion with this selection of mighty fine, space-saving TVs:

The Samsung LNR-1550 15″ LCD has great picture clarity, built in speakers, and a flat panel that fits even in the tightest of spaces. The JVC AV-20F476 wields a bigger screen than the Samsung (20 inches) and doesn’t eat up the limited space of the dorm room! The Sony KV-24FS120 FD Trinitron WEGA Color TV is the daddy of TVs. Great resolution and a monster 24” display combine to make the ultimate television! This is going to take up some space in your dorm, but if you have some room to spare, this is the right way to occupy it. Now, for the grand finale…The Toshiba MD20F52 TV & DVD Combo. With a 20 inch screen, ultra-compact design and a built in DVD player, this Frankenstein TV will replace any college student’s best friend!

Now, unless you’re getting the Toshiba, you’ll need a DVD player to complement that brand new TV:

The Sony DVP-NS55P DVD Player is a full-featured DVD player, at half the size! Its ultra-slim design makes it the perfect companion to any TV. The Pioneer DV393-S is very slim, stylish and best of all, affordable!

Lacking theater-like surround sound for those DVDs, is like a Snickers without the nuts! Here’s a few speaker systems that are sure to maximize your dorm experience…besides, how else will you keep the neighbors up all night? Here are your best options:

The Sony DAV-DX375 Home Theater System provides a touch of theater quality sound! It has a 5-disc DVD/CD changer, 5 aesthetically pleasing Speakers, and a giant subwoofer! What more could you want? Samsung has unleashed a beast with their HT-Q80 Home Theater Audio System! It has 5 speakers, a subwoofer, 5-disc DVD/CD changer, and 1000 Watts of power…that has potential for all kinds of damage! Finally, Panasonic offers the SC-HT440 Home Theater System with 850 Watts of power, 5 speakers, a subwoofer, 5-disc DVD/CD changer and a great price.

Since you got your hands on the sickest sound system anyone in college has ever seen, your going to need to look organized for all of your guests. The LaserLine Wood DVD Shelf holds up to 80 DVDs and gives your room a touch of class with its wood finish! You are going to need to organize your entertainment center as well so check out all of J&R’s shelving units to see which style fits you best!

With your dorm’s entertainment center complete, you will truly feel like you’re in a movie theater! Now all you need to do is charge your friend’s admission and you can start making some money off it.

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In everyone’s childhood, it is impossible to deny that the classroom was viewed as an intolerable place. I remember my friends and I truly believed that the classroom resembled, and was in no way different then, a holding cell for convicted murderers. Call me a beautiful, special child with a gifted imagination, but the reality was not so far off from my beliefs. The high windows, strict rules, limited recess and the security guards only strengthened my convictions. However, as I aged, I began to realize that not only is the classroom a place designed to help the student fulfill his potential but it can be fun as well. If during your college years you still observe the classroom as a jail cell then maybe its time to post the bail…Here are some products that will not only help you achieve your best but will also make your classes more enjoyable!

Get organized! Before school starts, pick up an expandable folder and label your subjects accordingly. If your handwriting looks anything like mine, I’m talking kindergarten style, you’re going to need a label maker (plus I’m lazy). The CASIO KL-780 is the perfect labeler at the perfect price! Now, you can stick labels everywhere including unsuspecting friends with mature sayings like, “Your mom goes to college!” Make sure you get to class on time by browsing our selection of stylish, digital watches for all of your time telling needs.

When you’re actually in the classroom, two portables that you must have are a voice recorder and a dictionary. But who wants to be skimming through pages of a book, looking up a single word, when you can simply type it in and have your definition immediately? Check out our selection of electronic dictionaries to make your life easier, trust me they help! Now, voice recorders. If you have an iPod simply plug in the Belkin Tunetalk Recorder and prepare to be amazed at the clarity! If you don’t have an iPod, the Olympus W-10 Digital Recorder is a great alternative.

Since you already took our advice on which notebook to buy, it’s time to pick up a removable hard drive so you can transfer anything and everything you want, with ease! Now that you have your portable hard drive, sit back, relax, and why don’t you get a massage while your files transfer and your teacher lectures endlessly? Does your butt go numb from the cold of the wintertime? Homedics Contour Massage Heating Pad is ultra compact, has three heat settings, and will fit snuggly on your chair so no one will even know that you’re getting a massage (Happy endings not included)! If for some crazy reason the massage didn’t relieve your stress, add some stress balls to the equation and alleviate that extra tension while strengthening your grip!

Finally, for the struggling math student, grab an ultra smart companion! I am not talking about kidnapping a student from the Mathletes, though this is an alternative, it’s called a Texas Instrument! The TI-83 Plus is the standard graphing calculator and is extremely helpful. If you need some extra help, I suggest the TI-89 for two reasons: 1) It helped me pass certain tests I would have normally failed, 2) It’s banned on the ACT/SAT so it must have some good features. If you are more old-school, check out our selection of standard calculators (Warning: Only encouraged for the more proficient math students only).

You’re all set for class…actually, you’re more than set! No situation can catch you off guard: A timed test and no clock in the room? Digital watch. Heater broken during the chili winter? Heated Massage Pad. Annoying colleague? Label Maker. So enjoy your class and try to learn something…you‘ll be thankful in the long run!

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“I used to walk eight miles in the snow to get to school!” We have all heard this expression either used in the movies or from a decrepit grandparent. Luckily, this is the generation of in one ear-out the other and though our heads nodded, we never truly cared because our cars were already warming up! If you are one of the privileged few who drive to college every day, here are some products that will make your commute more enjoyable!

So you wake up in the morning and what is the first thing you want as you get out of bed (Answer subject to change based on gender)? If you are like most America the answer is coffee. Well if you are in a rush, grab the COLDMATE Stainless Steel Smart Mug that allows you to keep your coffee hot, on the road! Along with that cup of coffee, you’re going to need some breakfast—after all it is the most important meal of the day. Well take it on the road with the COLDMATE Mini Cooler/Warmer Refrigerator that operates off your cars 12V plug! Forget to shave? No problem! The Norelco Car Adapter lets you power your shaver from the 12V as well! So you no longer have an excuse for looking like the Teen Wolf!

When I drive, there is only one thing more aggravating then seeing flashing lights approaching and the speeding ticket that follows—a backseat driver. I can tell you to stop speeding but that would be no fun! Rather, pick up the Whistler All Band Radar Detector, which gives you 360 protection and VG-2 cloaking, so cops won’t even know your using it! As for the backseat driver…simply open the back door and push him out. If this seems too difficult or if you’re a moralist, keep them entertained—more importantly their mouths shut—with a Portable DVD Player and some DVDs.

If you are someone who is always getting lost, you’re going to need to get your hands on a GPS! The GARMIN StreetPilot c320 , the LOWRANCE IWAY 350C, and the Sony NV-U70 have all the great features without putting a dent in your wallet! If your car dies while you’re navigating the back roads with your GPS and you have a strange fear of getting electrocuted by using your jumper cables, here is an easy alternative: the WAGAN TECH Self-Charge Auto Jumper. Simply plug it into the cigarette lighter socket, wait ten minutes, and your car will be up and driving!

If you have an older car and your audio system isn’t hitting as hard as it used to, check out the SONY XPLOD line for some explosive audio upgrades! Put a pair of these SONY XPLOD Subwoofers in your truck and prepare for the glass to fly! Make sure you have the SONY XPLOD Amplifier so that you are getting the most power and sound out of your subwoofer! If you’re sick of hearing the radio’s distortion on your new sound system, switch to XM or get an FM transmitter for your MP3 Player. The DELPHI RoadyXT and the SIRIUS Sportster 4 are great buys for all your XM needs! If you want to transmit your MP3’s, here are the best FM Transmitters to get the job done:

The DLO Transpod nicely charges, plays, and mounts your iPod by simply plugging into the cigarette lighter outlet! The Newer Technology iPod Cradle’s simple design makes it the perfect FM Transmitter for your iPod. For those that hate wires, the Griffin iTrip provides you with an FM transmitter, wirelessly!

When my parents kicked me out of the house for having a keg party and my friends were nowhere to be found, my car hosted me for the couple of nights it took my parents to cool down. Your car will always be there for you while your friends may not, so treat it right! Enjoy the time you spend together by following these easy tips because who knows, you too may end up in the backseat…just hopefully under better circumstances. ;)

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Whether your college is located in the farmland, surrounded by barren fields and Children of the Corn, or the setting is more urban, with gum covering the sidewalks, one similarity is universal: the existence of a campus. The college campus is where you get social! In the modern age, hanging out on campus does not seem as important — cell phones, IM, Facebook and other online services let you talk to people without leaving your room. This seems anti-social, though - besides, you need the exercise. This guide keeps the importance of the college campus in mind while understanding that severing the bond between man and machine is like stripping in front of your parents at their anniversary party!

With the advent of the MP3 player, your music collection is no longer confined to those impossible-to-open CD cases and a shelf! Take your music outside with you while you wait for your next class to begin or while you scope out the girls sunbathing on the campus lawn with these awesome MP3 Players (Contrary to popular belief, there are other options to choose from beside the iPod):

Creative Labs has the sleek and stylish Zen Micro with a ton of great features, 8 Gigabytes of storage (up to 4,000 songs) and a lot of colors to choose! Does size matter to college girls? Well the Toshiba Gigabeat MP3 player has 40 GB’s so it will compensate for a small size elsewhere…on your computer hard drive in case you need to back it up. With a crystal clear screen and a user-friendly interface, this is an MP3 player for all! Of course, let us not forget the king of the MP3 world: The iPod! The world is so overrun with rectangles now that children aren’t even being taught what a square is anymore! With a world of storage and screen options – from the smaller Shuffles and Nanos to the slightly larger 60GB iPod Video, this is a great buy! (Check out J&R’s unique colors to stand out from the iPod crowd.)

With your MP3 player, you’ve got a little party in your pocket. Now you need to tell others about it. That means getting a cell phone. The variety of cell phone choices can overwhelm, so avoid the confusion by letting us tell you the hottest and best cell phones out right now:

The T-Mobil Sidekick 3 is the ultimate tool! It has a built in keyboard, Bluetooth capabilities, a 1.3 Megapixel camera, MP3 playback, and a swivel screen…A SWIVEL SCREEN! At about the same size as your cell phone, the T-Mobil Sidekick 3 kicks butt! The brand new Skype activated cell phone by TrendNet is generating tons of hype and is the new focus of the cell phone world! Now you can make cheap phone calls all over the world and take advantage of all the Skype features such as Contacts, Call List, SkypeOut, and Conference Call! Skype has finally been unleashed to the portable world and is no longer confined to the computer…brace yourselves! Ah, the Motorola RAZR…the iPod of cell phones. Everyone has one and yet each RAZR owner believes that theirs is the thinnest. Introducing the new Motorola RAZR V3I. Though you would still be wrong if you said that your phone was thinner, the new RAZR has a beautiful screen, a 1.3 Megapixel camera, and plays MP3’s among other things. So if you said your phone was better, you’d be right! The phone choice of celebrities…T-Mobil’s Blackberry. Now with an even thinner and lighter model, the Blackberry 8700G is an essential companion! Access the web, view Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel documents, or simply talk to friends! The perfect accessory for the multi-tasking generation! If you’d rather do a pay-as-you-go plan, we recommend BoostMobile. You operate it by using prepaid Boost service cards. Each phone is shipped with a pre-programmed phone number and works anywhere. It’s a good way to save yourself a little money - no more worries about monthly payments.
Your pockets may hold your phone and MP3 player, but your laptop is too big to fit in there. (Seriously, we’ve tried.) You need a backpack f or all your accessories, not to mention your books.

Samsonite has an incredible line of durable and comfortable backpacks, perfect for storing all of your campus needs! The cool Sling Backpack provides a unique look without diminishing space, the Typhoon Backpack (like the Volkswagen Beatle) shows the power of circular design, and the City Messenger Backpack blends comfort and style, plus a special compartment for your laptop into one dominating package! Check out the full line of Samsonite products for some other alternatives!

Now that you have the campus essentials, you’re ready to begin exploring the area! Check out the library, the food court, the study hall, the frat houses, the nearby bars, and all the other places that make the college campus unique. With your MP3’s playing, your cell phone in hand, and your backpack comfortably situated on your back as you walk around your new home, your campus training is complete. Welcome to college!

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