Underwood is No Underdog

Yesterday, at the 44th annual Country Music Awards, Carrie Underwood walked away with Entertainer of the Year. Underwood is the first woman in nine years to win this award. Also, the former American Idol walked away with favorite female vocalist for the second year in a row. In her acceptance speech she said, "I accepted that award on behalf of myself and my fans, but also on behalf of other women who came before me that kicked butt but never got the recognition they deserved." With two great wins, it was a surprise to some fans that new-comer Taylor Swift beat Underwood with her album "Fearless" for Album of the Year.

Fifty-year- old, actor Kevin Spacey is getting back into the spotlight in his new film, "Father of Invention". Spacey will play a billionaire inventor who falls on hard times and spends years in a federal prison. When he returns, he does the best he can to rebuild his reputation. The film's release date has not yet been set.

Top 10 Best Sellers

When an author writes a book, he can only dream about making the all time, best seller list. These ten books, and authors, have made that list.

10. "The DaVinci Code" by Dan Brown --- 65

9. "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling--- 65

8. "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien--- 100

7. "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie--- 100

6. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling--- 107

5. " The Book of Mormon" by Joseph Smith Jr.--- 120

4. " Xinhua Zidian" --- 400

3. "The Koran" ---800

2. "Quotations from Chairman Mao Zedong" by Mao Zedong ---900

1. "The Bible" --- 5,000

**Numbers in millions

Monsters Vs. Aliens

Dreamworks' newest animated film "Monsters Vs. Aliens" may have beaten thriller "The Haunting in Connecticut" in this past weekends box office numbers, but the M vs. A only ranked 15 in opening weekend numbers of all Dreamworks' past movies. The top 5 movies are:
1. Shrek 2
2. Shrek the Third
3. Shrek
4. Kung Fu Panda
5. Madagascar

http://www.boxofficemojo.com/franchises/chart/?id=dwanimation.htm

Classic Books

Anyone that went to an Indiana high school had to read at least one...... classic books, they have inspired, persuaded, and captivated readers for decades. Here are a few titles that are sure to ring some bells.

'Lolita' by Vladimir Nabokov

'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger

'The Three Musketeers' by Alexandre Dumas
"I liked that the protagonist has to grow to become the hero." Sophomore Carter Duggan

'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen

'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' by Robert Pirsig
"it is a good representation of incorporating a romantic and classical philosophy in your life." Sophomore Greg Hunter

'Where the Red Fern Grows' by Wilson Rawls

'Bluebeard' by Kurt Vonnegut

' Les Miserables' by Victor Hugo

'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald
"I love modernism as a whole and that one just really interested me because it has a lot of depth to the plot." Freshman Melanie Addleman

Britney is Back

Britney Spears' new album 'Circus' wouldn't be a Spears album if it didn't create drama. The third single off of 'Circus' is entitled "If You Seek Amy", which, slurred together creates a less than broadcast friendly message. According to Rolling Stone magazine, The Parents Television Council is furious that the song is being played on the radio. Some radio DJs are being creative with the song and either taking out the letter k in seek so then it would be "If you see Amy" or inserting a different name into the song.

http://tinyurl.com/bg58fy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FehBgQeVKFQ

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Judy Garland is coming back to the big screen in the form of 26-year-old Anne Hathaway. Oscar nominated, Hathaway, has agreed to take on the challenge of portraying the MGM superstar. Garland appeared in such classics as "The Wizard of Oz" and "Easter Parade". According to E!online, the film will be based on the Gerald Clarke biography "Get Happy: The Life of Judy Garland." It is unknown whether or not Hathaway will use her own voice while portraying the legend.

I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell

Tucker Max, self-proclaimed womanizer wrote the book, literally, on how to be a jerk. "I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell" is his 2006 account of drinking terminology and how to get what you want. Tucker Max has made a name for himself by sleeping with lots of women, drinking lots of beer, and making lots of mistakes that he draws upon in his book. "I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell" is available in all major bookstores.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/15/fashion/sundaystyles/15BOOKS.html

The Ting Tings

Catchy tunes, upbeat lyrics, and stylish clothing make up The Ting Tings. Katie White, lead vocalist and Jules De Martino, drums and guitar, met in Manchester. In 2007 the duo became The Ting Tings when Katie was working in a clothing boutique called Ting Ting, in mandarin, meaning band stand. The Ting Tings have been nominated for multiple awards but have one very few despite recent popularity with hits like "Shut up and let me go" and "That's not my name"

http://www.thetingtings.com/us/the-band

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UX0p7uAW2s

Some Fans Say "Just Beat It"

Michael Jackson has set a ten concert stint in London's O2 arena. The concert is said to be his farewell to music and the media scene. Michael Jackson fans have mixed feelings about the King of Pop's return. Public tickets go on sale March 13th. And the shows start July 8th. Rolling Stone magazine readers commented on MJ's return. Reader, Schultz, says "who the eff cares?" While, Mark says, I am planning to travel from Cleveland Ohio USA to London to see The King of POP…so its safe to say that I am a Super Fan" Regardless of opinon, the concert will be one that will only add to Michael Jackson's legacy.

Sunshine Cleaning

This Friday, Emily Blunt, Amy Adams and Alan Arkin come together in "Sunshine Cleaning" This comedy is about two sisters, in need of cash that start a crime cleanup business. Norah, Blunt, is the slacker that gets roped into her older sister's new business idea. Responsible sister, Rose, Adams, is a single mother down on her luck. The movie combines comedy with the typical "sisters learning about one another and becoming best friends" plot line. "Sunshine Cleaning" is from the same creators as "Little Miss Sunshine" and also shares cast member, Alan Arkin.

So, What Exactly is Hipster Rap??

An emerging form of music is creeping its way into popular culture. Hipster Rap is the combination of HipHop and Emo.
HipHop music is similar to that of Rap music with a clear tempo and a beat that can be danced to, and often is.
Emo is short for emotional. Emo music is classified with a focus on poignant lyrics and meaningful melodies.
Some of the most well known Hipster Rap groups include, The Cool Kids, The Knux, Wale, and Kid Sister.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oHHLZdugUc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6vV5ps-_Ss

Loving Frank

Nancy Horan's Loving Frank is a factual account of the affair that changed Frank Loyd Wright's career. FL Wright was a famous architect in Chicago in the early 1900s. The historical fiction book is written first person from the mistress' point of view. Mamah Borthwick Cheney is the mistress that tells how their relationship shocked Chicago's high society. Journalism professor Roxanne Hood says the book is "so interesting" because it combines two of her favorite elements, history and fiction. The book is available in most major bookstores.

Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli

Sophomore, Greg Noble, says the " authenticity of the characters and the development of the plot" is what makes Mario Puzo's The Godfather a great book. Published in 1969, the book revolves around a Sicilian mafia family in New York. Don Vito Corleone, the main character, became synonymous with mafia activity. In 1972 a movie version was created and recognized by many as the best Francis Ford Coppola movie ever made. Two sequels were created in 1974 and 1990.

Top Ten Grossing Films

10. Spider-Man 3 (2007) --$879,286,258

9. Shrek 2 (2004) - $880,871,036

8. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) - $892,194,397

7. Jurassic Park (1993) - $919,700,000

6. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) - $921,600,000

5. Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) - $922,379,000

4. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) - $968,657,891

3. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006) - $1,060,332,628

2. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) - $1,129,219,252

1. Titanic (1997) - $1,835,300,000

They're Still Doing it for the Nookie...

Limp Bizkit is back for another spin! The popular 90s rock band is rejoining to produce more 'hits'.

"We decided we were more disgusted and bored with the state of heavy popular music than we were with each other. Regardless of where our separate paths have taken us, we recognize there is a powerful and unique energy with this particular group of people we have not found anywhere else. This is why Limp Bizkit is back." said front man Fred Durst.

Limp Bizkit's hits included:
"Nookie"
"My Way (or the Highway)"
"Rollin"
In the 90s, the band's most popular album "Chocolate Starfish and Hot Dog Flavored Water" debuted as the fifth best selling album.

The 81st Annual Academy Awards

For those of you who missed it, here's a rundown of the awards!

BEST PICTURE-- Slumdog Millionaire

BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE-- Sean Penn 'Milk'

BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE-- Kate Winslet 'The Reader'

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE-- Heath Ledger 'The Dark Knight'

BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE-- Penelope Cruz 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona'

BEST MUSIC (SCORE AND SONG)-- 'Slumdog Millionaire'

'Slumdog Millionaire' won 8 Oscars!

For a complete list of winners visit Oscar.com

What Are You Listening To???

When you turn the radio on, what song do you hope is playing???   IUPUI picks:

All-American Rejects, "Gives You Hell"---Megan Winter

Adele, "Crazy For You"--- Hanna Smiddy

Beyonce, "Single Ladies"---Maureen Connallon

Ivy Queen, "Dime"---Gabby Mendoza

Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers, "Milwaukee"---Sarah Sobieski

Savage, "Swing"---Amy Hovee

Attention: Gamers!!

February 28th will be a monumental day for gaming musicians.... Guns n' Roses' entire 'Chinese Democracy' album is coming to RockBand 2. Rock On.

http://tinyurl.com/5k8tbz

Playing for Pizza

John Grisham, retired attorney turned novelist, is known for his legal banter and court room dramas. Playing for Pizza does not fit that mold. The 2007 book is just now making its way to the front of bookstore displays.
Playing for Pizza is a fictitious work following Rick Dockery, an NFL third-string. After being fired, the only work he can find is with a club team in Parma, Italy playing football americano. In a city he's never heard of, in a country he knows nothing about Rick Dockery must find his way.

Sorcery and the Single Girl

Author Mindy Klasky's series of Jane Madison books combines fantasy and adult fiction in a spell binding book. Great reviews were written saying that the characters are very lifelike despite their magical powers.

Princeton graduate, Mindy Klasky, was a large firm lawyer before giving up her career to become a librarian and write full time. Klasky has written six other fantasy novels including Sorcery and the Single Girl.

Et Tu, U2???

Dublin based band U2 released their first single from their upcoming CD, No Line On the Horizon. The song, Get On Your Boots, was available for digital download February 15th, and in physical form yesterday.
The band U2 got its start in 1976 in Dublin, Ireland while the members were teenagers. The original group Paul Hewson (Bono Vox), Dave Evans, Larry Mullen, Dik Evans, and Adam Clayton became four when Dik Evans joined another group. Before settling on U2, the band was first named 'Feedback' and then 'The Hype'.
'No Line On the Horizon' will be the band's 15th album; the first since 2006. It will be released March 3rd in the United States.

President's Day Weekend Films

Numbers show the highest grossing President's Day weekend, ever for the box office. The top five movies for the weekend were as follows:
5. Coraline- $15.3 million

4. Confessions of a Shopaholic- $15.4 million

3. Taken- $19.3 million

2. He's Just Not That Into You- $19.6 million

and 1. Friday the 13th- $42.2 million

Friday the 13th is the highest grossing remake of a horror film of all time. The series of Friday the 13th movies have spanned close to 30 years. Critics expect a big drop in attendees this coming weekend as the movie was rated a B- by CinemaScore.


*Media by Numbers
*CinemaScore

Getting the Ball Rolling

Five days a week, here on out, Lit, Flicks, and Tunes will be finding IUPUI students' favorite books, movies, and music. Collecting the information will be at random and you never know when you might be approached!  The JAG Top 5 theme will be chosen weekly and could be about anything entertainment related.  Check back to see what IUPUI students are watching, reading, and listening to!