Ferris State Theatre is at it again and this time they’re bringing “The Full Monty” to the stage.

The show is a musical adaptation to the popular British film that centers on the story of six men who make a risky attempt to earn some quick cash.

The show will hit the stage for its first night at Ferris in Williams Auditorium this Thursday, April 10, from 8 to 10 p.m.

If you miss the first night, the play will also show on Friday and Saturday from 8 to 10 p.m. with an additional Sunday matinee at 2:30 p.m. The play is $4 for students, $6 for senior citizens, and $8 for adults.

The musical is set in Buffalo, NY, where six unemployed steelworkers decide to bare their flesh for money after they see their wives and other women going crazy over male strippers.

The team of new strippers set out to show off their bodies and learn some life lessons along the way.

Keith Bogucki, a senior psychology major, said, “There have been very few plays that a whole group has looked forward to as much as “The Full Monty.”

Bogucki, who plays union leader Reg, also said, “The story is easy to follow, the songs are both funny and touching, and the whole concept of guys taking their clothes off still brings a ‘Wow’ factor.”

Throughout the process, the guys work through their fears of self-consciousness and battle over everything from being overweight to child custody, bigotry and being gay.

According to worldwidewords. org, in the UK “the full monty” refers to “the whole, everything, a lot” and is also referred to as the “whole shebang.”

However, in the United States the phrase was unknown prior to the film, and consequently most Americans take the phrase to refer to being in the nude.

Is it possible audience members might witness “the full monty” if they attend this week’s show?

Bobucki said, “This is my last show as well as several other veterans, so it’s been great to just bare it all, quite literally, actually.

“Everyone should come out and see one of the funniest, most toe tapping musicals they will see at Ferris,” he added.

In an interview with PULSE Magazine, Acting Artistic Director Russell Garret of Foothills Theatre said about the play, “The stripping is the smallest part of the show, no pun intended! It’s more about the characters and how they resolve their problems.”

Garrett also said, “Audiences always have a good time. It’s so much fun and it’s hilarious. Sure, the jokes are a guys-in-the-locker room, raunchy kind of humor, but it really has something for everyone.”

The original British comedy “The Full Monty” was released in 1997 and carried the tagline “Six men. With nothing to lose. Who dared to go..”

According to mtishows.com, the film was “the little movie that could” and was nominated for best picture, director and screenplay.

The Internet Broadway Database stated that the film made its first transformation to the stage on Oct. 26, 2000, and was performed 770 times at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre in New York.

From there it went on to receive nine Tony nominations in categories such as Best Musical and Best Choreography, but never took home the gold.

After the musical’s release, New York Post theatre critic Clive Barnes wrote, “It’s a one-of-a-kind musical. And it is also the most daring, yet successful adaptation of a movie script. It’s Full Monty, and it’s full value, plus.”

As a precaution, this show may be inappropriate for children as “The Full Monty” does contain adult language, humor and situations.

One ordinary day an 8-yearold boy decides to walk into a magic shop for the first time in his life. He is awed by the bizarre and mysterious new environment surrounding him when a man asks if he wants to witness the miracle of magic happen right before his eyes.

Acquiescence arises sans hesitation and the man proceeds to reveal a small red ball, making it disappear with an exciting flash. The next moment, when the little boy sees the red ball again, it is nestled in his tightly closed fist; he’s “hooked for life.”

Entertainment Unlimited proudly presents Norman Ng (pronounced “ing”), a veteran in the field of magic who will be performing his “Norman Magic Experience” for Ferris State next Tuesday, April 15 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Not only has Ng been studying and perfecting his skills since the first time he discovered his passion for magic, he has been touring nationally for the past six years, visiting colleges and performing arts centers all over the United States according to his official website, normanmagic. com.

Besides being a popular trickster on the college scene, the Ferris website claims that he has also gained “national recognition in the magic community. He has performed with and for some of the greatest magicians in the world.”

In addition to this he has won many prestigious awards such as being voted as a finalist in the “Society of American Magicians Centennial Stage Competition” of New York City and first prize at the “Tannen’s Magic Academy.”

In an online interview with Ng, he said he was looking forward to performing for us here at Ferris.

“My favorite part to being a traveling magician is the fact that I get to spread the incredible art of magic to audiences all over the country…” he began, “I have performed my show for thousands of people from different states, cities, ethnicities, cultures, and economic backgrounds. It’s amazing to see how differently people respond to magic.”

Ng says he loves the national tour experience because he’s intrigued with continually meeting new and different people, especially when having the chance to talk with them before and after shows. He strives to wow and entertain every one of his audiences, giving them the best show he can.

“My show is all focused on my audience. My show is not about me, but about them.” He proves this by “involving the audience in his original brand of magic and funny comedy situations” as much as he can.

Entertainment Unlimited is equally excited about Ng’s upcoming performance. Student Engagement and Activities Interim Director Matthew Eickhoff says, “We selected him because he’s very down to earth and enjoyable.

“He isn’t a corny, mysterious- like magician, but more of someone you would hang out with on a Saturday Night.”

Eickhoff continued, “To be honest, I’m mostly looking forward to having a relaxing evening of enjoying some entertainment. Just as almost everyone on campus, I am so stressed at this time of year, and I think that taking an hour or so to stop and enjoy an entertaining show will be a relief.”

Ng’s come a long way from performing young children’s birthday parties, bar mitzvahs, and weddings, coming all the way to Ferris, so be sure to catch this completely free event at Ferris State’s William’s Auditorium and take some time to reacquaint yourself with the wonder of magic with “magic that’s far from the Norm!”

If any additional information about this event is in request, please contact Matthew Eickhoff at x2610 or by e-mail at eick2@ ferris.edu. If you are interested in finding out more about the performer, Norman Ng, feel free to check out his official Web site, normanmagic.com.

As a part of Ferris State University’s International Festival of Cultures, the Chicago Samba will be performing at the Rankin Center Dome Room Saturday April 12 at 7 p.m.

The Chicago Samba performs popular and classical Brazilian music creatively and energetically bringing the culture of Brazil to every performance.

The unique group is composed of native Brazilians who travel and perform around the country. They are based in Chicago and have been performing together for over 12 years. Moacyr Marchini directs the Chicago Samba and has been living and playing in the Chicago area for 18 years.

Through their music, the Chicago Samba hopes to take their audiences to Brazil at the time of carnaval, a festival held every year before lent in Rio de Janeiro. The festival is known for its music and dancing and is an important part of the Brazilian culture.

According to their Web site, chicagosamba.com, the ensemble also offers other aspects of the Brazilian musical culture to audiences as well including dancing. There are workshops offered to teach the style and art of the music and dance.

There are several different styles of music that will be heard including Samba, Bossa Nova, Brazilian Jazz, and many others that will offer something for everyone’s taste. Everything that the group plays is authentic right from the streets of Brazil.

Chicagosamba.com states, “The Chicago Samba will transform your event with a taste of tropical Brazil.”

The International Festival of Cultures is organized by the International Student Organization (ISO) and is held every year during the first week of April. It displays different aspects to international cultures as well as traditional music and cuisine.

The actual International Festival will be held Sunday, April 13 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. in the Rankin Center Dome Room. It will consist of displays and showcases of several different cultures as well as cuisine and music from around the world.

Tickets to see the Chicago Samba are available at the Williams Auditorium Box Office and cost $3 for any students and $5 general admission.

For more information about this event you can contact the Williams Auditorium Box Office at x5600 or to learn more about the Chicago Samba you can visit their website chicagosamba.com.

The annual 5K for Kids and the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run are coming up again April 12 and April 19 respectively.

This is a good time for you and your family to help give for a good cause. Enjoy a Saturday morning walk, knowing you have donated to an important foundation and refreshments afterwards.

The 5K for Kids on April 12 will begin at 9 a.m., which is when late-registration and checkin begins at the Helen Ferris Hall, next to the Quad.

Registration is $15, but refundable if you can raise $50 or more in donations. All proceeds go to the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.

The deadline for early registration has past, but you are still able to register to participate, you just won’t be guaranteed a t-shirt. Food and prize drawings are still available to you after the race.

The walk/run will begin at 10 a.m. starting at the Quad, wrapping around Ferris, and ending at the Quad. A Mile Fun Run begins at 10:50 a.m., if you wish to participate in that as well.

Since Sibs N’ Kids Weekend is also the weekend of 5K for Kids, Big Sibs can register and have their Little Sibs participate for free.

The Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run is the weekend after 5K for Kids, April 19.

This race is similar to the 5K for Kids in which it will start and end at the Quad, and there will be breakfast, raffle items, and a t-shirt.

Registration begins at 10 a.m. and the walk/run will start at 11 a.m. It is $10 for all students, persons over the age of 55, cancer survivors, ZTA members, and all pre-registered participants.

You can still participate in the walk/run, but it will be $15 to register, since the registered date has past. All proceeds for this race will go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Margie Springer, a 5K Pink Ribbon Chair and the one putting this race together, said, “Last year we had about 100 participants in the race, consisting mostly of Ferris students. We had a good turnout, but I am thinking this year’s race will be the most successful in donations and participation wise.”

She also reemphasizes that “every year and this year as well, 100 percent of our profits benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation.”

This is a great opportunity to help support a good cause, and it’s a fun way to do it as well.

If you would like to participate in the 5K for Kids and/or the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer 5K Walk/ Run, you can pick up forms at the Student Services Desk in the Rankin Building, at the University Recreational Center, or online at ferris.edu/htmls/studentlife/u-rec/.

For more information on the 5K for Kids, please contact the 5K for Kids Director, Lyndsey Morse, at x6081, or at mors16@fsuimail. ferris.edu.

For more information on the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run, please contact Margie Springer at mcs_mi05@yahoo.com.

Ferris Gladiators, an event based on the hit TV Show, “American Gladiators,” will take place next Saturday, April 19, in the Student Recreational Center. The event will offer open events against fellow students or designated gladiators from the Mixed Martial Arts group from 2 to 6 p.m. The event is free and open to all FSU students.

Set up in the rec center will be a bouncy boxing ring, rock climbing, a bungee run, sumo wrestling, and jousting. Students may choose to challenge a Gladiator, but are not required to. For those who do challenge a gladiator and win, they will be entered into a drawing for a free “Ferris Gladiators” t-shirt. Multiple wins will give participants multiple entries into the drawing.

“'American Gladiators' was my favorite show to watch as a child,” John Kurtz, a college of technology student, said. “I’m very excited that they decided to bring it back.”

Kurtz is organizing this event as an RA in Taggart Hall. Funding for the event was provided by the student activity fee. There will be two classes to compete in, including male and female. In order to participate, a waiver must be signed. Only those with a wrist band that says they signed the waiver will be allowed to compete.

At the end there will be a champion’s bracket for all the top competitors. They will compete against each other to decide who is to be named “Champion.”

“We are expecting over 500 students to participate,” Kurtz said. “Participation is only limited by time.”

Kurtz also said that student can participate in any of the events as many times as they would like. There is no registration for any of the events, though there is a sign up sheet for those wanting to climb the rock wall.

“I feel that the majority of the people that will come will want to see if they can take down their friends one on one,” Kurtz said. “Others will be there to watch the Gladiators punish the competitors.”

Kurtz said that he feels this is a very unique event for Ferris. “Students are dying to have it,” he said.

The event is posted on the Ferris Web site and on Facebook for more information. If any special accommodations are need to attend the event please contact John Kurtz at x6471 or email him at john.w.kurtz@gmail.com.

Elwood Blues was right when he said “…that no pharmaceutical product could ever equal the rush you get when the band hits that groove; the people are dancin’, and shoutin’, and swayin’; and the house is rockin’!”

Though he may not have known it, Elwood Blues was describing a Dave Matthews Band concert.

Since 1991, the Dave Matthews Band (DMB) has been captivating audiences spanning generations and backgrounds with an infectious sound and instrumental musical creativity coupled with artistically profound lyrical devices. But mostly, people like them because they are cool.

Like many before me, I was introduced to DMB through a friend in high school. As the friendship has grown and matured, so as my affinity for DMB and the music they produce. Through CDs and YouTube videos of live shows, I had considered myself fairly adept in the musical constitution that is DMB. That was all quickly changed the first strum of the first chord at Dave Matthews Band live at DTE Energy Music Theatre last summer.

A few of my closest of friends gathered with lawn tickets in hand to begin what has now become an annual tradition. Though this coming DMB concert, June 9 at DTE in Clarkston, Mich., will only be the second of what is sure to be many many many gatherings in honor of the performing quintet and their performance friends by myself and friends, it certainly isn’t going to be the last.

Dave Mathews Band represents a fixture of worship that will make our children and grandchildren question the world we live in while simultaneously helping them let go of the negative aspects of life. Imagine, driving to church on a Sunday morning and the kids in the back seat are screaming equal parts of “Mom, he won’t stay on his side of the mini-van and he’s touching me!” and “I don’t want to go to church. I’m a free thinker who questions the moral authority of an institution claiming to have divine providence over our morality.” But, when DMB’s hit single ‘Everyday’ comes on the shuffle feature of the, what will then be, iPod Supreme, a suspected hush will fall over the yawping young ones. They understand what Dave is saying, even if they can’t quite make out the words. “All you need is…what you want is…all you need is love.” Amen to that.

Those who don’t yet appreciate the power that is Dave Matthews Band live; here is a simple way to be baptized in that which is awesome. Do whatever makes you feel most alive and do it on the Sunday before this year’s show. Whether it’s skydiving, knitting, telling your parents you don’t want to be a pharmacist anymore, or buying a pet monkey - just do it. Then, go to the show on Monday night and tell me that DMB doesn’t make your heart beat faster. Tell me that DMB doesn’t make your toe tap and your head bob. Tell me that DMB doesn’t make you sing at full voice with your eyes closed. Tell me that Dave Matthews Band doesn’t answer life’s biggest question, “Why are we here?” with each song. Most importantly, tell me that Dave Matthews Band doesn’t trump whatever it was you did the day before.

This is the time in your life when you throw caution to the wind and make memories that you’ll brag to the guys at work about 15 years from now. They’ll stare in stunned silence as you tell them how Dave played “Crush” right after you told your best friend that it would be awesome if he played “Crush.”

Tickets should still be available for the 9,000 or more possible crowd at ticketmaster.com. The total cost comes to just over $50 for lawn seats, which seems pricey to some, but put it into perspective. A new accounting book would cost anywhere from $75 to $125. Buying a DMB ticket instead of the book comes to a savings of potentially $75!

I’m serious about this, so much in fact that I’ve joined a facebook event to profess my plan to attend.

If you have been hiding under a rock then you probably don’t know that Perez Hilton made out with John Mayer while Jessica Simpson was supposedly rubbing Mayer’s male counterparts.

On April 4, 2008 Perez Hilton took a lied detector test with a polygraph expert Nick Savastana from Fox’s Moment of Truth, and passed except for one question according to Perez.

The interview started with the question “Were you with John Mayer and Jessica Simpson on Dec. 2006 at Stereo (a club). Perez Hilton answered yes. The next question was, “did you kiss John Mayer that night?” Perez Hilton again answered yes. Now the next question and answer came as a surprise, “did John Mayer initiate the kiss?” Perez Hilton answered yes.

My conclusion at this point is what’s going on. John Mayer made out with Perez Hilton while he was with Jessica Simpson hmm. Back to the lie detector the next question was, “did you use your tongue?” Perez Hilton again answered yes. Then john adds to the moment, according to Perez Hilton, by singing or as they asked in the interview serenaded him with the song Gravity.

Perez Hilton obviously enjoyed this moment of truth because the question he lied on was as follows, “are you speaking out now to get publicity?” Perez Hilton said no, and the test showed he lied. Tisk, Tisk on Perez is the attention really worth this?

One of the last questions in the interview was the most surprising and unbelievable. “Was Jessica Simpson rubbing John Mayer’s crotch when you were kissing him?” Perez Hilton answered yes and it was true. I have no words to describe this awkward moment.

Now how did I find all this information well obviously the magazines included the dirt such as US and Perez Hiltons own website. In which mentioned this happening not in so many words back on March. 27, 2008; and again on April 2 and finally took a lie detector on April 4.

Now I know everyone including myself is wondering what is going to happen next. Well, at the end of the lie detector test, Perez Hilton challenged John Mayer to also take a lie detector test. Who knows if it will happen but I know I will be there to watch it.

I always find myself perusing the internet and tech magazines to find the latest and greatest things that are available to us consumers. Here is a short list of some of the best things I have found out there that you can use every day.

5. Skype (skype.com)
Skype is an internet phone service that is combined with normal chat features. The free part of the service gives you all the internet chat features including instant messaging, file transfer, voice chat and video chat. Skype.com will push its video chat feature more than anything.

Skype’s video chat is by far the best free video chat service I’ve encountered on the market. I tried AIM’s video chat and MSN Messenger’s video chat and they don’t even compare to Skype’s. The video quality is top notch (granted you have a webcam made after 2005 or so) and the audio quality can rival that of a phone (with a decent microphone). Even if you don’t have the best webcam or microphone out there you can still have a good video chat experience.

You can also make calls to regular phones if you purchase prepaid minutes. You can pay as you go or subscribe to the premium plan (which includes unlimited calling to the U.S. and Canada) for three bucks a month. Ten minutes are included with your free download.

4. Car GPS Units
I tested a GPS unit this weekend and I loved it. I had a job interview, which ended up being in the middle of nowhere, and it was one of those situations where Mapquest directions would have been difficult. It was a rainy day and the road signs were hard to read, if there were any. The GPS gave me audio turn by turn directions so I was able to stay focused on the roads.

You can get them with crazy features like Bluetooth technology and MP3 playback. But a low end unit with directions and points of interest is fine for me. They start around $150.

3. Google (google.com)
Now I know Google isn’t anything new, but it is adding lots of new free features that are good for people on the go. Gmail, Google’s free email service, offers loads of storage and relatively high file transfer sizes. They also have Google Docs which is a free online office suite, which provides the basic functions of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. I use it in a number of classes to collaborate on documents. It’s a very helpful tool for working in teams.

2. Meebo (meebo.com)
Meebo is a free web instant messaging service. While offering its own section of instant message and chat rooms, its mainly known for tying in to your various IM accounts like AIM, MSN, Google Talk or ICQ. You can set up your account to log into all of your IM accounts simultaneously and chat with anyone on any of those given services. The best part is that there is no download required. Your buddy list and IM windows appear in the browser in somewhat of a virtual desktop.

1. Mint (mint.com)
Mint is a free personal finance site. You can tie all of your bank and credit card accounts to your Mint account and check all of your balances in one spot. It gives you detailed analysis of your spending and offers you ways to save money, usually by switching credit cards to ones with lower interest rates or switching savings accounts to ones with higher interest rates.

Don’t be too worried about giving up any account numbers. All you have to do is give Mint your log on information for a particular bank or credit card. For instance, I have a Huntington checking and savings account, a Capital One card and a Discover Card. All of these have online capabilities which I already used to check balances and pay bills. By entering my login information for these Web sites at Mint.com, I am now able to check them all at one Web site. They are also VeriSign secured, TRUSTe certified and tested hacker safe by McAfee on a daily basis.

You can also configure your Mint account to send you text messages to your cell phone when certain events happen like a major deposit clears or your account reaches a certain level. Just this morning, I received a text message reminding me that my Discover bill is due in a few days. This is nice because my bank and credit cards don’t offer this service.

The downside to Mint is that, if you have a smaller bank or credit union they might not be supported yet. Most, if not all, major banks and credit cards are supported at this time. Another drawback I noticed is that some of the merchants around here can be labeled wrong, giving you skewed spending trends. For example, the Gate is listed under Automobile spending and Star Shooters comes up as Hooters for some reason. These errors can be corrected.

That’s it for my top five. Now get out there and use these free things provided for you!

Madonna is back and probably looking better than ever. The nearly 50-year-old star is thin, fit, and ready for a huge comeback. I’m predicting that with her plethora of star-worthy features, this will be one of the best albums she’ll have released.

Madonna’s eleventh studio album, “Hard Candy,” is due for release on April 29. Two weeks ago the album was #3 on its presale. Her single, “4 Minutes,” was an explosion online and it was leaked before its release. I think it’s just a given that this album will do well.

For those of you who have been able to stay away from the coverage, I wonder where you’ve been hiding. Madonna has been all over magazines, news sources, blogs and YouTube. Celebrity blogs are loving her so much right now that she gets at least one spot in their coverage list each day.

And her features in magazines seem to be on the verge of ridiculous. From what I’ve seen, you just aren’t a popular magazine if you don’t have her “Madgesty” on the cover. Elle and Vanity Fair are just two. I’m sure that even more are on the way after her record actually becomes released. She can only do so many things at a time, right?

Even for those that aren’t into her comeback and fit persona, you’ve got to admire her those events that threw her into “music legend” status. In the beginning of March, she was introduced into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in her first year of eligibility (25 years in the industry, which is impressive in itself). She surpassed Elvis with the amount of top ten singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart (37), according to perezhilton.com. Impressive.

Also admire that figure of hers. Who would have guessed that Madonna is nearly 50? She’s got a healthy weight, she’s got some pretty major guns for a girl (okay, they almost border on scary) and she just looks good. How many times have you looked at a celebrity tabloid paper like InTouch and seen Madonna on a “Stars Without Their Makeup” or a “What Stars Really Look Like?” I haven’t seen her on those.

Of course, Madonna works out almost religiously. Her guns prove it. Some say she’ll work up to 13 hours a day on working out and dance routines, but her usual is three hours a day. But do you work out three hours a day?

She’s even been krumping, a form of hip-hop dance that moves incredibly fast. According to an article from foxnews.com, Madonna is also a huge follower of yoga and pilates. She focuses on ballet techniques in her training, which I know from 17 years of experience can train the body in no time flat.

And it’s created a body that is making some people question people’s Photoshop abilities. Vanity Fair is reporting that the work to the pictures in their latest issue were minimal, mainly just “a little work on skin tones and blemishes.” I, for one, believe it. There’s been too many pictures of her lately—some candid—that have her looking really good. No one is going to airbrush that much.

Plus, if they had to do some hardcore airbrushing, wouldn’t we have seen her in “Stars Without Their Makeup?”

All in all, these features are making this Queen of Pop look even more amazing. No one can take away that throne now.

It was a cold day in June of 1994 for my little 9-year-old heart. I peeled down the much adorned poster of Jordan Knight that hung above my bed, and the second of Joey McIntyre which hung on the door.

All the hopes and dreams I had of growing up one day and marrying the two were shattered when the New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) announced their breakup the summer after fourth grade.

I replaced the tape in my cassette player with a Michael Jackson tape and tucked away NKOTB and the disappointment.

Ok, I confess—I may have even cuddled up with my NKOTB pillow while I said my final goodbyes and listened to the song “I Can’t Believe It’s Over,” on the band’s last tape “Face the Music.”

“I can’t believe it’s over, I can’t believe you’re breaking my heart. I can’t believe it’s over, ooh, baby,” they sang to me.

But wait, this just in. A NKOTB reunion! What? You’ve got to be kidding me. Fourteen years of separation and the boys still think they’ve got it?

Oops, I should correct myself now. Jordan, Joey, Jonathan, Donnie, and Danny are, surprise!— no longer boys. They are all easily pushing 40 with 35-year-old Joey being the youngest.

The group released their first photo together since the break-up and it can be found on NKOTB. com. But, if you go there looking for a hunky young group of skinny, wrinkle-free, dark-haired boys, I apologize for the let down.

The photo looks like a sad advertisement for a suit or cologne company. If the ‘boys’ really want to make a comeback they should turn back time and pull out the good ole’ laced up high tops, suspenders, baggy jeans and sideways hats.

The Backstreet Boys, N’Sync, 98 Degrees, and just about any other boy band since NKOTB, have helped erase the ‘80s quintet from my memory.

But, maybe I shouldn’t speak too soon. If the Spice Girls can do it, then the ‘boys’ may have hope. Their first performance in over a decade together will take place on May 16 on the Today Show, with two shows following with NKOTB as the headliner.

A blog from Joey Mac himself on the reunion stated, “The love for each other and the love for the game. Five players never forgetting where they came from but knowing they could go all the way to the top. Nothings changed; everything’s changed. Long live The Block!”

Now it’s only a matter of time before boy bands from the ‘90s start coming out of the woodwork to reunite. And in the words of NKOTB, “time is on our side.”