Umbrellas is fronted by Scott Windsor, formerly of the hopelessly emo band, The Lyndsay Diaries. The formation of Umbrellas marks a tremendous leap forward for Windsor, first with the 2005 self-titled disc, and now with 2006’s Illuminare.

Apparently the album was created in an old, dusty comedy club in Oklahoma during a series of tornados that continually interrupted recording. This environment may have contributed to the turbulent mood of the album.

After touring for 26 straight months, you would think any band would rest before recording a follow-up. Not the case for He Is Legend’s sophomore release Suck Out The Poison. The six-piece North Carolina band dabbles in hard rock and radio rock, shredding through 14 high-intensity tracks.

Like any good rock album, the tracks don’t flow from one to the other - each song can stand alone. Tracks like “Attack of the Dungeon Witch,” “The Widow of Magnolia,” and “Suck out the Poison” showcase the accessible qualities of their sound. “Stampede” and “Electronic Throat” beg for the attention of alt-metal fans. Those looking for a softer rock interlude will like “Mushroom River” and “Cannonball Hands (The Tomato Parade).” The nearly nine-minute epilogue “(((louds” is a well-adjusted track that summarizes the nastiness, girth, and attitude of the entire album.

“It Ends Tonight” - The All-American Rejects
A driving beat and an emo-esque feel to it. Does it get any better than this? Great use of strings, too.

“Citadel” - Anna Nalick
Besides being on the best CD on the planet (okay, so that’s an exaggeration), this song reminds me of the last weeks of summer, when I realized I had no idea what I was getting myself into becoming an RA.

“So Afraid” - Bebo Norman
Besides having an awesome name, Bebo puts into words some of our deepest fears. It takes me back a few years ago to high school.

Rounded toe. Fine leather construction. Kitten heel. $59.99.

I had to have them.

It didn’t matter that I already had seven variations of black high-heeled shoes in my closet at home. These size-eight beauties were the last ones left, and were practically screaming my name amidst the chaos of the Winners store in downtown Vancouver.

Quickly making my purchase, I stepped back out onto Robson St. with a smile on my face and a spring in my step. It didn’t matter that I was exhausted with deadlines to meet and papers to write – I had a new pair of shoes.

Peace Like A River
by Leif Enger

Peace Like A River reminds me of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. Both books share the same essence. It has a delicate spirit. The story, about a family in distress and how they stay together, is really great.

On the bottom floor of the Vernon Strombeck Centre is a room unknown to most Trinity Western University students. Tucked in the corner of the building, the small room is home to many of TWU’s original theatrical creations, as well as the school’s resident costume designer Nicole Bach.

While she was in the midst of preparing for TWU’s upcoming drama, The Importance of Being Earnest, Mars’ Hill met with Bach to discuss her budding career in design. Although she first greeted me with a quiet demeanour, it was soon replaced by a bubbling energy that was evident in her passion for her work.

Budget cuts marked the Annual General Meeting last Tuesday, as the Trinity Western University Student Association lost close to 10 per cent of its funding for the ’06-’07 school year.

As a result of dropping enrolment, TWUSA was left to deal with a substantial drop in student fees, which are its primary source of income.

The total budget of $262 500, which is $25 000 less than last year, may change depending on spring semester enrolment. This year TWUSA is relying on revenue from sources such as the CUBE in order to balance the budget, said Greg Norris, VP of Finance.

One year after the emergence of the Student Portal, Trinity Western University’s online communication network is struggling to maintain relevance with students.

Director of Housing and Conference Services Brad Wallbank has found it increasingly difficult to contact students using the Agape email system. “The Housing office is finding it tough to communicate,” he said. “It has become pretty normal for students to use other sites such as MySpace or Facebook.”

Wallbank’s statement rang true for third year student Gabby Labastida. “I check my email, but I check my Facebook more,” she said.