Three hot new phones that just came out in 2011are the HTC Thunder Bolt, the HTC Evo 3D, and the Motorola Atrix 4G. Each of these phones are from providers and are all rated number one on PCWorld ratings of phones for Verizon, AT&T, and  Sprint.

Verizon HTC Thunder Bolt

The good side of this phone is that it is extremely fast. It has a download speed between 8 megabits per second to 12 megabits per second. This phone also has the latest sense user interface. User Interface is the aspect of a computer system which can be seen or heard by a human user. It has apps for video chat, online gaming, and high-definition video streaming. The 3.4 inch screen is better for its touch typing and for navigating websites. Also, the phone comes with two cameras, one on the front for chatting and one on the back for pictures. The one on the back is an 8 megapixel camera which is sharp with robust colors. On the downside, is a 1.3 megapixel camera that takes pictures that come out dark and a little murky. Also, it has lots of bloatware whose usefulness is reduced because of the excessive disk-space and memory it requires. The call quality is not crystal clear; people hear a minor wind noise coming from the caller. Other than a few kinks this phone is top of the line.

 Sprint HTC Evo

 This phone’s up sides are that it has fast duel core speeds, it is the ultimate entertainment phone, and its design is slick. The duel core speed processor supports advanced 3D technology, including full 1080p 30-frames-per-second HD video and stereoscopic 3D video capture and playback. For entertainment you can pick new apps, use the 3D technology, and customize your lock screen. The color of the phone is black with blood-red detailing. It has a textured rubber backing and a slim shape. The down side is that 3D is not the best and the call quality is uneven. The 3D is like you are looking at a diorama, not like the image is coming at you. Also you have to be filming straight on or the picture will be blurry. As for the call quality, it can start acting up at times. But all in all, the phone is still a top pick in the markets.

 AT&T Motorola Atrix 4G

One positive thing is that it has dual core processors and it has a HD display. The dual core processors can achieve speeds of up to 2GHz which means the phone runs smoothly and quickly. This phone also has a HD display. The 720P HD video is smooth and clear with its 8 megapixel camera. The negatives are that it its laptop dock is poorly executed and it doesn’t run Android 2.3. The phone has a special laptop that was designed especially for it and it can’t run without the phone. Navigating through the websites is awkward and it is hard to locate and click icons. Since the phone doesn’t run Android 2.3 only Android 2.2 it can’t do SIM, simulated calls, and it doesn’t have a front facing camera.

Each of these phones has its own upsides and downsides along with their companies. It is up to you to choose which one is the best.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
The fourth Underworld film starts off with a short summary of what had occurred in the first three films of the Underworld franchise. Humans have now discovered the existence of both vampires, Death Dealers, and werewolves, Lycans, and aim to eradicate them. Despite Awakening still having commendable acting, settings, and scenes, there is still an aspect that is left to be desired, the storytelling. Even for those who have seen the previous three Underworld films, it can still be confusing. The main aspects that trailers and previews gave were that both vampires and werewolves were supposed to be near extinct, but then there is a plot twist where werewolves are still thriving. Them apparently aiming for domination causes you to ask yourself, wait what just happened? Despite this flaw, Awakening does contain actors and actresses that play their parts well and contains well executed settings and scenes that have a darkness that viewers will love. For those of you who enjoy the action and violence this movie has to offer, go ahead and see. However, if you cannot stand how the story is not told as well as it could have been, then don’t.

Rating: 4 stars

Do you like chicken strips? How about fries… and mozzarella sticks… and subs? If that’s all a yes, then Nelly’s is the place for you. Located in West Long Branch right next door to McDonalds, Nelly’s is a local pizzeria that not only specializes in pizza, but subs as well. Not any kind of sub though. At Nelly’s, they put everything on a sandwich, and I mean everything.  This could be the reason why they are so popular with MRHS students. Their menu contains over 50 different kinds of “Fat Sandwiches”. From Chicken to fries to hamburgers to even gyro meat, your choice is practically endless.

To name a few of these sandwiches, their Fat Cat includes two cheeseburgers, fries, tomatoes, lettuce, and onions! And the Fat Mouth contains chicken fingers, jalapeño poppers, mozzarella sticks, French fries and the usual tomatoes and onions. One of the newest fat sandwiches added to the menu is named the Fat Drunk Guy. This monster of a sub contains cheese steak, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, a hamburger, meatballs, bacon, gyro meat, an egg, cheese, onion rings, curly fries, mayo, lettuce, tomatoes and ketchup. There’s a reason they call them “FAT”! This place may not be the healthiest food joint, which is the reason this place only gets 4 instead of 5 stars, but it sure has more heart than most places in the area, and that is why I like to go.

Global phenomenon, Justin Bieber, put out his fifth album and first Christmas album, Under the Mistletoe on November 1, 2011. The festive record has many cameos including Boys II Men, Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, The Band Perry, and even Bieber’s own mentor, Usher. It has eleven songs, and over half of them are original. Bieber remakes popular Christmas hits, “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On an Open Fire),” “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” and “Silent Night” in Under the Mistletoe.

            Bieber’s hit single, “Mistletoe,” is an upbeat jingle great to get people into the Christmas spirit. If I had to choose a favorite from the record, I would definitely pick one of his original carols, the slow, romantic “Christmas Eve.” The big controversial song of the album, which Bieber was very honored to be able to remake, was Mariah Carey’s, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” which even featured the originator herself, Mariah Carey.

            I think that Under the Mistletoe was a great album to get people into the holiday spirit, and Justin Bieber’s song choices were perfect. The appearances featured on the top-selling album were pretty impressive as well. 5/5 stars.

Rating: 5 stars

 If you are ever in the mood for Mexican food and seafood, Surf Taco is the place for you. While many people know about this restaurant, it is worthy of a great review. The closest is located in Red Bank and has some amazing options. When you walk in, you’re greeted with a classy modern room with a beach setting and great artwork on the walls. When you walk up to order, there is a huge menu to choose from.

The most popular menu item is the Surf Taco. This taco contains fresh Cod, lettuce, and Pico de Gallo all in a soft flour tortilla served with freshly made tortilla chips. Along with the great selection of tacos, there’s a great selection of burritos, quesadillas, and even smoothies. A meal here is reasonably priced at around $10. 

Another great thing about this place is the “Almost Famous Salsa Bar”. There are four large buckets full of unlimited salsa that you can choose from; Mild, Verde, Baja, and Hot. Personally, my favorite is the Verde; a mild but tasteful green chili salsa.  And there is no lack of entertainment either! With a large projector and two flat screen TV’s; there are always surf and sports shows on from open to close. Even if you’re not a huge seafood fan like myself, there are a huge amount of other things to select. There is something here for everyone.

Rating: 5 stars

A couple of months ago, New Jersey native pop punk band Man Overboard released their self titled album. It’s their second full length album of their career with many EP’s and splits in their past. Their first album, “Real Talk”, was a great mix of songs that really showed off what they are made of. This self-titled album does the same thing, only better.

Every song on the album has meaning and is full of emotion. It kicks off with the song “Rare”, a fast paced song about a girl, and keeps going from there. It ends with a song named “Atlas”, which is about contemplating life and whether or not you fit in with it. It is so different from the usual Man Overboard because it is actually not about a girl. The final line of the song is “I just don’t feel like a grown up yet”. In all honesty, it not only gives the album on of the best endings I’ve ever heard, but it also sums up the album and everything the band themselves stand for. That is why I love the band so much. They sing about things that mean something to them. You can feel the emotion in every song they sing. In this whole album, you can feel it in overload.  You can buy this album for $10 on their website or in any record store. Even if you don’t buy CD’s anymore, this is definitely worth it.

 Aries (March 21-April 19): I hope you are not allergic to cats because in the future they will become your best friends. You will be able to find much happiness and company in your feline friends. You won’t need anyone to care for you when you grow old and alone with your 20 cats. 

Taurus (April 20-May 20): Instead of being a happy holiday, Valentine’s Day ends up being one of the worst days of the entire year. You think that you will receive balloons and candies from your special someone but instead rejection is right around the corner. So make sure you have a box of tissues handy!

Gemini (May 21-June 20): Since you have been alone all your life on Valentine’s Day, Cupid decided to be nice to you this year. A Monmouth student will unexpectedly ask you out to a movie. Don’t decline the offer because it will end up being better than you expected. Don’t be alone all your life and give love a chance.

Cancer (June 21-July22): Even though you think that sparks will fly on Valentine’s Day, you are sadly mistaken. The smell of the dumpster in the hallway means that your special someone is approaching. You won’t be able to speak your opinion since his/her odor is so strong. Make sure you keep Febreeze handy in February!

Leo (July 23-August 22): Someone will randomly stop you in the hallway this Valentine’s Day and ask you out on a date. Do not think that this is a nice gesture because they simply felt sorry for you. Since you look defeated from being alone, they just wanted to brighten up your day. Be on the edge if someone asks you out this Valentine’s Day because you never know if they are asking you for the wrong reasons.

Virgo (August 23-September22): Your fairytale scenario will occur this Valentine’s Day! The hottest person in Monmouth will finally ask you out! Now all you have to do is keep the relationship going and trust that he/she does not cheat on you with someone else!

Libra (September 23-October 22): You can never judge a book by its cover. The one person that you thought was ‘perfect in every way’ is not who you think they are. After asking you out on Valentine’s Day, you will discover that they are not who you thought. They are so awkward and obsessive, that the relationship will end after a couple of days.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21): You will have a very good Valentine’s Day this year. You will be asked out by someone completely unexpected. Give the relationship a chance and go for it. You will be very happy with how the relationship will turn out in the future.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21): Guess what your Valentine’s Day consists of: a movie, a tub of ice cream, and a box of tissues. Not only is anyone going to give you the time of day this year but you will end up gaining a couple of pounds from eating all your feelings!

Capricorn (December 22-Janurary 19): The day you are supposed to go on your Valentine’s date, you end up catching a cold which forces you to cancel. Your date never got your call and waited an hour for you to show up. Looks like you aren’t going to be dating your Valentine anytime soon.

Aquarius (January 20-February 18): You will end up going out with your Valentine this February and will eventually turn into a happy, healthy relationship. You will have your ups and downs like any other relationship but that doesn’t mean it won’t last. In the future, you will get married to your ‘high school sweetheart.’

Pisces (February 19-March 20): Cupid will wake up on the wrong side of the bed this Valentine’s Day, taking his anger out on you. Two Monmouth students will ask you out this year forcing you to have to make a difficult decision. But look on the bright side, only one person will think you are a jerk by rejecting them.

 Monmouth Mall has been going through heavy renovations in the past year, putting in new floors and completely renovating the food court. New places have also been popping up there as well including the new self serve frozen yogurt place, Frozen Peaks.

Frozen Peaks replaced Icing and is only one store away from Cold Stone Creamery. There is no doubt that these two places will be rivals. Frozen Peaks offers over 18 flavors at only 52 cents an ounce! Plus, they change with the season. First you pick from either a 16oz. or 20 oz. cup, pull your own frozen yogurt, and pick from the large choice of different toppings, from fresh fruit to mini brownie bites. And the price depends on the weight! You don’t necessarily have to fill up the cup!  In a way, you choose your price! Only want a little? Then you only pay a small price. You are really given a huge amount of freedom with making your own dessert that most places just don’t give you. It’s a change from the normal ice cream place, but trust me, once you taste Frozen Peaks it will keep you coming back for seconds… and thirds…and fourths.

Sophie Sowinski 

If you are ever looking to sit down and watch a cheerful and relaxing movie, War Horse is definitely not the movie for you. Steven Spielberg’s newest film is undoubtedly not one that will be remembered as a classic, as so many of his previous works have been in the past. This two hour and twenty-six minute long movie follows the story of a horse named Joey, who is tamed and trained by a young man named Albert, played by Jeremy Irvine. When the two are separated relatively early on in the movie,

            The overall plot is not especially exciting or intricate, and there are no dramatic surprises or twists in the story. It just shows Joey’s life over a few years after being separated from Albert. While watching the film, I found myself correctly guessing exactly what was going to happen next; it was not very difficult at all to predict. In addition, the movie left me feeling utterly depressed after coming to an end, despite the supposed happy ending the director attempted to incorporate. Many renowned movie critics share this opinion as well, and have also not been impressed with this new film.

            On a positive note, the movie did consist of excellent actors for the most part, and the dramatic effects and action scenes were admirable. Perhaps if the film was shortened a considerable amount from its original two and a half hours, it would have been better, because the plot would have progressed more quickly.  I would not recommend seeing this movie if you are not prepared to feel depressed for the rest of the day.

Many people know this Tennessee native band from their current hit single “Tonight Tonight”. But the pop rock band’s new album “Whatever” is full of fun dance songs that are similar to their hit single. Several tracks on their second release are full of catchy beats and lyrics like the first song on the album “I Like It Like That,” another single. The lyrics to this song talk about partying and having a good time. Even though there were good up-beat songs, I feel that the album should have added more love ballads like “Why Don’t You Love Me.” The song talks about a relationship not being able to work the way they wanted. With the song featuring pop singer Demi Lovato, it gave the song a different feel like the two artists were singing to each other. Compared to their past album, “Lovesick Electric”, the band’s second release is not as good as their first. This album receives three out of five stars.