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ENTERTAINMENT

The Norwich Guidon
Feb. 12, 2004

46th annual Grammy Awards proves successful despite sponsors' fears

By Dale Mauldin
Norwich Guidon Entertainment Editor

The red carpet and spotlights marked the hot spot in Hollywood on Sunday, February 9.

The music industry's biggest stars were on hand for the 46th annual Grammy Awards. The night went on without a hitch, despite fears stemming from the Janet Jackson Superbowl incident.

The night started with a great performance by Beyonce with a surprise appearance by Prince. Beyonce then proved to be the music industry's new queen by winning in five of the six categories that she was nominated in. She won in the categories of Best Contemporary R&B Album, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals, Best R&B Song and, Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.

The rap duo of Outkast took home the night's biggest honor with their Album of the Year win. The group also took home two other honors: Best Urban/ Alternative Performance, and Best Rap Album. Other multiple winners of the night included Alison Krauss, Luther Vandross, Eminem, Jay-Z, and Justin Timberlake.

One of the biggest upsets of the night was when the theme from "A Mighty Wind" beat Eminem's "Lose Yourself" for best song from a movie. Even cast member Eugene Levy seemed confused by the win, stating the obvious, "The songs aren't real." Another upset for the night was when Evanescence won best new artist, triumphing over the more favored 50 Cent.

The show paid tribute to the 40th anniversary of the Beatles coming to America and performing on the Ed Sullivan show. Sting, Dave Matthews, Pharrell Williams, and Vince Gill did their rendition of "I Saw Her Standing There." The night ended with a video montage of artists who had passed away in 2003. The late Warren Zevon's song "Keep Me In Your Heart" was playing in the background, with backup vocals provided by friends and family.

Valentine's Day roots spring from Emperor Claudius II

By Dale Mauldin
Norwich Guidon Entertainment Editor

Feb. 14 marks the international day of love. Couples in six different countries exchange gifts, in the name of Saint Valentine.

The history of Valentine's Day and its saint are still a mystery today, although there are many thoughts on how the holiday came about. The most common is a legend that comes from third century Rome.

The legend says that Valentine was a priest who served under Emperor Claudius II. The Emperor decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, and he outlawed marriage for young men who would be his soldiers. Valentine did not agree with the emperor's decision and defied Claudius. He continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Claudius found out about his disobedience, Claudius sentenced him to death.

According to the legend, Valentine actually sent the first ‘valentine' greeting, himself, from his prison cell. It is rumored that he fell in love with his jailor's daughter, who visited him frequently. He is said to have written her a letter and signed it, "From your Valentine." The expression is still used today.

Valentine's Day is now the second-largest card-sending holiday, following behind Christmas, according to the American Greeting Card Association. An estimated one billion cards are sent each year, about 85 percent of them sent by women.

The Norwich Guidon is a twice-monthly student newspaper distributed at Norwich University. It provides laboratory experience for students in the Communications program. Claims asserted by letter writers, editorials and other articles do not represent the positions of Norwich University. The Norwich Guidon welcomes signed letters to the editor. They should be no longer than 300 words. Unsigned letters will not be printed, but names may be withheld upon worthy request. All letters are subject to editing for length and good taste. Mailing address: The Norwich Guidon, Communications Center, Norwich University, Northfield, VT 056632. www.norwich.edu/guidon. If you have any questions or comments about the paper, please contact Professor Ken Bush at kbush@norwich.edu.