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Western Carolinian Volume 65 (66) Number 23

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  • WESTERN 14 CAROLINIAN GET A LIFE March 07, 2001 Video Review SWF Seeks SWM Doctor, No Hit Men Please ... By Michael McCollum Staff Writer Betty's such a sweet girl. She works at a diner in Kansas, and even though she watches her favorite soap opera while she's working, she's still on top of her job. Her co-workers love her, and the customers do too. To top it all off, she's played by the unnaturally cute Renee Zellweger ("Jerry Maguire" and "Me, Myself "& Irene"), so everyone instantly wants to carry her home and take care of her. Obviously, something has to be wrong here. The problem is her husband Del, played by Aaron Eckhart ("The Pledge" and "Erin Brockovich"). He's a big, sweaty, nasty, used car salesman, and the first time we meet him, he's on top of his secretary. Meanwhile, Betty is the dutiful wife, taking care of the house and cooking his dinner in addition to holding down a job of her own. [Warning: for the next few seconds, you may find that inescapable Dixie Chicks song running through your head. This is normal and will pass quickly.] Del is feeling particularly useless one night, even going so far as to eat the birthday cupcake that Betty's coworkers had given her at a surprise party that day. He then goes out to "do some business," after telling Betty to "clean this s— up." That's right folks. Del had to die. When Del comes home that night, he's accompanied by two businessmen, played by Morgan Freeman ("Kiss the Girls" and "Seven") and Chris Rock ("Down to Earth" and "Dogma"). Del is negotiating the sale of something, but it sure isn't a car. Whatever it is, he stole it, and these "businessmen" are actually hit men sent by the rightful owners. Betty is peeking out from a back room, where she's been watching a tape of her soap opera, "A Reason to Love," and fawning over her favorite character, Dr. David Ravell. She watches as Del is killed in a somewhat gruesome manner, and at the same time listens to Dr. Ravell talk about his lost love that he knows is out there somewhere. Dating with "Nurse Betty" Betty goes a bit off the deep end at this point, deciding that Dr. Ravell is a real person, and that she's the lost love he's been talking about. Convincing herself that Del is fine and that she left him, she sets off for California to find her long-lost love. "Nurse Betty" is a film that refuses to belong to any one genre. It is primarily a comedy-drama, the story of an endearing, though completely daft, character not unlike Forrest Gump. However, just like in real life, there are sudden moments of violence and of tragedy. Obviously, Betty can't remain in her delirium forever, and the inevitable crash back to reality isn't going to be pretty. What do you do when you suddenly realize that nothing is the way you thought it was, and that nobody is who you thought they were? Not to mention that, when dealing with such heavy questions, it doesn't help to have hit men realize you're a witness to a murder and follow you MORGAN REN& CRRJS SBE6 mmum mimmm rock maam NUnaE if HiIT J across the country to finish the job. As with all good films, "Nurse Betty" does have something to say. Betty's not the only one who isn't exactly in touch with reality. Everyone in the film misunderstands everyone else, making assumptions that usually don't fit the facts. People are used, abused, and hurt, but they also find some happiness in their lives. It's not exactly a happy movie, but it's not particularly sad either. It's both -just like reality. Beyond the central cast, Greg Kinnear ("Mystery Men" and "As Good As It Gets") puts in a perfectly smarmy performance as actor George McCord (a.k.a. Dr. Ravell), and Crispin Glover, best known as George McFly in "Back to the Future," is very well- cast as the mildly annoying small town crime reporter trying desperately to break a big case. They are all, of course, overshadowed by the performance of Morgan Freeman, who probably hasn't done anything less than great acting since he was a toddler. "Nurse Betty" won't change your life, break your heart, or quicken your pulse. It will, however, make you care about Betty, a girl with a complicated life who's tired of doing what she's told. Women's History Month Equals Women's Awareness By Jenni Giles Contributing Writer The month of March is a time to celebrate women's history; it is a time to remember and reflect on the women of the past and all they did for the women (and men) of today. Many helped to obtain equal rights for women; Susan B. Anthony, an American suffragist, lectured on women's rights and organized conventions and rallies to promote equality among the sexes. Also, during the Civil War Anthony worked towards the emancipation of slavery. Betty Friedan, the author of The Feminine Mystique, challenged the views and labels that were put on women. She also is one of the co- founders of the National Organization for Women (http://www.NOW.com). Rosa Parks, "the mother of the civil rights movement," is known for her courageous act of refusing to give up her seat on the bus to a white man. There are millions of women who have worked for equal rights among the sexes, and the month of March is a time to celebrate their acts of courage. Western Carolina University is showing support by offering many programs and events for all to take part in. Rebecca Caldwell, director of the Women's Center, is not only a strong advocate of women's rights and studies but is also planning many of the activities that will be taking place this month. These programs are not just for women or students; all who are interested are welcome to attend any or all of these events. James Hogan, a student at WCU stated, "I think Women's History Month is a wonderful thing; whereas tbe other eleven months are men's history months, Women's History Month is a nice diversion and is something that should be expanded upon." Many students are interested in getting involved not only in this month's activities but also in the new Women's Center, which is located on the second floor of the University Center. Nichole Fraass said, "I think it's great that WCU has taken on the challenge to create such an extensive women's studies center. It is nice to know that we can confide and find solace through education and communication of women's issues." The center is filled with books and pamphlets about women and issues women deal with and go through. Many students have gotten involved with Rebecca Caldwell to discuss women's issues or just to chat. Emily Wilson, a women's studies student at WCU said, "The Women's Center provides an excellent foundation for Women's History Month creating a strong, 'real' place to go to to learn about women. It provides a continuing education of women's awareness." The events involved in Women's History Month will be a great reason for many people to learn more about women throughout history and from around the world that have made, and continue to make, a difference in many lives. The first event planned for this month's festivities is the seventh annual Walk for Women, which will be at noon on March first. For more information about the events, contact Rebecca Caldwell at 227- 3982 or stop by the center. She welcomes all guests.
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Object’s are ‘parent’ level descriptions to ‘children’ items, (e.g. a book with pages).