After two years of writing and recording, No Doubt is returning to store shelves with their fourth new album, "Return of Saturn." With popular hits like "I’m just a Girl" and "Spiderwebs" from their 1995 release "Tragic Kingdom," No Doubt wants to make sure that this time they are "new and improved." No Doubt’s front woman, Gwen Stefani, sounds all grown-up now. She is ready to show that she is more than a cute chick with a belly button ring and abs of steel. In fact, with new tracks like "Ex-Girlfriend" and "Marry Me" where she asks, "Who will be the one to marry me?" Stefani seems like she is ready to have a family, drive a mini-van, have 2.3 kids, bake blueberry muffins, and take up knitting - well maybe I wouldn’t go that far. Lyrics of love, sex, relationships, anger and jealousy are woven throughout the album. Even though she may sound like an adult, the fact remains that she still has pink hair.

Formed in early 1987 as a ska band, No Doubt was initially comprised of John Spence, Gwen Stefani and her brother Eric. While playing in Anaheim, California, Tony Kanal who was born in India and raised in Great Britain and the U.S. joined them as bassist. After the suicide of Spence in September of 1987, the group added guitarist Tom Dumont and drummer Adrian Young. Interscope records signed them in 1991, and they began as a band sounding like fusion between ’80s pop and ska. With the popularity of the "grunge movement," No Doubt did not do very well, that is until "Tragic Kingdom" was released.

With their new CD, Return of Saturn," be prepared to hear No Doubt "explore new terrain." Critics say they sound like Blondie one minute, and Fleetwood Mac the next. However, if you’ve been a faithful follower of No Doubt, don’t "doubt" it until you hear it.

What were you doing last weekend? You probably spent most of the time relaxing, studying, working, or any combination of the three. If you were a Wesleyan Singer, however, you were traipsing around the Mid-Atlantic states on a four-day-long spring tour. After a successful week-long tour of Virginia in January, the group decided to hit the road again with performances in Alexandria, Virginia, Delaware, and New Jersey.

On April 6, 10 singers, one flautist, one accompanist and Dr. David Clayton piled into two college vans along with a vast amount of luggage. The group’s first performance was scheduled that night in Alexandria. Performing a variety of music including uplifting religious pieces, energetic spirituals, and even a little jazz, the group put on quite a show for the crowd at Washington Farm United Methodist Church. After staying with host families from the church Thursday night, the Wesleyan Singers left for Delaware Friday morning. Their first stop in "The First State" was the University of Delaware where they performed for the school’s students.

But the University wasn’t the Singers’ last stop in Delaware. They also held an evening concert at the Methodist Country Home. The Home is an assisted living facility for the elderly, and its residents come from many places and perspectives. This was perhaps the most rewarding concert that the group performed during the tour. The crowd was wonderful and very appreciative, and the Singers enjoyed interacting with the audience after the concert.

After so much rewarding but demanding work, the group was ready for a day of fun. They headed for the Big Apple to see the sights and relax. Everyone had something they wanted to see or do in New York City, and plans included seeing a Broadway show and visiting the Empire State Building. Unfortunately, the group discovered that there is plenty to do in New York, but it was nearly impossible to actually do any of it. It seemed as if students from every high school in the country were touring the city over spring break. Between the sold-out Broadway shows and the hour-long wait at the Empire State Building, a lot of the group’s plans were thwarted. But in the end, it didn’t really matter. Everyone enjoyed each other’s company despite the uneventful day. The only complaints were a few sore feet from nine hours of walking through the concrete jungle.

Of course, a Wesleyan Singers’ trip wouldn’t be complete without a performance during a church service. The group members awoke around 9 a.m. Sunday to prepare for the 11 a.m. service at Westfield First United Methodist Church in New Jersey. They were met with quite a surprise. Snow! After recovering form the shock of an April snowstorm, the shivering group trudged over to the church for the final stop on the tour.

After the service, 10 singers, one flautist, one accompanist, and Dr. Clayton piled back into the vans to make the eight-hour trip back to school. The tour was a success and fun was had by all, but the exhausted group was glad to be home. After four days together, they cleaned up the candy wrappers and soda bottles in the vehicles, gathered up their bags, and headed in their different directions.

Breaking the monotony of campus life is often hard to do. Tests, papers, and quiet hours are all too routine. However, the secret to a great time off-campus with fellow Wesleyan students has just been discovered. It’s called 2MANZINGO. John Goode, a senior at the college, and his best friend Bill Mozingo, a former Wesleyan student, have formed a duo that is tearing up the local night clubs. These two men are a singing duo specializing in playing modern acoustic rock. "They’re great," says sophomore fan Matt Williams, "They play good, popular music that everyone wants to hear."

It appears that indeed everyone does want to hear the talents of Goode and Mozingo. They are booked solid every weekend. The both play guitar, and Mozingo sings. The smooth sounds of 2MANZINGO are a big hit among college students because of the titles they play. Groups such as the Dave Matthews Band, Train, Tonic and Dishwalla are regulars on their play list. People recognize the songs and can relate to the show. It’s made for a college crowd. Where else can you find college students on Friday and Saturday nights? Start by checking the local bars, and you won’t have to look far. 2MANZINGO plays frequently at Hoopla’s Grille, Batterson’s, Warnie’s, and O’Leary’s. These places are filled night after night with the twenty-something crowd. Bar owners have learned that one good musical act can sometimes double the patronage on a given night. That works out well for 2MANZINGO. They always has a place to play.

"Right now we play at least three nights a week," said Goode. Three nights a week, on top of school and his resident assistant job, is more than a full schedule. He doesn’t mind saying it keeps him busy and forces him to get stuff done. He knows he might not get another chance. One would think that playing at so many places and continuing to get better, they would practice relentlessly. In reality, it’s just the opposite. Goode admits he may get 20 minutes a day to pick up the guitar and practice. Conflicting schedules with his partner is the main reason they don’t practice as much as they would like.

The partnership of 2MANZINGO began quite by accident. As freshmen, Goode and Mozingo began to play guitar together, but when Mozingo transferred they did not speak again for two years. They kept in contact, but it wasn’t until last fall that they started working together at playing for real. Their friendship and identical music taste have led to a dynamic sound that leaves audiences craving for more. But crave no more. 2MANZINGO is here and wants to be heard. Break the boredom of campus life and go see what these two guys have to offer. You won’t be disappointed. For those who are under-age or not crazy about the bar scene, 2MANZINGO will be performing at Spring Fling, along with other musical acts, on April 28.

Ever been in love with two people at the same time? It’s not easy is it? Leelee Sobieski stars in the latest love story, "Here on Earth," as Samantha, a girl who experiences that dilemma. She is torn between two guys, Jasper and Kelley, who come from opposite sides of the tracks. The film, directed by Mike Piznarski, has an emotional theme that reaches the audience. It will leave you laughing and crying, and crying some more (in my case, anyway.) Remember Chris Klein; the star of "American Pie?" He’s back in the movies and is now playing Kelley Morse. Kelley is a bit on the cocky side, coming from an extremely rich background. He attends a high-class boarding school, where he is all set to graduate and give a valedictorian speech. That is until disaster strikes. After taking his brand-new Mercedes convertible on a test drive, he crosses paths with Jasper (Josh Hartnett) and they decide to get into a little racing action. Jasper is from a whole other world along with his girlfriend, Samantha. As Jasper and Kelley collide, they watch Maybel’s Diner (owned by Samantha’s mother) go up in flames. The sentence: (you might as well call it the [death] sentence) Kelley and Jasper must work together in an effort to rebuild the diner. Even worse, Kelley has to live in the spare bedroom of Jasper’s parents’ home.

This summer project brings Kelley and Samantha quite a bit closer. The two have instant chemistry. This creates a love "triangle" between the three teens. Kelley is the kind of guy who any girl would want. And why not? He’s incredibly handsome. He’s got money, but most of all, Kelley has a strong heart and a sense of kindness that pulls Samantha away from Jasper. Their relationship develops into one of play, as they enjoy running after each other in the woods. Samantha, the high school track star (mainly hurdles) wants to show Kelley that she’s quicker and can beat him. This will eventually bring on a more serious tragedy. A tragedy that will effect the lives of many people in the small town. You will have to check out this movie yourself to find out what happens. Bring a date. It’s the perfect movie for just that.

There are other fish in the sea. Remember that before you head off to The 219, a chic little restaurant in downtown Norfolk. There was one reason and one reason alone that I went to The 219 - a coupon. Actually, it was even better than that. My date, cool Jeffy, told me he had a coupon. But what he really had was a gift certificate for 50 bucks. (Oh yeah!) Nothing puts a twinkle in my eye or hunger in my belly faster than the promise of free food. So The 219 gets extra bonus points merely for the fact that I didn’t pay a dime. Hey, I never said I wasn’t shallow. Free food is free food. Just ask anyone who’s ever gotten government cheese or peanut butter.

The 219 is a tiny little corner restaurant just a block from MacArthur Center and near the Wells Theater. Its locale is reflected in its decor and clientele. "Good morning boys and girls, can you say snobby rich people?" I can. When Jeffy called to ask about appropriate dress, the hostess said to wear our "Sunday Best." I guess she doesn’t realize that I spend most my Sundays in my pajamas and slippers waiting for "The Facts of Life" re-runs to come on. I ended up looking sort of casual cool in a black fitted shirt and jeans. I couldn’t be too dressed up because we had plans to go to a thrift store fashion show later, (talk about irony) and we couldn’t out dress the models. I was a little worried that The 219 wouldn’t let me in with jeans, so I threw some stretchy pants in the car, just in case. Remember ladies, it's always good to keep some stretchy pants around just in case of emergencies. Just pull lever, and break glass with hammer. I worked the jeans thing and no one had a problem with it, but we did have to wait at the bar for 15 minutes because our table wasn’t ready yet, even though we had reservations and plenty of other tables were available.

Waiting at the bar gave us plenty of time to check out the decor, which can only be described as schizophrenic. It was a strange mix of trendy New Age art and vintage cool. There were paintings on the wall that looked like an artist’s tribute to hairballs and other squiggly objects. The hostess stand was an old Greyhound bus-ticketing counter, and of course an obligatory Coke emblem hung over the door. Even the bar was strange. All the beers on tap had large, sort of gaudy emblems like a giant Fosters’ can. And all the beer glasses were sort of effeminately-shaped, So don’t go there looking to drink beer and feel like a man. Once we were finally seated, we checked out the menu. It didn't offer much. You've got two choices, really. Do you want to eat fish or pizza? Fish? Or pizza? The whole world is before you; it's your choice, my friend. The whole menu - being split between fish and pizza - was sort of strange to me. I mean, could they have possibly picked two food groups that have less in common? Normally, when restaurants do this, we call them ghetto. Remember Feather n’ Fin? Or what about Bamboo Hut and its Italian food, shrimp, and chicken triple threat? So forgive my skepticism about The 219’s menu choices.

I ended up getting the Napa Snappa for $14.95, and Jeffy went for Eric's Rockfish for $16.00. I guess I should have read the menu description a little more carefully because the Napa Snappa was an Asian inspired seafood dish and I hate Asian food. As soon as the waitress came around the bend and I saw giant chopsticks stabbed into my food, my heart sank like the Titanic. Eating the Napa Snappa is sort of like navigating through a Korean swamp. I was digging through soggy cabbage and noodles, picking out shrimp and scallops that sat in a half- inch of water. The shrimp and scallops were prime and literally the largest and freshest seafood I had ever seen. But I did detect what seemed to be a little bit of nautical poop in the backs of my shrimp, but I ate them anyway. Which sort of makes me wonder why we put up with shrimp poop anyway? If a waiter brought out a steak smeared with cow chips, I don’t think we would just sit back and get our grub on. Poop is poop whether by land, sea, or air. For the record, Jeffy’s food was a lot better. His rockfish was fried, a la shake n’ bake, in some kind of almond coating, with mashed potatoes as a side. His dish just seemed to possess an extra bit of zesty flavor that I thought was lacking in my meal. Don’t expect to sop up any juice with the bread, though. Our bread came out 20 minutes late in an elaborate metal basket, but when we looked inside we only saw two small pieces of plain white welfare bread. Don’t judge a book by its cover, my friend.

The bill clocked in at $41.65, which is a little too much in my opinion for what tasted like swamp water and welfare bread. Instead of giving us back change with our $50 gift certificate, we got another gift certificate for $8.35. The two-hour dinner made us late for our thrift store fashion show. The 219 tries hard, but when I go out for seafood I don’t want to feel like a castaway on the SS Minnow. Watch out Gilligan and the Skipper, throw this fish back.

Oh yeah, G-44, B-11, N-33 ... "BINGO!!!" After hearing this cry for the 45th time of the night, I decided to finally pack it in. I swept up my notepad, lucky charms (Han Solo action figure, Lava Lamp keychain, and a watch that decrees "I [Heart] Bingo!"), blue blotter pen and storm out of City Hall Bingo on Baker Road in Virginia Beach.

When I entered this bastion of random numbers and the same five letters, some three hours ago, this was a subculture that was definitely foreign to a bingo-virgin like myself. Upon driving up, I meet a woman who gets out of her car right next to mine. She is toting around a crochet bag with "Bingo" stitched on the side. "Are you ready to play some bingo?" I ask her. She replies, "Always."

We both walk in the door at the same time, and I let her go first, figuring I would copy whatever she does. Luckily, she tells me to get the "small" pack of cards which is the pack with only 12 cards on the face. So we leave each other with a phony "Good Luck." And I try to find a seat. Through a sea of elderly ladies wildly looking and dabbing, looking and dabbing, I find a spot in between what looks to be a group of real soldiers in the war that is Bingo.

I lay out my cards, look at my game schedule, and stare Han Solo straight in the eyes. My "I [heart] Bingo" watch reads 5:24 (it’s really 2:00.) But I can overlook that in a lucky charm. One of the veterans that sits across from me says, "For this game you start on the blue cards. It’s just straight bingo." So I flip to the blue and try to quickly recall the last time I played the game. Fourth grade? Fifth grade? I can't really remember, but I do remember that you just need to get a straight line, preferably first. The stakes are high, $100 is up for grabs and everyone eyes the monitors that are positioned around the room to see what ball is up next.

"N-62," says the caller. I scan my blue sheet, and find nine 62’s in my twelve ‘N’ rows. Feeling good about the game so far. Four balls later, I lose. There isn’t even anything that slightly resembles a line on any of my cards. Hardened by the first test of losing, I’m set to win the rest of the games. During the third game, the woman sitting next to me, Mary, cries out "BINGO!" She pockets a cool $100. "I haven’t won in over a month. Now that I’ve got that behind me I’m ready to win some more," states a now re-energized Mary, who vigorously inks out the numbers that come up for the next game. I don’t hear anything from anyone around me for the next 2 ½ hours. Except for grunts, groans and sighs of the people who didn't win. I must admit I was a member of this group. So being the big loser for the day, I pack up my now un-lucky charms and quietly try to find the door. Unfortunately though, most of the other losers decide to hit the door at the same time. So trying to avoid being trampled, I sidestep the loser wave and just take one last look around the room, and as I turn my back I hear, "G-47."