The Shins Don’t Disappoint

Val Schweisberger
Staff Writer

I would first like to preface this article by saying that I’m not crazy about being told what kind of music I will or won’t like. 

That’s why I’ve been disinclined to like The Shins ever since the first time I saw Garden State. Even if the band would have “changed [my] life,” as Natalie Portman’s character says in the film, I wouldn’t have admitted it because I like to think I’m above being so easily persuaded.
 
However, the release of The Shins latest album, Wincing the Night Away, has finally convinced me that this band is worth the hype. I like that the Portland-based band isn’t afraid to be catchy and unusual at the same time, a propensity that is evident on many of the new album’s tracks. 
 
The first track on the album, “Sleeping Lessons,” is one of these. Says fan Richard Easterday, “the first song is sparse at first, then builds over the next two minutes.  It’s great.” It’s true.
 
Other notable tracks include the single “Phantom Limb,” “Split Needles,” and the semi-infectious “Girl Sailor”. They’re different from anything on the band’s previous albums (most noteworthy of which being Oh, Inverted World), but equally as enjoyable.
 
The Shins, who once toured with Modest Mouse, formed in 1997 in Albuquerque, according to the band’s official website. Even before the infamous Garden State moment, the band had a cult following. “Their sound is different and original,” says Easterday. “That’s rare.”
 
True enough.
 
Wincing the Night Away, released on January 23, is just as good or better than The Shins’ previous albums. I don’t need to be told to like this album, I just do. I’m betting the average college-aged listener won’t mind it, either.

AIDS Ministry

Robert L. Francis, Jr.
Staff WriterThe AIDS Ministry, located at 201 S. William St., began in 1989 at the Central United Methodist Church with just two workers. That is why it’s called a ministry; the name was just never changed.

In a telephone interview with “Angel”, the C.N.A who comes to IUSB every other Tuesday to operate the AIDS Ministry, she was happy to answer some questions.

How long have you worked with the Ministry?

A: Seven years.

What qualifications do you have?

A: I have a C.N.A. license and a state license to do the AIDS tests, HIV 101, phlebotomy, and I’m in school for nursing.

Is it hard working in the Ministry?

A: Yes. It can be, but most of the time it is rewarding. Going to schools and teaching is the most rewarding part; imparting information to young people. The hard part is telling them it’s a positive result.

Do you have a lot of students coming in?

A: We do have a lot of students coming in – high school as well as college – and we do give free condoms, female contraceptives, flavored condoms, and dental dam.

How does the Ministry operate?

A: We offer confidential testing using your name or you can do anonymous testing using a number. If the student tests positive I return to whatever test sight and give the student the result unless otherwise specified. We also do immigration testing which is just HIV and Syphilis.

What about follow up?

A: We do a second test to confirm the positive result. If the result says they have AIDS, they are told they have to warn all future partners and no needle sharing. The coordination site is in our office as well as having them around the state.

Do you also test for other diseases like Herpes, Gonorrhea, etc.?

A: Just Syphilis and Hepatitis B and C.

Is it hard to tell someone they have AIDS?

A: Yes. It can be very difficult dealing with emotions.