WOLF PARADE: AT MOUNT ZOOMER (SUB POP) **½ Combine new wave quirks with lo-fi indie rock and you'll get, well, a mess, and not necessarily a hot one. As on loudly praised debut album "Apologies to the Queen Mary" (2005), Wolf Parade misses almost as often as it hits on its sophomore disc. ...more

August 14, 2008

SEBRING — Michelle Alvarez is working hard to turn the near drowning death of son into a positive experience. Alvarez hopes to build a hospital where children and parents could go for alternative treatment, has started a swimming program, is working to create a house for children with special needs and even starred in a ready-for-prime-time music video. The 33-year-old physical therapist became an activist and has established a foundation after her now 5-year-old son's drowning and resuscitation after about 20 minutes of CPR. ...more

June 23, 2008