While the name Edwin McCain may hold little meaning, many may recall the song "I'll be" played incessantly on the radio. McCain's Misguided Roses featured this mega hit and had people clamoring for more.

His sophomore CD, "Messenger," will certainly delight all his fans and attract others with his romantic lyrics and soul-filled voice.

"Messenger" features an eclectic array of sounds ranging from heart-wrenching ballads like "Promise of You," to more jazz/rock inspired tunes that discuss social issues like "Beautiful Life."

One particularly noteworthy song is "Prayer to St. Peter," originally an anonymous poem found in a hospital during World War II. McCain manages to transform these words into a melodic tribute to the men killed in that war.

For those already in tune to McCain's musical style, "Messenger" lives up to all expectations. For those new to his sound, McCain caters to all tastes.

FOCUS: Clubs & Organizations

By Samantha Arnold
Pulse Senior Editor

The Arcus Society at Palo Alto College is a student organization whose mission is to support and educate all students on campus about gay/lesbian and bisexual issues.

Arcus brings leaders of the community to Palo Alto for educational speeches. They also raise money to buy books for the Palo Alto library. The main goal of Arcus is to raise awareness of issues and provide an environment to learn more about the issues that concern the gay/lesbian and bisexual community.

A Freedom Festival was held on October 11th to bring together members of the community to the Palo Alto campus in celebration of National Coming Out Day.

Arcus is open to all gays/lesbians, bisexuals and student and teacher supporters at Palo Alto. For more information, call 921-5222.

`80s Movie Classic

By Lea Campos
Special to The Pulse

As the year 2000 approaches, let's all take a step back and reflect on times when life was simpler: the `80s.

1986's “Pretty in Pink” is readily available on video. Directed by Howard Deutch and written by teen movie guru John Hughes, this movie tackles the familiar “wrong side of the tracks” romance. Starring Molly Ringwald, Andrew McCarthy, Jon Cryer, James Spader and Annie Potts, the movie revolves around Ringwald and McCarthy as two teens trying to overcome pecuniary pettiness.

McCarthy plays the classic rich boy with the heart of gold who has fallen for Ringwald, a spirited, less well-off, aspiring fashion designer. The movie also comes complete with mandatory naysayers (Spader as fellow rich boy) and spunky male friend (Cryer as fellow lower class kid).

The portrayal of teenagers in this movie is refreshing compared to the depictions the `90s have spawned. Pretty in Pink is sure to cheer up anyone who has ever been in a romantic slump.

Student Spotlight

Donald O'Dell, lead trombone; Jeremy Valadez, lead alto saxophone; Jason Valdez, guitar; and Ruben Rodriguez, bass guitar, were selected to participate in the Texas Junior College All-State Jazz Band. Palo Alto's Jazz Band is directed by Music Instructor Armin Marmolejo.

Brian Beaman, Jodi Castro and Albert Perusquia took first place at the Second Annual South Central Texas Regional Ethics Bowl. Coaches for the team were Philosophy Instructors John Hernandez and Rick Tanney.

Martin Corona placed 7th and Elizabeth McCumber placed 10th at the NCJAA Division III Cross-Country Championship in Delhi, NY. Pablo Carranza, Jamie Garza, Jackie Castillo and Elizabeth McCumber were named Academic All-Americans for maintaining a 3.789 or above GPA. The team is coached by Suzel Gratz.