Guests give a boost to P.O.D.'s new album'

Guests give a boostto P.O.D.'s new album'
Metal rockers P.O.D. returned this week with the release of their much-anticipated new album, "Testify." The Southern California-based band's fourth full-length release -- and first new album since 2003's "Payable on Death" -- includes the current hit single, "Goodbye For Now."
"Testify" is the band's most provocative and powerful work to date. The album features alliances with several like-minded artists, including acclaimed Hasidic artist Matisyahu (who lends his distinctive vocal talent to two roots-rock-reggae-flavored cuts) and the legendary Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E., who guest on the rap-fueled "On The Grind." Elsewhere, longtime followers of P.O.D. will rejoice in many of the band's trademark sonics, from the full-on energy of "This Time" to the ferocious "Lights Out" and "Say Hello."
Behind the scenesof an elite cheer squad
From the intensity of physically challenging auditions to the excitement of game day, CSTV: College Sports Television will go behind-the-scenes for all the kicks, lifts and drama in the life of an elite collegiate cheerleader in the three-part reality series "Cheer Squad."
Premiering on Feb. 12 at 9 p.m., each episode goes in-depth with one school's first-rate squad. CSTV: College Sports Television, now part of CBS Corp., is available on cable systems throughout the country, as well as on DirecTV and Dish Network and streams live online via broadband at www.cstv.com.
"Cheerleaders are as much a part of the passion and pageantry of college athletics and tradition as quarterbacks and coaches, and 'Cheer Squad' gives the audience a compelling look at what it takes to become part of these top-notch teams," said Tim Pernetti, Senior Vice President, Programming and Talent, CSTV Networks.
Quote/Unquote
"When I drive through a yellow light, I kiss my hand. It's good luck." -- Jared Padalecki ("Supernatural"), on his superstitious behavior, in Teen People.
"I can say 'thank you,' 'hello' and 'good night.' On one date, there was a communication barrier with the waiter, so we were served extremely raw food. I'm not a huge fan of French food. I couldn't wait to have a big burrito." -- Travis Stork, ("The Bachelor"), on his mastery of the French language, in Us Weekly. The new season of the series was filmed in Paris.
"Plaid western shirts. I don't even like the idea of them anymore, but I see one and I'm like, 'That looks like a small. Gotta get it!'" -- Adam Brody ("The O.C."), on his addiction, in People.
The smell of summer
Thanks to 100% Pure, you can bring summer around a little quicker -- or at least it may seem that way. This line of shower gels is simply juicy, with scents like Fresh Squeezed Tangerine, Lemonade (Pink or otherwise), Pink Grapefruit or Lime, all invoking a wonderfully warm summer day complete with dragonflies buzzing nearby.
The tangerine scent is especially refreshing after slogging through these short, gray, wintry days. The tangerine gel, naturally, contains fresh-squeezed tangerine and orange juices, but also a coconut cleanser, vitamin C, grapeseed, and blackcurrant and tangerine essential oils.
True to their name, the whole line of 100% Pure products, which includes scrubs, butters and facial products, are vegan (or vegetarian when honey is used) and are made with no synthetic scents, thickeners or emulsifiers. Find 100% Pure shower gels ($13) at Bath & amp; Body Works, C.O. Bigelow or www.puritycosmetics.com
Piano competition
CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland International Piano Competition, recognized as one of the world's premier competitions for young concert pianists, will present PIANO/OHIO 2006, its bi-annual competition for high school students. PIANO/OHIO, to be held in April and May, is open to any to any piano student in grades 9 through 12 who is a resident of Ohio. Candidates may participate in any qualifying round that will be held across Ohio. Each must perform 18 to 20 minutes of music, from memory, by a select group of composers.
The deadline for submission of applications is Feb. 15, 2006. A $25 application fee is required, along with parent/guardian approval and the signature of the student's current piano teacher.
Complete details, including specific information regarding the repertoire and a downloadable version of the application form, are available at www.clevelandpiano.org. Anyone wishing to participate may also call the competition office at (216) 707-5397 to request an application.