Q&A: New principal excited to continue 'excellence'
Shawn Messmer is the new principal of Maine South High School in Park Ridge. Recently, he took some time out from preparing for the new school year to answer some questions from Pioneer Press.

Bash Compactor: The Party Bus Always Stops Here
I didn?t expect to be reunited with my inner Snooki this summer, but let?s face it: You never know what?s lurking around the corner. ?Party! Party! Party!? we all shouted in unison like maniacs, drinking champagne out of plastic cups and dancing in our seats to the blaring house music.

The fair 'habla español'
Mariachi music and folk dancing takes the stage. MONROE -- Elephant ears, cow exhibitions and ? mariachi music? The Evergreen State Fair will conclude its first weekend with Fiesta Sunday, a day that showcases Hispanic culture and music.

Jazz breathes life back into New Orleans after Katrina
The historic French Quarter in New Orleans filled with music pouring from dozens of competing clubs as the afternoon faded five years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city.

Let's Talk Sports Column ? A load of bull ? changing cultures and forgetting the ridiculous good old days
In Canada, there?s a good chance that a substantial portion of the general population would be in agreement in dubbing a rampaging bull with violent tendencies as a problem. In Spain, they call it entertainment.