Entertainment

MTV's "Choose or Lose 2004" announced Wednesday that according to final national exit polls and early vote tallies, an estimated 21 million 18- to 30-year-olds voted in the 2004 presidential election, according to an analysis provided by CIRCLE Research. The young adult vote in 2004 shows a sharp increase when compared to the nearly 18 million 18- to 30-year- old's votes cast in the 2000 presidential election.

Apathy is a luxury we can no longer afford. "Vote or Die" has been P. Diddy's slogan for this year's presidential election, and (although we want nothing to do with Diddy, really) we here at 7 have the same attitude about our 7 For President local mp3 contest.

You know you're a Spokane institution when people are considering dressing up as you for Halloween. A group of friends was overheard discussing dressing up as Dee Farmin for his band's Halloween show on Saturday at The B-Side.

The unbroken string of Republican presidential candidates endorsed by the Chicago Tribune extends to 1872, according to the paper's public editor. So when the Trib backed George W. Bush's reelection, the development was dog-bites-man, pop-singer- lip-synchs "live" performance – utterly unsurprising.

Naming a big-screen sex addict "Gilda" is really asking for it. Charlize Theron's Gilda in "Head in the Clouds" invites comparison to Rita Hayworth in 1946's "Gilda," which adds a touch of the ludicrous to this already strained material set in wartime France.

What it is: Politics is always a staple of "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," but in an election year, America's favorite faux news team really kicks it into high gear. Coverage of this year's political dustup, cheekily labeled "Indecision 2004," has highlighted the absurdities present in both presidential candidates' rhetoric, as well as special correspondents' reports from the national conventions and the campaign trail. What it's all about: "The Daily Show" may be "America's most trusted name in fake news," but more than a quarter of student respondents in a recent Harvard University Institute of Politics poll reported that they turn to humorous news sources such as "The Daily Show" for their campaign information – 1 percent more than those who use online newspapers or magazines and 10 percent more than those who rely on Internet blogs. And while host Stewart is quick to point out that his satiric show airs on a network called Comedy Central, there's nothing funny about his recent slate of serious-minded guests, including politicians and policy makers such as former New York Mayor Ed Koch, Republican Rep. Harry Bonilla, former White House counterterrorism chief Richard Clarke and Sen. John McCain.

Q: I have this male friend I've known for years. He's a sweet, smart guy but kind of short and unattractive. Recently he revealed to me that he has never had sex. He asked me whether I would sleep with him if he is still a virgin on his 25th birthday (in six months). I don't think he wants a relationship; he just really wants to lose his virginity. I'm not attracted to him, but I really care about him. What should I do? Mia: Hmmmmm. Sleeping with an ugly 25-year-old virgin? I'd say, no way. Besides the whole ick factor, it would probably destroy your friendship. Maybe you could help him meet some other women, take him to some social events, introduce him to friends?

A new restaurant flew in under the radar in the Latah Creek area on Oct. 20. Well, at least that was the plan when Latah Bistro opened a couple of days ahead of schedule at 4241 S. Cheney-Spokane Road.

It used to be that documentaries were about as popular as bran for breakfast. They might be good for you, but they sure were tough to swallow.

This fall's video games are strictly by the numbers: the numbers 2, 3, 4 and 5. Visit a video game store between now and the holidays, and you'll have a hard time finding a high-profile new release whose title doesn't end in one of those digits.

How much do you know about Kenny, Cartman, Kyle, Stan and the rest of the "South Park" gang? 1. Kenny famously dies in almost every episode of "South Park." What officially killed Kenny in 2001 (before his resurrection in the show's eighth season)?

Age: 31

Big John Bates is not an idiot. He knows sex sells. But he also knows he's a pretty darn good musician and he's got a solid shtick going.

"Fable" ••• (out of four)

To a relatively select few, there is no better way to spend Halloween than at a bash hosted by The Dearly Departed. A local band that most who know either love or hate, the gothic blues trio lets the freaks come out Sunday at 9 p.m. at Far West Billiards, 1001 W. First. No cover. The trio also opens a pre-Halloween party with Big John Bates on Thursday at 9:30 p.m. at The B-Side, 230 W. Riverside. The cover is $4.

Q: My dad passed away recently. As I was going through his things in the attic I came across some old love letters to him from a woman we knew. Here's the problem: While it was many years ago, they were written at a time when my parents were married. It's hard to keep this secret. Should I tell Mom or my brother and sisters? Steve: You could do that. Or you could stick a knitting needle in your eyeball and set it on fire, which would be more pleasant. Burn the letters and say nothing.