The Strip: News and notes for guys

GAME GEAR

Tritton AX720

Rating: 7/10

Everyone and their grandma are making 5.1 headphones these days. Tritton's AX720 model is a solid entry. Unlike some of its previous efforts, the well-made headset is comfortable to wear and sounds decent. Even after hours of "Borderlands" co-op with the built-in voice support for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC, our ears never got sore. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about the control box, which feels cheap and features no pass-throughs for receivers.

Details: $129.99, www.trittontechnologies.com

POP QUIZ

Lindsey Vonn has become the face of the 2010 American Olympic ski team, not to mention gaining notoriety with a spread in Sports Illustrated. But how much do you know about this alpine skier? (Answers at bottom.)

1. Vonn has the most World Cup titles for an American woman. How many does she have?

A. 12

B. 20

C. 22

D. 16

2. Before marrying fellow skier Thomas Vonn (who is also her coach), Lindsey skied by her maiden name, which is Kildow

C. Knapstein

C. Knodge

4. What is Vonn's favorite TV show?

A. "CSI"

B. "Criminal Minds"

C. "NCIS"

D. "Law and Order"

3. Vonn started rising the ranks on the junior circuit after moving to what ski town at age 12?

A. Whistler, B.C.

B. Breckenridge, Colo.

C. Vail, Colo.

D. Sun Valley, Idaho

5. Vonn won what after winning the 2005 World Cup downhill in Val d'Isere?

A. A cow

B. New skis

C. A chicken

D. A house

Source: skiing.teamusa.org/athletes/lindsey-vonn

-- McClatchy Newspapers

POP PICKS

ARTIST OF THE WEEK: Shout Out Louds, "Work" (CD)

Shout Out Louds no longer sound like they are fashioning songs to mimic their influences; rather, "Work" feels like the product of a band in command of its craft. They stripped down their sound, letting the songs breathe. Some sound as if there is little holding them together, as if one missed beat would cause the whole thing to collapse, but they instead gain vigor with repeated listens. "Work" captures the band maturing artistically. -- Michael Franco

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK: High on Fire, "Snakes for the Devine" (CD)

For their first full-length in two and a half years, High on Fire has thrown us for a bigger loop than expected. By enlisting mainstream producer Greg Fidelman, Matt Pike and his mates are unabashedly going for a cleaner, more accessible sound. With his lyrics, his robust riffs, and flamboyant solos, Pike and High on Fire embody everything that is fun about heavy metal. -- Adrien Begrand

-- PopMatters.com

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