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(04/04/14 8:11pm)
“Noah” is just one of many “faith-based films” that Hollywood is churning out this year and is perhaps the most unique.
Director Darren Aronofsky (“The Wrestler,” “Black Swan”) has a vision for this film that makes it closer to his previous filmography than the big-budget, large-studio release would seem to indicate. It creates an odd mash up of the eye-catching special effect event film that Hollywood is fond of and a more arthouse fare.
It is hard to say if it actually works, but it is so fascinating that it must been seen to be believed.
“Noah” is the story of one of the last good people on earth, chosen by the Creator to save the innocent animals from the flood that will destroy the evil of the world by building an ark. It is a well-known story in and out of religious circles.
What makes Aronofsky’s interpretation so fascinating is how he handles the source material. The story of Noah in Genesis does not go into great detail concerning the building of the ark, the gathering of animals and the time spent on the ark. Aronofsky fills in these gaps with giant rock creatures, a power-hungry king and family drama.
Rather than treating the story as history, Aronofsky instead treats it as any other text being adapted to the big screen. This allows a greater sense of freedom in explaining the in-betweens that are not touched upon in the text and creates a better sense of drama and suspense even for those familiar with the story.
There will certainly be people who call for the heads of everyone involved with the film, but it actually remains fairly accurate to what is in the text, only extrapolating things that are not found, save for the number of people on the ark.
Although marketed as a disaster film, it is the drama and internal conflict that Noah must deal with within himself and amongst his family that drives the film.
Noah (Russell Crowe) is not depicted as a perfect man, but one who wishes to follow the Creator’s instructions by any means necessary as he struggles with the guilt of being one of the few survivors in a massive tragedy.
He must overcome his own self-loathing and see that, although he is not sinless, there is more good than wickedness in him and his family.
Crowe has been hit-or-miss over the past few years, but he gives a fantastic performance, no doubt aided by a very strong supporting cast in Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson, Ray Winstone and Anthony Hopkins.
Although the effects were quite good and the performances mesmerizing, some people will simply not be able to get over the fact that this is a big-budget adaptation of a biblical text. Moreover, this is a big-budget adaptation of a biblical text that depicts evolution, giant rock people that fell from Heaven and a drunk, naked Noah.
It is actually quite astounding that the film was made, let alone that Paramount let Darren Aronofsky have his way with the final cut of the film.
It is not a perfect film by any means, sometimes delving a bit too deeply into the cliches of the disaster genre, but it is incredibly fascinating and worth viewing for the experience alone. Love it or hate it, “Noah” is memorable to say the least.
(04/04/14 8:08pm)
April Fools’ Day has now come and gone. If you missed your opportunity to pull a prank this year, here are a few ideas you can use on your unsuspecting friends next year.
Airhorn on the Door
This first prank is cheap and easy to pull off. All you have to do is get an airhorn and attach it to a doorknob so that when the door opens, the top of the horn hits the wall and goes off. When your roommate enters your dorm room and hears the noise, they will jump out of their shoes, or perhaps just assume it is another fire alarm if you live in Shorter Hall.
Hose Down
If you live in a residence with a kitchen sink and nozzle attachment, all you need for some April Fools’ hilarity is a rubber band. Wrap the band around the nozzle handle and face it about where your roommate would stand if he or she were to use the sink. When your roommate turns on the water, rather than coming from the faucet, it will spray them down when they least suspect it. Do not attempt this if your roommate is a Gremlin or the Wicked Witch of the West.
An Acquired Taste
Here is a prank that does not directly affect anyone, unless it makes them lose their lunch. Walk around campus eating or drinking some of your favorite snacks but out of odd containers. A few favorites include vanilla pudding in a mayonnaise jar or Powerade in a cleaning solution (like Windex) bottle. People will be grossed out or have a good laugh without being the butt of the joke.
Push or Pull?
This prank will take a few tools, patience and the willingness to take apart your refrigerator. Remove the hinges that open your refrigerator (or freezer) and move them to the other side. When your roommate attempts to open the door as normal, it will not budge. The effectiveness and difficulty of this prank depends on the unit you have, so scout it out before attempting this prank.
Save the Football!
This is another relatively harmless prank that will get more laughs than anything from the recipient. Dress up in a black suit with a white shirt and black tie. Put on some dark sunglasses and keep one hand close to your ear as if you have a wireless transmitter that you are listening to. Follow your friend around as if he or she is the President of the United States and whisper to your secret, non-existent wrist radio.
Who’s the Dummy?
This practical joke is most effective as a long term prank. Get a stuffed Halloween dummy and dress it up however you please. Then, leave the dummy in your friends cars, beds, desks or wherever they will find it and freak out. You can repeat this gag in multiple locations when the victim least expects it. It works even better if you leave the dummy in a dark room and the person turns on a light to reveal your stuffed friend. This prank is also especially effective on The Cluster entertainment editor Rachel Snapp.
(03/21/14 12:36am)
Everything is awesome as luck would have it. “The Lego Movie,” directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, is a mix of computer generation and stop motion animation that takes the creativity and fun of Legos and puts it into cinematic form.
“The Lego Movie” follows Emmett (Chris Pratt), an ordinary Lego minifigure who learns he is the “special,” a chosen one who will stop Lord Business (Will Ferrell) from destroying the entire universe. Emmett is joined by heroine Wyldstyle (Elizabeth Banks), sage Vitruvius (Morgan Freeman) and Batman (Will Arnett) of all people. Actors Liam Neeson, Nick Offerman, Cobie Smulders, Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill are just a few of the stars who round out this loaded cast.
The plot is extremely generic, resorting to every cliche found in the hero’s journey. However, like the generic plain Lego blocks that make up a playset, it is what Lord and Miller do with those elements that make the film exciting, hilarious and just plain fun. The movie makes fun of the cliched family film as much as it celebrates it.
It is hard to describe what makes “The Lego Movie” work as well as it does. When viewed among other toy based movies like “Battleship” and “Transformers,” the film should be dead on arrival. Instead, it overcomes the popular toy cash-in stigma and pokes fun at cliche while creating a unique and immersive world. Children will love the bright images, humor and memorable characters. Adults will also enjoy these things, including several more mature jokes that are sure to go over most kids’ heads, and a sentimental look at children’s playthings that never feels too overwrought.
Perhaps most impressive is the animation. While mostly computer generated, the film looks to have been animated in stop motion. Every single Lego piece used is a real piece that can be found in the various playsets, lending an air of authenticity that what you are watching could be played out on your living room floor. Even particle effects like fire and water are made of small lego pieces, further enriching the experience. Couple that with some impressive 3-D that makes the characters and settings come alive in a diorama-fashion, and you have a film that brings little plastic people to life in a way that has not been seen since “Toy Story 3.”
If you ever had a childhood or played with Legos, this film cannot be recommended enough. Most of the fun is seeing what Leog franchise character will show up next. What other movie has characters from “Harry Potter,” “The Simpsons” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” in it? In a sense, this almost becomes the “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” for the current college generation. Add a catchy theme song like “Everything is Awesome” (guaranteed to stay in your head as you leave the theater) and you have a bonafide experience on your hands. The only downside is that when the movie does end, you will realize that you are not 10 years old anymore. Then again, you are never too old to play with Legos, nor are you too old to enjoy what will go down as one of the best animated films in a very long time. They may not make animation like they used to, but if this is where we are heading that might not be a bad thing.
(02/21/14 1:47am)
As any college student will tell you, getting a higher education is expensive. Scholarships help, but sometimes they are not enough to fund your education. Never fear, because there are several alternative ways to pay for college.
Sell Your Roommate’s Stuff on eBay
Roommate has not used that stereo in a while? You can probably make a nice chunk of change on eBay. Okay, that is actually a terrible idea, but the same principle applies to your own stuff. Haven’t played that game recently? “Freshman Fifteen” make you not fit in those clothes anymore? There are plenty of online shoppers willing to pay for your gently used items especially if they are retro or hard to find at present.
The Reverse Vampire
Did you know that there is a market for your bodily fluids? There are places that will accept several types of fluid, but The Biomat Plasma Collection Center on First Street. will pay for you to donate plasma for those who need it most. While not a great option for the squeamish, if you want some extra dollars while helping someone out, this is one way to do so.
Create the Next Hot Selling App
The mobile game Flappy Bird made headlines recently for its simple gameplay and addictive nature. Before creator Dong Nguyen took the game down, it was estimated that the game was generating $50,000 in ad revenue per day. The game was offered for free, but Nguyen is making large profits thanks to advertising. If you have the ability to create the next game that goes viral and creates a new addiction, perhaps you too can pay for your tuition in a single day. Don’t have the computer skills to do so? Find a Computer Science student to help you make the game and split the profits. Now that Flappy Bird is off the market, there is always room for Flappy Bear.
Stripping
Anyone who has done this job can tell you that it is not easy. It takes a lot of effort to do it perfectly and efficiently. Stripping wires is hard work, but necessary if you work in such a field that requires it. Such a job, even if labor intensive, can help pay for college and some of the bills that come with the educational experience. If physical labor is not an option, there are office jobs that could be more suited for your needs. There are a plethora of on-campus jobs provided by Mercer in addition to those around Macon.
Work for the Cluster
Did you know that anyone with the desire to write or take photographs in a professional environment can work for The Cluster? Many students use the student paper to not only take part in student media and let their voices be heard, but to also earn some extra cash. That is right, The Cluster pays too! Meetings are every other Wednesday at 10 a.m iin The Cluster Office. For more information, you can contact any of The Cluster’s numerous editors and staff writers.
(02/09/14 9:26pm)
Valentine’s Day is either a day of whirlwind romance with your significant other or a day to binge on Netflix and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. For those lonely souls who will be finding solace in entertainment, there are some great character couples to be found in movies, books, television and video games. Regardless of what your relationship status may be, it is easy to appreciate these fictional couples.
Marshall & Lily (“How I Met Your Mother”)
There are sweet couples, and then there are couples who are so sickeningly sweet that they could make you sick to your stomach. Marshall Eriksen (Jason Segel) and Lily Aldrin (Alyson Hannigan) are the latter, perhaps to the furthest extreme. Despite this, they are so sincere in their affections that anyone who watches the ups and downs of their relationship feels a connection with them. Always precious and mindful of each other’s feelings, Marshall and Lily are a modern couple that does not fall into the sitcom couple cliches while remaining completely endearing.
Theodore & Samantha (“Her”)
A romance for the “Siri-generation,” “Her” is the story of Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix) and his budding relationship with his computer operating system Samantha (Scarlett Johansson), written and directed by Academy Award nominee Spike Jonze. A relationship between a human being and an inanimate object, no matter if it is powered by artificial intelligence, may seem like an odd choice as a great couple. However, the relationship between Twombly and Samantha, while perhaps out of desperation, is one that brings a genuine happiness and explores the complexities of relationships and what it means to be human. Any relationship that makes you think that much has to be one worth watching.
Princess Peach & Bowser (“Super Mario Bros. Series”)
That is right, Princess Peach and Mario do not make a great couple, but Peach and her supposed captor Bowser do. Does it not strike anyone as odd that Princess Peach seems to always be captured by the king of the Koopa? She has proven to be able to hold her own in titles such as “Super Mario Bros. 2,” yet she consistently is imprisoned by Bowser. The only possible explanations are either that she likes playing hard to get for Mario or that she and Bowser are secretly a couple. Relationships between princesses and dragon/turtle creatures are frowned upon in our society, and the same probably rings true in the Mushroom Kingdom. Even with the negative stigma, nothing can separate the two royals.
Sherlock Holmes & James Moriarty (“Sherlock”)
These two are a couple, right? There is plenty of fan fiction on the internet (and on the show for that matter) that makes them out to be one. Co-creator of the show Steven Moffat has not helped matters with season three, but perhaps he is trying to say something. Sure, the two sociopaths are constantly at odds with one another in an endless cat and mouse game of life and death, but that is what love is all about. As Pat Benatar sang, love is indeed a battlefield.
(02/06/14 9:40pm)
CBS broadcasted the 56th Annual Grammy Awards on Jan. 26 live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Daft Punk, a French electronic music featuring robotic personas created by Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter, won big, earning victories in the Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Dance/Electronica Album categories.
Pharrell Williams, featured on the Daft Punk record “Get Lucky”, also won four Grammys along with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. Jay-Z had received the most nominations with nine, but only won two for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and Best Music Video, both with Justin Timberlake.
Although Daft Punk performed earlier in the evening, some viewers questioned whether or not they were the ones to accept the awards. In the interest of privacy, the duo has sent hired individuals to don the robot costumes and stand in their place at past engagements. Daft Punk has neither confirmed nor denied if they were on stage to accept their Grammy Awards.
Even if one famous duo of musicians may not have taken the stage, there is no doubt that the duo of Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr of The Beatles reunited on stage to play “Queenie Eye” from McCartney’s newest album, “New.”
The 56th Grammy Awards also saw a popular band win its first Grammy when Led Zeppelin won Best Rock Album for “Celebration Day.” Although the band was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 and has had multiple songs and albums inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, Best Rock Album was their first traditional Grammy Award.
Perhaps the most notable occurrence at the award show was the performance by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Mary Lambert and Madonna that featured Queen Latifah marrying 33 couples of varying sexualities and ethnicities.
“They should be celebrating tonight,” said Latifah in an interview with The Los Angeles Times. “Looking into their eyes - this is a real moment for them - and I’m happy to be here.”
However, CBS did not show any of the same sex newlyweds kissing, instead choosing to cut away to the performers on stage.
The event saw more controversy during the “in memoriam” tribute portion of the show when “Glee” actor Cory Monteith’s name was misspelled and radio DJ Kidd Kraddick, Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr and Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman were left out altogether.
The end of the broadcast was also plagued with controversy when the finale performance by Nine Inch Nails and Queens of the Stone Age was cut short to roll the production credits for the event. Nine Inch Nails founding member Trent Reznor took to Twitter to vent his frustration, referring to the Grammy’s as “music’s biggest night… to be disrespected.” Grammy executive producer Ken Ehrlich later apologized to Reznor in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
(01/23/14 3:07am)
“Saving Mr. Banks” is the supposedly true story about Walt Disney bringing “Mary Poppins” to theaters and the tragic childhood of the book’s author P.L. Travers. In actuality, it is an overly saccharine revisionist tale by Disney that is precisely what Travers objected to. The film, like most by Disney, is all about that grumpy individual who learns about the magic around them and is happier for it. Unfortunately real life is not a fairy tale and this story does not have the happy ending that Disney tries to pass off.
That is not a knock against the entire Disney film library, nor against altering historical events for the sake of narrative. Disney has a long cinematic history of wonderfully enchanting films, and sometimes historical accuracy has to take a backseat to storytelling in order to make a great movie. And in the film’s defense it is accurate in many regards. However, when the largest inaccuracy in the film is almost a polar opposite to the truth, it cannot go ignored.
Regardless of whether the events are accurate or not, “Saving Mr. Banks” is a film with high potential, but an inability to meet it. The framing of the story, jumping between bringing “Mary Poppins” to cinemas and Travers’ childhood that inspired the story, simply does not work. Part of the problem is that Travers’ attitude in her adult life is not all that bizarre or even confusing, regardless of having an alcoholic father. It never seems like the childhood trauma meshes with the adult Travers and it distracts rather than entices. It also takes away from what most people want to see: Walt Disney.
It cannot be overstated how wonderful Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson are as Walt Disney and P.L. Travers respectively, no matter how misguided the latter’s characterization may be. The two have great chemistry and work well with one another. Thompson shows great emotional range as the writer who fears her creation will be destroyed by a real-life cartoon character. Hanks could have portrayed Walt as the same character that appeared on television, but he brings a human element that most of the general public never saw of the entertainment mogul. Walt can be fun loving, but also frustrated, heartbroken, tired and angry. Of course, this being a Disney production, we do not see any truly dark side of Walt Disney, but for a film that is supposed to be light hearted, it is a reasonable exclusion.
In short, “Saving Mr. Banks” is a frustrating film. The film looks and sounds beautiful with great performances from Hanks, Thompson and supporting cast members Colin Farrell and Paul Giamatti, but ultimately succumbs to a narrative that required serious reworking and an ending that did not represent what P.L. Travers fought against. If you are a hardcore Disney fanatic or want a light hearted film that requires little thought, then by all means see the film-- it makes for a perfect movie to take your grandmother to. However, for those who want a film with a little more bite and a better story, it is best to wait until the film is available for rental, if just for Hanks and Thompson.
(01/22/14 9:00pm)
By now you have probably completed more than your fair share of group projects and assignments. These projects can either be wonderful collaborations allowing each member of the group to gain new insights, or they can be harbingers of doom. In order to prepare you for such encounters, here is a brief survival guide to help identify the wild creatures you may encounter in your group project adventure.
The Lazy One (discipulus piger)
There are some students who are not lacking intelligence but demonstrate a severe lack of motivation. In the group project experience, this student tends to be present for every group meeting but acts as an observer rather than as an active participant. These group members are troubling because they do not put as much effort into the task at hand as their partners do. When dealing with these individuals, it is probably best to find what their personal interests are to connect them to the project. By relating something that does drive the student, you will find that he or she will be more apt to participate and put their knowledge to good use.
The Facebooker (discipulus distentus)
Much like the lazy student, this apathetic pupil will not be of much use to the group. However, these students most likely do not have the basic knowledge needed to assist the group, as they have been distracted by their phones or social media during class. If they are always busy surfing the web with the professor around, they will probably “double-task” even more in a group setting. These students are a little more difficult to work around if they are not knowledgeable on the course materials. Try instituting a “no electronic devices” policy to start with and require that everyone bring ideas to your group’s discussions. Also, make it clear that everyone, including “Facebooker,” has a grade at stake, and a failing project does no one any good.
The Overachiever (discipulus vafer)
This group member has the opposite problem of the previous two. This student typically has a firm grasp on the material and is an active participant. However, this student also wishes to control the group - doing the majority of the work and shutting others’ opinions out. This student means well and wants to achieve the best possible grade, but group assignments are meant to teach everyone in the group, which is impossible when one person takes on the whole project alone. It is best to assign tasks for each student as soon as possible so the “Overachiever” has a limit on what he or she can work on. The “Overachiever” can be identified by his or her suggestion of over the top ideas (like using Latin in a newspaper article).
The Fighter (discipulus discordans)
The “Fighter” is a difficult one to control because he or she can be unpredictable. This student does not want to be in a group and only has one goal: creating chaos. These rambunctious students will disagree with what everyone suggests just for the sake of disagreeing. They are not playing “devil’s advocate” as they may claim, but just want to be a nuisance. These types of students can cause great harm to groups. Whereas the “Lazy One” and “Facebooker” are apathetic and do nothing to help the group, they do not actively seek to harm the group either. It is best to ask anyone who appears to be contrarian to keep their negative thoughts to themselves unless it can better the group or the project. This will better allow you to know what their actual thoughts on the project are and incorporate them as need be.
If you have any luck, your group members will all be intelligent, reasonable, hardworking, understanding and, most importantly, sane. However, if you find yourself working in a group consisting of Lazy Ones, Facebookers, Overachievers or Fighters, hopefully you have found enough helpful tips in this guide to get you through the challenging experience.
(12/04/13 1:13am)
Although Marvel Studios has had much success with their multiple superhero franchises, some of the films have been better than others. “Thor” (2011) was an unoriginal and fairly uninteresting film covered with some decent special effects. “The Avengers” (2012), was a fine spectacle, but lacked any real character development or even plot. It was a fun movie to be sure, but hardly the greatest superhero film ever made, as some audiences made it out to be. It stands to reason that “Thor: The Dark World” would have similar issues to the previous films featuring Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston). This is not the case, however, as Marvel actually managed to create one of their better films.
The plot itself is as simple as possible. Bad guy Malekith (Christopher Eccleston) tries to gain possession of a powerful weapon, known as the Aether, in order to ensure the survival of his people and plunge the nine realms into darkness. Thor must team up with his brother Loki, who was last seen trying to take over Earth in “The Avengers,” to destroy the Aether before Malekith can use it for evil. The story becomes a classic revenge tale that is entertaining because of the strained relationship between Thor and Loki.
Much like “Thor,” the film is not very original, but unlike its predecessor, it keeps the tropes fresh, usually through humor. “Thor: The Dark World” is, if not the funniest film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, certainly near the top. While “Thor’s” humor fell flat due to its “fish out of water” jokes that seemed outdated even a few decades ago, the sequel finds its humor through the interactions and relationships between its characters. Darcy (Kat Dennings) is just as quirky as she was in the first film, now joined by intern Ian (Jonathan Howard) who acts as the straight man in this comedic duo. Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgård) returns, slightly insane after his brainwashing at the hands of Loki in “The Avengers.” Although Skarsgård had a few humorous moments in “Thor,” he becomes a scene-stealer in the sequel, responsible for some of the film’s funnier scenes.
Last, but certainly not least, there are Thor and Loki. For some unexplainable reason, Tom Hiddleston became extremely popular after “The Avengers” due to his role as Thor’s brother. It seemed odd that a character who, while charming but extremely uninteresting as a villain, would gain the popularity that he did. Marvel, not one to miss such an opportunity, shot a few more scenes with Loki to satisfy fan requests. These moments actually fit the film well and never felt like pandering for the audience. It must be said that one of these scenes is perhaps the greatest scene in all of the Marvel Cinematic Universe films and is worth the price of admission alone. Indeed, it is now easy to see why so many people are fans of Hiddleston. There may be a few skeptics, but Hiddleston proves his worth with a performance that is not only comedic, but very serious and sympathetic when needed and incredibly nuanced.
Although the film is not perfect, there are never any moments that stand out as bad. Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) never seems to rise above the “strong, independent female scientist” role and is just there to drive the story farther. The action, while fun, is slightly underwhelming by the end of the film’s final battle. Regardless, Marvel created a great action movie that will satisfy diehard fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and even those who were not fans of the first “Thor” film. The Marvel Cinematic Universe continues in April of 2014 with “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” starring Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson and Robert Redford.
(10/26/13 3:52am)
Students traveled to the original site of Mercer University in Penfield, Ga., during this year’s Pilgrimage to Penfield. The Student Government Association‘s Heritage Life Committee sponsored this event, which has been a tradition for Mercer students since the early 1900’s. Freshmen are encouraged to make the trip to Mercer’s original campus in order to learn more about their school’s heritage.
“I expected us to learn a lot of history and more reasons to come to Mercer,” said Branson Cosby, a freshman Biomedical Engineering major. “[My expectations] were definitely met.”
Although freshmen tend to be the target demographic for the event, more sophomores, juniors and seniors have started to come to the Pilgrimage than in previous years.
“A lot of people consider it a freshman experience, but it is really a Mercer experience,” said SGA vice president Melina Hettiaratchi. “A lot more upperclassmen came than have been before.”
In addition to students from the Macon campus, several students from the Atlanta campus as well as international students made the journey as well.
As part of Mercer’s look into the past, students had the opportunity to tour the cemetery where notable Mercer figures are buried, including founder Jesse Mercer and the first president, Billington Sanders.
“The foundation of your education started in Penfield,” said Hettiaratchi. “If this place did not exist, Mercer would not exist.”
Although the focus of Pilgrimage to Penfield is looking at Mercer University’s past, there is also emphasis on the future for Mercerians and making new friends, even if just on the bus ride to and from Penfield.
“You form friendships that will last,” said Hettiaratchi. “It is a really good bonding experience.”
This year’s guest speaker during the chapel service was Center for Collaborative Journalism professor and Mercer University alum Dr. Jay Black. He spoke not only of his college career, but his professional experiences as well, encouraging the students in attendance to take advantage of the opportunities Mercer University will provide them and so they can affect the greater community.
“My favorite part was listening to Dr. Black,” said Cosby. “The story he told about the kids and the tsunami touched me.”
In addition to the more informative portions of Pilgrimage to Penfield, there was a barbecue dinner, Mercer trivia and a spectacular fireworks display to cap the night off. Although those are popular events, the history, culture and community appeal most to those who make the journey. For students like Cosby, Penfield itself is an important location, regardless of any official gathering, and should be visited by those who missed Pilgrimage this year.
“They definitely missed out on an experience. If they have the opportunity to visit Penfield with Mercer or by themselves, they need to do so. It is an experience you need to take,” said Cosby.
Even those who have made the journey are encouraged to attend the Pilgrimage yearly. Cosby will have no qualms about making the trip next year.
“I will definitely come again,” said Cosby on the bus ride back to Macon.
(10/26/13 3:17am)
Last year, The Cluster published a list of essential horror films to watch during the Halloween season. The suggestions are back from the dead with a new list of films to check out this October!
Best Vampire Movie
There is no vampire better known than the original vampire himself, Dracula. It would be easy to say that Universal’s “Dracula” (1931) is the best of all vampire films, and for good reason. Tod Browning shot a beautiful film, despite being intoxicated most of the time. The film was composed of great performances by horror icons Dwight Frye as Renfield and Bela Lugosi as Dracula. Despite the commendable acting and infamous plot, there is a better film, ironically made in 1931 by Universal, as well.
While “Dracula” was being filmed, Universal was filming a Spanish version of the film, “Dracula (Spanish-Language Version)” (1931). This version used the same script and sets, but with an all-Spanish cast and crew. Believe it or not, this film actually features much better camera work and better performances from most of the supporting cast. Pablo Alvarez Rubio portrays Renfield in this film, somehow managing to perform at the same level as Frye. The only thing missing is the main attraction of Dracula. Carlos Villarias does a fantastic job as the famous Count, just missing the marked standard that Lugosi set.
While this film had been mostly forgotten, it is starting to get the recognition it deserves, even being featured with “Dracula” on the recent Universal Monsters Blu-ray collection. Is it a little hipster choosing a movie most do not know exists? Perhaps, but it is hard to ignore a truly great film such as this.
Best Frankenstein Movie
Everyone tends to believe that sequels are never as good as the original, save for a few exceptions. Most people list films like “The Godfather: Part 2” (1974) and “The Dark Knight” (2008) as sequels that improve upon their predecessors. For whatever reason, people ignore the original grand trilogy that was the Frankenstein series. Featuring Boris Karloff as the iconic monster, he became an overnight horror star, despite not even being credited in the opening of the original film.
Despite how high of a quality film “Frankenstein” (1931) was, it was bettered by its two sequels: “The Bride of Frankenstein” (1935) and “Son of Frankenstein” (1939). Deciding between the two films usually comes down to personal preference. “Son of Frankenstein” features great, bone chilling performances from not only Karloff as the Monster, but also Basil Rathbone as Wolf Frankenstein, Lionel Atwill as the Burgomaster and Bela Lugosi as Ygor. All of that being said, “The Bride of Frankenstein” is to be considered the superior film.
Once again, Karloff gives a great performance as the Monster, this time actually speaking. He does not say much, but what he does say is truly memorable. Throw in Colin Clive reprising his role as Dr. Frankenstein and you have a recipe for success. But what truly makes this film so memorable is its establishment of two truly great movie monsters: The Monster’s Bride and Dr. Pretorious. Ernest Thesiger gives the horror performance of a lifetime as the nefarious doctor. He is scary, chilling and sometimes humorous in a very dark way. Combining all these elements makes for a very convincing case to call this the best Frankenstein film of them all.
Best Slasher Movie
Slasher movies are typically regarded as the trashiest of horror movies, yet are also the most synonymous with the genre. Full of blood, gore and sex, it is easy to understand the genre’s reputation. Still, it is impossible to ignore how much creativity goes into these films, especially the early ones. In determining which is the best, however, the film should feature some type of serial killer, gore and sexual promiscuity amongst the characters killed off, so sorry “Jaws,” but you will have to sit this one out.
John Carpenter’s “Halloween” (1978) set the bar for all slasher films. Its influence on all later slashers is so great that it has to be considered the best of all the slashers. It started the rise of popularity for slasher films that resulted in several cash-in attempts, giving us even more great franchises like “A Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984) and “Friday the 13th” (1980). Carpenter does not rely on jump scares in order to terrorize the audience, but rather a general building of suspense. This is greatly aided by a haunting soundtrack composed by Carpenter himself.
While the film does suffer from some less than quality acting by the various teenagers, it is more than made up for by a career-defining performance from Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode and Donald Pleasance as Dr. Loomis. If you want a slasher film that is more than just blood, gore and sex and that will give you a good scare through tension alone, this is the way to go.
(10/13/13 11:30pm)
Many Mercer University students tend to stay within the “Mercer Bubble” as some students, professors and local residents call the school’s campus. These students are unaware of what the rest of Macon has to offer because of their refusal to venture too far away, except for perhaps trolley rides downtown. What they do not realize is that there are plenty of places to shop, dine and be entertained in North Macon.
Food:
Mandarin Chinese Restaurant – Located on Riverside Drive, Mandarin is one of the best places to get Chinese food in Macon in a formal dining setting. The prices are low enough for those on a budget to enjoy as a treat, but with lunch menu prices that should appeal to any college student. Add in some great chicken wings, steak, vegetables and rice, and you have a great place for anyone who loves Chinese cuisine.
Five Guys Burgers and Fries – Although part of a franchise, there is a reason why Five Guys Burgers and Fries is one of the fastest growing burger joints in America. The burgers are fresh and made-to-order with some of the best fries you will ever taste and perhaps more than you can handle by yourself. Five Guys is a great place to go with friends to share an order of fries and enjoy a few burgers. It is not too far from campus either, located just off of Riverside Drive. A word of warning to those with peanut allergies however, Five Guys uses peanut oil to cook their food and fills the restaurant with peanuts for customers to munch on while the food is being prepared.
Bonefish Grill – A much pricier option than those listed above, Bonefish Grill is still a great place for well cooked food in a lovely atmosphere. While they have great seafood options, they also have plenty of choices for those who prefer steak or are vegetarian. While not ideal as an everyday eatery, Bonefish Grill makes a great place to take someone for a special occasion. Bonefish Grill is located in Rivers Crossing which has quickly become a central location for shopping and dining.
Entertainment:
AmStar 16 – The closest mainstream movie theater in Macon, AmStar 16 features an IMAX cinema with 3-D capabilities and digital sound. It has become more expensive to go to the movies in recent years, so AmStar 16 offers free refills on large popcorns and sodas. AmStar 16 is also where Mercer hosts Midnight Movie. Free refills and a movie ticket for $2 during Midnight Movie is a deal that is very hard to beat.
Macon Little Theatre – Macon has a bustling theater community thanks to the Mercer University Players, Middle Georgia State College Theatre and Theatre Macon. North Macon also contributes to that community with the Macon Little Theatre. Originally founded in 1934, Macon Little Theatre has served the community as a local playhouse for almost 80 years. The current location on Forsyth road houses almost 400 seats. Their next show is “The Game’s Afoot”, a murder mystery directed by Weldon Ledbetter that opens Oct.11th.
Museum of Arts and Sciences – MAS is the largest art and science museum in the state of Georgia. Founded in 1956, the museum is visited by 70,000 people annually. The facility hosts changing exhibits, featuring a planetarium, live animal shows, classes and special events. Events starting in October include “Assemblages”, a found item art exhibit by Macon artist Timothy Hedden, a collection of animal related mixed media projects called “All Creatures Great and Small”, and the unveiling of MAS’s new telescope during “Sky Over Macon” on Oct. 11.
Shopping:
The Shoppes at River Crossing – North of Mercer on Riverside Drive is The Shoppes at River Crossing, a proverbial treasure trove of shopping options. If you want beauty supplies, clothing or accessories, stores like Ulta, Belk and DSW will have something for you. One can also find plenty of ways to be entertained, whether you want to find a new video game at GameStop or sit down with a book in the cafe at Barnes & Noble. If athletics is more your thing, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Foot Locker should be able to accommodate your needs. The Shoppes also holds special events, including a sidewalk chart art show currently going on to raise money for Jay’s Hope, a nonprofit organization that supports children with cancer and their families, and “The Pink Promise”, a fundraiser starting on Oct. 11 through Oct. 18 that will raise money in support of those with breast cancer.
(10/13/13 11:17pm)
If you have not caught up on “Breaking Bad,” take note that the following contains spoilers concerning the series finale of the show.
After five years and just as many seasons, Walter White is dead, bringing “Breaking Bad” to a close after the series finale, “Felina.” The title “Felina” serves as an anagram for “finale,” but also possibly the phrase “blood, meth and tears” if divided into scientific elements as many fans have speculated. The series came to a gripping conclusion as Walter found a way to give his family money, get revenge on the Schwartzes, save Jesse, and kill Jack and the rest of his brotherhood. Although the show has been notorious for its ambiguity, the ending was very definite.
Was this a satisfying conclusion, though? Some would argue that ambiguity would keep the fans talking, but from the very start everyone knew how the series would end, even if the specifics were a bit hazy. Walter White had to die. There is an adage that if you introduce a gun into a story, it has to be fired. Not only does that apply to the M60 that Walter White used to kill Jack and his crew, but it applies to Walter’s cancer and future. The very first time the audience is introduced to Walter, he is a dying man. The lung cancer he has developed, despite never smoking, will kill him in a year. Walter is able to overcome the cancer at first, but he becomes helpless when the cancer returns. If Walter didn’t die in the final confrontation that concluded the series, he would be dead from the cancer in a month.
That is part of what makes the finale of “Breaking Bad” so moving and poignant. There are very few loose ends left and nothing feels like it was thrown out there for the sake of publicity. Perhaps this means the episode was predictable in places, but it made for smart storytelling that never “jumped the shark,” so to speak. Despite the predictability, there were still some surprises. After the penultimate episode, “Granite State,” there was speculation that Walter would use the M20 to kill Gretchen and Elliot Schwartz. The beginning of the episode even implies Walter’s murderous intentions. Instead, in a twist that exposes more of the relationship between the former friends and allows Walter to give money to his family, he brings them $10 million with the instructions to give it to his son on his 18th birthday. It wouldn’t be “Breaking Bad” without a Heisenberg trick, this time in the form of Badger and Skinny Pete pretending to be the “best hit-men this side of the Mississippi” with just a few laser pointers.
The final moments were just as poignant as those leading up to it. Jesse is able to exact revenge on the man who murdered his girlfriend and an innocent young boy. However, when given the choice to kill Walter, Jesse walks away, proving himself to be redeemable. Walter is not so lucky, receiving a fatal gunshot wound that ends his life before it can be redeemed. Even if time was not on his side, it is doubtful he could ever redeem himself for the lies, murders and ruined lives caused by the teacher turned kingpin. Even if redemption is no longer an option, the series ends on a bittersweet high note. Walter finally admits that, while he was trying to get money for his family, he did everything for himself. With a hint of pride, he tells his wife that he was good at what he did. She may not have forgiven Walter, but there is a sense of appreciation that he finally was able to be honest.
As Walter makes one final lap around the lab he helped design, the look of pride comes across his face once more as “Baby Blue”, by Badfinger, begins to play. Walter collapses, dead on the floor as the police surround him. Walter White was a dead man from the beginning, but left a legacy that will be forgotten by no one, and that is exactly how he wanted it.
(10/13/13 11:10pm)
At the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards, Tony Hale upset favorites Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Ty Burrell of “Modern Family” to win the award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his portrayal of Gary Walsh on the HBO show “Veep.” Although he received critical reviews for his portrayal of the vice presidential aide, few expected him to walk away with the Emmy, including Hale himself.
“It’s so surreal,” said Hale during the post-win interviews. “I’m so thankful to be working, and to have this is completely mind-blowing.”
Perhaps equally surprised were residents of Macon when Hale gave a shoutout to his mother and father.
“I want to thank… my mom and my dad, Mike and Rita Hale in Macon, Ga.,” said Hale in his acceptance speech broadcast on CBS to almost 18 million viewers.
Although Hale never personally lived in Macon, his parents have lived in Macon for over a decade. Mike Hale retired as executive director of the Warner Robins Campus of Macon State College, now Middle Georgia State College. The Hales have remained in Macon after Mike Hale’s retirement.
“Macon, to me, is becoming more of a college town,” Mike Hale told WMAZ in an interview after his son’s Emmy win. “A university town is the hallmark of Macon, and I think that’s wonderful. Now we have a football team at Mercer. Things are just happening with that as the focus, and I think that’s a blessing for Macon,” he said.
Tony Hale would go on to make headlines for his antics during co-star Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s acceptance speech for her second straight Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Hale’s character plays the loyal personal aide to Louis-Dreyfus’s character, Vice President Selina Meyer. In the same way, Hale played an aide of sorts to Louis-Dreyfus during her acceptance speech, reminding her of everyone to thank. Such a character is not new for the Hale family, as Tony Hale’s mother was a legislative aid to Rep. Kathy Ashe from 1995 until 2002.
Tony Hale’s win and speech was not the only recognition Macon received during the 2013 Emmy Awards weekend. Carrie Preston won the 2013 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Elsbeth Tascioni on the CBS show “The Good Wife”. Preston, who in an interview with WMAZ remarked that she still considers herself a “Maconite,” was born and raised in Macon, performing at Theatre Macon and Macon Little Theatre. She even married actor Michael Emerson on stage at Theatre Macon in a ceremony officiated by Theatre Macon director, Jim Crisp.
Hale will return as Gary Walsh for a third season of “Veep,” which was renewed by HBO in May for a 2014 debut. Preston will reprise her role as Elsbeth Tascioni for a fifth season of “The Good Wife,” with a premiere date to be announced in the near future.
(10/01/13 8:15pm)
Aug. 22, 2013 is the day Batman died. At least that is what some people claimed after the announcement that Ben Affleck would be the actor to don the cowl for the currently untitled “Man of Steel 2.”
For those against Ben Affleck's casting, the reasons are very simple. He is a "pretty boy" actor. He was in “Daredevil.” Batman should be someone older. And did I mention he was in “Daredevil?”
Personally, I wish everyone would be quiet and give him a chance for a few reasons. First and foremost, let him actually play the role before judging him in it. When Michael Keaton was cast as Batman, fans were furious. After seeing him, that disdain quickly turned to joy as he is now considered by many to be the best Batman actor. More recently, Heath Ledger's casting as Joker came under fire because he did romantic comedies (much like Affleck did over a decade ago). Ledger became the quintessential Joker and won an Oscar. Besides, for all we know the film may never get made. Remember the Superman film starring Nicolas Cage and directed by Tim Burton? Just because a studio announces a film with actors and a script (something “Man of Steel 2” doesn't even have yet), that does not guarantee the film will be made.
Regardless of the "wait and see" approach, do over zealous fans have a point that Affleck is a poor choice? Comic legend Stan Lee and geek culture king Kevin Smith don't seem to think so. Yes, Affleck made a lot of bad romantic comedies, but that was a decade ago. He has truly grown as an actor and filmmaker, giving great performances in “The Town” and “Argo,” the latter of which won him an Oscar for Best Picture. “Daredevil” will always be a blemish on his filmography, but that movie was doomed from the start. Ben Affleck was not even the original star, replacing his friend Matt Damon before production began. Even then, Affleck is not the same actor he was ten years ago when that was made. Besides, most people complaining wanted Josh Brolin to play Batman and he was in “Jonah Hex,” which was only three years ago and far worse than “Daredevil” in my opinion.
Does all of that mean Ben Affleck will make a great Batman and Man of Steel 2/Batman vs. Superman/Superman vs. Batman will be the best movie ever? Of course not, there are tons of things that could go wrong and make the movie terrible, including Ben Affleck. Even if the film is terrible, Affleck has proven to be a great director and if rumors are true that he might direct the eventual Justice League movie Warner Brothers has been trying to get off the ground, it could actually give “The Avengers” and Marvel a run for their money. But can we please not act like he will ruin Batman and actually see how he does before we judge him? If George Clooney couldn't kill the Caped Crusader, I don't see how Affleck can.
(09/14/13 2:33am)
As the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences approaches the 65th broadcast of the “Primetime Emmy Awards,” there is much speculation as to which programs, actors and actresses will receive awards by the end of the program. There are no clear winners this year, but we do have a few predictions.
Best Drama Series:
There is plenty of competition among the nominees such as PBS’s “Downton Abbey”, HBO’s “Game of Thrones”, Showtime’s “Homeland” and AMC’s “Mad Men.” Even Netflix is joining the fray with “House of Cards.” However, the favorite has to be “Breaking Bad.” Academy voting tends to look at which show is popular and what has not won in the past. There is little doubt, as the show airs its final episodes, that “Breaking Bad” has reached peak popularity. Despite its rave reviews and Emmy wins in other categories, it has yet to win the award for Best Drama Series. Although the show will be eligible for nomination for the 2014 broadcast, it seems unlikely the Academy will wait so long. Not to mention, “Breaking Bad” is a fantastic show.
Best Lead Actor In a Drama Series:
If “Breaking Bad” is the hottest show on television today, Bryan Cranston must be the hottest actor. Cranston, the previous winner of three consecutive Emmy Awards for his portrayal of high school chemistry teacher turned meth dealer, Walter White, on the show, could be considered the favorite. As much as those Emmy Awards have helped his career, they may keep him from winning for the first time since the 2010 broadcast. The Academy likes to award new-comers; Kevin Spacey ("House of Cards") could prove to be a popular choice. Jon Hamm (“Mad Men”) and Jeff Daniels (“The Newsroom”) cannot be counted out, but look for Cranston or Spacey to leave the Nokia Theater L.A. with the trophy.
Best Supporting Actor In a Drama Series:
“The Emmys” may need to be renamed “The Breaking Bad Show:” Aaron Paul has been nominated again for his role as Jesse Pinkman in “Breaking Bad,” which won him the same award last year. Much like the 2012 Emmy Awards, when he was up against Giancarlo Esposito as Gustavo Fring, Paul will have to contend with co-star Jonathan Banks. Banks proved to be a show-stealer as Gustavo’s former right-hand man and Jesse’s mentor, Mike Ehrmantraut. Paul will more than likely walk away with his second consecutive Emmy win, but if Banks wins, it would not be an upset in the least. That being said, Mandy Patinkin (“Homeland”), a favorite last year, did not receive the award. Perhaps 2013 will see a similar event, but with Patinkin on the better side of fate.
Best Supporting Actress In a Drama Series:
Although this category is stacked with talent, the running comes down to Anna Gunn (“Breaking Bad”), Maggie Smith (“Downton Abbey”) and Emilia Clarke (“Game of Thrones”). All three have given plenty of commendable performances to earn the Academy’s vote. Much like Bryan Cranston’s three consecutive victories in the Drama Lead Actor category, Smith could lose out due to her two straight Emmy wins, including one last year over Anna Gunn.
Best Comedy Series:
ABC’s “Modern Family” has won the award the past three years and it is extremely likely to win a fourth. While shows like FX’s “Louie” are hilariously offbeat, that quality may not help win more votes than a show with a broader audience like “Modern Family.” NBC’s “30 Rock” does have a chance at breaking the streak due to the show’s impending conclusion, as does the ever popular "The Big Bang Theory" from CBS, but odds are that "Modern Family" will continue its winning tradition.
The sixty-fifth annual Emmy Awards will broadcast Sunday, Sept 22nd at 8 p.m. on CBS.
ClusterPicks
Lead Actress In a Drama Series:
Claire Danes, “Homeland”
Lead Actress In a Comedy Series:
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “Veep”
Lead Actor In a Comedy Series:
Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock”
Supporting Actress In a Comedy Series:
Jane Krakowski, “30 Rock”
Supporting Actor In a Comedy Series:
Ty Burrell, “Modern Family”
Lead Actress In a Miniseries or a Movie:
Elizabeth Moss, “Top of the Lake”
Lead Actor In a Miniseries or a Movie:
Michael Douglas, “Behind the Candelabra”
Miniseries or Movie:
“Behind the Candelabra”
Reality – Competition Program:
“The Amazing Race”
(09/13/13 6:18pm)
Academy Award winner Peter Capaldi, will portray the 12th incarnation of the famed Doctor when Matt Smith concludes his run of the show “Doctor Who” this Christmas. Capaldi is best known for his Malcolm Tucker character on the hit British television show “In the Thick of It” and its film spinoff, “In the Loop.” BBC announced the news during a special live event in August after much speculation as to who would play the part.
Although fans have expressed mixed opinions online concerning Capaldi playing the titular hero, Capaldi appears to have a lot of support in his new role from Mercer University students.
“I feel like it is the same situation as when Michael Keaton was cast as Batman,” said sophomore Robert Fussel, referring to the controversy surrounding Keaton’s casting as the Dark Knight in Tim Burton’s “Batman.” “I think the people writing and directing have a better idea of what is going on than [fans],” said Hanin Menchew, a sophomore. “I’ve seen a lot of negativity because he is older and was already on the show.” At 55, Peter Capaldi will be one of the oldest actors to portray the Doctor, tied with the first Doctor, William Hartnell. Previous Doctor Matt Smith was the youngest, taking the role when he was 26. As for the complaints that Peter Capaldi cannot be the Doctor due to prior roles in “The Fires of Pompeii” and the “Doctor Who” spinoff, “Torchwood”, sophomore Carson Moore does not believe it will be a problem.
“Amy Pond was in that episode too,” said Moore, referring to former “Doctor Who” cast member Karen Gillan who was in the same episode as Peter Capaldi.
Moore is not concerned with Capaldi being older than the prior Doctors. “I’m excited”, said Moore. “I love his face. He looks almost sinister.” Some fans complain the Doctor has been a straight, white male for the past fifty years. They argue that the Doctor should change in some way with the next iteration. Famed writer and “Doctor Who” scribe Neil Gaiman revealed on his blog that BBC did consider going in a different direction. “I know one black actor who was already offered the part of the Doctor and who turned it down,” said Gaiman. Although he did not say who the actor was, Gaiman did indicate that Paterson Joseph was considered for the role of the Doctor before Matt Smith signed on.
Regardless of actors who were passed over for the role, Mercer’s “Whovians,” (the self-imposed title of Doctor Who fans) are generally excited for the next Doctor, even if it means saying goodbye to the previous one.
“I think they could go in many interesting directions,” said Moore. “I’m going to cry when Matt Smith leaves, though.”
Show runner Steven Moffat has indicated that Peter Capaldi will make his first appearance at the end of this year’s Christmas Special and his first episode will debut next Fall.
(09/13/13 3:59am)
College is a time of growth and learning for eager students, making a college campus the perfect setting for many films. Just as young people develop socially and intellectually in college, so too do the characters in films. Faced with conflicts between peers and professors, universities have served as a well of material for screenwriters since the early days of cinema. There is a nearly limitless supply of films concerning life on campus, but here are a few that are required viewing for anyone currently in college. This list is not a top list and by no means definitive but should serve to entertain Mercer students through a now-familiar setting.
National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978)
Although this is not a “top” list, if it was, National Lampoon’s Animal House would be number one. John Landis’s (Blues Brothers, An American Werewolf in London) quintessential college comedy follows the Delta Tau Chi fraternity at Faber College, as freshmen Lawrence “Larry” Kroger (Tom Hulce) and Kent Dorfman (Ste- phen Furst) attempt to join. The movie served as a starting point for several future major Hollywood players, including Karen Allen and Kevin Bacon. With hilarious, laugh out loud antics, memorable one liners and fantastic performances from actors like John Belushi as John “Bluto” Blutarsky and John Vernon as Dean Wormer, Animal House has gone down in history as perhaps the most famous college comedy of all time. Not only was the film selected for preservation by the United States Library of Congress in 2001, but it also topped Bravo’s “100 Funniest Movies” list and was recognized by the American Film Institute as the 36th funniest film of all time.
Memorable Quote -
Bluto: “What? Over? Did you say ‘over’? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!”
The Social Network (2010)
Before “The Social Network”, David Fincher (“Fight Club”, “Se7en”) was best known for films that featured more violence and psychological thrills and terrors. “The Social Network” is based on the real life events surrounding the creation of Facebook and the subsequent lawsuits. Jesse Eisenberg plays Mark Zuckerberg, the young Harvard student who created the social networking site that would take over the world, so to speak. The film is not interested in college life directly, rather focusing on the relationships between former best friends and business partners Zuckerberg and Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield) and their rivals, the Winklevoss twins (Armie Hammer). This focus allows the audience to develop a connection with the characters and how their relationships evolve and diminish, just like the relationships most college students have experienced at some point.
Memorable Quote -
Tyler Winkelvoss: “We can do that ourselves. I’m 6’5”, 220, and there’s two of me.”
Horse Feathers (1932)
There are few comedy acts that surpass the hilarity of the Marx Brothers, Groucho, Chico, Harpo and Zeppo. “Duck Soup” may be Universal Pictures their perennial classic, but “Horse Feathers” is another great film by the Four Marx Brothers, putting their trademark stamp on the college setting. The film is about a prestigious college that starts a new football program, hoping to win the opening game. For Mercer University students, the plot should sound rather familiar this year. The Marx Brothers are on top of their game in “Horse Feathers”, and with its timely plot, it is a must watch for Mercer students - even if the Bears’ football games do not involve chariots, as they do in this movie.
Memorable Quote -
Professor Wagstaff: “Tomorrow we start tearing down the col- lege.”
The Professors: “But, Professor, where will the students sleep?”
Professor Wagstaff: “Where they always sleep: in the classroom.”
(02/06/13 7:26pm)
Jonathan Coulton has become well known over the past several years within the “geek” and “nerd” communities.
Known for viral hits like “RE: Your Brains,” a song about an e-mail from a zombified employee to his co-worker, and “Still Alive” and “Want You Gone,” the two end themes to the Portal games, Coulton has established himself as a fun musician and songwriter.
He has also crafted a few genre twisting covers, including one for the popular rap song “Baby Got Back”. That is where FOX and Glee come in.
Glee has become popular through its own use of cover songs, creating a worldwide phenomenon.
Whether you like the show or not, there is no doubt that it is extremely popular.
With a new season starting soon, FOX has begun promoting the upcoming episodes by releasing the season’s songs online.
One song is a cover of Sir Mixalot’s “Baby Got Back.” Fans of Jonathan Coulton immediately noticed similarities.
When Coulton covered the song, he did not just sing it himself, but instead made it sound more like a love ballad.
The subject matter and style of music clash hilariously, making it an enjoyable piece.
The version peddled by Glee is not only the same style, but features the same instrumentation, vocals, etc.
Worst of all, Coulton actually altered part of the lyrics to mention himself (as “Johnny C”) and the Glee version keeps the same altered lyrics.
Coulton has publicly said that he feels slighted, not monetarily, but that FOX never contacted him about using the material that he created.
Coulton has retaliated, not legally, but by releasing a “cover” of Glee’s cover, which is just his original cover, but all of the proceeds go to charity.
If you have ever uploaded a video containing some sort of copyrighted content to YouTube, you are probably familiar with how major media corporations feel about such works.
Despite being protected under Fair Use (provided it is used for parody or educational purposes), most large corporations see it as infringing on their rights to make a profit, as ludicrous as it may seem.
But if FOX feels that it can step on the rights of artists in the same way they claim other people step on theirs, it can only be described as hypocritical.
FOX seems to know they are in the wrong, taking the song off of most iTunes stores, but they have yet to make any type of official statement.
This may not seem like a huge deal, but for the students of Mercer, it should be.
Jonathan Coulton has a large following which is why this became a big deal online.
If a large corporation like FOX has no issue essentially stealing the work of an independent artist with such a following, what is to stop them from ripping off a song, story, or other work from a student and making a profit that they will never see?
Mercer is full of creative students who are passionate about their work.
We just need to be sure that we are willing to fight tooth and nail for our work.
(01/23/13 4:21pm)
January: the ideal time of year for anyone who owns a gym. Indeed, as the new year begins, people make all sorts of resolutions to better themselves in some way. In the end, most people end up forgetting all about their promise and vow to try again the next year. Better yet, why not intentionally break your resolution and watch it burn in a blaze of glory? Here are a few tips to get the most out of your New Year’s Resolution rebellion!
1. Tell Everyone About Your Resolution
The first thing you can do to break your resolution is blab about it to everyone. Facebook your weight loss goal! Tweet your promise to keep your dorm clean! If anyone still uses MySpace, tell Tom how you plan to be kinder to people! If you tell everyone your resolution, odds are they will congratulate you and wish you good luck on your journey. The satisfaction of their approval will be more than enough to convince you not to actually go through with your resolution. Who needs a New Year’s Resolution anyway when you have loads of people on social media outlets complimenting you? If you keep it to yourself, you will actually have to go through with your resolution to get any sort of enjoyment or purpose out of life, and who would want to do that?
2. Constantly Surround Yourself With Resolution Reminders
Are you resolving, like many people in 2013, to lose weight? A good way to make sure that does not happen is to always have your favorite snack nearby. At the slightest inclination of hunger you will immediately reach for that candy bar. Living a long, healthy life is for old people.
Is your resolution to be more organized? Throw homework, projects and other papers all over your room. There is no greater reminder to stay clean than a pile of organic chemistry homework all over the floor.
3. Do Your Resolution By Yourself
Who needs friends? You are a strong individual who needs no one! Trying to keep a resolution with other people will only make you actually commit to it, thanks to their push. They do not even have to be trying to keep the same resolution, but as long as you and your friends are checking in on one another results will come. Instead, try doing everything on your own! Extra motivation is for quitters!
You can try to keep a New Years resolution like everyone else or you can join me in resolving not to have one at all. Which means we would have a resolution...
On second thought, maybe trying to stick to a New Years resolution is not such a bad idea. I can save money on stretchy pants.