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(03/31/16 2:19am)
Disney’s “Zootopia” beat out box-office hit “Frozen” with a $73.7 million in their U.S. opening weekend. The evil has been defeated. Maybe now, people will finally let it go.
But if you need more than just a couple million dollars to convince you that you’re not going to see just another talking animal movie, let’s begin! “Zootopia” takes place in a world where animals have evolved to live much like humans do now. They’re civilized, and predator and prey live in harmony.
The movie centers around a rabbit named Judy Hopps who, despite growing up in the little town of Bunnyburrow with 275 brothers and sisters, decides she wants to move to the big city. “Zootopia – where anyone can be anything!” — and Judy wants to be a cop.
Judy graduates top of her class at the academy and starts her dream job as a cop in District 1 of Zootopia. However, when she gets there, she realizes that it might not be as easy as she thought. All the other cops are larger animals, and she’s stuck on parking duty.
Through her initial assignment, she meets Nick Wilde, a fox. This is where the adventure really begins, and some of the movie’s central themes come to life. Through the investigation into missing mammals throughout Zootopia, the movie begins to touch on sexism, racism and stereotypes. However, unlike some movies that, in their attempts to focus on such hard issues, end up jamming them down your throat, “Zootopia” handles them in more tasteful, entertaining and intelligent ways.
Though some will undoubtedly have a hard time watching the movie without considering its “political agenda,” Zootopia is an entertaining and fun movie overall — even if you don’t leave the theater suddenly inspired to talk about any of the issues presented. The characters will pull at your heartstrings. There are twists and turns in the plot, and the cast of voice actors is spot-on for their animal counterparts.
I’ve seen the movie twice already and could go on for awhile trying to find ways not to spoil things and rave about it. I really feel that “Zootopia” is something special — I can’t elaborate on that too much without spoilers, so I suggest that you go check it out for yourself.
(02/25/16 3:23am)
Here we go again — another superhero movie. We are overrun with superhero movies right now. Some are great, wonderfully written pieces . . . and some are not so much.
Deadpool — the merc with the mouth — is not your typical superhero. Honestly, he’s not really a superhero at all. Therefore, his movie was not a typical “superhero movie.”
Some people had heard of Deadpool vaguely, whether from seeing a million people cosplay him at comic conventions or just simply from hear-say.
So let’s get something clear: Deadpool is a crude, foul-mouthed, fourth wall-breaking, R-rated character. He is NOT your typical superhero.
I wasn’t exactly sure how this was going to go over in a movie. Before its release, there were already parents who most likely didn’t know a thing about the character as they were pitching fits that there shouldn’t be an R-rated superhero movie.
This movie also had the potential to go horribly wrong. I’m a huge X-Men fan, but Ryan Reynolds’ appearance as Deadpool in “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” is most likely one of the reasons we never saw another “X-Men Origins” movie: the “Merc with the Mouth” had his mouth sewn shut.
Ryan Reynolds, however, was amazing as Wade Wilson, or Deadpool. And this movie kept the integrity of the original character flawlessly. The film pulled no punches in its crude, inappropriate humor, all while creating a very well-rounded story.
I cared about the characters while watching this movie. The love story aspect wasn’t just a marketing ploy. It was just as crude and fitting to Deadpool as the rest of the movie.
I won’t be going into the plot too much here, but you should expect quite a few inappropriate jokes, fourth wall breaks and gory action scenes with refreshingly few uses of CGI.
In my opinion, this is one of the best superhero movies that’s come out in a long time. It’s broken the repetition of save the world/get the girl movies. But you don’t have to take my word for it. “Deadpool” broke records with $132.4 million earnings in its opening weekend.
(02/20/16 5:50am)
Middle Georgia Comic Con will return to the Macon Centreplex this weekend for its 3rd consecutive year. This family-friendly, fan-run convention focuses on bringing the convention experience one might find in a larger city to Middle Georgia.
MGA Con has continued to grow since its inception and MGA Con Vice President Kyle Yentzer assures guests that this year is no exception. The convention has put added emphasis on expanding its gaming portion, both in video gaming and tabletop gaming sections. Visitors can look forward to playing in Middle Georgia’s largest SMASH tournament.
Yentzer also promises some amazing guests: “For 2016 we've added some Star Wars related guests for all the fans still clamoring over The Force Awakens. We've brought on Disney, Star Wars and Lucas Films renowned photographer Stephen Hayford, who has some unique insight into working with the film giants.”
The convention is a multi-fandom platform, meaning guests can expect to see more than just comic books and action figures. There will be a variety of guests, artists, cosplayers and gamers in attendance.
For those who enjoy the art and activities based around cosplay, the costume contest has expanded since last year’s convention with more age group classifications and an earlier time. Registration for the costume contest is $10.
Two new events to look forward to are the Super Hero Swap Meet on Friday night during early registration and the ongoing charity art auction to take place during the convention.
In regards to the Super Hero Swap Meet, Yentzer said, “It's free to participate and essentially (is) a flea market for fans to sell, barter or trade their fandom related goods.”
The charity art auction will feature all original art pieces to be auctioned off to benefit the Hepzibah Children's Home right here in Macon.
The convention will cover Friday night through Sunday.
More information, including early registration for tickets, can be found at www.mgacon.com.
Pre-Registration 2-Day passes are $20 and available online until Thursday the 18th and on-site at the convention center from 6:00-10:00 p.m. Friday
On-Site prices are $35 for a 2-Day Pass, $25 for Saturday and $20 for Sunday. Children 10 and Under and Disabled Military Veterans are Free. Active duty and retired military members receive $5 off their admission fee.
(01/28/16 3:27am)
January 1, 2016 — the first day of a brand new year, and for many, the chance to set goals for a “brand new you.” The tradition of choosing a New Year’s resolution is incredibly popular, especially for the first couple weeks of the New Year.
Here’s a list of popular resolutions that are possible to keep and to add to your everyday life in the New Year:
Eat Healthier
This is arguably the most popular New Year’s resolution. Whether you’re eating healthier to lose weight or just to make a lifestyle change, it’s an incredibly positive resolution. But why is it so hard to keep?
As college students, the problem usually comes in the form of temptation and/or lack of funds. Two words . . . Taco Bell. Fast-food restaurants are easy, affordable and, if you’re not careful, incredibly fattening.
Healthy foods can be expensive and hard to find. However, we live in the day of the World Wide Web, and “there’s an app for that.” Check your smart phone for apps like LoseIt and MyFitnessPal. Search for “healthy options in fast food,” and you’ll probably find something tasty AND healthy before it’s your turn to order.
Travel to New Places
Make yourself a promise to explore, go on an adventure and travel to new places “You’re off to great places” — that’s what they tell us when we graduate high school. Here’s your motivation and a New Year’s resolution to hold you to it.
Plan a trip for spring break, start saving up now, and go somewhere! Set your goals early and make them reasonable. Take your friends and make it a road trip! School can be stressful, so take the time to escape, whether it’s a cross-country road trip or a simple drive down I-16 to Savannah.
Be Less Stressed
This one’s a tall order for a college student. We’re bombarded with stress from every direction: grades, tests, work, friends, finances and much more. However, less stress means better health, so it’s essential to keep your stress in check.
It seems obvious, but making sure to get enough sleep will lessen your stress. Learn your limits. Get enough sleep. If you can, take a nap. Your work will be there when you wake up, and you’ll be better for it.
Next, work to organize your life. Make a list of priorities. Rate everything you have to do by importance and deadline. Coming up with a plan and following it will help to make sure to use time efficiently. Plus, if you utilize your time, it means that you can afford to take that study break and go out with friends.
Those are just a few ideas to start to lessen your stress levels in the New Year. If you’re experiencing headaches where the tension comes from the back of your neck, you’re suffering from “stress headaches” and it might be a good time to reevaluate how college life is taking its toll on you.
Whatever your New Year’s resolution is, try your best to stick to it! A brand new year is a great opportunity to change; you just have to be motivated.
(10/29/15 3:23am)
On the eve of Halloween, the Hay House will open its doors for its annual Harvest Faire.
Sponsored by the Knight Foundation—a non-profit dedicated to supporting community engagement—the event will take place between 4:00-7:00 p.m.
The Harvest Faire is a recreation of a faire in the 1800s, emulating the time period in which the building was first used. Guests are invited to enjoy guided tours of the Hay House led by actors in accurate period garb. The event will also offer forms of entertainment that were popular at 19th century faires. This year’s Harvest Faire will feature a juggler, a stilt walker, a magician and a fortune teller. Kids are invited to join in on the fun by getting their face painted and taking part in craft activities.
One of most historic and distinguished structures in Macon, the Hay House was built from 1855 to 1859. The building was designed in the Italian Renaissance style and had many envied amenities, including hot and cold running water and an in-house kitchen. Now available for guided daily tours, the house serves as a museum of its own history.
All parts of Harvest Faire are free to the public, from the entertainment to the crafts to a free popcorn snack.
For more information, check out the Hay House’s website at hayhousemacon.org.
(10/29/15 2:51am)
Halloween is just around the corner, and with it comes many tricks and treats specific to the holiday season. Focus on the “treats” part of Halloween with these easy-to-make Halloween-inspired sweets, whether you live somewhere with a kitchen or maybe just a microwave.
The first treat is a fall-inspired version of the ever-popular microwave mug cake: Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake. If you haven’t gotten your fill of pumpkin spice already by drinking too many PSLs (Pumpkin Spice Lattes), check out this easy recipe that takes only a minute to make!
Ingredients
Cooking spray
1 Egg, beaten
1 tbsp brown sugar (packed)
½ tsp of baking powder
1 tbsp flour
2 tbsp pumpkin puree
½ tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice
Maple syrup (for drizzling on top, optional)
Instructions
Spray mug (extra points if it’s a Mercer Mug) with cooking spray. Set aside for now.
Whisk together egg, sugar, baking powder, flour, pumpkin, vanilla and spices. If you don’t have an actual whisk, you can always use a fork.
Pour mix into sprayed mug. Microwave for 50 seconds or until cake is baked through.
Optional: drizzle with maple syrup.
Recipe by Cassie Johnston (backtoherroots.com)
Here’s another pumpkin spice treat you might not think to make in a microwave: Pumpkin Spice Fudge! A treat for the more ambitious baker, this sweet confection is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Sweetened condensed milk, 1 can
White chocolate chips, ½ bags
2 tbsps butter
1 ½ tsp pumpkin extract
1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
Orange food coloring (Mix a little yellow and red until you get your favorite shade)
Instructions
Microwave butter until soft, not necessarily melted, in a large bowl.
Add condensed milk and white chocolate chips to bowl and microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between. Repeat until chips are melted.
Add pumpkin extract to bowl and stir.
Add pumpkin pie spice to bowl and stir.
Pour in food coloring until you achieve the desired shade of orange.
Pour into foil lined 8x8 dish. (You can find these at any grocery store in the baking aisle, and disposable ones are relatively inexpensive.)
Refrigerate mix until firm.
Cut, serve and enjoy!
Recipe by Diana (dianarambles.com)
Our final treat is a fall favorite and something for those who are “pumpkin-spiced” out. This twist on a classic favorite calls to mind a famous Disney villain: Black Caramel Apples.
Ingredients
2 tbsp corn syrup
2 tbsp water
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup heavy cream
Pinch of salt
½ tsp vanilla extract
2 - 3 tsp black food coloring
2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is incredibly important, so the apples won’t stick.
Wash, dry and de-stem your apples. Insert sticks. Craft or popsicle sticks will work.
In a microwave safe bowl, combine water, sugar and corn syrup.
Microwave mix for five to seven minutes until mixture boils and turns a light amber color. Make sure to watch closely and remove when it reaches the boiling point.
Stir in heavy cream. Then stir in salt, vanilla and food coloring. Finally, stir in butter until mixture is smooth.
Immediately dip each apple, one at a time. Making sure to tilt and rotate until completely covered. Hold it over bowl, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl.
Flip apple stick down, letting the caramel set for 15 to 20 seconds.
Set apple on prepared baking sheet and repeat process with each apple.
Chill apples for at least 30 to 60 minutes to fully allow caramel to set.
Recipe by Rachel (bakedbyrachel.com)
All of these festive treats can be made with nothing more than a microwave and a quick trip to the baking aisle of your favorite grocery store, but don’t feel like you have to stop here—get creative in the kitchen! What are you excited to make this year for Halloween?
(10/15/15 12:59am)
“The Name of the Wind,” an epic dark fantasy novel by author Patrick Rothfuss, is one of the greatest fantasy novels I have read to date. As the first of the trilogy “The Kingkiller Chronicle,” the novel’s plot is a retelling of a hero’s life from his own perspective — in essence, a story within a story.
Our hero, Kvothe, leads a peculiar childhood and begins his life of adventure and mystery from humble origins. In the first novel, we witness his rise from a rather ordinary child, full of curiosity with a sharp memory, to his first heroic act, which sets the stage for the remaining two novels.
I found the book’s imaginary world to be the most interesting, as its system of magic is unlike any fantasy I have ever come across. Inspired by the theories of quantum physics, the magic of “The Name of the Wind” is logical and follows interesting and complex rules. This magic, which is called sympathy, will keep readers in constant thought and anticipation of what is possible.
Early on in the story, Rothfuss leaves us with questions that prevented me from setting the book down. Readers are shown what Kvothe has become from the very beginning, a mere shadow of the hero the story tells us he will be. He is filled with regret and guilt and the burning desire to know what happened to him will keep you turning pages.
One of the greatest things about this story is that Kvothe tells his story from his childhood onward, and readers get to learn about the novel’s world with the character. So we are taught the inner workings of the world and the secrets of its magic through the eyes of a child.
The fantasy is far from typical. Don’t let this talk of magic leave you with the wrong impression. Rothfuss has not only created a dark fantasy but a trope-destroying masterpiece full of mystery, danger, adventure, and heartbreak that will leave you wanting more.
I hope you enjoy this wonderful novel as much as I did - happy reading!
(02/28/15 5:10am)
Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Macon sits one of its hidden gems, Tokyo Alley. Sitting in “The Alley,” otherwise known as Mulberry Street Lane, is a restaurant that features Japanese and Thai Cuisine. Established in 1992, it won the Foodie Award for “Best Asian” in 2008 and 2009.
The restaurant itself is located in a beautiful old building next door to The Downtown Grill. The atmosphere is intimate in the dinner setting, with a medium-sized dimly lit main room. However, the condensed main room makes for quick and personal service.
Tony and I were seated within a minute of arriving and drink orders were taken less than minute after being seated. The staff covered the room as a whole, with no one server taking one specific table, and we were checked on regularly.
An interesting aspect of Tokyo Alley is their choice of drinks. While it does have the common options, such as water or soda, as well as Jasmine and Green tea, the unique aspect is what they don’t serve. Tokyo Alley does not have any alcohol options on the menu. But they don’t believe that should stop you from bringing it into their restaurant and enjoying it with their dinner. It’s a BYOB situation, quite literally. While some patrons brought wine and were offered glasses as well as a bottle opener, others brought in six-packs of various beers.
The food itself, a mix of Japanese and Thai, lends itself to a menu that encompasses both of these unique cuisines. The meal began with a complimentary cup of soup, broth-based and similar to egg drop soup. The difference between the two was that their broth-based soup was made using beef broth, while the tradition egg drop soup has a base of chicken broth. I decided to order one of the starters recommended by others on their Facebook page, the Cheese Roll.
This roll is filled with “cream cheese and crabmeat and served with a sweet chili dipping sauce,” according to the menu. The roll itself was flaky and easy to eat, and the center was very sweet with the cream cheese coming across more prominent than the crabmeat. It was served quickly and incredibly hot, coming straight from the kitchen without delay. I have also tried the Gyoza starter before: “ground beef and garlic wrapped in a thin pastry shell and served with a hot chili oil.” I would recommend the Gyoza for anyone who prefers spicy and hot to sweet.
Our meal continued with our main entrees, Orange Shrimp and Pad Thai Chicken, both respectively Japanese and Thai choices. The Orange Shrimp, “shrimp, hand-battered in a sweet citrus sauce,” is served with their noodle salad and steamed rice. The noodle salad is a cold side dish of “spaghettini, diced celery, tossed in our special light and creamy sauce.” The restaurant offers a substitution of mixed vegetables for $1.
I chose to try the Thai section of the menu, having loved the Teriyaki Chicken on my previous visit. I decided on the Pad Thai Chicken, “rice noodles sauteed with chicken, egg and scallions in our sweet and tangy sauce.” It comes without side dishes but it is “garnished with lime and peanuts.” The Pad Thai was a step outside my comfort zone; however, it is one of the few Thai options that is not incredibly spicy and hot. I’m not a fan of spicy foods, but our waitress recommends the various curries for anyone who does enjoy spicy foods. The head chef is a Thai chef, and the curries range from hot to incredibly hot.
Tokyo Alley provides a unique dining experience for those wanting to try Japanese and Thai foods. The service is incredibly proficient and personable. Tokyo Alley is open for lunch Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and both lunch and dinner Friday and Saturday, with dinner starting at 5 p.m. and going to 9 p.m. Prices for dinner range from $14 to $20 with dinner and top off at $11 for lunch. Drop by “The Alley” and check it out!
(02/17/15 3:34am)
“They (audiences) watch and say, ‘Wow! How did they do that?’ I know how they do that.” Britney DeRosa is no stranger to the stage, she just prefers to be behind the scenes.
If you’ve seen a Mercer Theatre production in the last three years, you’ve seen some of DeRosa’s stage management work. A senior majoring in management and theatre with a minor in German, she has worked backstage for the last 12 Mercer Players productions. She is also set to stage manage the Mercer Players’ upcoming production of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest.”
Growing up with a project manager father, DeRosa describes her childhood as “structured” and says that it led to her becoming very organized. When describing stage managing, she says that being organized is “essentially what we do.”
As far as why DeRosa prefers to work backstage, she jokes that she doesn’t like public speaking. However, DeRosa said, “It’s more fascinating to see the dance that goes on backstage and trying to get everything worked out.” Much like a magician preparing for a magic show, DeRosa plays a large part in creating the spectacle that the audience sees on stage.
Stage managers are part of a larger production team. They’re the people behind everything that you see on stage when you watch a Mercer Players production, or any production, for that matter. DeRosa works closely with the director as well as lighting designers, costume designers and scenic designers to create the world that you see on stage.
DeRosa came to Mercer intending to major in English and minor in German, saying that she never thought that she’d be here for theatre. She’d only been in one production before college, in the last month of her senior year of high school. How she became the main stage manager for the Mercer Players? “I pretty much showed up and said, ‘I want to be your stage manager,’ and here we are,” said DeRosa. If you ask Mercer Players director Scot Mann, he’ll tell you the same story but will include how DeRosa instantly starting organizing his audition papers.
After working 12 shows with the Mercer Players and currently working on her 13th, DeRosa says there are two that are in the running to be her favorite productions thus far: her first musical, “A Little Night Music” by Stephen Sondheim, or “Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” a play by Steve Martin.
With graduation quickly approaching, DeRosa says that she’s hoping to continue in the field of Theatre Management. She describes her choices as internships or freelancing. “I can either have a lot of stability and no venturing out on my own or almost no stability and no assurance that I’d ever have a job.” In regards to graduate programs, for now, she’s firmly not interested. “I’ve been in school for a really long time. I’m ready.”
“There are a lot of connections to be found,” DeRosa says in regards to Mercer’s theatre program. She speaks highly of Scot Mann, “the fight director for Atlanta,” and Marian Zielinski, who has “this incredible knowledge of everything.” Mercer Theatre is teaching her more than just how to stage manage. She’s learning “everything” and making the connections that it takes to branch out into the industry.
In regards to future plans, she jokes, “I think of all of us want New York.” In closing remarks, she wants us to know that “The Tempest” opens April 16 at 7:30 p.m. “Come check it out. Fairies, drinking, shenanigans and magic… what could be better from Shakespeare?”
(01/27/15 3:25pm)
Tattnall Square Center for the Arts is finally open for classes. However, there's still construction work going on outside the building. Although the building hosted its first major event last week as the community’s new center for the arts, there’s still a lot left to do.
“They [the contractors] didn’t get as far along as they hoped before we moved in,” said Scot Mann, director of Mercer’s Theatre Program as well as the Center.
One of the first difficulties with which the staff dealt in the new space was their lack of keys. “We left all our office doors open,” said Mann. The staff spent a large amount of winter break moving their offices, shops and classroom materials into the new space and beginning to unpack.
Mann said that the real challenge was the University’s decision to tear down the Nollen Building, which the university uses for storage. This building houses a lot of the furniture and props used by the Theatre Department.
“Thousands and thousands of dollars of stuff had to go out immediately, the same time we’re moving in here,” said Mann.
Having to split time between unpacking and moving into this new space as well as finding a new home for their previously stored props and furniture “split their focus.” This resulted not only in the contractors falling behind but the theatre faculty as well.
The department’s main focuses were to start classes on time in the new space and begin work on their next production, "The Tempest", the first for the Tattnall Square Center for the Arts.
Classes have officially begun, and while “the classrooms are there, the technology is not ready,” said Mann.
Mann is hopeful that the classrooms will be fully operational by the third week of the spring semester.
However, construction continues outside and in other areas of the building. “The students have to walk through a construction site,” said Mann. Confusion also occurred at the beginning of the semester because of the theatre department’s change in location, and some students were unaware that the TCA meant the Tattnall Center for the Arts, which resulted in a few late students the first day of classes.
“We had our first classes in the spaces last week,” said Mann, “I think they went pretty well” - particularly the acting class, which is now taught in a rehearsal hall with a wall of mirrors, which the program has never had before now.
The process of beginning classes with less than fully-functioning classrooms, unpacking offices, the shops and continued construction was “a little overwhelming.”
The costume shop is filled to the brim although the scene shop is the priority for the program at the moment. Marian Zielinski, professor of theatre, is teaching a stagecraft class this semester, in which the students must learn to build and design set pieces. That makes the need for the shop to be functioning dire not only to the next production but also to the classes currently in progress.
Mann estimates that it will take two full months of work in the building to get everything fully functional for the program but emphasizes that the work needed to get the building ready will not include work needed to prepare for their first production.
Due to some budget cuts and unforeseen problems, the building will be missing a few of the previously desired components.
The scene shop, located on the basement level, had originally been designed to have a lift installed in order to lift scenery pieces straight from the shop to the stage of the theatre. The lift has thus been cut from the docket, to the best of Mann’s knowledge, which will result in set pieces being carried from the shop around the building to the front door of the Center.
The lift for the lights, which would both raise and lower the lights, was also unfortunately cut from the budget, and Mann explained that the process of hanging lights would now be done on a 16-foot ladder instead.
“A lot of things are not there,” said Mann, “partially because we had to have this elevator.” The elevator that was installed makes four stops, despite the building only being two floors due to landings between the floors. This was the only way to make the building completely handicap accessible.
The Tattnall Center for the Arts will serve as a community venue although the University’s Theatre Department will have precedence during the academic year. Mann is excited about the possibilities for the new space and their upcoming production. The theatre department has not had a central location since its move to their “temporary space” in the Back Door Theatre 35 years ago.
“Theater is a collaborative art,” said Mann. Tattnall Square Center for the Arts has united each part of the theatre department into a unified location.
The department’s first production will be Shakespeare’s “Tempest” in April of this year. Auditions are Jan. 27th and 28th from 6:30 to 9 p.m. All are welcome to audition, no monologue required.
Edit: There was miscommunication on some of the points in the story about the new Arts Center. There will, in fact, be a lift for the shop and for the light grid. Many items have yet to be purchased and are slated for an arrival at a later date, before the first production.
The new Tattnall Square Center for the Arts has a large theater room to hold performances and facilitate rehearsals.
(10/02/14 9:12pm)
Imagine studying for a year away from your family and friends. Sounds difficult but manageable right? Now imagine that situation but in a completely different country from your own, thousands of miles from your friends and family. Oh, and you don’t speak the native language at all. That’s essentially the experience 21 Brazilian students had when they decided to take part in a government program called Science Without Borders.
Science Without Borders, or sometimes called Brazil Mobility Science Program, is a project that pays to send Brazilians students to different countries to take courses in their respective field of study. They can choose from a number of countries and submit their transcripts to universities for consideration. The program covers travels costs, both to and from the university, as well as all expenses while studying abroad. This includes housing, meal plans and even a monthly stipend.
In August of last year, the first group of 21 students from all over Brazil came to Mercer to study for a year in their respective fields through Science Without Borders. In addition to being introduced to an entirely new country with a drastically different culture, they were taking classes in English after just learning how to speak the language themselves. Larissa Silva said, “ English was the worst part. Cause many people came here saying ‘Hello’ ‘Thank you’ that’s it.” Silva had studied English for 7 years in Brazil but found herself surprisingly overwhelmed by it. “It is much easier to learn here,” said Janilson Leitte, “You’re forced to talk in English.” It was difficult learning a new language in such a short time, then taking classes and trying to comprehend intense amounts of information in that new language.
Silva and Leitte both agreed that the culture shock and stresses of the program would have been even harder had it not been for the bond their group of 21 formed. Each student came from a different school in various parts of Brazil. Each one arrived alone in a new country. “That’s why we became a family,” said Silva. “We were all alone in the same situation, having the same kinds of problems.” The group is heading back to Brazil at the end of this semester, and it’s their last opportunity to live so close to each other. Most are separated by hours of travel. They truly have formed a family through their experience here. “We’re all sisters and brothers, you can say that,” said Silva.
The group will not only be separating from each other when they leave Mercer in December but also all the other friends they’ve made in their time here. “It’s really hard,” Silva said, “Because we are leaving us, but we’re still in Brazil, we do not know when we’re coming back to America to see our friends here.” On her time at Mercer, Silva explained that while she might not see herself living here again, she will most certainly be back to visit and take in all the sites she didn’t get to see this time around. She fondly described her time at Mercer and said she has thoroughly enjoyed it.
(09/25/14 6:51pm)
Imagine studying for a year away from your family and friends. Sounds difficult but manageable right? Now imagine that situation but in a completely different country from your own, thousands of miles from your friends and family. Oh, and you don’t speak the native language at all. That’s essentially the experience 21 Brazilian students had when they decided to take part in a government program called Science Without Borders.
Science Without Borders, or sometimes called Brazil Mobility Science Program, is a project that pays to send Brazilians students to different countries to take courses in their respective field of study. They can choose from a number of countries and submit their transcripts to universities for consideration. The program covers travels costs, both to and from the university, as well as all expenses while studying abroad. This includes housing, meal plans and even a monthly stipend.
In August of last year, the first group of 21 students from all over Brazil came to Mercer to study for a year in their respective fields through Science Without Borders. In addition to being introduced to an entirely new country with a drastically different culture, they were taking classes in English after just learning how to speak the language themselves. Larissa Silva said, “ English was the worst part. Cause many people came here saying ‘Hello’ ‘Thank you’ that’s it.” Silva had studied English for 7 years in Brazil but found herself surprisingly overwhelmed by it. “It is much easier to learn here,” said Janilson Leitte, “You’re forced to talk in English.” It was difficult learning a new language in such a short time, then taking classes and trying to comprehend intense amounts of information in that new language.
Silva and Leitte both agreed that the culture shock and stresses of the program would have been even harder had it not been for the bond their group of 21 formed. Each student came from a different school in various parts of Brazil. Each one arrived alone in a new country. “That’s why we became a family,” said Silva. “We were all alone in the same situation, having the same kinds of problems.” The group is heading back to Brazil at the end of this semester, and it’s their last opportunity to live so close to each other. Most are separated by hours of travel. They truly have formed a family through their experience here. “We’re all sisters and brothers, you can say that,” said Silva.
The group will not only be separating from each other when they leave Mercer in December but also all the other friends they’ve made in their time here. “It’s really hard,” Silva said, “Because we are leaving us, but we’re still in Brazil, we do not know when we’re coming back to America to see our friends here.” On her time at Mercer, Silva explained that while she might not see herself living here again, she will most certainly be back to visit and take in all the sites she didn’t get to see this time around. She fondly described her time at Mercer and said she has thoroughly enjoyed it.
(08/28/14 1:47am)
The Townsend School of Music begins the year on an exciting note with the delivery of 37 brand new Steinway & Sons pianos. The addition of these pianos, and the refurbishment of 7 existing Steinways, makes Mercer’s Townsend School of music one of 164 All-Steinway Schools in the nation, joining the ranks with schools such as Yale School of Music and Oberlin Conservatory of Music. This distinction sets the school apart from others by ensuring its students the finest pianos to further their musical education.
Thanks to Mercer’s chancellor, Dr. R. Kirby Godsey, and his gift of $1.5 million these Steinways represent the beginning of the new Joan Stockstill Godsey Center for Keyboard Studies, established and named for his wife. Godsey hopes to honor his wife’s many contributions to the school and her lasting love of music. The Joan Stockstill Godsey Center for Keyboard Studies joins the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings and the Townsend-McAfee Institute for Graduate Church Music Studies as a specialized program within the Townsend School of Music.
The Godsey Center also plans to host an annual Joan Stockstill Godsey Concert Series featuring some of the world’s leading keyboard musicians. The series will begin with an inaugural concert on September 5th of this year at 7:30 p.m. featuring Orion Weiss, a sought after pianist. "We are very excited to have Orion Weiss present the inaugural recital in this new series of concerts," said Dr. C. David Keith, dean of the Townsend School of Music. "In addition, representatives from Steinway & Sons in New York will be in attendance to make a presentation to the Townsend School of Music. This promises to be one of the most important events of the year, and I hope that Fickling Hall will be filled to capacity to hear this outstanding performer and to be a part of the festivities." The concert will take place in Neva Fickling Hall in the Townsend School of Music.
(08/28/14 1:42am)
Residents of Macon who went to see Clint Eastwood’s movie “JERSEY BOYS” may have seen a familiar face on the big screen. Macon POPS co-founder, President and CEO Steve Moretti, is seen playing drums throughout the film, which depicts Franki Valli and The Four Seasons’ road to fame. Moretti, a Grammy-nominated percussionist, is also the drummer for the Macon POPS, a group of 40 world-class musicians who have made their goal to transform the way people think about orchestral music. Along with fellow artistic director and conductor Matt Catingub, Moretti and the Macon POPS premiered last season with a successful show called “Dancing Through the Decades,” which featured music ranging from the 1930s to popular present-day hits. Unlike many more common, cookie-cutter orchestral concerts, the Macon POPS concert served food and drinks to guests and encouraged them to dance as much as they liked.
Macon POPS will open their new season on September 6th at Macon Auditorium with a continuation of their debut concert entitled “Dancing Through the Decades, Part II.” The vast success of their first installment featuring a variety of popular songs from the ’40s to the hits of today. The concert will also feature one of the songs Moretti performs in Clint Eastwood’s “Jersey Boys.” The night promises to be not only an unconventional concert but a truly unique experience in music, a concert to watch and in which to participate. Guests are encouraged to bring “a date and their dancing shoes.”
The season will continue with a concert entitled “Classically Jazzed” on November 1st. The concert plans to feature works of composers who have their musical backgrounds in not only classical but also jazz styles. The program will even premiere a piece written by co-founder Matt Catingub, “Three Shades of Blue, Concerto for Violin, Orchestra and and Jazz Trio.” The piece was written specifically for Amy Schwartz Moretti, violin virtuoso and director of the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings in Mercer’s Townsend School of music, and her husband, Steve Moretti. The evening promises a night of dancing and wonderful music.
The season will conclude on February 28th with a very special concert, “Celebrating the Music of Macon!” The concert will feature music of artists exclusively hailing from Macon or with ties to Macon and its rich musical history. Maconites are encouraged to come to the concert and to experience Macon’s musical history past, present, and what Macon POPS hopes for the future. Macon POPS has announced specials guest performers such as Floco Torres, rapper, and The Redding Brothers, an indie rock trio from Tennessee, but promises a few more surprises as well!
(04/04/14 8:12pm)
Bootz & Katz is a three-man band of Mercer students, senior Dixon Cassara and juniors, Ryan Walters and Michael Lirette. The group falls in the category of livetronica, a genre of music that mixes live musical elements, such as live guitar and drums, with a variety of electronic styles.
The band formed shortly after Cassara and Walters met in March of last year through Mercer’s chapter of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. The two friends and fraternity brothers began to make music together, Cassara on bass and Walters on guitar.
After playing three or four shows as a pair they realized that something was missing. “We weren’t a band yet,” said Cassara, “we needed a drummer.”
They reached out to their friend, Lirette. Lirette, originally a guest artist for the band, became a full-time member. With that addition, the band changed to a new logo, even changing the spelling of its name from “Boots and Cats” to include a less conventional spelling, “Bootz & Katz.”
Lirette admits that the first time he sat in with the band as a guest artist in a performance it was a “complete disaster.” They learned through the experience, however, and were able to sort out “a lot of kinks.”
Not long after, the band performed together again, opening for Dopapod at The Hummingbird in downtown Macon. Lirette considers this one of his favorite performance experiences with the band, even though it was a short 25 minute set.
“We were super surprised by the support of our friends...we packed the Bird out,” said Walters.
The band plays a high energy show with a variety of music, producing all the music from scratch on the computer themselves, even designing the synthesizers and drums. The band creates the track used when performing live.
The band members agreed that it’s always a collaborative effort when producing original music. “It’s cool not being a singer-songwriter band,” said Cassara. The band enjoys playing its own music instead of having to play one person’s creations.
In addition to completely original songs, the band also produces edits, remixes, mashups and covers. “We never cover the same artist twice,” said Walters. They’ve covered artists including Nero, Bassnectar, A-Trak and Koan.
The band has a list of upcoming gigs on its facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BootzandKatzmusic/info and two shows during BearStock on April 12. The most recent gig was a performance for the Cherry Blossom Festival.
The next step for the band is expanding its gigs outside of Macon, the first of those being a show in Milledgeville, Ga., on April 26. The band members are also busy “hitting the studio” and are planning to release their first single soon.
Walters said, “We’re going with the flow right now but we could see it continuing after college.” Cassara, plans to graduate this spring and continue playing with his bandmates, even if it has to be “on the side.”
(03/21/14 12:37am)
Ever wondered if you’re “that guy” in a concert or theater performance? The person that doesn’t exactly know what to wear, when to leave or needs a general lesson in audience etiquette? We’ve all noticed those people. A few simple rules for audience etiquette follow. Hopefully next time you won’t feel out of place at a Mercer Music performance.
The first things to consider are decisions that should be made well before the performance begins, the main one being appropriate dress. This can change frequently from performance to performance depending on the venue and artist. If you’re attending a concert downtown, you more likely will not dress like you would for the opera. However, if you are going to be attending the opera or a theater performance you should dress more formally than if you were going downtown, for example to the Hummingbird. More formal programs can differ in dress as well, for instance attending a Mercer Opera performance you’d be safe in your “Sunday best” or business casual. However, if you plan on attending a professional Atlanta opera production you’ll want to be closer to semi-formal attire. The best advice is that, when in doubt, it is better to be overdressed than underdressed.
Another recital rule of thumb is to arrive on time. However, in the world of theater performances 15 minutes early, on average, is considered “on time.” If you’re arriving right on time, you’re late. This rule will help determine when you’ll need to leave your house. It’s always a good idea to plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early to allow for any traffic or unwarranted delays you may experience. As an audience member you should always plan to be seated in time for the performance to begin.
Appropriate times to clap and leave the performance are commonly the same. Recitals and classical performance pieces are often grouped into sections; these are what are commonly seen in programs held in Fickling Hall by the Townsend School of Music. Audience members are expected to clap at the end of each section of pieces, though not necessarily after each piece, because it can cause the concert to last a little longer than intended. If you need to leave the concert or recital for any reason, it is best if you leave while the audience is clapping as not to draw attention to yourself. During the performance it is polite to remain seated unless absolutely necessary. You should never leave while a piece is being performed as it is rude to those watching, as well as the performer. In theater performances the best time to leave, as well as clap, is intermission. However, if you have to leave before intermission for any reason you should try to make it during a set or scene change so you do not break the concentration of the audience or actors.
These are a few simple rules that should be followed to ensure the audience and performers enjoy the performance. Cell phones should not be brought into venues such as concert halls and theaters, however more casual concert venues are exceptions to this rule. Food or drink is allowed at the venue’s discretion, but be aware of your fellow audience members. It’s not polite to leave during the middle of a performance and should be avoided if at all possible. Dress for the specific occasion. Most decisions can be made on a performance to performance basis. As an audience member, always try your best to be polite to those around you as well the artists onstage.
(03/21/14 12:29am)
Have you ever wanted to be a superhero? The Macon Centreplex housed the first annual Middle Georgia Comic Convention (MGA Con) this past weekend.
The two-day convention is owned and operated by Heroes & Villains Comics and Games, located in Warner Robins, Ga. It offers a variety of comic books and general nerdy fun for all ages.
The convention offered panels throughout the two-day event. Panels are lectures or demonstrations that appeal to convention goers. Their subjects range from costuming to film or essentially anything that someone might be interested in. MGA Con hosted a variety, including information panels held by artists about working in the comic book industry to a live demonstration on making a life cast for possible costuming needs.
Outside of panels, a lot of convention activity is found in the artist alley and dealer’s room. The artist alley consists of visiting artists that con-goers can talk to and buy prints or originals of their artwork from. There were over 50 listed visiting professional artists at MGA Con, each with their own unique style. The dealer’s room consists of booths for shops or individuals selling different items such as video games, action figures or posters. At MGA Con there were numerous vendors, including a cookie company displaying different nerdy sweets.
A rather interesting feature to MGA Con was the room specifically for tabletop gaming as well as board and card games. Some of these included Dungeons & Dragons, Magic the Gathering and Heroclix. The gaming room included a game library, provided by members of the staff, that allowed for con-goers to check out games they might be interested in buying in the dealer’s room. It also was a nice place to relax and meet other attendees.
Costuming, or cosplay, is becoming a large part of comic conventions. MGA Con saw some really amazing and interesting costumes. The large finale event for Saturday at the convention was the costume contest. The contest had three categories: children, comic book and open. An original take on Batman’s villain Poison Ivy by Kayli Carroll won first place for the comic book category.
Mercer student Libby McCormick and alumnus David Ellis, won the open category with their Aku from the cartoon “Samurai Jack” that stood 10 feet tall and was a hit on the convention floor as well as with the judges. “It was awesome to be recognized for the hard work,” said McCormick. “We’re definitely coming back next year.”
Although in its first year MGA Con already has plans to expand. Brandy Yetzer, director of the convention, hopes to see even more people attending in the coming years. MGA Con hopes to fill not only the Macon Centreplex but also the hotel nearby. In the next years attendees can look forward to “more evening variety” and more guests from both the art and film industries. “We’re looking at getting a band or possibly a maid cafe,” said Yetzer on ideas for events for the coming year.
Family-friendly and conducive to a large variety of nerds, Middle Georgia Comic Con is quickly on its way to being a big time convention. Its first year saw numerous artists and around a thousand guests throughout the course of the weekend. If you’re interested in a great weekend full of costumes, games and comic books, check out MGA Con.
(03/06/14 8:40pm)
As a sophomore music major I feel the need to respond to the information presented in the opinions piece “A Note to Mercer’s Music School” from the last issue of The Cluster. The opening paragraph was quite flattering to the music school and its students, something that I’m sure was highly appreciated by all those associated who read it. However I’d like to address some of the information that followed.
The first issue mentioned in the article is the separation between the music students and the rest of the campus. I’ve heard it frequently referred to as “the gap” and we are aware it exists. However it is a little strange that music students are specifically targeted. While true we do spend the majority of our time in McCorkle, it is simply due to the fact that our classes are all held in that building, which becomes true for most majors after their general education classes are done.
Music majors start into their core major classes from the first semester on. While many freshmen have mostly general education classes their first semester, we are instantly submerged into our major with classes including music theory, musicianship and piano. While that fact doesn’t help the gap between the music students and the rest of campus, it is necessary if a music student hopes to complete their degree in four years time.
The next paragraphs address the issue of a society in which fine arts are “dying out.” Although I commend the attention to an important issue as well as recommend and encourage students to attend concerts on campus, I’m not entirely sure referring to Google as a source was the most credible way to draw attention to it. The article then turns the blame onto Townsend and the apparent “lack of promotion” of our concerts. This statement seemed to bother many music majors, especially those who work closely with the music school to ensure that concerts are advertised around campus. We advertise through flyers and posters in public buildings, such as the CSC, as well as having the concerts featured in Bear Blurbs that go out to Mercer’s community. Concerts are also advertised in the entertainment section of The Cluster, the newspaper you are currently holding.
The article then states that Townsend should “come to the students” and suggests that like students who participate in flashmobs and impromptu poetry readings, music students could bring music onto campus instead of simply in McCorkle. While the idea is sound and inspired, no one simply walks up to an engineer and tells them to build things on campus because we want them to. Simply because engineers, as well as music majors, are probably a little busy with classes.
It is also implied that Mercer’s music students are not involved on campus which is not true. For example, the Mercer Singers are present at many school functions such as the Christmas Tree Lighting and Founder’s Day. Music majors are involved on campus in many ways, some being RA’s and PA’s, some involved in Greek life and other extracurricular activities, as well as many having jobs on campus. Just because we aren’t always carrying our instrument, doesn’t mean we’re not involved on campus.
The point of this article was not to be confrontational, but simply to set facts straight about the Townsend School of Music and its students. We are aware there is a gap between our school and campus, the same as there might be between other majors. We are involved on campus and would love to see fellow Mercer students at our concerts. Many of us have non-music major friends that venture into McCorkle from time to time. Everyone is welcome to stop by.
(02/21/14 2:15am)
The students of the Mercer University Wind Ensemble performed in a variety of small chamber ensembles for the second installment of their “Mad About Chamber Music” concert series.
The students formed eight ensembles ranging from clarinet and brass quintets to a percussion ensemble, bringing the audience a diverse chamber music experience. Dr. Douglas Hill, director of the Mercer University Wind Ensemble, stated that the chamber concerts began in 2001, with the move into the McCorkle Music Building. This gave young musicians a chance to learn the skills of playing in a small chamber ensemble. These skills and experiences are paramount in the development of young instrumental musicians.
The concert began with the Mercer University Percussion Ensemble. Members of this ensemble, as well as the Wind Ensemble, rehearse through the entire academic year. It is a small ensemble, comprised of four percussionists, under the direction of Dr. Marcus Reddick.
Their piece, “Suite for Percussion,” by William Kraft, was entertaining and a crowd favorite of the night. Reddick admitted to having changed the chosen musical selection on the students three days prior to the concert. “To say they were shocked would be a huge understatement,” said Reddick. Despite the quick change to their performance repertoire, the piece was wonderfully executed.
The first movement was loud, fast and its sudden accented ending received audible praises from some audience members. The second movement, although softer, was a brilliant contrast to the first movement and featured the different effects percussionists can achieve in chamber music.
The concert continued with a performance of Mozart’s “Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail” by the clarinet quintet. The light, airy tones of the instruments and Mozart’s beautiful melody provided an interesting contrast to the style of the percussion ensemble.
Following the clarinet quintet was a trumpet ensemble, of eight trumpeters, under the direction of Jonathan Swygert, an adjunct trumpet professor.
The piece, “Seven Come Eleven,” by Bill Holcombe, was an instant crowd pleaser with its jazz style, unified sound and lovely ornamented ending.
The trumpet ensemble was followed by a saxophone quartet providing a stark contrast in Bill Holcombe Jr.’s arrangement of Bach’s “Sheep May Safely Graze.” The slow, melodic line of the piece portrayed a characteristic not often associated with saxophones.
The saxophone quartet was followed by the first of two brass quintets, performing “Chicago Tribune,” by William Paris Chambers. The piece was an instant crowd pleaser with its big band sound.
The second saxophone quartet, including Dr. Monty Cole, followed the brass quintet with “Drastic Measures” by Russell Peck. Its beautiful and slightly haunting melody provided a unique musical experience. The players played with a clear, unified tone and were well-balanced, never overpowering the melody.
The second brass quintet, playing “Quintet No. 1” by Victor Ewald, was the next to perform. The piece began with a solo bass trombone, creating a unique feeling from the very beginning. The unison parts between the different instruments were powerful, however some instruments were hard to hear throughout the texture of the piece.
The last performance of the concert was a large brass choir, comprised of 18 brass musicians as well as two percussionists from the percussion ensemble, directed by graduate conductor Robert Jackson.
The piece, “Symphony for Brass,” by Eric Ewazen, was a powerful and beautiful piece with an adventurous melody line. Although the beginning of the piece is mellow it feels much like a movie score with twists and turns, taking the audience on a musical journey.
Senior percussion performance majors Morgan Crews and Andrew Bennett added an extra element to the piece with the use of woodblocks, which allude to a horse’s trot. The grand piece concluded the concert appropriately.
(02/17/14 1:08am)
QuadWorks revealed the headliners for BearStock 2014 in a video previewing the event with clips of past BearStock performances. The all-day music festival will take place in Tattnall Square Park Saturday, April 12. The free music festival will feature 10 bands during the course of the day and three headliners: Radical Something, Logic and Krewella.
Radical Something is a trio of Alex Lagemann (Loggy), Josh Hallbauer (Josh Cocktail) and Michael Costanzo (Big Red). The trio’s musical style is described by Billboard.com as blending “hip hop and rock with a decidly Californian vibe.” The group, formed in 2011, currently has two full albums, “We Are Nothing” and “Ride It Out,” as well as an EP, “No Sweat.”
Logic is the stage name of American rapper Sir Robert Bryson Hall II. Logic has released four mixtapes since 2010. The most recent, “Young Sinatra: Welcome to Forever,” was released in May 2013. Logic is currently signed with Visionary Music Group and Def Jam Records.
Krewella, a trio of Jahan Yousaf, Yasmine Yousaf and Kris Trindl (Rain Man), are from Chicago, Ill. The group’s style of electronic dance music draws from genres of house, dubstep and hardstyle. Their debut album, “Get Wet,” released in June of 2012 and hit the Top 10 of Billboard's Hot 200 in its first week. “Alive” became Krewella’s first top 40 hit on the US Billboard Top 100.