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the MENTOR
Nov. 27, 2012
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A ‘ rrow’ hits the bullseye Critiquing television is tricky. Unlike music, film or literature, TV changes every week, sometimes leaving what has been written about it completely irrelevant (take my
glowing “X Factor” review I wrote earlier this year; I think we can all agree the show is now unwatchable). That’s why I very cautiously recommend The CW’s superhero drama “Arrow,” a series so lightly enjoyable it is always one episode away from becoming the worst program on TV. The premise isn’t exactly groundbreaking: a young billionaire spends five years shipwrecked on an island and returns home to fight crime with bows, arrows and a perfectly sculpted body. But as some-
one who detests nearly all This soapy take on the tradicomic book movies, “Arrow” tional superhero complex is has kept my interest in each more interesting to me than of the six Joss Wheepisodes d o n ’ s I’ve seen. worthless I’ve always “Av e n g been a ers” film soap opor Chrisera fan (I topher watched Nolan’s “As the downright W o r l d Photo courtesy of cwtv.com inept third Turns” “ D a r k with my grandma in the sum- Knight” installment. There mers of my childhood) simply may not be more to it intellecbecause I like the glamour. tually, but it lacks Whedon’s
Liz’s Hits and Misses
HIT: Christmas music is playing EVERYWHERE now! I can feel jolly in any place I shop.
HIT: 27 days until Christmas!
MISS: There’s no snow in Manhattan’s future; chances of a white Christmas or snow days are looking slim. HIT: The mass amount of turkey and mashed potatoes left over in the fridge. Dinner is planned for the next two weeks!
HIT: The cease fire between Gaza and Israel, it may not last but at least there is peace for now! HIT: Nov. 29 is national square dance day! Grab a partner and dosey doe in the commons! HIT/MISS: Approximately 300 million turkeys were killed for thanksgiving feasts. I would mourn more if the yummy turkey breast wasn’t sitting in my stomach right now.
Photos courtesy of simplyrecipies.com, scenicrouteonline. com, johnnygoodtimes.com, vanderbilt.edu, blog.timesunion. com
unimaginative, solipsistic approach and Nolan’s undisciplined, messy style. Just like the best CW network shows (“Gossip Girl,” “Vampire Diaries”), “Arrow” reinvents genre cliche and (at its best) produces A-grade B-rated entertainment. Nolan and Whedon will never understand how to do that. I feel a sort of duty to pan all superhero films and television shows. Critics should have a sense of obligation to do everything they can to stall the domination of popular cul-
ture by snarky men in tights. However, “Arrow” doesn’t take itself too seriously and knows its place on television. Its greatest shortcoming is easily the characters -- where are they? In the wake of Larry Hagman’s death, the ultimate soap actor, this show should honor his memory with a really interesting nemesis. Once you get rid of integrity, the rest is a piece of cake.
Aerosmith returns unspectacularly group, The Joe Perry Project. Other highlights include “Legendary Child,” which references a “pipe o’ peace” (how could that not turn out great?) and “Street Jesus,” a catchy enough track even if it could be by absolutely anyone. Of course, there’s some junk -- how could there not be? Steven Tyler’s duet with Carrie Aerosmith, the rock band Underwood isn’t even worthy in the greatest need of a TLC of Aerosmith’s worst work. It’s reality show, is back with their so cheesy, probably Velveeta first album in over a decade -- brand, that it’s inconceivexactly what none of us need- able the other band members ed. And it’s exactly what you’d were even involved. Though expect: an collection of glitzy, decent songs are spread out overproduced rock excess. on “Music From Another DiBut it’s also a surprisingly en- mension,” this track betrays joyable set of what we tunes, even all know if you won’t is going play it more on bethan a couhind the ple of times scenes: a at most. complete One of u t t e r the best mess, exsongs is the actly the opening char m track, “LUV that has XXX,” a distinvery stuPhoto courtesy of aerosmith.com g u i s h e d pidly-titled Aerosnumber nonetheless featuring mith as one of the great Amerexcellent guitar work by the ican rock bands. But you’re always lovely Joe Perry, remi- better off playing “Rocks” niscent of his underrated ‘70s than this record any day.
‘Breaking Dawn’ renews series “Forever” may be the last line of “Breaking Dawn,” but unfortunately the end of the film series was inevitable.
The epic finale of the love story between vampire Edward and human-turned-vampire Bella has been building up since we first met these two back in 2005 when “Twilight” was published (or 2008 for those of you who didn’t read the book and saw the movie instead). After the fiasco that was “Twilight” (thanks to Catherine Hardwicke for doing such a poor job at directing it), I was really concerned that history was going to repeat itself
with this movie. My first concern was that “Breaking Dawn -- Part 1” wasn’t the best they could have done; it was good but not fantastic. That led to my second concern: Bill Condon, the director of “BDP1,” was going to be directing this movie as well, which is the first time that any director got to direct more than one “Twilight” film. All my concerns were put to rest as I finally got to see the movie I had been waiting an entire year to see. All
the waiting in line and drama leading up to it were worth it. The experience of waiting six hours in line (at least we were first in line and sat instead of standing) to see what would be the epic finale of this series is completely insane. I still can’t believe I did it. Those six hours consisted of 40-something-year-old TwiMoms who couldn’t wait to get a glance of Carlisle, rude people trying to cut in line, and an insane lady bringing her fussy baby who wouldn’t
stop crying. There were also those ridiculous “VIP” people that kept flashing their stupid lanyards (work it girl, work your $50 dollar lanyard) at the people waiting in line. “Breaking Dawn -- Part 2” brings us a fashionable vampire Bella, and some awkward vampire sex (Kristen Stewart’s facial expressions made it worse). The Volturi seek to destroy Renesmee because they believe her to be an immortal child. The Cullens gather all their vampire friends and Ja-
cob calls his werewolf pack as they prepare for war. After a significant deviation from the book, Alice saves the day and the Volturi leave peacefully, but not before they stirred up some trouble and “killed” a few vampires and werewolves first. I expected this movie to be complete and utter crap but it wasn’t. It was absolutely fantastic, the best “Twilight Saga” movie made.
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KAMS, continued from page 5 Enrolled KAMS students basically become college students, staying in the dorms and eating the provided food. Free time is allowed between KAMS classes and students can sleep in if they are not taking any morning classes. Last summer Gates received a booklet explaining the academy and its requirements. After an information meeting and day of previewing the campus and talking to enrolled students, Gates was ready to fill out an application. The admission process required an extensive application that included writing a few essays. References from the science, English and math department at Manhattan High, his parents, a mentor and a counselor were also required,
students are encouraged to partake in campus activities. This past fall he participated in the FHSU musical entitled ‘Curtains.’ Through the musical, campus activities and daily interaction, Gates has formed lasting friendships. “I’ve made some good friends. And it helps that you live with other [KAMS] students,” he said. Gates encourages anyone thinking about applying for KAMS. “Study up on chemistry though,” he adds. Before attending the Academy, Gates had not taken it and is “struggling with it a bit. If you think you’re ready for it though, go for it,” he said.
NaNoWriMo, pafe 5
with the green screen, film the announcements and edit them. We just put them on YouTube,” Ricketts said. “The announcements are going well. However, I would like to change how they are distributed.” Even though Ricketts likes the way the announcements are being done, there is two thing that will soon be changing. They are changing news anchors from StuCo President senior Naomi McClendon and senior Patrick Day to two new people that Day, McClendon, Ricketts and Leslie Campbell will be choosing. Anyone in the school can apply. The other new thing with the announcements will be the fact that they decided to add cue cards instead of using notes in the video.
as well as at least a 23 on his ACT. During spring break the Academy conducted a phone interview with Gates and accepted him later that week. “I got all ready and then moved in in August,” Gates said. Leaving home wasn’t as scary as some might think. Gates felt prepared and excited to leave home to start his new life on FHSU campus. He still comes home over breaks and has contact with his parents, which helps make the transition easier both on himself and his family. Gates is enjoying the college experience KAMS offers. “It’s nice not having seven hour days stuck in one building,” Gates said. The Academy is small due to the unique setup of the school, hosting only 67 students, so
her as well. Motivation for the story came easily for Le. “I read about it somewhere, then made it my own,” she said. Her mythical plot-line of humans that can turn into dolphins is a complicated story that embraces ideas some people may never think of. When November is over, Le will submit the final word count onto the NaNoWriMo website but she doesn’t anticipate the story going anywhere. The reward of extra credit in English and a finished novella is enough motivation for the young writer.
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will combine their word count together at the end of November and whoever has the most will have a pizza party or other reward of choice. Freshman Tracy Le in Terri Payne’s class feels challenged by the vigorous writing schedule. Every day she tries to write 500 words with a goal of 15,000 words by the end of the competition. Self discipline plays a large role in reaching the word count goal. Le has been able to maintain a time for writing every day, sticking close to the pre-set notation of 500 words. When Le first learned of the competition in her English class she was motivated by the extra credit she would receive. “I love to write,” Le said. So the competition has turned into something fun for