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Outlook “These ads were some of the best, interesting, and surprising commercials played yet. “ Daniel Tagle, Student

The Super Bowl Commercials are a tradition and are only getting better.

Style 10 “Some made me laugh, some made me cry, some made me question why are they even such a big deal?”

Marina Watts, Student

After hours of popcorn eating and film viewing, the Oscar votes have been made.

Student Press

February 17, 2014 outlookpress.net Rockland Community College

Marina Watts

Editor In Chief

The film community has lost another great actor. On Sunday, February 2, Phillip Seymour Hoffman was found dead in his apartment in West Village, New York City. He was only 46 years old. It is suspected he died from a drug overdose, due to evidence gathered thus far.

The New York Times referred to Hoffman as “perhaps the most ambitious and widely admired American actor of his generation.”

Ironically enough, Media Mass, a website infamous for death hoaxes, posted a few days before the incident that Hoffman was going to die. His friend, playwright and screenwriter David Bar Katz, found him dead in the bathroom of an office Hoffman was renting at the time.

During the 24 hours leading

Picture Credit: forbes.com

Features 4

Hollywood Mourns Hoffman’s Death

Volume 46 Issue 11

up to his death, Mimi O’Donnell, the mother of his children, said he appeared high. Passersby said he seemed “out of it.” He went about his regular routine, but he just didn’t seem right, according to those who interacted with

him during his last 24 hours.

When he failed up to pick up his children from the park, O’Donnell sent Katz over to his apartment Sunday morning to check up on him. It was then that he was found dead, and news

spread quickly throughout the West Village of his death.

Hoffman went to New York University and attended the Tisch School for the Arts, receiving a SEE HOFFMAN PAGE 2

Black History Month: A Celebration of Leaders Suzanne Peguero & Adam Samuel

Managing EdiTor & ConTributing Writer

Black History Month was officially recognized and

it had been celebrated for years in the past, even if only a single week of celebration.

The earliest known celebration was in 1926, when it was known as Negro History Week. During these early years of the holiday, the way it was celebrated was

father of Black History month, claimed that “if a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.”

Woodson stressed the

generations.

Furthermore, according to Woodson, in order for it not to get absorbed or lost in America’s various cultures, African American culture must ensure that its beliefs and teachings are not lost or changed in the

through both learning and teaching of African-American history.

African American scholar Carter Woodson, known as the

importance of a holiday and celebration of the culture and its leaders, and said that in order for it to survive, its history must be taught and passed on through the

American melting pot.

“Black History Month is a lot like Christmas,” says Professor

Style 15 “You should be paying attention to these designers if you want to be ready for Fall 2014 trends.”

Suzanne Peguero, Student

From BCBG to Marc Jacobs, New York Fashion Week has it all.

created in 1976 by United States president Gerald Ford. While the first official celebration of “BHM” was celebrated in 1976,

SEE BLACK HISTORY PAGE 2

News

February 17, 2014

Philip Seymour Hoffman Dies of a Suspected Overdose

HOFFMAN FROM PAGE 1

B.F.A. degree in Drama in 1989.

He revealed in a 2006 interview that upon graduating college, he checked himself into a rehab center, looking to treat his drug and alcohol addiction. He was into “anything he could get my [his] hands on.” Twenty years later, he relapsed with a heroin addiction and grew attached to prescription medications as well.

Last May, he checked himself back into rehab for several days. He had become addicted to shooting and snorting heroin and prescription drugs.

According to CNN, multiple envelopes containing heroin were found at the scene. Syringes and prescription drugs were also present in the apartment. Bank statements also reveal that Hoffman withdrew over $1000 the day before his death. Buprenorphine, a part-agonist/ part-antagonist opiate treatment drug, is apparently what the money was going towards.

The New York Police Department also claims to have found Hoffman’s diary. It is filled with ramblings, and hopefully can give us more insight to his sudden death.

The heroin found in his apartment is the “Ace of Spades” brand. This particular batch of the drug is responsiblefor many recent deaths across the Hudson Valley. It contains the drug fentanyl — a pain medication 100-times stronger than morphine. This

particular drug’s purpose is for cancer patients.

Oddly enough, there was no fentanyl found in the heroin Hoffman injected himself with.

Even if Hoffman had been seeing the same dealer for heroin, there was no way for him to know what was in the drug, or how strong it was. Often, this type of heroin may be diluted before it goes from the hands of the dealer to the seller.

Unfortunately, the drugs Hoffman received were extremely potent.

This batch of heroin must have been so potent that Hoffman wasn’t capable of taking the syringe out of his arm before it took his life. There is no way to track this type of heroin, as it is not a patented brand (or

legal).

Four people have been arrested, due to their connections to the drugs and Hoffman’s apartment. Those who

are suspected are Juliana Luchkiw, Max Rosenblum and Robert Vineburg.

Surveillance videos of his apartment building are also being looked at for any additional evidence.

Many “Hunger Games” fans are curious as to what will happen in regards to filming the final installment of the film adaptation of the book series. Hoffman appeared in the first three movies as Plutarch Heavensbee, the head gamemaker. His death will not delay the filming. However, his character gains importance as the series progresses, and supposedly Lionsgate Studios plan on ressurecting Hoffman via CGI. As for the voiceover, fans have yet to find out how that will happen.

The actor had a very fruitful career, filled with critical acclaim and recognition for his performances from the Academy multiple times. His film credits include “The Master,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” “The Big Lebowski,” and “Capote,” for which he won an Academy Award for his performance. Hoffman also received three Tony nominations for his performances onstage. Constantly losing and gaining weight to transform into whatever the script called for, he was an ambitious actor not afraid to try something new and took on various personas throughout the career.

Hoffman is known for playing characters that display a wide range of emotions, and his appearance on the silver screen and onstage will be missed immensely.

Reflecting on the Civil Rights Movement

BLACK HISTORY FROM PAGE 1

of History David Lucander. “We have to keep the spirit with us all year. America would be so different without black people.”

While many African Americans across the country have been supportive of Black History Month, one African American celebrity, Morgan Freeman, has criticized the holiday.

Freeman said, “I don’t want a black history month. Black history is American history.”

Freeman claims that in creating a holiday like Black History Month, a culture separates itself and further shows a divide between black and white people. By addressing the differences in our history we are further showing that we are separate, Freeman says. However, the fact that teaching and learning ensures a culture’s survival seems to outweigh any possible “separation.”

For Americans, the way the month is celebrated is simple: it is the recognition and remembrance of the progression of African American history.

By recalling the lives and contributions of important African American individuals and events, Black History Month has

become a celebration of culture.

Across the country during the month, there are panels, discussions, lectures and films, showcasing key events from American history. By celebrating their culture, African Americans can keep it alive

in America: Charles Hamilton Houston and Thurgood Marshall, who later became the first African American justice on the Supreme Court.

Both men worked together to rid America of segregation; Charles Hamilton

and relevant and ensure that their history of contributions and leaders will endure.

As part of RCC’s celebration, Professor Lucander gave a lecture on two African American lawyers who reformed education

Houston is known as “the man who killed Jim Crowe,” while Marshall argued the case Brown vs. Board of Education, which ended segregation in U.S. public schools. “Every day we live with the legacy of Thurgood

Marshall,” Professor Lucander said.

However, when we think about Black History Month, we rarely think of these two men; in fact, many younger people probably do not even know their names, despite the fact that they changed history.

The idea of their case was to make segregation so expensive that the States couldn’t afford it; their argument was that the conditions of a segregated education were separate and unequal, thus denying students a fair and equal education. Ultimately, this court case overturned the Plessy vs. Ferguson decision of 1896, inasmuch as it regarded public education.

In his lecture and comments afterwards, Professor Lucander stressed the importance not only of paying attention to the heroes that we know in regards to African American history (such as Martin Luther King) but also to the sometimes “forgotten heroes,” like Hamilton and Marshall.

RCC hosted many other events such as Professor Lucander’s talk during Black History Month, designed to raise our awareness of the successes and struggles endured, and of the men and women who helped shape national events and ensure rights for all.

Features

February 17, 2014

Kung Fu and the Academic Mindset Paul B. Messer Jr.

Contributing Writer

What is the warrior mindset? Is it relevant to today’s college student? Are there any practical applications to its usage?

The warrior mindset is often described as the mental inclination of someone engaged in or experienced in battle.

Obviously, the original definition referred to actual soldiers responsible for fighting in battle or for accomplishing specific tasks against a particular enemy. Even early man was also required to have this attitude, when daily survival meant that food had to be hunted every day and deliberate encroachment by other tribes repelled. Men gained self-confidence, improved their hunting prowess and learned to work with a team.

More importantly, a strong warrior or hunter was a benefit to the tribe through effective hunting skills or as a fearsome fighter. Today modern men and women reap the benefits of the lessons learned by their early ancestors. The fight or flight response is inherent in every human being living today. Through intensive training and practice, soldiers and police officers learn to suppress that natural response and quickly assess the situation to determine a proper plan of action. In most instances, the average person does not have to hunt

for food or fight off wild animals on a daily basis. Also, well established and documented property lines prevent the need for warfare for unwarranted incursions by neighbors. For college students, the arena for battle is relegated to the classroom and the rewards of war are good grades.

The examples presented previously such as hunter, soldier and police officer by definition are motivated by life and death consequences. A hunter who does not take part in the hunt for meat will ultimately starve.

The soldier or officer not alert to his sur roundings may lose their life in the course of performing their duties. The average college student certainly does not have to contend with such stressful circumstances.

A first year student who receives a poor grade on one exam will not face the

immediate possibility of starvation or loss of life. However, the continued lack of academic performance could obviously hinder future opportunities for employment and mate selection and therefore make their future life more difficult.

Accordingly, the Warrior Mindset as applied to college students can be a key development al tool in achieving high academic per for mance, maintaining positive personal relationships and making effective decisions.

In the ancient martial art of Shaolin Kung Fu, the Warrior Mindset requires the conscious selection of a goal or task and the attainment of that goal, through adversity, challenges and distractions.

A new student must learn to properly position their body into different poses and forms to simulate an attack or defense.

They must also continuously improve their physical condition to reach the next level of instruction. Failure to do these things will result in a student remaining at the same level while others advance.

All Kung Fu students begin at the basic level, with many desiring to reach the level of teacher or Black Sash. There are those students who even dream of one day opening up their own school. Most college students work hard to attain the academic goal of graduation or certification. College students are required to learn to think and respond in ways that are unfamiliar to them. Acquiring new writing techniques, analyzing complex data sets and preparing extensive presentations are often prerequisites to move to the next class. This includes the demonstrated mastery of your major, represented by a lofty grade point average as well as recognition from faculty.

Perhaps there is a desire to experience an internship or a semester abroad.

For some, the continuation of education for advanced degrees or acceptance of a full-time career opportunity is the next destination.

While at first glance the goals of a marital artist and a college student may seem completely different, the mental focus required to constantly strive for the best, prepare for the worst, and continue moving forward through difficulties, disappointments and distractions is at its core the same.

Features

February 17, 2014

From the Sidelines: The Super Bowl Ads Daniel Tagle

Staff Writer

One of the most talked about commercials from the Super Bowl was not one that seemed like it would cause a stir.

However, Coca-Cola managed to grab the attention of hundreds of thousands of viewers with its simple, pro-America commercial. The commercial was not made to be funny; there was nothing that really set it apart besides its strong message. The commercial showed people of all backgrounds, whose ancestors come from all over the world, singing “America the Beautiful.” What made people talk, however, was that the song was sung in different languages as the commercial progressed.

The ad created such a stir that the tag, “#Speak A mer ican” was created on Twitter.

Some thought the ad was beautiful, and showed the growth and beauty of the country, while others thought it was distasteful in its singing “America the Beautiful” in languages other than English. What many saw as a sort of inappropriate commercial, was actually a strong message sent by Coca-Cola. The United States, unlike most countries, is a melting pot; the citizens of America, the people who make this country the way

it is, all have roots from other countries, whether your ancestors immigrated to America hundreds of years ago, or whether your parents or grandparents immigrated just a couple decades ago.

This country was founded by people of all different backgrounds, and also most people, besides Native Americans, are of foreign ancestry and are descended from immigrants from different countries. The country’s foundation and strength was built and developed with the help of people of different nationalities.

People have many reasons for why they choose to immigrate to America, but many times, America is seen as a place where an individual can start their lives start

anew. In America, people can do and be what they want to be, dreams can come true, and there are so many opportunities available that may not be possible in other countries. The beauty of this country lies in its citizens and how those citizens choose to make this country the way it is. Therefore, it is rather beautiful to hear “America the Beautiful” being sung in different languages while footage of the many different people of different nationalities play in the background. The song is sung in different languages, not to mock or insult, but rather to praise America, and all that it offers. The

people from around the world that come to America sing so as to say “Thanks” and that they believe that America truly is beautiful. Those people may not have been born in America, but they can say they are proud citizens of this beautiful country. The message Coca-Cola seems to be sending is one of great strength, one that promotes America, and one that is appropriate for the Super Bowl—an event that celebrates American sport and spirit through football.

A n o t h e r commercial that also received a bit of buzz following the Super Bowl was the car company Maserati.

Maserati is a luxury brand, competing with the likes of super cars such as the Nissan GTR, Mercedes SL65 AMG, and the Porsche 911 GT3.

Similar to Italian luxury and super car manufacturers Ferrari and Lamborghini,

Maserati does not advertise much. The commercial that played during the Super Bowl took many people by surprise.

The commercial starred child actress Quvenzhane Wallis who narrates the whole commercial. Maserati’s commercial talks about big car companies and their dominance over the industry. Because they are a smaller company that is more in “the shadows,” where they have been lurking, Maserati’s commercial suggests that they have been waiting for the perfect moment to strike, hence the commercial’s title, “Strike.”

Maserati arguably did strike awe and interest in many viewers. Internet searches for the Italian car company skyrocketed, seeing Maserati a massive growth in exposure. What is also worth noting is that this is Maserati’s first ever car under the one hundred thousand dollar range, meaning that the brand has become a tad bit more affordable. Now,

this does not mean that just anybody can buy the newest Maserati Ghibli, because the Ghibli will be set to launch with a starting price of about seventy thousand dollars. It may seem like a lot of

money; however, it is a fairly reasonable price, considering that Maserati is not necessarily the run-of-the-mill luxury brand. With all the attention that the commercial has generated for them, Maserati has been pleased with the growing buzz and hopes to continue to grow and generate more revenue in the coming year.

One of the more heartwarming commercials to play during the Super Bowl was unsurprisingly from Budweiser. Budweiser has a history of having commercials that play the strings in peoples’ hearts. Their first commercial was one of a soldier coming back from duty and being celebrated by a town with a big parade. The commercial celebrated courage and family. However, Budweiser’s second commercial gained the most attention. The second commercial showed a puppy running under a fence and makes a friend in a horse in a stable next door. The puppy befriends the horse and the two play before being seen by a many working in the stable.

The man takes the puppy back to the neighbor, but the puppy always comes back even if he is always taken back to the neighbor.

Then, one day, the puppy is adopted and is being driven off. The friend of the puppy, the horse, sees the puppy in the back window bidding farewell and he decides to try and stop the car with the help of his other horse friends. The vehicle was surrounding and the commercial skips to the part where the puppy is given back and the two neighbors finally realized that the horse and puppy were inseparable and were great friends, and finally allowing the two to play with no barriers or restrictions.

The heartwarming commercial ends with the Budweiser logo followed by the words “Best Buds.”

Budweiser captured the hearts of thousands of Americans with their lovable friendship between a puppy and horse.

These ads were some of the best, interesting, and surprising commercials played yet. Hopefully we will be able to see some more in the future.

Opinions

February 17, 2014

Is Scarlett Johansson Commoditized?

Marina Watts

Editor In Chief

One of the best films this year was “Her.” It won a Golden Globe and is up for several awards from the Academy.

Joaquin Phoenix was nominated for his performance, but unfortunately Scarlett Johansson was snubbed for hers, due to the lack of her being physically in the film.

“Her” is about a man who falls in love with his Operating System, Samantha (voiced by Johansson) who is designed to meet his every need. Through her presence, he learns about the evolving nature of love. She wasn’t originally cast as Samantha; screenwriter and director Spike Jonze felt that the previously chosen voice just didn’t feel right.

So, he got a hold of Johansson and recorded all of Samantha’s lines with her. They fit much better, as her distinctive voice made for a sexy computer. Her performance voiceacting was excellent. However, it is against Golden Globe regulation to nominate someone because their voice was in a film alone for an acting award.

I mean, the film was a hit or miss overall with the Academy. Unfortunately, as great as it was, the other films out this year just

dominated all of them.

Although she is known partially for her voice as being husky (people often would ask her if she needed water, and she would be confused) yet seductive, people often think of her physically whenever people

oftentimes plays characters older than her actual age. For example, in “Lost in Translation” she was only 18 years old.

Being known for your looks is how you get somewhere, as far as acting goes. However, even if you do have a very distinctive voice

bring up Scarlett Johansson. She could quite possibly be one of the most commoditized women in Hollywood because of this. She

(like Johansson), sometimes you can miss out.

In 2005, she was ranked as #9 in FHM’s 100 Sexiest Women in the World; she was

also the highest ranking new entry to the list. The year after, she was chosen by Esquire magazine as the Sexiest Woman Alive. She has been on many of these kinds of lists up to today, even. Johansson was also chosen in a poll conducted by Glamour Magazine of 5000 people by having the “World’s Sexiest Body.” Her accolades go on and on.

Many of her films also recognize her as the sexy, beautiful actress in it.

Some examples are “The Prestige,” “We Bought a Zoo,” “The Avengers” and “Vicky Christina Barcelona.”

Her on screen presence is hard to ignore.

More recently, there has been some controversy about the latest promotion poster for the “Captain America: the Winter Soldier” film.

People argue that she didn’t need to be photo shopped for it, and her poster is getting more social media attention than it should. The film is “Captain America” after all, not “Black Widow…and Captain America too.”

Even though she is becoming an iconic figure (which, is a good thing for her career), Scarlett Johansson isn’t being recognized for her work in “Her.” Her lack of a physical presence cost her a nomination for the Golden Globes, along with the Academy Awards.

Opinions

February 17, 2014

Outlook Student Press Marina Watts, Editor-in-Chief Suzanne Peguero, Managing Editor Julie DeVito, Production Manager

Anuj Chokshi, Photography Editor Benedict Tagle, Sports Editor

Outlook Student Press is published every other week except during exam periods and summer. It is an independent newspaper produced by students and paid for by advertising revenue and student activities fees.

Submissions and articles become the property of Outlook Student Press. Outlook Student Press invites you to submit your opinions and ideas for publication. We strongly encourage letters to the editor.

Content does not necessarily reflect the views of the Outlook editors or staff. Submissions may be edited for clarity, length, style, and taste. Outlook does not accept anonymous submissions.

On the web: Outlookpress.net Facebook.com/outlookpress Email: Outlookstudentpress@gmail.com Office: Student Union Room 3200 Phone: (845) 574-4389 Fax: (845) 356-6261

Contributors: Adam Samuel, Paul B. Messer Jr. Staff: Valissa Hicks, Sarah Peguero, Daniel Tagle, Joe Cannata

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Like to write? E-mail us at outlookstudentpress@gmail.com

t u o b A l e e F u o Y o D w o H ... . . ? y a d s ’ e n i Valent

Anuj Chokshi

Marina Watts

Suzanne Peguero

Benedict Tagle

Valentine ‘s Day is the day to focus on someone who is really special in your life, and I think it’s a day to tell that person how much respect and love you have for him/her. It is the day you should thank the person for doing everything for you and love you more than himself / herself, but at the same time I also think that Valentine’s Day is not only about your lover or soul mate. It could be any person you love the most. It could be your mom, sister, dad, grandparents, friends etc. For example, in my case, unfortunately, my girlfriend is 8000 miles away from me, so I will be celebrating with my parents and my sister, whom also I love. So Valentine’s Day is not only about person, but love. After all “life is made of small moments like these.”

Valentine’s Day is the perfect marketing ploy for the hopeless romantic. How else can you find an excuse to be romantic whilst simultaneously avoiding the creepiness of hitting on someone? Buying someone flowers any other day may seem too pushy. Romantic surprises like that have no meaning unless we all buy into the glamorizing of a day dedicated to a saint. A dinner out with someone has no meaning, unless the date is on February 14. Don’t miss your chance though. Valentine’s Day only comes once a year! Your one shot is time sensitive....just kidding. Everyday can be Valentine’s Day if it means taking a chance on romance. But it couldn’t hurt to use Cupid’s arrow to your advantage this time around.

Normally, I hate commercialized holidays that exist only for the purpose of selling people things they don’t really need and “celebrating” love. My opinion is that if you love someone, celebrate it every day with them. Don’t just use one day a year to be kind to them and tell them you love them and then continue to treat them the way you had been treating them for the past year the next day. Normally, I would bash this holiday the way I bash any other holdiay (with the exception of Thanksgiving, because that is a perfect holiday). However, I have some friends that have their birthday on this day, so I am going to be kind and say Valentine’s Day isn’t too bad. Also, I just really love Belgian chocolate.

Valentine’s Day is nice. You get to eat chocolates and spend the day with a special, significant person. I’ve always thought it was nice, and part of the fun is thinking up of a way to make that day special for her. Whether it be a meal, an elaborate date, or simply a heartfelt note, Valentine’s Day brings out the creative juices of men across the world. Another thing I liked about February 14 was money; I used to earn a decent amount of cash. Many guys approached me, asking me to write a poem for them to give. Valentine’s Day in today’s society provides a relief from the societal norm of interacting solely through technology. You actually get to talk to someone face to face, something rare today. It’s a day when you get to spread your love and generosity, and the world needs a little bit more of it.

Style & Entertainment

February 17, 2014

Film Review: Woody Allen’s “Blue Jasmine” Marina Watts

Editor In Chief

Nominated for Academy Awards for Best Actress (Cate Blanchett) and Best Supporting Actress (Sally Hawkins) is Woody Allen’s latest film, “Blue Jasmine.”

The movie follows Jasmine (Blanchett) as she comes to terms with her family falling apart and her struggle to get back on her feet.

Jasmine, a New York socialite, had it all. She had homes in the Hamptons, Park Avenue, the accessibility to travel anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice, and all the money she could hope for.

However, she loses it all upon her divorce from her husband (Alec Baldwin). She becomes anxiety stricken, and constantly has flashbacks. Jasmine realizes that the highest parts of her life were laced with the lows. However, she only found out the darker aspects of her marriage when it is too late to do anything constructive. She

takes leave to San Francisco and insists on staying with her sister Ginger (Hawkins), whom she distanced herself from.

Ultimately, Jasmine’s actions become more self destructive, and also negatively affect everyone around her. As the film progresses, Jasmine regresses, both in her

laced with denial, carry her performance throughout the film. Although she is at fault to a certain extent, and the decisions she makes are self-destructive, Jasmine makes efforts to push forward and move on from her past. However, there is no denying Jasmine needs to change her

flashbacks and current state of affairs.

Although her efforts are valiant, her choices are poor and easily avoidable.

Blanchett, who won the Golden Globe for this particular performance, is excellent. Her stages of loss, heavily

prescription drugs to something more effective, as well as needing to see a therapist about her constant talking to herself. Her nervous breakdowns seem too real to be an act, and it is pretty clear why she has received rave reviews and

awards for the role. Blanchett takes on the titular character beautifully, and we cannot help but feel sorry for her.

Cinematographically speaking, Woody Allen can turn any city into a romantic escape. San Francisco is no exception.

He personifies San Francisco, and makes you want to take its hand and lead it out to dinner. From the more expensive areas to the run-down parts, you cannot help but want to hop a flight to walk along the piers and take in the view.

The constant flashbacks to Jasmine’s marriage (and its decline) help us better understand why she acts the way she does. If you don’t pay attention enough, it is easy to get lost. Everything falls perfectly into place, and the more her life falls apart, the defining moments of Jasmine’s life are revealed. Overall, “Blue Jasmine” is another hit with Woody Allen. Cate Blanchett shines, and as we near the Academy Awards, we shall see if her performance is indeed Oscar worthy.

Film Review: “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” Editor In Chief

Released worldwide this past Christmas was Ben Stiller’s latest film, one that which he produced, directed and starred in. Based on James Thurber’s short story of the same name, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” attempts to blur the lines between daydreaming and actually living, and show how life is one great big journey.

The concept behind the film is brilliant, but could have been executed much better.

The initial setup grabs the audience, building anticipation to see what will happen next, but it drops us off disappointed as things start to pick up.

Adventure is out there waiting, but this film isn’t enough to inspire audiences to pursue it.

Chronic daydreamer Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller) is the negative assets manager at Life and Times magazine. He escapes reality through constant fantasizing, and frequently zones out from the task at hand. Action-packed and romantically heroic, Walter Mitty’s creative mind causes him to constantly lose touch with reality. It’s actually quite funny, how spacey he becomes. When the company announces they are going digital and will

no longer print physical copies, Mitty is asked to develop the last cover’s picture.

This is no unusual task for Mitty, until he finds the particular frame he needs goes missing. His mission is to find the image’s photographer Sean O’Connell (Sean Penn) and recover the missing shot

out of Mitty’s shyness. He may just not care about Cheryl at all. Mitty concerns himself with daydreaming, and not even his daydreams evoke much love (or even lust).

True, once he stops daydreaming he starts living a life beyond dreams as

within two weeks of his deadline.

What’s a heroic mission without a little motivation? The dream-come-true romance between Mitty and Cheryl Melhoff (Kristen Wiig) is pretty run-ofthe-mill. He likes her, tries to go after her on eharmony, and finds himself unimpressive. It’s quite boring and drawn-out. Its lack of passion isn’t even

far as adventuring goes, he is satisfied.

Once he arrives in Iceland (which is shot beautifully), the story starts to lull. The special effects sprinkled throughout the film are pretty impressive. Mitty’s daydream sequences are pretty outrageous, including his superpowerinduced chasing of Ted Hendricks (Adam Scott) throughout New York City. They

may be the saving grace. The first half hour really draws in the audience. The concept for the film is an excellent one.

What audiences leave the theater with is meant to inspire. Even the ending to the film is satisfying, and a pleasant surprise for those who sat through the two hours it took to get there.

Perhaps the detail of a two-week deadline screwed up the momentum of this film. Had Mitty two or three days, the speed of events would have greatly increased, and he wouldn’t have exactly taken his time getting from Point A to Point B and back.

There would have been less time as far as what could have been plausible for the story, but the level of action and plot twists would have increased, making Walter Mitty more watchable.

The dumb show put on in between the beginning and end takes away from Stiller’s Walter Mitty. Once more, Hollywood has gone out of their way to twist their source material to their fitting, as the three page piece in The New Yorker is nothing like the film.

Published 75 years ago, it doesn’t lend much to its 2013 adaptation. The storyline becomes confusing, and not even Stiller gallivanting throughout the Arctic can save this film.

Picture Credit: Hollywood Reporter

Marina Watts

Style & Entertainment

February 17, 2014

A Look Back at a Marvel of Modern Cinema Joe Cannata

Staff Writer

“Perfect….It was perfect.”

If there was ever perfection in a movie, “Black Swan” comes close. The unexplored genre of ballet offers a persistent glow into the world that these agonizingly minuscule figures encounter in their menacing everyday agendas. Harvard graduate Darren Aronofsky helps shed light into the gruesomely demanding world of ballet dancing.

Taking place in New York City’s Lincoln Center, show runner Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel) assesses a potential replacement for the latest company installment, an enhanced version of “Swan Lake.” The individual life of the ballerina Nina Sayers is emphasized fantastically in rickety camera motions and pulsating moments of grainy horror.

The self-obsessed dancer Nina Sayers is portrayed gracefully by Natalie Portman.

Throughout the crude world surrounding her, Nina encounters an unforgiving villainous frenzy. The dancer goes through ill-conceived decisions, and events that she’s unable to control. Something is after her. She perseveres however her well-being is uncompromisingly challenged as she sees clear images of an altered reality different from her own. In her eyes what is real isn’t always existent. She is after herself; the only thing standing in her way is her own terror.

“Black Swan” truly excels beyond the efforts of Andres Heinz’s remarkable script.

Aronofsky provided a window inside the world of ballet and came through with great appraisal from the entire spectrum.

Audiences embraced many of the dramatic elements with the film.

The Academy nominated the film for numerous honors. The film also managed to garner American Film Institute’s “Top 10” movies of the year award. Cinematographer Matthew Libatique, planned and executed this film with remarkable control. While angling the Super 16 cameras in such a way, it feels like the actors are in your face. You feel their pain. The misery of day-to-day life can be felt through the position of the lens.

The villainous terror that surrounds Natalie Portman’s character surrounds you. Even her expressions reflect on your mindset without any sort of notion. The fourth wall doesn’t just break; it crashes down.

Most of “Black Swan’s” audiences aren’t familiar with the spirit of personifying a character for The New York City Ballet.

Nevertheless, the attempted embodiment of a wicked being, and the surrounding evil of the world is something that universal audiences can comprehend without a hint of critical poignancy.

Costumes and set designs can add a

magnificent touch to a film. “Black Swan’s” team of costume designers hyphened the intriguing foreground while bringing out the look of Portman and Kunis’ gracious dancing. The strangeness of the characters is emphasized through these costumes. The background provides a clever black and white feel that give off the feeling of darkness in the main character’s life. They also provide for the foreground to be much more apparent so the dialogue and the facial expressions of the characters to be accentuated in greater detail.

The set design for “Black Swan” provides a tie in to the late William Shakespeare’s plays of storytelling. It also resets a precedent for the way black and white is used in modern filmmaking.

One of the overlooked beauties of “Black Swan” is be the grainy, shaky style of the images. The handheld look of Aronofsky’s masterpiece captures a genuine look. Nearly every character is carefully dealt with genuine

put her down though. Natalie honors the same values as a genuine ballerina dancer.

Spectacularly, Natalie embraces the material so much that she took off and ran with the role in her incredible pursuit to embody the exquisite Nina Sayers. She received much help in Barbara Hershey’s magnificently executed supporting role, Casell’s sexually enticing supporting job, and lastly Winona Ryder’s limited yet delightfully disturbing performance as Nina’s idol (among other things).

Of course something that’s almost not even worth acknowledging created a source of controversy for Portman’s coveted role.

Sarah Lane was Portman’s stunt double and she spoke out that Portman didn’t exactly perform as much as people thought. Every actor has some sort of double in a movie and you’d either be incredibly naïve or just a child to believe that everything you see in a movie actually happened by the portrayer.

purpose. They all have an understandable story, even if a few are created to be slightly vague like the backup dancers. Each one has some sort of obtainable goal or consequential moments of uneasiness to their roles. Not often does the film exploit nearly every little character’s expression and the goals that each set out to achieve.

Natalie Portman gave the performance of her life. Not only did Portman win her first Academy Award for Best Actress, but also married Benjamin Millepied, her male counterpart on the receiving end of the films humorous question; “would you have sex with that girl,” mentioned jokingly by the pregnant Portman in her Oscars speech. The father was none other than Millepied. Portman’s demanding role was not easy for her. For about a year, Portman endured vigorous ballet training and a diet that contained mostly celery sticks and water.

The commitment called for the actress to lose more than 20 pounds. Her obligation to the film gave off a definitive appearance.

In wide angles, her tiny figure is seemingly that of an 18 year old girl. This isn’t to

In fact Portman did back breaking work in “Black Swan.” The role was the toughest act to achieve in her entire life. This Oscar was well deserved.

The Golden Globe-nominated Mila Kunis provided necessary charisma and easy going humor. Her role as the friendly dancer was also a character that breathed down Nina’s neck at Lincoln Center. Kunis was a complicated antagonist in Portman’s eyes.

She often took her away from her normal life by taking her to NYC night clubs and allowing her to fall into drug traps and other pressurizing situations.

There was just such a great display of evil from Mila Kunis. Evil isn’t necessarily a great term to use for this character. She perceives a moral aspect within her personality throughout the hour and a half. She absolutely killed it. The lightened humorous side keeps things relatively loose when it needs to be and she created a mirrored Natalie Portman except she was “better.” Kunis delivered more of a darkened version of her role in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.” She really was an astounding casting choice.

“Black Swan” was filmed like an

independent film. Some of the production took place over the Tappan Zee Bridge at nearby Purchase College. The look of the theater at Purchase is similar to the interior of the Lincoln Center’s theater, aiding with the timely filming of “Black Swan.” The intense shooting days, and the wonderful money-saving methods that the producers put forth, were brilliant.

“Black Swan” is worthy of a re-watch every year. The humanization of the characters, the intriguing premise, and the uniqueness of the characters all drag you back to that one lighted opening scene every time you think about it. The elegant music of Clint Mansell, and the flashing red and green lights of The Chemical Brothers remix of “Don’t Think” set an ultimate tone for the eye popping occurrences of each scene when you are taking a glimpse. The carefulness of Andres Heinz’s screenplay takes note that director and concept constructor Darren Aronofsky took their time to make the best movie possible, as the script took ten years to fully develop.

Every movie this director imagines turns out to be a work of excellence. Right from the start of his directing stint he won best director at Sundance Film Festival for the movie “Pi.” He never looked back. His next writer/directing gig was hailed as one of the best of the decade behind “The Lord of the Rings” franchise. The tremendous thriller is the Coney Island-based film called “Requiem for a Dream.” Aronofsky also made films like “The Wrestler” and “The Fountain.” He was also asked to direct Christopher Nolan’s Batman series, starting with the famed “Batman Begins.”

“Black Swan” is definitely Aronofsky’s finest work.

Aronofsky risked his reputation as a renowned filmmaker and decided to make “Black Swan” from a mere $13 million budget. This is something to be praised in its own right.

Kubrick’s “The Shining” is a still a fresh psychological thriller that some may find equally satisfying to that of Darren’s. The same goes for “Rosemary’s Baby,” “The Red Shoes,” and “The Sixth Sense.” They all provide a feeling of connectivity to Aronofsky’s 2009 film yet there is never a conclusive sense of overlap. “Black Swan” is spectacularly original. Fans of horror will love the lively story and the darkened realness to a story with excellent actors.

Now a quick warning: “Black Swan” is a hard R. Like most of Aronofsky’s films, it’s not intended for young children because of its intense sexual content and nightmarish images. For the adults it is an excellent rental for a Saturday night if you’re sitting at home during the chilly winter months.

You won’t be disappointed by the darkened sharpness and the empowering message that goes with the masterpiece that is “Black Swan.”

Style & Entertainment

February 17, 2014

This Year’s Oscar Nominations:

Marina Watts

Editor In Chief

It’s finally here! Awards show season kicked off this January with the Golden Globes, and every week there are more societies looking to promote what they find the best films of the year. Laced with nominations in every category imaginable along with red carpet interviews that are so graciously candid yet elegant, I look forward to enjoying every second. As we

approach the best part of the cinematic year, the Academy Awards Ceremony, I make it my goal, my duty, to see everything (or close to) as far as the nominees go in the major categories. What else is there to do with a polar vortex sweeping the Tri-State Area?

This has been a very strong past few months in the world of cinema, and it has been tough pitting these pictures against each other, as each is extraordinary in their own way. Some made me laugh, some made me cry, some made me question why they are even such a big deal? After careful consideration, these are my votes for the 2014 Oscars: Best Picture: The hardest category to choose a winner for, perhaps because there have been so many silver screen spectacles this past year. Of the nine (NINE) nominees, my favorite film (and probably the best, as movie making goes)

was “The Wolf of Wall Street.” However, it probably won’t win, as the academy is made up of people who are upwards of 60 years old and probably aren’t into films that are near pornographic.

Especially those of the three hour variety.

Nonetheless, this film is fast-paced as anything. The source material attached

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to the film does prove Belfort to be an unreliable narrator at times, but Scorsese is able to dress up everything and keep us watching. Unlike “American Hustle” (which will probably win if “12 Years a Slave” or “Gravity”-God help usdoesn’t), this film has illegal dealings and an actual plot to follow. Unfortunately, “American Hustle” may win as a result of its ensemble cast and it being the “safest” film, with the most glamour and the least touchy subject matter. Nonetheless, if you are looking for a real movie, “Wolf of Wall Street” is the one to watch.

Best Actor: Christian Bale may be a cinematic chameleon and his toupee had plenty of personality in itself, but his character in “American Hustle” didn’t have an insane amount of depth. Leonardo DiCaprio is at his finest in “The Wolf of Wall Street,” as he bosses everyone around and lets sex, money and

drug rule his life. However, Matthew McConaughey in “Dallas Buyers Club” was brilliant. I mean, the man lost 47 pounds for this role, and looked like a skeleton to get the “dying from HIV look.” The pent-up frustration he showed in playing Don Woodroof was moving, and the lengths his character went in order to keep himself from dying of AIDS was incredible. Of course, this film was “based on a true story” so there was something to draw from, but M c C o n a u g h e y ’s performance was incomparable.

Even with his bag of bones appearance, I was captivated during the duration of “Dallas Buyers Club.”

Best Actress: Cate Blanchett has won me over again. Ten years ago she shined in Scorsese’s “The Aviator” and now her erratic performance as the titular character in Woody Allen’s “Blue Jasmine” has left me feeling the

utmost sympathy for her character. “Blue Jasmine” follows her as she emerges from the denial she faces as she comes to terms with her recent divorce. She flees from New York and imposes herself upon her sister in San Francisco.

We see her go through one of the hardest things a woman can face, and cheer for her as she starts to get herself together. The emotional roller coaster Blanchett rides on screen makes many feel sorry for her troubles, and wishes she could overcome everything in her way. As

Sandra Bullock in “Gravity” anyday. I’m sorry, being lost in space without George Clooney at your side must be awful, but Cate Blanchett’s tragedy is far more

much as I adore Amy Adams, I felt like her character lacked the depth Blanchett showed. She (Adams) won the Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical, but Blanchett’s emotional range has a stronger presence and should be recognized by the Academy (sorry Amy). She also beats out

Meryl (who doesn’t?) her performance was a bit too kooky for my taste; it’s not difficult to act high for half of your screen time.

Best Supporting Actor: This is a tough one; I am caught between Bradley Cooper in “American Hustle” and Michael Fassbender in “12 Years a Slave.”

Although a lot of people don’t think he will win it, I thoroughly enjoyed Cooper in “American Hustle.” He has come a long way to taking minor roles in R-Rated comedies (“Wedding Crashers”), and his second collaboration with David O’Russell has led him to another

common and likely to happen to the average female. Thus, once more hitting home for us. Even though we also love

Style & Entertainment

February 17, 2014

A Peek Inside the Academy’s Vault Oscar nomination. And the appeal goes beyond his hair curlers and funky perm.

He plays a cop caught up in the blurred

lines of the Abscam operation, Richie DeMaso. He’s funny, confused and torn.

However, Fassbender was also a favorite of mine this awards show season. His on-screen presence is dynamic as Edwin Epps, the plantation master. His personality is loud here, and his strange behavior is interesting to watch, even though we all cringed whenever he would make his slaves dance.

He has potential to go gain more critical acclaim in his career, and “12 Years A Slave” could be the starting point for that.

B e s t Supporting Actress: Lupita Nyong’o, “12 Years A Slave.” As much as I love Jennifer Lawrence and thoroughly enjoyed her

goofy presence in “American Hustle,” I don’t think she deserves an Oscar this year. Her character had little depth to it, and not even locking lips with Amy Adams will secure her award. Nyong’o was excellent in “12 Years,” as her character s h o w e d b o l d n e s s in times of adversity, and she has much more depth than J-Law’s sleazy character could hope to have.

Unlike Julia Roberts in “August: Osage County,” Nyong’o’s pain and inner struggle does move us, and

Sally Hawkins (“Blue Jasmine”) doesn’t have enough feeling in her performance to make us cry for her.

Best Animated Film: Frozen. If you didn’t like it, then mentally prepare yourself for its soundtrack blaring from my car’s stereo for the next few weeks.

End of story.

Best Original Screenplay: “Her”

by Spike Jonze. I still can’t get over how good the film was. And I totally understand that “American Hustle” was a “big deal.” Hear me out-as many can agree with this statement-it is supremely overrated. It was a strong character piece, but nothing more. I couldn’t even tell you what the plot was beyond the first ten minutes; I probably could tell you more about “The Prestige.” “Her” isn’t a story about falling in love with technology, but is a fresh look at love and how the complexities of it make it worth it in the end.

Screenwriter S p i k e Jonze uses Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Joh a n s s o n), an operating system, as the tool to teach Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) what it really means to love someone selflessly, and giving yourself that joy. The allure of falling in love with a piece of technology is brilliant,

as it is almost frightening how dependant we are on it today. As much as I did enjoy “Blue Jasmine,” which is up for the same nomination, the story line behind that script is more hackneyed and expected.

“American Hustle” did have some good lines too, but after researching the film I found that a decent amount of it was improvisation done by the actors. The story line goes a little fuzzy anyhow.

Nonetheless, “Her” is the light at the end of the tunnel for this year’s various scripts.

Best Adapted Screenplay: “The Wolf of Wall Street,” based on Jordan Belfort’s memoir of the same name.

Everyone is writing memoirs these days, because there is nothing more interesting to exhaust in a novel than one’s own life.

This memoir is worth reading, and film watching. The differences between the book and the film were hard to really pick out, as Jordan Belfort lends himself to the pages of the novel, and he becomes an unreliable narrator. Who wouldn’t be though, based on the amount of drugs

he consumed on a regular basis. This helps him to a fault, as his drug-induced tirade filled with stocks and sex is a brilliant display on screen. Even though “12 Years a Slave” was the most accurate film-to-source material, it wasn’t as captivating as “Wolf” was, as far as making a spectacle (in this case, a rather burlesque one) of its writing. Leonardo DiCaprio badgered Scorsese for years to turn this book into a film, and the product is inspiring (in perhaps the most

sickening way possible).

Best Director: Once more, this is another tough category to single out. Alfonso Cuaron spent four years developing “Gravity” and worked endlessly with Sandra Bullock to develop her character. “12 Years A Slave” was realistic, as the novel it was based on practically wrote the screenplay, giving Steve McQueen lots to work with.

“American Hustle” was glitzy, as David O’Russell allowed for lots of improvisational dialogue and character development.

“Nebraska,” shot in black and white, was an interesting yet effective choice of Alexander Payne.

“The Wolf of Wall Street,” directed

by Martin Scorsese, is the film that deserves to win in this category, even though it probably won’t. There was so much going on onscreen, and through the

three hour drug-induced, sex-laced roller coaster, it’s hard not to give him credit for his work. Scorsese had to personally edit the film to avoid NC-17 ratings, and was meticulous about every detail onscreen. He has worked on many films in the past, but none of them is as excessive as “Wolf.” Cinematic excess is difficult to pull off, and no one does it as well as Marty.

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Style & Entertainment

Lorde: The Allure of the Outsider

Suzanne Peguero

Managing Editor

By now, if you don’t know her name you must be living under a rock. She is everywhere, completely omnipresent in the media, and she just won two Grammys. Her stage name is Lorde; her real name, Ella Maria Lani Yelich-O’Connor, is much longer, and understandably is not used in showbiz.

She’s both admired and hated for her music (which, when listened to, seems like poetry put to sparse drum beats with an occasional bass line), as well as her attitude towards the mainstream media. She is completely unafraid to point out any hypocrisy in the music business and to speak her mind when it comes to her fellow musicians. This has made many conflicted over Lorde; on one hand, she seems to be the future of music

(David Bowie remarked that listening to her felt like “listening to tomorrow”), but on the other hand, she doesn’t fit into the expected mold and seems to revel in her outsider-ness. Here’s a look at the girl who, by her own admission, is “little, but I’m coming for the crown…for the title held by everyone who’s up.”

Ella Maria Lani Yelich-O’Connor was born in New Zealand on November 7, 1996.

From the time she was a little girl, she was realized to be extremely precocious. An incident when she was eighteen months old startled her parents. Her mother, Sonja, heard a noise in the children’s room; she shook her husband awake and he went to check if there was an intruder in the bedroom. Instead, there was Ella, in the middle of the floor, with a pile of books.

“He opens up the door and there’s this 18month-old, at two or three in the morning, 12

with a pile of books. Just sitting there, reading them.”

Her parents had her tested at age six. She was interviewed and took the Woodcock Johnson III Test of Cognitive Abilities.

most with her fans, however, is her outsider persona. Everything about her goes against the mainstream: her mass of curly, wild, untamed hair, her love of the color black (and anything Goth related), her low voice

Duncan Greive, who did an in depth article on Lorde, read the report. He remarked that in some ways, she “had the mental age of a 21-yearold.”

Obviously, Ella was different.

Gifted. However, instead of pushing her to become a child prodigy, her parents wanted her to have a normal childhood. And she did. It wasn’t until Ella was twelve years old that life as she knew it was going to change.

She had sung with a friend who played guitar, and the friend’s father sent a man named Scott Maclachlan an email of that performance. When Scott watched it, he knew that this girl had something many others didn’t.

Scott Maclachlan contacted Ella and her parents some time later.

Ella and her mother met him at a café, where he proceeded to give her a song of covers to sing.

After time, she began to do her own songwriting. She finally met Joel Little, her producer, who helped her identify and distinguish her musical sound. All of this came together to create her album “Pure Heroine,” a futuristic sounding, vocal heavy, sparse minimalist album. She sings about the enjoyment of doing nothing with a boy you like (“400 Lux”), the disdain for mainstream pop culture (“Royals”), feeling grown-up and weightless in a doomed relationship (“A World Alone”), the fear of growing old (“Ribs”), and the feeling of being an outsider in a group where you are actually the queen (“White Teeth Teens”).

What seemingly resonates the

and sarcastic teenage manner, and the fact that she thinks and sings of things

many pop stars don’t even come close to.

Even the place where she comes from isn’t “mainstream.” Not very many prominent pop stars have come from New Zealand; she’s probably the first from there to capture

February 17, 2014

mainstream America’s musical attention.

All of this shows her authenticity—as awful as that word is—as an outsider, and in response, all the other outsiders (like myself and my friends) feel a solidarity with her—despite the fact that we don’t know her, and vice versa. She’s precocious (like us outsiders are), she likes things many shy away from (like us outsiders do), and she thinks about things many teenagers don’t (as us outsiders have the tendency to do). She is an outspoken feminist, and as Tavi Gevinson remarked, she has been portrayed as “some kind of alpha-Daria.”

But she is much more than that. Even though she is an outsider, she still loves Taylor Swift. She still enjoys playing with fashion and things traditionally viewed as “feminine” and “girly.” Even though she is an outsider, she still loves things from the mainstream too, like us outsiders also do. She is, in fact, a real, human teenage girl (shocking, I know). The reason “the outsiders” love her isn’t because she loves the same weird stuff we do; it’s because she also loves the same dorky, girly, mainstream things that we love too.

It’s because she shows that you can be the Mor r issey of your friends and also enjoy things that most girls do. It’s because of this—the fact that we have a teenager in the media who isn’t a one-dimensional pop star or the product of a corporate machine—that Lorde is so popular, and it’s why we love her so much.

Style & Entertainment

A Chat with “Idol” Alexa Gilomen

Adam Samuel

Contributing Writer

by Michael Buble. Harry said I needed to work on connecting emotionally to the song, but he really liked my voice.

Jennifer said that she disagreed with

confident! I’ve made a lot of vocal breakthroughs and really discovered who I am as an artist.

AS: Well, they say confidence is key and you clearly seem to have it.

AG: Well thank you.

AS: Now, what singers do you aspire to be like, and what kind of genres are your favorite to perform/ sing?

AG: I really want to emulate Sara Bareilles and Jessie J. They are two of my biggest inspirations. I really like how their voices have elements of jazz, but their songs are pop.

Jazz/pop is my favorite genre (if that’s even a genre?)

AS: I honestly love Sara and Jessie so we can be best friends.

AG: Haha sounds like a plan.

AS: Now, your audition, unfortunately for the world didn’t actually get shown.

Can you tell us how it went down?

AG: Oh wow... so much went down.

Well, before I actually auditioned, my family and my best friend’s family went into the judging room and sang a song for Harry Connick Jr. (it was from the movie “The Happy Elf”... he had written a song for it and hardly anyone has ever heard it). He gave them all golden tickets! After that, I auditioned.

First, I sang “Many the Miles” by Sara Bareilles. Then I sang “Feelin’ Good”

Harry and thought it was beautiful, and she thought I had a lot of potential to go far in the competition. Keith said he just really liked my voice. I ended up getting three yeses from the judges.

AS: It must have been so nerve wracking and cool at the same time to perform in front of such famous people.

How did you get ready to perform for them? I personally don’t know how you contestants do it. I would be freaking out too much to get a word out.

AG: It was definitely an amazing experience. To prepare for the judges, I basically practiced nonstop. My parents probably got really annoyed with my incessant singing, but I guess it was worth it.

AS: When you got that golden ticket and knew you made it, it must have been the best feeling ever; like all the hard work had paid off.

AG: Oh, definitely. It was just such a relief. There were tears.

before the judges? What was going through your mind when you were in it?

AG: That box was probably the most nerve wracking part of the entire experience. It was so small and I’m very claustrophobic, so honestly, all I could think about was getting out of the box, I was so ready for my audition!

AS: We could tell; it looks so small and containing on TV. But now that you made it to Hollywood, who would you say is your favorite judge?

AG: I love all of the judges, but I gotta go with Harry. He’s just so down to earth and hilarious. He makes you feel really comfortable when you’re standing before them, getting ready to audition!

AS: He seems like he is bringing a new personality to the table that the show has seriously been missing.

Do you think he can revive the show?

AG: I definitely think he can. The judges have chemistry this year — they’ve been missing that for a while. I think it will save the show.

AS: Just one more question for you Alexa: What would be the perfect song you want to sing if you make it to the live shows?

AG: “Warrior” by Demi Lovato.

It has so much meaning to me... I’ve struggled a lot in my life, and that song is a musical representation of how I’ve become strong, and how no one can hurt me anymore.

AS: I think that would be amazing; like really amazing! But Alexa, thank you so much for your time and best of luck in Hollywood week. We will be looking out for you!

AG: Not a problem! And thank you so much, I appreciate your support!

Watch out to see how Alexa does

AS: And what was up with that box they showed contestants going into

on American Idol on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 on FOX.

Picture Credit: plus.google.com

This week, American Idol Season XII and Season XIII Hollywood bound contestant, the lovely Alexa Gilomen, allowed me the privilege of interviewing her. So over Twitter, this was how our conversation went down: AS: So Alexa, first off, thanks so much for granting me this interview!

AG: Not a problem!

AS: My first question is: When did you decide that you wanted to be a singer?

AG: That’s kind of a hard question, whenever anyone asks me... I didn’t ever really just decide that I wanted to be a singer, it’s just one of those things I’ve known for my entire life.

There wasn’t any decision making on my part!

AS: Well, we are glad you made that decision. Your YouTube channel has some great covers on it.

AG: Thank you so much!

AS: For our readers, if you haven’t

AS: So since then, what would you say is different about you this year going into Hollywood week?

AG: I’m definitely a lot more

Picture Credit: youtube.com

February 17, 2014

seen what Alexa can do, go look up her YouTube channel. Her “A Thousand Years” cover showcases her rawness and realness that are really quite phenomenal.

Now, for how long have you wanted to be on Idol?

AG: Well, I’ve been watching the show since I was five years old (ever since Season 1). From the very first season, I knew I wanted to be on American Idol; it’s always been my biggest dream.

AS: And you actually were on the show last year, right?

AG: Yes, I was! I made it to the group round in Hollywood.

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Style & Entertainment

February 17, 2014

What Ever Happened to Bowling for Soup?

Adam Samuel

Contributing Writer

“Springsteen, Madonna, way before Nirvana There was U2 and Blondie, And music still on MTV Her two kids in high school, They tell her that she’s uncool.

‘Cause she’s still preoccupied With 19-191985” In 2005, a year after Bowling for Soup released their most popular album to date, “A Hangover You Don’t Deserve,” everyone was humming or singing along to these lyrics.

The song “1985” propelled the young band into the limelight and left this song continually playing on the radio and in people’s heads.

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However, with time, the band quietly bowed out of the spotlight, leaving the people who loved their music curious about what happened to them.

Bowling for Soup, led by Jaret Reddick, accompanied by members Chris Burney, Erik Chandler and Gary

Wiseman, would still go on to release multiple new albums and tour in the United Kingdom.

Apart from m u s i c , Reddick went on to

appear as the voice of Chuck E. Cheese and even voice acted in the cartoon “Phineas and Ferb”. Reddick created his own record label called “Crappy Records” and was in a side band, “People on Vacation,” releasing two songs.

As a band, Bowling for Soup gained popularity in the UK and would perform multiple tours there. In 2013, Bowling for Soup had their “Farewell UK Tour.” Since then, they have declared that the band will stick together and will release two more albums sometime in 2014. The 20th anniversary of Bowling for Soup will be

June 2014.

One of the planned albums being rerecorded is a greatest hits c.

Further down the road, not much else is certain.

Reddick uses social media and Tw i t t e r and has amassed a d e d ic a t e d fan base at almost 30,000 followers. Reddick has started a fundraiser to release an independent album with a friend, which quickly reached its goal and is still gaining attention and money.

While Bowling for Soup might not be in the spotlight anymore, they are far from giving up on their music. Look out for them in the future, you might be seeing them more then you have in the past.

Bowling for Soup has been hard at work on their next two albums, and look for them to show up in stores and iTunes this year.

Style & Entertainment

February 17, 2014

Back to the Future: New York Fashion Week Suzanne Peguero

Managing Editor

New York Fashion Week officially started on Thursday, and with it come all of the shows from the designers we love (or love to hate). Here’s a list of who you should

be paying attention to if you want to be ready for Fall 2014 trends.

1. BCBG Max Azria Normally, I would scoff at anyone who said that this should be on a definitive list of collections to watch for in Fall 2014. There are so many other amazing designers out there that this would traditionally be at the bottom of my list (and I mean the very bottom, as in the dredges of fashion rags at the bottom of my fabulous fashion pail). But their collection is absolutely astounding this year.

I was hooked on the first photograph of the collection I saw: a simple flowing, white knee length dress with a taupe, light blue, rose pink and maroon minimalist stripe pattern that cuts across the chest and diagonally down the arms. There was a metallic, gun-grey/blue and lavender fur shawl draped over the top. The entire line seems to focus on a minimalist, white, beige, or grey statement piece with a few dramatic slashes of color added in a geometrical design. This collection was absolutely lovely, and the style is a must have for this fall.

2. Marc by Marc Jacobs He hasn’t shown his collection yet, but Marc Jacobs ‘Fall 2014 collection will definitely be one to watch. His collections always manage to be both outlandish, cutting edge, and wearable, at the same time. His collection was shown on Tuesday, February 11, at Pier 36-299 South St (at Montgomery St) at 4 P.M.

3. Ellie Tahari This is a designer you will definitely want to pay close attention to. His pre-fall collection was beautiful: sleek, minimalist, angular designs with black, grey, dark, navy and royal blue colors. It was a stunning preview of what is to come, and it will be exciting to see him unveil his Fall 2014 collection.

It was shown on Tuesday February 11 at 5:30 at 510 5th Ave (42nd/43rd St).

4. Rebecca Minkoff She showed an interesting collection; however, it didn’t stand out too much from all the other c ol l e c t io n s .

It stuck to the trend of Fall 2014 (mi n i malist, futuristic designs with splashes grey, beige, and dark blue) but also attempted to branch out into the trend BCBG Max Azria featured in their show. Altogether, it didn’t really work too well. There were pieces that were

despite the fact that it wasn’t as great as it could have been, it will definitely influence the trends this fall.

5. Prabal Gurung Prabal Gurung’s collection was everything Rebecca Minkoff tried to do, but couldn’t. Bold lines were used, but rather than have then as sharp as many other designers did, they were used more in draping styles.

They also did not feel as angular and forced as many of the other collections; they were

strictly minimalist and worked very well, but Minkoff just couldn’t combine the bolder, more colorful aspects and have it meld well with the harsher geometric design. However,

softer, more wearable. They too went with the neutral and grey/black tones, but also put color into their pieces in a very tasteful way.

Instead of lighter, pastel tones, these colors were more saturated and stood out more among all the darker tones. Altogether, this collection was beautiful and definitely one to watch for trends.

6. Opening Ceremony This designer label may not be as established as Prada or Chanel, but it definitely has potential to be one of the greats.

Opening Ceremony wowed with a cutting edge collection that was sophisticated, modern, and schoolgirlish at the same time. Layers were used extravagantly.

Skirts and dresses were cut a sy m met r ical ly, significantly higher on one leg than the other. This sounds like a recipe for a complete designer disaster; instead, it was an amazing collection. Forest green and black leather were widely used in the pieces and fortunately did not come off as drab, but stylishly modern. This was a collection to behold, and Opening Ceremony is proving to be a label any fashion lover will want to watch out for.

7. Diane Von Furstenburg Thank God for Diane Von Furstenburg. Amidst a seemingly endless cloth sea of geometrical, asymmetrical designs and dark, saturated greens and blues, Von Furstenburg switched up the fashion game by having her signature wrap dress (of course), stylish jumpsuits, and long flowing dresses mostly in print patterns. She stayed away from the darker, more somber colors that all the designers seem to be using for fall, and instead used bright pinks, reds, purples, saturated blues, and even gold in her collection.

The result was excellent and stood out from all the other collections. Thank you, Diane Von Furstenburg, for a little bit of originality in Fashion Week.

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Science & Health

February 17, 2014

Tomato Soup With Grilled Cheese Croutons Valissa Hicks

Staff Writer

Ingredients: 3 tbsp. olive oil 3 cups yellow onion, chopped (2 medium onions) 1 tbsp. minced garlic (3 cloves) 2 tbsp. allpurpose flour 1-½ tsp. sugar 4 cups chicken stock 2 bay leaves 1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper ½ cup heavy cream Grilled Cheese Croutons: 4 (½-inch-thick) slices any kind of bread 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted 4 oz. of your favorite cheese, grated

or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add the flour and stir to coat the onion and garlic.

Stir in the chicken stock, sugar, tomatoes, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes.

Remove form heat, discard bay leaves, and allow soup to cool slightly. Carefully puree soup in a blender until smooth you may need to do this in batches). Return soup to stove over low heat and stir in cream. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

Grilled Cheese Croutons: Heat a Panini grill or toaster oven. Place the four slices of bread on a cutting board and brush

lightly with melted butter, being sure to butter the corners. Turn the slices over and pile cheese on two slices.

Place the remaining two slices of bread on top, buttered side up. Grill the sandwiches for about 5 minutes, until nicely browned. Place on a cutting board, allow to rest for 1 minute and cut into 1inch cubes.

Directions: In a large pot

A Vegetarian Twist on Black Bean Cornbread Sarah Peguero

Staff Writer

Ingredients: 4 tbsp olive oil, plus more for greasing pan 2 15-oz. cans black beans, rinsed and drained 1 14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes with mild green chilies, juices included 1 ½ cups frozen yellow corn, thawed 1 tsp jerk seasoning 1 tsp chili powder ¾ tsp salt, divided 1/8 tsp ground black pepper

1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup yellow cornmeal 2 tbsp sugar

2 ½ tsp baking powder 1 can (3/4 cup) light coconut milk Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil 8-inch-square baking dish with olive oil.

Stir together beans, tomatoes and chilies, corn, jerk seasoning, chili powder, ¼ tsp salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.

Adjust seasonings, if desired. Spread in 16

prepared baking dish.

Whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and remaining ½ tsp salt in a separate bowl. Add coconut milk and 4 tbsp oil, and stir until just combined—do not over-mix. Spread batter over bean mixture with spatula. Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes, or until topping is lightly browned and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before serving

Technology

Anuj Chokshi

Photography Editor

The CEO hunt at software giant Microsoft, has finally ended. Microsoft appointed Satya Nadella to replace Steve Ballmer. Nadella is one of the oldest and most important assets to the c o m p a n y.

Born in India in 1967, Nadella s t u d i e d Electrical Engineering at Sikkim Manipal Un iversit y b e f o r e m o v i n g to the US. He studied Computer Science at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.

He worked for Sun Microsystems, before joining Microsoft.

Nadella has served Microsoft for the last 22 years, and was previously Microsoft’s executive vice president of Cloud and Enterprise.

Nadella’s contributions to Microsoft are incredible.

His work on Microsoft’s server and business tools has helped in divisional profit and crystal-clear transactions on clientserver computing.

In an email to Microsoft employees published by the company, Steve Ballmer announced the news about the new CEO and he praised Nadella’s technical and business skills, and 18

February 17, 2014

became emotional about the company’s big moves. In a video by former CEO Steve Ballmer, Ballmer gives his best wishes to Satya: “I have absolutely no doubt Microsoft is in good hands, with Satya and the rest of the senior leadership team that is in place. We have so many strong leaders…the future

his back and full support.

In his own email, Nadella talks about where today’s computing is taking us. “I believe over the next decade computing will become even more ubiquitous and intelligence will become ambient.

The coevolution of software and new hardware form factors will intermediate

Picture Credit: microsoft.com

of Microsoft is incredibly bright.” This statement by Steve shows that Satya has

and digitize — many of the things we do and experience in business, life and our world. This will be made possible by an ever-growing network of connected devices, incredible computing capacity from the cloud, insights from big data, and intelligence from machine learning.”

Alongside the news of Nadella being named the new CEO, Microsoft also announced that “founder and former CEO” Bill Gates will remainon the team as “founder and technology

advisor.” Yes, he has stepped down as chairman of the company and decided to take a more active role in the company because of Satya’s special request. In his own special video, Gates says, “I’m thrilled that Satya has asked me to step up, substantially increasing my time at the company.” He adds, “I’ll have over a third of my time available to meet with p r o d u c t groups and it’ll be fun to define this next round of products wo r k i n g together.”

Nadella is only the third person to be M i c r o s of t ’s CEO in the c o m p a n y ’s 39years, after Ballmer who was the CEO of the company b e t we e n January 2000 and January 2014 and Gates, who found and led the company from its founding to 2000.

Microsoft’s strong point currently depends on enterprise and business purchasing licenses. Nadella is a wise man, and understands this strength perfectly; now he will have to prove himself to complete Microsoft’s views on devices and its mobile push.

But at the end, it’s always good to see Bill Gates as an active member of the company. Microsoft just isn’t Microsoft without Gates.

(With information from www. techcrunch.com)

February 17, 2014

Snubbed from the All Star Stub

Benedict Tagle

Sports Editor

As with every edition of the annual All Star game, there are questionable decisions by both the fans and coaches. They leave fans scratching their heads wondering

why certain players were named to their respective conference’s team. And as a result, every year, there are players who deserve to be on the roster who aren’t given a position on the team. This year’s conference squads have raised questions from both fans and players, especially surrounding this year’s All Star snubs.

On the Eastern Conference squad, there are numerous questionable choices on the roster. Let’s take Joe Johnson. Johnson has been a consistent performer throughout his career, but the All Star Game has never been marketed as a stage for lifetime achievement awards.

This season, he hasn’t performed at career-high levels. In comparison to some of the snubs, his performance leaves fans wanting a little more.

Because players like Johnson were named to the Eastern Conference roster, players such as Kyle Lowry and Lance Stephenson were denied a spot on the team. Both players were deserving of playing in New Orleans this month.

Lowry has been one of the catalysts on a suddenly red-hot Toronto Raptors squad. While his teammate DeMar DeRozan was named to the team, it is arguable that Lowry is more deserving of the All Star recognition.

Having started every game he has played this season for the Raptors, he has been a consistent nuisance for opposing teams.

Lowry has been quietly having the best season of his career. He is averaging careerhighs in numerous statistical categories.

One of the reasons the Raptors have been playing so well as of late is because of the offensive surge Lowry provides for them.

The former Villanova point guard has been averaging a career high in points per game, with 16.6 every night. He hasn’t been selfish, averaging a career high in assists as well,

dishing out 7.4 every game, placing him eighth overall in the league. He’s improved his game from the perimeter, shooting a career best from downtown, making teams pick their poison when playing the Raptors.

Lowry’s win shares this season are the highest of his career. Even more impressively, both his offensive and defensive win shares are at the highest of his career, indicating the contributions he has on both sides of the ball.

Lowry’s win shares per 48 minutes are double the league average of 0.100. His offensive rating percentage is the highest of his career.

Lowry’s PER of 19.7 is also at the highest of his career. His PER places him among the top guards in the conference. Lowry has been overshadowed by the more flashy play of his teammates, but he deserved recognition for his elite play.

In the Western Conference, there were numerous snubs, and they may be more obvious than Lowry. For the guards, Goran Dragic was a glaring omission from the squad. The upstart Phoenix Suns have been

surprisingly successful this year, primarily because of Dragic’s play. Like Lowry, Dragic has been having career best season. He is averaging the most points per game in his career, and the margin between this season and the next best season is substantial. While he is averaging 20.4 points per game, Dragic still shares the ball to his teammates. He is still among the league leaders in assists per

game, averaging 6.1 a game. Perhaps most impressive is the efficiency with which he’s scoring. Dragic is scoring while making

over half of his attempts from the field. He is shooting the ball at a high percentage, at 51.1%. The number of players accomplishing the same feat of scoring over 20 a game and making at least 50.0% of their attempts from the field are few. The only players that can boast of the same achievement are Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Blake Griffin, Anthony Davis, and Brook Lopez. The common denominator between these players? They are considered at the top of their position.

Dragic has quietly shown he is becoming closer to an elite player in the league, and is well deserving of a spot on the roster.

Anthony Davis was recently named to the roster as an injury replacement for Kobe Bryant. However, because he was not named to the squad by both the fans and coaches, let’s consider him a snub. Like Dragic, he has been playing very efficient basketball.

Davis, only in the second year of his career, has been among the league leaders in numerous categories. He is averaging 20.7 points per game, 10.4 rebounds per game, 1.5 steals per game, and 3.2 blocks per game. He has been shooting the ball at a high percentage, at 52.1%. Davis is 15th overall in the league in scoring, 10th overall in the league in rebounding, and is the league leader in blocks. His PER of 26.6 is sixth highest in the league.

Had Bryant not been injured, Davis would have been a candidate for biggest All Star snub this season.

Luckily for him, he will likely be an All Star for the next decade.

The other candidate for biggest All Star snub this season is DeMarcus Cousins. This season, he has established himself as one of the best players in the league. As good as Davis has been this season, Cousins has been just as

Sports

good, if not better. Cousins is averaging 22.9 points per game. This scoring output per game places him ninth in the entire league, and first among all centers in the league. Cousins has also contributed by rebounding, averaging 11.7 per game. His rebound efforts every night are good for fifth in the entire league. He is ahead of numerous All Stars in these two statistical categories, as well as others. Cousins’ 1.2 blocks per game places him in the top 30 in the league. His 1.7 steals per game is good for 15th overall in the league, and first among all centers. He has also shown to be a willing passer, averaging 3.3 per game. His assists per game places him fifth overall among centers. Cousins is also having

career highs in offensive rating, defensive rating, effective field goal percentage, true shooting percentage, and PER. His PER is fifth overall in the entire league, at 26.7. He joins Wilt Chamberlain as the only players to miss the All Star game while having a PER of over 26. Cousins has established himself as perhaps the best center in the game, and as one of the best players in the league at any position.

His exclusion from the All Star roster is a headscratcher.

He wil be an All Star for the next decade.

Historically, it has taken one season of being snubbed and another season of solid play to be named to the midseason showcase. One recent example of this is seen with current All Star LaMarcus Aldridge, one of the best power forwards in the game. If these players continue their production, they will be shoo-ins for next year’s edition.

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Seahawks Say Neigh to Broncos

Daniel Tagle

Staff Writer

It was a Super Bowl marketed as the unstoppable force against an immovable object. The Denver Broncos, with the top overall offense in the league, was going up against the league’s best defense in the Seattle Seahawks.

Both teams were coming off tough games in their respective conference championships two weeks prior, with Seattle winning over division rivals in the San Francisco 49ers and Denver beating a team constantly contending for a championship, the New England Patriots.

With wins against two teams, it certainly looked as if the teams were destined for a great battle in the first Super Bowl at an outside stadium in a cold weather venue. However, once the game was started, it soon became apparent that the game was going to be a non-contest. In fact, it could be argued the commercials during the game breaks were more entertaining than the game itself.

From the very first play from scrimmage, the eventual result was foreshadowed. Caught in the emotions and noise of the game, there was a breakdown in communication between the offensive line and quarterback Peyton Manning. With the

play clock winding down, Manning noticed a shift in the Seahawks’ defense, and made his way forward to call an audible at the line. At that very same moment, the ball was snapped, floating over Manning’s head, as well as running back Knowshon Moreno.

As Moreno made a move to recover the ball, he was tackled from behind, resulting

Manning overthrew, underthrew, and had unlucky passes bounce off the of the fingertips of his wide receivers and tight ends. When it was all said and done, the unstoppable offensive engines of the Broncos hit a brick wall and they stalled.

They were a complete non-factor. Manning, despite breaking the record for most

in a safety. Occurring only 12 seconds into the game, it was the quickest score in Super Bowl history. Unfortunately for the Broncos, he two point play was only a sign of things to come.

completions in a Super Bowl, went 34/49 for 280 yards. He threw one touchdown, but it wasn’t enough to offset the damage of the two interceptions he also threw.

Perhaps the Seahawks proved the mantra

Febraury 17, 2014

of “Defense wins championships.”

Another highlight of the Seahawks’ win was the resurgence in their offense.

In recent weeks, the NFC West winning team had seen struggles with their vertical game. Quarterback Russell Wilson looked different, not showing why he was one of the bright young quarterbacks of the game. However, from their very first offensive possession, Wilson looked like his old self. Aided by the return of Percy Harvin, the Seahawks methodically attacked the shorthanded and depleted Broncos defense. Wilson went 18/25 through the air, with an incredible 123.1 rating.

Passing for two touchdowns, he committed no turnovers. He also used his mobility with great effect, avoiding being sacked the entire game.

The Seahawks won easily, with the score of 43-8. The 35 point margin of victory is one of the largest in Super Bowl history.

Perhaps the NFC Championship game between San Francisco and Seattle was the real contest between the top two teams in the league. While they were loud, the boastful comments made by the Seahawks’ secondary throughout the season were justified in the biggest games of their career.

Picture Credit: forbes.com

Sports

The Rory Story: Roaring Back when he won the Emirates Australian Open. He beat a strong field, notably the hottest player in the world at the time, Adam Scott, with a clutch birdie on the final hole. In his other start of the season, the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, he was in contention from the very first day of competition. He was in the discussion for the win but ultimately ended up falling just short of defending champion Stephen Gallacher.

With his personal life being analyzed at a microscopic level in 2012, McIlroy seemed to have a difficult time balancing the new found scrutiny. In addition, he was traveling across the world, catching up with girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki.

Now that he has had a full season under his belt, he looks poised to handle the extracurricular activities better. With now-fiancee Wozniacki, his personal life looks to be balanced as well. He will have his mind better focused. A new found stability in the mental aspects of the game paired with the sharpening of his game is a scary combination for his fellow competitors in 2014.

Benedict Tagle

Sports Editor

In 2012, Rory McIlroy was the next big thing in golf. He was going to be a proven challenge to Tiger Woods.

The young man from Northern Ireland possessed a special talent for the game, evidenced by his impressive results. Most notably, he added to his major championship count with a win at Kiawah Island at the PGA Championship.

Last year, he seemed to disappear of the face off the earth, results wise. He signed a massive contract with Nike and his production was gone. What happened to the next big thing? Now all of a sudden in 2014, McIlroy is back! He already has wins this season, along with other top finishes. What happened?

At this point, this is a case of the media’s narrative on the young player.

Unbeknowngst to many, the 2013 version of McIlroy was statistically similar to his hot year in 2012. In fact, in some categories, he was better. A lot was made of McIlroy’s driving accuracy this past season. McIlroy was better in 2013 than he was in 2012, improving both his driving accuracy percentage and his rank among other touring professionals on the PGA Tour.

McIlroy improved his rank among tour professionals in total birdies, proving he still had the ability to go low if needed.

McIlroy was not far off from success this past season. While he played poorly by his standards, he still managed to have among the year’s best seasons.

20

Despite this, many people had their own opinions on his play, arguing it was much poorer. All McIlroy has to do is find the spark he once had and clean up the statistical categories he suffered in this past season. Since his last start in the 2013 season, it is apparent that McIlroy has indeed done that.

In the wraparound schedule of 201314, he is among the world’s besst in total birdies and scoring average once again. He has also managed to capture the spark on the greens he had when he was at his best. This season is shaping up to be one of the best of his career.

He won his first tournament in a year