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(10/11/20 9:50pm)
by Mason Kupiainen
2020 has been a rough year, and one area in particular that is feeling the impact of the pandemic is the film industry. Earlier this year, theaters across the world began shutting their doors forcing studios to either delay their films, or to find alternative ways of releasing them. We began seeing studios sell their films to streaming services or skipping the theatrical release by dropping their films on streaming with a premium price of around $20.
When the shut-down began, we were led to believe that it would only last for a few short months with everything returning back to normal around June or July. However, as the months ran on and theaters kept pushing back their reopening dates, more movies began getting delayed, or pushed to streaming services. Once theaters began to reopen in August, things didn’t go as planned. Theaters started showing older films with a few new releases, such as Unhinged. However, they could only use the novelty of having films like The Empire Strikes Back and Back to the Future on the big screen for so long. To stay afloat, theaters had to get new and big films in theaters once again.
Effect of Tenet and The New Mutants
With the disappointing box office numbers for The New Mutants and Tenet, we’ve seen major films like Wonder Woman 1984, Black Widow, and West Side Story get delayed even further. This means that the next major film release won’t be until Nov. 20 with Soul and No Time to Die, unless these films get delayed again. Since there aren’t any major films to release, we may see theaters close their doors again, even though the rest of the world has begun to reopen. Due to the disappointing box office, which caused studios to delay their films once again, theaters won’t be able to support themselves on screening Tenet, New Mutants, and classic films. As said by the president of NATO (National Association of Theater Owners), theaters need blockbusters to survive, and without any new ones coming out for a while, they may need to close once again.
Effects of theaters closing
Since theaters are already in a tough position after being closed for so long, and now possibly having to close once again, we may see some theaters never reopen. If theaters do close for good, we will see the ripple effect throughout the industry. Gone will be the days of major blockbuster films like Joker, Tenet, and Jumanji: The Next Level. We won’t see franchises like Marvel, Star Wars, or Fast and Furious continue as we’ve seen them expand among the years. Movies like these depend on the theatrical experience, and won’t be able to sustain themselves on streaming alone. Possibly, blockbuster films could continue on streaming services like Netflix or HBOMax, but it won’t be to the same quantity, or quality, that we have become familiarized with. And since studios depend on blockbusters fueling them, this won’t allow them to finance smaller and more prestigious films.
How this changes things moving forward
Even with films like The Batman, Jurassic World: Dominion, Avatar 2, and Scream 5 back in production, the contents of movies will change, at least for the time being. For example, we will see less scenes in movies that have large crowds and the location for films will become increasingly limited. The cast and crew behind these films will also become limited as studios won’t be able to gather hundreds of people together to make these films. Since they won’t be able to have as many people on set, storytellers will have to come up with creative ways to achieve their vision with their limited resources. In front of the camera, we won’t get to see countless extras walking around in the background of shots. Behind the camera, filmmakers will also have to deal with limited crew members at their disposal.
We’ve already seen that major studio films that have returned to production have had to alter the way they film. For example, the Jurassic World: Dominion production has increased their safety protocols by adding a 107-page safety manual. These enhanced safety protocols have included COVID testing all cast and crew before anyone enters the set and having actors do more of their own preparation before shooting, such as setting up their own microphones. The production for Jurassic World has also divided their limited production team into two, in order to limit those on set even more.
No matter what the future of the film industry looks like, it’s safe to say that things will likely never go back to how they were before. From how films are made, to how they are distributed, our viewing experience for films has been greatly altered. Depending on how things shake out in the future, whether or not studios keep their films in theaters or bump them, we will not get the same blockbusters that we have become accustomed to. With indie films also being changed, It is safe to say that the world of movies will never be the same.
Sources: Box Office Mojo, New York Times, Slashfilm, Vanity Fair, Variety, Vulture, Washington Post
Featured Image: Kellyn Harrison
(10/09/20 4:30pm)
by Conner Tighe
In the mid-70s, France’s music scene was spurring with a new sensation that would forever change the music world. Manu Dibango intermixed a series of instruments that had a “funky” appeal with their hit “Soul Makossa.” This was later picked up by New York’s underground music industry. Roller-skating, disco balls, “Soul Train,” and other iconic American culture-esque features would begin a culture of its own that would span for a decade. However, some artists in the pop industry today may be dipping their toes back into the culture of the 70s.
Disco brought people together like no other music niche could. Hispanics, African Americans, LGBTQ+, Caucasians, you name it—they were on the dance floor. When the disco ball was spinning, nothing else mattered. Donna Summer, Captain & Tennille, and the Bee Gees are a few contenders that brought people together on the dance floor with their vocals and dance numbers. Famous female musicians like Summer, Diana Ross, and Chaka Khan inspired the world of drag, and these “queens” are still performing today both on their own accord and by their drag doppelgangers.
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="386"] Image from Amazon[/caption]
The disco movement heavily influenced entertainment during the 70s and helped integrate both Caucasians and African Americans after the decade of segregation. “Saturday Night Fever,” featuring John Travolta and Karen Lynn Gorney, was released in 1977. In 1971, the first episode of the iconic “Soul Train” aired with Gladys Knight & the Pips as the first act, followed by The Honey Cone, Bobby Hutton, and Eddie Kendricks. The commonality shared between the two was the music. Disco’s influence in the music industry grew from just being a good tune to something that could be shared among everyone in a way that no other movement could — with the exception of The Beatles, who stirred a nationwide craze of Beatlemania a decade earlier.
Margaret Court Arena’s “How Disco Changed the World” says that disco — both the lifestyle and the music — helped fragment a mainly white-dominated industry and helped LGBTQ+ members and women find independence and liberation through “pulsating, high-energy rhythm” and “a haze of flashing strobe lights.” The article points out bands like The Rolling Stones, Kiss, and Rod Stewart began incorporating disco influence into their music, which many criticized. Synthesizers, keyboards, and electronic drums became the norm rather than guitar and acoustic drums.
Many artists are paying tribute to the 70s era: Lady Gaga (“Rain on Me”), Justin Timberlake (“Pusher Love Girl”), Poolside (“Around the Sun”), Doja Cat (“Say So”), Lizzo (“Juice”), Dua Lipa (“Break My Heart”), and Harry Styles (“Treat People with Kindness”) are a select few in the spotlight credited with reviving a large piece of our music history through new-age music. The exciting bit is that the new decade has its fresh spin of what some call “funky.” Original disco celebrated fun times and everlasting youth when fun times were easier to come by. Today, music is a sacred space of comfort and — in this case — a place where “groovy” is what’s “in” and is still considered entertainment.
The nightclub scene incorporates fast, rhythmic tempos. This is not new, but considering all that disco offers and continues to offer, it becomes clear how disco is still relevant several decades later — long after afros and bellbottoms. Fashion comes and goes with the decades. History repeats itself, but disco is a foundation of America’s history in the music world. Disco hasn’t died; it went into hibernation and has resurfaced and evolved with the times. No other music genre has brought more people together where nothing else mattered but the moment people hit the dance floor.
Sources: Margaret Court Arena, Mental Itch, World Atlas
Image: Amazon
Featured Image: WMOT
(10/07/20 2:00pm)
by Sophia Senese
The first day of fall was Tuesday, Sept. 22, which means it’s time to revamp your wardrobe for the new season. I am going to walk you through all my favorite, on-trend finds for fall. Whether you plan to purchase new clothes or mix and match old ones, you will look fashionable walking through campus.
First things first: color schemes. This year, we are going to see lots of neutral colors like browns and grays; we will also see some pops of color such as yellow and darker shades of pink. You can count on seeing these colors in stores and on the streets.
For the season’s biggest trends, we will see a lot of throwback vintage style and denim. Whether you like to dress up or stay casual, you can incorporate all of these trends into your wardrobe.
Mini Skirts
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="258"] Spence White Plaid Mini Skirt, $40 Image from Lulus [/caption]
Mini skirts are all the rage this fall season. Paired with a turtleneck for chillier days or a long-sleeve and a pair of booties, the mini skirt will take your look to the next level. Below are my favorite finds for the trendiest fall looks.Of course, flannel fabric will make an appearance, and this wool-blend mini skirt is to die for! This is the perfect skirt to pair with knee-high boots and a cozy sweater. You can never go wrong with plaid in the fall! The white and gray colors are on trend right now and would pair flawlessly with any black tee, long-sleeve, or bodysuit.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="242"] French Duo Black Multi Plaid Mini Skirt, $64 Image from Lulus[/caption]
This soft woven flannel fabric mini skirt incorporates a flattering high-waisted fit to best accentuate your body type. The fringe adds a vintage, edgy style and is always on-trend for the fall season. You can pair this with a casual long sleeve or bodysuit to elevate this chic look!
Mom Jeans
Bringing it back to 90s fashion, mom jeans are on-trend right now. The comfort and style they provide will make you never want to go back to wearing any other type of jean. The straight leg, loose fit denim provides many different types of looks, all depending on how you want to style them. Whether you dress them up with a pair of heels or down with your comfiest sneakers, the 90s style denim is here to stay this fall!
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="269"] Mom Fit Jeans TRF, $45.90 Image from Zara [/caption]
Zara has always been a leader in the denim game mainly because of its care for life movement, Join Life. Join Life uses sustainable fibers made from ecologically grown or recycled cotton to better protect our environment. These mom-fit style jeans are great for a baggier, looser fit; they hug perfectly at the waist and lay a few inches above the ankle. Pair them with a crop top, bodysuit, or oversized sweater for a laid back, edgy look.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="270"] BDG High-Waisted Mom Jean – Light Wash, $59 Image from Urban Outfitters[/caption]
I am obsessed with these vintage-inspired mom jeans! The light blue wash and relaxed fit go well with crop tops, sweaters, and bodysuits. The tapered leg allows you to wear them long or rolled which is ideal for the ever changing fall temperatures. Furthermore, the rigid denim fabric provides the softest comfort that will only improve after each wear.
Blazers & Overcoats
Wearing a blazer with a pair of jeans is what all the influencers and celebrities are doing this season! Check out how Katie Holmes and Bella Hadid are achieving total comfort and style with their relaxed, chic blazer looks. This style is perfect for wearing to school — or on zoom calls — and for post-class activities. Paired with a nice pair of jeans, crop tops, or bodysuits, these blazers and overcoats will give you the chicest and most sophisticated look.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="255"] Linen-Blend Blazer for Women, $34 Image from Old Navy[/caption]
This linen-blend blazer is the perfect color for fall, whether you choose the burnt ochre or shell pink that is offered. The soft, light-weight fabric is perfect for everyday activities and adds a casual, sophisticated feel to your look. Pair it with some mom jeans, a casual tee, or bodysuit and you will make a fashionable statement.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="253"] Classic Glen Plaid Blazer for Women,$38 Image from Old Navy[/caption]
This black and white plaid blazer provides a comfortable, tasteful look. You can dress this up with a pair of jeans and heels or keep it casual and trendy with a simple white tee, jeans, and your favorite sneakers. The soft-cotton blend fabric provides extra comfort and stretch, so it doesn’t feel too snug and restricting when you wear it.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="234"] Tall Camel Boyfriend Blazer Coat, $39 Image from MISSGUIDED[/caption]
This khaki-colored blazer is definitely a closet staple for fall! Styled with a black belt — as shown — can really dress this look up. The tall range offered with this jacket is ideal for women like me who have a longer torso and are taller! It lays right on the hip and adds chicness to any look. Try styling with a black crop top and mom jeans for a polished look.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="248"] Notched Collar Slant Pocket Coat, $31 Image from SHEIN[/caption]
This baby pink overcoat is so trendy. It can be worn casually with a crop top and jeans — like shown — or dressed up with a nice dress shirt and slacks. By incorporating this color into your wardrobe, you will have a standout piece that adds a pop of color to your look. Plus, the notched collar is flattering and classy.
Last but not least: Color-block Patterns
A trend back in the 40s, the color-block patterns are in high demand right now. Now being highly worn and influenced, these patterns make a statement and take a look to the next level. This color trend allows you to embrace and showcase your style with a wide variety of neon and pastel colors. This fall, we will see a lot of color-block patterns that align with the season’s browns, greens, blacks, and oranges.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="256"] Color-block Striped Panel Waffle Knit Tee, $17 Image from SHEIN[/caption]
This striped, color-block knit tee is perfect for layering with a jacket or simply by itself. The colors are ideal for fall and provide a chic style to your look. This top is a simplistic, stylish look that can be paired with a nice pair of jeans and booties — or even leggings! The stripes and color-block pattern are flattering for all body types.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="259"] Color-block Drop Shoulder Ribbed Knit Sweater, $21 Image from SHEIN[/caption]
This casual, oversized ribbed knit sweater is a must have. The colors scream fall, and the oversized fit is perfect for leggings or jeans. The casual color-block style is flattering and sophisticated, and the round neck neckline is tasteful and shouts fashionista!
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="277"] Open Front Pocket Detail Color-block Cardigan, $20 Image from SHEIN[/caption]
This color-block cardigan is one of my favorites; I love all the colors incorporated, and they align with fall’s most trending colors. The casual, long length would pair well with mom jeans and a cropped tee, as the warm and high-stretch fabric is perfect to throw over a little tee for chillier fall mornings or evenings. A major plus: it even has pockets!
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="298"] Color-block Zip Up Drawstring Hem Jacket, $16 Image from SHEIN[/caption]
My favorite find for this season is this SHEIN color-block drawstring jacket. The colors themselves match perfectly with the season’s color palette, and the stand collar neckline is flattering. Overall, the colors, length, and semi-oversized style of this jacket provide a chic look that will take your casual outfits to the next level.
Well, there you have it! These are all my favorite fall trends for this season. No matter what your style may be, all these garments can be incorporated into your daily looks. When you change out your summer clothes for sweaters, leggings, and jeans, maybe try including one of these looks to elevate your wardrobe to the next level.
Sources: ¡Hola!, Yahoo Life
Images: Lulus, MISSGUIDED, Old Navy, SHEIN, Sophia Senese, Urban Outfitters, Zara
Featured Image: Kellyn Harrison
(10/02/20 2:00pm)
As you continue with your online classes this semester, you may feel an increase in your stress levels and caffeine intake. Instead of sipping your favorite coffee or tea in a boring, ceramic cup before logging onto Canvas for the day, consider these three ways to create your own stylish, unique coffee mug to add to your desk decor.
(09/30/20 9:45pm)
by Annie Bastian
With COVID-19 cases still high across the nation with nearly 50,000 new cases in the last seven days, individuals from all walks of life are having to alter their schedules and plans. Coming back to Ball State University this fall has demonstrated that there will have to be a new normal for everyone. It is currently unacceptable to embrace a friend, walk around without a mask, or congregate in large groups. Even though the average person may miss these small gestures, some Ball State students do not have time to dwell on them as their entire academic lives have been turned upside down. One major that has had to do a lot of adapting for the recent semester is the acting major.
Classroom Change
The theatre majors at Ball State are currently having to reconstruct their way of working to accommodate for social distancing. Currently, for the studio classes for acting majors, or classes that they attend for acting work, they are being confined to their own separate boxes.
Sophomore acting major Bernadette Harding said, “there are 12 boxes taped out on the ground and each student has to stay in their own tiny box. Everyone else is zoomed into class, which is really tricky because then the teachers have to be teaching two things at the same time sometimes.”
With the limited space and availability for social interaction, the students in these classes are having to get creative with how they are learning. Harding expressed that it is not very easy to alter acting classes in such a way that they are as effective as they were for her last year.
“Acting is fully based on human interaction and with all that is going on it is something that we can’t do. We are having to work in our own spaces which is great for safety, but it really has its limitations regarding how you interact with others,” said Harding. “When you're acting, you're taking cues from a physical human being, but when you can't see their face, and the only thing that you can see is their eyes, there's lots of emotion you lose.”
Even with the tough task put in front of them, the theatre department has attempted to make the classroom a productive environment for their students to grow with quite a lot of success.
“Some stuff just doesn't work at all and it's really impossible to do without the natural feeling of touch. It's very strange. But we're finding new stuff that works really well too,” said Harding.
Exit Screen Right
Along with the changes in the classroom, the productions that theatre majors put on are having to be altered as well. With limited access to space and audiences, the theatre has taken to Zoom for a portion of their performances. Both the preparation for performances and the productions themselves are becoming Zoom-based.
The upcoming performance of She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms is scheduled to open on Oct. 29 and will be completely virtual. The production, by Qui Nguyen, was written to be performed online. It was created this way to overcome the obstacles set in place by the current pandemic.
Other productions that are being moved online are the Cave Theatre series. Both Overpass by Julia Specht, opening on Oct. 6, and Babel by Jacqueline Goldfinger, opening on Nov. 10, have been arranged to premiere virtually.
The Show Must Go On
Even as the department is making alterations to do online performances, there is still hope for in-person work as well. While maintaining social distancing rules to keep their actors safe, the department has begun to do both Zoom and in-person rehearsals. Harding gave insight into how the theatre has begun finding creative ways to allow for their actors to interact with one another for her upcoming role as Amelia Pilford in The Children’s Hour by Lillian Hellman.
“As of now we are wearing masks and the stage is set up like a grid. We're doing it in an abstract manner where all the blocking is on this grid. So, one actor stands on an 'X', and then your scene partner will stand on another 'X.' You then travel around the stage, but you have to stay within the grid and on an 'X' so that you maintain social distancing,” said Harding.
Though this is not a perfect solution, it allows for the students to get out from behind the screen and work with one another. This new and inventive way of going around a problem has allowed for the program to overcome some of the barriers that were placed before them.
Finding solutions is the only choice the theatre has to continue during COVID-19. To help support the theatre department during COVID-19, please take some time and keep an eye open for productions occurring in the near future by going to:
https://www.bsu.edu/academics/collegesanddepartments/theatredance/whats-on-stage/season-listing
Sources: Ball State University, CDC
Images: Ball State Theatre and Dance
Featured Image: Ball State Theatre and Dance
(09/30/20 9:19pm)
by Kellyn Harrison
To many Esports fanatics, Eefje “Sjokz” Depoortere is someone many people—especially women—look up to. Whether it be her large presence and voice within the gaming industry or what she signifies for their professional ambition, over the past 20 years, Sjokz has paved the way for many young voices in the gaming industry who wish to fill her big shoes.
(09/30/20 8:04pm)
by Mason Kupiainen
Fall marks the time of year when Americans go to haunted houses, carve pumpkins, and curl up on the couch with a bucket of popcorn while walking horror movies. One of the horror flicks that should be at the top of every list is Scream. The film is like lightning in a bottle. It combines horror and comedy while having clever commentary on horror films woven throughout. With an all-star cast including Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, and Jamie Kennedy, who has created some of horror's most iconic characters, the film was able to go on to be a success both critically and financially. But how did this iconic film, not based on any previous source material, begin in the first place?
(09/24/20 2:00pm)
“In all reality, I have been overweight for so much of my life, it began to take a toll on my life. I hated how I felt, how I looked and how people treated me. I knew I had to reclaim my life. Along with that, I wanted to prove everyone wrong.”
(09/24/20 4:00pm)
Now that autumn is here, with it comes cool weather, pumpkin-flavored foods and colorful leaves. Rather than crunching leaves under your boots as you walk to class, consider picking up a few and taking them home with you. Then, try out these do-it-yourself ways to paint these leaves to get into the spirit of the upcoming fall holidays.
(09/18/20 5:00pm)
by Conner Tighe
Going back out into the real world can be scary, with businesses beginning to reopen, and this awkward transition period the world is in. If you find yourself in need of another reality, fall in love with one of the most passionate and well-written authors of our time. I encourage you to dive into one of five novels by illustrious author, screenwriter, and playwright Cormac McCarthy. McCarthy has captured an enormous fan base while telling gripping tales of horror and mischief around the United States. He is like no other author in his grasp of storytelling, and his work will stand the test of time. Several of McCarthy’s works have been turned into films, and you may recognize some of them. With 10 novels published, McCarthy has written some groundbreaking narratives. Let McCarthy’s dark world take you with these five novels of justice, revenge, and real evil.
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="166"] Image from Amazon [/caption]
5. Suttree (1979)
McCarthy's 482-page semi-autobiographical novel is the heaviest of his works. Cornelius Suttree, a fisherman living off the Tennessee River, calls the South home while dealing with past trauma. Shunned from his family, Suttree makes his way across the Tennessee region to make a living. The story is intriguing but appears dry halfway through the novel. Only genuine McCarthy fans will tolerate the never-ending story of grief in Suttree’s life. With the grim take on life in Tennessee, McCarthy stays true to what his fans know best: life can always be worse. And life commonly is.
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="178"] Image from Amazon [/caption]
4. The Orchard Keeper (1965)
The Orchard Keeper gave McCarthy a point on the roadmap. The novel established his career as a novelist, and it still entertains today. The story revolves around strange circumstances featuring orchard keeper Ather Ownby, who passes on his knowledge of the Tennessee wilderness to a boy named John Wesley Rattner. Rattner’s father, Kenneth, is killed by bootlegger Marion Sylder. Sylder develops a close friendship with Rattner, who is unaware Sylder killed his father. McCarthy captured the rich, unique nature of the Tennessee town, Red Branch. Nature itself seems like a character as it plays a significant role in telling the story of the people. Although it’s not his best novel, it’s still, patient, and cool with its suspense and eventual climax.
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="164"] Image from Amazon [/caption]
3. The Road (2006)
By far McCarthy’s bleakest and darkest book, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel tells the journey of a man and his son across a desolate wasteland that is written in a captivating and powerful manner. McCarthy keeps you reading by providing twists and scenes of terror that no human should have to encounter. During a time like this in America, the novel makes you wonder what could be in America. McCarthy leaves room for thought with his novels. What happened to the world in this novel? There are theories, but nothing is confirmed.
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="180"] Image from Amazon[/caption]
2. Child of God (1973)
Evil roams the Tennessee wilderness in this McCarthy thriller. Like my number one choice, this novel revolves around a cat-and-mouse chase of good and evil. A violent nomad beyond humanity is murdering the public while the local sheriff is running off clues to track the man down. The narrative is tense and includes a kicker of an ending. For those that get a thrill from gruesome violence and an engrossing narrative, this is a strong recommendation.
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="177"] Image from Amazon[/caption]
1. No Country for Old Men (2005)
By far McCarthy’s greatest piece of literature, this story revolves around greed and coming to terms with aging in a broken world. Hunter Llewelyn Moss stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong. Nearby, lays a briefcase of a substantial amount of cash; here is where our story begins. McCarthy creates his greatest villain to date. Anton Chigurh, a ruthless hitman, hunts down Moss while sheriff, Ed Tom Bell, tries to keep up with the mess of events. The novel found its way onto the big screen in 2007. The film comprised a great casting group featuring Javier Bardem, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, and Kelly Macdonald. The film also won four Academy Awards — Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay — and grossed $171.6 million. The film certainly lives up to the amazing story that McCarthy crafted.
Images: Amazon
Featured Image: Los Angeles Times
(09/10/20 5:30pm)
by Conner Tighe
Ms. Pac-Man blessed the world with a whole new generation of players in 1981. After Pac-Man’s success, creator Stan Jarocki decided he wanted to attract a wider audience demographic. While he was successful, this was unfortunately one of the many examples of sexism that spurred the video game world back then. Video games have since become more inclusive of the demographics portrayed in their games. According to a study by the Arts Management & Technology Laboratory, female characters were found to be over-sexualized due to the recent 3D technology in the mid-1990s. However, the underrepresentation of female characters and the sexism that surround femininity in the video game industry have decreased. Entire series have become centered on females just as much as male characters. Here are the top five most powerful women in video game history.
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="86"] Image from Kingdom Hearts Wiki[/caption]
5. Kairi (The Kingdom Hearts Series)
A short-haired girl who runs alongside her friends Sora and Riku on Destiny Islands, Kairi was a part of many people’s childhoods as the darkness devoured her heart in Kingdom Hearts. Sora and Riku both go looking for Kairi, crossing paths and eventually battling each other. Kairi appears in the next two sequels where she’s strong, compassionate, and Sora’s love interest.
With the power to wield a Keyblade—like Sora and Riku—Kairi fights the darkness alongside everyone else. Her character becomes powerful, and the games show Kairi’s progression of age and the inner turmoil she has within. At times she goes from a damsel in distress to the one saving Sora. Kairi will stick with fans long after they finish the “Kingdom Hearts” series.
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="244"] Image from A New Game Plus[/caption]
4. Chun-Li (The Street Fighter Series)
In 1991, fans of Street Fighter 2 could hear the sound of the legendary lightning kick coming from a woman dressed in blue. Chun-Li was the first female character in the Street Fighter series, which would later expand to an additional five games. Chun-Li’s lightning kick is nearly unstoppable and is a sure victory for players (I won’t tell you the secret button combo, though). Chun-Li seeks revenge for her father after he is killed by M. Bison, the main antagonist of the Street Fighter series.
3. Buffy Summers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds)
After Buffy the Vampire Slayer ended its seventh season in 2003, a video game was released later that year featuring the cast. Most of the cast lent their voices to their animated characters for gamers to experience. Buffy Summers finds herself once again protecting Sunnydale from the ultimate evil known as The First, the first evil ever to be on Earth. Summers is witty and tough as nails. In the game, you battle vampires, demons, and zombies, playing not only as Summers but the other cast as well.
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="421"] Image from: TechnoBuffalo[/caption]
A year earlier, Xbox released Buffy the Vampire Slayer exclusively on the Xbox, but the game doesn’t compare to Chaos Bleeds. The latter allows Summers to perform unique combos on her enemies. As Summers, the gamer will fight evil in the present-day Sunnydale and eventually travel to an alternate dimension Sunnydale where evil reigns. Summers has been a powerful female icon since the early 90s, and this game enforces that.
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="270"] Image from Fanpop[/caption]
2. Ada Wong (The Resident Evil Series)
The Resident Evil series features a variety of characters, including multiple males and females. While Wong’s character wasn’t the first female to appear, she’s by far the most cunning and exciting character. Her persona is very much like a modern Catwoman with mysterious motives and an untapped consciousness that no one can figure out.
Wong’s first appearance was in 1998’s Resident Evil 2. Since then, she has appeared in Resident Evil 4 and 6. Mainly sporting red attire, her most famous outfit being the classic “woman in the red dress" look, she pops in now and then to assist the main characters in their times of need. She uses a grapple gun that commonly gets her out of sticky situations while also wielding a small arsenal of weapons. Wong is the definition of a double agent, and she shares some interest in rookie cop, Leon Kennedy—another main character.
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="394"] Image from Game Informer[/caption]
1. Lara Croft (The Tomb Raider Trilogy)
While Croft’s character has appeared in a variety of Tomb Raider games, I’ll reference only the best: the Tomb Raider trilogy. Born into the Croft family, Lara shares a family interest in history and geography. After surviving a deadly plane crash in Nepal when she was little, she accidentally activates a strange dais that opens a portal. Lara’s mother, Amelia, disappears into the portal. Since then, Croft vows to find her mother while searching for Excalibur, a sword that activates the portal.
Croft is armed with her double pistols and climbing gear as she traverses deadly terrain, most of which are tombs. Croft’s story is interesting due to the mystery that surrounds her past and family. Amazingly agile, she is able to do acrobatics with ease. Croft uses these skills to outsmart enemies and booby traps within the tombs she traverses. Lara Croft was a large part of my childhood, and no other female character has come close to Croft’s brilliance.
Sources: Arts Management and Technology Laboratory
Images: A New Game Plus, Fanpop, Game Informer, Kingdom Hearts Wiki, TechnoBuffalo
Featured Image: Microsoft
(09/03/20 4:00pm)
by Conner Tighe
With brown curls and a dreamy smile, young pop idol Shawn Mendes has been blessing the music world and fans alike since “Life of the Party,” his 2014 debut single. Since then, the musician has produced three albums and has taken part in several collaborations with the likes of Taylor Swift (“Lover”), Astrid (“Air”), Khalid (“Youth”) and love interest Camila Cabello (“I Know What You Did Last Summer,”/“Señorita”).
Mendes has always connected with other musicians. Years ago, he was still on his way to becoming famous when he met Cabello. The two met in 2014 on Austin Mahone’s summer tour, where Cabello found an interest in Mendes. The two were in a game of public tweets, hinting about their friendship and experiences working together between 2014 and 2018. Mendes has always been excellent at telling his love life and struggles through his songs. An example of that is through "Señorita," the summer bop that changed everything between him and Cabello. Many speculated that there was chemistry between them, but from then on, the spark between the two was undeniable.
10. “Treat You Better”
The singer’s second album Illuminate was nothing short of amazing, with Mendes telling fans about his love and feelings of loneliness for an unknown love interest. With every album, there’s a track that stands among the rest, and then there’s the track that is skipped over. “Treat You Better” is the weakest of Mendes’ work as the message is drone and gray with appeal. The track talks of the singer’s jealousy and comparison of him to a certain someone. The message doesn’t land, and it’s best to skip this track as it takes any listener back to those cringey high school days.
https://youtu.be/lY2yjAdbvdQ
9. “Mercy”
Again from Illuminate, Mendes does better with a track of love and a woman’s rage that drives him mad. The beginning hymn of the piece is soothing and only gets better with each passing second. The singer explains how his heart is sensitive about his girl, and he wishes she would have mercy on him. Mendes, like so many other artists, took a universal message and spun it with rhythm and a winning track of sadness and emotion. Mendes is no stranger to having love issues like most people in their early 20s, but crafting the idea into art is fantastic; the line “I’m prepared to sacrifice my life. I would gladly do it twice” gets me every time.
https://youtu.be/KkGVmN68ByU
8. “Believe”
A song of inspiration and seeing hope, this Mendes track was featured on the “Descendants” soundtrack, which premiered on Disney Channel in 2015. The music video shows a community coming together to recognize unity and the central message focuses on humanity and our flaws. The message is fantastic and represents Mendes’ character. The singer has always displayed points of positive reinforcement and genuine kindheartedness.
https://youtu.be/IZMYO_iT-r0
7. “Something Big”
Mendes had an epiphany while he was on Austin Mahone’s tour. The young singer’s fame was snowballing, and Mendes expressed his surprise with this newfound acclaim by producing “Something Big.” The piece itself is terrific with its pop inspirations and repetitive line, “woah, woah…” you get the picture. Mendes was discovered over the now-dead platform Vine and has since grown into someone unforgettable in the music industry. “Something Big” is what we’ll all be saying years from now about his career.
https://youtu.be/mytLRy32Viw
6. “Youth”
The only collaboration on this list, “Youth” features Khalid as he aides Mendes on this track of self-discovery about being young. The singer understands that it’s difficult being young in a changing world, and “Youth” is more of a proud statement of finding oneself. No one stays young forever, and being youthful is something many of us take advantage of. The message Mendes wants the listener to take away? Enjoy being wild while life allows you.
https://youtu.be/sJUGAIf1Px0
5. “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back”
A quick Latin music appeal and soft vocals envelop Mendes’ piece of art that talks about a wandering man—that man being Mendes. In this song, the singer is going all-in with this mysterious girl. When the song was released, radio stations everywhere couldn’t get enough of the rhythmic appeal of this fast-paced guitar song. The pop star proves again that a relationship is empowering, and love is a mysterious thing.
https://youtu.be/dT2owtxkU8k
4. “Ruin”
Mendes has always clarified that John Mayer has been one of his longtime inspirations in the music industry. In a 2018 interview with Time, the singer said Mayer was his “favorite person in the world.” One can’t help but wonder if that inspiration was behind this beautiful track. One of the singer’s slower tracks, it proves that sometimes slower is better. The message is sad, providing listeners with a loss that Mendes was facing at the time of an ended relationship. Seeing your ex with someone can be great, but it can also be sad, and Mendes is all about showing his vulnerable side.
https://youtu.be/m-nCLLnQA5c
3. “If I Can’t Have You”
I can’t help but bang my head or tap something nearby to the beginning rhythm of number three on the list. “If I Can’t Have You,” believe it or not, was written by Mendes for singer Dua Lipa, according to Teen Vogue. A fast tempo and repeating lyrics are always golden with this pop star. The cover art is beautiful and resembles a beach vibe, featuring a slight outline of Mendes with waves crashing. The single is a piece of art with a heart of longing and wordplay of dreams. If Mendes can’t have you, he’ll undoubtedly write about you.
https://youtu.be/oTJ-oqwxdZY
2. “Lost in Japan”
Japanese aesthetic and slight references to Bill Murray’s “Lost in Translation” surround this heavenly song that earned number two on this list. Zedd’s version of the single is incredible, although authenticity reigns supreme here. Mendes is in love within this song, and he wants to party, have fun, and explore his desires. “Lost in Japan” expanded the boundaries that the singer was afraid to cross with his earlier work. Listeners can feel Mendes coming into his own with this Juno Award-winning track. Nothing feels like being lost in an unknown city with a beautiful woman. Mendes can tell you about the experience.
https://youtu.be/ycy30LIbq4w
1. “In My Blood” (Portuguese Version)
Half English, half Portuguese, “In My Blood” inspires all around the world with Mendes growing from his pain and struggles within his life. This single easily earns its spot because of its universal message, and if anyone reads the news, Mendes had a lot to say about the track. In a 2018 interview with Elite Daily, Mendes says, “This song is the closest song to my heart that I’ve ever written, and I hope you guys love it.” We love it, Shawn. We more than love it. The overlying message of inner strength and self-awareness ties to his rosy image that was the center graphic for his last tour. Roses grow through rain and shine. Mendes inspires all with his music, saying that everything will be okay. We need that message now more than ever.
https://youtu.be/D9Fq68qMMBM
The singer has gone dark in the music world unless you count the time he sang “What a Wonderful World” live with Cabello. It’s rumored that Mendes may collaborate with Justin Bieber on something after he was spotted outside of a recording studio where the two have been seen previously. Mendes has been good friends with Bieber’s wife Hailey, and if something is going on, it may be Mendes’ most significant piece yet.
Sources: Elite Daily, Teen Vogue, Time, YouTube
Featured Image: E! Online
(07/21/20 6:44pm)
by Kellyn Harrison
Rap. A genre born within the 1970s block parties of New York City by blending funk, soul, and disco. A genre hailed for its wordplay, punchlines, complexity, and “real” lyrics. Artists like Tupac and Biggie preach systematic issues like racism, class divide, drugs, etc. However, anybody unacquainted with the genre will tell you it glamorizes sex, violence, anarchy, and drugs. As this may have been true within the past couple of years, I think a light has been slowly growing right under our noses. A light that was almost snuffed out on Dec. 8, 2019, but has prospered above all. That light is Juice Wrld.
The Man, The Myth, The Legend
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Juice Wrld grew up among many musically stylistic influences. His single mother first pushed him into the music scene by signing him up for piano lessons. Thus, encouraging him to pursue guitar, drums, and trumpet lessons. Even though Juice’s mother banned rap because of her conservatism, Juice claimed to secretly listen to Chief Keef and Gucci Mane when visiting his cousins. All the while, Juice stated a childhood crush piqued his interest in indie/punk rock artists such as Panic! at the Disco and Billy Idol. These idols would paint the hip-hop, trap, emo rap style we see in Juice’s music today. Juice even collaborated with Brendon Urie in 2018 with “Roses”.
[embed]https://youtu.be/S_1MXllHWMQ[/embed]
However, it was Juice’s life-altering struggles that truly shaped his music. In sixth grade, Juice’s drug abuse began. He tried to break free, but heartbreak, depression, and anxiety caused him to relapse. It wasn’t until meeting his current girlfriend, Ally Lotti, when he began to feel in control of his life. It was after he created his music and established a platform for himself that he found the encouragement he needed to keep working, even if it was only to help others. His vulnerability and emotionally seeping lyrics created a “family” of fans who could relate and trust him with the weight of their own struggles. This is something XXXTentacion started to create before his death in 2018.
Fighting Demons
Even though Juice faced drug abuse almost his entire life, he understood how damaging it can be, especially for one’s mental health, having faced depression and anxiety himself. Juice knew how powerful his position as an upcoming musician was. Thus, using his platform to focus on topics such as depression, anxiety, heartbreak, drug abuse, racism, and PTSD. Juice wanted to bring light to many unspoken issues in society and warn the younger generation as Tupac and Biggie did.
This change in rap is what draws the younger generation in. It is stated by Teen Mental Health that, “1 in 5 young people suffer from a mental illness, that’s 20 percent of our population…”. Therefore, as the rap industry discusses the struggles of mental health, more young adults feel heard and appreciated in a world where mental health is still seen as a stigma. Juice makes the younger generation feel heard, welcomed, and not alone in their battles. His music is a message for the world and a sense of release for those struggling under the weight of their own mental illnesses. This is something encouraging when rap has been stigmatized as unproductive and even damaging toward society. Even more so now when societal change is in such high demand.
Hear Me Calling
Sadly, at the height of his career, Juice Wrld died on Dec. 8, 2019, just a couple days after he turned 21. Not only did this shock the fans who relied on him, but it shocked the world. As his fans paid their respects and listened to his music over again, they noticed some chilling details in his music. Where we once believed his music was a confessional of his struggles, we realized it was a call for help. Especially in his newly released song “Wishing Well” where he states, “I cry out for help, do they listen? I’ma be alone until it’s finished.”
[embed]https://youtu.be/C5i-UnuUKUI[/embed]
We believed he was getting better because he had overcome most of his drug abuse struggles. We believed everything was fine. He was making tons of money, had a huge house, had a girlfriend, and many expensive clothes. But as his song “Fighting Demons” says, “I got rich, I got rich, I’m livin’ that fast life…and that’s supposed to make me happy. I got a couple of questions. How come that…don’t ever make me happy.”
[embed]https://youtu.be/rJZynxvJnlI[/embed]
His death and music only brought to light what our system was lacking when it came to mental health support/awareness. This is supported by Teen Mental Health, which states only four percent of the total health care budget is spent on our mental health. Even though it is understood the budget is tight under the demand for COVID-19 relief, the younger generation is expressing Juice’s call for help themselves and wishing for more to be done in the future, so those fighting will not lose so early like Juice did. Especially when the country is currently living in a time of fear and isolation.
Legends Never Die
Following Juice’s death many believed his untitled album, originally planned to drop on his birthday, was his last. However, many turned to his last interview with Forbes where he revealed he has over 1,000 unreleased songs. Shortly after his death, his team stated they would be honoring Juice’s legacy by continuing to release his music for those who have relied on it for so long. The connection many felt toward Juice and his struggles would not be snuffed, instead, it would be prolonged to help our generation and generations to come. Those struggling with mental illness themselves will continue to call on his cry for help and hold on to the hope for a better future in which they can receive the acknowledgment and help our society so desperately needs.
Here you can listen to Juice Wrld’s vulnerable posthumous album, Legends Never Die, that dives into his struggles with fame and his desire to save those who rely on him.
Sources: Byte, Forbes, NPR, Revolt, Teen Mental Health, Youtube
Featured Image: Billboard
(06/18/20 6:00pm)
With everything going on in the world right now, it’s natural to feel some nostalgia for simpler times, like the 90s, when you could throw on a bright neon shirt, some baggy jeans, and go out and see all your friends. Luckily, I have compiled a list of the ten best movies from the decade to help you live out your 90s nostalgia during quarantine.
(06/09/20 1:18pm)
The buildings alongside Walnut Street were wrapped in corrugated aluminum, hiding the historic brick facades. Some had been renovated to the styles of the ‘80s. It was a mishmash of architecture. The street was paved over as a plaza for pedestrians to walk from store to store — except they didn’t.
(06/02/20 5:00pm)
by Mason Kupiainen
(05/28/20 7:29pm)
by Conner Tighe
(05/27/20 8:55pm)
by Arianna Sergio
(05/20/20 6:58pm)
by Arianna Sergio
(05/18/20 8:22pm)
by Mason Kupiainen