Author: Sara Dobosh

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Arts & Life Music Review

Nine Inch Nails’ star releases track

By William Bonfiglio

Writer

The words “grating,” “harsh” and “upsetting” are not frequently associated with successful music.  But beginning in the late eighties, Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails substituted these characteristics for melody and rhythm to create an entirely novel genre of music dubbed “industrial.”

In 2007, Reznor announced he was disbanding his live group, Nine Inch Nails (NIN).  Many wondered whether he would retire from the corporate music scene altogether.  His subtle messages to fans did nothing to abate these concerns. On more than one occasion in 2010, the only graphic portrayed on the NIN website was a question mark.

Reznor never truly left the music profession.  He was involved with projects like film soundtracks and reissues for previously successful albums. He was also working with his wife, Mariqueen Maandig, formerly of the band West Indian Girl, and the composer Atticus Ross on a fresh project.  On June 1, the group made their project available to the public. The release was an EP titled “How To Destroy Angels,” credited to a group of the same name. Though not innovative or influential, the project does show he will remain in the musical scene for a while.

The style of music of the project is not a significant departure from past styles. Many familiar with the work of NIN have compared it to a 1999 double album release titled “The Fragile,” noted for its gloomy ambience. Maandig’s vocals in “How to Destroy Angels” are similar to vocals on “The Fragile” due to the thick and distorted sound of the voice, and the haunting, whispery narration.  What some listeners have identified as a mind-numbing monotone can actually be read as the voice of an exhausted victim, who perhaps knows her efforts are futile, pathetically inquiring in “The Drowning,” and “Please, anyone, I don’t think I can save myself. I’m drowning here.”

Knowing the key to success lies in exposure, Reznor and his group have provided a link to download the EP for free on the band’s website, howtodestroyangels.com.

Through his new release, and the news that Reznor will compose the music featured in the highly anticipated film, “The Social Network,” which chronicles the creation of Facebook, Reznor has shown he has not given up on the world as an audience.

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Arts & Life Columns Cooking Corner

Cooking Corner: Mustard-Glazed Chicken

By Emily Fry

Staff Writer

Mustard-Glazed Chicken

Even though this is a Martha Stewart recipe, I’ve tweaked it a little to adapt it to a college student’s resources, so it’s still really simple.  Everything this recipe calls for is available at Wal-mart or Weis.  Your friends will be impressed by your culinary expertise and it tastes delicious!

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

2 Tbsp. olive oil, plus more for seasoning chicken

Sea salt and pepper

4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened

2 1/2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

3/4 cup coarse bread crumbs

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme

3/4 cup low-sodium chicken stock

1/2 cup heavy cream

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.  Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and lightly season with salt and pepper.

2. Combine 2 Tbsp. of butter with mustard; reserve 2 tsp. of mixture for the sauce.  Melt the remaining 2 Tbsp. of butter and mix with thyme and bread crumbs.

3. In a large skillet, heat the 2 Tbsp. of oil over medium high heat.  Sear the chicken about 5 minutes.

4. Remove from heat. Transfer chicken to 9×13 baking dish.  Set aside the skillet to make the sauce later.  Smear each side of the chicken with the mustard mixture and sprinkle each side with the bread crumbs.

5. Roast in oven until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes.

6. Transfer chicken to a plate.  Add the stock and cream to the skillet and cook over medium heat and stir until creamy and reduced, about 3 minutes.  Remove from heat, and stir in the reserved mustard mixture.  Strain through a fine sieve and serve with the chicken.

Adapted from Martha Stewart Living Cookbook

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Arts & Life

‘Savage/Love’ performance this weekend

By Christina Oddo

Contributing Writer

A friend’s turbulent relationship inspired theatre major Ali Keller ’12 to direct “Savage/Love,” a set of 19 monologues written by Sam Shepard and Joseph Chaikin.

Over the summer, Keller spoke to a friend at home who was involved in a two-year relationship. Her friend complained about his girlfriend, their frequent fights and mishaps. Keller asked her friendf why he was still in that relationship, and he answered that he was just too scared to start dating again. The last thing he said was “and I love her.” This conversation struck Keller as strange and complex and motivated her to direct “Savage/Love.”

Shepard’s monologues highlight moments in relationships that are similar to what Keller noted in her friend’s, one that “went on too long.” The difficulties associated with this type of relationship are relatable to anyone at any age, “especially college students,” Keller said. College students are at the age where relationships are just “complicated.” The people in a relationship have to know what the other wants: whether to have a long or short-term relationship, or whether to stay together after college.

Emily Hooper ’14 and Jeff Simkins ’13, both actors in the play, discussed the uniqueness of the script, originally written as a one-man show.

“There is so much you can do with it,” Hooper said. “There is so much to work with.”

Keller made the artistic decision to depict a relationship by creating a dialogue of monologues, maintaining the same order of monologues originally created by Shepard with some slight variation. This project is the “most unique thing I have ever done,” Hooper said.

Both cast members and the director commented on how the script itself is so ambiguous that every word and phrase can be said either angrily or lovingly, depending on the “initiative” of the actor.

The script is also unique in that the interactions between the two characters are unsettling, as the reactions that take place are not typical. It is about “what’s going on underneath the words,” Simkins said.

In this way, “the words can apply to anyone,” Hooper said.

Keller gave the two cast members an assignment to find what works best for them: go on a “caf” date. This helped shape the relationship the two would portray on stage, the details that would mold their words, their actions and reactions. Nineteen monologues can be quite overwhelming, and given the open-endedness of the script, the actors needed to dig deeper into their characters.

“There is nothing provided,” Simkins said. It was up to the actors to develop the characters and their emotions.

“The rhythm and the beat are challenging,” Simkins said. He is excited to see “how people will react to the abstract movement” of the play, and the “fun symbolism.”

The suspense developed throughout the play is notable. Keller uses silence in a way that is noisy. The silence and lack of communication are unsettling, and the repeated notion of time and “ticking” highlights one of the central themes of the play: the cyclical behavior of relationships. What if you took out parts of this cycle, like “the break up” or “the set of compromises” that follow “the break up?” Simply put, you get “Savage/Love.”

“Savage/Love” plays Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre in Tustin Studios. Tickets are available at the box office in the Weis Center for only $4.

Take it from one who has already got a sneak peak of “Savage/Love”: it is an enticing and engaging performance that you will never forget.

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Arts & Life Movies Review

Affleck impresses viewers in ‘The Town’

By Sara Dobosh

Arts & Life Editor

“The Town” has the typical boy-meets-girl, boy-falls-in-love-with-girl plot–except unlike most films, the boy meets the girl by robbing the bank where she works and taking her hostage.

The movie takes place in Charlestown, Mass., a blue-collar town with a high crime rate. Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck) and his three childhood friends make a living byrobbing banks. Dressed in costume, they rob the bank’s armored trucks as the banks open in the morning. When an unplanned challenge emerges, the group takes bank manager Claire (Rebecca Hall) hostage. To prevent Claire from telling the FBI all she remembers about the men, MacRay dates Claire so he can slyly retrieve information about the case’s progress.

Claire is ignorant of MacRay‘s alibi, so she shares with him the trauma she experienced during the incident.

“The Town” is more than the average action-packed film. The criminal story is solely the outside layer while romance, growing up and past family relations compose the depth of the film. Affleck and Hall have believable chemistry throughout, and it is truly heartbreaking when the FBI informs Claire of MacRay’s true identity.

MacRay struggles to understand why his mother abandoned him when he was six years old and vies to avoid following in his father’s footsteps with a life in prison.

MacRay aims to desert his criminal life by finally leaving Charlestown. He tries to terminate his criminal activities, but is constantly pulled back into the web of criminals. MacRay and Claire plan to leave Charlestown and begin a new life together, yet the plan is averted when she discovers MacRay’s true identity and when MacRay and his group are forced to perform one more robbery. Their last robbery is the riskiest: the team must rob the Boston Red Sox’ Fenway Park.

“The Town” was quite enjoyable, with action-packed car chases, romance between Claire and MacRay that I found myself rooting for and, most importantly, Affleck’s incredible and realistic performance.

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Arts & Life Featured

Video games wildly popular on campus

By Ashley Miller

Contributing Writer

Ever since the original Nintendo, people have been staying up all night in a desperate attempt to beat that one unbeatable level in video games. Recently, the systems have been becoming more advanced. Just a few years back, Wii revolutionized the video game industry with a new kind of controller, and a similar design will soon be released by Sony PlayStation.

Other developments like Xbox and PlayStation Live provide individuals with the capability to play against other gamers around the world via the internet. Gamers can also talk to each other using a headset.

“It enhances the game experience,” said Carter Wells ’14, who often trash-talks his opponents during military strategy games like Halo.

On campus, a large gamer population exists, and on weekend nights, students can always be found engrossed in video games on residence halls.

Most people just play video games for fun or recreation, but some get really into it, attending tournaments on campus. Gamers can also become obsessed with reaching a certain milestone or level.

KRAID, a video game club on campus, dedicates itself to providing an alternative to alcohol-based activities by gaming.

With so many different kinds of video games, which ones are college students playing?

“Halo Reach, of course,” Wells said, referring to the most recent sensational release. The latest in the Halo series was released on Sept. 14 and is based on a futuristic society in the midst of intergalactic civil war.

“Legend of Zelda. Or Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2,” Mark Sabbas ’14 said, naming his favorite video games.

Gamers must find a way to balance their love for video games and their academic and campus responsibilities.

“Video games do not get in the way of homework because you have to do your work first. Most of the time,” Sabbas said.

“I don’t play every day. I play, like, three hours on the weekend nights,” Wells said.

As long as video games do not interfere with schoolwork, they can certainly be a fun and mentally-stimulating pastime.

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Arts & Life Review Television

Off the Tube: ‘Glee’

By Tracy Lum

Editor-in-Chief

This week, “Glee” brought back Britney, showing she’s “Stronger,” “Toxic” and even still a “Slave 4 U.”  The follow-up episode to “Glee”‘s lackluster season premiere celebrated the 2000s pop princess, giving her props for Gleek empowerment.

In this week’s episode, Mr. Shue resists the Gleeks’ desire to perform a mix of Britney hits at homecoming. Meanwhile, Emma’s new love interest Carl (played by guest star John Stamos) enters the scene and offers the students dental examinations and cleanings. While under the influence of nitrous oxide (laughing gas), our favorite Gleeks, including Brittany S. Pierce, Rachel, Artie and Santanan drift into Britney-inspired reveries.Brittany (played by Heather Morris), who has apparently lived in the shadow of Britney Spears her whole life, even gets her first solo Glee Club moment when she reenacts scenes from Britney Spears’ most famous videos (“Slave 4 U,” “Toxic,” “Lucky” and “Me Against the Music.”) Artie, sitting in a wheelchair decked out with massive power wheels, sings “Stronger,” while trying to win back Tina’s affections. Britney Spears herself made a few cameos, appearing as a cheerleader and in her music videos.

The first episode spent entirely too much time setting up plot twists for the remainder of the season, but the second returned to “Glee”‘s original roots in its thematically-unified performances. While the first episode caught viewers up on what had happened over the summer, the second developed Shue and Emma’s turbulent relationship, gave Rachel and Finn some alone time and returned Quinn to her former status as head cheerleader. It’s as if we’ve come full circle.

But can “Glee” continue its award-winning streak?

Next week’s episode promises some “Glee”-ful renditions of Ke$ha tunes, and according to askausiello.com, by episode nine, Santana and Brittany will be the only Cheerios still in New Directions.

Categories
Arts & Life Review Television

Off the Tube: ‘Gossip Girl’

By Katie Monigan

Arts & Life Editor

This week’s episode, “Double Identity,” essentially part two of last week’s season four premiere, was unusually dramatic. Dan’s a daddy, Blair might have a shot at dating French royalty, Chuck is missing, and his wallet was found with blood on it.

For once, the adult characters were completely drama-free. This might mean a new shift in plot focus towards the college-aged characters, instead of the trials and tribulations of married life. On a show clearly marketed towards high school and college students, this could be a smart move.

The first two episodes were also mostly set in Paris instead of Manhattan. Everyone came home at the end of “Double Identity,” but this French excursion might be a glimpse into a more exotic new season.

Baby Milo’s presence will certainly change the course of events this season. The characters are beginning to deal with more “grown-up” problems, like potential marriage proposals and teen parenthood. High school drama, college admittance stress, college issues and now concerns of young adulthood are all being addressed, and all at the right times.

The music on the show has also taken a new direction. Pop songs are eclipsing the unremarkable choices of the past. Again, the change may not last, but it seems like a good idea to add musical appeal to an already popular show.

Nate’s new friend Juliet looks like the big mystery of the season. She has a wall covered in printouts of Gossip Girl posts in a dimly lit, suspicious-looking room. Maybe we’ll even find out who Gossip Girl really is this season. As always, we’ll have to wait, and since this is only the second episode, we have a lot of waiting to do.

Categories
Arts & Life Movies Review

Carell shines in ‘Despicable Me’

By Ashley Miller

Contributing Writer

In early July, “Despicable Me” was released and soon earned a number-one box office spot. Its opening grossed $53.3 millionand was the third largest animated movie opening of the summer, following “Toy Story 3” and “Shrek Forever After,” according to imdb.com.

Steve Carell, known for his work in “The Office,““Get Smart“ and “Dinner for Schmucks” voices Gru, a once-great supervillain that has had a few too many mishaps. WhenVector, voiced by Jason Segel (“Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “I Love You, Man”), takes the world by storm and upstages Gru by stealing the Great Pyramid of Giza, Gru sets out to steal the biggest monument yet: the moon.

Gru’s plan is brilliant, but he has difficulties obtaining a loan from the Bank of Evil without the shrink ray he will use for the heist. When Gru finally obtains the shrink ray, Vector steals it.

Gru must figure out how to get the shrink ray back from Vector’s super high-tech lair. Even with the help of Dr. Nefario (voiced by Russell Brand), Gru’s elderly, hearing-impaired associate, and hundreds of little yellow minions, Gru cannot find a way to break into Vector’s place. But with the help of Margo, Edith and Agnes, three orphan sisters, he might be able to acquire the shrink ray.

While this may seem like a children’s movie, the family–friendly comedy still appeals to older audiences. You will laugh more than a few times at the hilarious minions and comedic cast. Carell’s comedic talent shines through, and his character will have you laughing at his appearance, voice and jokes.

But the movie is more than just entertaining. The adorable girls will win you and Gru over, and the ending will warm your heart.  This movie is the perfect combination of comedy and compassion.

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Arts & Life Columns Cooking Corner

Cooking with Emily: Apple Pie

By Emily Fry

Staff Writer

Apple Pie

Apple pie is a fall staple.  Cortland apples are great for baking. They stay crisp and are sweet, but still a little tart.  Why not drive out to Ard’s and get local, fresh Cortland apples?  You can even try the corn maze while you’re there.

Pie Crust

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups flour

3/4 tsp. salt

2/3 cups shortening

6-8 Tbsp. cold water

Crust

1. Combine flour and salt.

2. Cut in shortening using pastry blender (although a fork can work ,too) until the pieces are pea-sized.

3. Add water 2 Tbsps. at a time, mixing with a fork.  Add just enough so that the flour mixture is moistened and can be formed into a ball.  It will seem a little dry, but that means you’ll have a flakier crust.  If you add too much water it will be tough and chewy.

4. Cover the dough and refrigerate until ready to use.

Filling

6 Cortland apples, peeled and thinly sliced

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

3/4 cup sugar

2 Tbsp. flour

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg

1. Add lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg to apples and toss to coat.

2. Divide the pastry into two balls.  Roll out one of the balls on a lightly floured surface into a circle.  The circle should be about 12 inches in diameter.  Place the pastry in the pan.

3. Fill pastry-lined pan with filling.  Roll out the other ball of dough and place on top of pie and seal the crusts.

4. Flute edges and cut slits in top layer of pastry.

5. Bake at 375 degrees F for one hour.  For the first 40 minutes, cover the edge of the pie with foil to prevent burning the edge.Remove foil for the last 20 minutes. Cool at least two hours before serving.

Categories
Arts & Life Featured

Old fashioned ice cream parlor opens on Market St.

By Laura Crowley

Contributing Writer

The Sweet Shoppe opened last week in downtown Lewisburg.

Lewisburg’s first downtown ice cream parlor opened last week, Friday, Sept. 17.  The Sweet Shoppe is located next to Bull Run Inn on 611 Market Street and is owned by inn owners Mike and Lois Purcell.

The Sweet Shoppe sells hard-dipped ice cream, milkshakes, ice cream sodas, banana splits, malts, cookies, penny candy and coffee in its 1920s-themed parlor.  The employees sport traditional soda jerk uniforms with red stripes.

Mike Purcell decided on a 1920s theme during the renovation of the property, when he discovered original oak hardwood flooring dating back to 1922.  He decided to preserve it, along with a mantel and archway from the era.

The couple has owned the property for three and a half years and has used it as an office space.  The Purcells converted the space into an ice cream parlor thinking that downtown Lewisburg could use one.

In addition to Bull Run Inn, the Purcells own Puirseil’s Irish Pub and Parkview Catering.  The Sweet Shoppe is the first ice cream parlor the couple has owned.

Opening day was a relative success, as the crowds were evident but “did not scare the workers away,” Purcell said.

Students eagerly welcomed Market Street’s new edition.  “An ice cream shop is necessary in downtown Lewisburg.  Students are excited about the store, and I think it will do very well,” Jocelyn Baumgarten ’13 said.

The Shoppe is open seven days a week, from 2 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 2 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.