Category: Arts & Life

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Arts & Life Review Television

The Office: U.K. vs. American

By Laura Crowley

The Office: U.K. vs. American

It may come as a surprise to fans of the American mockumentary “The Office” that the show is largely unoriginal. In fact, the American version that aired in 2005 is entirely an adaptation of the United Kingdom’s (U.K.) version that aired four years before.

For frequent viewers, the similarity between the two versions is stark. The invented paper business “Dunder Mifflin” is based on the paper business featured in the U.K. version, “Wernham Hogg.” While main characters such as Michael Scott, Dwight Schrute, Jim Halpert and Pam Beesly are clearly based off of the U.K. version, there are even strange similarities between minor characters such as Kevin, Meredith, Stanley and Ryan and the relationships they form with others.

Just as similar is the plot. Episodes from the American version, such as “Downsize,” “Performance Review,” “Hot Girl,” “Fire Drill” and “The Merger” are all also off of the UK’s “Downsize,” “Appraisals,” “New Girl,” “Stress Relief” and “Merger.”

Similarly, the romance between Tim Canterbury and Dawn Tinsley, or Jim Halpert and Pam Beesly, help to ground the otherwise playful plot. Likewise, the uncanny and nosy Gareth Keenan, or Dwight, in the American version, is similarly obsessed with the arrogant and infamous David Brent, or Michael Scott.

Scenes from the U.K. show are placed directly into the American adaptation. In both the American and UK versions, Jim puts Dwight’s stapler in a jello mold and forces him to eat the mold until he reaches his stapler. Both Dwight characters similarly obsess over bobble-headed figures, only Dwight obsesses over a bobble-head of himself while Gareth is drawn to “Dirty Bertie.”

While the two shows are strikingly similar, the American version has clearly gained more popular acclaim as it boasts seven seasons and 142 episodes, while the U.K. version has showed a mere two seasons and 14 episodes. This difference may be due to changes the American version implemented.

Perhaps the most noticeable change is the increased involvement of secondary characters such as Meredith, Creed, Kelly and Angela. Involvement of such characters allows for a plot that extends beyond the core cast and allows viewers to identify a variety of characters that frequent offices.

Also changed is the atmosphere. The U.K. version is held in a gray office building with poor lighting. While the American version is not far from that dismal setting, it is certainly more fast-paced, with shorter scenes and faster jokes.

Even though the American version has clearly gained more fame, the question remains as to which version is better. Critics attribute a higher success rate to the American version because of its play-it-safe use of fast-paced, generic jokes, while the U.K. version requires a more observant viewer to appreciate its dense wit. Decide for yourself by watching both versions online at www.hulu.com.

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Arts & Life

Fashion Week exposed

By Michelle Joline

Contributing Writer

The University campus may be filled with people wishing for warm weather and flip flops to finally be in season again, but New York City has been buzzing for the past few weeks in anticipation of trendy fall prints and chunky knitwear. New York’s 2011 Fashion Week commenced Feb. 10 and has everyone in the fashion industry wishing for a crisp fall day to test out the new trends from the top designers who have showcased their autumn looks.

The new styles of autumn are incorporating some of the great elements from last season—long, over-sized cardigans and knits—but this season does it with a pop of color, seen at Cynthia Rowley. We are seeing accent color this spring, and it seems that the trend is going to continue into the fall.

One of the major must-haves featured at fashion week is the “cute coat,” whether it be the ponchos featured by Alexander Wang, Wu’s stylized pea coats, or Steffe’s capes. These influences were seen throughout all the tents and have brought the 1970s to 2011; these looks are to die for … again. House of Harlow captured 1960s and 1970s influences in its designs, adding a mod chic element to the looks. Along with House of Harlow, Alice Ritter incorporated this hip element into her usually overly-feminine style with her chic but comfort-friendly coatigans. The heavy 1970s style wedge, made popular again this spring, is again current with Might and Magic VI for autumn, with high leather wedged boots and clogs, much to the dismay of girls fearing sprained ankles and embarrassing falls.

Many of us have been holding our breaths, praying that our paychecks haven’t gone to waste on the fake furs we bought this past season. It appears that we can breathe easy, since the fur accent was popular on the runways at The Row and Mandy Coon, adding an edgy but fun element to their looks. These weren’t the only designers who had a glamorous element to their designs: Alice + Olivia consistently have been dishing out the perfect cocktail dress for the past few years and again didn’t disappoint.

The inspiration was endless at this year’s New York Fashion Week, making everyone rethink their spring looks and wish they were one of the lucky ones to be sitting front row. We can still get the next best thing by visiting fashion blogs, many of the popular fashion magazine websites or even video from the runway shows. The University does have its own fashion blog through the Be Fashion Magazine website, where there are updates on new contemporary style.

It is obviously difficult to rock these looks on campus given the steep hills and unappealing 8 a.m. classes, but it will be a worthwhile sacrifice for fashion this coming fall.

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Arts & Life

People you may know

Maggie Schneiderman

People You May Know
“What do you like most or least about the University?”

Christian Kogler ’14
Major: Undecided
“P-Safe. Take it as you will.”

Blake Bartter ’11
Major: Economics (Marketing concentration)
“Everyone here gets so involved. So I’d say what I like the most is the legacy of students being
involved on campus as well as in the community.”

Derek Eckhart ’11
Major: Management
“I like the size of the school. It’s not so big that you don’t have the opportunity to get to know
the people outside of your close group of friends.”

Frances Ruppe ’14
Major: Biomedical Engineering
“I like how friendly everyone is!”
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Arts & Life Movies Review

‘The Fighter’ review

By Carolyn Williams

Staff Writer

“The Fighter” is undoubtedly one of the best films of the year. David O. Russell’s Lowell-based film about brother boxers Dicky Eklund and Micky Ward hits home and is well-acted and well-realized. But what really sets “The Fighter” apart from the dime-a-dozen genre of underdog sports stories is its heart. “The Fighter” has heart in spades.

The story belongs to Micky Ward, a road-worker moonlighting as a boxer, played by Boston native Mark Wahlberg. HBO has descended on Lowell to film a documentary about Micky’s older brother, Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale), a retired fighter best known for knocking down Sugar Ray Leonard. Called “The Pride of Lowell,” Dicky has deluded himself and his family into the belief that he’s about to make a comeback in the boxing world, when in reality he is slipping deeper and deeper into his crack addiction.

Overshadowed by his mother, his seven sisters and the brother he has always idolized, Micky has become a “stepping stone,” a boxer who is used to boost the other fighters higher. At 31, Micky’s career seems about over, and after a slump of rough losses, he ashamedly considers quitting the sport for good. But, his strong-willed new flame, bartender Charlene Fleming (Amy Adams), calls on him not to give up his life dream so easily. Their new relationship acts as a catalyst, pushing Micky to make a last go of his career.

The family, and most notably the matriarch, Alice (Melissa Leo), balk at Micky’s decision to break away from the pack with Charlene, whom they meet with unmitigated dislike. The seven sisters, though comical on the surface, are a picture of stagnation, and Alice, though painfully stuck in the past where Dicky is fighting and still on the straight and narrow, eventually redeems herself, proving herself more aware of the family’s issues than she seems.

As Micky attempts to reclaim his career, he simultaneously begins to develop greater self-confidence and to strengthen his relationship with the bold and compassionate Charlene. Dicky also begins to pull himself together, albeit from the inside of a jail cell. Micky, ever the peacemaker in his family, acts to pull all of his separate supporters together. As Micky moves toward a real shot at a title, his motley group of loved ones, disparate though they may be, rally together to support the new “Pride of Lowell.”

Predictably, “The Fighter” made a splash at the box offices and was received well by critics. It’s a lovable film and a story that’s easy to relate toy.

“’The Fighter’ was an amazing movie that consisted of a truly phenomenal cast who was brilliant throughout the entire film,” Lauren Bernard ’14 said.

The actors were certainly well cast. Mark Wahlberg delivers a solid lead despite being overlooked for the Oscar. The supporting cast received three nominations, though, and the film has also garnered the prime nominations for Best Picture and Best Director for Russell. Christian Bale’s stringy, squirrelly Dicky is endearing and heartbreaking, a good counterpart to Melissa Leo’s bawdy, awful mother Alice Ward. And Amy Adams’s departure from her normal sweetness and innocence (remember “Enchanted”?) is spectacular as well.

“The Fighter” deals with a lot of difficult themes, and the dead-end lives of Micky and his siblings are saddening.

“I thought it had a tragic, but fascinating commentary on the family dynamic and was well acted and filmed. I thought it was excellent,” Kate Wilsterman ’14 said.

The portrayal of Lowell, Massachusetts is unflattering, which serves to help the audience further comprehend the triumph of Micky Ward over younger, better ranked fighters. “The Fighter” is an uplifting, feel-good sort of movie, and it has plenty of heart.

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Arts & Life Columns Cooking Corner

Cooking Corner: French Omelet

By Emily Fry

French Omelet

Most people hesitate to make omelets because they are afraid to flip them, but this recipe is fail-proof since there is no need to flip it over. It makes a hearty breakfast or a delicious dinner. You can even change it up every time by trying different fillings; who knows what you can create! Happy cooking!

Ingredients:

Filling (if desired)

2 eggs

2 tbsp water

1/8 tsp salt

Dash of pepper

1 tbsp butter

Directions:

1. Prepare filling, if desired. I typically sauté over medium heat: 1/4 cup chopped zucchini, 1/4 cup chopped red pepper, one clove of garlic (chopped) and one chopped scallion, until the vegetables are soft. Then, still over the heat, I add about one cup fresh spinach and cook until the spinach has wilted. Keep the filling warm until ready to use.

2. Combine eggs, water, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Beat until combined, but not frothy, with a fork.

3. Heat an eight-inch non-stick skillet with flared sides over medium-high heat until hot.

4. Melt butter in the skillet. Add egg mixture to the skillet; lower heat to medium. Immediately begin stirring the eggs gently with a wooden or plastic spatula until the mixture resembles small pieces of cooked egg surrounded by liquid egg. Stop stirring. Cook for 30-60 seconds more or until the egg mixture is set and shiny.

5. If using filling, spoon the filling across the center. At this point I typically sprinkle my filling with grated parmesan cheese. With a spatula, lift and fold an omelet edge, folding the omelet in half. Transfer the omelet to a plate and serve.

Source: Better Homes and Garden Cookbook

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Arts & Life

‘Lessons’ and ‘Really Trying Here’ premiere

By Christina Oddo

Writer

Two student-directed performances, “Lessons” and “Really Trying Here,” will premiere this weekend.

“Lessons” is directed and performed by only two actors, Edward Pailet ’11 and Stephanie Walters ’11, both of whom are arts merit scholars. The two proposed “Lessons” last semester as a challenging culmination of their acting career at the University. They chose a variety of scenes, spanning from drama to comedy, that all focus on the central theme of love.  Pailet and Walters arranged this piece in just two and a half weeks.

Pailet and Walters never leave the stage during the performance; in fact, they change their clothing right onstage. This simple presentation allows the audience to purely focus on the acting. After the Saturday night show, Pailet and Walters are hosting a “talk back,” in which the audience can stay and ask questions.

This project has been a “hands-on experience for us,” Walters said. “We have a great appreciation for what the department has done for us.” By collaborating with faculty and attending production meetings, “we are not [merely] actors anymore,” Walters said.

“Really Trying Here” features Meg Visokey ’13, Julian Fleming ’14, Pat Shane ’12, Diego Chiri ’11, Michael Kurban ’12 and director Sam Nelsen ’11. Nelsen gathered five talented actors interested in improvisation for this project. The performance parallels a workshop held last semester in which “long form” improvisation was introduced. In a “long form” skit, the act begins with just one word that ultimately shapes and creates the rest of the play.

According to Nelsen, “Really Trying Here” “ … focuses in on the idea that life is really hard, and that it is often difficult to fit in, or to feel normal in life.” Following every showing of “Really Trying Here,” there will be a 30-minute “long form” set where the actors improvise.

Pailet, Walters and Nelsen appreciate all of the support they have received. “It is an honor to be able to put on our own show,” Pailet said.

The faculty played a big part in the two upcoming productions. “They put faith in us,” the three directors said. Not only did the faculty support them, but they pushed the three to make their own decisions.

“Lessons” will take place Feb. 11-12 at 8 p.m. and February 13 at 2 p.m. “Really Trying Here” will be performed Feb. 12 at 2 p.m., and Feb. 13-14 at 8 p.m. All performances will be held in Tustin Studio Theatre.

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Arts & Life

Caroline Hartman: 41 years

By Sonali Basak

“And how may I help you, miss?”

Caroline Hartman stands at the window of the post office in the new Student Center, greeting people with a smile.

July will mark Hartman’s 42nd year working at the University.

She first came to the University to work during her senior year of high school for a two-week program. After she graduated, she came back to work part-time, becoming a full-time worker two months later. She worked first for Publications, Print and Mail, but moved to the Post Office in 1977.

“Back then we used typewriters; there were no computers. We used to type up papers for the students,” Hartman said.

Technology has vastly changed the direction of Publications, Print and Mail, with copy stations all around the school now instead of only in Marts Hall.

“I used to have to remember the names of many, many individuals on campus because that’s how we knew how to sort the mail, and this is where they came for their printing. I’ve seen how the campus has changed throughout the years. I’ve seen Bucknell grow,” Hartman said.

Hartman worked in Marts Hall until this year, when the new post office was built into the Elaine Langone Center Student Space.

“It was hard to move at first. All my family–I call it my family up at Marts–is still at Marts Hall. But it’s lively down here,” Hartman said. Her office looks out to a student space that is filled with students and activity at all working hours. “But I’m a people person. I like working with the students. They make you young.”

Students say they feel inspired by Hartman’s presence in the mail room.

“It’s been much more joyful with her around here,” Evan Kasowitz ’11 said as he and two other seniors working in the mail room joked around with Hartman as a peer. “She tells great stories and shares pictures with us.”

Hartman lives in Cowan with her sister, in the same home she was born in. She tells people she started working when she was three years old. “They say I look so young,” Hartman said, “it’s the only thing that makes sense!”

Hartman said, “When I was young I was taught to stick to a job, and that’s what I’m doing. I enjoy my work. It’s not the same day after day.”  The variety that is in her job comes from dealing with different people each day.

When asked upon her favorite memory working at the University, she said that there were too many to point out just one.

“You take each day as it comes, and there are always new, good memories coming,” Hartman said.

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Arts & Life Music Review

And the Grammy goes to…

By Michelle Joline

Contributing Writer

This past year in music has brought newcomers like Justin Bieber and Mumford & Sons into the limelight and onto everyone’s MP3 players. With the Grammys approaching this Sunday, the question at hand is whether or not their new success will win them the ultimate recognition. The 53rd annual Grammy Awards will air on CBS from 8-11:30 p.m.

Last year, everyone seemed to talk about Lady Gaga, but this year it was Eminem who stole the stage and received 10 nominations from his unexpectedly popular comeback album “Recovery.” While Lady Gaga has still maintained her popularity from her “Little Monsters” with six nominations, newcomers like Florence and the Machine might end up winning big. Their new indie/rock sound, featured on “Glee,” has arguably changed the style of popular contemporary music. Many of these artists will be performing during the Grammys, making for an entertaining night in music. Artists such as Rihanna and Bieber are on the list of performers for the festivities.

The Super Bowl isn’t the only time for a little competition. Tune in to find out if your favorite artist is the big winner at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards.

Noteworthy 2011 Grammy Nominations

Song of the Year

‘Beg, Steal or Borrow’-Ray LaMontagne

‘Forget You’-Cee-Lo

‘The House That Built Me’-Miranda Lambert

‘Love the Way You Lie’-Eminem Feat. Rihanna

‘Need You Now’-Lady Antebellum

Best New Artist

Justin Bieber

Drake

Florence and the Machine

Mumford & Sons

Esperanza Spalding

Record of the Year

‘Nothing on You’-B.o.B Feat. Bruno Mars

‘Love the Way You Lie’-Eminem Feat. Rihanna

‘Forget You’-Cee-Lo

‘Empire State of Mind’-Jay-Z Feat. Alicia Keys

‘Need You Now’-Lady Antebellum

Best Country Song

‘The Breath You Take’-George Strait

‘Free’-Zac Brown Band

‘The House That Built Me’-Miranda Lambert

‘I’d Love to Be Your Last’-Gretchen Wilson

‘If I Die Young’-The Band Perry

‘Need You Now’-Lady Antebellum

Best Rock Song

‘Angry World’-Neil Young

‘Little Lion Man’-Mumford & Sons

‘Radioactive’-Kings of Leon

‘Resistance’-Muse

‘Tighten Up’-The Black Keys

Best R&B Song

‘Bittersweet’-Fantasia

‘Finding my Way Back’-Jaheim

‘Second Chance’-El DeBarge

‘Shine’-John Legend & The Roots

‘Why Would You Stay’-Kem

Best Rap Song

‘Empire State of Mind’-Jay-Z & Alicia Keys

‘Love the Way You Lie’-Eminem & Rihanna

‘Not Afraid’-Eminem

‘Nothin’ on You’-B.o.B. & Bruno Mars

‘On To The Next One’-Jay-Z & Swizz Beatz

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Arts & Life Columns Cooking Corner

Cooking Corner: Nun’s Puffs

By Emily Fry

Nun’s Puffs

This is a delicious recipe and requires very little time and few ingredients to complete. The pastry is a pate-a-choux, which is the same pastry used to make cream puffs and éclairs. Make sure that you thoroughly cook the pastry until it is crisp and golden; undercooking even slightly will cause the puffs to collapse when you take them out of the oven. These taste best when drizzled with honey right after they have come out of the oven.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter

1 cup milk

3/4 cup flour

4 eggs

1 tbsp sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Generously grease 12 muffin cups, including the edge and around the top of each cup; set aside.

2. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan. Add milk and bring to a boil.

3. Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously.

4. Cook and stir until mixture forms a ball that does not separate.  Remove from heat and cool for five minutes.

5. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating for one minute with a wooden spoon after each addition.

6. Divide dough evenly among prepared muffin cups, filling cups about 2/3 full; sprinkle with sugar.

7. Bake about 30 minutes or until golden brown and puffy.

8. Remove from pan and serve immediately.

Source:

Better Homes and Garden Cookbook

Categories
Arts & Life Books Review

‘Mathilda Savitch’ thrills readers

By Carolyn Williams

Staff Writer

The title character of “Mathilda Savitch” begins her narrative stating: “I want to be awful. I want to do awful things and why not? Dull is dull is dull is my life.” With that promising beginning, poet and playwright Victor Lodato’s debut novel embarks on a refreshing and unforgettable 300 pages.

Things are not going well in Mathilda Savitch’s life as the novel begins. The year before, her older sister, the beautiful and perfect Helene, was run over by a train, effectively shattering Mathilda’s family. As a young adolescent grappling with grief and a desperate need for normalcy, Mathilda resolves to shock her parents out of their despondency using the tactic of bad behavior.

Mathilda’s actions like breaking plates, flirting with boys, getting new haircuts and, worst of all, dressing in Helene’s clothes on the anniversary of her death, all irritate her parents, but Mathilda remains unsatisfied. She soon realizes that simply getting her parents’ attention is not enough. She watches in disgust as her mother takes a leave of absence from the school where she works so she can devote more time to her worsening alcoholism, and her father sags deeper and deeper into the loss of his child. Mathilda decides to act out further.

After numerous attempts, Mathilda guesses the password to her sister’s e-mail account and attempts to learn more about the last days of the sister she continues to hero-worship, despite the growing evidence that Helene was not really what she seemed. Communicating with ex-boyfriends as Helene, Mathilda begins to piece together what really happened and is forced to admit that even Helene was not the idol she had always thought her to be; maybe she was not pushed off the platform by a faceless stranger as Mathilda has convinced herself and her readers, maybe she never knew her sister as well as she thought, maybe Helene jumped. And, most importantly, Mathilda realizes that masquerading as her dead older sister is not going to solve her own disconcerting emotional issues.

Mathilda tempers her mourning with humor and an almost savagely blunt analysis of the people around her. Lodato has rendered her voice brilliantly, maintaining the youthfulness of a child’s mind without sounding like he’s trying too hard. Fierce and funny, Mathilda is clearly a cousin of Salinger’s Holden Caulfield, both in her speech and even more so in her behavior as the book progresses, but their situations are distinctly different. Mathilda is growing up in the modern age of terror, and the looming shadows and troubling mindset belonging to today distance her from Caulfield’s New York exploits. Although it will probably never be held in the same esteem as its predecessor, “Mathilda Savitch” is “The Catcher in the Rye” for the present moment, and the outlook is a frightening one.