Culture
CT Recommends
CT Recommends: “The Comeback”
Nearly a decade after leaving the air, HBO’s “The Comeback” shocked audiences with a comeback of its own when the network announced that it would be returning for a second season. The show is presented as raw footage from former sitcom star Valerie Chrish’s (Lisa Kudrow, best known for playing Phoebe on “Friends”) reality show. […]
Culture
Jon Stewart: the voice of a generation
On Tuesday, Feb. 10, a comedian employed by one of the largest media corporations in the world announced his retirement, and America collectively mourned. This employee was Jon Stewart, who, during his tenure on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” which aired on Comedy Central (a Viacom property), ridiculed the absurdities of politics and the […]
Culture
2015 Grammys fuse the past and present
The 2015 Grammy Awards highlighted a paradigm shift in modern music–as it moves forward, it takes more from the past. Case in point, Kanye West–he performed not one but two songs he co-wrote with Paul McCartney. Or, look at Sam Smith, who swept the floor with awards for a song whose chorus Tom Petty owns […]
Culture
Eastwood’s ‘American Sniper’ propagandizes true-life story
Most biographical war films don’t outwardly identify as “action movies” because the pairing of the two genres sounds inherently unethical. Real-world combat involves real lives, after all, and to suggest that they be terminated in the service of an adrenaline rush is to appear callous, if not downright inhumane. “American Sniper,” Clint Eastwood’s recent biopic on […]
Culture
Katy Perry: rise of a bubblegum princess
“Super Bowl are you ready to ROAR!” shouted Katy Perry as she stood atop a gargantuan mechanical lion at the 49th annual Super Bowl. Glowing in a glitter-flame dress and whipping a golden rope, the pop superstar emanated command, intrigue and a little bit of whimsy. From her opening number, “Roar,” Perry's performance elevated pop […]
Culture
Hader brings insider television knowledge to UR
Actor, writer and comedian Bill Hader, most famous for his time on “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), came to Strong Auditorium on Saturday night to participate in a Q&A as the Winterfest Weekend comedian. Organized by Campus Activities Board (CAB), the event was largely advertised as featuring the “Winterfest Comedian Bill Hader.” Although this did not […]
Culture
Superbowl commericals get heavy
I’m not sure what to think of the Super Bowl, whether it was the Seahawks’ fantastic catch followed by a quick interception by the Patriots guaranteeing a win, or the eerily sappy and dark commercials that were played in between each play. There was a dashing renewal of inspiring advertisements, but the dearth of actually […]
Culture
Celebrating talent, UR style
On Friday, Jan. 30th, the Lower RA Staff of Susan B. Anthony Halls held its annual talent show, “UR’s Got Talent!” The show featured several student music performances, all of which received input from UR faculty and staff judges. This year, the judges were Dean of Students Matthew Burns, UR Brass Choir Director Josef Hanson […]
Culture
Oscars regress in recent nominations
Each year, I have a love- hate relationship with Oscar nomination morninsg. While I am always excited about my favorite actors, writers and directors I love to see nominated, I always fear the outrageous snubs each year provides. In the former category, I am cheering on Rosamund Pike, Wes Anderson, J.K. Simmons and Emma Stone. […]
Culture
McDonald performs at Eastman
There are some artists that attribute hard work and dedication to forming their extraordinary talents. Others put in the effort, but their natural talent seems to shine through. In the case of actress and singer Audra McDonald, with her record-breaking six Tonys, her extraordinary natural talent is very apparent. A native of Fresno, CA, she […]