Confessions of a film geek
After graduating from IU in December, 22-year-old Nicholas Peters dove into business as a freelance filmmaker and created local media production company GunZ n Butter Productions.
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After graduating from IU in December, 22-year-old Nicholas Peters dove into business as a freelance filmmaker and created local media production company GunZ n Butter Productions.
The next time you spend an evening under the stars, don’t limit the menu to s’mores. In honor of our favorite outdoor activity (stuffing our faces!), we’re giving you our best recipes sure to light your fire.
Tell us about GunZ n Butter Productions.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>This week, in honor of Christmastime, I have decided to put together a list of my favorite Christmas movies. I will admit that I am not a huge fan of Christmas, and my favorite holiday is actually Thanksgiving (come on, all you have to do is eat). But after watching one of these movies, I am ready to sit around, sing Christmas carols and eat a Christmas goose. Also, there’s really nothing better than one of these movies and a cup of hot cocoa on the couch while the snow falls outside. Ah, if only in my dreams...1. “Love Actually”: This movie is actually one of my favorites of all time. It is not really a movie about Christmas, just one set in the Christmas season. Still, there’s something about it, and I feel like the holiday season does not really start until I watch it. I know, I know, this next part is really sappy, but it restores my belief in love. The part where the guy who is in love with Kiera Knightly holds up signs telling her how much he loves her – I cry like a baby every time. 2. “It’s a Wonderful Life”: I am always reminded of the Christmases of old when I watch this movie. When I was much younger, this movie was a holiday tradition for my family. We would pop this movie in on Christmas Eve, read “The Night Before Christmas,” go to bed and wake up in the morning with presents stacked to the ceiling. This is one of those movies that reminds you just how much you really mean to the people around you, and you instantly feel how much they really mean to you. That is what Christmas is all about, right? 3. “White Christmas”: Two soldiers come home from World War II, fall in love with two sisters and save a failing inn in the snowy hills of Vermont. Throw in a devastatingly handsome Bing Crosby and that classic tune “White Christmas,” and you’ve got Christmas gold. 4. “A Christmas Story”: Leg lamps, BB guns and frozen tongues – what about this equation doesn’t say, “Christmas in northern Indiana?” Every scene is memorable, along with that classic line, “You’ll shoot your eye out.” Ah, the Christmas spirit.5. “Elf”: Will Ferrell in tights acting like he has the maturity and intelligence of a 5-year-old screams Christmas. The film starts with Ferrell journeying from the North Pole in search of his real father. It ends with him falling in love with a pretty department store elf and having a little elf baby, except they are all actually humans. Holiday spirit abounds in this movie, along with the part that literally makes me pee my pants a little bit whenever I watch it: Ferrell hurling himself on the Christmas tree from across the room and completely decimating the thing. I hope you all are doing your best to get in the Christmas spirit. Personally, I was so excited about the snow last weekend that I could not go back to sleep after I woke up at 8 a.m. Saturday and looked out my window. Take a study break and watch your favorite Christmas movie. Good luck with finals and happy holidays.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Man’s best friend – that’s how dogs are portrayed in the media, and you know what? I agree.There isn’t anything better than coming home to a creature that is so happy to see you. Staring up at you with those big, brown eyes and wagging his tail so hard you’re almost afraid it might fall off. There’s no better feeling.It’s no secret that the media have learned to exploit this feeling. I specifically remember a day in an introductory journalism class in which my teacher told us, when we were trying to think of ideas that would fit with the stories we were writing, that any picture with children or dogs will be sure to please readers.Now, I’m not so sure about the children, but I definitely understand the dogs.As someone who recently suffered the loss of a best friend (my family’s dog of 11 years, who in my opinion was, frankly, the best dog ever), I can appreciate the entertainment industry exploiting the bond between man and dog. Nothing else could explain the widespread popularity of a book such as “Marley & Me,” the story of what author Josh Grogan describes as life with the “world’s worst dog.”The simple answer is that we all can relate to what Grogan and his wife Jenny feel for their pet. Marley quickly became part of the family, and I understand the pain the author felt when Marley was inevitably put to sleep at the end of his 13 years.The book was recently made into a movie, starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson, which is set to release on Christmas Day.I’m pretty excited for this movie, and I’m not quite sure why. Normally I don’t get excited about movies where I know exactly what is going to happen from beginning to end, but there is just something that appeals to me about sitting and watching someone love a dog as much as I love(d) my dog. Call it validation, call it lame, call it whatever you want, but just this once, I’m going to buy into those fake, syrupy sweet emotions that the movie is sure to induce. And I’m not afraid to admit it.Yep, mostly everyone loves dogs. And if they don’t, they at least can understand the feeling of unconditional love they give you. Why else would paparazzi shots of stars and their dogs be so popular these days?It’s something we all can relate to. The love of someone who never judges and accepts you for exactly what you are – there’s nothing better than that.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Roasting turkeys, mashing potatoes, passing out by 3 p.m. Yep, it’s Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday. Any day that I don’t have to do anything but roll out of bed by noon-ish, pack as much food into my stomach as possible and spend the rest of the day in a food coma is fine with me.So, in honor of this great holiday, I have put together the top five things I am thankful for in the entertainment industry. These are in no particular order because I had a really hard time deciding who or what would come first.1. Justin Timberlake: Anyone who could go from the Mickey Mouse Club to ’N Sync to “FutureSex/LoveSounds” to “Dick in a Box” is a winner in my book. Plus, he designs some hot jeans and is generally more attractive than a sweaty and shirtless Robert Pattinson. He can even manage to look cute while dancing alongside Beyonce and Andy Samberg on Saturday Night Live, wearing kitten heels and a leotard. JT has taught me what true love is, and true love lasts a lifetime.2. Brangelina: Sure, it started out as an innocent friendship on the set of a smokin’ hot movie, but faster than you could say “Team Aniston,” the world’s most attractive duo had six kids. In all seriousness, though, kudos to Brad and Angelina for all the good they do. What’s hotter than a guy who looks better at age 44 than he did at 24 and a woman whose behind still looks that good after three kids, thrown together with some compassion, appreciation for other cultures and kids with little mohawks? Oh right, nothing.3. The Spears family: Sure, they’re really just hicks from the South who got lucky because American pop culture was looking for a pop starlet. But really, they do provide us with unending tabloid fodder and are just generally hilarious in how unhinged they all seem to be.4. Kim Kardashian’s ass: It gives me something to aspire to. Enough said.5. Perez Hilton and Jezebel: These two entertainment blogs are the ultimate time-wasters. Sure, they both provide a bit of serious news injected into pure fluff, and I might be losing precious brain cells and IQ points when I look at them, but I don’t care. What could be better than witty and sometimes very mean celeb gossip and entertainment news? Nothing, except maybe a sweaty and shirtless Robert Pattinson. Maybe.Oh, sure, there are other things that I’m thankful for, you know, the important stuff: family, friends, the greatest dog to ever walk the face of the earth, etc. But let’s just spend a tiny moment thanking the entertainment industry for keeping us all, well, entertained. After all, how could we ever procrastinate without them?
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Ah, mid-November.Halloween has passed, making it acceptable for Christmas music to be blaring from department stores’ stereos, despite the fact that the holiday is more than six weeks away. It’s time now for winter coats, ugly boots and turkey. And Oscar buzz.Sure, it’s early. But honestly, it’s never too early for a good Oscar prediction session. Almost none of the movies have been released yet, and many people haven’t even heard about many of the movies that will receive the greatest honor in film. Oh well, here’s a crash course of what to expect in the coming months. Official nominations will be revealed Jan. 22, with the ceremony airing Feb. 22.The film receiving the earliest, strongest buzz is the big screen adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” Brad Pitt plays a man born old who ages in reverse, making his case very curious indeed.Cate Blanchett plays his love interest in a film that looks exactly like the haunting type of epic Academy voters usually love.Expect “Revolutionary Road” to also be a strong contender.The film is a study of a 1950s suburban marriage that starts well and ends badly. The couple see themselves as the atypical married pair that moves to Connecticut, only to see themselves dissolve into a cycle of arguments and jealousy.Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio team up as the stars of the adaptation of Richard Yates’ novel of the same name, and we all know how it turned out the last time these two were on screen together. I smell Oscar gold with this one.Clint Eastwood’s latest surefire Oscar favorite, “Changeling,” has also been getting early attention. After three of Eastwood’s last four movies were nominated for Best Picture Oscars, with “Million Dollar Baby” coming away with the big prize in 2005, the former John Wayne’s movies are sure to be taken seriously.Angelina Jolie stars as a woman in 1920s and 30s Los Angeles who realizes the boy returned to her after her son’s kidnapping is not, in fact, her son. And I sure can’t wait for Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie to attend the ceremony in honor of their attention-grabbing epics. Someone make sure Jennifer Aniston is not invited: It would be so “uncool” if she showed up.Anyway, Oscar time is a long way away. Expect other films to jump in and out of contention for the biggest prizes. And tune in to the Golden Globes if you really want to get a good read as to what the Oscar outcomes will be. The Globes are normally a pretty good indicator of who the front-runners are.I know I am a huge dork for being excited about this already, but I do love the Oscars. The dresses, the speeches, the surprise wins or losses. I enjoy it all.Happy Oscar season, everyone, and may the media blitzes begin!
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Diversity. It’s something we celebrate in this country. In light of Tuesday night’s events, we see diversity in the United States as a greater asset than ever before. And it’s about time.As I’ve said many times before, Hollywood is a great barometer for what is going on in society. They are usually ahead of the rest of us, paving the way for more controversial ideas, and this time is no different. Hollywood has been celebrating diversity for years, and the rest of us have officially caught up.Case in point: “Grey’s Anatomy” is arguably one of the most popular television shows of the past five years, whether you like it or not. I think almost all fans of the show will remember the “Code Black” episode from a few years back. Genius. (Yes, I am a “Grey’s” fan, but I’ve been hooked from the beginning. I can’t give up on it now.) Anyway, “Grey’s” has one of the most, if not the most, diverse casts on TV, on and off screen.The writers of the show never shied from controversial topics. They tackle sexuality in all its forms, race issues and workplace relationships, to name a few. Last week, Erica Hahn proclaimed her love of lesbian sex to her (formally?) heterosexual partner Callie Torres. It was one of the best monologues I have ever seen on TV. And with the current political and social controversies surrounding homosexuality in our society, the fictitious relationship could not have come at a better time. Too bad ABC found it too controversial and explicit and axed it.The show has always used very diverse actors as well. There are Latino characters, Asian characters, black characters, white characters, all colors of the racial rainbow. And more often than not, minority characters are seen in positions of power. The chief of medicine, the best general surgeon in the hospital, the best resident in the program and, in the first two seasons, the best cardiac surgeon in the country, were all members of minority groups.So, in light of Tuesday’s monumental election outcome, I would venture to say it’s about time we elected a minority to the highest office in our government. We’re finally ready. After more than 200 years, we’re finally ready.Hollywood reflects it. It’s not to say we don’t have a long way still to go, but we’re getting there. The entertainment world gives us an outlet and allows us to get used to more controversial ideas so that when the time comes for a truly important decision, we’re ready to make the right one.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>“Saturday Night Live” has really hit the jackpot this year. Whether it’s Tina Fey returning to imitate Sarah Palin or Will Ferrell making a guest appearance to do one last George W., there hasn’t been an election in recent memory that has given the late-night skit show this much material.You could almost hear the comedy gods rejoicing when John McCain picked a running mate who looked so much like Tina Fey that you can barely tell the difference when they’re both wearing those tiny glasses. Palin said her foreign policy expertise includes the fact that she can see Russia from Alaska, but she can also blow through $150,000 on clothes and makeup in a little less than two months. (That’s not to say that some of us couldn’t, but we aren’t running for VP, are we?) Yep, it was a match made in comedic heaven.But “SNL’s” outrageous skits and even more outrageous ratings have pointed to a greater theme in the election: This is certainly the most important election most of us have been a part of. With the economy tanking and the government refusing to confirm or deny a deadly attack on Syria while the military is still spread dangerously thin elsewhere, this election matters more than any in recent memory.We are even seeing this election become a part of popular culture. The other day, my roommate and I were joking that we both got a lot of our political information from Web sites such as Jezebel.com and PerezHilton.com. We both felt ashamed for a second until we realized it’s not really any worse than people getting their news from places such as The Daily Show. Also, we both read the newspapers every day, so it’s not our sole source of news.Barack Obama has also been on the cover of Us Weekly at least twice, while the McCain family has graced the cover of People and Sarah Palin’s family situation has been tabloid fodder since she was selected as McCain’s running mate. With this blurred boundary between politics and entertainment, it’s no wonder “SNL” has done so well this season.So, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all of you to get out there on Tuesday (or before) and vote. Vote, vote, vote. It’s your civic duty.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Claire Burke is a senior majoring in journalism.As I was coming up with ideas for this week’s column, I went through the normal “let’s find ideas” routine (which actually just consists of asking my very creative roommate for ideas), and decided it would be best to just make a case for why Jim Halpert and Dr. John “J.D.” Dorian are simply the best male characters (at least they’re my favorite) on television.Let’s start with Jim from “The Office.” Ah, Jim Halpert, every gal’s dream guy: so smart, sensitive and wonderfully sarcastic, all rolled into one mop-headed bundle of dreaminess. Added to the greatness of the character is Jim’s unwavering devotion – but not in a creepy way – to his true love, receptionist and resident hottie Pam Beesly.Jim is also the perfect antithesis to office boss Michael Scott, who just outdoes himself with ridiculousness each week. Every time I watch the show, I can’t believe the things Michael says and does, but then again, that’s kind of the point, right? Anyway, Jim’s character is just the perfect antidote for Michael’s, giving the audience a real dose of comedy injected into the awkwardness. And really, who can resist when he gives the camera that fake “I’m so confused” look that he does so well?As for John Dorian, better known as J.D., from the medical sitcom “Scrubs,” he is wonderful simply because he is so ridiculous.Whether J.D. is letting his mind wander off into some crazy daydream or facilitating his bro-mance with his best friend Chris Turk, J.D. is just weird enough that I never get tired of him. Maybe it’s the fact that underneath it all, he really is a great guy, or the fact that he is such a dork and totally alright with it, but every time I watch an episode of “Scrubs” (which, believe me, is pretty often), I love J.D. more at the end of the episode than I did when it started.J.D.’s charm is heightened because he is fine with who he is. He’s fine being an odd, doughy doctor who has severe commitment issues and endlessly searches for the approval of the one person who will never give it to him. J.D. is irreversibly weird, but he’s 100 percent OK with that.So, there it is: a quasi-love letter to my two favorite fake people. Sure they have their flaws, but who cares about that when they’re totally not real people? Both are a little dorky and completely charming.Now, if only someone like Jim/J.D. existed in real life.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Claire Burke is a senior majoring in journalism.As I was sitting at home earlier this week, feeling not even a little bit guilty that I had overslept and missed my first class, I flipped on the TV and watched a few minutes of “The Today Show.” Yes, it was the middle-aged stay-at-home mom part of me coming out, but sometimes I really enjoy the show.That not-so-extraordinary morning, as I was sitting there after being more than a little weirded out at Ann Curry trying her hand at stand-up comedy, the featured guests on the show were three professional women in their mid-40s. These were three ordinary women, other than the fact that one wrote for the New York Times and the other two were top editors at national magazines, and the topic was the current glorifying of the post-40 woman in popular culture.And this really got me thinking.We, as a society, have made it through the Britney, Christina and Miley phase, and I think we are starting to look for something deeper.What else could explain Halle Berry – after a divorce, a baby and that embarrassment of a movie “Catwoman” – being named Esquire’s sexiest woman alive at 42?In the past few years, we have seen countless TV shows and movies portraying women older than 40 as powerful, smart and sexy, which is in complete opposition with the ideals of youth that we as a society hold so dear.If we really value youth as much as we claim, I would venture to guess that “Sex and the City” and other shows such as “Lipstick Jungle” could never exist.All that’s left is for the advertisers to jump on the bandwagon as well.Companies are starting to figure out that mature women have some cash, and they are willing to spend it. What other age group of women would be willing and able to invest $700 in a pair of shoes that will last them the rest of their lives?Sure, there are always exceptions to the rule.Take Rachel Zoe, stylist to the stars. At the mature age of 47, Zoe is at the top of her field, styling every young starlet in Hollywood and starring in a new TV show that just debuted on Bravo.Zoe makes one mistake that other women her age don’t: She hasn’t given up chasing the trends and trying to fit in with the 22-year-olds. Zoe keeps trying to look younger and younger, and the result is that she looks increasingly like a low-budget cross-dresser.Maturity is getting sexier. There are plenty of May-December romances out there, and cougars are all the rage.This sexualization of older women also makes it easier for younger women to be sexy. We now have many great examples to look up to, and there should no longer be any question about what it takes to age gracefully.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Unless you have been living under a rock for the past few days, never look at a newspaper or – like John McCain – don’t know how to use e-mail, you probably have heard at least a little bit about our country’s current economic situation.Now, I am in no way claiming to be an expert on the economy; I have taken one economics class in my entire college career. But I do know that if the government has to loan $700 billion to Wall Street, things aren’t looking so good.So, I asked my dad, who was an economics major at IU, what exactly is happening. He threw around some economic jargon and told me to Wikipedia the stuff I didn’t understand.I guess what it comes down to is that soon, money is going to be very scarce.That got me thinking. I thought about what would happen to the entertainment industry if the economy tanks. Again, I have a very limited knowledge of economics, but I do have a pretty good hold on the entertainment industry, so here it goes.I think first off, we would probably see a decline in huge, big-budget blockbusters. The industry would probably shy away from making a movie such as “Titanic,” which cost $200 million to make in 1997, or this summer’s outrageously successful “The Dark Knight,” costing an estimated $180 million to make.We might also see a change in movie themes.In a recent conversation, my dad remarked that he had just watched “Sex and the City” with my mom and sister, and that he simply didn’t understand what the big deal was about the movie.I said the TV show was simply a product of its time, and that when the show was at the peak of its popularity, we were living in a pre-9/11 world and were experiencing an economic surplus. The fact that Carrie was spending $700 for a pair of Manolos didn’t seem so stupid in the late 1990s.With a recession, the fashion industry is sure to suffer as well. I can’t foresee most people wanting to spend $1,500 for a handbag when the economy is tanking.With the line between the fashion industry and the entertainment industry continuing to blur, fashion could get hit hard.Again, I am putting no claim on any vast – or not so vast – knowledge of economics. I am simply offering my opinion for your judgment. If I’m lucky, it could get you thinking.My thoughts are that soon the financial problems will move from Wall Street to Main Street to Hollywood Boulevard, and that we should all be prepared.At least, though, we will have the entertainment industry to take our minds off the economic worries.Who knows, maybe with a tanking economy, movie tickets will get cheaper. That’s something that would be good for us all.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Earlier this week, Lindsay Lohan admitted she and DJ Samantha Ronson have been in a romantic relationship for awhile now. While her admission was in no way a surprise, what is amazing is the fact that, after months of skirting the issue, she came out and admitted it at all.Lohan’s admission comes on the heels of Clay Aiken’s recent People magazine interview in which the former American Idol revealed he is (gasp of fake surprise) gay. Pair these two admissions with the girl-on-girl Grey’s Anatomy kiss at the end of last season and Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi tying the knot, and it looks like we’ve got a trend on our hands.All I have to say to that is it’s about freaking time. Hollywood is usually a step ahead of the rest of society, but on this one, I think it’s really taken its time catching up.Sure, we had Will & Grace, The L Word and Rosie O’Donnell to keep us satisfied, but for the most part, Hollywood was a pretty heterosexual town. Romantic comedies are always about a lovably neurotic woman who meets a commitment-phobic man. Gay men are seen as the best friend character and gay celebs stay in the closet pretty much until they have to come out.With the advent of celebrities coming out and new homosexual story lines being added to some of the most popular shows on television, art is finally mimicking life. Hollywood has finally caught up with the rest of society on starting to accept homosexuality.This issue is especially important at this point in time. With the upcoming presidential election, gay rights are going to become even more of a hot-button issue. Stars are even starting to donate money to help stop a California state constitutional amendment called Proposition 8 that would outlaw same-sex marriage in the state. Brad Pitt gave the biggest donation, reportedly shelling out $100,000.We’re getting there. It will take a lot to change a nation’s mindset, especially after hundreds of years of thinking differently. But with prominent people’s help and the increased exposure of the issue, we’re getting closer to what our Founding Fathers intended: Accepting that ALL men (and women) are created equal.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>To some, it’s a guilty pleasure. To others, it’s simply trash. But for those drama-loving, fashion-coveting TV fans out there, it’s the best hour we have all week. All right, maybe not the best, but it’s up there.I think after a year of (mostly) secret love, I am fully ready to admit it: I absolutely love “Gossip Girl.”I’m not quite sure what makes the show so addictive. Maybe it’s the over-the-top drama, maybe it’s the boys, maybe it’s just being able to shut off my brain for an hour to watch the prettiest bunch of people I will ever see in one place. Whatever it is, I can’t get enough.Sure, the show has had its low points. But nothing compares to the way the show continually outdoes itself.My favorite part from the last episode was the ambush of Serena and Dan by the three mini Upper East Siders. And what could be better than the syrupy sweet, different-sides-of-the-Hudson romance between Nate and Vanessa? Blair and Chuck’s love-to-hate each other relationship, perhaps?Again, I know the show is light on the heavier topics, but I think that’s what I love so much about it. It’s unabashedly fluffy, and there is something for almost everyone. Beautiful men, gorgeous women, teenage partying, good people, lots of bad people, parental romance, drama of all sorts – everything we love to hate.Another thing I love about “Gossip Girl” is the amount of buzz it creates off the small screen. New York Magazine called it the “greatest teen drama of all time.” Newsweek is writing articles about why men shouldn’t feel bad about loving the show. Neither compares, though, to the scandal instigated by the Parents Television Council.Rightly sensing that “Gossip Girl” is not appropriate for all audiences, the Parents Television Council decided they had a problem with the way the show was being marketed. They started accosting the show’s marketing campaign, saying it wasn’t family-friendly and was being marketed to teens when it was so obviously an adult program. The show’s network, the CW, countered this protest by using some excerpts from the Parents Television Council’s protest in the new ad campaign. My favorite is the ad that shows Blair and Nate in a very precarious embrace with the words “Mind-blowingly inappropriate” emblazoned above them. Delicious!“Gossip Girl” is my weekly guilty pleasure. No, scratch that. I don’t even feel guilty about loving it.Sure, I wasn’t able to admit it for a while, but I’m hoping that my courageous move will help all of you other closet “Gossip Girl” lovers as well.Come on, no one will make fun of you. I’m sure everyone else loves it as much as you do.XOXO.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The Spears family has done it again. They have topped themselves on the ridiculous scale, and this time, Britney didn’t even have anything to do with it.I am, of course, referring to the rumor that Britney’s younger sister, Jamie Lynn, who at the age of 17 gave birth to her first child, has reached out to Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin’s pregnant teenage daughter, Bristol. Looks like Sarah Palin’s ultra-conservative, abstinence-only education policies haven’t worked on little Bristol. Jamie Lynn reportedly bought Bristol $60 worth of pink burp clothes from Petit Tresor. What possessed the kinda-famous Nickelodeon “star” to reach out to little Palin? My guess is publicity, but maybe Jamie Lynn is smarter and more politically involved than we all thought. (And maybe pigs can actually fly!)This juicy little tidbit of celebrity/political/pop culture gossip hints at an underlying theme seen recently in the entertainment industry. Lately, films featuring women and girls with undesirable pregnancies, as seen in “Knocked Up,” “Juno” and “Waitress,” have been popular. They portray women making the most of unwanted and unexpected pregnancies and coming out all right in the end. As the lines between politics and pop culture continue to blur (see Barack Obama’s Us Weekly interviews and Glamour’s recent interviews with both candidates), we see a convergence of ideas and controversies. Before little Palin, Jamie Lynn was America’s favorite teen mom. Little Palin’s pregnancy has not hurt her mom’s political image at all. For an uber-socially conservative woman who advocates abstinence-only education and is so pro-life she doesn’t even support abortion in cases of rape or incest, the revelation of her daughter’s pregnancy has only seemed to make Sarah Palin more popular, just like Jamie Lynn’s pregnancy made her more famous. Coincidence?Society has come to almost accept teenage pregnancy, and that is reflected in the entertainment industry. “Juno” received financial backing even though it explicitly showed its title character toying with the idea of abortion. It went on to be a huge success, eventually receiving nominations for Best Picture and Best Actress at the Oscars. While we still have a long way to go, it seems to me that with the success of these films and the fact that young women and their families only become more famous after their secrets are revealed, we are getting there, little by little, and the entertainment industry is reflecting that growth.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Claire Burke is a senior majoring in journalism.Here we are again. Summer is officially over and we are all back on campus, pretending to pay attention in class while actually secretly competing with our neighbor to see who can finish the crossword first. Or maybe that's just me.Anyway, between the clues of 14 across and 2 down, my mind sometimes wanders to the events of the summer. There were economic worries and politics aplenty, but the entertainment world was more abuzz than ever. Between the Lohan family single-handedly keeping the gossip bloggers in business and the birth of Gwen Stefani's second tiny fashion icon, there were some pretty amazing movies released this summer. Carrie & Co. kept the women happy, while Robert Downey Jr. had perhaps the most controversial role of the summer, donning blackface to spoof a once-serious white actor playing a black man. But no one could forget Christopher Nolan's second installment of the Batman saga, "The Dark Knight," easily the most popular and talked-about movie of the summer.Sure, it would be easy to say Heath Ledger's death in January was the biggest reason the film has so far grossed nearly $600 million, and I'm not even going to try to argue with that. But I also think there might be some underlying, maybe even subconscious, reasons the film continues to rake in the dough.The movie tells the story of a maverick billionaire trying to save his beloved hometown from the grips of near-epidemic levels of crime while still remaining true to himself and the woman he loves. Christian Bale's Bruce Wayne/Batman is a hero for the ages. He is someone we can all relate to and believe in, even when he doubts himself and almost loses faith in his most precious ideals. He never gives up and never loses his faith in the belief that, underneath it all, people are mostly good.Like all great heroes, however, Batman isn't perfect. Despite this, I think people see in him a hero and a role model that we sometimes need. At this especially controversial and tumultuous point in our country's history, we want a hero like Batman to cheer for. The entertainment industry has always been a pretty good barometer of what is going on in society, and the film reflects our need to believe in the good guy, our need to remember that things will get better soon. So before I get too deep and philosophical on you all, keep in mind that sometimes a pretend someone to believe in is exactly what we crave. When our real-life heroes don't quite cut it and things just don't seem to be going so well, it doesn't hurt to take a two-hour respite and possibly get a little bit of our faith in humanity restored by a make-believe hero. Or maybe you just want to watch a crazed Heath Ledger for a few hours. Either way, I'm right there with you. (Oh, and the answer to 65 across, five letters, "Folklore creature" is "gnome.")
Summer is upon us. \nFor most, this means no classes, no reading – just four months of lounging around, listening to an iPod and getting a tan. Sounds pretty good, and the only thing that could make the whole scenario better would be some great outfits.\nSummer dressing can be difficult; it is by no means my favorite season. I don’t enjoy all of the bare skin and skimpy outfits. I am much more a fall dresser, with the darker colors and thicker fabrics. \nA great summer wardrobe starts out with a killer bathing suit. While I understand this is nearly impossible to find, a good bathing suit is essential. I have been searching for the right bathing suit for years now – almost as long as I have been searching for the perfect pair of boots. \nBut what I can tell you about bathing suits is the best thing you can do when searching for one is be realistic about your body. Don’t buy a suit that doesn’t fit just because “medium” sounds better than “large” or because you think that smaller size will make you look better because it’s tighter. It won’t. You will just look like you bought your swimsuit from a blind salesperson who is also a pathological liar. Just go for the one that fits.\nAlso essential to a good summer wardrobe, or any wardrobe for that matter, is a great pair of jeans. This season, lighter washes are in, and any cut is hot. Skinny, high-waisted, trouser, boot cut – you really can’t go wrong. Again, keep your shape in mind and you will look great. To add an unexpected twist this summer, buy a pair in a bright, vibrant color. Personally, bright blue is my favorite, but visit Pitaya on Kirkwood Avenue for a plethora of options. \nThe gladiator sandal will also be huge this summer. My preference is any sandal in a nice, metallic gold. It tends to be less harsh on the foot and just looks nicer. That’s not to say that silver wouldn’t be great, but gold is my favorite. Look for a pair with an interesting print or embossing, such as some sort of faux animal print or skin. This will give your look an element of interest and depth. \nAnother way to inject some freshness into your summer wardrobe is to choose almost anything in a bright, neon color. Bright colors have never been hotter, and picking a dress in a bright yellow instead of your trademark black will take you right into summer 2008. Choose the right pieces, and you can even wear them into fall with dark or neutral accessories. \nSo, summer is here. Creating a warm-weather wardrobe can be hard, but exercising your good judgment and choosing the right pieces is what will get you through. The right bathing suit will keep you cool on the beach; the right jeans paired with the perfect gladiator sandals will keep you looking hot at night and a bright color in any part of your outfit will keep you chic without making it look like you tried too hard. So, relax, have a great summer and stay chic!
I was recently asked to name my favorite designer. Now, I have a hard time with this question every time someone asks me because I simply have too many favorites. Therefore, I have decided to share my top five.\nThe number one choice for me is Ralph Lauren. His spring 2008 collection was one of the best I have seen in a long time. I enjoyed every outfit sent down the runway. Lauren never disappoints and is the epitome of American glamour. His fall 2008 collection was equally as satisfying. While every other designer was playing it safe for the fall season, Lauren decided to pull his collection off of slopes of Aspen, sending ski-inspired getups and gowns down the runway. I am always surprised and satisfied with Lauren.\nThe next two were hard to put in order. Both houses have been so influential that it would be unfair to name one over the other. So, it is a tie for number two with French houses Chanel and Dior. There is such history tied to each house, and so much change has occurred in the fashion world because of these two empires. Christian Dior brought back the dress after World War II with his New Look, while Coco Chanel was a trailblazer for modern “Sex and the City”-type women, making not only beautiful clothes, but also having the type of personal life of which most women only dream. Consequently, their current designers aren’t too bad either, with John Galliano continuing the history at Dior and Karl Lagerfeld keeping Chanel hip, classic and chic all at the same time.\nFilling in my fourth slot is the house of Versace. The family and fashion house has such an interesting and amazing story, plus, it has been so intriguing to watch the evolution of Donatella Versace’s designs in the past few years. After the Italian house’s inception in 1978, Gianni Versace built what can only be described as a fashion powerhouse, which he maintained until his murder in Miami in 1997. Since then, his sister Donatella has retained the position of creative director, making the Versace name synonymous with sexiness, power and luxury. The house’s signature evening gowns continually garner critical acclaim while still remaining works of art.\nThe fifth and final spot on my list goes to the one and only Marc Jacobs. Perhaps the most promising young designer of our time, rivaled only by Balenciaga’s Nicholas Ghesquière, Jacobs has taken Louis Vuitton from a luxury goods retailer to a true fashion contender. Jacobs manages to maintain Vuitton’s image and history while still incorporating his own perspective, a task at which he is outperformed only by Chanel’s Lagerfeld. Jacobs also has his own line, in which his own perspective is firmly planted, and continually starts trends and movements while remaining himself. \nFashion is fickle, but in the end, as with life, it all comes down to finding the one (or five) person (or people) who will never let you down. Stick with what you love and what works, and you will never be let down.
The fashion industry, while it is one of the most creative, is also about money, as all other industries are. Because of this, some designers must sacrifice their creative visions for designs that will make their houses more money. But what happens when the industry has worn out the wearability of its designs and shifts to a more creative take on fashion? The result is seen on the runway, not in the stores.\nThe fall shows were full of creative designs and styles. Viktor and Rolf were prime examples of this rejection of marketable clothing for a more artful approach. Their gray trench coats and dresses emblazoned with the 3D phrases “No” and “Dream On” were the most memorable.\nAlmost every model was sent down the runway with a message either on her clothing or on her face, incorporated into her makeup. This divergence from marketable clothing came off a bit like Viktor and Rolf were simply giving the fashion industry the middle finger regarding commercial designs.\nJohn Galliano gave his fall show a bit of the same feel. Not to be confused with his Dior collection, which was a tame and marketable collection. Galliano’s John Galliano line gives off the feeling of intense creativity and artfulness. While some people might not understand Galliano, I would urge them to approach his designs and shows as if they are looking at art. Take a few moments to let the designs, ideas and what Galliano is trying to say sink in a little bit before you judge.\nThe collection was full of Galliano staples such as dramatic headpieces, bias cuts and a retro style, but it also had a different element than most other shows Galliano in recent seasons. It was subtly marketable through his choice of colors, but remained utterly creative at the same time. It was a reminder as to why Galliano is at the top of the fashion world.\nFashion is art, and should not be viewed as anything but. Sure, after it all trickles down, the art aspect is lost, but while the styles, designs and ideas are still at the top, there is no other label that one could put on fashion. Marketability is certainly a plus, but there is something to be said for sending whatever strikes a designer’s fancy down the runway. Who cares if not everyone gets it. It’s art.
The fashion world has always been associated with beauty and youth. We are constantly seeing younger and younger models strut down the runway with perfect skin, size 0 hips and pouty lips (I’m not jealous – I swear!). \nThis obsession, while unavoidable, is actually seriously worrying me. It is everywhere, and the way this insecurity displays itself is through the rise in plastic surgery.\nThe allure of plastic surgery is touted all over. Celebrities deny having it, claiming they are just genetically-gifted. TV shows are based around it, with Nip/Tuck emotionally violating my roommate and me every Tuesday evening, and Dr. 90210 becoming one of E! Network’s most popular shows. Movies embrace it and see it as a step in the aging process (“Clueless,” anyone, where Cher tells the audience her mother died from a freak accident during a routine liposuction?). \nBut what happens when this plastic surgery obsession reaches the boiling point? First of all, we end up with everyone looking like Joan Rivers (yikes!), but we also end up with people like Kanye West’s mother Donda dying during a tummy tuck and breast reduction. Is death in the name of youth really something our society would like to establish as fashionable?\nI am not saying the fashion industry is totally responsible for plastic surgery. But with the lines between fashion and pop culture being continually blurred, the industry certainly has had some influence on how we see youth and beauty. Supermodels such as Heidi Klum and Tyra Banks look as good or better than they did when they rose as stars, and it is hard for real women to look at these women and not think, “Why can’t I look like that?” \nAge is also an issue in the fashion industry. With models becoming stars at 15-, 16- and 17- years old, mature women have fewer people to look up to when it comes to style and beauty icons. We are increasingly obsessed with these young models, and while not meaning to, we as women become obsessed with youth, which in turn spurs thousands of nips and tucks every year.\nPlastic surgery is not all bad. I am not opposed to someone having plastic surgery if one needs it for health reasons, but when it is for vanity reasons, I am opposed. Whatever happened to aging gracefully and looking forward to what is to come? Personally, I can’t wait to be old and gray, sitting in a rocking chair on a porch somewhere. OK, this is not totally true. I can wait, but I do look forward to it. \nThis obsession with youth and beauty that the fashion industry helps to perpetuate is both worrying and dangerous. Women should love the differences and quirks that make them who they are, and not try to fit into this mold of what society thinks they should be. The only thing plastic surgery reveals is our dysfunctional relationship with beauty, not the true beauty that lies within.