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(07/20/05 8:54pm)
In Tim Burton's latest hyped-up summer blockbuster, he takes the daunting task of trying to follow in the footsteps of the nearly perfect 1971 film classic "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." When the trailers were released for the new version, many, including myself, were genuinely excited, but groaned, "It can't be as good as the original." We were right.\nI know what you're saying: it's unfair to compare the new version to the original, since it isn't technically a remake, but a new adaptation of the book. Still, that's no excuse for some of the flaws in this film.\nIn this version, Johnny Depp steals the show as Willy Wonka, a mad candy maker who hides five golden tickets in candy bars and whoever finds them gets a tour of the factory. A poor good-hearted boy from England named Charlie, played exquisitely by Freddie Highmore, finds the last golden ticket after a German glutton, a British spoiled brat, a competitive gum-chewer and a violent video game addict all get the opportunity they don't deserve. One by one, the children's sins come back to bite them as they tour the fantastic factory.\nThe opening scenes of the film get you really excited, but what follow is more sugar than substance.\nThe new version seems to focus so much on the scenery -- Burton's strong point as evident in his other beautiful looking works "Big Fish" and "Edward Scissorhands." But it seems as if the characters in this film don't get the same attention. \nThe plot rushes to the point where all the children find their golden tickets, almost ignoring the media frenzy evident in the original and thusly killing the suspense of Charlie eventually finding his ticket. When you get to the factory, the children are served their punishments so quickly that you really don't get a chance to properly despise them so the sense of satisfaction for the viewer isn't the same.\nOne of the reasons the character development is so weak is that there isn't a lot of dialogue in the film. The rapid-fire wit and asides of the original are gone, replaced by Depp's slow speech and Burton's sweeping camera angles with the gushing Danny Elfman soundtrack in the background.\nThe one character you do get to learn a lot about is Willy Wonka. Depp plays the character like a psychotic man-child, smiling huge and giving creepy stares to everyone he meets. Flashbacks tell you about Wonka's past and how he eventually came to love chocolate and distrust adults. It's kind of interesting to learn all of this, but I found it to be unnecessary and distracting. \nEverything about this movie just doesn't seem to be as whimsical. \nThis film still has plenty of positives. The casting was great and the acting was wonderful. Despite the lack of dialogue, each character gives as much as they can into every line. The costumes are fantastic and the cinematography is something worth studying. Overall, it's a well done film, but it doesn't quite live up to its potential.
(07/07/05 4:00am)
The weirdest things in the world inspire me to download songs for my iPod. I can eat some peach yogurt and then download some Presidents of the United States of America. I saw a Carmen San Diego board game at a store and it made me want to listen to Rockapella. These song selections are mostly for reminiscing and can be triggered by anything.\nThe other day I had a chance encounter with P. Diddy himself outside his office near Times Square. I called my younger brother and told him I yelled, "Man, you killed Tupac!" Of course, my brother picked up on my lie. But man was I thinking it hard ...\nWhen I got home, I craved some battle rap music. There just hasn't been any good beef between rappers since the days of Tupac, but regardless I made myself a play list of the best "diss songs." Here are my nominees for the better rapper feuds.
(07/07/05 12:04am)
The weirdest things in the world inspire me to download songs for my iPod. I can eat some peach yogurt and then download some Presidents of the United States of America. I saw a Carmen San Diego board game at a store and it made me want to listen to Rockapella. These song selections are mostly for reminiscing and can be triggered by anything.\nThe other day I had a chance encounter with P. Diddy himself outside his office near Times Square. I called my younger brother and told him I yelled, "Man, you killed Tupac!" Of course, my brother picked up on my lie. But man was I thinking it hard ...\nWhen I got home, I craved some battle rap music. There just hasn't been any good beef between rappers since the days of Tupac, but regardless I made myself a play list of the best "diss songs." Here are my nominees for the better rapper feuds.
(06/23/05 4:00am)
So, I'm out here in New York interning at a magazine right now. I've been going to a lot of intern functions in the city, meeting people who have a lot of the same journalistic aspirations as me. And the other night, my former features editor back when I worked on Weekend invited me to a party with a bunch of his coworkers. We're all taking, having a few beers and making small talk about what colleges we are from, etc., when the weirdest thing happened.\nHe asks everybody, "Have you ever seen that movie 'Timecop?'"\nI'm the only one who acknowledges the film's existence.\n"Well, her dad was the villain in 'Timecop,'" he says pointing to a girl with dark hair.\n"You mean Ron Silver?!!" I say, cracking up.\nEveryone seems surprised that I know the guy's name, but Ron Silver just seems to be in everything. He was Bruno Gianelli, the campaign manager in "The West Wing." His best performance, though, had to be as himself in the never-aired pilot "Heat-Vision and Jack." In the show, Jack Black starred as a renegade astronaut who becomes the smartest man in the world. By his side is his talking motorcycle (voiced by Owen Wilson) as he runs from vigilante Ron Silver. To reiterate: Ron's playing himself.\n"Acting is just one of my many passions," he says to fans asking for autographs on the pilot. "But right now I need to find Jack Austin!"\nAfter laughing about how I remembered such an obscure actor, I started to think, "I wonder what it would be like to be an obscure movie star?" \nIt would definitely have its pros and cons. \nOn the upside, you can walk around and the paparazzi won't harass you. I can't remember the last time anyone went through Clint Howard's garbage can (Johnson, "Austin Powers" trilogy), waited outside Ernie Hudson's house (Winston Zeddemore, "Ghostbusters," "Ghostbusters II") or pulled a lock out of Alan Ruck's hair (Cameron Frye, "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"). You can enjoy the benefits of being semi-famous such as hanging out with stars and being a part of great movies, without all of the hassle of being a superstar. I'm sure you get paid decently too. I bet Ron Silver has a nice car.\nI'd also assume that most semi-stars also have a few very loyal fans. Most of these fans probably are more into their work for the sheer irony of it, but a few really "get" their art. The spring's Weekend staff was really into Miko Hughes, the brat from "Kindergarten Cop" who says, "Boys have a penis. Girls have a vagina." How weirded out do you think he'd be to discover that the staff had printed pictures from his Web site and posted them on the wall for inspiration?\nThere are definitely some downsides to being a rather unknown star though. It would suck to have to remind everybody who you are. You are trying to get reservations at a fancy L.A. eatery and you tell them: "Hey, I deserve better than this! I was the fat chauffeur from 'Blank Check.'"\nAlso, I bet a lot of people just think you are lying when you tell them what you've been in. Who would brag about playing the police chief in "Big Mama's House?" But then I got to thinking, which would be worse: being a obscure star with steady work but never make it big or to be a huge star then lose it all?\nThink about it. Would you rather be Ron Silver or Corey Feldman ("The Badnews Bears," "The Goonies")?\nI think Silver is the way to go. If you've never tasted the top, you don't know what you're missing. Plus, sometimes obscurity can be your golden ticket in Hollywood. Big stars get typecast and then can't get work anymore. I bet you Bob Odenkirk, lesser-known "Mr. Show" star, does better financially than say Mark "Skywalker" Hamill, who's probably universally known.\nI never feel sorry for stars that fall from grace. Usually it's a Caesarian tragic flaw -- too much ambition -- which drives them to taking an insurance job or doing community theater. The only one I could at all feel regret for is Mr. T. That man is a saint and deserves to earn the big bucks. Other than him, I'm rather be an obscure star than a washed-up one.\nAll in all, I suppose we shouldn't have to segregate celebrities into different groups, different levels of fame. I suppose we are so obsessed with fame in America that we rank it and yet still get excited by minor stars -- like Ron Silver. In a perfect world, there would be no divisions and the Tom Cruises and the Pauly Shores and the Jonathan Lipnicki and, yes, the Ron Silvers can all live in peace.
(06/23/05 1:05am)
So, I'm out here in New York interning at a magazine right now. I've been going to a lot of intern functions in the city, meeting people who have a lot of the same journalistic aspirations as me. And the other night, my former features editor back when I worked on Weekend invited me to a party with a bunch of his coworkers. We're all taking, having a few beers and making small talk about what colleges we are from, etc., when the weirdest thing happened.\nHe asks everybody, "Have you ever seen that movie 'Timecop?'"\nI'm the only one who acknowledges the film's existence.\n"Well, her dad was the villain in 'Timecop,'" he says pointing to a girl with dark hair.\n"You mean Ron Silver?!!" I say, cracking up.\nEveryone seems surprised that I know the guy's name, but Ron Silver just seems to be in everything. He was Bruno Gianelli, the campaign manager in "The West Wing." His best performance, though, had to be as himself in the never-aired pilot "Heat-Vision and Jack." In the show, Jack Black starred as a renegade astronaut who becomes the smartest man in the world. By his side is his talking motorcycle (voiced by Owen Wilson) as he runs from vigilante Ron Silver. To reiterate: Ron's playing himself.\n"Acting is just one of my many passions," he says to fans asking for autographs on the pilot. "But right now I need to find Jack Austin!"\nAfter laughing about how I remembered such an obscure actor, I started to think, "I wonder what it would be like to be an obscure movie star?" \nIt would definitely have its pros and cons. \nOn the upside, you can walk around and the paparazzi won't harass you. I can't remember the last time anyone went through Clint Howard's garbage can (Johnson, "Austin Powers" trilogy), waited outside Ernie Hudson's house (Winston Zeddemore, "Ghostbusters," "Ghostbusters II") or pulled a lock out of Alan Ruck's hair (Cameron Frye, "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"). You can enjoy the benefits of being semi-famous such as hanging out with stars and being a part of great movies, without all of the hassle of being a superstar. I'm sure you get paid decently too. I bet Ron Silver has a nice car.\nI'd also assume that most semi-stars also have a few very loyal fans. Most of these fans probably are more into their work for the sheer irony of it, but a few really "get" their art. The spring's Weekend staff was really into Miko Hughes, the brat from "Kindergarten Cop" who says, "Boys have a penis. Girls have a vagina." How weirded out do you think he'd be to discover that the staff had printed pictures from his Web site and posted them on the wall for inspiration?\nThere are definitely some downsides to being a rather unknown star though. It would suck to have to remind everybody who you are. You are trying to get reservations at a fancy L.A. eatery and you tell them: "Hey, I deserve better than this! I was the fat chauffeur from 'Blank Check.'"\nAlso, I bet a lot of people just think you are lying when you tell them what you've been in. Who would brag about playing the police chief in "Big Mama's House?" But then I got to thinking, which would be worse: being a obscure star with steady work but never make it big or to be a huge star then lose it all?\nThink about it. Would you rather be Ron Silver or Corey Feldman ("The Badnews Bears," "The Goonies")?\nI think Silver is the way to go. If you've never tasted the top, you don't know what you're missing. Plus, sometimes obscurity can be your golden ticket in Hollywood. Big stars get typecast and then can't get work anymore. I bet you Bob Odenkirk, lesser-known "Mr. Show" star, does better financially than say Mark "Skywalker" Hamill, who's probably universally known.\nI never feel sorry for stars that fall from grace. Usually it's a Caesarian tragic flaw -- too much ambition -- which drives them to taking an insurance job or doing community theater. The only one I could at all feel regret for is Mr. T. That man is a saint and deserves to earn the big bucks. Other than him, I'm rather be an obscure star than a washed-up one.\nAll in all, I suppose we shouldn't have to segregate celebrities into different groups, different levels of fame. I suppose we are so obsessed with fame in America that we rank it and yet still get excited by minor stars -- like Ron Silver. In a perfect world, there would be no divisions and the Tom Cruises and the Pauly Shores and the Jonathan Lipnicki and, yes, the Ron Silvers can all live in peace.
(05/26/05 4:00am)
Ah, the television season is coming to an end. So many shows I never watched will be proudly running their season finales. So many shows I never watched will be canceled by the network big wigs. So many laughs I won't share. So many tears I won't shed. Ah, the memories I won't have.\nIt's been a turbulent year in television from what I've read on the Internet and overheard from my coworkers. Since it's the time for sad goodbyes, I thought I'd share my recap of the year in television: what I watched, what I didn't and everything in between.\nRecently, we've had to say goodbye to some of our best friends with series finales. Last year saw "Friends" go off the air and this year had "Everybody Loves Raymond" saying farewell. How can they do that? Just when I finally weaned myself off Prozac from "Friends," this happens! I've really considered counseling for this problem. But in all seriousness, I never really "loved" Raymond. Maybe I had respect for him, but not "love." The ads for the finale said it all: "the show will end just like it started" -- by me not watching it! \n"JAG" also said farewell, but I'm not worried because there are so many other military law shows for me to watch if I want. \n"NYPD Blue" is now over after teaming Dennis Franz with everyone from Jimmy Smits to Zack Morris. I think they should have done one more season and this time team him up with Donkey Lips from "Salute Your Shorts." \n"That '70s Show" all but had its series finale as two of the biggest stars, Ashton Kutcher and Topher Grace, are leaving. I tell you, they should just cancel it. It's just like when Richie left "Happy Days." It's a death knell.\nThe networks canceled a couple shows as well. \nI guess God didn't help "Joan of Arcadia" because it's gone now. My dad was always really into that show and made me watch it with him and I got to tell you, it's no worse than any of this other crap on TV. Plus, Amber Tamblyn is kind of hot. \nJohn Ritter's death killed "8 Simple Rules" and I say good riddance. I mean, I was a big fan of Ritter's work, especially the "Problem Child" movies, but it was stupid to keep the show after his death. There are no "rules" for dating the daughters once dad is dead. They can be sluts if they want. \nI have to feel sorry for Jason Alexander as another post-"Seinfeld" attempt was canceled in "Listen Up!" Really, Constanza, did it seem like a good idea to base a show off of Tony Kornheiser's life? I don't think so. \nRob Lowe has also been network kryptonite as "Dr. Vegas" is no more. Rob, don't you wish you didn't turn down "West Wing" now?\n"Carnivale" was also canceled, but "Carnivale" really sucked so I don't think anyone will notice.\nFOX made a smart move by keeping "Arrested Development" and moving it to Monday nights. They were almost going to cancel the show, but I guess they took a look at "Family Guy" and decided to give it more time.\nA flurry of new shows hit the airwaves with success. "LOST" turned out not to be a reality show, to my surprise. "Desperate Houswives" and another season of the "OC" added more sex to the lineups for those who need to live vicariously through TV. "Joey," the replacement of "Friends," also met my expectations by sucking hard core. Seriously, Matt LeBlanc needs an FCC violation for overuse of laugh tracks. They killed off Adriana La Serva for this?\nIn the news, Tom Brokaw said a sad goodbye, Dan Rather said a relieved one and Mickey Rooney whined about airline peanuts. I wonder who's next to go? I'm looking at you, Larry King...\nIn sports, the Artest incident officially became the most entertaining TV moment of the year. With the help of my dad's TiVo I dissected that thing as if it were the Zapruder film. From J.O.'s sliding uppercut to Tinsley's dustpan antics, it is classic.\nReality TV continued its same banal routine. The only thing that is different is that is looks like "American Idol" will get a country star. I suppose that will be best for their record sales.\nSummer premieres are actually exciting this year. FOX made another smart move by bringing back "Family Guy" and I have to say, it's just as good. Its sibling show "American Dad" is aight, but nothing to throw a party for. I'm pretty psyched about "The Corbert Report," a spin-off of "The Daily Show" starring Stephen Corbert. Another interesting prospect is "Hell's Kitchen" where an asshole British chef yells at his trainees. Since my dad is in the restaurant industry and is looking forward to this show, I'm actually kind of glad I won't be home this summer. I don't need him to be influenced by this show while I'm working for him.\nWell, if you were like me and missed some of this crappy shows this year, don't fret, there's more crap for next year. Jennifer Love Hewitt will talk to dead people (who probably act better than her), Geena Davis plays the president (I wouldn't have voted for her) and Henry Winkler and Jenna Elfman return to television … for some reason. Only shows I would consider watching are four intriguing reality shows. "Fire me … please" is a show where you compete to get fired first. Martha Stewart will have her own "Apprentice," INXS will have auditions for a new lead singer and Amy Grant will host a reality show.
(05/25/05 8:04pm)
Ah, the television season is coming to an end. So many shows I never watched will be proudly running their season finales. So many shows I never watched will be canceled by the network big wigs. So many laughs I won't share. So many tears I won't shed. Ah, the memories I won't have.\nIt's been a turbulent year in television from what I've read on the Internet and overheard from my coworkers. Since it's the time for sad goodbyes, I thought I'd share my recap of the year in television: what I watched, what I didn't and everything in between.\nRecently, we've had to say goodbye to some of our best friends with series finales. Last year saw "Friends" go off the air and this year had "Everybody Loves Raymond" saying farewell. How can they do that? Just when I finally weaned myself off Prozac from "Friends," this happens! I've really considered counseling for this problem. But in all seriousness, I never really "loved" Raymond. Maybe I had respect for him, but not "love." The ads for the finale said it all: "the show will end just like it started" -- by me not watching it! \n"JAG" also said farewell, but I'm not worried because there are so many other military law shows for me to watch if I want. \n"NYPD Blue" is now over after teaming Dennis Franz with everyone from Jimmy Smits to Zack Morris. I think they should have done one more season and this time team him up with Donkey Lips from "Salute Your Shorts." \n"That '70s Show" all but had its series finale as two of the biggest stars, Ashton Kutcher and Topher Grace, are leaving. I tell you, they should just cancel it. It's just like when Richie left "Happy Days." It's a death knell.\nThe networks canceled a couple shows as well. \nI guess God didn't help "Joan of Arcadia" because it's gone now. My dad was always really into that show and made me watch it with him and I got to tell you, it's no worse than any of this other crap on TV. Plus, Amber Tamblyn is kind of hot. \nJohn Ritter's death killed "8 Simple Rules" and I say good riddance. I mean, I was a big fan of Ritter's work, especially the "Problem Child" movies, but it was stupid to keep the show after his death. There are no "rules" for dating the daughters once dad is dead. They can be sluts if they want. \nI have to feel sorry for Jason Alexander as another post-"Seinfeld" attempt was canceled in "Listen Up!" Really, Constanza, did it seem like a good idea to base a show off of Tony Kornheiser's life? I don't think so. \nRob Lowe has also been network kryptonite as "Dr. Vegas" is no more. Rob, don't you wish you didn't turn down "West Wing" now?\n"Carnivale" was also canceled, but "Carnivale" really sucked so I don't think anyone will notice.\nFOX made a smart move by keeping "Arrested Development" and moving it to Monday nights. They were almost going to cancel the show, but I guess they took a look at "Family Guy" and decided to give it more time.\nA flurry of new shows hit the airwaves with success. "LOST" turned out not to be a reality show, to my surprise. "Desperate Houswives" and another season of the "OC" added more sex to the lineups for those who need to live vicariously through TV. "Joey," the replacement of "Friends," also met my expectations by sucking hard core. Seriously, Matt LeBlanc needs an FCC violation for overuse of laugh tracks. They killed off Adriana La Serva for this?\nIn the news, Tom Brokaw said a sad goodbye, Dan Rather said a relieved one and Mickey Rooney whined about airline peanuts. I wonder who's next to go? I'm looking at you, Larry King...\nIn sports, the Artest incident officially became the most entertaining TV moment of the year. With the help of my dad's TiVo I dissected that thing as if it were the Zapruder film. From J.O.'s sliding uppercut to Tinsley's dustpan antics, it is classic.\nReality TV continued its same banal routine. The only thing that is different is that is looks like "American Idol" will get a country star. I suppose that will be best for their record sales.\nSummer premieres are actually exciting this year. FOX made another smart move by bringing back "Family Guy" and I have to say, it's just as good. Its sibling show "American Dad" is aight, but nothing to throw a party for. I'm pretty psyched about "The Corbert Report," a spin-off of "The Daily Show" starring Stephen Corbert. Another interesting prospect is "Hell's Kitchen" where an asshole British chef yells at his trainees. Since my dad is in the restaurant industry and is looking forward to this show, I'm actually kind of glad I won't be home this summer. I don't need him to be influenced by this show while I'm working for him.\nWell, if you were like me and missed some of this crappy shows this year, don't fret, there's more crap for next year. Jennifer Love Hewitt will talk to dead people (who probably act better than her), Geena Davis plays the president (I wouldn't have voted for her) and Henry Winkler and Jenna Elfman return to television … for some reason. Only shows I would consider watching are four intriguing reality shows. "Fire me … please" is a show where you compete to get fired first. Martha Stewart will have her own "Apprentice," INXS will have auditions for a new lead singer and Amy Grant will host a reality show.
(04/21/05 4:00am)
In a Little 500 weekend which featured a race, a spring football game and my 21st birthday, the highlight for me was seeing my favorite hip-hop group: the Roots. The four-member band (rapper Black Thought, bassist Hub, keyboardist Kamal and drummer ?uestlove), performed Thursday night at the IU Auditorium in a welcome return to the annual Little 500 concert.\nFor anyone that has listened to the Roots, but never been to a show, you would have been in for a surprise. They are probably the closest thing to a hip-hop jam band. No song sounds like it does on the album. The beats are remixed, guitar solos are inserted and the audience is in full participation. It was the third time I had seen them live and every time they have been unique and exciting. The Roots are showmen -- without a doubt. The show started slow, but by the end any and every song you wanted to hear was played -- plus a few you'd never expect. Some highlights include "You Got Me," "Adrenaline," "Next Movement" and "Thought at Work." Some songs only lasted a few minutes as they seamlessly transitioned to the next. Others were extended far beyond album length with additional rocking out added for good measure.\nThe average college student who may not be that into hip-hop or the Roots would have still been impressed by this show. The Roots have the gift of knowing exactly what their audience wants and giving it to them. Knowing the lyrics was not necessary as the impressive instrumentalism was more important. During their encore, not only did they throw in their most popular hit "The Seed 2.0," but they also did a medley of cover songs from Ol' Dirty Bastard, Noreaga, Beyonce Knowles, Michael Jackson, Salt-N-Pepa, Black Sabbath, Talib Kweli, Lil' Wayne and the Game. Not enough? Picture Black Thought singing Blue Oyster Cult's "Don't Fear the Reaper" and asking for "mo' cow bell!" By the end, the energy of the band exploded into a drum battle between drummer ?uestlove and percussionist Knuckles. They were so moved by the music they started drumming on the set, the microphones and ?uestlove jumped into the audience, ran through the aisles and started drumming on people's heads. They threw their drum sticks, towels and set lists into a raving crowd at the end. I can guarantee that nobody left the show unsatisfied. I have to admit a few biases in my reporting. The Roots are my favorite band and I have enjoyed them every time I've seen them. In addition, I was also sitting in the second row, which can make a profound impact on the show. But it was really hyped up in my mind and far exceeded my expectations.\nI feel justified in giving this show an "A" since it was probably the greatest concert I've ever been to and something I will remember for the rest of my life. This summer they will be performing in several cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis, Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Milwaukee. If any of you have the chance to ever see the Roots in concert -- do not pass it up!
(04/20/05 5:32am)
In a Little 500 weekend which featured a race, a spring football game and my 21st birthday, the highlight for me was seeing my favorite hip-hop group: the Roots. The four-member band (rapper Black Thought, bassist Hub, keyboardist Kamal and drummer ?uestlove), performed Thursday night at the IU Auditorium in a welcome return to the annual Little 500 concert.\nFor anyone that has listened to the Roots, but never been to a show, you would have been in for a surprise. They are probably the closest thing to a hip-hop jam band. No song sounds like it does on the album. The beats are remixed, guitar solos are inserted and the audience is in full participation. It was the third time I had seen them live and every time they have been unique and exciting. The Roots are showmen -- without a doubt. The show started slow, but by the end any and every song you wanted to hear was played -- plus a few you'd never expect. Some highlights include "You Got Me," "Adrenaline," "Next Movement" and "Thought at Work." Some songs only lasted a few minutes as they seamlessly transitioned to the next. Others were extended far beyond album length with additional rocking out added for good measure.\nThe average college student who may not be that into hip-hop or the Roots would have still been impressed by this show. The Roots have the gift of knowing exactly what their audience wants and giving it to them. Knowing the lyrics was not necessary as the impressive instrumentalism was more important. During their encore, not only did they throw in their most popular hit "The Seed 2.0," but they also did a medley of cover songs from Ol' Dirty Bastard, Noreaga, Beyonce Knowles, Michael Jackson, Salt-N-Pepa, Black Sabbath, Talib Kweli, Lil' Wayne and the Game. Not enough? Picture Black Thought singing Blue Oyster Cult's "Don't Fear the Reaper" and asking for "mo' cow bell!" By the end, the energy of the band exploded into a drum battle between drummer ?uestlove and percussionist Knuckles. They were so moved by the music they started drumming on the set, the microphones and ?uestlove jumped into the audience, ran through the aisles and started drumming on people's heads. They threw their drum sticks, towels and set lists into a raving crowd at the end. I can guarantee that nobody left the show unsatisfied. I have to admit a few biases in my reporting. The Roots are my favorite band and I have enjoyed them every time I've seen them. In addition, I was also sitting in the second row, which can make a profound impact on the show. But it was really hyped up in my mind and far exceeded my expectations.\nI feel justified in giving this show an "A" since it was probably the greatest concert I've ever been to and something I will remember for the rest of my life. This summer they will be performing in several cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis, Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Milwaukee. If any of you have the chance to ever see the Roots in concert -- do not pass it up!
(04/07/05 4:00am)
Baseball season started off this week with the rivalry between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. As I watched the sport, I realized something -- I really need TiVo.\nBaseball is a sport with a slow, laid-back attitude. A lackadaisical sport for summer enjoyment, but not the tempo I crave. I need the fast-paced action a sport like basketball provides. But you know, with the control of speeding up the drama at the push of a button, TiVo can make anything better.\n"OK, OK, OK, alright stop! -- a hit!"\nOh God, how I wish I had TiVo.\nYou see, this isn't just wishful thinking, like my longing for an iPod or my own entourage á la 50 Cent. My addiction has been built up through experience. Back home in Indianapolis, my father made the wise investment of buying a TiVo receiver for the satellite TV. Yeah, we had to go hungry for a few weeks and I still regret forgoing that penicillin, but it was worth it.\nImmediately, it changed my life. No longer did I have to watch commercials. No longer did I have to watch time-outs or listen to inane TV announcers. No longer did I have to watch shows when they are scheduled to air. It's 5 a.m. and there's nothing to do? Watch a "South Park" episode!\nLet me break down to you some of the reasons why TiVo is the greatest thing to happen to TV since "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."\nFirst, live action is dead. It used to be the 'in' thing to have everything on live. "COPS: Live," "Roc: Live" and award show after award show. Everyone always says, "With live TV anything can happen." Well, that's really not true anymore. Thanks to Michael Powell, the emperor of nepotism, this is no longer true. Every football game, MTV award show and reality-based program are all as scripted as a Barbara Walters interview. The only benefit of live TV is that surprises can't be spoiled. But if you make sure nobody tells you the score of the game or who won Best Picture, then who cares?\nThe next reason why I think TiVo is so great is because you can get the "Cliff Notes" version of a program. We in society really like things to be summarized for us. As a journalist, I know that people don't want to know every little detail about an event, that's why SportsCenter, Fox News and USA Today are so popular. With TiVo, you can skip the appetizers and parsley and get straight to the sirloin steak.\nFinally, and this is my strongest argument, I think TiVo is wonderful because of its ability to work with your schedule. I rarely watch TV and when I do, it's usually because of a game I've been thinking about watching or I just have nothing to do at 2 a.m. I spend very little time in my room, so when I do, I just pop in a DVD instead of flipping through the channels. I love Netflix and I love TV shows on DVD, but I miss the options that TiVo affords me. Without TiVo, I never would have discovered shows like "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Arrested Development" or "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" because they were never on when I watch TV. With that magical, sleek, black box I never miss my shows and can watch countless movies for free.\nMy only complaint is that the magic of TiVo isn't available in other aspects of my life. Barber taking forever? -- fast forward through it. Need more time on a test? -- click pause. That hot girl (or guy, if that's your thing) in your lecture hall course is looking really good on a warm spring day? -- slow-motion instant replay.\nLife would be so much better if it moved at my pace, if I could control time.\nMaybe I'm letting technology and the control it allows me prevent me from enjoying the simple things in life. Maybe I need some more patience. Maybe I need to stop and smell the roses.\nOr maybe I just need TiVo.
(04/06/05 4:46am)
Baseball season started off this week with the rivalry between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. As I watched the sport, I realized something -- I really need TiVo.\nBaseball is a sport with a slow, laid-back attitude. A lackadaisical sport for summer enjoyment, but not the tempo I crave. I need the fast-paced action a sport like basketball provides. But you know, with the control of speeding up the drama at the push of a button, TiVo can make anything better.\n"OK, OK, OK, alright stop! -- a hit!"\nOh God, how I wish I had TiVo.\nYou see, this isn't just wishful thinking, like my longing for an iPod or my own entourage á la 50 Cent. My addiction has been built up through experience. Back home in Indianapolis, my father made the wise investment of buying a TiVo receiver for the satellite TV. Yeah, we had to go hungry for a few weeks and I still regret forgoing that penicillin, but it was worth it.\nImmediately, it changed my life. No longer did I have to watch commercials. No longer did I have to watch time-outs or listen to inane TV announcers. No longer did I have to watch shows when they are scheduled to air. It's 5 a.m. and there's nothing to do? Watch a "South Park" episode!\nLet me break down to you some of the reasons why TiVo is the greatest thing to happen to TV since "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."\nFirst, live action is dead. It used to be the 'in' thing to have everything on live. "COPS: Live," "Roc: Live" and award show after award show. Everyone always says, "With live TV anything can happen." Well, that's really not true anymore. Thanks to Michael Powell, the emperor of nepotism, this is no longer true. Every football game, MTV award show and reality-based program are all as scripted as a Barbara Walters interview. The only benefit of live TV is that surprises can't be spoiled. But if you make sure nobody tells you the score of the game or who won Best Picture, then who cares?\nThe next reason why I think TiVo is so great is because you can get the "Cliff Notes" version of a program. We in society really like things to be summarized for us. As a journalist, I know that people don't want to know every little detail about an event, that's why SportsCenter, Fox News and USA Today are so popular. With TiVo, you can skip the appetizers and parsley and get straight to the sirloin steak.\nFinally, and this is my strongest argument, I think TiVo is wonderful because of its ability to work with your schedule. I rarely watch TV and when I do, it's usually because of a game I've been thinking about watching or I just have nothing to do at 2 a.m. I spend very little time in my room, so when I do, I just pop in a DVD instead of flipping through the channels. I love Netflix and I love TV shows on DVD, but I miss the options that TiVo affords me. Without TiVo, I never would have discovered shows like "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Arrested Development" or "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" because they were never on when I watch TV. With that magical, sleek, black box I never miss my shows and can watch countless movies for free.\nMy only complaint is that the magic of TiVo isn't available in other aspects of my life. Barber taking forever? -- fast forward through it. Need more time on a test? -- click pause. That hot girl (or guy, if that's your thing) in your lecture hall course is looking really good on a warm spring day? -- slow-motion instant replay.\nLife would be so much better if it moved at my pace, if I could control time.\nMaybe I'm letting technology and the control it allows me prevent me from enjoying the simple things in life. Maybe I need some more patience. Maybe I need to stop and smell the roses.\nOr maybe I just need TiVo.
(02/10/05 7:50am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Ben Affleck wants you to forget about "Gigli." He wants that entry to be erased on www.imdb.com. He wants you to remember him for "Good Will Hunting," "Chasing Amy" and "Dogma."
I'm always of the mind that one bad movie should never ruin an actor's career. Even a few bad films here and there shouldn't mean the death of a career, but when it becomes a streak that's a problem. Sure Ben, I can forget about "Gigli," but what about "Surviving Christmas," "Daredevil," "Pearl Harbor" and "Reindeer Games?"
No, sometimes there can be just too much and a reputation develops. Actors should always get a chance to redeem themselves after a bad movie or two. Sometimes actors just need a chance to work their way up. Sure, Jamie Foxx was in "Booty Call," but he was later brilliant in "Ray" and "Collateral."
Sometimes actors just do too many movies. Jack Black was in the horrible "Saving Silverman" and "Envy," but since he does so many films, the majority of them are worthwhile. Christopher Walken is the epitome of the overexposed good actor. This guy doesn't turn down roles, because frankly, he has nothing better to do. And can you blame Black or Walken? Doing a movie can sometimes just be fun, so who cares if it isn't a "Best Picture" nominee?
Directors should be given the benefit of the doubt as well, but not as much. Actors are sometimes given the wrong role or they just can't do enough to save a bad film. Directors, on the other hand, have a little more responsibility in the process, but a poor screenplay or a shitty actor can sometimes be the problem. Tim Burton made the horrible "Planet of the Apes" remake, but I contend the script was the problem there. Danny Leiner directed the horrible "Dude, Where's My Car?" but "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle" was genius, namely because there was no Ashton Kutcher or Seann William Scott. With Francis Ford Coppola and his flop, "Jack" … Well, I don't have an answer for that one.
All of these flops seem OK, but the real problem is when acting legends do horrible, horrible films. There's a big difference between Jim Carrey doing "The Majestic" and Robert DeNiro in "Shark Tale." Here's my list of the top five actors who should be a little more selective with their film selections:
Robert De NiroGood: "Raging Bull," "Goodfellas," "The Godfather II," Taxi Driver," "Casino," "The Deer Hunter"
Bad: "Rocky and Bullwinkle," "Showtime," "Analyze That," "Godsend," "Shark Tale," "Meet the Fockers"
What the Problem is: This guy needs to go back to what he is good at: being a bad ass. Pacino has had no problem keeping his acting career respectable, so De Niro shouldn't either. I'm sorry, but Bobby needs to realize he just isn't a comedian. "Meet the Parents" was decent, but the rest of his comedic resume is embarrassing. Stick to the mob films!
Gene HackmanGood: "Bonnie and Clyde," "Unforgiven," "Hoosiers"
Bad: "Welcome to Mooseport," "Heartbreakers," "Antz," "The Replacements"
What the Problem is: Hackman has been overshadowed in a lot of his films recently. Instead of being the star, he's had to play second-banana to the likes of Will Smith, Ray Romano and Keanu Reeves. He needs to quit doing films to appeal to younger audiences and promise to never settle for being listed below Jennifer Love Hewitt again.
Robert DuvallGood: "To Kill a Mockingbird," "The Godfather," "Network," "Apocalypse Now"
Bad: "Newsies," "The 6th Day," "John Q"
What the Problem is: This guy is one of the best living actors alive today -- without a doubt. Besides De Niro or Pacino, this guy has no competition when it comes to some of the greatest performances. So, it's a little disturbing when he appears in one of Arnold's worst films. (Worst Arnold line ever: "You should clone yourself while you're still alive … so you can go fuck yourself!") Duvall just needs to just stop trying to be a badass. Lay off the action films, just direct and star in your own films.
Jon VoightGood: "Midnight Cowboy," "Deliverance," "Catch-22," "Zoolander"
Bad: "Pearl Harbor," "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider," "The Karate Dog," "SuperBabies: Baby Genuises 2"
What the Problem is: Nowadays, there'd be no reason for George Costanza to buy this guy's car. I mean, this guy's stock has fallen more than Amazon. He's given some great performances early on in his career (and I contend "Zoolander" is great too). There is no excuse for him to be films like "The Karate Dog" with Chevy Chase and Pat Morita. I can see that films such as that and "Superbabies" are made for his kids, but honestly, screw your kids. Don't let them ruin your career.
Morgan FreemanGood: "Se7en," "The Shawshank Redemption," "Glory"
Bad: "Bruce Almighty," "Deep Impact," "The Sum of All Fears," "Nurse Betty," "The Big Bounce"
What the Problem is: His popularity has just exploded since his classics started to catch on. Since then, the paychecks have been very good to him and very bad for his career. Just a bit of advice: ignore the dollar signs and go for quality. It'll mean bigger paychecks in the future.
(02/10/05 6:12am)
Growing up in Queensbridge, N.Y., Indiana Pacer Ron Artest had a bully. \nAs funny as it seems, the NBA All-Star, famous for his brawl in Detroit, would get picked on every day. And even more ironic is the fact that Ron wouldn't fight back.\n"Ron was always really different," said Sarah Artest, Ron's mother, who now lives in Carmel, Ind. "He was always very laid-back. He might have gotten into a fight, but it took a lot to make him fight."\nEvery day, Ron would get picked on at La Salle Academy and every day Ron would ignore it. Finally, the meek high school student decided enough was enough and punched the kid, breaking his nose.\n"The only reason the principal didn't suspend him was because the boy kept messing with him," Sarah said. "He said he would have done the same thing."\nYears later, Ron found himself in a similar situation, only this time he wouldn't avoid suspension. Ron Artest is forced to sit out the entire NBA season because of the Nov. 19 fight at The Palace of Auburn Hills, in an incident that has been called, "the Throwdown in Motown," "basket brawl" and "the worst day in NBA history."\nBut Sarah Artest doesn't want you to judge him by what's on TV. She wants you to know her son is not a thug. He is not a villain, a bad guy or whatever some commentator says about him. To her, Ron Artest will always be her little "Ron-Ron." Her little "pac-man" who'd eat everything in the house. Her son who to this day supports his entire family, including his younger brother Isaiah, a sophomore at IU.
(02/10/05 5:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Ben Affleck wants you to forget about "Gigli." He wants that entry to be erased on www.imdb.com. He wants you to remember him for "Good Will Hunting," "Chasing Amy" and "Dogma."
I'm always of the mind that one bad movie should never ruin an actor's career. Even a few bad films here and there shouldn't mean the death of a career, but when it becomes a streak that's a problem. Sure Ben, I can forget about "Gigli," but what about "Surviving Christmas," "Daredevil," "Pearl Harbor" and "Reindeer Games?"
No, sometimes there can be just too much and a reputation develops. Actors should always get a chance to redeem themselves after a bad movie or two. Sometimes actors just need a chance to work their way up. Sure, Jamie Foxx was in "Booty Call," but he was later brilliant in "Ray" and "Collateral."
Sometimes actors just do too many movies. Jack Black was in the horrible "Saving Silverman" and "Envy," but since he does so many films, the majority of them are worthwhile. Christopher Walken is the epitome of the overexposed good actor. This guy doesn't turn down roles, because frankly, he has nothing better to do. And can you blame Black or Walken? Doing a movie can sometimes just be fun, so who cares if it isn't a "Best Picture" nominee?
Directors should be given the benefit of the doubt as well, but not as much. Actors are sometimes given the wrong role or they just can't do enough to save a bad film. Directors, on the other hand, have a little more responsibility in the process, but a poor screenplay or a shitty actor can sometimes be the problem. Tim Burton made the horrible "Planet of the Apes" remake, but I contend the script was the problem there. Danny Leiner directed the horrible "Dude, Where's My Car?" but "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle" was genius, namely because there was no Ashton Kutcher or Seann William Scott. With Francis Ford Coppola and his flop, "Jack" … Well, I don't have an answer for that one.
All of these flops seem OK, but the real problem is when acting legends do horrible, horrible films. There's a big difference between Jim Carrey doing "The Majestic" and Robert DeNiro in "Shark Tale." Here's my list of the top five actors who should be a little more selective with their film selections:
Robert De NiroGood: "Raging Bull," "Goodfellas," "The Godfather II," Taxi Driver," "Casino," "The Deer Hunter"
Bad: "Rocky and Bullwinkle," "Showtime," "Analyze That," "Godsend," "Shark Tale," "Meet the Fockers"
What the Problem is: This guy needs to go back to what he is good at: being a bad ass. Pacino has had no problem keeping his acting career respectable, so De Niro shouldn't either. I'm sorry, but Bobby needs to realize he just isn't a comedian. "Meet the Parents" was decent, but the rest of his comedic resume is embarrassing. Stick to the mob films!
Gene HackmanGood: "Bonnie and Clyde," "Unforgiven," "Hoosiers"
Bad: "Welcome to Mooseport," "Heartbreakers," "Antz," "The Replacements"
What the Problem is: Hackman has been overshadowed in a lot of his films recently. Instead of being the star, he's had to play second-banana to the likes of Will Smith, Ray Romano and Keanu Reeves. He needs to quit doing films to appeal to younger audiences and promise to never settle for being listed below Jennifer Love Hewitt again.
Robert DuvallGood: "To Kill a Mockingbird," "The Godfather," "Network," "Apocalypse Now"
Bad: "Newsies," "The 6th Day," "John Q"
What the Problem is: This guy is one of the best living actors alive today -- without a doubt. Besides De Niro or Pacino, this guy has no competition when it comes to some of the greatest performances. So, it's a little disturbing when he appears in one of Arnold's worst films. (Worst Arnold line ever: "You should clone yourself while you're still alive … so you can go fuck yourself!") Duvall just needs to just stop trying to be a badass. Lay off the action films, just direct and star in your own films.
Jon VoightGood: "Midnight Cowboy," "Deliverance," "Catch-22," "Zoolander"
Bad: "Pearl Harbor," "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider," "The Karate Dog," "SuperBabies: Baby Genuises 2"
What the Problem is: Nowadays, there'd be no reason for George Costanza to buy this guy's car. I mean, this guy's stock has fallen more than Amazon. He's given some great performances early on in his career (and I contend "Zoolander" is great too). There is no excuse for him to be films like "The Karate Dog" with Chevy Chase and Pat Morita. I can see that films such as that and "Superbabies" are made for his kids, but honestly, screw your kids. Don't let them ruin your career.
Morgan FreemanGood: "Se7en," "The Shawshank Redemption," "Glory"
Bad: "Bruce Almighty," "Deep Impact," "The Sum of All Fears," "Nurse Betty," "The Big Bounce"
What the Problem is: His popularity has just exploded since his classics started to catch on. Since then, the paychecks have been very good to him and very bad for his career. Just a bit of advice: ignore the dollar signs and go for quality. It'll mean bigger paychecks in the future.
(02/03/05 5:00am)
Sometimes the most overdone of premises can still make for an interesting movie. In his debut film, "Mean Creek," writer/director Jacob Aaron Estes starts you off with the concept of a young boy (Rory Culkin) getting revenge on a bully (Josh Peck) by stripping him naked and dumping him into a river. But, predictably, the prank goes awry and the innocent teenagers now have a horrible secret to keep between them.\nViewers might initially sigh at the unoriginality of the premise. A group of friends are all tied up in a death and they hide it so nobody goes to jail. Tensions are high and somebody's bound to crack. See "Jawbreaker," "Very Bad Things," "Bully" or "I Know What You Did Last Summer" for plenty of examples. But what makes this film different is that it isn't focused as much on what happens after the accident, but what leads up to it. \nEstes has a very good sense of pace when it comes to character development. The friends all scheme to get George, the bully, to go on a boating trip so they can exact their revenge. Along the way, George becomes more than just an aggressive jerk. You find that he's just a lonely fat kid who talks a lot of trash as a means to be accepted. Estes jerks your emotions around; one minute you don't want to see George get his punishment, while the next you eagerly wait for it to occur. Eventually, you watch George take all of his resentment and anger toward the world out on the boys, spouting enough wretched insults and rehashing enough harsh memories for his character to finally deserve his fate.\n"Mean Creek" is a very realistic movie, which is its biggest strength and also its biggest weakness. It's refreshing to watch a suspenseful film without over-the-top, ridiculous plot twists. Everything proceeds as it should, but that's also the main problem. Nothing surprises you in this film and although I'd expect most viewers to feel satisfied afterwards, I don't expect many to be amazed. Estes does well with a simple premise, but the film is almost too simple when it comes to plot.\nThe bonus features on this film aren't very special. Standard director's commentary, behind-the-scenes feature and storyboards are included mostly as filler, but since this film received a very small theatrical release, I think bonus features aren't as important as the film itself.\n"Mean Creek" is a great first effort and it should be viewed as such. Enjoy the deep characters, but don't be upset if the plot is too shallow.
(02/02/05 5:25am)
The IU athletics department is in such financial disarray that the players are having to feel the brunt of the responsibility.\nBe on the lookout because all of the new football recruits are going to have to participate in a bake sale, and I hear that coach Terry Hoeppner is demanding they all cook themselves. The men's basketball team will be holding a kissing booth before the home games, and the men's and women's diving team will be holding a dunk tank -- from 30 feet!\nOK, so the athletics department isn't making the athletes chip in to help ease its debt. Instead, a mandatory athletics fee is forcing the students to bear the burden. But there are some student-athletes on campus who won't receive a penny from this fee. Club sport athletes at IU have to worry not just about playing their sport, but also paying for it. \nNo matter how you look at it, club sport athletes are underappreciated. Nobody is chanting their names at halftime. Nobody is buying their jerseys to wear to games. They don't even have name recognition. These athletes spend their time and their money just to have the chance to play the game.\nI know what you're thinking: "Club sport athletes aren't real athletes." True, there are some club sport participants (with sports such as foosball) that are more focused on throwing back a beer or two and listening to Nelly than breaking a sweat. And there's nothing wrong with sports based on camaraderie, but that's not every IU club sport. For every laid-back table tennis player or bass fisherman, there's a scraped-up, bruised field hockey or rugby player. These athletes practice five times a week in addition to worrying about classes. And this is without scholarships from IU.\nStudent-athletes in general endure far more than the public realizes. Nobody denies how hard it must be to balance both classes and practice. Hell, I find it hard to balance classes and the IDS at times, so I can imagine the basketball team's schedule. But throw in fund raising just to be able to play your sport and you've got a different kind of athlete.\nIt might surprise you, but club sports aren't cheap, folks. Travel expenses, uniforms and equipment all add up. Although IU's RecSports division -- funded by the University -- generously contributes thousands of dollars to these club sports, it hardly makes up enough to keep them going.\nTake IU's club hockey team as an example. Coach Richard Holdeman said it costs close to $90,000 each year just for the team to break even. RecSports provides $6,000 a year, but most of the fiscal responsibility lies with the players. In addition to paying $1,200 each to join the team, each player has to participate in numerous fund-raising activities just to play the sport they love.\n"On our team, there are guys who pay to play," freshman hockey player Reed Schaffer said. "Yeah, having the athletic department backing you up means a lot, but we're serious. We are just as serious as any varsity athletes."\nIn a world where Kris Humphries of Minnesota is more worried about stuffing his stats to make the NBA instead of winning games, it's refreshing to see club sport athletes that are all playing for the right reasons. Instead of just worrying about scholarships or going pro, these guys are there to hang out with buddies and just enjoy the sport. The least we can do is give these players our support. Head out to an Ultimate Frisbee match or a lacrosse match.\nThe bottom line is that we hear so much about the athletic department's financial woes and about the troubles the department goes through just to raise enough funds. Well, these club sport athletes raise almost all of their budget themselves and it's about time we give them some respect.
(02/02/05 5:08am)
Sometimes the most overdone of premises can still make for an interesting movie. In his debut film, "Mean Creek," writer/director Jacob Aaron Estes starts you off with the concept of a young boy (Rory Culkin) getting revenge on a bully (Josh Peck) by stripping him naked and dumping him into a river. But, predictably, the prank goes awry and the innocent teenagers now have a horrible secret to keep between them.\nViewers might initially sigh at the unoriginality of the premise. A group of friends are all tied up in a death and they hide it so nobody goes to jail. Tensions are high and somebody's bound to crack. See "Jawbreaker," "Very Bad Things," "Bully" or "I Know What You Did Last Summer" for plenty of examples. But what makes this film different is that it isn't focused as much on what happens after the accident, but what leads up to it. \nEstes has a very good sense of pace when it comes to character development. The friends all scheme to get George, the bully, to go on a boating trip so they can exact their revenge. Along the way, George becomes more than just an aggressive jerk. You find that he's just a lonely fat kid who talks a lot of trash as a means to be accepted. Estes jerks your emotions around; one minute you don't want to see George get his punishment, while the next you eagerly wait for it to occur. Eventually, you watch George take all of his resentment and anger toward the world out on the boys, spouting enough wretched insults and rehashing enough harsh memories for his character to finally deserve his fate.\n"Mean Creek" is a very realistic movie, which is its biggest strength and also its biggest weakness. It's refreshing to watch a suspenseful film without over-the-top, ridiculous plot twists. Everything proceeds as it should, but that's also the main problem. Nothing surprises you in this film and although I'd expect most viewers to feel satisfied afterwards, I don't expect many to be amazed. Estes does well with a simple premise, but the film is almost too simple when it comes to plot.\nThe bonus features on this film aren't very special. Standard director's commentary, behind-the-scenes feature and storyboards are included mostly as filler, but since this film received a very small theatrical release, I think bonus features aren't as important as the film itself.\n"Mean Creek" is a great first effort and it should be viewed as such. Enjoy the deep characters, but don't be upset if the plot is too shallow.
(01/31/05 5:20am)
IU has a love-hate relationship with college rankings.\nOn one hand, Interim IU-Bloomington Chancellor Ken Gros Louis admits that rankings for the business school, law school and undergraduate programs are subjective and sometimes not accurate. But on the other hand, potential students take notice of the rankings when selecting a school.\nGros Louis presented this academic conflict to the IU board of trustees Friday during their Academic Excellence Committee meeting in Bloomington.\n"In general, ranking universities and colleges and schools within universities is, at best, an imprecise science, so we should not weigh specific numbers too heavily," Gros Louis said. "It's very difficult, but not impossible, to develop a methodology that can accurately reduce the quality of any single campus to a number, so in a real sense all rankings should be looked at as generalizations."\nIn the presentation, Gros Louis broke down different collegiate rankings and what each study emphasizes. US News and World Report values faculty resources (20 percent), student selectivity (15 percent), retention (20 percent) and peer assessments (25 percent). Alumni giving and graduation rates are given the least weight at 5 percent each.\nGros Louis noted how IU ranked in each category compared to other schools in the Big Ten. IU's biggest downside was its student selectivity, ranking ninth. Gros Louis said IU could easily move up in these rankings by toughening their admission standards, but it may not be something IU would wish to do.\n"We have a lot of students with lower SAT scores who do very well at IU," he said.\nGros Louis' success with these students has also been a benefit to the University. Since more students graduate from IU than is predicted from their SAT scores, IU ranks No. 2 in graduation rate performance out of all public universities. Michigan State is currently leading the nation.\nAlthough IU is sure to let the public know when they receive top rankings, Gros Louis said you can't put too much stock into these lists since they are produced by magazines. He said you can tell the magazines haven't hit upon the perfect formula because they change it from year to year.\n"If they didn't change the rankings, they'd always be the same," he said. "And you know that's not good for selling magazines."\nAdditionally, Gros Louis noted how sometimes rankings can be completely inaccurate.\n"(In) a recent ranking, for example, the master's program in broadcast news in the School of Journalism was included in the top five nationally," he said. "That's great news, but unfortunately, journalism does not offer broadcast news at the master's level."\nLauren Robel, dean of the IU School of Law, then spoke about how rankings have completely altered the way law schools are run. Schools have changed their funding priorities year-by-year just to move up a few spots. The unfortunate thing, Robel said, is that these rankings are very easy to cheat.\n"There are a number of ways to manipulate these numbers and there have been some scandals at a few universities -- not ours -- but it does happen," Robel said.\nDaniel C. Smith, the interim dean of the Kelley School of Business, noted how his school faces some of the same troubles as the law school. For business school rankings, the numbers are mostly based on student feedback, corporate hirers and recruiter preferences. \nHe said the main problem with this system is that is falls into a "chicken and the egg" cycle. The best students go where the rankings are the best. Recruiters go to where schools where the best students attend. Students give good feedback on universities with lots of recruiters. So for the lower-tier business schools, it's tough to break from the cycle.\nAnother problem with the rankings is the excessive emphasis placed on student feedback. \n"I mean, what do students' want? Everybody gets A's," Smith said. "You could eventually progress to a 'Lake Wobegone' world where everyone is above average."\nThere also isn't much variance among the top schools when it comes to major categories such as faculty experience and graduation rates. Because of this, schools are beginning to focus on categories where there are greater differences between ranks such as internship resources and career services.\nAll in all, Smith said rankings do matter to students and around 90 percent of students make their decisions based on them.\nGros Louis summed up these rankings' effect on university decision-making with a quote from an unidentified dean: "It's distressing that the competition for faculty, students, research grants, donations and status keeps driving us toward increasingly expensive and time-consuming branding and marketing, rankings and ratings. Once upon a time, we built universities on the minds of the faculty; now, it seems, we try to build them in the minds of the public."\n-- Contact Sports Editor Adam Aasen at aaasen@indiana.edu.
(01/27/05 5:00am)
The Game is looking for success and he's on the right track. On his debut album, The Documentary, he has songs produced by Kanye West, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Hi-Tek, Just Blaze and Buckwild. He has cameos from Busta Rhymes, 50 Cent, Faith Evans, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Nate Dogg. He has a label consisting of Dre and 50 Cent backing him up financially. The only thing he needs now to become successful is his own image.\nOr maybe he could use a Delorean, so he can travel back to the time before every rapper he is ripping off on his album.\nLet me just say that The Game isn't a bad rapper. If I met him at a party, I'd say, "This boy can flow." But I'd never expect him to be hooking up with Eminem or 50 Cent on an album. It's not that his lyrics or his beats are bad by any means. It's just that he isn't different from any other rapper out there. He's pretty much a wussy version of 50 Cent -- something I never wanted to see. He spouts the same catch phrases as every other rapper and talks about the same topics as everyone else: guns, love and the rap industry.\nHis lyrical style seems to be based on rather convoluted references and metaphors. On "Dreams," he compares MLK to Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes and Aaliyah. (I'm sorry, neither singer was assassinated, nor did they spark any sort of revolution -- unless you consider "No Scrubs" a revolution.) He brings up all of the famous people he is friends with in all of his songs like an obsessed Facebook user or something. I don't care if you hang out with Eve, 50 Cent and Busta Rhymes. Quit name dropping!\nAlso, his arrogance on the album befuddles me. He claims to be "Rap MVP" and is going to put out an album that's better than Ready to Die, Reasonable Doubt and Doggystyle combined. Nice try, but it ain't going to happen. Also, what kind of name is "The Game?" He's not just the leader of the rap game -- he's the entire game! Wow.\n50 Cent's label G-Unit, an offshoot of Dre's Aftermath, seems to really be pushing The Game. His video for "This is How We Do," has been in heavy rotation on MTVU. I'd never predict that The Game wouldn't be big, but I said the same about 50 Cent protégés Lloyd Banks and Young Buck, who both topped the charts.\nAll in all, though, I didn't really cringe listening to this album. The production is decent and the cameos are nice filler. What this album essentially proves is that you can make a rap album without any memorable lyrics. As long as the beats and hooks are catchy, you'll be set.
(01/26/05 5:42am)
The Game is looking for success and he's on the right track. On his debut album, The Documentary, he has songs produced by Kanye West, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Hi-Tek, Just Blaze and Buckwild. He has cameos from Busta Rhymes, 50 Cent, Faith Evans, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Nate Dogg. He has a label consisting of Dre and 50 Cent backing him up financially. The only thing he needs now to become successful is his own image.\nOr maybe he could use a Delorean, so he can travel back to the time before every rapper he is ripping off on his album.\nLet me just say that The Game isn't a bad rapper. If I met him at a party, I'd say, "This boy can flow." But I'd never expect him to be hooking up with Eminem or 50 Cent on an album. It's not that his lyrics or his beats are bad by any means. It's just that he isn't different from any other rapper out there. He's pretty much a wussy version of 50 Cent -- something I never wanted to see. He spouts the same catch phrases as every other rapper and talks about the same topics as everyone else: guns, love and the rap industry.\nHis lyrical style seems to be based on rather convoluted references and metaphors. On "Dreams," he compares MLK to Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes and Aaliyah. (I'm sorry, neither singer was assassinated, nor did they spark any sort of revolution -- unless you consider "No Scrubs" a revolution.) He brings up all of the famous people he is friends with in all of his songs like an obsessed Facebook user or something. I don't care if you hang out with Eve, 50 Cent and Busta Rhymes. Quit name dropping!\nAlso, his arrogance on the album befuddles me. He claims to be "Rap MVP" and is going to put out an album that's better than Ready to Die, Reasonable Doubt and Doggystyle combined. Nice try, but it ain't going to happen. Also, what kind of name is "The Game?" He's not just the leader of the rap game -- he's the entire game! Wow.\n50 Cent's label G-Unit, an offshoot of Dre's Aftermath, seems to really be pushing The Game. His video for "This is How We Do," has been in heavy rotation on MTVU. I'd never predict that The Game wouldn't be big, but I said the same about 50 Cent protégés Lloyd Banks and Young Buck, who both topped the charts.\nAll in all, though, I didn't really cringe listening to this album. The production is decent and the cameos are nice filler. What this album essentially proves is that you can make a rap album without any memorable lyrics. As long as the beats and hooks are catchy, you'll be set.