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(09/01/11 12:53am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Can “The Office” survive without Michael Scott? Will young comedies such as “Parks and Recreation” and “The Middle” continue to boom in popularity? Can writer J.J. Abrams find the same success with his new CBS show “Person of Interest” as he did with “Lost”? Can “Grey’s Anatomy” be saved? Soon, fall television will be able to answer all our burning questions. What’s good in new television? Which shows should be dropped from our weekly viewings? The only thing you will have to answer yourself is what will actually be worth your time. First, let’s talk about the returning heavy hitters in prime-time television. Avid TV watchers are curious as to how someone can replace Steve Carell on NBC’s “The Office,” which is going into its eighth season this fall. Fans are now asking if the show can, or should, survive without its iconic boss.Coming off a successful second season, NBC’s other hit comedy, “Community,” is looking to continue its climb to the peak of TV’s best shows. At the end of last season, audiences across America watched as the students swapped out books for guns in an epic, two-episode paintball fight. Tune in Sept. 22 to see what happens in this noted season premiere. Other notable shows include FX’s “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” which is back for its seventh season. Actor Rob McElhenney, who plays Mac, reportedly gained 50 pounds for his character’s storyline. Check out this favorite to see just how big the season premiere, and Mac, will be. ABC’s comedy “Modern Family” is back for a third season Sept. 21. Fans will be looking for another season of hilarious antics from this hysterical family. After two seasons, “Modern Family” is a serious contender for one of the best comedies on television. Other notable returns to ABC’s lineup include a special two-hour premiere of “Grey’s Anatomy” and the Wednesday night comedy “The Middle.” NBC will also bring back fan favorites “30 Rock” and “Parks and Recreation.” NBC will be adding “The Playboy Club” to its lineup this fall. While the “Playboy” bunnies may turn heads, can they act? Only time will tell for this new addition to the network’s Monday lineup. Taking audiences back to the 1960s, ABC’s “Pan Am” is bringing glamour to drab airline travel. The show will focus on the stewardesses and pilots of this luxury airline and will mark actress Christina Ricci’s return to the small screen with a role as a flight attendant. CBS is adding “Person of Interest” to its Thursday night lineup, going up against that night’s comedy-heavy schedule on other networks. “Person of Interest” follows a former CIA agent who joins forces with a sketchy billionaire to prevent crime before it happens. Viewers should also watch out for NBC’s “Up All Night,” a comedy with Will Arnett and Christina Applegate; Fox’s “Terra Nova,” a science fiction drama set in the year 2149; NBC’s “The New Girl,” a glimpse into the life of a 20-something woman played by the adorable Zooey Deschanel; and CBS’s “2 Broke Girls,” a look at the lives of, well, two broke girls living in Brooklyn. There’s no promise that these new additions to fall TV will be worthwhile additions, but with a solid, and largely comedic, slew of returning shows, there will be something for everyone.
(08/24/11 4:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Based on David Nicholls’ hit novel, “One Day” captures a single day, July 15, each year in the relationship of Dexter Mayhew (Jim Sturgess) and Emma Morley (Anne Hathaway). Beginning the morning after their college graduation in 1988, the film chronicles the many ups and downs of Dex and Em’s relationship, including a revealing holiday to France, a sudden catapult to fame and its destructive consequences and the intrusion of outsiders into the relationship. Despite these disturbances, Dex and Em maintain a friendship and ask themselves and the audience, “Is there something more?”The movie version of the popular novel fails to capture any poignancy and coherence necessary to the story. Hathaway and Sturgess make the relationship feel strained, struggling to sustain a genuine connection on-screen.Hathaway plays Emma too stiff and uptight, making the presence of tears and shouting appear melodramatic instead of justifiable. Even the basic concept of a believable British accent challenged Hathaway, who seemed to switch between English, Scottish and American accents throughout the film. Similarly, Sturgess fails to relate the absolute personal turmoil of Dexter, which makes his character a womanizing, egocentric slime ball. Perhaps the only reason the audience wants to root for this couple is because, well, it’s Hollywood, and the audience has to cheer for someone, right? Director Lone Scherfig, who also directed the 2009 hit “An Education,” contributed in this inability to fully understand the characters’ emotions, struggles and motives. Instead of being a glimpse into the relationship of Dex and Em, each year felt too short to dive past the surface. The snippets placed importance on the events, rather than the people, and therefore the film felt anecdotal and disjointed rather than cohesive and whole. “One Day” felt more like a shallow piece than a timeless, romantic saga.
(04/27/11 10:31pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Looking to revamp your iTunes for summer? Check out I’m From Barcelona’s third and most recent album, “Forever Today.” Full of upbeat poplike songs, “Forever Today” hits listeners with the full force of all 29 members of this Swedish band. “Forever Today” is full of anthem-like songs that just beg listeners to smile and dance. Listeners cannot help but tap their feet to high-energy songs like “Get in Line” and “Charlie Parker.” The title track, “Forever Today,” is a bit slower and gives listeners the feeling that the band is all coming together to bid farewell to the listeners. However, the album’s downfall comes in this upbeat, full sound. Simply put, there’s too much of it. “Forever Today” lacks a variety in sound and emotion. That being said, do not let that stop you from listening to this album. If you are still looking for that summer anthem to blast with the windows rolled down, “Forever Today” is your album.
(04/07/11 3:02pm)
Five student filmmakers and their CMF projects
(04/06/11 10:57pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Universal’s new animated comedy “Hop” tells the story of how a man named Fred (James Marsden) becomes the Easter Bunny through his unexpected encounter with a runaway bunny, E.B. Heir to the Easter Bunny title, E.B. (Russell Brand) leaves Easter Island to pursue his dream of being a famous musician in Hollywood. Frankly, it’s hard enough to believe James Marsden is a 20-something seeking steady employment, let alone believe that he will become the Easter Bunny. As for the plot on Easter Island, the notion of evil chicks staging a coup d’etat against an Easter Bunny (voiced by Hugh Laurie) that is eerily reminiscent of Santa Claus is not too thrilling either. It is quite obvious the defenders of everyone’s favorite pastel holiday will beat out the power-hungry chicks. Cameos by David Hasselhoff and Chelsea Handler add little to the film except to extend the list of celebrities who should have avoided this script. While the colorful, bold live-action animation is visually appealing, don’t let the bright colors fool you: No amount of jelly beans and bunnies can save this movie.
(03/09/11 11:32pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>In today’s growing, changing animation world, there’s no shortage of opportunities for forward-thinking, creative people to enter the industry. That doesn’t mean it’s easy to get a foot in the door, but at IU’s School of Fine Arts, a handful of motivated students are taking their futures in animation into their own hands. Meet four of them.Torlando Hakes “I always read comic books. I was really into X-Men,” Torlando Hakes said. Hakes is a senior fine arts major.The colorful members of X-Men introduced Hakes to the world of animation. From this appreciation of comics, Hakes said he started drawing patterns from some of his favorites. Now, as he prepares for his thesis next fall semester, Hakes said he has his future set on animation. While he said he wants to go directly into graduate school, he would also be okay with joining an animation firm or freelancing some of his work. As a student nearing the end of his undergraduate education, Hakes had some advice for prospective digital arts students. Hakes said it’s important to find an area of animation that is interesting and pursue it. “You really have to be self-motivated,” Hakes said. “There’s such a broad depth of what you can do.” Taylor Bryant “I think I really like being in control of a lot of the aspects, over what you want to be put on screen,” junior fine arts major Taylor Bryant said. An advocate for 3-D animation, Bryant said the medium affords creators many different outlets for their creativity, such as various environments and camera angles. Bryant said he hopes to use his creativity as a freelance animator. However, Bryant discussed the important changes in the field of animation that he keeps in mind. Bryant said animators today have to be prepared to work harder and for less money because more people have the skills and resources needed to succeed. His personal creed to succeed? Stay original and work hard. Bryant said the only way to be an animator is to make a compelling reel tape and make sure it is original work. “Make cool shit on your own,” he said. Josh Tuthill “I’ve always been interested in animation. It must have started with my love for cartoons when I was a kid and has just continued to grow,” senior digital arts major Josh Tuthill said. This cartoon admirer now dreams of being able to create his own work. While Tuthill admitted working for a big production studio would be fun, he is focused on being able to engage in his personal creative process. However, while Tuthill dreams of seeing his own work succeed one day, he also said the work of other animators can help those who are interested in this field of art. “Try to watch all different types of animation, see what other animators are doing and try to learn from them. YouTube and other video streaming sites have plenty of independent animations available that are awesome and worth checking out,” he said. Rachel Weaver “I’ve been drawing since I was old enough to hold a pencil, and my dad showed me how to make flip books when I was about 3 years old,” third-year master’s in fine arts student Rachel Weaver said. “I destroyed so many stacks of my mom’s Post-it notes.” However, as a teenager, Weaver planned to enter a science career — specifically a career in entomology. “Maybe I was interested in entomology for the same reasons I am interested in animation,” she said. “I find my animation continually references hidden stories, beauty and nightmares. Monsters, too, of course, often akin to the specimens and dissection lab projects that I busied myself with in my youth.”After exchanging a life in the lab for a life in the studio, Weaver said she hopes to see her own work succeed outside of the endless cubicles of the large production studios. “The dream is to start my own production company,” Weaver said.
(02/24/11 2:21am)
Why they should, might, and won't win
(02/17/11 2:20am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>To follow up to her 2007 release of “Neptune City,” singer-songwriter Nicole Atkins has embraced a darker, more dramatic sound for her sophomore album, “Mondo Amore.”Dark tones, wistful crooning and a healthy mix of rock and blues sounds make this album her best. Her song “Vultures” exhibits both a musical and lyrical crescendo. As the opening track, it introduces listeners to the collection of songs with a shock to the ear. Emotional and powerful, as “Vultures” ends, listeners can feel Atkins’s feeling of confinement, not only from her lyrics but from the sound. The two weave together to form an unstoppable duo on this album. This duo continues throughout the album, including in the dreamy “This Is For Love.” Atkins meshes her lyrics with a vacillating sound to create that blend that makes music so great: musical talent and raw emotion.
(02/02/11 11:05pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Blues, gospel, rock, soul, indie — Amos Lee does it all on his latest album, “Mission Bell.” Ambitious in its use of the varying genres, Lee’s fourth album does not get dredged down in the attempt to vary itself. Instead, it focuses on the raw emotion of the lyrics, accompanied by the differing sounds. “Mission Bell” is charged with raw, powerful emotion. With Lee’s characteristic voice and riffs, the new presence of this searching feeling electrifies the lyrics of the songs. “Violin” is a powerful song that encompasses a sense of inadequacy, which ultimately leads to a search for fulfillment. While Lee uses his typical sound in “Violin,” he adapts this search to different styles, such as in the song “Jesus.” More akin to gospel, “Jesus” powerfully searches for help from (who else?) Jesus while admitting his defeat and loneliness. In “Out of the Cold,” Lee embraces darker tones to evoke desperation and longing. An intense, moving album, “Mission Bell” will not disappoint those searching for honest music.
(01/27/11 12:53am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Bloomington actually has a lot to offer when it comes to any sort of food, but none is more important to life at IU than pizza. We look at eight different pizza joints around town and say what makes each one different, plus what specialty pie you should try on your next visit.Mother Bear’sThis Bloomington institution has been feeding the hungry masses for generations — literally. “We have a lot of past IU students that have kids, and they send their kids down here. They still come back and eat, too,” manager Karen Wisniewski said. Try their popular Divine Swine, with pepperoni, sausage, ham and bacon, on the next visit. Uncle D’sUncle D’s on Kirkwood boasts New York-style pizza, but don’t worry — they have Chicago-style for those who prefer to stay in the Midwest palate. One of their popular specialty pizzas, the buffalo chicken pizza, is just one of many, so be sure to stop by this Kirkwood haven. “It’s quick. You can get a slice, and it’s real close — right on Kirkwood,” employee Scott Kaplan said. Cafe PizzariaFrom supreme to vegetarian to a meat lover’s pizza, Cafe Pizzaria has something for everyone, and it always has. “We’ve been in business since 1953, so we must be doing something right. We’re Bloomington’s original and first Stromboli and pizza joint,” employee Macauley Fredickson said. Bucceto’s Smiling TeethTry the popular Campfire pizza, topped with an onion marmalade, smoked sausage, gorgonzola and fresh rosemary, or the Sweet Lil’ Razorback, with pepperoni, smoked sausage, bacon, basil and garlic, from this Bloomington pizza stop. “We make everything here in store from scratch. We have a lot of high-quality imported ingredients. It’s all about the food,” employee Adam Cornett said. Aver’sAver’s caters to its Hoosier customers with its most popular pizza, appropriately named the Cream & Crimson pizza. Topped with alfredo sauce, red potato, bacon, cheddar and gorgonzola, this creation and other Aver’s pizzas are all of top quality, manager Andrew Bishop said. “We actually put quality into our pizzas. It’s not like you go to a chain restaurant,” Bishop said. “We have quite a selection of different sauces and fresh toppings.” B-Town PizzaTwo years young, this pizza newcomer boasts of its deep-dish Sicilian-style pizza. Thirsty, too? Not a problem. “One of our major selling points is that we can deliver alcohol — beer every day of the week as long as you have two valid IDs,” employee Tom Kovach said. Mad MushroomOne of the late-night staples in Bloomington, Mad Mushroom offers good deals at most hours of the day. “We have pretty good specials, and we have probably some of the best prices in town,” employee Jason Blessing said. Don’t forget to order the cheesesticks. Pizza X“We’ve got a better product and service,” said Nick Brown, a manager at Pizza X. This Bloomington favorite, formerly Pizza Express, can usually be found in any dorm most hours of the day. Switch up the Big Bargain and try one of their specialty pizzas, like the Dixie Chicken, with barbecue sauce, grilled chicken, red onion and cheddar cheese.
(11/22/10 1:52am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>It’s a typical story known by most. Guy eagerly moves to the Big Apple with dreams bigger than the skyscrapers that crowd Manhattan. Guy struggles to survive the concrete jungle and his dreams become increasingly impractical. The reality of survival begins to outweigh the idealism of dreams. So, he becomes a Macy’s Christmas elf. OK, so maybe the end is a twist to the cliche story, but David Sedaris is not known for being typical. In “The Santaland Diaries,” the humor writer tells the story of Crumpet, a man who introduces readers to his holiday hell.Bloomington’s Cardinal Stage Company opens its production of “The Santaland Diaries” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 24 at the Ivy Tech Waldron Auditorium.Sedaris, who recently visited the IU Auditorium, wrote the story based on his actual experience as the Macy’s Christmas elf. An NPR regular, Sedaris kick-started his career with this humorous holiday story, which was later turned into the one-man show. The show chronicles the outlandish tale of a man who, after reluctantly giving up dreams of writing for the soap “One Life to Live,” accepts a job as Macy’s Christmas elf. Crumpet, the man, despite big dreams to take New York City by storm, is reduced to a hilarious existence in Santaland. While Crumpet might not find his predicament hilarious, the audience is given several opportunities to laugh. “He finds himself surrounded by self-important Santas, hyper children, hysterical parents and an assortment of wacky Macy’s customers,” Randy White, artistic director for the show, said. “Noting that ‘Santa’ is just an anagram for ‘Satan,’ the new elf soon comes to believe that he has landed the job from hell.”Actor Scot Greenwell, who previously played Seymour in Cardinal’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors,” plays Crumpet. This is not the first time Crumpet takes the stage at the Waldron Auditorium. The Waldron’s last production of “The Santaland Diaries” was in 2008.“I think people were surprised that a one-person show could be so completely dramatic and engaging,” White said of the 2008 production. “They also liked that SantaLand is off-beat and droll and skewers the ridiculousness of the holiday season.”Following its four-day stint in Bloomington, this production of “The SantaLand Diaries” will move to Indianapolis from Dec. 2 to 12. White said Cardinal Stage Company hopes the production will prove the quality of theater in Bloomington. “We want Bloomington to be a real destination theater town,” White said.'The Santaland Diaries'WHEN Nov. 24 to 28WHERE Ivy Tech Waldron AuditoriumCOST Tickets range from $13 to $21 depending on date of show. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.cardinalstage.org.
(11/11/10 6:12am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>A tapestry, made up of everything from T-shirts to teddy bears, commemorates more than 91,00 lives lost to AIDS.Colorful panels created by friends, families and lovers make up a patchwork quilt that remembers those who have died from the incurable disease.The AIDS Memorial Quilt will reside in the Indiana Memorial Union Alumni Hall beginning Thursday.The 520-panel display in Bloomington will be the largest display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt in Indiana history. Prior to its upcoming visit, the quilt’s largest display was in 1999.The quilt initially began as a single panel, but it has now grown to more than 47,000 panels. Each coffin-sized panel commemorates the life of an AIDS victim.The quilt was created in 1987 in San Francisco and has acted as a traveling memorial. The Community AIDS Action Group (CAAG) of South Central Indiana, The Names Project and Union Board are bringing the quilt to IU.“We hope that students will leave the room empowered by the human spirit,” said junior AJ O’Reilly, Union Board Canvas director. “Personally I hope that this will spark a discussion of some kind about AIDS on campus.”The AIDS Quilt finds relevance in a world that is still plagued by the disease. The quilt not only remembers the deceased but also keeps the disease at the forefront of medicine’s mind.“I know that this exhibit will serve as a powerful visual reminder that AIDS is still an issue that should be on our radar,” O’Reilly said.During an opening ceremony, the names of the AIDS victims will be read as the panels are unfolded.“I would like students who attend to spend time looking at the quilt panels and really think about the fact that each one represents a life lost, many of them in the prime of their lives,” Kathryn Brown, member of CAAG, said. “They should be prepared for an emotional experience.”
(11/11/10 1:12am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>After being fired from her gig as a producer for “Good Morning, New Jersey,” Becky Fuller (Rachel McAdams) says in an interview that she just needs someone to believe in her. Well, so does “Morning Glory,” the movie McAdams stars in. Scattered, underdeveloped and predictable, “Morning Glory” pressed the snooze button and rolled over. Not even an extra shot of espresso could have woken up this movie.When a Columbia journalism grad enters “Good Morning, New Jersey,” with an MBA, Fuller finds herself out of a job. Mailing out résumé after résumé, Fuller eventually joins “Daybreak,” a morning news show with low ratings and even lower morale. She immediately fires the news anchor with a foot fetish, replacing him with cranky, egotistical Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford). Pomeroy shares the “Daybreak” spotlight with Colleen Peck, a negative, uninspired woman played by Diane Keaton. “Morning Glory” lacks direction in its writing and results in one-dimensional characters and lackluster relationships. McAdams struggles to make Fuller, a character with little depth, anything more than a work-obsessed, over-achieving woman. McAdams succeeds at least more than Ford does with his character. Even as Pomeroy attempts to advise Fuller against making work her main priority in life, the fact that he is suddenly about to cry fails to persuade that Pomeroy is anything but the selfish, arrogant jerk he has been the entire movie. He is stagnant and frustrating, especially compared to his co-host, Peck, who actually develops into a likeable character. Relationships, as well, fail to develop — especially the supposed romantic relationship between McAdams and a bland leading male played by Patrick Wilson. In fact, Pomeroy and Fuller are more of a couple than the two producers appear to be. Wilson is rarely on screen, and when he is, he just smiles and looks pretty. Overall, “Morning Glory” mirrors the failing “Daybreak” — it lacks focus, heart and motivation. However, it had potential, and with a little more direction, it could have received higher ratings.
(11/02/10 3:35am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>A board of QSLs, or cards that are written confirmations of contact with another amateur radio operator, color the walls of the small IU Amateur Radio Club’s office in the Indiana Memorial Union.Cards from Croatia, Louisiana, Canada and other locations are pinned to a board demonstrating different places the club has contacted.Since 1929, the Amateur Radio Club, also called K9IU, has been connecting with people around the world through radio. The club’s second name comes from a call sign that operators receive to distinguish one communicator from another on the radio.“It’s a call sign, not an IU club that deals with dogs,” said AJ Ragusa, a club member.Faculty advisor Matt Pierce said amateur radio is not broadcast but instead a means of contacting other amateur radio operators, some as close as Bloomington High School South and some as far as Japan.“We’re supposed to further electronics and act as stewards for the countries we come from,” Ragusa said. “That’s the one thing you have in common — your love of radio.”However, the club also uses amateur radios as more than a basis for establishing contact.“The reason we still exist is for emergency reasons,” Ragusa said.Anthony Parker, president of K9IU, said the devices were integral in aiding Haiti after the earthquake earlier this year. He said because these radios do not connect to the infrastructure that was affected in the earthquake — as well as in other emergency situations — they are often used to contact help outside of the affected area.The use of amateur radio for emergency situations, and for communication in general, has created a large community. Bruce Bennett, a member of the club, said there has been a significant increase in the amount of amateur radio operators around the globe. The increase in numbers reflects the strong community of amateur radio operators, he said.“What’s nice is if there’s a problem we run into, we can call into other amateur radio clubs and say, ‘Hey guys, have you seen this?’” Parker said.To join K9IU, attend the next meeting at 7 p.m. on Nov. 7 in the Fletchall Room in the IMU.
(10/19/10 1:52am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Once students in the IU School of Education, 1999 graduate Stacy McCormack and 2005 graduate Jamil Odom are now receiving celebrated recognition for their successes in the field of education. McCormack was named the 2011 Teacher of the Year in the state of Indiana, while Odom was named the runner-up. “I knew when I was six years old that I wanted to be a teacher,” McCormack said. “I knew it would be difficult and demanding, and it is, but when it’s your calling, you simply do what you have to do in order to be successful. I believe wholeheartedly that I’m living my destiny by being a teacher.”A graduate of Penn High School in Mishawaka, Ind., McCormack received an undergraduate degree in chemistry education from IU. She now teaches physics at her alma mater, where she tries to dispel the common horror most students feel when they see “physics” on their class schedule. “Just because someone has determined a subject to be difficult does not mean that you can’t work hard and grasp it. Don’t back away from something that you’ve been told you can’t handle,” McCormack said. “Try it, work hard, and prove people wrong.”Before she started teaching the subject, she was just another Hoosier participating in an hours-long snowball fight in front of McNutt Quad or cursing the fire alarm that went off in the middle of the night during her first college finals week. “I always experienced tremendous personal growth in Bloomington. It’s a city and a campus filled with people that inspire you, challenge you and support you,” she said.Like McCormack, Odom also recalled fond memories of Bloomington. “The camaraderie of Hoosier fans during football and basketball games is second to none, and even when I attend now, I still get an added rush of excitement,” he said.Odom now teaches third grade at Mary Bryan Elementary School in Indianapolis. However, unlike McCormack, Odom was never sure of his future in education.“I initially majored in journalism and did utilize that degree upon graduation,” he said. “I backed away from teaching because I thought I wouldn’t be good enough, and that was the last thing I wanted to do was be a poor teacher.”Following graduation from his undergraduate program, Odom said he knew he wanted a master’s degree in education. He received a Master of Science degree in elementary education in 2005.Five years later, Odom said he is shocked and honored at his award. “It still feels like a never-ending dream,” he said. “I never pursued a teaching career for accolades or acclaim, but to know that others in this field applaud my work is such an honor for which I am extremely grateful.”As both McCormack and Odom reflected on their past leading up to their education prestige, both commented on the ongoing process of education.“When you stop learning, you stop growing. It works like an investment. When you stop putting effort in, you stop gaining from that knowledge,” McCormack said. For future teachers, McCormack said the job of an educator is tough but gratifying. “You are entering into one of the most demanding and rewarding careers that you could pursue,” she said.Odom also called learning a continuing process. As a teacher, education is obviously integral to Odom’s life, but he insisted it should be the same for everyone. “I believe life stops when you stop pursuing new ideas, interests and passions,” he said.
(10/08/10 3:13am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Even though they have performed in concert halls all over the world, freshman Kornilios Michailidis and graduate student Qian Wu are now both at IU studying and performing at the Jacobs School of Music.As incoming members of their undergraduate and graduate programs, Michailidis and Wu were given the most celebrated scholarship at the music school. Along with seven other freshmen, Michailidis has been named a Jacobs Scholar. Wu joins three other graduate students as a Jacobs Fellow.“I’ve always listened to music, since before I was born,” Michailidis said. Michailidis’ mother, a famous pianist and teacher in Greece, performed right up until Michailidis was born. When the Michailidis family put the young boy in piano lessons, he enjoyed it but said he never dreamed of a career in performing. Michailidis said he planned on a career in aeronautical engineering. After all, he was the youngest student pilot in Greece at the age of 13. However, a teacher once advised the young pianist to choose which of the two he could not live without. After a prestigious concert in Athens at the age of 17, Michailidis realized he could not live without music.“Music is like a virus. Once you have it, it’s like an infection,” he said. Like Michailidis, family was also the reason Wu began playing piano.“My cousin had a piano, so I also wanted one to play with,” she said in an e-mail.However, unlike Michailidis, Wu was set on a future with piano from an early age. After studying piano in her native China, Wu, who is currently on a European tour, moved to London.“When I was 13, the move to England was a huge shock — language, food and the culture,” she said in an e-mail.However, Wu said the move to the U.S. was much easier due to the friendliness of the people and the open space. “Everything is so jammed in London!” she said in an e-mail.Created in 2006, the Jacobs Scholars and Fellows are chosen among the incoming Jacobs School of Music classes each year for their “excellence and leadership in the world of music”, according to a Jacobs School press release. Eight undergraduates compose the Jacobs Scholars and four graduate students make up the Jacobs Fellows. These scholarships further distinguish talented musicians from the already prestigious Jacobs School of Music. Notoriety for talent is normal for Michailidis and Wu, who have both played extensively in Europe. Wu said she dreams of performing at the Royal Albert Hall in London but feels very fortunate for the wonderful places she has already played, including the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, where she recently performed. “I love music, love performing, so I hope I can deliver this special magic thing to the people of the world,” Wu said. Michailidis said place is not important to a performance. The quality of his performance and how the audience receives it takes precedence he said. However, Michailidis said he is considering one place in particular where he can devote his talent to teaching — his home country, Greece. Wherever their careers lead, both performers expressed a want to share music with people. “It can feed people in so many ways,” Michailidis said.