May 21, 2012

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John Jay Goes From Slow To Fast

March 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment

 

 

By Diana Lydia

The average John Jay student carries up to three wireless devices.

The drastic increase in the use of wireless devices this semester resulted in the much needed expansion of Wi-Fi on March 1st, 2012.

The Department of Information Technology (DoIT) at John Jay, headed by Praveen Panchal, studied trends in the usage of the wireless network at John Jay for the past five years. They noted a gradual increase in the wireless link up from 500 devices per day to soaring 2,500 per day even before the creation of community hour. The department sent out a general email stating the need for expansion due to the over usage.

Both the Math and Science Resource Center (MSRC) and Laptop Loan Center have witnessed students flocking in to use computers and laptops.

“It gives me something to do on my never-ending breaks,” said John Jay Senior George Davidson.

Davidson represents a new wave of students that are going to the MSRC to use their open computers.

The new MSRC has removed blocks on social networking sites and YouTubewhich might explain the new wave.

Now a minimum of about 200-300 students use laptop loan center plus the students in the MSRC daily and then another 2000 bring devices from home. You don’t need to be a MSRC tutor to know that’s a lot.

Omatie Ramrattan, a sophomore, said, “With the amount of time I spend at John Jay, I might as well bring my laptop and get some homework done.”

Three years ago, when plans for the New Building were being finalized, the DoIT department stepped in to create a facility which was more technologically advanced than originally planned. The infrastructure of the New Building was created keeping in mind the overwhelming demand for a stronger wireless network, a network which the old building was not capable of handling.

Once the building was completed, it was time to implement the expansion plan. The expansion enables students and faculty to connect multiple devices to the John Jay Network without slowing the network down.

According to DoIT Network Manager, O’Neil Hinds, “The expansion simply fills the needs of faculty and students at John Jay, providing them with the latest in Wi-Fi technology.”

As a result of the expansion, student are not only able to connect multiple devices to the network with ease but are able to keep those devices connected to the Wi-Fi until their password expires, saving the student the hassle of having to connect to the wireless network every time they step into the building.

This expansion, like every other IT upgrade, was conducted during “downtime,” which is determined by studying the patterns of usage during the day. Downtime usually occurs during the late afternoon, early evenings or on weekends, when the majority of the students are not present in the building. During this expansion, the college Wi-Fi was disabled so IT could make the necessary changes.

Alicia Ramoutar, a senior and Math teacher’s assistant at John Jay welcomed the change as a sigh of relief.

” I constantly use Blackboard and with the network being so slow, it was hard to keep track of things and some places in the old building barely had a phone signal; at least now I’ll be able to get work done faster,” she said.

While some students take positively to the change, others haven’t noticed any changes to their network connection.

According to Matthew Angeles, a sophomore, the change makes little to no difference, “I can’t tell what the difference is. There are still some places where the Wi-Fi on my phone won’t catch a signal.”

Overall, students showed mixed feelings towards the expansion. Some welcomed the change, hoping it would make their lives easier while others barely felt that change had taken place.

It may just take a bit more work to make believers out of them.

 

Filed Under: Entertainment, Featured, Local News, School News

Korean Pop Invades America

February 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Marisol Rueda

Visuals Editor

South Korean K-Pop singer and actress Lee Hyor...

Image via Wikipedia

Korean pop is becoming a fast growing industry for an American audience.

“Korea is different, you train to entertain your viewers,” Sc Chung said. Chung is a representative of an organization that was created to cater to America’s new taste. Hallyu Idol Training Services New York (HITSNY) is a new organization funded through partnerships, with the desire of reaching out to talented people with a strong passion and dedication for Korean pop music.

HITSNY is the city’s first ever-Korean pop (K-pop) training academy that was launched in October 2011. This academy offers the basic training to those who are interested in this music industry.

K-pop culture has been spreading all over the world. And thanks to the younger generation, it has established a strong footing in New York City.

“Surprisingly it is not the Korean population in New York who have been joining this movement but people from all other cultures,” Chung said.

Jonathan Saquisili attends Baruch College and is currently studying Marketing. Saquisili, who works at HITSNY as well, has noticed the public’s call for this new phenomenon.

“It wasn’t fair that the West Coast was getting all the attention from K-pop artists,” Saquisili said. He explained that due to travel distances, it was easier for K pop artists to travel just to that side of the country.

Through media gatherings and general public chatter, HITSNY were able to turn the industry’s attention to visit the East Coast, too.

HITSNY is trying to get more sponsorship from the Asian market, so that the academy may spread and provide their services to all audiences.

Chung “never thought that media would help so much.” But it was through social networking that HITSNY started to spread. Facebook and YouTube have served as mediums to propagate and unite K-pop fans along the East Coast.

Since HITSNY is just starting, they are offering their first semester for free. After the first intense semester, tuition would have an approximate cost of $6700. The program is designed so that anyone can “start from scratch.”

“American pop draws on a person’s talent,” Chung explained. While K-pop focuses more on the image and the marketability of a person.

Chung assures that in one semester students will have real training. In Korea, K-pop is a matter of fashion impact, too.

Students will be structured so well that as artists they will put on an act on stage, much like an actor. As Chung said, “it’s all about stage presence.”

HITSNY is currently trying to shoot a live show. According to Chung, it is through this process that students and their instructors can tell how their talent could be harnessed.

“Are you a fan or are you a star?” Chung said.

Students will be given Korean classes, transportation services and housing. HITSNY foments education and is interested in keeping students (those who have not finished High School) in track.

Their first class did not take place until February 4. HITSNY announced that there will be a summer session starting in July 2012.

Filed Under: Entertainment, General, Local News

Green Fashion Costs More Green

January 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Zina Paschal

English: A model on the runway in clothes at a...

Image via Wikipedia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Everything we do has an impact on the environment, so developing chemicals and materials that don’t produce negative discharge is definitely worth it,” said Clem Von Holstein, a sales employee at Patagonia.

With the rise of environmental groups and green awareness, many clothing companies have adopted the idea of producing clothing made of organic materials.

However, along with these fibers and materials come higher prices. But is it worth it?

Many people believe that the price is worth the cause while others tend to think that it is too expensive.

Patagonia is one store that believes that going green with their fashion, in the name of saving the environment, is worth the higher prices.

Yvon Chouinard, an environmentalist, started Patagonia. He specialized in outdoor clothing and gear with the use of organic material and recycled fibers.

At first glance you would think you were walking into a mountain climbing store. Behind the counter hangs a huge picture of the Patagonian Mountains, located in Argentina. Coats and jackets cover the walls and serve as decorations for the reddish bricks. Fleece sweaters and vests of all sizes from kids to women to men cover the racks of the store alongside flannels of all colors.  One can tell that this store is different from others just by the feeling of the material between your fingertips.

Von Holstein said, “Working at Patagonia is one of the best things that have happened to me.”

He is also an environmentalist, so he strongly believes that stores like this are essential in helping to protect the planet.

The way organic clothing is produced does not contribute to the depletion of natural resources. Stores like Patagonia use resources such as cotton and wool to make their products. The quality of the clothing tends to be more appealing because the material is richer in color. It also feels softer to the hands.

American Apparel is also a supporter of green fashion. With their oversized hats, infinity scarves, lace dresses, high-waist leggings and pants, and grandpa sweater, the stores brings you back to the 80s. The colors of the clothing play as highlighters, which illuminate the store with loads of vintage charisma. The majority of their cotton t-shirts, sweaters, and dresses are made of organic fibers and cotton, which is used for its sustainability.

Rachel Masters, an employee at American Apparel said, “It is always better to use less and although it is more expensive to produce organic clothing right now, it will pay off in the future and will help the environment.”

She is all for her store carrying organic t-shirts and sweaters.  Many people may step into American Apparel and may only focus on the bright colored scarves, body suits, leg warmers and t-shirts without being aware that most of the apparel is made of organic cotton. After all with their 80s vibe, the green thought doesn’t automatically pop into your head. This goes to show how clothing can still be fashionable and trendy with a good cause behind it.

Eric Kunevera, an employee at American Apparel, believes that since the clothing is made “right,” meaning organic, one does not have to feel guilty about wearing organic clothing. Kunevera believes that organic clothing gives customers choices and a variety in clothing. “Carrying organic clothing in our stores allows customers to choose between regular clothing and organic,” said Kunevera. “We even have customers who specifically ask for organic tees and if we do not have them, they do not buy.”

While there are many who are for fashion going green, some do not understand or see the impact that it has on the environment. Collin Powers, a shopper at American Apparel said, “I think organic clothing is good but I do not know what impact it has on the environment.”

Although he shops at American Apparel, he doesn’t do it for the organic aspect of it. He simply likes the clothing.

Not everyone will understand how such a small article of clothing can contribute to sustaining the environment.

Seanella Abraham, a student at New York University and frequent shopper has no hopes in the fashion going green process. Although she shops on a weekly basis, according to her, she does not keep an eye out for organic clothing. Like Powers, she also does not see how this helps the environment.

“I do not think organic clothing helps the environment and it doesn’t really matter if fashion goes green,” said Abraham. “There are millions of other things that are affecting the environment so buying expensive clothing because it is eco-friendly it is not going to make a difference on the environment.”

It is clear that this student has better things to worry about besides the environment.

Emari Parsons, a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and also a savvy shopper said, “Going green just makes everything expensive and people will buy things that are not organic because it is cheaper.  Only people who are environment friendly will contribute to the whole organic fashion stuff.”

Organic clothing is pricier than regular clothing so many are discouraged to buy it.

Again, is it worth it for fashion to go green? Environmentalists and people who have the money to purchase organic and eco-friendly clothing will support the cause while others who do not have the money won’t.

“There’s no point in organic clothing or fashion, it’s just a waste of money,” said Parsons.

 

Filed Under: Entertainment, Featured

Green Fashion Costs More Green

December 14, 2011 By 1 Comment

By Zina Paschal
Staff Writer
“Everything we do has an impact on the environment, so developing chemicals and materials that don’t produce negative discharge is definitely worth it,” said Clem Von Holstein, a sales employee at Patagonia.
With the rise of environmental groups and green awareness, many clothing companies have adopted the idea of producing clothing made of organic materials.
However, along with these fibers and materials come higher prices. But is it worth it?
Many people believe that the price is worth the cause while others tend to think that it is too expensive.
Patagonia is one store that believes that going green with their fashion, in the name of saving the environment, is worth the higher prices.
Yvon Chouinard, an environmentalist, started Patagonia. He specialized in outdoor clothing and gear with the use of organic material and recycled fibers.
At first glance you would think you were walking into a mountain climbing store. Behind the counter hangs a huge picture of the Patagonian Mountains, located in Argentina. Coats and jackets cover the walls and serve as decorations for the reddish bricks. Fleece sweaters and vests of all sizes from kids to women to men cover the racks of the store alongside flannels of all colors.  One can tell that this store is different from others just by the feeling of the material between your fingertips.
Von Holstein said, “Working at Patagonia is one of the best things that have happened to me.”
He is also an environmentalist, so he strongly believes that stores like this are essential in helping to protect the planet.
The way organic clothing is produced does not contribute to the depletion of natural resources. Stores like Patagonia use resources such as cotton and wool to make their products. The quality of the clothing tends to be more appealing because the material is richer in color. It also feels softer to the hands.
American Apparel is also a supporter of green fashion. With their oversized hats, infinity scarves, lace dresses, high-waist leggings and pants, and grandpa sweater, the stores brings you back to the 80s. The colors of the clothing play as highlighters, which illuminate the store with loads of vintage charisma. The majority of their cotton t-shirts, sweaters, and dresses are made of organic fibers and cotton, which is used for its sustainability.
Rachel Masters, an employee at American Apparel said, “It is always better to use less and although it is more expensive to produce organic clothing right now, it will pay off in the future and will help the environment.”
She is all for her store carrying organic t-shirts and sweaters.  Many people may step into American Apparel and may only focus on the bright colored scarves, body suits, leg warmers and t-shirts without being aware that most of the apparel is made of organic cotton. After all with their 80s vibe, the green thought doesn’t automatically pop into your head. This goes to show how clothing can still be fashionable and trendy with a good cause behind it.
Eric Kunevera, an employee at American Apparel, believes that since the clothing is made “right,” meaning organic, one does not have to feel guilty about wearing organic clothing. Kunevera believes that organic clothing gives customers choices and a variety in clothing. “Carrying organic clothing in our stores allows customers to choose between regular clothing and organic,” said Kunevera. “We even have customers who specifically ask for organic tees and if we do not have them, they do not buy.”
While there are many who are for fashion going green, some do not understand or see the impact that it has on the environment. Collin Powers, a shopper at American Apparel said, “I think organic clothing is good but I do not know what impact it has on the environment.”
Although he shops at American Apparel, he doesn’t do it for the organic aspect of it. He simply likes the clothing.
Not everyone will understand how such a small article of clothing can contribute to sustaining the environment.
Seanella Abraham, a student at New York University and frequent shopper has no hopes in the fashion going green process. Although she shops on a weekly basis, according to her, she does not keep an eye out for organic clothing. Like Powers, she also does not see how this helps the environment.
“I do not think organic clothing helps the environment and it doesn’t really matter if fashion goes green,” said Abraham. “There are millions of other things that are affecting the environment so buying expensive clothing because it is eco-friendly it is not going to make a difference on the environment.”
It is clear that this student has better things to worry about besides the environment.
Emari Parsons, a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and also a savvy shopper said, “Going green just makes everything expensive and people will buy things that are not organic because it is cheaper.  Only people who are environment friendly will contribute to the whole organic fashion stuff.”
Organic clothing is pricier than regular clothing so many are discouraged to buy it.
Again, is it worth it for fashion to go green? Environmentalists and people who have the money to purchase organic and eco-friendly clothing will support the cause while others who do not have the money won’t.
“There’s no point in organic clothing or fashion, it’s just a waste of money,” said Parsons.

Filed Under: Entertainment Tagged With: , ,

We’re Kind Of “Psycho”

November 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment
American Psycho

American Psycho (Image via RottenTomatoes.com)

In 1991, the demented mind of Bret Easton Ellis wrote the novel American Psycho, a psychological thriller that brought about much criticism and praise since its inception. The book was adapted into the 2000 movie “American Psycho” starring Christian Bale and directed by Mary Harron.

The novel, through the mind of Patrick Bateman, played by Christian Bale, explores the concept of dual personalities, which the movie masterfully condenses into a 100-minute film.
Bateman’s unique monologues and narrations set up the eerily real and disturbing aspect of the film. Bateman is a murderer.
Bateman, by day, is the Vice President at his father’s financial firm, Pierce and Pierce, on Wall Street. Set in the 80’s Bateman is the typical white-collar yuppie.
At night, however, Bateman is an axe carrying, dog-stabbing murderer.
With many movies, there is always a climax that inhibits a dramatic change within the main character that is exploited and advertised by clichéd lines and a musical piece that can destroy someone’s sense of hearing, but the climatic change in the movie comes so subtlety it is almost unrecognizable.
A simple monologue by Bateman explaining that his mask of sanity is deteriorating leads to some of the most obscure killing scenes, with many of them simply being implications.
Bateman is such an unreliable narrator that it leaves the viewer wondering whether or not he is actually killing these people.
During the course of the movie, Bateman kills a bum and his dog, portraying the stereotype of yuppies hate for homeless people. He also kills Paul Owens, one of the competitive members of a different financing firm. At the end he gruesomely kills two prostitutes.

The reason why it seems that these killing are implied is because at the end while Bateman is talking to his lawyer the viewer realizes that the main point of the movie is that everyone is anonymous and that in actuality nobody cares. The fact that the movie never clarifies which scenes are real moments in Bateman’s life or just his imagination shot on screen leaves viewers wondering until a brain aneurysm ensues and possibly kills them. To avoid such a morbid fate, free your mind or just buy the book (or e-reader equivalent).

Bale hoards the audience’s attention like a screaming Caucasian child hurling insults at their parents at Whole Foods. Lack of parental discipline aside, Bateman involves the audience in a daily account of his life. The supporting cast does a great job at remaining obscure, adding to the aspect of anonymity, leaving Bale with the duty to make or break this movie based on his performance alone. From his monologues about musical groups like Genesis, to his violent outbursts that go unheard and unnoticed, Bale portrays an everyday man with a violent fetish to a point of realism.
  “American Psycho” is an adequate portrayal of the novel, with many scenes giving enough information in its limited span to leave viewers satisfied. To get the true quality of such a unique and realistic story though, you should read the book. Next time you see a classmate who rarely speaks and has a mysterious demeanor about him/her, it is alright to approach and inquire whether or not they will one day snap and end lives, just so you can be safe.
Filed Under: Entertainment, Featured Tagged With: ,

HorrorScopes

November 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Taurus

Image via Wikipedia


For those looking for comfort and warmth in my Horrorscopes, you’re a delusional phony who relies on a fake warlock (me, the author) to give you emotional support for lives that lack passion or drive. Now that the Horrorscopes began on that positive note, I am currently Occupying Border’s Bookstores, since no one else has tried it recently.

Aquarius: January 20 – February 18: What happens in class, stays in class, unless you’re caught cheating on an exam then you’ve sent to Dean Edwards.

Pisces: February 19- March 20: Avoid the Ides of March because injuries will happen when you ram your head into a cement wall to test your new helmet.

Aries:  March 21- April 19: You finally meet your favorite singer and you wet your pants, embarrassment ensues.

Taurus:  April 20- May 20: A great day is headed your way because of your excellent smile and great people skills.

Gemini:  May 21- June 21:  Assuming planking near a bear was a good idea causes your demise.

Cancer:   June 22- July 22: Rumors of your expulsion was not greatly exaggerated and was factual.

Leo:   July 23- August 22:  Don’t stop believing unless you want to be taken seriously by your peers because believing in closet monsters is bizarre.

Virgo:   August 23- September 22: The truth always hurts, which is why you knock out a guy for calling your dress “ugly”.

Libra:   September 23- October 23: The similarity between being homeless and living outside in a cardboard box is lost on you.

Scorpio:   October 24- November 21: Eating an onion sandwich was not the best idea in the world, but it could’ve been worse; you could’ve been born Ralph Nader.

Sagittarius:   November 22- December 21: After Occupying Wall Street, you tried the same movement in a class that you dislike, and a beheading ensued.

Capricorn:   December 22- January 19: You will invite me to a free lunch or dinner because of my winning smile and great people skills.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Featured

Horror-Scopes- Halloween Edition

October 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Pumpkins at Halloween

Image via Wikipedia

 

Happy Halloween boils and ghouls, the Horror-Scopes has returned for another month of decadence.  Pain will not be a factor when you read these Horror-scopes, but be prepared to feel a kicking sensation in your stomach. If the kicking results in instantaneous death, please consult the editors of the paper.

 

Aquarius: January 20- February 18: If you wake up inside a dingy lab and you’re missing limbs it probably a good idea to alert the proper authorities.

 

Pisces: February 19-March 20:  You will get caught Trick O’ Treating by your college peers, mutual embarrassment ensues.

 

Aries: March 21-April 19:  During Halloween you will be the first casualty of apple bobbing.

 

Taurus: April 20- May 21:  Halloween will be spectacular as you receive a prize for best costume at a local Halloween mixer or party (I don’t discriminate between the two.)

 

Gemini: May 21- June 20: Dressing up, as a real life serial killer was not the best idea, as you spend Halloween in jail.

 

Cancer: June 21- July 22:  You will have horrible luck today, as you get cut by falling leaves.

 

Leo: July 23- August 22:  Jack-O-Lantern carving is not effective if you use a machete. The only accomplishment you’ll make is missing fingers.

 

Virgo: August 23- September 22: Just because you sport a British accent for Halloween does not mean you pick ladies or gents. The only thing you’re picking up is an ass-kicking from a local soccer hooligan firm.

 

Libra: September 23- October 22:  Putting a plastic bag around your head is not an economically cheap costume; it’s just a dumb idea.

 

Scorpio: October 23- November 21: Avoid the bearded lady at all costs; you will thank me later… with dinner.

 

Sagittarius: November 22- December 21: When you were playing seven minutes to heaven (the costumed edition), you found out that the person you were kissing was not in a horse costume, but was an actual horse.

 

Capricorn: December 22- January 19: Halloween hjinks ensue, when you bring real weapons instead of prop ones in a haunted house. All the amputated limbs and lawsuits later, you determined it was worth it.

Filed Under: Entertainment, General Tagged With: , ,

Horror-Scopes

October 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Aries Vector Sign

Image by Vectorportal via Flickr

 

The prophet of horror (the author of this column) had a wonderful summer, but that’s irrelevant.  It’s a new school year, which means new Horror-Scopes to wrap your beady eyes around.  If you’re new to the paper, these Horror-Scopes are not meant to give you a boost of optimism.

 

Aquarius: January 20- February 18: You begin the new school year off with a bang, by forgetting to wear pants to school.

 

Pisces: February 19-March 20:  It was determined on the first day of school that you are unfunny and nobody likes you.

 

Aries: March 21-April 19:  This is going to be a wonderful day for you! You will spill hot coffee on your hands in front of your peers, leaving you vulnerable to teasing and burns.

 

Taurus: April 20- May 21: Your day is an A plus because you are awesome!

 

Gemini: May 21- June 20: What happens when you combine vinegar and baking soda? A trip to the nurses’ office for you!

 

Cancer: June 21- July 22: Currently you are at a crossroads in your academic career, don’t worry you’ll figure out the perfect solution: dropping out of school.

 

Leo: July 23- August 22: If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, then poor hygiene and a disheveled appearance keeps people away.

 

Virgo: August 23- September 22:  An opening day school party ends tragically, as you puncture your voice box during a milk chug.

 

Libra: September 23- October 22: No, harvesting your organs will not give you a semester’s worth of books and paid tuition.

 

Scorpio: October 23- November 21: This semester features a class in which the teacher’s assistant is an ex-lover of yours. Look out for the hard longing stare of reconciliation and he or she “losing” your work.

 

Sagittarius: November 22- December 21: Joining a John Jay Club proves that you are an awkward, antisocial human being not meant for contact with other humans.

 

Capricorn: December 22- January 19:  Your sarcastic and caustic demeanor causes a rift between you and your teachers. But he definitely loves how you participate.

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Be “Siege” My Eyes

October 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington (Image via RottenTomatoes.com)

Prior to 2001, bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993 led to many speculations concerning a terrorist attack on US soil. Not to be left out, Hollywood decided to try their luck at such an idea when in 1998, “The Siege” starring Denzel Washington and Bruce Willis was released. Whether this movie was a foreshadowing to events following is still left for speculation. Directed by Edward Zwick, “The Siege” follows FBI agents Anthony Hubbard, played by Denzel Washington, and Frank Haddad, played by Tony Shalhoub as they try to stop the terrorist plots of many independent terrorist cells within New York City. This movie is not without many different elaborate subplots within the movie, such as the miscommunication between government agencies and the apparent stereotyping of a certain Arab speaking demographic in Brooklyn specifically.

This extensive, almost two hour movie leaves nothing up to the imagination. There were moments ranging from great to downright questionable throughout the movie, which made it kind of hard to sit through. 
    Denzel Washington and Bruce Willis, playing Major General William Devereaux, carry the entire cast on their shoulders and valiantly try to succeed while doing so. Unfortunately, there are too many characters who do not carry their weight, and the movie suffers because of it. The entire cast makes this movie seem scripted, while Denzel Washington and Bruce Willis bring a sense of realism to a topic that already feels real. Just the fact that the movie takes place within New York makes this movie real, but the other cast members makes viewers realize that it’s just a movie.

This movie could have been shorter. From the struggles between the FBI and CIA to catch the same terrorists to the fact that there were four terror cells introduced to the movie within the first hour can make “The Siege” something to watch only if you have too much time on your hands. Six terror cells within one movie is too much; not even “Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” was this unnecessarily elaborate. The perception of time is also skewed in the movie. The movie can lead one to believe that the events happen within a span of weeks, until you realize that the time between the beginning of the movie to the point where the first cell is eliminated (which happens 20 minutes into the movie) is only 36 hours. Trying to keep up with this movie’s plot can be tedious, and worth giving up on. The entire movie is supposed to take place within two weeks, and it is apparent by just how much information is thrown at the audience throughout the two hour movie.

The musical score in this movie makes the dramatic moments of the sciences pretty easy to predict. There are only two possible outcomes to consider in this movie whenever the music gets louder before each dramatic movie: either the terrorists complete their mission or the FBI succeeds in their assignments.

This movie had good action sequences throughout, and the difference in culture and morals between the Western world and the Middle East is accurately and beautifully portrayed, but there are some glaring instances that can leave viewers scratching their heads.

As the movie progresses, it is revealed that the CIA trains the terrorists that the FBI are trying to stop. Whether or not that is true in real life can be debated, but it surely leaves viewers wondering how valid such a scenario is. Another moment that left me scratching my head, in a negative way, was the negotiation scene in the first couple of minutes of the movie. If Denzel Washington is close enough to a bus when it blows up to be thrown back, the pressure emitting from the blast should not have left him virtually unscathed afterwards. At the very most, Denzel should have died at that point for the movie to retain its realism.

Bruce Willis played the role of a hardened general who will do anything to get the job done beautifully. It reminds me of the role he plays as a cop who does anything to get the job done in “Die Hard” or the former Special Forces agent who has to do whatever it takes to get the job done in “Fifth Element”.

Even if Bruce Willis emerged as the eventual antagonist in this movie, the fact that he has played the same kind of role for most of his life would normally be disappointing, but for “The Siege” he did what he is known for, which clashes with Denzel’s character throughout the latter part of the movie in a way that is worth observing. It is reminiscent of a dominant heavyweight champion (Denzel Washington) clashing with a surprisingly touch challenger (Bruce Willis), but at the end of it all it was Denzel’s brilliant acting that makes this movie even worth looking at.

Despite its many flaws, “The Siege” is actually worth watching once, and I emphasize the word once. The movie pushes the envelope without seemingly offending anybody, and the acting of Denzel Washington and Bruce Willis, as well as the historical context surrounding the movie, brings to light that terrorists are in the minority of every race (like the Ku Klux Klan is a minority amongst Caucasians). If you read too deeply into movies, pass this one up because you will be overloaded with unnecessary information. If you merely want to watch a movie that is thought provoking, watch this only once.

 

 

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“If Not Now, When?”

September 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Brandon Boyd

Cover of Brandon Boyd

 

Incubus, a California-based band founded in 1991, has recently released their seventh album on July 12, 2011, after a five-year hiatus.

 

Their new album, If Not Now, When? does not uphold their hard-edge funk rock pedestal on which they were founded. It seems their shift towards interchangeable power pop displeased many of their fans.

Brandon Boyd, lyricist and vocalist, who once wrote witty verses that tugged on the heartstrings of many fans, now solemnly strums a chord. There is still poetic elegance in the way he regards his beloved in “Friends and Lovers,” attaining the reaction needed.

Provided that it may not demand attention from listeners from the get-go, like their previous albums (Fungus Amongus, S.C.I.E.N.C.E, Make Yourself, Morning View, A Crow Left of the Murder, and Light Grenades), but given time, it allows us to feel at ease with ourselves.

However, the album contains music that reminds us of our dirt-bound morality—in “Tomorrow’s Food”— that evokes raw emotions. It associates realization of self-worth and based on a concept of human morality. “Thieves” is a song that connects and distinguishes morality; this in the sense of ethics and values that uphold our society by retorting the selfish and materialistic people “selling us water by the river, they don’t speak for everyone.

When we remind ourselves that we only live once and we must follow our hearts and achieve what we desire because “If not now, when?” will you?

 

 

Filed Under: Entertainment, Featured, General Tagged With: ,
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