University News // October 14 // Issue Nine

Feature

A&E

A recollection of American fashion in the 21st century.

Vampire Weekend sells out the Midland Theatre Oct. 8.

Fashion History, p. 6-7

Vampire Weekend, p. 10

UNIVERSITY NEWS UMKC’s Independent Student Newspaper

Volume 81, Issue 9

Monday October 14, 2013

SGA MOTIONS TO IMPEACH COMPTROLLER, UNABLE TO HOLD DECIDING VOTE

Political Cartoon // Joey Hill Kate Baxendale

Copy Editor

A motion to impeach Comptroller Makayla Maslanka was made Sept 30 at the Student Government Association meeting. The motion was seconded but after two hours of discussion, representatives were still not ready to vote and continued the debate.

During the debate, a senator left the meeting, putting SGA below quorum, the required number of representatives in attendance to hold an official vote.

Ten SGA representatives, including President Benjamin Campero, Executive Vice President Parker Webb and Administrative Vice President Katherine Corwin, signed a memo stating that Maslanka overspent the Student Activity Fee Budget by $109,198.50.

The memo claimed that this was sufficient cause for impeachment according to Article XII of the SGA Constitution.

Campero claimed that Maslanka had failed to provide an accurate SAFB amount after the SGA executive board inquired about it several times. In his statement Campero said Maslanka had received the budget for the 20132014 fiscal year at a meeting on June 6. This budget, amounting to $950,000, was approved by Vice Chancellor Mel Tyler.

The memo said, “…her actions could publicly harm the credibility of the Student Government Association as well as the SAFC.” During the meeting, Maslanka admitted to losing this fiscal report, and not asking the executive board for help when it was “obviously” needed. Maslanka admitted partial

fault to the over-allocation, but said others were to blame as well. She noted exaggerated budgets received from student organizations as a contributing factor to the financial mishap.

Maslanka said she “came in losing” as comptroller because former Comptroller Katie Carlino had misused last year’s SAFB. Maslanka said she was not given sufficient warning of the proposed impeachment, but Campero claimed that she had been asked to resign from her position several times.

Maslanka said the mistakes were made due to “miscommunication” within SGA and SAFC. During the debate, Campero cited a Facebook post Maslanka had made which revealed budget information from a closed meeting.

He said that she was late to SGA’s orientation, and that she was often late or unresponsive to emails from the executive board and other student organizations. This lack of email correspondence was contradictory to SGA’s promise to reply to all requests within 24 hours, Campero said.

Campero also claimed he was unaware that Maslanka was in need of help. He said the actions of the former comptroller were irrelevant to the current financial situation, and that Maslanka had failed her task to provide updates on the budget.

Maslanka responded with an apology for her Facebook post, claiming it “slipped her mind” and it was a “silly mistake.” She also noted that SAFC had been forming a solution to the problem before Campero started working on one.

According to Campero,

in addition to over-allocating the $109,198.50, Maslanka allowed for additional funds to be distributed to student organizations.

He said the overallocation also meant University of Missouri – Kansas City SAFC wouldn’t be Student Government Association Senate able to approve eventMEMO by-event funding.

The memo said “The The Constitution of the Student Government Association lays out reasons for ‘Impeachment and Removal Student Activity Fee for Office’: Article XII—Impeachment and Removal from Office Committee is now tasked with recovering Section 1, B: "Executive Board Officers and Senators may be impeached for sufficient cause by the Student Senate. Sufficient cause consists of any one or more of the following: malfeasance $150,219.02.” of office, violation of duly enacted regulations, or violation of other legislation of SGA;” and Earlier in the  The Comptroller is tasked with delivering a fair and balanced budget. meeting, SGA  Makayla Maslanka has failed her duties as Comptroller by over allocating the Student Activity Fee Budget by $109,198.50. discussed a resolution  The Student Activity Fee Committee now is tasked with recovering $150,219.02. to fix its financial  After being questioned about the status of the budget, Ms. Maslanka failed to provide an accurate problems based on the amount. She continues to claims no fault despite knowing or having reason to know the budget over-allocation. amount.  Ms. Maslanka demonstrated her knowledge of the total amount the SAFC had to allocate in SGA voted to numerous emails she sent to organizations. cut 14.18 percent  Her actions could publicly harm the credibility of the Student Government Association as well as the SAFC. Her action and behaviors have not lent themselves to the standard of transparency cut from the annual expected by the Executive Board. budget of every  Ms. Maslanka has not performed assigned tasks by President Campero numerous times. student organization and council. This We suggest that Makayla Maslanka be removed from the office of Comptroller and be barred from holding any office with SGA or serving on a committee for SGA during the remainder of the academic cut would generate school term. $41,000 eventIn Favor of Impeachment Amy Johnson, BSSG Senator, President Pro Tempore by-event funding Caleb-Michael Files, ASSC Senator, Chief of Staff requests for the rest Benjamin Campero, President. SGA of the school year.

Parker Webb, Executive Vice-President, SGA Katherine Corwin, Administrative Vice-President, SGA The Student Senate Tiffany Friend, BSSA Senator passed this resolution Mallory Brown, BSSA Senator with an overwhelming Rachel Jenkins, MSOC Senator majority.

Miller Bogart, Pharmacy Senator This resolution to Thu Thi, Pharmacy Senator take a substantial cut from council’s and organizations Original SGA memo presenting claims against comptroller. has since been rescinded. Campero presented an working with administration to was tabled. The discussion will official memorandum to Tyler on find an alternative to the 14.18 continue at the Oct. 14 SGA meeting.

Oct. 7 asking him not to sign the percent budget cut.

The motion to impeach Maslanka kbaxendale@unews.com resolution. SGA has since been

Monday October 14, 2013 | Issue 9

2

UNIVERSITYNEWS Social Justice book discussion focuses on ‘The Other Wes Moore’ UMKC’s Independent Student Newspaper

www.unews.com 5327 Holmes St. Kansas City, MO 64110 Editor’s desk: 816-235-5402 Advertising: 816-235-1386

Fax 816-235-6514

U-NEWS SENIOR STAFF EDITORS-IN-CHIEF ROZE BROOKS ELIZABETH GOLDEN PRODUCTION MANAGER KYNSLIE OTTE ADVERTISING MANAGER JOSEPH SALAZAR BUSINESS MANAGER BRADLEY CANTU MARKETING MANAGER JORDAN STRANGE BROADCAST MANAGER TAYLOR SILVESTRO DISTRIBUTION MANAGER ANDREW GRAFF

SOCIAL MEDIA WEBMASTER CALEB-MICHAEL FILES COPY EDITOR MAL HARTIGAN KATE BAXENDALE CHLOE ROBBINS JANET SCHAAF SENIOR BEAT WRITER JOEY HILL DAN MORENO LINDSAY ADAMS JESSICA TURNER BOARD OF PUBLISHERS CHAIR STEPHEN DILKS FACULTY ADVISOR WHITNEY TERRELL

Mission:

To provide relevant, timely coverage of the UMKC community by seeking truth, fairness and accuracy in reporting while preserving the integrity of U-News as an independent student-run publication.

About us:

The U-News is the official independent student newspaper of UMKC, produced each week by a staff consisting entirely of students.

We publish 4,000 copies each week, and distribute to the Volker and Hospital Hill campuses and surrounding neighborhood businesses.

Letters to the Editor can be submitted by mail or to info@unews.com. Letters should be 350 words or less and are subject to edits for clarity.

U-News is printed by News Tribune.

U-News is an equal opportunity employer.

Contact Us

TEXT US: 816-86NEWS8 FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/UMKCUniversityNews

TWITTER: @University0News INSTAGRAM: UniversityNews

Hiral Patel

Contributing Writer

UMKC’s Division of Diversity and Inclusion held its annual Social Justice Book Discussion on Oct. 9 at the Miller Nichols Library.

This year’s book discussion focused on the novel “The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates”

by Wes Moore. This book shares the story of the author, and another man by the name of Wes Moore he encountered in his lifetime. The author compared and contrasted his life to his name-sharing counterpart, discussing where their paths forked and separated their faiths.

Scott Curtis, research and liaison librarian at Miller Nichols Library, led the discussion.

“Both Wes Moores took actions to change their situations,” Curtis said.

“The sad tragedy of the other Wes Moore was that the changes that he made were not then supported and there was not a path to continue on the changes that he made.”

Curtis noted that mentors and outside influences are some of the key causes of how a person turns out. “[His senior- level cadet] models a lot of what he does afterwards,” Curtis said about the author. “It’s like a pile of sand. You take out one little grain of sand, you don’t see a difference, but when you start taking out all of the grains of sand it’s a smaller pile of sand.”

Many students and faculty members shared who influenced their lives.

“My roommate told me that success is not defined as good or bad, but how you make an impact on the world,” said Nosakhare Osa- Edoh, a discussion participant.

The book discussion intended to spread information about the upcoming Social Justice Book and Lecture Program, which will feature the author, Wes Moore.

“If you’re reading a book and it really engages you, you ought to have an outlet to talk about it,” Curtis said. “We’re doing this in the spirit of sharing and in the spirit of intellectually understanding each other— broadening our communications.”

The book discussion was held in the iX Theater, an open space in the Miller Nichols Library that allowed

Wes Moore, Author of “The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates.” passersby to join the event.

“I think what really makes a book discussion successful is someone like Scott to have lead one,” said Gloria Tibbs, diversity liaison and instructional librarian at Miller Nichols Library. “He has really prepared and put a lot of thought into making it such an environment where you will feel comfortable and

where you will get such a diversity of opinions and where you have faith in our book discussion leader knowing that he is showing us respect by being prepared.”

Tibbs and Curtis start preparing for book discussions and lectures approximately six months in advance.

The Social Justice Book and

Photo // Google Lecture Program will be held at 6 p.m. on Wed., Oct. 16 in Pierson Auditorium. All students and faculty members interested in social issues and meeting the author are encouraged to attend. hpatel@unews.com

Upcoming Events

Wed. Oct. 16 Join the College of Arts and Sciences Dean Wayne Vaught for the Fall Picnic with the Dean. The event will be catered by Chris Cakes from 12 p.m. 2p.m. in the Quad.

Thurs. Oct. 17 The Citizens Project presents The Missouri-Kansas Economic Border War at 6 p.m. the Central Library. A panel of experts will discuss the history and impact of the long-running divide of the two states.

The International Society for Luso-Hispanic Humor Studies hosts Dr. Bruno Damiani’s presentation “From Bodily Humors to Humor: The Journey to Laughter at 6 p.m. in room 401 of the Student Union.

Sat. Oct. 19 A moderated panel discussion about global warming will be presented from 1 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. in at the Plaza Library. Featured panelists include Lynate Pettingill, Director of Field Development for Citizens Climate Lobby, Dr. Johannes Feddema, professor from KU’s Geography Department, Dr. Chris King, Dean of Academics at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and Dr. Timothy Crew, Director of Research at The Land Institute in Salina, Ks. Mon. Oct. 21 Writers at Work presents author Charles Baxter. Known for his collection of short stories Gryphon, Baxter joins New Letters on the Air host Angela Elam for a discussion about his latest novel, The Feast of Love.

Tues. Oct. 22 Author Mark Godich examines an historic rivalry in his book Tigers vs.

Jayhawks: From the Civil War to the battle for No. 1. Godich is an alumnus from the University of Missouri- Columbia and will be discussing his book at 6 p.m. at the Plaza Branch Library.

Thurs. Oct. 24 LGBTQIA Programs and Services invites students, faculty, staff and community members to join in an Ally Campaign photo shoot. The group photo will be taken at 1 p.m. outside the Student Union.

A Food Day event will be hosted on campus between 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. in the Quad. This “nationwide celebration and movement for healthy, affordable and sustainable food” includes an apple share, in which fresh, local apples will be handed out to passerby.

Until Dec. 1 Number One Magazine is currently accepting written work for its annual print issue. Submissions can be of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, screenplays, photography and visual artwork. Submissions can be emailed to numberonemagazine@gmail.com

Monday October 14, 2013 | Issue 9

3

Hobo Day history: Permission to Bum out MindBody Kate Baxendale

Connection helps students know their status

Copy Editor

“bum’s rush” to the assembly hall for friendly contests. Students awarded Decades ago, UMKC students faculty members “bummest hobo looked forward to a campus-wide or hoboess” and “bummest faculty event originally known as “Hobo member,” which was a compliment Day.” The first Hobo Day occurred at the time. on May 8, 1935, to celebrate the end “At 3:30 o’clock the first of the spring semester. A student phonograph recording sounded out handbook from the late 1960s its dance music and about 350 bums described Bum Friday as it was and partners shuffled to the gay tunes later called as “a spring holiday from until 5 o’clock,” the May 13, 1935, classes” and an “annual peaceful University News issue reported. walkout.”

According to Perspectives, Students dressed as hoboes during UMKC’s online magazine, freshmen the day-long event, sporting overalls, were in charge of gathering wood for pigtails and bindles. A luncheon was the bonfire that signaled the end of served and the university glee club the UMKC holiday. Most times the performed. A late 1960s handbook bonfire was lit early—by students reads: “Skits satirizing campus life, a from Rockhurst College, many car rally and a talent show are held. speculated—so volunteers vowed to The Bum Friday Dance transforms guard the pile on the nights leading students from hobo to formal attire up to Hobo Day. for the final all-campus dance of the World War II greatly affected year.”

Hobo Day festivities. In 1942, the Outdoor activities included a tug- holiday was called Shicklegruber of-war match and a student versus Day, in reference to Hitler’s mother. faculty baseball game. Students often Students were encouraged to threw each other into the campus poke fun at Hitler, and a crude pond, which was located near representation of him was burned at Scofield Hall. the annual bonfire. Many students protested the controversial theme, but the festivities carried on.

By 1943, there were so few men left on campus that Hobo Day was temporarily c a l l e d Hoboette Day. The 1944 yearbook said, “Mike Denny got to kiss Miss Students assemble for Bum Friday.

Uebelmesser Photo // University Archives because he A Bum Friday Queen and a Most had the longest beard.” Sack races Fascinating Man were crowned, and were held, and a parade featuring the awards for various daytime activities “best hobo cars” circled around the were presented at the dance. The Quad. The 1945 yearbook referred to daytime activities commenced with a the Hobo Day evening dance as the

Marlee Newman Staff Writer

Hobo Day events include a hobo car contest.

Kangaroo Hop. “Weiners and cokes” were served on the eve of Hobo Day. The 1946 yearbook mentioned a snake dance performed by students, which became a popular tradition in following years.

By 1950, the Student Council felt the spring holiday had gotten out of hand, so “Good Clean Fun Day” was organized. Instead of the traditional festivities, students spent Good Clean Fun Day sprucing up the campus. This tweak to the original Hobo Day made its first and last appearance that year. In 1951, Hobo Day was renamed Bum Friday and it included the traditional games, dances and bonfire.

Bum Friday continued each year for the next 30 years or so, until student interest in the spring holiday began to dwindle. The Student Life Office was forced to put an end to Bum Friday, and Roo Fest took its place on the social calendar. Activities like the faculty-student baseball game and tug-of-war faded after Roo Fest

Photo // University Archives replaced Bum Friday. However, alumni hold on to the memories of UMKC’s oldest tradition. kbaxendale@unews.com

The typical wardrobe for Bum Friday.

Photo // University Archives

SEXUAL HEALTH ON CAMPUS

Nearly half of the 20 million new sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) diagnosed each year are among

Every second Tuesday of the month, free STD testing is offered to students at the MindBody Connection, located in room 112 of the Student Success Center.

MindBody Connection administers STD testing in a private and convenient environment, and receive results with minimal wait time.

Langston Jones, community prevention specialist at the Good Samaritan Project, Kansas City’s oldest HIV/AIDS awareness center, said many young adults shy away from getting an STD test because they would rather not learn the results.

“Many young people have an already-at-risk mentality,” he said.

“They might tell themself that it’s impossible to completely escape [the possibility of] contracting an STD, which gives an excuse to dismiss getting a test done and finding out their status.”

According to the Center for Disease Control, approximately 20,842 cases of Chlamydia and 5,015 cases of Gonorrhea were reported among young people ages 15-24 in 2011, the two most common sexually transmitted diseases. The number of reported HIV cases increased from 2011 to 2012. According to a study by the Missouri Health Department, “there have been 282 new HIV disease diagnoses from January to June 2012. In comparison, there were 258 new HIV disease diagnoses reported during the same time period in 2011.”

“The turn-out [at the testings] varies roughly from 10-30 people each time,” Jones said.

He also said that about 10 percent of STDs among young adults in Kansas go untreated.

Most STDs are curable.

If diagnosed early, antiretroviral drugs can be administered to help control the HIV/AIDS virus. mnewman@unews.com

young people aged 15–24 years.

According to a survey of college students done in 2008:

1/4 OF COLLEGE STUDENTS

95% HAVE AN STD do not use a condom 71%during anal sex do not use a during 80% OF PEOPLE 46%condom vaginal sex who have an STD experience do not use a condom during oral sex

HPV IS THE #1 SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED DISEASE ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES. One study of college students showed that in 91 percent of women with new HPV infections, HPV became undetectable within two years. Some HPV infections resolve themselves, but other kinds can cause genital warts and cervical cancer

CONDOMS AND OTHER SEXUAL HEALTH INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ON CAMPUS IN THE WOMENS CENTER & THE RAINBOW LOUNGE

NO NOTICEABLE SYMPTOMS

To protect yourself from Stds, always use protection when having sex, use contraception correctly, and make an effort to know your partners sexual history.

Infographic // Ashley Lane

Source: http://www. american.edu/ocl/wellness/ Sexually-TransmittedDiseases.cfm, http://www. cdc.gov/family/college/, http://www.nursingschools. net/blog/2010/05/10-trulyshocking-stats-on-stdsand-college-students/

Monday October 14, 2013 | Issue 9

4

SCE E-Save team on Energy Conserving Environment house through sensors, send the Sumanth Koushik Kalli collected information to digital Beat Writer storage and then display to the user The E-Save team through analyzed data of their energy usage. the School of Computing and This project started in 2011, and Engineering aims to improve the E-Save team estimates it will energy usage by providing state- complete a prototype within the of-art technology. E-Save plans to next six months. introduce an efficient appliance “We are using a set of sensors that network which monitors energy receive and transmit data wirelessly utilization and will teach low- using Zigbee in a range of 10 meters,” income families to use energy wisely. Beard said.

The E-Save team is comprised Zigbee is a specific device used to of Dr. Vijay Kumar, Dr. Yugyung create personal area networks and Lee, Dr. Cory Beard, Dr. Praveen for transmitting data. A receiver can Rao and four UMKC graduate be connected to a household machine students. The goal is to educate the to get data in digital format and later send to the user with suggestions on future energy consumption.

“Now the sensor set has cost us around $125 but in real time production this cost comes down drastically and even Zigbee has announced it is ready to work with any company on providing home automation protocols,” Beard said.

E-Save collaborated with the Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts and the Kansas City Power and Light District to further examine the behavior, practices and limitations of using energy wisely and the lack of energy management education for low income families. This interaction Smart meter set up by KCP&L in has helped E-Save to strategize how E-Save lab. to educate low income families to community through workshops and make use of these benefits by using collaborative projects. this technology. This interaction The E-Save team is combining proved beneficial for Paseo Academy profound expertise and knowledge students as well. They were given the from computer science and electrical opportunity to explore energy usage engineering to build a system that issues and the potential capabilities guides the user in monitoring alternative sources of energy have to energy utilization. It is planning to offer. embed a prototype of the system Over the course of several weeks, for testing. The system will collect students were tasked with creating data for each appliance in the reports and presentations focusing

Sensor kit.

E-Save team gathers to discuss alternative sources of energy. on different real life experiences in using energy efficiently. Three different projects were given to students that focused on energy efficiency within their school or grocery store, family home and apartment complex. Mentors from

Sensor kit that collects input from appliances.

UMKC offered assistance to the students on these projects. Some students said they began to realize the importance of turning off lights and appliances after use. Others students came up with songs, dramas and raps and elaborated on their plans to bring awareness to the school. The entire project was funded by KCP&L’s Department Of Energy grant.

After the E-Save team interacted with low income families, it decided to introduce several energy saving apps. “Users can download our app and they need to answer a questionnaire on the energy utilization and the devices they have, then they will be displayed with analyzed data that provides them with suggestions of using each device and an alternative also. In return, this will create good habits and discipline in using energy for families,” Kumar said.

The inclusion of many methods

of monitoring energy usage should give the E-Save team an abundance of results. Through the research, the team can explore other resources.

“Presently we are collecting real time data of energy consumed and cost of energy,” Lee said. “We look forward to analyzing, visualizing and providing a graphical interface on top of Google maps, which can clearly indicate the user of his energy usage.

We are also working on wireless controlling of home appliances using mobile phone.”

The date given to users shows minutes to minute details of energy consumption.

Each appliance hooked up to the receiver will be analyzed, showing homeowners how much energy is being used at any given time.

Compatibility among various

brand devices is a major concern in this project.

“Let us suppose we have a Panasonic Stereo system, Panasonic CD Player and Panasonic DVD, then we can use only a single remote to operate the trio but if each of these devices are from different companies we will have to use different devices to operate them. However, we are building up a system that is brand independent,” Kumar said.

E-Save has to overcome many challenges during this project.

“Collecting real time data and hunting for devices that suit our requirements, configurable in all aspects are the major challenges we faced in this project,” Kumar said.

Funds are also a major concern, according to Kumar.

In future, the E-Save team is planning to invite some low income families to its lab and present tips for energy saving and also start installing the system in several houses.

“Effective education is with real touch not with television, advertisements or pamphlets and we would like to provide effective education by meeting with them,” Kumar said.

Appliances used for testing the E-Save lab at UMKC.

skalli@unews.com

Monday October 14, 2013 | Issue 9

5

On the blurred line:

Clothesline Project brings awareness to domestic violence Erin Melrose Broadcast Assistant

UMKC’s Women’s Center kicked off Domestic Violence Awareness month on Oct. 1 with the annual Clothesline Project. Women joined together in the Student Union to creatively decorate T-shirts, which were then pinned to a clothesline and hung as homage to victims of domestic and sexual violence.

The Women’s Center aims to be a constant testimonial to raise awareness for victims of violence and abuse. Kate Birkenfeld, graduate assistant of programming for the

center, helped to spearhead the Clothesline Project, as well as other Women’s Center events on campus.

“Programming events and activities around gender equality and violence prevention is in my job description,” Birkenfeld said.

Though October focuses on this particular cause, the Women’s Center brings attention to other issues by planning events and ways to get involved.

“Coming up this November, we will be holding auditions for The Vagina Monologues, a great empowering experience,” Birkenfeld

said.

A popular favorite from years past, this event literally gives a voice to “the angry vagina.”

Drawing roots from Cape Cod, Mass., the Clothesline Project has been promoting female empowerment for more than 10 years.

According to the Clothesline Project’s website, there are 500 projects nationally and internationally, with an estimated 50,000- 60,000 T-shirts created so far.

“Creating a shirt is a ‘healing through the arts’ experience. It allows individuals to express their thoughts and emotions about personal experiences in a venue that will be seen by others in the campus community,” Birkenfeld said.

A large concern relating to assault is a sometimes blurred definition of what can be considered assault.

Victims oftentimes feel that because there was no physical harm, the issue is not credible enough to report. In cases when a familiar person commits sexual assault, the victim may justify the situation by thinking the assault is less valid. The Women’s Center raises awareness with the hope that women have a place to seek clarification despite unnecessary grey areas of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

“Anyone who walks through our campus participates and bears witness to the visual display of advocacy for violence prevention,” Birkenfeld said.

A creative tribute to victims of domestic violence.

emelrose@unews.com

The unfortunate truth about domestic violence in relation to child abuse.

Personal testimonials are hung on the line.

Women of UMKC speak out.

Like us on Facebook.

Monday October 14, 2013 | Issue 9

6

Fashion transcen

clothing. Before the Depression, Morayo Bakare women wore multiple outfits each Contributing Writer day: one each for the morning, UMKC students are not mid-afternoon and evening attire. completely devoid of fashion The Great Depression sparked a sense, despite their Midwest living redesign of women’s clothes to be situation. Jeans and T-shirts can worn for longer periods of time, and frequently be seen as the standard incorporated styles from day and go-to outfits for a lazy or exhausting evening wear. day, but those stylish students who Designer Coco Chanel introduced take the time in the morning to the jersey two-piece suit as an coordinate an eye-catching outfit economical and relaxed alternative still exist. in daywear. As a result, sweaters Fashion-conscious men and became more popular among women had a style column in the women, who were encouraged to

Fashion of the early ‘40s.

University News beginning March 9, 1938. The first article was titled “Coed Fashions Say Spring has Sprung” and gave an equal description of what the men and women on campus wore at the time.

In 1938, women wore beautiful straw bonnets with veils hiding their faces, while the men donned sophisticated sweaters along with prints. Until around 1950, fashion-forward seasonal wear was highlighted in a brief section of U-News. Each decade revolved around a different style.

’30s Fashion When the first UMKC students walked these hallowed halls 1933, short hair pinned close to the head and small hats were popular among women. Up-dos were uncommon, as the short styles mostly encouraged women to wear their hair down and curled. To accompany the luxe and short hairstyles, hats were worn to the side, at an angle or on the crown.

Preferred hats were pillbox or beret, with the latter just coming into style.

Men frequently wore fedoras, with feathers held in place by ribbons wrapped around the hat. These hats were also worn at an angle, but less of an angle than the women’s.

Newsboy caps were in style, but worn less frequently. Boys and men both donned the flat cap. Hair was cut conservatively short and always groomed.

Despite the financial strain of the Great Depression, men and women dressed in business casual attire daily. Men incorporated ties and slacks into their day-to-day outfits.

Men’s blazers were primarily black or brown and worn over a pressed, collared shirt. This formal yet dapper attire was common throughout the era, and pre-packaged suits could be purchased for approximately $25. These packages came complete with a three-piece suit, a dress hat, two dress shirts, one necktie, three pairs of socks and one pair of Oxford shoes. Even special high-waisted slacks were created for campus students. These were usually accompanied with a buttoned-up collared shirt alone or coupled with a richly colored V-neck sweate Women of the ‘30s learned to become more resourceful with their

Photos // Google live more athletic, active lifestyles.

Dresses were bias cut, meaning they were constructed to fit a woman’s frame instead of merely drape over it. Whereas the ’20s featured shorter hemlines, the ’30s emphasized enhancing and revealing the body through clothes. This era upheld sophistication and clean lines.

These clothing aesthetics pervaded throughout the early ’30s into the ’40s.

Long coats and full-cut trousers emerged. Hand-painted ties with images of landscapes, rodeos and pinup girls became a fad. Hawaiian shirts became popular, as their pronounced colors and bright patterns signaled an era of experimentation in fashion.

Younger men adopted sportswear for daytime.

’50s Fashion This decade’s fashion began with designer Christian Dior’s “New Look” from 1947. It consisted of the same rounded shoulders, full skirts and thin waists worn in the late ’40s after the war. In addition, women wore gloves and pearls. Their suit jackets were peplum-styled and often paired with a pencil skirt instead of a full skirt. Peter Pan collars and jewel or low-cut necklines were also popular. Casual dresses such as shirt dresses and halter top dresses became popular.

Petticoats were standard items in a woman’s closet in a variety of lengths to accompany various full-skirted dresses. The iconic poodle skirt was in Vogue for a short while in this era.

Boleros and short jackets that were in style in this era still continue to be worn today. Pants became narrow and ankle-length. Bermuda, or mid-thigh, shorts were introduced.

What would be considered shortshorts today were ordinary shorts in the ’50s. Loose and knit tops were frequently paired with these shorts.

Men’s clothing in the ‘50s was based on conservatism. Suits were considered everyday work attire, with the Ivy League style, consisting of cardigan sweaters and button-up collared shirts, seen during relaxed occasions. Dark colors still prevailed in men’s suits, as dark brown, black and dark blue maintained popularity.

Pink was worn by men in casual wear. Cowboy shirts and hats were also common in the ‘50s.

’60s Fashion

Fashion of the ‘30s. fashion staple. Many influences came from Britain, a fashion powerhouse after France and Italy.

Mod (short for modernist) subculture influenced youth styles.

Velvet minidresses with lace collars could be seen everywhere, as well as tent dresses with long eyelashes and pale lipstick. Stilettos were traded in for kitten heels or chunky heels.

Fashion model Twiggy became an icon for young women everywhere.

Men’s suits started to be exciting and bright with more vibrant fabrics being used rather than the dark shades from the previous era. Their

in restricting themselves to the confining rules in gender-based fashion. Men and women both wore bell-bottom pants, tie-dyed shirts, headbands and sandals. Women were sometimes barefoot and braless. Buckskin vests and flowing caftans became popular. Ethnic styles influenced ’70s attire, with Mexican peasant blouses and Indian prints becoming a fad.

Later, platform shoes and hot pants became popular. In addition, highwaisted, flared satin trousers and denims decorated with rhinestones, sequined bra tops and turbans were

’40s Fashion Women’s clothes were modeled after utility clothing, which was produced during the war when resources were rationed. These clothes consisted of square shoulders, narrow hips and hems just below the knee. In addition to this streamlined look, tailored suits also became popular among women.

Often, blouses with square shoulder pads were worn with skirts.

Pants gained popularity to accommodate women’s more active lifestyles, and fewer embellishments were used to save money. Plain colors such as deep maroon, gray, undyed white and beige were common, while other colors were rationed.

After World War II, however, women’s fashion resumed with rounded shoulders versus squared shoulders. In addition, bust lines were emphasized, along with defined waistlines. Skirts went from straight and formal to slightly padded and billowy. Young women began to wear sweaters, paired with slightly slimmer knee-length skirts and bobby socks.

Most men of the ’40s were drafted into military service. Those who stayed home attempted to dress seriously. War rationing affected their clothing styles as well. Men’s suits included plain colors, such as navy blue and black with few embellishments and plain white shirts. The most notable design from the time period was the Esquire jacket, which had a broadshouldered, loose fit. Men frequently sported wide-brimmed fedoras.

Post-war men’s fashion became more flashy and exciting.

Double- and single-breasted suits became more popular, and included a greater amount of embellishments.

Advertisement for a two-piece suit from the early ‘30s.

Many trends in the early ’60s were maintained from the previous decade. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy embodied the feminism of the time with her pillbox hats and pastel suits with short jackets and oversized buttons. Simple, geometric dresses were also popularized through Kennedy. Stiletto heels were introduced in the ‘60s and they complemented the elegance of the early years. Young women wore capri pants and miniskirts casually, which revolutionized fashion for young adults. The minidress with an A-line skirt, also known as the sleeveless shift, became an iconic ’60s

styles included frills and cravats, wide ties with loud patterns, suspenders, leather boots and collarless jackets.

Mod fashion for men was expressed through their suit attire. Doublebreasted suits of crushed velvet were common. Brocade waistcoats and shirts with frill collars became staples in men’s wardrobes. Men also sported longer hairstyles.

’70s Fashion Early ’70s fashion was a spillover from the hippie styles of the late ’60s. Fashion became androgynous, as young adults saw no need

all the rage. Thrift shopping entered popularity, with the re-emergence of 1930s and 1940s looks. Short, imitation rabbit-fur jackets became fashionable, and makeup was garish and glittery, with eyebrows thinly plucked. Both men and women wore zippered jumpsuits and neckscarves. Trousers were skin-tight.

Later, straight, skinny cigarette pants replaced the satin pants.

Punk began in the late ’70s, with the Sex Pistols, Vivienne Westwood and Andy Warhol influencing the era.

The look can be described as having an appearance of poverty, but smartly thrown together. Key components of punk fashion were safety pins,

Monday October 14, 2013 | Issue 9

7

nds the decades Fashion of the ‘50s. ripped jeans, torn T-shirts, untidy haircuts, worn leather jackets, filthy shoes and pointy boots.

’80s Fashion Eighties fashion was heavily influenced by music and television. A few of the trends that emerged from the ’80s were new romantic, Valley girl and power dressing. The new romantic style was heavily influenced by the goth and punk scenes in Great Britain. Heavy makeup,

spiky hair and outrageous dark or punk clothing characterized the followers of these subcultures. The Valley girl look came from the San Fernando Valley region of California, introducing headbands, miniskirts with legwarmers and cheerleaderinspired skirts. Power dressing was born from the increasing number of women in the workforce. Some of the main elements for this style were shoulder pads, flashy jewelry and brightly colored heels. Madonna popularized the most iconic look of the ’80s with her short skirts over

leggings, beaded necklaces, rubber bracelets, hair bows, fishnet gloves, headbands and lace ribbons. She also introduced the combination of tulle skirts, fingerless gloves, fishnet stockings and oversized crucifix jewelry.

Men’s clothing was vibrant as well. Many men wore T-shirts under designer jackets with shoulder pads.

Suits were available in pastel, white or bright colors. Men rolled up their sleeves and combined this with an open jacket. Certain shoes, such as loafers and boat shoes, were worn without socks. More casual attire was occasionally allowed in the workplace. MC Hammer’s parachute pants, the hip hop culture, heavy metal music and pop star Michael Jackson were all influences in men’s fashion. Men adopted androgynous styles such as women’s blouses, high heeled boots, large hooped earrings and heavy makeup.

However, not all men were liberal with their clothing choices. The conservative look could still be seen with colorful polo shirts from Ralph Lauren, cuffed sweaters, sweater vests, pegged leg jeans, cuffed khakis and penny loafers or white sneakers.

Converse All-Stars became popular, as well as denim jackets, acid wash jeans and fanny packs.

’90s Fashion Fashion continued to be influenced by television and music. The ’90s ushered a more subdued palette of colors into men’s and women’s wardrobes as grunge became the growing trend.

The late 1980s fashion carried over into the ’90s, with women still wearing leggings, baby doll dresses, blue jeans with denim jackets, oversized tops and slouchy socks over high-top sneakers. Fashion from the previous decades slipped into the ’90s as well, with hippie floral

Fashion of the late ‘80s. dresses, flowered floor length skirts, lace blouses and wedge-heeled shoes from the ’70s. Grunge, a combination of punk and goth, became popular a few years into the ’90s. Key elements in the style are patched jeans, longsleeved flannel shirts and rock band T-shirts. Preferred shoes were Doc Martens, Chuck Taylors, Vans and any type of boot. Comfort and creativity were key in this type of style.

Men adopted grunge style as well, with the head male icon for the decade being Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain.

Alongside grunge, sagging pants also gained popularity in hip-hop culture, as many rappers adopted the style.

The parachute pants carried over

into the ’90s as comfort became the primarily goal for men. The preppy look was also maintained in the ’90s, with leather jackets and track suits entering the scene. Men also adopted an oversized look, with everything from jackets to pants hanging loosely on their bodies. mbakare@unews.com

Fashion of the early ‘90s.

Fashion of the ‘60s.

IIlustration // Joey Hill

Monday October 14, 2013 | Issue 9

8

Sydney Crimmins: Basketball or Volleyball?

Dan Moreno

Senior Beat Writer

Sophomore Sydney Crimmins is in her second season with UMKC’s volleyball team under Head Coach Christi Posey. As the Roos near the end of the season, Crimmins has proven to be an important member of the team.

The Clay Center, Kan., native won the Roos’ first-ever Western Athletic Conference volleyball Player of the Week award with her performance against Grand Canyon University and Chicago State during the weekend of Sept. 28.

“It was a huge honor and definitely a goal of mine,” Crimmins said. “I was recognized, but it was a big effort from the team.”

Last season in the Summit League,

the Roos ended with a 17-13 overall record. This year, the team’s entrance into the WAC has posed a new challenge, but Crimmins is hopeful for the team’s success.

“It’s a different type of volleyball,” Crimmins said. “The travel is a lot different, we are really competitive to the other teams and I feel like it has been a good fit so far.”

Crimmins was originally recruited

by UMKC to play basketball after a four-year career playing for Clay Center Community High School.

“I played basketball as a freshman here at UMKC,” Crimmins said.

“Then we had a coach change and I really missed volleyball, so I pursued that – so I’m currently a red-shirt sophomore.”

Crimmins said being a student-

Crimmins appeared in all 30 matches last season.

Photo // UMKC Athletics

athlete at UMKC is an honor. She appeared in all 30 matches, with 27 starts and 107 sets played last season.

“I love UMKC. I love playing here,” Crimmins said. “I love our coaches and our team. It’s just a privilege and I am glad I’m living this experience.”

Living close to home has played an important role in Crimmins’ successful career.

“My parents, my siblings and my friends all come support me, which is awesome to see them in our home court,” Crimmins said. “Family support has been really important to me.”

Clay Center is a small city of approximately 4,400 residents.

Crimmins said she enjoys going back home on school breaks to do farmrelated activities.

“I was raised in a farm,” Crimmins said. “I love going back home and four-wheeling, riding the tractor and the combine with my friends and family.”

Crimmins also said she would like to explore the post-graduation volleyball world, as well as a master’s degree in biology, which is her current major.

“After I graduate, I’m definitely going to see what’s out there for me in volleyball,” Crimmins said. “I am also going to look into grad school for occupational therapy. We’ll see what happens.”

As the Roos head to Moscow, Idaho, and Seattle, Wash., for two conference games, Crimmins said she only has one idea in mind.

“I want to keep playing at the highest of my potentials,” Crimmins said. “We want to keep having a winning season and continue doing good to have a great performance at the WAC tournament.” dmoreno@unews.com

Sydney Crimmins

Photo // Dan Moreno

Miami Heat plays fourth exhibition game in KC Dan Moreno Senior Beat Writer The two-time defending NBA champions, the Miami Heat, defeated the Charlotte Bobcats on Oct. 11 8675 in a sold-out exhibition game at the Sprint Center.

Kansas City’s NBA team, the Kings, moved to Sacramento, Calif., in 1985, but the Sprint Center still hosts NBA exhibition games.

The Heat are already 3-0 in the preseason. During Friday’s game against the Bobcats, James led the Heat in scoring with 20 points, followed by Norris Cole with 15

points. Dwyane Wade sat out against the Bobcats after playing Thursday night against the Detroit Pistons.

Wade has experienced ongoing knee complications since last season.

Friday’s game marked the fourth time Miami has played an exhibition game in Kansas City.

The atmosphere at the Sprint Center was energetic, and included DJ Irie, who had no problem pumping up the crowd. dmoreno@unews.com

Above: The Miami Heat played at the Sprint Center Oct. 11.

Left: The Miami Heat defeated the Charlotte Bobcats.

Photo // Dan Moreno

Monday October 14, 2013 | Issue 9

Soccer: USA vs Jamaica Dan Moreno Senior Beat Writer

The USMNT defeated Jamaica at Sporting Park.

Last Friday, the U.S. national soccer team, Sporting KC, defeated Jamaica at Sporting Park in front of 18,467 fans for a World Cup qualifying match that ended with a final score of 2-0.

Before the game, Sporting KC’s Head Coach Peter Vermes was formally inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. After the game, however, Sporting KC’s victory officially sealed the team’s spot in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Sporting Kansas City’s center back defender Matt Besler played all 90 minutes, while midfielder Graham Zusi subbed in for Landon Donovan in the second half and scored the first goal in the 77th minute.

Sporting KC struggled to find offensive strength or tactic during the first half, but gained a new energy when hometown player Zusi subbed in for Donovan.

In the 77th minute, Zusi scored a goal after an assist from right-winger Alejandro Bedoya, leading Jamaica 1-0. Four minutes later, striker Jozy Altidore scored the team’s second goal after a cross from left back Edgar Castillo.

After defeating Jamaica, the U.S. national team has secured the first spot in the World Cup, with 19 points and a perfect home campaign, which includes five out of five victories over Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama, Mexico and Jamaica. The team’s overall record is 6-2-1.

Sporting KC will play its last

9

Health Journal:

All about biking Lindsay Adams Senior Beat Writer

Concentrate on health with cycling

October is the month recognizing bicycling and alternative commuting.

With cooler fall temperatures rolling in, this month is perfect time to give bicycling a shot.

There are many health benefits to biking. Cycling is linked to a decreased risk of coronary heart disease, and can help to tone muscles, especially in the legs. Cycling isn’t a high-impact exercise, such as running, so joints avoid gradual damage.

Cycling actually strengthens cartilage in the body, especially in the legs. Calories burn rapidly when cycling at a fast pace. Studies have connected cycling to weight loss since it ramps up metabolism, which remains elevated for a period of time even after the ride is over . Cycling can also increase one’s longevity.

It often aids in coordination, and studies have suggested cycling is a powerful precaution to decrease risk for various cancers.

Getting a bike

Sporting KC’s Matt Besler celebrates the victory at Sporting Park.

Photo // Google qualifying game Oct. 14 in Panama City, but not even a defeat can take World Cup qualifying match in the team’s first spot ranking in the Sporting Park’s history.

Hexagonal standings . dmoreno@unews.com The game on Friday was the first

Students can check out or rent a bike through UMKC’s alternative commute program. Loaner bikes are distributed through The Hub and Swinney Recreational Center. The Clean Commute program at UMKC loans bicycles equipped with lights, locks and fenders and offers oncampus bike maintenance. Bike racks are located throughout campus so cyclists can park and secure their bicycles.

For semester-long bike checkouts, visit The Hub, located in the basement of 5030 Cherry Street, room B38. More than 50 bikes are available for UMKC students, staff and faculty. Bikes are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis, so don’t wait long. To borrow a bike for only one day, go to the Service Center at Swinney Recreation Center.

With the new Metro Bus System’s Bike-N-Bus program, cycling is more flexible. Bike racks are now available on all buses, with no extra fee required to use the bike rack.

Bike racks are available at the following Metro stops in addition to the one at UMKC: 3rd and Grand Park-and-Ride, 11th and Grand MAX Station, Waldo Park-and-Ride - 74th Terrace and Broadway, Boardwalk MetroCenter, Independence MetroCenter, Prospect and 75th, 75th and Troost MetroCenter and 95th and Troost Park-and-Ride.

Bike routes

If biking to work or class, be sure to budget for the time it takes to commute. Google Maps has a bicycling option, which shows the best routes and calculates the estimated time it takes a cyclist to arrive at his or her destination.

Biking is a great way to get to know the city. Many places are a quick bike ride away from UMKC, such as Brookside, the Plaza, The Nelson-Atkins and the Kemper Museum. There are some great bike routes and trails throughout the city, too. The Trolley Track Trail runs right by UMKC. A great list of biking trails and a link to an interactive bike trail map can be found at http:// kcbike.info/kctrails/.

Bike Safety

Be aware of motorists when cycling. Bikes share the road with vehicles. Follow traffic rules, just like a vehicle would. Don’t run through red lights, even if turning right. Even cyclists can get traffic tickets. Stay in one lane, and don’t pass between or to the side of cars unless there is an open lane. Signal with an arm to turn. Be sure to wear a helmet, which has proven to reduce the risk of head injuries by 85 percent.

Be sure to purchase a bike lock to prevent the bicycle from being stolen.

Make sure the bike lock is fairly long.

Some places do not have bike racks, so owners have to be more inventive when finding something on which to hook a bike: the longer the lock, the more options to store and protect a bike. ladams@unews.com

Health Recipe: Spaghetti Squash with Ricotta and Gremolata Preparation Lindsay Adams Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Senior Beat Writer Cut the squash in half, lengthwise, Ingredients and scoop out any seeds. Place 1 medium spaghetti squash (about squash with the cut-side up in a large 2 pounds) baking dish. Drizzle the squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil olive oil and season each piece with Salt and freshly ground black 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. pepper, to taste Cover the dish of squash with 4 strips lemon zest foil and bake for 45 to 60 minutes 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped or until tender when pierced with a parsley knife. Set aside and let cool slightly.

1 small clove garlic, finely chopped This should take about 10 minutes.

1 cup whole-milk ricotta To make the gremolata, slice the lemon zest lengthwise into thin sticks, then chop. Add zest to a bowl with parsley, garlic and 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper.

Using a fork, scrape flesh from squash in long strands, which should make about 3 1/2 cups of spaghetti, then season with salt and pepper.

Divide squash among four bowls.

Top each with 1/4 cup ricotta and about 1 tablespoon gremolata and drizzle with additional olive oil.

Recipe yields about four 3/4 cup serving sizes, plus toppings. There are 212 calories per serving. ladams@unews.com

Illustration // Joey Hill

Monday October 14, 2013 | Issue 9

10

Concert Review: Vampire Weekend Dan Moreno Senior Beat Writer The New York City-based quartet Vampire Weekend gave a soldout performance on Oct. 8 at the Midland Theatre.

The show — which had been postponed from its original May 19 date — was an exhilarating display of alternative rock and melodic tunes.

While many bands rely on high energy and crowd-pumping antics to stimulate senses, lead singer and guitarist Ezra Koenig exhibited a calm and humble demeanor.

After an unexceptional opening

by The Olms, a recently formed band from Los Angeles, Koenig and company set foot on stage to do what they do best: create a feelgood environment, captivating the audience with their effortless musical skills.

As the notes of “Cousins” started playing, the more than 2,500 fans in attendance danced to the up-tempo beats. The set list continued with “White Sky,” another hit from the group’s second album, “Contra.”

After opening the show with two older tunes, Vampire Weekend showcased tracks from its newest

Lead singer Ezra Zoenig performs “Cousins.”

album, “Modern Vampires of the City,” including “Diane Young” and “Unbelievers.”

The climax of the evening came when “A-Punk” and “Holiday,” some of the band’s biggest hits, brought the energy of the venue to its maximum.

After performing a set list of 16 songs, attendees applauded and shouted as the set concluded, which caused Vampire Weekend to return to the stare for an encore. Vampire Weekend finished with “Hannah Hunt” and “Walcott.”

Vampire Weekend gave a sold out performance Oct. 8.

dmoreno@unews.com

Photos // Matt Cook

Attendees applauded after “A-Punk” was performed.

Pretty Lights headline Dan Moreno Senior Beat Writer

In the middle of a multicolor stage, Derek Vincent Smith (Pretty Lights) stood surrounded by five other musicians, and was greeted by an audience of young and wild fans at the Midland Theater last Thursday.

The Colorado native kicked off his North American tour in Kansas City to feature his newest album, “A Color Map of the Sun.” For the first time, Smith included a full live band for this tour.

Smith’s show lasted longer than two hours, showing the wide-age range and bright-dressed audience how to expertly create electronic sound accompanied by live music, which included metals, drums and keyboards.

Smith’s music prominently features electro mid-tempo beats and vocals.

The experience included songs from “A Color Map of the Sun,” as well as older hits that blew the

audience’s mind, especially when he entered stage with “Color of my Soul.”

Throughout the show, Smith left his turntable to play his bass guitar on top of the hip-hop infused and melodic electronic beats of his distinctive melodies like “Prophet,” “Let’s Get Busy” and the softer and slower “Yellow Bird.”

As the musician’s stage name “Pretty Lights” suggests, an important part of the show was based on a strong visual element that served as the perfect addition for the rave-like experience. During the entire show, the multicolor mix of lasers, LEDs and neon lights portrayed the ingenious and creative apex of state-of-the-art lighting. dmoreno@unews.com

Photo // Dan Moreno

Above: Visuals accompany music in Pretty Lights.

Left: Derek Vincent Smith leaves his turntable for a break on guitar.

Right: Smith performs softer songs while accompanied by a piano.

Photo // Matt Cook Photo // Matt Cook

Monday October 14, 2013 | Issue 9

11

Bugs, frogs, storks and dogs Joey Hill

Senior Beat Writer

The Epperson Auditorium of the Kansas City Art Institute hosted the second of this season’s collaborative Art Sounds performances on Oct. 8.

The audience was treated to both music and art history, thanks to Brad Cox and local ensemble The People’s Liberation Big Band. The Big Band is a local collaborative effort by a group of musicians, led by Brad Cox, who are dedicated to social justice.

The band acts as an open space for experimentation to give composers and arrangers a forum to try out and explore new compositions.

most well-known works, and propelled him into the world of animation, highlighting his study of the natural world as he worked as the director of Lithuania’s Museum of Natural History. A large part of his job was to film the actions of animals, where he observed the Stag Beetle’s stunning fight tactics. The issue Starevich encountered while filming the fighting beetles was the fact that they were nocturnal creatures and would fall asleep when the lights came on.

To circumvent this problem, Starevich took the legs off of dead

Ladislas Starevich studies the natural world with his films.

The band is large, consisting of brass, string, woodwind and percussion instruments which provide a varied and vivid sound, and uphold the nature of the performance itself. The work of famed Russian animator, Ladislas Starevich, with his groundbreaking short films, helped pave the way for the more modern types of animation and narrative.

Three of Starevich’s films’ were shown. The first film was one his

Stag Beetles and replaced them with metal wire, which he attached to the thorax of the insects with wax.

Afterward, he designed and built scaled-down sets for the beetles to “fight” in, moving them pose by pose and taking photo after photo. These early experiments later grew into one of his best known silent films, and was the first one of the three presented at the latest Art Sounds, 1911’s “The Cameraman’s Revenge.”

Taken at face value, the “The Cameraman’s Revenge” can easily be

Stag beetles were used for his most well-known work.

mistaken for just another educational work of the early 1900’s, but it becomes evident that Starevich is reaching toward social commentary.

Opening in the house of Mr. and Ms. Beetle, the accompanying band plays a hard hitting jazz melody as the audience sees Mr. Beetle packing a suitcase while his butler comes through to the front of his house with his car.

While it can be assumed he’s driving to work, a transition reveals he is in fact traveling to a nearby night club known as the “Gay Dragonfly” to see the movements of a dancing dragonfly, also animated by Starevich. Circumstances appear to get out of hand when the performance is interrupted by a member of the audience, a grasshopper who unsuccessfully coaxes the dragonfly to his table, only to see Mr. Beetle leave with the dragonfly.

Distraught, the grasshopper follows them to a hotel and, using its movie camera, films their deceits through a keyhole. However, the door swings open and sends the grasshopper and its camera tumbling down the stairs and out the window with Mr. Beetle hot on his trail. The grasshopper escapes as the scene moves back to the Beetle household as Mrs. Beetle sends a telegram to her artist friend, another beetle.

The artist’s appearance at the household evolves as subsequent demise as he throws himself into the fireplace in an attempt to avoid Mr. Beetle who, once seeing the painting left by the artist, explodes into rage as he begins to attack Mrs. Beetle in a chase which leads from the roof of the house to directly in front of the house where the two finally seem to cease the brawl. The band was employed expertly in his section with their direct switching from melodic romance to loud and spastic jazz with an improvised cut of Outkast’s “Hey Ya.” In the next scene it seems thing have calmed down for the married couple as they enter a park to see the screening for a movie with the projectionist being none other than the vengeful grasshopper. The film reaches its climax as the grasshopper shows the film of Mr. Beetle and the dragonfly and sends Mrs. Beetle into a jealous rage. This leads to the destruction of the projection booth and ending scene of the couple’s new life, in jail.

The second film followed a more philosophical ideal, “The Frogs Who Desired a King” begins with a group of frogs debating. The music used is off-putting and strange, using odd pitch changes to create and almost mechanical factory soundtrack. The issue that the frogs are having is the chaos brought about by their lack of a leader, while they live under a democracy; the freedom has grown into civil unrest as each clamor to be a position to run only to be pulled down by another.

‘Gay Dragonfly’ is shown traveling to a nightclub.

Realizing that this fighting is getting them nowhere, they enlist the help of a Zeus-like being in the sky by way of bubbles blown into the clouds which, when popped instantly sound their pleas for assistance. After much deliberation upon the annoyance of the bubbles, he sends a stork down as a resident king, only to have the stork begin to eat the frogs. The Frogs inevitably overthrow the stork and return to their old regime, changed forever.

The final film in the series features the most surreal and even terrifying imagery. “The Mascot” tells the tale of a small toy dog that, after being taken away from its creator’s

Photos // Joey Hill it gets shattered, Satan emerges from the dark liquid and opens up a night club which seems to become a hangout for both demons and reanimated brooms alike. The dog does eventually escape the clutches of the objects as well as Satan who is killed by the objects before the end of the film.

The film ends with the toy dog reunited with the little girl, proving the groundbreaking talent of Starevich for not only the technical side of things but also the narrative.

The entire performance spoke to a moment in time where this form of entertainment was enjoyed solely

‘The Frogs Who Desired a King’ was also shown. daughter travels its way through the streets of France to get back home.

It’s clear Starevich pulled out all the stops not only in with the various other toys and how they adapt to being on the streets after escaping from the delivery truck taking them to the store.

The events take a surrealist turn once night falls, and all along the empty dark streets of France intimate objects begin to morph into figurines, most notably the contents of a bottle of alcohol after

with a live band, Art Sounds once again delivering great performances to the public. jhill@unews.com

Movie buffs must watch: ‘Birdemic’ followed by sequel Chloe Robbins-Anderson Copy Editor

Moviegoers will be able to watch the sequel for which they’ve been waiting, bated breath and all, for three years. “Birdemic 2: The Resurrection” is set to be released Oct. 15.

There’s a great tradition of wonderful terrible movies finding their niche audience – or finding the poor souls whose curiosity gets the best of them – and making back the small amount of money they put into their crapfest , thus perpetuating the B-movie industry.

“Birdemic: Shock and Terror” thrived more on morbid curiosity than any real love. This movie went wrong in every way “The Birds” by Alfred Hitchcock – a film that was an obvious inspiration – went so beautifully right.

The film opens with Rod (Alan Bagh) on a painfully awkward coffee

date with Nathalie (Whitney Moore) that is somehow perceived by both to be successful. The audience follows Rod and Nathalie gaining status in their careers and growing closer in their relationship, while ignoring frequent news reports about random wildfires and diseased birds washing up on shore.

After an even more awkward sex scene in a motel, the birds – eagles and vultures that look alike except for coloring – begin attacking the area by dive-bombing buildings, exploding into flames and spitting acid on people. They join with another couple in the motel and manage to get into a vehicle and flee.

On their journey, they find a car, inside of which are two children whose parents were killed by the birds. The second couple is dispatched by acid, but Rod, Nathalie and the children continue running.

In the end, they survive long

enough to learn why the birds are attacking: global warming. This was subtlety hinted at in Hitchcock’s “The Birds,” but “Birdemic” director/ producer/writer James Nguyen chose to include a roughly fiveminute monologue by a crazy old hippie man. Since society is doomed and they must start over, the main characters decide to remain on a beach. There is a prolonged scene where Rod catches fish for them to eat and cooks it. Suddenly, they see birds on the horizon, and, just as they believe there is no way out, doves – a smaller, white version of the vultures and eagles – appear and drive them away.

This movie is bad. It is not even comically bad, but painfully terrible.

The birds look like something out of a video game placed inexpertly on top of the film. There are about three models of bird – a side view, a front view and a back view – and the only differentiation is in color and size.

The only movement they make is wings flapping, so the audience only knows when they are attacking by the actors’ reactions. Sometimes the flapping syncs up on all the birds so their “attacks” are flying in the same movement, like synchronized swimmers.

Possibly the best part of the film is the makeup effects. The acid makeup looks, fairly amazing. This could be comparative to the rest of the effects, but it appears that whoever designed the makeup is the only person who seemed to know what they were doing on the film.

This is a great film to watch once, to know what all the fuss is about, or for future filmmakers to note exactly what not to do, but never even once if intended for true enjoyment. One can only imagine what lies in store for “Birdemic 2: The Resurrection .” canderson@unews.com

Photo // IMDB.com

Monday October 14, 2013 | Issue 9

12

Old KC Hotspot Revamps Home-Style Favorites

Website Reviews: This is Colossal

Photo //thisiscolossal.com

Erin Melrose Broadcast Assistant “This is Colossal” provides a good alternative to doodling during class. Chicagobased blogger Christopher Jobson created the site to share his findings as he constantly searches for cultural art. Design, video and photography captivate viewers when scrolling through the work of various artists. The site is updated weekly, and the constant influx of creativity is sure to suck in viewers and leave them inspired. http://www.thisiscolossal.com

Photographer Chris Arnade captures Jose the Amazing’s wildly dangerous flips and jumps in the South Bronx.

Lifestyle Mirror This New York start-up online magazine is the product of adding a voice to online shopping.

“Lifestyle Mirror” features editorials that cover every component of “stylish living,” whether the subject is gender, home décor, travel or dining.

Like any magazine, there is a monthly cover story, which typically features celebrity insight. This month, actress Lake Bell discusses her new movie, “In a World,” along with empowerment that from claiming her role as a woman in Hollywood. Since style reigns, shoppable links are featured in each editorial so readers can emulate the looks of their favorite icons.

The Corner Restaurant repoens at 40th and Broadway.

Photos // Kate Baxendale Kate Baxendale

Copy Editor

After being closed for more than three years, the Corner Restaurant reopened its doors under new ownership and with a revamped menu. It was a popular dining spot throughout the 1980s and ’90s under the ownership of the late Steve Friedman, but it declined after his death in the 1990s and closed in 2010, according to KSHB 41. Owners Michael Pfeifer and Dawn Slaughter spent months remodeling the space to create what they call “industrial farmhouse” décor.

The restaurant has burlap curtains lining its many windows overlooking the bustling intersection at Broadway and Westport. Exposed brick and corrugated metal tie together to make for a surprisingly cozy and inviting atmosphere. At The Corner Restaurant, rags are used as napkins and wine bottles are repurposed as water vases.

Executive chef Natasha Sears boasted about the restaurant’s

Homestyle biscuits. use of local vendors for supplies, and the majority of the food is prepared from scratch. The Corner Restaurant serves comfort food with a dash of ingenuity and splendor.

The loaded grits entree is a steaming bowl of hominy grits topped with one sunny side egg, peppered bacon lardons, sautéed portabella, caramelized onions, scallions, grana padano cheese and butter. The grana padano melts beautifully into the grits and the burst egg yolk runs into the mixture of delightful flavors and textures.

A full order of swoonin’ biscuits

http://www.lifestylemirror.com

Photo //lifestylemirror.com Featured actress Lake Bell admits to having a healthy respect for motorsports.

A sunnyside egg atop loaded grits. comes with two biscuits smothered in homemade sausage gravy, two eggs and a choice of hashbrowns or house potatoes. The dish’s presentation is perfection, with two fluffy biscuits drowning in delectable gravy nestled next to a pile of fresh hashbrowns.

It was reminiscent of Mom’s homemade Sunday breakfasts.

If breakfast is not what one is craving, the restaurant has a brunch menu with sandwiches, soups and salads. The Corner burger or the grilled chicken Florentine soup are both exceptional choices.

Vegetarian options like the crispy portabella sandwich or the Caprese Napoleon salad are certain to please herbivorous diners.

The service is casual. Any server who passes by the table willstops to top off a mug of coffee or ask if anything else is needed. Upon being seated, customers are warmly welcomed and the server explaines how the restaurant uses mostly locally produced ingredients.

Customers are clearly invited to hang around and have a leisurely meal, as newspapers are provided on a ladder-turned-newsstand near the door. Ample seating in the front and a rustic bar in the back offer a choice for the visitor’s preferred dining atmosphere.

The Corner Restaurant, located at 4059 Broadway St., is open 6 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Sunday. kbaxendale@unews.com

Stereo Mood Music has the power to transport its listeners to an exact moment or feeling associated with a melody. “Stereo Mood” allows visitors to type in exactly how they feel with the promise of a playlist to accompany the mood. Quirky key words and phrases are suggested, ranging from “dance party” to “pissed off.” The wellcurated selection of songs stems from a plethora of renowned music blogs, and gives new meaning to the phrase “anything goes.”

Even if you’re unsure of your mood, featured playlists like these can accomodate all activities.

http://www.stereomood.com

Internships

Internships are slowly becoming the new entry level job.

An internship is a helpful experience to land a job after graduation. Though internships are typically unpaid, reward lies in the skills and connections gained from working daily in a professional environment. By centralizing employers and students alike, “Internships.com” makes it easy to find an appropriate match for every field. Recently crowned a Top 10 Career Website by Forbes Magazine, the opportunity-filled search engine is ideal for students. http://www.internships.com

Photo // internships.com

Birchbox For $10 a month for women — $20 for men — “Birchbox” sends its members a selection of sample products from emerging and wellknown brands. The packages include beauty, lifestyle and grooming products the Birchbox team has personally tried and endorsed.

Items are available on the website, along with a monthly magazine that describes the purpose and benefits of each concept. http://www.birchbox.com emelrose@unews.com

Like us on Facebook.

Photo //stereomood.com

Photo // birchbox.com Men’s products like shaving cream and cologne are a Birchbox favorite.

Monday October 14, 2013 | Issue 9

13

Independent film combines humor and tragedy Kate Baxendale

Copy Editor

“Everything Is Illuminated,” a novel published by Jonathan Safran Foer in 2002, was released as an independent film in 2005, telling the story of a young Jewish-American man who embarks on a “very rigid search” in the Ukraine for a woman who saved his grandfather during World War II. Foer (Elijah Wood) travels with Alexander Perchov (Eugene Hutz) and his self-diagnosed blind grandfather (Boris Leskin), who makes a living from giving heritage tours, “a business he started in 1950s, mostly for aiding rich Jewish people to search for their dead families.

It is a strange employment for Grandfather, as there is nothing he hates more than rich Jewish people or their dead families,” Alex said.

Even though Alex’s grandfather claims to be blind and he is retired, his son insists that he drive Jonathon to Trachimbrod because he offered to pay $1,200 “American.”

The film candidly showcases the grandfather’s anti-Semitic views, but in a humorous and somehow nonoffensive way. This personality flaw sorts itself out as the major twist of the film is revealed at the end of the tour.

Jonathan is a collector—he uses Ziploc bags to protect inanimate objects as memorabilia for each of his family members that he displays on a wall in his home. His vast collection of items ranging from retainers to underwear fills an entire wall, yet he only has one item under his grandfather’s photo.

A small orange stone with a grasshopper encased in it is the only remaining clue to his grandfather’s identity. Augustine, the woman who saved his grandfather from the Nazis, wore this stone around her neck as revealed in an old photo of the two that Jonathan carries with him.

“Everything Is Illuminated,” the film adaptation of Foer’s novel, casts actors who breathe life into the characters’ roles. Hutz as Alex was

a perfect selection to play Jonathan’s “humble translator,” as he introduces himself to Jonathan at the train station. Hutz’s band members from Gogol Bordello accompany him to the platform, playing “The Star-Spangled Banner” to welcome Jonathan to the Ukraine. Alex’s broken English is hysterical and consistent, using words like “premium” to describe anything good and “distressed” to mean “afraid.”

Alex holds up a sign with “Jonfen S. Foer” scrawled across it. He calls out to Jonathan, who tries to correct the pronunciation of his name but his efforts were of no avail. He is referred to as Jonfen throughout the rest of the tour.

Wood as Jonathan is a charmingly nerdy vegetarian sporting oversized glasses and a stuffy suit. His idiosyncrasies are highlighted for comic effect throughout the film, and Alex and his grandfather often poke fun at this strange Jewish-American man.

Jonathan’s diet restrictions become a problem at their first meal in Ukraine when he tries to explain to his guides that he does not eat meat. They are appalled that he won’t even eat sausage, and the waitress asks the guides if he has a problem.

Grandfather replies that Jonathon is demented and the waitress nods in agreement.

Leskin as grandfather is the epitome of an old stubborn man.

He convinces his family that he is blind after his wife passed away and he insists on getting a “seeing eye bitch” to assist him. He names the dog Sammy Davis, Jr. Jr. after “his favorite negro in the Rat Pack.” After receiving the explanation of the dog’s namesake, Jonathan explains to Alex that he shouldn’t use the word “negro.”

Jonathan told Alex he is “distressed” by dogs when he first meets Sammy Davis, Jr. When Alex translates to his grandfather what Jonathan says, Alex tells Jonathan, “Grandfather informs me that this is not possible.” This phrase

is translated from grandfather’s rude response: “Bullshit.

No one is afraid of dogs.” Alex uses this phrase with Jonathan several times throughout the tour to euphemize his grandfather’s harsh retorts.

The film showcases the vast countryside of Eastern Europe, with rolling green hills crossed with ancient dirt roads.

The first scenes from the heritage tour car window show a McDonald’s restaurant contrasted with exotic Russianstyle architecture.

The side-splitting humor comes to a halt once they reach Trachimbrod, the village that was destroyed by the Nazis in 1942. They arrive at an elderly woman’s home, and grandfather instructs Alex to ask her about Trachimbrod. He shows he the photo Jonathan carries with him and she informs him that they are here. “I am it,” she said.

The woman, Lista (Laryssa Lauret), is a collector also, having kept the remnants of the Jewish village. She is the sister of Augustine, who was killed during the Nazi raid. Lista recalls fond memories of Jonathan’s grandfather Safran, who went to America to find a home for him and Augustine just one week before Trachimbrod was destroyed.

Grandfather stares knowingly into Lista’s eyes and promptly asks Jonathan and Alex to give them some privacy. Soon after Lista leads them on foot to the village site, and the men trail her in the car with the dog sitting on the hood. Lista refuses to ride in the car, for she has never ridden in one and she is afraid.

A small plaque inscribed with Hebrew is all that remains of Trachimbrod. Lista tells the

‘Gravity’ takes audience to zero gravity Prannoy Kiran Contributing Writer

Photo // Google heartbreaking recount of the raid, explaining how the Jews were forced to spit on the village’s Torah brought by their first rabbi hundreds of years before. The soldiers held a gun to Augustine’s pregnant belly and ordered their father to spit on the Torah. When he refused, the soldiers killed his daughter.

Flashbacks of a young Lista collecting remnants like eyeglasses from massacred villagers create a haunting and disturbing turn of the plot. Grandfather appears in these flashbacks, but not in the way the audience expects.

Jonathan thanks Lista for answering the questions about his family’s past, and the men begin their journey back to the train station. A shocking and unfortunate event forces Jonathan and Alex to complete their return to the train station without grandfather.

“I have reflected many times upon our rigid search,” Alex said.

“It has shown me that everything is illuminated in the light of the past. It is always along the side of us, on the inside, looking out.” kbaxendale@unews.com

‘Man v. Liver’ gives style, harsh truth to suave drinkers Chloe Robbins-Anderson Copy Editor

Neil Hinson and Paul Friedrich released their collaborative piece “Man v. Liver” earlier this year for the Don Drapers and Karen Walkers in everyone’s lives.

This short book shows all the style and alcoholism that a “man” should represent, according to the author and illustrator. Illustrator Friedrich created the simple sketch to be a mix between Dean Martin, Jack Benny, Don Draper and Jack Donaghy.

He’s the one always on top, even if he has a hangover – and he always does. While Friedrich gives him his physical style, Hinson, who is both a writer and journalist, shows readers his innermost workings.

These workings are not deep. Man thinks about women and booze, and he loves them both equally.

In fact, it’s fairly easy to fall into the trap of thinking this is a very misogynistic book at first read. But when the reader steps back and looks at the bigger picture, this is everyone, at some level. Everyone who has ever at any point looked in the mirror and couldn’t look away, or awakened sloshy drunk and gone in

for more: this is them.

Many of these pages contain witty sayings that can be repeated at the bar to friends or potential lovers.

More than a few of these will get anyone slapped. Some great pickup lines include, “These pants are scratch ‘n’ sniff,” and, “If you don’t want me to stare at your chest, don’t hold your martini near it.”

Sometimes Man is accompanied by a nameless woman with a slinky black dress and perfectly coiffed hair to counter or encourage his advances in a clever way: “I’m old enough to be your father.” “I’m young enough to be your stepmother.”

The authors dedicated the book to their hard-working livers. Man’s mission is to destroy his liver, one Scotch at a time, any place, any time: “Screw it. It’s noon somewhere.” His cynicism is about equally fueled by and in spite of his drinks. On one page, his drinking improves life – “Instead of never speaking about this again, let’s just keep drinking ‘til we forget it” – while on the next, it destroys the joyous part of him – “My inner child has a fake I.D.” Man expounds on style, both in reality and imagined from drinks, but he does not cover up the ugly

Neil Hinson and Paul Friedrich bask in a successful partnership with “Man v. Liver.”

Photo // indyweek.com truth of the next day. He speaks perfectly succinct. about hangovers on nearly every In the end, Man chooses other page and jokes about his liver what many do, especially those mutating and taking over Tokyo. He even manages to toss in some style experiencing the burn-out near the with his hangovers: “Slept in my end of college: a stiff drink at the end clothes last night. Which means I of a long day over a long-lived liver.

“Hangovers can feel like punishment. was the best-dressed at breakfast.”

His wisdom on today’s world is a But sobriety is a life sentence.” favorite: “Twitter. Texting. Posting. canderson@unews.com Is anyone actually here?” It’s an oftobserved sentiment, but Hinson is

Photo // Google

“Life in space is impossible.”

That crisp statement of scientific fact starts “Gravity” and gets the attention of the audience. A speck in the distance set against an infinite blackness grows closer and closer until it’s clear the audience is seeing actual people, more than 300 miles above Earth, working on the Hubble Telescope.

Directed by Oscar nominee Alfonso Cuaron, and starring Sandra Bullock as a novice engineer and George Clooney as mission commander, this thriller pulls audience members into the infinite realm of deep space.

The film is centered on the defiance of possibility and the reason for being. Through all the stunning visuals, “Gravity” is concerned with the inner emotions of humans and explores the concept in a direct and simple manner. It’s about how space can be a wondrous and unforgiving place but it’s also about earthly human truths: love and loss, perseverance and redemption. pkiran@unews.com

‘Runner, Runner’ proves unimpressive Victoria Lampton

Beat Writer

Exotic locales and A-list actors combine to create the action-thriller film “Runner, Runner,” which features twists, turns and tension.

Ultimately, the film’s talent and potential is wasted on far-fetched plot lines and half-hearted writing.

Richie (Justin Timberlake) is a razor-sharp poker player who can’t resist a good deal. When he reaches gambling haven Costa Rica, he meets super-smooth tycoon and villain, Ivan (Ben Affleck), who predictably takes Richie under his wing and throws him wads of money as reward.

Another reward is a chance to sleep with Ivan’s sexy and curvaceous girlfriend, Rebecca (Gemma Arterton), whom Richie eyes lustfully as soon as he joins Ivan’s clique.

Richie succumbs to a lifestyle full of glamour and gambling.

That is, until FBI Agent Shavers (Anthony Mackie) forcefully makes Richie aware of the holes in Ivan’s Caribbean Empire of Sin .

Supposedly based on a true series of events, “Runner, Runner” has the potential to be a successful gambling/gangster flick. However, slick cinematography and a hot cast do very little to cover up the fact that the movie is, at best, very predictable.

Overall, “Runner, Runner” lacks the genuine sincerity of memorable films. At best, this film should be reserved for a rainy night rental when there’s nothing else to see or do. vlampton@unews.com

Monday October 14, 2013 | Issue 9

“The Mistakes Madeline Made” not a mistake at the Living Room Lindsay Adams Senior Beat Writer “The Mistakes Madeline Made” at The Living Room Theatre tells a story of human connection overcoming modern life’s dissatisfaction and loneliness. The 85 minute piece doesn’t lag, and keeps the show moving and the jokes coming. It looks at questions of privilege and suffering.

Edna (Melissa Fennewald), an angry and sarcastic young woman, just started working a new job for a wealthy family. The workers fulfill any demand they have. The boss is the perfectionist and overly chipper Beth (Carrie Lenahan). Edna slowly gets to know her odd co-worker Wilson (Brian Huther), who often mimics machine sounds. Together they decide to slowly tear the office apart. Edna’s anger is fueled by her brother Buddy’s (Ben Auxier) death, which occurred during the Iraq war.

Before he died, he refused to bathe to symbolize his inability to move on or cleanse himself from his memories of the war. Edna similarly becomes ablutophobic, which is a fear of bathing, when she cannot move on from her brother’s death. The pain and boredom of everyday life seem less significant juxtaposed with the suffering experienced in war-torn Iraq that Buddy experienced. The way the ablutophobia works as a cohesive element is very clever and original.

Many of the characters are written with the potential to veer wildly into over-the-top territory. Good performances underlie most of the characters, but ultimately Edna, because Fennewald’s performance is largely angry sarcasm, lacks depth until the final scene when suddenly an emotional breakdown and transformation are required. One scene is not enough to portray the anguish Edna faces, and it feels like an extreme shift since the character’s deeper pain emerged too late in the performance. The audience loses the

From left: Carrie Lenahan and Melissa Fennewald.

Photo // Shawna Journagan emotional angst, and is left with only an insecure snark in Fennewald’s is loathsome, yet understandable. performance, which is not enough to Auxier has to perform a dramatic role in a mostly comic show, and hold the play.

The pretentious young writers, is quite powerful. Huther as the Jake, Blake and Drake, who Edna socially inept but empathetic uses to quash her own self-doubt and Wilson is a revelation. Huther’s skill is demonstrated as he avoids grief, are all played by Seth Macchi.

Sometimes it feels like shots taken becoming only a caricature of at the characters are a bit easy, but comedic relief. His final monologue are undeniably hilarious. No amount is well-written and performed, and of sex will stomp out Edna’s guilt, a straightforward, touching moment and the meaningless one-night of theatre. Macchi shows immense stands only build her self-hatred. It is versatility as he plays comedic roles.

The set design by Mark Hambrecht a way for Edna find control over her is creative. The play is performed in life. the Living Room’s green room. Some The script’s balance between the sarcastic office comedy and the of the venue’s seats have poor angles drama of coping with grief of a lost for viewers to fully experience the loved one is not always successful. performance’s comedic gags.

While having to handle some However, the understated comic moments based on character abrupt shifts in tone, the show interactions are heightened by the entertains and presents a unique blocking. Director Natalie Licardello perspective that is definitely worth has a strong sense of the script’s experiencing. The show runs rhythm, and is not afraid to take the through Oct. 20 at The Living Room. appropriate silences or to quickly For more information, visit http:// www.thelivingroomkc.com/. drive through a scene.

The comedic acting is strong.

The chemistry between Auxier and Fennewald is realistic and feels ladams@unews.com genuine. Their arguing is quite realistic and feels like they share a sibling-like history. Lenahan’s Beth

‘Curse of Chucky’ delights old fans, encourages new ones Chloe Robbins-Anderson Copy Editor

Last week ushered in a new era of Chucky movies with “Curse of Chucky,” mixing the newer, funnier movies with the suspense and real fear from the originals.

Wheelchair-bound Nica (Fiona Dourif, daughter of Chucky’s voice actor, Brad Dourif) and her mother (Chantal Quesnelle) receive a box from an anonymous sender containing a Good Guy doll. That night, Nica is awakened by a scream and finds her mother dead at the bottom of the stairs. The family comes together, with Nica’s sister, Barb (Danielle Bisutti), brotherin-law, Ian (Brennan Elliott), and their daughter, Alice (Summer H. Howell). Director Don Mancini adds some human fodder for Chucky with Father Frank (A Martinez) and blond, bubbly Jill (Maitland McConnell), the live-in nanny who is obviously having an affair with Ian. Alice takes an immediate liking to Chucky, who tells her they are “friends ‘til the end,” and Nica happily gives away the doll, completely unsuspecting of anything. Nica and Jill make dinner together in an attempt to show Barb that Nica doesn’t have to go to a care facility. Of course, Jill says that Chucky wants to help make dinner, and when they leave the room, Chucky’s hand is seen pouring rat poison into a chili bowl. There is a suspenseful scene with a lot of close-ups of mouths eating chili, while the audience tries to figure out who will go first.

One by one, the rest of the family is picked off during the night in some fairly entertaining ways. Nica slowly figures out what is happening, but is too late to save most of them. In the end, she has a stand-off of sorts with Chucky, and learns of their family history together. Flashbacks show Charles Lee Ray (Brad Dourif) – the soul behind the Chucky doll – meeting the family and getting into trouble with them, leading directly into the beginning of the first “Child’s Play” movie. Everything ends on an almost-high note, with the doll as immortal as ever but leaving some survivors, however messed up their lives may become.

This is not the doll fans have come to love: this doll’s face and hair is immaculate, with creepier, more lifelike movement. The audience begins to wonder if this is a remake, starting over from the beginning, so smooth are his features. When a character notices some skin on Chucky’s lip and peels off the strips covering his stitched-up scars, people will be squirming in their seats.

Chucky’s movements are captured using both an animatronic doll and, when a face or close-ups of hands are not seen, a child in a Chucky suit. The child version is possibly more frightening, with its smooth movements and innocent figure, but it’s very obvious when it changes.

Mancini knows what he’s doing when it comes to horror. Although the last few Chucky movies, all written by Mancini, have been

14

“Curse of Chucky,” released last week, pits a paraplegic woman and her family against the murdering doll from “Child’s Play.”

Photo // sciencefiction.com comedies, and the movies before even had comedic moments, he artfully directed the viewer when to cringe, when to jump and when to squirm in disgust. It takes some fine craftsmanship to coerce the most hardened horror lover into suspense and then surprisingly take it away.

Fans of horror who were disenfranchised with “Bride of Chucky” and “Seed of Chucky” will find their love rekindled in this sequel, with some great nods to fans from the beginning. From showing Brad Dourif in extremely young makeup, making the audience wonder if this is original or new footage, to a few surprise cameos from previous films, this movie was made with Chucky enthusiasts in mind. canderson@unews.com

Possibilities

“Kids.” The lyrics of this track are Lindsay Nelson exceptional. This song has all the Broadcast Assitant keys to what makes a great song.

The up-and-coming alternative Jasper sings phrases like, “We were band Saints of Valory recently just kids. With our hopes, with our released its first EP with Atlantic dreams, with our faults,” and “I won’t Records entitled “Possibilities.” The leave you behind, band is made up of four members: I won’t leave you in the dark.”

Gavin Jasper as lead vocalist, Listeners are lured in by those Godfrey Thomson on guitar, Gerard slightly nostalgic lyrics as well as Labou on drums and Stephen Buckle the optimistic drumming and ballad on keyboard. With a new sound riffs. reminiscent of Imagine Dragons, The second track, “Long Time Saints of Valory will be soaring up Coming,” will at times remind the charts in no time. some of “On Top of the World” by Although the band was officially Imagine Dragons. The percussive formed in Austin, Texas, Jasper and introductions of both songs call his bandmates come from all over for comparison, but the lyrics tell the globe. Jasper and Thomson are completely different stories . “Back natives of Brazil and met in Rio de Up” is the last track of the EP but Janeiro while their parents were the first to feature what Thomson working abroad. Labou is from and Buckle can really do. There France. Buckle was born in Greece, are several guitar riffs that were spent most of his childhood in anticipated throughout the album, Thailand, passed through Brazil and and the keyboard styles are equally ended up in Texas. Labou’s mother, audible for the duration of the song.

Valerie, served as the inspiration for With only four potential songs to the band name. mainstream, Saints of Valory is off The band’s debut single, “Neon to a good start. They were one of the Eyes,” has been a frequent selection bands selected to open at 96.5 Buzz of several playlists on local station Beach Ball this year and attracted 96.5 The Buzz. The song will remind a far greater crowd than expected, many listeners of “It’s Time” by according to Buzz host Lazlo. Fall Imagine Dragons. It is evident the in love with Saints of Valory now band is not trying to duplicate the because the band is going to get big. sound Imagine Dragons has created, but emulating the brilliance that can lnelson@unews.com be made with such a style of music.

The first song on the EP is called

‘Trouble Will Find Me’ proves The National gets better with age

Marlee Newman

Beat Writer

For fans of The National, “Trouble Will Find Me” is a walk through familiar territory with some surprising detours along the way.

The Brooklyn-based band’s newest album is an introspective listening experience guided by the effortless and emotional baritone vocals of singer/songwriter Matt Berninger.

The songs deliver thoughtprovoking and raw lyrics that are sure to teleport listeners back to the complexity of past relationships.

The album opens with a simple but heartfelt acoustic melody backed by barely-there soft instrumentals weeping in the background. “I Should Live in Salt” melts from a somber picture of hopeless love into an anthem-like proclamation of facing demons, and it urges listeners to sing along. The minimalist approach taken with many of the tracks on the album sets the stage for the lyrical genius of Berninger to shine, and provide a listening experience akin to snooping in a diary. Offering up lines that are honest and bare while still maintaining poetic flare, the lyrics leave no room for the clichés that are often synonymous with songs about heartbreak.

As the album progresses, more highlights can be found in the fast tempo of “I Should Swallow the

Photo // Google Cap,” which also adds a touch of airy female background vocals, creating an interesting contrast with Berninger’s signature low drawl. This same vocal dynamic is also displayed within “This Is the Last Time,” a tale of sobering self-realization that is sure to emit chills.

It is safe to say that The National deserves the abundance of positive reviews that have surrounded “Trouble Will Find Me,” a much deeper, darker and less cryptic album compared to 2010’s critically acclaimed “High Violet.” It seems the band’s formula for success lies in improvement over reinvention, resulting in the perfect album to cozy up to on a cold night. mnewman@unews.com

Monday October 14, 2013 | Issue 9

15

Disclaimer: The views of individual writers expressed below in this section do not represent the official stance of U-News. U-News welcomes participation from all UMKC students.

Letters to the editor may be submitted to Editors-in-Chief Roze Brooks and Elizabeth Golden, editor@unews.com.

Let kids be kids Why do we need

you again? the culprit long gone.

Matt Melson Of course, my roommate and I Broadcast Assistant called the police and they promptly In the past week I have had showed up. After explaining to the two interesting interactions with officer what had occurred, he told us local law enforcement, going from he was not able to do anything about one extreme to the other. These it. Nothing. Not a single thing about experiences left me asking why we a person who vandalized my home.

Even after we asked him to need police.

The first instance was last week investigate, asked him to file a report when I got out of rehearsal for a and asked him to look at the scene, play, went to my car in the Rockhill he still said that he was unable to parking structure and found my car help us in any way. So good news to was dead. After talking to a couple of any criminals out there: if you want friends to see if I get a jump, I was out to go around busting out windows at 4 a.m., rest assured that the police of luck.

I called the UMKC police to see if won’t help the victims.

These two experiences left me I could get a jump. About 20 minutes later, an officer jumped my car. The with the question, why do we need interesting thing was that he was the police? Of course there is a need incredibly nice about it. He shared a for detectives and S.W.A.T teams, couple of stories about giving jumps but need for the lowest level police is something I have struggled to figure to other cars and was on his way.

On the other side, most of my out.

When a crime or event occurs interactions with police officers have been sort of touch and go. Often that calls for police attention, they times they become very stern and are typically not present to prevent look at me strangely when I try to it. They are just there after it has ease the mood with a joke. Other occurred. They react to it. Most of times, they don’t even allow me to the time, when this occurs, they are talk at all. So this was very surprising powerless to do anything about it when the officer was kind and a themselves, unless they are actually great help. My next interaction with there when a crime is committed.

If a crime occurs that calls for a police did not go as well.

Last Saturday night, at 4 a.m., I solution, a detective is the one to awoke to the sound of shattering solve it. If an accident occurs that glass. My roommate and I opened calls for medical help, firefighters our doors to see what was going on. and paramedics are the ones to do Apparently, someone thought that it. The officer is usually only there it was a great idea to bust out my to assign blame. If a shootout is garage door windows and run away. happening, a specialized team would Once we got to the garage we saw show up to handle the situation. the busted out door windows and Besides giving speeding tickets,

Lindsay Nelson Broadcast Assistant

Matt Melson helping with broken-down cars and catching the occasional drunk driver, police seem to be powerless to help with anything else.

The only thing the police effectively accomplish is instilling fear in the public. Every time an officer gets behind me while driving, I always have a small panic attack even if I’m not doing anything wrong. I always sit up straighter, put my hands at ten and two and constantly monitor my speed.

It seems to me that regular, everyday police officers are nothing more than glorified security guards who patrol larger areas and use up tax payer money. If that is all they do, I don’t see the need for them. I understand they are a great idea and provide a service to the community, but if they can’t help people with vandalized homes, why do we need them again? mmelson@unews.com

Remember that Geico commercial with the camel, the “happier than a camel on Wednesday” camel, to be exact? The camel is cheering about the day of the week commonly referred to as “hump day.” Viewers of the commercial likely laughed— because it’s funny.

Well, the staff of Vernon Center Middle School in Connecticut isn’t laughing. It recently banned its students from quoting the commercial or even using the phrase “Hump day.” It was reported kids were incessantly repeating “It’s hump day” in the hallways and classrooms.

KMBC interviewed residents of the town for their thoughts and feelings on the matter. Nearly everyone interviewed agreed that it was an unnecessary disturbance.

The superintendant stated it “was not a district or even a school wide issue, but that teachers just wanted to nip it in the bud.” Therefore, a string of three words was banned from the school.

Teachers and students alike have referred to Wednesday as “hump day” for as long as I can remember.

I do not recall a week of school, in my near 16 years of education, during which someone did not refer to Wednesday as hump day or say, “We’ve made it over the hump.”

It is a common phrase not isolated to the school week. People in the workplace say it all the time— hence why the aforementioned commercial was set in an office space. Clearly, I cannot be the only one who comprehends how excessive this method of action is.

The superintendent admitted that it was not even a school-wide problem yet. The school banned the phrase because it was an issue in a couple of classes.

Lindsay Nelson Really, Vernon Center Middle School? They are middle-schoolers.

They are supposed to be unruly and say silly things repeatedly and loudly. Can it really be expected that a 12-year-old boy is going to be able to resist quoting a camel saying “It’s hump day”? I am 20 years old and think it’s hilarious. I laugh every time I see it. What happened to just sending a kid to the principal’s office for acting out? At least half of the kids going around saying it are probably completely unaware of any sexual connotation that could be tacked onto it. Do I need to remind you, Vernon Center Middle School, of the vast percent of college students who still make “That’s what she said” jokes after every sentence? I don’t see any universities banning those comments.

Cherish the fact that these kids find humor in stupid jokes.

Many kids are being forced to take themselves too seriously at too young of an age. They need to laugh and make dumb remarks. They will likely find a different phrase to chant relentlessly in a week, so a preemptive ban is about the most idiotic move one could make. Laugh at commercials, let kids be kids and let camels have their day.

lnelson@unews.com

Monday October 14, 2013 | Issue 9

16

UNIVERSITY NEWS WEEKLY FORECAST

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Oct 15 Oct 16 Oct 17 Oct 18 Oct 19 Oct 20 Oct 21 High 62°F High 60°F High 67°F High 64°F High 59°F High 58°F High 61°F Low 42°F Low 40°F Low 44°F Low 43°F Low 37°F Low 41°F Low 46°F

CROSSWORD

Kasey says...

Show us some love.

SUDOKU

Like us on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/UMKCUniversityNews