Featured #1
North Pole? No, it’s True Blue Plaza.
A snowy campus in mid-February had a Christmas-like look. [Read more...] Read More →
Featured #2
Ag science students run cow-calf operation
(Photo by Joe Lusk) A purebred Angus cow recently had twin calves at the HCC livestock facility at South Campus. By Steve Hagley Like a tidy little ranch, the Ag Science cow-calf operation is nestled in the southwest corner of the HCC south campus. Livestock judging coach Bill... [Read more...]
Featured #3
Debate teams invade HCC
(Lawn photo) Colorado College students Sim Butler, Joel Minor and Bridgett Shephard, all of Colorado Springs, enjoy a break during the debate/forensics tourney at Hutchinson Community College on Sept. 25-26. . (On chairs, inside page) Thomas Teague, of Northeastern State University,... [Read more...]
Featured #4
‘Baller’ becomes boxer
(By Joe Lusk) Ducking and weaving, hopping and popping, “Jab-a-Jaw” Jerome Turner is not a man to be trifled with. Turning, dipping, and slipping underneath his shadow boxer’s guard, Turner fires off a flurry of precise, deliberate strikes before falling back to the classic... [Read more...]
Featured #5
Migratory birds leave mess for HCC
(File Photo) Birds could be seen flying in to the HCC campus in large numbers at about 8 p.m., in this photo shot in 2007. By Kat Saunders The birds were back, but now they seem to have evacuated the area. The appearance of bird droppings on the sidewalks around campus is a situation... [Read more...]
Featured #6
Track team honored for All-American academics
By Kendra Bruce The NJCAA Coach’s Association awards colleges across the U.S. for their top 10 athletes who have the best GPAs. Coach Pat Becher of the HCC Dragons track team has a good reason to be proud of his athletes. The HCC Dragon Women’s Track and Field Team of 2009... [Read more...]
News
Governor’s signature needed for K2 ban
(Photo by Angela Holcomb) Don Gregg stated there were customers coming to his shop from Great Bend, Salina and Pratt to purchase K2. The media coverage has caused a frenzy of customers to buy it before the ban goes into effect.
By Alex Keel
The bill to ban the synthetic chemicals JWH-018 and JWH-073 awaits the governor’s signature to be passed. These chemicals are found in the herbal blend K2, and the ban has people on either side of the fence. Don Gregg, the proprietor of the Cornerstore Giftshop, which sells K2, is upset at this latest turn of events.
“I don’t understand why this has become such a big deal,” Gregg said. “It’s only sold to those over 18, and it isn’t hurting anyone.”
The main concern for lawmakers about K2 is the lack of information about the soon to be banned chemicals found in the product. According to the Kansas City Star, Rep. Rob Olsen, Olathe, was the one to introduce the bill. [Read more...]
Smoking ban worries bar owners
(Photo by Angela Holcomb) Vic’s bar, located on 4th Street in Hutchinson, is one of the many establishments fearing a loss of business due to the statewide smoking ban. Six bars in Salina have already closed to due a prior ban on smoking.
By Angela Holcomb
The bill to ban smoking in all public places in Kansas was passed by legislation on Feb. 25.
The ban includes restaurants, bars, all workplaces and most public spaces.
Smoking will only be permitted in such places as smoke shops, private clubs and gaming floors of state-owned casinos.
“We are making a legacy vote to let all Kansans breath clean air,” said Rep. Charlie Roth. [Read more...]
Orthopedic physician and humanitarian to lecture
Koontz
By Samantha Ridder
Orthopedic physician and humanitarian, Dr. Jennifer Scott Koontz, who recently traveled with Heart to Heart International on an eight day trip to Haiti, will speak at the upcoming Dillon Lecture Wednesday, March 10th.
The lecture will be held in the B.J. Warner Recital Hall in Stringer Fine Arts at 10:30 a.m..
Koontz traveled with Heart to Heart International, which works in over 60 counties inculding the U.S.
The group went with donated medical supplies to help with the relief effort after the earthquake. [Read more...]
HCC’s Read Across America a success
(Photo by Adam Sheets) Kelly Perry, or The Cat in the Hat, reads Curious George to her son, Timmie Perry.
By Adam Sheets
Hutchinson Community College’s Student Support Services held a scavenger hunt for the daycare children on March 2, in celebration of Dr. Seuss birthday.
The tots came to the Blue Dragon room in the Student Union, and were greeted by woman in a Cat in the Hat costume.
They were given a packet with various Dr. Seuss related activities and had their pictures taken with The Cat in the Hat.
The kids partnered up with the SSS students, and got to know each other a little bit. Terri Eckhoff, SSS reading specialist, made announcements, and explained to the kids about the scavenger hunt that was set up for them. [Read more...]
Healthy mentalities to be fostered at HCC
By Ashley Bailey
It’s time for that much needed stress release during the spring semester at Hutchinson Community College.
That’s right; the Mental Health Fair will be back at HCC on Wednesday, March 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Parker Student Union.
There will be many activities such as the much loved massage therapist Janette Fields, Stutzman’s Greenhouse flowers, guidance and counseling services, and a Wii for some fitness tension relief.
Dr. Sue Ann Osterhout, guidance counselor for student support services and coordinator of the event, said, “I don’t think there’s a time in the year when you don’t need a little boost. It’s a fun time for everybody.” [Read more...]
VITA comes to campus
(Photo by Vinny Tranello) Volunteer June Greathouse helps locals with upcoming taxes.
By Vinny Tranello
Free tax preparation is now available to Hutchinson Community College students. Assistance is not just only for students; it is for anyone with annual income below $49,000. The electronic tax preparation service is from the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. This year’s local tax services began Jan. 26 and will end April 15.
Assistance will be provided by Volunteer Action Corps members at the new Salvation Army building, 700 N. Walnut, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. till 3 p.m. on a first come, first serve basis. Beginning Feb. 2, appointments became available for times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Taxpayers whose work or school schedules prevents them from coming during the day can schedule a late afternoon or evening appointment by calling 620-665-4964.People who sign up are required to bring things such as a photo ID, Social Security card, interest statements and a copy of the person’s 2008 returns. [Read more...]
Winkler jests with press during conference
(Photo by Angela Holcomb) Henry Winkler speaks to the audience during the Dillon Lecture. The seats were packed with one-half of the Sports Arena being filled with spectators to listen to Winkler’s speech.
By Joe Lusk
A man walked into the administrative offices of the Hutchinson Sports Arena, pausing to survey the gaggle of journalists turn their heads and cameras in unison.
It was the morning of Feb. 15.
Dr. Ed Berger, president of Hutchinson Community College, was a few steps ahead of him; his body language that of a man leading a person of import.
A hush washed over the room. Pens were clicked. Paper was shuffled. The quiet whir of camera lenses auto-focusing was faintly audible. [Read more...]
‘Fonz’ lectures at Arena
By Marah Corwin
On Feb. 15, Henry Winkler spoke at the Dillon Lecture Series in the Sports Arena.
Winkler, a child of Jewish immigrants who fled Nazi Germany in 1939, was made famous by the 1974 hit sitcom Happy Days, in which he played Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli.
The actor has written 17 children’s novels with his partner Lynn Oliver; he has also played in well known movies such as The Water Boy and Click, and guest starred on a number of popular shows like The Simpsons, Arrested Development, Third Watch and Numbers. [Read more...]
Student suffers stroke; returns to class
Leister
By Angela Holcomb
On Feb. 6, Jordan Leister, an HCC student suddenly became sick and thought she just had a stomach flu. Her roommate went to check on her and found her passed out on the floor and took her to Hutchinson Hospital. After being examined it was determined that she had a stroke.
She was conscious and talking to the doctors, but she has no recollection of the incident.
“I don’t remember going to Hutchinson Hospital,” Leister said. “I just remember waking up at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita.” [Read more...]
Shirley accepts position with Ottawa University
By Samantha Ridder
Many HCC students have been surprised by the absence of Jeff Shirley in Admissions. Shirley recently accepted a job with Ottawa University, in eastern Kansas.
“I am still in the office of admissions,” Shirley said, “but I have professional growth options here.”
His leaving did seem sudden, but it was the right time for it, he said. [Read more...]
Third Thursday rocks
(Photo by Joe Lusk) A line of “Taste It Downtown” participants file down a row of food and dessert samples at “The W” on downtown Main Street on the night of Feb. 18.
By Kat Saunders
You could say “Third Thursday” was a big hit, as crowds of people braved the cold on Feb. 18 for samples of gourmet food and a bit of culture in downtown Hutchinson.
Groups, couples and singles mingled on the sidewalks, sometimes stopping to warm in the glow of gas heaters set out on the walkways, their orange flames flickering in the frosty air.
“Downtown Hutchinson is just wonderful,” said Trish Rose, a local attorney and member of the Hutchinson City Council. “It’s just alive tonight. There’s people downtown, just like the old days.”
This Third Thursday’s event, “Taste it Downtown,” was a sampling occasion for several downtown eateries. [Read more...]
Features
A healthy breakfast is a no-brainer
(Photo by Joe Lusk) Whole wheat pancakes painted with peanut butter and real maple syrup, curried scrambled tofu with sprouted peas, and sweet potato hash browns sprinkled with sugar provide a healthy and hearty breakfast.
By Joe Lusk
Most people are hungry in the morning.
This fact is what makes the morning such an opportune time to eat, and this meal has been dubbed breakfast.
It’s no coincidence that a leisurely weekend breakfast is regarded with delight and excitement.There’s something just magical about rising early and whipping up a piping hot meal that’ll stick to the bones and get one rolling on into the day.
Sadly, while breakfast might be a favorite meal, it’s generally far from the healthiest. [Read more...]
Students share smart savings strategies
(Photo Illustration) Some HCC students turn down the thermostat when looking for ways to save.
By Joe Lusk
College students, never known for living particularly extravagant lives, are weathering the economic recession by allocating their household and discretionary finances in much the same way they already did.
“I just don’t spend my money on stupid stuff,” said Sam Clark, Hutchinson.
Clark lives in a one- bedroom apartment in the Plaza Towers in downtown Hutchinson.
She pays $420 a month to live there, and her gas, water, and electricity is all paid for as part of her rental fee so she rarely needs to worry about turning down the thermostat, or metering her power usage. [Read more...]
Deadlines come fast for financial aid
By Kendra Bruce
The 2010-11 school year is coming up, and it’s time for students to start applying for financial aid. There are a number of scholarships to apply for, but you only need to fill out one application.
By completing the Scholarship Application, students will be considered for all scholarships that they are eligible for.
There are ten main scholarships that are offered here at HCC, but each have their own qualifications. Some of them include:
The Presidential Scholarship requires 3.25 GPA, 25 on the ACT, and full time enrollment. This scholarship is offered on a competitive basis. [Read more...]
Save cash: Resist urge to eat out
By Andrea Radcliffe
One of the top priorities of a typical HCC student is eating, but like any other college student, they hardly have the cash to do it.
Figuring out how to fill yourself up while on a dime is a tricky challenge, but there are many ways in which one can overcome it.
According to collegescholarships.org, one of the number one ways to save money on food is if you’re a student that lives on campus, use your meal plan — it’s already paid for.
If you live off campus or in an apartment, eat in. Better yet, spend someone else’s money and not yours. [Read more...]
Living off campus saves money
By Martin Mendez
One of the main concerns these days is that everyone is trying to save money, considering many different ways to reach there goal.
One thing many students are doing is cooking at home.
LaNair Gardener, Dallas, and Zach Little, Wichita, are doing so and saving while still eating right.
Gardener was living in the dorms last semester; he moved to an apartment to save money from the cost of dorms and “ridiculous” cafeteria prices. [Read more...]
Research doesn’t lie; it’s time to get shuteye
Photo Illustration by Samantha Ridder
By Jarek Penney
According to a number of sources, including MedicineNet.com, the average adult needs at least seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
Dr. Dave Neufeldt, a psychology instructor at HCC, insisted that eight hours of sleep is needed for every person, each night.
Neufeldt stressed the importance of having the same sleep schedule all throughout the week, noting that young adults’ natural body clocks tell them to stay up later at night, and sleep later into the morning.
“Literally, you physically become an owl,” Neufeldt said. “So you’re not as awake in the morning.” [Read more...]
Online classes walk the line between beneficial and harmful
By Kendra Bruce
Online classes are now becoming quite a debatable subject. There are both advantages and disadvantages to having an online class.
The question is: Should certain students be taking them?
“I think the nature of the class should dictate whether or not it’s online,” said Rachel Santine, HCC speech instructor. “I understand the importance of practicality of online instruction for students who don’t live in the area. But I do feel there’s a value in the traditional academic classroom.”
Some students disagree, and enjoy taking the online classes. [Read more...]
The Winter Jazz Festival delivers smooth sound
Photos by Angela Holcomb
Tom Luer, Los Angeles, came to play in The Winter Jazz Festival Concert. Luer is both a professional performer and educator. [Read more...]
Jean Kennedy, classical guitarist, coming to HCC
Kennedy
By Alex Keel
Shears Technology Center will be holding a classical guitar recital in the Justice theatre at 6 p.m. on Feb. 10.
“It’s going to be a good time,” Dr. Paula Luteran one of the main organizers of the event said. “It will feature some great songs.”
The event is called Canciones del corazon, which means songs from the heart in Spanish. It will feature several music selections including the highly regarded Manuel Ponce. Ponce was a Mexican composer whose songs include many classic guitar and piano works. [Read more...]
Domestic Violence Week Events
Monday, Feb. 8
Lunchtime Yoga with Jennifer Randall noon to 1 p.m. at The Yoga Loft 7 W. Ave. B.
Go With The Flow Yoga with Jennifer Randall 5:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. at The Yoga Loft.
Brooks’ on Main St. presents: The Vegan and Vegetarian Lifestyle with Kin and Chelsea Troyer 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. at Brooks’ on Main St. 119 S. Main. [Read more...]
Completion in sight for Biotech Center
(Photo by Marah Corwin) The new and improved Biotech Center is nearly complete, with larger classrooms and labs. Some are already in use by students. When completed and the landscaping is done, it will be one of the most distinctive buildings on campus.
By Jarek Penney
The science hall at HCC has undergone many changes since renovations began in the spring of 2008, but work is set to be complete by the beginning of the 2010 fall semester.
“We would like to have full occupancy and availability, certainly by fall semester,” said Dr. Ed Berger, president of HCC.
Practically everything, excluding the concrete floor that will be redone over the summer, is expected to be complete by May, according to the to E. W. Johnson construction supervisor Floyd Bailey. [Read more...]
‘Buzzed’ driving common among students
(Photo Illustration by Alex Keel)
By Cassandra Lund
These days, drinking seems to be getting more and more out of control among college students.
Not only does there seem to be more house parties, but the tendency to drive drunk, or “buzzed,” has taken over many individuals as well.
“Buzzed” is a term used to describe someone who is not completely drunk, but who just has that feeling that they have consumed some alcohol. [Read more...]
Adams enjoys being new cheer coach
By Joe Lusk
Kristy Adams, the Blue Dragons’ new head cheerleading coach, describes herself as a “stay-at-home mom,” but it’d be stretching it to say that she didn’t have her hands full between home life and coaching the squad.
She’s at cheer practice with the squad four days a week in the late afternoon and early evening, and she’s with the squad whenever they perform at home (and frequently away) basketball and football games. [Read more...]
Sports
HCC men down Ft. Scott in tourney opener
(Photo by Angela Holcomb) HCC point guard James Stewart brings the ball down the court Feb. 25 in a lopsided victory for the Dragons at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. Final score of that game was 85-63.
By Tyler Hall
The Blue Dragons opened the Region VI tournament at the Hutchinson Sports Arena with an impressive win, 76-47 against the Hounds of Fort Scott Community College.
Freshman Dylan Frantz had the hot hand from beyond the three-point line on Tuesday, making 3 of 3 to open the second half. Hutch went on an 11-4 run to end the first half to give them a 32 to 19 lead going into halftime. After the break it was all Dragons behind the sharp shooting of Frantz. He made three 3’s in a row to extend the Blue Dragons 13 point lead. After Frantz hit those clutch shots the lead was 48 to 25 and the men didn’t look back from there.
“I just wanted to catch it and let it fly,” said Frantz, who had 13 points. “I knew it was going in. You can’t think about anything besides letting it go.” [Read more...]
Lady Dragons keep streak alive
(Photo by Joe Lusk) Sophomore star Heather Robben was honored after the game for breaking the all-time HCC scoring record on March 2 at the Sports Arena. Her coach, John Ontjes, presented her with a signed ball, at center court, to mark the occasion.
By Tyler Hall
The Lady Dragons had little trouble flying by the Neosho County Panthers in their first round game of the Region VI basketball tournament on March 2.
The game was never close as the HCC women impressively beat the Panthers 94 to 61 in the Sports Arena.
Sophomore Heather Robben became the all-time HCC leading scorer on Tuesday, passing Cian Carvalho’s previous mark of 1,034 set in 2000.
Robben now sits at 1,041 career points as a Lady Dragon and she will likely increase that number as she looks to lead her team to a region VI championship. [Read more...]
Players named All-Jayhawk Conference
By Tyler Hall
The Men’s and Women’s all conference teams have been decided. Four HCC basketball players were named all-conference.
Joe Mitchell was named Freshman of the year in Jayhawk West and also named to the all-conference first team as a guard.
Bruce Reed, also a freshman, was honored with a second team all- conference selection. [Read more...]
Track team heads for nationals
By Grant McCormick
The cold weather can slow everyone down, and there is no exception for the HCC track and field team. However, despite the setbacks, HCC track and field is still looking strong heading into nationals on March 3.
“We’ve had a good indoor season up to this point. We’ve got about twelve people that have qualified for the national indoor championship. The biggest problem we’ve had is fighting the weather.” head coach Patrick Becher said.
The team hasn’t been slowed down from injuries, but rather from the cold. According to coach Becher, the cold has been preventing them from training and working on events properly. [Read more...]
Lady Dragons fly by Cougars in 79-62 win
(Photo by Joe Lusk) Naudia Campbell in a rare position away from the basket looks to get back down low to put her self in a position to dominate.
By Tyler Hall
Once again the Lady Dragons basketball team thoroughly went about their business beating the Barton Cougars by a score of 79-62 in the Hutchinson Sports Arena.
This win improves their record to 24-3 overall and 11-2 in conference play. This win also improves their home record to an impressive 15-0 and sends a message throughout the league that these girls are not to be taken lightly.
“Good performance for us all-around,” said head coach John Ontjes. “I thought we guarded well. Offensively we were pretty efficient. I’m happy with the win… I’m happy that now we’ll have a game every Wednesday and Saturday until the playoffs start. Hopefully there are no interruptions and we can just concentrate on the task at hand, game by game.” [Read more...]
Joe Mitchell proves himself on the court
By Grant McCormack
Hutchinson Community College’s head basketball coach Steve Eck can thank the brutally cold Kansas winter weather for having freshman guard Joe Mitchell on the court.
Mitchell played both baseball and football in high school but basketball was always his favorite because it wasn’t outside in the cold. While it may be cold outside, Mitchell has been on fire lately on indoor basketball courts.
On Feb. 6, Mitchell was perfect at the line, hitting seven of seven, and knocking down four of eleven from the field for a solid 16 points in a home game against Garden City.
Four days later he did it again, hitting all of his free throws for the second game in a row. Despite falling short of a victory, Mitchell still finished with a team-high 19 points. On top of that, he snuck in four steals, just one shy of Josh Davis’ team high of five. [Read more...]
Men’s pull off two wins against Barton and Colby
By Martin Mendez
The Blue Dragons Went into their game against Barton on a two game losing streak needing a win.
But a performance by Freshman Dylan Frantz helped boost the win with a 14-point, his season best, and zero turnover game as the Blue Dragons beat Barton 69-56. “I’m just trying to play with confidence,” said Frantz, “I’m gaining confidence every time I step onto the floor, and now I’m able to knock down the open shots.”
Frantz three 3-pointers matched a season best, Frantz has had three games of at least 10 points this season. [Read more...]
Blue Dragon’s start baseball off with a huge win over Cowley County
By Tyler Hall
The Hutch Blue Dragons baseball team opened their season with an impressive win over Jayhawk East powerhouse Cowley 8-5 in nine innings on Feb. 17.
Leading the attack was sophomore Matt Williams who started the game and pitched four strong innings, only giving up one unearned run while getting his first win of the season. Williams had four strikeouts and two walks before he handed the rains over to sophomore Shawn Lewick.
The Dragons had four pitchers appear in Wednesday’s game, which shows that depth on the bump shouldn’t be a problem this spring.
The team returns twelve players from a year ago and six have the opportunity to see time on the bump. All twelve players from last season should see significant playing time this spring as the Dragons look to improve their record. [Read more...]
Dragons bush-whacked by Broncs, 89-85
(Photo by Angela Holcomb) Joe Mitchell cuts past two Broncbuster players as he brings the ball through the defense during the Feb. 6 game at the Sports Arena. The Dragons had a cold night, shooting a season-low 32.6 percent from the field.
By Martin Mendez
The Hutchinson Blue Dragons were up by nearly 18 points in the second half against Dodge City on Feb. 3, but the Conquistadors tried to rally back and make a game of it. The Dragons eventually won, 89-85, in a Jayhawk West Match up at the Dodge City Civic Center.
The Blue Dragons shot better than 55 percent for the fifth time this season, leading to a lead of 69-51 with 7:48 to play. With the win at Dodge, Hutch won its ninth straight game in the Jayhawk West and completed a regular season sweep against Dodge City, increasing the wins to 32 in series history.
The next obstacle was facing Garden City on Feb. 6 at the Sports Arena. It was a big obstacle. [Read more...]
Lady Dragons whip GCCC on home court
(Photo by Angela Holcomb) Uba Blessing brings the ball down court.
By Tyler Hall
HCC women had yet another impressive win Saturday when they defeated the Broncbusters of Garden City 69 to 57.
This win avenges a loss they suffered to Garden City in the Broncbusters’ hometown on January 18.
With this win, the girls gained a very pivotal game and a half over Garden City in the Jayhawk West Standings.
Hutch women are now a very impressive 14 and 0 at home this season. [Read more...]
Lady Dragons pound boards, Saints
(Photo by Joe Lusk) Hannah Punch lines up a shot during action near the basket in the Feb. 1 game with Seward County.
By Tyler Hall
The Lady Dragons pulled off yet another impressive win Monday night when they defeated Seward 67 to 55. Blessing Uba led the Dragons in scoring and rebounds with 22 and 10.
Sophomore Heather Robben was held to a season low 4 points against Seward but those 4 points were enough to move her into fourth place all time at HCC with 900 points passing Penny Fischer (1984-86).
“Blessing was solid,” HCC Head Coach John Ontjes said. “She attacked the basket and put a lot of pressure (on the defense). She did a great job of kind of taking the pressure away from Heather, because they really do a good job of trying to take Heather out of our offense. Blessing just stepped up and made some big points for us tonight.” [Read more...]
Robben sets her goals high, plays to win
By Grant McCormick
Heather Robben, the 5-9 guard for the Lady Dragons, has been playing basketball since she was five, and it shows. Whether the game is in her front yard against her older brother, or at the Sports Arena playing for HCC, Robben can flat-out play.
On Jan. 27, against Pratt, Heather shot an astonishing 75% percent from beyond the arc, and hit both of her two free throws for an impressive overall shooting percentage of 62.5%. Her deadly accurate shots combined for a total of 15 points. But it didn’t stop there. She also racked up a season high of seven steals, and tied the game high in assists with five. [Read more...]
Entertainment
‘Black Dynamite’ provides great, laugh-filled ride
By Alex Keel
As a loving homage of the black exploitation movies of the 70’s, “Black Dynamite” succeeds on many levels.
Shot on oversaturated film stock to give the film the visual look of similar films such as “Shaft” and “Cleopatra Jones,” the film starts with a snitch named Jimmy being murdered by the mob. Little did they realize that Jimmy’s older brother Black Dynamite is not only the CIA’s best operative but also a world-class womanizer and kung-fu master.
Dynamite takes to the streets to clean up the drug problem on the streets while searching for his brother’s killer. There are insidious kung-fu practitioners, drug dealers and corruption that lead all the way to white house. [Read more...]
‘My Sister’s Keeper’ a must read
By Marah Corwin
When picking up a book to read, most people want something that they can enjoy; something that will either make them laugh or cry…seldom do they look for one that’s going to make them stop and think.
My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult is a book that happens to do all three of those things at once: it will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and it will definitely make you stop and think.
The story is told through multiple first person points of view, which is the way most of Picoult’s stories are told, and it’s about a girl named Anna who was born solely for the purpose of keeping her sister Kate alive. [Read more...]
‘The Time Traveler’s Wife’ a depressing flick
By Jarek Penney
“The Time Traveler’s Wife,” directed by Robert Schwentke, only left me feeling bad for the time traveler’s wife.
Clare Abshire (Rachel McAdams) plays the wife of a man, Henry DeTamble (Eric Bana), who has a condition that causes him to involuntarily time travel frequently.
The two meet when Henry (Bana) time travels to a meadow when Clare (McAdams) is a young girl and Henry is in his 40’s. The two develop a strong relationship and end up falling in love after many years of visits from Henry.
After Clare’s 18th birthday, Henry stops visiting and Clare goes away to college, only to meet up with a much younger Henry at the library where he works. [Read more...]
‘Julie & Julia’ wavers on the line of mediocrity
By Joe Lusk
This past weekend downtown’s Hutchinson’s Fox Theater opened its doors once more to display a feature film after a long cinematic lull since their summer film series.
“Julie and Julia,” a feature film out on DVD since early December ‘09, was played on the evenings of Feb. 5, 6, and 7.
The film, starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, is an adaptation of two books: one chronicling the early life of Julia Child (played by Streep), and the other a memoir of a woman (played by Adams) who cooked all 524 recipes from Child’s seminal cookbook “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” in one year. [Read more...]
HCC’s ‘Loose Change” improv to wow audiences Feb. 11 - 13
By Marah Corwin
Cue scene lighting! Quiet everybody!
Action.
The Hutchinson Community College’s theater department often puts on shows that dazzle and entertain the crowd, and on Feb. 11, 12 and 13 the HCC Theater Performance Ensemble group, Loose Change, will be entertaining audiences of up to 100 people with their well-thought-out improv show.
But many people don’t know what goes into performing in an improv show; there are actual rules the actors have to follow. [Read more...]
Evil Empire was the greatest of Rage Against the Machine’s albums
By Vinny Tranello
Evil Empire by the rap-rock group Rage Against the Machine was released in 1996 and is the band’s second album. Zack de la Rocha sings the vocals with Tom Morello on guitar, Brad Wilk on drums and Tim Commerford on bass.
The album starts out strong with its first track, People of the Sun, which has a very catchy opening riff and an incredible bass line. Next up is one of their most popular songs, yet also great, Bulls on Parade, which is about structure the military. [Read more...]
‘Vagina Monologues’ will cap off Women’s Week
By Alex Keel
From Feb. 7-14 Hutchinson is holding its first annual Women’s Week, which includes eight days of complementary workshops, campaigns and events.
On Sunday the 14th there will be a performance of the Vagina Monologues as well for one of the last scheduled events.
V-Day as it is called, rallies people to stop all violence against women. The event has been around for around 10 years now. Hutchinson Community College Theater Department and Delta Psi Omega will be sponsoring this Hutchinson V-Day locally. [Read more...]
‘Avatar’ provides a visceral visual experience
By Vinny Tranello
Avatar, James Cameron’s newest film, is a sci-fi /action film starring Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, and Stephan Lang.
The plot of the movie follows Worthington’s character, Jake Sully, who travels to the planet Pandora to take control of his late twin brother’s avatar to interact and gain trust from the native race, the Na’vi.
The avatar provides the paraplegic Jake an opportunity to experience using a fully functional body again. [Read more...]
Slayer’s latest provides a hard, fast sound for fans
By Steve Hagley
On Nov. 9 metal legends Slayer released their latest album “World Painted Blood.” One being familiar to this genre would think, “Oh here we go another lame-ass release from a bunch of guys in their late 40’s. Why don’t they just break up or have someone die already?” But Slayer has proven itself as an exception.
The opening title track starts out with a very iffy intro with incoherent mumbling over an almost too drawn out guitar intro that could either lead into a song that’s inhumanly horrible or amazing. The track quickly picks up with a hard hitting shred worthy riff backed by quick drumming. Not a bad start although the “World Painted Blood, No Sanctuary” chorus gets a bit repetitive and boring. All-in-all, a hard-hitting intro track. [Read more...]
‘Avatar’ masters hype
By Joe Lusk
James Cameron’s first film in over a decade, ‘Avatar’, has certainly been receiving the entertainment industry glamour treatment.
Cameron’s first dramatic theatrical endeavor since ‘Titanic’ certainly didn’t pull any punches.
He has stated that he has decelerated production until recent years because he was waiting for technology to catch up with the depth and breadth of his ideas. [Read more...]
New show hits the right notes
By Alex Keel
ABC’s latest hit show “FlashFoward” provides a solid hour of entertainment. The premise is that on September 24, everyone suffers a global blackout, which last 137 seconds, killing millions.
Those that survived the blackout experienced a vision of their lives six months in the future, while others saw nothing, leaving them extremely worried as to whether or not they’ll be alive in six months. [Read more...]
“Raditude” is not really that “rad” at all
By Steve Hagley
On Nov. 3 Los Angeles based rock band Weezer released their latest album “Raditude.”
If you are a fan of the bands classic work of “The Blue Album” and “Pinkerton,” brace yourself for another huge letdown.
Opening track “(If You’re Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To” sounds like a bastardized Jason Mraz “Feliz Navidad” cover.
Upon hearing this song, I would not blame the listener the least bit for pressing the eject button on his or her CD player and then throwing the album into the nearest garbage bin or, more appropriate, toilet receptacle. [Read more...]
Listen to Kate Nash with an open mind
By Marah Corwin
I’m the kind of girl who likes all sorts of music, ranging from metal and techno to opera, so clearly I’ll try anything once.
I think Regina Spektor’s music is fun and inviting, I even have a bit of a thing for Lady Gaga and Lily Allen rocks my world, so when I ran across Kate Nash on YouTube, I thought “why not give her a chance?” Let me tell you, I’m so glad I did.
Her 2007 album “Made of Bricks” is mainly popular in the United Kingdom, she didn’t ever really catch on over here as a popular artist, but honestly I’m not sure why. The first song on the album, “Play,” is a bit strange, but honestly I’ve heard weirder music out of Lady Gaga, and this song is upbeat and happy, even though the lyrics are very basic, at best. [Read more...]
“Paranormal Activity” will have you terrified
By Kendra Bruce
The new horror movie, Paranormal Activity, just came out in theaters on Oct. 16. This shocking indie film was created with a production budget of only $15,000. It was directed by Oren Peli, who filmed the movie in his own house, and then was purchased by Dreamworks with all remake rights.
Paranormal Activity is rated R for language, and the run time is 1 hour and 40 min. long. [Read more...]
