Sunday, October 24, 2010

In review, "The Drowsy Chaperone" - Mia Camurati


People love musical theater for its ability to remove the audience from the daily grind and bring them into a world where song, dance and glitter are a part of everyday life. If you’re looking for something to do for two hours that only requires you to sit, laugh and enjoy, The Drowsy Chaperone is the perfect way to go.

The Drowsy Chaperone is a musical within a comedy, and the two complement each other flawlessly; sometimes you forget you’re watching a musical and sometimes forget you’re watching anything but. The musical numbers are not overwhelmingly flashy and flamboyant but still give you that classic musical-theater-big-dance-number feeling.

Directed by Rene Pulliam, this is one of the strongest and most well-cast musicals that Ole Miss has seen in a long time. A farce about musical theater itself, the show is a good weekend activity for the diehard theater patron or the random student looking for something new to entertain them outside of football.

“The show has come together so beautifully,” Pulliam said. “I couldn’t have dreamed for a better team to help pull this show off.”

Jared Davis, an alum of the Ole Miss theater department, steals the show with his hilarious characterization of Man in Chair. After watching his performance, it’s a wonder why he was so overlooked in his time here before graduation.

A perfect fit for the neurotic lover of classic musical theater, Davis never stops being active throughout the entire two-hour performance. Even when the focus is completely off of his corner, he is constantly engaged in everything going on in front of him.

Every aspect of his character draws you into the show, eagerly anticipating what craziness will come next.

Senior Anna Donnell takes the part of Drowsy to a whole new drunken, sultry world while traipsing around the stage, martini glass in hand. As a representation of the Broadway stars of yesteryear, Donnell commands attention. While she is nothing new to this department, this could easily be one of her best mainstage performances of her college career.

Sophomore Christian Green is off to a strong start with his performance of Robert Martin. As his first major role here, Green creates a multi-dimensional character full of life and emotions. He pulls off his solo flawlessly and even manages not to skate off the stage blindfolded. After such a strong performance, I expect to see Green a lot more in his remaining years here.

“Robert Martin has always been my favorite character,” Green said. “I’ve been singing ‘Cold Feet’ at auditions for over a year now.”

Jade Genga, a newcomer to Ole Miss and Fulton stage, was a bit disappointing overall as Janet. While Genga has a beautiful voice and physically fits the character perfectly, she lacks an energy and commanding presence that a showgirl simply must have to survive in the business.

The pairing of Underling and Tottendale very easily could have been overdone and borderline annoying, but Christopher Young and Ashley Mitchell make comedic magic onstage. From Young’s entrance in Cold Feet as the perfectly proper British butler, he won my half of my heart for the night.

The other half was given to Mitchell from the second she took the stage in a puffy white dress without a clue in her (character’s) head. I could easily watch these two in a show of their own and never grow tired of them. They are, without a doubt, the quintessential comedic relief characters and pull it off flawlessly.

The best part of a musical (when you’re lucky enough to find one) is a live band backing strong singers. The band, hidden discreetly backstage, brings a new feel and authentic 20s sound to the stage without the annoyance of hearing Karaoke backtracks.

As always, you can’t beat a Dex Edwards set around here. With the entire set simply being the interior of an apartment, it’s difficult for much to stand out, but Edwards is known for putting the most emphasis into some of the smallest details. His work for the finale is definitely something not to be missed.

Overall, this show is top-notch and ready to entertain the masses. As Man in Chair so eloquently puts it, “I just want to be entertained. Isn’t that the point?”

Yes, sir, that is the point of theater. While there is something to be said about making a point and changing the world with art, its original purpose was to entertain, and that’s exactly what the cast of The Drowsy Chaperone will do.

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Who: The Ole Miss Theater Department

What: The Drowsy Chaperone, a musical within a comedy

Where: Fulton Chapel

When: Thursday October 21 - Saturday October 23 at 8 p.m.

Sunday October 24 at 2 p.m.

Tickets at the Ole Miss Box Office or online here.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Ole Miss Selects New Mascot - Addison Dent


The Ole Miss Mascot Selection Committee announced on Tuesday that the Rebel Black Bear was selected to be the new on-field mascot for the Ole Miss Rebels.


The committee made the recommendation after the final online poll indicated that 62 percent of those polled supported the Rebel Black Bear while the other two mascots, the Rebel Land Shark and Hotty Toddy only gained support of 56% and 42% respectively.

The committee co-chair, Margaret Ann Morgan, said the Rebel Black Bear was supported due to its Mississippi connection, appeal to children, timelessness, and uniqueness to the SEC.

The decision comes after an eight-month process that began in February, when students voted to select a new on-field mascot. The process was student-led and involved input from the entire Ole Miss community and votes from students, faculty, staff, and season ticket holders.

Not everyone is happy however. Some students say they don’t feel their voice was heard.

“I don’t know where that came from. I actually chose the shark, and I really don’t know the history, or where the bear came from. I prefer the shark, and I wish it’d be something other than the bear,” said accounting major Robbie Murphy.

Others were indifferent.

“I don’t really have strong feeling towards any of them, but I think I could get behind the bear as well as any other mascot.” Said accounting major Robbie Murphy.

Psychology major Kyle Henry mirrored her thoughts.

“I don’t really have strong feelings toward any of them. The bear wasn’t my favorite, but I think it is something that could gain support behind it and gain a meaning and really attach itself to Ole Miss.”

Chancellor Dan Jones accepted the mascot recommendation and has turned the matter over to the Athletics department to bring the new mascot to life.

Athletics Director Pete Boone said that Ole Miss Athletics will now be responsible for implementing the decision. Boone says that the two main goals of the mascot implementation is to complement the experience at all athletics events and create a lasting connection between Ole Miss and children, the future of the Ole Miss Rebels.

Boone also said that the mascot will not be launched until 2011 due to the need to create a costume and train someone to serve as the first mascot.


Starbucks Makes Changes-Ahmad Coleman


A CHANGE IS COMING TO STARBUCKS



Starbucks has ordered a change in the way its barista’s work. In hopes to decrease customer satisfaction the chain wants its baristas to focus making fewer drinks at a time.
The Wall Street Journal reports from company documents, baristas are required to stay close to the espresso bar. They are instructed to make steamed milk individually for each drink regardless of if it’s the same customer, and to use only one espresso machine.
Barista for a Starbucks in Mississippi, Tremaine Goree says, “It’s going to make our jobs even harder and could cause us to loose customers from having to wait for a longtime.”
Tremaine expressed concern for how the change would effect customer satisfaction when it came to efficiently get their drinks. He says, “most people buy coffee right before work so we can’t take all day making them.”
The Wall Street Journal reports the new instructions for baristas should take affect in the coming months. Starbucks stands by their decision and plans to bring forth less complaints from its.
Company documents also reported customers believe the stores provide average service and quality is what they should focus on. The successful chain has taken into consideration what they have learned from research and adjusting. Only time will tell whether the new changes will be to the company and customers liking.

T. Goree. Personal Interview. 12 Oct. 2001

Jones R. Oct. 13 2010. Starbucks to Baristas: Slowdown and Smell the Coffee. Life Inc On Today. http://lifeinc.todayshow.com/_news/2010/10/13/5283669-starbucks-to- baristas-slow-down-and-smell-the-coffee

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TV#1 By: Ciera Ouellette

Multimedia #1

“Ole Miss Students Adore Their Campus”

The Grove is legendary to many and loved by all. It is located right in the center of the University of Mississippi campus. It encompasses itself with approximately 10 acres of beautiful lush grass, magnolia, elm and oak trees. Many students who attend Ole Miss would have to say that it is their favorite place to be on campus. It is a great place to spend time at, whether it is with friends or family members. Students are often seen studying, reading books, hanging out, playing sports, walking dogs, and tailgating in the Grove. In 1998, the Ole Miss Alumni Association’s Grove Society began in order to preserve the beauty of the green space that the Grove offers. During Ole Miss’ home football games, fans will arrive and stake out their space as early as the night before for purposes of setting up tents. Tailgating is a huge tradition that Ole Miss fans continue to do in style. The average tent will include food, drinks and fun. Students dress in their best attire. Young men will wear blazers and button-up shirts. Young ladies will wear brightly colored dresses. It is one party that anyone can attend. In addition to the Grove serving as a place for tailgating, it also serves as a host for movies. It has a great size stage that entertains many with concerts and movies. Ole Miss students are very, very fortunate to have such a beautiful campus, especially the Grove. It’s just a great place to do anything at.

http://www.olemiss.edu/gameday/grovesociety.htm

By: Ciera Ouellette

TV #1

TV#1-Paige Russell


Paige Russell

Multi Media #1


“To provide your group with opportunities to accomplish new and exciting adventures together,” is the mission of the Rebel Challenge Course, according to their reservation request form.

The Rebel Challenge Course is located on the University of Mississippi’s Oxford campus near the intramural fields and is a part of Ole’ Miss Outdoors, also known as the OMOD. According to the OMOD website, the Rebel Challenge Course has been fully operational since February 15, 2009.

“The Rebel Challenge Course is a challenge and development course used for youth groups, corporate groups, class groups, sororities, fraternities, basically any group that wants to come out and work on team building and development skills with their group,” said Casey Armstrong, who works in the OMOD department as a challenge course facilitator.

According to Armstrong, the course has eight high elements, such as the climbing wall and zip-line, and 16 low elements. “The low elements are more used for team building and developing skills and the high elements are used for more challenging and development skills where you just try to accomplish your goal and make it to the top,” Armstrong said.

“The course can be reserved by anybody. To reserve you have to have at least 10 people and there really is no max number,” said Armstrong. As stated in the OMOD pamphlet about the Rebel Challenge Course, the price varies depending on how much time you spend on the course and if you are a student, UM department and non-profit organizations, or a corporate group. There are quarter days, which consist of 2 hours, half days which are 4 hours, and full days, which are 8 hours with a lunch break. Also, this fall the course is hosting Free Fridays, which are from 2-4p.m. every Friday. All you need is your student ID to participate.

Armstrong stated that many businesses are using the Rebel Challenge course as a company retreat destination. “A lot of groups that come out there don’t really know everyone in their groups and they don’t really know what’s going, so that’s kinda the whole point of the course, to get to know people and to get to trust people, work as a team to get through the low elements and accomplishing your goal,” said Armstrong.

There is no age requirement to participate on the Rebel Challenge Course. “There isn’t an age group but you don’t see anybody younger than about 8 or 10 out there,” Armstrong said. However, he also stated there is a waiver form that everyone has to sign before participating in the course. Persons with previous injuries must make the facilitators aware of their limitations to ensure everyone’s safety.

“I think the Rebel Challenge Course gives students an option to so something outside of their comfort level and it gives students a chance to meet and interact with other students,” said Traci Meredith, the coordinator of intramurals and sports clubs at the University of Mississippi and Rebel Challenge Course facilitator.

When Meredith was asked if she has ever participated in the Rebel Challenge Course, she responded, “I have participated. It’s fun just being with different groups and being out there when you already know how to do the elements and to let them figure it out."

To find out more about the Rebel Challenge Course you can visit the OMOD office located in the Turner Center, room 112 or call (662) 915-6735. You can also visit their website.




Wednesday, October 13, 2010

TV Package 1

Mia Camurati Multimedia 1

Most people see Saturdays in the Grove as a relaxing experience to enjoy some amazing food, loving friends and good ol’ fun. For drum major Chris Presley, it’s a job, but a job he has an immense passion for.

Presley, a junior Biology major, has been in band since age 12, and has developed a passion for music. When he’s not playing his alto sax or bassoon, Presley is conducting the beloved Pride of the South through the Rebels’ good downs and bad.

From early morning to late at night, Presley is always full of life and ready to keep everyone energized and excited, no matter what the action on the field is like.

Before even making it to the field, Presley prepares from his home as early as 7 a.m. “The day of the game, I make sure I have my whistle with me about two or three times before I leave the house,” Presley said.

During the Walk of Champions when the team gets off the bus and makes their glorious entrance into the Grove, Presley rapidly moves his arms and assists in the familiar musical atmosphere that we always remember about the Grove. Even at the earliest kickoff times, as the music begins to swell in front of the Student Union, people began to gather with giant cameras, red cups and little children to see what “tradition” really means. Through all of the excitement rushing around him, he always keeps a focused but relaxed face while keeping perfect time.

By the time the band wanders to the Grove stage for their final hurrah before heading to the stadium, the crowd had more than triples around them, ready for the familiar fight songs and chants that brings Rebel football to life. Presley rushes around, taking roll and answering questions from different directions, all while smiling and loving everything. “My favorite part about being the drum major is knowing that I can be a positive role model for those in the band and being a voice for the band when trying to raise money and letting people know how hard we work so they will appreciate our performances at football games,” Presley said.

Once the game ends, he returns everything to the band hall and wishes everyone a wonderful rest of the weekend. While most people are rushing home to freshen up for a night on the Square, Presley takes a different approach: studying and a good night’s rest.

“The greatest rewards of being a part of the Ole Miss band are developing skills like pride, discipline, and teamwork that aren't taught in the classroom and getting to do something I am already passionate about (playing and listening to music).“

Whether a seasoned veteran since it’s early beginnings or a freshman looking for a place to socialize, the Grove is and always has been a place of southern elegance, good-hearted camaraderie, and (most importantly) SEC football.

For more information, visit the Pride of the South website here.

Ole Miss Soccer Weekend Preview

Colonel Reb Foundation

Mulitmedia #1- Meredith Fuller


September marks the end of childhood cancer awareness month, but a whole new opportunity to give for Chili’s Restaurants . Chili’s has pledged over $50 million St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and since has made a huge impact on the lives of childhood cancer patients. Through the Chili’s Create-A-Pepper to Fight Childhood Cancer campaign, the popular restaurant has donated $30 million to aid in the fight against childhood cancer.


Richard C. Shadyac Jr., C.E.O. of ALSAC, the company responsible for the fundraising efforts of St. Jude said “ Chili’s Create-A-Pepper camaign has raised millions of dollars for childhood cancer research and we are so thankful to have such generous and passionate partners in our mission.”


Now in it’s fifth year, The Tex-Mex restaurant along with St. Jude ‘s has recently expanded it’s fundraising programs into the digital world, now allowing the public to donate via text message or by going to the chili’s website. The restaurant also allows the public to donate and spread the word via social media such as Facebook and Twitter.

The most popular event, however, is the Create-A-Pepper night where customers are able to buy a pepper and color it to be hung in the restaurants lobby.This event is just one part of an entire month of fundraising Chili’s does for the hospital.


“This is just such a great opportunity to give back to the community and help those children that can’t help themselves.” said Kate MacNeil,21. MacNeil, a junior hospitality management major, has been participating in the event since she has been in school at Ole Miss.

“ The food is good, and I always make sure I eat here when it is so easy to give to such an awesome organization.”


To donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital visit www.createapepper.com, www.stjude.org, or simply text HOPE to 90999 to make a $5 donation



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Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Bobby Cox's last playoff run is most unlike

Marketed nationally as “America’s Team” by TBS and then marketed regionally as “Braves Country,” many here grew up watching Bobby Cox manage the Atlanta Braves.

Cox’s tenure has included an unprecedented 14-straight division titles from 1991 to 2005 and five World Series appearances, winning the title in 1995.

This season, Bobby Cox’s final season as a major league manager and for the first time since 2005, the Braves return to the playoffs where they will face the National League West champion San Francisco Giants.

Other than, perhaps, the 1991 “Worst to First” Braves, this is the franchise’s unlikeliest run to the playoffs. For the first time in franchise history, the Braves made it to the playoffs as a wild card team and they didn’t clinch the postseason berth until the last day of the regular season.

The Braves used 109 different lineups, thanks in part to season-ending injuries to Chipper Jones and Martin Prado. By the last month of the season, after injuries to starting pitchers Kris Medlen and Jair Jurrjens, the rotation became rounded out by Mike Minor and Brandon Beachy, both of whom started the year with the Class AA Mississippi Braves.

In this playoff run, the Braves assume an unfamiliar underdog role and deservedly so. Cy Young award winners Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux and John Smoltz aren’t walking through that door. Nor is Chipper Jones, the lone holdover from that 1995 team.

Instead there’s a roster with a flair for the dramatic, which led the Braves to 25 last at-bat victories this season and exemplifies the expression “the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.”

There’s the ace starting pitcher, Tim Hudson, who’s barely two years removed from Tommy John surgery.

There’s the closer, Billy Wagner, who, like his manager, is expected to retire at the end of the season, but is having arguably the best season of his career.

There’s the star rookie, Jason Heyward, who may well win the National League Rookie of the Year award, but will soon experience the playoffs for the first time.

There’s the journeyman utility player, Omar Infante, who, finally given the chance to play every day, ranks third in the National League in batting average (.321).

There’s the career minor leaguer, Brooks Conrad, who has stepped into the starting lineup for the injured Jones and Prado.

And then there’s players with career paths everywhere in between.

This playoff appearance is also a credit to Cox, who guided the Braves through a nine-game losing streak in April and, despite dropping to second in the National League East to the Philadelphia Phillies in mid-August, managed to piece together a lineup and pitching staff to hold on to win the wildcard.

Cox is the fourth winningest manager in major league history, compiling a 2,504-2,001 record in his time with the Braves and Toronto Blue Jays. He also holds the all-time record for ejections with 158, which is a credit not to a fiery temper, but a willingness and desire to fight for and protect his players.

While the Braves may not be the best team in this year’s playoffs and, at least according to Las Vegas (for entertainment purposes only, of course), they are the longest shot to win the World Series. But the best teams don’t always win.

It’s sometimes that team that gets hot or comes through in the clutch. Or perhaps it’s something intangible like a manager in his last year, getting the very best and more from his players by his presence alone.

Monday, October 4, 2010

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