‘Dare to Speak’ translates social justice into art

Ball State’s 41st annual Unity Week Celebration was held the week of Feb. 1. Unity Week only comes around once a year, but it aims to encourage a long-lasting understanding of diversity and solidarity amongst Ball State students through a series of entertainment-based and informational events. On Feb. 4, “Dare to Speak” invited students to a zoom call with speakers Carlos Andrés Gómez and Katie Kramer. There, attendees found themselves in a diverse community and a conversation of equity. Students and speakers alike shared their stories and provided strength to those who reached out. 

A breakdown of The Weeknd’s Super Bowl Halftime Show

A Fourth of July’s worth of fireworks, a light-up tunnel, and masked dancers oh my! The Weeknd's halftime show was unlike anything we’ve seen before.

Artist of the Month: Dominic Fike

Lately, I haven’t been able to stop listening to Dominic Fike. No matter what I do, I find myself pulling up his Spotify profile and pressing the shuffle button, so much so that it has become a part of my daily schedule—like second nature. 

‘Uncharted’ games ranked (Playstation releases)

In the city of Cartagena, Columbia, Nathan Drake -just kicked out of a museum for attempted theft- scours the city searching for another way in. An older gentleman spots the boy—witnessing his talents for thieving. Fast forward at least a decade, and the two are scouring the Rub’ al Khali desert, jungles of Borneo, and more. Uncharted’s heartfelt and thrilling journey began in 2007 and continues to capture movie-like escapades over a decade later. With three releases on the PlayStation 3 and three on the PlayStation 4 (including The Nathan Drake Collection), there’s more to return to even after several playthroughs. Here are the Uncharted installments ranked.

Upcoming DC Films in the Works

The DC Extended Universe has had a history of announcing line-ups of films only to change their plans a few months later. Whenever a film comes out and something works within it, they generally announce random spin-offs and sequels that never see the light of day. Because of this nature of suddenly announcing films to only wipe them off the schedule, it may get confusing as to what films are and aren’t coming out. To that end, this list will break down the confirmed DC films in the works. 

Five Upcoming 2021 Movies You Don’t Want to Miss

2021 is ramping up to be a big year for films. Most people are aware of the bigger films like Fast 9, Matrix 4, and Black Widow. However, there are many smaller films coming out that have the potential to be better than the blockbusters. Some of them were pushed over from last year, adding to the stuffed year. While there are many, many films slated to come out this year, here are five films that are looking to be hits. 

Why ‘Glee’ is the Best Show of Our Generation

Lasting six seasons and winning over 30 awards from its inception in 2009 to 2015, Fox’s groundbreaking show Glee celebrated inclusivity, equality, and what it means to be in high school in a way no other show had before or afterward. 

Internet Explained: Social Media Trends and the Cultures they Create

Along with his friends at Harvard, Mark Zuckerberg developed a revolutionary way of communication; one that involved zero in-person interaction yet expressed everything anyone wanted to say for better or for worse. In 2004, Zuckerberg launched TheFacebook, or what it’s known today as, Facebook. Facebook went from an interactive way of communication to politics, memes, and a news outlet. Later, when Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, TikTok, etc., were founded, age groups flocked to certain platforms while abandoning others. There’s much to observe in findings and cultural influence where social media is for lack of a better term—the culprit.

History Of: Drag

Although drag can be confidently claimed as an important outlet of gender discovery and understanding, it wasn’t always that way. 

Q+A with Axel Flóvent

Singer-songwriter and Folk Iceland musician Axel Flóvent recently went on a journey of self-discovery while traveling in Europe. As a singer-songwriter, Flóvent writes and composes all his material. After growing up in a musical family, Flóvent sought identity and found inspiration from his life experiences and the environment he was living in. Flóvent says nothing else made sense to him except music, because he gave all his attention and care to it. He seeks to write as a conversation between himself and others. From a video call via Facebook Messenger, the artist agreed to discuss his life on tour, motivation, and the upcoming album You Stay by the Sea, which released on Jan. 15.

History Of: Drag

Five Movies you might've missed in 2020

There’s no need for any explanation as to why 2020 was disastrous for film fans. Despite the few great films that did come out — like Tenet, Wonder Woman 84, Soul, The Devil All the Time, and The Invisible Man — there weren’t many films that caused a lot of excitement. Plenty of indies and streaming services continued to release films, but many of the notable titles didn’t garner a lot of attention. Nonetheless, within this wasteland of a year, there were a few notable titles that didn’t receive the love that they should have. 

Five Lesser-Known Facts about the CD and its Fall from Popularity

1979 was a big year in the entertainment industry. Alien, Mad Max, The Amityville Horror, and more well-known films were released, but a bigger breakthrough was also released to the world: The CD. A thin, reflective disc became the most popular and sought-after avenue for playing the best music had to offer. Before the internet and after the beloved record player, CDs would take over the music industry only to begin their decline decades later. Although at one time CDs could be found anywhere music was sold, the music industry has evolved, leaving a barren wasteland of CDs in its wake.

History Of: AJ Mitchell

Talented at the age of four, AJ Mitchell grew up in Belleville, Illinois, where he learned his piano skills from his father, a pianist. At six years old, Mitchell wrote his first song and, in high school, he was a member of the choir group. He performed at local coffee shops and bars until finding fame in 2016 on social media. His debut single “Used to Be” was released in 2017, which Mitchell claims it’s his favorite song of his to perform.

Top Young Adult Fiction Books of 2020

As 2020 comes to an end, I realized that even though I have spent more time inside this year than just about any other person, I have yet to read a book. I then decided that my mission for the last month of the year was to read the top books of 2020. I originally planned to space out the reads throughout the month, but due to schedule changes I spent most of the week before Christmas completely immersed in books. I struggled to find a list of top books that I found to be both interesting and credible. I finally stumbled upon the Goodreads Choice Awards 2020. 

Kingdom Hearts Games Ranked (Console Releases)

Kingdom Hearts’ combat system, Disney references, and the overall plot remain unparalleled as one of the finest family-friendly titles and a title everyone should experience at least once in their life. As the series continued, it had its dips and rises but remained unyielding in its replay-ability. These are the titles that performed and underperformed.

Why Stephen King is the Greatest Living Author

Even if you’ve never picked up a book from one of the greatest writers ever, aka Stephen King, chances are you’ve either heard or seen one of the many films inspired by his work. Probably the most recognizable author living today, King has written 63 novels, 120 short stories, 20 novellas, and five non-fiction books. Movies and shows still are being made, with many more in the works, but what makes King’s work memorable and always on the radar of filmmakers? What about his work continues to draw in audiences? There are countless reasons, but here are a few major standouts. 

Socially-Distanced Holiday Activities to do this Winter

As we end this COVID-stricken year, many of us are still quarantining in our homes or are following social-distancing regulations and having to find safe alternatives to celebrate the holiday season. It has been especially difficult getting in the holiday spirit with the unusually warm weather, but listed below are some ways you can still feel festive while following CDC COVID-19 Guidelines. 

16 Years of Magic with ‘The Polar Express’

With the struggle to find Santa’s existence, the movie’s score, and an ending that continues to leave me in awe, The Polar Express continues to be the best Christmas movie for all ages. It is unrivaled by both live-action and animation Christmas movies alike.