lsureveille Entertainment Blog

Not much of interest this week, except for Apple news. Let’s get right to it.

1. Meet OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion

Continuing the cat-themed OS upgrades, Mountain Lion is the next major advancement for Macs.

Also continuing is Apple’s merging of iOS with OS X.

The iPad-inspired upgrade, due out this Summer, will add iMessage, Reminders, Twitter Integration, Notes, Air Play, Notifications, Gatekeeper and Game Center to your Mac computer.

Why do you want these things? It’s all about the Apple ecosystem. Start a conversation on your iPhone, but then move to your Mac? It’s there. It’s also on your iPad and iPod Touch. Theoretically, you could have four copies of the same conversation on each device.

But that’s what Apple’s always been about. They don’t want you to just buy one iPhone or iPod. They want you to buy all of their products.

It’s kind of like the Xzibit meme. Now you can iMessage while you iMessage.

A link to the free beta of iMessage is here, and more information on OS X Mountain Lion is here.

Updates are good. This next thing is not.

2. Apple is suing Kodak.

Yes, you read that correctly.

Apple, who is currently making $1 billion a week, is suing Kodak for patent infringement on its digital cameras, printers and digital printer frames, as well as filing a corollary complaint in the ITC.

Kodak, as you may remember, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last month and announced it would stop making cameras.

They have no money. That’s why they declared for bankruptcy protection.

So why, Apple? Why would you sue them? You aren’t struggling in any way, shape or form. What could you possibly gain from this lawsuit? Surely court costs would outweigh the money you would get from winning a suit, since Kodak doesn’t have any to give.

Even if Kodak infringed on your patents, who cares? They aren’t even making cameras anymore! They’re an old giant who failed to keep up with changing times and is paying the price!

I understand, although do not agree, with your various other patents against more or less everybody.

But this? It’s like pushing someone down at the playground.

It’s downright childish.

Bad Apple. Very bad.

That’s all the news for this week! Make sure to pick up The Daily Reveille next week to (hopefully) read a story about Sony’s Playstation Vita!

When most people think of romance novels, they think of the cheap trashy books found in Wal-Mart. However, there are different definitions on what a romance novel really is. There are many sub-categories. There are nasty, dirty, erotica novels that cause hard-core blushing. There are also romance novels that have no sexual scenes in them at all, but other genres of books that do. So what exactly is a romance novel?

In a female perspective, romance is all about love. Therefore, it is not a surprise that females think of romance novels as the books with love scenes that always have happy endings.

There are exceptions to this, of course. Many books that have love connections in them don’t always have happy endings. Take “Anna Karenina” for example. She falls in love, and she ends up dead.

From a male perspective, not all scenes with sexual descriptions are about love. Take the “Game of Thrones” series. There are scenes like this in every other chapter, but the people participating aren’t in love. However, some men think of “Pride and Prejudice” as a romance novel. I’m pretty sure all girls do too, but is it the same romance novel that people secretly don’t admit they read aloud?

I think that it’s ultimately up to the reader, male or female, to decide what exactly a romance novel is and what isn’t. If a reader wants romance without sex, there are plenty of books out there that fit this description. On the other hand if a reader does want those scenes, there are also a lot of books that include those as well.

Shelby Holloway
Entertainment Blogger

One of the most exciting trends in denim that has mad a re-emergence are brands responding more accurately for the consumer demand for fit. There are plenty different fits and styles of denim, be aware the labels that will sweetly suit your behind, way after the cash register rings out with purchase sounds.

A few years back I had an opportunity to purchase a few pairs of BCBG premium denim and my first thoughts were less than satisfactory. As time went on I saw a very valuable trait in the denim, molding itself to fit my rear end. Sometimes it takes a few wears and a few washes to understand the way premium denim works. After the minor plight of an extra snug, butt flattening aesthetic, the true form and shape comes around after being broken in, such as that of a fine leather shoe.

One pair I had the luxury of having fit on contact however, is a pair of long flared dark denim from Lucky Brand jeans that feels more like butter to bread on the skin. After my purchase of this pair of jeans, I remember saying to myself, this must be the driving force behind the point of popularity. It gives an elongated view of whoever’s sporting them and emphasizes the magical enhancements that a wide-leg pant would ensue for a fashionable lady of any height.

On the less expensive side of things, Old Navy and Hollister generally have nice fits for less than expected in trendy but not overly done styles. The price-point is great for a frugal pocket and you won’t walk away with any buyer’s remorse of having waisted half your paycheck on one item. They may not last as many years as the  premium denim but afterwhile, the worn edges provides a vintage-like characteristic that promotes crafty changes such as some razoring on the thigh or cutting the length when it gets hot exposing a raw edged hem.

On the flip side, don’t get caught up in cheap prices that will result in your denim bursting open in the crotch area on an active night or dated detailing that involves some type of bling on your denim. There are enough shiny, shimmery jeans in the world thus far, we can take a break on promoting this look.

One I do so happen to promote is the 501 Levi dark denim for men. This is a super sexy jean that bears an appropriate fit for a man of any lifestyle. Where every man might not be comfortable in a casual style this design gives sophistication to a street-wear inspired looks.

Other denim trends for men I’ve noticed on the less expensive side is a fairly new overseas brand Cheap Mondays, that have provided many contemporary fits for the modern man. Their skinny fit jean looks great in color as well as many original blue, faded blue and dark jeans but the styles don’t end with thigh huggers. There are also plenty relaxed fit, classic fit and straight leg styles that pretty much all taper at the ankle for showing off the savvy shoe purchase that he loves to boast about.

However, while the new is going in, the old must be stopped at all costs. One style in particular by a popular French brand Maurithe Girbaud jeans is the dated style with Velcro strap. This style was popular in the late 90’s but few individuals won’t let the recede into the denim afterlife where they righteously belong. Instead, go for a more recent Girbaud look with extra relaxed fit in the crotch and stylish detailing closer to the cuff or pockets of the jean. Velcro straps on jeans are a true sign of the times, the old times, so please get on the bandwagon with the coming of ages bringing a finally refined fit.

Speaking of the coming of ages, one trend that has made its journey back around is the all jean outfit, also known as the “Canadian Tuxedo”, which I’m not certain how Canada really feels about being attached to this stigma. Even though about a decade ago this look would have been justly called an atrocity, it hasn’t been looking so lame lately. As a matter of fact there have been quite a few people daring enough to increase its cool factor by pairing it with rich peanut butter and clay red hues via vests, hats and boots giving it a slightly retro appeal once again.

So keep a cocked eye for great finds and suspicious buys, in which the difference between the 2 may very well be settled in the fitting room.

Al Burks
Entertainment Columnist

I had never heard of the “Night Huntress” series until my friend recommended it to me.  I probably passed these books up hundreds of times before they showed up on my radar.  I’m not going to lie, I judge books by their covers, and the covers on the “Night Huntress” series aren’t  spectacular, so I never really had an urge to pick it up.

When I finally did find out the details of this book, I was disappointed with my friend for singing its praises.  Everyone had just come off of the “Twilight” series, so vampires have been over for a while. However, these books were written before “Twilight” ever hit the big time. Sure, this series is about vampires, but it is the farthest thing from being in the same category as “Twilight.”

The first book, “Halfway to the Grave,” introduces readers to the heroine, Cat.  She’s a half-vampire/half-human vampire huntress.  One night while she’s trolling for vamps, she stumbles across Bones, who is a British, witty, sexy vampire that hunts other vamps for money.

It’s the same old story: girl meets boy, girl hates boy, boy trains girl, they fall in love, they break up.  Even though the story line is pretty much the same as any other romance novel, there is considerable action in this series that makes it also part science fiction as well.  Obviously, there are some pages in this book that will make you blush, but that isn’t what this series is all about.

While other books are mushy and angsty, the “Night Huntress” series has different elements to it that keep it fairly original and separate from other romance/vampire books.  There are no love triangles (thank God), but there are plenty of hot guys in this series.

The author, Jeaniene Frost, does so well at giving the secondary characters personality, that she has two other series that spin-off of “Night Huntress.”  One follows the other male characters, and the other focuses on Vlad, which is just an alias for his real name — Dracula.  There are also many action scenes.  I wouldn’t have expected this from a romance novel, but I think it’s rather refreshing.

As the series progresses, each book does a good job of containing enough plot twists to keep the series original.  There are some parts throughout the series where it took a lot of time for me to get through the books, but in the end it’s always worth it. With each book, there are new elements of this paranormal world.  There are quite of bit of sad scenes in the series as well.  The best part about the series is the banter between characters.  Most of them are sarcastic, so their arguments are hilarious.

There is usually one book within book series that isn’t as good as the rest. This series is no exception.  The latest book in this series, which came out a few months ago, wasn’t as intriguing as the ones that proceeded it.

I will continue reading the final three books as they come out to see where and how she takes the story. All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone who is into the paranormal/action/romance scene.

Shelby Holloway
Entertainment Blogger

My jaw must have hung for about eight minutes as Dave Grohl Jammed out in a transition between the Foo Fighter’s performance of Rope and Deadmau5′s entrance. Together they crafted some horrific resemblance of a performance forged in the hellish pits of Mount Doom.

It was difficult watching a piece of my youth attempt to mesh with something I’ve never been able to relate to. The performance drowned out the commentary of my friends and everything around me seemed to fall away as a childhood hero of mine subjected himself to something inconceivable.

Now, I don’t have anything against techno — it’s just not for me. I know Dave Grohl has a chip on his shoulder about computer-made music though. At Lollapalooza he made a quick jab at musicians who jammed out on computers and championed the “human element” of music at the Grammy’s.

“Singing into a microphone and learning to play an instrument and learning to do your craft. That’s the most important thing for people to do,” he said.

There are some big differences in the Foo Fighter’s craft and that of Deadmau5.

But that’s enough bashing for me. Grohl is one of my favorite musicians after all.

All in all, I didn’t mind the Grammy’s as a person who normally doesn’t watch them.

The rewards seemed just enough and it was nice to see the Foo Fighter’s take in five awards. It was also pretty cool to see Bon Iver win some awards since Justin Vernon is a very talented artist and rightfully deserved some recognition.

I can’t say I know the best musicians that should have won awards, but here are a few that stuck out in my mind over the course of that night:

TV On the Radio

The band put out another highly acclaimed studio album that continued to demonstrate its ability to find ingenuity. Nine Types of Light reached “Universal Acclaim” with an 82 on Metacritic.

Fleet Foxes

Helplessness Blues was nominated for Best Folk Album for this year’s Grammy Awards. The band’s second studio album didn’t sacrifice the unique sound or sophistication of it’s first but managed to win over universal acclaim and a Grammy nomination.

Radiohead

Another Grammy nominee, Radiohead’s King of Limbs proved the band can continue to morph it’s sound but remain relevant with elements like heavy electronic influences.

Austen Krantz
Entertainment Writer

I have a theory: Valentine’s Day is a horrible concept, especially if you’re in college.

Before I go further, I feel I should mention that I’m not bitter about the holiday. It’s not that I’m single and wish it wasn’t so. And I basically always find cutesy couples obnoxious (even when I’m half of the guilty party), not just on Feb. 14.

My problem with Valentine’s Day is the expectation it builds up. People get these ideas for sweeping gestures, giant bouquets, being swept of their feet by handsome strangers. Gag.

Now I’m not saying wanting to go out to a nice dinner with your significant other is a bad thing. I just think it will inherently be disappointing. It’s highly unlikely an entire nation will find Valentine’s Day satisfying and worthwhile. So why doesn’t everyone just calm down about it?

That being said, we’re also college students. Tons guys I know are just mastering the concept of laundry, let alone orchestrating a storybook date night. Girls are just as bad. Ladies, I really think you can get out of bed this morning. The day is not centered on making you feel bad and your boyfriend is not intentionally ruining your life. He’s probably just clueless. Plus you don’t want to look like this. I think everyone is still going his or her “partying phase” or the “in love with an asshole (round 4) phase” in college. As a whole, we’re not really on our romantic A-games.

So I propose (pun intended) everyone just chill out about Valentine’s Day. Enjoy the sugar rush of extra candy, but don’t waste your time feeling sorry for yourself if you’re single. You’re going to tell stories about the stupid and funny stuff you did while you were single for the rest of your life— I guarantee it. If you’re in a relationship, are fancy stuffy restaurants really that great? Is it really that romantic to go through the motions of flowers, candy, dinner with thousands of couples doing the exact same thing? I’m not so sure.

If you’re single, maybe just have a relaxing night with friends. Get someone to bake cookies, someone else bring wine or beer. Hey, it can even be co-ed, as long as no one is secretly in love with another member of the group.

Or why not go out? I’d be willing to bet most people out are single and ready to mingle.

Have a hot date or a significant other? Do something low-pressure or that requires a group effort, that way no one forgets Valentine’s Day. Cook a meal together or go on a double date to make the atmosphere more fun.

My Valentine’s Day plans are to grab a beer and a burger at George’s with my boyfriend. We’ll probably split the check. And I can’t wait.

Grace Montgomery
Entertainment Blogger

The Grammy’s may have packed “Music’s Biggest Night” with guest performances from award nominees but few could compare to – someone like you, Adele.

Adele was nominated for six Grammy’s and won each one of them Sunday Night at the awards show in Los Angeles. She tied Beyonce for the most Grammy’s taken home by a woman in one night. Adding fuel to Adele’s vocal fire was her triumphant return to live performance at the show.

Adele underwent vocal cord surgery to remove an unwanted polyp late last year but said that her singing voice felt stronger than ever, and her performance was all the evidence we need.

The night was filled with award nominee collaborations and some partnerships, Rihanna and Coldplay, excelled while others, Dave Grohl and Deadmau5, felt forced and did not mix well.

I felt the Grammy’s were awarded to the most deserving artists Sunday night with one exception – Foster The People got robbed. Foster The People’s “Torches” provided music enthusiasts with an infectious pop/alt rock album that should have topped best new artist Bon Iver’s respectively good “Holocene” for best alternative album.

Do you think any other performers were “robbed” of their awards tonight? What did you think of the different collaborations?

Notable awards from tonight’s Grammy’s:

Record Of The Year- Adele’s “Rolling In The Deep”
Album Of The Year- Adele’s “21”
Song Of The Year- Adele’s “Rolling In The Deep”
Best New Artist- Bon Iver
Best Pop Solo Performance- Adele’s “Someone Like You”
Best Pop Duo/ Group Performance- Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse’s “Body And Soul”
Best Pop Vocal Album- Adele’s “21”
Best Dance Recording- Skrillex’s “Scary Monsters And Nice Sprites”
Best Dance/Electronica Album- Skrillex’s “Scary Monster And Nice Sprites”
Best Rock Album- Foo Fighters’ “Wasting Light”
Best Alternative Music Album- Bon Iver’s “Bon Iver”
Best R&B Album- Chris Brown’s “F.A.M.E.”
Best Rap Album- Kanye West’s “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy”
Best Country Album- Lady Antebellum’s “Own The Night”

Josh Naquin
Entertainment Writer

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, and I thought the best way to celebrate to holiday is to snuggle up with your loved one and watch one of the following top rated ’90s romantic movies.

Titanic (1997) – The main stars of this classic historical film, Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, pull the audience into their struggle for love and survival as the RMS Titanic begins to sink into the Atlantic Ocean. I remember this movie as the key point to where Leo became a ’90s teenage heartthrob due to his heroics and dazzling smile. Although this movie is a tear-jearker, it does push the idea of clinging to those you love.

Bicentennial Man (1999)- I absolutely love this movie. Robin Williams acts as a android who seeks to have human emotions. In seeking to have feelings, he grows to fall in love twice with Little Miss Amanda Martin and Portia Charney. Williams portrayal of the robot pulls at heart strings as he seeks to understand love and become accepted as a human being. This movie is great to watch for Valentine’s Day because of the suspense of the love he pursues.

Never Been Kissed (1999)- Drew Barrymore and Michael Vartan are the cutest couple in this romantic comedy. Barrymore portrays an undercover journalist who becomes a high school student to do research on current high school issues. As a student, Barrymore falls in love with her teacher and recalls her younger high school days of being bullied and never having true love’s first kiss.

Ghost (1990)- Winner of two academy awards, Ghost evokes the passion of a man who continues to love his partner even in death. The main character, Sam realizes that his girlfriend, Molly is in danger and speaks through a psychic to warn her. This movie shows how eternal love can be and has a little bit of action and mystery. This movie features Patrick Swayze, Whoopi Goldberg, and Demi Moore.

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)- This film puts a twist on Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew” and features the late (but devilishly handsome) Heath Ledger. Also cast in the film are Julia Stiles and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. I enjoy this movie because of the various plots that viewers can follow, the timeless thrill of hate-love relationships, and the hilarity of high school drama. It’s a perfect mix of romance and a good laugh.

I hope these recommendations will make your Valentine’s Day worthwhile. Single or not, these movies will set your heart a flutter.

Quote: “Yes, I’m saving all my love for you.”- “Saving All My Love” by Whitney Houston

Raylea Barrow
Entertainment Writer

Ah, the theatre.

I don’t hear much about the LSU Department of Theatre. Outside of being required to attend plays for class and the occasional ad for a show, I think their activities frequently go unnoticed by students.

But for something difficult to teach, LSU does have a good theatre program. It has multiple venues for productions and they put on a variety of shows each season.

Of course, not all are perfect. I’ve certainly struggled to stay awake through long nightmares of productions, but I think that’s an occupational hazard of attending live shows. More notable plays, like the current “Pride and Prejudice,” seem guaranteed to please audience members. Hey, someone even proposed there.

LSU also incorporates their growing aerial silks program into some shows, a hard to find talent in the South. Also with the growing film industry in Louisiana, this could be a great time to be involved in theatre in the state.

It’s worth it to see at least one show while you’re a student here. If you aren’t in to paying the rather steep admission price, the department also holds “Pay what you can” nights where you can give a donation of your choosing in exchange for a ticket. Who knows, you might see the next big star while you’re there.

What do you think? Are plays worth your time?

Grace Montgomery
Entertainment Blogger

This week, it’s nothing but cameras, cameras and more cameras. But first, let’s get some sad news out of the way.

Kodak pulls the plug on cameras

‘Tis a sad day when one of the innovators of portable photography backs out of the business. Although it’s not unexpected due to, you know, filing for bankruptcy protection, it’s upsetting to see them go.

Kodak was the biggest name in film photography and invented the world’s first megapixel sensor. However, they failed to commercialize it and were pushed under the rug by other companies like Canon, Nikon and Sony.

They will cease digital camera, camcorder and picture frame production over the next few months. The press release can be found here

Nikon D800 is real

All right, now let’s get down to business. After announcing the $6,000 D4 earlier this year, they kept the ball rolling with the D800, successor to the popular D700.

This monster of a camera packs a 36 megapixel—no seriously— full frame CMOS sensor, ISO up to 25600, 51-point autofocus…the list goes on. Plus, it’s weather sealed. All for the low low price of $2,999.95.

Hey, for all of that, it’s worth it.

But seriously. 36 megapixels? Good luck storing those huge picture file sizes.

Canon upgrades it’s Powershot line

After upgrading the ELPH line last month, Canon introduced six new cameras, all of which have a 16-megapixel sensor, 28mm wide angle lens and can shoot 720p HD video.

The A4000 has 8x optical zoom, image stabilization and a 3-inch LCD screen on the back.

The A3400 and A2400 cut the zoom down to 5x, and add a 3-inch touchscreen for the A3400 and drop to a 2.7 inch screen for the A2400.

Three more models, the A2300, A1300 and A810, all have 2.7-inch screens, 5x zoom and no image stabilization.

I know there’s been a lot of camera talk lately, but it’s just that time of year. I’ll promise to tone it down next week…unless Canon announces the 5D Mark III or something.

Tune in next week!

Taylor Balkom
Entertainment Writer