“PROMETHUS”
HANNAH ROGERS
After “Lost” ended in 2010, I have been unable to completely let go (which, if you’ve watched the series finale, you probably find slightly ironic). In an attempt to fill the void, I’ve watched many projects that feature someone who has worked on the show, whether a writer, actor or producer. It was for this reason I begged a group of friends to take time out of their day while we were in England to go see “Prometheus.” That’s how convinced I was about how good it would be, simply for the reason that former “Lost” co-creator Damon Lindelof was one of the writers. At this moment in time, let me publically apologize to the people I took with me on this misadventure and state I was wrong.
Described as a semi-prequel to “Alien,” Ridley Scott’s “Prometheus” has elements of the original series and, yes, “Lost.” However, the Alienness of the movie prevents it from reaching its own potential as a standalone, and what worked for “Lost” absolutely destroys the film.
Specifically, unsolved mysteries that fueled “Lost” – mainly because of how they affected the characters I grew to love so deeply – felt frustrating in this summer sci-fi flick.
And it’s not like any of the characters were worth rooting for or complex. Add a really awful, graphic scene that left me catatonic for the rest of the movie, and, well, I would have been better off doing anything else. Anything.
 
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
JAY JOHNSON
There has been a recent flood of brand new drool-worthy, pixel-pumping moment catchers. Mirrorless cameras are attracting new hobbyists. They are light, fun to use and have a surprising amount of power packed into a modest package. Entry-level DSLRs are getting features that don’t seem quite so entry level. Canon’s newest Rebel boasts a very competent touch interface and a brilliantly refined autofocus system. The pros have a lot to clamor over as well. Canon’s third installment of arguably one of the most recognizable DSLRs ever (5d Mark II) has put on a real show by stealing the hearts of reviewers everywhere… again. The new Mark III eats darkness and can now keep up with action stills as well. Nikon, which may have let down some fans with its rather bland D4 update, cut no corners when stuffing 36 megapixels in its salami knife sharp D800, which makes me want to print wall-sized images of my face to hand out to my friends and strangers. But wait, there’s more? Most of the aforementioned cameras have shimmied past another sibling on the price tree, which makes decisions a little harder. It also makes the world’s second best portrait camera (5d mark II) a little more affordable. On the editing front, C6 has chopped a million steps out of object manipulation with its new content aware tool and Lightroom 4 is an editing Ferrari, clean and zippy. Go buy a camera. Then we can go on photo adventures together.
 
MAROON 5
MARY CHASE BREEDLOVE
I spent the summer of 2012 driving a Ryder truck across the eastern seaboard and directing a children’s camp for 11 weeks. While it was the best job ever, I really didn’t have a clue what was going on in the “real world.” One of the few glances into life outside of camp I experienced was listening to Maroon 5’s album “Overexposed” while driving down a mountain in Maryland.
My assistant director purchased this album for us to enjoy during our trips to Walmart and the post office. It was released on July 17, and I’m assuming everyone has heard their first single from the album, “Payphone.”
“Overexposed” is completely different music from the band’s earlier work. Maroon 5 took a sharp turn in the direction of a pop genre instead of riding the fence of alternative/rock with this album. However, whether you like him or not, there is no mistaking Adam Levine is the lead singer with one of the most unique voices I’ve ever heard. His falsetto is out of control.
The overall theme I interpreted from this album was heartbreak. I think the word “tears” is mentioned in almost every song. “Overexposed” definitely has a sugary-pop music feel to it, but at the same time, there’s an edge with catchy beats and racy lyrics.
My favorite song from the album is their latest release “One More Night.” The musical progression is catchy, and it’s one of those songs I don’t mind having stuck in my head.
My least favorite song is “Sad.” The lyrics were underwhelming, and it felt like a stereotypical piano ballad on an album jam-packed with techno and driving, upbeat songs.
Overall, I liked it. I’m sure we’ll hear more songs from “Overexposed” on the radio soon.
 
“THE CAMPAIGN”
ERIC EVANS
“The Campaign” hits the “worst” list not because it is a terrible movie, but because it failed to be as epic as promised.  Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis are two of my all-time favorite actors, but their talents went unappreciated in this goofy comedy.
Will plays his generic role of stupid and incompetent while Zack takes on a role as a humble family man who gets twisted into the crazy world of politics. While almost every aspect of the film was hilarious, most were predictable because the movie trailers spoiled the best parts.
In addition to predictable comedy, the film consisted of abundant amounts of crude language and behavior (most of which was just over the top). The foul language is something I am normally fond of, but it failed to strike a cord with the audience.

Overall, the movie brought me a good laugh and I did enjoy it; however, I don’t feel like the plot was original. The comedy was just too generic for this film to wow the critics.

“GIRLS”
ZACK ORSBORN
I’ll be the first to tell you: I’m not a girl. I will never experience the hardships of a woman because… well, I’m a man.
However, I think girls are the coolest creatures to walk the earth because most of my friends happen to be female.
They are complex beings with a multitude of emotions that no one will ever figure out.
What the creator of “Girls” (Lena Dunham) on HBO does is take a very in-depth and sometimes uncomfortable look into the life of the generation of 20-something females.
All the important life events this generation goes through like relationships, breakups, bad sex and job interviews are voiced by Dunham’s wit and dry humor.
While the show is mainly a comedy, there are some actual heart-gripping moments that the characters Hannah, Marnie, Jessa and Shoshanna experience that are relatable to a very confused generation.
“Girls” is not your typical cliché, girl dramedy like “Gossip Girl” or “Pretty Little Liars”; it is the most realistic show on television.
Dunham has really figured out how to make people laugh at some not so laughable situations, which I think is the bravest thing to do during these times.
 
“CALL ME MAYBE”
EMMA CRAWFORD
It’s a tie. Some consider it the worst, most redundant and painfully peppy pop song to have wormed its way onto the music scene in years. Fans of “real music” have dubbed it a one-hit wonder, surely, that Carly Rae what’s-her-name won’t get away with another one. For others, it’s an instant pick-me-up to hear those first few infectious notes drift through the speakers of their car stereos. The song spurs a wildly cheesy, yet fulfilling dance party for one. A smile graces their faces as Jepsen croons, “I threw a wish in a well…” and suddenly they can’t help it; the song calls them to sing along, to throw their hands up and point ridiculously to the driver next to them at the stoplight and ask them playfully to “call them, maybe”? The fact of the matter is Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe,” which became a phenomenon across the nation this summer, is incredibly catchy and just plain fun. Despite its obvious lack of depth and meaningful lyrics, it is hard not to like. It has become more than a mere pop song, and somehow became of such great importance, President Obama was asked his opinion of the smash hit. It even penetrated the Olympics when our American swim team’s music video to it went viral. How can we not adore Missy Franklin and her cohorts lip-syncing? It made the song even more popular, maybe even more lovable. It is lovable, yet annoying. It is by no means revolutionary like that of a Grammy-nominated track, and yet unforgettable. So in conclusion, it is not the worst. However, it is not the best. It is a song we will hear on a futuristic version of the radio sometime down the road and, regardless of our taste in music, remember playing constantly on the radio, on our iPods and in our minds. We will still know every word, still smile with a tinge of irritation at those first notes and we won’t change the station.
 
“THE BACHELORETTE”
KAITLYN BYRNE
Originally my best of summer 2012 was going to say: Olympics. ‘Merica. The end.
But the Chief vetoed that one, so instead I get to write about how fabulous this season of “The Bachelorette” was.
I can hear the criticism now. “‘The Bachelorette’ is so dumb. It’s all fake.”
Okay, maybe certain scenes are staged. And yes, sometimes they reshoot things if someone stutters, or trips, or has any other type of real-life awkward moment. And granted, yes, there were few aspects of Emily Maynard’s body that were real.
But it’s reality TV. Who actually watches reality television because we think it’s an accurate portrayal of real life? No one. We watch reality TV for one of two reasons:
1.          To boost our self-esteem by making fun of the embarrassing lives of others.
2.          To get a glimpse of a fanciful world where people have perfect hair after just waking up and first dates consist of private concerts by country music legends.
For two hours every Monday night, “The Bachelorette” allowed us to bear witness to dates we will never be able to afford, guys we will never be able to attract and problems we will never have to face (Let’s be honest here. What are the chances 20 guys are going to fight for your hand in marriage all at once?).
“The Bachelorette” provided a much-needed dose of romance, love and relationship conflict during a long, deserted-Starkville summer, a time when many of our own love lives were somewhat nonexistent. For that alone, I think the show deserves an Emmy.
And hey, at least the relationships on “The Bachelorette” are more legitimate than Kim Kardashian’s marriage to Kris Humphries. That has to count for something, right?
 
THE AVENGERS
CANDACE BARNETTE
When you think of your favorite part of summer, what comes to mind? Walking out the door on your last day of class? Beautiful rendezvous with your significant other? Getting your tan on poolside among friends whilst “Call Me Maybe” serenades your ears from a nearby boom box?
NO.
“THE AVENGERS” MOVIE IS WHAT COMES TO YOUR MIND AND BLOWS EVERYTHING ELSE RIGHT OUT OF THE WATER.
It was a film built up in our hearts since “The Incredible Hulk” debut in 2008, and boy, was it worth the wait.
“What makes this movie so fantastic?” some poor soul might ask. Here, naive creature, let me count you the ways.
First, “The Avengers” was an action movie through and through. From the very beginning, we didn’t waste time lollygagging around dealing with characters’ personal dilemmas. We dove right into the heart of things.
Second, graphics. This was not some piddling little low-budget film. Marvel knew this movie was going to be huge, and they couldn’t let any scene disappoint. Whether it was Loki sucking some poor sap’s soul with his scepter, the flight of the most epic ship/plane in existence or the final battle, this movie kept you right on the edge of your seat because of quality and attention to detail.
Third, despite the action and intensity, there were small bits of hilarity riddled throughout the entire movie. This was probably just to keep your heart from exploding right out of your chest.
Finally, the cast was spectacular. Try and pretend you don’t think every sarcastic quip out of Tony Stark’s mouth is hilarious. Or you don’t ache for the entire life Captain America had to leave behind. Act like you aren’t cheering for Thor to make Asgard proud. And I dare you to say your heart did not go out to Bruce Banner when he turned to face the enemy and said, “That’s my secret, Captain. I’m always angry.”
In short, “The Avengers” was the reason your summer was the greatest yet, and it is your duty as an American to ensure all of your friends view this movie immediately.
 
SCIENCE
JAY JOHNSON
Oscar Pistorius has no legs. Even more notable is the fact he is the fastest person in the world with that description. Still more notable is the fact he competed in the Olympics this year against men who have both of their legs. So the conclusion here is determination plus science equals a historical showing on the world’s greatest stage. Pistorius’s cheetah flex foot prosthetics are a scientific marvel made of carbon fiber and fueled by pure passion that helped him become the Olympics’ first amputee runner. Science was also responsible for helping our curiosity reach new heights. After a seven-month journey, the Mars rover Curiosity finally landed on the surface of the red planet. Outfitted with mineral analyzing and lasers, the rover is about three weeks into its journey, and nerds everywhere are hanging on its every sniff and desktop-worthy self portrait. Here’s to the discovery of life on mars or what everyone really wants…transformers.
 
SUMMER OLYMPICS
KRISTEN SPINK
The United States men’s gymnastics team. It was too painful to watch. They completely cracked under the pressure. While the Chinese and Japanese were performing every event as close to perfect as they could get, the Americans, who were a favorite to win a medal for sure and maybe even the gold, were anything but perfect. Sam Mikulak made a big mistake on his final tumbling pass on the floor routine. Danell Leyva fell on the pommel horse. John Orozco literally sat down on the pommel horse…The U.S. claimed one medal from men’s gymnastics, a bronze medal won by Leyva for individual all-around. Yes, there were some inspiring stories such as Orozco, who grew up in the Bronx as the son of a New York sanitation worker and made it to London. Orozco was the only American who competed in all five events in the team all-around, but he had to hold back tears as he blamed himself for his team’s meltdown. Great job getting to London, male gymnasts, but don’t forget your talent next time you come. I hate being harsh on these athletes because I can only imagine how tough it is to qualify for the Olympics (much less perform well once you are there with millions watching) but there has to be a worst, and unfortunately these male gymnasts performed just badly enough to earn this spot.