Chews Wisely

by Julie Robinson

Staff Reporter

My favorite thing about the holiday season is pie. Sweet Potato pie. Chocolate Chestnut pie. Above all else, pumpkin pie. There’s something about pie that just makes me wish I were a 400 pound woman who would not be looked down upon for eating pie every day, three times a day. Over the Thanksgiving break, I ate at least one entire pumpkin pie by myself. Don’t judge me. My dad bought the pumpkin pie from Wal-Mart, and it was gone the next day. It was great even though it was store bought, but a week or so later, I decided to try making my own pie. I went to my favorite blog to find recipes – thepioneerwoman.com. I can always depend on the blogger, Ree Drummond, for easy recipes that make delicious food. Note that I used the word delicious, not the word healthy. She has a recipe for what she calls pumpkin cream pie that she calls absolutely wonderful, so I decided to try it. Drummond doesn’t enjoy pumpkin, so her recipe only calls for a small amount of pumpkin. Since I love pumpkin, I decided to almost triple the amount of pumpkin in the pie. This was a BAD idea. Since I’d tripled the pumpkin, I had to almost double the pie filling, so I decided to just make two pies. So I ended up with two pies that did not taste “absolutely wonderful” in the slightest. I was very disappointed. All I wanted was some good pumpkin pie. Was that too much to ask for? I ended up eating the pies anyway because I’ll always love pie. After ruining Ree Drummond’s pie recipe, I wasn’t satisfied, so I decided to make the generic, easy pumpkin pie that never fails to curb my pumpkin pie cravings. If you decide to make pie, learn from my mistakes, follow the directions on the recipe and have me over for a piece of pie.

Book Review: The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks

by: Allison Slusher

Most Nicholas Sparks novels follow a pattern: one of the main characters comes from a troubled life but falls in love with their soul mate. After a long struggle, some form of separation, or an upsetting realization, the two realize that they were destined to be together. Some of the most popular Nicholas Sparks books that follow this plot line are The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, and The Last Song. Sparks’s newest novel, The Best of Me, is no different.

The book follows high school sweethearts Amanda and Dawson through their perilous fight for love. The two separate after Amanda’s parents forbid her to see Dawson anymore. After their break-up, life takes its toll, and they both grow older and live in separate worlds. A series of events in their hometown, however, bring the two back together, and they decide to attempt what they thought impossible: rekindling their relationship. The two then struggle through the idea, and Amanda is forced to decide between her own desires and her family’s desires back home.

While Sparks didn’t stray too far from his normal story line, he managed to keep the reader interested by adding a few new twists. Throughout the book, The Best of Me questions the supernatural and its role in love. This seems especially different in this novel, seeing as how Sparks normally writes more traditional love stories. Sparks also puts his characters in more risqué situations than normal.

At the end, though, Sparks reverts back to his normal ways and reiterates how hope and love can conquer all. He also makes a point to show, just as in other novels, how the love of family can be one of the strongest and most important loves of all.

With all of this said, however, the book has the potential to become another Nicholas Sparks phenomenon, and this book might even have the ability to be made into a movie just like many other Sparks novels. Overall, The Best of Me, is a classic novel that does inspire the story of love, but lacks individuality and is almost painfully predictable.

Movie Review: Footloose

by: Brittain Allgood

When it comes to movies that make you want to “cut loose,” the new Footloose really does the trick. Bringing the classic film up-to-date with new dance styles, this new rendition puts into perspective how everyone should have the right to dance how they want, when they want. When watching this film, I had the sudden urge to get up and dance along with them. Everyone who watches it will hum along to the timeless tunes while enjoying the dance numbers that this movie includes.

Footloose takes place in the small town of Bomont, Georgia, where everyone knows your name. Like any other town, the students enjoyed partying and dancing. One night after a big bash, four of Bomont’s brightest students were driving home when they crashed head-on into a truck. All four were killed instantly, and the entire town of Bomont was affected by the tragedy. The preacher of the local church was the father of one of the victims. He vowed to his family and to the entire city that from there on out, he would do everything he could to keep the children of Bomont safe. After the accident, the city council began to approve outrageous laws such as setting a city-wide curfew and prohibiting the purchase of beer on Sundays; however, the most outrageous law was prohibiting dancing in the city. At the time, these rules seemed fair and appropriate, but after a while, the children began to rebel against the laws. Although nothing changed, that is, until a new boy came to town. This Boston native decided that he wanted to make a difference in that city and wished to prove to others that he could succeed.

The Footloose cast portrayed their characters very well and far exceeded expectations. Kenny Wormald played Ren MacCormack better than many expected. Everyone knows that no one can replace Kevin Bacon, who played the original Ren MacCormack, but even Kevin stated over Twitter that Kenny did an excellent job. Ren MacCormack is a student originally from Boston, but when his mother dies from Leukemia, he moves to Bomont to live with his aunt and uncle. He is a selfish, stuck-up city boy in the beginning of the film, but when he begins to have feelings for Ariel, we see that he is a dynamic character in that he begins to care for others as well as the city of Bomont. Wormald has definitely become the new heartthrob of the 21st century, stealing hearts with his dance moves and strikingly good looks. Ariel Moore, played by Julianne Hough, is a goody-goody preacher’s daughter in the beginning of the story, but after her brother dies in the car crash, she begins to rebel against everything that her dad has instilled in her. She gets lost in her relationship with God, her family, and her abusive boyfriend. Meeting Ren, she realizes that she has been living the wrong life and begins to mold back into the girl her daddy once knew. Julianne Hough- who knew she could act? This triple threat is a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood, for she was able to move people with her words as well as her dancing. As tired as I am of seeing Dennis Quaid in movies, he did an excellent job of playing the over-protective preacher, Rev. Shaw Moore. The Reverend tries so hard to protect Ariel that it only pushes her away. He realizes the things that he has done and decides to be more lenient with her.

This movie had comical moments as well as serious, inspiring moments and to me, those qualities make a good movie. This is a film that I can watch a dozen times and still love. I highly recommend this movie to everyone above the age of thirteen, boys and girls.

Music Review: “Play On” by Carrie Underwood

By: Kent McCarty

After winning American Idol’s fourth season in 2005, Oklahoma native Carrie Underwood released her debut single “Jesus, Take the Wheel” to country radio. The song shot up the charts, spent six weeks at number one, won countless awards, and the rest is history. Ten million albums and eleven consecutive number ones later, Underwood has successfully made a place for herself in the music world. The respect she’s earned over the past four years has allowed her to have a little bit more fun and take a few risks on her third studio album, Play On. The result is Underwood’s most diverse and innovative album yet, a winning combination that will surely allow her to continue her streak of number ones and add numerous awards to her already long resume.

The magic behind Play On is in the variety of material Underwood chose for the album. It’s nearly impossible to assign one genre to any of the songs on Play On, much less the entire CD. To achieve the diversity found on Play On, Underwood worked with writers from nearly every genre. “Cowboy Casanova,” the lead-off single, was written by Underwood and well-known rap and hip/hop writer Mike Elizondo. The hip/hop influence Elizondo brought to the table is evident in the fast-pace chorus and energetic verses. The result of this collaboration is arguably Underwood’s catchiest song to date.

Following “Cowboy Casanova” is the radio-ready Max Martin song “Quitter,” which shows a new side of Carrie with its Caribbean-like backing track and relaxed vocals. One of the major draws on Play On is the catchiness of nearly every song on the CD, and “Quitter” is no exception. “Quitter” is followed by the slow but sweet “Mama’s Song.” With lines like “Mama you’ve taught me to do the right things/But now it’s time to let your baby fly,” this track is sure to be a tear-jerker among mothers and daughters who will soon be leaving the nest.

No album is complete without the inspirational ballad, and Play On definitely delivers in that department. While “Change” recycles the old message that “the smallest things can make all the difference,” it does so without being overly preachy. Underwood delivers a haunting vocal on “Change,” allowing her powerful voice to belt in full force as the song builds up to the final lines. Perhaps the highlight of Play On, and possibly Underwood’s entire career, is another inspirational ballad by the name of “Temporary Home.” “Temporary Home” tells the story of three different individuals who are suffering in some way, yet realize that their present lives are only temporary, or just a stop on the way to something greater. If this one doesn’t move you in some way, you may want to check your pulse and make sure you’re still functioning.

For those who enjoy more pure country, Play On presents “Someday When I Stop Loving You” and Alan Jackson cover “Look at Me.” The first features one of Underwood’s most restrained vocal performances to-date and the second is a soaring ballad that will have traditional country music fans recollecting country songs of years gone by.

But don’t think Play On is an album full of only tear-jerkers and thought-provokers. For every reflective song on the album, there is at least one fun and upbeat track that’ll surely have you singing along. Besides “Cowboy Casanova,” Play On features the contagious “Undo It,” a song about a relationship that’s so bad you wish it never happened. “Undo It” draws influences from many genres, including country, pop, rock, and a little R&B. The insanely catchy chorus could take this song to great heights on radio, and possibly rival the success of her signature hit, “Before He Cheats.” The country/rock track “Songs Like This” is short and to the point, but it will surely be a crowd favorite at concerts with its high-energy delivery and fun nature. Though many songs on Play On borrow from pop and rock genres, no song comes as close to leaving country behind as “Unapologize,” co-written by Underwood. “Unapologize” shows that, while Underwood is a country artist at her core, she’s certainly capable of branching out into other genres successfully.

Also included in Play On is Carrie’s first on-ablum duet, “What Can I Say,” which features America’s Next Great Band winners, Sons of Sylvia, and shows off a new dimension of Underwood’s voice. Play On appropriately comes to a close with the title track, a nice mid-tempo song about never giving up. Underwood’s amazing range shines on this track, especially in the last minute, where she shows off those powerful glory notes she’s become known for since her time on Idol.

Play On is Underwood’s strongest body of work yet, and shows off new aspects of her personal life and voice like we’ve never seen before. Each track brings something unique to the album, giving the material diversity unmatched by anyone currently in country music and proves that Underwood truly is one of the most versatile artists in music history. As she continues to grow as an artist, her successes will surely ‘play on.’

5 out of 5 stars

Movie review: The Men Who Stare at Goats

By: Ashley Ricks

The Men Who Stare at Goats was supposed to be, in my book, a hysterical comedy accompanied by a great underlying story. Grant Heslov directed the movie along with George Clooney, and expectations were high. Unfortunately, the movie didn’t deliver.

This movie begins with a journalist, Bob Wilton, played by the fabulous Ewan McGregor, covering what seems like a nonsense story of a man who claims to have psychic powers. However, the story seems to legitimatize itself when Wilton ironically meets Lyn Cassady (the handsome George Clooney), a former member of the “psychic” division of the army, while trying to cross the Kuwait border into Iraq. Diverting from his original plan to cover the war, Wilton decides to follow Cassady on his most recent mission, not truly knowing where they are going.

In a flashback to 1972-era Vietnam, we find out how the New Earth Army is started. Bill Django (Jeff Bridges) is wounded in battle and decides to investigate his idea of bringing peace around the world with the mind.  Basically, this unit is founded by a loopy hippie who has a few extra chemicals running through his blood stream. He begins training this special unit by letting them dance freely and play with flowers. Cassady is immediately recognized as the most promising “remote viewer” of the unit.

Returning to 2003, the time in which the movie is set, viewers are taken through a series of adventures and challenges faced by Wilton and Cassady, packed with a few laughable moments. Since most of the comedic punch lines were put in the trailer, movie-goers are misled to believe that the movie is filled with stomach-aching hilarious moments.
Lyn Cassady finally finds the place he felt he was led to after wrecking a car, being kidnapped, and blowing a second car up. Turns out, his destiny takes him to a new base run by his old arch enemy of the unit Larry Hooper, played by Kevin Spacey. Django works his way back into the story by helping with this new base, although he isn’t happy with it. When Cassady and Wilton show up Django sees hope. However, Cassady begins to lose it. He believes the downfall of the New Earth Army was his fault because he killed a goat – with his mind by the way – and killing, obviously, isn’t peaceful like the way of the hippie army.  In attempt to distract the newly formed unit, Django and Wilton team up and slip a few extra ingredients into the army’s breakfast. With everyone loopy, they are able to free the goats and captives to live their own peaceful lives. As I was still struggling and waiting to see the point of the drawn out movie, the credits began to role.

This random and chaotic film is based on Jon Ronson’s non-fiction book which is, in turn, based on a true story.
After much thought I have decided to give this movie two stars. My reasoning? One for George Clooney, I mean who doesn’t like to look at him? I give another star for Ewan McGregor, simply because I can’t get the Moulin Rouge version of him out of my head. I was contemplating giving another for the quick and few laughs I got out of the movie, however, I quickly redacted it remembering the terrible moustache style that seemed to be a nasty trend in the movie. This movie was definitely not worth the eight dollars I paid to see it.

New restaurants bring unique family dining to community

By: Lauren Pace

With the addition of two new restaurants, Topher’s and Gatti Town, Hattiesburg restaurant owners will have new, fierce competition. Both new restaurants are getting heaps of business due to their delicious food, enjoyable atmospheres, and friendly service. Citizens in the Pine Belt area can always use new choices, but thanks to these new restaurants, the community is now able to enjoy different, delicous, and affordable options.

Many people in the area grew up with Mr. Gatti’s Pizza. Gatti Town is similar to Mr. Gatti’s and area residents welcome the new restaurant in hopes of new family experiences to remember. Topher’s, which is locally owned by Christopher McDonald who also owns Mugshots Bar and Grill, is a new burger joint located on the corner of Lincoln Road and Old Highway 11. Topher’s attracts many students, families, and visitors to the Oak Grove area and offers quality burgers with a flare.

With the economy slowing down, restaurants have struggled and many people choose to eat at home to save money. However, these two restaurants will potentially break this trend due to their exceptional food, affordable prices, and entertaining atmosphere.

Topher’s Rock’n Roll Grill

Burgers are the ideal meal for many students. Whether it’s for a lunch with the family or dinner with friends, burger joints are outrageously popular in the Hattiesburg area. Because of the massive popularity, burger joints have sprung up everywhere. But the best one, is the newly opened, Topher’s Rock and Roll Grill. The lively and energetic environment makes the restaurant one of a kind. Topher’s is known for their broad diversity of burgers and toppings. One burger that most people find odd is the Peanut Butter Burger. Although people may be somewhat put off by the thought of peanut butter on a burger, it is one of the most popular choices on the menu–don’t judge a burger by its topping. To compliment all of the wonderful burgers, a side of fries really does the trick. The fries have a seasoning that will drive anyone wild. Topher’s is conveniently located in front of Corner Market and has fast and friendly service, a combination that will guarantee big business.

Gatti Town

Gatti Town is Hattiesburg’s new place for fun. They have all-you-can-eat buffet lines of mouthwatering pizza and Italian foods. The seating is in theatres of either cartoons, sports, or just an ordinary seating room. However, this fun-filled environment doesn’t stop at the eating. The enormous arcade in the back has games for all ages. Whether it is bumper cars, Deal or No Deal, Guitar Hero, or racing games, Gatti Town has it all.

The exciting atmosphere brings joy to all ages. The friendly staff and delicious food will keep you there for countless hours. A popular favorite is the the cheese sticks. They are a delicious blend of fresh oven-baked bread and gooey cheeses. They are a perfect snack before playing the arcade and other games. Gatti Town is a fun and exciting new eatery for the whole family.