Exit Through the Gift Shop- documentary or hoax?

By Kyle Huneycutt, A&E Editor

I used to encourage everyone I knew to make art. I don’t do that so much anymore.” These are the closing words of the famous, maybe infamous, Banksy, in his new documentary, Exit Through the Gift Shop. For those of you who do not know what is going on out in the art world (yes, one exists), Banksy is foremost a street artist from England. Now, he may or may not also be a genius film-maker.

Your first impression is you think this film is going to be about Banksy. Instead you are introduced to Thierry Guetta, who is not an artist, and then proceed to learn his life story and how he is obsessed with filming everything that moves. Guetta becomes Banksy’s new shadow, filming him do everything art related. Banksy ends up having an extremely successful show, and he makes a lot of money. He figures now might be a good time for Guetta to make use of the hours of footage he has and make a documentary. Guetta obliges and ends up making the worst documentary ever, resulting in Banksy “encouraging” Guetta to go home and start working on some of his own street art.

Guetta takes Banksy’s request very seriously and starts hiring people to make the art for him. This leads to tons and tons of art that suspiciously looks like the art he has been filming for years.  Guetta starts working on an extremely large art show that ends up having a mind of its own, which leads Guetta to nickname himself “Mr. Brainwash.”

Now there are two options as to what the purpose of this documentary might possibly be. The first option is to view this film literally. It’s about a guy who gets a lucky break. The second option is that Banksy is awesome. I am more inclined to believe the second option. I think, and so do many others, that this entire documentary was a hoax, a piece of art in and of itself. So if you believe that art reflects the artist, then my first impression of this documentary was correct. It is all about Banksy and the message he is trying to drill into our skulls.

The best part of this documentary is that it is so ambiguous, and I think that ambiguity is what truly makes it a piece of art. It is open to interpretation. If anything, it at least opened up many conversations about art on a large scale, which I believe, is always a plus. So with that in mind, watch this movie and try not to think too much. Also, it’s important to remember that with all art, you may not like it, but you can still appreciate it.

A Lot Like Love is a lot like hell

By Dillon Sutherland, Staff Writer

With Valentine’s Day approaching, there is bound to be love in the air at Young Harris College.  So, what better way to celebrate the holiday than to watch a fun romance with your significant other?  You could watch one of the many romance films here on campus.  But be warned, if you watch this one in particular, A Lot Like Love, you may be putting your relationship in jeopardy and will probably walk away a lot more sad than happy.

A Lot Like Love released in 2005, is a romantic comedy surrounding the relationship of Oliver, played by Ashton Kutcher and Emily, played by Amanda Peet.  It takes place over several years as they progress from exclusively sexual friends, to genuine friendship and then ultimately to a relationship.

By saying this, I’m not giving anything away, since this movie follows the same predictable story frame as most other movies of the genre: boy meets girl, boy loses girl and boy gets girl back.

Along with following the generic formula, this film reminded me entirely too much of When Harry Met Sally- except terribly done.  What that film possesses in humor, character development and attraction, this movie lacked completely.  It was not funny at all, and I never longed to see the two of them to get together.

For example, there’s the hilarious and famous deli scene in When Harry Met Sally where Meg Ryan fakes an orgasm, but in A Lot Like Love, there is a scene where Peet pretends to choke in a restaurant.  The latter doesn’t even begin to be funny and doesn’t compare to the other.

Complementing that negative is the acting.  Peet has a few scenes where she cries and looks saddened, but Kutcher on the other hand, let’s just say you get more emotion out of his deaf brother in the movie that communicates through sign language.  Kutcher and Peet lack the chemistry required to create a lasting impression.

In the end, if you want to have a romantic night for Valentine’s Day, do not watch this film.  Especially, if you want to remain in your relationship, avoid this movie. If you want to watch a romantic comedy, I recommend When Harry Met Sally. I give it a F.

Rev gives last sermon

By Kyle Huneycutt, A&E Editor

"Rev" Fred Whitely encouraged students to seize the day in his Last Lecture, given on Jan. 27, in Wilson Lecture Hall. Photo by Nadia Dean

“Carpe Diem!” These words reverberated off the walls in Wilson Lecture Hall last Thursday evening for students who decided to attend the SGA and Arts Assembly sponsored weekly series, “The Last Lecture.”

The idea behind this series is to give Young Harris College faculty and various guest scholars the chance to give one lecture as if it were their very last. The response to these lectures have generally been very positive, and the latest session was no exception, nearly every seat in the hall accounted for.

Thursday’s speaker was no stranger to the campus of YHC, Reverend “Rev” Whitely, once professor and campus minister of this college for nearly 30 years. Whitely began his lecture the same way he greeted many of his classes, with the ancient biblical Hebrew word, “Shalom,” or peace, wholeness, abundance of life.

Words that he believes embody “what being a student at YHC is all about.”

Those who had had the pleasure of hearing Whitely speak before this lecture, undoubtedly knew what was in store for them in the following 45 minutes. The others who may have thought this was going to be a boring lecture were in for pleasant surprise.

“It was intense. He was so enthusiastic and moving. You absolutely had to pay attention to what he was saying,” said Maryanne Schramke, an undecided sophomore from Blairsville.

Many words could be used to describe Whitely, but boring wasn’t one of them.

Whitely continued to use his time to the fullest by making humorous allusions to Robin Williams in the movie The Dead Poet’s Society, or to Larry Walters, who thought it wise to tie 45 helium filled weather balloons to a lawn chair in which he happened to be sitting.

But stirring just under the surface of these entertaining stories was a much deeper meaning filled with a thought provoking challenge in which he ideally summarizes in two words, “Carpe Diem,” seize the day.

Whitely ended the evening with these parting words.

“If you want to do more than just make a living and consume, if you want to have a fulfilling life, Carpe Diem, and you will live a life that will make a difference to others.”

A roaring standing ovation immediately ensued, the audience clearly impressed with Whitelys’ powerful words.

Rebecca Robinson, a junior biology major from the city of Young Harris said, “He inspires you to do so much. He raises energy throughout the entire time, making his audience energetic too. He was very invigorating.”

Williams’ crayons color me pensive

By Lauren Robinson, Staff Writer

Herb Williams's artwork, featured in the Campus Gate Art gallery, uses children's crayons to contrast the innocence of childhood with more serious topics such as civil rights and environmental issues. Photo by Ashton Jones

Sculptures— we’ve all seen them. Some are in bronze, granite and clay. Others are in ice or on occasion wax. Herb Williams creates many sculptures. They just happen to be made out of crayons.

Herb Williams is an artist that is showcasing certain pieces of his collection of sculptures at Young Harris College. His artwork is something that everyone can identify with. Crayons are usually a part of everyone’s past, thus making his artwork quite relational.

The off-the-wall, non-cliché, pieces provide a nostalgic presence within in the gallery. The complexity of the artwork is astounding. Upon entering, there are multiple points of interest in which to begin gazing.

Children playing, a majestic predator arranged on a limb, a variety of fish swimming along the wall and adolescent games jump off of the wall, all reminding us of our past experiences. While all of the pieces were absolutely mind-boggling, I have a few favorites.

Photo by Ashton Jones

“The Wheel of Fortune” is a game-show that has been aired on daytime television for years. However, this wheel of fortune is nothing even remotely encouraging. It is not spun on the hope of winning money, a new car or an all-expense-paid vacation to a tropical island.

Instead, “suicidal” and “delusional” are a few words that are on the wheel. This wheel is not necessarily a wheel of fortune but more on the aspect of revealing what your fortune in life may be.

Fish floating along the walls of the exhibit attract much attention. The varieties of fish call attention to the viewer. A piece called “Oil Slick” is a piece that most everyone can understand due to the major oil crisis that occurred in the summer months of 2010.

The fish had a dark and dismal look and definitely made me think about the severity of the oil spill. I personally can attest to the traumatic effects of the oil spill. I took a Caribbean cruise last June and saw oil spots in the Gulf of Mexico.

The art exhibit was simple because it was easy to relate to. If I could merit a grade, it would be an A. This, to me, is a once-in- a-lifetime experience that I believe everyone should go and see.

This artwork will be on showcase until the 25^th of February. Happy Coloring.

“Other Side of Infinity” worth seeing

By Hailey Silvey, Staff Writer

If you haven’t seen the black hole laser show that is currently being shown Friday nights in the O. Wayne Rollins planetarium, you should definitely take one of the remaining opportunities to see it. Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity is free to students with a YHC ID.  The show lasts just under an hour, making it the perfect break from all that studying that YHC students do on Friday nights.

The show, which was created by the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, is educational without being boring. The shows runs just under half an hour, and you learn about black holes without feeling like you’re being bored with useless information.

The graphics are also really amazing. They were created with high tech computers from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and the show uses Einstein’s equations to show exactly what would happen if we were to approach a black hole. Anyone who appreciates great graphics would love this show.

The show is narrated by Liam Neeson. The voice of Neeson is great in the show, because he has a wonderful voice for narration. His voice blends nicely into the background sound effects, without being too obnoxious or too quiet.

My favorite part of the show was when the program gave audience members an idea of how black holes are formed. The graphics were amazing, and the visuals explained black holes in such an interesting way that I was able to understand a concept that I had never been able to understand before. Plus, the way the show puts great detail into exactly how the black holes are formed in outer space was really helpful.

Overall, I would give this show an A. Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity was completely wonderful all around, and the planetarium crew did a great job presenting it. It’s definitely worth seeing.

Music faculty takes the stage

By Christelle Vereb, Staff Writer

Students and faculty reversed roles at last Monday night’s faculty recital, when faculty delivered performances coming from an array of musical scholars.

The show opened with a performance from Cynthia DeFoor, adjunct instructor of music and staff accompanist, on Piano playing Fredric Chopin’s Ballad, Op. 47 in Ab major.

After, Karen Calloway, assistant professor of music, played on the piano with YHC accompanist Anita Guss. Calloway and Guss played Gioacchino Rossini’s La Pastorella delle Alpi (Tirolese) L’Invito (Bolero) and William Walton’s Rhyme.

Later, Calloway, and Guss were joined by Sandy Calloway, associate professor of music and chair of the music department, to perform Andrew Lloyd Weber’s All I Ask of You.

“I played Ballad, Op. 47 in Ab Major by Fredric Chopin because I played it in graduate school, and I really enjoy playing the piece. When I play it, I think of fairies. And, they change colors as the music changes,” said DeFoor.

The concert proceeded with Karen Calloway leaving Guss and Sandy Calloway to perform Hermit Songs by Samuel Barber.

After, Richard Knepp, instructor of music, performed Johann Sebastian Bach’s Grave.

Then, Laura Stooksbury, adjunct instructor of music, sang Johannes Brahms Though I speak with Tongues of Angels while Mary Ann Fox, adjunct instructor of music played the piano.

Fox and Stooksbury were then joined on stage by William Fox, and together they delivered a performance of G.F Handel’s When You Marry Me.

Jeffrey Bauman , professor of music and director of choral and vocal activities, sang while Keith DeFoor, professor of music played piano to perform An die Musik by Franz Schubert and In the Still of the Night by Cole Porter.

While community members were also enjoying their time, the show was coming to an end. Karen Calloway and Guss performed Gabriel Faure’s Fantasia with Callaway on the flute, and Guss playing the piano.

After, Knepp performed Aquarelle by Sergio Assad. The show was closed with Robert Jennings Powell’s Angels Among Us played by Keith and Cynthia DeFoor on the Organ. The stage was managed by Sam Wolaver.

As faculties were enjoying putting on the show, students were equally excited to have the chance to see their professors in action.

Music major and Atlanta native, Sophomore LizAnn Weissinger said, “the concert sounded phenomenal and amazing. Everybody did so well, and you could tell they put a lot of passion and dedication into their performances. Kudos to everyone.”

Corn Creek Review ready to grow

By Carmen Brown, Staff Writer

On Monday January 24, in Goolsby 208, the Corn Creek Review held its first meeting of the year.

Corn Creek Review is Young Harris College’s one and only literary magazine. It is an annual publication that features poetry, short stories, artwork and other submissions by students of YHC.

The magazine is a completely student-led production. The content, cover and design are designed by YHC students.

The production of this literary magazine dates all the way to 1963. Initially, it was named The Word, but because it is student run. The staff of 1970, were able to change rename the magazine to better represent the magazine.

“In 1970, the students decided to rename it the Corn Creek Review, because they looked at Corn Creek, which is a creek that runs through River Falls, as a place of beauty and relaxation,” said Amanda Lawrence, associate professor of English and Corn Creek Review Sponsor.

The Corn Creek Review is student run from start to finish, and everyone is invited to join as well as submit their work.

“The Corn Creek Review is an expressive outlet that allows students to show their creative talents in ways that inspire and challenge other students on campus. This is my first semester on the staff, and I am thrilled and blessed to be part of this,” said Amanda Noonan, a junior English major from Smyrna.

When the literary magazine is completed and printed in April, there will be one or more judges that will pick the winning submissions. These submissions could result in an award or a cash prize for the author or authors.

For students that want more information about how to submit works or would like to join the staff, students can attend the next meeting which will be held Monday, January 31 in Goolsby room 208.

We Own the Night is worth watching

By Dillon Sutherland, Staff Writer

A copy of We Own the Night can be found in the Duckworth Library.

We Own the Night is a crime drama that came out in 2007.  The film revolves around a successful nightclub owner, Bobby Green played by Joaquin Phoenix, and his family.  Bobby Green’s family has traditionally been police officers including his veteran officer father played by Robert Duvall and his brother, played by Mark Wahlberg.

Bobby turns a blind eye to drug trafficking in his club and as the film progresses and the police begin to move in, Bobby is faced with an impossibly difficult decision.  He must either look out for his club and continue to aid the drug lords, or he must turn in informantion and help his family bring them down.

The plot of the film sounds like a rather generic one, but it is very interesting. The movie is entertaining and thrilling throughout, keeping the viewer attentive to see what choices will be made.  There are several tense, pulse-pounding scenes that definitely deliver.  Writer and director James Gray does an excellent job creating shots and scenes that convey the drama of a situation.

Also, it is not only the plot that helps power the movie, but the acting.  Joaquin Phoenix in particular does a magnificent playing the compelling role of a truly torn character.  As the movie progresses, you can get a true sense of how he feels.  Eva Mendes, who plays Phoenix’s girlfriend, also does a good job portraying a woman terrified of what may happen.  Wahlberg does what he can, but his role is not nearly up to par with the one he had in The Departed.

However, with the great roles and intense scenes, the movie may not necessarily stand out amongst similar movies.  We Own The Night is not a movie that is widely known.  Also, it is a rather generic type story.  Gray does incorporate his own style and flair, but in the end, it is a predictable drama where you already know the general outline.  All in all, We Own the Night is definitely worth watching, but do not expect to be blown away.  I give it a B.

Haas teaches YHC “Listening 2.0″

By Dillon Sutherland, Staff Writer

This past Thursday, the Fine Arts Department featured its first event of the semester.  Dr. David Haas, renowned professor of musicology at the University of Georgia, came to Young Harris to speak.  He gave a lecture entitled ‘Listening 2.0.’  This concept that he proposed means not simply listening to music, but looking at it analytically and understanding it.

“Listening 2.0 isn’t easy,” Dr. Haas said. “It can be as hard as actually playing an instrument.”

The speech he gave on the idea contained many points and encouraged listeners to ask themselves key questions.  These include questions such as what the pace is, what kind of atmosphere the music is best for, what primary and secondary sounds are and what word or phrase describes the music.

“I like to expand the menu of listening,” said Dr. Haas. “People often resist change.  [Listening 2.0 isn't something you always have to do]; it’s a choice.  You can switch back and forth between listening normally and listening 2.0.  Anyone can do it.  Music is like a human.  You can look at the surface or you can dig deeper.”

Most of the 30 people in attendance were music majors that are required to attend such events, but there was a small handful of others that were interested in the speaker enough to attend the event.

There were some technical difficulties with the computer and Young Harris College’s internet connection, but everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Dr. Haas gave a good speech and added some comic relief with silly video clips of music.

“I found it really interesting,” said Landon Lovell, a sophomore music major from Blairsville. “I did a lecture last week on music history and wish I could do it again with the information Dr. Haas gave.  I also enjoyed it because he is quite the accomplished pianist.”

Dr. Haas teaches courses that focus of Russian music at the University of Georgia.  He focuses on composers such as Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky.  He is the author of the book, Leningrad’s Modernists, and he is also the editor and translator of a 20th- century work of Russian Opera criticism titled Symphonic Etudes.

Planetarium launched “Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity”

By Hailey Silvey, Staff Writer

Starting January 14, the O. Wayne Rollins Planetarium started its latest show, entitled “Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity.” The show will run every Friday night from January 14 to February 25, excluding February 4. The show was produced by the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Actor Liam Neeson narrates the show.

The idea of the show is to illustrate how black holes are formed. The show also depicts what would happen if you were to approach the black hole at the center of the Milky Way.

Steve Morgan, planetarium director and instructor of astronomy, says “the show does a very good job of visualizing something that is very hard to wrap your mind around.”

“Black Holes” was created using supercomputers. The supercomputers to demonstrate what would really happen if a person were to approach a black hole. Einstein’s equations were also used in the production. The show is very educational and scientifically based. The supercomputers were also used to help give the show a 3D feel.

A total of 10 computers were used throughout the screening. Eight of the computers are used to enhance digital perspective. The other two computers operate the Chronos machine, which displays images of the night sky. Though the Chronos is not used in the black hole show, it is used afterward in the tour of the night sky. Six projectors that are located around the edge of the room are used to project the show onto the ceiling. Morgan says, “the computer graphics and projectors make the show more exciting and educational.”

At the first viewing of the show every seat was filled. Morgan says that so far, the audiences seemed to have really enjoyed the experience. The show begins at 8:00 on Friday nights, and lasts just under 30 minutes. Afterwards, Morgan uses the Chronos machine to give an explanation of the night sky, lasting around 15 minutes. Morgan says he tries to keep the show under an hour. If the night is clear, the observatory at Brasstown Valley Resort will be open so the audience can go up there and look at the night sky.

“Black Holes” will be running until February 25. Admission is three dollars for adults, two dollars for students, and free for students with a YHC ID.