Essence Dennis| Assistant A&E Editor 18 Oct 2015 was something I was definitely not mentally prepared for. From the glitter, to the musical, to the costume contest and the topless dancer. This was something that will be burned into my retina for years. From the American Director and screenwriter who brought us the "Saw" trilogy as well as the American actor and writer Terrance Zdunich, comes "Alleluia! The Devil’s Carnival." These filmmakers brought to life a living nutcracker, introduced a God that in turn was a dictator and a Devil that was surprisingly loving, and opened the show by shouting “HAIL SATAN!” The film was 1 hour and 30 minutes of excessive glitter, caked on … [Read more...] about Alleluia! The Devil’s Carnival: Not everyone’s cup of tea
Essence Dennis
Fifty Shades of BS: Truth about BDSM
By Essence Dennis |Staff Writer| Abuse is abuse -- and that’s what “Fifty Shades of Grey” enforced. “Fifty Shades of Grey” is a story about an abusive man who wanted control over a college senior, using sex and a contract. BDSM is known as an overlapping abbreviation of bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, and sadism and masochism, according to urbandictionary.com. The public only reads and experiences what the author portrays in “Fifty Shades of Grey.” However, the author has portrayed a false sense of consent in the book, as well as the movie. “She didn't even know what a butt plug was, most people do - and if they don’t, they wouldn't be involved with … [Read more...] about Fifty Shades of BS: Truth about BDSM
Journalists need accountability
By Essence Dennis |Staff Writer| SEEK TRUTH AND REPORT IT. MINIMIZE HARM. ACT INDEPENDENTLY. BE ACCOUNTABLE. This is the journalistic code of ethics, the guidelines that journalists are meant to abide by to bring the truth to the people, according the the Society of Professional Journalists. These very rules are what keep journalists held accountable for their actions. They are not meant to lie and deceive the public, like journalist Brian Williams is under fire for doing. For a whopping 12 years Williams reported a lie about his news team being shot down, in a helicopter called 'Chinook' in Iraq, by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) according to Rolling Stone magazine. His … [Read more...] about Journalists need accountability
“To Kill a Mockingbird” sequel creates stir
By Essence Dennis |Staff Writer| Since Harper Lee’s debut release of “To Kill a Mockingbird” (TKAM) in 1960, Lee has never published another novel -- until now. However some critics are skeptical of the subject matter and relevance to today’s young adult fiction readers. Others are concerned that Lee is being exploited. In my opinion I believe that “Go Set a Watchman” will have a strong cultural impact given that the subject matter and themes explored will be similar to that of its predecessor despite critic beliefs that Lee is being exploited. “Go Set a Watchman” follows an adult Scout Finch who journeys from her residence of New York, back home to Maycomb, Alabama. … [Read more...] about “To Kill a Mockingbird” sequel creates stir
Obama fails to address all issues
By Essence Dennis |Staff Writer| President Barack Obama failed to address the disgusting actions that have occurred within certain police forces during his State of the Union speech. He also rarely discussed women’s rights, and the deplorable acts happening in Nigeria caused by Boko Haram. Obama’s speech on Tuesday Jan. 20 did, however, discuss his plans on human genome advancement, keeping gatekeepers away from our internet (net neutrality), and climate change. “I would have like to have heard him speak more on how he is going to better the environment besides hounding Native American coal miners in Virginia about their coal mining when they don’t have a choice, due to the … [Read more...] about Obama fails to address all issues
Putin invades Ukraine, possible intervention from US in the future
By, Essence Dennis |Staff Writer| On March 1, 2014 Russian President Vladimir Putin announced an invasion on Ukraine, specifically Crimea. Putin began to demand that Russia invade Ukraine on Saturday and won his parliament’s approval, according to Huffington Post. Putin began sending his troops into Ukraine, which caused mass confrontation between Russia and the West, which has not been seen since the Cold War, according to Huffington Post. Russia was in violation of “Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity.” Putin was forced instruct Moscow to withdraw its forces out of Crimea and back to the borders once the United States told them, according to Huffington Post. “I think … [Read more...] about Putin invades Ukraine, possible intervention from US in the future
Despite American intervention, Syria remains at war
By Essence Dennis |Staff Writer| Lifeless bodies strewn across the street, the scent of gun powder sits strong in the air, civilians are the enemy. This is the scene in Syria, with the death toll estimated to be around 140,000 people and children counting for 7,000 of that toll. The United States’ military has been watching over Syria for about three years, having been sent in under the context of finding weapons of mass destruction and bringing peace, but years later no identifiable changes have been seen. “I think Obama should pull (people) out, because the numbers (death toll) has yet to decrease,” said student Jacqueline Maxwell. “We went in with good intentions, but nothing … [Read more...] about Despite American intervention, Syria remains at war
New mayor reviews state of SB
By Essence Dennis |Staff Writer| The issues within the city of San Bernardino were discussed at the city council meeting held on Tuesday, Feb. 18. Important topics presented at the council meeting were the city’s bankruptcy, Omnitrans, and San Bernardino’s new mayor. Carey Davis, who was elected new mayor of San Bernardino on Feb. 4, was the topic of some discussion during the meeting. “I don’t think voting for a new mayor is a good idea because of all the money troubles we’ve had so far,” said student Monica Pham-Luu. His inauguration will be held on March 3, 2014, but until then he will continue working half days at his job at Hehr International before transitioning to … [Read more...] about New mayor reviews state of SB
Same-sex couples finally receive common marriage rights
By Essence Dennis |Staff Writer| The Department of Justice is administering a new policy on Feb. 17, 2014 that deals with rightful benefits to married same-sex couples. This is a new form of instruction where their employees get equal protection for lawful same-sex marriage. This policy is going to put into effect the types of benefits that opposite-sex marriage people have already been receiving. For example, “An inmate in a same-sex marriage can be furloughed to be present during a crisis involving a spouse,” according to The Washington Post. The policy means that in every aspect the Department of Justice is connected to in the United States, they will be striving towards equality … [Read more...] about Same-sex couples finally receive common marriage rights
Civil rights prop 209 debate emerges
By Essence Dennis |Staff Writer| Democrats are urging the public to reconsider and repeal certain aspects from Proposition 209, better known as the Civil Rights Proposition. The proposition deals with applicants for schools, jobs, and so forth having to state their sex, gender, age, ethnicity, and other types of personal information that could inevitably deter you from a particular college or job. Proposition 209 is set to, “prohibit against discrimination or preferential treatment by state and other public entities,” whether it be based on their race, sex, or ethnicity as stated by vote96.sos.ca.gov. Since the proposition was passed in 1996, attendance has decreased. “I was a … [Read more...] about Civil rights prop 209 debate emerges