Tag Archives: Morgan Guess

April 12, 2013 · 12:30 pm

What would Mickey say?

Morgan Guess

Staff Reporter

Keep the crazy under control

With most Disney Channel stars, there’s a fan-base that comes with the job. Whether they choose to be a role model for that fan-base or not is decided once their faces are advertised beyond the Disney network. Some movies and hit shows like High School Musical and Wizards of Waverly Place produced icons that appeared on lunch boxes, notebooks, and toys targeting kids as young as five. Being a former fan of High School Musical and previously sporting the Troy and Gabriella t-shirt and still toting multiple cheesy Disney towels, I can understand the influence Disney stars can have on children.

When Hannah Montana premiered and Miley Cyrus kicked off her career, almost every preteen girl put on a blonde wig and pretended to be the superstar that Cyrus portrayed on television. Children look up to these characters, and many end up watching every project proceeding the star’s Disney days just because they feel like they’ve grown up with them. After these actors and actresses appear in totally inappropriate movies like Spring Breakers, they shouldn’t be welcomed back with open arms to Disney Channel.

People seem to take these movies as Disney Channel stars finally emerging into the real movie world; however, when they appear on Disney and on the movie screen in scandalous roles, they’re giving a bad impression of the network itself. I’m not trying to suggest there be a limited range of roles, but a child icon shouldn’t appear in movies where their character demonstrates drugs, sex, and violence openly, only to appear in a children’s show the next day.

Many Disney stars that didn’t move on to bigger and more mature roles spiraled out of control like Demi Lovato and her serious rehab adventure. After Hannah Montana, Miley Cyrus was caught in raunchy videos and photos that, had there been parental guidance involved, would not have happened.  It’s not just about the actor and his or her career, but keeping Disney’s image of good, clean television network full of positive attitude. True, there comes a point when Disney Channel stars have to grow up and work on a non-Disney project, but kids still look up to them as role models and don’t deserve another Lindsay Lohan disaster.

Miranda Rester

Editor

Let them go wild

Everyone has been so quick to judge former Disney stars Vanessa Hudgens and Selena Gomez for starring in the new risqué film Spring Breakers, but what no one seems to recognize is that they are just that: former Disney stars. They’re allowed to act in wholesome, family friendly movies and shows then move on with their lives.

Eighteen-year-old Hudgens signed on with the Disney Channel in 2006 as the sweet and innocent Gabriella. She stayed on with the network until 2008. Hudgens was 20 years old, a legal adult, when she began branching out her career. Gomez also began her Disney career in 2006 when she was 14. Spring Breakers is her first “adult” film. Gomez is currently 21, and Hudgens is 25.

These actresses are simply maturing their careers, and the roles that they choose to accept are completely up to them. It doesn’t reflect badly on the Disney Channel because they have long severed their connection with the network. It’s not like they sign their lives away when they agree to work with the network. While Gomez will be in the new Wizards of Waverly Place movie, the movie has already been produced and is her last Wizards production.

Disney is a good stepping stone for aspiring actors, but these girls are ready for the film industry to take them seriously. No one expected Gomez to stay on Barney and Friends forever, so why should they expect her to stay with Disney?

Another argument I’ve heard is that many little girls look up to them and want to see everything they’re in. While I agree that young girls all over the world want to be just like Selena Gomez, most of them don’t even know that Spring Breakers is coming out. Commercials are placed in time slots that would work best for their target audience. This means that the Spring Breakers trailer is aired during adult programming. You’ll never see the trailer on the Disney Channel.

The magazine titled Selena is all about, you guessed it, Selena Gomez. Young girls flip through it all the time in check-out lines and talk about how much they love her, so out of curiosity for my article, I thumbed through it to see if they advertised her new films. They don’t.

These actresses have earned their rights to branch out in the industry and are handling their transitions as mature adults.

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· 12:30 pm

Film Review > The Host

By: Morgan Guess | Staff Reporter

When reading the Stephanie Myer novel The Host, the story developed slowly and unfortunately translated just the same on the silver screen. I was eager to see this enticing Stephanie Meyer cinematic adaption; however, the movie fell flat to the hype and huge fan-base surrounding the Twilight author. This time around, the love triangle is more of a love square that includes Irish actress Saoirse Ronan as Melanie Stryder, Max Irons as Jared Howe, and Jake Abel as Ian O’Shea. Where’s the fourth member of the love square? Well, earth has been invaded by alien souls implanted in human bodies and has become a picture perfect world with no violence.

At the beginning of the film, Melanie is on the run from the “souls” to find her uncle’s hide out in the desert with her younger brother Jamie and companion Jared when she is found and tries to resist alien insertion. Melanie fails, and the aliens insert a soul named Wanderer into her body with the mission to take complete control of Melanie and move on to new everyday life in a human body. When Wanderer, later renamed Wanda, awakes in Melanie’s body, a silver ring that sets the humans apart from the aliens shines around her pupils, and Melanie’s thoughts begin to surface through voice-over.

Voice-over for almost all two hours of a film isn’t practical, and when Ronan applies a southern accent, it becomes slightly obnoxious. Flashbacks of Melanie’s family and the invasion create a close bond between Wanda and Melanie as they share thoughts and learn to coexist. Wanda becomes compassionate towards the humans and slowly starts to have the same feelings about Melanie’s loved ones.

With Wanda convinced, Melanie directs her to where she believes Jared and Jamie reside in a cave with her crazy Uncle Jeb. Once they discover what they think is the last band of humans in the middle of the Arizona desert, the surviving humans are conflicted whether or not they should accept the alien residing in Melanie’s body. Melanie is reunited with Jamie and Jared even though they believe that Wanda has full control. Ian, a member of the cave, is thrown into the mix and eventually falls for Wanda.

The four conflicted loves had phenomenal chemistry, but even with prestigious acting skills, no actor could repair the awkwardly fast-paced dialogue. The movie focuses centrally on the war between the humans and the aliens with the love story thrown in, whereas, the book’s central focus is on the relationships of the four. In order to save the ending, I can only say that we’re left with hope for humanity, but that the conversion from book to movie was a flop and could have been better formatted as a television show.

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March 1, 2013 · 12:30 pm

You’re Invited to Prom 2013

Prom Theme

Prom is one of the biggest milestones in a high school student’s life and creates some of the best memories that will last forever. In previous years, Tinsel Town and Tuxedos, Vegas, and Paris were prom themes, but for 2013, Oak Grove will hula at “Luau in the Grove.” Finding the right date, asking them, booking a ride, and finding the perfect dress or tux can become stressful with March 23 right around the corner. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and some last minute tips that will make Prom a night to remember.

Prom Expenses

The average American family spent about $1,078 on prom last year. Prom expenses add up quickly, so it’s important to know where your money should go first.

The majority of your budget should go toward your attire. However, that doesn’t mean you should spend $800 on a dress or tuxedo. Find something that looks good on you but doesn’t break the bank. You can often find the exact same boutique dress for half the price somewhere else. After all, you’re never going to wear it again. If you’re wearing a long dress, never spend a lot on your shoes. No one is going to see them, and you’re going to take them off as soon as you get to prom. If you’re renting a tuxedo, go somewhere that has dress shoes and all the trimmings included in the package.

When it comes to transportation, always, I repeat, always, spend a little extra to get a good party bus or limo. It’s better to spend a little extra than to be stuck on a remodeled school bus on prom night. Keep in mind that there are more restaurants in Hattiesburg than Purple Parrot and Crescent City, so you don’t have to spend $100 on dinner. Also, don’t go to the cheapest florist you can find or else your corsage and boutonnière will both fall apart before you even get on the bus. Trust us.

Prom is all about having fun with your friends, so don’t stress about blowing all of your money on one night. Stick to your budget so you can still enjoy spending time with your friends after prom.

 Prom Styles

We all know that prom is one of the largest events in the grand scheme of the high school experiences. Some scoff and assume that prom is an event to take lightly and to buy whatever style of dress or tuxedo you see in the store. That is most certainly not the case. You’ve got to know what’s trending so you can look your best and not end up a prom tragedy.

This year has some fabulous styles that will make some lucky girl the belle of the ball, or in this case, Prom. For the ladies, it’s all about the flow, flow, flow. A classic sheer black flowing gown is at the top of the charts and will never let you down. We’d all love to take a sweetheart to prom. Show your date that you’re just as sweet with a sweetheart neckline, and don’t forget the dazzling beading across the torso as well. For the gentlemen suitors, prepare to don an all black attire with only a few pops of color here and there, including, but not limited to, the always classic bow tie and pocket square.

Keep these trends and styles in mind when out shopping for the next tuxedo and prom dress. These classic looks will certainly make your night one to remember.

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· 12:30 pm

Movie Review: Warm Bodies

By: Morgan Guess

Staff Reporter

A love story between a zombie and a human seems far from practical and a little on the silly side. Presuming Warm Bodies to be a sick spin off of Twilight, I was floored when exiting the theater. It was not a traditional Nicholas Sparks love story, but an elusive tale with a steamy corpse played by Nicholas Hault. Hault stars as the lead zombie who doesn’t remember much of his previous life besides the first letter of his name, “R.”

When on a raid with his undead brothers, R discovers Julie, a blonde beauty with a gun searching for pharmaceuticals for her colony in post-apocalyptic Montreal. During the attack, R kills Julie’s first love Perry but is conflicted during the process. This is, of course, a zombie movie so there were a few scenes of brain munching that allows the undead to connect with humanity through the victim’s memories. At the raid R falls for Julie the moment he sees her and feels the need to protect her from his dead, flesh-hungry friends. R hides his human companion in his airplane home, which is filled with random trinkets, including a record player that’s spinning, making him feel more “alive.” R’s narration added humor to the somewhat serious story and resembled the thoughts of a human teenager. R transforms as he learns to care for, protect, and love Julie, who is skittish to the kindness but eventually learns that the undead can indeed be saved. The growing love between the two leads alluded to one of the classics, Romeo and Juliet, making it hard not to enjoy the romance.  The love becomes infectious as R’s friend Marcus and the rest of the undead begin to care again. Spoiler alert: Through many adventures, the movie came to its climax when the corpses teamed up with the human colony to defeat the “bonies” or skeletal zombies too far gone to ever care again. During the chaos, Julie and R soon discover that they have sparked the cure that can bring the zombies back to life. When the undead become no longer a threat to humanity, the cement wall concealing the small colony comes crumbling down thanks to the love between R and Julie.  They all live in peaceful harmony and eventually discover that the cure for the undead was simply a human’s touch and love.

Although many may regard Warm Bodies as just another abnormal love story, there are many underlying themes that make this romantic comedy a hit.

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December 14, 2012 · 12:58 pm

ZooLights! It’s wild and bright!

By: Morgan Guess

Staff Reporter

While there are so many ways to celebrate Christmas, what’s better than going to see Christmas lights with some of your loved ones? I’ve been to see many lights, including the Lewis lights, over the years, but I wanted to shake it up a little bit for Christmas 2012.   Zoo Lights was advertised on many local billboards, so I decided to give it a chance. Only ten dollars for hot chocolate, unlimited Polar Bear Express and Candy Cane Carousel rides, and some of my favorite things—animals and Christmas lights–why not? People looking for an interesting, family-friendly holiday night out will find the Hattiesburg Zoo Lights to be just that. Right when you walk through the front gates of the zoo, you’re greeted by Santa’s elves and crowds of families making their way to the Polar Bear Express. The jolly conductor led the way through the most anticipated event of the night, the light show. The train weaved its way through the zoo, which was filled with enchanting lights and adorable holiday animals stashed across the grounds that brought holiday cheer to each and every viewer. Magnificently decorated Christmas trees and tables were also set up throughout the zoo offering hot chocolate, unique gifts, and reindeer feed for everyone. While the actual animal attractions were closed, Santa’s elves didn’t disappoint.

At 7:00 p.m., the elves presented the animals for the Holly Jolly Animal Show that featured a variety of birds performing tricks. Children even had the chance to get a picture with Santa Claus and put in their last minute Christmas wishes. Right around the corner, Mrs. Claus entertained a circle of anticipating children with tales from the North Pole, while Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was wandering near the feed station. Bright, giant candy canes led the way to the Candy Cane Carousel, and delightful carolers sang of Christmas cheer. The Hattiesburg Zoo Lights celebration is a great family attraction, and at only $8.00 per child and $10.00 per adult, the festivities are worth the money and time.

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November 9, 2012 · 12:30 pm

Mickey vs. The World

Artwork drawn by Andrew Adams

By: Andrew Adams

Staff Reporter

We are all children at heart. Disney World is the place where a kid can be a kid, and, subsequently, it’s where I am most free to act like a child. My family has always vacationed in Walt Disney World because it’s our favorite vacation destination. Disney World is always changing, which, for me, keeps it interesting. Many people think that Disney World is just a place for parents to take their little kids, but that’s not true at all. I greatly enjoy Disney World because it has many attractions that can catch the eye of  teenagers. I have been to Disney World 22 times, and every time I go, it gets better and better. There is always something different, whether it be rides or just shows. I’m now eighteen, and I still love Disney World. It sounds crazy for how many times I go, but all my life I have grown with Disney! There is so much to do at Disney World, and if you don’t enjoy something, there is always somewhere else you can go that’s more enjoyable.

For instance, when I was young, Epcot was probably the last park I would want to go to, but now that I am older, I love going around the world to all of the different international exhibitions. Also, every park has rides for youth to enjoy, such as Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom, which is the best thrill in the park. You encounter the Yeti mounted atop Everest, and the Yeti chases you on G force turns, which is very fun. In Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Rock ‘n’  Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith is my all time favorite ride there. It has my favorite two things: Aerosmith and a rollercoaster.

The Tower of Terror is also a riveting attraction. Getting dropped over and over again in a haunted hotel is always interesting because it’s always different. I have said enough about things for the older folks to do, though. Disney World is simply the happiest place you can go. Every employee has a smile and is always open to help you with anything. I’m sure that here and there, Universal has some happy people, but that park surely wasn’t started by an optimistic, iconic mouse.

Every character at Disney is strikingly similar to its movie counterpart. You can ask them any question, and they will give you a crazy answer and go in depth. For example, if you asked Snow White where the dwarves are, she would go above and beyond to tell you where they are and what they have been up to. Universal has nothing on Disney.

By: Morgan Guess

Staff Reporter

After you reach the double digits in age, you begin to see through the “Happiest Place on Earth.” As I got older, the popular Small World became a broken record with multicultural dolls with automated voices dancing in circles. I realized that the women dressed up in costumes weren’t really the fairytale princesses but mere imposters Disney World hired for the summer. I didn’t want to fly with Dumbo or eat with Mickey Mouse anymore. I wanted to experience the speedy rollercoasters and dine with the iconic Harry Potter characters in Universal Studios. I’ve recently come to the conclusion that I favor Universal Studios theme parks over Disney theme parks based on my experiences in each over the past several years. When I walked into Universal, I could hear the roaring of the Hulk roller coaster and the most anticipated Harry Potter theme song ringing through Hogsmeade. Instead of riding in a boat to experience different cultures, I experienced an entire fictional world brought to life by modern technology and construction. Every time I rounded a corner in the Universal theme parks, I was met by yet another super hero jumping out in tights and fighting crime. There’s so much more for a mature audience, without excluding the kiddos. The Universal experience is family friendly, and the hotels onsite are very convenient. It’s a place to revisit every year. Even when the parks close, the fun doesn’t stop. City Walk is right outside, the gates light up with a massive movie theater, a 36-hole goofy golf course, an assortment of restaurants, multiple gift shops, and a range of night clubs lining the streets outside of Universal. Personally, I enjoyed being able to relax just across the street instead of having to trek across a parking lot to the hotel after the parks closed. In September and October, Universal offers Halloween Horror nights that feature famous horror productions like “The Walking Dead.” This special, along with concerts at the Hard Rock, attracts teenagers and adults alike by providing an extra scare and excitement. Although some might think that Disney World is magical, it can’t compare to the wizards and witches of Hogwarts at Universal Studios.

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October 12, 2012 · 12:00 pm

Film/Book Review: Perks of being a wallflower

By: Morgan Guess | Staff Reporter

 The Perks of being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky was published in 1999 and is set in mid to late 80s where bands such as The Smiths and movies like the Rocky Horror Picture Show made a splash. The book follows the life of Charlie, a misfit freshman, trying to learn the ropes of high school after a troubled past through letters to you (the reader). Charlie’s family consists of normal parents, a Penn State football player brother, and an all-A “perfect” sister. He’s the awkward, quiet kid who loves to read and write and likes watching rather than engaging in everyday activities.  After the death of a close friend and an aunt, Charlie has to move past these tragic experiences and is advised by his psychiatrist to “participate” in school activities. He takes the advice and attends his school’s homecoming football game where he meets eccentric step-siblings Sam and Patrick. The two seniors take Charlie on a whirlwind of adventures, and introduce him to a friend group they call “the Island of Misfit Toys.” Sam and Patrick expose Charlie to everything that parents would most likely not approve of, and as they become closer, Charlie develops a crush for the older and more sophisticated Sam. Charlie experiences his extreme highs and lows throughout the diary-like letters and is torn between happiness and sadness as his depression begins to emerge. Charlie’s friends and  English teacher help him along the rocky road of high school.  From death to teen pregnancy to abuse to drugs to sexuality to broken hearts, this book tells all. It dramatizes the events of teen years and relates mostly to teens 16 and older. The story centers on Charlie, Sam, and Patrick, who grow and learn to handle everything life throws at them. The honest and relatable letters are sometimes crude but authentically unfold the experiences of Charlie’s life. Every page reveals more shocking stories and issues common in everyday teen life and show how friends like Charlie’s can help us through the difficult moments in life. The book is a puzzle of Charlie’s life that comes full circle through the last chapter. The movie adaptation was recently released on September 21 and 28 at select locations in the U.S. When transferring the shocking novel to the big screen, Logan Lerman took on the shaky role of Charlie, Emma Watson debuts as Sam, and Ezra Miller appears as a swanky Patrick. Producers morphed the commendable book on screen, but Chbosky made the tough decision on which specific scenes from the book had to be cut. Although some scenes received the blow, the movie was applauded by critics and received great reviews from viewers.   It’s not a common fairytale and is not suggested for readers looking for a happy ending or Twi-hards looking for a good love story. However, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a noteworthy high school drama that will be appreciated by older teens and adults alike.

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April 13, 2012 · 1:30 am

Hunger Games Movie and Book Review

by: Morgan Guess

Staff Reporter

Over the past several months The Hunger Games trilogy, written by Suzanne Collins, has become a worldwide phenomenon. The Hunger Games was published in September of 2008 and became popular among young adult readers.

The story is set in the ruins of future America that has been divided into districts. Due to the past rebellious acts against the government by the districts, the Capitol hosts an annual Hunger Games event in which one boy and one girl from each district must compete for their lives in an arena created by the evil masterminds of the Capitol. The event is viewed on national television and serves as punishment and as a constant reminder of past rebellious acts, their consequences, and the Capitol’s sovereignty in its citizens’ lives.

The story follows a survivalist girl named Katniss Everdeen through the rough conditions of the games after she volunteered to take the place of her younger sister, Prim. Katniss struggles for her life, and even love, throughout the trilogy. The movie adaptation of the first book in the series brought The Hunger Games to life on the big screen on March 23. The film sold $152.5 million  on opening weekend across America, making it the third largest grossing movie ever on an opening weekend.

The actors chosen to play the main characters of The Hunger Games really stepped up to the plate. Jennifer Lawrence, a no-nonsense  Kentucky native, brought raw emotion and a type of intensity to the screen that embodied the heroine Katniss Everdeen in every way. Experienced actor Josh Hutcherson portrays her fellow District 12 tribute, Peeta Mellark, the local baker’s son.  Katniss’s best friend, Gale, is played by Australian actor Liam Hemsworth. The three actors’ chemistry is apparent on screen.

In comparison to the best-selling book, the film was almost spot-on, missing only a few minor details. The movie’s magnitude brought the terrifying games to reality just as the book did. Despite its two and a half hour mark, the movie never dragged but kept the anticipation and constant action rolling.  The Hunger Games not only addresses the female audience through romance but the male audience as well in action.

When compared to other young adult novels such as the popular Twilight saga, The Hunger Games appeals to a much broader audience and has something for everyone. The Hunger Games is a must-read book and must-see movie (in that order) for men and women of all ages.

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· 1:30 am

Rookie Driver’s Handbook

by: Jordan Farrar/Morgan Guess

Staff Reporters

 Quite a few teens think that all you need to drive is a set of keys and a license,
but that is not the case.

When pulling into the driving world, it can be a bit overwhelming, but with a few rules and tips, you can go from 0-50 mph in no time flat. To start, teens will have to hold their horsepower. Patience is the key to driving safely and efficiently on today’s roads. We all know that it is a virtue, but

Elizabeth Lee was caught texting and driving while leaving the school parking lot. / Photo by Raven Jones

sometimes being patient is easier said than done. It is required for everyday driving from stop signs to traffic lights. Being aware of one’s surroundings is another rule that is necessary for rookie drivers.  One must be diligent when they are driving on the road; you never know what will happen. Like most parents say, “It’s not that I don’t trust you; it’s that I don’t trust the other drivers.” Driving defensively means being aware of your surroundings and knowing how to react to whatever may occur. Being safe on the road is the number one goal for all drivers. However, being safe doesn’t mean anything if one gets distracted by the buzzing of a cell phone. Turning the phone on silent or pulling over is a safe alternative to texting and driving. There’s no reason to put not only you, but the drivers around you, in danger. All of these rules are necessary to becoming a safe and experienced driver, and if followed you’ll become a pro in no time.

 Rules of the Road

Common Courtesy – We all know what common courtesy is. Just be polite to your fellow driver on the road.

Don’t Text and Drive - Wait until you get home to answer your next text message. A text message isn’t worth your life.

                            Hold Your Horsepower- Be patient on the road. Everyone is trying to get to their own destinations.
 Be Aware of Your Surroundings - Know what is happening not only in your car, but also be aware of what others are doing around your car.
 Defensive Driving, not Offensive- Notice and be able to react to what the other drivers are doing.
 Park on the Straight and Narrow - Be aware of your parking. Take the time to park evenly between the yellow lines.

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March 2, 2012 · 2:07 pm

Todd named LCSD Teacher of the Year

by: Morgan Guess

Staff Reporter

Oak Grove High School nominee, Mrs. Stacey Todd, received the honor of 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year for the entire Lamar County School District. Todd was nominated by fellow teachers to represent Oak Grove High School as Teacher of the Year. Next she submitted applications and several essays to be reviewed by the school board and administrators. Just like Oak Grove faculty, they believed she was the best candidate for Teacher of the Year.
Mrs. Todd has taught the community- based class at Oak Grove for two years. “My favorite part of being a teacher is, of course, my students. My job is the greatest job in the world! I am so blessed to work with these exceptional kids and their families. They challenge me to be better every day. I learn more from them than they do from me,” Todd said. Before, she taught a special education class at Poplarville High School for five years.
Todd goes above and beyond when it comes to her job as teacher. Not only does she help students excel during school hours, but she also dedicates a lot of her personal time to students outside of school. She is dedicated to making sure her students are included in all school and community activities. For example, Todd takes some of her pupils to cheer on Tuesdays and to the movies and tailgating on weekends. It’s not hard to see the inspirational and distinguishing attributes of Todd as a teacher. “I think it’s wonderful that Mrs. Todd was selected Teacher of the Year, especially with all of the work she has put in. She’s making an amazing difference in our community. I can’t think of anyone else who is more deserving of the title,” sophomore Jr. Civitan member, Sam Knowles, said of Todd’s nomination.
Mrs. Todd has already been successful in helping her students become involved in extracurricular activities such as the Homecoming Court, a talent show, and the production of the Wizard of Oz. “My favorite thing to do is plays. I love the plays,” Kaitlyn Fuller, a student in Mrs. Todd’s community-based class, stated. Todd is also the sponsor of the chartering class of the Jr. Civitan Club.
As for now, Mrs. Todd is working to represent the Lamar County School District for the state title.

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