With the untimely death of renowned fashion designer Alexander McQueen, all those in the fashion world were left shocked and devastated. Yet, as they say, the show must go on. Last Thursday marked the start of New York City’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, known for its usual frenzy of designers, models, journalists and the one and only Anna Wintour. Despite being in February, this Fashion Week is where designers unveil their fall ready-to-wear collections, giving stores plenty of time to order their favorite designs and consumers plenty of time to salivate over the must-haves of the season. So now, without further…

Whether you’re single and lovin’ it, or that box of tissues is permanently in reach because of it, Valentine’s Day still remains right around the corner. For all you valentine-less kids out there, don’t fret because those lovebirds aren’t the only ones who get a playlist. Just a precaution, this playlist moves from your upbeat, loving-the-single-life hit songs down through your slightly depressing, and probably emo, favorites. For those of you who are really feeling the pain this Valentine’s Day, the last few songs go out to you. 1. “Get Crazy” — LMFAO Basic sentiment: Single life is all about…

I have a confession to make. On my list of favorite holidays, Valentine’s Day has never really found its way to the top. It’s not that I’m cynical or anything. It’s more mainly the fact that — and I’ll admit it — I’ve never had a real valentine. No, I’m not talking about in elementary school when everyone in your class had to hand out those Disney Princess or SpongeBob SquarePants cards; I mean a legitimate valentine, the clichè one that plans a whole special day and takes you out and shows up at your door with flowers. The thing…

The typical college student goes out on the weekends. The typical college student consumes alcohol, often in large amounts. The typical college student is also prone to suffer numerous ailments that require medication of some kind. What the typical college student does not consider, however, are the risks of consuming alcohol and medication simultaneously. Many students are unaware that a number of medications react badly when mixed with alcohol. According to a pharmacist’s letter from the Therapeutic Research Center of California, there are two different types of alcohol-medication interactions: pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic. Pharmacokinetic interactions occur when alcohol alters how the…

Boy falls for girl. Boy kisses girl. Boy has to move away from girl. Boy lights a whole building on fire to try to get back to girl? This is only part of C.D. Payne’s hilarious novel, “Youth In Revolt,” a coming-of-age story starring a 14-year-old boy, Nick Twisp. Released in 1993, the novel finally made its way to the big screen this past month. Payne spoke exclusively to Release about writing, arson and all things Nick. Release: What got you started writing? C.D. Payne: I worked out of college in the newspaper field for a while trying to be…

Caroline Manzo knows how to have it all: family, friends, a successful career — and now she can add a hit TV show to her list. The spirited Italian mama quickly became a fan favorite on Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” for her spunky attitude and dedication to her family. Currently in the middle of filming for Season 2, Manzo took the time to speak to Release exclusively about the show. Release: Were you born and raised in New Jersey? Caroline Manzo: No, I was actually born in Brooklyn and then I lived in Wantagh, Long Island until…

The fashion industry might be coming to Washington D.C., and this time, not only to Michelle Obama’s wardrobe. The Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce (GWFCC) is working to create an official fashion caucus which could mean great things for the industry. According to a report from New York Magazine, the basic goal for such a caucus would be to give the fashion district a voice so the issues effecting the industry can be heard by those who can make a difference. Working behind the GWFCC would be various lawmakers who have an interest in the industry and who can…

We all secretly love a gratuitous sex scene. Couple that with drugs, violence, a disregard for the law and some good old plastic surgery and there’s only one show on TV that fits the bill. “Nip/Tuck,” now in its sixth and final season, follows the professional and personal lives of doctors Sean McNamara (Dylan Walsh) and Christian Troy (Julian McMahon). Among the many things they share, the most important is McNamara/Troy, their plastic surgery practice. Season 5, split into two parts — which aired in January 2008 and January 2009 — brought just as much drama as previous seasons, as…

As the clock finally hit 6 p.m., hundreds of fans stormed the doors of the Events Center to see Third Eye Blind and Kid Cudi. Last Sunday marked a great day for music as these dual-headliners brought together a fusion of rock and hip-hop. Jordan Hirsch, a sophomore biochemistry major, said he was extremely excited to hear Third Eye Blind perform. “They really remind me of the ’90s and bring me back to my childhood. I can’t wait to see them,” he said. Sporting jeans, a T-shirt and a hoodie, Cudi finally took the stage. Greeted with screams and chants,…

Take a bunch of aspiring teenagers looking for stardom and throw them into one high school. What do you get? Well, aside from an abundant number of huge egos, we get a peek into the stressful lives of students who have to tackle not just the hardships of high school, but those of trying to achieve a dream. A distinct dream in which they see their name in lights and reach the ultimate goal, fame. “Fame,” a loose remake of the classic 1980 film, follows the lives of students attending a prestigious preforming arts high school in New York City.…

For us college kids, the month of September usually means packing, buying textbooks and getting ready to head back to school. In the fashion world, September is the premiere month. It’s the month in which everyone from designers to fashion journalists to models wait for. September not only holds the famous Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, but the September issue for fashion magazines is known to be the largest edition of the year. As this important month approached for the 2009 year, however, fashion magazines took a major hit that truly reflects our current economic situation. Nearly every publication lost a significant…

You’ve been waiting for this day all summer long. After the long hours of unpacking and those tearful goodbyes (mainly from your parents), here it is, the moment you can finally scream, “I am a college freshman!” Now the only thing that remains is figuring out your first night. Here are five helpful tips to turn this nerve-wracking situation into an unforgettable evening. 1. Turn those clocks back an hour. If you’ll be checking out Binghamton night life, buckle your seat belt for a wild ride. Here’s your first tip: don’t go out before 10 p.m. Although you might be…

It’s safe to say that we’re all over this winter weather. Luckily, it seems that the brisk air and dismal sky we’ve been stuck with is finally on its way out. So what’s that six-letter word on all of our minds? Summer, of course. More importantly, with the arrival of that glorious season comes the search for the perfect bathing suit. Despite the fact that Binghamton’s fashion industry is not exactly thriving, it’s still easy to look as if you came right off the catwalk. Colors This season bright, bold colors are the way to go. Fushia is the jackpot…

If you dream of the bright lights, the billboards and the fame, a career in entertainment might be right for you. But with graduation right around the corner, are you confused on how to make it in the big, bad world of entertainment? Don’t think you have what it takes to be Binghamton University’s next Billy Baldwin? Besides all of our expert alumni advice, the Career Development Center had some additional tips. Before anything else, it’s important to realize breaking into this industry requires a lot of dedication and time. It’s up to you to be active and involved in…

Everybody tells students schoolwork should be top priority in college. And you all listen, right? We’d wager that isn’t the case. As college students, you’ll probably find yourself in some tricky situations that require a certain amount of tact, a certain etiquette. So put down that calculus book; it’s time for a real study session. This time you might actually learn something useful in your everyday college life. Emily Post we’re not, but Release knows a thing or two about college etiquette. 1. When is the appropriate time to text after hooking up So this is probably the stickiest situation…

Warm cookies, freshly baked bread and delicious doughnuts. If your mouth is beginning to water, then you’re in luck, because these treats are nearby. Wegmans, the grocery store just outside of Binghamton in Johnson City, is famous for its different specialty departments, like the bakery. John Stewart is the man behind the bakery, and he definitely knows a thing or two about the business. With his start as a part-time delivery boy for a local grocery store, Stewart saw his opportunity when the head of the bakery department at the other store decided to retire. Working as his apprentice, Stewart…

On a campus of almost 14,000 students, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. However, the writers and editors of Binghamton University’s Q Magazine are certainly making their voices heard. Making its debut a little over two years ago, Q Mag features a collection of articles and stories that represent the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. As an innovative publication, Q Mag tries to go further than other magazines and push boundaries. Release had the opportunity to chat with Matthew Unhjem, editor in chief of Q Magazine, about its history and style. Release: How was Q Magazine…

Perez Hilton fans, take notice, there’s a new blog in town. No, it’s not your typical Hollywood gossip blog. This new site is actually about something relevant to your life: Binghamton. Joshua B., a Binghamton resident, has joined the Internet world of blogging to bring us BingPop.com, a unique site that discusses pop culture related to Binghamton. As a graduate from Brandeis University, Joshua now lives full time in our lovely city and uses his blog to comment on and discuss both local and national issues alike. Release was able to chat with Joshua about the history behind his Bing…

Your bladder is bursting. You scramble to get to the nearest public bathroom. Your hand reaches for the door and, hold on, you’re required to pay. Well, this crazy notion is the basis for “Urinetown,” a satirical musical comedy filled with greed, corruption, social injustice and the possibility that following your heart may just result in that oh-so-cliche happy ending. Inspired by a trip to Europe in which Greg Kotis, writer of the book and lyrics for “Urinetown,” found himself low on cash. He was forced to save every last penny for the pay-per-use public bathrooms. He later joined forces…

Take one venue, mix in a wide array of kids, teens and adults alike, add in four unique bands and stir. The result? Motion City Soundtrack’s headlining show at Magic City Music Hall with Person L, Hit the Lights and Chiodos. With a crowd of under 1,000, excitement and anticipation permeated through a sea of zealous fans on Sept. 25. After his performance, Person L’s lead singer, Kenny Vasoli, wandered through the crowd toward the bar. The former lead singer of The Starting Line was friendly and eager to mingle. “I definitely enjoy playing smaller venues,” Vasoli said. He seemed…