5. Carousels

The Greater Binghamton area is home to the largest collection of carousels in the world. With six in the area, Binghamton has been nicknamed “The Carousel Capital of the World.”

But most Binghamton University students have probably never seen one in action, since the carousels only operate during the summer months. The six carousels are located in parks in Johnson City, Binghamton, Endicott and Endwell and are only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. They’re free to ride.

If riding porcelain horses isn’t your thing, the parks that house the carousels each have attractions of their own. For example, Recreation Park, located between Beethoven and Seminary Streets on Binghamton’s West Side, is also home to a community swimming pool, and the Ross Park Zoo is the fifth-oldest zoo in the nation.

4. Movies at Loews

After the massive success of “The Avengers” last weekend, the people at Rotten Tomatoes are predicting a record-breaking summer at the box office.

New installments of the Batman and Spiderman franchises, another Pixar flick, Ridley Scott’s return to the “Alien” universe and new films from auteurs Woody Allen, Wes Anderson and Oliver Stone are just a snippet of the popcorn fare that will be hitting screens this summer.

What better way to enjoy them than in the cushy red recliners at the AMC Loews in Town Square Plaza?

3. Rec Park Music Fest

Every July, local musicians take to the Greek rotunda in Rec Park to perform for the Rec Park Music Fest. The event was founded 16 years ago by members of the local rock group Rhythm Gypsys and has been a “flying success ever since,” according to the event’s website.

Last year’s festival featured local musicians of all styles, including folk, country, blue grass, rock & roll and ragtime. The event will be held from 1 to 8:40 p.m. on Sunday, July 17.

2. Swimming in the Ithaca gorges

Less than an hour away, the gorges in Ithaca and the Finger Lakes, if you are willing to drive a little bit further, offer many scenic swimming locations if you’re looking to escape the summer heat.

Buttermilk Falls State Park offers some of the nicest trails and swimming holes in the area. But for the thrill seekers, there are plenty of spots for gorge jumping off the beaten path.

After a day in the gorges, Ithaca Commons is a great place to grab lunch. I would recommend Viva Taqueria, but there are plenty other places to choose from.

1. B-Mets

The New York Mets’ double-A affiliate has been playing at NYSEG Stadium in Binghamton since 1992. Their season began in April and will be running through the summer.

Tickets are only $7 for students and the stadium is walking distance from plenty of pre- or post-game entertainment. The Art Mission Theater, the best place in Binghamton to catch recent indie or foreign films, is only two blocks east of the stadium, and Tranquil Bar & Bistro, owned by Binghamton University professor Sean Massey, is just a block south.

“Moonrise Kingdom,” May 25

Wes Anderson’s new movie comes hot off the heels of a Cannes Film Festival premiere. His distinct style and humor has amassed a strong fanbase, and with good reason. “The Royal Tenenbaums” and “Fantastic Mr. Fox” are both beautiful, heartfelt films of substance. “Moonrise Kingdom,” the story of two children who run away and prompt a search party including Bruce Willis, Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Edward Norton and more, looks like it will continue in that vein.

“Seeking a Friend for the End of the World,” June 22

Along with his role as Michael Scott in “The Office,” Steve Carell has been a reliable comic actor in film. He stole scenes in “Anchorman,” voiced the main character in “Despicable Me” with frantic energy and successfully led romantic comedies with “Date Night” and “Crazy, Stupid, Love.” In “Seeking a Friend,” he’ll continue his tradition of leading a summer rom-com while being improbably paired with Keira Knightley as an asteroid hurtles to earth.

“To Rome with Love,” June 22

Last summer’s “Midnight in Paris” was Woody Allen’s best film in years, and the native New Yorker concludes his trip around Europe with “To Rome with Love.” Allen returns to acting alongside Alec Baldwin, Penelope Cruz, Jesse Eisenberg, Greta Gerwig, Ellen Page and, in what might be a career comeback, Roberto Benigni. The film was released in Italy already to good-but-not-great reviews, but comedic taste often differs between countries, so it may be received better here.

“Beasts of the Southern Wild,” June 27

Every year there are a few movies from the Sundance Film Festival that everyone talks about for the rest of the year. Last year those films included “Another Earth” and “Martha Marcy May Marlene.” At the 2012 festival, the movie that got the most attention was “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” a film by a first-time director about the communal power of recovery and childhood in post-Katrina New Orleans.

“Savages,” July 6

Oliver Stone brought actual marijuana to the set of this crime thriller about two brothers who confront a Mexican drug cartel that has kidnapped their shared girlfriend. Universal, the backing studio, claimed to have no knowledge of Stone’s actions. The movie has assembled an eclectic cast, including Taylor Kitsch, Aaron Johnson, Blake Lively, Emile Hirsch, Benicio del Toro and John Travolta.

“Ruby Sparks,” July 25

From the director of “Little Miss Sunshine,” “Ruby Sparks” seems like another one of those feel-good indie romantic movies that are great during the summer. It’s about a writer, played by Paul Dano, who writes a girl, played by Zoe Kazan, to life and falls in love with her. It’s kind of like Will Ferrell’s 2006 movie “Stranger than Fiction,” but much less terrifying.

“Hope Springs,” August 10

Every August there seems to be a movie that’s geared toward women and exceeds expectations at the box office. In the last two years it’s been “Eat Pray Love” and “The Help.” “Hope Springs” isn’t based on a best-selling book, but the rom-com features Meryl Streep reuniting with “The Devil Wears Prada” director David Frankel. She and her husband (Tommy Lee Jones) go to a marriage counselor (Steve Carell) after 30 years of marriage. Lee Jones is popular among men and Steve Carell has had plenty of success in romantic comedies, so this is sure to be a crossover hit with both genders.

7. Cramming into Raz’s cab with 20 other people

Getting into Raz’s cab is an experience, and not a pleasant one. Not only does it ruin your hair (ladies) and make you nauseous, it’s incredibly awkward. But it’s a necessary part of the Binghamton experience, so do it. Also, you can’t beat $3 cabs. Packed taxis are the best places to make new, random friends. Everyone’s drunk and outgoing. It’s always a good time.

6. The Blake

Since the majority of our school flocks to upstate New York from their beloved Long Island, all we hear about are its amazing beaches. The Blake may not compare to Jones Beach, but it’s a hidden treasure of 81 South. The Blake is a beach/lake combo located in Nathaniel Cole Park in Harpursville. Sure, the water may not be swimmable, but we all want to get our tan on, and this is just the place.

5. Going out after midnight

No other school starts pregaming at 11 p.m. and is black-out drunk by 11:30. Most schools start drinking at 8 p.m., which is before we’ve even thought about our evening plans. We also inevitably feel rushed to be wasted before the bars, and take shots back-to-back to make up for it. Going out past midnight means getting Downtown right as the bars are filling up. It’s a beautiful time.

4. The restaurant mainstays

Penne a la vodka at Lost Dog, a slice of pizza from Mario’s, a recovery breakfast at the Plaza Diner or a vegetable medley from Whole in the Wall. We’ll miss it all. When a craving hits and you’re 200 miles away from any of these places, you’re out of luck. So ask your parents to put money on your debit card instead of your meal plan and stop by these restaurants.

3. Oktoberfest

We all know that Binghamton’s weather is difficult. But if you ask anyone, they’ll tell you that fall is a beautiful time to be in Binghamton. Watching the leaves change colors throughout October is always a highlight of the semester. Plus, you can also enjoy apple picking and trips to the Cider Mill. If you didn’t know either of these things existed in Binghamton, you need to get on that.

2. Wegmans, aka Heaven

For those of you not from upstate New York, you may have the misconception that upstate has no businesses that are better than the oh-so-precious Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. While both chains are amazing, there is a reason Wegmans was voted among the best supermarkets by readers of Consumer Reports, and that’s because it’s sent from God. From the free samples to the bulk food candy aisle to the luscious fresh produce — you simply can’t beat it. Wegmans is across from the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City. It’s a beautiful place.

1. Binghamton’s special “holidays”

We may not have a football team to tailgate for or ivy-covered buildings, but we sure do take a lot of pride in our annual Parade Day and Bar Crawl celebrations. Parade Day is a day-drinker’s wet dream, a day they look forward to for 364 days a year. And Bar Crawl is the closure to the end of a school year for some, and the end of a college experience for others. Regardless, you’ll have a great time at both celebrations. In addition, Halloween weekend here is always insane. State Street becomes a weird, drunken costume masquerade and it’s awesome. No one does yearly traditions like BU.

They want to fulfill their dreams and dominate the world with their music, according to lead guitarist Craig Belesi.

“We want to take this band as far as it can go, and work as hard as we can to get there,” Belesi said.

Once My Way originally began in December 2010 when Belesi answered an ad on Craigslist for a band in search of a drummer. After the band broke up, Belesi joined forces with its lead singer, Jerry Lourenco. Together, the duo started Once My Way and added the creative styles of four additional members to create the band’s eclectic sound.

Although screaming is a prominent characteristic of metal music, Once My Way carefully constructs its music to reach a large variety of listeners. This is possible since the band’s members find beauty in every genre and keep an open mind when searching for inspiration.

Belesi is a long-time fan of metal bands like Metallica and Black Sabbath, but he has also learned to find value in the mainstream music played on the radio.

“There’s always a silver lining to every song out there,” Belesi said. “That catchiness and infectiousness is something you have to capture. This way, people will remember the music we play during our shows.”

This mindset causes Once My Way to be everything but the average metal band — literally. Its music contains elements of almost every musical genre that exists, including hardcore, techno, pop, pop-punk and alternative. All six members of the band have different musical backgrounds, which creates a beautiful fusion of styles and tastes.

“You have to make an acronym of all the genres we use,” Belesi said. “That’s the only way to describe it since there are so many influences in our music.”

This open-minded attitude represents an idea that most metal bands may oppose. Yet the band benefits from taking the best of other music to make the perfect combination called Once My Way.

“I don’t want to ignore any type of music because it might give me inspiration to write the perfect song,” Lourenco said. “Ke$ha might have an awesome hook or pattern and that might inspire me, so I don’t want to miss out on it.”

The band continues to work on the last song of the new EP, which adds dubstep to its eclectic mix.

Both Lourenco and Nikki Hracs, the band’s keyboardist, work together to create lyrics that people can easily understand and relate to.

“Everyone has those moments when they want to hear when other people have gone through the same thing,” Hracs said. “Our main purpose is to connect to our audience. If a person can hear a song and relate to it, it will put them in a better place.”

Although metal bands generally stick to dark lyrics, Once My Way turned to its pop influences for inspiration. According to Lourenco, he tries to write lyrics that are upbeat, catchy and happy, so when people hear them, they’ll want to sing along.

Once My Way definitely has the motivation to succeed and obtain the ultimate dream record deal. With the amount of passion they have for their music, it’s no wonder the band receives lots of audience participation during shows.

“Every time I play a show, I imagine it’s the last show I’m ever going to play,” Belesi said. “I can say to myself that I was the best performer I could possibly be that day.”

The members of Once My Way are proud of their music and can’t wait to show it to everyone.

“We’re done being locked in the studios and we’re just ready to rock and play lots of shows,” Lourenco said.

Mark your calendars. The next show for Once My Way is at 5:30 p.m. on June 15 at the Broadway Bar in Amityville, N.Y. The band is currently working to book a summer tour to showcase songs from the new EP.

For more information on Once My Way, make sure to visit www.facebook.com/oncemyway for tour dates and tunes.

June:

“Teen Wolf”

For those of you who loved 80s film, this show can bring back those fond memories. Join Scott as he masters being a wolf, while avoiding the dangers presented by his enemies. See how Scott and Allison’s relationship will play out, as the two are on opposites sides of the battle.

Check it out: 11 p.m. on Sunday, June 3 and 10 p.m. on Monday, June 4 on MTV

“Hell’s Kitchen”

If you like an enraged chef and culinary competitions, FOX has a show for you. In its 10th season, Gordon Ramsay welcomes 18 new restaurateurs to compete for the ultimate prize of becoming head chef at NYC’s BLT Steak.

Check it out: 8 p.m. on Monday, June 4 and 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 5 on FOX

“Pretty Little Liars”

Last time we left the liars, Spencer had just barely escaped impending doom at the hands of Mona, aka “A.” Viewers might have thought the trouble was over for the liars, as A was captured, but they were wrong. Watch Season 3, as Spencer, Aria, Hanna and Emily take on their new enemy.

Check it out: 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 5 on ABC Family

“Royal Pains”

Interested in a good medical dramedy? Then tune into “Royal Pains” as it starts its fourth season. The show follows Dr. Hank and his crew as they attend to the medical anomalies of the rich and famous. It’s kind of like “House, M.D.,” but with a twist.

Check it out: 9 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6 on USA

”True Blood”

The show all vampire-loving, werewolf-obsessed fans love is coming back for a fifth season. Try not to scream. Season 4 ended with a lot of death and resurrections. Season 5 will pick up where Season 4 left off and will reveal how Eric turned Pam. So if you want a supernatural break from the real world, tune in to “True Blood.”

Check it out: 9 p.m. on Sunday, June 10 on HBO

July:

“Weeds”

Welcome back to the life of Nancy Botwin, your everyday suburban mom who sells marijuana to support her family. This American comedy details the life of the Botwins as they become deeper entangled in illegal activities. Plus, returning viewers will get answers to big questions like who shot Nancy and her family at the end of Season 7.

Check it out: 10 p.m. on Sunday, July 1 on Showtime

“Breaking Bad”

The fifth and final season of “Breaking Bad” will premiere in two parts, with the first part debuting sometime in July and the second part in 2013. Follow Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher suffering from a mid-life crisis who discovers he has lung cancer, as he turns to a life of crime to earn some extra cash. This season will pick up right where the explosive fourth season left off: the demise of Gus, thanks to the well-executed plan by Walter and Jesse.

Check it out: 10 p.m. on Sundays on AMC (exact premiere date to be determined)

Once the semester comes to an end, throw away the Ramen noodles, the family size bag of chips and the gallons of coffee that are the cornerstone of every college student’s finals week, and get outside. Summertime is all about enjoying the fantastic weather, so here are a few tips to get you started on your new summer life.

Food:

1. Fresh fruit

Berries, such as strawberries, blackberries and blueberries are freshest in the summer. They’re picked when they’re perfectly ripe so you don’t have to worry about biting into that sour blueberry like you do in the winter.

Watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew are also best in the summer, which is when they are juiciest. Melons are a great mid-day snack as well as a thirst quencher. Other fruit to look out for are peaches, plums and nectarines. They’re so sweet and a great low calorie substitute for dessert. Just make sure to buy ones that are a little bit soft or you’ll have to wait a few days to eat them.

Try making some fun summer desserts like parfaits and smoothies. For more dessert ideas, head to http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipes/desserts/fruit-dessert-recipes.

2. Vegetables

Despite the major focus on summer fruits, many veggies are also more flavorful in the summer. Corn, zucchini and squash can be roasted an eaten on skewers or added into a sandwich or salad for the perfect crunch. Although they’re technically a fruit, tomatoes are also in season in the summer and can be extra juicy as a snack by themselves or an ingredient in your pasta, salad or sandwich.

Not only are these foods extra flavorful in the summer, but they’re also more readily available. Most towns have weekly or monthly farmer’s markets where fruits and veggies are being sold right after they’re picked so you’re sure to get the freshest ingredients.

“I go to the farmer’s market with my dad all the time,” says Natalie Teboul, a sophomore majoring in human development. “I love the free samples and the aroma of fresh fruit and always end up spending way too much money because it’s all so good.”

Exercise:

1. Get in some cardio

One thing you can do is take a run down the beach. Running closer to the water puts less strain on your muscles because the sand is more compact. But keep in mind, the deeper the sand, the more challenging the workout. If you’re planning to spend a day at the beach, leave a little earlier, preferably with a friend who can motivate you, and run before you lay out.

Not only do you get a calf workout that few other exercise plans can compete with, but you also have the cool ocean to jump into afterwards.

2. Change the pace

One of the simplest ways to add more physical activity to your day is to use alternative methods of transportation rather than driving or taking the bus.

“I ride my bike pretty much anywhere I need to go over the summer,” says Carly Sadowsky, a sophomore majoring in human development. “It’s a fun and healthy alternative way to travel.”

If you don’t want to bike around your neighborhood, you could always go to a bike trail. For more information about bike trails in New York, head to http://www.trails.com/stateactivity.aspx?area=10103 or http://www.nycbikemaps.com/.

3. Take a hike

If you have dogs that like to go for walks, or you want to spend time catching up with a friend, hikes are a great way to incorporate some cardiovascular exercise and strength training. If you’re staying on campus or in Binghamton, the nature preserve is a convenient place to hike.

Some of the surrounding mountains such as Hunter Mountain also have hiking trails. Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, New York has paths that wind around the scenic park as well as athletic fields, batting cages and a swimming pool. For detailed information on hiking trails in New York, head to http://www.trails.com/stateactivity.aspx?area=10071.

Despite the busy summers that some of us have ahead, there are so many ways to incorporate healthy lifestyle choices into our everyday lives. The best part about summer is that there are so many activities to choose from when making plans with friends. And chances are if you suggest any of these fun outdoor activities, your friends will want to join you.

The play tells the story of a young newlywed couple, Paul and Corie, who find life after their honeymoon to be more difficult than a walk in the park. As the get a glimpse of what the rest of their lives will be like, it seems their future will won’t be as easy as they thought, especially when they come back to a home with no furniture and a hole in the skylight.

“Barefoot in the Park” is Neil Simon’s longest-running hit, and the tenth longest-running non-musical play in Broadway history. A film was made in 1967 based on the play and starred Robert Redford and Jane Fonda. In addition there was a short-lived 1970’s sitcom made about the play as well.

Rachel Soto, a senior double-majoring in English and theater, has directed many studio show productions in the past. She explained how this show is a comedy with elements of farce, which require a lot of structure and specificity of movement, adding that everything and everyone on stage needs to operate like a machine.

“It’s the endearing story of a couple that has no idea what they are doing,” Soto said. “They have love, and they have troubles, and it’s hilarious to watch them try and balance the two.”

Jonathan Molyneaux, a junior majoring in theater who plays Paul, finds this production to be very different and challenging than the dramas he has performed in, in the past.

“This is my first leading role in a 3-act comedy, the rehearsal process has been stressful at times but worth it,” Molyneaux said. ” I’m learning so much about comedic timing and heightened emotions.”

The opening scene of Barefoot in the Park was the first scene Molyneaux acted in for a theater class at Binghamton University and what made him want to be a theater major.

Kaitlyn Brown, a graduate student studying theater, thinks people should come see the show because it is a fun, romantic comedy.

“My character, Corie, is important because her enthusiasm and adventurous spirit propels much of the action, as well as the conflict, in the play,” Brown said. “There are many very true-to-life moments as the couple learns what it means to commit to someone.

Soto is excited to watch her actors on stage getting the opportunity to present their work.

“I think she is very passionate about this project,” Molyneaux said of Soto. “She is specific on what she wants to see, which is helpful for me as an actor.”

So come take a break from studying for your stressful finals and see “Barefoot in the Park” this weekend. The cast promises it will be an enjoyable study break. Tickets are $3 and are sold at the door.

The credit for the success of “The Avengers” must go to director Joss Whedon, previously known by fans only for his shows “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Firefly” (and the movie spin-off “Serenity”) and “Dollhouse.” Whedon proves you don’t have to be a big name to make a spectacular action film, you just have to know how to direct. He was able to create one of the most fun, easy-to-follow end-of-movie fight scenes that has been created in awhile.

Whedon not only directed the movie, but also wrote the script, which is surprisingly funny and entertaining. The man has a gift for storytelling. He is able to combine all of the best parts of previous films into one timeline that makes sense. It helps if you have watched the earlier films, especially “Thor,” but for the most part even the non-geeks will be able to understand this movie.

The film kicks off with a bang, literally. Whedon wastes no time getting into the action as Loki (Tom Hiddleston) steals the tesseract from S.H.I.E.L.D. The tesseract comes from Thor’s planet and is an energy source that Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) is trying to harness.

From there, the need for a team arises and Fury and Agent Coulson (a hysterical Clark Gregg) gather the Avengers, Earth’s mightiest heroes, to get back the tesseract and save the planet. If only they can learn to get along first. The witty banter ensues as the heroes, and their alter egos, learn to work together.

Despite the fact that the cast is jam-packed with the who’s who of superhero actors, there is not one who outshines the other. Sure, Robert Downey, Jr. is a standout in his role as Tony Stark/Iron Man, making fun of Thor’s (Chris Hemsworth) hair and Captain America’s (Chris Evans) age, but here he seems to have met his match in Bruce Banner/the Hulk, played by Mark Ruffalo.

While Ruffalo lacks the darkness of previous Hulk actor Edward Norton, he brings a new kind of controlled anger that makes the character all his own. Ruffalo is given some of the funniest moments of the film and becomes a welcome addition.

Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye and Scarlett Johansson as the Black Widow also become well-developed characters, even in the small span of one film.

While “The Avengers” may not be as deep as some other films being released this year, it certainly is a fun ride. It’s what a summer movie should be: full of action, quotable lines and great characters. Go see the film, you won’t regret it. If you do, make sure to stick around. After all, the No. 1 rule of a superhero film nowadays is: Do not leave the theater until after the credits roll.

Each episode of “Bro Code” features skits and interviews based on the code every bro should adhere to. The show deals with social issues like getting a girl’s bra off when drunk and the length of time you should stay in bed after sex. You know, the important stuff.

Jokes aside, the show is relatable and entertaining for Binghamton University students, even if basing a series on Barney Stinson’s set of life rules isn’t incredibly original. It’s just good to see BTV up and running again.

Esther Lenderman, the creator of “Bro Code,” said the idea for the series came to her out of nowhere.

“I was given the ‘Bro Code’ as a gift, and it seemed like the right thing to do,” said Lenderman, a sophomore majoring in cinema. “BTV has been very accommodating. If you have an idea, you can do it.”

Patrick Schechter, the show’s cameraman and editor, hopes that “Bro Code” will inspire more students to get involved at BTV as well.

“We all wanted to get involved in a project,” said Schechter, a sophomore double-majoring in cinema and psychology. “We were three random people who’ve never talked before. BTV is easy to approach. All you need is the desire to start a show.”

Check out “Bro Code” at its Facebook page or search it on YouTube to check out a preview of the series. Its Wednesday premiere is free, and food will be served. Stop by and indulge in your inner bro. Based on the way things are going, BTV could be back on the rise.

Release: When and how did the band form?

Soundspeak: Back in 2009, Salchi responded to Nick’s ad for a drummer posted on Craigslist. Salchi came to New York City and began working on material with front man Nick Sumner. After making music together, they decided to search for a bassist. Salchi was already childhood friends with a bassist named Chops, who was also living in New York at the time. After just one session, the trio instantly knew they wanted to play together since their musical talents just clicked.

R: Have you had a lot of concerts and shows throughout the New York area?

S: We play predominantly in the NYC area, though we have been trying to get out of the city a bit more often and extending our reach. The band plays at least once a month in different places including Jersey and cities in upstate New York like Poughkeepsie. We even had the chance to play at South by Southwest. It was a 35-hour drive, but the festival was an awesome lifetime experience for us. The people were so willing to listen to new music, and way more accepting of new music than here at home.

R: What are your biggest musical influences?

S: Tool, Stone Temple Pilots and Jess Buckley.

R: How would you describe your sound?

S: Our music has very driven riffs, lots of energy and strong rhythms. Our lyrics are very poignant and have something to say with attitude.

R: How would you describe the messages of your lyrics?

S: Although Nick is the main lyricist, we all have the same way of thinking, which is punk at heart. That’s why we’re all together to make music. We’re all very independent people who don’t fit into the mindless stuff that the media throws at you. We’re really against that, and it’s more of a rebellious and attitude thing that we like to do.

R: How many albums do you have out, and are you currently producing any new music?

S: We currently have a three-song demo EP released. We also have a producer, and we’re getting ready to work on the new album. The band is so excited about this because we have very strong music and we really want to record it. We feel that we can reach more people this way. The band is looking to record within the next month, and the CD release will hopefully happen in July.

R: Are there any other upcoming plans for the band?

S: Ideally we want to use this recording to promote and tour, so we’re aiming to tour in July. We’re also in the Top 100 of getting picked for Battle of the Bands, which would land us a spot to play on Warped Tour.

R: What’s your favorite part about playing in Soundspeak?

S: We really enjoy just getting together and creating new music that we all enjoy. Whenever we make new music, we create songs that we would listen to even if it wasn’t our own band playing it. We all enjoy playing our instruments, and you enjoy playing them together.

For more on Soundspeak, check out its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/soundspeak for tunes and updates.

1. “Moonrise Kingdom” by Wes Anderson

With his heartfelt tones and distinctly quirky humor, Wes Anderson is popular among film lovers and hipsters. His latest film is about two young lovers who flee and prompt a search party to look for them. The movie stars Anderson regulars like Bill Murray and Jason Schwartzman as well as intriguing actors such as Edward Norton, Bruce Willis and Frances McDormand.

Based on the trailer, “Moonrise Kingdom” looks like it might be one of Anderson’s best movies yet, along with “The Royal Tenenbaums” and “Fantastic Mr. Fox.” The May release date, however, might not help the movie much at the Oscars, since the Academy tends to go for movies released in the fall. Nonetheless, the screenplay, written by Anderson and Roman Coppola, has gotten strong advance buzz and could end up competing in the Original Screenplay category like “The Royal Tenenbaums” did 10 years ago.

2. “Cosmopolis” by David Cronenberg

David Cronenberg is best-known for his body-horror movies such as 1986’s “The Fly,” but his recent work is more accessible. Don DeLillo is one of America’s most celebrated authors, and “Cosmopolis” is the first of his novels that has been adapted for film. If Cronenberg can pull this off, as the visceral trailer suggests he can, this movie might end his dry run at the Oscars.

“Cosmopolis” is about a young billionaire (surprisingly played by Robert Pattinson), who travels across the city in a white limousine one day to get a haircut. If Cronenberg trumps the novel’s narrative oddities (there is an extensive part in which the main character discusses how he wants to shove a bottle up a woman’s parts) and wins the Palme d’Or, the critical acclaim and Cronenberg’s fanbase in the Academy may be enough to nab him a Best Picture nomination just as Terrence Malick did with “The Tree of Life.”

3. “Lawless” by John Hillcoat

John Hillcoat sees Pattinson and raises him with Shia LaBeouf. Yeah, seriously. Adapted by Australian rock star Nick Cave, the movie is based on Matt Bondurant’s well-received historical novel “The Wettest County in the World.” It’s about three brothers getting in trouble with gangs and Amish women while running a bootlegging business during the prohibition.

The trailer’s period and Western crime mood evokes the Oscar-winning “No Country for Old Men,” but the movie’s Oscar success is most likely to come in the form of its distributors, The Weinstein Company, who distributed both “The King’s Speech” and won a few Oscars for a black-and-white silent film filled with French actors, so this movie certainly has a solid shot as well.

4. “The Paperboy” by Lee Daniels

Lee Daniels utilizes the popularity of Zac Efron and Matthew McConaughey in this film. However, the actor getting the most buzz in this movie is Nicole Kidman, who could win Best Actress at Cannes and compete in that category come Oscar time.

Aside from that, there’s no trailer to go by, so it’s difficult to predict if this movie is Oscar-worthy. Despite the mystery that shrouds this release, Lee Daniels headed “Precious,” which was one of the big Oscar players a few years ago, so you can’t count him out. Not to mention that Pete Dexter adapted his own bestselling novel about a team of people looking for evidence to exonerate someone on death row, so if this becomes an “issue movie” then the Academy could go for it.

5. “Killing Them Softly” by Andrew Dominik

Not much is known about this movie either, but it’s a crime film directed by the man who made the well-received Western “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” five years ago. The cast is solid, with Brad Pitt, James Gandolfini, Sam Shepard and Richard Jenkins. The primary reason to watch out for this, though, is because it has the same backer as “Lawless,” namely, the Weinstein Company.

6. “On the Road” by Walter Salles

After a long road (pun) to the big screen, “On the Road” is finally a movie. Walter Salles is a Brazillian director, but his previous film, “The Motorcycle Diaries,” nabbed two Oscar nominations at the 77th Academy Awards. Since this movie is based on the classic Jack Kerouac novel and has a huge cast of English-speaking stars like Sam Riley, Garrett Hedlund, Kristen Stewart, Kirsten Dunst, Viggo Mortensen, Amy Adams, Steve Buscemi and more, it could be special enough to be a serious competitor at the Oscars.

Maybe the characters on “Girls” aren’t size double zero, rich supermodels who only go to the most exclusive clubs in the Meat Packing District, where Daddy pays for everything, but what about this makes them unlikable hipsters?

For trying to be revolutionary in their own right, I’m surprised that all the “betches” see when they watch “Girls” is the size of the main character and the clothes she wears. While they do admire the writing of the show to some extent, for the past three weeks they have taken any important moment and torn it down. The site focuses so much on the looks of the characters and their “awkward” moments that they can’t realize the ingenuity of the show.

In the third episode, Hannah finds herself wrapped up in the drama of dealing with a positive test for HPV and a newly outed ex-boyfriend. This leads to an awkward but hysterical encounter between Hannah and the guy, during which she eventually realizes that she should have known he was gay. After returning from a work event where she was hit on by a hot young artist, Hannah and her friend Marnie cope with their problems the way all girls do: They have a dance party in Hannah’s bedroom.

This episode was definitely the best yet, and the writing continues to be impressive and spot on.

I know the “betches” believe they are the epitome of all that is “cool,” and in so many respects I love what they write, but what might be even cooler is if they gave into their actual feelings on “Girls.” They should encourage their hundreds of readers to watch “Girls,” because they do in fact admit to liking it, rather than shitting on the show because they feel they have to.

You can check out “Betches Love This” at www.betcheslovethis.com. If you’re interested in watching “Girls,” tune into HBO Sundays at 10:30 p.m. or catch up on their website at www.hbo.com/girls/index.html.

Her first album, “The Family Jewels,” was released in 2010 and showed Diamandis’ love/hate relationship with Hollywood culture. Her songs set out to prove that she’s different from all of the other female pop stars. Her biting lyrics and upbeat sound were refreshing and earned her comparisons to other budding singers like Ellie Goulding.

Now Diamandis is back, and while the sharp tongue remains, some things have changed. In continuing her relationship with celebrity life, Diamandis has created an alter ego. The album is titled “Electra Heart,” and her look in recent music videos and the style of her new songs reflect 1950’s culture.

It’s about as deep as a pop album can go. In an attempt to attack the sugar-and-spice pop singers of today, Diamandis must become everything she hates. Her songs as alter-ego Electra all have the pop sound, but if you listen closely there is a cynical and even sinister undertone.

In the opening lines of the song “Bubblegum Bitch,” Marina as Electra sings, “Got a figure like a pin-up/got a figure like a doll/don’t care if you think I’m dumb/I don’t care at all,” and later on she declares, “I chew you up and spit you out/’cause that is what your love is all about.” The song is catchy and cheerful like a pop song should be, but paradoxically warns of the dangers of the life that the song is promoting.

While “Electra Heart” is not as strong as “The Family Jewels,” the album is ambitious to say the least. Diamandis is making more than music; she’s making a statement. Sometimes it works better than others, such as on the tracks “Bubblegum Bitch” and the single of the album, “Primadonna,” another tongue-in-cheek song about the cursed life of being a “primadonna girl… wanting the world.”

Perhaps the best song of the album is “Teen Idle.” Here Marina is finally able to step out of Electra’s shadow and discuss her own teenage years of “wishing to be a prom queen fighting for a title/instead of being sixteen burning up the Bible/feeling super super suicidal.” So maybe the character of Electra is a little bit too much. Marina seems to be at her best when she’s just singing about what she knows. The album is still a valiant effort.

Overall, “Electra Heart” is worth a listen if you want to hear something new that won’t take you out of your comfort zone.

Listen to: “Teen Idle,” “Homewrecker” and “State of Control”

At 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, three paid undergraduate student chefs and a number of student volunteers begin preparing lunch, to be served at noon to around 50 people. The changing daily menu is based on the creativity of the kitchen staff and what ingredients they have to work with, but they always try to find a balance of protein, carbs and vegetables. Though the Food Co-op has its own recipe book, the recipes tend to be as spontaneous as the menu.

The Co-op emphasizes the use of local and organic ingredients. Every dish is vegetarian approved, but extremely rich and decadent, heavy on the spices and low in sodium, which is the antithesis of any other food dispenser on campus.

People who are not used to eating vegetarian food may be initially turned off by the buffet of meat substitutions, but don’t knock it before you try it. The Co-op food is a filling and flavorful alternative to pasta from the University Union.

When I visited on Thursday, they served teriyaki tofu, spicy scalloped potatoes, rice with wild mushrooms, mock cock salad (chicken salad made of tempeh) and Popeye’s salad (spinach salad). After consuming a small plastic to-go container of scalloped potatoes and rice for $3.25 at 4 p.m., I was sated by fresh and natural food made by people who love to sustain the earth.

For those who are not members or regulars in the Co-op community, eating there for the first time is slightly intimidating. The dining area seats about 40 people, and everyone seems to have a passion for environmentally conscious and healthy living. Conversation over who is a better recycler can potentially be blocked out by an impromptu guitar jam session during the peak hour from 12 to 1 p.m.

However, the Co-op recognizes that not everyone who wants to eat organic, homemade food can withstand the crunchy and sometimes crowded environment and provides the option of take-out containers in addition to sit-down plates.

The preparation that goes into the hot lunch is the driving force of the tight-knit community in the Food Co-op, but members also promote organic and community living through other means. During regular Co-op hours there is a small grocery store that sells packaged organic snacks, local dairy and meat products, grains, dried fruit, seeds, snacks, cooking ingredients in bulk and eco-friendly paper goods.

The Co-op always serves freshly brewed coffee from Laveggio for $1 and tea so people can sip hot beverages while they sit on a distressed couch next to a sleeping hippie and read a book from the lending library. On the last Tuesday of every month, the Co-op hosts an open mic for striving musicians and artists to perform their crafts.

The Food Co-Op thrives on environmentally conscious food distribution and individuals’ dedicated volunteering. While it has a steady base of members, the non-committal nature of this campus organization makes it a great place for students who simply want to learn how to cook. Every Monday to Friday, starting at 8:30 a.m., the Co-Op is happy to accept volunteers with personal motives as well as community ones. Volunteers can be as involved as they would like, but it is more beneficial to be a member, which costs $5 per semester or $8 per year and gives you 5 percent off everything in the store. Members who volunteer one hour per week get a 10 percent discount on hot food and a half-off meal for each hour worked in the kitchen.

In the small town of Leenane in Western Ireland, two brothers, Coleman and Valene, argue constantly about anything and everything, including the assets of their recently deceased father. The fighting is only calmed by the intervention of the Parish’s alcoholic priest, Father Welsh.

The brothers spend their days drinking, teasing one another and flirting with the town beauty, Girleen. It is only Father Welsh who calls attention to the growing murder and suicide rates in the small town. The brothers not only show a lack of sympathy for each other, but for the deaths and souls of their friends and neighbors.

Directed by James Gormley, this show succeeded in relating the most basic issues, that of the bond between family and friends, with the bigger issues of Christian morality and eternal damnation. The acting was so terrific that it was difficult for the audience not to be sucked right into the emotional roller coaster these characters create.

Anthony Corvino, a graduate student studying early childhood education, played a terrific Father Welsh. With the most emotionally dense and heartfelt monologue of the entire show, Corvino captivated the audience and touched their hearts with his sad, dark final words before committing suicide and betting his soul on the love and compromise of the two brothers.

Tim Gleason, who played Coleman, and Sean Walsh, who played his brother Valene, were a dynamic duo that the audience couldn’t help but laugh alongside. They quarrel over everything, from trivialities like eating a bag of crisps to more serious occurrences like the murder of their father by Coleman and the fiscal negotiations made to cover the crime up. Though both characters are obviously dark and sadistic, Gleason and Walsh conveyed this sense of malice through humorously amusing banter.

Caitlyn McNichol, who played Girleen, did a splendid job of mesmerizing the audience with her girlish charm. She was excellent at creating extreme sexual tension between herself and Father Welsh. Though Girleen has the least lines in the play, McNichol excelled in tying the characters together, helping the audience understand the love for Father Welsh and sense of loss that accompanied his death. She also created a sense of hope for the goodness still left in the sadistic small town.

The Know Theatre, located on 74 Carroll St., creates an artistic and friendly environment which ensures its audience will come again. For more information on the Know Theatre, call (607) 724-4341.

Peggy Olson

The last few seasons have proven that Peggy is on her way to becoming a female Don Draper, minus the disastrous affairs and identity theft. This season continues to prove that, especially the opinionated and savvy attitude she seems to have picked up.

In last week’s episode, Peggy is left with the responsibility of pitching a commercial for Heinz Beans to an unsatisfied client. Her fiery new attitude brings about her inner Don Draper, which backfires because: A) she’s a woman and B) the client is way too bothered by the way beans should be portrayed on television. Yes, you read correctly. Beans.

Peggy’s journey as a copywriter is still going in the right direction, even though she’ll hit more bumps along the way.

Joan Harris

Joan has always been a sassy woman who no one dares to disrespect, but her marriage softened her up.

Last season her husband went to Vietnam, leading her to have an affair (in true “Mad Men” fashion) with SCDP boss Roger Sterling, which resulted in a baby boy she’s pretending is her husband’s. His return a few weeks ago only shows viewers that Joan has fallen into the housewife archetype, which doesn’t suit her at all.

Luckily enough, she snaps out of it once her husband decides that he wants to go back to Vietnam. The Joan we all know comes roaring out as she tells him off, kicks him out and finally acknowledges that he raped her in a previous season.

Good thing that guy’s gone.

Megan Draper

Many people may have been Megan-haters from the beginning of the season because of how naive she seems, but that opinion may have taken a turn for the better.

When TV writers throw in random new characters after a few seasons, we generally don’t care, which is the case with Megan. She was introduced last season as Don’s new French-speaking secretary, who he subsequently marries after she babysits his kids in California and treats them like the Von Trapp kids from “The Sound of Music.”

Viewers could get the impression that perhaps Megan is using Don’s interest in her as an advantage to get ahead in copywriting, something she brings up in many of their conversations. But Megan might actually just be another Peggy.

Don seems to get off at the thought of being able to work with his wife, giving her obvious special treatment over others, but Megan won’t have it. She has a hold over him. Who could possibly forget her sexy serenade of the French song “Zou Bisou Bisou” at Don’s surprise party? However, it was obvious in last week’s episode that their honeymoon stage is over, as a chaotic fight erupted between the two over their work and personal relationship.

Megan is obviously not afraid to speak her mind and call her husband out on his bullshit, which is great because the man is in need of hardcore therapy. It’s definitely not normal to chase your wife around the house after you abandon her in front of a restaurant and leave her no choice but to take a seven-hour bus ride home.

Don has a history of mistreating women, especially his ex-wife Betty. I’d like to believe that at some point in her life, Betty wasn’t the “ice cold bitch” she’s made out to be and was actually a cheerful person before Don set his sights on her. Hopefully, Megan stays on the right path and leaves him before he gets a chance to instead.

These three women may not have reached gender equality yet, but viewers will keep watching on the edge of their seats until they do.

What are we going to do without Taco Bell? Yeah, we all know it isn’t a “real” Taco Bell, but is Taco Bell real anyway? Regardless, the Mexican culinary experience the Bell offers is unparalleled, from the dots of grease left on the corners of a taco when opened to the always-difficult choice of sauce: hot or fire? And an ever-tougher decision: crunchy or soft-shelled? You can learn a lot about someone based on their taco selection. Taco Bell may be replaced by Moe’s when the new New Union opens; the higher-ups are discussing it. And we’re happy about that, but would certainly be losing something special. Here’s to the Dorito Loco Taco, the chicken quesadilla and the Crunchwrap Supreme in all of us. You really don’t know what you got till it’s gone.

As tough as it will be to possibly part with Taco Bell, an even more dominant presence in the Food Court will be leaving us as well: Sbarro. In Italian, Sbarro means “stomach illness.” The pizza chain has caused more indigestion and general grief than anywhere else on campus. But we don’t see Sbarro as a place for food. No, Sbarro is that light at the end of the tunnel when everywhere else is closed. Sbarro is the friend you need when the pasta bar is out of breadsticks. It’s more than just a dark world filled with foreign foods such as “strombolis” and “pizza.” It’s the first thing you see when you enter the Food Court, and it’s beautiful.

But let’s stop looking toward the past. Let’s not consider what the Union employees are going to do when the Food Court closes. Let’s not consider the implications of letting teardrop pasta guy on the loose. Let’s instead look to the future. In a year’s time, the New Union will be beautiful. There’s going to be a Starbucks, an expanded sandwich and salad station and, most importantly, a Mein Bowl twice as large as it is now. Mary will have so many more people to say “hi” to. It’s going to be incredible. Until that day comes, Binghamton will be a darker place, but when the doors open to the even newer Union, our college will be an even greater place than ever before.

The play is centered on a newly engaged couple, Alice Sycamore and Tony Kirby. When Tony’s family arrives a day early to have dinner at the Sycamores, everyone realizes how the odd, middle-class Sycamore household, full of aspiring talents and chaos, doesn’t quite mesh with the Tony’s family of proper, stiff-world Wall Street elites. The first meeting does not go so smoothly, and just as the two lovers start to realize their marriage may not work out, the Sycamore family pulls together to help Alice out.

DCP cast members said working on “You Can’t Take it With You” was an overall fun experience. Brendan Icso, an undeclared freshman who plays the lead role of Tony Kirby, said that he can’t remember having this much fun preparing for a show.

“I think a lot of it comes from the fact that the show itself is light and fun, so preparation has been a blast,” Icso said.

Rachel Wasserman, a freshman majoring in English who plays Penelope Sycamore, Alice’s mother, thinks the cast made the experience very enjoyable.

“We all get along so well, and it really shows through on stage,” Wasserman said. “When a cast has good chemistry, then the show has good chemistry and flows really well.”

Both actors agree that the show would not be where it is if not for co-directors Jorge Granja and Justin Vega. According to Icso, the co-directors allowed the play to take a very interesting artistic style that comes from having two visions combined into one.

“Jorge and Justin have been amazing,” Wasserman said. “They help us when we need them to and for being first-time directors they have been great. They work with us, and guide us and really helped bring the show together.”

Coincidentally, the first play Vega ever starred in was a high school performance of “You Can’t Take it With You,” which led him to step up and agree to co-direct the play for DCP.

“This show is actually a lot harder to pull off than other shows I’ve done in the past because it is a comedy, which I personally believe tends to be harder to do than a drama,” said Vega, a freshman majoring in psychology.

Vega commented on the challenge he was faced as a director. Because the play is set in the 1930s, it has many references and jokes from the time period that are not necessarily relevant to today.

“I’m sure when it first came out in the late 1930s it was hilarious, but to put that sort of comedy and relate it to modern day, well, let’s just say it provides us with the challenge of making an old joke funny again,” Vega said.

Granja, an undeclared sophomore, is also an actor-turned-director and is making his directing debut with “You Can’t Take it With You.”

“When I am acting, all I have to worry about is who I am talking to on stage and what I am doing,” Granja said. “As a director I have to make sure everyone is doing their job and I have to build up the image that I want to present to the audience.”

Granja thinks people will enjoy the show because they will be able to relate to at least one character, since everyone has that quirky family member or friend who they love to see.

“The show’s focus [is on] love and laughter and I personally think everyone needs a little bit of both in their lives,” Granja added.

Vega also believes audiences will love how they can relate to the characters.

“There are multiple scenes throughout the show that just emit that sense of being embarrassed of your family, but not being ashamed of who they are and where you come from, because no matter what they do, they’re still your family and at the end of the day, you accept them for who they are,” Vega said.

Tickets cost $3 and will be sold at the door.

So while not every book on this list will be sunny and optimistic, it’s easy reading and great writing that will keep your mind working instead of frying from the sun. Here’s my list of book recommendations for when you’re bored on a family vacation, relaxing with your literary-appreciative friends or looking for a way to be productive while poolside.

“The Sense of an Ending” by Julian Barnes
Nostalgic and bittersweet, this book reveals the story of a man as he ages from childhood to adulthood. Forced to face one of his oldest friends and, subsequently, his first flame, he must deal with the way his past affects his future. I won’t say more because the road to discovery is beautifully written and surprising. Barnes tells this subtle but worthwhile story in only 163 pages, so you’ll finish it quicker than you can shake out your beach towel.

“I’ve Got Your Number” by Sophie Kinsella (or anything by her for that matter)
This is Kinsella’s latest novel, and it’s as great as all of her others. A fun, fast-paced and witty read, this is chick-lit at its best. The book follows a woman in her twenties who accidentally steals the phone of an employee of a good-looking, mysterious businessman. At the same time, she loses her engagement ring, which belongs to her pretentious fiancé’s family. All of this leads up to shocking surprises and characters that you’ll find yourself rooting for. It’s everything you could want in a page-turner at the beach.

“Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” by Jonathan Safran Foer
Purely on the list because I just jumped on the Foer train. As soon as I watched the movie adaptation, I picked up the book and fell in love with this intricate story of a young boy, whose father died in 9/11, who searches around New York City extensively looking for a lock that goes with the key his father left behind. It’s a heart-warming story, written imaginatively and filled with lasting images, that I think is worth reading whether it’s at the beach or in front of the air conditioner.

“Gossip Girl” by Cecily von Ziegesar
Go back to basics. When I do want that aforementioned quick, breezy read, I always turn to “Gossip Girl.” While the TV show might be a dying fad, rereading the first novel is always refreshing. What better way to enjoy the sun and ocean than to read about the scandalous and obnoxious lives of Upper East Siders? One thing they can be jealous of: they’re not at the beach with you, but stuck in their overpriced penthouses and apartments.

“Fun Home” by Alison Bechdel
The subject matter seems immediately depressing — the true story of a woman who grew up in a funeral home run by her late father, who was strict in life and even more frustrating in death. But the most interesting part of this autobiographical book is that it’s a graphic memoir — Bechdel wrote and drew the memoir in its entirety. So if your eyes aren’t up for small font and a time-consuming read, Bechdel’s non-fiction masterpiece is just as fulfilling.

However, after I saw it, I couldn’t wait to see it again and dragged anyone who was remotely interested in the movie with me. It was everything I could have had hoped for and more.

When “Titanic” was first released in theaters back in December 1997 (I was 5 years old). I was a huge Celine Dion fan and had seen the previews for the movie with her song “My Heart Will Go On.” I begged my parents to take me to see it. Being the responsible parents that they are, they told me I was too young to see the movie but I could listen to the song as much as I wanted.

I didn’t know it at the time, but the real reason they wouldn’t take me to see it was that we were going on a family cruise in the upcoming months and they knew if I was traumatized by the sinking cruise ship in the movie, I would have refused to go on a ship myself.

Eight years later, I came home from a friend’s party and my parents had taped “Titanic.” They asked if I wanted to watch it. From then on, it has been one of my favorite movies.

Now I’m accustomed to the criticism — as I’m reminded by some of my own friends — about how I could possibly watch it over and over and still enjoy it. “You already know what happens,” they all say or, “How could you sit there for over three hours to see it for the thousandth time?”

My reasoning is always the same: the story, the characters and the themes in this film are fascinating, and the adventure compels me in a way that few other movies can compare to. Either that or I really need a good cry.

Similarly, I’m sure that many people in their teens and early 20’s didn’t get the chance to see the movie in theaters when it first came out. Seeing it up on the big screen, and in 3D,  you feel like you’re a part of the journey.

Sitting in the theater with my 3D glasses on, I felt like I was a passenger on the ship and could almost swear that at any moment the tumultuous waves of the North Atlantic would come crashing through the screen and soak us all. I didn’t think I could feel any more compassion for the passengers, but I sympathized with the characters and their situations even more because the experience felt so real.

Despite having seen the movie a dozen times before, I was hanging on 100-year-old Rose’s every word as she recounted the terrible events of April 14 and 15 1912. The whole thing was so real that by the time the credits rolled, the majority of the audience was in tears.

The story presented in “Titanic” is not only immensely didactic, but is one of those stories that I think will always stay with people. It was even sold out one of the times I went to see it. The fact that a movie originally released 15 years ago, that most people have already seen, was able to sell out really proves that “Titanic” is one of those rare cinematic gems that is sure to withstand the test of time.

Our favorite TV shows range from the likes of “Glee,” “New Girl,” “Homeland” and “Shameless” to “Teen Mom” and “The Real World.” Plus, we’ve been searching for a show to fill our Sunday night “Entourage” void. And we certainly found it in “Girls,” a series made for girls in their twenties that only we will ever fully understand.

Although some critics have already shown frustrations about another television show centered on girls, this one is unlike any that’s been on TV and it needs to be seen before it’s judged.

“Girls” takes place in New York City and documents the lives four 25-year old girls, each with her own unique style and personality. The first episode has the main character Hannah, suddenly without her parent’s financial backing, while her best friend Marnie deals with a boyfriend that’s “too nice.” There’s also the gorgeous and British free spirit Jessa and Jessa’s cousin Shoshanna, who makes the most hysterical yet absolutely believable “Sex and the City” reference that has ever been on TV.

This is a darker, grittier show that upholds what it is to be a young woman in today’s society. It deals with the realities of sex, money, parents, relationships, careers, texting and trying to figure out who we are, while maintaining the lifestyles we always dreamed we would have.

“Girls,” is not for everyone, and many people who won’t understand it and will judge the show for portraying girls in a little-too-honest light. But this show speaks to our generation and is very appealing to girls in college.

The creators of “Girls” really capture the way today’s women speak, leaving viewers in laughing fits. So if you’re looking for a new show, check out “Girls” Sundays at 10:30 p.m. on HBO.

But looking back over the last decade or so, perhaps the central problem is not that films have gotten worse — although they have been terrible — but that, as a culture, we have become more literate, more savvy in examining our films or even our television shows.

In 1998, for example, the list of the top 10 highest-grossing films of the year consisted of “Armageddon,” “Godzilla” (yes, the one with Matthew Broderick), “Deep Impact” and “Lethal Weapon 4.” If we put those movies into the context of today, they wouldn’t make nearly as much money. This may perhaps sound unfounded, but try to recall all the times, either in our popular culture or in our private conversations, that we have mocked any one of those four films.

“Whenever I go online, there are literally thousands of memes, videos and parodies,” said Saul Weinstein, a junior majoring in English. “Yesterday I saw a 10-minute video of the cheesiest lines in movie history.”

We have entered an age of far-reaching media. And with websites such as Reddit and TV Tropes, we are surrounded by an awareness of the clichés, tropes and absurdities of the modern motion picture, from Andy Samberg’s “Cool Guys Don’t Look At Explosions” sketch to everything written and generally felt about Nicolas Cage. People are aware of what “bad” films are, and they’re not going to pay for them anymore.

“I don’t go to movies that often,” said Marisa Monte, a sophomore majoring in English. “They’re too expensive and I have other things to spend money on.”

This train of thought pertains most heavily to the demographic of young people — the ones spending their time online and the ones spending the money to see the summer’s latest action blockbuster. So while the average cinema-goer in 1998 was all too eager to see Matthew Broderick and Jean Reno battling a giant monster or Mel Gibson do just about anything, they now sit at their computer laughing at the ridiculousness of those things. Few people are paying to see them. Just like very few people saw “John Carter,” and probably fewer will see “Battleship.”

All of this leaves the movie studios in a precarious position. In order to make money, they have to actually start making better films — blockbusters with more than simply brawn or Mel Gibson.

And slowly, we’ve begun to see the attempts at doing so. Perhaps the best example is writer and director Christopher Nolan and his soon-to-be-completed Batman trilogy, along with his film “Inception.” Or maybe even the upcoming “Avengers” movie, of which the studio handed over directorial duties to Joss Whedon, the long-beloved cult creator of the television shows “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Firefly.”

More and more studios are beginning to give the creative reigns to those individuals with actual artistic merit because they’re beginning to see, after all of the flops, that the higher-quality films are the ones that rake in the cash. The clichés no longer function as they used to. Now, they simply get eviscerated by the online film critic within each of us.

So while looking out over the vast ocean of terrible films to come this year, try to enjoy those few bright little buoys there too, and feel safe knowing that there will be more to come. We helped create this potential for a brighter film future. It’s our reward for hating Michael Bay.

1. Writing 111

Writing 111 is a course for Harpur College freshmen that’s meant to help students improve their writing. Instead, students learn the art of bullshitting essays and how to understand what a teacher wants in a paper rather than what the student wants to convey.

The class puts a lot of emphasis on essays. At the end of the semester, you’re required to submit a portfolio of three essays to be graded by multiple instructors. The problem is you may not be able to please both your teacher and this panel of instructors. What your teacher may like or dislike in an essay, a group of other teachers may feel differently about. There’s pretty much no way to win.

Justine Teu, a freshman majoring in history, disagrees with the way essays are graded.

“I hate how subjective the essays are with teachers,” Teu said. “There’s no real way to know what’s good or not and you only end up conforming to their style.”

Even the best writer can end up with a C in this course, and the biggest suck-up, conformist student can pull out an A.

Plus, with its abundance of sections, you’re more likely to get a graduate student than a professor. These grad students are often four years older than we are and can be teaching for the first time. So the class ends up being a learning experience for everyone in the classroom, and that can suck.

It’s easily the worst class structure in history.

2. Math 130: Math in Action

Let’s not kid ourselves. If you need a math elective, you’re not taking Calc II. So Math in Action is the best option. But because this is the case for so many students, the class size ends up being huge. This course attempts to teach people real-life, practical math. In other words, probability, cake cutting, voting methods and other confusing and arbitrary concepts that a calculator won’t save you from.

Step into Lecture Hall 1 on Monday, Wednesday or Friday and you’ll see that less than half the class shows up — that is, unless there’s a test. And that test isn’t even curved. That can be a nightmare.

Amy Merke, an undeclared freshman, believes that attendance should be monitored.

“Many students tend to leave class early, which emphasizes that class attendance is not enforced enough,” Merke said.

In the discussion sections that follow, you’ll either luck out with a teaching assistant who knows the material or be part of the unfortunate group of students with a TA who can’t speak English. You may not want to fill the “M” credit with Math in Action, but there may be no other choice. Also, bonus points for the lamest course name in all of BU.

3. Psych 111

Warning: This class is not for anyone who’s ever taken an online personality quiz and thought it’d be cool to study psychology. In addition, it’s not for those annoying people who analyze their friends and think that’s being cerebral. There’s actual science involved.

Many students choose to take Psych 111 along with 112 for the “L” credit and end up regretting their decision. Of course, that’s not always the case, which is good because psychology is a really practical major.

Not only are the abundant readings and quizzes a pain, but the lab credit can be incredibly frustrating to gain. You’re given credit for participating in surveys and studies in Clearview Hall. Some of them are interesting, but most can make you question whether or not you’re insane. As if trying to find Clearview Hall wasn’t stressful enough.

So if you can try to avoid these classes, all the better. But if you end up stuck with one of these courses, just grin and bear it.

The romance novel between the S&M dominator Christian Grey and his partner Anastasia Steele doesn’t leave much to the imagination, as their sexual relationship is explicitly documented through all three books. While at first one might wonder what pervert wrote this book, as the love story between Ana and Christian progresses, one can see that there is a method to the madness.

Mollie Weiss, a senior majoring in English, points out that while you want Christian to fall in love with Ana, you can’t help but hate her a little bit too.

“While reading, you’re confronted with all the immature tendencies Ana has as a young woman, and you can’t help but love her [and] hate her as she struggles to find consistency in her very erratic relationship,” Weiss said.

As the reader watches Christian struggle with his role of dominator, we’re not sure if he wants to hurt Ana or not, and it’s almost a relief to read something so honest. James holds back no details in their sexual relationship, but not to shock readers. Rather, James exposes both Ana and Christian in the raw. Readersare able to get a sense of the relationship physically, emotionally and mentally, and are unable to stop reading.

Andrew Kaminsky, a junior majoring in accounting, doesn’t consider the book “mommy porn,” as many readers do.

“While the book has many sexual aspects to it, it seems to really help the reader get in touch with their personal and emotional self, regardless of the physical aspect,” Kaminsky said.

Not only does James track the passion that normally goes unspoken, but she also takes you on the psychological journey of the innocent Ana. Even when she is offered all the money in the world from Christian, she still begs for love. That’s original, at least.

In an environment where materialistic shows like “Millionaire Matchmaker” and “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” dominate culture, it’s comforting to see a character that values the emotional bond between two people more than million-dollar apartments, fancy cars and five-star dinners. Rather than degrading women, the book celebrates the ultimate love story and the ability of a modern-day Cinderella to rise up and meet her match.

Jillian Ruffo, a junior majoring in English, explained why once you start reading the book, you can’t put it down.

“You’re stuck with Ana on this emotional roller coaster as you learn to understand how Christian has such a pull on her, and why she ends up accepting such a situation at all,” Ruffo said.

Ultimately, female readers can connect with Ana, S&M or not. It appears that most women can relate to the situation where they’re drawn to a relationship in which they want to save the man they love from his personal demons. And in terms of a fairy tale, it seems Ana lives pretty happily-ever-after.

As E.L. James ends her trilogy with the words “That’s all for now,” readers are left with the desire of wanting more. So do the characters in her book.

Because internships are more desirable than ever before, here are the top six tips to set yourself apart from your fierce competitors.

1. Relevant work section

Create a “Relevant Work Experience” section in your résumé that highlights all the experiences you’ve gained within the industry in which you want to intern. If you have additional work experience, create another section called “Other Work Experience.” It shows employers that you are determined to work within the industry and are not just applying to the job on a whim.

2. Applicable skills

Employers don’t expect you to know it all. That’s why you are applying — to gain more experience. What employers want to see are your transferable skills. CDC Director Nancy Paul advises you to “value all your experiences,” regardless of what they are. All jobs help you gain experience, so never discount your job as a bus boy or a babysitter. They help decipher your work ethic.

3. Creative cover letter

Make your cover letter creative and engaging so that it draws the reader in. Be bold. Stand out.

“Put yourself in the employer’s chair, what’s going to attract your attention,” Paul said. “Make connections between your interests, what the company does, and what you want to learn.”

4. Dress to impress

In this fierce job market, you don’t want to be the forgotten candidate. While you still have to dress professionally in business casual attire, try to show your personal style.

“Students are going to have to think about organization,” Paul said. “Sometimes you can show more of your personal style. There is competition and you want to make for a good first impression. It’s not just black suits only, but you want to dress like someone who is serious about this opportunity.”

5. Always address your cover letter

If you’re addressing your cover letter “To Whom This May Concern,” then stop right now. Look online for a name of someone in the Human Resource department or pick up the phone and call. If all else fails, Paul encourages using the salutation “Dear Internship Coordinator.”

6. Follow up

After your interview, it is essential to thank your interviewer for the opportunity. An email will suffice, but if you want to make an impression, a hand-written thank you card really shows you care. Make sure to send the email/letter out that day.

Follow the CDC on twitter @BinghamtonCDC and “like” it on Facebook. Be sure to stop by the CDC for any help you may need. They are always there to assist you.

1. Disney

Oh Disney, creator of such films as “John Carter,” “Lion King II: Simba’s Pride” and “Aladdin.” Yes, even the magical world of Disney extends a helping hand to students who want to gain some practical experience in the real world. The Disney College Program lasts a total of six months and requires students to take a semester away from college. Students can shadow a variety of jobs, from marketing in an executive office to management on a Disney cruise line.

Plus, this is a paid internship, so you’re essentially being given money to put in some hard work in vacationland.

Students get to live with people from across the United States as well as those from around the world. This internship could be a great opportunity to meet new people in a fun setting.

While there, students are required to take Disney education courses, which are free (i.e. there are no tuition costs, which will be a nice break on a student’s bank account). Students do, however, have to pay for books, which cost anywhere from $10 to $30 per course.

In addition to learning, students are required to work in the parks.

This program requires a huge sacrifice on the behalf of the student, as he or she must take a full semester away from school, but it could be a valuable experience and many schools will grant internship credit upon completion of the program.

2. Google

Google is one of the largest and most innovative companies around. We google everything: facts about sharks, ourselves, porn, everything. It’s not a huge surprise that students jump at the chance to intern for this company.

If accepted into the program, students must dedicate three months of work. Google has a few internship programs to appeal to majors like finance, computer science, psychology and art history.

All interns receive a mentor at the beginning of the program who helps guides them along the way. Interns are given the opportunity to attend talks by “Googlers,” where they learn about new products and developments in the industry. They can also attend company meetings where they can ask questions and provide feedback to Google.

Students are given invaluable opportunities, but are also offered some pretty awesome perks, including free meals, massage therapy, free video games and special events for interns, like go-karting, movie nights and cruises.

And if you’re worried about re-locating or what this experience is going to cost you, Google’s got your back. They provide assistance for interns who need to move as well as a “competitive” salary.

Google is a powerhouse on the Internet. Interning there for a short period of time could lead to a solid job offer, or an awesome recommendation letter at the very least.

3. MTV

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at MTV? Well, this could be your golden opportunity. MTV Network offers a wide variety of internships, from working with the raunchy shows of MTV to childhood favorites on Nickelodeon.

Students apply for internships based on location, with each location offering a different experience. While interning, students can also earn college credit.

If you’re interested in movies or television shows, this is the internship for you.

4. The White House

If you’re into politics, then this is your dream internship. Working for the White House provides an opportunity to live in one of the most political cities in the United States, Washington, D.C.

This internship educates students about the executive office and social service, while assigning weekly tasks.

Intern duties include conducting research, managing incoming inquiries, attending meetings, writing memos and staffing events. Interns are also united throughout the program’s duration with weekly speaker series and off-site field trips, so it’s not all about the business.

In addition to learning more about politics and government, students must partake in service projects, learning the importance of helping the community.

Plus, in your free time you can explore D.C. with other interns.

So if you’re still contemplating where you want to intern in the future, you may want to look into these programs. At the very least, try to find something interesting to you — you have to put in all that time, so you might as well enjoy it.

The ’60s to the ’80s

For these three decades, Binghamton University was probably the coolest place ever. There was an on-campus pub, and Nicolas Ray and Billy Baldwin could be seen on campus at certain points. Imagine what College-in-the-Woods must’ve been like in 1980, knowing how many hippies still live there.

And yeah, all of that is great, but imagine the concerts. A few of our biggest shows included Simon & Garfunkel, Grateful Dead, Talking Heads and the Beach Boys. Not only were these shows probably incredible, but according to Catherine Cornell, Student Association vice president for programming, most of these acts were booked for around $1,000. Considering inflation, we’re at around $6,000. Talk about a better time.

The Events Center

In 2005, the first year that the Events Center was in operation, the Programming Board knew it had to do something big. So they called up the Baha Men. Kidding, they booked Green Day.

Green Day was at its peak in 2005, having just released its smash record “American Idiot.” In fact, it was probably the biggest band in the world. The album featured hit songs like “Holiday,” “Jesus of Suburbia,” “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” and obviously the title track, “American Idiot.”

The concert was one of BU’s most successful ever. According to Cornell, the VPP in 2005 went on to become the manager of Andy Grammar and Big Gigantic. So yeah, good start for the Events Center.

Easily one of the most highly regarded acts in Events Center history: Jon Stewart. Stewart came to campus in 2009, and the show was a huge success. The comedian ragged on Binghamton, the Events Center and our basketball team. He performed for 70 minutes in front of 5,000 people and received a standing ovation. He set the standard for comedians who come to perform here, and so far, he’s still the king. Fun fact: he performed the same night as Shabbat 1500, which was being held in a different gym.

Conclusion

Sure, our concert history hasn’t been 100 percent sold-out events and standing ovations, but we’ve done pretty well. There will always be those dark performance moments that we pretend never happened, like the years that Nickelback and Eve 6 came for Spring Fling. But we can be proud of what the SAPB has done for us. Here’s to Passion Pit, Drake 2010 and the future of Binghamton entertainment, which looks as bright as ever.

Publishers are understandably upset. After the Nobel, the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction is the most coveted award in the literary world. Winning the prize never fails to dramatically improve the career of the recipient. A win leads to a huge increase in sales, something every publisher wants.

The Pulitzer has often been awarded to landmark classics of American Fiction, such as “Gone With the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell in 1937, “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck in 1940, “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee in 1961, “Beloved” by Toni Morrison in 1988 and “American Pastoral” by Philip Roth in 1998, to name a few. And if someone were to form a list of the best novels of the last decade, Pulitzer Prize-winning entries such as “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay” by Michael Chabon, “Middlesex” by Jeffrey Eugenides and “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy would be no-brainers for inclusion.

It’s understandable that the absence of the prize might lead you to think 2011 was a particularly weak year for fiction. But this isn’t necessarily true.

The winner is decided by a two-step process. First, three jurors (usually a combination of a book critic, an academic and a fiction writer) read hundreds of entries sent by anyone who wishes to pay a small fee. From those, the jury selects three books to present to the Pulitzer board, which usually selects one of those books as a winner, but occasionally chooses books not on the list. The board is composed of editors from various acclaimed newspapers and professors at the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism. In addition to their jobs, they select winners in every category. There is no winner for fiction this year because the board could not produce a majority vote for a single work, not because every book was bad.

The refusal to award the prize reflects the complicated and delicate state of today’s publishing industry. In an age where eBook readers and self-publishing have never been more popular and the five major book publishers are being hit by a lawsuit by the U.S. Department of Justice for trying to defend their old business model from Amazon, the publishing industry is experiencing a major, unpredictable shift.

The nominees for the prize this year, in their bizarreness, symbolize this uncertainty.

“The Pale King” is an unfinished novel by the late David Foster Wallace. “Train Dreams,” by Denis Johnson, is a novella that was actually first published 10 years ago in The Paris Review, only to be posthumously published in standalone book form last year. “Swamplandia!” by Karen Russell, written when the author was only 29, is about a family of alligator wrestlers in Florida.

And Jesmyn Ward’s “Salvage the Bones,” the winner of the National Book Award for Fiction, which frequently overlaps with the Pulitzer winner, did not even appear on the nominee list.

It’ll be interesting to see who will win the prize for 2012’s books. Will it be Binghamton University alum Nathan Englander, whose short story collection “What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank” has received considerable critical acclaim? Or maybe British author J.K. Rowling, whose first “adult” novel, “The Casual Vacancy,” set for release in September, will take the win. Or perhaps “Telegraph Avenue” will give Michael Chabon a repeat win. It could be also someone else entirely or the committee may even fail to choose a winner again. Whatever the result, eyes will be trained on the prize for next year.

“Alice in Wonderland” is the story of Charles L. Dodgson (aka Lewis Carroll) and the three Liddell sisters. One day in 1862, Alice Liddell, one of the three sisters, demands that Dodgson tell them a story instead of teaching them their math lesson. He then begins to spin the tale of “Alice in Wonderland,” which comes to life for Alice as she spots and follows a white hare, eventually tumbling down a hole into a world of her own creation.

Though many of us may be familiar with the plot of this childhood classic, this show is an original piece devised by our very own Binghamton University peers.

Throughout this past year, the cast and crew of “Alice in Wonderland” has done research on both the stories of “Alice in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking Glass.” Rehearsals, coupled with a class in the fall taught by Toomey, were comprised of researching the lives of Charles Dodgson and Alice Liddell.

“I work a great deal in the professional world with devising new works and I have always wanted to create a new adaptation,” Toomey said. “It’s such a popular story and yet very few people have really read both ‘Wonderland’ and ‘Through the Looking Glass.’ In class we would improv, write scenes and play with ideas that people brought in. It was basically a lot of playing.”

The central theme behind the enchanting events in the play is the story of a young girl finding her way and discovering herself as she grows up. Laura Potel, a sophomore majoring in theater, plays the main character, Alice Liddell.

“My character, Alice Liddell, is exploring the world of Wonderland and growing up throughout the course of the show,” Potel said. “In order to prepare for this role I did a lot of research on Alice’s life. I also collected images, music and poetry that reminded me of the world we are playing in.”

The students built the show around the individual talents that the cast brought to the table. This includes different types of dance, singing and musical instruments. Every piece of music and dance in this show is an original work created during the fall class.

In addition to creating the script, the ensemble has fashioned both a set and elaborate, trick costumes that cater to the abnormal events in the show.

The character of Charles Dodgson is played by Andrew Bryce, a sophomore majoring in theater. Bryce believes the audience will take something away from the play.

“Because it’s an original piece of theater that has never been done before, they’ll be seeing the world premiere of something their fellow students created,” Bryce said. “It’s also a visually amazing and interesting piece, and has a great emotional core to its story. There’s something really cool crafted here in terms of entertainment.”

Tickets for “Alice in Wonderland” will be available at the ticket window outside of Watters Theater. Tickets cost $8 for students with a valid Binghamton ID, $14 for general admission and $12 for faculty, staff and seniors.