Thursday, April 18, 2013

Zorbing, Reading, "Green"-ing


Recently the Rolling Stonehill got the chance to catch up with Andrew Norkiewicz, who's currently studying at Oxford University in England.  Read all about his amazing experiences below- from country hopping, to "Fire Shots," to getting the chance to roll in a zorbing ball!

RS: How has your abroad experience been so far? What places across the world have you explored? 

AN: My abroad experience so far has been extremely diverse and I am very glad that it
Bodleian Library
has been. I have mixed a lot of academic work (I now know the inside of the Bodleian library better than MacPhaidin) with sport, volunteer work, and travel. Though I have not had much time during term to travel, I managed to make my way around England (Stonehenge, London, Bath) as well as Galway, Ireland in the fall semester. In the spring I was able to spend a week in Vienna, Salzburg, and Munich and I have been currently living in Wales on an organic farm for over a month now.

RS: What’s the craziest thing you’ve done abroad yet? 

AN: If my parents are reading: On Easter Sunday I ran on a high coastal path in Wales that took me onto cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. I ran until the sun set over the ocean and Welsh headlands and was accompanied by four wild horses at one point. If my parents aren’t reading: in Vienna I went to a dive bar that offered a “Fire Shot” for only a euro or so. I thought it was just something that would burn on the way down. Rather, it was a shot of alcohol that was lit on fire while in my mouth. All I can say is that Brother Mike’s should invest in this.

RS: What are you excited most about to bring back to Stonehill?

Water zorbing
AN: Two things. Farming and water zorbing. Working on an organic farm in Wales for over a month has been one of the greatest aspects of being abroad. It has been a great break from bookwork and it has given me a variety of practical skills which have helped me to develop a much more comprehensive understanding of my academic studies. I am very much looking forward to returning to Stonehill with what I’ve learned abroad about sustainability, global perspective of environmental issues, and organic growing in order to help make Stonehill a greener college.
On a more important note: I would very much like to start an initiative that would see the ice-skating rink in front of the science center to be changed into a large pool during the warmer months and used as a water-zorbing station for students. During the Mansfield Ball at Oxford, such a station was created and I can honestly say: running around in a human-sized hamsterball on top of a pool of water was probably one of the greatest/claustrophobic/nauseating experiences of my life.

Carolyn Meklenburg '14
Image credit: Guardian.co.uk

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Away We Go

Stonehill's own Rex Macipinlac is at it again!  This Spring, Rex's newest work to hit the world's eardrums is called Celebrate Your Soul.  A bright "west coast rap inspired life anthem, dazzled with references to Super Mario, Ramen, and Armani suits," this song from his newest EP Full Bloom Universe speaks on all kinds pop culture frequently discussed today.  Commenting on everything from Barack Obama to ideas about the apocalypse, the track is both humorous and introspective, all while preaching the resounding message that each day should be "celebrated."  Check it out below, and keep an eye out for Full Bloom Universe!



Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Lord of the Rings meets Desperate Housewives: Das Barbecü

A performance of  Das Barbecü
The Stonehill Theatre Company and the Department of Visual and Performing Arts present Das Barbecü, a musical comedy with music by Scott Warrender and book and lyrics by Jim Luigs.  Directed by guest artist Peter A. Carey, this re-telling of Richard Wagner’s Ring Cycle operas takes place in present day Texas and is filled with romance, rivalries, and line dancing.  Hilarious scenes spin around two sets of mismatched lovers who meet on the day of their shotgun double wedding and amidst three generations of outrageous characters from two feuding families.  Spells are cast and curses affect the lives of many characters resulting in orphaned children and adulterous affairs.  With 13 actors portraying 30 different characters, Das Barbecü is a fun, tongue-in-cheek look at how one magic ring created from stolen gold can cause controversy throughout all of Texas.  This “Lord of the Rings meets Desperate Housewives” country-western musical is sure to be a crowd pleaser.  Show dates are April 11th, 12th, and 13th at 8:00 PM in the Hemingway Theatre at Stonehill College.  This is a MERIT POINT EVENT.  Tickets are $5 for students and seniors, and $8 for general admission.  Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling the Stonehill Theatre Company Box Office at (508) 565-1458 or at the door.  They can also be purchased in the Commons during lunch and dinner starting April 2nd.

Rachel Wingert '16

Image credit: www.georgevreilly.com 

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Cultural Osmosis: Gaining Perspective and Acculturation Through Travel


Over Spring break, I travelled farther than Virginia for the first time in my life, going abroad to Germany with my fellow LC members. Leading up to our travel, I felt nothing but anxiety and fear: What if the plane we fly on crashed? What if I am stuck sitting next to someone with body odor? What if I get the window seat and have to force the person next to me to get up multiple times because I need to utilize the facilities? What if I lose my luggage? What if I can’t find anything to eat? And the list goes on. Everything that someone who has not travelled before worries about, came across my mind. After a lengthy flight, we touched down in Munich with no problem, easing my anxieties partially. We then left the airport and headed towards our bus, and as I looked around at the second largest city in all of Germany, I realized how life changing an experience I was going to have: gaining perspective and cultural diversity through my travels.
Travelling to Germany had its obvious advantages: the chance to see more historical German landmarks than most will ever see in their life in the course of 13 days, the opportunity to experience a vibrant and youthful German nightlife, the chance to sample a new cuisine, the chance to test the language skills I have been honing all year in my German class, and the ability to check something off my bucket list, leaving the United States and going abroad. These were all amazing advantages and experience gained from our time in the Vaterland, but upon arriving back here at Stonehill I found I have gained something even more valuable: perspective. I have lived on the South Shore my whole life, and have rarely left without the company of family. Going to Germany threw me into a new culture, and allowed me to see how others live beyond the Stonehill, and Southern Massachusetts bubble.
I observed many things about the Germans, but there are a particular few worth mentioning here. The first thing I noticed is their impeccable time management skills: whether it was a tour guide, member of the hotel staff, or a waiter, all the Germans I encountered were timely and conscious of the hour. The beauty of their precision in regards to their schedules was that they were not on time because they were constantly in a rush as we often are here in the states, rather they moved at a normal pace and yet were never late. Germans also place a large emphasis on utility, be it their vehicles, their showers, their souvenirs, you name it, they were all well-made and built to last. Germans also treat money different than we do, when one prepares to pay at a restaurant you pay right at the table, you don’t send your payment off and wait for the waiter or waitress to come back, it all happens right in front of you in a shockingly transparent process. It is also not a shock to a server if they receive no tip, for their wages are high enough as it is so they do not have to work strictly for gratuities, they make a respectable wage no matter what you tip them. Perhaps most shocking to Americans, nearly every German restrooms require a fee for entry. This may sound obnoxious, but these restrooms were kept impeccably clean and stocked with nearly every amenity one could imagine. Germany was just an entirely different world, and I liked it. It was amazing because even the most trivial of tasks such as paying a waiter or using the bathroom were the polar opposite of what I was used to, and therefore an experience worth having.
I do not mean to downplay the significance of my time abroad by highlighting such specificities, but I would like to use them as a springboard to explain the more broad societal themes of Germany. Through my day to day interactions, I realized the German people place an emphasis on utility, transparency, punctuality, a normal and deliberate pace, cleanliness, cordiality, and the ability to make a respectable living despite one’s profession. Not to beat a dead horse, but can any of us say that we have never commented on the lack of such characteristics in our own country? I know that as Americans we like to go it alone, but maybe we can learn more from the Europeans than we may think.

Brendan Monahan '15
Image credit: Brendan Monahan

Monday, March 11, 2013

On His Way

Recently the Rolling Stonehill got to catch up with Chris Borelli, a student artist who, among his other musical conquests, was recently featured on Vans' Warped Tour.  We wanted to hear more about his experiences with that amazing opportunity, and took this chance to get all the details on this once of a lifetime experience.

RS: Tell us how you got started.

CB: So it may come as a surprise to most people, but my passion for writing and producing hip hop music didn't come until I arrived at Stonehill my freshman year. I specifically remember writing a rap verse just to try it out and see how I felt - bearing no intention of taking in anywhere..at all. I decided to recite the verse to my close friends one night and was shocked at the response. It was nothing but love and genuine admiration towards the true potential I showed by writing that one verse. But it was the incredible Rex Mac who prompted me to hone that potential. His advice to me was to embrace this unexplored genre and to not stop writing. Given Rex's musical credentials and his seemingly untouchable knack for producing his own style of rap music, it was not hard for me to take his advice seriously. From that point, the rest was history.
Chris Borelli

RS: What are some of your proudest accomplishments?
CB: Since I've started out, I've learned that I truly love performing just as much as producing - if not more. So almost any type of performance opportunity means the world to me. Given that, I would say that some of my proudest accomplishments include featuring on Rex's opening set at Spring Weekend two years ago - having barely started rapping seriously, opening for Cobra Starship last year in my own set, performing my first paid college gig at Simmons College in Boston, and being featured on the Vans Warped Tour this past summer.

RS: What was it like being a featured artist on the Warped Tour?
CB: Being featured on Warped Tour was absolutely incredible to say the least. I was on a 6-day stint with the tour, which took me to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Mass, and Connecticut. More than anything else, it gave me a little taste of what the tour life is really like - which was the most significant takeaway. Every performance I had on tour was an incredible one. Performing in a different state almost every day, in front of people who have never heard your music before, is unlike anything else and only confirmed that this is exactly what I want to do for a living. It was perhaps one of the most exhausting experiences I've had, but by far one of the most memorable. I hope to be on it again this summer so we'll see how the cards fall with that one.
The artist Macklemore

RS: Who are your current favorite artists at the moment?
CB: I'm open to just about all types of music and am willing to explore aspects of almost any genre. But I particularly appreciate the works of Kendrick Lamar, Lupe Fiasco, Macklemore, Drake, and my musical sensei Mr. Rex Mac himself.

RS: What equipment do you rock with to make your beats? What helps your creative process to make those beats?
CB: I construct all of my instrumentals using a program called Reason. I then record all of my vocals on Garageband. My process for producing almost all of my instrumentals involves a great deal of inspiration. I've found that I often am inspired quite easily by other artists' songs, instrumentals, performances, or just anything musical in general. Thus, most of my beats and songs are inspirationally derived from other beats and songs by other artists. If I'm truly moved by a song or a beat, I'll internalize the musical concept, reconstruct my own concept based on specific sound components of that particular song, and then create my own portrayal of that inspired concept in the form of an original instrumental. It's the most fun I could ever possibly have when it all goes the way I want it to.

RS: Where can we find you online? 
CB: I'm currently in the process of reworking my personal website (chrisborellimusic.com). But other than that, I am on almost every mainstream media outlet there is. You can keep up with all of my musical endeavors on my Facebook music page by searching and 'liking' Chris Borelli 4LM. I have quite a few videos on YouTube as well. On top of that, I am also on Twitter @ChrisBorelli4LM, any and all follows are greatly appreciated.
RS: What are your future plans? Any shows or releases we should be aware of?

CB: My musical future is undefined, but I have hopes on making this music heard on the largest scale possible. Ultimately, my goal is to instill a new sound into the world of hip hop and help solidify the idea of substance being a norm in today's music industry. As of now, I have no major performance opportunities that you should be aware of..yet. But do expect a brand new wave of sound to hit the streams in the very near future. You could perhaps look forward to a brand new single hitting iTunes very soon, with the accompaniment of an official music video. You could also perhaps look forward to the release of my first original EP in the near future. And you could even think about looking forward to a jam-packed mixtape for the summer. All of these things will come to fruition in due time, but patience has been the key virtue since day 1. So please don't sleep on me! With quality work comes quality time. But stay excited, I'm on my way.

Rex Macipinlac '13
Image credit: allindstrom.com and Chris Borelli

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Songs for Us Seniors


I find it very interesting that pop music has afforded us seniors with two songs perfect for this time of transition into the “real world”. Both “Thrift Shop” and “Suit and Tie” are extremely applicable to and fit us well.
Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z
Macklemore’s indie-rap jam details an action that a lot of seniors already enjoy to do: buy clothes secondhand. And as the song catalogues, there is a certain fashion statement to be made by wearing these clothes. Specifically, a second hand “long ass coat” suggests that the wearer does not care about materialistic standards and will wear something simply because it keeps them warm. It also speaks to the reality that a lot of us seniors are going to be facing: we may not have “fifty dollars for a t-shirt” and we will gladly wear some goodwill garments. At least we have an anthem for this style.
JT’s comeback collaboration with Jay-Z shows the other side of being a senior: we suddenly have to look presentable at any and all times because of job interviews. For those of us entering the work force, having a suit and tie stashed away in our closets is one thing we can have stacked in our favor as we attempt to gain some form of employment. The chorus from the song “as long as I’ve my suit and tie” can become a mantra quietly chanted as we sit in waiting rooms in anticipation of our names being called. Plus, for nostalgic value it is nice to have Justin Timberlake contributing to the soundtrack of our senior spring. I am sure for many he did the same for elementary school graduations.
Senior Spring can be tough and daunting at times, so it makes me smile in delight that pop music has provided us with two songs that are so perfectly timed to keep us dancing and partying in this final semester. I only hope that as I experience more milestones in life, new music can once again synch up with what is going on in my life. If so, I will be reminded of the magic felt this semester. 

Nick Howard '13
Image credit: Philly.com

Friday, February 1, 2013

Who does fake news better?


If you frequent Rolling Stone’s web site as often as I do, than you are well acquainted with their infamous top 50 lists, top 50 guitarists, top 50 hip hop songs etc. Their most recent list published was “The 50 Funniest People Now”, full of today’s greatest comedic minds such as Chris Rock, Louis C.K., and Tina Fey. The list seemed well thought out and assembled, until I reached the top 5. Both Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert had placed in the top 5, but Colbert at number 2 and Stewart at number 4. I have to be honest, for a moment I was speechless.

Jon Stewart has been on the air since I was 6 years old and Colbert since I started junior high school. Since I was old enough to, I have always had an appreciation for comedy and politics, so you can imagine why these programs have been stalwart favorites of mine for so long. I have spent many a night watching these shows back to back, laughing until I cry over the years and yet also noticing the subtle changes and adjustments that each show has undergone, Stewart constantly making new stars in the comedy world through the famous “correspondent” role on his show, and Colbert giving the world renowned “Colbert Bump” to any who he sees fit. Before high school, I became obsessed with The Colbert Report, watching it every night at 11:30 in my bedroom before I fell asleep. At the time, I tried to watch The Daily Show too, but it just couldn’t hold my attention. I loved Colbert because he was the epitome of hyperbole, never breaking his ridiculous and unyielding conservative character he had modeled after Bill O’Reilly. His jokes mocking our beloved political system were pure sarcasm, and made me laugh uncontrollably. And yet, by the time I reached high school me and Stephen had lost touch, and suddenly a new funny man came to fill the comedic void in my heart: Jon Stewart.

As I got older, I came to appreciate Stewart for all the reasons I had hated him before. As I matured, I became more interested in the real news that Stewart was covering in a satirical manner, than the utterly ridiculous antics of Colbert which were getting a bit old to me as the years went on. Since then, I have remained a fan of both shows, but I live for my 30 minute lunch break between classes from Tuesday to Thursday when I can watch the episode of The Daily Show from the night prior.

Returning to the Rolling Stone list, I feel that a mistake was made placing Colbert above Stewart for multiple reasons. The first being that there would be no Stephen Colbert without Jon Stewart! Colbert was originally a correspondent on The Daily Show, and through his on air antics with Stewart became far better known than his multiple appearances on Whose Line Is It Anyway. Stewart provided a platform for Colbert to display his comedic genius, one that Stewart essentially helped create. I also believed Stewart to be funnier because he doesn’t put on the same show every single night. Each night Stewart covers a different kind of story with a different comedic approach, be it in a gut splitting dialogue with Larry Wilmore or John Hodgman, or a video compilation narrated by Stewart’s classic rants. While Colbert seems to go through the same routine each night, receiving a standing ovation as the show begins, ranting in character for two segments sometime outright or through segments like “The Word”, and then interviewing someone also while in character. I feel that Stewart deserves recognition as the better comedian because he can make both the ridiculous and delicate news topics humorous, and therefore easier to discuss.  Colbert’s constant sarcasm and hyperbole, his ridiculousness for a lack of a better word, can be annoying at times and requires far less creativity than Stewart’s method of comedy. Stewart’s varied approach to both the ridiculous and the delicate news story give him a comedic edge over Colbert, which should have placed him higher on the list above his protégé.

Despite my ramblings, I am still avid member of Colbert Nation and will no doubt be forcing my roommate to watch both programs with me tonight, laughing in a manner that can only be induced by the ingenious comedy of the two most famous fake newsmen in the world.


Brendan Monahan '15
Image credit: Pulse2

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Popular Folk Rock: A Breath of Fresh Air to the Music Industry


The day after Christmas, my brother and I went to see The Roots at the House of Blues in Boston. We were lucky to catch them on a short touring stint as they took some time off from The Jimmy Fallon Show, seeing them was like a blast from the past. The last time I had seen them perform was at least 3 or 4 years ago. But anyways, per the usual The Incredible Roots Crew was, well...incredible. As my brother and I left the show and headed to the parking garage near Gold’s Gym where we had parked, he popped in the new Lumineers CD and “Ho-Hey” came on. Which got me to thinking: is folk rock making a comeback on the popular music scene?

Now let me first say, that I understand that the concept of folk rock is one that is very fluid and that differs between listeners. But when I think folk rock, I think Bob Dylan, acoustic Paul Simon, Neil Young, some of CSNY or James Taylor’s work. Most of this music has faded into the past, still being listened to by children of the 1960’s and 70’s, or even some of us in college now. Nonetheless, the last decade of popular music has been dominated by artists such as Ke$ha, Flo Rida, Pit Bull, and the list goes on. And yet, in the last 3 years we have seen a re-emergence of the more traditional sense of artists and musicians onto the popular music scene beginning in 2010 with the release of Mumford & Sons’ first album in the U.S., “Sigh No More”. All of a sudden, these foreign folk rockers were flooding American radio waves with amazing tunes like “Little Lion Man” and “Timshel”. To me, this marked a turning point, as what I perceived as “real music” (no offense to other popular artists, or their fans) was becoming popular. I could turn on a popular radio station, and actually hear a song or two that I enjoyed.

I think we have come to another impasse fairly recently, as the Lumineers’ new hit single mentioned above becomes more popular by the day, with I am sure many more to follow. It is hard to put my thumb on it, but pop music is undergoing some sort of progression or transformation, one in which we are getting back in touch with our musical roots. This may either be a passing fad, or perhaps a new era or popular music, either way I plan to enjoy it while it lasts. I will begin by returning to the House of Blues on February 4th to see the Lumineers bring down the house, bass drum, banjo and all.
 
Brendan Monahan '15
 
Image credit: Just Jared