MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015
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arts & features
Trending Traveling abroad: A student's ventures in Vietnam
In the past week I have taken a boat trip into territory identical to that from "Apocalypse Now," been inside two massage parlors — one legitimate, one not so much — sustained third-degree burns on both feet during a soccer game with a group of orphans, and had a bartender actually take my word for it when I said I was of legal drinking age.
ADAM JAMIESON
@senorjamieson
I was fortunate enough to be able to spend a portion of my winter break in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam directly on the opposite side of the planet from our University. My mom has traveled there for business somewhat frequently over the last few years, and she finally racked up enough frequent flyer miles that I was able to join her on her latest excursion.
Every day while I was there, I would venture out of my hotel room on some type of adventure that would ultimately place me in some awkward position that I would subsequently have to figure my way out of. In one such situation I had to explain to a man why Wal-Mart's wages are unfair to employees in America. In another I spent three hours finding my way home on foot after blowing all my cash on knock-off NBA jerseys for my roommates. Vietnam is just about the only place I've ever visited where no one succeeded, or
Vietnam is just about the only place I've ever visited where no one succeeded, or even attempted, to pick my pockets.
Visiting Vietnam was a refreshing break from the cold weather that so traditionally plagues our campus at this time of the year, but I have enjoyed another type of break as well. Although I always find my fellow KU students to be entertaining, friendly and intelligent, this short period of travel has been enough to remind me that there are many other types of equally valuable people who share this planet with us. Too often it seems as though my fellow students and I start to forget our outside surroundings and begin to operate under the pretense that our campus, state or even country is our whole world.
I would encourage you to look beyond the narrow scope of our little world in Lawrence. Indulge whatever natural hunger you possess to see beyond the confines of your upbringing and venture into the ultra-massive world of unique sights, scents and people of an entirely new landscape.
Edited by Paige Lytle
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
BLOCKBUSTER BESTS
Check out the top 10 films that hit theaters in 2014
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From the best sci-fi blockbusters to the most affecting indies, edge-of-your-seat thrillers to fist pumping action movies, hilarious mysteries to psychological dramas — here's my list of the 10 best films of 2014, from worst to best.
10. Interstellar
Christopher Nolan reaches beyond our galaxy with out-of-this-world ambition in his most human movie, "Interstellar." The love between a father, Cooper (Matthew McConaughey), and his daughter, Murphy (Mackenzie Foy), connects through space and time as Cooper searches another galaxy for a way to save humanity. The science of wormholes, black holes, space travel, relativity and more piques the intellect, while the personal cost of leaving family and
the world behind grabs at the heart. The vastness of space, enormous natural dangers, and the fight for survival forge eye-popping visceral excitement, then "Interstellar" finishes on a mind-blowing realm that's comparable to "2001: A Space Odyssey."
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY/MARVEL STUDIOS
9. Dawn of the Planet of the Ames
8. Inherent Vice Paul Thomas Anderson insists on challenging audiences with his films,
Wow — this franchise sure got back on top of its game. "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" realizes its own stunning visual world and has a straightforward yet engrossing sense of philosophy. The arresting story thrives with spectacular set pieces. The apes are breathtakingly animated with more emotion to invest in than the humans. Most notably, this movie even has an ape dual-wielding machine guns on horseback, firing at humans during a slow-motion gallop through flames — what more could you want?
and with "Inherent Vice," he brings us a 1970s set, hippie-infested, subtly surreal detective comedy that's like the more mysterious, intentionally confusing, extra verbose cousin of "The Big Lebowski." Joaquin Phoenix hysterically plays stoner P.I. Doc Sportello, navigating a web of oddball characters as he tries to get to the center of some convoluted conspiracy (which might just be his own paranoid delusions). The mystery unravels with a top-notch ensemble and impressive long takes, absorbingly deliberate storytelling and a
cult appeal that gets funnier the more you slide onto its level.
7. Nightcrawler
Jake Gyllenhaal gives the best performance of his career as pitch-perfect sociopatent Lou Bloom, an apathetic loner with a calling in L.A. TV news as a cameraman who races to grisly crime scenes and films the carnage. Lou's moral degradation progresses from just witnessing gruesome scenes to playing a part in them to get a better story. He crosses all ethical boundaries, which
makes for a riveting, and deliriously twisted, journey. The last act rockets forward with explosive propulsion, ready to detonate at any moment as the enthralling danger builds into a final, adrenaline-jolting, high-octane car chase through the hazy, expansive streets of late night Los Angeles.
6. Guardians of the Galaxy Marvel does a superhero spectacle in space with a rollicking sense of "Star
SEE MOVIES PAGE 8
15 album releases to look forward to in 2015
Ryan Wright
@ryanwaynewright
Many consider 2014 an underwhelming year for music due to delayed releases, albums not living up to hype, and other miscellaneous issues. If everything goes as planned, however, 2015 may shape up to be one of the greatest years for music in recent memory.
Here are 15 albums you should keep your eye on in this upcoming year.
Kanve West - TBA
Kanye West has been working on his upcoming album for a while, but on New Year's, West released the first single to his currently untitled album. "Only One," featuring Paul McCartney, is a song from the perspective of West's late mother, Donda West, talking to him. Not much else is known about West's seventh solo album,
but all signs are pointing to a spring 2015 release.
A$AP Rocky - TBA
A$AP ROCKY - IBA A$AP Rocky's debut album, Long.Live.A$AP was met with generally positive reviews. After two years, Rocky is finally delivering a follow-up. In October, he released his first single, "Multiply," to his currently untitleled album, and on New Year's Eve he released his second single, "Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye." Though there is no official release date for his album, fans should definitely expect it to drop sometime in the coming months.
Death Grips - Jenny Death
Death Grips - Jenny Death Death Grips is an experimental band that borrows sound from hip-hop, rock, and EDM. In 2014, the band shocked its fans when they announced that they would be splitting up. However, Death Grips promised one
last album, "tenny Death," to be released Feb. 10 before they break up. The group's music is known to push the boundaries and this album should be no different.
Radiohead - TBA
Legendary rock band Radiohead will return in 2015 with their ninth studio album. The band has reportedly been in the studio crafting their album for a few months now. But much like other artists on this list, the album is currently untitled and not much else is known about it, other than the fact that it's in progress.
Grimes - TBA
2012 was a great year for Canadian singer-songwriter and producer, Grimes. Her third studio album, "Visions," was met with much critical acclaim. This year, she will release her currently untitled album. Originally
titled "Go" Grimes received disappointing reactions to the first single, and decided to scrap the entire album and start over. Grimes' act of perfectionism should excite fans for what's to come in 2015.
Drake - Views from the b
Drake - Views from the 6 Drake announced his fourth album, "Views From the 6," shortly after the release of his third album, "Nothing Was the Same." In a time when record sales are hard to come by, Drake seems to go platinum with ease. There's no release date for this album yet, but based on his previous album releases, fans should expect an album in the fall.
Adele - TBA
In 2011, Adele took the world by storm with her chart-topping hit "Rolling in the Deep." Her sophomore album, "21," was also met with generally positive
reviews. Adele won big at the 2012 Grammy Awards Ceremony, taking home six of the coveted awards. After four long years, Adele will be returning in 2015 with a follow-up to "21." There's no release date set in stone, but fans should expect the album this fall.
Kendrick Lamar - TBA In 2012, Kendrick Lamar released "good kid, M.A.A.D city" and many considered it an instant classic. Last fall, Lamar released his first single, "i," to his currently untitled sophomore album. The song is surprisingly cheerful in comparison to the dark undertones of his debut album, which throws off some fans. Lamar's label is known for pushing back albums, but expect a drop sometime in 2015.
Kendrick Lamar - TBA
SEE MUSIC PAGE 8
QUICK QUESTION
Friends and roommates Katie Clerke and Haley Hennier are both freshmen at the University. The Kansan caught up with the two returning from winter break to ask them about the upcoming semester.
Kansan: What are you looking forward to most this semester?
I'm looking forward to spending time with Haley and the people in our dorm because I missed them all a lot over break. I also can't wait to go to more basketball games."
KATIE CLERKE Freshman from St. Louis
I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at school again and getting all my core classes out of the way."
HALEY HENNIER
Freshman from Kansas City,
Mo.