The 2025 Grammy Awards were dominated by controversy when Beyoncé won the prestigious Best Country Album award, sparking widespread debate across the music industry. While there’s no denying Beyoncé’s influence and groundbreaking artistry, this win raises significant concerns about the integrity of genre-specific awards and sets a troubling precedent for […]
Columnists
Let’s make the day after the Super Bowl a national holiday
A tradition that has been building every year is that millions of Americans get together to celebrate the Super Bowl Sunday night. It has become more than just a football game; it has become a national celebration that brings all types of people together. It has become a very social […]
Best Animated Short Film an exciting category for the Oscars
The race for Best Animated Short Film at the 2025 Academy Awards is shaping up to be an exciting one, showcasing a diverse mix of storytelling, artistry and emotional depth. From dark humor to touching reflections on life and identity, this year’s nominees highlight the power of animation to tackle complex […]
OPINION: Fond memories of successful, enjoyable theater year
Acceptance to the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region 3 Conference (KCACTF) has been a prestigious honor. The weeklong event exhibited theatrical excellence featuring a play, design displays and tech Olympiads from UDM. I was ecstatic when I was notified that last year’s production of “The Complete Works […]
REVIEW: Kendrick Lamar’s album a shift for fans
Famous rapper Kendrick Lamar’s sixth studio album, “GNX,” was released in Nov. 2024, gaining traction and success that transcended into 2025 with the announcement of a tour alongside SZA, starting in April, called the “Grand National Tour,” along with the confirmation of his performance on Feb. 9 in New Orleans […]
REVIEW: SZA updates her work by adding even more quality
In Dec. 2022, after a five-year hiatus, SZA released a 23-track album titled “SOS.” This album depicts SZA’s emotionally complex journey juggling grief, self-doubt and love while she is simultaneously learning and inventing herself as a young adult. Two years later in Dec.2024, SZA re-issues SOS as a deluxe […]
REVIEW: Squid Game Season Two, The Reckoning
The second season of “Squid Game” was just released on Netflix in late December, and it’s a wild ride that tries to match up to the incredible first season. While it doesn’t live up to the instant cult classic of the original, it still packs some punches and is worth […]
REVIEW: ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ is a worthy prequel
“Mufasa: The Lion King,” a 2024 release directed by Barry Jenkins and taking the form of a stylish prequel, adds context and richness to the world of the beloved Disney property. The movie shutters the roof on how Mufasa became the worshipped king of the Pride Lands from a lost cub. The […]
Letter to the Editor: Faculty thoughts about AI story
I and other members of the UDM faculty appreciate the feature story on the use of AI in the Nov. 13 edition (“AI brings challenges, opportunities for UDM faculty”). However, many members of the faculty are concerned that the article was not explicit enough regarding the fundamental fact that a […]
UDM math professor releases thrilling debut novel
Most students know Associate Professor Jeffe Boats as the brilliant but approachable mathematics professor who can solve complex equations. But outside the classroom, Professor Boats has been solving a different kind of puzzle—the twists and turns of his debut thriller novel “Blood Game.” In a captivating blend of academia and […]
