Opinions - The Eastern Echo

Blade Runner 2049 a cinematic sequel for the ages

By Craig Turner · Monday, Oct. 30, 2017

The ever-voracious appetite for nostalgia that has engulfed American media over the last decade has led to the resurrection and remaking of several television programs and calls for reunions of now-defunct musical groups. “The Nostalgia Factor” has so far seen varying results in the world of American cinema, with classic films such as “Wall Street” and the “Indiana Jones” franchise releasing sequels decades after their predecessors. These films were met with a lukewarm reception from viewers and critics alike. Looking to break this mold, “Blade Runner 2049” seeks to please viewers 35 years after the release of Ridley Scott’s original “Blade Runner” in 1982.

A Letter to the Editor from Students for Justice in Palestine

Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017

Last week, an article was released in the Eastern Echo titled “A Mirrored Reflection of Apartheid.” While it is no surprise that colonizer rhetoric tends to dictate and the misconstrue the discourse surrounding oppressed peoples liberation struggle in effort to demonize organizing efforts, there are multiple claims that we would like to clear up since this article was a direct response to the mock Apartheid wall that Students for Justice in Palestine painted on the Freedom Walls.

Netflix's Deathnote: A poor rendition of the original

By Patricia Mulroy · Monday, Oct. 23, 2017

Straying away from the source material, the movie moves its setting from Japan to Seattle choosing western-looking characters in the process. While departing so far from the source material does not necessarily ruin a movie, the casting of actors who cannot act truly does.

Eid al-Adha: A Muslim holiday

By Saba Ibraheem · Monday, Oct. 23, 2017

Every year, Muslims wearing new clothes with bright colors fill the street. Their faces are bright with large smiles as they greet each other with warm hugs. Children play near them with balloons in their hands and sweet in their pockets. The Mosques are packed with worshipers to do the ritual prayer. Muslims united together from diverse countries in one place to celebrate the day of Eid al-Adha

What to bring: A guide to your campus inventory

By Arica Frisbey · Monday, Oct. 23, 2017

It happens to the best of us -- no matter how much you pour over the Housing and Residence Life website with their many do’s and don’ts, you're bound to forget something.

Why Kaepernick should move on

By Joe Israel · Monday, Oct. 16, 2017

It’s time for Colin Kaepernick to forget about playing professional football. It’s not because of his inability either.

Kid Rock for Senate?

By Jack Swartzinski · Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017

Kid Rock took the stage at the Little Caesars Arena grand opening, Tuesday, Sept. 12. The decision to have Kid Rock was controversial because of his recent comments about the confederate flag and his ambitions to take on Senator Debbie Stabenow and become Michigan’s new Senator. What would a “Kid Rock for Senate Campaign” look like?

Stop surviving, become a 'Bawse:' A book review

By Cheyenne Glassburn · Monday, Sept. 11, 2017

Life does not come with an instruction manual, but there are people out there that graciously pass their wisdom to others. Lilly Singh is one of those people and with the help of her book “How to Be a Bawse,” her stories will inspire and motivate to help be successful in not only changing your mindset and productivity, but also opening a new viewpoint on how to strategically get where you want to be in life. The chapters within this book are short yet engaging -- for even the busiest of college students.

The magic of Tony Hawk's Pro-Skater: a review

By Joel Miller · Monday, April 3, 2017

Let me lay down the facts like it is; the Tony Hawk games are the best sports video games ever made.

Guest opinions column

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

On November 8, 2016 Americans went to the polls across the country to cast their ballot for the next President of the United States, since then disappointment, investigations and anxiety have followed.

A Letter to the Editor: Animal Rights

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Dear Readers, Pigs are well known in North America for one thing in particular: bacon. If people knew that pigs are kept in tiny gestation crates their entire lives, they might take a second look at what they are about to eat.

'A Page of Madness' revelation to Japanese cinema

By Aaron Carpenter · Monday, March 27, 2017

There is nothing to say about the screening of Teinosuke Kinugasa’s “A Page of Madness” except that it was a revelation.

A case for alternative calendars

By Gary Simmons · Thursday, March 23, 2017

Ever wonder why our calendar can be so strange at times? Think about it: February gets an extra day every four years, the month names are inconsistent (October is the 10th month even though octo means 8), new year’s day is in the middle of winter, and all the months have different lengths ranging from 28 to 30 days.

'For Honor' a truly unique game

By Joel Miller · Monday, March 13, 2017

Medieval Knights, Sea-faring Vikings, and Japanese Samurai were separated by many years and many miles from each other, making the possibility of them fighting each other to the death impossible in real life.

An open Letter from Judge Greg Mathis (ret.), Eastern Michigan University alumnus

By Judge Greg Mathis · Friday, March 10, 2017

Whereas: Beginning in September 2016, black students and others at Eastern Michigan University were victimized by multiple acts of racist vandalism on University property; Whereas: These hateful acts included references to the Ku Klux Klan and intimidating racial slurs telling black students to leave the University; Whereas: Hundreds of Eastern Michigan University students responded to these events and organized in peaceful protests intended to urge the University to respond to these vile acts by finding the perpetrators and taking steps to improve diversity and inclusion on campus; Whereas: Students were further intimidated and physically endangered during their peaceful protest when a car charged through the crowd and hit a motorcycle; Whereas: In November 2016, several University students continued their peaceful protests against hatred and racial intimidation by organizing a peaceful sit-in at the University; Whereas: The University charged several of the students at this peaceful sit-in with Student Code of Conduct violations and threatened them with suspension and/or expulsion; Whereas: In January 2017, peaceful protests at the University continued as the University had still not found the culprits of the acts of racism or taken meaningful steps to implement a campus climate of increased diversity and inclusion, but had levied significant charges against several peaceful protesters; Whereas: The University has recently reversed its citation of these University student protesters and cleared their record - there is more work and constructive change to be accomplished; Whereas: These series of events can and should be corrected by the University taking action to demonstrate greater support of its minority student population.

'Logan' should get a best picture nomination

By Anthony B. Cross · Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Logan could be the first comic-book movie to get a best picture nomination. It is so good as a movie that you might just forget it’s a comic book. Logan is the third movie in the Wolverine stand-alone movies, which are part of the X-Men saga.

'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' movie review

By Gary Simmons · Tuesday, March 7, 2017

On March 3, Campus Life premiered the film “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” at the EMU Student Center as part of their “Friday Night Movie” program.

'Moana' brings traditional Pacific island legends to the big screen

By Gary Simmons · Monday, Feb. 6, 2017

Disney’s “Moana,” is the 56th addition to Walt Disney’s animated film canon. The film, which was directed by Disney Renaissance icons John Clements and Ron Musker, features the voice talents of wrestling star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Nicole Sherzinger and Jemaine Clement.

U.S. spends millions in military aid to Israel

By Saba Ibraheem · Monday, Feb. 6, 2017

How do you feel about the United States’ aid to Israel? If you haven’t thought about it -- maybe you should.

Jamie Foxx disappoints in 'Sleepless'

By Anthony B. Cross · Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017

Actor Jamie Foxx is known for starring in academy award winning movies – including “Ray” and “Collateral.” His new film “Sleepless” is not one of them. “Sleepless” stars Jamie Foxx and T.I.