Blog: Farewell from the Culture Consultant
Austin Gillespie, JagWire editor-in-chief
May 11, 2013
Well, readers, this is quite bittersweet. Of the two of you who actually care to read this blog and listen to me blabber on about pop culture, I assume you’ve noticed by now that Friday is always the day of the week I post. Unfortunately, this is my last Friday of my senior year, as I... (more...)
Blog: Amanda Bynes herself in chaos
Austin Gillespie, JagWire editor-in-chief
May 4, 2013
Where are the dancing lobsters when you need them? It seems as though former child actress Amanda Bynes, who once played Judge Trudy on her Nickelodeon sketch comedy sitcom “The Amanda Show,” needs someone to bang a gavel in her face for once. The 27-year-old has become the media’s... (more...)
Blog: Annoying social media app Vine surfaces
Austin Gillespie, JagWire editor-in-chief
April 26, 2013
Just when our grandparents who grew up in the stone age thought we had enough social media apps on our smartphones, Vine comes along and sends their hearts sinking further down into their chests. There’s Twitter for conversing, Facebook for sharing, Instagram for sharing photos and Snapchat... (more...)
Blog: Let’s go, Gomez
Austin Gillespie, JagWire editor-in-chief
April 19, 2013
First she shed her clothes for her recent starring role in “Spring Breakers,” and now she’s stepping up her performance game; is Selena Gomez in the middle of an iconic transformation? The former Disney’s “Wizards of Waverly Place” actress debuted her fresh new single “Come &... (more...)
Blog: Austin’s music is in fact good music
Austin Gillespie, JagWire editor-in-chief
April 12, 2013
I’m often denied of my right to play my music in the journalism room; if you ever go in there while us newsies are busy at work you would most likely hear at least three songs blaring from the computers simultaneously. Hanna (Torline, my fellow EIC) and Kristina (Milewski, my other fellow... (more...)
Blog: Review: ‘Spring Breakers’
Austin Gillespie, JagWire editor-in-chief
April 5, 2013
Photo from www.springbreakersmovie.com You’re surrounded by beautiful people, have seemingly endless amounts of cash, have been partying nonstop on the beach for the last week and are accompanied by your three best friends. Maybe you’re vacationing on your dream spring break, or maybe... (more...)
Blog: Harlem Shake your way out of my life
Austin Gillespie, JagWire editor-in-chief
March 29, 2013
So, uh, I have a message for you, Gangnam Style. I know I said you were annoying, and I probably hurt your feelings in doing so, but I take it back and I hope you will come back to me. I know it probably sounds like I’m trying to make amends with an ex-girlfriend, but it’s actually... (more...)
Blog: Is Bieber falling apart?
Austin Gillespie, JagWire editor in chief
March 15, 2013
Lately, Justin Bieber aka “The Biebs” has been appearing in the tabloids and on the front pages of entertainment websites more and more frequently. Unfortunately, this isn’t because he is being praised for his chart-topping pop songs or his ability to sag his pants. Bieber,... (more...)
ACT scores reflection of effort
Austin Gillespie, JagWire editor-in-chief
March 14, 2013
Let’s face it; standardized tests suck. I’ve always found it to be super ridiculous that so much of a high schooler’s fate in college relies on the scores of these tests like the ACT and SAT. Some students do well simply because they are smart, some do well out of pure luck. And, if you’re... (more...)
Blog: Single review: “Heart Attack” by Demi Lovato
Austin Gillespie, JagWire editor-in-chief
March 9, 2013
Former Disney star Demi Lovato has proved yet again that she’s not still a manufactured “Disney girl,” but a true pop artist. Lovato released her new single titled “Heart Attack,” on Sunday Feb. 24. It skyrocketed to number one on the iTunes Top 100 chart the first... (more...)
Blog: Jennifer Lawrence shines at Oscars
Austin Gillespie, JagWire editor-in-chief
March 1, 2013
The newest Hollywood “it” girl is without a doubt actress Jennifer Lawrence, and she made that very clear at this year’s Oscars. After taking home the Oscar for Best Female Actress and stealing the show on Sunday, Feb. 24, Lawrence proved that she’s no longer a rising... (more...)
Blog: Looks like Sweet Brown cleared her schedule
Austin Gillespie, JagWire editor-in-chief
February 19, 2013
If you’ve asked someone to do you a favor or have irritated them for some reason, perhaps you’ve been told, “Ain’t nobody got time for that.” The phrase was coined by Oklahoma City, Okla. resident Sweet Brown, who shot to fame immediately after giving a local news... (more...)
Blog: Miley should be admired for embracing short hairstyle
Austin Gillespie, JagWire editor-in-chief
February 11, 2013
In the past, women have defeated a variety of stereotypes: they do the cooking, they stay home and care for the kids, etc. Apparently, though, one stereotype they have yet to over come is the one saying they must have long, feminine hairstyles. Last August, former Disney Channel star Miley... (more...)
Blog: Beyoncé’s lip-syncing fiasco
Austin Gillespie, JagWire editor-in-chief
February 1, 2013
Last week on his show, Anderson Cooper spilled the truth tea. “As far as I’m concerned, it is Beyoncé’s world and we are just living in it.” We are indeed, Anderson. We are indeed. If you were a good American and tuned into the 2013 Presidential Inauguration on Monday, Jan. 21,... (more...)
Blog: Why I love “Scream and Shout”
Austin Gillespie, JagWire editor-in-chief
January 25, 2013
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, or you drive in an awkward silence rather than listening to your car radio, you’ve probably heard will.i.am and Britney Spears’ new smash single, “Scream and Shout.” The upbeat dance and electropop song, whose lyrics revolve... (more...)
Blog: Judge the pageant, not the contestants
Austin Gillespie, JagWire editor-in-chief
January 18, 2013
The 92nd annual Miss America Pageant took place last week, and let me tell you, it’s just as ridiculous as ever. The pageant is made up of contestants from the 50 states plus D.C., Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. The contestants must compete in several rounds, being judged on... (more...)
Blog: What the pluck, Farrah?
Austin Gillespie, JagWire editor-in-chief
January 11, 2013
“Teen Mom” star Farrah Abraham, 20, has put herself under public scrutiny after her latest parenting fiasco landed her in hot water. Or perhaps hot wax would be the more appropriate wording. Last Saturday, Abraham posted a blog entry on Sulia, in which she admitted to waxing her... (more...)
Blog: Celebrity baby names
Austin Gillespie, JagWire editor-in-chief
December 14, 2012
Naming your baby something unusual that sounds like a newly-discovered species of dinosaur is basically a given when you live in La La Land. It’s common to hear people making fun of a given celebrity for their strange or, ahem, unique baby name of choice, and trust me, there are plenty.... (more...)
Blog: Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show stirs up predictable reaction
Austin Gillespie, JagWire editor-in-chief
December 7, 2012
While it was hard to accept the fact that Hostess filed for bankruptcy and shut down, I’m about to make your life more miserable than it already is thanks to your lack of Twinkies. McDonald’s is, in fact, shutting down as well. Ok, so I lied about the latter. However, I do know... (more...)
Blog: “Life-Size” sequel in the works
Austin Gillespie, JagWire editor-in-chief
November 30, 2012
Fans of the 2000 Disney flick ”Life-Size“, starring Tyra Banks and Lindsay Lohan, got a little, ahem, life-sized treat earlier this week. It’s a short tweet from Banks with an exciting announcement (regarding something much more valuable than how to smize, might I add). Shine... (more...)
Blog: Fun photo-sharing app Snapchat becomes popular
Austin Gillespie, JagWire editor-in-chief
November 16, 2012
Step aside, Instagram; a new photo-sharing mobile app has hit app store shelves. Snapchat is a recently popularized app that allows users to take a photo from their phone, add text or draw on the photo, and send it to other friends who use the app. What makes this any different from sending... (more...)
Blog: Never underestimate the power of Twitter
Austin Gillespie, JagWire editor-in-chief
November 9, 2012
For months, people have taken to Twitter to voice their political opinions. This chatter (ahem, chirping) had quickly picked up its momentum as we neared Tuesday’s presidential election. The intense tweets of strongly opinionated peers covered my feed, being updated at a record breaking... (more...)
Blog: ‘The X Factor’ begins live shows
Austin Gillespie, JagWire editor-in-chief
November 2, 2012
After over a month of FOX airing pre-taped “The X Factor” episodes, the top 16 finalists finally got the chance to perform live in front of America on Wednesday. After facing judges Simon Cowell, Britney Spears, Demi Lovato and L.A. Reid in a brutal three rounds, the talented hopefuls... (more...)
Blog: Taylor Swift: the queen of crossover
Austin Gillespie, JagWire editor-in-chief
October 26, 2012
The clock strikes 12 a.m. After only 36 minutes, on Monday, Oct. 22, Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated Red tops iTunes’s Top Albums chart. By the end of the day, her new album has sold over 262,000 copies on iTunes alone and 13 of the album’s 16 songs have managed to make... (more...)
Blog: Why ‘Perks’ is the perfect book to movie adaptation
Austin Gillespie, JagWire editor-in-chief
October 18, 2012
About a year and a half ago, I was exposed to a young adult, epistolary novel written by Stephen Chbosky: The Perks of Being a Wallflower. The novel is about an introverted high school freshman named Charlie (Logan Lerman), who is taken under the wings of two seniors, Sam (Emma Watson)... (more...)
Blog: Culture Consultant fangirls over Rebel Wilson
Austin Gillespie, JagWire editor-in-chief
October 12, 2012
After high school, Australian born actress Rebel Wilson became a Youth Ambassador for Australia and was placed in South Africa, where she later contracted malaria. After becoming very ill, she began hallucinating in the hospital. This hallucination entailed Wilson becoming an actress and winning... (more...)
Blog: Album review: ‘Night Visions’ by Imagine Dragons
Austin Gillespie, editor-in-chief
September 21, 2012
Upon hearing a track by indie rock band Imagine Dragons on the radio not too long ago, I was hooked. I liked the group’s sound and I quickly began listening to all of their songs on YouTube. Only a few days later, I was hooked. Soon after becoming slightly obsessed with their music I heard... (more...)
Blog: ‘Here Comes – Hot Mess? – Boo Boo’
Austin Gillespie, JagWire editor-in-chief
September 14, 2012
What’s classy, tasteful, and, I quote, “beautimus?” Not Honey Boo Boo’s family. Okay, so that wasn’t very clever, but it’s true. On Wednesday, Aug. 8, the world got to see Toddlers & Tiaras favorite Alana Thompson star alongside her disgraceful family... (more...)
More reasons to love Twitter
Austin Gillespie, a&e editor
May 9, 2012
Not only does Twitter allow users to see what their friends are talking, or tweeting, about, it provides loads of entertainment. Many Twitter accounts centered on inspiring quotes or parodying famous figures have popped up. From humor to technology to entertainment related accounts, you should... (more...)
Another “Jersey Shore” spin-off on the way
Austin Gillespie, a&e editor
May 2, 2012
They’ve been to the Jersey Shore, Miami and Florence, Italy. Now, cast members of the famous MTV show Jersey Shore have their eyes set on a new target. This summer, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi and Jenni “JWOWW” Farley are set to premiere their new spin-off, Snooki... (more...)
Instagram becomes overexposed
Austin Gillespie, a&e editor
April 25, 2012
One of my favorite iPhone apps has always been Instagram. This photo sharing app allows its users to snap photos and apply filters (some call it tacky, others call it artsy). Its quick sharing options make it easy for users to send their photos to social networking websites. While it’s... (more...)
Classic prank show revived
Austin Gillespie, a&e editor
April 18, 2012
Most likely, avid MTV viewers are well aware that the classic prank show Punk’d has made its return. Despite a five-year gap since the original series ended in 2007, the revival series met my expectations when it premiered on Thursday, March 29. Although Ashton Kutcher no longer hosts... (more...)
“Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded” review
Austin Gillespie, a&e editor
April 11, 2012
If there’s any Friday you should be looking forward to (cough cough Rebecca Black), it should be Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, Nicki Minaj’s sophomore album. Following her 2010 debut album Pink Friday, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded was officially released last Tuesday, April 3. Many... (more...)
YOLO: Using or abusing
Austin Gillespie, a&e editor
March 28, 2012
If people weren’t already aware of the fact that they only live once, praise Jesus for the YOLO bandwagon. If you gathered that YOLO stood for “you only live once,” you’re correct. This old, common saying has now been condensed into a lovely acronym thanks to rapper Drake’s... (more...)
Oh my Lana
Austin Gillespie, a&e editor
March 7, 2012
Her face and tunes may be unrecognizable but that’s quickly changing; Lana Del Rey is making a quick rise to the top. Del Rey, 25, is a New York native who has brought something entirely new to the table. Her humble story of striving for musical opportunities provides a clear depiction of... (more...)
Isn’t “Birthday Cake” supposed to be celebratory?
Austin Gillespie, a&e editor
February 22, 2012
If caps lock was journalistically acceptable, I would use it on the following: What are you thinking, Rihanna? On Monday, Feb. 20, the singer’s birthday, she engaged in public interactions with ex-boyfriend Chris Brown. This wouldn’t be so bad if it weren’t for the 2009 domestic... (more...)
Grammy recap
Austin Gillespie, a&e editor
February 15, 2012
Last Sunday marked the 54th annual Grammy Awards. Just like any awards show, I knew the Grammys would get people talking, and I was eager to hear what people would be saying the next day. Overall, the show was entertaining, and I really enjoyed it. Though some parts bored me, several things... (more...)
Top Super Bowl commercial picks
Austin Gillespie, a&e editor
February 8, 2012
The Super Bowl XLVI was a win not only for the New York Giants, but also for the commercials. Everyone knows that if you aren’t watching the sporting event for the actual game, you are either watching it for the halftime performance or the commercials. A various number of advertisements caught... (more...)
Predicting quality from Super Bowl performers
Austin Gillespie, a&e editor
February 1, 2012
Hilarious commercials, intense gatherings and halftime shows. Considering I’m not big on football, these are the things that normally fuel my anticipation for Super Bowl Sunday. If you care, or didn’t know already, the New England Patriots and the New York Giants will be going head to head... (more...)
Take it easy on the toddlers
Austin Gillespie, a&e editor
January 25, 2012
Anybody can tell you that the sole purpose of reality television is to entertain. In a society obsessed with outrageous lifestyles, it’s only natural that TLC’s Toddlers & Tiaras showcases, nationwide, the adventures in young pageantry. Quit giving the show a child exploiting persona,... (more...)
My Disney dilemma
Austin Gillespie, a&e editor
January 18, 2012
While the Concordia cruise ship disaster is certainly a pressing issue, a problem of equal importance should be brought to my readers’ attention: the Disney Channel is a hot mess. The distinguishable lack of wit, role models and originality is clearly noticeable in comparison to its previous... (more...)
It’s awfully Blue in the world of pop culture
Austin Gillespie, a&e editor
January 11, 2012
When it comes to those celebrities whose lives you just love to eat up, a lot has happened within recent weeks that’s considerably notable. If you spent your winter break lollygagging around Shawnee, chances are you’re out of the loop. Katy Perry and Russell Brand divorce On Dec. 30, pop... (more...)
Top 10 trending topics of 2011
Austin Gillespie, a&e editor
December 7, 2011
It’s no doubt that Twitter has swept the world off its feet and proven that it deserves its spot on the social networking throne. Just yesterday, What the Trend, a division of HootSuite Media, compiled a list of top trending topics on Twitter out of over 200,000 topics. Counting down to the... (more...)
Motives of Black Friday misunderstood
Austin Gillespie, a&e editor
November 30, 2011
Isn’t it ironic that Thanksgiving, a day centered around being thankful and appreciative of the things you have, is followed by a day that revolves around an entirely opposite belief? But despite the fact that Black Friday may be regarded as a contradicting holiday to some, I challenge you... (more...)
Milking it for the music
Austin Gillespie, a&e editor
November 16, 2011
Preparing to go out of state for a journalism convention, I felt new music was only appropriate for what would be an eight hour bus ride. Eager to load new songs onto my iPhone, I opened the iTunes store to find an icon advertising pre-orders for Amy Winehouse’s new album. The problem? Amy... (more...)
How many children is just too many precious gifts?
Austin Gillespie, a&e editor
November 9, 2011
Just yesterday, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar announced that they weren’t done counting quite yet. The famous Duggar family, from the TLC show 19 Kids and Counting, is expecting another addition next April. If you’ve lost track, this will be their twentieth kid. A God-given gift to the couple,... (more...)
Here comes the bride (with divorce papers)
Austin Gillespie, a&e editor
November 2, 2011
After filing for divorce on Monday, Oct. 31, the news of Kim Kardashian’s split from basketball player Kris Humphries spread like wildfire. Their quick marriage, lasting only 72 days, has now been made the victim of countless anti-Kardashian remarks. I’m not wearing a shirt that says ‘I... (more...)
You’re free to type what you please…to an extent
Austin Gillespie, a&e editor
October 24, 2011
It’s no secret that social networking profiles allow a user to express himself virtually however he may please. However, certain unspoken rules still apply. Problematic tweeting and Facebook status updating appear to be continuing issues in this generation. With a decent number of Facebook... (more...)
Snooki, I don’t think we’re in Jersey anymore
Austin Gillespie, a&e editor
October 10, 2011
The cast and ideas of MTV’s crazy Jersey Shore seem to have ended up in Shawnee. Exhibit A: Homecoming dance 2011. After initially deciding upon a blog centered on pointing out the flops of some peoples’ dance attire, I then realized my analogies formed between Homecoming and the Jersey... (more...)
Has American Idol met its match?
Austin Gillespie, a&e editor
October 3, 2011
First airing in 2002, the hit singing competition American Idol has established itself as a nationwide favorite. Almost a decade later, observations lead me to believe that it has met its match: FOX’s The X Factor. When people think of a reality competition show based solely around singing,... (more...)
Think before you ink
Austin Gillespie, a&e editor
September 27, 2011
Skulls, ‘MOM,’ and barbwire have little in common, but they all share one thing: they’re inked onto your skin. If my theory’s correct, the human race will eventually evolve to be covered in tattoos at birth. Tattoos, even those that are unoriginal and poorly thought out, are becoming... (more...)
Keeping Up With the boring reality shows?
Austin Gillespie, a&e editor
September 21, 2011
If your name doesn’t start with a ‘Kardash’ and end with an ‘ian,’ get off my television. In no way do I intend to sound like one of those paparazzi-turned-stalkers, but at least Keeping Up With the Kardashians is entertaining, un like some other reality television shows I’ve seen... (more...)
Meet the culture consultant
Austin Gillespie, a&e editor
September 15, 2011
The intense obsession with vampires spawned by Twilight, Britney’s head shaving, frozen yogurt shops blossoming and Osama Bin Laden’s capture. Each of these ideas most likely turned your head at one point or another, like they did to me. It is precisely for this reason that these items... (more...)
Fall musical cast announced
Austin Gillespie, a&e editor
September 7, 2011
Those eager to see how the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz will play out on stage are in luck. Musical director Jon Copeland has cast the roles for what he says will be an adaption very similar to the original film. The Wizard of Oz follows the story of Dorothy, a Kansas girl swept to the land... (more...)
Ke$ha impresses at the Starlight Theater
Austin Gillespie, a&e editor
September 6, 2011
Returning for the third time to headline her Get $leazy tour, Kansas City welcomed Ke$ha this past Friday, Sept. 2. After bringing her tour to the Midland Theater in February, Ke$ha decided to come back once more, bringing LMFAO and the relatively unknown Spank Rock with her. Regardless of... (more...)
First week reflections
Austin Gillespie, reporter
August 19, 2011
The JagWire asked students and staff how their first week of school went, in one word. “Amazing,” senior Brian Justice. “Exhausting,” junior Mitch Herrold. “Busy,” junior Kylie Andres. “Unpredictable,” sophomore Alexis Riedel. “Tiring,” junior Avery Laluk. “Long,”... (more...)
Another reason to love Fridays
Austin Gillespie, reporter
April 1, 2011
Waking up at 7 a.m., eating cereal and catching the bus are all aspects of a typical Friday morning, as depicted in Rebecca Black’s song “Friday.” But 13-year-old Black’s life is now anything but typical; “Friday” has gone viral and for all the wrong reasons. Within... (more...)
Not something worth boasting about
Austin Gillespie, reporter
March 23, 2011
Let’s state the obvious: no matter how many motivational speakers you listen to or how many Red Ribbon weeks the school holds, people are going to do drugs and drink alcohol. I hate to be blunt about it, but honestly, it’s an issue. I don’t care if people want to drink alcohol or do... (more...)
Gay-Straight Alliance created to unify students
Austin Gillespie, reporter
December 16, 2010
Recently formed Gay-Straight Alliance began meeting at the beginning of November in hopes of raising awareness and to serve as a safe forum where students of all sexual orientations can offer each other support. Sophomore Misty Adkins, vice president, says she decided to start the club alongside... (more...)
Cheer and dance excel at festival
Austin Gillespie, reporter
November 16, 2010
On Saturday, Nov. 13 the cheer squad and dance team came home from the Cheer and Dance Festival with more than just experience, but also several division one ratings. The Silver Stars dance team received three division one ratings and an award for best technique. The cheer squad received a... (more...)
District attendance trends move upward
Austin Gillespie
October 12, 2010
Ten years ago, the De Soto school district had 3,215 students and enrollment numbers have since increased to 6,700 district wide. On Sept. 20, the official count day, district officials learned that 174 new students from K-12 had come into the district. Out of these students, 59 are at Mill... (more...)
District attendance trends move upward
Austin Gillespie
October 12, 2010
Ten years ago, the De Soto school district had 3,215 students and enrollment numbers have since increased to 6,700 district wide. On Sept. 20, the official count day, district officials learned that 174 new students from K-12 had come into the district. Out of these students, 59 are at Mill... (more...)
There is nothing wrong with colored rubber bands
Austin Gillespie, reporter
September 23, 2010
What do rubber bands, animals and fashion accessories have to do with each other? Normally, nothing. SillyBandz have come up with a way to bridge the gap and I like it. It seems as if almost everywhere you look, at least a few of these things, intended for kids, can be found on just anyone’s... (more...)