Photo courtesy of filmfunds.com.

Hill and Tatum play the roles of two rookie cops in search of acceptance on the police force awaiting their first real bust. Their lack of maturity leads them to work undercover as high school students investigating illegal drug trafficking.

Hill plays the role of Officer Schmidt, an intelligent individual who was never in the popular crowd when he was actually in high school. He struggles for acceptance from his new peers and nearly loses site of his true purpose in the investigation.

Tatum plays the role of Officer Jenko, an egotistical cop with the expectation of fighting crime and being the hero. Upon going back to high school undercover, he comes to realize that times have changed and he is not nearly as accepted as he believed he would be. The new era of what defines popularity is upon him and now he must face being on the other side.

Dave Franco plays high school student Eric Molson who accepts Schmidt in his group of friends while maintaining high suspicion toward Jenko. Eric is regarded as one of the popular kids in school that others, especially Schmidt seek acceptance from. His character provides a conflict in the investigation and tension with Jenko and Schmidt’s partnership.

Jenko and Schmidt experience teenage angst once more, delivering intense action scenes and exciting cameos. They go through the struggles of acceptance and learning more about who they really are in the process. They try to fight crime to the best of their ability and dream of one day being accepted by the force.

This action-comedy remake provides laughter from beginning to end and will surprise the audience multiple times. This action-comedy film is a must see while it is still in theatres and is highly entertaining to see with a best friend or a close group of friends.

The Student Art Show will be on display in the Fine Arts Gallery through March 2. Photo by Ye Ming.

Best of Show: "American Altarpiece of Celebrity Worship and Destruction," Digital, by Jared Carnes." Photo by Ye Ming.

 

First Place: "John Wayne Gacy," Acrylic on Panel, by Jeffrey Clawson. Photo by Ye Ming.

 

Second Place: "Wood Sculpture," Wood, by Eric Ordway. Photo by Ye Ming.

 

Third Place and People's Choice: "Brain," Acrylic, by Mike Strescino. Photo by Ye Ming.

 

Honorable Mention: "Hidden Kingdom," Oil on Canvas, by Christiana Harkins. Photo by Ye Ming.

 

Honorable Mention: "Octopus Face," Ceramic, by Sarah Jade Montoya-Vigil. Photo by Ye Ming.

“I’m going to use this award to network. I want to be part of an association and continue to help others who were in my shoes,” the winner said. “I eventually want to work to make a bill that will help immigrants in this country,” she said.

The award is given to students who are multi-cultural, competent leaders who will serve Colorado and the communities in which they live and work, according to information from colostate-pueblo.edu. Joshua Murphy, a student at University of Colorado-Denver, also won the award. They beat out nine other students for the honor.

“When I heard that I won I was speechless. I was very emotional, I even cried,” Bonetto said.

She was born in Argentina. She lived there for the first 13 years of her life before moving to Pueblo, Colo., in 2004. Her dad moved her entire family to Pueblo after he receive a promotion with his job. Prior to moving to America, she knew very little English, but she made it a point to learn the language, to understand the lingo and everyday conversation of Americans after she arrived.

“I taught myself English. I would watch TV and take notes,” Bonetto said. “I would take them to my teachers and ask them what some of the slang and other things meant,” she added while laughing.

Bonetto attended Centennial High School and graduated in 2008 as an honor student. She has done sufficient amounts of volunteer work and received awards from Upward Bound, all of which helped her decide on what her future plans will be.

“The work that I did in high school really helped me know what I wanted to do when I got to college. It really felt good,” Bonetto said.

She chose CSU-Pueblo because it felt like home and the community was great, she said. There are “numerous opportunities to help the community grow,” she added. Bonetto wants to be part of helping the community grow by making language classes affordable for immigrants in the city.  

“I want to make a program for immigrants because most of them can’t pay for the classes,” Bonetto said. “We want them to communicate with us so we should help.”

For the past two years, Vicky became more involved in the English as a Second Language program. ESL helps those people who do not speak English very well become more fluent with it. She also helps immigrants in citizenship classes. It has been hard work, but she says it’s been worth it.

“It’s good to know people are watching your hard work. It makes you work harder because you know your work isn’t going unnoticed,” Bonetto said.

Helping immigrants in America is something she really enjoys doing and she understands the amount of hard work that must be done in order to become a U.S. citizen, she said.

“Sometimes immigrants forget why they are here. They go through so much sacrifice that they forget all the great things about this county. It’s not that they don’t like it, it’s just that the pursuit towards the dream is so tough that they forget the greatness of it,” Bonetto said. “I just remind them.”

Bonetto became a dedicated person through her work with the President’s Leadership Program as well, she said. The PLP helps develop students in Colorado and the city where they work, according to the university Website. She thanks them for the person she has become, she said.

“Being in the President’s Leadership Program has taught me integrity, courage, and it taught me to be a better leader,” Bonetto said.

The Student Leader of the Year award is very important to Bonetto, she said. Her work with PLP and life experiences have helped her get to the point she is at now.

“Things get rough and students get discouraged,” she said, but Bonetto has made sure to continue working hard to achieve her goals.  

“Everything turns out the best when you work for it,” she said.

Adele Mead, a freshman in business management, performed in the segment "My Angry Vagina." Photo by Ye Ming.

Jasmine Matthew, a freshman studying nursing, acted as an old woman in the segment "The Flood." Photo by Ye Ming.

 

Britney Harris, a junior studying sociology and criminology, performed as a British woman who attended a vagina workshop. Photo by Ye Ming.

 

Ariel Jameson, a junior majoring in English, acted in "Because He Liked to Look At it." Photo by Ye Ming.

 

Jessica Ferguson, a free lance artist who participates in performances at the Damon Runyon Theatre, performed in "The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy." Photo by Ye Ming.

 

The cast of "The Vagina Monologues" appeared in front of the audience after the play. Photo by Ye Ming.

 

The cast allowed group photos on stage after the play. Photo by Ye Ming.

If you’re looking for a romantic place to take a girlfriend or boyfriend, or if you just want to sit back and relax with your friends, Angelo’s Pizza Parlor is the place to go. 

Angelo's Pizza Parlor is a great place in Pueblo to grab an authentic Italian meal. Photo courtesy of waymarking.com.

Angelo’s Pizza Parlor, located at 105 E. River Walk, sits along the beautiful River Walk in downtown Pueblo, Colo. The area is a calm and soothing place where a person can sit and enjoy a great Italian dinner.

When entering Angelo’s Pizza Parlor there is always someone waiting at the door to greet you with a big smile when you come in, and to thank you when you leave. The restaurant is a very clean place and the employees there will always try to make you feel at home.

Although known for their famous Musso pizza, a pizza made with sausage, pepperoni and the Musso chili, Angelo’s Pizza Parlor also has other delicious pizzas, pasta dishes, calzones and mouthwatering sandwiches, such as their Italian hero, which you can enjoy either hot or cold.

To supplement their main course menu, they also provide guests with a wide variety of appetizers, such as an artichoke dip, buffalo wings and garlic knots, a dish Angelo’s is famous for. If you don’t feel like eating a hot dish they also have many salads to choose from and a gluten-free pizza menu so that everyone can enjoy a bite to eat.

Not only is the food great, but the entire food selection is reasonably priced too, along with their beer specials.

If you want to bring this tasty food home you can call in for takeout, as well utilize the delivery service they offer to have your mean delivered to your home. If you’re looking to celebrate a birthday party, or any other significant celebration, Angelo’s Pizza also has a catering service that will allow you to rent out their banquet room at a reasonable price.

With their catering service, they offer many different styles of Italian food that are not on the daily menu, like different pizzas, rigatoni or the original, spaghetti and meatballs.

Angelo’s recently expanded their River Walk seating, as of last summer, and plan on having live bands perform at the restaurant for an even greater time.

“We’re looking to turn the River Walk seating into more of a college-friendly, nightlife  environment, along with anyone else who would like to sit down on the River Walk,” co-owner Eric Walker said.

Photo courtesy of filmofilia.com.

The journey begins with a high-speed chase as police pursue a young individual on a dirt bike. The juvenile delinquent, Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson) is apprehended and released to his stepfather Hank (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson).

After the arrest the typical conflict of young boy versus stepfather ensues. Sean insists that his grandfather (Michael Caine), who has been missing for several years, is trying to send him a radio message through a complex satellite code. Lucky for Sean his new stepfather has past experience with deciphering codes for the U.S. Navy.

Hank and Sean soon discover that it is in fact a coded message sent from Sean’s grandfather containing the coordinates to The Mysterious Island. Hank then devises a plan to bond with Sean by accompanying him on his quest to find the island.

While on their adventure Sean and Hank charter a helicopter to take them to the island. The father-daughter tour guides Gabato (Luis Guzman) and Kailani (Vanessa Hudgens) lead the expedition as their journey begins.

Hutcherson reprises his role as Sean from the original film as he once again sets off on another memorable exploration. He gives a convincing performance as he proves that he is a future star in the movie industry.

Johnson supplies a playful and entertaining performance as Sean’s stepfather. Johnson’s character delivers a multitude of hilarious one-liners as he leads the group in and out of trouble while they attempt to escape the island. Johnson reasserts himself as a leading man in Hollywood showing that he can do more than just play the tough guy role.

Hudgens, previously from the “High School Musical” films, plays the young love interest of Sean in the movie. She gives the movie a hip, young feel as she portrays the helicopter tour guide’s daughter. The chemistry between Hudgens and Hutcherson is visible, and the lighthearted and comical adolescent banter of their characters fills the screen.

Michael Caine and Luis Guzman add to the humor of the film with timely punch lines and anecdotes. There is even a small cameo from Kristen Davis, “Sex in the City,” as Sean’s mother.

The story, although predictable, is still very exciting. The scenic visuals that map the landscapes are breathtaking. With its stimulating 3D visual effects and a strong cast, “Journey 2” will have audiences immersed in this action adventure from start to finish.

Photo courtesy of bcpat.com.

“March 1 is a huge date for financial aid,” said Kynna Boughton, CSU-Pueblo financial aid counselor. “It’s the priority deadline for both the FAFSA and CSU-Pueblo scholarship application.”

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is available online and helps determine a student’s financial need, Boughton said. This is often helpful in awarding grants, need-based scholarships and loans, she said.

Students need to complete the CSU-Pueblo scholarship application online in order to be eligible for any awards provided directly by the university, according to information on the SFS website.

“A lot of students overlook the scholarship application,” Boughton said. “But it’s a great way to apply for dozens of scholarships all at once through the school.”

Overall, applying for financial aid may take some time, but it can also be extremely beneficial, said Lee Davis, a senior mass communications student and financial aid recipient at CSU-Pueblo.

“It’s something that you never know how crucial it is until you’ve done it,” he said.

Once students have submitted their FAFSA and CSU-Pueblo scholarship application, they should also check their PAWS account regularly to see if any additional paperwork needs to be submitted, as this may be the case if a student is selected for verification, according to the SFS website.

“Verification is the process of the government polling students to double-check their financial information,” Boughton said. “If students are selected for verification, they will need to submit the appropriate paperwork before they can receive their financial aid awards.”

The amount and types of financial aid students receive as a result of their FAFSA and CSU-Pueblo scholarship application will also be posted on their PAWS account, Boughton said. Students can typically review these awards and accept or decline loan offers in May or June, she said.

The most common types of financial aid at CSU-Pueblo are grants, scholarships, loans and work study positions, according to the SFS informational brochure.

“Grants do not need to be repaid and are usually awarded based on financial need,” Boughton said. “Scholarships also do not need to be repaid, but can be need-based or merit-based.”

Student loans, another form of financial aid, can be either unsubsidized or subsidized. Unsubsidized loans accumulate interest while a student is in school, whereas subsidized loans do not, according to the SFS website.

“Student loans can be used for almost any school-related expense,” Boughton said. “This could include car repairs if a student drives to school or even extra equipment needed for certain classes.”

In addition, approximately 650 students at CSU-Pueblo also earn money by working for the university, according to the SFS website. Many of these students are employed through work study, another form of need-based financial aid that allows students to use wage earnings toward any expenses they choose.

Although March 1 is the deadline for FAFSA and the CSU-Pueblo scholarship application, now is also the time for students to pursue outside scholarships, Boughton said. Many local businesses and organizations supply a lot of funds toward financial aid, she said. 

“And if students have questions about or problems with the financial aid process, they can always come in or give us a call,” Boughton said. “We’re happy to help them submit information or find the right forms.”

To contact SFS, call 719-549-2753 or visit them in the Administration Building, Room 212.

After an accident last summer Andy McCarthys reopened Nov. 11, 2011. Photo by Vince Caligaris

“We weren’t sure how long it was going to take to open back up and we hoped that we could possibly be open by the time school started,” owner Jon Bougeno said. “We wanted to be able to do it right not just fast.”

 Bougeno decided to completely change the layout of his place and opened the side that had more space, since the original side was much smaller. He was also able to utilize the patio area by doing so.

What was once called “the other side” by the customers and employees who worked there, has now been turned into “Andy Mac’s,” a full bar and restaurant, and this time a very sufficient amount of space.

Andy Mac’s can also be rented out to anyone who wants to throw private parties or celebrate any occasion.

Andy Mac’s is a diverse sports bar and grill, Bougeno said.

“During the day we try to have that local sports bar type of atmosphere and through the early hours of the night, as well,” he said. “We would like for people to think that we have that laid-back atmosphere to be able to come in and enjoy the game and drink your favorite adult beverage.”

As soon as the clock strikes 10 p.m., Andy Mac’s likes to switch up the environment and features the nightclub, party atmosphere with consistent upbeat music, dancing and live DJ’s throughout the weekend. Andy Mac’s also offers many drink specials.

“We try to cater to the students of CSU-Pueblo,” Bougeno said. “We pride ourselves on being the choice bar for the students.

Not only does Andy Mac’s provide use to the public for parties, they also are always looking for ways to involve the college with the business aspect of things and are always willing to take on new ideas.

Bougeno also tries to relate with all the CSU-Pueblo athletic teams, he said. It has a range of CSU-Pueblo banners and sports helmets from baseball to football to show its support of its local college and the student athletes that stop by.

“We seem to be involved with baseball a little more than the others, but we are always looking for opportunities to add more events and to create relationships with the other programs as well,” he said.       

One of the main supporters that Andy Mac’s is involved with is the college baseball team. Coach Stan Sanchez has been the main catalyst in creating that relationship between the college and the restaurant by holding certain celebrations and inductions for the CSU-Pueblo baseball team there.

Online reviews have shown that Andy Mac’s is not only a popular place for its great food and its environment, but a great place to meet new friends and people from around the college and other Pueblo areas.

With its great location and its connection to CSU-Pueblo, Andy Mac’s has grown to support its local customers along with anyone else just stopping in.

Student Academic Services is there to aid students in the college careers by editing papers and determining problem areas, among other things. Photo courtesy of the university's website.

“It would be wonderful for more students to come in, call or ask for assistance,” said Pam Chambers, interim director of Student Academic Services. “We’re here to help, and our services are free.”

SAS is responsible for the Writing Room, Gen Ed Tutoring Center, Academic Advising Program, National Testing Program, Academic Improvement Program and Disability Resource Office. The program was formerly located in the Psychology Building, but is now located in the Library and Academic Resources Center, according to the program’s website.

The Writing Room is a resource available to CSU-Pueblo students that provides assistance with the writing process at any level and in any discipline. Tutoring for writing assignments is available by walk-n or appointments, but students can also use the Online Writing Lab to submit assignments and access additional resources, Chambers said.

“I would encourage students to come in at all stages of the writing process,” she said. “Even if they haven’t actually begun writing, we can help them get started.”

The Gen Ed Tutoring Center provides tutoring for all general education courses on an individual or group level, Chambers said. Both the Writing Room and Gen Ed Tutoring Center are located in LARC, Room 251.

In order to aid students who are not quite sure which direction they are heading, the Academic Advising Program works with students who remain undeclared after their first two semesters, new transfer students with more than 13 credits and continuing students who have changed their major, Chambers said.

It utilizes career exploration activities to help students find the best major for their interests and skills. The AAP uses major discussions, career assessments, major fairs and exploratory courses to do so, according to the program’s website.

Students who need to work with the AAP are typically directed to the service by the university’s First-Year Programs organization and the Office of Admissions, Chambers said.

The National Testing Program at CSU-Pueblo serves not only university students, but the outlying community as well. Through the program SAS administers standardized tests such as the ACT, SAT, LSAT and CLEP. These services are provided in LARC, Room 267.

“Our National Testing Program serves many high school students in the Pueblo area,” Chambers said. “It’s a great opportunity for them to get on campus and experience the university as well.”

In the same room is the Academic Improvement Program. This resource aids students on academic probation to develop an academic improvement plan and how to raise their cumulative GPA above a 2.0, Chambers said.

The Disability Resource Office is the final branch of SAS. It can be found LARC, Room 169, and is mentioned on every syllabus handed out at CSU-Pueblo. In accordance to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, this office offers classroom accommodation, an adaptive technology lab, testing accommodations and support for students with documented disabilities, according to the department‘s website.

Photo courtesy of moviespad.com.

The movie is yet another story about corrupt cops who betray one of their own (movies like Training Day, Serpico, The Departed, etc.). Here the accused goes to extreme measures to prove his innocence.

Full of predictable plot twist, the story, based solely on the idea of sleight of hand and miss direction, offers very few suspenseful moments and lacks the presence of a leading man.

The film takes place on the ledge of a hotel building above a crowded street in New York City. Former cop Nick Cassidy (Sam Worthington) has been accused of stealing a wealthy businessman’s diamond and decides to make his final stand.

While on the ledge, Nick has to perform a high-rise balancing act between guiding his younger brother Joey (Jamie Bell) to the evidence that will prove his innocence and convincing the pretty negotiator Lydia Mercer (Elizabeth Banks) to trust him.  Nick and Lydia form a subtle bond, though the scenes between Worthington and Banks lack chemistry.

The film proves to be as exciting as the title. It has a slow-building plot with crude flashbacks, and the lackluster finale will have you waiting in vain, for the suspense and action never come.

The casts, which consist of familiar faces, are by no means household names. An ensemble of supporting actors deliver an average performance for a predictable plot, which fulfills almost every Hollywood stereotype, from the hot Latina with an attitude to the token black police partner.

Worthington proves that without any special effects he is unable to command a scene or deliver any emotional value to a movie. He has yet to establish himself as a leading man or a box office draw. Banks confirms that she does not have the range or skill set to be a leading lady in serious roles. She should probably stick to comedies.

 The cast includes Ed Harris, who portrays the corrupt executive who sets up Cassidy, a villainous role he seems to repeatedly play an inconvincibly at that. Kyra Sedgwick from TNT’s “The Closer” is the pushy reporter. Perfect for her, except her character is Spanish and her accent is horrible.

The movie also stars Anthony Mackie, as Mike Ackerman, Cassidy’s black partner who helps set him up. Genesis Rodriguez makes her film debut as Joey’s hot Latina girlfriend with an attitude and Ed Burns has a pointless and forgettable role as a fellow police officer who helps Mercer through tough times during the negotiation. Typical characters for a Hollywood copper flick.

Without the presence of a leading man or woman this film is definitely not worth the price of admission. Not even worth purchasing On Demand or through Red Box. Watch this movie when it comes on cable, on a rainy afternoon and only if nothing else better is on.