• Your one stop for college news and resources!

Phoebe Ollerearnshaw

Idris Elba James Bond

Idris Elba Pegged as the Next James Bond

Despite quashing rumors two years ago, gossips are twittering that Idris Elba has been pegged as the next James Bond once again.

Back in 2016, Elba said “I think I’m too old for that man, running around in cars and ladies and martinis, who wants to do that?”, yet people are still unconvinced.

After the producer of the film franchise, Barbara Broccoli, recently stated that “it is time” for a non-white hero to take play the suave British spy, fans have gone into frenzy.

The Luther (2010-2018) star further fanned the flames of suspicion when he published a rather playful tweet saying “The Name’s Elba. Idris Elba”. Was he simply teasing or was this an early announcement?    

Daniel Craig is said to be giving his fifth and final performance in Bond’s next installment. He played the fascinating character for more than 10 years, his first performance being in Casino Royale (2006). Danny Boyle was originally lined up to direct the forthcoming the 25th film in the series. However, recent reports say that Boyle has withdrawn himself from captaining the next chapter due to “artistic differences”. This drama surrounding the franchise has only added to the anticipation of the famous fictional character’s fate.

Elba has been a favorite to replace Craig since 2014 when the digital hack of Sony revealed documents with Amy Pascal, co-chair of the company, putting the actor forward for the role. Since then, he has been top of the public’s list. Elba is also the top choice amongst “bookies”, who are hastily taking bets on the subject.

A poll held by cinema chain ODEON rendered these results with regards to favourite actors to fill the role. Fans were asked to name their favourite choices for 007 and, unsurprisingly, Elba came out on top:

  • Idris Elba: 26 percent
  • Tom Hardy: 22 percent
  • Tom Hiddleston: 11 percent
  • Aidan Turner: 5percent
  • James Norton: 5 percent

Film 25 won’t hit the silver screen until October 2019, but until then, we can imagine, rumours on the next James Bond actor will continue to circulate.

What do you think about Idris Elba being pegged as the next James Bond—is it likely? Which actor do you want to see in the role?

Further reading: The Relevancy of BlacKkKlansman

Joyeur

Pop Duo Joyeur Discuss Their New Single with College News

Anna Feller and Joelle Corey pool their creative talents to form the female pop duo Joyeur. College News catches up with the pair to discuss their explosive introduction to the LA music scene and their upcoming EP.

College News: What is the meaning behind the name Joyeur and how does it tie in with your music?

Joyeur: Joyeur is a hybrid word we coined that means “a person who gets off on watching others engaged in joyful activity”. It’s that moment where you see a stranger, friend or family member smile or experience something beautiful in life and you just catch yourself smiling like an idiot. We make music that is upbeat and dirty, so we want people to have fun while they’re listening to it.

CN: You first appeared on Soundcloud with a Kendrick Lamar cover, are you a fan of his?

J: Oh yes, definitely. He’s amazing but we actually chose Pride because we were so impressed by the female writer, Anna Wise, who frequently works on his albums and wrote on that track. Love her.

CN: Your debut single, Dig is out now—can you tell us a little about the track?

J: It’s about a gung-ho, all or nothing kind of love. That’s our motto for pretty much everything and it shows in the track. The stomps are like fists hitting the ground in tantrum. It’s our literal first print in the world, and it had the power that we wanted to come out swinging with.

CN: How would you describe your style? Some sources have classified it as electronic-inspired pop, would you say that’s accurate?

J: We are absolutely attracted to electronic-leaning sounds and styles, though we will be featuring more live instrumentation and funk-fueled elements in our upcoming EP.

CN: What advice would you give to other females aspiring to make it in the music business?

J: Just do it. Don’t look to other people to give you chances; make them yourself. Keep your head forward and be the artist and musician you are. Also, maybe value sleep a little less.

CN: What fellow artists inspire you?

J: Sohn, Santigold, LCD Soundsystem, N.E.R.D. We love a little grit.

CN: Anna and Joelle, how did you come to realise that you were compatible with one another?

J: We knew in our very first session together. We were introduced and basically started writing that day. The moment we met, we fed off each other’s urge to make something new and tried everything under the sun. Together, we poured out Tori Amos-style ballads. We created pure pop. We even made a renaissance fair track. And finally, we discovered ourselves as artists together—myself as a writer and singer, and Anna as a producer and musician. One thing we loved about one another was a shared sense of progression. We always kept pushing each other like there was no tomorrow.

CN: When did you both realise that music was your calling?

J: Anna began playing piano at six and became a classical concert pianist prior to learning engineering and production. I was singing and writing songs since birth, though I was actually a closeted singer until just a few years ago.

CN: What challenges have you faced during your career so far? What is the hardest thing about being a musician?

J: You finish one song that feels like your tour de force and then you just have to keep going. You can’t really rejoice over one accomplishment, you have to keep challenging yourself to be better and that pressure can be daunting sometimes.

CN: Your new single, Fast as You Can, is soon to be released. How does it differ to your previous tunes?

J: Dig was heavy. I think we started having so much fun writing together and that really shines in Fast as You Can. It was a different period in our lives and for us that’s just so obvious. Our music really reflects the various experiences we have and you can hear that each song is almost a time capsule of how we see each day.

CN: The bio of your Instagram page features the hashtag: #womeninmusic. Is this a particularly motivating concept for you?

J: Absolutely. The music industry is a boy’s club. We don’t seek out special treatment, but we all definitely need to look after and support both women and men alike. It’s a power dynamic that is as old as time, but you can really see that shifting right now.

CN: If you could meet any musician, alive or dead, who would it be and why?

Anna: Tori Amos. Her song writing and piano skills, along with her insane performances make her a powerhouse. She inspired me to be a musician. When I saw her perform, I said, “What is this storm to be reckoned with?”

Joelle: James Murphy. I actually met him once. I caught him head banging behind the DJ stand. We had a drink and he told me that he had heartburn. I wanted to respond, “Marry me!” He’s so cuddly and hilarious live, but mostly I love his music and outlook on being an artist.

CN: What are your plans for the future? Do you have any exciting projects on the horizon?

J: Yes! Our music video for Fast as You Can comes out August 28th and we have our debut EP due out this fall. Beyond that, we’ve already begun our full-length album.

Click here to listen to Joyeur’s latest single Fast as You Can!

Further reading: Panic! At the Disco—Pray for the Wicked Album Review

Good Charlotte North American Tour

Good Charlotte Announces New Album and Tour Dates

Yesterday, Good Charlotte announced the release of their new album, Generation Rx, and their North American tour dates.

Generation Rx is the band’s seventh full-length studio album and has been much awaited by die-hard fans. Its title mirrors that of a well-known documentary, which investigates the effects of children in the US who are prescribed psychiatric medication. In a similar sense, Good Charlotte’s collection of songs offer some hope to a young generation plagued by depression, loneliness and self-doubt. The album also touches upon themes of mass tragedy, icons gone too soon and the opioid epidemic—all extremely poignant topics.

“At the beginning of the year we were reflecting a lot,” the band said in a statement. “We just played a memorial service in honor of Lil Peep. We were thinking of that.

“Our generation was the first to have so many ways to deal with pain. Throughout this century, we’ve seen the whole opioid crisis get worse. We wondered if we were really doing our part. We wanted to be back out there on the battlefield and spread insight, share experience and give anything we could to improve lives,” they added.

In support of their anxiously awaited new album, Good Charlotte also announced dates for a massive North American tour. The tour dates start October 12, 2018 in Mexico City and end November 24, 2018 in Las Vegas. Fan club pre-sale tickets will be available beginning July 10, 2018 at 10am PST and general tickets will be available beginning July 13, 2018 at 10am PST.

“This is the album we’ve been waiting 15 years to create”—Good Charlotte

Good Charlotte was formed back in 1996. In 2002, they unleashed The Young and the Hopeless, which has since been revered as one of the ultimate rock albums. This album eventually went RIAA triple-platinum and was marked in Rolling Stone’s 50 Greatest Pop-Punk Albums. Since then, their recognition and success has remained steadfast.

The group, made up of brothers Joel and Benji Madden, Billy Martin, Paul Thomas and Dean Butterworth, see their new album as a chance to simultaneously revisit their roots and start a new chapter. The songs within it manage to retain their signature blend of vitality and quirkiness whilst delving into darker territory. The infectious anthems of the new album are indicative of a band that has spent two decades in the game. Generation Rx was produced by Zakk Cervini and Benji via a number of creative sessions in MDDN headquarters. The soundtrack emanates a distinctive punk spirit—a genre that was practically forged by the band.

Generation Rx will officially be released September 14, 2018 via a new global partnership between the band’s MDDN label and BMG. The band has also confirmed that they will be back on the road in Europe early next year, much to the delight of further afield admirers; dates can be found on the goodcharlotte.com website.

Good Charlotte north American tour dates

October 12, 2018 – Mexico City, Mexico – Open Air ACMX

October 13, 2018 – Puebla, Mexico – Tecate Comuna

October 16, 2018 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock Live

October 17, 2018 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle

October 19, 2018 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz

October 20, 2018 – Lynchburg, VA – Phase 2

October 21, 2018 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore

October 23, 2018 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium

October 25, 2018 – Toronto, ON – Rebel

October 26, 2018 – Montreal, QC – MTelus

October 27, 2018 – Syracuse, NY – SI Hall at the Fairgrounds

October 28, 2018 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Theatre

October 29, 2018 – New York, NY – Terminal 5

November 01, 2018 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore

November 02, 2018  – Columbus, OH – Express Live!

November 03, 2018 – Grand Rapids, MI – Monroe 20

November 04, 2018 – Chicago, IL – Riviera Theatre

November 06, 2018 – Minneapolis, MN – Skyway Theatre

November 07, 2018 – Kansas City, MO – Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland

November 09, 2018 – Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom

November 10, 2018 – San Antonio, TX – Aztec Theater

November 11, 2018 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues

November 12, 2018 – Houston, TX – House of Blues

November 14, 2018 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theater

November 15, 2018 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex

November 16, 2018 – Garden City, ID – Revolution Concert House

November 17, 2018 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater

November 18, 2018 – Seattle, WA – Showbox SODO

November 20, 2018 – San Francisco, CA – Warfield Theater

November 21, 2018 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium

November 23, 2018 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren

November 24, 2018 – Las Vegas, NV – The Pearl at The Palms

Hosting the Ultimate 4th July Cookout

The 4th July is nearly upon us; one of the most anticipated days of the year. Getting together to celebrate the day over a home cooked meal is integral to American tradition. College News assists you in hosting the ultimate 4th July cookout—something for the whole family to enjoy. Give the occasion some extra sizzle with our top tips on preparation, games, décor and food.

Prep, prep, prep

The secret to hosting the ultimate 4th July cookout is to do your prep work—especially if you are catering for a large crowd. Plan your menu and make sure the ingredients are bought at least two days in advance. Take the stress out of catering by making any marinades, sauces or sides the day before. You could even do your chopping and fiddly slicing beforehand. Some people even like to dress the dinner table or seating area the night before. This way, you’ll not be rushed off your feet when the 4th comes around.

Do your homework

In most cases, the host will know everybody who is attending their cookout and, therefore, know each of their requirements. However, in the case of larger shindigs where people will be bringing plus ones, it may be more difficult to decipher the needs of every person. For this reason, we suggest making a Facebook group for the event or even a Whatsapp group. This is a straightforward way of ascertaining whether anybody has any dietary requirements. You can also use this opportunity to see whether older or less able attendees will need help reaching the venue. Once you have done your homework you’ll be able to make the necessary additions to your plans. This may involve adding a ramp for less mobile relatives or including a vegan section, for instance, onto your menu. These thoughtful touches will ensure that all of your guests will have the best time possible.

Recreate the classics

Having the same dishes at each 4th July celebration can become a little tedious. Inject some life into your cookout by recreating some of the classics. Putting a modern spin on a traditional recipe can reinvigorate it whilst keeping the essence of the original dish intact. Hot dogs and burgers may be the typical choice for such events but why not be a little different? Try making your own fish burgers; blitz any kind of white fish with prawns, chilli and a little soy and bind together with an egg. Grill on the BBQ and serve on brioche buns with a spicy slaw. Try making up some delicious kebabs with chicken and pineapple. Other delicious combinations could include zucchini and halloumi or tomato and aubergine for vegetarians. Instead of the usual apple pie, try making apple pie-flavoured ice cream served with warm cookies—perfect for anybody with a sweet tooth. The meal can be anything you make it!

Stay cool

Whether you are planning on dining inside or outside, it’s undoubtedly going to be a scorcher. Prepare for this by making sure there are plenty of cool refreshments at your cookout. Keep a few buckets of ice dotted around so that drinks are served extra cold. Try whipping up some ice lollies the day before; adult versions can be spiked with rum and mint while kid’s versions can be enriched with strawberry yogurt and blueberries. If you decide to host a BBQ, make sure that you provide a parasol or shaded area to retreat to when the temperature rises. You may even want to consider providing sun lotion to your guests throughout the day.

Be creative

Above all else, when you are planning the ultimate 4th July soiree, be creative. Think outside the box and have fun. The inventive touches that you apply to your party will mark it out against the rest. When it comes to décor, consider making your own table decorations. This can be done quite simply, at little cost. Find some pine cones, wild flowers or leaves and use them to fill a vase. Cut out place cards for your company as a thoughtful touch. To keep your guests entertained, why not supply some fun props; these are the ideal photo accompaniment. Set up a few carnival inspired games in the garden, something that everybody can get involved in. This could include a ring toss, bobbing for apples, giant Jenga and tin can knock down.

Further reading: Dealing with Student Loan Debt

Ocean's 8

Ocean’s 8 Confirmed for Release This Summer

Five years, eight months and 12 days: that’s the amount of time Debbie Ocean has dedicated to hatching one of the most daring heists ever to be attempted. The number of days the world has waited for a Hollywood flick to accurately and justly represent women: uncountable. Enter Ocean’s 8, which aces the Bechdel test—an indicator for the active presence of women in films—no questions asked.

Ocean’s 8 has been confirmed for release this summer and diehard fans are going nuts. The movie seeks to disrupt the status quo and redefine Hollywood’s generic blockbuster formula—promising to do so in style. It’s not often that a film has eight leading ladies—in some cases you would be hard pushed to find a single one. This begs the question, is Ocean’s 8 laying the foundations for a new era of filmmaking?

With a cast of accomplished female actresses at the helm, we have no doubt that Ocean’s 8, the fourth installment in the renowned series, will be a smash hit at the box office. Director Gary Ross collaborated on writing the script for the film with Olivia Milch. The original trilogy’s director, Steven Soderbergh, is also on board as producer—much to the delight of Ocean’s enthusiasts. Ross had originally conceived the idea for an addition to the franchise five years ago and proceeded to bring his idea to Soderbergh. “If he [Soderbergh] hadn’t been involved, I don’t think I would have done it. It was great working together,” Ross recollects.

Oscar winner Sandra Bullock stars in the leading role as Debbie Ocean, the estranged sister to Danny Ocean (George Clooney), who was the lead character in the original Ocean’s 11 (2001). Playing Ocean’s specialist team are Cate Blanchett, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Rihanna and Oscar nominee Helena Bonham Carter, with Anne Hathaway as their target. Each female is known in her own right and brings a different dimension to the film.

The Ocean’s 8 story unfolds in New York—and was filmed entirely on location—which presents the perfect arena for the high-stakes; flashy and flamboyant plotline. The collective of skilled women plan to steal the Toussaint, Cartier’s one-of-a-kind diamond necklace, valued at $150 million at the illustrious Met Gala.

The crew and cast recall the instant chemistry of the key members and their pride in taking part in such a production. “You can’t underestimate the power of visual representation. To an eight-year-old, we’re not trying to say: ‘Go have a life of crime.’ But we’re saying: ‘Go do what you want. There’s space for you, and there’s space for you to do it with your friends, and there’s room for all of you.’ I think the films that have an ‘everybody in’ mentality and message for people who have historically been excluded, that’s a really good thing,” Hathaway commented.

On the topic of ethnic diversity and authentic female representation in the film, Awkwafina said: “When it comes to representation and diversity, there’s a difference between throwing in people of color and women, and then actually representing them accurately and authentically. The important thing about the characters in this movie—especially the people of color in this movie—is that’s not defining our characters. I am a New Yorker from Queens and Asian-ness has nothing to do with it. That’s representation. That’s where we’re going. I think this movie is going to be a step toward a right direction.”

Cartier was apparently an invaluable partner for the project, creating a specifically modified version of the stunning Toussaint necklace. “The Toussaint is one of the largest necklaces in their collection, sitting in their vault,” says executive producer Diana Alvarez. “The people at Cartier were incredible consultants and their expertise was a huge help to us. They allowed us to shoot at the Cartier Mansion.”

Ocean’s 8 is confirmed for release this summer on June 8, 2018—no doubt the masses will be waiting with baited breath until then.

Further reading: Ready Player One: Spielberg Revisits His Roots

Ready Player One

Ready Player One: Spielberg Revisits His Roots

Spoilers ahead, read at your own risk!

He was the fantastical curator of our childhoods; countless classics of his filled our screens (and our hearts) such as Jaws (1975), Jurassic Park (1993), Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) and Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981). These blockbusters—whose glimmering themes opened up new realms of cinematic possibility—carved him out to be one of the most prolific directors of all time. Steven Spielberg is now back with his new motion picture, Ready Player One (2018) and let’s face it…it’s awesome! This is the sort of rip-roaring adrenaline adventure that gave him his name and, unsurprisingly, audiences are eating it up like candy. 

A treasure trove of pop-culture

Ready Player One is based on Ernest Cline’s science fiction novel of the same name, which has since become a worldwide sensation. The film adaptation is set in 2045 in Columbus, Ohio (a slight variation from the book) where the overpopulated world is on the brink of chaos. Our protagonist, Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan, X Men), lives within a decaying vertical trailer park: a modern-day shantytown that looks every bit as bleak as it sounds. The downtrodden citizens of Earth are looking for salvation, which they find in the comfort of the OASIS—a virtual reality to plug into. In this vast cyber world, anything and everything is possible. You can be whomever you want. For any filmmaker, this is an unmissable opportunity to get creative. Where will you transport your viewers when the sky’s not even the limit?

In the opening scenes, we discover the true definition of “no boundaries”. The screen erupts in an explosion of action as a race between thousands of cars commences through the streets of New York. During this time, a DeLorean—driven by Watts’ avatar Parzival—outmaneuvers a Tyrannosaurus rex (a not-so-subtle reference to Spielberg’s own work). The scene begins a feature-length-long game of spot the pop-culture reference, with characters and objects bombarding the audience from every angle. Familiar entities like the A-team van, Lara Croft, Mechagodzilla and a thundering King Kong are just the tip of the iceberg in this fandom extravaganza. The OASIS itself is a visual marvel, a feat of technical genius. Although the world has been created using CGI, it doesn’t feel overly gimmicky.

The plotline of the film is relatively straightforward, which, compared to the franticness of the frames, is a relief. We follow Watts/Parzival as he battles against other players to find the elusive “golden Easter egg”, the discovery of which will lead him to inherit the fortune of the game’s creator—James Halliday (Mark Rylance). This geeky gazillionaire—who resembles a mismatch of Steve Jobs, Einstein and Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man (1988)—poses as a sort of ghostly mentor to Watts.

Knowing that the one to succeed him and run the OASIS will be charged with a great power, Halliday crafts a number of challenges to decide the victor. Of course, there are evil competitors in the race for the golden Easter egg. After all, the film would lack urgency without them. The villain in Ready Player One comes in the form of the businessman Nolan Sorrento (Ben Mendelsohn), who satisfies our palates for a textbook sci-fi bad guy. Watts/Parzival must complete the tasks before Sorrento manages to do so. He’s joined by his fellow avatars Art3mis—Samantha in the real world (Olivia Cooke); Aech—Helen in the real world (Lena Waithe) and the rest of the ‘high five’ gang.

Fandom within the film revolves around the 80s and 90s: when Halliday and the digital universe came of age. Some of the pop-culture references are obvious, while others are clearly designed for hard core fans to study as they skim the film frame-by-frame upon its release on DVD. The cast do an exceptional job at portraying passionate gamers, with Sheridan and Cooke making a charming duo. Rylance provides the definitive performance as Halliday; playing the role of an awkward genius seems to agree with him somehow.

Just a few niggles

There is a huge build-up during the length of the feature that leads to a little bit of an anticlimax. While all loose ends are neatly tied off, there is a distinct lack of resolution. After obtaining the golden Easter egg, Watts and his fellow teammates decide to close the OASIS for two days a week to encourage people to experience the world outside. However, there is no real indication that he intends to use his riches to tackle the supreme poverty around them. While there is a snifter of hope that things may improve, we are also left to ponder the possibility of the world reverting back to how it was. Would it not have been more poignant to scrap the OASIS program entirely, realise that the physical world needs saving and that human interaction is more precious?

Similarly, although the action in the film is pertinent to the storyline, it occasionally comes at the cost of character development. While there are some touching moments between the hero and heroine, these quickly dissipate as a result of a sudden chase or shootout. 

What the critics are saying

Being Spielberg’s first science fiction release since War of the Worlds (2005) and considering his reputation, expectations for the film have been decidedly high. On the whole, the movie has received terrific critical reviews: PostTrak reported that filmgoers gave it an 82 percent overall positive score and a 65 percent “definite recommend”. Jonathan Pile from Empire commented: “Spielberg has seemingly done the impossible: balancing sugar-rush nostalgia with an involving story to create a pure, non-cynical, cinematic ride that recaptures the magic of his early films.”

Recent reports have shown that Ready Player One is now the second biggest movie release of the year in terms of the global box office, with its worldwide total currently residing at $523,718,18. The blockbuster has prospered particularly overseas in China where it has earned $163 million thus far.

Recapturing the magic

Watching Ready Player One is like playing witness to somebody recapturing their youth. There is a distinct sense that the director has tried to evoke the magic of the films in his “golden era”. There are several comparisons that can be made to his earlier work. For instance, Spielberg was known to identify with fatherless boys during the beginning of his career (Finding Neverland (2004), Hook (1991), Catch Me If You Can (2002))—being an orphan, Watts is no exception to this rule. Although there are sinister moments, Ready Player One makes a point of not taking itself too seriously. This ambitious project by Spielberg is pure unabashed nostalgia—although you don’t need to be a pop-culture nut to enjoy it. Never in such a long time has a film felt as though Spielberg was revisiting his roots.

Further reading: Film Review: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Chicken Panzanella

Chicken Panzanella Recipe

Chicken panzanella is a Tuscan salad consisting of rustic bread croutons, olives, onion and an assortment of tomatoes. Include tomatoes of all shapes, sizes and colors—whatever you have available. Put your stale bread to good use: aging sourdough, ciabatta or chunky wholemeal work best. Combine with leftover chicken or stick to the vegetarian version.

Serves 4

 Ingredients

  • 4 large chicken thighs
  • 3 cups assorted of tomatoes
  • 1 roughly torn ciabatta (or any bread available)
  • ½ roughly chopped red onion
  • ½ cup roughly chopped peppers
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme
  • 2 tsp. dried oregano
  • Olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
  • ½ cup pitted black olives
  • 1 sprig fresh basil
  • Parmesan

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 350F, then rub the chicken with oil and seasoning. If using leftover chicken that is pre-seasoned, simply coat with oil.
  2. Slice and halve your assorted tomatoes, add 3/4 to a baking tray, setting the rest aside for later.
  3. Add roughly torn ciabatta, onion and peppers to the baking tray. Crush and add the garlic cloves. Sprinkle fresh thyme and dried oregano over the tray’s contents along with a glug of oil. Mix together by hand, coating the vegetables and bread.
  4. Lay the chicken on top of the ingredients and put in the oven to bake.
  5. Cook for approximately 1½ hours or until the juices of the meat run clear. If cooked chicken is being used, reduce the baking time to 30 minutes.
  6. Remove from oven and drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the ingredients.
  7. Mix the hot ingredients with the remaining cold tomatoes and olives. Finally, season the chicken panzanella with salt and pepper; garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan shavings.

Further reading: Makeshift Peach and Berry Crumble Recipe

Testimony to US Congress

Mark Zuckerberg’s Testimony to US Congress: What We Know so Far

In the wake of the data scandal that involved millions of people’s personal data being potentially shared with Cambridge Analytica, Mark Zuckerberg—CEO and co-founder of Facebook—faced US Congress to answer for the company’s involvement. Here’s what we know so far.

The scandal

The lid was lifted on Facebook’s relationship with Cambridge Analytica after the Observer published an account from a former worker from the firm. The academic, Aleksandr Kogan, had apparently used a personality quiz to harvest personal data from users of the social network and, through a company called Global Science Research (GSR), shared that information with Cambridge Analytica. At present, it is believed that 87 million people may have been affected (this figure includes both those who took the test as well as their friends, whose personal records the app also had access to).

In the US, Cambridge Analytica is backed by the Mercer family, whose heavy influence was thrown into championing Donald Trump during the presidential election in 2016. It is this association that has sparked allegations of election manipulation. Further revelations surfaced after Channel 4 News in the UK revealed a separate undercover investigation in which Alexander Nix, head of Cambridge Analytica, was filmed boasting of using dirty tactics in order to successfully swing elections. The incident saw Nix speak about an opportunity in Sri Lanka where he mentioned the creation of sex scandals and the use of fake news to swing votes.

Zuckerberg’s testimony to US Congress

This Tuesday, Zuckerberg faced US Congress for the first time since the scandal hit the headlines. Questions from the senate commerce and judiciary committees were fired at Zuckerberg on a number of pressing topics including privacy, regulations, data mining and Cambridge Analytica during the five-hour long hearing. Bombarded with cameras, Zuckerberg’s countenance was collected yet alert.

On rights to privacy

When asked in detail about user rights to privacy, Zuckerberg said the following:

“I believe it’s important to tell people exactly how the information that they share on Facebook is going to be used.

“To your broader point about the privacy policy […] long privacy policies are very confusing. And if you make it long and spell out all the detail, then you’re probably going to reduce the percent of people who read it and make it accessible to them.”

Senator Jon Tester then asked him: “You said multiple times during this hearing that I own the data. I’m going to tell you that I think that sounds good, but in practice you’re making $40 billion a year, I’m not making money on it. It feels like you own the data […] could you give me some idea on how you can honestly say it’s my data?”

Zuckerberg responded with, “When I say it’s your data, what we mean is that you have control over how it’s used on Facebook. You clearly need to give Facebook a license to use it otherwise the system doesn’t work.”

Tester countered with: “The fact is the license is very thick, maybe intentionally so.”

Cambridge Analytica

When probed on Facebook’s relationship and dealings with Cambridge Analytica, he said: “[From] what my understanding was … they were not on the platform, [they] were not an app developer or advertiser. When I went back and met with my team afterwards, they let me know that Cambridge Analytica actually did start as an advertiser later in 2015.

“So we could have in theory banned them then. We made a mistake by not doing so.

“When we heard back from Cambridge Analytica they had told us that they weren’t using the data and deleted it, we considered it a closed case. In retrospect, that was clearly a mistake. We shouldn’t have taken their word for it. We’ve updated our policy to make sure we don’t make that mistake again.”

Storing and selling data

“Yes, we store data… some of that content with people’s permission,” said the Facebook CEO.

When Senator Tammy Baldwin asked whether the neuroscientist Kogan had shared the data with any other users aside from Cambridge Analytica, Zuckerberg replied: “Yes, he did.”

Senator Cory Gardner read out parts of the terms of service offered by Facebook relating to account deletion—which mentions that backup copies of the profile may persist after an account is deleted for some amount of time—and questioned Zuckerberg about it. Zuckerberg said that he doesn’t really know how long those backup copies are kept, but generally expressed his belief that they are actually deleted.

Rules and regulations

Senator John Kennedy: “I don’t want to regulate Facebook but god help you I will […] I say this gently: your user agreement sucks. You can spot me 75 IQ points. The purpose of that user agreement is to cover Facebook’s rear end; it’s not to inform your users about their rights. You know that and I know that. I’m going to suggest that you go home and rewrite it.”

Zuckerberg’s testimony to US Congress continued: “I think the real question, as the internet becomes more important in people’s lives, is what is the right regulation, not whether there should be or not.

“We’re investigating every single app that had access to a large amount of information in the past. And if we find that someone improperly used data, we’re going to ban them from Facebook and tell everyone affected.”

Russian interference

“One of my greatest regrets in running the company is that we were slow in identifying the Russian information operations in 2016.

“We have kicked off an investigation … I imagine we’ll find some things,” Zuckerberg continued.

“This is an on-going arms race. As long as there are people sitting in Russia whose job is it to try to interfere in elections around the world, this is going to be an on-going conflict.”

Zuckerberg’s personal privacy

When asked by Senator Dick Durbin if he would be comfortable sharing the name of the hotel he stayed in last night he said: “No. I would probably not choose to do that publicly, here.”

“I think everyone should have control over how their information is used,” he added.

Accountability

In the closing of Zuckerberg’s testimony to US Congress, he took responsibility for the situation, citing his position and interest in making positive changes for the future: “It’s clear now that we didn’t do enough to prevent these tools from being used for harm. That goes for fake news, foreign interference in elections, and hate speech, as well as developers and data privacy.

“It was my mistake and I’m sorry.”

Are you convinced by Zuckerberg’s testimony to US Congress? Do you believe regulation will improve or is this the beginning of the end for Facebook? Give us your comments below.

Further reading: Cambridge Analytica and Facebook: All You Need to Know

Peach and Berry crumble

Makeshift Peach and Berry Crumble Recipe

This makeshift peach and berry crumble is the perfect sweet treat that uses overly ripe fruit. The soft consistency of the ripe fruit makes them perfect for this dish. Crumble can be made with almost any fruit combination; you could stick to classic pairings like apple and blackberry or dare to go bold with pineapple, apricot and ginger. Ideally, use what you have already stocked.

Serves 8

Ingredients

  • 6 peeled soft peaches
  • 2 cups mixed berries
  • 1 orange for juice and zest
  • 3 tsp. corn flour
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 cup plain flour
  • 1 cup golden caster sugar
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 2 tbsp. mixed oats
  • 1 tsp. grated nutmeg
  • 1 medium egg
  • ½ cup unsalted butter

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 375F, then line a shallow baking dish with butter.
  2. Slice the peaches and place them on the bottom of the buttered dish with the mixed berries.
  3. Mix the juice and zest of the orange with the corn flour, ½ demerara sugar, cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle this over the peaches.
  4. For the topping, mix the flour, caster sugar, baking powder, oats and nutmeg together. Add the eggs and combine to form a coarse crumb. Place on top of the peach mixture and drizzle with melted unsalted butter.
  5. Bake for 35 minutes or until the top turns golden brown.

Enjoy this tasty makeshift peach and berry crumble? Let College News know!

More recipes: Chocolate Rose Petal Cookies Recipe

Spring Break 2018

Spring Break Destinations

After a strenuous academic term, get some much-needed R&R—check out our top destinations for your next spring break.

During the academic year, most of us dream about our next exhilarating travel excursion. Be inspired by our collection of destinations that incorporate fun, sun and adventure—perfect for a spring or summer getaway.

Cancún, Mexico

Cancún is a vibrant city that lies on the Yucatán Peninsula, bordering the Caribbean Sea. Best known for its turquoise lagoons, magnificent beaches and buzzing nightlife, it makes for an ideal de-stress vacation. Days can be spent sampling the local cuisine; street food vendors serve up delectable soups and tacos that are easy on the wallet and packed with flavor. Diving is another popular pursuit in Cancún, with the Museo Subacuático de Arte being the main attraction. This one-of-a-kind underwater display was built as a way of diverting divers from the area’s deteriorating coral reefs—it features more than 500 intricate life-size sculptures. In the evening, visitors can head down to the notorious hotel zone: where the tequila is poured freely and the parties don’t end until sunrise.

Ko Pha-Ngan, Thailand

Ko Pha-Ngan is an island positioned off the Central Gulf Coast of southern Thailand and is characterised by its luscious coconut trees and stunning seashores. While Ko Pha-Ngan is unquestionably idyllic, it is not necessarily a place of rest. Made famous by its monthly full moon parties, Ko Pha-Ngan is the perfect place to let your hair down during spring break. Flamethrowers, authentic dancers and world-class DJs are the biggest draws that beckon crowds of young tourists each year. Most boisterous festivities are centered on Sunrise Beach, while the northern coast is comparatively more peaceful. The island also offers an intriguing night market, spectacular waterfall hikes and secluded viewpoints to enjoy the ebbing sunset. Crystal clear waters also make snorkeling and scuba diving a popular pastime for visitors.

New Orleans, USA

There is a gritty, palpable and unmistakable air that flows through streets of New Orleans: this indescribable charisma solidifies it as an unmissable destination. Thriving food joints offer indulgent delicacies: gumbo, biegnets and po’ boy sandwiches are all must-try dishes. New Orleans also has an interesting history that dates back hundreds of years, which is demonstrated by the French-inspired architecture and colonial builds of the area. The supernatural also plays a major role in the culture; voodoo preachers and tarot card readers offer their expertise to fascinated newcomers. Above all, the locals know how to throw a damn good party. While Mardi Gras is the main festival to draw in the crowds, parades and celebrations occur practically every week of the year. With hometown jazz flowing from the cafés and bars, we compel you not to get swept up in the magic of it all this spring break.

 Utila, Honduras

Located near the south end of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system, Utila is the smallest of Honduras’ major Bay Islands. But what Utila lacks in size, it certainly makes up for in character. With very few roads, Utila is only accessible by boat, making it the perfect retreat for city dwellers. This picturesque island is crawling with dive-obsessed backpackers in search of a good time. While recent diving taxes mean that courses aren’t quite as cheap as they once were, visitors often jump at the chance to see the juvenile whale sharks that frequent these waters. Otherwise, days can be spent soaking up the rays from a hammock or strolling along the white sands of the curving bay. As darkness falls, the island suddenly springs to life; exotic beach bars and clubs resonate with lively music and a distinctly youthful vibe.

South Padre Island, USA

South Padre Island—which is nestled at the southernmost tip of Texas—undoubtedly has the “school’s out” feeling. Throughout the summer months, the coast’s Gulf breeze poses a welcome reprieve from the scorching heat of the mainland. During which time, the local bars buzz with a hive of fun-seeking visitors throughout the day and night. Live events often take place on the beachfront, with stages drawing considerable crowds. Meanwhile, regular party cruises set sail each day, allowing voyagers to mingle and meet new faces. Apart from its energetic party scene, South Padre Island makes a point of contributing to animal conservation. The Sea Turtle, Inc. center facilitates the recovery of injured animals and organizes educational programs for tourists. The island is especially suited to adventure junkies; the tranquil water conditions enable a wealth of watersports such as jet skiing, parasailing and kiteboarding.

Travel responsibly

Before selecting your spring break destination, always be sure to read up on the culture of the natives—respecting local customs can help tourism to prosper. Try to use the native tongue where possible, recite some key expressions and bring a phrasebook for reference.

Further reading: 6 Surprising Travel Destinations for 2018