Culture

'The Post' effectively defends the importance of a free press

"Democracy Dies in Darkness." This phrase was written by U.S. appeals court judge Damon J. Keith and used by Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward in reference to his reporting on the Watergate scandal. Today, it serves as the Post's slogan as well as the theme for Steven Spielberg's new movie "The Post," which tells the story of one of the paper's most pivotal moments in history.

The Five Best Films of 2017

I watched around 200 films this year. Most of them were, admittedly, ones I already loved, but a few were new ones released in 2017. Here are my five favorites, ranked in no particular order -- after "Lady Bird" (which is, indisputably, number one).

The Best TV Episodes of 2017

Every end-of-year "best-of" television list you read over the next week or so is going to begin with a disclaimer. It's impossible to narrow it down to just five, or 10, or 25 of the best shows, critics will lament, citing the ever-sprawling world of Peak TV, when it's simply impractical for any one writer to watch enough of the shows out there to produce a fair ranking. Even if I had seen them all, they'll add, there's so much good TV out there these days that I can't possibly make room for all the episodes that deserve a spot on my precious list.

Lil B and Miami discuss admissions on Twitter

Brandon McCartney -- also known as Lil B or The BasedGod, a rapper and social media personality in Berkeley, CA -- is considering Miami as he starts his college search. The performer is seeking programs in science, biology and neuroscience.

Humans of Oxford: Brody Flinders: Creating meaning through music

Music has been a part of Brody Flinders' life for as long as he can remember. His mother, grandfather and uncle exposed him to a variety of artists and genres from a young age and he's taken an interest in almost everything over the years.

Ed Sheeran and Beyonce create a 'Perfect' duet

Last Thursday night, Ed Sheeran surprised fans by releasing a duet of his song "Perfect," featuring Beyonce. It's a beautifully unexpected hit from a well-matched pair. Originally written and recorded by Sheeran, the remix does a wonderful job of showcasing Beyonce's vocal ability and expressing her personal experiences.

TMS picks the 20 best albums of the year

Here are the 20 best albums of 2017 (so far).

Dance Theatre showcases students' struggles

The stage in Wilks Theater stood empty aside from soft purple and blue lights. A moment later it was bursting with artistic movements, monochromatic costumes and climbing piano music.

Mac Bites vs. Mac Bites: This town is big enough for the both of them

High Street in Uptown Oxford houses a wide variety of eating establishments. Chain restaurants like Skyline Chili and Subway share the same bit of road as the local businesses and holes-in-the-wall like Steinkeller and Bruno's Pizza.

A Friday night in the esports lounge

Sitting outside of Miami University's King Library after dark on a Friday night, one can see all types of people headed Uptown for the night. However, amid the sea of people making the trek up slant walk, another group emerges. Instead of heading toward Uptown, this group makes a beeline for the library, straight to the back.

Oxford welcomes the holiday season

Charter Day Ball welcomes all members of community

This February, Miami University will host the Charter Day Ball, an event that brings the community together every three years to celebrate Miami University's birthday.

'Jim and Andy' and learning to live with your worst inner critic

I've always struggled to articulate my feelings about Jim Carrey. While I've enjoyed most of his movies -- "Dumb and Dumber," "The Truman Show," "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," etc. -- something about him, as an actor, has always rubbed me the wrong way. The zany, over-the-top antics, the obnoxious lilt in his voice as he bellows yet another "Alllrighty then," his borderline insufferable disregard for human decency or restraint -- call me cynical, but it all seems a bit much.

Market Uptown brings groceries to students

Fridge and Pantry, a new Uptown market, will open its doors in January. Both a deli and a grocery, the new business also boasts additional amenities including a smoothie and growler bar.

Business, fundraising and free doughnuts at Sir Doughnalot Challenge

"If you voluntarily or involuntarily vomit, please use the trash cans next to you instead of the table"

Diversity Affairs Council Hosts Miami University's Biggest Global Holiday Party to Date

The third floor of McGuffey Hall swelled with the scent of local foods and the sounds of live performances, a Capella, drums and dance music .

Pop culture picks: Thanksgiving edition

Here's what the Miami Student editors listened to, watched and read over Thanksgiving break.

'Utopia:' Bjoerk finds love in an alien place

Bjoerk may be from Iceland, but she wants us to believe she's from somewhere much farther away. Her aesthetic is anything but consistent; the only aspect tying together her alt-rock band The Sugarcubes, genre-hopping early solo projects and her more thematic and ambitious post-1997 projects is her unmistakable vocal delivery.

'Lady Bird' is a witty, heartbreaking revelation

There are a lot of reasons why I drove around for 20 extra minutes after seeing "Lady Bird" so I could cry about it in peace, and why two of my friends texted me after watching it this weekend to say that it broke them too (in a good, cathartic way).

TMS predicts the 2018 Grammy nominations

With music's biggest night just around the corner, the Recording Academy is set to announce the nominations for next year's Grammy Awards today. The country's second-most-watched awards show will celebrate its 60th anniversary Jan. 28, honoring the industry's top talents. While the list of this year's nominees has not yet been released, I expect the Grammys to honor artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Ed Sheeran and SZA.