It should come as no surprise then that director Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of “The Great Gatsby” tries to use a heavy hand to force that timelessness by adding a modern flair to the world of Jay Gatsby. Besides modern editing and special effects that most noticeable element of the contemporaneous injections was the music.

Jazz was such an intrinsic part of the world of swinging and speakeasys that its inclusion is nigh mandatory,and to the film’s credit, for the most part, the soundtrack is as bombastic as one would expect and subtle and nuanced when needed.

It’s the inclusion of the modern music from the likes of Jay-Z, Lana Del Rey and Amy Winehouse that do the film the most disservice. It’s obvious that Luhrmann was trying to draw analogues between 1920’s and modern cultural excess, but it drew me out of the film. More so during scenes where the modern music would fade in and out of the most traditional jazz and big band backings. While the characters and themes are timeless, the setting of “Gatsby” is intrinsically shaped by the times, and I feel Lurhmann missed that point.

This misstep regarding the music stands as a direct contrast to the spectacular art direction throughout the film.

The scenes at Gatsby’s mansion in particular are splendid. From costumes to lighting to set design, everything becomes swept up in a whirlwind of smart suits, short dresses and glitzy confetti that spirals inward, drawing the eye from spectacle to spectacle. Simply put, these scenes are kinetic and fun; a stark contrast to the more somber human moments that are often the bookends to these sorts of scenes.

These moments of humanity are what really let “Gatsby” escape it’s aesthetic trappings and become more than just a pretty face. To their credit, the scenes themselves succeed, not because of a particularly clever script or dialogue, but because the acting is grounded as opposed to the larger-than-life visual styling.

It should come as no surprise then, that Gatsby is the one that really steals the show. While he normally seems to exude confidence and charm in almost any role that calls for it, Leonardo DiCaprio seems purpose-built to fill the shoes of Jay Gatsby. As Gatsby, he is peerless. At this point, DiCaprio is THE Gatsby.

The only problem I had with Gatsby as a character had nothing to do with the acting but rather how he’s built up throughout the film, or in this case, how little he’s built up. In the novel, Gatsby is made out to be up mysterious and near-infallible character. Only near the end of the book do you see that facade fall and what’s left exposed is an incredibly flawed man, one who walks a line between pitiful and reprehensible.

The transformation in the film, I feel, is done much more quickly than it needed to be. With weaknesses and flaws exposed early, Gatsby’s fall is all too expected and ends up feeling like a slow slide instead of a drop off a cliff. What could have been a more nuanced and surprising bit of character development, instead has its card shown a too early and the pacing of the film suffers for it.

Another minor detail that was worrisome was the film sometimes relying on telling the viewer details instead of showing them. While the part of Nick Carraway is well played by Toby Maguire, his character’s narration throughout the entirety of the film seems like an easy solution in a situation where sudden enlightenment is common and stories can become convoluted while trying to decipher what’s real and what’s fabricated by one or more of the tale’s players.

With such a huge legacy to live up to, it’s no surprise that Luhrmann’s adaptation of Fitzgerald’s magnum opus gets lost in its own opulence. Whether that opulence is a product of Luhrmann’s vision or just a by-product of adapting the novel to the silver-screen is up for debate.

Regardless, “The Great Gatsby” seems to stumble here and there but solid acting and stunning visuals help keep the film’s feet firmly planted more often than not.

What Luhrmann has created is a vision of “Gatsby” that is much like the man; larger-than-life, and inherently flawed. As a film, it has problems, but as a retelling of one of the greatest pieces of fiction ever written, it’s worth the whole damn bunch put together.

LEONARDO DiCAPRIO as Jay Gatsby in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ drama “THE GREAT GATSBY,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release.

SyWest, the company that owns the land that the dome is on, moved quickly to demolish the beloved dome after the decision was made to go forward with redevelopment.

Two days after the council meeting, a demolition crew hired by SyWest gathered in front of the Dome, and within hours, the dome was knocked down, but the theater still stands.

The community wide effort to save the dome came after the city of Pleasant Hill approved of replacing the Cinearts structure with a Dick’s Sporting Goods store. Since then, a huge out-pouring of support came in the form of e-mails to city council.

A nonprofit corporation, Save the Pleasant Hill Dome was created to spearhead the dome’s preservation efforts. They organized a rally in front of the dome last April as well as an official appeal of the demolition to the city council.

On May 6, supporters of the dome came to Pleasant Hill’s city council meeting discussing the dome’s fate. Dozens of citizens came to Pleasant Hill’s city council meeting to voice their support of the dome in a meeting that lasted till 2:30 a.m.

Lifelong Pleasant Hill residents as well as fans of the Dome from across the Bay Area argued for the salvation of the dome. Many who came to defend the dome maintained it was important to the city culturally as well as architecturally.

“It’s a cultural center that separates us from the other cities in the area,” said high school senior Tanner Fustal.

In addition, the Dome had a special place to many of the residents of the area.

Danville resident Chelsea Simmons stated, “The dome became a sanctuary to me.”

Another resident, Carol Rose, believed that the dome created life lasting moments that a sporting goods store couldn’t: “Buying a pair of running shorts does not (make) a lasting memory.”

The decision itself was difficult to make for the city council.

Councilman Ken Carlson recalled how he “cut school to see movies at the dome,” when he was younger.

Tim Flaherty, who voted against the dome’s preservation, mentioned, “The Dome theatre is my favorite theater.” Despite the outpouring of the community in the last few months, Flaherty maintained that the redevelopment plan had been a “decade long process that has been altered and changed, but removing the dome had been a constant.”

Vice Mayor Jack Weir cited his decision on the rights of individual property rights. “We cannot force (SyWest) to play independent films when they feel it is not economically feasible… Property rights are absolutely critical.”

Members of the council felt that the dome lost much of its historical significance now that it no longer played independent films.

The quick demolition of the dome came as a shock to many of its supporters.

“There was definite malice in how they chose to destroy (the Dome) on Wednesday,” claims Martha Ross, an organizer for the Save The Pleasant Hill Dome.

The organization’s website made this announcement: “We would like to hold some kind of memorial event to bring together all the people who want to pay tribute to the Dome—to share memories and to even share ideas on how to help the spirit of the Dome live on. We welcome your ideas on what would be a fitting memorial.”

The new redevelopment plans to revitalize the local economy with new businesses coming into the city. Dick’s Sporting Goods is set to rise where the dome once stood, but this is the only new business that is set to come into the area around the dome. Any plans for new restaurants or new business to open up in the area are likely to be years away.

Bill Vierra, the representative of SyWest is not fazed by this issue: “The long term planning of the city is essential.”

There is no current plan for an independent movie theatre to open up in the near future, but the support that was shown for such a venue may be a possibility for Pleasant Hill and Concord residents.

In addition to what Operations Director Tatiana Dykes calls “…one of the most robust artist guest lists on the con
circuit,” the convention will also feature various cosplay guests, guest artist panels and a Geek Fashion Show.

Professional artist and comic inker extraordinaire, Joe B. Weems V will be among the artists featured at the event. A recent transplant to the Northern Calif. area, Weems is excited to be attending his first Big Wow! Comicfest. In a phone interview with The Inquirer, Weems described his experience at past conventions as being “…like coming home… you feel completely accepted in that
environment.”

The third annual Big Wow Comicfest, formerly known as Wonder Con, recently added to it’s already impressive docket of talent, with the living legend of Marvel Comics, Stan Lee for autograph and photo opportunities.

“We’re going to have Stan Lee there on Sunday, so that’s
something to get excited about.” Weems said of the still growing list of comic legends scheduled to make appearances. “Joe Benitez will be doing a live panel, that’s a
live art demonstration with Rose Ivy Wallace, who is a cosplay model… She’ll be
cosplaying as Joe’s character Lady Mechanika.”

Artists Neal Adams of DC Comics fame and J. Scott Campbell will also be in attendance for interaction and book signings throughout the two day convention.

“Big Wow! is more of a classic-type convention, where you can walk up to your favorite creator and have a conversation with them. Where you can walk around and look at cool wares and dig through old comics and spend all day immersed in the culture. A place where you can be yourself and meet like-minded people for a fun, geeky weekend.”

Dykes said of the expected ambiance at the event in a Facebook interview.

In addition to the myriad guests and experiences, many of the artists in attendance will offer contributions to an art auction held on Saturday evening. Aside from various pieces of original comic artwork donated for the auction, “…there will be an inking panel where a number of
artists are given blue-line pieces to ink.” Said Weems, who will be participating in the inking panel with others. “That’s half the fun, seeing which pieces the artists
chose to pick from and how they interpret the art.”

Whether the allure of world class artists, writers and creators draws people in, or the appeal of joining like-minded enthusiasts for non-judgmental good times, attendees are sure to find themselves immersed in an unrivaled experience. “There’s nothing else like it.” Weems said of the general convention ambiance. A place where guests “…can let (their) freak-flag fly.” And “…don’t ever have to worry about being judged.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing old friends and making
new ones.” Dykes said of her convention anticipation. Of the impressive lists of guests, she was unable to chose a favorite. “I’m excited about everyone on the list.”

Fortunately for those who share that passion and enthusiasm for comics and comic art, there’s no need to pick favorites over the course of the two-day extravaganza. There will be something for every fan of the genre.

Courtesy of Joe B. Weems V

As Collins mentions in his article, his journey of self-discovery led him to two state high school championships, appearing in both the NCAA Final Four and the Elite Eight in college at Stanford and he played in nine NBA postseason games in twelve seasons.

Collins expressed his enervation about not endorsing his sexual identity beforehand and described how his professional status became more of an encumbrance for him.

“I didn’t set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I’m happy to start the conversation,” Collins wrote. “I wish I wasn’t the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, ‘I’m different’. If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I’m raising my hand.”

Now 34-year-old Collins, who is a free agent, hopes to continue his career in the NBA next season. His proclamation has gained a lot of respect and support from both members of the NBA and abroad.

“I have known Jason Collins since he was Chelsea’s (his daughter) classmate and friend at Stanford,” President Bill Clinton remarked. “Jason’s announcement today is an important moment for professional sports and in the history of the LGBT community.”

It is still too early to tell how NBA owners will accept Collins’ statement. Will he be condemned for the rest of his career to a hindrance of solitude? Will 34-year old Collins be welcomed to a team with open arms?

The problem is his age and the fact that he was never an all-star player in the NBA. He has always been a role player, hustling for loose balls and grabbing a rebound here and there.

“Well, in terms of resigning, I don’t know if his announcement is a factor or not,” DVC Men’s head basketball coach Steve Coccimiglio said. “He’s a 34-year-old, back up post guy. The NBA is a young man’s game, so it’s hard to say how it will affect his career.”

One could say that it is a bit harder for gay male athletes to be accepted in today’s sports world, seeing that women like former Baylor University basketball star Brittney Griner and WNBA future hall of famer Sheryl Swoopes have identified themselves as gay without any homophobic feedback from the media.

“I do feel like it’s harder to be a gay male athlete because we are looked at as being male, masculine, dominant, and we can’t express our feelings or else we are usually labeled as soft. Whereas females are already considered more gentle like flowers or have that stereotype so people seem to be more accepting of that in today’s society,” returning DVC point guard Connor Jean said.

When asked how he would feel about a gay teammate next season, without hesitation DVC running back, Marquis Waters responded: “Honestly, It’s 2013. People are all about being individuals,” Waters said. “If someone wants to be gay that doesn’t change the fact that they are an athlete, so I don’t really have a problem with that.”

Only time will tell, whether Collins will continue as an NBA ball player or whether he will have to figure out ways to put that degree from Stanford University to use.

“I suffered a really bad injury when I was 16. I tore my meniscus and that was really bad,” Ashim explained. “Last semester was the first time I held a racket again so it was pretty nice to actually win something and compete again after not competing for so long.”

She certainly silenced any remaining doubt the injury had left by earning the Big 8 Conference MVP award and the 2013 ITA National Women’s Rookie Player of the Year, all while claiming the number one ranked spot in Nor-Cal and number five ranking in California for Women’s Tennis. She is the first student-athlete in DVC’s history to win the ITA Women’s Rookie Player of the Year, a truly remarkable accomplishment.

“I’ve been working really hard for the past four or five months to get to that position. When I actually won, I felt really proud of myself and proud of my coaches,” Ashim said. “I felt like I was representing DVC in a good way.”

Darya displayed a work ethic and unmatched determination that not only led to her great personal success, but contributed to leading the Women’s Tennis team to a highly respectable 2013 campaign. The team represented DVC very well by finishing the season with an 11-3 record overall, while boasting the number three ranking in Nor-Cal and number five ranking in California.

“Darya elevated everybody’s game, not only on our team but the entire Big 8 Conference,” said Assistant Coach Ruthie Ignacio. “She was the one to beat!”

Her story has been inspirational to her teammates, coaches, and all who have witnessed or shared a part in the tennis program. In the last several months, Ashim has gone from a DVC rookie to a national standout, garnering transfer and scholarship interest from Sonoma State University and Holy Names University.

“Wherever Darya goes she will leave her mark on the tennis court for which ever program she chooses to transfer to and play for,” Head Coach Jackie Ponciano-Babb said. “She definitely has made her case for becoming the first female tennis player to eventually be inducted into the Diablo Valley College Athletics Hall of Fame.”

Nothing stands in the way of Ashim’s success. She has overcome injury and come back stronger than ever, leaving a legacy and setting a valiant example for all student-athletes to follow in her footsteps.

“Darya is the type of student-athlete that a coach would love to have as part of their program,” Ponciano-Babb said. “As long as she believes in herself and executes her game plan she will more than likely win her match.”

It is her desire and self-confidence that have propelled her to win in such an impressive fashion. However, at the end of the day, she plays for the love of the game. She is simply doing what she enjoys and does best.

“I just really like the experience. Win or lose, I actually like going on the court and trying my best, showing everyone else what I got.” Ashim said. “I love being on the court with other people.”

The real story is that Collins’ declaration ‘is’ a story. Today the federal government still isn’t sure if some people should have the same rights as everyone else because of who they’re attracted to. We’re having this discussion because we live in an age where athletes in professional sports are being scrutinized for things entirely unrelated to either athleticism or sports.

The Collins story represents the latest rampart of professional sports culture to fall. This is no accident. There’s been a change in the mainstream treatment of what the 90s once identified as an “alternative lifestyle.”

He was helped by a host of professional athletes to come out before him. From tennis star Martina Navratilova in 1981, to Greg Louganis in 1995, Sheryl Swoopes, Billy Bean, Wade Davis, the list is longer than the anti-gay contingent would like to acknowledge.

Though he’s not the first to come out, in many ways he’s the best person for the job today – articulate, humble, with a good grasp of his place in the spectrum of leaders responsible for the vicissitudes of human progress. This packed inside of a 7-foot frame of cagey physicality whose playing style and presence stand as a rebuke to the stream of unfounded stereotypes leveled against gays in the sports community.

There’s no question Collins is a pioneer. But this isn’t about the hero that Collins winds up being. It’s about the domino effect tolerant people hope his story is a catalyst for.

While it’s easy for us as outsiders to assume this is a manifest sign of inevitable change sweeping across sports, it’s more responsible to acknowledge how lonely it still is for the professional athletes we can assume are still out there, in the closet.

The tolerance we’re enjoying now is in its infancy, still fragile. It’s up to us as individuals to keep it alive by criticizing homophobia, and refusing to judge athletes using factors as irrelevant as sexual orientation.

First we must observe that the South Florida organization must raise a staggering, $21 million to host the event. Also meaning the cost of hosting the milestone game could be double the amount as last time the NFL championship came to Miami Gardens.

So how much money would it cost taxpayers in the bay area for this very same super bowl?

Look at it from a business perspective. With over 100 billion viewers each year for the last decade, how much business will the Super Bowl attract, between hotels, taxis and Super Bowl memorabilia?

According to Jan Freitag, a senior executive at hotel industry tracker STR, who gives Hotel Check-In readers the scoop on hotel rates once a quarter.

“San Francisco is such a hot leisure and meetings market that its group room rates increased by nearly 10%,” Freitag said. “Rates are increasing so much that travelers are looking across the Bay Bridge to Oakland and south, to San Jose, for more affordable accommodations.”

Since the game is likely to be held in the new Santa Clara $1.2 billion stadium expected to open in time for the 2014 season according to the city of Santa Clara construction schedule. Fans will have to take the same measures to see the game at a relatively affordable price.

According to Nicki Grossman, tourism director and a member of the organizing committee, the South Florida group expects the overall tab to hit about $21 million, which is less than the $25 million cited by rival San Francisco as its fundraising goal for the 2016 game.

The event takes on a new identity, as more than just a game. Its a business after all right? The amount of money being thrown around and the politics that is involve can really open the eyes of hopeful owners awaiting the next bid entry for a Super Bowl 52.

“We have the hotel rooms, we have the hospitality, we have the transportation network, we have the businesses, the community support, the philanthropic support to do this right and do this well,” San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee said.

As a strategic effort South Florida’s Super Bowl Bid Committee recruited past Miami Dolphin greats, such as Bob Griese, Jason Taylor and Dan Marino.

No shock that, Team CEO Jed York added Former quarterback Steve Young and coach George Seifert are joining the San Francisco Bay Area regional bid committee.

The San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl committee will send its final bid package to the NFL on May 7 and will travel to Boston to make a presentation to the league’s owners on May 21.

Walker stated in an interview following the May 11 finals in Sacramento, “I think we were all disappointed. We had a good thing going and wanted to take it to State. But I know I tried my best and my teammates did too. I’m happy we got as far as we did.”

Considering the competition, Walker can be proud of her 6th place finish in the Women’s 100 meter hurdles. Finishing in 15.80 seconds, just short of the rank and time necessary to qualify to compete at the state championship, Walker will be a strong contender in next year’s competition.

The Women’s 4 x 100 meter relay team, in which Walker runs the third leg, also finished a respectable 7th place with a time of 49.98 seconds.

Hurdles coach Sally Stafford explained, “Hurdling requires intensive technique work and it takes time to master it. It also takes speed and flexibility which are some of Briana’s most innate abilities.”

Walker, a 19 year-old Mississippi native, joined the DVC Track and Field team this Spring as a freshman and already shows great potential, according to head coach Shelly Pierson. “Briana is a natural track athlete. Her strongest event is the 100 meter high-hurdles, but she’s strong in everything else too. She’s an imperative third leg on our 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 meter relay teams.”

Down-to-earth and soft-spoken, Walker talked about the difficult adjustment she had relocating to California at age 15. “I went to Alhambra High School in Martinez when we moved out to California. It took me a while to get used to things and make new friends. I was really closed off and shy when I was younger so it was kinda hard for me to reach out to other people, but it got better as it went along.”

Pierson describes Walker as sweet girl who wouldn’t hurt a fly. “The coaches here at DVC are teaching her to be more aggressive. I tell her when you get out on the track you need to growl, you need to have that fire in your heart burning. Before every race I’m like growl…growl!”

Walker agrees she is learning to be more aggressive. “If I really want something I go after it now. I absolutely love the 100 hurdles…I want to win every time. I always look down the line of hurdles and say to myself, ‘just get to the end as fast as you can.’ I’m putting all this work in, why wouldn’t I want to win – I want to be the best.”

Pierson believes Walker has the talent and ability to be a NorCal champion next year. “Briana is going to do very well as a sophomore here at DVC. I know she will excel and has the potential to move on to the next level and hurdle at the four year university level.”

When looking to the future, Walker is considering a degree in kinesiology. “My dream school is San Diego State, it’s such a beautiful campus and they have a wonderful kinesiology program. I’d like to get my master’s in occupational therapy. I would love to rehabilitate and work with kids with permanent disabilities. If I could, I would still like to run in college – I hope to continue to compete.”

For now, Walker continues to live in Martinez with her mom Selena, 16 year-old brother Jonathan, and 11year-old sister Alyssa. Walker said, “We have an athletic family, my brother and sister both play soccer and I go to their games and they come to my meets when they’re not too far away. We love cheering each other on, it’s so much fun.”

The family also enjoys mom’s special home cooking together. “My favorite dinner is my mom’s fried chicken, collard greens, mashed-potatoes, and macaroni and cheese. Oh my goodness, their delicious – it reminds me of home.” Looking at Walker’s willowy frame, you would never suspect such indulgence.

Another sinful pleasure Walker confessed, “I’m a gamer girl, I love to play video games – ‘Call of Duty,’ ‘Skyrim,’ ‘Assassin’s Creed,’ ‘Halo’ – I just love it.”

Bubbling with even greater enthusiasm, Walker’s eyes lit up as she talked about her real passion – art. “I want to have a giant art studio just to do whatever I want – have a giant kiln, paint, sculpt, and I want to take glass blowing classes as well.” Clear and definitive Walker proclaims, “Art is really my passion. If I could do one thing for the rest of my life it would be art.”

Walker’s future looks bright whatever road she decides to travel. Any obstacles life presents she is sure to overcome…one hurdle at a time…until she wins the race.

The holiday itself is celebrated by Hispanic Americans in the United States and a small town in México where it was originally held.

Cinco de Mayo event is hosted by the Latino Student Alliance at the student union plaza on Thursday May 2.

The event is to promote Hispanic American culture through a festival for students featuring free Mexican food and entertainment.

According to LSA President Jorge Barajas, Cinco de Mayo is an event to help Latino adjust to American life and overcome the impossible, much like how the city Puebla confronted the French Army of Napoleon III and defeated a major European Power; a few seen as impossible prior to the conflict.

During the 19th century Puebla, Mexico was invaded by 6,500 French troops, during this time.

The indigenous people, led by Ignacio Zaragoza in Puebla fought against professionally trained French soldiers and won with 4,500 troops.

At the event there was traditional music being played, including a Mariachi band invited by the LSA. Student music performers and the DVC Dance Club also performed during the event.

“My friend Chris Knight is a musician and helped organize the event, he is a solo guitarist,” said Cynthia Casey, Walnut Creek resident.

Several clubs helped LSA set up the event, which included Knight, a member of FREE who helped organize the event.

“I’m one of FREE’s club members who is helping LSA set up, FREE is a politically active group on campus; formerly SDS,” said Chris Knight, member of FREE.

LSA provided free lunch, the food they serve Hispanic food; including Spanish rice, pinto beans, tacos and tacos.

LSA hold the event on Thursday May 2 because no one would be on campus Sunday May 5, the campus is closed.

Cinco de Mayo is not a traditional Independence day holiday in Mexico, except in the town of Puebla; the traditional holiday is Sept 16 a day when Mexico won their independence from the Spanish Empire, but in the U.S Cinco De Mayo has been taken as a holiday for Mexican Americans.