Bailey Cossairt, Author at University Chronicle

“The Big Sick” balances comedy with difficult social issues of today’s relationships

Published on August 1, 2017 in A & E/Movies/Reviews by Bailey Cossairt

The summer movie lineup is often packed with blockbuster titles from high-budget and well established franchises. This year was no different, with its fair share of winners and losers but also a few surprise films. “The Big Sick” is a romantic comedy about two 20-something-year-old lovers who face cultural obstacles in their hopes of a happy life. The film follows Kumail (Kumail Nanjiani) who is a Pakistani Muslim working in Chicago as a comedian while driving for Uber to make up the rest of his income. During one of Kumail’s shows, he meets Emily (Zoe Kazan) with whom he hooks up with that night. Feelings remain strong after the night, even after the pair agrees they would never speak to each other again. The couple soon enters into a relationship but all the while Kumail’s family attempts to set him up with a Pakistani women in accordance with their customs.…

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Disc Golf north of St. Cloud provides fun new challenges

Published on July 27, 2017 in Online Features/Sports by Bailey Cossairt

Heading “up north” has been a long standing tradition for many Minnesotans as they depart each summer to their cabins. But for those without a lakefront property to rest by, and a desire to have some outdoor fun in a short drive, disc golf may provide a great alternative. The Chronicle will be covering a variety of disc golf course throughout Minnesota this summer as part of a series of three article. Recently we took a look at the popular courses around the St. Cloud area, but a wealth of disc golf courses are also located a short drive up Highway 10. Sartell, Sauk Rapids, Rice, St. Stephen and Royalton each feature a disc golf course with a unique experience that can not be found in St. Cloud. Northside Park Disc Golf Course in Sartell is one of the only courses we came across well suited for your four legged…

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“Transformers: The Last Knight” Review – Michael Bay Derails Franchise Plot Lines

Published on July 12, 2017 in Lifestyle/Movies by Bailey Cossairt

Hasbro’s toy franchise known as “Transformers” originally came to popularity in the early 1980’s, over 30 years ago. All along they have remained relevant with multiple generations of children, teens and adults. So relevant in fact that the 2007 release of “Transformers,” the first Michael Bay directed film in the franchise, was a huge success. Over the past 10 years, the five movies Bay has made for the Transformers franchise have had increasingly negative reception. Partially to blame is the series continuation even after losing star actors Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox, and failing to replace them with consistent and likeable new stars. The franchise marched on however, with Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg) becoming the new lead protagonist in 2014 and returning for this summer’s “Transformers: The Last Knight.” However, Cade nor any other recognizable character can be seen in the opening minutes of the movie. Rather, Last Knight opens…

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Disc Golf grows following and fun in St. Cloud

Published on June 13, 2017 in Online Features/Sports by Bailey Cossairt

Each summer, public parks across St. Cloud play host to games of disc golf as players navigate courses in an attempt to toss a Frisbee disc into a metal basket. The sport has continued to expand in popularity across the nation, but also on a local level. According to the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) by the end of 2016, the United States had 6976 courses across the country, a growth of over 1500 new courses since the year before. The St. Cloud area has four courses of which all are free to play and located at public parks across town. Riverside Park, Calvary Hill Park, St. Cloud VA Medical Center, and River’s Edge Park, all have courses for players to throw a disc at. Whether you’re a new player or an experienced player, St. Cloud offers a variety of course styles and terrains. The most popular of St. Cloud’s…

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Changes to SCSU student constitution approved

Published on April 25, 2017 in News by Bailey Cossairt

In March, St. Cloud State University held its spring Student Government election which led to a presidential victory by Jack O’Neil-Como and his running mate Kayla Shelley. But the election also gave voters the opportunity to voice their opinions on changes the Student Constitution Committee was seeking for the Student Constitution. The Student Constitution is a document outlining the basis of Student Government with topics ranging from the organization’s structure to a broad outlining of what power they can utilize. Changes have not been made to the Constitution since the Fall 2010 election, which has made the ability to edit the document a challenge. “Until this election, the last time we received enough votes to even make an amendment was Fall Semester of 2011,” said Constitution Committee Chair Devin Smith. For the Constitution to be amended, it’s required that 8 percent of the SCSU student body votes in the general election…

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SCSU eSports hosts Spring League of Legends Tournament

Published on April 24, 2017 in Events/Lifestyle/The Shot by Bailey Cossairt

On April 15, gamers took to Atwood to compete in St. Cloud State eSports’ Spring League of Legends Tournament. The event was officially sanctioned by the LoL developer, Riot, who also supplied Riot Points as prizes. With 10 teams of five players each competing, including both SCSU students and community members, the event lasted nearly all day. It was also streamed live on Twitch and in Atwood, where about 100 people tuned in to watch the matches. The “MNSU Chimps” placed first with a roster of feelsbatman, ILoveVarus, Ransackmoose, Gegabyte, and Under 50 Percent (who became the tournament MVP). They received 2017 championship jerseys, mousepads, Red Bull, Riot Points and a plaque for their victory. In second was “St. Cloud 9” and in third place, “JFK was outside of heal range” who also received prizes for their efforts. Both the second and third place finishers were teams made up of…

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All action in “Fate of the Furious”

Published on April 23, 2017 in Lifestyle/Movies/Reviews by Bailey Cossairt

From the series inception in 2001, the ‘Fast and the Furious’ has become Universal’s greatest franchise. It delivered financially once again as the 8th film in the series generating the largest opening weekend earnings of all time with $532.5 million globally in the box office. “The Fate of the Furious” departs the story away from the Brian O’Conner (previously played by the late Paul Walker) while staying true to the action that made the series famous. Opening with Dom (Vin Diesel) and Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) honeymoon in Cuba, the movie quickly jumps into scenes of fast driving and aggressive action. Dom quickly defeats Raldo, a man seeking to repossess his cousin’s car, and chooses to give his current car to his cousin. This seeks to emphasize Dom’s commitment to “family” which is a topic repeatedly touched on in the previous films. Dom faces a huge obstacle when approached by Cipher…

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eSports expand across campus

Published on April 22, 2017 in Lifestyle by Bailey Cossairt

Across the country, sports have embedded themselves as a primary part of college campuses, with students participating both as players and fans. In recent years, eSports, or competitive video gaming has risen in popularity. To date, 12 college varsity eSports teams are officially operated by universities, with some players receiving athletic scholarships. Teams primarily compete on popular PC games such as DOTA 2 and League of Legends (LoL). Countless more teams are operated as student clubs. St. Cloud State also has a student-run eSports organization lead by its President, Justin Schmidt, after being founded almost five years ago by Kevin Angell. Schmidt is a double major in Biomedical Science and Communications Studies with a plan to become a chiropractor. Much of the clubs success Schmidt attributes to the help of his fellow members and officers. Initially, the club centered exclusively around LoL, but quickly expanded into other games as well.…

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