Communion Coffee
While travelling down Route 75, you might spot a sign for Communion Coffee on Exit 24. With both good food and ample working space, the diner offers more than just coffee—but how good is it for getting your fix? Walking into the store, nearly a quarter of its real estate...
Spending a day in the heartbeat of UTD
Observations from 24 hours outside the Student Union
As the clock struck midnight on Friday, Feb. 11, I settled on a rock by the Memorial Pond with a simple sign: “Mercury Marathon – 24 Hours on the Plinth!” And what a 24 hours it was. Let’s set some ground rules: the 24 hours last 12:00 a.m. Friday to...
Retrograde Reads: ‘The Yiddish Policemen’s Union’ by Michael Chabon
Sled into a snowy murder mystery in an alternate-timeline version of Alaska
No matter how often you’re warned not to judge a book by its cover, inevitably, you do. You are not immune to propaganda…propaganda being colorful graphics and a delightful decal edge. Fortunately, the beauty of “The Yiddish Policemen’s Union” continues far beyond its surface. In the 1940s, the United States...
The 1418 Coffeehouse
Plano café offers unique drinks, balanced menu
A large, refillable cold brew bottle just 15 minutes away. Do I have your attention? If so, the 1418 Coffeehouse might be the next spot for you to get your fix. Located in Historic Downtown Plano, 1418 is a lively spot with many options and amenities for the prospective coffee...
Chess Team Can Compete Again
The team has qualified for the President's Cup for chance to compete for the national title and welcomes return to in-person games
In a world filled with knights, rankings and timers, UTD’s chess team practices their game with excitement as tournaments start to reopen for in-person matches. For the 18th time, UTD’s chess team has qualified for the President’s Cup, also known as the Final Four of College Chess, where the top four college chess...
Dazzling Drag returns to UTD
LGBTQ+ diaternity brings back drag performances with "Among The Stars" to finish off fall semester
Chi Alpha Iota (XAI) diaternity’s annual drag show returned this fall in a night filled with dazzling costumes, charitable donations and energizing performances. Featured performers from the gender-inclusive Greek organization spoke with The Mercury about their experience planning and putting on an in-person show in these chaotic times, as well...
I Love U A-Latte
Down-tempo café with fairly priced offerings, chill vibe makes for an excellent study spot right off-campus
Every time you wake up, you go through a morning- or late afternoon- routine, and for many students that includes getting a cup of tea or coffee. If you’re tired of hitting up the on-campus Starbucks every day, let me introduce you to I Love U A Latte, a new...
Retrograde Reads: War Dogs By Greg Bear
Science fiction novel imagines taking humanity to its limit with warfare set on the planet Mars
Interviewing Vietnam veterans was certainly one of my more formative high school experiences. I remember long nights in garages among folding chairs and spent beer cans, asking for permission to record and getting several expletives along the lines of “sure, why not” in answer. The context of these conversations gives...
SGA restoring student art initiative to campus
The Blank Space Project, created to showcase Comet's creativity in empty university spaces, once again accepting student submissions for the spring
Walking past the Student Union Market to grab a bite to eat, you might’ve noticed the “Blank Space Project” – a 14’ x 6’ art display. While it’s been a permanent fixture for three years, the initiative is in the process of being revived with new and more diverse forms...
Screaming for stronger finale
While humorous and nostalgic, 'Scream' (2022) sadly sacrifices good writing for modernization
There is an expectation among moviegoers that sequels must be original while maintaining iconic aspects of the previous films; that is especially true with a franchise like “Scream,” which has become a darling of both horror movie buffs and superfans. This, however, is no easy feat. Horror movie sequels often...