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Opinion

Joining student clubs

By Molly Brown

Contributing Writer

To be blunt, the University has a lot of clubs. Whether your interests lie in sports, volunteering, fantasy role-play or Harry Potter, there is definitely a place somewhere for you and your like-minded peers. All you have to do is show up to have a good time, right?  Not exactly.

How exactly do you join a new club, anyway? Do you rely on the barrage of emails after you signed a ridiculous amount of clipboards at the Activities Fair back in September? Do you travel in a pack with your friends, joining what they are interested in just for the sake of having someone to go with you for the inevitably awkward first meeting? Do you eavesdrop on people’s conversations in the Bison? Do you wander around and hope for the best? Whatever your approach, it is difficult to join a new club, both in clearing the communication hurdle of when and where a club meets and also in the more personal obstacle of putting yourself out there.

It is one of the greatest social fears to find yourself in a situation in which you do not know anyone. But when you join a club, you are inflicting this upon yourself voluntarily. Let us say you have ascertained the correct meeting time and place for a club based on one of the omnipresent neon flyers plastered around campus. You show up and those who are there are already divided into their groups of friends. If you are lucky, you might see someone you know from class. You sit down alone, clearly an outsider to the normal order of things. You feel so alone, all you wanted to do was find others who are interested in the same extracurriculars or continue doing what you love to do outside of class. You debate just getting up and leaving, wondering whether you would attract even more attention if you did. Someone turns to you and says hello, so you return the courtesy. The conversation continues and, gasp, you have a new friend! Then the meeting starts and all of a sudden, you are in.

As a first-year, I understand the quandary of joining a club. In fact, this very article represents overcoming the above situation entirely: it is my first article for “The Bucknellian,” assigned to me at my first meeting last week. I went, awkwardly sat by myself and was then included in the meeting with a smile just like that. First-years might feel especially nervous about putting themselves out there because they might feel apprehensive about joining a club that already has an organized agenda or perceived rigidity in membership. This is not the case. Students and the clubs they form are open to anyone who is interested and are helpful and encouraging of any students who want to join. The key thing about joining a new club is to keep in mind that every person in the meeting was in your position at one point or another too, and that you are all in the same club because of your unifying interests. And perhaps, in the future, when you are a seasoned club member and you see a person sitting alone before a meeting with a panicked look about him or her, you might be the one to extend the hello.

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Opinion

Super Bowl stands as an American classic

By Connor Small

Writer


We wait for it every year. The lights, the spectacle, the (usually) lame half-time show, the best-of-the-best commercials and, of course, the most hyped-up sporting event in America: the Super Bowl. What is it about the Super Bowl that is so attractive?

Last year, Super Bowl XLV had the highest TV rating of all time, with close to 170 million viewers tuning in for at least some of the game, most likely the commercials. These whopping numbers were a surprising bright spot for a football season filled with an array of new rule changes. It also marked the first time that the No. 6 seed, the Green Bay Packers, had reached the Super Bowl and we all know how that turned out.

This year’s contest, taking place in Indianapolis, pits the New York Giants against the New England Patriots, a rematch of Super Bowl XLII. As a Philadelphia native and diehard Eagles fan, I think I can speak for every Eagles fan when I say it tears me apart to root for either of these teams. Yet, I can’t help but admit that this will be a memorable Super Bowl. The two teams match up solidly and it should be a good game to watch, as both teams have high-flying pass attacks and sub-par pass defense, which should hopefully lead to a shootout.

Maybe the main reason why the Super Bowl has become so popular and such a vital event in American society is that it combines many of the elements of American culture. Ideas such as togetherness, competition, consumption, commercialism and pop culture are all prevalent during the event. Advertisements for every conceivable product are shown in creative and often humorous ways, and in fact, many Americans admit to only watching the Super Bowl for the commercials. In other words, there’s something for everyone.

Another crucial aspect of the Super Bowl, and probably my favorite non-football portion, is the half-time show. This year, the lineup looks promising with Nicki Minaj, Madonna and M.I.A. sharing the stage during half-time. Hopefully these three ladies will be better than last year’s entertainment consisting of Christina Aguilera, who forgot the lyrics to the national anthem, and the Black Eyed Peas, whose half-time performance left everybody scratching his or her head.

The Super Bowl has been, and will continue to be, a staple of American culture because of all the aspects of our culture that it combines. Everybody is kept entertained all the way through from the game, commercials and half-time show. 

High powered offenses, hard-nosed defenses and the rematch of the century: one could not ask for a better Super Bowl. After a very memorable season that saw all varieties of ups and downs, this matchup seems to be an appropriate end. While some fans have been crushed, and many are on their way to a chance for a repeat title, I think, just as last year, that this Super Bowl will be a highly rated, highly talked about match and the best-commercial-of-the-night battle will be as competitive as ever.

 

Categories
Opinion

Obesity plagues celebrtity chefs

By Sara Blair Matthews

Contributing Writer

“How to Drop Five Pounds in Five Days,” “Why Fat is Deadly” and “Cut Carbs, Live Longer” are prominent headlines in our society. Clearly, America has an obsession with fat. We have come up with countless diet fads, shows such as “The Biggest Loser” and “Fat Chef,” and tabloid campaigns judging celebrities on how much weight they have gained. All of these areas feed off each other between making people feel simultaneously horrible and happy about themselves in relation to others. How many times have you or someone you know picked up a tabloid with someone’s face blocked out, reading “Guess who gained 50 pounds?” just to see who that person is and perhaps feel better about yourself? Think of the swimsuit picture of Tyra Banks, former supermodel, which blew up a few years ago. Yes, it was clear Tyra was not her former size-zero self, and the tabloids completely tore her apart for it. However, she had the guts to fight back and ended up wearing her swimsuit on her talk show to show the world that she was happy with how she looked and that she wasn’t intimidated by others’ criticism.

Most people cannot face their critics head on. For example, Paula Deen shied away from criticism for years by concealing her diagnosis of type II diabetes. Recently, she has faced much criticism because she waited three years to reveal her diagnosis to the public and waited to do it with an endorsement deal on hand. To many, it appears she is using her disease for profit and that she is not taking this seriously. She is well known for her “the more butter, the better” attitude, which has led her to her current predicament, but I’m not going to criticize her for her choices. Though she may not be the most healthy role model for Americans, she has never falsely preached about the health benefits of her food. She often says, “here’s a little mint, we have to have our vegetable!,” but most who watch her show know she’s kidding.

It is true America has a rising obesity problem, but I do not think fat chefs such as Paula Deen, Ina Garten and Mario Batali are to blame. I think it is up to the viewer to determine whether their food is the most healthful option for his or her lifestyle. If someone wants to cut down on his or her fat intake, he or she should know that when Paula cooks a recipe that uses two sticks of butter, three cups of sugar and one cup of heavy whipping cream, nutrition is not the aim of the dish. Americans should be held responsible for their own choices, and I don’t think it is right to blame it on these celebrity chefs just because they are more visible people in our society.

You also have to consider the viewing demographic of these shows. Most seven to 13-year-olds are probably not watching the Food Network in their free time. Food Network shows are mostly generated for middle-age adults, who frankly should have some idea of what healthy eating means. My dad loves to watch Paula’s show while working out, and he will come home and tell us how many sticks of butter she used throughout the course of that show. We love Paula, but we rarely cook her food in our home because we understand it does not lend well to a healthy diet. I think a lot of people probably feel the same way. Viewers love her personality, but realize that her food does not fit the kind of lifestyle they want to lead.

I think we should be responsible for our own choices. Yes, celebrities are very visible, and they do have the power to influence a lot of people, but we don’t always have to follow their lead. It’s in our hands to create a life that works for us each specifically. I would love to be friends with Paula, but I would never take weight loss advice from her. Ultimately, we need to focus on people’s strengths, especially celebrities, versus trying to use them as scapegoats for our problems. They’re only human.

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Arts & Life Sleeping Around

Sleeping Around: Breakfast Etiquette

By Stacey Lace

Columnist

Last semester, I explained exactly what is a half-night stand. I know some of you found it funny that I actually had a term for such a phenomenon and others found it appalling that this kind of behavior even exists. Regardless, no one can deny the fact that the half-night stand eliminates worrying about “breakfast etiquette.”

I like to think of good breakfast etiquette as the Emily Post way to gracefully handle the morning after situation. I’ll be honest, after hearing stories from my friends of both genders and different sexual orientations, it seems the awkwardness of the morning after is inevitable.

I started thinking about breakfast etiquette when I heard from a friend that she doesn’t come home the morning after until three requirements have been met:

She has been fed breakfast.

She has had a massage.

She is given a ride.

While I am a diva, I’m not sure that these stipulations should be the standard in every situation. If you’re not in a relationship, I understand that it may not make sense to have an over-the-top morning routine for a one-nighter with no future; however, maybe a little something could be expected.

For example, if you end up spending your late evening and early morning in a mod, at least a bowl of cereal can be managed. (For future reference, I prefer Strawberry Frosted Mini Wheats; they’re just so pink!) If you’ve got a fully functioning kitchen and can’t even get cereal together, why do you bother living so far away from the rest of campus?

Once sleepovers grow to be habitual enough that bacon, eggs and toast are expected, I think roommates could even coordinate their efforts. I’m just saying one person cooks on Saturdays and the other on Sundays. It just seems more efficient that way (same cost, greater benefit).

As for those lacking a kitchen, maybe a quick breakfast date in the Bison would suffice? If you have the time and want to get a little classier you could take your honey down to Zelda’s, Kiely’s or Cherry Alley.  There’s just something so nice about doing the Sunday crossword together.

As for my friend’s feelings about massages and rides home, maybe you should only bother with a massage when you’re in a relationship or a licensed masseuse, and a ride home is always key.

And a few last words: No relationship, no kitchen–-no breakfast. Let’s not make our expectations completely unrealistic.

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Arts & Life

That Sea, The Gambler embodies Transcendentalist ideas in music form

By Rob O’Donnell

Writer

“And I’m going back where I belong, with the salt and the sea and the stones, save them all for me.”

If Thoreau could sing, he would probably make an album exactly like Gregory Alan Isakov’s “That Sea, The Gambler.” Bold, you say? Perhaps. Irrelevant, you say? Maybe. Who is Thoreau, you say? You confuse me. Put down this newspaper and pick up a book; any book will do.

I say this because Isakov’s lyricism is clearly influenced by Transcendentalism. His lyrics are deeply rooted in nature, dealing mostly with the beauty of the moon, the sea and the night sky. They’ll show you a side of nature you may have never imagined. If you listen to this album on a nighttime stroll, you’ll never want to stop walking. I can guarantee it, as it’s the main reason this article is past its deadline.

A lot of writers personify nature, but Isakov truly makes it come alive. He makes the night sky into something you can share your feelings with, and the ocean into a troubled soul you can relate to. In interviews he has mentioned that one of his biggest influences is Leonard Cohen, and for those of you who are fans, you won’t be disappointed. The only difference is that Isakov has a beautiful voice.

And don’t even get me started on his music. On songs like “3 a.m.,” it’s just him and a finger-picked guitar, and yet it is surprisingly intricate and definitely addicting. It’s mostly for the lyrics and Isakov’s soft yet raspy voice, but the sound is still affecting. And for the rest of the songs, he is accompanied by an assortment of banjo, harmonica, cello and a backing vocalist, along with his complex acoustic guitar. Before I knew who he was, “The Stable Song” came up on my Nick Drake Pandora station, and the sound alone had me hooked. It wasn’t until a few more listens that I even paid attention to the lyrics, and then it was a full-blown addiction.

You can see a glimpse of Isakov’s personal life in his fairly abstract music. He ruminates about heartbreak, but in such a broad and natural way that there is only a hint of pain in the words. And every so often, you can hear a trace of an accent in his vocals, presumably because he is originally from Johannesburg, South Africa. His heavy use of natural imagery hints at his previous studies in horticulture, as well as perhaps some literary influences.

Whether you’re a fan of acoustic folk music, or just a lover of Transcendental poetry, I truly think you’ll enjoy this album. And if you want to listen to it before buying it, and haven’t discovered Youtube, tune in to Those Damn Jackalopes on 90.5 FM WVBU on Thursday nights from 12 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

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Opinion

Is the lack of sorority housing patriarchal? She said…

By Nicole Della Cava

Contributing Writer
The rumor that eight women living in the same house is considered a brothel started in the 1960s, during a decade that saw a huge spike in the number of women attending college. No one seems to know at which school the rumor began, but the truth is that there is no such state law or any University prohibition against sorority houses.

Greek women at our University were asked whether they wanted sorority houses or a sorority dorm. Sorority girls opted to not have houses because they liked the camaraderie of a sorority dorm and dues are less expensive than if women owned their own houses. Therefore, Hunt Hall was built in 1928 to act as a sorority house for all the sisters of each sorority.

On the other hand, every one of the 11 active fraternities on campus has its own house. The only advantage that I find is that each fraternity has its own chef. Besides that, there are many responsibilities and liability issues that come with having a fraternity house. Fraternities host the parties and must register with Public Safety, as well as take responsibility for anyone who gets hurt or sick at their party. I do not think that it is unfair that fraternities have houses on campus while sororities do not because I would not want to live in such a filthy house. I would not get work done if there was a party downstairs every night, nor would I want to sit in the common room if it was covered in spilled drinks and food. The clean up that every weekend renders definitely takes a long time and that would be the last thing I would want to do on a Saturday or Sunday morning.

There is a trade-off that fraternity brothers make when choosing to live in their house. The brothers get to choose which sorority they want to have a party with each night. The sororities have little say in their social schedule because they are simply guests at the fraternity houses. Despite this, I find the sororities have parties with the fraternities they like and that is what matters. It is important that men have fraternity houses because it creates a more unified group. Together, they plan parties and events, while they talk and hang out during meals. Sorority girls bond and become sisters in the same ways even without the unifying factor of a mutual house.

Greek life on campus does not discriminate based on gender nor is it patriarchal. Fraternities and sororities have the same values on campus and coordinate parties well with one another. There are a variety of parties going on every night so no females on campus are restricted to be at a party that they do not want to be at. The sorority girls on campus are smart not to have their own houses because they are never denied entry into parties based on what sorority they are in.

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Arts & Life

John Legend: A one on one interview with the singer/songwriter

Interview conducted by Jen Lassen and Elizabeth Bacharach

“Soul is about authenticity. Whatever your passion is, follow it.“

Q: As you are very well regarded for your music, how did you get your start in the industry?

A: Well, I started playing music when I was four years old. I took piano lessons at a music store in my neighborhood. I begged my parents to enroll me in classes.  That was the beginning. But even before that, my family is very musical. It was something I was immersed in, growing up in church and in my parents’ home, it was music everywhere.

Q: What advice would you give to college musicians aspiring to make it big?

A: You need to try to be the best at whatever your talent is. Try to be amazing at it and work on it and practice it. It’s not just about talent, but it’s also about savvy, connections, and about making the right choices for your career.

Q: Everyone here recognizes you as a major philanthropist. What motivated you to begin your contributions?

A: I think my parents always inspired me to want to give back. They made that a value that we were imbued with as kids, despite the fact that we didn’t have a lot of money; we were a working class family. Yet the little money that we did have, it was impressed on us that we were supposed to give and help other people in the community. That became part of our value system.

Q: Why the focus on and advocacy of education?

A: It has become harder to escape poverty in this country than it ever has been. The question is, what do we do about it? How about using tax money in a wise way to empower the people and give them a way to help themselves? To me, the most high-potential tool that society has to do that is through education. I wanted to be involved in the solution of fixing the problems in public schools because I know that we can do better.

Q: As a whole, what does it feel like to be interviewed by college students?

A: I love being on college campuses, speaking to college interviewers. I enjoy it because I know what it’s like to be here. Coming from a small town in western Ohio, you’re insulated from a lot of the rest of the world. Part of the excitement of going to college for me was meeting people from all over the world and opening my mind to all of the things that are out there.  It all helps you grow and evolve into a great leader, great communicator, great thinker, and a great contributor to society. These are great things that colleges are able to do.

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Arts & Life

Noah and the Whale deserves another listen

Writer: Rob O’Donnell

Contributing Writer

 

To be clear, “Peaceful, The World Lays Me Down” by Noah & the Whale is not a new album by any stretch of the imagination. It’s almost four years old. But this is not a column that exclusively deals with new album releases; there is not always a new album worth writing about every week. This is a column that I hope will introduce you to good music. Essentially, it’s a recommendation column rather than a review column. So, with that out of the way, on to the album.

I’m starting to believe that Laura Marling is the epitome of a muse. I don’t normally pay attention to who musicians date, but in Marling’s case, I’m going to have to make an exception. Three of the people that she has dated are the lead singers of my favorite bands: Marcus Mumford of Mumford & Sons, Johnny Flynn of Johnny Flynn and the Sussex Wit, and yes, you guessed it, Charlie Fink of Noah & the Whale. She’s collaborated with all of them on one of their albums, and without exception, it’s always their best albums.

On “Peaceful”, she has a small role, contributing only backing vocals, but her voice completes the album. Her harmonies with Fink are simply breathtaking; they became the new Joan Baez and Bob Dylan in my eyes. Another of Marling’s contributions was the inspiration for many of the lyrics, at least I assume.

This album is absolutely perfect if, like many University students, you often find yourself at registers on Friday nights contemplating the meaning of love in the context of an uncertain life with death around every corner. Or maybe you’re just going through a bad breakup, or you’re in love with an uninterested best friend. Either way, Fink’s lyrics packs a powerful emotional and philosophical punch. It’s not for the light of heart, as shown through songs like “Jocasta.” For those of you that don’t know Greek mythology, she’s the mother of Oedipus. For those of you that still don’t understand, ask a psychology major and get prepared for a really uncomfortable conversation.

To keep the album lighter than the lyrics suggest, the actual music is incredibly uplifting and remarkably structured. The song “5 Years Time” is a perfect example of this. It’s four minutes of pure musical joy. Ukulele and whistling result in a rare folk song that makes you want to jump up and dance. It’s not until the song ends that you realize that the singer is heartbroken. That’s how brilliant the music is. It allows Fink to delve into hardcore philosophy and emotional pain, without worrying that his music will be dismissed as too depressing or heavy-handed, like Elliott Smith’s later albums. Noah & the Whale are, in my opinion, the best folk musicians right now, rivaled only by Laura Marling. Fink has an unusual voice, but when mixed with Marling’s, it becomes genius.

If you’re looking for music that breaks with the mindless pop songs about partying and that has true substance and value, you should buy this album. For fans of Mumford & Sons, “Peaceful” is perfect for the countdown to their new album.

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Arts & Life

Stars shined at the Golden Globes

By Courtney Botazzi

Writer

On Jan. 15, stars were looking polished and glamorous at the 69th Golden Globes Awards.

Whether you tune in to the daily doses of celebrity gossip or are merely a bystander, there is something fascinating about seeing these stars step out from behind the lives of their characters and interact with one another. We are able to see Tina Fey photobomb Amy Poehler’s close-up as her name was read for a nomination, George Clooney tease Brad Pitt about his recent knee accident and, amazingly, Melissa McCarthy looking a little embarrassed from clips of the blockbuster hit Bridesmaids.

Host Ricky Gervais humored the audience and made himself laugh just as much, even poking fun at his fellow Brit Colin Firth (who he tried to deem imperfect).

Morgan Freeman joined legends such as Alfred Hitchcock, Lucille Ball and Walt Disney when he received the incredible Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award.

Other major winners of the night included members of the productions of “The Descendants” and “The Artist.” “The Descendants” won Best Motion Picture in Drama and Best Performance by an Actor in a Drama, which went to George Clooney. “The Artist,” a silent French film, won three awards: Best Motion Picture for Comedy or Musical, Best Original Score in a Motion Picture and Best Performance by an Actor in a Comedy or Musical, won by Jean Dujardin, who gave thanks to his independent eyebrows which allowed him to have such an animated performance.

A moment that made many fellow celebrities tear up was when Octavia Spencer, who looked gorgeous in a lavender Tadashi Shoji gown, won Best Supporting Actress for “The Help.” 

Stars such as Angelina Jolie, Shailene Woodley and Zooey Deschanel sported similarly gorgeous ensembles and dazzled the red carpet.

Other dresses tended to be more questionable. Supermodel and presenter Elle Macpherson’s dress raised mixed feelings; as did Sarah Michelle Gellar’s somewhat blue tie-dyed affair.

Regardless of the best- and worst-dressed lists, the event supported a very worthwhile cause. The awards and the eye candy, both dapper and glam, were brought together to raise money for the non-profit Hollywood Foreign Press Association. This organization has donated over $12 million to arts-related charities and scholarships.

Even though the Oscars are a month away, we can still start to form guesses as to which movies will receive the most awards, who will be wearing the best and worst gown of the night and ultimately what infamous mishap or remembered moment will make a splash that evening. Make sure to tune in on Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. for this star-studded event.

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Arts & Life

Griot Institute: Black History Month Events

By Heather Hennigan

Writer

Believe it or not, February will be here before we know it. Things that resonate with this month include candy hearts, red roses and, more importantly, Black History Month.

This year’s celebration of Black History Month on campus includes an absolutely packed schedule with events galore. The theme this year is “Break the 28,” a fitting title for such an extensive celebration that intertwines various campus happenings.

From the John Legend concert to the Black History Month of Service to the Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson three-month series (bucknell.edu/SallyHemings), this celebration transcends the boundaries of a single month.

“Break the 28” also focuses on personalizing the University’s celebration of the month, kicking off with what is called “The Great 28 + 1.” Each day in February, a fact about the University’s black history and a Great Black Song (background information and YouTube video included) will be posted in the Message Center.

The spirit of the Black History Month celebration has been present for weeks now, especially during “An Evening with Bill T. Jones,” where the campus community had the opportunity to hear Jones share his experiences about his life as an African-American artist, choreographer, dancer, theater director and writer.

If you missed this lecture, no need to worry: there is still a chance to experience the remaining three events of the series, including a performance by the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company.

Another huge part of the University’s celebration of Black History Month, and a major focus on campus, is community service. The Black History Month of Service kicks off this Saturday, when students can offer assistance at the HandUp Foundation’s thrift store and the Sunbury YMCA. This focus on service continues throughout the month with opportunities in aiding the community’s youth through educational workshops, craft-making and snacks. The Month of Service ends on Feb. 28 with a no-sew blanket-making event to benefit victims of the August 2011 flood.

There are a few more events to mention, including a Joshua Rothman lecture, a Vance Gilbert concert, a Soul Food Panel, a poetry slam and even a sound installation made with genetic code (that’s right, with DNA). Please visit bucknell.edu/BlackHistoryMonth for an overview of the entire month.