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Arts & Life

Exploring the Samek Art Gallery

By Katie Monigan

Arts & Life Editor

The permanent collection of the Samek Art Gallery, located in the Elaine Langone Center, boasts more than 5,000 works of art—from Renaissance and Baroque painting to pre-Columbian objects—with a specialty in photography and prints. It is sponsored mostly by donations from alumni and local supporters. The collection started in 1853, when it was stored in the Bertrand Library, and moved to its current home in the Edward and Marthann Samek Art Gallery in 1983.

Despite the presence of such a large gallery on campus, students rarely take advantage of this resource.

Harry Bradford ’13 said he did not even know there was a gallery on campus. “I’ve heard of it, but I don’t know where it is,”  Ariel Savrin-Jacobs ’13 said.

Tracy Ann Graham, the gallery’s assistant registrar, admits a large percentage of students are not familiar with the Samek Gallery. She attributes the low attendance to the location. “Unless a student has a class or comes to an event in the Gallery Theater, or has business in the CAP center, they may graduate from Bucknell without ever venturing above the 1st or 2nd floor of the LC,” she said. Graham hopes to encourage attendance through continued work with individual classes and also through programming advertised through the Message Center.

Despite its apparently minimal attendance from students, the gallery continues to host special exhibitions and an annual student show. Following the current exhibition, the 2010-2011 season will include “Xiaoze Xie: Amplified Moments” from Oct. 11 to Nov. 21, an AIDS quilt display from Nov. 29 to Dec. 7, “Deng Guoyuan and Rosalyn Richards: Works on Paper” from Jan. 28 to March 30, and “Collection Focus III: In Chicago” from Jan. 28 to March 30. The year will culminate with a student show for the second half of April.

Though in prior years the student show has been a showcase of all the art classes offered at the University, according to gallery operations manager Cynthia Peltier, this year’s show will instead focus on work by students in a Senior Projects class, with additional work of three graduate students in Printmaking, Photography and Sculpture.

Currently “The Sleep of Reason, A Cautionary Tale,” an exhibition by Deborah and Richard Cornell with audio by Richard and installation by Deborah, is on display. The exhibit will run through Oct. 3.

According to the gallery website, the Cornells’ work is a reaction to “the potential for changing the foundation of the natural world by the ‘unraveling’ of DNA.” The display features a boat-shaped container filled with sculpted human hands, seashells, scientific instruments and lizards. The audio is reminiscent of a forest, incorporating the sounds of crickets and other insects. The audio was “filtered to reveal aspects beyond the natural scope of the human ear.” It contains the sounds of crickets, tree frogs and the silver-haired bat.

The Cornells will present their lecture “The Sleep of Reason: A Cautionary Tale” Sunday, Sept. 12 at 1:30 p.m. in the Gallery Theater.  A reception will follow the lecture during which visitors can meet and talk with the artists.

Categories
Headline News

Blaze in downtown Lewisburg causes scare

By Tracy Lum and Rob Duffy

Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor

A fire tore through White Pine and Hawn alleys between South Seventh and South Eighth streets early Tuesday morning, leaving in its wake the charred, skeletal frame of a barn and a line of burned cars buried in rubble.

University students and Lewisburg residents say they heard loud explosions and pops and saw smoke before 40-foot orange flames emerged in the sky at around 1:15 a.m. Witnesses said the fire began in a barn containing several cars located in the center of the alley and later spread across the lane, catching a dumpster and another garage and house on fire before the first fire engine arrived on scene. The barn belonged to Brian Gockley of the University’s Teaching and Learning Center.

“It was shocking to wake up to that terrible blaze,” Gockley said. “It was hot, it was frightening. We were fearful it would spread to other buildings.”

Doug Shribman ’11 and Gerry Runyan ’12 were sitting in the living room of their house on Seventh Street when they saw police cars coming down South Seventh Street. “We got out before the fire started and saw smoke coming away,” Shribman said. The two then began calling neighbors to alert them of the fire and tell them to evacuate their houses.

“I was scared at first, especially since all the ash was blowing toward our house,” Runyan said, adding that he saw “burning pieces” falling out of the sky. Lewisburg residents said they saw ash on the other side of town.

Robin Hammersley ’11, who also resides on Seventh Street, said she saw the flames and “heard a lot of noise.” She and neighbors all came out of their houses and watched the fires burn until around 3:30 a.m., when the fire was mostly out.

According to witnesses, police officers evacuated nearby houses. University students who lived in the vicinity were also evacuated.

The fire also spread to a telephone pole and the surrounding electrical wires, according to witnesses on the scene.  In total, eight buildings caught fire–-four were total losses, three were safe and one was mostly gone.

“We’re saddened by the loss but grateful there were no injuries to people,” Gockley said. “We’ve got a lot of cleaning up and rebuilding ahead.”

Student volunteer firefighters including Michael Stagnitto ’13 and Warren Ziegler ’13 responded to the dispatch. Seven fire engine companies responded, and just over 70 firefighters were on the scene at the peak of the call. The scene was cleared at 5:30 a.m.

No injuries were reported, and the cause is still under investigation.

Fire marshal Norman Fedder was unable to be reached for comment.


Categories
Opinion

On the hypocrisy of private schooling

By Jessica Rafalko

Contributing Writer

Throughout my public school education, I encountered several teachers who sent their own children to private school. This practice has never sat well with me; it seems tantamount to a humble cobbler buying his kids’ shoes from Payless. It goes beyond a conflict of interest—it is in itself a criticism of the public school system. The implication is, “I will teach here, but I will not have my children learning here.” If these teachers cannot show enough faith in their own system to send their kids to public school, how do they expect other parents to make that leap?

Most kids in the United States attend public school—in 2007, roughly 72% of kids were taught at a public school in their district (an additional 15% of students were given the option of choosing a particular public school in their area). Public schools are expected to educate the majority of young Americans—ideally to prepare them for college, a vocation or military service upon graduation.

While public schools are sometimes referred to as great equalizers, that equation varies from district to district. As a general rule, students in more affluent areas have greater funding to draw on, and therefore more effective public schooling. Because schools are funded primarily by property taxes, areas with less expensive costs of living may also have less desirable conditions in their public schools.

I spent a lot of time as an adolescent watching teenage comedies or MTV reality shows, and what always struck me about the high schools I saw portrayed in the media was how nice they seemed compared to my own school. They were multilevel structures with sprawling cafeterias and wide halls, theater programs and varsity athletics. My own school, a small building constructed about 40 years ago, had a tiny cafeteria and crowded halls, a measly annual school play and a laughably bad football team. These differences, though mostly cosmetic or superficial, made me realize the only thing I enjoyed about my own school were the teachers. They challenged me, aided me, entertained me.

Though a sturdy building and myriad afterschool activities are important, the true equalizers in our public schools are our teachers. A dedicated teacher can overcome the deficiencies of the district they teach in; teachers provide students with the opportunities they need to be successful.

This is why those teachers who sent their kids to private schools always struck me as Benedict Arnolds: they surrendered to the common belief that public schools are limping, bleeding vestiges of a past time when teachers truly wanted to teach, when they believed in their own profession. If we can restore our teachers’ faith in public education, we will be able to restore it in taxpayers, voters, parents and most importantly, students.

Categories
Opinion

Recession effects continue to linger

By Pranav Sehgal

Contributing Writer

For the past two years, Americans and University students alike have felt the effects of the recession.

During its peak, the recession affected the world’s richest and elite. According to CBS News, Warren Buffet lost $25 billion, bringing his net worth down to $37 billion, while Bill Gates lost $18 billion bringing his new worth to $40 billion. I’m sure during this time even billionaires had to cut down to some degree. Maybe swap their G6 jet for a more modest G5, maybe sell one of their hundred-plus foot yachts in the Mediterranean, or even possibly sell a couple of their real estate holdings in Dubai or St. Tropez.

Approximately a year after the recession’s peak, many of the world’s elite have rebounded. According to Forbes, Warren Buffet’s net worth has increased to a more comfortable $47 billion while Bill Gates has risen to $53 billion. For those of us who aren’t billionaires, it seems the recession may still not be over. We’re still going to have to save up for our favorite fall clothing line.

If you ask a Wall Street executive and a coal miner in West Virginia whether the recession is over or not, you will probably receive completely different answers.

According to a Bloomberg survey taken in July, only seven out of 10 Americans think we are still in a recession and only one in six Americans think they are financially better off than they were 18 months ago. While the public’s perception of the economy seems rather gloomy and negative, there is evidence to suggest otherwise. First-quarter corporate profits were up more than 33 percent from a year earlier and the S&P 500 stock index has grown more than 36 percent since President Obama has taken office, according to Bloomberg News.

The world’s elite and wealthy may have recovered from the recession: Russia’s Roman Abramovich is a case in point. He has achieved new feats of gaudiness by building the world’s largest and most expensive yacht, costing $1.2 billion and measuring 560 feet. It’s easy to see that “recession” is not in some people’s vocabulary.

While the expectations and profits of Wall Street and corporate America seem to be growing, it seems the remnants of the recession are still widely felt in the majority of Americans’ personal lives.

Categories
Opinion

Women’s rights need to be revisited

By Simin Wahdat

Contributing Writer

When I went to Afghanistan for summer break after a year of college in the U.S. and London, I unfortunately noticed significantly high levels of tension among women in Kabul. It was the time of peace negotiations with the Taliban and the empowering of local militia by the Afghan government and international community.

These two issues have badly affected women’s hope in Kabul. Women in other parts of Afghanistan under current president Hamed Karzai’s regime are not in any better situation than they were during the Taliban’s regime. The reconciliation with the Taliban raises the question: does the international community really care about peace and stability or is this a strategy for leaving an unresolved conflict in Afghanistan?

Even though discrimination against women was one of the reasons for the United States’ overthrow of the Taliban’s regime, women’s status and condition are still miserable in Afghanistan. The reason women are frightened to go through reconciliation with the Taliban and hesitant to accept the empowerment of local militia is that these two factions have historically violated women’s rights in Afghanistan. Women that I talked to in person have completely lost their hope in government and in an international community that has not taken women’s concerns seriously.

When it comes to Afghanistan’s security and stability, women’s issues and problems are not considered a national concern. Women and children are directly affected by the consequences of policies and strategies made for Afghanistan, but women are the most excluded group in the country when it comes to participation at higher level of decision and policy-making processes.

The problems women encounter in Afghanistan should not be underestimated. The risky struggles and achievements women have made during the last decade in Kabul should not be compromised for the sake of political pragmatism.

The government of Afghanistan and the international community should understand that women will not compromise for the sake of political games in Afghanistan. Women need to be listened to and their problems should be taken seriously. The exclusion of women from decision-making processes undermines their role in building a stable and peaceful society where everyone can equally benefit.

As an international student in the United States, I appeal to the international community to pay more attention to women’s rights and concerns in Afghanistan. A lasting peace and security never happens in any society unless the whole population equally takes part in decision-making processes. I, like other Afghan students who study abroad, need security and safety to encourage my return to Afghanistan. I wish to serve my country, and the protection of women’s rights is a necessary precondition.

Categories
Arts & Life

Sam Adams to perform at Fall Fest

By Sara Dobosh

Arts & Life Editor

The Campus Activities and Programs (CAP) Center and Activities and Campus Events (ACE) will host Sam Adams at this year’s Fall Fest on Sept. 25 on Sojka Lawn. Although Fall Fest is happening later than it has in prior years, ACE member Sonali Basak ’12 said she “feels that that could only yield a bigger turnout because generally the beginning of the year is more overwhelming as students are moving in and getting settled,” she said. ” [Our Fall Fest date] is the perfect time when students are settled in to be able to enjoy the campus.”

Fall Fest is a special event to University students, as it is a campus-wide and all student organizations are invited to participate. Organizations have the option of sponsoring a booth, game or creative activity.

“[Fall Fest] is one of the times that the entire campus community can come together on Sojka Lawn to enjoy the landscape and diversity that Bucknell offers,” Basak said.

Sam Adams will be joining Ke$ha and B.o.B as the University’s performers for the fall semester.

“Between Sam Adams, Ke$ha and B.o.B, the University has brought forth a series of new and upcoming artists, truly adding to the value of the campus,” Basak said.

The CAP Center, ACE and the Fall Fest committee hope Fall Fest will give University students a reason to stay on campus over the weekend and hope community members will also attend.

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Arts & Life Featured

Silly Bandz craze hits universities

By Ashley Miller

Contributing Writer

Two years ago, if someone asked you if you had any Silly Bandz, you probably would have had no idea what they were talking about. Today it’s nearly impossible not to know what they are. Everyone—men and women, preschool children and college students—wears the colorful rubber bands that come in varying shapes.

Silicone rubber bands were originally introduced to become a more eco-friendly office supply product before they were adapted by BCP Imports to be made into toys for children, according to sillybandz.com. Now Silly Bandz is a multinational name with literally hundreds of designs.

Originally Silly Bandz were shaped as animals. Today you can get them in the shapes of words, texting lingo (such as LOL), Marvel Action Heroes, your favorite sports team or even Justin Bieber. They come in multi-color, glow in the dark and tie-dye designs. Fanatics can even customize their own or write letters to the company suggesting design ideas. The company is also beginning to make Silly Ringz.

Knock off brands like Faith Bands, Crazy Rubber Bands, Zany Bandz and Rubba Bands have been following Silly Bandz’ lead. While Silly Bandz are limited to certain stores, you can find these knock-off brands nearly anywhere. If you aren’t interested in the name, these bands can be purchased for a much cheaper price, though the variety is more limited.

Silly Bandz do not seem to be exclusive to the younger generation. Latina singer-songwriter Shakira wore Silly Bandz on the cover of her new album “Sale el Sol,” they’ve been seen on professional athletes, and Haley Williams, lead singer of Paramore, wore the bands on the cover of Spin Magazine.

College students have not been immune to the craze; you can spot someone sporting the Silly Bandz from most locations on campus.

“They make my day. I have a raccoon and a caterpillar,” Mark Sabbas ‘14 said.

“They are the coolest thing ever,” Alexander Vining ’14 said. “My favorite ones are the ones that glow in the dark.”

Silly Bandz are popular right now for all ages, and it looks as though the trend is not stopping here.

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Arts & Life Campus Events Review

Zumba classes remain popular

By Maggie Schneiderman

Contributing Writer

Ten years ago in Cali, Columbia, fitness trainer Beto Perez forgot his aerobics music. It was too late to go home for it, so he used the Latin Salsa tapes he had in his backpack, and Zumba was born.

Zumba is an aerobic workout combining Latin and international music with dance. The program is currently taught at over 60,000 locations in 105 countries, has sold millions of DVDs and is the work-out favorite of about 7.5 million Americans, according to zumba.com. The University is no exception, with free classes held each Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4-5 p.m.

A session of Zumba can feel more like a nightclub than a gym. An energetic instructor teaches you to shake your hips and do fast footwork for a mix of dances ranging from Salsa to aerobic-inspired steps, all to the beat of loud, popular music. The Zumba program fuses rhythmic Latin beats and easy-to-follow moves to make a fun, full-body workout. Unlike repetitions with weights or an hour on the treadmill, you don’t even realize you’re working out, but your body reaps the same benefits—an hour-long Zumba class can burn hundreds of calories, according to the Zumba official web site. Zumba’s slogan, “Ditch the workout, join the party” is an accurate description. Adri Hartung ’14 said “the best part is dancing with your friends. It doesn’t even seem like a workout, but it’s really great exercise.”

In a class of almost 45 girls with various levels of dance experience, everyone had a smile on her face and was able to sing along to songs like “3” by Britney Spears and Trey Songz’s “Say Ahh.”

Any level of ability is welcome. As instructor Grace Ragold ’13 said in the beginning of class, no one is watching you, and everyone is there to improve her fitness and have fun. The Zumba program moves are easy to follow, and no previous dance experience is required.

Maddie Lawrence ’14, who has no previous dance experience, was pleased with her ability to follow along.  Kira Kukon ’14, who is a newcomer to Zumba but has experience in dance, said it was a fun way to exercise. She was even able to put her own spin on some of the moves to personalize the workout.

Ragold’s passion for Zumba really shows through in her class. She motivates the girls to have fun and challenge themselves to keep up with the pace. Zumba is a “great cardio workout that also works different muscle groups, and aside from the fitness benefits, it’s a great way to meet people,” she said.

The Zumba workout can be a stress reliever after a full day of classes and is an exhilarating was to tone muscles, burn calories and have fun all at the same time. Next time you want to hit the gym but the elliptical looks daunting, ditch the workout and join the party.

Categories
Arts & Life

Cooking with Emily

By Emily Fry

Staff Writer

Fruit Pizza

Even though Labor Day weekend generally signifies the end of summer, you can hold onto it a little longer with this delicious fruit pizza.  Any kind of fruit works: raspberries, blackberries, kiwi or whatever sounds good to you!

Ingredients:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup butter

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 3/8 cups cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar

 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

2 cups fresh blueberries

2 cups sliced fresh strawberries

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 12-inch pizza pan.
2. First make the crust. In a large mixing bowl, combine  flour, butter and sugar. Once combined, the dough should be dry. Spread the dough into the pizza pan and bake for 10 minutes until brown. Allow the crust to cool on a wire rack.
3. Next make the filling. In another large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until fluffy. Next fold in the whipped topping and spread the mixture onto cooled crust. Top your creation with fruit of your choice.
Credit: Allrecipes.com
Categories
Arts & Life

Classical film review: “Mildred Pierce”

By Diego Chiri

Based on the novel by James M. Cain, “Mildred Pierce” (1945) tells the story of a divorced middle-class mother of two who decides to waitress her way to success in 1930s California. Mildred (Joan Crawford) faces many difficulties: she is a woman living in times of male domination, her ambitious and cold daughter Veda (Ann Blyth) refuses to forgo her life of complete luxury and she becomes the main suspect when her business partner and second husband Monte (Zachary Scott) is murdered under strange circumstances.

“Mildred Pierce” cannot be considered in its entirety a noir film. First, it does not have a male detective hero as a main character. Instead we have Mildred, a strong and idealistic mother whose only sin is to be a woman in the workplace. Mildred is punished throughout the film because she does not stay home to take care of domestic needs, but decides to move freely in a traditionally male-dominated business.

Although it seems the film tries to portray Mildred as a threat to the institution of family, the audience knows that her intentions are noble— she wants to maintain her family’s social position through hard and honest work. Mildred cannot be a “femme fatale,” another key element of noir films, because she is not a fetishist powerful woman who causes psychological terror to men. Daughter Veda instead fulfills the profile of the dangerous but innocent male sexual fantasy.

But what does film noir actually mean? What is it? Is it a genre, a series, a mode or a historical movement? Literally “black film” in French, film noir imposes a dark tone into stories that draws from the underworld of American pulp fiction in the 1940s and 1950s. Film critic John Belton explains it in his 2009 book “American Cinema, American Culture” as the “uniquely American experience of wartime and postwar despair and alienation” made byAmerican cinema to be dominated by “crime, corruption, cruelty and an apparently unhealthy interest in the erotic.” From the French perspective, American film had turned grimmer, bleaker and blacker. “Mildred Pierce” represents the values and identity of family and women in society through a dark perspective.