The Bucknellian

Justin Marinelli
Senior Writer

While many would argue that we look for totally different things depending on whether we want a hook-up or a relationship, I disagree. I find that we usually look for the same things, but it’s the number of traits we look for that differs. We just happen to be looking for more when what we want is a relationship.

If the weekend rolls around and I feel in the mood for a hook-up, the first thing I look for is enthusiasm. After all, who wants to mess around with someone who’ll be a cold fish? This is also something that I seek in a relationship. I want someone who’s as excited about dating me as I am about being me.

Confidence is also supremely important. In fact, no matter what I’m looking for, I find confidence essential in a partner. The way confident people approach the world is just sexy (and after some high school relationships with unconfident, insecure people, I have learned that it’s just not worth dating people who aren’t confident).

Maturity is also a quality worth seeking. Its usefulness in a relationship is obvious, but I find it key with hook-ups as well. Immaturity is not only a turn-off, but it greatly increases the likelihood of unpleasant or awkward circumstances later.

Looks are also nice, although they matter far less in the context of a relationship. An interesting difference here is that for a hook-up, whether or not one is actually good-looking matters more, whereas in a relationship being able to be comfortably dressed and to be yourself has the edge.

The ultimate quality though, and the one I give the most weight to, is without a doubt intelligence. There’s something about a large, hefty intellect or a fine, well-rounded wit that makes things intensely satisfying. I know many would argue that smarts aren’t too important in the context of a casual encounter, but intelligence is just really attractive, so I keep it on my little list.

If I were looking for a relationship, not only would I keep an eye out for what I’ve listed above, but I’d also look for a few additional traits. To a certain degree, I like it when someone is a bit sassy. It keeps things fun and interesting, and it also shows a fair amount of confidence and intelligence. For the same reasons, I find that a decent sense of humor is also necessary for a great relationship. Finally, while this isn’t necessary in a hook-up, the ability to carry on a deep conversation is absolutely essential in a relationship.

While it is a common sentiment that we look for different traits in a hook-up than a relationship, it seems more reasonable to assume that what we’re looking for is mostly the same mold with minor, not major, differences. The amount of difference varies a bit between each person, but the similarities are almost always far greater. Think back through your own history and compare your hook-ups with your relationships. You’ll probably find some common themes.

Spencer Ivey

Writer

If you love James Bond movies, you must see the newly released “Skyfall.” Fifty years removed from “Dr. No,” the first movie in this second-highest grossing film franchise in history, director Sam Mendes takes us back to the basics of a great Bond film. A charismatic actor playing Bond along with his supporting crew at M16, exotic locations, beautiful women, fast-paced action and a vodka martini (shaken, of course) have been the meat and potatoes for Mr. Bond since the inception of this iconic series. With Daniel Craig’s best effort as 007 yet, I proclaim “Skyfall” as one of the best Bond movies ever.

“Skyfall” had high expectations especially due to the underappreciated “Quantum of Solace,” which hardly passed as a Bond film. Mendes worked hard to feed Bond lovers’ appetites for a hearty serving of classic 007 flair, and he has certainly left them satisfied. After its first weekend, “Skyfall” deservedly raked in $87.8 million, which was good enough to claim the most profitable premier in Bond history.

I guess the third time is the charm for Craig. His piercing blue eyes and rugged exterior is complemented perfectly with the deep emotional development of his character. We see a different side of the sly killer for the first time, but not without a lack of action. Outfitted by the return of a familiar character in the series, who was missing from the previous two movies, Q (played by the young Ben Wishaw), and instructed by the always-stellar Judi Dench as M, Bond takes us on a thrilling, international adventure in pursuit of the bad guy with all the wrong intentions.

In an effort to not spoil the many surprises of this spectacular movie, I will avoid detail. In essence, this is a Bond movie you simply cannot afford to miss. Although I saw “Skyfall” on a normal theater screen the first time around, I will be sure to take advantage of the IMAX offering next time. This is a movie truly deserving of the big screen.

El McCabe
Writer

Registering for classes brings up a mix of emotions for most students. There is of course the overall excitement for a fresh start and a new set of professors. Yet, this excitement is combated with the overall anxiety of starting a new routine. Then there is always the fear that despite hours of painstakingly selecting the perfect classes or schedule for your sleeping preferences, that all the spots will be taken before your time slot. This fear is a valid one for many underclassmen, especially first-years, but everything indeed works out in the end.

As a first-year it is important to expect that you will not get into all, if any, of your first choices. If a class is your first choice, there is a high chance that the class is also the first choice of many other students. Having a lot of backups is essential for this very reason. It can be frustrating, dismaying and upsetting to watch the classes that stood out to you lose spots every registration period. The good news is that in the future those classes will be offered again, and it only gets better in terms of registration.

Personally, I did not get into any of the classes I first selected two weeks before my registration period. The key to being satisfied with my classes was finding backups that were not simply fillers to match with my wait-listed choices, but finding classes that truly piqued my interest or explored subjects I had never considered. Part of the college experience is exploring classes/subject areas that you would not have had access to in high school and are outside of your defined interests. You never know when a class is going to speak to you or when you will find a professor with whom you really connect.

If you are still really concerned about your current schedule and dissatisfied with the backups you have chosen, putting yourself on the wait-list for one or more classes is an option. The wait-list is on a first-come, first-serve basis and if you are in the position of numbers one through four, there is a good chance that you will get into the class or classes that you want. The benefits of putting yourself on the wait-list might not come immediately; a lot of people change their minds about classes within the first week of the new semester. By that point you may even be satisfied with your new class and not even desire the old class anymore.

The registration process always finds a way of working itself out. For some students, this means memorizing course codes and practicing typing them really fast into the browser while others carefully select classes and backups that they will be satisfied with despite the outcome. No matter how you cope with registration woes, it is assuring to know that it will only get easier as time goes on.

Caroline Shaeffer
Writer

Students at the University can be as healthy or unhealthy as they want, and depending on their choice, the school can either make their decision very easy or very difficult. Being somewhat of an exercise enthusiast myself, I can’t imagine not living a “healthy” lifestyle, and the University provides me with many ways to achieve this. The facilities at the gym make it easy for anyone at any level of physical fitness to work out, and daily workout classes like Zumba or Tabata provide students with a fun and different way of gettingtheir workout in. If you want to work out at the University, you’d be hard-pressed to find an excuse as to why you could not. Still, some students have trouble getting themselves to those classes, or passing up that second slice of Nestle Toll House pie in Bostwick Marketplace, and understandably struggle with maintaining a healthy lifestyle. From personal experience, I can confidently say that it is possible for anyone, but you do need to have one thing: determination.

The act of lacing up your sneakers and walking down to the gym is always more mentally punishing than the actual workout itself. From what I’ve learned, sometimes the hardest part of any workout is simply getting started. In the end, if you were going to quit at any point, it would have been before you even started, not during the middle of your workout. The same goes for eating unhealthy foods. Sure, Bostwick Marketplace the Bison have lots of tempting offers as far as sweets and fried foods go, and sure, it’s okay to indulge in these treats every once in a while, but don’t make a habit of lapping the dessert table after every meal. Instead, get fruit if you’re still hungry and add peanut butter if you’re craving something sweet. I guarantee it will satisfy your lingering hunger and sweet tooth in a much healthier way than four cookies would. 

Of course, sometimes I’m guilty of snacking on sweets a little too often, or skipping a workout for no valid reason, but to occasionally lapse isn’t necessarily a negative thing as long as the lapse doesn’t become a habit. No one can live a completely exercise-oriented, sugar-free lifestyle–it would just be depressing. The key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is to balance the exercise and healthy eating with the occasional reward, whether it be a day off or a slice of cake. That way, your life has an equal balance of what is good for you and what is just plain good.