Monday, May 9, 2016
Volume 98
Campus Life My Depression An important film screening!
Issue 22
Campus Life
World News
Entertainment
Top EC Yaks
Uganda
EC Buzz
Funny yaks to make you laugh!
Page 6
Page 4
First trans woman to come out in Uganda!
Page 9
Why your mother is amazing!
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Walking a Mile... Then 499 More By Elizabeth McIlwain ‘19 Contributing Writer
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he Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, otherwise known as JDRF, sponsors an annual event at Elmira College each year known as “One Walk.” The organization works alongside Student Alumni Council to successfully put on the one mile walk, raising funds to be donated to finding a cure to Type One Diabetes. People from all around the area came to participate in teams to raise awareness of T1D and walk throughout campus united by the cause. Though the patiences of the participants were tested by the chilly, damp weather on a very early morning, our entire staff stuck it out and persevered, showing how important finding a cure to T1D is to us. This year’s event was ran by an incredible group of volunteers from
both the college and JDRF, and also by the student Executive Commit-
tee, filled with both veterans and freshmen. This year, Rachael Patten ‘17 served as the Executive Chair, Kyle Graham ‘16 was the Media Services Chair, Chloe Green ‘19 served as Decorations Chair, Charleá Smith ‘17 was the Volunteer Chair, Michelle Insalaco served as the Logistics Chair, and I was the Public Relations Chair. Katie Budd supervised the project as an advisor. The committee was a very diverse group, everyone brought something different and unique to the table, and there were so many memories made and fun had, ranging from pizza parties to
Photos by the EC SAC’s JDRF Facebook Page Disney karaoke sessions to endless Spongebob references. The walk started at nine o’clock and registration at eight on the first Sunday of May. Participants took the opportunity to snap some photos, see the campus, and take part in activities being held in MacKenzie’s before and after the walk. The campus was booming with activity and many smiling faces raising money to find a cure for T1D. Overall, more than $35,000 was raised for JDRF. The event would have been impossible without the help of the dedicated volunteers, incredible Executive Committee, JDRF, and devoted advisor, and the committee could not be more thankful for the success of this event. Rachael Patten was asked about her thoughts, she said, “Despite the bad weather, the JDRF Walk this year was a success! We would not have been able to put on such a great event without the support we have on this campus. Next year, I would love to see even more student clubs and organizations getting involved with the walk!”
May 9, 2016
Campus Life
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We’re Going Straight to the Wild, Wild West By Carissa Neary ‘19 Campus Life Editor
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eing my first year, I have heard how the Cowles Bin parties have been on the decline since past years. However, it is important to consider the efforts that different clubs on campus take to hold their campuswide event each term. This year, I have been to two Cowles Bin parties and there was a miniscule amount of people in attendance. At the beginning of Term II, WECW had a Bin party and the theme was Leonardo DiCaprio and his first Oscar. This past Saturday, the Equestrian Club had a Wild West Party. The party ran from ten to twelve. Many of the participants
dressed up as if they were from the West. The music that was played varied a lot. There were throwbacks, pop, rap, and of course western themed songs, like Wild Wild West by Will Smith. Erica Wise ‘19, a member of the Equestrian Club, went dressed up to suit the theme. “I didn’t really stay late but it was pretty fun once people actually showed up. The music was really fun to dance to,” Erica said. “The Equestrian Club officers did a great job at putting it together.” Overall, the Bin parties do not hold a lot of people’s attention, nor do a lot of students attend. Many students tend to go check out the scene and then leave. The reason
for many is that there is a lack of students and they wish there were more. There’s then a fault in that ideologically, because the next group of students might have the same thought. There is also that awkward time when students stand in clusters as many people do at high school dances. Whatever the case, it would be amazing to revive the scene by getting more people to attend and stay at the events held in Cowles Bin because it shows support for the different clubs represented on campus. The Cowles Bin parties have been traditions throughout the school years, and, should they continue, students are encouraged to participate and support EC events.
May 9, 2016
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Writing from Experience By Cody Stinson ‘16 Contributing Writer
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t seemed almost a strange twist of fate being asked to write this article on my Mentor Monday experience. After a simple 10 minute conversation with Attorney Chris Denton, his point seemed clear, write as much as possible, and I listened. Entering the meeting with Attorney Denton, I intended to pick his brain about choosing and attending law school, his personal experiences, and any advice he may have regarding legal work. Having already been hired full-time at a law firm in Boston, I wasn’t as concerned with advice on entering the legal field. Instead I hoped Attorney Denton would have tips on how to make the most of my new job experience prior to law school. In short, he did just that. My time speaking with Attorney Denton was brief but informative. It was more of a casual conversation, throwing ideas back and forth and telling each other about ourselves. After telling him of my post-graduation job plans at Skadden Arps he had one simple piece of advice: write. Attorney Denton advised me that to best prepare for law
school I should take on every writing assignment my new job offered. Writing, he said, would be crucial going forward and help me develop my argumentation abilities and prose, among other things. Nearly anyone can research, but fewer people learn how to properly write and form arguments. For that reason, Attorney Denton said practice would be crucial and that my job would offer such an opportunity. Attending Mentor Monday as a graduating senior proved a timely lesson to me: no matter how fast you’re moving forward or what your plans are, experienced advice will always be valuable. I entered my meeting with Attorney Denton with fully developed post-graduation plans and not expecting to gather much more information. After a short 10 minutes, I left with some incredibly valuable pieces of advice and a new connection. Humbling moments such as this should stand as an example of why it is so important to take advantage of every opportunity available that provides even the slightest chance of helping you advance your career. Mentor Monday did just that for me.
Club Spotlight: Iris Yearbook By Sally Hogan ‘19 Contributing Writer
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ris yearbook typically meets on Mondays at 6:00 PM either in our office on the terrace level of the Campus Center or in the Mac Lab C in the library. We will not be meeting regularly during Term III, but we will be meeting weekly again in the fall. The activities involved in yearbook include creating templates and layouts for pages on our online software, planning and decorating for promotional and
fundraising events, and taking pictures at different school events, including sports games, plays, etc (we even have special photographer jackets!) Whether you are creative and crafty, love photography, or simply love yearbook, feel free to stop by a meeting or email any of our officers! We are always looking for more photographers and people to help create pages. Even if you don’t want to join the club
but have pictures that you would like to see in the yearbook, you can email them to our club email irisyearbook@elmira.edu. If there are any ‘17’s interested, we would love to have you join or get some feedback from you because, even though the yearbook includes sections for each class, we are going to be working on your class’ yearbook! If there is anything you want included in the book, please
let us know! Thank you and we hope to see you at a meeting! The club officers are as follows: President, Brianna Blackmore ‘17 - bblackmore17@elmira.edu VP and Treasurer, Elizabeth McIlwain ‘19 emcilwain19@elmira.edu Senator and Secretary, Sally Hogan ‘19 shogan19@elmira.edu
Interested in Volunteering for May Days? Three hour shifts are available, or all day shifts! If interested in helping out Campus Activities Board, contact any of the CAB leaders today! awilson17@elmira.edu emccabe17@elmira.edu ralibozek17@elmira.edu hbrown17@elmira.edu OR sab@elmira.edu
May 9, 2016
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Sharing the Gift of Love By Charlea Smith ‘17 Contributing Writer
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fter about five months of fundraising and receiving donations, the missions team of 15 people finally travelled to Tegucigalpa, Honduras and arrived on April 14. In partnership with Border Buddies Ministries, led by Michael and Glenda Miller, we were construction team #37, and their first team for 2016.
plete this project). Our spare time at the school consisted of talking to or playing Ninja with the students, singing, and the occasional water fight. Apart from working at the high school, we went to Comayagua, which is a squatters’ village of over 500 families. We had a giveaway of clothing, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and
Photo by Mikayla Rebusemen ‘17
Photo by Border Buddies We mostly worked at the Instituto de 21st de Octubre, which is the high school and equivalent of a trade school. There are over 1,000 students in grades 7- 12 who attend this school. We spent most of our time there painting, sweeping and completing the finishing touches for the students to begin using the newest classrooms. (The Photo by Mikayla Rebuse- awesome part was the Elmira men ‘17College team from last year set the columns which were the foundation for these classes, and got to begin and com-
vitamins, and saw over 300 people. Some of these individuals received prayer, and felt the blessing and peace of Jesus Christ over their lives. Five members of the team were baptized in the San Mateo river on our final day in Honduras. The baptisms represent the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and the newness of life we have in God. Throughout the trip, we were reminded that each of us matters and has a purpose in God’s eyes (Ephesians 1). In addition to all of this, we assisted with the Saturday youth group of about 150 students, and played indoor soccer with some of the best players I’ve ever seen, dined at a traditional Honduran restaurant called El Patio, and saw a live mariachi band. Some of us even had the opportunity to meet children that we sponsor in the Border Buddies School Sponsorship Program. Most of all, we got to share joy with others. Whether it was a hug, smile, or laugh, we were able to freely show people that they are loved and valued.
Interested in writing for the Octagon? Becoming a staff writer? Contributing your thoughts on just one event or topic? Interested in becoming an editor for World News? Contact octagon@elmira.edu for more information!
May 9, 2016
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Overheard at EC “I want to clone you so that I can “What were you doing with the tampon?” gut the clone, stuff it, and sleep “I was sticking it in a bottle of water to watch it go with it.” “These are the types of things ‘boof’...unfortunately it doesn’t make that nois e.” you don’t say out loud.” “It’s 3:00AM! How does she kn ow I’m not a man!?” e else, I am
ing anyon n ai rt te en t o n am I f “I “People might show u p in their tertaining“Tmyself.” en k ec h as re su hink moon. Then willy-nil lies!”
“BRING ME MY BROWN PANTS!”
“You look like a teach er. I think it’s your nose. It just screams ‘I want to ed ucate you!’”
“Boobs just frustrate me.” ’re “I’m indifferent. They just there. Sometimes boys like them.”
“I can listen to him all day. My ovaries explode every time!”
“I fought with the tape dispenser...the tape dispenser “Your mean is so cute won.” ! Like my mean squashes your m ean!”
“I want a husband with blue eyes. I like looking into blue eyes. They’re exotic to me!”
Top EC Yaks
think harder. Then put your mind in the gutter a little bit.” “You kn ow, horses li there are ke ones tha you: the t know w don’t even here the ir feet are, and they hav e four!”
“I still subconsciously smell like coffee.” “I don’t know that you can subconsciously smell like something…” “You know, how like your knee smells different than your hair?”
May 9, 2016
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Active Minds Presents “My Depression: The Up and Down and Up of It” By Nicole Gentile ‘16
Editor in Chief 2015-2016
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n Thursday, May 5th, Active Minds brought an animated film to Elmira College called My Depression: The Up and Down and Up of It. This film highlights the struggle filmcreator, Elizabeth Swados, had with her depression. Based off of a children’s book, My Depression is both educational and slightly humorous, giving students an opportunity to discuss this aspect of mental health in a more light-hearted fashion. This short film began with a song, which spoke about this small gray cloud that constantly follows the main character, Liz. Liz has a good life good friends, a nice job, a cute little poodle. Yet sometimes this cloud appears. It can come because of something small, such as the uncleanable state of her closet, or it can appear for absolutely no reason at all. That cloud, of course, is a symbol for her depression. As the film continued, the audience saw a number of symptoms associated with depression, including forgetfulness, a lack of coordination, fear of discovery, decreased confidence, exhaustion, and a lack of hygiene. In Liz’s words, “I [became] blind to all the good things.” One aspect of depression that came as a surprise was when Liz became smaller (literally) while talking to her friends. Because her friends were experiencing a number of successes in their lives, she felt “small” in comparison; she felt like a failure. Her life didn’t seem to measure up to their lives, and this was one of the factors that made her isolate herself. It’s easier to make excuses to be alone than to make an effort to be with others. Another rather powerful moment in the film came shortly after this, when Liz is looking in the mirror and her reflection speaks back at her, saying: “I was right… you are nothing.” While this, of course, doesn’t actually happen in real life, a mirror’s reflection does often lie to those who are struggling. Putting one’s self down is a major aspect of depression. Closer to the end of the film, a song came on featuring a “suicide mobile,” causing the students in attendance to laugh, if somewhat uncomfortably. The idea of suicide is obviously not a laughing matter, but Swados presents it in such a fashion that one has to giggle, at least a little bit. The song is lighthearted in tone, though the words are heavy. Liz fights the driver of the suicide mobile, telling him that this is not the answer (although throughout the song, he seems rather persuasive). As the song continues, the driver transforms, becoming more and more zombielike, pushing his message harder and harder. Luckily, Liz gets off the suicide mobile just moments before it drives straight off a cliff. Although it’s a rather childish way to discuss suicide, it was incredibly effective and powerful. To close the film, Liz talks of all the things she tried in order to cope with her depression, including, though not limited to: yoga, acupuncture, religion, regression thera-
py, and seeing a psychic. Music is one way she copes, but ultimately it isn’t enough to bring her out from beneath
Photo by hbo.com that cloud. She pushes the audience to find professional help (no matter how long it takes to find the right professional), consider medication (especially if the depression is biological, not situational), and ultimately make an effort to be positive, even if you don’t feel positive. And in the end, as Liz notes, “you survive - a little at a time.” After the film, a panel sponsored by Active Minds and the Clark Health Center answered questions from the audience about depression, how to deal with it, local services for those suffering with depression, and how to help a friend who may be struggling. The panel was comprised of Retention specialist Megan Mletzko, Director of Counseling Kevin Murphy, and Elmira College student Renee Henck ’17. Some suggestions the panel had for students trying to help a friend mainly included using “I” statements (such as “I’ve noticed lately you’ve seemed isolated, and I’m concerned about you), being patient, and making sure your friend knows that even if he or she is not ready to speak about it, you are there whenever they are ready. Kevin Murphy also noted that if a person is intimidated by oncampus counseling, he or she can bring a friend to the session; in fact, it’s encouraged! For resources, the Clark Health Center does have sessions available with Kevin Murphy, the on-campus counselor, and there is a list at the Clark Health Center of close to 50 therapists within close proximity to the college. Also, the Office of Retention and Advocacy is available for students who need to talk to someone. Both the Health Center and the Office of Retention and Advocacy are completely confidential locations. Overall the event was a huge success, with a number of students in attendance, a great film showing, and an incredibly informative panel. Thank you to Active Minds and all members of panel for helping spread awareness about depression on campus! If you or a friend need assistance, please feel free to contact any RA on campus, the Clark Health Center, or drop by the Office of Retention and Advocacy.
May 9, 2016
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Sports Baseball Wins Big on Senior Day By Liz Roosa ’16
Sports Editor 2015-2016
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t was a great game for the Elmira College baseball team as they played their final home game of the season at Dunn Field against the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. The Soaring Eagles came away with a 10-3 victory and honoured the program’s first graduating class, Mike Ladka ’16, Brian Wehmeyer ’16, Dylan Bellinger ’17, and Rob Simpson ’16 in a pregame ceremony.
an early lead. Bryce Plante ’18 hit the ball to center field to bring in Hayden Rothenberg ’17 for the first run of the game. From there Dennis Rudolph ’18 singled to right field and brought in Bellinger. Nate Hanner ’18 sent a ball out to right field, bringing in Conor Bawiec ’18. Elmira’s final run of the first inning came Photos by the Department of Athletics when Ladka singled to right field Elmira began the scoring early to bring home Rudolph for the 4-0 lead. with four runs in the first inning to take
The next two innings saw no scoring from either team but starting in the fourth inning the Soaring Eagles managed to score at least once an inning for four consecutive innings. The score in the fourth inning came about from Bellinger doubling to left field to bring in Plante. Simpson singled down the right field line in the fifth allowing Hanner to score. Ladka was walked in the sixth to bring in Plante. The seventh inning saw two more runs for the purple and gold. The first came when Plante singled up the middle to bring in Simpson and the second came when Bawiec singled up center field to score Bellinger. The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford finally found the scoreboard in the eighth inning with three runs but it wasn’t enough and the Soaring Eagles came out victorious 10-3.
Women’s Lacrosse Falls to Steven’s on Senior Day did manage to cut into their scoring with an unassisted By Liz Roosa ’16
goal from Spoljaric. The Ducks responded but Elmira went on a three-goal run in five minutes to narrow the gap. The first goal of that run was scored by Spoljaric assisted by Marisa Carr ’18. Next up was Sarah Hughson ’18 with an assist from Spoljaric. To round out the trio of goals Powell added one with Hayley Baker ’19 credited with an assist. From there it was just not the Soaring Eagles’ day. The Ducks managed to score five more goals in the first half and nine goals in the second to take the victory. Lindsay Wargo ’17 was in net for the purple and gold t was a tough game for the Elmira College Photos by the Department of Athletics and made 7 saves in the loss. women’s lacrosse team as they hosted their final game of the regular season. The Visiting Team from Stevens Institute of Technology showed no mercy as the defeated the purple and gold 20-4. A bright spot of the day was the pre-game ceremony honouring the program’s five graduating seniors: Ali Barber ’16, Hannah Rafalowski-Houseman ’16, Laura Powell ’16, Moorea Spoljaric ’16, and Kara Yakel ’16. It was the Ducks’ game from the get-go as they scored five times in the first twelve minutes of the game. The Soaring Eagles Sports Editor 2015-2016
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May 9, 2016
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Everyone’s Tied at 2-2
By Haley Brown ‘17 Editor in Chief
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t seems like every time I turn on the hockey channel, teams are tied at 2-2. I’m not sure if it’s just a lucky number or because everyone’s really good right now. I mean, it is the playoffs. At Elmira College, we’re pretty obsessed with ice hockey (men and women both). Outside of college, it’s even more intense with the fans. As a Pennsylvanian, I proudly say that I’ve always been a Pittsburgh Penguins fan, and will continue to be, no matter where I live. I don’t exactly follow ice hockey like a true dedicated fan (there’s no time for that in the life of a double major). However, I did manage to catch the tail end of a few games over the past few days, and both were tied at 2-2 in
Photo by capitalthunder.org the last few minutes of the third period when I channeled in. And, ironically, both of the teams I silently was rooting for managed to break the tie in the first round of overtime. Both Pittsburgh and Dallas scored after the standard 60 minutes of regular play, causing the crowds to go wild for their designated teams. Even though ice hockey (to me, at least) isn’t nearly as exciting on television as it is in person, both of these games had me on the edge of my seat, waiting to see more and what would happen next. I was awed at the amount of talent these men have, and how easily they move their burly bodies and equipment around on tiny skates. While everyone ties at 2-2, it looks to be an exciting playoff season. Let the games begin!
Beach and Indoor Volleyball: The Difference is Real By Haley Brown ‘17 Editor in Chief
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ven though we don’t have a beach volleyball team here at Elmira
Photo by academyvolleyball.com
College, it’s safe to assume that most people outside of the volleyball life believe that beach and indoor volleyball are the same. Well, in that case, you are painfully wrong, my friend. Beach and indoor volleyball differ on a lot of technical levels, such as a smaller court on the beaches and heavier balls indoors. Though this may not mean much to the non-volleyball junkie, this means everything to a seasoned player. With a smaller court, there isn’t as much room to have players, meaning only two
or four people will cover the entire court rather than the standard six. In the case of two, it’s pretty hard on the knees. The outdoor volleyballs are much lighter in order to suit for the extra time to run in the sand. Indoors, there is so much more time (and less resistance) to get in your approach and jump at the ball to hit harder. Even with differences, people play both fields (courts) and it’s a great summertime activity that can be played virtually anywhere.
May 9, 2016
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World News Ted Cruz Drops from Presidental Race
By Nicole Gentile ‘16
Editor in Chief 2015-2016
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ast Tuesday, May 3, 2016, Republican candidate Ted Cruz dropped from the Presidential race after a crushing loss in Indiana, where Donald Trump won all of the 51 delegates. It was just too much for the Cruz campaign to handle. He claims that he “left it all on the field” in Indiana, and the only logical choice was to suspend his campaign, leaving the path open for Trump to become the Republican nominee. In the last weeks of his campaign, Cruz made a lot of bold moves, including joining forces with John Kasich and even naming a running mate, Carly Fiorina, in an attempt to sway more voters. Despite his best efforts, though, Ted Cruz simply couldn’t compete with Trump’s appeal to Republican voters. He mistakenly believed that Trump’s campaign would fail, especially after the large number of atrocious things Trump has said throughout the past few
Photo by mirror.co.uk months. Instead, Trump has just continued to gain traction with voters. Cruz promised to continue to run until there was no chance he could win, and with the crushing blow of the Indiana primary, he ultimately had to accept defeat. Considering just a few weeks ago media stations were sure that a contested convention was in America’s future, the primary must have been quite a blow to Ted Cruz and all Republicans against Donald Trump. In one public interview, Cruz offered to the press that he has chosen to leave not only due to his utter lack of support from Americans, but also that he needs to spend time with his family, claiming that this was the one good outcome of his defeat. Cruz lasted longer than most Republican candidates, but ultimately he, too, has fallen. It is inevitable now that Trump will be running on the ticket for President of the United States for the Republican party.
Uganda’s First Openly Trans Woman Shares Her Story By Nicole Gentile ‘16
Editor in Cheif 2015-2016
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his past week, Uganda’s first openly trans woman premiered her story in Canada through a new movie based on her life, The Pearl of Africa. In 2009, Uganda passed its first antihomosexuality law, prohibiting same sex couples in the country. According to Huffington Post, the law was created to “protect the traditional family.” The bill also suggested that homosexuality was linked to child sexual abuse. Fortunately the law was later struck down, but not until 2014. Although the law is no longer in effect, the atmosphere of the country has not changed much. A week after this law was passed in 2009, Cleopatra Kambugu was outed
as transgender on the cover of one of the biggest tabloids in Uganda, Red Pepper. The headline was: “How We Became Homosexuals.” This ruined her life. She lost her job because of her gender identity, and some of her family abandoned her out of fear. Ever since, she has been an outcast in her own country. Luckily she has found more acceptance in Kenya, where she moved with her boyfriend, Nelson, after securing a job there. But she has not forgotten the lack of support and acceptance in Uganda. Through The Pearl of Africa
Photo by qxmagazine.com she hopes to ultimately raise awareness for the trans community, and perhaps change the hearts and minds of the people in her home country.
May 9, 2016
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London’s First Nude Restaurant Opens This June By Nicole Gentile ‘16
Editor in Cheif 2015-2016
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vironment. In order to promote this environment, the restaurant - including the kitchen - will be run without electricity or gas. All food will be prepared over wood fires, and the meals will be eaten on earthenware crockery with edible silverware. Plus, cell phones won’t be allowed inside; clothes and electronics will be locked up securely in the locker room. Despite the steep price of the meal, which can go up to $95 a person, people are still signing up in droves. On a long-term basis the restaurant may not be able to sustain itself, but for now, this social experiment is set to begin in June, and people seem interested!
Photo by www.sheknows.com
his June, London is opening its first ever nude restaurant, called Bunyadi. Although the restaurant’s location is still not disclosed, over 32,000 people have already signed up for the chance to eat at Bunyadi once it opens. Unfortunately the restaurant can only hold up to 42 diners at a time, so most will have to wait quite a while for a reservation. The restaurant will have both clothed and nude seating, with locker rooms built in so that people can strip out of their clothes and have the opportunity to dine in the nude, if they so choose. Servers will be semi-nude, as well, since the owners want to create a “natural” en-
Photo by www.timeout.com
Australia to Use Herpes to Wipe Out Carp Population By Nicole Gentile ‘16
Editor in Cheif 2015-2016
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ecently, Australian Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce announced during a speech to Parliament that the only way to get rid of the carp population was by introducing a strain of the herpes virus on them. While this may, at first, seem like an overreaction (and as of late the internet has exploded over the speech Joyce gave, which was “passionate” to say the least), the Com-
monwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has noted that carp are “the most invasive and damaging pests” in Australia’s freshwater ecosystems. Their existence may actually contribute to the existence of other species. On May 1st, the Australian federal government announced that it may, in fact, release a strain of herpes to combat the carp population in 2018. The cost of this project would be about $11.4 million, and if successful, would completely wipe out the carp population. Joyce, though, estimates that the economic impact of carp on Australia is almost $400 million a year, so perhaps elimiPhoto by abc.com nating the species - and potentially saving other species that are native to the area and in danger of extinction - would be worth it. No formal steps have been taken, but it seems that when 2018 comes around, a species of fish may, in fact, be eliminated.
May 9, 2016
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Opinion
The Story We’ve All Heard Before By Nicole Derosia ’17 Opinion Editor
cation Test. There are others preparing for the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) or the LSAT (Law School Admissions Test), and you usually don’t hear about these tests, even though it takes months to prepare for them. That’s because, instead of wasting energy complaining about them everyday, the energy goes into studying for them. One thing that bothers me especially is when people complain about other people (again, bare with me here). This can range between so many things that it has become rather obnoxious. Yes, we all have those people that we don’t like, so is life, that’s understandable. Another example is when one person have a problem with another person, but avoid confrontation and just complain about it. Seriously, we are adults now. If you have a problem with someone, don’t tell me, tell that person. Tell them to their face, not over a text or call or social media. Another thing that I hear frequently is complaining about how a test was too difficult. There are few instances where the difficulty of a test is the Photos by meme.am fault of a professor. A teacher can teach un’d like you all to bare with me til they are blue in the face, but if you don’t for a minute while I play the want to learn, then you won’t learn, and that is entirely role of the hypocrite and complain about people who on you. complain. Yes, there are those moments in life where everyone just needs a moment to vent, and this is one of those moments for me. However, this does not mean every minute of every day. Then you get the different types of complainers: people who complain mildly, who complain about the same thing every day, who complain about other people, people who feel the need to one-up you by complaining, and people who just whine. Let’s explore these. We can (hopefully) all tolerate those people that complain mildly or seldomly. It is completely understandable and reasonable to complain every once in a while. We all have problems, and sometimes the best thing to do is vent a little bit and alleviate the weight on our shoulders. These people understand (maybe) that everyone has their own problems, and people have no right to dump their problems on others. Not only do they have no right, but they shouldn’t have to deal with it. We all Everyone knows that one person who is constantly have our own problems, but we have to understand that trying to one-up everyone else, even by means of comwe that we are not the only ones. These people are great plaining! Does your life always have to be significantly because they usually handle their problems themselves, and this makes people like me more inclined to listen more bleak than mine? I certainly have my problems, but I don’t understand how any human can deal with a when they need to vent. Then, there are those who only complain about one life as terrible as you insinuate. Life is hard, and we have thing, but it somehow gets brought up every day. So you to compete sometimes, but do we really need to argue have a problem, I’m sorry, that is annoying and I’ll listen about who has it worse? Whiners are everywhere! I would consider a whiner to what you have to say. It’s been a week now, is that same to be anyone who complains and does nothing to offer a thing still a problem? Instead of complaining, have you thought of some kind of solution? If there is a problem solution to said problems. You’d be surprised how much that consists like this for days or weeks, it sounds like you smoother things go when you provide solutions instead need to change your attitude and do something about it. of more problems. Complaining just brings us all down. For example, I (and many others) have been studying Smile a little more, choose your battles, and solve those for months for the MCAT, or the Medical College Appli- problems which need be solved.
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May 9, 2016
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Suns Out, Guns Out... With Sunscreen By Monica Matt ‘17 Contributing Writer
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ecessities for a great summer day: a great book, a nice cold iced coffee, and SUNSCREEN! I cannot imagine braving the hot summer days without a layer of my trusty sunscreen protecting my skin. I am one of those lucky people who has very sensitive skin that makes me act a bit like a vampire in the summer. Not the glittery type of vampire, I’m talking about the kind that would turn to ash when exposed to sunlight! I follow the rules: sunscreen on before heading outside, reapplying after getting into the water, avoiding direct sun from 10 am to 4 pm; you name it and I probably do it. It’s basically second nature for me, so it always astounds me how many people don’t follow these rules! Proper sun protection is not just for those with pale skin! Every single person on this planet has skin so everyone should be concerned and do something about protecting themselves from the constant attack from the sun. Excessive sun exposure can cause wrinkles and other skin problems to appear at a younger age. Briefly stated, ultraviolet light affects the structure of your DNA. As for a longer explanation, UV light causes certain base pairs of the DNA to double up and stick to one another which can lead to either the skin cell’s death or uncontrolled replica-
tion of the faulty skin cells. This uncontrolled replication is called CANCER!! Now your cells have to deal with this threat every single day so they have special ways to iron out the sticky base pairs and usually fix any problems in your DNA. But why make your cells work so hard to protect Photos by wordpress.comyour DNA when you can wear sunscreen?! Sunscreen is so important. I enjoy my time outdoors as much as anyone else, but I definitely consider the sun my “frienemy”. The sun seems so nice at times, but it has no problem backstabbing you and hurting you in the long run. So just think, will it really kill you to take a few minutes out of your day to put on sunscreen because it certainly can kill you not to.
What Happens at the Fair By Nicole Derosia ‘17 Opinion Editor
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e can all remember moments in our lives that made us laugh so hard that we physically couldn’t breathe and had to sit down to prevent passing out. Hopefully you have had some of these moments. I was reflecting on mine the other day, and it still makes me laugh hysterically to this day. I was attending a local fair in my community, visiting for the first time with a few friends. We were getting lunch, the typical hamburgers and hotdogs of a small fair. We were walking to the trashcan to throw away our trash when we heard something that made us freeze in
our tracks. A small child, probably around eight years old, lets out a battle cry. It was the most devoted and emotional battle cry I had ever heard. He wields his balloon hammer, one of the ones that squeaks, above his head. He begins running full speed across the expansion of the fair, hammer above head the whole time. He approaches his target, the trashcan that I was standing at. He gets to it, and brings the hammer down as hard and fast as he physically can. Now remember, this was balloon hammer, so it bounced. He hit the trashcan with such force that the hammer ricocheted off of the trashcan, and came back and hit him square between the eyes. The hammer Photo by wesharepics.com hit him so hard, that he fell to the ground, defeated, the hammer squeaking the whole time. It took every fiber of my being not to laugh right then and there; I managed to control myself long enough to turn around and walk a few paces before dying with laughter. This was one of those things that you only see in fail videos on the Internet or on television. To this day, I regret not recording this event. Word to the wise, if you are ever going to take on a trashcan with an inflatable hammer, make sure that you can handle the friendly fire.
May 9, 2016
Entertainment
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EC Buzz:
6 Reasons Moms Are the Best By Alyssa Wilson ’17 Entertainment Editor
1. They put up with you from day one
Let’s all be honest: we weren’t the model babies or children we would like everyone to think we were. Those cute baby stories Mom tells everyone were much more few and far between than she’d like to admit, but you know that you’ve definitely improved with age (especially if you were a cryer like I was). For that reason, you better give Mom a big ol’ hug next time you see her! She needs a lot of love to make up for those gray hairs she didn’t have before having kids. But we love her even more because she still has a smile on her face and loves us just the same.
Photo by dumpaday.com
2. They have the patience of a saint
I don’t know about your mom, but my mom has more patience than I could ever hope to have. Seriously, I don’t know how my mom handles me and my siblings. Even though we’re all growing up, somehow we’re able to act the same way we did when we were little kids, fighting and all (more civilized styles of fighting now, of course). Maybe your mom doesn’t have as much patience as you think, but if you just ponder for a moment all of the times you were bad, annoying, or just plain persistent, you’ll realize that your mom is one special lady for keeping you around.
3. They make sure you don’t look homeless when you go in public Or, in my mom’s words, “looking like an orphan.” Moms have a way of seeing you without even being in the same room as you attempt to walk out the door. If anything about your outfit is amiss, moms know. They just do. And not to mention how they know what you’re forgetting. Face it, moms are amazing.
4. They know where everything you ever lost went to live
Everyone has had that moment when you simply can’t find something, and, no matter where and how hard you’ve looked, it’s just not anywhere. So in a moment of desperation, you call that superhero called “Mom” to your rescue. Two seconds later, she appears with whatever you just spent hours looking for. What a woman. She also knows where everything is located in the fridge. Everything.
5. They know you better than you know you
Moms are quick to tell you that “they brought you into this world and they can bring you out.” And, in reality, they may just have that power. They’ve known you since before birth. When you tell your mom she doesn’t “get you,” you have no idea what you’re saying. That woman knew what your butt looked like on day one. She told you just about everything you knew for the first five years of your life, and, just because you didn’t tell Mom about something, you should know right now that she knew about it from the start. Never underestimate the power of your mom! And never hesitate to talk to her when you need her. Mama bears always protect their cubs.
6. They are the best multitaskers
Moms can do eight things simultaneously, while talking on the phone. I’ll call my mom, and she’ll be making dinner, helping my siblings with homework, and talking to me. When I try to multitask on the phone, there’s just an awkward silence when I’m trying to do the other thing or I miss half of the conversation just going “Yepp, uh huh, gotcha.” I’ll say it again: moms are superheroes. And I hope you tell your mom often that she’s Photo by wordpress.com the best. There may be days when you see the not-so-perfect side of her, but, trust me, she’s doing a pretty great job of raising you if you’re at a college, going after your dreams!
May 9, 2016
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Keeping it Cool Term III By Nicole Derosia ‘17 Opinion Editor
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ith the warm temperatures soon approaching, what better way to cool off that with a refreshing drink from Starbucks? The same old flavors can get boring though; you can only drink the same iced tea so many times. Here are a few outof-the-box drink ideas to keep you cool this term three. If you are looking for something iced, try the Cotton Candy Frappuccino. Simply order a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino in any size you want with raspberry. If cotton candy doesn’t suite your fancy, then try the Twix Frappuccino. This one’s a little longer; order a Caramel Frappuccino with hazelnut and java chips with caramel and mocha drizzle. If you are looking for something cold with a little less slush, try out the
Sweet n’ Sour Summer. Order a mix of the Berry Hibiscus and Cool Lime Refreshers made with lemonade instead of water. It is certainly a tangy surprise! If you like the tang but not the berry, try the Lemon Lime Refresher. This one is a little more complicated. Order a Cool Lime Refresher to the first line on cup, then lemonade to the last line; have them blend it with ice. If you looking for something with a little more coffee and a little less juice, try the Caramel Snickerdoodle Macchiato. Order an Iced Caramel Macchiato upside down, and add vanilla and cinnamon dolce syrup. Boom, it’s a snickerdoodle in a cup!
If neither coffees nor frappuccinos are you thing, try the Strawberry Lemonade Tea. What you should order is a Strawberry Lemonade made with black tea and lemonade in equal part, with half of the amount of strawberries normally used. All of these drinks are cold and custom, as they are not seen on the regular
Photo by sfgate.com menu, but on the secret menu. These are a few ideas to get you started, but if you are interested, check out the website www.starbuckssecretmenu.net or the Starbucks Secret Menu app and discover what you can make at Starbucks.
Movie Review: Everything Must Go while having no phone, no job, and very limited money. This was based on the book Why Don’t You Dance? By Raymond Carver and was directed by Dan Rush. This movie runs for 97 minutes and received a score of 75% on Rotten Tomatoes and 65/100 from Metacritic. Overall, the movie was relatively funny, but more along the lines of a drama than a comedy. The ending is an open-ending, leaving Nick’s problem unresolved, but the movie comes full circle in terms of his relationships with his friends and the child from the neighborhood. There are one or two questionable scenes which makes this movie rated R, but it was a good movie and is worth watching.
By Rachel Alibozek ’17 Staff Writer
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verything Must Go is a comedydrama featuring Will Ferrell as the salesman and Nick Halsey. Nick is a businessman who gets fired from his job because of a drunken incident that occurred while on a business trip. On the way out, he takes a pen-knife and slashes the tire of his supervisor, but is unable to get the engraved knife out. Then when he gets home, all his belongings are on the front lawn with a note from his wife that says she is leaving him because of the business trip incident, where he slept with another woman. Nick refuses to get a hotel and cannot use his credit cards, so he spends the night on his front yard. The remainder of the movie is Nick working with a child from the neighborhood, his Alcoholics Anonymous advisor, and some old and new friends to find peace with his wife and figure out his situation
Photo by imdb.com