February 20, 2014 | Volume 3, Issue 19 | State College, NBL
www.theodysseyonline.com | @TheOdyssey | Facebook.com/TheOdysseyNebraska
What neeDS to Be SaID page 2
UNL SMILE: SMALL MOMENTS IN LIFE EVERYDAY page 3 GET UP AND DANCE MARATHON page 6 AMERICA’S NEWEST PHENOMENON page 12
DereK VanLanInGhaM (aLPha GaMMa SIGMa) Shanon aL-BaDrY BrocK reZnY (aLUM/GraD StUDent -- aLPha GaMMa SIGMa) Photos by Kelsey Moore
2
Editor's note
www.theodysseyonline.com
WHaT NeeDS TO Be SaID This might not be a well known fact, but on this day, February 20th, Margaret Thatcher was Gamma Phi Beta elected as the leader of Editor-in-Chief the British Conservative Party, 38 years ago. Four Jacy is a sophomore studying years later, she went journalism. You may contact her at jacy_2012@hotmail.com. on to become the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. This date might seem insignificant in the big picture, but it was the beginning of women leadership in the modern world.
JaCY LEWIS
Prime Minister Thatcher had ups and downs during her time in office. She was given the nickname “Iron Lady” which stuck with her throughout her life due to her tough demeanor and her refusal to be pushed aside. Margaret Thatcher was a true symbol of equality for women in the world. I don’t want to bring this up but it definitely makes me wonder why the United States, which is one of the most progressive countries in the world, has failed to elect a woman president. Yep I went there. I’m not sorry for bringing this up because this needs to happen. I don’t understand why it took so long for our country to elect an African American president either. We have all heard the feminist talk, but I want to talk about one side of it briefly. Feminism has been stigmatized as a dirty word. Some women don’t want to affiliate themselves with the word because it has gained a negative connotation and they don’t want to be labeled for. This is upsetting because, as females, we should celebrate what
makes us different, but still strive to be equal with our peers. I don’t want to make this a rant about feminism, I want to talk about successful women who didn’t let the boundaries of inequality hold them back from pursuing their dreams. They succeeded in their dreams by their own means. Oprah Winfrey is a woman of dignity and charity, despite growing up in rough conditions. She overcame obstacles and in turn has helped others overcome their obstacles in life. She understood the importance of education and continues to support others pursuing an education. By 2012, she had given away $400 million of her wealth away to educational causes. She also helped open the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa for girls living in poverty who most likely would not be able to continue school when they got older. One of the most popular and outstanding women in our culture, currently, is Beyonce Knowles. Beyonce sings about the empowerment of women and at the same time she is married and is raising a child. After giving birth to Blue Ivy, she started work on a secret album. Beyonce is practically every woman’s role model. Therefore, why aren’t we trying to be more like her? She is strong and secure in her body. She was independent and then found a man who could be her equal in a relationship and marriage. She had a child, but didn’t let that stop her from moving forward in her career. The word feminism isn’t usually affiliated with these women, but they are feminists in the sense that they want to succeed and see other women, and people in general, succeed. Feminism doesn’t have to be a term that women shy away from. Women can celebrate their equality without feeling bad for their success. Women and men can both be bread winners and Disney has finally caught onto this idea in Frozen. Women can stop being afraid of taking risks, instead women can embrace their differences from men and use it to help everyone.
THE ODYSSEY AT NEBRASKA EXECUTIVE TEAM editor-in-Chief Jacy Lewis
photographers Katie Miller
Gamma Phi Beta
Gamma Phi Beta
Social Media Director Christian Folsom
Caroline amsler
Delta Tou Delta
Contributing editor Brett Bergstrom Beta Theta Pi
Gamma Phi Beta
Kelly Kuwitzky Phi Mu
Sean Carney Phi Kappa Theta
OLYMPIA MEDIA GROUP 888.272.2595 | OlympiaMediagroup.com Managing editor, Rosemary Kelly graphic Designer, Grant Hohulin
We want a representative from every house!
To apply for a writing, photography or sales position, TheOdysseyOnline.com/creative © 2014 Olympia Media Group, LLC All Rights Reserved. The Odyssey is a private entity not associated or governed by University of Nebraska Greek life office. The views and opinions shared in The Odyssey are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of The Odyssey and Olympia Media Group.
Scene on campus
www.theodysseyonline.com
3
UNL SMILE: SMALL MOMENTS IN LIFE EVERYDAY
UNL Smile is a new club on campus that was started by Derek VanLaningham and Brock Rezny. SMILE is an acronym for “Small Moments in Life Everyday.” Derek and Brock started the club hoping for people to realize to enjoy those Small Moments in Life Everyday.
KaRa COSENTINO
to help run with your idea and put all the pieces together. It’s all about being positive and making a difference,” VanLaningham said.
Kara is a sophomore studying english and communications. You may contact her at karacosentino@gmail.com.
UNL Smile also has a Facebook page and an Instagram account called, “HumansofUNL.” Freshman Megan Skelly of Phi Mu is in charge of the “HumansofUNL” account. Humans of UNL is modeled after Humans of New York, which is now a famous blog about people in New York and a quote about that person’s life. Megan says that people can get involved by, “following one of our large projects, Humans of UNL on Instagram and find them on Twitter by searching, @UNLSMILE. Also, if someone were to do something nice or positive, we want to hear about it, tag us by using #UNLSMILE on any social media platform.”
The club is relatively new—it became recognized on October 3rd of 2013. This Small Moments in Life Everyday didn’t have it’s run of the mill beginning.
UNL Smile has achieved a lot what they want to do on campus. The club handed out hot chocolate on a cold Tuesday and offered hugs. Plus they had a pillow fight at the Union to help relieve stress.
Phi Mu
“Brock and I were driving 18 straight hours back from Spring Break. We had a lot of time to talk about our dreams. What we wanted to do for the rest of our lives. Pretty deep stuff,” VanLaningham said. He went on to say Brock and him both realized their dreams were similar—“Making the world a better place to live in and literally changing the world with acts of kindness, one smile at a time.” The goal of UNL Smile is simple. They want to make students smile. Both Derek and Brock believe that a positive mindset can change your day and someone else’s day when passed on. Everyone is encouraged to go to UNL Smile meetings, which are held on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. in the Union. Check the Union roster for the meeting room. “If you want to do something awesome to help the campus community, we are going
“Our motto is, ‘Make Today Great!’ and if we accomplished making people smile, and somebody’s day great with our positivity, then this dream has been a success,” VanLaningham said. Someday, Derek and Brock hope to expand the idea of UNL Smile to other universities around the nation, and they eventually would like a television documentary to be made about the club which would spread the cheer all over the nation. “By the time this article runs in The Odyssey, we will have had our Valentine’s Day Event,” VanLaningham revealed. He says that UNL Smile doesn’t want to release too many details, but he, “hopes it will be a surprise to a couple thousand UNL students.”
4
Self business
www.theodysseyonline.com
GREEK OF THE WEEK
one of the most fulfilling feelings to walk out of the building after 12 hours and seeing how
Joel Vrana: President of Dance Marathon Fraternity: Beta Theta Pi Major: Accounting Year: Senior Hometown: Omaha, Neb.
TaYLOR SIMON Phi Mu
Ta y l o r i s a f r e s h m a n studying advertising & PR. You may contact her at Taylor_Simon001@aol.com.
Favorite quote: “Whatever you do in this life, it’s not legendary, unless your friends are there to see it.” - How I Met Your Mother
much money we have collectively raised. What’s your favorite dance move? I’m really not that great of a dancer but at our event that doesn’t matter! However, I have been known to bust out a nice Bernie from time to time. How are you going to keep people’s energy up throughout the night? The event this year is actually from 10am to 10pm. So it hopefully should be a lot easier to keep people up and moving. We have a plethora of activities and performers, which will help to keep our dancers entertained and motivated for the 12 hours!
What made you want to get involved with dance marathon?
Can people still sign up to participate?
As a freshman my brother was on the exec team and really talked up the event. I was fairly
Yes, the t-shirt deadline is February 10th but even if people miss the t-shirt cutoff registration
skeptical at first, but signed up anyway. I ended up going to the event and staying the entire time. It was easily one of the best nights of my freshman year. What exactly goes into putting this event together? We start planning immediately after the previous year’s event. This year was unique for the fact that we are experimenting with a time and venue change. There were a few new challenges presented such as locating a stage to use and even figuring out all the space we needed to use within the Rec Center. It’s a team effort, and I really don’t know what I would do without my fellow execs. How many years has UNL been doing this? We have been an organization for roughly 12 years, but are in our 10th year of actually hosting an event. Tell me about last years event. How much money was raised? Last year we saw a huge increase in both participants and amount donated. We actually reached capacity in the union and had to close registration. It was astounding. Coming into the event I don’t think any of us had a good idea what our grand total would be. We ended up sending around $85,000 to the Omaha Children’s Hospital. Tell me about the cause we’re raising money for? All the money raised and even the registration fee goes straight to Omaha Children’s hospital. Each year we work with Children’s to allocate the funds raised. This year all funds raised will go to the Carolyn Scott Rainbow House. The Rainbow House provides accommodations for families and patients undergoing long-term treatment at Children’s Hospital. Specifically we are helping fund a game room and additional bedroom. What should people going to the event expect? I always like to say that Dance Marathon is more than just an event it’s an experience, as long as you buy into it. Go out and interact with the kids at the event. They have been through so much and are truly inspiring. Listening to families stories is one of the most motivating things. Everything the Omaha Children’s Hospital does for so many people makes you realize what this event is all about and the impact we are having on our community. I can guarantee it is
stays open until February 19th.
Scene on campus
www.theodysseyonline.com
5
THE HEART BEHIND TRI DELTA This past month, I have never been more proud to call myself a Tri Delta woman. Going through Delta Delta Delta recruitment three years Meg is a junior studying ago, one thing that really business administration. stood out to me about You may contact her at my chapter was our megsron04@live.com. philanthropy, St. Jude C h i l d re n ’ s R e s e a rc h Hospital. The efforts not only Kappa chapter, but also chapters around the nation, have made have truly made an impact on so many children’s lives.
Meg RONSPIES
Kappa Chapter is fortunate enough to send our philanthropy chair to their national leadership conference each year. This February, my little, Rylee Terry, attended on our behalf. While in Memphis, she had the opportunity to hear patient stories, tour the hospital, listen to a women’s leadership panel, and enjoy activities with sisters from all around the country. She also got to hear an announcement no one was expecting. Richard Shadyac Jr., the Chief Executive Officer of St. Jude’s fundraising organization, had a shocking message for the women of Tri Delta attending the conference. The girls
found out the news through a video announcement from the patients and doctors of the hospital. In June 2010, Tri Delta pledged to raise $15 million in five years. The sorority successfully met their goal of 15 million dollars in not the five years they had planned, but in 3.5. The overall reaction of the crowd was astonishment. “I am so honored and proud to be a Tri Delta. The St. Jude Leadership Conference was a life-changing experience. Sharing our bond for St. Jude and our accomplishment was unforgettable,” Terry said. In 2005, Tri Delta raised $1 million to endow St. Jude’s “Teen Room”. In 2006, they took on a second goal to raise $10 million in ten years, allowing them to name the Patient Care Floor in the Chili’s Care Center. In four years, Tri Delta met their goal. After that, the idea of 15 million came into play. What’s next? Tri Delta’s around the nation have pledged to raise $6 million this school year. With Nebraska’s Kappa Chapter priding themselves on being second in the big ten and having philanthropy efforts raising close to $60,000, this goal is beyond achievable. I would like to congratulate my sisters on all of their efforts, as our goals are really “finding cures and saving lives”.
6
Self business
www.theodysseyonline.com
Get UP anD Dance Marathon for families and patients undergoing acute, longterm treatment at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center. Facilities for families at the Rainbow House include: shared kitchen, dining and laundry facilities, family room, living room, library/quiet room and bedrooms which are maintained by the guests. Accommodations also include playrooms and outdoor play areas. Now it’s a new year, and the Dance Marathon team is looking for new ways to get UNL students involved. Historically, Dance Marathon’s participants are primarily members of Greek fraternities and sororities, and unfortunately there is little involvement from non-Greek students. Sydney Rotthaus, a sophomore Advertising student from Lincoln, is the newest Marketing Director for Dance Marathon. Even though this is only her first year on the executive team, Sydney is utilizing her resources to spread the word of Dance Marathon across Facebook, Twitter, and on-campus promotions.
If you like money, then you probably like the sound of $80,548. That’s the amount that Dance Marathon fundraising accomplished last year. And if you don’t already know what Dance Marathon is, let me describe it for you in one word: awesome.
JOeL GIROUARD Sigma Chi
Joel is a senior studying advertising & PR. You may contact him at jpgiro@yahoo.com.
Yes, I said awesome. I first heard about Dance Marathon last year, but didn’t really look into it much and brushed it off as another typical fundraiser. However, after settling on campus (and feeling the need to do more than just going to class and sitting in my room), I decided to learn about how to get more involved on campus. At that point, I found out that Dance Marathon is certainly no typical fundraiser. Dance Marathon is actually a 12hour non-stop dance event. Anyone can attend and showoff their moves, all while raising awareness and money for a good cause. Dance Marathon officially started at UNL in 2004 and is found at colleges all across the United States. Currently, Dance Marathon is partnered with the Children’s Miracle Network and Rainbow house out of Omaha and all of its proceeds go to benefit families and children in need. The Children’s Miracle Network is a nonprofit organization that raises funds for children’s hospitals, medical research and community awareness of children’s health issues. The Rainbow House, which is a branch-off of the Children’s Miracle Network, is designed to provide accommodations
Along with her colleague and Dance Recruiter, Jake Thomas, the two explained that the main message of Dance Marathon is to inform people about how Dance Marathon helps families. While at times we can get caught up in how much money must be raised for charities, both Sydney and Jake stressed the fact that they want people to understand how Dance Marathon really helps, and that the focus should be on the families affected by it. As for this year, the UNL Dance Marathon team is aiming to raise $100,000 for 2014 almost $20,000 more than the previous year. The team also hopes to see Dance Marathon become as popular as The Big Event and bring the community together in helping others. Get your friends, do your part, and sign up today! Dance Marathon will be held on February 22nd from 10:00am-10:00pm at the City Campus Recreation Center. Registration to dance is open until February 19th. Register at www.dm.unl.edu #FTK A special thank you to Sydney Rotthaus, Jake Thomas, Zach Owens, and Joel Vrana for taking time to talk with me about Dance Marathon. Dance Marathon Reps Advisor: Zach Owens President: Joel Vrana – Senior, Accounting major. Involved in Beta Theta Pi Marketing Director: Sydney Rotthaus – Sophomore, Advertising/PR major. Involved in Alpha Omicron Pi Recruitment Chair: Jake Thomas – Junior, Management major
Lookbook fashion
www.theodysseyonline.com
LeGGInGS: hoW to earn an a+ In cLaSS
a sweet yet edgy look. (P.S. Don’t have time to change before going out? A statement necklace can dress up almost any outfit.)
Any class that’s before noon demands comfort wear, but you also don’t want seem lazy because let’s face it – you never know when you’re going to need that particular professor ’s recommendation. Luckily, we’ve been blessed with what some may consider a direct gift from God…leggings.
5) Now, the shoe choice. If you can make the sacrifice, I would leave the Uggs in the closet. Before you come at me with pitchforks and run me out of town, let me explain. Uggs are fabulous, however they also tend to bring your outfit down to a more casual level, and there are so many other great options! Let me introduce you to the riding boot. Relatively same comfort level, but with a put together vibe. Not into that? Moto boots and combats look equally adorable.
Now ladies, leggings can either go very right, or very wrong. Here are a few ways to make sure you show up to class looking classy yet comfortable. 1) Make the investment in a quality pair of basic, black leggings. Personally, my Cabi leggings are my go-to choice. They’re thicker than the usual $10 bargain pair (and consequently, warmer!), structured, comfortable, and have fun zipper accents at the ankle. Perfect! 2) When in doubt, chambray it out. But really, you can never go wrong when combining a great pair of leggings and a chambray shirt. You just can’t. Make sure it’s a flattering cut so you still have some shape when rocking this subtle menswear style. 3) Oversized cardigans and sweaters are in and hopefully will be for a while or at least until we’re done with college! An oversized top is a perfect combination with curve-hugging leggings. 4) Work that flannel. You know your favorite band t-shirt hanging in the back of your closet? Grab that and throw on your favorite flannel shirt overtop. Leave the flannel unbuttoned for
7
BaILeY WILLIAMS Chi Omega
Bailey is a freshman studying Fashion Design with Communications. Yo u m a y c o n t a c t h e r a t baileyjowilliams@gmail.com.
6) Finally, the accessories. If you’re still feeling drab about your ensemble, now is the time to spice it up with patterns, prints and color. Beanies, scarves and long cardigans are all key players in the accessories game. Lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous and your socks are cute, pull them up so they peek out above your boot. Cute, comfortable and classy? Check! 7) Bonus Points! Want to make sure your leggings always look put-together? I recommend wearing tops long enough to cover at least half of your backside. Now, I know that we all love what a good pair of leggings can do, but keeping your tush covered ensures that your outfit will look chic and respectable. Not only that, but you don’t have to worry about how many times you skipped the gym last week. It’s a win-win situation. Leggings are already baring the majority of your leg, covering up your back-half will only enhance your ensemble. Besides, oversized is in right now, you’re only being fashionable. Don’t stress while buying that twelfth pair of leggings, with so many simple ways to dress them up, they’re definitely your most cost-effective and cozy purchase.
8
Lookbook fashion
2014 SPrInG trenDS
www.theodysseyonline.com
sweaters are the new must, to pair with a flirty skirt, light dress or shorts. 4. Wide-Leg Trousers: In the past few years, women have gotten use to the tight skinnies or legging that hug your legs ever so perfectly, but one of the new spring trends are more billowy leg pant. The easy to wear and extremely comfortable pant made a huge showing on the runways this season. It may seem like just another trend for the tall, model-like women but these pants actually elongate your legs with the higher the waist. With other cities getting ready to show what they have during their fashion shows, there will be more trends to come that you will get to try out and add to your closet. This coming spring is all about light colors and soft, girly looks that add romance to every look. Even if you are just a tad bit interested in fashion, check out the runway shows and blogs because the art of fashion is astonishing. The most important thing to remember about fashion is to stay true to yourself and your own style because “Fashion fades, style is eternal.” -Yves Saint Laurent
Many people don’t understand what Fashion Week means to millions and Alpha Omicron Pi millions of people around Abbey is a sophomore studying the world. It is one week fashion communications. in different cities where You may contact her at designers get to show off awalker012@yahoo.com. all of their work to the most opinionated women and men that will judge if their clothing will be the new trends or if their line will be considered bad taste. With New York Fashion Week already past, there are many trends that you can rock before everyone else for the spring of 2014.
aBBeY WALKER
1. Soft Pastels: It may not seem groundbreaking to have pastels as a main trend this spring but honestly it is one of the only color palettes that everyone looks good in. Pastels were popping up everywhere in New York and no matter what your hair or skin color, there is always a different pastel that will fit your style and look. 2. Bomber Jackets: These jackets have always been a staple for the more athletic look but on the runways they have gained an edgier feeling. With the vibrant, chic prints and the sporty detailing, bomber jackets will transform your outfit to the next level by dressing down an overly girly dress or skirt. 3. Knit Sweaters: Even though heavy knits seem like a winter staple, they are creeping into all of the spring collections. Uniquely cut or boldly printed, these
Dance Marathon
10
Self health & fitness
www.theodysseyonline.com
the noroVIrUS Lincoln
is
ingesting usually through processing or handling. Common symptoms include
just
winding down on the cold-catching season. Unfortunately, for us (and other surrounding states) a new virus
MaRNee ROUNDTREE
vomiting and/or watery bowel movements, often called diarrhea transpire due
Gamma Phi Beta
fated individuals who catch this bug, symptoms only last about two to three days
Marnee is a senior studying psychology. You may contact her at mkroundtree@gmail.com.
and they resolve by themselves.
is “catching.” The mistaken for the stomach flu, is a tiny little bug causing oh so much havoc. Have no fear, there are plenty of ways to prevent or at least decrease your chance of catching this little guy.
surrounded by a protein coating. RNA contains a different sugar base and one
a more universal genetic encoder (including among us mammalian humans). Through RNA sequencing, scientists have discovered the norovirus comes in approximately 25 different strains that cause the pinches
good samaritan, make sure you wash your hands, maybe even wear one of those cool hospital surgeon masks and/or gloves. The usual human-to-human spread of the virus is simply from contaminated food and/or water. It has also been shown to spread simply by coming into contact with contaminated air particles. In case
The norovirus infection is a tiny little virus that contains ribonucleic acid (RNA)
base compared to DNA,
However, the unfortunate issues with these symptoms include high contagion. If you’re taking care of someone who has these symptoms because you are the
norovirus, commonly
substituted nitrogenous
to inflammation of the stomach and large intestine lining. Good news for the ill-
“
you didn’t already know, air is inescapable. Everyone and everything becomes suspect and then you get paranoid, so take common sense precautions. What cruddy luck if you catch the norovirus
This contamination comes from small amounts of infected fluids or feces being introduced into what you’re ingesting usually through processing or handling.
and pains in human beings. Norovirus is easily mutated to create even more stressful strains. It is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in our beloved America. So cool beans, the norovirus is a bunch of gibberish. What does this actually mean? How do you catch it? Well let me tell you. To introduce this virus into your life/body, your food or water must be contaminated. This contamination comes from small amounts of infected fluids or feces being introduced into what you’re
“
infection. What now? Well, you start combating the symptoms. One of the reasons this virus is so dangerous occurs from the dehydration aspect. A simple way to treat this is drink your fluids, and not just any fluids. Drink liquids such as water, juice low in sugar, Powerade or Gatorade. Powerade and Gatorade include electrolytes, precious ions from the gods that make you feel better. Really sugary drinks can worsen the diarrhea, so avoid those. Finally, rest. No one feels
good, especially when ill, when they are sleep deprived. Take care of yourself and get plenty of sleep and keep up those fluids. There it all is. The media may blow this virus into a disproportionate frenzy, but now you know the truth. You can avoid this RNA filled, slimy coated little bug and/or treat it if it sneaks up on you. Be cautious and mindful of everyone in your life and hopefully you won’t have to deal with the conspicuous consequences.
Sports local
www.theodysseyonline.com
the toP 5 toUrnaMentS In the WorLD
In honor of the Olympics in Sochi, Russia - the upcoming NCAA March Madness tournament and sporting events everywhere, I present the top five sports tournaments in the world.
CHRISTIaN FOLSOM Delta Tau Delta
Christian is a sophomore studying broadcasting. You may contact him at christianfolsom@gmail.com.
Tournaments just aren’t tournaments without brackets to organize the competitors and make everything fair. When you think of a bracket or of the term ‘bracketology’ you most likely think of the NCAA March Madness college basketball tournament that takes place every March. According to the Wall Street Journal “college basketball’s National Invitation and NCAA basketball tournaments began in 1938 and 1939, respectively, and soon after, brackets began to appear in some newspapers. According to the NCAA, “The first complete bracket in its basketball archives is from 1943.” #5: World Baseball Classic The World Baseball Classic is an international baseball tournament sanctioned by the International Baseball Federation and created by Major League Baseball, the Major League Baseball Players Association, and other professional baseball leagues and their players associations around the world. It is the main tournament sanctioned by the IBAF, which names its winner the “World Champion.” It previously coexisted with Olympic Baseball and the Baseball World Cup, but the other two have been discontinued in favor of the World Baseball Classic. The most recent winner in 2013 was the Dominican Republic. #4 Masters
11
The Masters tournament is one of the four major championships in professional golf. It takes place the first full week of April and it is the first of the majors to be played each year. Unlike the other major championships, the Masters is held each year at the same location, Augusta National Golf Club, a private golf club in the city of Augusta, Georgia. The winner of the Masters Golf tournament is awarded the coveted green jacket and has their name forever enshrined at Augusta National. #3 Wimbledon The Wimbledon Championships is the oldest tennis tournament in the world.. It has been held at the All England Club in Wimbledon, London, since 1877. It is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, the others being the Australian Open, the French Open and the US Open. Since the Australian Open shifted to hard court in 1988, Wimbledon is the only Major still played on grass, the game’s original surface. #2 NCAA March Madness Tournament
The NCAA men’s basketball tournament is the premier sports tournament in the United States every year. Drawing millions and millions of viewers on both television, this 64-team bracket gave birth to the term ‘bracketology’. Known for upsets and amazing finishes, there is good reason to call it March ‘Madness’. Since its creation, there has never been a perfectly filled out bracket. This year, billionaire Warren Buffet offered a billion dollars to anyone that can fill out a perfect bracket guessing every single game result perfectly. #1 FIFA World Cup The championship has been awarded every four years since the inaugural tournament in 1930. The current champions are Spain, who won the 2010 tournament in South Africa. The current format of the tournament involves 32 teams competing for the title at venues within the host nation over a period of about a month; this is called the World Cup Finals. The World Cup is among the world’s most widely viewed sporting events. An estimated 715.1 million people watched the final match of the 2006 FIFA World Cup held in Germany. The next World Cup will be hosted by Brazil in 2014.
12
500 words on theater
www.theodysseyonline.com
AMERICA’S NEWEST PHENOMENON
On April 6, the world will end.
Nothing feels cheesy, like Orcs being led by
Okay - that’s hyperbole. But for millions of Americans and viewers
an almost-omnipotent
worldwide, April 6 is the day they’ve been waiting for desperately, passionately:
floating eye of fire;
it’s the day season 4 of “Game of Thrones” debuts. And at this point, it’s hard to underestimate the impact that the awardwinning series has had, both nationally and internationally. Millions of people watch each episode, with the viewership increasing steadily every season (season 3 averaged about 6 million per episode); the series is even referenced frequently in other shows and movies. People are reading the book series, called “A Song of Ice and Fire,” more than ever before, as well, which has led to intense pressure for the creator of the series, author George R. R. Martin, to “finish his god-damn series already,” as one fan puts it. But for all the intense pressure involved, expect only diamonds in return. Martin’s excellence is matched only by Tolkien’s or Robert Jordan’s, other stalwarts of the fantasy genre; no author otherwise has quite captivated the public in such a way before. And no wonder! “A Song of Ice and Fire” features a fantasy world resembling that of Medieval times - swords, bows, castles, Knights, etc. - with the requisite elements, like magic, dwarves, and mystical foes of unknown nature thrown in. But what sets Martin’s fantasy epic apart is its adherence to reality.
Game of Thrones is exceptionally smart,
BReTT BERGSTROM Beta Theta Pi
Brett is a sophomore studying journalism / English. You may contact him at bergie003@gmail.com.
forcing its viewers to navigate hundreds of pages (or, in the TV show’s case, dozens of hours) of political scheming and nuance, ambiguous sexual encounters and relationships, and a noteworthy sense of shading in which nothing is ever black and white -not to mention characters whose motivations and backstories are as numbered and complex as anything you might imagine. As such, viewers are taken on a thrill-ride as the plot develops; no characters, no matter how favorite they may be, are ever guaranteed life or a happy ending, betrayals and alliances come out of nowhere, and there is always a sense of danger looming around the corner. It’s addicting, in a word. All of these clever concepts have combined to become -- you guessed it -- one of the world’s most beloved book and TV series, yes, but also one of its most influential. This means that, come April 6, you can rest assured you’ll hear something about Game of Thrones, not to mention for the following few months. It’s just too good to miss. Valar morghulis, friends.
500 words on theater
www.theodysseyonline.com
“that aWKWarD MoMent” To some Zac Efron’s new film, “That Awkward Moment,” was disappointing, pathetic even. Look at any big named critic and you’ll see what I mean.
DaNIeLLe WILKERSON Chi Omega
Danielle is a sophomore studying broadcasting / journalism. You may contact her at dani.wilkerson@aol.com
13
relationships to avoid that ever so awkward moment when a girl wants to “define the relationship.” Of course though in any good Rom-Com there are always complications to any plan. In this case it’s girls and the commitments they bring. Jason starts to fall, yes fall, for a girl, but he doesn’t quite know what that all entails. Daniel crosses the line with his long time wing woman and realizes everything is more meaningful when you’re with someone you actually care about, while Mickey is trying to get over his ex-wife and get his groove back.
They say it’s a shallow attempt at a concept that’s already been done a thousand times, not to mention the wide array of dirty jokes only seen as a cheap laugh. But for me, the movie was something completely different.
Yes the concept that “guys can fall in love too” and that girls are just a way to weigh them down and make them commit, is a little shallow and disheartening, but it’s a movie. This isn’t a documentary about how men think or how they act, it’s all dramatized for the sake of comedy.
It wasn’t disappointing or pathetic and I actually thought most of the jokes were funny, so did the people I was with. So what’s wrong with these critics? What’s with all this hate? They went into the theater expecting one thing, but getting another and didn’t take the movie, as it was, simply a comedic look on the guy’s side of dating.
Not every film has to be Oscar worthy or one that impacts your life. Sometimes it’s nice to go to the theater and just watch something that doesn’t make you think and helps you escape from the stress of homework, tests, work, even your house.
The movie centers on the lives of three friends trying to make it work in Manhattan, book cover designers Jason (Zac Efron) and Daniel (Miles Teller) and their doctor friend whose wife recently just left him, Mickey (Michael B. Jordan.) The guys make a pact, as suggested by Jason,to make no commitments or
“That Awkward Moment” has the perfect mix of laughs and little heartwarming moments. It’s perfect for a girls night out or even a date not that the guy will actually enjoy. Plus during the credits there are outtakes of the guys being funny and absolutely adorable, well worth it.
page 15