Wednesday, January 12, 2011 by IUSB Preface

Indiana University South Bend’s Publication Wednesday, January 12, 2011

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COURTESY OF: WWW.FLICKR.COM Northside was closed only Sunday to allow the repair team access to the broken windows, and a hazmat team access to clean up the blood, and reopened on Monday for the first day of classes.

By REBECCA GIBSON Columnist

If you came to campus Sunday, January 9, to try to get your textbooks, you were out of luck due to a break-in at Northside Hall and attempted robbery of the bookstore. Students were alerted by a message posted on the IU South Bend website, which was quickly picked up and spread on Facebook. Following the closure of the entire campus on Saturday, this message stated that the majority of the campus would be open, but the bookstore, owned and operated by Barnes and Noble, would be closed due to an act of vandalism. Marvin Curtis, Dean of the Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts, has issued a statement in which he details the incidents of Sunday morning, and what the university is doing to repair the damage. He reports that the suspect, as yet unnamed in documentation, threw a garbage can at

the main entrance of Northside hall, breaking the windows, entered there and attempted to enter the theatre department’s costume shop but was unable to do so. The suspect then broke the glass in front of a second floor painting, and a glass display case in front of the arts office on which he cut himself, and left a trail of blood to his next target, the bookstore. Once at the bookstore, he smashed in through the windows and attempted to rob the cash registers. At some point during the break in, and alarm was triggered calling Marty Gersey, IUSB’s Chief of Police. The suspect was arrested and is currently in jail. Northside was closed only Sunday to allow the repair team access to the broken windows, and a hazmat team access to clean up the blood, and reopened on Monday for the first day of classes. For future developments in this story, see the Preface website at www.iusbpreface.com.

Titan Productions hosts “Whose Improv Is It Anyway?” By: JOSEPH GRAF Staff Writer

itan Productions has made it a goal for the 2010-11 year to have students and clubs host more events on campus.. After a successful club version of Family Feud last semester, Titan Productions is tackling another popular television show; Whose Line Is It Anyway? “Whose Line is it Anyway? is one of my favorite shows, so I brought up the idea to the Titan Pro team do the show and involve the theater students,” said Alicia Cox, the executive producer of Titan Productions. “I asked a few of them and they were excited and couldn’t wait to do it. So it was a done deal after that.” The event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, January 18 in NS room 158 and will run from 8 to 10 p.m. The event is free for anyone to attend. Cox will be the “Drew Carey,” or host of the show. IU South Bend students; Allie Wheaton, Marlon Burnley, Victor Kamwendo, and Jeremy Weyer will be the main contestants that improvise the

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sketches. The audience is also going to play a part in participating in some of the sketches. “The audience will be involved in two ways,” said Cox. “One, we will do a lot of skits where we will need audience suggestions, and two, we will have four or five skits where we will have audience members come on stage with the contestants to help out.” When it comes to comedy shows, improv is in a category all of its own. “Improv is always fun and entertaining because you don’t know what they are going to do next,” said Cox. “We will follow a lot of the games that the real show has, but of course, the contestants will put their own twist on it. They are pretty creative. I’ve seen them in action.” “Since this is the first time we are doing an event like this, it will depend on the turn out to see if this can be an annual event. I hope the students like it,” said Cox. If the show ends up to be anything like the original “Whose Line Is It Anyway?,” it should be a hilariously good time for everyone involved.

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Preface

2 The Preface The Preface is the official weekly student newspaper of IU South Bend and is published every Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters. The paper receives funding from the Student Government Association and through advertising revenue. The Preface is a student written, edited, and designed newspaper. JESSICA FARRELL Editor-in-Chief SAMANTHA HUNSBERGER Managing Editor COURTNEY SEANOR Design Editor HANNAH TROYER Web Editor COLUMNISTS Rebecca Gibson Kristine Bailey STAFF WRITERS April Buck Rasonda Clark Kelsie Ferguson Doug Hubbard Sarah Nixon Mandi Steffey Jessica Stutts Jeff Tatay Krystal Vivian AD MANAGERS Tim Barrick Lysa Winston Direct all correspondence to: preface@iusb.edu Email is the preferred contact method. The Preface PO Box 7111 1700 Mishawaka Ave South Bend, IN 46634 Phone: 574-520-4553 Office Location: Student Activities Center Room 220 Phone: 574/520-4553

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Campus construction under way MANDI STEFFEY Staff Writer

ith all the caution tape, orange cones, and “do not enter” signs across campus, students are probably wondering what is going on and when these new areas will be available. The IU South Bend campus is receiving a couple major makeovers, and Bill O’Donnell, a chancellor for the Fiscal Affairs department, explained a couple of these transformations. “One of the big things we’re obviously working on is one of the lounges in Northside,” O’Donnell said. The lounge, located beside the auditorium in the lower level of Northside Hall, has been undergoing construction for many months now. Conflicts with budgets and timing have slowed down the completion of this project, but O’Donnell is assured that this renovation is to be completed sometime this semester. The new Northside lounge will be a complete turnover from the last one, including a possible sandwich shop that is similar to Courtside Café. In the way of food and beverage, the new lounge is hoping to offer coffee and smoothies in the morning and afternoon hours. The kinds of food that are offered depends on the amount of square footage that IUSB is allowed to offer for the various things that they need to install to meet fire codes and other requirements. The lounge will also feature more seating, including bistro tables and other seats for students to relax and study. A few computer kiosks will be added to this area as well. Another large project in the works on campus is the transformation of the Associate’s Building into what will be the new Education and Arts Building. This project, consisting of a $22 million fund, will completely change the look and function of this older-style brick building located on the east side of campus. Since the current entrance of this building does not face the campus lawn, the entrance is being changed not only in the way of direction, but in the way of aesthetics and style. The design plan is new and exciting, including a grand entrance with curved walls and windows and high ceilings. Aside from the new entrance, a lot of functionality is being instilled into this “new” building. The new Education and Arts building will host a large lecture hall and 24/7 computer labs. The construction on this building will start as soon as plans get approved and finalized. Yet another remodel is also in store for IUSB. The IUSB website states that three outdated research labs are being remodeled in Northside.

PHOTO BY MANDI STEFFEY IU South Bend campus is receiving a couple major makeovers

The National Science foundation has awarded a grant for upwards of $700 thousand to pay for a new integrative biology research facility. The website explains that the new facility “will include a greenhouse, labs dedicated for molecular biology, microscopy and microbial culture, a data analysis lab, and a general research lab.” This remodel will be taking place in a 1,550 square foot space that is located on the first floor and ground floor research labs. The renovation is scheduled to start in the spring semester of 2011. Other small renovations on campus coming soon are some overhauls on bathrooms in Northside and the Administration Building, and courtyard and landscaping makeovers throughout campus. While these new features on campus won’t be done right away, the wait will be well worth it. These exciting new renovations throughout campus will not only enhance the look and feel of IUSB, but benefit the students and faculty as well.

TITAN TOONS By Joseph Graf

Advisor Ken Klimek

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Preface

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Titan Productions has big line-up for spring semester By KRYSTAL VIVIAN Staff Writer

PHOTO BY JEFF TATAY The first place to turn for help with computers and information technology is the Indiana University Information Technologies Services Knowledge Base at kb.iu.edu.

New year; New technology: Where to turn for help By JEFF TATAY Staff Writer\

echnology can be tricky, but IU South Bend offers various services to help make technology more productive and easier to use. The first place to turn for support with computers and information technology is the Indiana University Information Technologies Services Knowledge Base at kb.iu.edu. The Knowledge Base is a database with thousands of answers to questions related to information technology and computing. If you cannot find the answers to your questions at the Knowledge Base then head on over to the HelpDesk in room DW1245 of Wiekamp Hall where trained staff can help you with software, hardware and IUSB information technology related questions. The HelpDesk can also be contacted at 520-5555 or helpdesk@iusb.edu. The Student Technology Centers located in all of the computer labs are also useful for getting quick answers to questions concerning lab computers, software, printing and other IUSB information technology related questions. Students should contact the IT HelpDesk if the lab consultants are unable to answer their questions. New students, faculty and staff who are just getting used to IUSB’s specific information technology, such as OnCourse, OneStart, IU email, registering for classes and purchasing hardware and software at discounted prices should visit the “Introduction to Technology at IU South Bend” webpage at iusb.edu/~sbit/new-to-technology. Everything from how the email systems works at IUSB to setting-up a VPN connection to access the S-Drive from an off-campus computer is covered on this “getting started” webpage. When the help you need is the aid of professional computer software to get the job done, then IUware is the place. IUware allows users to download and install many professional software applications for free. Indiana University pays for software agreement with various vendors, such as Adobe, Microsoft, Symantec and more so that students, faculty and staff can obtain licensed software free of charge. IUware is located at iuware.iu.edu. Hardcopies of selected software are also available at the IUSB Bookstore for a nominal fee. The bookstore also sells used hardware at affordable prices. The strength of a Titan student club is also available to help create an environment for learning about computers and technology. The Titan Apple Group is a club for the Mac user, but is no exclusively dedicated to Apple technology specifically. “The purpose of the Titan Apple Group is to be a resource for students on how to get the most out of their Apple technology and their education, said Titan Apple Group president Heather Short. “We focus on Apple products but really want to support the use of technology on campus.”

t’s January and that means Titan Productions is gearing up for another semester of providing entertainment and fun to the students of IU South Bend. They’re starting out the year with the event Who’s Improv is it Anyway?, a night of skits and improv performances based on the popular show Who’s Line is it Anyway? It’ll be held on January 18 in NS 158 at 8 p.m., and the audience will play a big part in making this night fun and memorable for all. “I’m really looking forward to the improv show,” said Valerie Ratner, senior. “It’s always exciting to see people have to think on their feet, maybe because I’m a psychology major.” After that, Titan Productions is making sure students keep laughing with comedian Roy Wood Jr., who has appeared on Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, BET’s Comic View, and CBS’s Star Search. He’s also been on Last Comic Standing. He will be performing in NS 158 on January 25 at 8 p.m. Audience members will also have a chance at winning give-a-ways during the evening. February will start out with a Family Movie showing of Alpha and Omega on February 5. On February 8, Titan Pro will put on Titan Love, a game-show style dating game featuring both a male and a female IUSB student looking for a date for Valentine’s Day. February will end with one of the most popular Titan Pro events, Open Mic Night. Musicians, poets, comedians, and anyone with a unique or interesting talent are welcome to come out to the Community Building at student housing on February 24 at 8 p.m. to perform. On March 3, Titan Pro is holding a Taste of IUSB at the Community Building at 8 p.m. The following week on March 9, students are welcome to come out to the Pre-Spring-Break Luau at the Community Building at 8 p.m. If Open Mic Night wasn’t enough, IUSB students who have a musical talent are welcome to perform at So You Think You Can Sing?, a contest to see which IUSB students can sing the best. The winner of this event will perform as the opening act at Titan Fest in April. So You Think You Can Sing? will be held in NS 158 at 7 p.m. on March 25. Yogi Bear will be shown on April 2 in DW 1001 at 1 p.m. for another Family Movie showing. On April 11 at 8 p.m., Titan Fest 2.0 will be held featuring hot new band SafetySuit, as well as games, food, contests and prizes, and other musicians. After a busy semester and an exciting Titan Fest, Titan Productions will finish the year on April 27 with Rest and Relaxation in SAC 225 starting at 11 a.m. Students will be able to eat pizza, get free massages, play Rock Band on XBOX, and relax before finals week. For more information about Titan Productions and the events this semester, or to find out how to become involved with Titan Productions, email titanpro@iusb.edu.

Preface

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Resolutions, goals, and procrastination; How to keep your new years aspirations By KELSIE FERGUSON Staff Writer

ll things are easier said than done, and doing something revolutionary is sometimes difficult in the middle of coping with snow, ice, and new professors. But your New Year’s Resolutions don’t have to suffer if you keep them realistic and reachable. Not only that, but where’s the fun without rewards? There are countless ways to keep your plans down to earth. First off, consider your options. If you want to lose weight make a realistic goal of how much, and at what points in the year you want to be what weight. Consider the time you have to commit to the goal, and the resources you have to achieve it. Let your friends in on what your plans are. Make sure they know where you’re headed and all of the checkpoints along the way. Maybe even pair up with a friend who has similar goals. Teamwork and encouragement are a potent combination.

Don’t lose sight of your goals. It may be easy to forget come summertime that you had made a resolution six months prior. Having a calendar you use regularly marked for the whole year can help you keep goals in mind. You may even want to plan a few short-term goals as well as long-term so you can feel accomplished each time one is completed. Last of all, but most importantly, have a reward for when you finish! I mean, what’s the point of losing 20lbs if you don’t treat yourself to a fun night out afterward? Maybe buy yourself that one thing you could never justify spending too much money on. Now you have justification. If you don’t reward yourself for the hard work it’ll never make nearly as much of an impact on your new life. Remember, you’re not going to be thinking to yourself next year, “I wish I wouldn’t have achieved that goal,” so you have nothing to lose by working at it.

COURTESY OF: WWW.WORDSTREAM.COM If you want to lose weight make a realistic goal of how much, and at what points in the year you want to be what weight.

Attention: Wally West is not a rapper! By: Joseph Graf Staff Writer

’aubrey Hardy is a former IUSB student, and many people from IUSB as well as those who live in the Adams High School area may be familiar with him. But these days, he writes lyrics for mixtapes and goes by the alias of Wally West. “The name ‘Wally West’ actually comes from my favorite superhero ‘The Flash.’ He’s quick-witted & comical so I thought that he’d be the perfect character to embody,” says Wally. Wally West is very educated and well spoken, and he loves when people say his music isn’t “hood” enough. “It shouldn’t be “hood” because I’m far from that,” says Wally. “My music is weird just like I am! As long as people still enjoy it that’s all that really matters to me.” In fact, Wally doesn’t really want to be a rapper at all. He would much rather be a “ghostwriter,” which is the name given to the unknown writers that create lyrics for many of the mainstream artists that we hear today. “I honestly don’t want to change who I am in order to fit a particular image just so I can be successful. The idea of getting paid to write for an artist is much more appealing to me than actually being labeled as one.” In the case of Wally West, the pen is mightier than the microphone. “In my opinion, rapping if fairly overrated,” says Wally. “People choose rap as their primary career goal much more often than they should. It’s not my dream. My purpose of rapping is only to display my ability to write. My passion is for writing.” Wally West is very focused on his dream, and

even though he has a small gathering of local fans already, he will not settle for less than what he knows he is able to accomplish. “I’ve been asked to join several local labels, but none that I’ve actually taken seriously. However I’m currently working with an independent label whose representative requested that I write a few songs for some upcoming movie soundtracks.” On top of that, Wally may already be breaking into the mainstream. “I’ve been given the opportunity to write music for the newest member of ‘Bricksquad Ent’, which consists of rappers who are definitely in need of a writer, so wish me luck!” Among the many artists that Wally would like to work with and write for are Drake, Meek Millz, Young Dro, Ryan Leslie, Lupe Fiasco, Big Sean, Tank, MF Doom, and The Cool Kids. “There are so many artists I’d like to work with!” says Wally. “Any artist I listen to has a certain style or lyrical technique that I can appreciate for one reason or another.” With two mixtapes already out, “The Wrong Timeline” and “I Am a Cartoon,” Wally West already has enough tracks to put on quite a show. He has not attempted to perform his songs in front of a scheduled audience… yet. “I’m not really a fan of doing shows but as more and more people show me support I know eventually it’s going to happen. I just feel like performing for a show is something a rapper would do. But I haven’t reached my goals yet, so I’m willing to do what it takes to get there.” Wally’s most recent mixtape is titled “Walter is Weird” and was released on December 13. It was produced by IUSB’s own DJ Syncere. His upcoming mixtape is titled “The Kid Flash” and will be produced by the infamous DJ Ill Will.

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Swing back into the semester smoothly; some advice for students and faculty By KELSIE FERGUSON

W Staff Writer

elcome back onto campus and out of your month long winter hibernation. After a long and filling winter break students and professors alike are all struggling with the same thing; How to get back into the swing of the academic life again. Not only must many of us wake for unearthly early 8:30 am classes, but we’re also required to be productive and successful. Here are a few tips on how to make the transition a success.

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COURTESY OF: WWW.STUDENTSOVER30.COM Not only must many of us wake for unearthly early 8:30 am classes, but we’re also required to be productive and successful.

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Make Realistic Resolutions. Having goals is always a good way to start the semester. After getting a feel for your classes, plan out some realistic goals to achieve throughout the semester. If your work load is big, try spanning out your homework so you’re not overexerting yourself at the last minute. Likewise, if your workload is smaller than expected, make it a goal to do your very best in the classes you do have. Stay Hydrated. Drinking lots of water not only helps you avoid adding a cold to the

struggle, but also helps you keep awake. Maybe switch out the soda and coffee for some tea and juice in the mornings. Healthier is always better. Eat Healthy. A good diet is crucial to all elements of your life. Being hungry during class can lead to distractions as well as poor performance. You’re also more likely to feel awake after having a good breakfast. Try substituting the vending machine food for a healthy snack you pack with you in your bag. Work Out. Getting yourself in shape isn’t just a good idea for the upcoming spring break. It also helps channel some of the stress you deal with during the academic year. Plus, going for morning walks or jogs can significantly increase your performance throughout the day. Work Ahead. If you’re afraid of falling behind in classes, get yourself ahead of the class so you have some lee-way once life gets stressful. Many professors will give a syllabus of all the homework and academic plans for the semester. Staying a day or two ahead in reading shouldn’t be difficult if you start it early.

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Be Prepared is more than just the Boy Scouts’ Motto By REBECCA GIBSON Columnist

e’ve all been there: standing behind someone with a large basket of groceries. We just want to purchase our 12 items or fewer, and we are stuck behind a person preparing for The End of the World as We Know It. And then just when we think they are done, they whip out the coupons. Or their cell phone rings. Or their child, who has up until then been standing patiently, has to go to the bathroom NOW. And if it is coupons, one is expired. Or torn. Or for a different brand. Or not ringing up properly. And we stand, our baskets ripping our arms from our sockets, and curse our bad fortune to get stuck behind this yahoo, who probably doesn’t really need that fifth box of Chex anyway. So, what can help this predicament? Firstly, take all precautions to not be that person yourself. Put coupons in order, bring out any cards you may need, count your

money or partially fill out your check before you get all the way up to the register. If your cell phone rings, as much as it may pain you, ignore it. That is why voice mail was invented. Waiting 30 seconds for you to call them back is not going to cause your friends and family to spontaneously combust. (Well, okay, I cannot prove that last bit so if it does, would you please write me at rgibson2@iusb.edu and let me know? That would be incredibly interesting.) Secondly, if you happen to be that person by accident, smile sweetly and apologize. To the cashier, and to the person or people behind you. A smile and a kind word go a long way toward smoothing the ruffled feathers and sore arms that result from accidental delays. Also, smiling makes you happier—it has recently been suggested that the very act of smiling improves your mood. And apologies are always useful. Finally, I know that we cannot always be prepared. That is way too much to ask. However, if you find

yourself with a large basket of groceries or with something that will take you longer to prepare for, you might consider offering your place in line to the person behind you. Acknowledging that they will take less time and offering to let them go first is a kind and generous thing to do that will earn you their own smile and words of gratitude. And it will give you the time to prepare yourself for your turn at the cashier. While it may seem to be very little to do in your daily routine, the small pleasantries exchanged while out shopping turn a chore into a ritual. They change the space within which you move, and make life softer, kinder and slower for everyone around you. Politeness is never wasted, and care in preparation is always useful, even if it merely eases one worried face or makes kinder one angry word. You may only see the way it changes your own behavior, but truly, the way you treat and are mindful of others changes their entire worldviews. Go forth and shop in peace.

COURTESY OF: WWW.DEALSEEKINGMOM.COM Can someone be coupon happy?

Preface

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Rebecca’s Quick and Easy Classy Crepes By REBECCA GIBSON Columnist

If I have half an hour to spare in the morning, I make these crepes for breakfast. They are the easiest thing in the world, and they always come out perfect. Because they look difficult and fancy, they have never failed to impress a guest, and they are so deliciously addictive that they suit any occasion. You can fill them or top them with whatever you like, but I usually stay with the classic maple syrup or Nutella. Crepes: ¾ cup flour ½ tsp salt 1 tsp baking powder 2 tbsp powdered sugar Cinnamon and mace to taste; no more than a light tapping of the jar of each 2 eggs 2/3 cup milk 2/3 cup water ½ tsp vanilla extract In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients with a wire whisk. In a smaller mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Pour the wet into the dry, and whisk them together until well combined. Heat a small (8”) frying pan on the stove over medium low flame—if not non-stick, season first with a few drops of oil or cooking spray. Test the pan with a wet finger or a drop of water. When you hear the water sizzle, the pan is ready. With a small ladle, pour one ladle full of the crepe batter onto the hot frying pan. Using mostly your wrist, move the pan in a circle so that the batter coats the entire frying surface. You should end up with a circular crepe that is very thin. When the

COURTESY OF: WWW.NAJMETENDER.TUMBLR.COM You can fill them or top them with whatever you like, but I usually stay with the classic maple syrup or Nutella.

crepe turns light brown around the edges, use a spatula to lift it gently from the pan, and flip it over. Brown slightly, maybe 15-20 seconds, then remove from the pan to a storage plate. Recipe makes approximately 12 crepes.

Manners and Mannerisms: Sprinting to graduation By REBECCA GIBSON Columnist n a little under five months, I will have to reinvent myself. The identity of college student that I have worn for just over three years will no longer accurately describe me, and I will have to find a new one. I am sprinting toward graduation, and I don’t know what exactly the future holds. I say sprinting because the time is moving so quickly now. I spent a lot of time over break working, and it seemed to fly past. I feel as though if I close my eyes for a second, we will be at midterms, and if I sit down for lunch in my comfortable office I will stand up during finals week. And then, I’ll need to have a serious talk with myself, to figure out exactly who I am going to be. This identity I’ve had while here is an easy one to wear, my only real responsibilities being to complete my work, turn it in, and show up for classes and tests. Of course, I have done more than that, and I firmly endorse the merit of doing more than that. Once I thought that the value of a college education on one’s resume was to show one’s employer that it was possible to sit still for four years. Now I know that the value lies not in the ability to sit still, but in the ability to be dynamic. To move as much as possible and to do a vast amount of types of activities while still focusing on a few areas of study. While working out the dynamics of my next move, which I hope will take me to graduate school, I am reminded of when I was younger. No matter how much I loved my classes, I longed, like many my age, for summer vacation. Now, I would give those rather boring summers of childhood spent at a day camp in the city back for a few more months here. A few more classes with dear friends. A few more conversations with cherished mentors. A few more lazy days lounging on the grass of our beautiful campus. Of course, as much as I would give them back, I cannot. I am inexorably on a path toward graduation and whatever lies beyond. And although it will be a reinvention, it won’t really. Many of the things I will become, I am already in one form or another. Six classes away from graduation, the title of college graduate feels like it will sit well with me. Masters student or PhD student, well, it is another type of study, but I am sure I will wear that well too. Writer is more than what I do, at this point it is who I am. Looking at things this way, the sprint through the next few months slows and stretches, becoming just me as I walk through my life one day at a time. Even so, I will take some of that time to appreciate my surroundings this semester, to value where I am now so

when I look back I can see how I got to where I will be. I hope you take that time too, and tell those you value and appreciate how much they mean to you. The next step is only a few months away, and if you wait until then, the speed at which it approaches might deprive you of that chance.

COURTESY OF: WWW.MULTICULTURALLIFE.ORG

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Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Make it a Happy New Year for all By KRISTINE BAILEY Columnist

new year calls for doing new things, and not just ones that you don’t enjoy but you think will be good to do. Now that those unfun resolutions have fallen aside or are quickly fading from favor, think again about how to make this year a good one. Find something enjoyable, and that is good for you and your work, your studies, your family, and your planet - and do it! The following is a list that is not comprehensive, and certainly contains ideas that may not be considered fun for everyone. Hopefully, it will spark a new habit that helps and makes you and the rest of your world happy. 1. Saving Money: Use Paperless Coupons Shopping online allows you to use codes to get discounts. Check for carbon neutral shipping options to deliver your sale item in a sane way. As cell phones are used more and more, and their abilities expand them into multifunctioning tools, coupons become a mobile option. Target has been offering “mobile” coupons since early 2010. Ther are also businesses that send mobile coupons to you (although a text fee may apply) or they can be added to your store advantage or discount card. B.Y.O.B. (Bringing Your Own Bag) Get one reusable bag, and then take it to the store with you. Many grocery stores take money off your bill for each bag you bring. Save the savings for something fun or special. Plus, since the bag is used over and over again, there is less waste added to the landfill.

carbon footprint, and eat lower on the food chain, if only for one day a week. Try One New Organic Local Food Buy something new to eat, buy it seasonally to save money, and only buy what you will use. The less your food travels, the better it will taste, the better the planet will feel, and the better local farmers and local economies will function.

3. Stop Junk Mail – this is something to brag about to anyone and everyone you know who gets mail! 5.6 million tons of catalogs and direct mail ads end up in U.S. landfills each year, and each year more than 100 million trees create the total amount of unsolicited junk mail from all U.S. households. Register with the Mail Preference Service of the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) and remove your name from lists companies use to mail you offers and solicitations. Some services are free while others charge annual fees. (see Resolution Resources box for info) 4. Get Old Fashioned (and creative!) The saying from Depression-era days was, “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without!” Although we are not in a Depression, perhaps by applying this concept and some of the ideas listed here can help avoid depression about what good you are doing in the world, in your life, and for your wallet. Most of all, have fun trying!

Take the Bus Go ahead, I dare you to try it one day a month all year. It may turn out to be your favorite day as you relax, read, listen to music, text or snooze instead of fighting the traffic and rushing the red lights. At an average of about 56 cents a mile to drive and maintain your car, according to annual figures compiled by AAA, save money and relax on the bus instead. Buy Less of the Important Items Spend your time and your money on what makes you happy. Talk, run, play a game, make something crafty…whatever! Let the urge to purge your wallet rest for a day or two. If you find you really do need that thing, consider purchasing or borrowing one. Change One Light Bulb (at least) Compact Fluorescent (CFLs) and LED (light emitting diode) bulbs use much less electricity and save lots of energy. 2. Enjoy Your Food: Make Mondays Meatless “Meatless Mondays” are catching on across the country. Reduce your food’s

COURTESY OF: WWW.TREESINSTEAD.COM A new year calls for doing new things, and not just ones that you don’t enjoy but you think will be good to do.

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