The Sycamore Spring 2013--Part 1

THE SYCAMORE WELLS COLLEGE’S STUDENT MAGAZINE / SPRING 2013

Day the

issue

CONT features 9 21 WITH “PLAISIR”

Why the French value midday meals

ADOPTING THE JEDI CODE Come to the light side

14 26 OUT OF THE BLUE

Wells students and what has dawned on them

DIURNAL IN DENIAL

Getting the most out of your afternoon

17 32 IN THE LIGHT OF DAY

A look at a well-lit Wells

2 COVER DESIGN BY JILLIAN FIELDS

EVERDAY SHADEISM Shedding light on discrimination

TENTS constants 5 34 EDITOR’S NOTE

A few opening remarks

HISTORY

The invent of indoor lighting

6 38 FILM REVIEWS

Rainy day films you should probably watch

SCIENTIFIC PAPER CONTEST

Molly Baillargeon’s “A Photo(synthetic) Finish”

28 41 SEX COLUMN

A beginner’s guide to morning sex

DEAR MINERVA

Advice from Wells’s resident goddess

THE SYCAMORE / SPRING 2013 3

staff JUDITH LAVELLE REBEKKAH McKALSEN JILLIAN FIELDS JEREMIAH MILLER JESSICA LYONS SHANE PUSKAR HILLARY O'GRADY MINERVA VALERIE PROVENZA PAIGE FRALICK MICHAEL LYNCH ATIYA JORDAN MICHELLE LEE RAMONA REED MISSY BREWER ABENA POKU JULIE HUANG KEEGAN EVANS GABRIELLE UHRIG KELLY COBLER ELIZABETH INGHAM CATHERINE BURROUGHS

Editor in Chief Chief Copy Editor Creative Writing Director Chief Design Editor History Editor Technology Editor Staff Designer Sex Columnist Humanities Editor Film Critic Staff Designer Advice Columnist Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Designer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Copy Editor Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Designer Staff Photographer Staff Designer Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Staff Designer Staff Illustrator Staff Designer Advisor

contact E-MAIL

WellsSycamore@gmail.com

WEB

WellsSycamore.weebly.com WellsSycamore.tumblr.com

ADDRESS

4 COVER MODELLING BY TAYLOR FEHR

Wells College 170 Main Street Mailbox Number 296 Aurora, NY 13026

EDITOR'S NOTE

So often, a Sycamore theme conjures up the contrary. In our Fall 2011 “Expression” issue, we touched on censorship; in our Fall 2012 “Food” issue, some wrote about hunger. And as if discourse at Wells was not already preoccupied with binaries and “others”— here at The Sycamore, we just couldn’t help ourselves. Examining the most primal and basic of opposing forces, our first ever “flip” issue highlights the inherent difference between day and night.

This new form certainly presented its own challenges—namely fitting “two” issues within our standard 100 pages and somehow offering fresh commentary on the fact that the Earth revolves around the Sun. Still, I am not in the least bit disappointed with how our ever-creative staff has found their own circadian rhythm, so to speak. In “Day,” Atiya explores what has “dawned” on her friends (on page 14), while Jes gives us a couple of other ideas for waking up (on page 28). By “Night,” Michelle examines why we enjoy the horror of darkness (on page 13), and Mike offers his own explanations (on page 16). Our contest winners have also played along; Molly investigates efforts to harness the Sun’s energy as biofuel produced from microalgae (Day, page 38), and Marissa shares the stunning moment she captured on a Hawaii winter’s night (Night, page 54).

This semester, we welcomed Abena as the Sycamore’s newest staff writer. Though we had only one (bright and engaging) new addition, I feel as though our staff has grown so much as each staff member continues to take on new roles. Several staff writers and photographers worked on their own layout after Jillian expanded her role as Chief Design Editor to offer valuable and attentive instruction in all things design. Likewise, with Shane’s guidance, Jeremiah deviated from his technological interests to examine Star Wars from a philosophical standpoint (in Day, page 21, and Night, page 34). Bekkah—studying abroad this semester— transitioned seamlessly to her new role as our first Parisian Chief Copy Editor, thanks in part to webcams and flexible schedules.

The trans-Atlantic time zone difference, however, has definitely served as a pleasant irony—that our day is often Bekkah’s night.

As always, don’t hesitate to drop us a line; we welcome and encourage participation from our community. The Sycamore thrives on new members, contest entries, and your feedback.

You can stay in the know by following us on Tumblr, liking us on Facebook, or checking out our newest website (wellssycamore.weebly.com). •

Movies for a Rainy DAY

By Hillary O'Grady

Need something to do while the lack of sun is preventing your fun?

Rekindle your love of film with these soon to be instant classics.

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Title: Jeff, Who Lives at Home (2011) Directed by : Jay Duplass and Mark Duplass Distributed by : Paramount Vantage On what started off as a normal day of smoking weed in his mother’s basement, slacker Jeff receives a phone call that will change his and his family’s life forever. The phone call in question was a man looking for Kevin, and obviously a wrong number.

However, after seeing the movie Signs too many times, Jeff feels that this is in fact a sign. Jeff then receives a phone call from his mother Sharon (Susan Sarandon) asking him to pick up wood glue from the store. While on the bus, Jeff spots another rider wearing a jersey with “Kevin” on the back. Taking it as another sign, Jeff gets off at this person’s stop and follows him and eventually ends up at a basketball court. Jeff is asked to join in, after the game Jeff and Kevin decide to share a joint, and after a few hits some of Kevin’s friends come from behind and mug Jeff, stealing the money Sharon had set aside for the glue. On his way back home, Jeff runs into his bother Pat (Ed Helms) in the parking lot of Hooters. After having a few too many to drink due to his crumbling marriage, Pat decides to show off the abilities of his new Porsche to Jeff; he then crashes the car into a tree. The two brothers, unscathed by the accident, pay off the owners of the tree and drive off. While this is going on Sharon, sitting at her cubicle, receives a mysterious instant message from a secret admirer. Sharon seeks council from her friend Carol because she is dubious of the message’s sincerity. In the meantime, Pat and Jeff are driving when they spot Pat’s wife Linda with another man. The two brothers follow her in secret and eventually find her in a hotel with this other man. After a confrontation, Linda decides to leave Pat, and the two brothers get in a taxi and head home. The finale of the film takes a compelling turn resulting in everyone meeting on a traffic-blocked overpass.

Overall, Jeff, Who Lives at Home is a sentimental and hilarious adventure that can shed new light on your dreary afternoon.

Rating: 8.5/10

Title: Dancer in the Dark (2001) Directed by : Lars von Trier Distributed by : Fine Line Features Faced with the decision of choosing her own life or her son’s vision, Selma Ježková (Bjork) must make the ultimate sacrifice in Lars von Trier’s third film of his “Golden Heart Trilogy.”

Set in Washington State in the 1960s, single mother Selma works two jobs in order to save up enough money for her son to receive surgery on his 13th birthday to save his sight, while ultimately sacrificing her own vision. Selma keeps this a secret from her family and friends. However, life becomes too much for Selma, and she begins to daydream, leading to the haunting musical numbers of the film. Soon, those close to her learn of her blindness, and all of her savings are stolen. The rest of the film will leave you mesmerized and crestfallen.

This film contains several musical numbers from the bizarre pop icon Bjork—whether or not this is appealing is completely up to you. Also be aware that most of the movie is shot in what is commonly known as “shaky cam.” So if Bjork’s voice and unstable camera movement turn your stomach, then I suggest finding something else to do with your dreary day. However, if those things don’t bother you, it is definitely one to check out.

Rating: 7.5/10 THE SYCAMORE / SPRING 2013 7

Title: Willow (1988) Directed by : Ron Howard Distributed by : Metro-Goldwyn-Myer Ever wonder what it would look like if George Lucas decided to combine the story of the birth of Moses and the plot of Lord of the Rings? Then check out Willow.

During a “time of dread,” there is a prophecy that a child will be the downfall of the evil Queen Bavmordia. The film begins with the birth of this child. The Queen is notified, but before she can reach her, the child is sent down the river on a bed of grass, only to be found by the protagonist Willow’s (Warwick Davis) two children. Willow is a struggling farmer and aspiring sorcerer who can never seem to catch a break. During a festival for the next sorcerer’s apprentice, wild demon dogs attack their village in search of the baby. During a town hall meeting, the Sorcerer decides that Willow and several other townsfolk must go in search of a Daikini (a race similar to average height humans) to return the baby to. While on their journey, they happen upon Madmartigan (Val Kilmer) in a bird cage. They decide that this is 8 FILM

probably the best person to give the baby to, and the group parts ways. While on their way back, Willow and one of his friends see that a Brownie (a race similar to humans, but no more than one foot tall) has stolen the child and the two chase after it, but end up falling into a trap set by the Brownies. The two wake up and the Blue Fairy from Pinocchio tells Willow that the baby has chosen him to protect her. The next morning Willow and his friend part ways, and Willow continues his quest to aid in the destruction of Bavmordia. By the end of the film Willow learns that real magic comes from within and he is on his way to becoming a sorcerer.

Willow is the perfect rainy day movie for three reasons: one, old lady magic fight; two, Val Kilmer gets turned into a pig; three, by the time it’s finished, the storm outside has probably passed.

Rating: 7/10

With Plaisir U

Everyday Moments in French Cuisine

By Rebekkah McKalsen

Author’s note: Some interviews and sources have been translated from the original French.

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hen I decided to study abroad in Paris, I was extremely excited about the food—I was planning to eat cheese and baguettes every single day. The quality of food in France has most certainly not disappointed me—even things I don’t normally like taste amazing! But there’s more to French cuisine than just the food itself. I started thinking about this when my host mother, Evelyne Fayette, told me after one of our first meals together, “In France, we don’t eat just because we have to like Americans do. We eat because we like to.” The more time I spend here, the more I see that this idea of pleasure (“plaisir” in French) is what lies at the heart of their every meal.

Food anthropologist Christy Shields, who works for the American University of Paris, recently conducted a study to discover the differences between how American and French people think about food. She and her colleagues called 200 people in each country and recorded their answers to the question, “What is eating well?” When she asked this, I immediately thought, “Well that’s a simple question. Eating well is when you get enough nutrition and have a good diet.” According to Shields, this is almost exactly what Americans spoke about. Over 80 percent of respondents mentioned “carbohydrates,” “vitamins,” and other words related to nutrition.

The French participants, in contrast, mentioned the word “plaisir” in nearly the same proportions. They talked about rituals, eating enough, and eating as a social experience. Less than 20 percent of people talked about nutrition. After I heard this, I began to look around me, and now I see the word “plaisir” everywhere—it even appears twice on my box of Special K, replacing every mention of the “Special K challenge” that is advertised in America. Despite this seeming lack of concern for nutrition or dieting, the obesity rates in France are half of the rates of obesity in the U.S. In fact, France is one of the slimmest countries in Europe, in spite of—or perhaps because of—their habit of eating so richly.

The anatomy of a French meal is much, much different from that of an American meal in its reliance on a vast knowledge base of different foods. According to Dr. Jean Marc Catheline, an obesity specialist based out of a teaching hospital in Paris, the French can eat the way they do because they have so much respect for and knowledge about food. “The French know how to cook and prepare food,” he summarized in an interview with npr.

He cited the importance of France’s rural traditions, and how the French have “great respect for foods from the farm.” Part of this respect for food expresses itself in knowing which plates taste best together. Fayette told me, “We pay attention to what goes together… and [because of ] that, we have less of a need for sugary drinks to go with our meals.” What the French traditionally drink with their meals is breathtakingly simple: water and wine. Fayette serves both at every meal in four-ounce glasses.

According to Fayette, the most important meal for a French person is not dinner, like in the U.S., but lunch at noon.

Traditionally, this meal is the “most copious” of the day and is eaten with close friends or family. The meal commences with an entrée, which can consist of anything from a fresh avocado to escargot (snails); entrées are also served to start dinner. After 10 FEATURES

Cookbook author Luana Belmondo enlists a young assistant during her live demonstration at Pairs' annual "Salon de Livres."

the entrée, lunch continues with a “plat garni,” which consists of meat with grains or vegetables. This is the main course; it is here that the French pay the most attention to assembling foods that will complement each other, although they ensure that the different courses complement each other as well. This is followed by the cheese course (my personal favorite), and then a fruit. If, however, you are eating with friends, you might have cake or a type of shortbread cookie and then the fruit.

I spoke to Olivier Jouannic, a French gastronome who leads a market discovery course for Wells’s Arts in Paris program.

He informed me that there is a French saying that goes; “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a beggar.” He attributed this emphasis on eating earlier in the day to the “diet people,” who often break with customary French habits. As a rule, breakfast in bigger cities such as Paris or Nice are smaller and consist of a croissant with jam. However, sometimes this emphasis on midday eating is part of tradition.

Jouannic concurred with Shields’s theory of social eating in France completely. “Lunch means family—especially Sunday lunch!” Jouannic explained that, particularly in the countryside, Sunday lunch can last for several hours and is spent with family, discussing anything and everything that comes to mind. Which foods are eaten is also important: his grandmother’s entire roasted chickens with fries on the side are the “icon” of Sunday lunch for Jouannic.

Social eating extends to other meals as well. According to Jouannic, “Dinner means family too… because that is when everyone talks about their day.” Social eating can occur in situations that Americans might not even think about. Recently, I went to the “Salon du Livres” in Paris, which is an annual convention for authors and literature, and there was an entire area set aside for demonstrations from cookbook authors. One such author and chef, Luana Belmondo, illustrated the concept of social eating as she was finishing her demonstration and inviting people to taste her dish, which she prepared in front of a crowd of roughly 50 people. Belmondo said, “Conviviality is important, just like tasting!” and mentioned how empty food would be “sans plaisir”—without the spirit of friendliness and eating together.

Even though people were only trying a spoonful of her dish, the act of eating was still rooted in a social context. I think it should be noted that even at a book convention, there was an entire area set aside for cooking demonstrations—for the French, food is always a priority.

I noticed efforts to teach children to appreciate food at the cooking demonstration at the Salon du Livres, where Belmondo pulled a young boy from the audience to help her and to taste the dish as they were going along. At one point, she asked him if it was good. “I don’t think it’s salty enough,” he replied, and she promptly added some spices based off of what he suggested.

Because of this emphasis on eating together and having homecooked meals, the invention and increasing popularity of the microwave has served as a huge family disruption: children can prepare something “without even knowing how to cook it,” without having to wait for the food to cook, and without needing someone to eat with them or show them how ( Jouannic). This THE SYCAMORE / SPRING 2013 11

is quite controversial in France because the ‘90s generation has adopted many American habits, and they often don’t have the same repertoire of or respect for cooking knowledge that their parents had at the same age. Many fear that the tradition of fine cuisine in the home will disappear as French culture becomes faster-paced like that of the U.S. Sometimes television will invade dinner, although Fayette reported that when her children were young, their television was in her bedroom so that so-called “TV dinners” were absolutely impossible.

Another aspect of cuisine that is very important in France is the origin of the ingredients and products used—respect for which is another cause for outrage against microwave cooking.

The French have an untranslatable term, “terroir,” which describes how foods are influenced by the region they are grown in—for example, grapes grown on chalky ground will result in a wine that tastes much different than grapes grown on rich, wet soil because the terrain is different. It is often misused by agricultural activists who use the term to imply quality, all-natural crops— but the concept of terroir is much more complicated than that.

According to Elizabeth Barham, “[D]efining it has proven complex and controversial even within France itself ” (7). This is partially because the term also indicates a “sense of place” that can be developed by farmers: geologist Jake Hancock described it in a New York Times interview as “a combination of the obvious (the quality of a plant depends on where you plant it) and the mystical” (Steinberger). Vineyards, for example, try to make the types of wine that both evoke the terrain and “displa[y the terrain’s] qualities to best advantage” (Barham 6)—an idea that relies on this more mystical aspect of terroir. They accomplish this by understanding as much as possible about how the weather, the soil, and other factors influence their grapes’ growth and taste; they then use this understanding to guide their methods for preparing their products.

Terroir also expresses itself through a labeling system called “appellation d’origine contrôlée” (“name from a controlled region”) or the aoc. Wine connoisseurs might be familiar with this label; it is earned when food products in France adhere to a government-regulated process related to certain names. This ensures that when you buy something with the aoc approval label on it—for example, a Bordeaux wine or Brie cheese—the product will recall the terroir from which it came and will have a certain taste. Camembert—an extremely popular soft cheese —must,

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along with many other regulations, come from specific towns in Normandy and have a “smooth and supple” texture (Ministère De L’Agriculture et de la Pêche). If the product doesn’t follow the regulations, farmers must call it by a different name. But the regulations dictate much more than just the texture and the location of the cows whose milk is used—for some dairy products, the rules even specify which fields the cows can graze in and whether the milk is from the morning milking or the evening.

Another aspect of food culture in France is the importance of teaching their children how to eat properly and to appreciate their food. This is becoming increasingly difficult for busy parents and for new generations who seem more and more to want to follow American cultural norms. Recently in the Direct Matin (a Paris morning paper), there was a story about how kids are turning towards junk food instead of eating school lunches —“stands of the cafeteria sort,” fast food and sandwich shops are now competing with the traditional school fare options. In American schools, there has been a sort of standardization of vending machines and cafeteria food within the school but in France, only water is served to children and there is a national ban against schools having vending machines or serving “junk food” (which, according to the Direct Matin, includes panini, pizza and sandwiches). Instead, starting from age three, French school children are served a four course lunch with a first course of only vegetables—the logic being that hungry children are more likely to eat vegetables if that’s the only thing on their plate. However, if the children leave school for their one-hour lunch period, the sanctions mean nothing.

Another way this change has been expressing itself is in the decrease of wine drinkers in France. One study conducted by the University of Montpellier suggested that only half of French people between the ages of 21 and 29 drink wine; in fact, annual consumption is down from 120 liters per person in 1980 to 55 liters. This is still roughly double American wine consumption (which is on the rise) but is a cause for concern for the nation.

According to food writer Perico Legasse in an interview with the bbc, this is indicative of an abandonment of “the repas, or meal, by which I mean a convivial gathering around a table, and not the individualized, accelerated version we see today.”

Wine has been the traditional complement to dinner and lunch in France for many years, but is now, according to some, in danger of being considered elitist due to how expensive

high quality wine can be. “It is totally ridiculous. It should be perfectly possible to drink moderately of good quality wine on a daily basis,” Legasse said. Denis Saverot, editor of La Revue des Vins de France (a wine review magazine), lamented that health officials have begun “lumping wine in with every other type of alcohol, even though it should be regarded as totally different.”

With this in mind, French young people have begun drinking other alcoholic beverages like beer for its lower alcohol content.

The issue of wine consumption is tied not only to a decrease in knowledge about various wines among younger generations, but a lack of time reserved for the meal. French writer Theodore Zeldin shed light on this connection when he remarked in a bbc interview, “After all, that is one of the great things about wine: you can’t swig it.” My French professor Denis also complains about people not leaving themselves enough time to prepare and eat a proper meal. As France moves to a 24-hour culture, time is becoming increasingly difficult to spend on eating or on teaching their children how to cook, but the traditions are still very important, especially for older generations.

When asked how long a lunch could last, Jouannic laughed.

“They can be endless. On Easter, [my family] starts eating at noon and dessert starts at 4. Then, we might take a quick walk while others stay home and prepare the table [for dinner]…”

For an American, this sounds exorbitant beyond our wildest imagination, but for the French, it is all in the execution. Their meals are comprised of many smaller courses, which are separated by having different plates for each thing and by a short space of time between each course in order to taste and digest each thing individually. It is also normal to sit around the table after the meal has finished and talk—a time that is still considered part of the meal because the social aspect is so important. However, more and more often, people are turning to eating a quick sandwich on the metro. For Denis, even the prospect of eating in a movie theater is unthinkable: “It’s disgusting!”

But for the younger generations, who have grown up watching and emulating American culture, it is less and less repulsive.

Many fear that these moves away from tradition, which have led to increases in obesity rates across the nation of France, will mark the end of the “French Paradox” of eating richly while maintaining their health. •

Works Cited Barham, Elizabeth. “Translating ‘Terroir’: Social Movement

Appropriation of a French Concept.” Journal of Rural

Studies. Vol.19,no.1 (2003): pp.127-138.Web.19 March 2013.

Beardsley, Eleanor. “The French are Getting Fatter, Too.” npr: 6 August 2011. Web. 21 March 2013.

Fayette, Evelyne. Personal interview. March 2013.

Jouannic, Olivier. Personal interview. 22 March 2013. “‘Junk-Food’: Les Écoles Touchées.” Direct Matin, no. 1261. 20 March 2013. Print.

Macle, Dianne. “Young France isn’t Drinking Wine: The ‘French Paradox’ is becoming a thing of the Past.” Wine Spectator, 2 June 2008. Web. 26 March 2013.

Ministère De L’Agriculture et de la Pêche. “Décrets, arrêtés, circulaires.” Journal Officiel de la République Française, 21 September 2008. Web. Accessed 21 March 2013.

Schofield, Hugh. “Why are the French Drinking Less Wine?” bbc, 26 March 2013. Web. 26 March 2013.

Shields, Christy. “What is Eating Well?” Wine and Cheese Evening at Martha’s Place, Belleville, Paris: 15 February 2013.

Steinberger, Michael. “Is the Earth of France the Mother of Wine?” New York Times, 14 April 2001. Web. 19 March 2013.

THE SYCAMORE / SPRING 2013 13

Out of the Blue A Collection of Revelations

By Atiya Jordan

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ife is full of exploration and sudden realizations that’ll have you amazed, upset, laughing, or even crying. Have you ever had something “dawn” on you out of the blue? These experiences can be life-changing or practically irrelevant. They sneak up on you in college, at the grocery store, at a bar, in the bathroom, at a funeral or a wedding. In unexpected places and in unexpected circumstances, that one thing will dawn on you like daybreak.

Sometimes, people will think your realizations are foolish or even childish, but there are no judgments here. I have asked Wells College students what are some of the most important things that have “dawned” on them.

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t was a hot summer day in Coco Beach, Florida. I was at my grandparent’s house for the summer. My brother and I both decided to go swimming because it was so hot. We grabbed our boards to go surfing because the waves weren’t as choppy as usual.

Everything was going good—it was a good day. It was around noon; everyone was out swimming and having a ball. I was riding and my brother caught the first wave. He rode the wave all the way back to shore. Then it was my turn next and I caught the wave. As I got closer to the shore, I fell off because something knocked me off my board. I started treading water to grab my board when I felt the sharp pinch in my arm. I thought nothing of it until I noticed a small spill of blood. I noticed it was mine after I looked at my arm. That’s when it dawned on me that I was bit by a teenaged bull shark.

—Anonymous

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was leaving Texas, and as I was on the flight, I had a lot of mixed emotions. I was excited about coming to New York for the first time and also flying for the first time. I was feeling down because I was leaving friends and family, but I knew I was going to meet new ones in the process. I was happy to leave Texas because the weather was hitting 120 degrees at the time.

When I got to New York, I wasn’t able to call or talk to anybody back home and then I didn’t know anyone from New York, so I wasn’t able to use anyone’s phone. Then, I was finally able to use a phone, I called my biological mom and she didn’t answer. My little brother answered the phone, and then, when he realized it was me, he started crying. He told me that my mom had a tumor in her brain, and she was in a coma. And that was when it dawned on me that there was nothing that I could do. How I had to deal with that has made me who I am this semester.

—Tracy Smith

THE SYCAMORE / SPRING 2013 15

O

ne day when I was younger, my mother was putting all these clothes in a black bag and it was full of black coal.

When I grew older, it dawned on me that she was at the 9/11 incident and witnessed the plane crash into twin towers; the ashes from the fire fell on her.

—Mykala Phillips

A

fter getting into an argument with somebody, it always dawns on you what you should have said. It also dawned on me that that’s why people get into arguments through text messages—because they have time to think of things to say.

—Anonymous

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ove dawned on me when I was 15. It was my first time falling for someone and it was the most amazing but then also the scariest feeling ever. It was only scary because of hearing stories about all my friends falling and getting hurt. When the words, “I love you,” came out of my mouth, it was so natural but then not at the same time.

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n the SpongeBob movie, Patrick was butt-naked flying through the sky with a sign in between his butt cheeks that said SpongeBob. When I saw that, it dawned on me how vulgar children shows are nowadays.

—Davina Jones

—Tina Green

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oming to college, I was told that I would meet lifelong friends. That was exciting news! Many people have lost high school friends because everyone was in the process of learning who they are and changed. I came to college and made really great friends; however, in my two years here, some of the people I’ve began to build friendships with have let me down and then it dawned one day… disappointments come from expectations.

As you can see, these realizations can teach life lessons, no matter how small or large the situations were. I’ve also had plenty of experiences in my life where I’ve noticed things too late or noticed something completely on the spur of the moment.

C

—Negaysha Walcott

O

ne summer afternoon when I was about six or seven years old, I noticed my mother putting boxes outside the house.

Lots and lots of boxes. I was outside with my neighbor, and I asked why she was taking my father’s things out. She told me that my father was sleeping over at someone else’s house for a while.

My neighbor and I were just kids, and I innocently thought that my father would be spending the night over his house. When I realized that my father didn’t come home for weeks at a time and got a beating for running out to give him a hug, I knew my father was permanently not a part of the family anymore. As I got older, it dawned on me that this experience opened my eyes to a life that I never knew I could have. •

What's your experience?

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In the Light of the D ay ...

A photostudy by Julie Huang

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Adopting the Jedi Code: Why Embracing the Light Side is as Clear as Day

by Shane Puskar

T

he genre of science fiction is a rich field for philosophical inquiry, and Disney’s Star Wars is no exception. In the Star Wars universe, the Jedi, as well as their archrivals the Sith, have elaborate philosophical constructions that range from ethics to metaphysics. However, it does not take much searching to find logical blunders within the iconic series. For example, in Star Wars: Episode III—Revenge of the Sith, Obi Wan Kenobi (played by a well-bearded Ewan McGregor) famously (or infamously) said to an enraged Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christenson), “Only a Sith deals in absolutes.” Now, Obi Wan did not realize it at the time, but his claim about the Sith is contradictory: For Obi Wan to say that only a Sith deals in absolutes, Obi Wan is implying that under no condition would a non-Sith (such as a Jedi) make an absolute statement. Of course, though, Obi Wan is a member of the Jedi order. All this might prompt one to wonder, “If a Jedi as wise as Obi Wan Kenobi can fall victim to such basic logical errors, should we bother to look to the Jedi for any philosophical guidance?” Although “Old Ben” Kenobi abused logic in his confrontation with Anakin, I think there is something worth salvaging in Jedi philosophy—namely, the Jedi Code. Specifically, the Jedi Code provides us with a blueprint for living a fulfilling life.

Here, I will offer a new interpretation of the Jedi Code that provides individuals a description of how to live one’s life that is far superior to the Sith Code, as interpreted by Jeremiah. After briefly introducing the Jedi Code, I will explain it, and draw on sources from the Stoic philosophical tradition to elucidate the key areas of the Jedi Code that give instructions on living a fulfilling life. Next, I will critique Jeremiah’s interpretation of the Sith Code. From there, I will respond to Jeremiah’s criticisms of the arguments I present. Lastly, I conclude by reaffirming the arguments I have made, and hope, in the words of Jedi Master

Yoda, “A Jedi you will be” (Star Wars: Episode IV—The Return of the Jedi).

So, what is the Jedi Code? Essentially, the Jedi Code is a recognition of the tragedy of the human condition: mortal beings that are aware of their mortality, inching closer and closer to death. The Code goes as follows:

“There is no emotion, there is peace.

There is no ignorance, there is knowledge.

There is no passion, there is serenity.

There is no chaos, there is harmony.

There is no death, there is the Force.”

(Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic)

Similar to the ancient Stoics, the Jedi Code is centered on coping with the human condition—how to live a fulfilling life knowing that it will eventually end. One might wonder how the Jedi could be concerned with the human condition considering their code specifically says, “There is no death.” Although seemingly paradoxical, the Jedi Code does not offer one the ability to transcend death. On a closer reading of the Jedi Code, we see that the Code dismisses death as something that we should not fear. In fact, embracing death can lead to peacefulness. In his Consolation to Marcia, the Roman philosopher Seneca expresses the Jedi position on death quite well: “Death is a release from all pains, and a boundary beyond which our sufferings cannot go; it returns us to that state of peacefulness in which we lay before we were born” (Seneca 74). In other words, death is not inherently bad, it is morally neutral (hence “there is no death”); peace is what unites us all in the end (hence “there is the Force”).1 This is not to say that life is not worth living, or that everyone should commit suicide in order to attain peace. On the contrary, the Jedi Code

1. I understand that this is not the traditional metaphysical understanding of the Force. However, if I am to appropriate what was originally an ethical code from a fictional universe into anything that is useful now, then there will obviously have to be some differences.

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is concerned with living a fulfilling life. Indeed, suicide might relieve the pain and suffering that accompany life, but it will also remove the elements of life that we consider the most rewarding and take responsibility out of our hands permanently.

Now that we have seen what the Jedi Code is concerned with, what makes it so attractive? In acknowledging our mortality, the Jedi Code enables us to see what type of goods are truly valuable in life: internal goods. The Jedi Code acknowledges that death and misfortune can strike us at any moment, forcing us to ask the question, “What makes a life worth living?” A good life would be one that is in accord with rationality, which as I will show, is a life fulfilled by internal goods. An internal good, as opposed to an external good, would be one that we can possess control over and, therefore, is rational. Of course, there is only one thing we truly have control over: our moral will. As moral agents, our intentions and values depend on us and are not merely controlled by the forces of cause and effect. Aside from our moral will, everything in life is subject to fate, and does not truly have value. It is in this sense that the Jedi Code is liberating, for it tells us to take solace in what we have control over, and not to worry ourselves with that which we lack control over.

Unfortunately, as the Jedi Code points out, there is little we actually control in life: beauty, wealth, pleasure, and all sorts of things we consider worthwhile in life are subject to random chance. A beautiful model could be horrifically scarred in a fire, a wealthy merchant could have his riches swindled away, and a man who finds personal fulfillment in sexual conquest could become crippled in a terrible accident. The point is, the Jedi Code tells us that fulfillment cannot be found in goods that are subject to random chance (i.e. external goods), unless we are prepared for self-destruction. If you recall, the Jedi code states, “There is no emotion, there is peace.” Important to note here is that we

are not being told that emotion does not exist. Indeed, we are receiving instruction regarding unrestrained emotions. Sure, letting our emotions run wild can seem attractive, especially when we are having fun. However, when the fun stops, and the negative emotions like fear, anxiety, and sadness set-in, an individual can become crippled. Seneca writes of the issue, “No man is crushed by misfortune unless he has first been deceived by prosperity” (Seneca 69).

What causes these negative emotions in the first place?

According to the Jedi, as well as the Stoics, all emotions spring from irrational belief; specifically, belief that we can find fulfillment in goods that we do not actually have control over. As much as external goods can give us great joy, not acknowledging that they are fleeting can have dire consequences. To take an example from The Revenge of the Sith, Anakin becomes increasingly distressed over a premonition he experiences that depicts the death of his wife Padme. As time goes on, Anakin’s entire demeanor is consumed by anxiety, which fundamentally changes his identity.

A Jedi diagnosis of Anakin’s problem is easily conjured: Anakin’s personal fulfillment is fundamentally attached to things that are outside of his control. Anakin, whether he likes it or not, has no control over Padme’s fate. Marcus Aurelius comments, “If your distress has some external cause, it is not the thing itself that troubles you, but your own judgment of it—and you can erase this immediately” (Aurelius 79). In Anakin’s case, his irrational judgment of death as inherently bad, and his valuation of Padme’s continued existence as the primary good in his life (which he has no control over) set him up for emotional turmoil.

Of course, the Jedi, like all people (including Anakin), are bound to care deeply for those they are close to. The Jedi Code tells us that, “There is no ignorance, there is knowledge.” The importance of knowledge is akin to possessing rational beliefs. As

THE SYCAMORE / SPRING 2013 23

stated above, it would be irrational for the Jedi to attempt to find fulfillment in something that they have no control over. However, engaging in a relationship with another person can be perfectly rational, so long as one recognizes that it can abruptly end. In this sense, a relationship has relative value—it is contingent upon what one would like to accomplish. Perhaps it is making children, or perhaps it is working with others to provide an adequate social safety net? Ultimately, my point is that relationships can never lead to fulfillment, as it is an external good, but it can certainly complement the quest for fulfillment.

Another strength of the Jedi Code is that it recognizes that unrestrained passions can severely harm others. The trouble with passions is that they are very difficult to control, and, more often than not, they control you. As we know, the Jedi Code tells us, “There is no passion, there is serenity.” For the Jedi, although both are irrational, there is a distinction between the emotions and the passions. Emotions are what one feels internally (e.g. joy, anxiety, fear, etc.) after any given experience; passions (e.g. anger, envy, sexual attraction, etc.) are the sum total of emotions experienced directed at other people or things. As Yoda so eloquently expressed it to a young Anakin in Star Wars: Episode I—The Phantom Menace, “Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”

Returning to our example of Anakin from The Revenge of the Sith, as his uncertainty about Padme’s future progressed, his emotions evolved, and manifested in anger—a passion which he directed at Obi Wan Kenobi and the rest of the Jedi, whom Anakin viewed as hindering his pursuit to save Padme. In the end, Anakin was so consumed by his anger that he nearly choked Padme to death, (wrongly) believing that she had betrayed him and his mission (which, ironically, was to save her).

The Jedi alternative to the passions is serenity and harmony.

Tempering one’s passions (as well as one’s emotions) gives one more control over oneself; one does not merely become a vessel of one’s passions. On top of that, the tempering of the passions enables one to attribute relative value to relationships without becoming too attached; this allows individuals to find fulfillment in a much smoother fashion. In this sense, interpersonal relationships become serene, unable to be disrupted by fits of passion. Similarly, when the Jedi Code tells us that, “There is no chaos, there is harmony,” we are being told of the benefits of tempering passions on a societal level. The more people temper their passions and accept fate as it occurs, the less society will experience destructive behavior.

Even if you are not persuaded by my arguments, is the path of the Sith an attractive alternative? According to Jeremiah’s

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interpretation of the Sith Code, embracing our passions is a liberating feature of our existence. He writes, [O]ur passions are like electricity. Undirected electricity can cause raging wildfires, but if channeled properly, it can power civilization.

Some may argue that passions such as anger cannot be used positively … [but t]he Jedi fear what lengths one will go to if they use their passion, and certainly it is a scary road, but in following the Jedi’s strict code of ethics, an individual is rendered incapable of being true to themselves.

For Jeremiah and the Sith, denying our passions amounts to conformity because passion enables individuals to forge their authentic identities. The major problem with the Sith’s use of passion is that authenticity becomes trivial. When we let our passions run wild, they are always reacting to something external to us. Think about it: when we say we are passionate, we are always passionate about something or someone. Whether one is passionately pursuing the love of their life or revenge against their foe, one cannot escape the moral relationship between oneself and the object of pursuit. In other words, when we let our passions rein, our identities become partially defined by the object of our passions. Search your feelings—if you are angry and seek revenge against someone, are not all of your actions determined precisely in reference to your enemy? If that is true, is your identity not the product of your foe? It seems that living an authentic life, at least for the Sith, amounts to letting other people (or things) define our identities – which in turn suggests that we are not truly free.

Jeremiah suggests that by tempering emotions and passions, the Jedi do violence to their own individual psyches. As he states in his own poetic way,

… any 13 year old boy will tell you that tempered emotions lead to a soggy, sticky bed.

The Jedi would have this developing boy feel conflicted about his urges rather than either take care of them or sublimate them into other activities.

From there, Jeremiah cites the instance when Yoda warned Anakin about the dangers of fear after Anakin had expressed fear over the potential loss of his mother. The problem with

Works Cited Jeremiah’s argument here is two-fold: for one, it ignores the fact that relieving a sexual urge can have relative use value. One will not be able to find fulfillment in life by constantly having sex, but one can certainly enjoy the pleasure of it as a form of catharsis.

Second, the Jedi would certainly favor someone sublimating their passions and emotions. Meditation, for example, would be a more than adequate way to sublimate one’s passions or emotions, as it would prevent people from acting upon them.

At this point, I would like to reflect on what I have argued throughout my paper. Through my interpretation of the Jedi Code, I have argued that the code provides us with a useful guide for living a fulfilling life. The Jedi Code, which shares many features with the wisdom of the stoic philosophers Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, compels us to live a life focused on internal goods, so as to not fall victim to the suffering that accompanies external goods. In contrast, the Sith code is marred by its acceptance of external goods as important for the good life, and its short-sighted endorsement of passion; as we have seen, rooting the good life in external goods makes one’s fulfillment fleeting, and the unrestrained rule of passions will allow anger to flourish, which has negative consequences for any individual. Ultimately, if you want to live a fulfilling life, embrace the Jedi Code, but if you are tempted to follow the way of the Sith, remember the advice written here, and the eternal words of Admiral Ackbar: “It’s a trap!” •

Star Wars: Episode IV—The Return of the Jedi. 1983. Film. 21 Mar 2013.

Bioware. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. LucasArts, 2003.

Xbox.

Seneca. “Consolation to Marcia.” Trans. Array Dialogues and Essays. John Davie. Reissued ed. New York: Oxford, 2008. Print.

Aurelius, Marcus. Meditations. Reissued ed. London: Penguin, 2006. Print.

THE SYCAMORE / SPRING 2013 25

Diurnal in Denial:

Learning to Maximize Time and Minimize Procrastination

By Paige Fralick

What time do you wake up? If you go to bed around midnight and wake up around 9 am, you have gotten more than enough sleep. You can get to breakfast and lunch and do homework in between. But how many college students get up at nine if they have no class until afternoon seminars? Here are some friendly tips to help you get control over your life without adding stress to hopefully motivate you to do work during the day.

Mindset is everything

Perfectionists

If you tell yourself you want to do something over and over again, you’ll believe yourself. If you feel like you are too tired, tell yourself you will feel better after a cup of coffee. If you feel overwhelmed, remind yourself you will only feel lazier if you don’t sleep because you pulled another all-nighter due to procrastination.

Most perfectionists, like myself, feel like they have to get everything done at once and make it perfect the first time. The reason why they procrastinate? “If I do it now, I’ll just keep obsessing until it’s perfect. But if I do it the day it’s due, it forces me to make it right the first time.” How do you avoid this mindset? Make your own deadlines with professors so that you aren’t pushing off work.

If you hand it in, you can’t redo it eight million times, so you will stop thinking about it and won’t have the stress of being in such a crunch for time.

Prioritize your long-term goals

Self Control

Of course it’s fun to hang out with friends and escape for a bit. However, if you get your work done first, you will feel less stress and enjoy this free time more. In the long run, what is more important—your grades or memories? They are equally important to most people, so you must juggle both. You can’t expect to get where you want in life if you just sit back and wait for it to come to you. Being ambitious is not a flaw but a gift.

Make a list and say to yourself, “I can go out and hang out with so-and-so, after I do…” You will accomplish what needs to be done without the stress that can take years off your life.

I know online shopping is the most fun thing to do when you don’t want to work on a paper, but you’re in college! You have loans that need paying off and no time to waste perusing those websites. You don’t have time or money to be wasting online, so you have to gain self-control. Good news: there’s an app for that. That’s right; there is an application you can download called Self-Control at selfcontrolapp.com by Charlie Stigler and Steve Lambert. You can block any site for however long you wish. It’s a good way to learn self-control if you find yourself lacking. Friday nights are for fun, right? Well if you have a midterm Monday morning, it is the night for studying. You have to learn to be able to say no and do what is best for you in the long run rather than what seems like fun now. I’m not saying don’t live in the moment—just prioritize. Work first, fun second. We’re all here for an education; at least, that’s what we’re paying for.

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Improve your sleep schedule Sleep makes all of the difference. Even though some people claim to be night owls, we are not a nocturnal species and are more productive during the day. The “after dinner excuse” is my favorite. I don’t know about you, but when I get out of a lab or seminar, there is a solid forty-five minutes that I just waste because I promise I’ll do my work after dinner. I could write a page of a paper, do a whole assignment, or read during that time, but I usually hang out with friends to unwind instead. Next thing I know, it is midnight and I still have a paper or lab write-up to finish or even start. If I used that time before dinner, I could have gone to bed by midnight.

Multitasking

Time management

Most psychologists believe people cannot effectively multitask.

This is true in a sense. It is very hard to do two different tasks that use motor skills, for instance. However, you can multitask if you don’t use the same senses. For example, you can run while listening to an audiobook rather than music or study with friends while at dinner. There are so many opportunities to continuously grow if you just sit down and think about what needs to be done, and when and where could you do that throughout the day.

Hate mornings? No, you don’t. What you really hate is going to bed at 2a.m. because you spent your day napping instead of doing homework. It can become a vicious cycle if you don’t manage your time correctly. If you cut the time you spend on Facebook or lingering in the dining hall, you can save a lot of time. The trick is to be conscious of where your time is going so you can find these bad habits and get rid of them.

Weekends

Take Initiative

On this campus, everyone complains there is nothing to do on the weekends. What a lie! You can study, do homework, bond with friends, catch up on television, or clean. The weekend is for recovery of every sort. If you feel sick, sleep. If you are behind in a class, devote a day to studying instead of just relaxing. That should help you more during the week. If you learn to use the weekend as a “get ahead” rather than a “catch up,” you will get a lot further.

These are just a few bits of advice to help you succeed…but that’s all they are until you take charge. You can read the words on this paper but that is all they are. I challenge you to take initiative.

Try what you think will work for you. I promise if you stick to any or all of these, you will see a difference in your grades and in the quality of your free time. I tried it and definitely noticed a difference. You too can make this ink reality! •

Mnemonics

Works Cited

Mnemonic devices are the most fun way to study. It can be a supplement to multitasking as well. If you are studying for anatomy and physiology, you can sing songs in the shower and point to your bones so you remember what is where. Another way to do a mnemonic is singing the tune of your favorite song with the words of your English sonnet or history readings.

O’Donoghue, Ted and Matthew Rabin. “Choice and Procrastination.” The Quarterly Journal of Economics. Oxford University Press: Vol. 116, No. 1: Feb. 2001. pp. 121-160.

Robotham, David. “Stress among Higher Education Students: Towards a Research Agenda.” Higher Education. Springer: Vol. 56, No. 6: Dec. 2008. pp. 735-746.

THE SYCAMORE / SPRING 2013 27

rise and shine...

A Beginner’s Guide to Morning Sex

by Jes Lyons

H

aving a set routine in one’s life is essential to keeping oneself organized, happy, and on top of things. Yet, there are some things in life that weren’t meant to be placed into a set schedule.

Routines were meant to be shaken up.

Of one of the many activities scheduled into daily life is sex.

Most people fit it in right before bedtime, when they’re winding down from the day. While that’s all good and well, sex is one of those activities that can put a smile on your face no matter when you do it. So why is it that people box themselves into only having sex at night?

It’s so clichéd!

Why not start your day—or surprise yourself in the middle of the day—with a nice roll in the sheets?

Think about it. It’s past 9 pm, you’ve had a long day, you ate a filling dinner, your feet hurt, and all you can think about is that paper you have due tomorrow, not about getting jiggy with it. It’s hard to get into the mood when you’re fatigued. While you may think you’re making time for you sexual health by getting busy at night, putting sex into that time frame actually gives you less time for sexytimes.

And that’s just not right!

Down with the traditional, down with the routine. Liven up your day planner and try for the morning.

28 SEX COLUMN

morning sex and you: daily hormone cycles that pertain to sex Testosterone: the super sex hormone.

No, testosterone is not just a hormone for sex. The hormone serves many purposes, such as the creation and maintenance of muscle tissue, bone mass, and body hair. However, the hormone serves a huge role for both men and women in their sexual health and needs. Men have testosterone production in their testes and women have it in their ovaries; it is an essential hormone to observe when looking at daily sexual practices.

For men, testosterone levels are highest in the morning. The male body refuels itself of these hormones while they sleep (assuming they have a normal sleep schedule and don’t stay up all hours) which means come morning time, they should be alert, focused, and most importantly, ready to take on rigorous activities. With testosterone levels high, any and all sexual initiation should go over well and he’ll be able to focus on all his actions, making sex more intense than it would be at night.

Testosterone doesn’t just raise libido; it’s also a hormone that also makes focusing easier. The rise in libido due to testosterone is also the reason men wake up with morning wood. If nothing else, it’s convenient. Little to no foreplay needed!

Male testosterone levels take a dip in the afternoon and evenings due to daily strains and post lunch lethargy. On the other side of things, this is also a time of day in which men tend

to be more agreeable and at ease. Levels of testosterone are still high enough that an initiation of sex would not be out of the question, and would more than likely be a great boost in the rut of middle-day.

Testosterone levels are not just affected by the time of the day for men; the activities men partake in throughout the day cause hormonal shifts as well. If he’s doing something exciting, like playing a particularly engaging video game or drinking any kind of caffeine, his testosterone levels rise. So, once he’s done with his activity (you might not want to interrupt), his body should be rip-roaring and ready to go.

So, as far as hormones are concerned, any time of day is a good time to get down for men. Lucky guys.

For women, hormone levels work differently. Women’s hormone cycles go by month, cycling with their menstrual cycle.

Women also produce testosterone, though it works differently in women than it does with men. With this rise in testosterone comes a healthy dose of libido right after their monthly cycle has taken place.

Because women don’t produce testosterone on a daily basis, initiation of sex is not dependent on biology. It’s mostly based on mood—in other words, just ask. Activities and plans done throughout the day would affect her mood, which in turn will THE SYCAMORE / SPRING 2013 29

either create a good or bad scene for intimacy. It’s best to use your judgment. Has she had an exciting class? Has she just had an invigorating discussion, leaving her passionately smiling about her day? That’s the best time to initiate sex with your female partner, because her mood will be uplifted with endorphins from exercise or de-stressed from comforting company. morning sex and the benefits There are many positive reasons to switch your sexual activity time to the mornings. Anyone can do it! Whether you’re in a monogamous relationship, in a sex-based relationship, or single, anyone can take advantage of the benefits of morning romps.

In case you aren’t picking up what I’m suggesting: you can (and should) masturbate in the morning.

Among the many reasons to have sex in the morning and daytime is that orgasm releases a hormone called oxytocin. This hormone, dubbed the “cuddle” hormone, is released post-sex and will leave you feeling giddy and gushy all day. It’ll bring partners closer together, and gives skin a post-orgasm glow.

Bodies are also at their tightest in the morning. Sleeping all night has slowed down metabolism, but your stomach should have digested any food from the night prior and by now, your body should be at its absolute best shape of the day. Skin is also best in the morning; having had a full night’s rest always makes for a refreshed look.

And what better way to show off your awesome body than in the morning light? At night, the weak light bulbs in overhead lighting create shadows and unflattering shades on skin. In the daytime, there’s no need for artificial light. Make sure you have a room a little higher up so you know no one is looking in, open 30 SEX COLUMN

the blinds, and enjoy the flattering natural light coming in from the outside.

I know not everyone can wake up like Sleeping Beauty. Yes, sometimes people have morning breath and pillow hair, but there are still a lot of positive and interesting things you can experiment with in the bed in the mornings that you may not have done at nighttime.

Use the mornings to experiment with different positions so that you and your partner aren’t always face-to-face. Step away from the missionary position. It’s a fine position, to be sure, but it always ensures partners are facing each other. Might I suggest spooning for those who still enjoy a passionate embrace?

A fun alternative for the more adventurous type is girl on top; this way, she can show off that morning body in the glorious aforementioned natural light of the morning.

The better the sex, the better the orgasm. And, according to researchers at Wilkes University, sex causes a rise in immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels in saliva. IgA attaches to bacteria and virus pathogens and kills them before they can make you sick. Sex can prevent colds. Who knew? setting the mood: how to initiate morning sex Not everyone is in the habit of waking up next to their sexual partner, or having the benefit of a partner to begin with. Couples have it easy. They can wake up in the morning, roll over, and touch their partner. It’s a luxury, and certainly no couple needs advice on how to initiate morning sex.

But there are a few tricks of the trade and things to keep in mind—not only for couples, but the casual partners and the self lovers as well.

"And what better way to show off your awesome body than in the morning light?"

couples

keeping it solo

As formerly mentioned, most people tend to have sex in the evenings. For some couples, a simple steamy make-out session in the morning is mixing things up. The important thing to consider in initiating sex in a less conventional time frame is consent.

Bring casually into conversation how your partner might feel about being woken up to a sensual massage or kisses along their body. If they seem into it, with verbal and physical agreement, oblige them. Also consider their sleeping habits. Is your partner a light sleeper or a heavy sleeper? Light sleepers will need fewer stimuli, whereas heavy sleepers will need more encouragement.

It’s best to keep communication open and be gentle.

A nice touch in setting the mood might be to open the curtains just enough to let in light, turn off any offending alarms, and kiss your partner awake. It’s a romantic gesture that goes a long way.

(In this author’s opinion, there’s no better way to start the day.)

This applies to anyone. An orgasm is just as awakening as a cup of coffee in most cases, but it also has a calming effect. The best part about having a morning masturbatory session is that you can be incredibly selfish. Turn on music, open the blinds, keep them closed, over the covers, under the covers: there’s a lot of freedom there and with your mind free of daily troubles, one might find that masturbating in the morning is all the more satisfying. Orgasms release endorphins which can energize you for the day, but with the added release comes a sense of calm.

So, take advantage! Either in your morning shower or before you dress yourself, help yourself to some self satisfaction.

casual partners Assuming you’re not waking up next to this person every day, you have the benefit of either using the couple advice in the occasion you do wake up next to them or you have the perk of being able to contact them prior to sexual activity. Who doesn’t love a surprise text asking to hook up before lunchtime? A fun way to summon your partner might simply be the aforementioned text message, or the more forward option of approaching them in person and bringing them back to your room.

The difficulty in this is knowing if they are awake or not; to solve this problem, it might even be easier to ask them ahead of time if they’d be into meeting in the daytime rather than a previously set time. The point is to shake things up, to approach sex differently. Keeping the options and time frames open will only add more to your relationship.

W So, for those of you who have had very little sexual satisfaction before dinner time, reconsider your morning routine and try to fit in a bit of pleasure. The benefits far outweigh the cons, and it’s time to shake things up a bit. As always, keep it safe, keep it protected, and remember to keep it consensual. •

work cited Charnetski, CJ. “Sexual frequency and salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA).” U.S. Library of Medicine: June 2004. Web. Accessed March 2013.

THE SYCAMORE / SPRING 2013 31

Shedding Light Shedding Light Shedding Light Shedding Light Shedding Light

on on on on on

By Abena Poku

M

any people reading this are probably wondering, “What on earth is shadeism?” Shadeism is the discrimination that exists between the lighter skinned and darker skinned members of the same community. It affects the day-to-day lives of young women from African, Caribbean, Latin American and Asian communities who attend Wells College.

From a young age, I have seen shadeism at play. I grew up in Ghana, so almost everyone I knew as a child was black. I did indeed realize that there are different shades of black, and I also realized that one received treatment according to their complexion.

Especially in school, I noticed that the lighter skinned children were treated better than the darker skinned children by teachers and students alike. I always found this really unfair; even at a young age I knew that this was just inherently wrong. I refuse to believe that this was because of any type of jealousy on my part —I have always considered myself beautiful. But I hate the fact that other children out there, without the inflated sense of selfassurance that I seem to posses, question their beauty when they have no need to. I spoke with members of the Wells community who have been affected by shadeism, either in their hometowns or in their experiences at Wells.

Iris†, a young Wells woman of a Afro-Caribbean background, said, “I have received a lot of criticism from my family and friends about my complexion. People always say things like, ‘You did not take your mother’s color,’ or ‘You need to stop going out in the sun, you are getting darker.’ From a young age, I was taught 32 FEATURES

that lighter skin was better. I thought my skin was ugly and this was just reinforced when my mother would make me wear skin lightening cream. But I know now that I am not ugly; I am beautiful and I have learnt to accept my dark skin. But sometimes it is hard to. Especially when you have people on twitter and other social networks writing things like ‘Light skin is the right skin.’ And I have even seen things like this written on people’s doors at Wells. Of course, I realized that these things might be written as jokes, but they do help to perpetuate this toxic way of thinking.”

Estelle†, another Wells woman of an East Asian background, has also witnessed and experienced shadeism in her life. When asked about the part that shadeism plays in her life, Estelle answered, “Where I am from it is definitely better to have lighter skin. It is just better to have white features in general. I do not know why, but that is the way it is. But yes, people are deathly afraid to expose their skin to the sun. Sun umbrellas and hats are very popular with women. Also there are skin whitening creams that most women use.”

After hearing all the testimonials, I was extremely confused and disappointed—even though I was not particularly surprised by the topics that were brought up. I cannot even begin to understand why anyone would bleach their skin. Bleaching not only does damage your skin but it is also harmful to your identity.

Why do women of color go through all of this extra effort to look like someone they are not? When I did a little research on the topic, I found that the origin of this belief is unclear, but

Everyday Shadeism Everyday Shadeism Everyday Shadeism Everyday Shadeism Everyday Shadeism

researchers have linked it to colonial history, during which white skin was the epitome of beauty. Some researchers suggest that people from “brown nations” around the world simply tend to look down upon dark-skinned people.

Although it would be nice to know exactly where this horrible belief stemmed from, I feel it is more important to raise awareness to the problems that shadeism bring and ways in which we can stop it. I feel that media is one of the biggest perpetrators of shadeism.

It is no secret that mainstream media tends to favor a more European/Western form of beauty comprised of lighter complexions and people of color who have more European features. This is manifested by the prominence of lighter shades in film, television, music, videos advertisements and magazines.

I am not saying that there are absolutely no dark-skinned celebrities. Celebrities like Alek Wek, Kelly Rowland, and Iman show that having a darker complexion does not prevent you from becoming famous.

One major controversy that has popped up lately in the media is Afro-Latina actress Zoe Saldana’s latest movie role as Nina Simone, the late jazz singer. Saldana’s role can be viewed as disrespectful to Nina Simone’s legacy as a dark-skinned musician, whose complexion played a big role in her success and struggles. Although Saldana is black, she is lighter than Simone.

For the role, her skin is going to be darkened to look as dark as Nina Simone’s. Also her hair and features are going to be made to be more distinctly African, like Simone’s. Her being cast as

Nina Simone is a form of shadeism. Why is it so important to cast Zoe, a woman that doesn’t resemble Nina at all, instead of looking for an actress that does?

The message that casting Saldana in the role of Simone sends is that a lighter skinned actress is always preferable to darker skinned actresses for a role, even when the role being portrayed is of a darker skinned person.

Shadeism is something that we should work against because it causes a divide, a binary, between members of the same community, where there really is no need. It can be equally as damaging as racism. In this day and age, no matter what our cultural backgrounds, we should be able to look beyond our exteriors. The diversity amongst us should be bringing us together, not tearing us apart. • †

Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the interviewees.

Works Cited

“The Story.” Shadeism. Web. 18 March 2013.

“Prejudice & Stereotypes in the Media.” Scoop It. Vimeo: 6 August 2011. Web. 18 March 2013.

THE SYCAMORE / SPRING 2013 33

Eternal Daylight: The Evolution and Effect of Indoor Lighting

By Jillian Fields 34

T

hink back to yesterday evening. What were you doing?

Were you studying, writing a last minute paper? Were you watching a movie, or spending time with your friends? Were you up past sundown? Likely, you answered yes to at least one of these questions as our lives do not stop when darkness falls. In some cases, they pick up. We live in a 24-hour society; our lives are not defined by daylight hours. Most people sleep through the sunrise, and stay up well past sundown. Some work overnight in businesses that remain open, while others take advantage of time off to go out to enjoy the nightlife—dining in restaurants, attending movies and theatrical productions, and being patrons to the other businesses which are open to cater to these people.

Indoor lighting had become so common place that it is something many hardly ever pause to consider. As I am writing this, it is dark outside and there is a lamp switched on next to me. What would I do without that lamp or artificial lighting of any kind? I could try to keep writing for a while, but eventually I would have to light a candle, or pause and resume my writing after the sun emerged again. We as a society have taken advantage of the availability of lighting to utilize more of our day. Darkness no longer indicates the end of the work day just as our trip to the market is not forfeited because the horse threw a shoe.

The Origins The idea of bringing light to the indoors has been around for centuries. There is evidence of lamps made from hollow rocks or shells filled with moss soaked in animal fat as early as 70,000 bc. These lamps began to evolve as wicks were discovered to control the burning and other materials were used to make lamps imitating natural shapes. The Greeks began the practice of making terra cotta lamps to replace torches around the 7th century bc. The word “lamp” is derived from the Greek word lampas, meaning torch.

Progress Progressions in contained lighting continued over the years, with oil lamps being the most prevalent lighting method by the 18th century after the invention of the central burner. These lamps contained the fuel source and directed it through a metal tube which allowed for better control over the flame. The glass globes often associated with these early lamps were created during this century. The globes served a dual purpose—protecting the flame while also controlling the air flow. This particular lamp design —the most commonly imagined when thinking of old lamps— is credited to Ami Argard, a Swiss chemist who developed the design in 1783. At this time, the fuels used were things found in nature: beeswax, olive oil, and oils from nuts, whales, and fish.

Synthetic fuels were not used until petroleum drilling began in 1859. After there was a source of petroleum available, kerosene (a derivative of petroleum) became one of the most popular fuels used in lamps along with coal, which came into use around 1784.

The first record of commercial lighting occurs in 1792 when William Murdoch began to use coal gas to light his home in Redruth, Cornwall. Murdoch, who walked 250 miles with

the hopes of being hired by the steam engine firm Boulton & Watt (he got the job), was also an inventor with “breathtaking foresight and imagination” (Thomson 7) who is credited with the invention of the gas light. A steam engine builder who eventually became a partner in the Boulton & Watt firm, Murdoch spent his spare time inventing. The gas light began as a side project, yet became his legacy. Murdoch is often referred to as “The Scot Who Lit the World” (Thomson). The invention of the gas light transformed William Murdoch into one of the major players in the Industrial Revolution. The ability to light the inside of buildings even during the night allowed business to operate on a different schedule, no longer constrained to daylight hours for visibility reasons.

By the dawn of the 1800s, most city streets were lit with a series of gas lamps. The knowledge had also crossed the Atlantic by this point: the first gas light patent in America was granted in 1810 to David Melville. While the gas lamps did successfully perform their function, there was always the risk of fire due to the open flame. The first volume of Theatre Fires and Panics: Their Causes and Preventions, written by William Paul Gerhard in 1896, directly cautions against keeping gas lamps in the vicinity of the scenery as there is likely to be a fire caused by the flame in the lamp, referring to it as “the most prolific cause of fire” (Gerhard 34). He encourages the use of electric lighting for the theatre and stage, referring to incandescent light as a “brilliant, uniform, and easily regulated light” (Gerhard 34). Other benefits Gerhard points out are that the electric lights are not only safer, but they are less likely to heat the room as the exposure to flames had done with gas lamps. Just as a precaution, Gerhard also recommended that the stage floor be painted with fireproof paint, just in case.

The first version of the electric light bulb was an arc lamp: two rods connected to electricity allowing the power to flow through, creating a bright light via vaporizing carbon. The early arc lamps have the same basic design as the fluorescent lamps and neon signs of today. Beyond the purposes that the arc lamps are still used for, there was much room for improvement in the design of a lamp. Thus with much more tinkering by a myriad of people, Thomas Edison made the first commercially successful incandescent lamp in 1879, and acquired the U.S. Patent for the invention in 1880. The first non-gas burning streetlight was made from an arc lamp in 1879 as well. The incandescent lamp is the one that is most commonly used today, which burns replaceable bulbs with filaments.

The light bulbs which are burned by the incandescent lamps are a separate milestone altogether—the combined worked of many inventors over the course of 50 years until it finally reached the point of commercial success in the hands of Thomas Edison.

This leads to a point which needs to be emphasized: Thomas Edison did not invent the light bulb, he figured out how to sell it.

Though he did lend a hand in the perfection of the product over the years that it took to develop. There were two inventors, Henry Woodard and Matthew Evans, who acquired a Canadian patent for their incandescent light bulb, but were unable to assemble the funds needed to take their invention commercial. There was another competitor in Great Britain that Edison needed to deal with as well. Joseph Swan created the first electric lights, and installed arc lamps in an art gallery in Northumberland, making THE SYCAMORE / SPRING 2013 35

it the first house to be lit with electric light in the year 1878. A year later, Mosley Street in Newcastle became the first street to be lit by electric street lights in 1879. Swan created the first light bulb factory in 1881, called Benwell Lamps.

Finding himself unable to sue Joseph Swan, Edison instead took him on as a business partner. Edison was as much a businessman as an inventor and he used those skills to market the light bulb, allowing it to be used by the public. Together Swan and Edison sold light bulbs that were cheaper than the competition and also lasted longer, successfully cornering the market.

Edison’s original bulb design went unchallenged for quite a few years, and there was no alteration made to the design until 1915, when Irving Langmuir replaced carbon based lamps and bulbs with tungsten based products. The tungsten filaments lasted longer and were less fragile than the ones made of carbon, allowing the bulb to burn longer. These bulbs remained the most commonly used until Elmer Fridrich and Emmett Wiley gained a patent for and improved incandescent lamps which ran with halogen in addition to tungsten. Their lamp only had a year before improvement arrived in the form of a tungsten halogen lamp that could fit in the standard light bulb socket, patented by Fredrick Moby.

Effects and Societal Changes The effects of the newly illuminated way of life were far reaching.

Electrical lighting became so common that the objects previously used as the primary tools of illumination were put away to for emergency use in the case of a power outage or blackout. Factories began operating around the clock, and the new availability of light began to change the biological rhythm and schedule on which most people had previously run in order to accommodate work and leisure. Nightlife was born, and the idea of a city that never sleeps became a reality.

The changing in lighting was the catalyst for many changes which may have not been considered previously. Architecture changed as the daylight became supplemental to the electric lighting, and strategically placed windows were not needed for practical purposes before. The design of a windowless building became a possibility, and skyscrapers seemed all the more possible as there would be lights for the elevators and electric wiring for the lights, allowing for the power to operate the elevators.

The electric wiring followed the lights not only into commercial buildings, but also private homes. An electrical infrastructure was created, which allowed for the expansion of products and businesses that depended on electricity. This created the opportunity for the development of more household appliances now that there was a greater market for them. The appliances created and sold were generally aimed at simplifying house work.

Vacuums were introduced along with irons, toasters, hair dryers, 36 HISTORY

refrigerators, waffle irons, and marshmallow toasters. Climate control was made more attainable by the availability of fans and heaters. Communication was also a focus as the telephone and radio sold as well.

Edison continued fiddling, eventually creating small lights for the lapels of his friends. The first Christmas tree to ever have electric lights belonged to Edward Johnson, the Vice President of Edison Company in 1882. Other people, specifically Conrad Hubert and Joshua Cohen, were also fiddling, but they decided to put their miniature bulb to a practical use in the invention of the flashlight.

With the increased ability to light the outdoors, many people took up the challenge with gusto. Outdoor athletic events could now be held into the night as the fields and stadiums began to be better lit. Neon signs announcing businesses became a common sight. Airports could run 24 hours as they could light the runways to ensure that the pilot could see to land. Gas streetlights were replaced with electric, which cast off more light. Light pollution became an unexpected issue as so many lights filled the atmosphere. Astronomers struggled to conduct their research as they had to combat with “skyglow,” the lightening of the night sky caused by light pollution, which hindered their view of the stars they studied.

New Concerns Recently, there has been much research on the topic of how artificial light affects humans, especially in the workplace. Studies are showing that exposure to artificial lights during the work week is altering employees’ moods. There is also more work being done on the affect of artificial lights on the circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm refers to the “mental and behavioral changes that follow a roughly 24-hour cycle, responding primarily to light and darkness in an organism’s environment” (Circadian Rhythms Fact Sheet), driven by our biological clock. Problems with circadian rhythms are linked to multiple sleep disorders and can be disrupted by light.

The other concerns are environmental. There is a movement in architecture to create more environmentally-friendly buildings, and one way to achieve this is to increase the amount of daylighting in a space. Daylighting, the practice of utilizing natural light in design, can help to offset energy costs by allowing areas to be lit by natural light rather than running electric lights for an entire workday, conserving energy and saving money at the same time. Studies have linked daylighting to an increase in sales, learning, and productivity, making it even more desirable to have in a workspace. Other reasons for the desire for the increase of natural light is purely for aesthetic reasons: buildings lit with natural light have an increased appeal due to their well-planned windows, and colors look best in natural light.

After All This Time

After years of experimentation, the light bulb was finally perfected and widely used. The spread of electric lighting created an electrical infrastructure which allowed for much of the progress made in the next few decades. Now, it seems that people are growing concerned over the possible effects that the exposure to artificial light has had on us as humans and as a planet. There has also been an undeniable effect on our culture as we have become a 24–hour culture in which sleep matters very little.

These facts raise a question: is it for the best? New reforms seem to be fighting against the negative effects, but is it all negative?

The way in which our culture works has created more business opportunities with two spheres to cater to. Daytime can be filled with coffee and lunches, workdays and grocery shopping, while night can be a time for leisure and entertainment, with theatre and music and restaurants, or vise versa. This is only possible due to our ability to create a day-like environment whenever and where ever necessary: to provide endless daylight. •

Works Cited Bellis, Mary. “History of Lighting and Lamps.” About.com. Web. 27 Mar 2013.

“Circadian Rhythms Fact Sheet.” National Institute of General Medical Sciences. National Institute of General Medical Sciences, 3 Jan 2013. Web. 29 Mar 2013.

Gerhard, William Paul. Theatre Fires and Panics: Their Causes and Preventions. 1st Ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1896. Print.

Hackett, Lewis. “Industrial Revolution.” history-world.org. Web. 27 Mar 2013.

“Lighting A Revolution: 19th Century Consequences.” National Museum of American History. Smithsonian. Web. 27 Mar 2013.

“Lighting A Revolution: 20th Century Consequences.” National Museum of American History. Smithsonian. Web. 27 Mar 2013.

“Sustainability and Lighting.” Discover Lighting! Illuminating Engineering Society. Web. 27 Mar 2013.

Thomson, Janet. “Williams Murdoch: The Scot Who Lit the World.”

Web. 27 Mar 2013.

Tomory, Leslie. “Gaslight, Distillation, and the Industrial Revolution.”

History of Science. (2011): 395-424. Web. 28 Mar. 2013.

THE SYCAMORE / SPRING 2013 37

A PHOTO (SYNTHETIC) FINISH THE INCREASING APPEAL OF MICROALGAE AS A BIOFUEL

BY MOLLY BAILLARGEON

W

ith energy prices currently reaching historical high points, biodiesel is attracting more and more attention as an alternative fuel source. Currently, biodisel is made from a variety of feedstocks, include pure vegetable oils, used cooking oils, and animal products, but the limited supply and nonrenewable quality of these resources threatens to impede the further expansion of biodiesel production. Fortunately, microalgae have been recognized as potentially successful sources for biofuel production since the 1980s because of their high oil content and rapid biomass production (Taylor, 2010). In the past decade, use of microalgae as an alternative material for biodiesel has renewed the interest of researchers, entrepreneurs, and the public at large.

38 SCIENTIFIC PAPER CONTEST

A BIODIESEL BRIEFER Biodiesel, a clean-burning alternative fuel produced from domestic and renewable resources, can be made from any oil or “lipid-producing” source (Biodiesel, 2011). The major components of these sources are called tricylglycerol molecules (tags), the main constituents of vegetable oil and animals fats. In general, biodiesel feedstock can be categorized into three broad groups: pure vegetable oil, animal fats, and used cooking oils.

Biodiesel of the vegetable oil variety is derived from many crops, including rapeseed, soybean, sunflower, palm, corn, cottonseed, flax, and peanut (Sayre, 2010). However, there is an obvious disadvantage to using vegetable oils to produce biodiesel—this fuel could inevitably cause a worldwide increase in food prices.

This debate of food or fuel reaches national attention when vegetable oils are considered for biodiesel production (Li, 2008).

The second group of feedstock used in biodiesel production is that of fats and tallow (a hard, fatty substance made from animal fats) obtained from animals. Compared to vegetable oil, these fats are cheaper and, therefore, offer an economic advantage. Animal fats, however, do have their disadvantages. Because animal fat contains high amounts of saturated fat, biodiesel made from this material tends to take on a gelatinous consistency that can limit its widespread application (Li, 2008).

Finally, the third group of biodiesel feedstock encompasses recycled oil and grease from restaurants and food processing plants. The use of recycled oil and grease is often brought up in the mainstream media because it utilizes waste products that can be otherwise difficult to dispose of effectively. But one looming disadvantage to using recycled oils is the fact that they have many impurities and require pricey processing to ensure a product of consistent quality (Li, 2008).

A NEW OPTION IN ENERGY Algae are organisms that grow in aquatic environments and use light and carbon dioxide to create biomass and can be divided into two classifications: microalgae and macroalgae. Macroalgae are large, multi-cellular algae often seen growing in lakes and ponds. Seaweed is actually the largest multi-cellular algae.

Microalgae, though, are tiny, unicellular organisms that normally grow in suspension within a body of water (Difference, 2011).

Scientists generate energy from algae through several methods. One of the most efficient ways is through utilization of compounds called “algal oils” to produce biodiesel. Some algae can even produce hydrogen gas under certain conditions (Taylor, 2010). The biomass from algae, like wood, can then be burned to generate heat or electricity.

Algal biomass contain three main components—big, biological molecules called carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids (or natural oils). Because most of the natural oil created by microalgae is in the form of tags, scientists have focused on microalgae when converting algae to biofuel. Microalgae grow very quickly compared to plant crops. They can double in size in as little as one day. During their peak growth phase, some microalgae can double in size every four hours. The oil content—a useful measure of how useful a material can be as a biofuel—of microalgae can be anywhere between 20-50 percent (Waltz, 2009). Compared to plant crops, which take a season to grow and harvest, and

only contain about 5 percent oil, microalgae grow quickly and have a very high oil content. Consequently, microalgae are in the forefront in the field of algae-biofuel production (Gouveia, 2009).

As well as producing biofuel, algae can also be employed for a variety of other uses including pollution control and human nutrition. Some species of algae can also be used as an organic fertilizer. In fact, algae grown in ponds can collect fertilizer runoff from farms, and the nutrient-rich algae can then be collected and reused as fertilizer. In wastewater treatment plants, microalgae can reduce the amount of chemicals needed to clean and purify water. In addition, algae can also be used to cut down the emissions of carbon dioxide from power plants. More familiarly, macroalgae are often used as food; seaweed, for example, is rich in vitamins and nutrients. Many types of algae are also rich in fatty acids, and are therefore used as diet supplements and components of animal feed.

OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES Today, coal is by far the largest fossil fuel energy source available around the world, and about one fourth of the world’s coal reserves are found in the United States. Consumption of coal is on the rise and will likely continue to grow in the future. One advantage of using algae biomass for biodiesel production is the potential mitigation of carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. Through a process called photosynthetic metabolism, microalgae absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen—opposite of us animals. If an algae-biofuel farm is established near a power plant, the carbon produced by the power plant could be utilized as a carbon source to help the algae grow. The power plant’s carbon emission could even be reduced by recycling some of their carbon waste into clean-burning biodiesel (Sayre, 2010).

Most microalgae are solely photosynthetic, meaning they go through the same process trees do to make energy—they get it from the Sun. Unfortunately, that means algae’s productivity varies with the daily and seasonal variations in the amount of light available. These photosynthetic microalgae require several factors to grow. They need a light source, carbon dioxide, water, and inorganic salts to thrive, and the water temperature must contain nitrogen, phosphorus, or iron. Up to one fourth of the biomass produced during the day can be lost through respiration during the night (Li, 2008).

MAKING IT HAPPEN There are a variety of ways in which the microalgae can be grown.

Each system has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages.

The two main growth systems are open ponds and enclosures known as photobioreactors. Open ponds are the oldest and simplest systems for mass cultivation of microalgae. In this system, a shallow one-foot deep pond is dug, and algae are cultured under conditions mirroring that of their natural environment (Waltz, 2009). Although open ponds cost less to build than enclosed photobioreactors, this system has its disadvantages. Because ponds are out in the open, they often experience water loss from evaporation. Therefore, open ponds do not allow microalgae to THE SYCAMORE / SPRING 2013 39

WORKS CITED use carbon dioxide efficiently—which in turn leaves us with less energy to harvest. Productivity is also limited when unwanted algae species and other organisms contaminate the system.

Enclosed photobioreactors have been employed to overcome the contamination and evaporation problems found in open ponds. These reactors are made of transparent materials and are generally placed outdoors to catch the sunlight. However, sometimes the systems need artificial light, which adds to the overall cost. The photosynthesis process also generates oxygen, which in the closed photobioreactor system, can build up until it actually poisons the algae. So the system must regularly undergo periods of degassing to remove this toxic oxygen. The algae also use carbon dioxide, which can cause a dangerous increase in pH—so, carbon dioxide must be fed into the system in order to successfully harbor life. To top it all off, the temperature must also be regulated (Gouveia, 2009).

The advantages of enclosed photobioreactors are quite clear. They can overcome the problems of contamination and evaporation encountered in open ponds, and the productivity of photobioreactors is much higher and the cultivation process is less expensive than that of ponds. However, here are some setbacks present with enclosed photobioreactors. For example, light limitations cannot be entirely overcome and ultimately cause the growth of the microalgae to be slower than in ponds (Waltz, 2009). Overall, both systems present valid advantages and disadvantages.

“Biodiesel Basics.” Biodiesel.org. National Biodiesel Board, 2011.

Web. 14 Mar. 2011.

“Difference Between Micro and Macroalgae.” Research on Microalgae within Wageningen UR. Wageningen University, 2011.

Web. 13 Mar. 2013.

Gouveia, Luisa, and Ana Cristina Oliveira. “Microalgae as a Raw Material for Biofuels Production.” Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology 36.2 (2009): 269-74. Web. Li, Y., M. Horsman, N. Wu, C.Q. Lan, and N. Dubois-Calero.

“Biofuels from Microalgae.” Biotechnology Progress 24.4 (2008): 815-20. Web. Sayre, R. “Microalgae: The Potential Capture.” BioScience 60.9 (2010): 722-27. Web.

Carbon

Taylor, R. “Efficient Algae: The Next Biofuel?” Ecos 158 (2010): 10-12. ebsco. Web. 13 Mar. 2011.

Waltz, Emily. “Biotech’s Green Gold?” Nature Biotechnology 27.1 (2009): 15-18. Web.

A PAST AND A POTENTIAL FUTURE Algae-biofuels have been researched since 1979, which the U.S. Department of Energy initiated a research program called the Aquatic Species Program (asp), but the program was dissipated in 1995 due to budget constraints. But during this sixteen-year period, the doe devoted $25 million to algal fuel research, and the program yielded important basic advances that set the stage for algae-biofuel research today (Waltz, 2009).

The economics of algae-biofuel production are as important as its logistics. The production cost of algal oil depends on many factors, including oil content of the particular species, the scale of the production systems being used, their yield, and the cost of recovering oil. As of now, oil production from algae is still far more expensive than petroleum diesel fuels, but algal oil production is not as advanced or widespread as it must be for algae to be a valid source of energy (Taylor, 2010). Whether algal oil can be an economic source for biofeul in the future is still unknown and highly dependent on the petroleum oil market. Ultimately, the cost of algal oil must decrease and remain competitive with petroleum to gain widespread use (Gouveia, 2009).

Biofuel from microalgae is an ideal candidate, which could potentially replace petroleum oil due to its advantages, such as high oil content, high growth rate, less land needed, and yearround harvest—just to name a few. Currently, microalgae biofuel production is still too expensive to be commercialized. However, technology is advancing, and we could soon be using microalgae to provide us with heat and electricity. •

40 SCIENTIFIC PAPER CONTEST

for

Molly Baillargeon is a Junior Environmental Studies Major.

WELLS’S RESIDENT GODDESS ANSWERS YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS.

THE SYCAMORE / SPRING 2013 41

DEAR MINERVA,

DEAR MINERVA,

My best friend is going abroad next semester. What should I do to make more friends?

What are some of the pros and cons of living with a significant other before or instead of marriage? Should I live with my boyfriend for the summer?

Sincerely, Left Behind Dear Lonely Local, Don’t worry; you won’t be alone in this. There has been an increase in the amount of students accepted into the abroad programs. You are likely to find friends that have similar interests by joining club and going to academic and social events on campus. Striking up a conversation with an acquaintance, holding a door, smiling at a stranger, or asking a classmate to study together are all great ways to spark a friendship. Spending time outside of your dorm room will only help you to encounter more people on campus. You never know where you will find a friend.

42 DEAR MINERVA

Sincerely, Summer Loving Dear Teetering On Commitment, Living with a significant other can be a good indicator of the compatibility in your relationship. It allows you to spend time snuggled up to your lover and spend time together intimately. As great as it might be for your relationship, it also puts your communication skills to the test! You’ll have more joint responsibility and commitment, including the task of dividing household chores. As a result, conflict may arise in your relationship. Living together for a short fixed time would be a great test to determine whether or not you are into the relationship for the long haul.

DEAR MINERVA,

DEAR MINERVA,

How can I improve my time management skills so I can balance work and play?

What do you do if one person in your friend group doesn’t want to be friends anymore so they try to turn your friends against you?

Sincerely, Out of Sync Dear Best of Both Worlds, Different methods work for different people, so you may have to use some trial and error. For some people, making lists and checking off the things you’ve completed is a way to reward yourself for good time management. For others, setting reminders on your cell phone or using a day planner helps visualizing a plan for your day to make the most of it. It helps to block out distractions and prioritize your work. Reward yourself for being productive and you’ll feel better about your new routine! If you want to know more, our lovely staff writer Paige Fralick has a more thorough take on maximizing your time on page 26 of the Day side.

Sincerely, Downed Dame Dear Clique Conflicted, Your true friends will stand by you; the pressure to choose between friends won’t sway them. While your situation may be hurtful to handle, don’t let others get you down. Open your eyes to other outlets for friends and focus your time on people you know are loyal to you. Hold your head high and ask that acquaintance you’ve wanted to get to know to lunch or to hang out—or go to an event on campus and strike up a conversation you barely know. You’ll be glad you did!

THE SYCAMORE / SPRING 2013 43

44 DEAR MINERVA

DEAR MINERVA, What are some of the practical uses of a BA in Philosophy?

Sincerely, Professional Thinker Dear Future Philosopher, Your advisor is a great resource to discuss where your education can take you.

If you continue your education postundergraduate school, you can apply to medical school, law school, or graduate schools in a wide range of fields. As long as you put in your all, education is something no one can take from you, so study what you love.

DEAR MINERVA,

DEAR MINERVA,

DEAR MINERVA,

How do I get my boyfriend to spend less time playing games and spend more time with me?

How can I stop biting my nails?

Why do seniors kiss your feet?

Sincerely, A Nail Nibbler

Sincerely, Toe Tradition?

Dear Nervous Nancy,

Dear Kiss Questioner,

Why do you bite them? That is what you must ask yourself. If it is when you’re nervous, find out what makes you nervous and try alternative stress reducing activities.

If it’s just a bad habit or a combination of nerves, boredom, and habit, there is a pepper coat nail polish for your nails called nail-biting polish or no bite nails. Taste it once and after that, you’ll lose all desire to bite them.

It’s a tradition I look forward to every year.

Upon graduation, seniors rush to be the first to kiss my feet. It is said that the first to reach them will have good luck for the rest of their life. Join the cross-country team or practicing racing your friends to ensure that you will become the lucky one! •

Sincerely, Gamer’s Girlfriend Dear Miss Anti-Xbox, I see two options here for you. One, you could suggest spending more time together in a setting that doesn’t provide the opportunity to play games. Or you could try playing games with him. Guys love when girls try something they’re into, so if you can’t beat it, join in!

THE SYCAMORE / SPRING 2013 45

THE SYCAMORE WELLS COLLEGE’S STUDENT MAGAZINE / SPRING 2013

PLEASE SEE THE CORRESPONDING SPRING 2013 NIGHT ISSUE PUBLISHED ON ISSUU.COM.

THE

NIGHT issue