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PUBLICATION FEBRUARY 2015
MAGAZINE
FRONT COVER
LITTLE THINGS GO A LONG WAY
Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week
CUDDLE UP WITH A BOOK
Find Your Favorite Winter Reads
THE INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Through the Eyes of an International Student
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February 2015
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February 2015
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FEBRUARY2015
UNPLUGGED
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FEATURES
IN THIS ISSUE
6.
YOU CAN’T JUDGE A BLIND DATE BY ITS COVER
4.
7.
THE CHINESE NEW YEAR
8.
RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS WEEK CALLS FOR HUMANITY
9.
VALENTINE’S DAY
10. THROUGH THE EYES OF AN INTERNATIONAL FRESHMAN
WRITing
18. LISTENing
24. COVERing
19. SAVing
26. HAPPENing
20. TRAVELing
28. BAKing
22. WATCHing
ON THE COVER 8.
LITTLE THINGS GO A LONG WAY
23. CUDDLE UP WITH A BOOK 10. THE INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE 24. UNPLUGGING FROM TECHNOLOGY
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THE CHECK OUT LUMN O C g in D A RE READS ABOUT HOT IGHTS! N FOR COLD
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WRITing
Technology Dependent
BLAH BLAH BLAH
BY ALICIA PILMORE
I
remember the day I got my first smartphone; it was toward the end of my junior year of college, and literally everyone else I knew already had one. In an effort to save money, my family had always opted for basic phones that could make phone calls and maybe take pictures if you were lucky, but as I drove to the mall to meet my mom and pick up my new phone, I knew that things would be different this time around.
to call me and I wasn’t available? What if I needed a distraction and I couldn’t update my Facebook status? What if I actually had to talk to people in real life?
I didn’t realize how bad my dependency was until my phone battery started to fail. The thought of having a dead phone while I was going about my day gave me so much anxiety — what if I needed to make a call and my phone didn’t work? What if someone tried
Alicia Pilmore is a communications specialist at M3 Group in Downtown Lansing. She enjoys writing, volunteering and everything related to social media.
I couldn’t handle more than a few minutes away from my phone, so I got a portable charging stick that would keep my phone charged until the new battery I ordered arrived. I was so relieved that I wouldn’t have to be disconnected for too long, but When I met up with my mom in the food court as that wave of relief washed over me, I realized just at the Meridian Mall, I could barely contain my how badly I needed a break from my phone. I mean, excitement; my mom handed I really shouldn’t be that me the smartphone she had uncomfortable without my BETWEEN ACTIVITIES ON CAMPUS picked out, and I swear I could phone. hear angels singing. It was a A N D E V E N T S I N T H E C O M M U N I T Y, Samsung Stellar with a pink This month’s issue of ing is THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS WE case, and even though it wasn’t all about unplugging, and CAN DO WITHOUT OUR PHONES the iPhone that I had secretly you’ll find a lot of articles that AND COMPUTERS, AND UNTIL WE been hoping for, I was so offer ideas on how to do just C A N L E A R N TO L I V E A L I T T L E B I T excited to finally be entering that. Given my dependency the 21st century, I didn’t really on technology, I may be the M O R E W I T H O U T T E C H N O LO G Y, care that it wasn’t exactly what W E ’ R E G O I N G TO M I S S O U T O N A absolute worst person to talk I wanted. No longer would about being unplugged, but LOT O F G R E AT T H I N G S . I have to take pictures with I’m slowly re-learning how to my big, awkward camera, live life away from my phone. upload them to my computer and THEN upload Taking some time to unplug gives me the opportunity them to Facebook; I wouldn’t have to wait to get to a to do other things that I enjoy, and it’s helped my computer to check my email; I could finally download relationships with my friends and family. Instagram! It was love at first sight. So this month, let’s do our best to power down our It’s been about two years since I got that phone, and smartphones and shut off our computers, even if it’s I think it’s safe to say that owning it has changed the only for a little while. Not everyone is as dependent way I go about my day. From the moment I wake up on their phone as I am, but a lot of us could stand to until I go to bed, my phone is by my side. It’s my alarm put down our phones for a few hours and really take clock, my main source of entertainment, my fitness in our surroundings. Between activities on campus tracker and my connection to the rest of the world. and events in the community, there are so many Like 85 percent of millennials, I’ve become dependent things we can do without our phones and computers, on my cell phone. and until we can learn to live a little bit more without technology, we’re going to miss out on a lot of THE FIRST STEP TO SOLVING A great things. PROBLEM IS ADMITTING THAT YOU HAVE ONE, RIGHT?
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February 2015
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February 2015
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You Can’t Judge a Blind Date by its Cover BY KATLYN LINDSTROM
I
f you’re single when over the books.” This year’s FLYNN’S EVENT PROVIDES A WAY FOR Valentine’s Day comes event has been expanded STUDENTS TO EXPERIENCE THE THRILL around, it can feel to include more than 100 OF A BLIND DATE IN A NEW WAY, AND as though there is a lot books, spanning across of pressure to find the ALLOWS THE LIBRARY TO SHOWCASE STAFF all genres of fiction and perfect date to share the FAVORITES AND POPULAR READS AMONG nonfiction. “Some students evening with. This year, the may not realize that the THE STUDENT BODY. Michigan State University library has a ‘Browsing Library is providing a new Section’ near the circulation twist on an old concept: blind dating. The Blind Date desk,” said Flynn. “These are popular books that with a Book event will take place on Thursday, Feb. people would read for fun … Blind Date with a Book 12 in the Main Library lobby, and will run from 9 is a good way to publicize this collection.” a.m. to 5 p.m., or until the books run out. Librarians, staff and student staff at the library were asked to Flynn’s event provides a way for students to experience suggest their favorite books for this event. The books the thrill of a blind date in a new way, and allows the that were chosen will be covered in brown paper and library to showcase staff favorites and popular reads decorated with clues about the book. Students who among the student body. “Many of the books are want to participate can check out a book based on the not about love, and there’s something for everyone. clues alone, then report back how the “date” went. Unlike a real blind date, there are no hard feelings in the end!” Holly Flynn, the outreach librarian at MSU, says the idea came to her by observing public libraries. “Part of my job is to create some fun events in the library and create a sense of community and engagement,” Katlyn Lindstrom is a junior pursuing a Flynn said. “Public libraries are masters at that, so I dual degree in english/ creative writing get a lot of my ideas from them.” and professional writing with a minor in philosophy. Katlyn is a copy editor The library hosted Blind Date with a Book for the on the Red Cedar Review, and interns first time last year with 25 books, and it proved very with both the College of Arts and Letters and the popular. “All the books were checked out within two Creative Writing department. Check out her blog at hours,” said Flynn of last year’s event. “Other people katlynlindstrom.wordpress.com. stopped by to take a picture with the table or look
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February 2015
The Chinese New Year BY IAN MICHAEL TERRY
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any people celebrate the New Year on Jan. 1, some with the Ball Drop in Times Square or an impressive fireworks display in Central London; others celebrate the New Year on different days and months of the year, and in very different ways. The Chinese New Year is no exception — because it does not follow the Gregorian calendar, it falls on a different day each year. This year, the Chinese New Year falls on Feb. 19. This holiday runs on a 12-year cycle with each year represented by a different animal. According to timeanddate.com, “Buddha promised gifts to all animals that would pay him homage. Only 12 animals came to honor Buddha so, to favor these 12 animals, each one was given one of the 12 years of the Chinese zodiac.” An element is also attributed to the year’s specific animal; either wood, earth, fire, water or metal. 2015 is the Year of the Wood Sheep.
whole family will have dinner together, stay up all night to celebrate and wait for the New Year coming. We also have fireworks at 12 a.m.” Chinese citizens clean their houses to ward off bad luck, then in the evening, a parade lights up the city. The parade includes a silk dragon and according to legend, the people must throw fireworks into the air to keep the dragon awake for the duration of the celebration.
Ian Terry is a professional writing major. He is the head writer for the Telecaster show TURN and a first-degree black belt in karate. He has self-published a novel, Monster Seeker 2: Rise of the Phoenix King, and a short story, Bad Liar Society.
THE PA R A DE IN CLU D E S A S I LK D R AG ON AN D ACCO R DIN G TO LE G E N D, T H E P EO PL E MUST THROW F I R E WOR K S I N TO TH E AIR TO KE E P TH E D R AG ON AWA K E F OR TH E DUR ATIO N O F T H E C E LE B R AT I ON.
In China, the New Year of the Chinese Lunar Calendar is a public holiday, therefore businesses are closed for the celebrations. “We celebrate the lunar New Year’s Day on every first day in our traditional lunar calendar, but the celebrating starts about 10 days before New Year’s Day and ends on the 10th day of the calendar,” says Kaichen Xaio, a Chinese student at Michigan State University. “On the last day of the previous year, the
MYingMAG.COM
February 2015
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Random Acts of Kindness Week Calls for Humanity BY MOLLY BURFORD
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ichigan State University alumna Lauren Hall was in Grand Rapids, Mich., with her boyfriend, Derek, celebrating their anniversary when they received a surprising gift from a thoughtful stranger. The couple was at dinner when an older man sitting at a nearby table started talking to them. “He said we reminded him of himself and his wife when they first started dating, and could see how in love we were,” said Hall. When the couple went to pay the bill, they were surprised to learn that it was already covered. The man who had approached them earlier had paid for their meal. “We went up to thank him, and he said his only wish was that we did the same when we saw a couple as in love as we are,” said Hall, smiling. Theserandomactsofkindnessarebecomingmorepopular, and stories of these acts frequently appear on the internet. In fact, a nonprofit organization, fittingly named the
Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, was founded based on this movement, with the simple goal of spreading more kindness in the world. The organization has deemed February 9 through 15 of this year as Random Acts of Kindness Week; seven days dedicated to committing random acts of kindness. The nonprofit calls for a minimum of one act of kindness each day during this week, and their website offers a variety of kindness ideas for those interested in participating. WHEN THE COUPLE WENT TO PAY THE BILL , THEY WERE SURPRISED TO LEARN THAT IT WAS ALREADY COVERED. THE MAN WHO HAD APPROACHED THEM EARLIER HAD PAID FOR THEIR MEAL .
“I think random acts of kindness are important because you don’t know what other people are going through on a daily basis,” says Hall. “A little act of kindness, be it a smile, a hello, holding the door or buying someone dinner brightens someone else’s day and that’s something they will remember the rest of their lives. Little things go a long way.” For more information on Random Acts of Kindness Week and how you can participate, visit randomactsofkindness.org/rak-week.
Molly Burford is a senior in the professional writing program at Michigan State University, graduating in May 2015. After graduation, she would love to find herself working as a social media manager, writer, or editor. In her spare time, Molly loves hanging out with her friends and family, watching Jeopardy!, and writing about what inspires her. 8
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February 2015
Valentine’s Day
For all of the Single Ladies BY CAITLIN MUNCH
A
s a girl, there is nothing worse than knowing Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and that you’re going to spend it, once again, alone. You’re not going to get a teddy bear or chocolate; you’re not going to upload pictures to Instagram in a red dress with your significant other. No — you will be sitting at home, binge-eating some discounted chocolate that you bought yourself while drooling over Theo James, or watching cliché Matthew McConaughey movies. You know the ones I’m talking about: How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, Fools Gold and Failure to Launch, among others. You sit alone, in your pajamas, wishing you had a boyfriend, hating all of your friends who have boyfriends and dreading looking at your Instagram newsfeed, but checking it every five minutes anyway, getting jealous each time you look at it. Valentine’s Day focuses so much on romantic interludes, chocolate, classy dates and significant others that we, as single women, start to resent this holiday as it seems to remind us of one daunting thing: we are alone. But the truth of the matter is, we aren’t really alone. More than likely, you have a least one friend who is also spending Valentine’s Day alone. They are binge eating chocolate in their pajamas watching How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days just like you, so why not spend Valentine’s Day together? For the last few years I’ve spent Valentine’s Day with my single girlfriends, celebrating our single status and having fun with each other. There is nothing wrong with having fun and going out with your girlfriends, even on Valentine’s Day. Here are some fun ways to spend this “romantic” holiday with friends. 1. GO TO THE MOVIES. You know what movie comes out the day before Valentine’s Day, right? Fifty Shades of Grey. Let’s be honest — most girls probably aren’t going to take their boyfriends to see that movie; at least, I wouldn’t recommend this particular movie for a date night. Go with your girlfriends instead! Tell each other you’re not going to make it awkward, then just go. If you’re not interested in this type of movie, there are a lot of other options. If you don’t want to watch a sappy romantic movie, watch
something funny, or an action movie. Do whatever makes you and your friends happy. 2. HOST A MOVIE MARATHON. If you don’t feel like going to the movies and want to save money, go to your movie collection, pick out some of your favorites and then vote on which movies to watch with your friends. Pop some popcorn, pour some soda, gather up your warmest blankets and enjoy a night in with your friends. Make it fun! Tape a mustache to the TV and every time the mustache lines up with someone share a secret, or whatever else you can come up with. Whatever you do, just have fun. 3. GET DINNER. Whether you order in Chinese food or pizza, getting dinner with your girls can be the perfect way to leave your Valentine’s Day blues behind. You could even meet up at a restaurant. You can eat good food, talk and catch up. Eat to your heart’s content — want that fifth slice of pizza? Go for it. You’re among friends. You don’t have to impress anyone; it’s a judgment free zone. 4. HOST A GAME NIGHT. If you can manage to get a group of girls together to play some board games, do it. Games are fun, competitive and will make you forget about that person you wanted to be your Valentine. You can’t go wrong with a game of Clue, Monopoly, Pictionary, Charades or Euchre. A little friendly competition never hurt anyone, right? Don’t let Valentine’s Day bum you out if you don’t have plans with that special someone. Spending time with friends is just as important and just as fun.
Caitlin Munch is a junior professional writing major with an emphasis on publishing and editing. Her list of books she wants to read is always being added to, and she watches more TV shows than she probably should. She writes best when there’s a thunderstorm, and she has a weakness for Rice Krispie treats.
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February 2015
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Through the Eyes of an International Freshman BY LYNNETTE ROTH
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eing a freshman in college is hard enough. Being a freshman at a school in a foreign country takes an incredible amount of courage. But that is exactly what General Management freshman Shuang (Sarah) Chen chose to do. I contacted Sarah and asked her a few questions about her first semester here at MSU. LR: Where are you from? SC: I came from China. Wuhu, Anhui to be specific. LR: Why did you choose to study at MSU? SC: I love this school, and part of my family lives here. LR: How have you been enjoying your first semester? SC: I’m always hanging out with my friends and roommates. I also enjoy walking around campus. You know East Lansing has the most beautiful autumn I have ever seen. LR: How does the weather here compare to the weather you experience at home? SC: I lived in Wuhu, Anhui, which is a region south of the Yangtze River in China. Generally, Wuhu has mild climate and abundant sunshine with four distinct seasons. East Lansing is colder than my hometown. My domestic friends tell me that Michigan spends half of its year in winter and snow. When I first came, the summer here was not as hot as my hometown. The air is also much drier, which I think is the most different. LR: What have you learned this semester that will help you going forward next year? SC: My writing and economics classes have helped me the most this past semester. Writing teaches me another way of thinking and how to organize and expand one’s writing. Economics, which is my first [class], helped connect me to the real economic world. I felt really excited getting involved in this field, which is related to my major. These skills are what will help me moving forward next year.
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February 2015
W H EN I GOT INVO LVED W IT H AM ERIC AN L IF E I F O UND T H AT NO B O DY M EANS TO L AUGH AT YO U. EV ERYO NE IS READY TO H EL P. T H AT WAS T H E M O S T S URPRIS ING T H ING. I F EEL REL IEVED W H EN I S PEAK S LO W LY O R US E T H E W RO NG W O RD S.
LR: What has been the hardest part of your transition here in the U.S.? SC: The first thing would be the (verb) tenses. In Chinese there aren’t as many as in English. Another point worth mentioning is word (usage). In Chinese there are many traditional idioms that are not simply represented in the literal meaning in English. They have a deeper story or meaning to them. The literal translation is hard and misleading to those who don’t understand the language and cultural background.
LR: Do you have a favorite American food dish? SC: I know it’s weird, but I think my favorite is mashed potatoes. I like everything rich in starch. Sweet potatoes are also a favorite! LR: What has surprised you the most while being here? SC: Before I came here, I was worried about my spoken English. I was afraid of people’s sneers. When I got involved with American life, I found that nobody means to laugh at you. Everyone is ready to help. That was the most surprising thing. I feel relieved when I speak slowly or use the wrong words. LR: What advice do you have for international students considering MSU? SC: MSU has the most beautiful autumn and delicious dining halls! You will have half of the year accompanied with snow! In her free time, Sarah loves to bake and spends her time in the kitchen making cupcakes and other goods for her friends and teachers. She loves sweet things like cakes, breads, cookies and puffs. She has made many birthday cakes for her new friends here at MSU. Sarah is working on expanding her baking career and looks forward to the opportunities that come with starting a business. Her friends and family support her every step of the way, and she has learned much about the inner workings of a business. She hopes to continue to expand as both a person and a baker.
Lynnette Roth is a senior studying creative writing. She loves life, sewing, fall and her husband. Her closet has more shoes than clothes, and she believes that coffee is the only way to survive.
in the kitchen In Sarah’s free time, she loves to bake and spend her time rs. making cupcakes and other goods for her friends and teache
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February 2015
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LISTENing
Unwind With Australian Acoustic-Folk Artist Xavier Dunn BY TAYLOR RUMMEL
O
ur lives are fast-paced and frenetic enough, and though it’s nice to have things to accommodate the quick pace — smartphones, TiVo, etc. — it’s equally important to buck the trend at times and settle into a calmer atmosphere. Music affords us a perfect opportunity to unplug, and an unheralded but impressive acoustic artist like Xavier Dunn provides the exact kind of soft musicianship we can definitely use more of. Although the Australian singer, songwriter and producer isn’t signed and hasn’t received much media attention, listening to any piece he has released will tell you all you need to know about the high musicianship of his craft. He has an undeniably great indie-folk sound he incorporates into all of his works, and visions of late nights and campfire get-togethers are induced in the minds of all who listen to them. Dunn’s sound is similar to the likes of Bon Iver and other folk and falsettopairing acts and artists, but his propensity to experiment with dissimilar works to his own (he recently covered tracks from rap artists A$AP Rocky and Kanye West) puts him rightly in his own artistic lane. While we begin our New Year and (try) to fulfill the resolutions we’ve set for it, take some time to unwind and let the soft-sounding art of acoustic music find a place in your life. It can be difficult to articulate the soothing qualities this kind of music affords, but when you take the time to sit down and listen to it, personal stresses and anxieties melt into relaxation. Xavier Dunn is a wonderfully “unplugged” artist who seems to understand this notion, and as a long-time admirer of his work, it’s easy to recommend him to anyone with a craving for light and lovely sounds.
Taylor Rummel is a junior professional writing major who loves music. He has contributed to several music publications and is currently a senior writer and editor for the music blog Hillydilly. When he’s not reading, writing or finding your new favorite artist, he’s watching “Family Feud” and “The Walking Dead.”
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SAVing
Financial Fitness for the New Year BY APRIL CLOBES
W
ith the holidays over and the New Year underway, it’s easy to fall into a bit of a financial slump. To overcome this and prepare for a successful year, it’s important to find a few ways to revitalize your finances and get back on track. Start out by assessing your spending from the past year. By reviewing your budget and expenses, you will get an idea of what you can expect to spend in the coming year. Creating a benchmark for your spending will better enable you to move forward by modifying your current spending patterns or creating a new budget.
in itself, if you’re seeking extra motivation, try creating an incentive for yourself each time you reach one. Rewarding yourself for an accomplishment can provide the motivation needed to stay on track and ultimately achieve what you want. This positive reinforcement can even give you reason to continue setting goals in the future. Whether you’re looking to revamp your budget or make a few simple changes to your spending habits, working on your financial fitness at the start of the New Year can help you get one step closer to achieving financial wellness.
REWARDING YOURSELF FOR AN ACCOMPLISHMENT CAN PROVIDE THE MOTIVATION NEEDED TO STAY ON TRACK AND ULTIMATELY ACHIEVE WHAT YOU WANT. THIS POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT CAN EVEN GIVE YOU REASON TO CONTINUE SETTING GOALS IN THE FUTURE .
April Clobes is the Executive VicePresident and Chief Operating Officer at MSU Federal Credit Union. MSUFCU’s headquarters are at 3777 West Road East Lansing, MI 48823. Contact April at aclobes@msufcu.org or (517) 333-2424.
Separating your spending into different categories can help you decide where to make adjustments. For example, if you find that you spent a large amount of money on takeout or buying coffee every day, you can work to decrease your spending by doing these things less frequently or spending less each time. After outlining your new spending plan, one of the best ways to keep your finances in order and stick to a budget is to set goals. These goals can be daily, weekly, monthly, etc., as long as they’re realistic and will benefit your overall financial state. Say you want to spend $50 or less on “extras” such as clothing, snacks or travel each week; tracking what you are spending on these items and meeting your goal every week will help prevent over-spending and can help you achieve any bigger long-term goals you may have. Although reaching a goal can sometimes be a reward
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February 2015
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TRAVELing
Beyond the Avalanche Zone Winter Break in British Columbia BY JENNY CRAKES
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y home away from MSU is in the Pend’Oreille Valley in British Columbia, about fifteen miles from the small city of Trail. We’re close to the United States border, near the Waneta Dam where the Pend’Oreille and Columbia rivers converge. My dad lived there before he met my mom, and I have spent every summer there since I was little. When I was 12, we moved from Michigan to live in Canada fulltime, and built our house little by little with family and friends. We live about halfway up Blizzard Mountain, several miles from our nearest neighbors, and are completely off-grid; our water comes from the creek (for the gardens) and a well, from which we pump water to a reservoir for use in the house. We use a solar panel on the roof to draw power to a battery bank, which we use inside the house for lights and appliances (even a solar-powered freezer!) We heat the house with a woodstove and use propane to heat water. Nearby we often see deer, elk and in the summer, bears.
Painted birds on the back wall of our hous e.
The community is very close-knit, and a lot of the families in the valley have known my parents for more than 30 years. We spend a lot of time visiting friends and neighbors on both sides of the border. As long as we’ve been in Canada, we’ve had a tradition of staying overnight at a family friend’s house on Christmas Eve and exchanging stockings in the morning. Two of my good friends from high school also visited and we made pizza and decorated cookies. One of my favorite winter activities in high school was participating in shows with the Rossland Light Opera, a community musical theater company nearby. I love spending time outdoors because of the absolute beauty of the place. It’s often very cold in winter, and when it’s under ten degrees the air seems to glitter with sharp little crystals. This winter break I practiced using the snowplow and the hydraulic wood splitter. My mom and I love to hike or cross16
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ls Front of our house; you can see the solar pane
on the roof.
IT GETS DARK AT ABOUT 4 P.M., BUT ONE OF THE NICEST THINGS ABOUT WINTER BREAK IS THAT THERE IS PLENTY OF TIME FOR READING.
View of the Columbia River from the road leading to our house. country ski on the old logging roads near our house. The sky can be overcast for days, but when sun breaks through, sometimes it’s warm enough that we ski in tank tops. MY MOM AND I LOVE TO HIKE OR CROSS -COUNTRY SKI ON THE OLD LOGGING ROADS NEAR OUR HOUSE. THE SKY CAN BE OVERCAST FOR DAYS, BUT WHEN SUN BREAKS THROUGH, SOMETIMES IT’S WARM ENOUGH THAT WE SKI IN TANK TOPS.
Transportation to and from town can be an unpredictable adventure; an overnight deepfreeze can turn the road into a skating rink. There have been times that we’ve had to strap cables the back of our Subaru to the front of the pickup truck as an anchor in order to make it down to the paved road. In the avalanche zone, understated signs sometimes crop up: a pile of boulders will be marked “Loose Gravel,” and “Area Closed” marks the sheer drop-off over the cliff.
It gets dark at about 4 p.m., but one of the nicest things about winter break is that there is plenty of time for reading. Two of my favorite books from this break were Anna in the Tropics by Nilo Cruz, a story about Cuban cigar factory workers pursuing the American dream, and When I Was a Soldier by Valerie Zénatti, a memoir by a female soldier in the Israeli army. We also watch quite a few movies and play dominoes or Scrabble. Sometimes I go on walks at night when the moon and stars light up the snow. Outside it’s quiet, and the ice-covered trees gleam like pathways to the sky. Returning home is like slipping into a different world.
Jenny Crakes is an arts and humanities and professional writing senior in the editing and publishing track. She’s an education coordinator with the RCAH Center for Poetry, and an intercultural aide with the Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions. Her interests include creative writing, theatre, dance and the outdoors.
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February 2015
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WATCHing
SNL Turns 40 BY KATIE GRIMES
I
t’s 2015, and Saturday Night Live (SNL) is entering middle age with its fortieth season. Forty years of sketch comedy, live parody, nationwide hilarity, political lampoons and late-night shenanigans. Forty years of pushing the boundaries of American television. Forty years of introducing America to some of its most well-loved comedians: Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Adam Sandler and Jimmy Fallon, among others. Forty years — an unprecedented run for a television series. To celebrate this monumental anniversary, we’ve written up a brief history of the now-classic show. 1975 Saturday Night Live premiered on NBC on October 11, 1975 as NBC’s Saturday Night. According to Tom Shales’ and James Miller’s book Live from New York, the show was originally created simply to fill the time slot once taken up by reruns of Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show. NBC executives could not have predicted the success that would greet the satirical series. As noted in Live from New York, SNL “sparked a renaissance in topical, satirical and political humor both on television and off it ... hugely expanded the parameters of what was ‘acceptable’ material on the air [and] made a nation laugh.” The original format of the show continues to this day: a combination of celebrity hosts, musical acts and young comedy talent, each opening sketch ending with the bold declaration, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” The original cast included Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman and Gilda Radner, a group that called themselves the “Not Ready for Primetime Players” and one that garnered great ratings. THE ‘80S In 1980, NBC replaced SNL creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels with Jean Doumanian, and almost every existing cast member and writer quit in protest. After five years of off-the-charts popularity, the show suffered a severe drop in quality resulting in a painful season filled with inexperienced writers and performers. But despite this moment of crisis, the show survived. And Michaels made a return to the show in 1985; he just couldn’t stay away. Recurring cast members during this decade included Eddie Murphy, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Billy Crystal, Robert Downey Jr. and Mike Myers.
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THE ‘90S The 1990 season comprised the largest cast: a total of 18 performers that included up-and-comers Adam Sandler, David Spade and Chris Rock. The increase in numbers inevitably led to factions within the group, a division between veteran performers like Dana Carvey and the newbies. In 1992, Michaels produced the wildly successful movie Wayne’s World — costarring Myers and Carvey — a spin off an SNL sketch series about two goofs who ran their own public-access cable show. Middecade, the cast went through another big shift when many members left. But SNL rebounded as it always seems to do, with no less than the likes of Will Ferrell, Jimmy Fallon, Tracy Morgan, Horatio Sanz and Tina Fey. Political satire was as popular as ever, and Ferrell’s impression of George W. Bush became iconic. The show experienced ups and downs throughout the ‘90s, with critics intermittently and mockingly declaring “Saturday Night Dead,” but SNL always bounced back. THE ‘00S The start of the new millennium ushered in new “Weekend Update” anchors Jimmy Fallon and Tina Fey. The two made the traditional weekly newscast into what Live From New York aptly describes as “just a sexy pair of smart alecks sitting around and making fun of the world.” In September 2001, Amy Poehler and Seth Meyers joined the cast at a difficult time for comedy. The season opened a mere two weeks after the attacks on the World Trade Center, with the cast receiving permission from New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani to “be funny.” Great talent like Bill Hader, Andy Samberg and Kristen Wiig came on board during the 2000’s and left the show years later with acclaim. TODAY The 2013-14 season saw a huge cast overhaul: according to a timeline created by Entertainment Weekly, six new featured players joined, and Seth Meyers left to take over NBC’s Late Night. Many of this season’s performers are young and fresh, and they keep SNL alive with the show’s only constant: change. Katie Grimes is a professional writing and religious studies student. She enjoys using obscure words (such as colloquial and pastiche) in all contexts and has a strange fascination with Star Trek. Her varied interests include feminism, reading Shakespeare and drinking caffeinated beverages.
READing
Hot Reads for Cold Nights BY BRITTNEY URICH
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n need of a relaxing night in? We have the perfect reading list for you. This winter, curl up with a cup of cocoa and one (or all) of these best-selling novels. EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE by Jonathan Safran Foer Nine-year-old Oskar Schell is on a mission through New York City to find the lock that fits a mysterious key belonging to his father, who died in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11. As Oskar explores New York City, he meets many interesting people, all with stories to tell and some insights into life. Told by Oskar Schell himself, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is a journey of love and acceptance that’s sure to capture the hearts of many.
THIRTEEN REASONS WHY by Jay Asher Asher’s debut novel explores the lives of Hannah Baker and Clay Jensen. Clay receives a mysterious package on his porch, full of cassette tapes recorded by Hannah, a classmate and Clay’s crush, who recently committed suicide. On the tapes, Hannah lists 13 reasons why she killed herself — and Clay is one of them. Readers spend the night with Clay as he stays up, listening to Hannah and learning more about himself than he ever imagined. Incredibly moving and eye-opening, Thirteen Reasons Why is sure to stick with readers for years to come.
ANGELS & DEMONS by Dan Brown The prequel to The Da Vinci Code, readers meet Professor Robert Langdon, a symbologist at Harvard. Langdon is called on to investigate the murder of a physicist, and the investigation takes on a whole new meaning when he learns the physicist is also a cardinal of the Vatican. When clues from the murder point to an ancient society, Langdon must work to catch the killer and find the ticking time bomb threatening to destroy the entire Vatican City. Fast-paced and actionpacked, Angels & Demons is a must read for fans of The Da Vinci Code.
Brittney Urich is a junior professional writing major specializing in public relations. She is a travel lover, sports enthusiast and self-proclaimed baker extraordinaire. When she’s not blogging or reading, she can usually be found outside.
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Unplugging From Technology BY PEYTON LOMBARDO
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-inch Retina display smartphones, touchscreen laptops, tablets for reading digital books with hundreds of other applications and 50inch televisions with 3D technology; with the evergrowing advancements of technology, our lives can seem dictated by tech applications like Siri and Netflix. Technology is a part of our lives, and it isn’t going away anytime soon, but that may not always be a good thing. Sometimes a break from technology is needed to regroup and realize our lives away from it. Students at MSU utilize a great amount of technology in their studies, but they also find ways to unplug from it. Morgan Harris, a sophomore engineering student, understands both her life with and without technology. “I use technology every day to complete projects, labs and assignments.” Outside of the classroom she isn’t the most tech-savvy student you’ll meet. “I’m not a huge fan of social media, so I’m definitely not attached to my smartphone like some of my friends — I know when to step away from it.” She cites a multitude of activities that help her to unplug. “I like to spend a lot of time outside hunting, running and playing sports. I also like reading novels, magazines and newspapers.” And Harris isn’t wrong about her fellow students’ technology use; specifically on smartphones. According to a 2013 survey completed by eMarketer, Americans today average five hours of use a day on their smartphones and computers. It’s easy to become addicted to technology like smartphones, and finding ways to unplug can seem challenging for today’s college students. W H ET H ER YO U D EC ID E TO S IGN UP F O R A M ARAT H O N O R JUS T WANT TO READ T H E NEW ES T IS S UE O F C O S M O PO L ITAN, T H ERE ARE M ANY WAYS TO UNPLUG F RO M T EC H NO LO GY AND F IND H APPINES S IN D O ING S O.
Sabrina Bava, a freshmen majoring in general management, is also discovering the increased use of technology in college versus high school. “The biggest difference I found is how dependent I’ve become on technology, specifically on class websites. I need to check them almost daily to 20
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TIME SPENT PLUGGED IN TOTAL TIME 11 HOURS 54%
TELEVISION 5:57
10%
SMARTPHONE 1:07
0%
OTHER 0:02
9%
LAPTOP/COMPUTER 1:01
2%
GAMING 0:12
25%
RADIO 2:46
COMPILED BY CAILIN ASHBAUGH Using a survey done by Nielsen in early 2014 the above chart shows how the average American adult spends our eleven hours spent plugged in. These statistics do not account for time spent multitasking and the overlap of using two devices at once. The demographic surveyed were American adults over the age of 18. Surprisingly they found that more time was spent using the television took up more of these eleven hours than being plugged in to a laptop or smartphone combined. In this age of social media and constant contact, it is often assumed that would be the other way around.
make sure I’m on top of my studies.” When asked how she unplugs, Bava says, “I read a book, hang out with friends or work out.” Bava isn’t the only one who participates in these types of activities. According to studies done by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans spend almost 20 minutes a day reading and another 20 minutes engaging in recreational activities and exercise. At MSU, many students take advantage of the places on campus to unplug. The recreation and fitness centers offer exercise equipment and a variety of intramural sports. Students who aren’t interested in sports may visit the Union for crafts, music nights, cosmic bowling and other technology-free events. From the dining halls to the Main Library, students on MSU’s campus can ditch their smartphones for a good conversation or book. While students may feel a need to constantly stay updated through technology, there is also a need to
unplug from it every so often. Unplugging may offer a feeling of relaxation, refreshment and satisfaction. Finding pleasure in a paperback novel or jogging through East Lansing’s trails can be quite rewarding. No longer feeling attached to technology, if even for a few minutes, can invigorate students. Whether you decide to sign up for a marathon or just want to read the newest issue of Cosmopolitan, there are many ways to unplug from technology and find happiness in doing so.
Originally from the metro Detroit area, Peyton Lombardo attends MSU to pursue degrees in professional writing and media and information. Peyton is a student manager for the Michigan State Women’s Basketball team. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, watching movies, golfing, and bowling.
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FEBRUARY 2015 EVENTS COMPILED BY MITZI NELSON
ARTS 2/11 — “ VOICING POETRY” SHOWCASE Join the MSU Composition Department and the Center for Poetry at the RCAH Theater for a performance of original pieces inspired by the poems of Anita Skeen, Dorothy Brooks, Jenny Crakes, Justin Cook, Cindy Hunter Morgan and Varun Ramadhyani. For more information, contact Linnea Jimison at cpoetry@msu.edu or (517) 884-1932. 2/11-2/12 — SHEN YUN Reviving 5,000 years of civilization through the universal language of music and dance, Shen Yun weaves a wondrous tapestry of heavenly realms, ancient legends and modern heroic tales, taking you on a journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture. Tickets are available at shenyun.com or by phone at (877) 328-SHOW. 2/20-3/1 — MACBETH One of Shakespeare’s most recognizable tragedies, Macbeth examines politics and power, madness, ambition, blood and even witches. Tickets are available at the Wharton Center Box Office, 1-800-WHARTON and whartoncenter.com. 2/27-2/28 — THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES For the 17th year, the Vagina Monologues is coming to MSU. The series of monologues serves two purposes: to empower women and to raise awareness about the violence that women face. All proceeds from the show will go to The Firecracker Foundation, an organization that provides free therapy to survivors of childhood sexual trauma. Tickets are available for purchase at whartoncenter.com.
CONFERENCES, SEMINARS AND LECTURES 2/6-2/26 — DR. WILLIAM G. ANDERSON LECTURE SERIES, SLAVERY TO FREEDOM The 15th annual lecture series will host an allstar lineup with three nationally recognized speakers: Rep. John Lewis, Harry Belafonte and Rev. Al Sharpton. For more information, call the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Office of External Programs at (517) 432-4979.
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SPECIAL EVENTS 2/6-2/7 — SIBS & KIDS WEEKEND Bring your siblings, children, cousins or friends to MSU’s annual Sibs & Kids weekend, hosted by the University Activities Board. Check-in begins on Feb. 6 at 4 p.m. on the second floor concourse of the MSU Union and will continue throughout the night. Activities begin around 7 p.m. For more information, contact the University Activities Board at uab@rhs.msu.edu or (517) 335-3354. 2/8 — DARWIN DISCOVERY DAY Tour MSU Museum’s Hall of Evolution and view displays of fossil, reptile, bird and mammal specimens. Curators and specialists will identify fossils, rocks, bones, teeth, feathers, shells and other curiosities that visitors bring in. There will also be displays and activities by other MSU science units including Anthropology, 4-H Gardens, Entomology and more lively learning for all ages. Contact Julie Fick at jfick@msu.edu or (517) 355-2372 for more information. 2/12 — BLIND DATE WITH A BOOK Pick up a gift-wrapped library book in the Main Library and check it out. After you read the book, let the librarians know on the library Facebook page how it went. Unlike blind dates with people, there are no hard feelings if it doesn’t work out! For more information, contact Holly Flynn at flynnhol@msu.edu or (517) 884-0901. 2/22 — MSU MUSEUM CHOCOLATE PARTY BENEFIT At the 26th annual Michigan State University Museum Chocolate party, local restaurants, caterers, bakeshops, candy makers and other vendors will share their taste-tempting chocolate creations. This event is open to the general public, with area chefs and culinary students competing to create edible masterpieces. In addition, the MSU Museum will feature exhibits from the science and culture collections. The event will take place at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center. Ticket prices range from $25-$75. Proceeds from the Chocolate Party fund proper care of the Museum’s collections, ensuring preservation and access by future generations. Contact Mike Secord at secordm@ msu.edu or (517) 432-4655 for information and to purchase tickets.
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BAKing
Baking for Dummies: College Edition BY BRINDSI LIBERTY
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alling all baking novices and enthusiasts alike with little to no kitchen appliances or expendable time!
DO YOU: Enjoy cooking and baking? Have an event you need to supply a dessert for? Have a little extra time and a craving that needs to be satiated? LOOK NO FURTHER! This month’s recipe is a sweet treat that requires your hands and a bowl. Living in the dorms or having nothing but miscellaneous utensils in your kitchen can make baking a difficult task. Rather than calling home and begging your parents to send you cookies, or purchasing baked goods from Meijer and trying to pass them for homemade, you can make your own dessert with little time and effort. This creative oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe was adapted from ABC’s The Chew. One great aspect of the recipe is that you can modify the ingredients; you can make this cookie with all organic ingredients, add what fits your taste and take away what doesn’t. Prep Time: 20 minutes Cost: About $15 Equipment needed: • Bowl • Measuring utensils (optional) • Spoon • Storage container
ingREDIENTS:
2 cups oats 1 cup chocolate chips 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 1/2 cup honey 1 1/4 cups peanut butter, almond butter or other nut butters Additional add-ins such as dried fruit or candies METHOD: 1. Gather required ingredients and desired additives. Dried cranberries or cherries add a flavorful fruity element. 24
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2. Combine the oats, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, honey, peanut butter and additional items in a bowl. 3. Use a spoon or your hands to mix together. 4. Use your hands to create evenly sized, round balls. You can also eat the dessert straight from the bowl. 5. Store cookies in an airtight container, the refrigerator or enjoy immediately!
Brindsi Liberty is a professional writing major with great interest in editing and publishing. She is a weekly contributor for the online publication RevelU with articles including opinion and satire. She is an expert on the Internet and enjoys many of the arts, including photography, literature, music, and dogs.
CALLING ALL WRITERS ARE YOU A SKILLED WRITER? WANT TO BE PUBLISHED IN A MAGAZINE? ing Magazine is looking for writers to contribute to the monthly publication.
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