Page 2 • NEWS
Thursday, September 18, 2014
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Marcela Oliveira Head Content Editor Alexandra Mariano Head Copy Editor Lauren Waymire Content Advisor Stephanie Garcia Webmaster Kate Barnekow Daniel Udell Copy Editors Raquel Leon Section Editor Kaitlyn Alkass Micah Bradley Nicholas D’Alessandro Staff Writers Matt Boggs Nolan Brewer Production Assistants
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Compiled by Lauren Waymire Pretoria, South Africa Olympian and double amputee Oscar Pistorius was found guilty of culpable homicide and an unrelated gun charge on Sept. 12 after a six month trial in South Africa. The gold medal winner was arrested after shooting his girlfriend, model and law graduate Reeva Steenkamp, through the bathroom door of his Pretoria home after mistaking her for an intruder on Valentine’s Day, 2013. Pistorius was the first double amputee athlete to compete in the Olympics. He will be sentenced on Oct. 13. Toronto, Canada Rob Ford, mayor of Toronto, has withdrawn his candidacy for the October mayoral race after being diagnosed with abdominal cancer. The notorious public official was diagnosed after going
to the doctor with complaints of abdominal pain. Ford’s name is to be replaced on the ballot by his brother Doug Ford, to whom he is “passing the torch.” Although he admitted to smoking crack cocaine while in office, lost the
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Pakistani officials claim they have arrested the gang of Taliban militants who shot Malala Yousafzai in Oct. 2012 over her and her family’s education activism. The officials say the group of nine was arrested before they
The gold medal winner was arrested after shooting his girlfriend, model and law graduate Reeva Steenkamp
majority of his mayoral powers, and eventually did a stint in rehab, Ford still remains popular with many after he took away an unpopular vehicle tax and privatized trash collection. Islamabad, Pakistan
could carry out their plans of killing an estimated 22 individuals and added that they would all be tried on terror charges. Malala nearly died after the shot to the head but recovered fully after being airlifted to the United
Kingdom and went on to speak globally on issues of girls’ education and rights. Washington, D.C. The President addressed the nation on Sept. 10, a day before the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, on American military action that will be taken along with our allies to “degrade and ultimately destroy the terrorist group known as ISIL” which currently controls large portions of Syria and Iraq. The plan the President laid out includes the continuance of air strikes in Syria and Iraq, ground troops, increased counterterrorism measures and humanitarian aid directed to displaced, innocent civilians. According to the POTUS, “Abroad, American leadership is the one constant in an uncertain world.”
Page 3 • OPINION
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Just a tip about just the tip Sexpert Kaitlyn Alkass analyzes our generation’s intimacy issues and the blurred lines of contemporary relationships. Kaitlyn Alkass
Staff Writer
“Just the tip?” Ladies, we have all heard this request, regurgitated by any male with a pulse who we have decided to become sexually involved with. It is as if the phrase has been programmed into their neural pathways as some kind of primal insurance for the continuation of the human race. It tends to switch on once a couple has delved into the realm of oral sex, and the guy seems to think that he is getting that much closer to the main event. A sexual shortstop, if you will. The holy grail that men seem to think is a stepping stone between second and third base. Let me tell you something: “just the tip” is an absolute travesty. It is this sexual no-man’sland purposely designed to make the decision of becoming intimate with someone all the more confusing. In some ways,
it is a power play that a guy can use for later. “But babe, we’ve technically already had sex, let’s just do it, alright?” Objectively, I am sure everyone can identify that this is a manipulative move that any self-respecting young woman would say no to. But in the moment it can be difficult, especially if you are emotionally attached to the person and in a vulnerable position, a.k.a. bottomless with a naked dude and his hard-on. Add some cheap alcohol to that scenario and you have got the romantic scene from every teen flick ever. Even if it is “just the tip,” there is still a ton of questions that come with it. Do we still use a condom? Is this actual sex? Does this count as losing my v-card? The answers to these questions might seem to be black and white at first, but they are entirely subjective. Sure, the technical term for sexual intercourse is penetration, but “just the tip?” What are you supposed
to do with that? Here is an example: June: Oh my God, Jill, how’d it go with Henry last night? Jill: Oh, you know, I gave him a handy j, then I let him put the tip in. Just the tip, though. June: No way! So are you, like, only half a virgin now? Jill: I have no idea, but I guess I’m ready for full sex. Since when could you lose your virginity in increments, like you are back in the second grade learning how to divide a cupcake into four equal parts? Losing your virginity was supposed to be like tossing back a shot of vodka, right? Something you approached with an all or nothing mentality, because in small sips you were definitely going to puke? Chances are if you are only comfortable with “just the tip,” you are not truly comfortable with that person and definitely not ready for full-on intercourse. On the other hand, I think “just the tip” is yet another phrase
specific to our generation. We can barely define our relationships in simplistic terms, what makes us think that our sex lives are any different? Sex cannot be defined or organized into perfect little boxes. Of course there must be consent at all times, but blurry edges are inevitable. It is important to keep an open dialogue about everything that is occurring, whether it is a one night stand or your star-crossed lover, so that you are not left in the dark with questions. Before the onset of social media and the anxiety-inducing title of “Facebook official,” either you were in a relationship or you were not. When did all of this jargon come into play? “Seeing each other,” “dating,” and “non-exclusive” are all various terms of beating around the bush, avoiding telling someone that you enjoy spending time with them. “Just the tip” has become the training wheels of sex. Both parties are nervous about
The opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect those of The Sandspur, its staff or Rollins College.
doing it but still want to get their feet wet. No pun intended. Another typical “just the tip” situation: Joe: Sally, baby, let me just put the tip in. Sally: Sure, okay. Joe: Okay, ready— Sally: OW OW! Joe: Sorry! Sorry! I didn’t mean to hurt you! Sally: No, you’re pulling my hair. This recent epidemic of just the tip mirrors the hookup culture of our generation. In the same way we have difficulty committing to a monogamous relationship or determining our status with a sexual prospect, neither can we define our sexual status, further confirming that virginity is more a social construction rather than a physical one. Allow yourself the power and wherewithal to make the healthiest decisions for you. Just a tip about just the tip: it is only as powerful as you make it.
Page 4 • OPINION
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Two student reactions to Ferguson coverage Peter Ruiz ‘15 brings to light recurring themes in the murder of black American teens.
Shantell Mitchell ‘18 expresses concern about police brutality and our culture’s apathy toward dramatic events. Shantell Mitchell Writer As many are aware, the media event in Ferguson is a topic that has inflamed headlines, drawing diverse opinions and catalyzing activism with it. With the subject matter pertaining to police brutality, it is difficult not to imagine such a strong response. Police brutality, in my opinion, is inexcusable by any means. The fact that people attempt to side with it frustrates me to no end. When something like this occurs, I feel it is not the questions of whether the officer was enforcing the law, but whether he was truly being a public servant and protecting the people. Sometimes it feels like rather than enforcing the law, they enforce their dominance as authority figures. When that dominance is questioned things
as tragic as Ferguson and the case of Eric Garner in New York can and will happen. The issue is not always with the police,
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Do not stop caring about a topic just because it is not on Facebook anymore. To be apathetic is pathetic.
however. The problem also lies in our hands, and the hands of the community. The bigger issue here is that
a tragedy has to happen for people to open up their eyes to the deep-seated problems that are still happening. Bad things happen to good people, but we only call attention to it when tragedy strikes, or if it is caught on video. Something that really aggravates me about the situation is that people have this unwavering passion for about a month and then it is back to not caring. I hate to break it to the masses, but that is why things do not change. If you only cared about stops signs until you run someone over, then the stop sign was not very effective. Do not stop caring about a topic just because it is not on Facebook anymore. To be apathetic is pathetic; it would seem your armchair activism is almost as utterly ineffective as the Ferguson police were. #iftheyshotmedown
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Peter Ruiz Writer It has been a month since a community was thrown in turmoil. It has been a month since a mother’s worst nightmare came true. It has been a month since a young boy was shot six times by a police officer. As I reflect upon the experience of hearing this news, I am filled with rage. Another black person’s life has been ended due to police brutality. This young man has gone from being a person in a community to a media circus and a statistic. A young man has once again been vilified for the simple crime for dying while black in America. Michael Brown was your typical 18 year old kid. He graduated from high school. He was a band kid. He was preparing to go to college. He dabbled in drugs. He took less than flattering pictures. He was a boy on the path towards manhood. The media took his less than flattering photos and his experimentation with drugs as a determination of the content of his character. But I ask you this: some of you have also just graduated from high school. Do you remember doing any of these things? Do you remember trying your first drink or smoking weed for the first time? Do you remember taking photos that were not flattering to your character? Now imagine you are not alive to tell your story and this is what you are remembered for; you are not remembered for being a loving sibling, playing an instrument, your community service, being a mentor, being the friend people came to. This is what it means to be killed as a black child in America. Darren Wilson, the man responsible for the death of a young boy, not that different from you or I, has not been charged with a crime. He is currently on paid vacation. While some of you may say that not all the facts about this case are in, there is one fact that remains: a boy has died at the hands of a law-enforcement agent. In any normal situation that boy would not have been left in the streets for four hours, he would not have been picked up in an unmarked vehicle, and
The opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect those of The Sandspur, its staff or Rollins College.
his killer would at the very least been charged with some sort of crime. The difference with this situation is that Darren Wilson is a police officer and Michael Brown was a black boy in America. You may say that this is one case, but I present you with these: Eric Garner, Ezell Ford, John Crawford, Armand Bennett, Amadou Diallo, Sean Bell and countless other black boys and men who have yet to see justice. In some of these cases the cops were never charged, in others acquitted. This is a lapse in justice. You may say that these are the few but not the many. Every 28 hours another black person is killed by the police. Every 28 hours another life is snuffed out by the very people our government has decided to protect us. Every 28 hours the black community in America is robbed of justice. Justice for these people who have been shot looks like the police being brought to court and convicted but it also looks like a hoodie and skittles being just a hoodie and skittles. It looks like us as a nation reflecting upon what it means to be free when the very act of living as a black person in America means that a target has been emblazoned upon. It looks like us asking why. It looks like the Michael Browns of the world being deemed fit for childhood. Michael Brown and Ferguson is not an isolated incident. Michael is the collective black consciousness and Ferguson is America. We are all players in a game that ends in the death of black boys, girls, men, women, and non-binary people. For some of you reading, this a truth you live. For others of you, the fear of the police, the fear of your children being shot, the fear of you being shot, the loss of a feeling of safety in your own community is not a constant thought. “Justice is what love looks like in public,” said Dr. Cornel West. I ask you, the reader, to commit the most extraordinary act a human being can commit: I ask you to love. I ask you to love the black community as you love your community. I ask you to love so intensely we have justice for Michael Brown.
Page 5 • FEATURES
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Fight the ‘Freshman Plague’ Yup, it’s that time of the year again—everyone is sick! Follow these simple tips and avoid runny noses, burning coughs and scratchy throats during your first months at college. has picked up a few nasty germs along the way. So when that ball Writer sinks into your cup, the beer you “We need one more for are gulping down could have a flip cup, c’mon?!” Your friend mix of E.coli, salmonella, or even shouts at you over the noise as strep. That will kill your buzz, he drags you toward the table. huh? What do you do? Pull out your 3. Munch Responsibly: hand wipes and dish detergent Your mom is not here to remind and proceed you that you to sterilize the cannot eat pizdingy red cup za and drink you have been beer every assigned? Of You wake up the night and excourse not. next morning pect to funcThis is college, tion. Your diet and the thrill with a scratchy is not some of weekday throat and clogged trendy weight drinking is loss plan you calling your sinuses on top of give up on name. So you after a week. the expected lift the cup to It is what fuyour lips that hangover from the els your body is no doubt and can make been recy- night before. or break your cled for the Welcome to the health. past six or so “A f t e r rounds and first month I graduate gulp down the of college. I will never cheap Citgo eat Domino’s beer that was again,” said poured from Cat Block ’15. an unidentified can. College students tend to put You wake up the next morn- diet on the back-burner, but it is ing with a scratchy throat and important to make sure you are clogged sinuses on top of the getting the nutrients that you expected hangover from the need, or your immune system night before. Welcome to the first will end up as weak as the cammonth of college. Germs are ev- pus wifi. erywhere: the library, the dorms, your bed, and on your dingy red cup. Dare I say us college kids are a dirty breed? The sooner you accept this fact, the quicker you are going to cure that lingering cold. So here are five tips to defend yourself from the inevitable first month plague and get back to the “important” stuff. 1. Wash your hands: Yeah, duh? I know, right. But really… The first month is full of forced introductions, awkward encounters, and a year’s worth of unnecessary contact. Well, those excessively formal handshakes and uncomfortable hugs are the perfect way to pass on germs. Keep some hand sanitizer in your backpack (not your lanyard… freshman) or use the dispensers around campus. 2. Change your freaking cups: You want a shot of E.coli with your natty light? Yeah, I did not think so. Beer pong is a staple at most college parties. I get it. But after a few rounds that ping pong ball has been sloshed from cup to cup, dropped on the floor, and
Amy Martin
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4. Better With The Lights Off: “I’ll go to bed by 9 p.m. tonight,” said every college student out past 4 a.m. last night. As much as we would like to believe our 12 hour post-hangover slumber replenishes the three hours we got the night before, it does not really work like that. 5. Holy Sheets: Who did you share a bed with last night? Pornstache from Tinder, Basic Rollins Crop Top Girl, Domino’s Delivery Guy? Well, do not let bacteria, yeast, and fungi add to your list of unwanted bunkmates. These colonies can grow into hundreds of thousands, even millions, if you are not careful. Prevent a one night stand with fungi and regularly wash your sheets and pillow cases. While health is not the most exciting topic, a nagging cold or nasty flu can ruin your first month of college. So follow these tips and take care of yourself so you do not miss out on anything this semester.
Page 6 • BEST OF WINTER PARK
F
or the past four years, I have had the pleasure of calling Winter Park my home. Despite the sense of familiarity I have with the area, I was recently stumped when asked by a freshman where to eat when you are craving Indian. Of course I later remembered Tamarind as a top choice, but out of this occurence sprang the idea to feature the staff’s best of’s—our favorite places to
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Kayla Powers ‘17
haunt in Winter Park (and Orlando, but Winter Park sounds better). My staff, with their usual sense of humor and love for satire, came up with a series of snarky selections for your reading pleasure. In addition to the staff picks, be sure to check out the informative Readers’ Choice, which include everything from Best Professor to Best Casual Eats—it is all here. We gathered 467 unique votes and provided the results in the following pages. Some of you were cheeky (I personally appreciated the reader who
voted “The Old Meal Plan” for every category), but most of you were serious, and I thank you for that. We are The Sandspur, and this is one example of how this paper continues to be “Everything Real. Everything Rollins.” Happy Reading,
David Matteson Editor-in-Chief of The Sandspur 2014-15
Page 7 • BEST OF WINTER PARK
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Readers’ Choice Best Academic Building: Bush Best Class Taken at Rollins: Writing about Monsters Best Department/ Major: INB Best Fraternity: Lambda Chi Alpha Best Non-Academic Department: Center for Inclusion and Campus Involvement
Campus Life Best place to watch sloppy drunks: Ward Smoker Section The circus comes into town every so often, and when it does, “it’s the greatest show on earth.” While I do not promote smoking, I do promote the area sandwiched between Ward and Elizabeth as a source of entertainment. Picture this: a cab pulls up to the curb; from within the vehicle, a medley of voices infiltrates the night. Never before have you heard “Wrecking Ball” so off-key. Finally, a herd of intoxicated females emerge. Before prancing towards the Grill to grace Ms. Mae with their presence, they loom for a bit to discuss the night’s activities and the people whom they dislike the most. Males? They arrive with sweat-stained button downs and matted hair. As they gradually materialize, an overbearing stench of cologne infects the atmosphere. The male versus male fight is also entertaining. Try counting how many times you hear the word “bro” hollered.
Best place to (not) study: The Pillow Room I promise to be productive. I am going to march in, claim a spot, and get to work. I do not care how comfy my spot is, or how the lighting is perfect for sleepy time, or how blissfully quiet it is. Never mind how the name of the room itself practically entices those who cross the threshold to enter into slumber. I will get this reading done if it is the last thing I do... right after I snuggle down into this spot… *one hour later* I have accomplished absolutely nothing except a mind-blowing power nap. On to the main floor for tea and conversation loud enough to keep me awake.
Best place to question the allocation of your tuition: New Fiat Lux Entrance It really is a lovely archway. It frames the tree-lined walkway and highlights the Mills building at the far end. It was also a fantastic spot at which to take Residential Life staff pictures. Why did the traffic light have to move, though? I quite liked the last one as it was
Scott Cook
directly in front of the parking garage and had a median in the middle so that, in the strange case that should I run out of time while crossing (or jaywalking… cough, cough…), I would have a spot at which to wait so I could avoid becoming a pancake on Fairbanks. Oh, well. It is very nice to look at.
Best place to find dead animals: Orlando Hall For those of you who do not know, Orlando Hall is that sleepy cottage located smack-dab between Diane’s Cafe and Olin Library. This building, usually overlooked and certainly underrepresented, is the residence of English majors, the battleground for the literature credit, and the most popular place for animals to die at Rollins. I am not kidding about this last part. The building is old and filled with many winding passages similar to Hogwarts. When I was a sophomore, a cat crawled into the building and died sandwiched between the walls (poor chap). This was an unpleasant experience on multiple levels and for a variety of people, mainly based on the miserable scent that permeated the old classrooms for months. But despite the smell, which has faded slowly (I believe they found the animal and removed it), Orlando Hall remains an enchanting part of the Rollins campus with a wonderful courtyard, beautiful windows, and semi-functioning ceiling fans.
Best place to meet rad hipsters: WPRK Basement
WPRK is said to be “the best in basement radio.” The radio station itself is actually in the basement of the Mills Building on Rollins campus. Many of the WPRK DJs are current Rollins students, but others are not. Just apply, jump through a couple of hoops, and BAM—you are in. I was lucky enough to co-host a Monday 12-2 p.m. music show slot for the last couple of semesters, and it was an experience I will not soon forget. Venture down to the station to get a look at more CDs than you have probably ever seen in one place before. The room where the station broadcasts from is freezing (it is rumored to be necessary because of the electrical equipment), and it makes the two hour music show slot pretty uncomfortable if you have dressed for Florida weather. Go there, meet cool people, and check out music you have almost certainly never heard before. Tune in to 91.5 FM if you are in town, or go to wprk.org if you are anywhere with the interweb.
Best On-Campus Dining: Diane’s Cafe Best Parking: Sutton Parking Lot Best Pool: Sutton Pool Best Professor: Dr. Jill Jones Best Reason to Come to Rollins: Small Class Sizes Best Residence Hall: Strong Hall Best Sorority: Non Campus Mentis Best Student Organization: EcoRollins Best Study Space: Olin Library Best Theater Space: Annie Russell Best Use of Your Tuition Dollars: Fox Day Best Waste of Your Tuition Dollars: Mills Lawn (The Green)
Page 8 • BEST OF WINTER PARK
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Readers’ Choice Best Asian Fusion: Hawkers Best Bakery: B Cupcakes Best Beer Bar: Fiddler’s Green Best Breakfast: KeKe’s Breakfast Cafe Best Brunch: Briarpatch Best Casual Eats: BurgerFi Best Cocktail Bar: Cocina 214 Best Coffeeshop: Barnies CoffeeKitchen Best Desserts: Kilwins Best French: Paris Bistro Best Frozen Yogurt: Menchies Best Fine Dining: Luma Best Indian: Tamarind
Best place to cheat on your diet: Croissant Gourmet 120 E Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789
Every so often, a dieter should succumb to temptation and invest in some high-calorie item. Not only does this “cheat meal” help control one’s metabolism, it also provides an array of sugary sunlight amidst the bland battlefield of salmon, brown rice, and steamed vegetables. Whilst a Zebra Cake or Twinkie may sound appetizing, I can promise you that there are far more delectable offerings elsewhere (less gas-station convenient store, more Paris patisserie). Croissant Gourmet is sort of a Winter Park pastry equivalent of the Louvre. The desserts are not just delicious—they are art (mind you, I will still down that éclair despite its external beauty). You will find treats frothing with cream, sprinkled with curls of chocolate, stacked with fruit, or stuffed fat with custard. Next time you consider sucking down a Ho-Ho after class, remember this classy alternative.
Best place to meet a celebrity: Starbucks Park Avenue 400 S Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
“Guess who I saw at Starbucks?” I would answer with the name of some infamous Rollins student. “Nope! I saw [insert celebrity name here].” This slot has been filled with various celebrities over the years: Aaron Samuel from Mean Girls (his real name’s Jonathan Bennett) and Tyra Banks for example, in addition to some of the local celebrities which include Carrot Top and some member of N*Sync (though every-
body has a different answer when asked which one it is). Three things stimulate celebrities: attention, money, and Starbucks’ overpriced coffee. Maybe this local store is their home away from home, something to remind them of L.A. Anyway, if someone famous happens to be in Winter Park, check the local Starbucks. Maybe you will see a real, live celebrity! Or maybe you will just see a bunch of people pretending to write novels.
Best place to meet a sexy waiter: Prato 124 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Do you know what’s better than a man who can rock plaid? A man who serves you food whilst rocking plaid. I am not quite sure what it is about these Prato waiters, but most of them are severely attractive. Maybe there is some sexiness evaluation during the application process. Unlike the Olive Garden uniform (black shirt, black pants—very ninja), Prato’s garb is “stylish mountain man,” and plaid or checkered shirts seems to be the restaurant’s standard. Those with facial hair are vaguely reminiscent of the Brawny paper towel mascot. So, if you are hunkering for a man, here’s a location to prowl. Oh, yeah, their food’s pretty good, too.
Best place to accidentally consume flora: Orchid Thai 305 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Orchid Thai was just as good as I hoped it would be. The location
Page 9 • BEST OF WINTER PARK
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Best Italian: Prato Best Latin: Cocina 214 Best Late Night: Steak n’ Shake Best New American: 310 Park South Best Pizza: Park Ave. Pizza
Food & Drink is charming as it sits farther down Park Avenue away from the main hustle and bustle, the staff is lovely and had no problem accommodating most any need, and the food was spectacular. I was mildly surprised, and a little perturbed, by the fact that they sacrifice one of their namesake flowers for every dish they send out, but it is still my favorite place to eat on Park Ave. Another bonus is the fact that the restaurant is within walking distance of the campus but is just far enough to help reduce the feeling of “Holy buckets, I can’t believe I just ate that much Thai food.”
Best place to eat bread bigger than your face: Bosphorous 108 S Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Of all the restaurants littering Park Avenue, Bosphourus is superior in my mind. You get the full experience: authentic Turkish cuisine, a beautiful environment, and fast service, all for an affordable price (for Park Ave). In all honesty, the true reason that the restaurant remains my unquestioned favorite is the bread, otherwise known as the most impressive display of carbs I have ever seen. Traditionally called Lavas, the gigantic hollow loafs are presented before the meal. The bread is pumped full of hot air, but sweet and soft on the outside. Warning: do not immediately pierce bread with knife. This will result in a boom of hot air, which is quite unpleasant when it in contact with skin or styled hair.
Best Place to Spot Cars You’ll
Never Own: Luma
290 S Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Yeah, occasionally I like my French fries to be doused in truffle oil. I also like name dropping every now and then. It really does not hurt to spend more money for local produce, either, because sustainability deserves a round of applause in today’s world. But the only thing that may pain you more than reading nutrition labels may be the mixed pang of joy and pain you will have when strolling past Luma’s array of classic, bank-breaking babes. No, not a Rollins girl, but a flock of them crowded around the newest editions from Bugatti, Rolls Royce, and the “backup Maserati.” Head to Luma for delicious cuisine and a complimentary course of curbside fangirling.
Best Place to Be Served by “Alternative” Peeps: Ethos
601 S New York Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
You are not edgy until you have undergone some radical dietary change for a humanitarian cause. This is why I have immense respect for the will power of the vegans of the world, often sacrificing McFlurrys for their own version of impassioned justice. Winter Park’s culinary critical epicenter expands from Ethos—the vegan restaurant that shares its space with Pi-Hole Pizza. Here servers rock custom henna tattoos, piercings you cannot name, and a 50-50 shot at A) a pixie haircut and spritely attitude or B) a bored, fixed glare paired with oversized frames. Now if that experience does not make you feel cooler, or at least healthier, please feel free to trudge back to The Grille.
Best Place to Buy Produce: Winter Park Farmer’s Market Best Pub Grub: Fiddler’s Green Best Restaurant Overall: 310 Park South Best Seafood: Blu Best Smoothie: Tropical Smoothie Best Sushi: Avenue Best Steakhouse: Ruth’s Chris Best Taco: PR’s Taco Palace Best Thai: Orchid Best Vegetarian: Ethos
Page 10 • BEST OF WINTER PARK
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Readers’ Choice Best Barbershop: Floyds Best Bookstore: Barnes and Noble Best Boutique: Forema Best Bowling Alley: Aloma Bowl Best Candyshop: Rocket Fizz Best Date Location: Winter Park Village Best Dry Cleaner: Imperial Cleaners Best Gallery: Cornell Fine Arts Museum Best Grocery: Publix Best Health Food Store: Whole Foods Best Movie Theater: Enzian Best Music Venue: The Social Best Nail Salon: Winter Park Nails Best Nightclub: Tier Best Salon: Stella Luca Best Spa: Pia Day Spa Best Wine Shop: The Wine Room Results Compiled from 467 unique votes from Sept. 10-Sept. 15
Local Flare Best Place to Find Questionable Music: Park Avenue CDs
now and feel that you simply have NOTHING to wear, take a quick trip down to Forema. Not only do they have some of the cutest clothes on the Avenue, they are also among the most affordable!
It took me a while to understand why Park Ave CDs would receive this award, since their music collection of LPs, EPs, CDs, and releases new and old always excite me. But, then I remembered that I love all music, including the questionable kind. But, if you do not question something, then you never get the answer you need. So, hats off and headphones in to Park Ave CDs for sharing the latest and smallest, as well as biggest and oldest bands in the biz. Of course, it is one of the most popular music stores in Central Florida. Who can turn down a store that caters to lovers of Lily Allen, The 1975, and The Doors? Only a total nark.
Best place to hang with man’s best friend: Fleet Peeples Park
2916 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
Best Place to Get a Parking Ticket: Anywhere in Winter Park
There is a cruel irony echoing down Park Avenue when we are unable to do just that. Neither parallel nor perpendicular, not in front of ‘310’ and not anywhere in this faction of the 407 will you be able to leave your car with genuine peace of mind. A city and a jigsaw puzzle of vehicular offense: welcome to Winter Parking. The absence of parking spaces makes our streets ideal for walking along—mostly because you have no other options. In the declarative words of One Direction, Winter Park, “that’s what makes you beautiful.” Nothing complements our Sperry’s and Ray-Bans like a legal citation valiantly hugging our windshield wiper on a Saturday, post-Farmer’s Market.
Best Place to Shop the Latest Fashions: Forema Boutique
300 North Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Fairly new to Park Avenue, but already a favorite of many, Forema Boutique is a fashion hot spot that is quite an asset to Winter Park. Forema not only brings in new items almost daily, but even carries some products that have proceeds that go to some pretty great causes. Almost every time I have between a half hour or more break between classes, I power walk down to the other end of Park Avenue where Forema is located and check out what they have to offer. As they are constantly getting in new items, there is always something new (and cute!) to see. The girls who work in the store are always friendly and helpful. If you are looking through your closet right
300 North Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
If you want your dog to enjoy Winter Park as much as you do, then consider taking them on a little trip to Fleet People’s Dog Park. Though the ground is mostly dirt, probably due to the large amount of dogs running around and having a doggone good time, it is the place to be if you are a pup or if someone you love is one. Here, the dogs not only run on the ground, but many enjoy a swim in Lake Baldwin. Though signs at the lake’s edge give a rather ominous warning about alligators being drawn to canine activity, dogs and their owners alike feign illiteracy and relish in the fun of the pups playing in the water. Even with the potential for danger, this place is a must see. There is even a dog washing station to clean the mud off of your pet before you leave the park. Bring a towel or two for the back seat of your car for when you leave, and be prepared for the smell of wet dog to linger for a day or two. Odor be damned, this is a fun spot.
Best public place to snuggle up and watch a flick: Enzian 1300 S Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751
Of all the opportunities college will give you, the abandonment of self control is a paramount. Once on campus, you are free to eat pizza hot, cold, and frequently. You can indulge in Netflix binging habits that would leave most Americans comatose. These are some of the best aspects of a college existence: the ability to finish an entire series while noshing on Pizza. Now, what if I told you there is a place where you can do this outside of the dark refuge offered by your dorm. Welcome to the Enzian, possibly the coolest movie theater on earth. The Enzian is an old dine in theater that shows both old and modern films. If you check their calendar online, you can select features that will be shown at different times of the month. You can order everything from pizza to wine.
Special Coverage Compiled By Staff: Lauren Cooper, Rebecca Finer, Ali Perry, Christopher Sarafian, and Lauren Waymire
Page 11 • BEST OF WINTER PARK
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Class showcases talents, designs cover Dana Hargrove’s Graphic Design class worked closely with The Sandspur design team to create this week’s cover. Here’s a few of the alternative designs.
Leah Sandler ‘14
Joan Zak ‘15
Gabe Colon ‘16
View all of the cover designs in our virtual gallery and learn how you can design the cover for The Sandspur. Katharine Harvard ‘17
Morgan Saunders ‘16
Kayla Powers ‘17
Abbey Toshie ‘17
Page 12 • FEATURES
Thursday, September 18, 2014
GPFF showcases eye-opening documentaries Nicholas D’Alessandro Staff Writer
The annual Global Peace Film Festival will take place from September 16 through September 21. The event promises to bring socially important documentaries to campus.
Film is a unique medium. It can convey an extremely powerful set of emotions by pulling you into the story and engrossing you with powerful images and sound. At the Global Peace Film Festival, the power of cinema is combined with the power of activism to tell stories of humanitarian actions all across the planet. “It’s not just anti-war though! It’s about the environment, inner peace, health, or animal care,” said Dr. Denise Cummings, founder of the Critical Media and Culture Studies major and part of the committee that helped bring GPFF to Rollins College nine years ago. “We brought the festival to Rol-
lins because it contributes to our school’s goal of teaching global citizenship.” The festival this year, which has screenings of films in various locations across the campus and the local Winter Park area, is offering a variety of film selections; they vary from a documentary about the presentation of disabilities in cinema (Cinemability, which is the opening film of the festival) to a film about how obesity is talked about in media (Weight Problem: Cultural Narratives of Fat and “Obesity,” a documentary made by Rollins CMCS professor, Lisa Tillmann) to a narrative feature about human trafficking (Sold, which screens twice throughout the festival). “What really connects this festival to Rollins,” Dr. Cummings continued, “is the pro-
fessors. Many faculty and staff who have a personal interest in a topic of one of the films actually introduce them at screenings.” The film festival runs from Tuesday, September 16 to Sunday, September 21. All films are free for Rollins College students and start around 5 p.m. on the weekdays and run all day on the weekend. “This festival in its Orlando location is perfect,” concludes Dr. Cummings, “because the tourism of this area is very much about escapism, while this festival is more about opening your eyes to the world around us. I hope that Rollins students take this opportunity to appreciate the art of cinema while learning about the social problems we have on this planet.”
Rollins Outdoors Club makes a comeback For decades, lovers of nature and outdoors have united under the Rollins Outdoors Club. After flying under the radar for a while, they are back and stronger than ever. Ariana Simpson Staff Writer
Over the course of 34 years, a legion of diverse Rollins College students have trekked the trails of South and North Florida, swam in their reflections through the cooling waters of crystal blue creeks, and given unto Mother Earth appreciation and love for all she has birthed, uniting through strong brother and sisterhood under the name of ROC, Rollins Outdoors Club. A 1990 issue of the Orlando Sentinel embarks on a story of ROC, opening with, “Playing volleyball or going to a dance are two ways for Rollins College students to make friends. Hang gliding, snow skiing or rock climbing are others. Guess which way members of the Rollins Outdoor Club prefer. The club was formed about 10 years ago when John Langfitt, director of Campus Ministries and assistant dean of Knowles Memorial Chapel, recognized a need for students to get away from the repetitive social life many of
them fall into.” ROC holds an impactful presence on the campus of Rollins College, known formerly as an active campus organization dedicated to broadening community awareness and enjoyment of outdoor activities. ROC members, also known as ROCers, resided in Lyman Hall and hosted the once infamous annual ROC Games that united fraternities, sororities, and other campus organizations in competitive celebratory competitions. Not much has changed since those days, aside from the ROCers no longer residing in Lyman Hall (although they did have a section of Elizabeth hall last year for housing), but on campus there has seemed to be a silence from the club. Recited rumors and queries in regards to the organization, however, have been reversed as ROC yet again emerges onto the scene and receives a lot of positivity and praise. The members of ROC are in the process of reestablishing its name, rebuilding its recognition, and revisiting its immortal history to once again hold that
strong presence on campus. Unlike some organizations, ROC possess not only a vast, but active and engaging Alumni base that reiterates the greatness of the organization and the role it
“
ROC inaugurates a new year with more outdoor activities, more members, more community involvement, and more facilitation of its inherent interest in environmental sustainability. played in Rollins graduates’ undergrad years. Rhonda Neuhaus ’97 reminisced on her love for the college and fondness for ROC
from her days of living amongst other ROCers in Lyman Hall for three years. Neuhaus ‘97 shared that she had taken a pre-orientation trip to North Carolina “that was wonderful.” She also took part in kayaking adventures, trips to the Florida Keys, survival weekends, and even skiing in Colorado over spring break. James Tullis ’91 said, “I didn’t participate in most of the ROC endeavors, however, every spring there was a group that would go to Wekivia springs, canoe to Shell Island and spend the night. It always seemed like perfect timing as I would be taking things for granted at that point in the year. Amazing how a weekend away from Rollins sure made you appreciate a hot shower in the Frat house and a hot meal from Beans.” Sentiments and cherished memories like these are solidifying evidence of the power a great organization can have on the lives of college students. Tullis ‘91 ended by saying, “…funny, I haven’t thought about ROC in decades, but writing this has put a smile
on my face. Thanks! I have a high school junior that is looking heavily at Rollins, I’m glad to hear that ROC is still in existence and I hope his memories will be as fond as mine.” As the year progresses for the Rollins Outdoor Club, it is exciting to see where it is heading and what influence it will have on the lives of its members. Not a hiatus, just a little silent—not a comeback, but a restoration. From swimming the pristine waters of Blues Springs to inhaling the burning of fresh wood for campfires, ROC inaugurates a new year with more outdoor activities, more members, more community involvement, and more facilitation of its inherent interest in environmental sustainability. Hop on board Saturdays at 12:01 p.m. on Mills Lawn, and take heed to what was once said by John Muir: “Keep close to Nature’s heart... and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.” ROC on, ROC hard, ROC steady, Rollins.
Page 13 • FEATURES
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Rollins Improv Players premiere to a full house With sold-out opening shows and eighteen scheduled performances this semester, the Rollins Improv Players promise to bring laughs to campus this fall. Nicholas D’Alessandro Staff Writer
Kathleen Capdesuner THE TROUPE This semester RIP welcomed ten new players to their team. With different themes for their performances, the troupe plans to perform 18 shows this semester.
The Fred Stone Theater, where RIP shows are held, seats slightly more than 100 people. On Wednesday, September 10, the improv troupe had to turn away at least fifteen people from their Lucy Cross Center promoted show, “Miss Understood,” due to theatre capacity. It was a packed house that was brimming with energy and excitement. The theater was full of laughter and hoots as the troupe performed many wonderful and hilarious scenes. “There’s just something about improv that has a way of bringing people together,” said Casey Casteel ’17. He is one of ten other students who are new to the troupe, joining the six returning members. “These performances really give us an opportunity to explore our vulnerability in ways that scripted
shows just can’t,” continued Casteel ‘17. The Rollins Improv Players have already done three shows in less than a month and plan on doing eighteen shows total this semester. What is so intriguing and uniting about RIP is how they come up with their themes for each show: other campus groups sponsor their performances, and whatever that group is all about provides the Players with their theme of the night. Their next shows will be on September 19 (sponsored by the Democracy Project) and September 28 (sponsored by the fraternities and sororities on campus). “We get to deal with real things, things that all students have to deal with,” concluded Casteel. “Talking about these things helped a lot of us newer members unite with the veterans quicker and made us more effective as a troupe.”
Students balance marriage and college College life involves classes, homework, extracurriculars, and multiple other sets of challenges. Adding marriage to the mix can bring a entire new set of responsibilities. Danielle Del Pico Staff Writer Married... at college. It is a TV show that has not been written yet, but many students at Rollins College have been the stars of their own episodes, written all from scratch, and trying to make it work. Students have a number of priorities that require their full attention. Whether those responsibilities are financially based or the balance between work and school, there is no doubt that a college degree is not given, it is earned. But add into the mix cultivating a relationship with limited time together along with homework responsibilities and you have a supreme challenge. With the rise of social media, married couples have found that it has aided their relationship in many ways. For students like Cristina Marrero ‘17, apps like Google Calendar have been use-
ful in coordinating her schedule with her wife, Caitlyn Matthews ’16. Getting together on campus and sharing a lunch together can make all the difference: “Even if it is hard, I wouldn’t want to be in this with anyone else, and as time goes by I am sure we will find a natural rhythm to things.” Some, like Matthews ’16, find that taking classes together can be both difficult and easier on their relationship: “It makes us more sympathetic to the other, but it also means that we are both stressed out and tired. Neither one of us can be the support or safety net in that case.” Among the regular challenges faced in college, many couples feel that there are societal pressures dictating how a “college experience” should be. Most of these stereotypes can be found in movies and television, depicting college life as being a journey towards independence.
Patricia Carlier-Lalana ’14 feels that social media has hindered the natural evolution of her marriage because of this fact: “It’s definitely hard to not think every now and then twice if I am doing the right thing or if I am missing something.” She works alongside her husband, Carlos Rendon ’14, and notes that in a work and academic setting it is important to separate the intimacy of a relationship from professional obligations. Denise Holdridge ’17 uses Facebook as a way to connect with family and friends: “There is something about posting a special event or a personal message out to all your friends and family that gives meaning to our relationship. For us, as a lesbian couple, it also gives us meaning, that we are out to our family and friends.” What ultimately ties everyone together is the foundation
of communication. Communication, whether it is on the basis of social media or face-to-face interaction, is the key that plays a vital role in a successful marriage. Rendon ’14 says that communication is essential when there is a misunderstanding: “I have learned that the more you talk and listen to your partner in order to understand their opinions, the greater the connection between the two.” Holdridge ’17 says, “You have to be clear on what you want or what you need, and talking about it makes all the difference. No assumptions. If face-to-face isn’t possible due to schedules, texting or Facebook messaging will have to do, as long as it is clear and won’t be taken in the wrong way”. For students like Marrero ‘17, it is the little things that count. “Even if face-to-face time is limited, texting random ‘I love you’ messages and phone calls
in between classes makes it so we can try to keep on the same page.”
“
Even if it is hard, I wouldn’t want to be in this without anyone else, and as time goes by I am sure we will find a natural rhythm to things.” -Caitlyn Matthews ‘16
Page 14 • FEATURES
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Dialectical discussions enliven French House With the participation of students, staff, and alumni, the Philosophy and Religion Club hosted a reflective first meeting. Michael Dulman
Writer
On Tuesday, September 9, Rollins College’s Philosophy and Religion Club hosted its first dialectical conversation in the French House Lounge. Presenter Ashton Lange ’15 guided the conversation, co-presenting a Collaborative Faculty Research Project that compared the ultimate Buddhist goal of an enlightened existence to the psychoanalyst Wilfred Bion’s theory of O, a psychological state which he promoted as a tool to treat patients. Though the subject could have been dense and inaccessible, the informal treatment of it by co-presenters Lange and Dr. D’Amato, the Philosophy
and Religion Department Chair about whose research Lange spoke, kept everyone in attendance on the same level to facilitate discussion. During and after the presentation, the students, faculty, and alumni who made up the audience questioned and challenged the conversation leaders about their findings and their perspective on them, requesting clarification, disagreeing with their ideas, and putting forward their own views on the topic. The idea for a club that would encourage thinking about philosophical and religious subjects across campus came about at the suggestion of Dr. Kenyon, who wanted to compensate for the absence of dialectical con-
Woolson House hosts poetry reading
versation at Rollins. A dialectical conversation, according to the club leaders, is a discussion in which one speaker or a group of speakers introduce a theme for which they provide background and then promote questioning and debate. Whereas a conventional classroom emphasizes the direct, unquestioned transmission of knowledge from the teacher to the student, this open exchange of thoughts and opinions allows new ideas to emerge and people to test them, important aspects of philosophy and religion courses. The environment of a larger university, with more students majoring in those courses, naturally promotes such interaction; to achieve something similar, Rollins created a club.
When interviewed, Philosophy and Religion Club President Camilo Garzon ’15 described the club as “super-informal” and “straight to the point.” He considers these qualities vital to the success of the club saying, “For dialectic to exist… [we] need to understand the limits of language, and the formality and informality of professors and students is taken down.” This way, the club can fulfill “one of the purposes of the liberal arts, [which] is philosophical discussion.” The college community has great interest in the Philosophy and Religion Club, if the first meeting indicates anything; from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., people filled the lounge of French House. Un-
daunted by the insufficient seating, many people stayed standing the whole meeting, intrigued by the conversation. As of Tuesday, the club has more people signed up to lead discussions than it has meetings scheduled, with seven potential presenters vying for an opening. Among them are Rollins alumni Alexander Earl, Yale School of Divinity student; Prea Persaud, Ph.D. candidate at the University of Florida; faculty members Dr. Kenyon and Dr. Cook; and Garzon ‘15 himself. One of the applicants will present at the next dialectical conversation, taking place Tuesday, September 23, again from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the French House Lounge; all meetings are open to the public.
C-store faces controversy Recently, the C-Store has added a bag drop section outside the shop. Although the change has been made to prevent theft, the choice has caused apprehension.
Renowned poet Janeé Baugher held a reading for Rollins students. Micah Bradley
Staff Writer
Janeé Baugher, a poet, visited Rollins College last Wednesday, September 10. During her visit, she gave a poetry reading in Woolson House in the evening and led workshops in several English classes during the day. Baugher has written two books of poetry, The Body’s Physics and Coordinates of Yes. She read poems from both books at the reading, in addition to answering questions from the audience. “I love the art form of compression. I’m really interested in saying a lot in very few words; it’s one of the reasons I was drawn to poetry,” said Baugher. Baugher often takes inspiration from science, music, art, and other works of literature when writing her poems. She often directly bases her work on these sources. This style is called ekphrastic poetry. Many of her poems are inspired by works of art she sees in museums. She also sometimes writes “pastiches,” a sort of collage of words from an-
other writer. Baugher spends a substantial amount of time on each poem she writes—it usually takes her about a year to completely finish a poem. She says each word aloud and focuses on how it will sound. “I don’t use strict rhyme and meter. Every word choice is evaluated on many different levels, and one of them is musicality,” said Baugher. For aspiring writers, Baugher recommends the methods of stream of consciousness and free writing. She encourages adopting her own habit of writing for at least fifteen minutes a day about whatever pops into her mind. “I will see an image or hear a musical note or see a word and that will be the things that sparks me to the blank page. And then I do a free-write and see if anything comes of that,” said Baugher. She usually evaluates her free writes several months later, and looks for inspiration and energy in her stream of conscious writing. She then works on developing the ideas in her free writes into poems.
Man to Woman: “I know it’s dumb, but it helps to protect the C-Store from shoplifters and thieves.” Thief: “That’s What They Think!” by Daniel Martinez (Staff Illustrator)
Page 15 • FEATURES
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Rethinking body image Kyle McCoy
Columnist
My friends are always ragging on my feminism. That is just something I have taught myself how to forgive and overlook. Even though I think most people whom I have had the pleasure of befriending are feminists who do not tote the explicit self-labeling, I have received a bit of backlash from some people (presumably in jest…) over declaring my Sexuality, Women, and Gender Studies minor last fall. Feminism advocates on behalf of the social, political, and economic equality between all men and all women. Why so many of my friends would not want to admit that they are full heartedly on board with such a notion is beyond me. But the popularity, or lack there of, of fourth wave feminism within my immediate friend circle is not the big point I strive to make today. I believe that men and women are, of course, created equally. But as the feminist movement naturally shifts with time, we have sought to do much more than simply combat the way in which our patriarchal society predisposes women to their oppressive circumstances. In the last two and a half decades we have been redefining gender, expelling the concept of “normative” sexuality, and rewriting the limited beauty standards. These are three vital growths our contemporary society has slowly moved in the direction of thoroughly endorsing, which have personally and substantially benefited my own mental health. My original allure to women’s studies, as the minor was still called here when I was a sophomore two years ago, was undoubtedly the inclusion of queer and gender theories. I remember sensational comfort—peace
of mind even—after a professor recommended Judith Butler’s Gender Trouble as research material for the paper I was writing for her class. Most people would probably say that mental health is inarguably intertwined with our physical health. I believe, and would say I even know, that they are almost entirely contingent upon one and other. I say that because that is the most polarized opinion I seek to stress while addressing my thoughts on the increasingly popular body positivity movement in the speculations hereafter. I love the body positivity movement. I think it has liberated many women, and I wish more men, from crippling inner hate while teaching and promoting self-love. But I had not heard a second name for the same movement until this past summer. A friend studying nutrition outside of Rollins sent me two articles: “6 Things I Don’t Understand About The Fat Acceptance Movement” by Carolyn Hall on thoughtcatalog.com, and “8 Things I Learned From Writing an Article Critical of Fat Acceptance” by the same author in the same publication. As implied by its title, the second article was Hall’s response to an angry mal reception of her original approach. Although my friend told me to read Hall’s thoughts as her agreed upon refutation of the opinions about body love I had previously shared with her, I was glad she had decided to send them to me. Before I say anything else, I am going to reiterate how significantly irrefutable I understand the bond between mental and physical healthy to truly be, and that I think such a relationship is applicable to body love controversy. I am repeating myself because there is always a chance of
upsetting people when you challenge an idea. That chance is a big one given what I just mentioned about the critical reception Hall received upon commenting on a topic she termed “fat acceptance” instead of “body positivity.” I do not want to summarize another person’s opinions. Instead, I would like to use them to jump off and into my own. I appreciated the articles for how factually and statistically driven they were regarding physical health, child obesity, economic impact, and specifically in the United States as comparative to the rest of the world. The ongoing and increasing magnitude of our American health crisis now lends much more heavily to my demanding mental battles. Heart disease? Child obesity? The essentially toxic average American diet of consistently processed foods? The body positivity movement resonates with me because I was once very self-conscious of my little boobs and lack of curves. A hetero normative society says that women with full breasts and booties are who are sexy, and I hardly have any of either of those things. For that reason, I thought I did not love my body. Body love is crucial. Your body is where you live and cannot escape from… it is with you every day, and it is what every new pair of eyes will use to first judge you on. That is so overwhelming—for all of us. It is also why I keep going back to the importance of what we think about ourselves, the opinions we internalize. I did decide one day that I like the body I was born with. And I am fortunate that my boobs are small because it is easier to run. (Ha!) I think I look like a direct mix of both my parents, partly
feminine but similarly as masculine. My body, in addition to the way I choose to dress or style it, is a self-love embracing portrayal of that. It is an inwardly felt, body loving mentality that has allowed me to reevaluate how I treat this body of mine. I smoke a ton of cigarettes and, during periods of particular stress or sadness, I have inadvertently under fed it in an unhealthy way before. Sometimes people over-eat from their anxieties, and other people conversely lose their appetites. The great take away from Hall’s article exists for me to see almost entirely because she decided to use a term like “fat acceptance.” It is the second word I want to talk about. Acceptance I have always known to be rather similar to indifference. If you accept gays, you are not particularly happy or sad that homosexuality exists… you are usually just indifferent. That is an easy example of a positive way in which an apathetic approach promotes beneficial results. But in an acutely body-critical American culture, dissolving hate with acceptance overlooks an equally as disturbing categorically American issue: deteriorating physical health. I have only grown so ambivalent over preaching full on acceptance as I took a closer, scarier look at my own physical health. First of all, I have acquired chronic bronchitis from smoking. That is not body love. Second of all, I was an athlete in high school who was in relatively good shape. I let any type of tone or muscle definition disappear as a freshman in college who did not make the effort to exercise. That is not body love. Under feeding yourself can never be body love either. Really think about the words “body” and “love” as the conjoined term “body love” (which is what I am still in full
endorsement of). Body—physical. Love—mental and emotional. No one should settle for “acceptance” toward their bodies. They should love their bodies. Loving your body is recognizing that nobody is perfect, society’s standards are too unrealistically falsified to matter, and the overwhelming majority of us have areas of our lives where we need to consciously improve upon the effort we put into physical health maintenance. Eating disorders come in all shapes, sizes, and practices—but poorly patterned eating is the physical response to a debilitating mental issue, also known as hate. Exercise and nutritional awareness are pertinent aspects of retaining a positive mental homeostasis. Taking care of the body is what body love is. Acceptance negates improvement, each individual’s room for self-growth. It is not an improvement any one body needs to make so as to gain the world’s renowned approval. We will never win the world’s approval, and I mean no one will. It is something you teach yourself for your own happiness and true self-love to develop. I consciously eat a healthy diet because it makes me feel better than eating unhealthy food does. I exercise because it releases endorphins in my brain. I eat three meals because my body needs to be fueled three times a day, or my moods and energy levels have been proven unpredictable. I hope I stop smoking soon. Because I love the body I live in as a home, and accepting such a terrible habit will slowly destroy it. Loving your body is about preserving it and treating it kind, which takes a lot of effort. But it takes strength for us to love anyone at all. Naturally it would take strength for you to love you, too.
Page 16 • FEATURES
Thursday, September 18, 2014
strong start
Micah Bradley
Staff Writer
It seems like everyone on campus has walked by the new Strong Hall, with its turret entrance and massive windows, and wanted to live there. The relatively small dorm makes for an environment in which it is easy for everyone to get to know each
other. The new part of Strong Hall only has 56 beds, and they were all in high demand when students picked their rooms last semester. “Most newly renovated or constructed halls are very popular, and this was no exception. In addition, the private bathrooms and neat design made this
hall very appealing,” said Leon Hayner, Director of Residential Life. The new Strong Hall contains many different types of rooms, such as doubles with a shared bathroom, doubles with private bathrooms, and singles with shared bathrooms. “Strong is the best residence hall! The
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ceilings are so tall in the rooms and it’s so nice, words can not give this building justice,” said Angel Whetstone ’17, a Resident Assistant in Strong Hall. The new building is part of an effort to provide the campus with more beds so that other buildings can eventually be remodeled or renovated. The dorm also features
a second floor balcony, study rooms, a kitchen, and lounge space for each floor. “My favorite part of the building is the quad area! There are probably a fair few people who haven’t even seen it, but the new Strong Quad is beautiful,” said Drew DeVito ’16, a Resident Assistant in Strong Hall.
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