24 minute read
Leaked report alleges Chinese encroachment
Victoria Bonham
Student Writer
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As of Jan. 20, 2022, M&M’s had a slight change to their classic look. These changes were subtle, such as the colors being a tad more vibrant than before, but what most people are in an uproar about is the green M&M changing her white boots to a pair of sneakers. Now, the brown M&M got to keep her little heel, although it is now a tad shorter but not super noticeable, while the others got laces on their shoes.
The brand did this in order to seem “more inclusive.” They are going to change some aspects of the characters’ personalities, too. The orange M&M is going to embrace his anxiety and the red M&M is going to be nice instead of a bully. However, no one is focusing on that. They want the green M&M’s go-go boots back.
This new campaign appears to be a distraction from the lawsuit going on against the Mars company due to claims of child slavery on the cocoa plantations they use as their source. Unfortunately, all that I have seen on my social media and on the news is about the green M&M’s boots. It is not just Mars getting sued for child slavery, however. Nestlé and Hershey are also in a lawsuit for the same reasons, but again no one seems to care because no one is discussing it.
It is not inherently a bad thing that society wants their chocolate candies to be more inclusive. However, if they wanted to seem more inclusive then they could have just made all of them have sneakers. Personally, I do not understand how shoes make a difference in inclusivity, but if that is what it takes to seem that way then do it to them all. Don’t get me wrong, I think that the green M&M should have her classic boots. The boots should come back because that is part of the character they have made the green M&M to be, a femme fatale personality has been given to a literal piece of chocolate, and putting sneakers in her diminishes that persona the creators have presented.
The brown M&M had a very minimal change — probably because the company was so focused on the fact that they are dealing with a lawsuit about child slavery to care. Perhaps the company knew that people
would only throw a hissy fit if the green one changed, and so used the campaign to their benefit as a way to hide the fact that they have child slavery lawsuits against them. It is possible that they thought giving the people something to be angry about would make them overlook the human rights abuse. It is disappointing to think that beloved candy brands such as M&M’s would be complacent with immoral practices and then cover up their actions, but it would not be the most shocking thing anyone has ever heard.
courtesy @mmschocolate on Twitter The green M&M first made her debut as a mascot for the cholocate company in 1997 as part of a Super Bowl advertisement.
Tensions rise over Nepal’s border relations
Leaked reports claim China is encroaching on Nepalese territory.
Logan Guthrie
Commentary Editor
Last week, reports began to leak from Nepal’s Government that China is encroaching upon their shared border. This is the first public, official report about any current Chinese interference in Nepal, and this is following claims that the country trespassed last year in Humla, a western district of Nepal. These reports are not surprising, but come as a great concern coinciding with the conflict on the border of Russia and Ukraine. about their border in relation to the Sugauli Treaty of 1816, which Nepal claims places the territories west of the Mahakali River in their control. While diplomatic solutions are being sought by Nepal in both cases, the potential encroachment of China adds extra, unnecessary political strain and conflict to the region.
That being said, the report has not been published by any Nepalese authority at this time. This is very confusing and a little suspicious, as there is no reason for Nepal to hold off on publication, unless the reports are not substantiated yet. Nepal and China have worked hard to improve their relationship with each other in recent years, particularly in an effort to counterbalance the conflict between Nepal and India, so it seems very out of character for China to begin trespassing at their own border with Nepal at this time.
However, these reports being leaked to the public are bound to cause strain on this relationship. A task force sent to Humla claims sightings of buildings being built by China on the Nepalese side of the border — although this turned out to not be the case. In addition, the report included restrictions of religious practice by the Chinese in Lalungjong near the Hindu and Buddhist holy site of Mount Kailash, limitations to grazing by farmers’ livestock, and the construction of a fence, canal and border on the Nepalese side of the border.
courtesy Wikimedia Commons The Sino-Nepalese Teaty of Peace and Friendship, officially signed on April 28, 1960, ratified the previously settled upon borders between Nepal and China.
disputes, especially between countries with opposing political ideologies. However, it makes no sense at this time for China to encroach on their ally considering border conflicts with India. It seems safe to say at this time that the reports are likely false or unconfirmed, and that more information needs to be made public to really understand what is going on between Nepal and China.
While the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu has denied any reports of interference in Nepal, Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, the Nepalese Communications Minister, responded to the reports in a news briefing by saying, “Either with India or with China, if there are any issues at our border we will resolve them through diplomatic means. Such problems should not arise and the Nepal government will always make efforts to prevent such situations.” Even just last month there was a dispute between India and Nepal
All things considered, it doesn’t seem that there is enough reason to believe quite yet that China truly is encroaching on Nepalese territory, due to the nature of the report being unpublished and some of the claims turning out to be false. The Chinese embassy has gone on record saying, “There is no dispute at all. It is hoped that the Nepali people [will] not be misled with false individual reports.” With everything going on with the Russian-Ukrainian border, it is only natural to be a little on edge regarding other border
courtesy @PradeepgyawaliK on Twitter President of Nepal Bidhya Devi Bhandari led her country in their third-ever tourism campaign, known as Visit Nepal 2020. This follows two other campaigns from 1998 and 2011. tucollegian@tucollegian.com @TUCOLLEGIAN
editor in chief Justin Klopfer
managing editor Adam Walsh
news editor Shelby Hiens
sports editor Callie Hummel
variety editor Julianne Tran
commentary editor Logan Guthrie
satire editor Anna Johns
photo & graphics editor Amy Polovich
business & advertising manager Madeleine Goodman
social media & web manager Maddie Walters
copy editor Jihan Aldada
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This carefully curated list of podcast episodes is sure to not disappoint, unlike first dates.
Hana Saad Student Writer
The day of love is finally upon us. Whether you love it or hate it, you can’t escape it. This week, I present to you a variety of podcasts that revolve around Valentine’s Day and everything that it involves, including dating and food. There’s something for everybody.
For the One Who Loves Valentine’s
Day: “Dates & Mates with Damona Hoffman” offers advice for those trying to navigate the dating world online and IRL. The variety of guests and topics appeal to people in all stages of the dating process.
For the One Who Loves to Laugh at
Love: “Why Won’t You Date Me with Nicole Byer” details the hilarious shenanigans of Nicole Byer’s love life. She invites plenty of guests on the show, including former romantic interests. The result is hilarious (and sometimes embarrassing) stories about love and dating.
For the One Who Hates Valentine’s
Day: Instead of focusing on the sappy romantic parts of Valentine’s Day, listen to a true crime podcast instead! “The Valentine’s Day Mystery” an episode from “Dateline NBC” that aired originally in March 2010 is the perfect episode for true crime lovers who are trying to skip the corny rom-coms. In this episode, they explore the story of a doctor’s wife who was murdered on Valentine’s Day. Apparently the suspect was totally unexpected.
For the One Who Enjoys All Things
Food: “Episode 8: Valentine’s Day — Chocolate, Aphrodisiacs, Cocktails & More” of the “Must Love of Food” podcast dives straight into a conversation centered around all types of Valentine’s Day treats. The hosts dive deep into the nitty-gritty of things, like what the best kind of chocolate is for baking. This episode is sure to delight any foodies.
For the One Who Likes “The Office”:
“The Office Ladies” sit down with Andy Buckley to talk about the episode “Valentine’s Day” on “The Office!” Buckley discusses his career, as well as the behind-thescenes of the episode. They concluded by talking about the best and worst Valentine’s gifts, which is a bonus if you’re shopping for that special someone.
For the One Who Likes to Read: Let’s be real, some of us plan to curl up on our couch reading a book instead of going out on a date with someone this weekend. In the episode “Queer Romances for Valentine’s Day” of “Reading Glasses,” hosts Mallory O’Meara and Brea Grant talk about a variety of books featuring queer love! The hosts bring different perspectives to the episode, as O’Meara is an author and Grant is an avid reader (especially of e-books). Plus, they mention “Carry On” (which if you haven’t read yet what are you doing with your life??).
For the One Who Is Sick of All the
Dating Talk: “Immigrantly” has feature episodes about love, dating and more in all of their February 2022 episodes! They explore self-love, comedy, mental health and talk about all things relationships through the lens of life as an immigrant or the child of immigrants. As usual, these conversations are a delight to listen to, regardless of whether you are part of an immigrant family or not. The episodes are about so much more than dating, which is refreshing.
These podcasts are available on all streaming platforms. Happy Valentine’s Day!
courtesy Stitcher Podcast host Hoffman is a dating coach.
courtesy Earwolf “The Office” actresses deconstruct episodes together.
Valentine’s Day reads for all your romance needs
Pick up one of these novels to fill your need for romance this Valentine’s Day.
Myranda New Student Writer
Love is in the air! It’s February, which means candlelight dinners, love potion lattes at 918 Coffee and, of course, adding romance novels to your bookshelf. This is the perfect time to start a novel full of fluff, enemies-to-lovers, angst or any of your favorite tropes.
A lot of great romance novels have been published in the last few months, and I would love to share with you some of my favorites as well as ones that I cannot stop hearing about on Instagram and TikTok. This is your guide to romance novels for the 2022 season of love.
“People We Meet on Vacation” by Em-
ily Henry: Although I have not read this novel yet, it won Goodreads’ Best Romance Novel of 2021, and I see it all over the blogs of book influencers on social media. It’s a sweet second chance romance for two best friends, and the wholesome connection explored between the pages can make anyone feel the love.
“One Last Stop” by Casey McQuin-
ston: McQuinston is a goddess when it comes to LGBTQ+ romance novels, and “One Last Stop” is no exception. A girlloves-girl romance that completely takes place on a train full of magical elements and drag queen neighbors, what more could you ask for? This book will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside from themes of found family and recognizing your dreams. While you are in the neighborhood for LGBTQ+ romance novels, I also highly recommend her debut novel, “Red, White & Royal Blue.”
“The Love Hypothesis” by Ali Hazel-
wood: I just finished this novel, and I cannot get over it! There is nothing better than a main character who is a woman in STEM, and this novel was equal parts scientific facts and steamy romance. Full of the best banter I have read in a while and the most fun cast of characters, you will not be able to put it down. In fact, this was a top runner for Goodreads’ Best Romance, only placing in second by around a thousand votes.
“The Spanish Love Deception” by Ele-
na Armas: This was another very popular read of 2021, and it has been all over my Instagram page since I have finished “The Love Hypothesis.” Fake dating, enemies to lovers and incredibly witty writing, this novel has everything you need to enjoy two people coming together even though they insist they never would.
“It Happened One Summer” by Tessa
Bailey: I have been told that if you enjoyed “Schitt’s Creek,” especially the character of Alexis, then you would love this novel. The reviews for this are absolutely raving, with everyone talking about how it was the novel that got them out of their reading slump or how much they love the bearded fisherman love interest. I can certainly say this is a novel that has caught my attention.
“Honey Girl” by Morgan Rogers: Once again, I want to express my love for novels set in academia, especially women pursuing doctorate degrees, and this is such a fun read in that category. Another woman loves woman romance, this is a sweet novel that shows the importance of reflecting upon our lives and ourselves to see what we are truly seeking in life.
“The Song of Achilles” by Madeline
Miller: This has to be one of the most romantic novels I have ever read, especially when it comes to the entire plot revolving around soulmates and an eternity in the afterlife. The love story of Achilles and Patroclus is beautiful and heartbreaking, a tale of pride, honor and companionship. Be warned, though, this novel will absolutely devastate you so be sure to keep a box of tissues close by.
“Heartstopper” by Alice Oseman: If you prefer books with stunning illustration, this graphic novel series is definitely for you. This boy loves boy novel has been described as cute, precious and downright sweet, making it the perfect cozy read to make your day better.
Anything by Colleen Hoover or Adam
Silvera:To finish this list, I must include the two authors who always have novels roaming the latest reviews and blogs. Both have written an assortment of plots and characters so you can find whatever fits your fancy. Known for being big in the field of romance novels, I feel like you can never go wrong with them.
Hopefully you found something new to add to your bookshelf, and, if not, there is
courtesy HarperCollins The Song of Achilles was published in 2011.
always plenty of fanfiction online. Though some romance novels can be an acquired taste based on the level of spicy content, the relationship being highlighted and the way it is written, it is such a broad genre that there is something for everyone. Happy Valentine’s Day!
With spring semester in full swing, here are some good walks in the city to release stress.
Margaret Laprarie
Student Writer
One of the reasons I cheer for the end of winter each year is because I can finally start to go on walks again. I’m a little too easily distracted for meditation, and sometimes I have a little too much energy for journaling, so the only real, foolproof way I have found to relax and clear my mind when it’s buzzing is to put in my headphones and go on a walk. This past summer I stayed in Tulsa for work and found myself taking a walk nearly every evening at the end of my day. I could watch the sunset, listen to my latest playlist
Stroll past some wildflowers at the Gathering Place. and decompress from the last several hours of teaching art to eight-year-olds. Sometimes it was the best part of my day.
There are a few elements that are essential for a good, relaxing walk, and perhaps the most important is the location. Are you in a garden, a park or a neighborhood? Are there plenty of plants to look at, pretty houses to admire, a path to follow? Does the path vary at all? How long is it? Is there a good spot to stop and admire the sunset or feel the breeze for a moment? These are all the things I consider for a good walking spot, and luckily Tulsa has many options that check all of these boxes.
Gathering Place
Yes, this one is obvious, but it deserves the hype! Gathering Place is a perfect spot to take a walk because it’s full of greenery and nature, big enough for a good long walk but also possible to choose a shorter path if desired, and there are tons of stops and activities along the way. Some of my personal favorites are the Cabinet of Wonders located inside the boathouse on the far side of the park, and the Lodge, where I usually stop and read for a bit after a good walk.
Woodward Park/Tulsa Rose Garden
A two for one! Woodward Park is a great spot, especially in the springtime because there are so many beautiful flowers and trees in bloom. I wandered over there last spring for a walk and had the best time admiring all the fresh blossoms and different types of plants. The Tulsa Rose Garden is within the park, and I honestly couldn’t tell you where one stops and another begins. For all I know,those beautiful flowers actually belong to the rose garden! Either way, this spot is perfect especially for those looking for a more scenic walk to clear their head.
The Philbrook Gardens
Free with your TU ID, the Philbrook is the perfect place to take a walk, both in and outside the museum. The gardens are gorgeous at all times of the year, and often have special plants that change with the seasons and sometimes even the exhibitions! Philbrook has a botanical curator on staff who works to specifically pick out elements for their garden. If you keep following the path to your right once you reach the large pond, the garden loops around and you can also visit their outdoor cabin and maybe catch a glimpse of one of the Philbrook garden cats!
Tulsa Botanic Gardens
Although you do have to pay admission, the Tulsa Botanic Gardens is another gorgeous space to enjoy a walk. They too have a variety of beautiful plants, a large pond and several different places to stop and reflect, if that’s your thing. My personal favorite special touch is a large monster head that can be found along the path, and you can even go inside of the head and admire the stalactites on the ceiling!
No matter what kind of walk you’re looking for, Tulsa has a spot for you and a relaxing way to release any spring semester stress. photo by Margaret Laprarie
photo by Margaret Laprarie Especially beautiful in the springtime, Woodward Park is a perfect place for a walk.
See Me After Class is a weekly column where a different professor reveals their variety favorites.
Julianne Tran Variety Editor
Dr. Emily Contois is an assistant professor of Media Studies who holds a Ph.D. and M.A. from Brown, an M.P.H. from Berkeley and an M.L.A. from Boston University. To have had her as a professor is to love her. Amid a pandemic semester, Contois’ class — even in an online format — was a light for me and my classmates. She is candid, energetic and caring. It would be a mistake to graduate from TU without taking a Contois class.
What’s your favorite book? What book would you say all undergrads need to read before they graduate?
Rather than recommend one book, I’d encourage students to 1) read voraciously and widely, across multiple disciplines, fields and genres, and to 2) try to not lose your love of reading, which unfortunately can be a common side effect from reading so intensely for classes.
I try to follow this advice too. So, I’m enjoying reading for my new research project on athleticism in branding and everyday U.S. consumer culture; recently I liked Jürgen Martschukat’s “The Age of Fitness: How the Body Came to Symbolize Success and Achievement” and Jenn McClearen’s “Fighting Visibility: Sports Media and Female Athletes in the UFC.” I also read a lot for fun from: literature and popular fiction (I own all of Ann Patchett and Haruki Murakami’s books, though Murakami’s recent ones have let me down a bit), memoir (I liked Jami Attenberg’s “I Came All This Way to Meet You”—and you and I read together and loved Michelle Zauner’s “Crying in H Mart”) and thrillers and romance, too (I liked Andrew Mayne’s series about a deep sea diver turned detective and I just got Jen Comfort’s “The Astronaut and the Star” on Kindle, which sounds like a fun twist on the typical meet cute). I loved getting Magic City Mailbox delivered throughout the pandemic and especially enjoyed Kelli Jo Ford’s “Crooked Hallelujah” and Bryan Washington’s “Memorial.” I also find solace in reading books about writing like Helen Sword’s “Air & Light & Time & Space” and Anne Lamott’s “Bird by Bird.”
What’s reading like for you? Is there a specific setting, mood, drink set-up?
Reading is such a lovely escape, but I also learn something from everything I read that helps me to become a better writer, whether it’s lovely prose or skillful argument or something about pacing, characters or storytelling more broadly. I’ll often curl up with a book on the sofa with my rescue pittie Raven cuddled next to me and a cup of tea at arm’s length, or if I’m reading for work, with a pencil and a bunch of sticky notes, too. My favorite setting is to read outside on a lovely sunny day.
Is there a movie/show that you always return to?
I teach the pilot episode of “Mad Men” in my “Advertising History, Culture & Critique” class and I often get sucked back in and watch the entire series again. It’s not without its flaws, but I find the characters infinitely intriguing and the show does a great job highlighting some of the biggest issues in advertising and of the 1960s. I’ve watched the entire thing maybe six or seven times at this point. Like many of my students, I’ve lately been a big comfort TV rewatcher with shows like “Grey’s Anatomy,” “The Office” and “Parks and Rec”—so much so that I wrote about the connections between comfort TV and comfort food in a short essay.
What was the last book/movie/show that you actually found funny?
I read Sam Anderson’s “Boom Town: The Fantastical Saga of Oklahoma City, Its Chaotic Founding, Its Apocalyptic Weather, Its Purloined Basketball Team, and the Dream of Becoming a World-class Metropolis” when we first moved to Oklahoma and parts of it had me in stitches. I recently read “The Guncle” which had some really funny moments. “The Mitchells vs. The Machines” is nominated for Best Animated Feature this year and I thought it was funny and very clever. I haven’t loved the show “Peacemaker,” but the intro credit’s choreography is hysterical. Almost every episode of “Insecure” is comical in a way that sears you. “Moses Storm: Trash White” was hilarious and very smart. For a song and music video, Aesop Rock’s catchy and absurd “Long Legged Larry” makes me laugh every time, and I love the stop motion animation.
What’s your favorite Tulsa restaurant? Do you have any food/restaurant routines?
The spot I probably visit the most is Mother Road Market. I take my “Food Media” students there for field trips to test our
courtesy utulsa.edu You can find Dr. Contois online @emilycontois. palates and to meet the food entrepreneurs who are part of the Kitchen 66 program. I also had a very memorable meal at Nonesuch in Oklahoma City and its concept (local ingredients and flavors, a multi-course tasting menu, a small space with seats setup in an intimate U-shape) reminded me of one of my favorite restaurants where we’d go for my birthday every year in Providence, RI, where we lived before we moved to Tulsa.
Is there a media/pop culture/entertainment/music side to you that students wouldn’t expect?
Ha. Well, I’m a pretty open book with my students and pop culture is a lot of my job, so I don’t think they’d find anything all that unexpected. My “Media & Popular Culture” students last semester found it funny how sincerely I love-hate the “Fast and Furious” franchise. Probably the weirdest thing would be the music I’m listening to while I work out at the gym. (I’ve been holding one of my office hours each week at Collins Fitness Center so students (current and past!) can ask questions, get help, chat, or just say hi.) I’ll be listening to anything from sugary pop to 80s rock to hip hop, or even a touch of metal. My husband and I met when we were in college, and we’re polar opposites in just about every way, including our live music tastes (which we’ve missed during the pandemic), so favorite concerts range from Lady Gaga to Ghost, Childish Gambino to Iron Maiden, Girl Talk to Weezer.
If you had to pick three songs for a Playlist of Your Life, what would they be?
Okay, first off would be John Farnham’s “Two Strong Hearts.” He was an Australian pop star when I was a little girl growing up there and it’s just so catchy.
Second would be Rise Against’s “Swing Life Away.” They’re a hardcore/punk band that was popular when we were in college. It’s a sweet acoustic song that I remember listening to together, driving around town with the window’s down and the warm air rushing in. We danced to it at our wedding, too.
Third would be Kesha’s “Praying.” I love all of her party pop music, but Rainbow was this gorgeous departure, deeper, more soulful, more searching. I wrote most of my first book listening to that album and “Praying” was one of my favorite tracks.
