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Newest television sequel might disappoint its fans

Posted by :jprokop On : February 25, 2013
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Category: Opinion, The Rest

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As children, many of us sat in front of our televisions every day to catch the new episode of “Boy Meets World.” This popular show followed Cory Matthews and his friends as they grew from preteens into adults, setting foot into the real world, hence the title.

In November 2012, the Disney Channel revealed that it was in the process of creating a sequel to this once popular sitcom titled “Girl Meets World.”

The show will follow Cory and Topanga’s daughter, Riley Matthews, as she goes on the same journey that many are familiar with.

This program is a great idea to show the new generation a piece of our childhood that many of us still cherish.

In fact, characters Cory and Topanga have been the ideal model  for relationships since the show first aired. These characters are near and dear to many people’s hearts.

However, the previous lack of success for sequel sitcoms does not play in the show’s favor.

The original run of “Boy Meets World” was successful, running for seven seasons, ending in 2000. “Girl Meets World” could possibly be a success itself but the network may have waited too long to decide to develop it.

The Disney Channel has tried multiple spinoffs of their shows. “Suite Life of Zack and Cody” became “Zack and Cody on Deck.” “That’s So Raven” followed Raven’s brother Cory in “Cory in the House.” “Sonny with a Chance” changed to “So Random.” All of these spinoffs did not show as much success as their precursors.

This show might be doomed to that same fate.

The storyline is something everyone can connect to and viewers from all ages can watch it, including the viewers who watched the original show.

However, not many of them continue to watch the Disney Channel. Maybe the network should consider moving it to ABC Family because it would be on a station that has programs the whole family could watch.

Also, many favorite characters will not be rejoining the cast, such as Rider Strong, who played Shawn, and Will Friedle, who played Eric.

These additional characters made the show memorable to our generation, and without them, it’s just plain old Cory and Topanga.

There are supposed to be characters in the sequel that relate to the previous characters of the original show, but it won’t be the same.

“Girl Meets World” has the potential to be a show that will connect our generation with the youth of today, but Disney has waited too long to bring it back. With its current track record of sequels this show may have a quick end before it even begins.

Disney should consider moving the show to a different channel, or putting some of the original elements back in that will allow our generation to still connect with it. Otherwise, this Disney sequel will flop just like the many before it.

Ivanna Tucker

Sports editor
Ivanna Tucker can be reached at linfieldreviewsports@gmail.com.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Posted by :jprokop On : February 25, 2013
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Category: Opinion, The Rest

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A few weeks ago I was given The Linfield Review and asked to read the article from “Ask Bailey,” regarding anal sex

Later, I was asked to read another article from the same column about oral sex.

Well, I’m sure like many, I was shocked to say the least to find such topics in the school newspaper.

Then I thought, “Oh, I get it, I understand. Here’s how I bet it went with the author and editor.

‘Hey I know, I’ll write something just to see how far I can go or get away with.’”

Or, maybe the conversation went like this.

“’I’ll just push the envelope or see what kind of reaction there will be. And, furthermore, I can do it under freedom of speech or freedom of the press.’”

O.K. I get that. It worked.

But really, come on editor for allowing this in the school paper. Come on Bailey for writing this.

Do we really want something like this in The Linfield Review?

Is this really “journalism” at its finest?

I mean, come on people, is this something that alumni coming on campus for a football game or someone with their son or daughter coming here to look over the campus to possibly go here needs to see?

Shouldn’t this be on someone’s blog instead?

Or, just maybe, we should ask deeper questions like, “Why after sex do you still feel at times insecure or incomplete?” “Why do you still have a feeling of emptiness?”

Or, how about this one?

“If there is a God, what does He think about this behavior?”

Well, I’d better stop there. That would be a lot to think about under freedom of speech.

I couldn’t get away with that one for sure!

Come on editor! Come on Bailey! Is this really what we want in The Linfield Review?

This is our paper and a reflection of us both, past and present.

Linfield is a classy college.

Is this really what we want to show off to the community, alumni and staff?

Surely we can do better.

Let’s quit playing games with freedom of speech.


Linfield alumnus,

Dr. Dave Tillstrom

Editorial: Unique courses earn appreciation

Posted by :jprokop On : February 25, 2013
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Category: Opinion

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January Term brought an abundance of unique classes to students here at Linfield.

Many students are now requesting more innovative class offering and hoping for the chance to learn in new, unconventional ways.

“The Art and Science of Brewing” taught by Brian Gilbert, associate professor of chemistry, is a chemistry course that focuses on the production and analysis of brewing beer.

“The greatest part of this class was that it was intended to inspire the students. Our professor set it up so we were exposed to not only the science aspect of brewing, but we learned about the art, culture and hard work that goes into the craft beer industry. We all walked away with a greater appreciation for quality in general and the hard work it takes to get there,” senior Libby Sturgess said.

When students signed up for the sociology class “Utopias and Dystopias,” they weren’t expecting to be taking a class on the zombie apocalypse. Luckily, everyone was pleasantly surprised.

Jeff Peterson, associate professor of sociology, gave students the unique chance to examine social issues like gender, race and socioeconomic inequality using zombies as a nonthreatening blank canvas to project society’s fears upon.

“I did prefer the unique subject matter to the more traditional kind because it allowed for us students to get more excited to learn about the material … because we get our fair share of traditional material throughout our fall and spring semesters,” junior Kyle Jones said.

These classes examined issues most classes would, but in a more stimulating and inventive way.

These innovative courses seemed to boost morale and increase student engagement in the classroom.

We applaud the professors who took a chance on a unique class and hope to see more in the future.

“I would like it if Linfield offered more unique classes because I believe it is beneficial to students because it allows us to become better-rounded through these unique courses and get out of our comfort zones,” Jones said. “More unique course offerings will lead to the excitement of students to learn and come to class, and that can only benefit Linfield in a positive way.”

Now, students are left wondering what exciting classes Linfield will offer next.

-The Review Editorial Board

Visiting professor presents early theories of the cosmos during Science Colloquium

Posted by :jprokop On : February 25, 2013
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Category: News

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TinyGrab Screen Shot 2-25-13 8.51.19 PM

Jason Jordan, visiting assistant professor of philosophy, presents theories of the cosmos from Greek philosophers during his lecture “The Origins of Cosmology in Ancient Greece,” on Feb. 21 in Murdoch 105.
Photo by Jessica Prokop

There have been many theories about the cosmos throughout the centuries, some of which most famously crafted by philosophers, such as Plato and Aristotle. Even so, more modern theories were already being explored long before their time.
This concept is what students, faculty and community members gathered to ponder during the first Science Colloquium of the semester, “The Origins of Cosmology in Ancient Greece,” on Feb. 21 in Murdoch 105.
Jason Jordan, visiting assistant professor of philosophy, led the discussion for the packed lecture hall. The group was one of the biggest turnouts to the series so far, said Jennifer Heath, chair and associate professor of physics.
During the lecture, Jordan discussed how more modern theories of the time actually date back to the sixth century B.C. from a school on the West coast of Asia Minor. Philosophers from the area, Anaximander and Democritus, were already pondering theories, such as gravity, atomic theory and the universe.
Although no written works remain, Anaximander is believed by many to be the first true philosopher and scientist, Jordan said.
The Greek philosopher is most noted for his work in describing the origin and mechanics of Earth and its relevance to other celestial bodies, Jordan said.
Anaximander spent a lot of time exploring what supports the Earth. He determined that indifference holds the Earth in place, a logical force, Jordan explained.
About a century and a half after Anaximander, Democritus tried other ways of viewing the universe. He compared the universe to a cosmic whirl, arguing that Earth is like the collected garbage of the vortex. He also argued that there were infinite numbers of worlds. Democritus believed the friction caused by the swirling accounted for the heat and glow of the Sun and stars, Jordan said.
Jordan rounded out his lecture with Democritus’ argument that the world has no cause. Other philosophers of the time disagreed with this notion, saying that nothing can exist without cause. Democritus answered the metaphysical question of why is there something rather than noting by saying there is no reason why.
“I think it’s interesting reading about and listening to people from long ago. To read and understand their reasons is strange. I like it,” Jordan said.
The next Science Colloquium will focus on the Big Bang Theory, presented by Michael Crosser, assistant professor of physics, Feb. 28.

 

Jessica Prokop/Editor-in-Chief

Jessica can be reached at linfieldrevieweditor@gmail.com

FEBRUARY: THE NEW JANUARY FOR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

Posted by :jprokop On : February 25, 2013
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Category: Features, The Rest

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It’s well past the first of January and already countless of seemingly hopeful lists of resolutions have been tossed aside, residing in the bottom of waste baskets, left to die under refrigerator magnets and washed up in jean pockets. According to Forbes, only 8 percent of the U.S population achieves their New Years resolution. So what’s happening with the other 92 percent? life is the answer.

Retaining resolutions is even harder for students: with classes,  sports, work and other daily stresses, another list is the last thing a student needs. The common approach to New Year’s resolutions needs a drastic makeover: it should be seen as making a positive, permanent change in your lifestyle—not just checking something off a list.

Choose one goal: Don’t make a To-Do list

Focus on one thing you’d like to change—and stick with it. If you overwhelm yourself with a lengthy list, the less likely you’ll be to have success. Once you experience success with a single goal, you’ll have the confidence to tackle others.

Respect yourself and your goals

If you don’t take yourself seriously, chances are you won’t take your goals seriously.

 Be honest and realistic

No one knows your strengths and weaknesses better than you. Make sure you take these into consideration when planning a resolution. Break one goal down into pieces. If your goal is to be able to run three miles and you can hardly run up a flight of stairs, consider making your goal more manageable like running one mile.

Don’t take the path of least resistance

Although it’s important to make realistic goals, don’t sell yourself short. The whole point of a resolution is to challenge yourself- and not just temporarily.

Have a plan of attack

Vague goals don’t give you enough direction to accomplish what you need to. If you write out a plan each week, you’ll be more likely to stay on the desired path.

Talk about your goals

Blog, tweet, post and chat away. Involve your friends and keep them informed about your goals, successes and even failures. PUtting yourself out there socially motivates you to hold yourself accountable.

Blogs, blogs, blogs

The Internet can be misleading, but if you look in the right places, it can be an amazing resource. It’s highly probable that you’ll find someone online who is an expert about the resolution you’re trying to reach. Good blogs feature real advice from real people. Make your own blog or Twitter journaling your progress: use it as a personal journal and to receive positive feedback from followers.

Cheat

Almost no one has 100 percent, perfect willpower. Designate one day of the week for a small cheat—it makes the process less painful.

Do it for yourself

Don’t do it to impress others—that will come on its own. Do it for the sake of changing your lifestyle for the better and make yourself proud.

ADVICE FROM AN EXPERT

If organization, whether in academics or daily life, is your resolution, Patricia Haddeland, director of Student Health, Wellness and Counseling, knows best.

“We always tell people to maintain a schedule and to use whatever tools they can in our technology based world.

“We know that when people have trouble with their sleep, they don’t stay organized, so they should be getting seven and a half to nine hours a night; it makes a difference in how you manage your day.

“Just like with a diet or New Years resolution, some people believe if they blow it, that it’s all over.  Every day is a new day to practice your skills.”

The Linfield College Student Health, Wellness and Counseling Center offers a variety of services, including a Dealing with Stress counseling group. For more information, contact couo@linfield.edu

Chrissy Shane/Features editor

Chrissy Shane can be reached at linfieldreviewfeatures@gmail.com

The Diet Lies

Posted by :jprokop On : February 25, 2013
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Category: Features

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It seems like this is the common definition of diet in a skinny-is-better world.

However, the real meaning of the term “diet” has been distorted and twisted into quite an unhealthy idea. The simple, easy to understand logic of “eat less, weigh less” may explain why so many people are denying themselves the nutrition their body needs. The fact is, most people are uneducated about proper nutrition. From advertisements for diet pills, to enticing headlines on magazines, we are constantly fed lies about what it means to be healthy.

MYTH 1:  There’s an easy, quick fix solution to losing weight.

There is no such thing as a quick fix. Pills and fad diets may work initially, but they don’t last for long. Fad diets have a 95 percent failure rate, according to North Dakota State University nutrition specialist, Julie Garden-Robinson. Making and staying dedicated to a permanent lifestyle change is the only solution.

MYTH 2:  If I eat less, I’ll weigh less.

This is one of the most common diet misconceptions. According to an article by the LIVESTRONG foundation, when there aren’t enough calories consumed, the body’s natural response is to enter “starvation mode,” which increases the storage of fat while breaking down muscle tissues for energy. Everyone has a certain calorie intake they need to be fulfilling depending on their weight and activity; generally, nutritionists recommend not dipping below 1200 calories a day.

MYTH 3: Fat is bad.

Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. There are a variety of “good” and “bad” fats.  Acco0rding to a study by The University of Maryland Medical Center, people who severely limit their fat intake are denying themselves basic nutrients, such as vitamins A and E, folic acid, calcium, iron and zinc. Additionally, those on low-fat diets may be increasing their risk of a stroke due to hemorrhage in the brain.

MYTH 4:  Because the label says “low fat,” and “low sugar,” it means it’s healthy.

Sure, looking for foods that read lower in sugar and fat is a good start – but it doesn’t necessarily mean that the product is giving your body what it needs. Those looking to get healthy need to be ultra-observant of what they’re putting into their bodies. According to the fitness and nutrition experts of HybridAthlete, the foods we’ve come to know as American staples are actually poisoning us. Food’s initial nutrition is broken down to become non-perishable, leaving very little nutritional value. Additionally, foods that read non-fat, such as non-fat milk, have been run through heavy chemical processes. Healthy fat is then replaced with harmful chemicals- where’s the logic in that? The lack of nutrients in the mega-refined foods don’t satisfy the body, so you eat more and as a result, store more fat.

ASK A NUTRITIONIST

Emily Dinmann is a blogger with a Bachelor’s of Science and Nutrition from the University of Minnesota

What’s the wrong way to approach a healthy diet? 

“The all-or-nothing approach or being 100 percent “perfect” all the time. I’m all about making small changes that you can keep up forever. It truly is a lifestyle. Eat healthy most of the time and save some room for treats and splurges!”

Your definition of “diet”? 

“I personally think of the word diet as the food we eat, not something restrictive to help us lose weight!”

 

Chrissy Shane/Features editor

Chrissy Shane can be reached at linfieldreviewfeatures@gmail.com

Loud landscaping is still necessary

Posted by :jprokop On : December 3, 2012
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Category: Opinion

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The disruptive and loud leaf blowers can be heard across campus, accompanied by complaints from irritated students. Although the early morning leaf removal is disruptive and annoying, it still serves an important purpose on campus.

Leaves and other fallen debris can pose a lot of danger to students and become campus eyesores. However, leaf blowers should be used at more student-friendly times.

Even so, it is time that students recognize the new steps campus facilities are taking to become more sustainable.

“Our grounds crew strives to begin their work around residential halls and apartments and academic quad areas after 9 a.m. during the heavy leaf season. However, sometimes it is necessary to respond quickly to immediate landscaping dangers (i.e., limbs, trees, etc.), which may require that work take place prior to 9 a.m.,” said Allison Horn, director of facilities and auxiliary services.

Emergencies being the exception, 9 a.m. is still too early to be making that much noise. Many students are still sleeping or at the very least still groggy.

A quiet, peaceful morning to enjoy the campus is just what students need to start the day off. Plus, the brightly colored fallen leaves are a beautiful sight and a staple of the autumn season.

Perhaps 11 a.m. would be a better time to break out the leaf blowers. Before this time, quieter landscaping could be done instead. This would not change productivity levels and would undoubtedly help students out.

Many who oppose leaf blowers use sustainability issues as a way to condemn the early morning disturbance. Linfield facilities is actually improving their sustainable landscaping practices, so this is no longer a reliable argument.

“Several years ago, Linfield began replacing the 2-cycle blowers with STIHL 4-cycle blowers, which are even more environmentally conscious, producing zero or low exhaust emissions. STIHL defines “low exhaust emissions” as being cleaner than EPA and/or CARB exhaust emission standards. Budget permitting, we anticipate replacing the final two 2-cycle blowers this fiscal year,” Horn said.

The group continues to use leaf blowers to cover the most ground possible in the shortest time period, as well as to reduce the risk of the employees injuring themselves from performing the repetitive raking motion.

They have decided this is the best ergonomic way for employees to keep paths clear and campus safe.

 

-  The Review Editorial Board

Women should participate in No Shave November

Posted by :jprokop On : December 3, 2012
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Category: Opinion

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As everyone knows, November just ended, as did the infamous “No Shave November.” People from all around shaved their month-long hair growth in celebration of their achievements.

The point of this month is exactly what the name entails. People are supposed to avoid shaving for the entire month starting Nov. 1.

Men everywhere become excited that they can grow out their facial hair, some ending the month resembling gnomes, Santa Claus or like they just walked out of a Western movie.

Women also participate in this month-long holiday but are looked at with disgust for allowing unnecessary hair to build up on their bodies.

There should be no standard that women cannot participate in the festivities.

Disgust is shown when women decide not to shave mostly because there is a consensus that women should not have hair in certain areas. This idea has been spread throughout society without a true explanation of why it is not acceptable for women to participate in “No Shave November.”

Everyone has an equal right to take part in the holiday, and it seems that women are discouraged from it because the wool of hair that crops up is not the ideal image of a woman.

This is only one month of not shaving; it will not be permanent. What bad can hairy legs do besides disgust?

No Shave November came from a charity event called Movember that was a contest for people to grow their mustaches in awareness of prostate cancer and other male cancers.

The event spread throughout the world and now has become something that people look forward to.

Just as men are able to help spread awareness of  female-related cancers, women should be able to do the same.

It used to be acceptable for women to not shave, but since this image is typically not acceptable in our society, No Shave November is not usually a choice.

Many women still participate but usually do so in secret or do not publicly announce that they are. Women should walk around with pride with hairy legs and armpits and not be judged.

No Shave November is a fun way to show awareness during the month and doesn’t take much effort to participate.

If a man can grow out a thick mustache and beard and still be accepted, women should be able to do the same with the hair on their bodies.

Ivanna Tucker

Sports editor

Ivanna Tucker can be reached at linfieldreviewsports@gmail.com.


Holiday gift giving can be challenging, stressful

Posted by :jprokop On : December 3, 2012
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Category: Opinion

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It’s that time of year again, when everyone is racking their brains and rushing around to get gifts for people.

And if you’re like me, there is literally nothing worse than having to go to a crowded store to buy some bargain bin item to wrap up and give to a random family member who you’re not even Facebook friends with.

The holiday season always brings with it a few daunting questions, such as: “Who do I care enough about to fist fight a 13-year-old for the last Nintendo Wii for?”

The uncomplicated answer: close family and best friends.

The polite answer: everyone within your bloodline.

Why is it completely necessary to get an uninspired and usually poor quality gift for those family members that we only see once a year?

Wouldn’t it be more effective to save the money that you would have spent on a random cousin and instead use it for a fantastic gift to someone you actually care about?

Wouldn’t this save everyone the hassle of throwing out useless gifts like hemp candles and decorative boxes?

Just because it’s ‘tis the season of giving, it does not mean ‘tis the season of forgetting that I hate you.

If you do choose to listen to my mom and stop being a brat and get gifts for everyone you’ve ever met, another question arises.

What’s an appropriate gift for people you hardly know but share a slight biological connection with?

Is it acceptable just to email people Groupons for bikini waxes and frozen yogurt, or is that considered rude?

Or, if you decide to use your limited funds for those you care about, what’s the best way to get that someone special something special?

The Internet is always the way to go for the weak and antisocial shoppers like me (and probably you.)

First, Internet stalking is always a great way to start the gift hunt. Lots of people have Amazon wish-lists, and all you need to find is their email address.

And, who doesn’t drop unsubtle gift tips on social networking sites?

Sure, delivery fees are awful, but Internet shopping is a sure hell of a lot easier than finding a spot in the purgatory that is the mall parking lot.

You know what parents and guardians love?

Homemade things, but not poorly constructed macaroni picture frames because you’re in college and that stuff is not cute anymore.

There are dozens of sites to make photo books where you can pick photos and themes that will make your mother glad she didn’t drown you in the bathtub.

The most important thing to remember this holiday season is that everyone is going through the gifting drama.

So remember be kind when you unwrap your third pair of fuzzy socks.

Paige Jurgensen

Staff writer

Paige Jurgensen can be reached at linfieldreviewopinion@gmail.com.

Copy and paste isn’t for social networking sites

Posted by :jprokop On : December 3, 2012
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Category: Opinion

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That “don’t always believe what you read on the Internet” saying has proved once again to be not only true but also forgotten.

Recently, my news feed has been flooded with people posting about Facebook’s new copyright rules. I think it is time to recognize the hoax and admit that we should be a little more suspicious of online content origins.

The post in question read partly as follows, “In response to the new Facebook guidelines I hereby declare that my copyright is attached to all of my personal details, illustrations, comics, paintings, professional photos and videos, etc. (as a result of the Berner Convention). For commercial use of the above my written consent is needed at all times! (Anyone reading this can copy this text and paste it on their Facebook Wall. This will place them under protection of copyright laws).”

The post continued to use false facts when it went on to say, “By the present communiqué, I notify Facebook that it is strictly forbidden to disclose, copy, distribute, disseminate, or take any other action against me on the basis of this profile and/or its contents… Facebook is now an open capital entity…If you do not publish a statement at least once, you will be tacitly allowing the use of elements, such as your photos, as well as the information contained in your profile status updates.”

This encouraging message is a total hoax, so don’t fall for the fancy wording and save yourself the embarrassment later.

First off, a Facebook post would make no legal difference.

Also, you are protected by copyright law no matter what. When you upload content on Facebook, you are giving the website the ability to show it.

The key word in that sentence is you. You decide what is posted and to whom, not Facebook.

There is also no such thing as a Berner Convention; there is a Berne Convention, but it is for fictitious books.

I think many people are confused since Facebook is now a publicly traded company. However, this new change is completely unrelated to their policies.

I think this is yet another perfect example of how misinformed people can be.  Once again, think before you post. Just because some fancy jargon is thrown around, doesn’t make it true.

Overall, this should be another eye opener about online content. Be proactive when you read things online. Go and search for information from reliable sources. Don’t copy and paste anything. Research and come up with your own opinions. Be creative and use your own words.

Once you are fully informed, then I strongly encourage you to use social networking sites. That is what they are for, to provide a place for free expression, just make sure you know what you are talking about.

That way you will not only be better informed for your own personal use, but also will be better representing yourself on social media.

Alyssa Townsend 

Opinion editor

Alyssa Townsend can be reached at linfieldreviewopinion@gmail.com.