Opinion – Page 7 – The Transcript

Rediscovering a former interest

Sara Hollabaugh, Arts &Entertainment Editor

It’s ’s typically easy for people to be inspired by others.

Whether it’s an influential piece of writing in the form of a book, play or movie, or an athlete overcoming major injuries, watching other people succeed gives hope to the rest of us that we can do it, too.

But there’s a difference between being inspired to do something and actually doing something.

For me, it’s hard to stick to what initially inspires me. I obsessively plan out how to accomplish something, but the amount of times I don’t follow through (in the long-run) is embarrassing.

Yes, most of the time these changes can be sticking to a weight loss program or other resolution-based ideas, but my biggest challenge is continuing to do what I love.

Photography.

Since I was young, I was drawn to it. It started with my dad’s old Pentax k1000 film camera and progressed to many other cameras. I observed influential figures as the years passed.

For a while, my technical skills were limited as I hadn’t undergone real training, but I taught myself the basics and managed to get by with results that weren’t blurry (a success in my mind).

I loved exploring outside to find intriguing photographic opportunities.

What really inspired me to continue photography in high school, though, was taking candid portraits of my younger brother. I was enamored by my experiences with a kid whom I held 10 years over and determined to continue capturing his growth through my lens.

I eventually came here and didn’t have my brother with me.

I lost my muse, or at least the unlimited access to it. I lost my inspiration.

It’s not as depressing as it sounds, though. I am a very happy person. I have many other activities in my life that inspire me every day, but I tucked away the one that sometimes means the most to me.

The reason I have recently realized how much I miss that part of me is Peter Turnley, the talented photojournalist who received an honorary degree at Ohio Wesleyan on March 31.

I had dinner with Turnley and other students and listened to him speak very passionately about his photographs and experiences over his career.

I was immediately and quite easily inspired again.

This discovery of what I usually recall as my favorite past time is probably going to make a major appearance in my daily life.

It’s not to say that my inspiration will transform into eternal action, but I’m happy feel that urge to go out and do what I love again.

Global Warming is real, duh

Killington, Vermont, a place normally covered in snow this time of year. Photo by Matt Cohen.

Matt Cohen, Editor-in-Chief

The young adult skiing down the slush-covered Vermont mountain wearing nothing but a smiley face shaved into his chest hair and American flag thigh-tight shorts was the sanest of us all.

We didn’t account for warm weather in early March at 4,231 feet of elevation and we paid for it. The jackets and snowpants caused overheating and after the first run down the slopes, sweat dripped from everywhere.

Most people know global warming is a thing. I do, too.

But now, after the sun’s reflection off the wet snow gave me an unfortunate sunburn on the underside of my relatively big nose, I really know.

Global warming is an issue that needs immediate attention.

According to evidence presented by NASA, sea level rose almost 7 inches in the last century. But over the last decade, the rate has nearly doubled from that of the last century.

Earth has undergone 10 of the warmest years of its approximately 4.543 billion life in the last 12 years. It has also gone through 20 of the warmest years since 1981.

We cannot wait for an end-all solution. There are simple tasks we can do to help avoid more underside-of-the-nose sunburn in early March.

Check your tires regularly. Properly inflated tires increase gas mileage by 3 percent and every gallon saved prevents 20 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.

When just 1 percent of people maintain their cars for a year, nearly a billion pounds of carbon dioxide are kept from the atmosphere.

I like a chilled household or cool bedroom as much as the next guy. And as the season changes, I pay close attention to the thermostat. But now, it will be for another reason.

During the warmer months, raising the temperature just 2 degrees can save 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emission throughout the year.

Lastly, here are some solutions geared toward college kids. Use the washing machine or dishwasher when it’s full. We do the dishes almost never and wash our clothes once a week, maybe. You now have a very good reason when your mom calls.

On average, showers use four times less energy than baths. I can’t remember the last time I took a bath.

Yes, global warming is a big issue, but it doesn’t need a big solution. Just check your damn tires.

Read the full list of things to do to help stop global warming here.

Cartoon of the week: March 28, 2016

*Free t-shirt not included:
A cartoon series by Blake Fajack and Mili Green

Food review: Smith’s restaurant week

DJ Fradkin, Transcript Reporter

If students have not already noticed, Smith Dining now offers meals that are “almost like” menu items offered by popular restaurants in the area. Since students have responded positively to this new meal plan, this trend will continue.

At the beginning of the 2015-16 school year, restaurant styles from places such as Chipotle, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Olive Garden and a variety of other restaurants.

It is currently labeled as “Restaurant Week,” but this title will change due to legal complications.

The concept was introduced because Smith Hall was not receiving enough business during their lunch hours.

The Marketplace in the Hamilton-Williams Campus Center is the most popular during lunch hours. This is largely due to its location and convenience to students, according to Resident District Manager Gene Castelli.

There will most likely not be any other major changes by the end of this school year, but this summer, Castelli said they will brainstorm and hopefully generate changes for the beginning of the next school year.

Several students were asked whether they liked this idea. Most students were in favor of “Restaurant Week” and hope the trend will continue.

Sophomore Isaiah Retti said, “I like the idea of trying to replicate restaurants menus. My favorite is when they serve Cane’s because the sauce they make is really accurate.”

Sophomore Hallie Sinko said, “I like the idea of having restaurant quality food without having to leave campus, but I would still probably eat at Ham-Will for lunch. It is inconvenient to go back to Smith to eat between classes. I think it would be a better idea for them to offer this at Ham-Will.”

Castelli said, “This has been absolutely successful.”

Students have provided positive feedback to these new changes. Some of the unpopular options were stopped, but others that were big hits such as “Almost Like Cane’s” will be repeated.

Junior Evan Payne supports the change, but it was not the change he was looking for.

Payne said, “I think the idea to replicate local food establishments for the students is a good idea, but if the school really wants to make students happy, Trattoria should be brought back.” Payne was referring to the food service that was discontinued this year but used to be open for students from 8 p.m. till midnight.

Here is a list of the restaurant styles Smith has offered so far: Cane’s, Chipotle, Five Guys, Melt, Olive Garden, BW3’s, IHOP, Noodle’s & Company, City Barbecue and Pei Wei. Chartwells will continue researching other restaurants to add them to this list.

Hymn for the Weekend: let’s try not to get offended

Ela Mazumdar, Transcript Reporter

As many eagerly watched the new music video for Beyonce and Coldplay’s “Hymn for the Weekend,” it seemed that not everyone was thrilled with the video, which, according to many people, appropriates Indian culture and is blatantly disrespectful.

As an Indian woman, issues of cultural appropriation are incredibly important to me and hit close to home.

Although I live in the U.S., Indian culture is a part of me and a part of how I have grown up, so when someone tells me that my culture is being appropriated, I take a very critical stance on that issue.

However, in this case, I do not see this video as a form of cultural appropriation, but rather one of appreciation. Yes, it may be somewhat ignorant and is problematic in the grand scheme of things, but it also captures all that makes India and its culture colorful and beautiful.

This is not to say that video is completely flawless, but simply that it does not seem to be intentionally disrespectful. I found that Beyonce could have obviously researched traditional Indian clothing, and that there were some visual elements which were heavily exaggerated, but again that’s what music videos are all about.

As someone who has been to Mumbai, I see this video as a glimpse into India with its poverty, happiness and people who smile regardless of their harsh circumstances.

I do understand why some people could be offended, but I also have seen a number of comments on BuzzFeed, most of which don’t seem to understand the meaning of appropriation.

I am not saying that my voice is the voice of all Indians or that it should be, and if people are offended, they have a right to those feelings.

I’m just saying that sometimes those who have been oppressed tend to expect oppression and don’t believe that there is a chance that people in the media (and in general) are just curious and excited about our culture and choose to explore it in different ways.

I do not believe that this video gives a holistic view of India, but it does highlight some of my favorite things about India. The video especially showcases elements which I believe are inoffensive.

I think that the song and the representation of India are positive. I could be the only one thinking this, but that might because I am hopeful that there are people out there who find new cultures to be exciting and go into understanding them differently and with respect.

I believe if they make mistakes along the way, that’s OK. At least they made an attempt and learned something along the way.

The college love game

Olivia Lease, Online Editor

*Disclaimer: this article isn’t really about love, it’s about the various ways we, as college students, commit ourselves to someone we “caught the feels” for.

“Uncle Moe, are you going to keep Olivia forever?”

This was the question my boyfriend’s 6-year-old niece asked him when we visited last weekend. I almost choked on my gum.

But this is the question many college relationships are faced with, how serious should things get and how do we label that? Never mind the fact of wondering whether someone is “the one” (if you even believe in the idea).

Don’t worry, I’m not going to go all Carrie Bradshaw on you and pretend like I’m an expert on relationships.

I’m only 20 and I tend to think of serious relationships as a later emergence in adulthood. There are other things I need to accomplish first; that sort of thing.

Apparently I’m not alone in this thinking. Sociologists have even coined a new term for what our generation is doing. It’s called “emerging adulthood.” Members of our generation typically continue their education, get a place, travel, try a few relationships out and lastly get married.

A slow easing into adulthood.

It’s interesting to talk with my grandparents because then I hear about how marriage was the first step for them into adulthood. My grandpa Norm has mentioned to me a few times that he was first married when he was just 19 years old.

Things are different for our generation. I’m happy I go to a school where I am not expected to get an M.R.S. degree.

According to BusinessInsider.com, there are 50 colleges where you’re most likely to meet your future spouse. This list was published in 2015 and included a few of our neighbors, Oberlin College and University of Dayton (being numbers 42 and 29, respectively). OWU is nowhere to be seen, but maybe that’s a good thing.

I’m guessing the majority of us aren’t here to find a spouse.

What I have noticed, though, is a polarizing distinction for most relationships. Most couples are either refusing to label things or they’re all in.

Hook-up culture is prevalent here, but so is commitment culture. Promise rings, lavalier necklaces and even engagement rings are proudly worn by several of my friends.

In a world of Tinder, OKCupid and Grindr, companionship even seems to come in pixelated form. There are issues with that as well since you’re reducing a three-dimensional person to a two-dimensional profile.

What happened to just dating?

As college students, we are forced to constantly be forward thinking. Maybe this stems from being asked, “What do you want to do after graduation?” on a regular basis.

We are privileged to get to decide what to do with our lives, but the multitude of options can cause anxiety for some, me being one of them. This future-related anxiety may even transfer to relationships when pressured by outside forces.

My advice? Don’t let a fear of the future affect your relationship. Being with someone means enjoying the moment, not planning out your future.

Good luck out there.

Sincerely,
A former commitment phobe

Presidential election update

Emily Feldmesser, Transcript Correspondent

Republicans:

Republican frontrunner Donald Trump decided not to participate in the upcoming debate. The debate will be hosted on Jan. 28 by Fox News and Google, just a few days before Monday’s Iowa Caucus. Trump demanded Fox News anchor, Megyn Kelly to step down from moderating. When the network didn’t adhere to Trump’s request, he chose not to participate. CNN said Trump decided to boycott the debate, especially at Kelly’s helm, because “he didn’t believe he would be treated fairly.” According to The New York Times, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, after being booted off the previous debate stage, will be taking Trump’s podium.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, currently Trump’s most intense rival, offered to debate Trump “mano a mano,” according to CNN. Trump said instead of participating in the debate, he will host a fundraiser for “Veterans and Wounded Warriors,” Reuters reported.

Democrats:

Speaking of debates, there might be another chance for the three Democrats to come together. MSNBC and the New Hampshire Union Leader newspaper proposed the seventh Democratic debate just a few days before New Hampshire’s Feb. 9 primary. However, the Democratic National Committee has no plans to sanction the debate, according to Reuters.

That means if any of the candidates participate, it could impact any future participation in the debates. So far, former Governor Martin O’Malley has been the first one to accept the invitation. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she would participate in the debate if it’s sanctioned and other candidates participate while Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders said he wouldn’t participate in an unsanctioned debate, reported The New York Times.

Presidential election update

Emily Feldmesser, Transcript Correspondent

Reporter’s Note: The 2016 Presidential election is barreling toward us with increasing speed. Since this election is shaping to be a contentious one, I thought it would be helpful for Ohio Wesleyan students to have a brief, weekly rundown of the race.

The Republicans:

The sixth Republican debate took place on Jan 14 in South Carolina. Senator Rand Paul and Carly Fiorina were both kicked off the main stage due to their low poll numbers. Paul chose not to participate in the undercard debate, instead answering questions via Twitter and the video app Periscope.

However, the big news from the debate was the rancor between frontrunner Donald Trump and Senator Ted Cruz. After a few weeks of agreeing with each other, the candidates became combative over certain issues. Trump has questioned whether Cruz, who was born in Canada, is actually eligible to run for president. According to CNN, the change in the relationship was due to Cruz catching up to Trump in recent poll numbers. Cruz said Trump “embodies New York values,” which refers to the city’s “famous liberalism,” said Reuters. Trump responded with how New York recovered after the September 11 attacks, according to CNN.

According to Reuters, viewers believed Trump won the debate with 37.3 percent. Cruz came in second with 26.6 percent and Senator Marco Rubio came in a distant third with 12.1 percent.

The Iowa caucuses are Feb. 1 and it’s the first time voters will be at the polls.

The Democrats:

The fourth Democratic debate was Sunday, Jan. 17, also took place in South Carolina. With only three candidates: Senator Bernie Sanders, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Governor Martin O’Malley, there was more opportunity for the candidates to have the floor.

Surprisingly, the Democratic candidates stayed away from attacking their Republican rivals, rather, they focused on each other, said CNN.

Clinton heavily aligned herself with President Barack Obama and his record, especially on gun control, health care and financial regulation, according to CNN. A contentious issue was health care, because just two hours before the debate, Sanders released details of his health care plan, according to The Washington Post. Clinton challenged the plan, and again threw her support behind Obama’s Affordable Care Act.

However, Sanders challenged Clinton’s strong ties to firms on Wall Street. O’Malley also questioned Clinton’s ties, according to The New York Times. Clinton shot back with Sanders’ weak record on gun control, saying he voted with the National Rifle Association. Sanders had no response.

Star Wars from a rookie’s perspective

Gopika Nair, Copy Editor
I haven’t watched the original Star Wars trilogy and I haven’t watched the prequels. I hadn’t even watched the trailer for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” before I saw the movie.

Stormtroopers, Han Solo, R2-D2, Darth Vader and Yoda somehow existed in my periphery throughout my childhood, but I didn’t understand the fascination or hype surrounding the Star Wars franchise.

I get it now.

“The Force Awakens” takes place 30 years after “Return of the Jedi.” The sequel features the trio from the original trilogy—Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), whose first appearances on screen had me, a novice in all Star Wars related things, cheering internally.

With lines like, “Chewie, we’re home,” “The Force Awakens” give old fans of the franchise a taste of familiarity, while also welcoming new fans and a new generation as a whole.

The sequel introduces a power trio comprising Rey, a scavenger (Daisy Ridley), Finn, a stormtrooper (John Boyega) and Poe Dameron, a pilot (Oscar Isaac).

The recent Star Wars movie and the original trilogy share several parallels and themes, serving as a subtle reminder to veteran Star Wars fans that “sequel” isn’t necessarily synonymous with “disastrous.”

For a movie that lasted more than two hours, “The Force Awakens” could have easily bored viewers, especially those who aren’t die-hard fans of the franchise. But its biggest merit is that the movie didn’t feel sluggish.

The plot was interesting. The characters tossed around clever lines which hit the right mark of being funny without trying too hard.

The fight scenes were executed well and the tight, seamless editing contributed to the overall flow of the film, particularly where Poe, Isaac’s character, is concerned.

He appears in the beginning of the film, but after an attempt to escape the First Order goes awry, Finn presumes Poe is dead. The pilot doesn’t make a reappearance until the last 30 minutes of the movie.

Even so, his return isn’t jarring or abrupt, but his absence isn’t neglected, either. Throughout the movie, BB-8, Poe’s globular droid, befriends Rey to seek its master, thus ensuring that the audience remembers Poe.

Moreover, the actors, particularly Ridley, Boyega and Isaac, command viewers’ attention with their characters’ likability, while the older actors retain the signature charm that long-time fans loved from the beginning.

Even though most of us aren’t scavengers or stormtroopers or pilots located in a galaxy far, far away, Rey, Finn and Poe have qualities that make them admirable, quirks that make them likable and flaws that make them relatable.

Ultimately, “The Force Awakens” attracted a new generation of fans and that’s evident from the sudden surge of Star Wars’ popularity since the sequel’s release.

No matter how many years pass, you can’t escape the Force. The Star Wars franchise may have been dormant after the release of “Attack of the Clones” in 2005, but not anymore.

The hill: perseverance and hard work

At my childhood home our driveway sloped down from the main road and doglegged right before it hit the garage stuffed with a tan Toyota Siena and beat-up sports equipment.

Behind the bend of the driveway, there was a short hill that angled upward starting from the cracked blacktop. I can’t recall the exact degree of the hill because my four-year-old self thought it was worthy of black diamonds, but I’m sure it’s not so severe. This hill, covered with dandelions, patches of grass, rocky dirt, mole tracks and tree stumps, was the perfect place for my dad to teach the most important lessons of life.

My sister and I spent hours trying to kick soccer balls to the top. It turned into a game, sometimes competitive. Receiving an extra point for a ball kicked to the top by the challenged weaker foot encouraged us to practice on our left leg strength. My dad supported us every step of the way.

If the ball didn’t reach the top, it would roll down only to be smacked once again. It wouldn’t roll straight down because the uneven ground so it was like Plinko, a pricing game from “The Price is Right.” We had to move along the bottom to match the ball as it bounced and weaved through obstacles on its way down.

Life isn’t about making it to the top on the first try, either. If the first attempt fails, you keep going until you do make it. It won’t be easy. The mole tracks and jagged tree stumps will make things difficult. And once the climb is made and the top reached, another hill awaits to be conquered and another point to be won. That’s life.

That hill taught us the importance of hard work. We improved every time we played and eventually we could reach the top with no problem. My sister and I both played soccer, we’re both successful and both scored goals with our left foot, but it all started at that hill with my dad playing right beside us. We were never forced to practice, we wanted to. My dad made it fun.

My dad is 56-years-old and completed his second Ironman Triathlon last month. An Ironman is a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and a marathon at the end. There’s not a better person to encourage me to work hard.

He still climbs hills and challenges himself, which becomes more difficult as one grows older and goes through different phases. It’s important to him and therefore has always been important to me. He’ll accomplish his goals or fail trying, even if it takes him all day. And it nearly did take him all day because he finished in about 13 hours.

If he’s still kicking those balls to try to reach the top, so can I. If he’s still kicking after they roll down, so can I.

I’m graduating from The Transcript after this semester. I’ve made mistakes along the way, but like my dad taught me when I was four, I always made another attempt. I’ve written horrible articles but I keep writing and learning. Thanks to The Transcript and everyone involved that provided the hill for the last year and a half. The real world and another ball awaits to be booted up that dandelion-covered hill at the bend of the driveway, and I’m ready to keep kicking.