Opinions

Don’t let the 90s way of life reemerge: culture needs to leave the last years of the 20th century in the past

The 90s are making a comeback. It’s undeniable. Countless trends, from television shows to clothing to music, are revived in today’s culture. Most of us students were too young to experience these trends initially—even the seniors this year were born in 1992 or 1993—but the latest fad is present nonetheless. For example, we take a look at the recent Netflix release of the entirety of the TV sitcom, “Friends,” which has caused a surge in viewership. Matthew Perry, who plays the role of Chandler in the show, said in a...
Arts & Events

Deliciously Odd Food

College is a time to experiment, push yourself and find out what works for you.  Food is no exception. Sometimes it’s even a necessity if you’re looking to eat.  I know that there have been many times when I’ve opened the fridge and thought, “Welp. This sucks,” because I have nothing to eat. Sometimes it’s true; you have a pack of fruit snacks and some ketchup, and there’s really nothing you can do with that. Other times, however, you might just be hoarding the makings of a delicious—though perhaps a...
Opinions

Be aware of gym etiquette

Some people love it, some people hate it. Either way, most people are going to step foot in a gym at some point in their lives. And whether you’re a friend or a foe, there are some standard rules that everyone should abide by in order to make the gym-going experience more enjoyable (or at least tolerable) for everyone involved. We’re at the gym, so please don’t talk to me. I’m just saying. I’m hot. I’m sweaty. I look like shit. Anything that you have to say to me can...
HighlightsOpinions

Communications department must be clearer: communication between students and professors should improve

Communication Studies is a major often chosen by liberal arts students.  For those who don’t know what the major is about, it may seem cushy or just something to do if you don’t really like anything else. I understand where people who think that are coming from: before I started taking the classes I, too, was one of the people who asked “what the hell are you going to do with a Communication Studies degree after you graduate?”  It turns out the major is more than just “communications,” and is...
Opinions

There are better ways to spend your time than on Yik-Yak

If you haven’t heard of it, then you’ve been living under a Puget Sound rock. For those of you who don’t know, Yik Yak is a social media app where people can post their thoughts or musings on an anonymous forum. Sounds pretty cool, right? I agree; it sounds cool. All signs point to it being a great way to commiserate with those around you, as the app operates by proximity. It can potentially celebrate and promote a shared campus identity among students that isn’t always acknowledged. But that’s not...
HighlightsOpinions

Navigating the world of study abroad: applying to go abroad can often be confusing, but for good reason

One of the appeals for many students at this University and other small liberal arts schools is the opportunity to study abroad at some point during their time here. The topic is widely discussed throughout campus as students leave, return and are excited by the prospects of doing so for some portion of their junior or senior year. In the midst of discussion, Puget Sound’s study abroad program seems to generate a lot of frustration among students on campus. And we have heard the comments and even said some ourselves:...
Arts & Events

Gluten- and dairy-free coconut dream bars

Considering the prevalence of food allergies, more and more people are demanding quality sweets that are also allergen-friendly.  As it should be! You deserve quality treats even if you can’t digest some of the common ingredients in sweets. This recipe for Coconut Dream Bars is perfect for people who are gluten- and/or dairy-sensitive. What makes the recipe work is the balance between the topping and the crust.  Since the topping is so sweet, the amount of brown sugar is reduced in the shortbread crust. Making the crust thicker and adding...
HighlightsOnline Exclusives

When and what kind of joke is “too soon”?

They fall under the umbrella of dark comedy and became prominent in the early 2000’s.  Just a few weeks after the September 11th attacks comedian Gilbert Gottfried made an attempt at a 9/11 gag that didn’t go over well with the audience, which caused someone in the crowd to yell “too soon.” Thus the phrase “what, too soon?” has developed into a kind of social constraint that arises when a current event is deemed too sensitive to be the topic of a joke. On paper “what, too soon?” jokes sound...