The Occidental Weekly

The stratospheric rise of Sarah Palin has definitely shaken up the current race. Among other things, it has led to the resurrection of the charge of "inexperience," except for this time, the roles have switched. Now it's the Democrats attacking the bottom of the Republican ticket for not being "experienced" enough (while glossing over the top of theirs). McCain still claims that his "experience" has prepared him for the Pr… Post the First Comment

People resist change. Be it in the forced adoption of a new currency à la the Euro in the European Union or the outmoding of particular technologies, people struggle to move away from that with which they are comfortable. The latest manifestation of this phenomenon has already started to occur as Old Facebook has officially made the transition to New Facebook.… 10 Comments

Starting a conversation with the words "comic book," expecting that someone would honestly engage in a serious conversation with you after is like expecting Ann Coulter to grow a soul - it isn't likely to happen, and you feel a little silly afterward for even thinking that it might. But why is this so? Why are comic books always associated with substance-lacking, super-somethings and nerdy fanboys? Why does no one feel that comic books - graphic novels - could be something more? … 4 Comments

I read a rather interesting book over the summer about advertising and branding called Obsessive Branding Disorder. The book's author, Lucas Conley, discusses how advertising has taken over our lives and how much time is devoted to branding of products, places and even people. One of the more interesting revelations was that American companies are now spending more money on branding and marketing than on researching and developing new products. I also found out that in this century there have been products like Play-Doh cologne, Cheetos lip balm and NASCAR romance novels.… Post the First Comment

The bare, off-white walls of Occidental's first-year residence halls were transformed into vibrant exhibits of student passion last week. The hopes of seven students to attain one of two first-tier positions on the ASOC Senate have inspired the conception of witty campaign slogans, the concoction of chocolate chip cookies and the creation of posters impossible to ignore. But beyond a student's creative ability, what do these abundant campaign displays really tell us about the candidates' potential?… Post the First Comment

Fact: Americans love bottled water. They love it so much that according to the International Bottled Water Association, Americans bought more bottled water than beer or coffee in 2005. That's saying something - especially considering that this February, Los Angeles was judged to have the tastiest tap water in the world. I guess you just can't beat the convenience of being able to take water with you. But why hasn't anyone stopped to consider the environmental consequences of drinking so much bottled water? Don't you realize that plastic will never decompose? Lets examine this matter in a little more detail.… 1 Comment

I was really disappointed with the new renovations for Wylie hall. For the most part, they were not finished when students arrived and they still are not done. What is up with that? I think Wylie residents should get a discount on their rooms.… Post the First Comment

It is the natural habit of any American to trash their backyard beyond recognition. Why should Occidental College be any different? For the past month or so Mount Fiji has been conspicuously covered with rubbish: everything ranging from one-eyed dolls to shoe soles.… Post the First Comment

A brief admonition to the college community: If you are hosting guests from out of town, and you escort your guests, intoxicated, to an off-campus function, then you are responsible for their actions. I refer to an incident this past weekend in which an intoxicated guest ripped a possum down from a tree, slammed its body against the cement and proceeded to stomp it to death.… 1 Comment

In the past week, the pasta bar in the Marketplace has been making my life complete. Penne, spaghetti, chicken, shrimp, peppers, onions, mushrooms, the choices and toppings are endless. The fact that it's cooked on a skillet right before my eyes is just an added bonus.… Post the First Comment

When I acquired my bike, I was simply thrilled. I chose not to get a car this year for several reasons - uncertain plans for the future, high gas and insurance prices and, of course, environmental concerns. I was determined to conquer the city of cars and birthplace of drive-throughs.… Post the First Comment

I was absolutely devastated to discover, not ten minutes prior to writing this letter, a horrible truth concerning our campus. I was informed that the sound of our bell - that beautiful, resonating tone that I so delighted in hearing relate the time - is in fact a fabrication.… 3 Comments

Just dropping in to say that every first-year who didn't join the rugby team made a huge mistake that will undoubtedly make the rest of their college experience miserable. It's so fun. I can't wait to start hitting people and taking names. Seriously though, I'm having a really great time hanging out with the men's and women's squads.… Post the First Comment

I am currently a resident of Wylie Hall on the floor where the men's singles are located. One of the things that have annoyed me during the past few weeks is the total lack of care given to the bathroom. I am friends with most of the students occupying the singles and they share my concerns.… Post the First Comment