Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Study Abroad Decreases in Popularity for First Time in 25 Years

By Morgan Jerkins '14

Upon arriving at Princeton, you may feel overwhelmed by all the opportunities and resources offered. Among these are a plethora of study and intern abroad options, from semesters at Oxford to internships with the Supreme Council of Antiquities. Judging from the “Student Voices” link on the Office of International Programs (OIP) website, the programs are highly reputed. Unfortunately for the rest of America, however, the interest is non-existent.

Read More...

Monday, November 29, 2010

Dear Santa...Love, Princeton

By Kelsey Zimmerman '13

The holiday commercials seem to have started exceptionally early this year. Days before Thanksgiving, cars tied in giant red bows and Santas graced the commercials on primteime television. Several radio stations started playing Christmas songs the day before Thanksgiving. Of course, it would be remiss to mention Starbucks, as it’s been all holida-fied since the beginning of November.

All these reoccurring reminders of the holidays started me thinking about the gifts I’m purchasing for family and friends in the next couple of weeks. Then I started wondering-if Princeton could have wish list for what it wants for the holidays, what would be on it? It might go something like this…

Read More...

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Giving Thanks in the Stacks

I won't lie, senior Adam Bradlow's blog post made me nervous. As I edited his convincing plea for more graduation tickets, I realized I had no such concern, despite my large family. Why? Thesis. The inhibitor suppressing my view of my future self on the podium, shaking some hands, tripping over a long gown.

My thesis has been a nebulous noun at best for far too long. F

Read More...

Needy for Graduation Tickets

By Adam Bradlow '11

Recently it dawned on me that one day, I might actually graduate—and should probably start making arrangements for graduation ceremonies. I assumed that Princeton—the family-friendly University that it is—would supply more than enough tickets for all my family members. Wrong. For Commencement Day, the ‘actual’ graduation ceremony, each senior gets a total of five tickets—which spells trouble for those of us who are fortunate enough to have a number of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins who would like to attend.

Read More...

Monday, November 22, 2010

Black Squirrels, an Alumni Gift


By Monica Greco '13

There are several legends associated with our black squirrels here on campus. One credits their existence to a squirrel lab break, so to speak, and another to an experiment gone awry. Skeptics point out that black squirrels aren’t all that uncommon to begin with. There’s truth in this. I’ve seen black squirrels in New York too, though only in certain parks. (And no, I did not mistake rats for squirrels, take my word for it.)

However, the explanation that I’d prefer to believe is as follows: black squirrels were introduced into the Princeton “environment” as a gift from the esteemed and incredibly generous alumnus, Moses Taylor Pyne.

Read More...

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Harry Potter 7 Part 1. Emma Watson Has Grown Up Well

By Claudia Park '13

I arrived at the Hamilton AMC theater with a couple friends at 11:20 p.m. While impatiently waiting for midnight, we bummed around in the main lobby to admire the eclectic mélange of Harry Potter fans loitering around the room. Truly, the creativity die-hard HP fans employed for the making of their costumes was impressive (they certainly put my measly Gryffindor shirt to shame). We decided to bestow the award of best dressed to a group of high school students proudly lugging around their necks large intricately decorated cardboard boxes in the guise of a Floo Powder Network. Genius.

Read More...

USG Senate candidate touts PCP agenda, walks back statement

By Lauren Zumbach '13

In an e-mail to the Princeton Committee on Palestine Listserv, Dylan Ackerman ’14, a candidate for USG class senator, promoted his candidacy as an opportunity to advance the organization’s agenda, a talking point he did not mention in his official campaign materials. Ackerman wrote that his candidacy is “a great opportunity for us as a club, to keep such issues on the table even if the petition/referendum process fails," referring to the PCP-organized referendum calling for Dining Services to provide an alternative to Sabra Hummus. The referendum will appear on the same ballot as the Senate elections.

Upon learning that his e-mail had circulated outside PCP, Ackerman sent an e-mail to The Daily Princetonian seeking to clarify words that he says were misconstrued. Ackerman said he wanted to explain to PCP members that he wasn’t helping with the petition process because he was too busy with his own campaign. He said he would not bring up pro-Palestinian or other political issues in the Senate, but wanted to clarify his position if further action on a failed boycott were to come up.

Below are parts of both e-mails:


Nov. 15 e-mail to PCP Listserv:

"Unfortunately I have not met most of you, as most of our business with PCP is done via e-mail, but I am running to be the Freshmen Class (2014) Senator. I consider this a great opportunity for us as a club, to keep such issues on the table even if the petition/referendum process fails. If you're a freshmen, I hope that you will vote for me, and I hope everyone else can spread the word about my candidacy to other people that they know around campus. I feel I have some very good ideas that I can bring to USG, both involving the work PCP has been doing and elsewhere."

Nov. 19 e-mail to The Daily Princetonian:

"It has been brought to my attention that an e-mail I sent to a campus organization I am involved with, the Princeton Committee on Palestine, has been forward to your office and others on campus, and has caused a fair amount of controversy. I ask that before you write about anything said in it, that you will be willing to hear my side of the story as I attempt to clarify some of my words that I feel were misconstrued.

First, I would like to clarify the intent of my e-mail. PCP operates mostly through online communication, and I do not know the vast majority of its members. My e-mail was intended to alert people likely to vote for me of my candidacy. I understand that some of my words can be misinterpreted as to assume that I would further push a failed Sabra boycott in the Senate. This was not my attention and is in no way what I intend to do if elected. First, I wanted to explain to the other members of PCP why I was not helping with the petition process, as I was simply too busy with my own campaign. Secondly, I wanted the other members of PCP to understand that in light of such an issue coming to the Senate, what opinion I would hold. I do not, however, have any attention of bring such issues to USG discussions.

Secondly, my support of the petition was not in order to boycott Israel. I am one of several members who advocated changing the wording of the petition from a boycott to the desire for an alternative brand. I do not oppose the nation of Israel. I simply feel that many people have overlooked human rights abuses carried out by one particular brigade. My principle reason in supporting the petition was to raise awareness about human rights abuses, educate the students about the situation in Israel, and help foster a discussion on campus about that situation.

Third, I am not running for USG Senate as any sort of political candidate. My USG platform and my reasons for running only concern matters on the Princeton campus and the immediate surrounding area. USG’s purpose is to represent the students; I believe completely that it should never be used as a vehicle for outside political movements. As mentioned above, I have no intention of bringing up Pro-Palestinian issues, or any other political issues if elected.

Lastly, I do not agree that my association with any on campus organization can or does demonstrate how I will operate if elected Senator. Other candidates running are members of Tigers for Israel, Campus Democrats, Princeton Faith and Action, and other organizations that could potentially endorse USG petitions as well. Simply being a member of such an organization does not mean that you support all of there actions now in the past."

Friday, November 19, 2010

Jaguar vs. Anaconda, a Deadly Fight, a Princeton Metaphor?



As Princeton students, we face many challenges, most in the form of exotic wild predators. If you haven't run over an anaconda on your bike at least once on your way to class, I don't know how you do it. However, rather than complain about this wild snake infestation, we should take a leaf out of this jaguar's book and grab the anaconda by the throat. Also, if we start to view all of our problems in serpentine form, they become manageable. As felines, this is how we should handle everything, from vicious problem sets to preceptors who are under the impression that precept lasts an hour rather than 50 minutes.


-The Blogstress

ps- Note how the anaconda drags the jaguar into the water to give itself the terrain advantage. The jaguar eventually manages to pull the anaconda back onto land. An important lesson can be learned from this. Never let a problem set lead you into water. Even if it drags you there at first, insist on finishing it on the shore.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Meg Whitman '77 Settles Suit with Former Housekeeper

By Jenna McCarthy '13

Meg Whitman ’77, who was defeated this month in the California governor’s race, paid $5,500 on Wednesday to settle a claim brought by her former housekeeper, Nicandra Diaz Santillan, according to the New York Times. Santillan was employed by Whitman for nine years and was fired in 2009 after Whitman discovered that she was in the country illegally.

Read More...

We Demand a Remodel!

By Morgan Jerkins '14

On this week’s episode of American’s Next Top Model, stoic Jane Randall ’12, one of the final four contestants, was determined to show her human side. Her goal was put to the test when Miss Jay sent the remaining contestants to Barbara Terrinoni, an acting coach. Now why, do you ask, should aspiring models learn how to act? Well, apparently, a model’s life is one big stage, aside from runways and platforms. A model has to adopt a persona and sharpen their personality skills in to land the big gigs. After this workshop, these ladies arrive at Vogue Italia headquarters to meet the magazine’s legendary editor-in-chief, Franca Sozzani.

Read More...

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Being Green, Being Mean. My Foray into the Sustainability Fair


The journal “Psychological Science” published an article last year linking being green to being mean. The authors argue that wearing a “halo of green consumerism” makes one more likely to treat others with unkindness as well as to cheat and steal.


Since I believe everything I read, it wasn’t with a bounce in my step that I approached the Sustainability Fair today. The last thing I wanted was to be accosted by a Chancellor Green full of people telling me I wasn’t sustainable and trying to steal my umbrella. But I really wanted to win a trash sculpture, so I donned my camo and went.

Read More...

Monday, November 15, 2010

Whitman College, A Hotbed of Killers

By Monica Greco '13

Unease is creeping through Whitman’s halls. You’ll find it in the dining hall, in the courtyard, and even hiding in the bathroom, as a roommate of mine discovered recently.

Maybe this unease isn’t as apparent to our visitors. Maybe you upper campus folk are unaware altogether-- but it is assassins season in Whitman, and this fact is hardly inconspicuous.

Read More...

Penn IFC President Resigns after his Arrest at Penn-Princeton Football Game

By Claudia Park '13

On Saturday, Nov. 6, Interfraternity Council (IFC) president and current Penn Wharton senior Christian Lunoe was arrested at the Princeton-Penn football game. On Nov. 10, Lunoe resigned as IFC president.

Read More...

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Confessions of a Disaffected Young Democrat

By Adam Bradlow '11

I was raised in an intensely Democratic household—so much so that my mom once threatened to disown me if I tried to bring a Republican girl home for dinner. In high school, I volunteered for the Kerry campaign as well as campaigns for Democratic candidates for local and state elections. And, for winter break three years ago, two friends and I flew to Des Moines to knock on doors in freezing temperatures for then-Senator Barack Obama. I didn’t even think he was going to win—just three days before the Iowa Caucuses, I told my friend that the campaign was destined for failure. What kept us going us going in that crazy week leading up to Obama’s first big victory was caffeine, camaraderie and faith in the man himself. When he said that he was going to bring change to America, we believed him. January 3rd—the night that he won the victory that set him on a trajectory towards the White House—is probably the best day in my short political life.

Read More...

Friday, November 12, 2010

Obscure Building Series: Stanhope Hall


By Jilly Chen '13

Quick, which is Stanhope Hall and which is Nassau Hall?

Many students would probably have difficulty correctly distinguishing the two, but this obscure building deserves some recognition. (By the way, Nassau is pictured on the left and Stanhope on the right.)

Built in 1803 and resembling the offspring of the more infamous Nassau Hall, Stanhope Hall currently houses the Center for African American Studies. Its humble appearance reveals a rich history and a variety of uses.

Read More...

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Send the President a CoalBama CoalGram for Christmas

By Jenna McCarthy '13

Getting a lump of coal for Christmas is no longer just a joke – a Chicago-based company has made it possible for anyone to order online and send a “holiday packaged coal gift” personalized with your own message.

CoalGram.com provides coal-based gag gifts and donates 15% of each sale to charity, so everyone can feel better about themselves by giving coal!

Read More...

Tears Save Jane, Who Is Top 4 on ANTM

By Morgan Jerkins '14

During this week’s episode of “America’s Next Top Model," the five remaining contestants, one of whom is junior Jane Randall, did not have to strut down the usual runway but rather through the streets of Milan. And by strutting, I mean walking quickly yet stylishly. For the first assignment, the contestants had to make four appointments at different fashion houses---with one of them being the iconic Versace—and report back to the modeling agency by 6:30 pm or risk disqualification.

Read More...

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Hey Undergraduate Admission, Profile Me!!! Pick Me!!!

Have any of you seen those Student Profiles on the Undergraduate Admission site? I know I stalk the hell out of them with an envious right clicker finger. Every year I write to Undergraduate Admission, begging them to profile me on their site. Why, you may ask? Aside from the narcissistic pleasure I would reap from seeing a gorgeous photo of myself plastered on the web, I also know I would contribute a vital element of diversity to the student group profiled.

Read More...

Four Loko, a History

By Morgan Jerkins '14

Have you noticed absurdly brightly-colored cans at your average room parties? I know Four Loko is somewhat old news, but the drinks are becoming such a movement that a bit of their history is in order. In 2005, three students at The Ohio State University created a beverage after noticing that other college students were mixing drinks containing alcohol and caffeine together. The trio then formed a company called Phusion Projects and started to sell this 23.5-ounce malt beverage product, Four Loko. Since its birth, Four Loko has swept the nation, spawning Facebook groups with names like “All I remember was touching the 4 Loko can” and nicknames such as “Blackout-in-a-can.” Despite this comedic surface, there is a deeper, and much deadlier, significance to this concoction.

Read More...

Monday, November 8, 2010

Harvard Diversifies Portrait Collection because it's Too White and Male

Harvard is taking diversity to a whole new dimension. That is, 2D. If you are a white, male portrait, you better do some Harry Potter style frame shifting and make room for more minority and female faces. The Boston Globe reported that Harvard has been engaged in a project to diversify the subjects of the many oil portraits that hang in libraries and other areas of campus. A 2002 inventory found that 690 of the 750 such portraits were of white men. Only two were of minority individuals, and the rest were white women--generally the wives of presidents, members of benefactors' families, or Radcliffe College professors.

Read More...

Sunday, November 7, 2010

E-Quad Produces the Big Earners

By Jilly Chen '13

A recent study conducted by The Wall Street Journal found that undergraduates with engineering degrees earn higher starting salaries compared to some of their liberal-arts counterparts.

Starting salaries for our E-quad friends averaged $56,000 while communications and English majors averaged $34,000. Even economics majors, those with the highest paying liberal-arts degree, earned $14,000 less on average compared to starting engineers. This data was collected over ten years, through surveys administered by Payscale.com, as part of The Wall Street Journal Paths to Professions project.


Read More...

Friday, November 5, 2010

A few fun videos

View some of the videos made by 'Prince' staff members in a digital media boot camp over fall break:


"Josue LaJeunesse on Haiti"
By Lisa Han:

"Save the Dinky!"
By Patience Haggin:

"Princeton's Cogeneration Plant Powers Campus"
By Tasnim Shamma:

"Princeton's Local Businesses"
By Pritha Dasgupta:


The class was
led by former professor and executive director of the UChannel for the Woodrow Wilson School Donna Liu. She is also the founder of AllPrinceton.com.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Not Just a Dream, Thanks to the Dale Awards

By Haley White '12

The University recently hosted a reception for the winners of the 2010 Martin A. Dale Summer Awards and for the 2009-2010 Dale Fellow. The Dale funds students to work on projects that they have always dreamed of pursuing. The Summer Award winners were rising juniors who spent the past summer doing everything from learning hula in Hawaii to traveling to London to research Jack the Ripper. The 2009-2010 Dale Fellow, Christopher Simpson '09, returned to South Kingston, RI, his hometown, after graduation and spent the past year developing a community theater company.

Read More...

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Polarization

By Charlie Metzger '12

The Madison Program recently sponsored a public lecture by James Q. Wilson, Professor at Boston College and arguably America’s greatest living political scientist, on the topic of political polarization in America. I went for a couple of reasons: Professor Wilson is a really big deal, polarization really interests me (shameless plug: Whig-Clio is holding a screening of the award-winning documentary “Split: A Divided America” the week we get back from Fall Break), and—this one was really important—Professor Wilson co-wrote the textbook my American Government class used during my sophomore year of high school. Two parts of the lecture particularly interested me:

Read More...

Mad Woman

By Sophia LeMaire '11


The other day, I was talking to a friend about the latest episode of Mad Men. Besides pining for the wiggle skirts, we agreed that it was a good thing that times have changed since then. Despite the fact that the rights of women and minorities have come a very long way since the ’60s, in the middle of looking for jobs and applying to graduate and professional programs, there’s something appealing about a world in which I am not expected to be ambitious.
“I don’t think I would mind if women were still mostly housewives and secretaries,” I said.

Read More...

Harvard Humor

By Brian Lipshutz '12

What could possibly be a better way to relax over Fall Break than some jokes about marginal tax rates? No really, I promise it’s funny (and it involves Stephen Colbert).

In case you’re not a regular reader of “Greg Mankiw’s Blog,” which I highly recommend, here’s a bit of background. Mankiw is a Harvard economics professor and former chairman of President George W. Bush’s Council of Economic Advisors. He is also the same Mankiw who wrote the textbook used by Princeton ECO 100 classes.

Read More...