By Volante Opinion Editor Heather Fluit

It took me 20 years to learn how to be a mediocre cook. Growing up, I subsisted on a steady diet of Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Old Dutch Dill Pickle chips. Even when I played volleyball or basketball, my eating habits resembled more of a garbage disposal than a healthy, balanced human being.

At USD, I was spoon-fed (well, force-fed if you consider the required costs of on-campus meal plans) mass-produced food. I had zero motivation to drag my meager cooking utensils down to the oft-disgusting common kitchen to make a pot of overcooked spaghetti. I could have just walked to the Commons for that.

However, my very first apartment changed my appreciation of cooking — and, not to mention, made me less apt to think that if I cook, I am giving in to “The Man.” My first kitchen was about the size of a small closet and I shared it with three other people. In fact, I think it might actually have been a closet at one point in time. The doorway, which I’m convinced was designed with short people in mind, was even adorned with an unfortunate looking beaded curtain. It was an apartment in Florence, Italy, where I studied for a semester. I had a mildly functional gas burner, a small dented pot, a lukewarm refrigerator and leftover spices and olive oil from the former tenants.

I was mortified. I was convinced I would either starve from my lack of cooking ability, or rather, my lack of ability to order food in Italian. One of the two was going to do me in.
I started slowly, trying to work with the cards I’d been dealt. Spaghetti with tomato sauce was my first attempt at feeding myself. It was sufficient, though an embarrassing substitution for the authentic Italian cuisine down the street.

As the months wore on and I eventually returned home, I changed. I am not yet a “good” cook. No, not even close. Creative and resourceful,  maybe. But, good? Not by a long shot.

What had changed was my perception of cooking, of caretaking. The ability to bring together family and friends around a table is not about the food, it’s merely the incentive. The power of cooking and a few plates of food was something that was lost on me until I learned that cooking isn’t about eating. It’s not about sustenance. It’s not about being domestic and subservient for the greater good of one’s family.

Cooking can lead to conversation starters, dinners, laughter and relationships. For many, it’s not about domesticity. It’s about learning to appreciate the draw of a home cooked meal.

By Volante blogger Taylor Poro

Halloween is less than a week away, but how can college students have fun during what is decidedly a children’s holiday?  Halloween can still be enjoyable for those whose beards make trick or treating impossible.  The trick is creativity, planning and not caring what people think about you.

First of all, who says that 18, 19, or even 23 is too old to go trick or treating?  It’s free candy and veiled blackmail (unless your tricks are just empty threats) given out by people who obviously don’t understand the concept of bartering.  Trick or treating can still be done as long as candy is more important than dignity.

Try dressing up as a very tall kid.  The costume involves gear from the local high school, pins from whatever is hip and happening with the young people and an external costume so it doesn’t look like the tall kid isn’t wearing a costume.  Shaving is also a must, because nothing says opportunistic college kid like a full beard.  This goes for trick or treaters without Y chromosomes as well.

If that doesn’t work, try trotting out a young sibling as an excuse to go trick or treating.  Kids have to be good for something, right?  Free candy is just about the only reason to have kids or put up with siblings.

For those who don’t want free candy, there are always Halloween pranks.  The purpose here is to find a group of people that deserves to be pranked.  Nothing makes a person seem like a bigger jerk than tormenting an unsuspecting person for no reason.  If you’re going to hassle people, choose those that deserve it.

“Twilight” fans are always a good choice to hassle because it’s actually quite scary. Nothing livens up a boring Halloween more than finding a pile of hate letters and death threats in your mailbox because you claimed “Twilight” fans aren’t smart enough to be considered people.  The fear subsides quickly though considering the letters are written with sparkly glitter ink and each “i” is dotted with a heart.

The campus jerks are also a good target. If eggs are to be thrown (and history shows that they must), target the jerk that holds up the line because he’s on the phone, or the guy that plays loud music in his room at 3 a.m. on a Tuesday.  Never go after the nice guy, karma sucks.

Dressing up is a must for the holiday, but as what?  The pre-packaged costumes from Wal-Mart seem to come in two categories, insulting and slutty.  Maybe I’m getting old, but who wants to see a slutty brick house?  Then there are the “nerd” costumes and “trailer park king costumes.” Maybe it’s not the best idea to make costumes out of a sizable chunk of your consumer base.

Try buying costume supplies from Civic Council which has a much larger supply of items to choose from.  As for costume ideas, too many costumes these days are unoriginal.  Slutty Dorothy, sugar daddy — OK, we get it.  Make a costume that no one could reasonably figure out without being told.  The Doppler Effect, as shown on “Big Bang Theory” or a favorite character from a movie or television show no one has ever heard of.  Being recognizable is for N00Bs.

As for entertainment, there are a variety of options on campus this weekend.  The monster bash, which is being held in Julian Brookman lounge Oct. 30, will have good music, food, prizes and costume contests.  There are also a number of great movies playing.  “Zombieland” will still be in theaters (if not here than Sioux Falls or Sioux City, Iowa) as will “Where the Wild Things Are,” and “Paranormal Activity.”

These are a number of ways to enjoy Halloween as a college student.  These aren’t the only ways though, do whatever seems fun interesting but not felonious.  A funeral might make a good event too and everyone can come to mine after the “Twilight” fans read this and carryout their sparkly terrorism.

By Volante blogger Matthew Hittle

Most students and faculty know my political leanings because I used to write about them. Until they stopped reading my column, that is. Because of that, people often approach me about political issues in the news. And that’s OK. Through the graduate school haze of reading, reading and more reading, I still catch snippets of the news. And hey, I like politics.

But all too often, this political conversation arises at the worst possible place: the bar. I’ll be having a drink with friends and another politically-minded soul greets me with a smile and a well-placed jab about Fox News or some such. I’ll laugh along and return a jab about Keith Olbermann, but that’s normally where I draw the line.
That’s because politics during bar time is dangerous.

Case in point is this past weekend during D-Days. A particularly less-than-sober friend slurred something about Rush Limbaugh not earning the Nobel Peace Prize. I laughed along with him and retorted that neither did President Obama. He grabbed my shirt at the neck (something I’m sure many liberal readers would like to do) and demanded I speak well of the president.

There was no harm done that night, just a slightly torn sweater and free drinks bought for me by an apologetic friend. 

The moral of this story is that, like driving and baking homemade pizza, politics is dangerous when mixed with alcohol.

By Volante blogger Darcy Semmler

It all started with the fuzzy pink diary.
The idea of journaling is a time-tested practice that dates back to Charles Darwin, Christopher Columbus and more. In more recent years, though, it entailed a little notebook with the funky ink pens that girls were hooked on writing down every little event that happened in their lives. From the macaroni and cheese they had at lunch to playing with their friends at a sleepover, these essential events were written down so we’d never forget them.
As time went on and the Internet thrived, journaling took on a whole new life.
Blogging has become the new wave of journaling that spans generations and genders. Web sites such as Blogger.com and Vox.com have created a new outlet for those who want to vent, criticize, rejoice or journal about current events and their personal lives. Even KELO-TV and The Volante have blogs at the staff members’ disposal as a way to reach out to the community and discuss the everyday news happening around us.
Now with YouTube bursting in popularity on the Web, video blogging has also emerged as another outlook. People can share videos with others around the world. And some have taken on the challenge of creating a daily video blog as a way to document their everyday activities. Look up YouTube aliases such as ShayCarl or CharlesTrippy, and you’ll find second channels dedicated to their own daily video blogs — just check out a couple of their videos, and you’ll get an idea of what the video blog is all about.
Some people wonder about the point of video blogs, especially if they’re day-to-day. Whether it’s a privacy issue or an entertainment issue, some question if it’s really worth the effort to record and edit all of your personal events for the world to see. Wouldn’t they grow tedious after a few weeks, or just plain grow boring? Do we really have nothing else better to do than to waste five or 10 minutes of our day watching clips of what they did?
Well, we manage to waste our day away watching much worse on YouTube. Many comedy videos are a stretch … there are only so many videos that one can handle before the crude humor becomes overdone and is in bad taste. When someone gives us a peek into their normal lives through video blogs, it suddenly shows us what the American life and culture is about. Even though we live it every day, sometimes people need to take a step backward to see it from a different perspective to really appreciate life. It also shows us who these comedians are as a real person, separate from the written script — that’s when we can appreciate their skits all the more.
Plus, it is a person’s prerogative as to whether they share these videos with the public or not. In a way, the public gives these daily videos a purpose. It’s easy to record important or unique moments in our lives, but it’s also easy to put the camera away and forget about it for weeks on end. These videos remind us to capture the little things in life, along with the big moments.
I admit, I do have my own Blogspot Web site, along with many of my classmates. I also know of a group of friends who set up their own YouTube channel so that they can keep in touch and report on the goings on of their college lives. These versions of journaling have become a way to not only record the little moments, but to share what is going on with friends. It’s amazing how a girl’s fad can grow into something so much larger.

By Volante Blogger Darcy Semmler

Recently, I had one of the greatest highlights of my short time here at USD when I was given the opportunity to shadow Sheri Levisay and Lloyd Cunningham of the Argus Leader. I never thought opportunities like these would present themselves so early in college, especially in my freshman year.

In typical teenage fashion, the best way I can describe it is: absolutely awesome.

For once, I was able to ask any and all questions pertaining to the newspaper and what they did best. From other stories that Sheri’s written to her experiences as a copy editor, she was kind enough to give me the honest truth of what it’s like to write for a large newspaper. Lloyd had plenty of stories to tell, which were just as fascinating. As a photographer for my high school yearbook, I was really missing out on the fun of photojournalism. But one thing was clear: they love what they do, and that speaks volumes.

Not only did I have the chance to talk with seasoned reporters, but I was able to watch Sheri as she worked, interviewing and chatting with the Freedom Forum’s Executive Director, Jack Marsh. It’s one thing to go out in the field as a high school student and try to interview, but to see a reporter with experience sparking a conversation with the interviewee really gave me an understanding of how reporting works. I could see where I’ve done right in the past, but also where I can definitely loosen up in later interviews.

In addition to shadowing, we were all looking forward to opening the case containing the Magna Carta, circa 1350. The “Words that Changed History” exhibit is being featured in the Al Neuharth Media Center right now. It is a world-class collection of rare books and manuscripts that Jack Marsh allowed us to touch and examine. There are just some perks to being a reporter that must be taken advantage of when we can, right? However, as they propped up the glass case and pulled out the Magna Carta, Sheri pointed at me and said, “Why don’t we let Darcy hold it?”

Really? I was left speechless. I was thrilled just to have a chance to watch them in action (let alone meeting these two in person), but to touch the Magna Carta? I highly doubt job shadowing in high school would have resulted in something this amazing.

For the duration of my Monday, I had one phrase running through my head: I got to touch the freaking Magna Carta!

I cannot thank Sheri and Lloyd enough for allowing me to follow them around as they worked. They’ve given me an experience I’ll never forget, and I learned an immense amount in such a short amount of time.

By Volante Blogger Frederick Adams

Aw man, slept in at twelve o’clock, what was I thinking? Well better get dressed for my wonderful day. I should check my Gmail. Gmail, I love that word because I am awesome. Well look at that, I have some e-mail. The VMAs are today? I certainly hope my girl, Be, will win “Best Female Video.” Hopefully today I will use my awesome mind skills to actually speak correctly. No one apprehends words that come out of my mouth. They are not the words that I am actually thinking.
I should find something nice to wear. Oh like this cardigan sweater, hopefully the mothballs didn’t stink it up too much. Are you kidding me? My pink and orange sweater became a pink and orange baby shirt?! I can’t wear this tonight for the VMAs I need to find something else. Well I have this black button down with jeans, it really brings out my photographic brown eyes. Everything else is at the cleaners in Denmark.
Well I am at the VMAs. I surmised to wear glasses because the lights on stage hurt my corneas. I sure hope “Be” wins. It would be mortifying for her if she didn’t. Why would you let a country singer win at a music award show? It just doesn’t make sense.
Okay, it’s time for Beyoncé to win this award, I know she has this in the bag. No one has a chance except for my girl. The tension for her to win is making my stomach hurt. The winner is, please be Beyoncé, please be “Be”, come on ex- Destiny… TAYLOR SWIFT!!! Wait, what are you doing body. Don’t go up there. Calm yourself. Sit back in that chair. Just look like you are going to make an important call. Why are you getting on that stage! Why are you going up to Taylor! Why are you taking that microphone out of her hand?! What are you saying?!
“Yo Taylor, I’m really happy for ya. I’ll let you finish. But Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all times.”

You idiot, what are you doing! This is going to ruin our reputation!

“One of the best video’s of all time!”

That’s it. I am not giving you anymore advice. You are a ridiculous human being. Don’t even try and think because your conscious is out of here.

Lydia, in her comment, essentially states that the fact that the World Health Organization says smoking’s bad is a reason to ban it in private businesses:

People can still smoke, they just have to smoke outside of bars now. Given that second hand smoke is such dangerous stuff (once again, death, disease, and disability), I think its more than fair.

That frankly, doesn’t matter.

Lydia might think she knows what’s best for business owners, but she doesn’t. In fact, she has absolutely no legs to stand on in this regard. You see, if we were talking about public places- like government buildings- Lydia would have a good argument. Anyone has the right to enter a public building. Therefore, it should be as safe and welcoming as possible.

But we’re not dealing with public places. We’re dealing with private places. Private businesses are like private homes- and owners of private businesses should be able to do what they wish on their private property, just like in homes.

——————–

Next, Lydia attacks my statement about racial issues having been resolved:

And Mr. Hittle, as far as “having dealt with” racism and segregation: there was a hate crime committed in our glorious state last week: http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2009/03/19/news/top/doc49c2bccc5f6f2850863364.txt This is sad witness to the fact that racism is still very much alive in South Dakota. You are very much incorrect to surmise that this issue has been dealt with.

Unfortunately, Lydia is wrong here, too. We’ve had laws on the books for quite awhile dealing with segregation and discrimination with regard to entering businesses. By “dealt with,” I meant that it was an issue that is not comparable to the smoking ban; and is largely remedied due to laws that are in place. Just because something that is against the law still occurs does not mean that the issue itself has not been “dealt with.” Being “dealt with” does not imply success; it merely implies that SOMETHING has been done to fix it.

How are you enjoying the new Muenster University Center? By the looks of things, you are enjoying it quite nicely. In fact, it warms the cockles of my heart to see the student body take to the building and make it theirs.

But, this does not mean that you are permitted to wildly ransack the joint, tossing the new chairs and couches hither and tither. It’s terrific that there is now a comfortable and amenable atmosphere for students to meet, converse and interact. But, put things back when you are done. The building is for all of us. Many of you are tree hugging hippies who preach daily that we should leave the earth in the same shape that we found it… this philosophy should extend to the MUC — put the comfy chairs back.

Also, the MUC being a public space, you should be considerate of those around you. Maybe that conversation about your contraction of herpes should be left to your dorm room, car, tree limb or other private space. I’m just saying.

Roomm4t3 thr3w m3 out of t3h dorms. Said I had to “get a life” and that I “shouldn’t waste valentines day playing wii sports in my underwear.” Bar3ly got out with my bl4ckb3rry. I’ve posted a poll on my Facebook and Myspace pages to see if you agree with him.

11:32

Going to go to the local Frats d4nce. At least they have fr33 b33r. L33t

11:40

Stupid GPS lied about where the Frat was, but I found it. Turns out it was right in front of our dorm whoops lol :S.

11:50

Oh my god this party sux!!! It’s too dark, the music is terrible, the b33r is cheap though it is b33r, and… holy crap, girls kissing! XD

11:59

Dropped my bl4ckb3rry, :S but it’s fine. I paid the extra $200 for the indestructible L33t version . What was I talking about? Let me recheck the posts.

12:01

Yeah, the party sux. I’m going to stuff a few b33rs in my pocket and head to mc… cute girl alert!!!! :3 She’s just dancing by herself towards the corner. Should I go over th3r3? 3v3ry time I talk to girls that act m3g4 3vil, but she’s sooo cute XD. Post on my page and I’ll follow the advice of the fifth poster.

12:13

Chickwilliams2321 says “Ball up man, and get yo ass over there.” alrighty then here I go.

12:15 okay NOW here I go.

12:20 we danced :D:D:D:D! Not very w3ll, and only for a few minutes b4 she told me to stop, but we danced! She has a bl4ckb3rry too and friended me on facebook. I’m going to send her a superpoke.

12:23 okay, I’m totally not sure what to use here. Is the kiss too forward? What about a bitchslap? For irony? Hug? Is that too wishy-washy? I’ve put a poll on my myspace account with a list of options. I’ll go dance with her some more, and in about 15 minutes I’ll check the poll and do whichever one wins.

12:45 I sp3nt the l4st 20 mins texting her, she is 4we5ome:D. I just checked the facebook poll and you guys voted on a bitchslap superpoke.

12:46 just sent it.

12:47 she’s checking her facebook… now she’s typing something.

12:48 got an e-mail. facebook says she sent me a superpoke.

12:49. Wow, I didn’t know they made a superpoke for that .

12:50 okay how hot is she? Seriously, how hot is she? I t00k a pic and am uploading it on my profile. Tell me how hot you think she is in my “how hawt is she?” poll.

12:53 5he’s coming up to m3, and she looks frisky

12:55 she saw the “how hawt is she?” poll and kcked m3 in t3h nutz. …lsinmg consioudsness. cant tipe. p4in…

Today I’m eating poo, tomorrow I’m swimming in it.

Welcome to just two of my most recent Facebook statuses, courtesy of my own stupidity — and juvenile Volante coworkers. Working in an office such as The Volante has it’s privileges, but when one is distracted in his job and accidentally leaves his Facebook open, the benefits disappear quickly.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a man and therefore I love to take advantage of my fellow man’s stupidity. But when it happens to you, it looses some of its appeal.

Here’s the rub, however. The first time you leave the Facebook open and your profile pic becomes that of a portrait of Eric Estrada wrapped in a gay pride flag, you chuckle at the creativity and speed to search Google for such goodness. But the second time around one would think that all the fun was had and the good natured journalist gentlemen that we are would simply logout of Facebook for ya.

But noooo. Another poop status. Thanks.

Moral of the story kids: stop using Facebook. Period. Get off. It rots your brain and turns you into a creepy stalker. Return to real life. Wait, real life sucks. Keep the Facebook, just remember to log out. Remember though, your mom could be one of your friends. Explaining the drinking photos is one thing, what you may or may not be doing with that donkey, is entirely another.