Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Is the World Ending?
We've all heard the rumors by now that according to the Mayan calendar, the world is set to end on December 21st of this year.
But before you break out "4 Minutes" by Justin Timberlake and Madonna at 11:56PM on the 20th, it is important that all of you who are superstitious understand the facts behind the stories.
Slate writer Phil Plait is eager to debunk the doomsday theories. According to the writer, while on a shopping trip to Walgreen's, he came across a magazine ominously titled "Apocalyptic Prophecies." While thumbing through it, Plait found accounts of people defending the end-of-the-world theories and stirring up more fear.
The cherry on top of his investigation of the publication, however, was his discovery on the front cover under the bar code.
Plait aptly ends his article saying, "It kinds make you wonder how seriously the publisher takes all this, doesn't it? I never knew expiration dates themselves had expiration dates past their own expiration date."
But if a publisher's silly mistake isn't enough to convince you that doomsday is merely a sensationalist theory without an ounce of truth behind it, Plait would like to direct your attention to 2012hoax.org.
The website complies factual evidence and devastating stories of what has already happened as a result of the over-the-top hype and what will continue to happen until people understand there is no truth behind the theory.
First of all, the Mayans used two different calendars. One had 365 days and another had 280 days. The information gets particularly complicated here, but it is important to understand that the Mayans never factored leap years into the equation, so technically their version of December 21, 2012 has come and gone without anyone taking notice. According to 2012 hoax's website, the Mayan calendar had an error of about 1 day every 4 years.
If you need more proof that we will all live to see December 22nd - or if you're looking for ways to put your superstitious friends at ease, I encourage you to check their website
Slate writer Phil Plait is eager to debunk the doomsday theories. According to the writer, while on a shopping trip to Walgreen's, he came across a magazine ominously titled "Apocalyptic Prophecies." While thumbing through it, Plait found accounts of people defending the end-of-the-world theories and stirring up more fear.
The cherry on top of his investigation of the publication, however, was his discovery on the front cover under the bar code.
 |
| Image Courtesy of Phil Plait |
But if a publisher's silly mistake isn't enough to convince you that doomsday is merely a sensationalist theory without an ounce of truth behind it, Plait would like to direct your attention to 2012hoax.org.
The website complies factual evidence and devastating stories of what has already happened as a result of the over-the-top hype and what will continue to happen until people understand there is no truth behind the theory.
First of all, the Mayans used two different calendars. One had 365 days and another had 280 days. The information gets particularly complicated here, but it is important to understand that the Mayans never factored leap years into the equation, so technically their version of December 21, 2012 has come and gone without anyone taking notice. According to 2012 hoax's website, the Mayan calendar had an error of about 1 day every 4 years.
If you need more proof that we will all live to see December 22nd - or if you're looking for ways to put your superstitious friends at ease, I encourage you to check their website
Monday, November 12, 2012
Project Delta Glam Raises Funds and Awareness
On November 5, the sisters of the Zeta Zeta chapter of Delta Gamma presented their annual Project Delta Glam, a benefit fashion show and concert that raises money for their philanthropy, Service for Sight.
The audience was in for a night of high fashion, beautiful models, and excellent performers in Boston University’s Metcalf Ballroom. When the doors opened at 7 p.m., dozens of DGs dressed head to toe in black with the exception of a gold masquerade style mask greeted the immense crowd.
In order to incorporate their philanthropy into their event, Vice President of Foundation, Jenna Hamburger and Director of Foundation Events, Zahra Karimi decided on a masquerade theme, using the tagline “mask yourself for a night.”
“The main way that we wanted to make this PDG stand out was by letting everyone know what Service for Sight is and why it is so important to us,” Hamburger said. “We chose the theme in order to center the focus of the night around eyes and make the audience aware of how hard it would be if you were unable to see or had limited sight. We also tried to inform the audience by showing videos with information about the cause and how we contribute.”
Incorporated in 1951, Service for Sight was founded to raise money and awareness for the blind and visually impaired. The creation of Service for Sight made Delta Gamma the first sorority to begin its own foundation. Since the foundation’s incorporation, Delta Gamma has founded four schools for blind children and has raised more than $3.15 million for the cause. Last year, the Zeta Zeta chapter raised over $1500 for Service for Sight at Project Delta Glam 2011.
Various Greek organizations showed their support for Delta Gamma by purchasing tables and rows for their members. Project Delta Glam commanded a full house the night of the event, leaving no open seats in sight.
Delta Gamma invited members from BU’s student organizations to model in the show. Each model was assigned a particular brand or clothing store and modeled a casual and dressy look from each. Twenty-eight models from 15 different organizations participated.
A number of local Boston retailers including LF, Crush Boutique, Johnny Cupcakes, Habit, and a Delta Gamma sister’s own, Caster Collection showed their support for the cause by donating and lending clothes and accessories to the show.
Delta Gamma sisters Jane Merrifield and Selin Thomas represented their chapter on the runway in clothes from Newbury Street’s Crush Boutique. The models said they enjoyed their experience and were proud to support the cause.
“Project Delta Glam is an amazing fundraising event,” Thomas said. “All of the funds go directly to Service for Sight. Obviously it’s a great cause, but it’s also tons of fun.”
In 2007, Chelsea Alexander, a sister in the Zeta Zeta chapter started Project Delta Glam, leaving a legacy unique to Boston University's DGs that has since spread to chapters nationwide.
Delta Gamma seniors Dana Moore and Julie Jackson opened the show with a video by TOMS explaining the new eyewear one for one program, which with every eyewear purchase “gives sight to one in need.” Last year, Delta Gamma Executive Offices partnered with TOMS to raise awareness for Service for Sight and stimulate eyewear sales. Chapters across the country held trunk shows to encourage sales and further support their philanthropy.
In addition to the fashion show, Hamburger and Karimi arranged intermittent musical and dance performances.
DJ Luke Da Duke created the pace for the show, using popular music to liven the crowd throughout the event. Luke Da Duke performed at the Middle East in Cambridge a few nights prior to PDG.
BU a cappella group Terpsichore opened the show with a three-song set, featuring Delta Gamma sister Andrea Vijay as a soloist. BU Dheem, a classical Indian dance troupe, also featuring a Delta Gamma sister, Aisha Rawji performed next, bringing a unique cultural essence to the show. Finally, Cambridge rapper and BU student J. Lye excited the crowd with a short set. He was joined on stage by up and comer Ashley Sophia for a duet at the end of his performance.
The members of Delta Gamma were pleased with the turnout and procedures of the event. They stood on the edges of the ballroom cheering and dancing throughout the night.
“We were so happy with how it turned out and glad to say that this was yet another successful PDG,” Hamburger said.
The audience was in for a night of high fashion, beautiful models, and excellent performers in Boston University’s Metcalf Ballroom. When the doors opened at 7 p.m., dozens of DGs dressed head to toe in black with the exception of a gold masquerade style mask greeted the immense crowd.
In order to incorporate their philanthropy into their event, Vice President of Foundation, Jenna Hamburger and Director of Foundation Events, Zahra Karimi decided on a masquerade theme, using the tagline “mask yourself for a night.”
“The main way that we wanted to make this PDG stand out was by letting everyone know what Service for Sight is and why it is so important to us,” Hamburger said. “We chose the theme in order to center the focus of the night around eyes and make the audience aware of how hard it would be if you were unable to see or had limited sight. We also tried to inform the audience by showing videos with information about the cause and how we contribute.”
Incorporated in 1951, Service for Sight was founded to raise money and awareness for the blind and visually impaired. The creation of Service for Sight made Delta Gamma the first sorority to begin its own foundation. Since the foundation’s incorporation, Delta Gamma has founded four schools for blind children and has raised more than $3.15 million for the cause. Last year, the Zeta Zeta chapter raised over $1500 for Service for Sight at Project Delta Glam 2011.
Various Greek organizations showed their support for Delta Gamma by purchasing tables and rows for their members. Project Delta Glam commanded a full house the night of the event, leaving no open seats in sight.
Delta Gamma invited members from BU’s student organizations to model in the show. Each model was assigned a particular brand or clothing store and modeled a casual and dressy look from each. Twenty-eight models from 15 different organizations participated.
A number of local Boston retailers including LF, Crush Boutique, Johnny Cupcakes, Habit, and a Delta Gamma sister’s own, Caster Collection showed their support for the cause by donating and lending clothes and accessories to the show.
Delta Gamma sisters Jane Merrifield and Selin Thomas represented their chapter on the runway in clothes from Newbury Street’s Crush Boutique. The models said they enjoyed their experience and were proud to support the cause.
“Project Delta Glam is an amazing fundraising event,” Thomas said. “All of the funds go directly to Service for Sight. Obviously it’s a great cause, but it’s also tons of fun.”
In 2007, Chelsea Alexander, a sister in the Zeta Zeta chapter started Project Delta Glam, leaving a legacy unique to Boston University's DGs that has since spread to chapters nationwide.
Delta Gamma seniors Dana Moore and Julie Jackson opened the show with a video by TOMS explaining the new eyewear one for one program, which with every eyewear purchase “gives sight to one in need.” Last year, Delta Gamma Executive Offices partnered with TOMS to raise awareness for Service for Sight and stimulate eyewear sales. Chapters across the country held trunk shows to encourage sales and further support their philanthropy.
In addition to the fashion show, Hamburger and Karimi arranged intermittent musical and dance performances.
DJ Luke Da Duke created the pace for the show, using popular music to liven the crowd throughout the event. Luke Da Duke performed at the Middle East in Cambridge a few nights prior to PDG.
BU a cappella group Terpsichore opened the show with a three-song set, featuring Delta Gamma sister Andrea Vijay as a soloist. BU Dheem, a classical Indian dance troupe, also featuring a Delta Gamma sister, Aisha Rawji performed next, bringing a unique cultural essence to the show. Finally, Cambridge rapper and BU student J. Lye excited the crowd with a short set. He was joined on stage by up and comer Ashley Sophia for a duet at the end of his performance.
The members of Delta Gamma were pleased with the turnout and procedures of the event. They stood on the edges of the ballroom cheering and dancing throughout the night.
“We were so happy with how it turned out and glad to say that this was yet another successful PDG,” Hamburger said.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Video Diary - MFA Boston
On Sunday, I visited the Museum of Fine Arts to visit the new Mario Testino "In Your Face" exhibit. I was particularly impressed by the photos. It was interesting to see so many familiar faces in provocative shoots. It truly showed how influential and professional Testino is that all of these famous faces would be willing to do whatever he requested to get the best possible picture. The exhibit has been met with both heavy criticism and fandom. You can include me in the fan column. Take a look at my day at the MFA!
A Californian Vote
As a native Californian, I couldn't resist voting absentee in my home state for my very first election. While the ballot question in MA this year are extremely gripping and interesting, I still felt it was in my best interest to cast my vote in the Golden State.
One of the most buzzed about prop questions on the Californian ballot this year is Prop 35, a vote for new anti-sex-trafficking laws. Amanda Hess, a staff writer for Slate is voting for the first time in California this year. She discusses the consequences of prop voting in California, and admits that most people are likely unaware of them.
The official summary of the prop is as follows:
The Los Angeles Times, which endorses a NO vote on Prop 35, notes, that ending sex-trafficking, while important, is not necessarily possible with the proposed prop. It says that the prop fails to create the correct approach in all of this.
"Voters must ask more than whether they would like to see those cruelties come to an end. They must be satisfied that the particular, far-reaching and inflexible penalties and procedures that would be enacted by this measure would help; that they are the best approach to solving an actual problem; and that actual progress would dwarf any unintended consequences."
Hess worries that most voters are not equipped to "focus on the intricacies of the law."
She notes that critics' concerns lie in "bloating" of the sex-offender industry and that more prominent types of forced labor in California would be overlooked as a result of the passing of Prop 35.
The SAGE project, a San Francisco based advocacy group for victims of sex-trafficking, initially stood behind the prop, but have since "rescinded" their support, and are no longer in favor of the passing.
What does this tell you about the flawed prop?
To all of you California voters, don't discount the information available for you on each prop. Do your research to make the most informed decision. Surely we know human-trafficking isn't a good thing, and of course many would like to see an end to it, but it is important to understand what Prop 35 would actually impose - racial and gender profiling especially. Also, the bankrupt state would see an increase in costs of at least a couple million dollars annually to enforce this law.
I'll be keeping up with my home state as the polls close on the West Coast. Happy Election Day to you all! Hope you've all done your civil duty by voting!
One of the most buzzed about prop questions on the Californian ballot this year is Prop 35, a vote for new anti-sex-trafficking laws. Amanda Hess, a staff writer for Slate is voting for the first time in California this year. She discusses the consequences of prop voting in California, and admits that most people are likely unaware of them.
The official summary of the prop is as follows:
| "Increases criminal penalties for human trafficking, including prison sentences up to 15-years-to-life and fines up to $1,500,000. Fines collected to be used for victim services and law enforcement. Requires person convicted of trafficking to register as sex offender. Requires sex offenders to provide information regarding Internet access and identities they use in online activities. Prohibits evidence that victim engaged in sexual conduct from being used against victim in court proceedings. Requires human trafficking training for police officers." |
The Los Angeles Times, which endorses a NO vote on Prop 35, notes, that ending sex-trafficking, while important, is not necessarily possible with the proposed prop. It says that the prop fails to create the correct approach in all of this.
"Voters must ask more than whether they would like to see those cruelties come to an end. They must be satisfied that the particular, far-reaching and inflexible penalties and procedures that would be enacted by this measure would help; that they are the best approach to solving an actual problem; and that actual progress would dwarf any unintended consequences."
Hess worries that most voters are not equipped to "focus on the intricacies of the law."
She notes that critics' concerns lie in "bloating" of the sex-offender industry and that more prominent types of forced labor in California would be overlooked as a result of the passing of Prop 35.
The SAGE project, a San Francisco based advocacy group for victims of sex-trafficking, initially stood behind the prop, but have since "rescinded" their support, and are no longer in favor of the passing.
What does this tell you about the flawed prop?
To all of you California voters, don't discount the information available for you on each prop. Do your research to make the most informed decision. Surely we know human-trafficking isn't a good thing, and of course many would like to see an end to it, but it is important to understand what Prop 35 would actually impose - racial and gender profiling especially. Also, the bankrupt state would see an increase in costs of at least a couple million dollars annually to enforce this law.
I'll be keeping up with my home state as the polls close on the West Coast. Happy Election Day to you all! Hope you've all done your civil duty by voting!
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