80 Laf (It's where we live)

It has become fashionable to speak condescendingly about “Reality TV”.  And I don’t dispute that many of the shows are scripted and mindless, but I also think that we can’t paint with too broad a brush.  So allow me to say a few words in defense of the show that sparked the Reality TV craze almost a decade ago.  I still find Survivor fascinating, because I think it tests the contestants in so many interesting ways. 

Physically, the challenges require agility, balance, strength, and speed.  Mentally, the game requires you to constantly strategize, to solve figurative and literal puzzles.  Emotionally, it requires the participants to withstand a lack of food, shelter, family, and friends.  Socially, it requires you to connect with strangers and get people on your side.  And ethically, it forces you to decide how far you’ll go to win the game, whether you’ll lie and break friendships as quickly as you form them.   

Watching the show the last couple months, I’ve realized that you can learn a lot about yourself by considering the players you root for.  The person who roots for the scheming backstabber is probably a lot different that the person who roots for the loyal hard-worker.  I think that if you give the show a chance this Thursday at 8pm, you’ll find that Survivor reveals how complicated human nature can be.

*Each week we’ll be posting a short interview with a different 80 Laf Staff Member about their favorite places in NEW YORK CITY and the 80 LAF AREA.This week’s staff member is Mary, RA on the 8th Floor

Hometown: Centennial, Colorado

Year/School/Major: CAS 2011, Dramatic Literature

Favorite Place to relax in NYC: Henri Bendel (712 Fifth Avenue; open Sun 12-7, Mon-Sat 10-8; Major Credit Cards accepted). “It’s happy and sparkly and full of a million wonderful things piled haphazardly on top of one another. I go whenever I have a bad day…the whole jewel-box effect of that part of 5th Ave is a reminder why New York is so magical…the Plaza Hotel, the horse drawn carriages, Tiffany & Co…it’s enough to make you want to throw on a Little Black Dress, giant sunglasses, and snack on a croissant, Audrey Hepburn style.”

Favorite Place to eat in NYC:  40 Carrots (on the 7th floor of the 59th St. Bloomingdale’s, 1000 Third Avenue; Mon-Fri 10-7, Sat-Sun 10-6; Major Credit Cards accepted). “ The food is delicious and healthy, but best of all, they have the greatest frozen yogurt, bar none. I go even when it’s 20 degrees outside. But it’s even better when it’s hot!”

Favorite cultural spot in NYC:  The Frick Collection Museum (1 E.70th Street; Tues-Sat 10-6, Sun 11-5; $5 Student Admission with ID).  “It’s a man’s private art collection displayed in his gorgeous Upper East Side mansion that he donated to the public when he died. His taste is eclectic but impeccable, ranging from crazy old Medieval Art to a very impressive array of Vermeer’s work. In the middle is a gorgeous indoor courtyard with a fountain and benches that begs for a visit with that special someone…”

Favorite thing around 80 Laf: Bloomingdale’s SoHo (504 Broadway; Mon-Fri 10-9, Sat 10-8, Sun 12-8; Major Credit Cards accepted). “They may not have the full 40 Carrots experience, but for a quick frozen yogurt fix it’s totally fab. Plus it’s on the way back from campus!”

As many of you may know, Earth Day is just around the corner.  The official date is this Thursday, April 22nd.

Many people celebrate Earth Day differently, but I think the biggest part is to take a moment to reflect on our planet and the potential impacts we have (or don’t have) on it.

I found this lovely video some of you may have seen on the Discovery Channel.  I thought it was fun enough to pass along here.  Only a minute long.

Check it out.  Also, come check out Lafayette’s own Earth Day celebration in the Resource Center on Friday April 23rd from 3pm-7pm.  There will be fun games and food!

Long live the Earth!