2.24.11 Michigan Odyssey

February 24, 2011 • www.TheOdysseyOnline.com • Ann Arbor, MI

Broomballpage 4 & 5

Events to Enjoypage 12

Rethinking The Odysseypage 2

Greeks enjoy 2011 Winter Fest hosted by Psi U.

Photo Courtesy of Madison Kraus

TM

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When I arrived at Michigan, I knew little to nothing about Greek life. Yet, over the course of time it took leaves to change and the temperature to drop, I became a member of something truly unique. The wealth of opportunity, camaraderie and knowledge that my house and the Greek community as a whole have provided me is something I’ve never experienced prior to coming to Michigan. I look at my short time working for The Odyssey as an extension of my experience as a Greek. When I was first offered the opportunity to take on the publisher’s role, I was fl attered and elated.

I’d classify my short time working with the Odyssey as a learning experience. While preparing to take over as publisher, The Odyssey has allowed me to preview nearly every aspect of what it takes

to run a successful paper. The lessons I’ve taken away from this paper are numerous and unique. I’ve seen a successful sales division that built the idea of a weekly Greek newspaper into a reality, to the impact that a handful of writers can have, virtually providing a young newspaper a backbone to stand on.

Under the direction of my predecessor, The Michigan Odyssey has seen great preliminary success. Over the past 7 months, the paper has grown enormously, and currently its structure no longer fits what the paper has become. Just as in every successful venture, with growth, the necessity for

change becomes apparent. So here it is, an outlined version of my hopes for the Odyssey.

I know in the past few months the paper

has been directed toward a handful of houses on campus. I also know that if I were not a member of the house that I am, I would literally have no intention of reading a newspaper staffed by a handful of fraternities and sororities. This is where you come in; without the help of your house, the paper will remain in its current form and many houses on campus will continue to doubt its relevance.

The potential that this newspaper holds is unimaginable. Imagine picking up a newspaper every week to see your friend’s articles that focus on issues and events that take place that week. Imagine a paper whose writers write consistently for a section — whether it is sports or fashion, campus news or international. Imagine a Greek newspaper that was able to successfully incorporate Greek leaders into its editorial board, a body that would make decisions based on campus’s collective opinion, not the opinion of three of four houses. The paper’s content must be revamped, and I promise you, if the Michigan Greek community can come together and participate in something

bigger than themselves, this paper has the potential transform the way Michigan Greeks communicate.

In the next few months, I am dedicated to making these changes. Yet, the only way the Odyssey can change is with your help. I encourage you to take part in something bigger than yourself. After all, isn’t that why most of us joined Greek life in the fi rst place? If you’re interested in a position with The Odyssey, please contact me personally at [email protected]. Do it for yourself, do it for your house, and do it for the community.

Eaghan is a freshman studying pre-business and pre-law. You may contact him at [email protected].

Vol. 1, No. 23

LEADERSHIP TEAM Ben Boyce, Pi Kappa Alpha

Andrew McCoy, Phi Kappa Psi

PUBLISHER Eaghan Davis, Phi Kappa Psi

To apply for a writing or sales position please email [email protected]

Rethinking The Odyssey

CONTRIBUTING EDITORLindsey Mandich, Delta Delta Delta

UofM Campus Events

this Week

Thursday, February 24th W Basketball v. Minnesota @7pm

Friday, February 24thM Swimming & Diving Big Ten @11am

Friday, February 25thBaseball v. Rutgers @2pm

Friday, February 25thSoftball v. N Florida @4pm

Friday, February 25thW Tennis v. MSU @5pm

Friday, February 25thMen's Hockey v. Northern Michigan @7pm © 2011 Olympia Media Group, LLC All Rights Reserved.

EAGHANDAVIS

Phi Kappa PsiPublisher

www.TheOdysseyOnline.com • 3

What Inspires You? We’re all here at the

University of Michigan competing against our own generation for the same reason: to reach that one desired goal of becoming who we want to be. Everyone has their own ideal image of themselves ten years from now, whether that means graduating law school, starting a family, or landing a dream job. At times, the fi nish line can appear to be getting farther and farther away and that original motivation to accomplish our dream fades deep into the obstacles we face. The sometimes impossible exams we have to pass and the growing necessity to be more involved on campus are just a couple of the factors that contribute to an extremely busy college

lifestyle. What I have found to be very important is to stop yourself every now and then and think about what inspires you.

Someday, I would love to be a doctor, but the competition at this university to get into the medical field can be extremely intimidating. I recently learned about a man whose story I found to be incredibly inspiring. Dr. Edward B. Diethrich, the grandfather of my close friend Tatum Jackson, made a name for himself as a world-renowned cardiac surgeon. After watching a 15 minute video tribute about his life, I learned what it truly takes to

be who you want to be. Diethrich’s unique story begins in Toledo, Ohio where even as a young boy showed an interest for his

future career; he would rip open his stuffed animals, take out the stuffi ng, and put it back in. He was exposed to medicine early on and was given the opportunity to scrub in on surgeries by the time he was in high school. Later on in his life he found himself at the University of Michigan on band and academic scholarship, and even got himself a job at St. Joseph hospital on top of it, all where he became an expert at scrubbing into surgeries. Upon graduation he dove right into the UM medical program and soon after invented a surgical tool that made a once crude process a lot more refined. Tatum told me that aside from other reasons, her grandfather was and continues to be a huge infl uence and role model for her career path and school of choice, not to mention he is extremely supportive.

I also learned that Dr. Dietrich is currently working in Arizona as a cardiothoracic surgeon and recently got a professorship at the UM Medical School as a professor of surgery and biomedical engineering. Hearing

about the accomplishments of this single person absolutely amazed me. I am more than inspired by his drive to work in the fi eld of medicine and the amount of dedication he put into reaching that goal. Stories about people like this really put things into perspective; while a lot of the time it feels like our dreams are impossible to attain, we truly have the power to control whether or not we get there. Whenever times are tough for me and stress with school seems to overshadow my goal, I’m going to remember the story of Dr. Edward B. Diethrich, because now I know that anything is possible.

Kendall is a sophomore studying pre-medicine and Spanish. You may contact her at [email protected].

KENDALL SZCZERBA

Delta Delta Delta


There are only a few times during the year when the Greek community comes together for charity, competition, and fun. One such occasion is SAE’s footbal l compet i t ion, Mudbowl which occurs in the fall. After Christmas break, as the sting of winter creeps into Ann Arbor, Psi U spends weeks creating their grassy backyard into an icy broomball rink in preparation for the an all-day broomball tournament called Winterfest. The event has been a Psi U tradition bringing Greeks together for many years. Not only does it raise money for those in need, but it also raises awareness among students for local companies and different products. This year, South U Pizza sold discounted slices of pizza to the many spectators while Monster provided drinks to keep everyone energized all day long. The event went off without a hitch. Psi U’s backyard was overfl owing with students and players. Even public servants like the post-man stopped by to catch a glimpse of the action, peering over the historic brick wall.

After the day was over, I stood on the second fl oor of the celebrated house looking over at the rink that was melted and battered from the day’s proceedings. Thinking back on the craziness and hilarity of the event, I wondered why more of these types of occasions don’t happen as often. Sure, they take a signifi cant amount of time, planning, and stress. However, I can confi dently say the effort is worth it, both for all of the participants as well as those who receive the aid from a day founded upon entertainment and excitement. In fact, what stops a University that has a such a large and active Greek system from doing something like Thon, a Greek-wide philanthropic event run at many schools that raises millions of dollars every year? If Greek members have the time to make the high production value video, “Pursuit of Jappiness” (and proceed to watch it 100k+ times in three days), then how don’t we have the time to achieve other lofty goals?

The following is a detailed and dramatic overview of Winterfest as told by Jeff Hagen, another junior in Psi Upsilon. Perhaps it can serve as motivation for other members of the Greek system to start other initiatives to

help the needy and foster a greater sense of community at Michigan.

Sean is a junior studying communications. You may contact him at [email protected].

Broomball:

SEANGORDON

Psi Upsilon


As the ball is about to be dropped in the center of the ice for the Winterfest Finals, Junior winger Ira Makowski tries to readjust his broken helmet without success. He digs his shoes into the rink’s busted ice, licks his lips, and looks up at the dark night sky. Makowski, known by teammates as "The Enforcer," then pounds his chest and grins. Time to hit.

Red splotches of blood from earlier in the day are dried into the ice. Music blares but can’t be heard over the cheers of the crowd. Fans hang from windows of the frat house and post up on walls, all crowding together to witness a battle. Snow starts to fall.

****

The flooded, frozen-over backyard of Psi Upsilon hosts the most anticipated day of the year for Michigan Greek Life. The process to create the rink between three old brick walls and wooden boards nailed into the ground requires dedication and patience.

“First you need to build the boards without sticking a nail in your hand,” explains Senior Brian Harris, a defenseman on Psi Upsilon’s perennial championship contender. “Then put a tarp over the backyard to keep the water contained and literally spray water on little by little.

As it gets sturdier, the layers get thinner and even out.”

There are no coaches, only players. There are no penalties. The sport is broomball, but prison rules, streetball style. Originating in Canada, it involves similar tactics and rules to hockey, with a goalie and four other players on the ice trying to score. Hitting is allowed, and encouraged. Size matters. In a regulation broomball game, ice is well kept

and special traction shoes are worn. Not in Michigan. Not at the fraternity that the brothers affectionately refer to as "The Upsi."

Winterfest starts as a tournament and turns into a brawl. Just like Mudbowl, rivalries create heated emotions between competitors. Eight major fraternities are awarded a chance to participate; their entry fee is donated by Psi Upsilon to the Ronald McDonald House. These games aren’t for money, but glory.

Girls get into the action, too, as there are sorority games in between the fraternity games. The physicality isn’t toned down, though. After landing face fi rst on the ice after a vicious hit, one girl chipped her tooth and slit open her chin. She “voluntarily” signed a waiver as her friends rushed her to a car to get her to the hospital.

Fights erupt with regularity, and escalate quickly. The crowd not only gets into these scuffl es, but provokes them. Cans thrown at opposition trying to gain possession of the ball are a common occurrence, as are all out verbal assaults.

“That’s something they should really try to control more next year,” said Senior goalie Ben ‘King’ Shpeen. “Keeping the crowd off the ice.”

Shpeen is small in stature, but has the heart of a lion. “The Upsi is the blood that runs in my veins. Sometimes I wish I wasn’t goalie so I could go out there and lay someone out,” he declares, unfl inching. An ice warrior, ready to scrap.

Fighting. Broomball. The two are synonymous at the University of Michigan. Friends in different fraternities become enemies -- or at least mere acquaintances. To observers of the event, it may seem to be a unique social

gathering. To those who are involved or informed, it defi nes winter in Ann Arbor.

Despite a valiant effort from Psi Upsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha took home the Winterfest crown Saturday night. It was all over the faces of every ‘Upsi’ brother: despair. Junior brother Dave Welinsky, a non-player, was particularly upset.

“I don’t even want to go out anymore. I’m so pissed. How could we lose?” His face was blank, lost for any more words.

Something that meant so much to them was taken on their home ice. They couldn’t defend their title. For some, it would be their last game under the lights.

Broomball, like any sport, can teach about life. It can be fun. It can disappoint. Sometimes, it stings.

No matter the result, Winterfest’s broomball tournament is an opportunity for friends to revel in victory and come together with the support of one another in defeat. It is an event that inspires trust in one another, and advances friendships. Most of all, though, the sport is just good, old-fashioned, hard-nosed fun. It is one of the few days in today’s sports world, overblown by the media and internet, that sport is about more than just fame and money: that it’s about competition and pride.

These are ideas we can all learn from, principles we can all take with us. Even if it means dishing out some ice cold pain with an elbow.

Jeff is a junior studying sports management. You may contact him at [email protected].

Ice, Blood, Booze & Glory

JEFFHAGENPsi Upsilon


DAVEBOS

Sigma Chi

We all managed to survive the Snowpocalypse / snOMG and the freezing temperatures that defi ned the past few weeks by staying inside, dressing warm, and spending extra time watching The Weather Channel. Amidst the rumors of cancelled classes and the continuing cold weather, it’s easy to forget about people who might not have a place to call home, regardless of how many degrees below freezing it is outside. With this reality in mind, Sigma Chi has been proud to host Wrap Up Michigan this semester.

Wrap Up Michigan is a charity blanket drive that began back in January with one goal in mind: collect as many blankets as possible to donate to homeless individuals in Southeastern Michigan.

Through this semester, Sigma Chi has recruited teams from sororities and student organizations on campus to participate in the event and collect as many blankets as they can. The teams were encouraged to collect extra

blankets from friends and family, or donate blankets for about $3 each to the cause.

This Friday, the teams get to show off the fruits of their efforts during a fort building competition taking place at the Sigma Chi house from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. - the fi nal event of Wrap Up Michigan 2011. Using all of the blankets they’ve collected, teams will design, build and decorate a blanket fort while raising awareness about homelessness in our community.

At the end of this friendly competition, special judges from the Michigan community (you’ll have to be there to fi nd out who) will decide which fort is the best. The winning team is in for a great prize; however, everyone who stops by will at least get a taste of some great wings thanks to our sponsor Buffalo Wild Wings.

At the end of the day, all of the blankets Sigma Chi collects will be donated and dispersed throughout the community where they are needed most.

Sigma Chi cordially invites everyone in the University community to stop by the Sigma Chi house (next to the Union) from 2-4 P.M. on Friday in support of Wrap Up Michigan, to grab some wings, or to donate a blanket for $3 to your favorite team.

We hope to see you there! If you can’t make it to the event and want to support Wrap Up Michigan “Like” the offi cial page on Facebook. While you’re there you can get more information about the event and even donate blankets online.

Dave is a junior studying communications studies and program in the environment. You may contact him at [email protected].

Sigma Chi Leads Charity to Collect Blankets for the Homeless

The cold of winter has undoubtably swept over Ann Arbor, dusting the campus with a fresh coat of snow, UGG boots, and North Face jackets. One thing that has come hand in hand with the cold season is laziness. Whether we admit it or not, as soon as the temperature drops we all stay in a little later, sleep a little longer, and use snow as our excuse for our inability to do anything. During this time, I find myself reminiscing about my younger days when my life was easier and everything was more convenient. The following include a list of childhood favorites that I wish could be revived this time of year.

1. Footie Pajamas

Did you ever notice how cold it gets during the night in Michigan? Well the little piggy who cried all the way home did, and he wants his footie pajamas back. Whoever deemed those socially unacceptable past the age of four, must have lived in a desert or had no feet. Way to go.

2. Nap Time

I don’t know whether me being 20 and ready to fall asleep at all times is a product of being overworked or living with undiagnosed narcolepsy. Either way, it’s not good. Now do you remember all of those times you were a rebel in kindergarten and tried to cop out of naptime to see who could stay awake the longest? I wish I could go back to my fi ve-year-old self and give her a very light but warranted smacking.

3. Sippy Cups

Firstly, they usually come with unbelievably fun straws. There is no reason not to like sippy cups. They prevent spilling, the number one cause of clothing casualties in my life, and let's face it, they are way easier to clean than a Nalgene.

Erica is a junior studying economics and environmental studies. You may contact her at [email protected].

Childhood Musts

ERICA SALMIRSChi Omega



The City of Love! Wouldn’t you think this would be the place where the fête of February 14th gets shoved down your throat? Big paper cupids hanging from store entries, pink pastries baked in the shape of hearts, the whole shebang. Nope… surprisingly not the case. And while Single’s Awareness Day (AKA Valentine’s Day) is not nearly as commercialized as it is in the United States, Paris makes up for it in daily public displays of affection. Whether it be on the metro or in the middle of the street, love seems to be relentlessly fl oating in the air… “seems” being the key word.

On my fi rst day of orientation after arriving in France, one of the French staff members, while answering a question about the night life, seemed to veer off topic and make this peculiar statement: “The French are notorious for always being in relationships… but obviously a lot of people cheat.” After all eighty of us in the room looked blankly at him for making such an off hand reference to

an American cultural taboo, I made a conscious decision that I would pretend I’d never really heard it. Of course, what American girl doesn’t come to Paris hoping to fi nd true love? And true love includes no mention of cheating. Yes, I am well aware that this sounds cheesy. Nevertheless, it was way too early in the semester to already have that fairytale debunked.

Then, last week, one of my French coworkers made a rather haughty reference to the fact that she cheated on her boyfriend. When I looked at her as if she’d grown an extra head (why would you ever brag about that?), she laughed and told me, “mais seulement une fois!” (But only one

time!). Did she think I was supposed to be impressed? I kept telling myself to let it go, but my curiosity took over and I proceeded to ask if this was common in France. She responded with a fervent head nod; according to her, it is a relatively frequent practice for both men and women to submit to the wants of their wandering eyes. My fairy tale had just been run over by a bus. And, even worse is the fact that the act of the cheater often goes unpunished by the faithful partner. Here, infi delity seems to be a mere fact of life.

Clearly, just another one of those cultural differences,

one I choose not to embrace. In the United States, cheating is viewed as the ultimate act

of betrayal. It breaks up relationships and marriages daily. As you can see, in France… not so much.

So I’m left to wonder: Is all the PDA that I’m bombarded with every day on the way to class, work, the supermarket… when I literally look outside of my bedroom window… is any of it for real? Is the handholding, kissing and “whispering sweet nothings” just a façade that covers up the liaisons between cheating spouses or signifi cant others…just another accepted dalliance? Unfortunately, I can’t answer that. But for those of you who prefer France’s way to our own, come fl y out to the City of Lust! …I mean “love.”

Samantha is a junior studying communications and French. You may contact her at [email protected].

Cheat� P� adise

SAMANTHASCHARMETTSigma Delta Tau


I have my TV obsessions - I think we all do. Luckily, there are enough really good shows on TV right now that there are actually a couple worth catching every week. Some are even so good, we may fi nd ourselves looking forward to them. As your resident entertainment writer, obviously I have my own opinions. For instance, I can tell you that my week is better after watching the Dunphy's (and Pritchett's) wobble through their next family situation on "Modern Family." Or that my Thursday night is nothing (nothing!) without Tracy Jordan's antics on "30 Rock," or the whole white-bread-wonderful crew on "Parks and Rec," or the lovely, lovely creation that is "Community." Which is why I'd like to make the case for all of them by including some best-of quotes and the funniest situations from the latest episode of each (which, at this time, is the Valentine's Day episode).

5 Best Moments from Modern Family's Valentine's Day episode, "Bixby's Back"

1) "I'm not saying I miss Dylan, but at least he was romantic. David never sent me a jar of his own tears." -Haley Dunphy, talking about how her latest boyfriend stood her up on Valentine's Day to study. Also talking about this situation? Manny, who says, "She's had the romantic, she's had the intellectual, how about all that in one fi ne little brown package?"

2) "Wait- before you start playing these games, let me ask you one question: Who is Haley Dunphy?" -Manny Delgado-Pritchett.

3) "You look hot enough to cook a pizza on...in." "I don't like to talk about money, but I have exactly 10 million dollars." -Clive Bixby

4) "I win!" -Gloria to Jay, after revealing the personal chef is actually in the garage. "I see you sneaking around, trying to trick me, so when I figure it out, I move the party over here, and I trick you! I win! ...So

now we know: you are romantic, and I'm smarter than you. And I bought you a motorcycle." Jay replies, "God, this is fantastic," to which Gloria exalts: "I win again!"

5) "I haven't been single since I was nine!" -Haley Dunphy. Luckily, Dylan is outside, singing one of his own creations with the words "Imagine me naked" as the main part of the chorus.

5 Best Moments from 30 Rock's Valentine's Day episode, "Double-Edged Sword"

1) Liz and Jack talking about their "adulty" Valentine's Day plans: Liz packed underwear that isn't gray for a weekend away with her pilot boyfriend Carol; Jack and Avery are going to Toronto for the G8 economic summit. When Liz asks if she can borrow a neck pillow for the plane, Jack replies: "I never sleep on planes. I don't want to get Incepted."

2) Carol knowing every line from "Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole." And saying it to himself in an "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" kind of way.

3) The theme song to "Gals On the Town," the failed NBC show shown as in-flight entertainment, which goes a little something like this: "Love and friendship, having it all, or maybe just a great pair of shoes, one of them has to be Asian, can they be good at their jobs?" Also, this line: "Stewart did not study dance at Carnegie Mellon to become a fl ight attendant to clean bathrooms." -Carol

4) Avery and Jack discovering that the van they hitchhiked their way onto to get back to the good old US of A is actually a mobile meth lab. When Jack brings up the idea of quitting and just having the baby in Canada,

Avery says, "Quit? I've never quit anything in my life. I'm STILL in Girl Scouts. I have 9000 badges." Also, every Canadian reference made throughout the show.

5) "Yes our daughter is Canadian-American, but I'm going to treat her like a normal human baby." -Jack Donaghy.

5 Best Moments from Parks and Recreation's Valentine's Day episode, "Ron and Tammy Part 2"

1) Ron Swanson's "overdue book." Tammy, the manipulative, psychotic, library book-peddling, sex-crazed she-demon, has returned. Dun dun dun!

2) Ron Swanson, heartiest of men, spitting out his drink and laughing when Wendy mentions him possibly wanting to move to Canada with her. Later: "Wendy and I are over, she's moving back to Canada. It's too bad. I just taught her how to whittle. She made me this tiny, sharpened stick."

3) "I don't know what it is about big, outdoor gatherings that makes everyone wanna urinate all over everything. But it does. And they do." -Leslie Knope, explaining why they need the Pawnee Police to work security at their upcoming Harvest Festival.

4) I, like the rest of the parks department, like Ron Swanson better without Tammy, and especially without cornrows. But the comeback is always fantastic. Example - after watching Tammy beat up little Tom Haverford, he says, "You almost had me. Again. But seeing you pick on this pathetic, defenseless little man reminded me what kind of a monster you are." He then says, "Let's go, son" to Tom and picks him up like a child. You go, Ron.

5) Ron and Tom drinking together in the offi ce. Tom: "Do you think this will leave a scar?" Ron: "Tom, women like scars. It shows you survived an attack. And they'll assume the attack was from a man."

5 Best Moments from Community's Valentine's Day episode, "Early 21st Century Romanticism"

1) Troy: "Why does being a librarian make her even hotter?" Abed: "They're the keepers of knowledge. She holds all the answers to our questions like, 'Will you marry me?' and 'why are there still libraries?' " In hopes that she'll come over and shush them, they randomly yell out "Books!" and pretend to be asleep when she looks over at them.

2) Britta's "lesbian" friend, about which Annie asks, "Oh! ...Is she a friend of Ellen?" instead of the saying the word lesbian.

3) Pierce's pill addiction which materializes in the form of Andy Dick as a mini helicopter pilot.

4) Jeff and Ian making soccer plans. "Since you're an American, you probably don't know this but tonight-" "Liverpool versus Manchester United? Hey, I'm a stylish American, I've been forcing myself to watch soccer since 2004."

5) Troy and Abed's briefcase full of tacos.

What about you guys? Did you enjoy these moments as much as I did? What were your favorites? Sound off in the comments below!

Elyse is a junior studying English and screen arts and cultures. You may contact her at [email protected].

If You Aren't Watching These Shows, You're Missing Out

ELYSE CANTOR

Delta Phi Epsilon


Even though it may be hard to imagine as we’re all rushing to and from class in our huge coats and boots, we’re done with another year of school in just over two months. While some may cringe at the reminder of the impending boring time to spend at home, the necessity of finding a summer job, or perhaps just the idea of living outside of Ann Arbor for an extended period of time, there are a few things to really look forward to over the coming months.

One of the most entertaining events that Ann Arbor has to offer comes every year on the fi rst Saturday in April. This April 2nd, the Diag will be full of cannabis enthusiasts for Hash Bash, a tradition dating

back to 1972. Even if you’re not into the rallies, speeches, and (possible) c iv i l d i sobed i ence , Hash Bash is absolutely something you should take the time to check out. With quite the collection of rather offbeat visitors cramming the Diag, there are plenty of interesting conversations to be had, sights to see, and sounds to be heard. And hey, if it’s all just too weird at once, it’s not like you ventured too far from home to scope it all out.

If you’re lucky enough to get tickets, you’re in for another treat on April 2nd. That evening, Lil Wayne will be performing

at The Palace at Auburn Hills. As if Weezy wasn’t enough, Nicki Minaj, Travis Barker, Mix Master Mike, and Rick Ross will also be performing. Missing a chance to see Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj on stage together would be a tragedy that few will be willing to suffer through, so grab your tickets as soon as you can. The show starts at 7 P.M., so you’ll have all day to enjoy the Hash Bash festivities before heading out of Ann Arbor for the show.

A few weeks earlier, on March 9, The Blind Pig will be hosting Twista with Probcause. Tickets are only $18, but since The Bling Pig is a smaller venue, even buying tickets in advance can’t guarantee you a good spot inside. My best advice is to get there as early as you possibly can – if you’ve been to this place, you definitely understand why. Hopefully the fact that the show is on a Wednesday night doesn’t throw you off – I can’t imagine an early Thursday morning

class being too much fun after that. (Can you say, “sick day?”)

Along with the many other fun things to do around Ann Arbor, you should be able to make the last two months of this school year memorable. With the ridiculously busy schedules that most Michigan students cope with on a daily basis, it’s important to remember to make sure you’re having a good time every so often, so don’t forget to put the books down every so often for a little you time. Any of the aforementioned events is totally worth it.

Kyl ie i s a sophomore s tudying communications. You may contact her at [email protected].

Events to Enjoy Pre-Summer Break

KYLIE KAGENAlpha Delta Pi


As most of us were born sometime in the early 90’s, we grew up watching movies by Happy Madison Productions starring Adam Sandler and all his best buddies. "Billy Madison," "Happy Gilmore," and "Water Boy" are just a few of the classics we all came to know, love, and quote throughout our childhood and adolescent years. As an avid Adam Sandler fan, I’ve seen all of his movies: from the good ("Big Daddy") to the bad ("Spanglish"), from the funny ("Mr. Deeds") to the serious ("Funny People"), and from the classic ("The Wedding Singer") to the recent ("Grown Ups"). One of his most recent movies, "Just Go With It," just opened this past Valentine’s Day weekend, and unfortunately has not been receiving great reviews. Desiring to fulfi ll my decade-long Sandler crush and curious to fi nd

out what made this movie such a fl op, I went to see it opening weekend.

Despite all the negative press I’d heard about "Just Go With It," I genuinely enjoyed it. Sometimes we take what movie critics have to say all too seriously. I mean, yes, "Just Go With It" may have a predictable and sometimes cheesy plot line, but when we buy tickets to see one of Sandler’s movies, isn’t that what we are expecting? I’m not looking to watch some serious and amazing fi lm that makes a statement about society. When I see a romantic comedy, I want to see some on-screen hotties, to roll my eyes and to laugh. I don’t need to be emotionally moved by the next Best Motion Picture. If I wanted that, I would’ve gone to see "The King’s Speech" instead.

Basically, I’m telling you to just go see "Just Go With It." Girls, it’s funny, cute, and will make you appreciate the soft side of Adam Sandler. Guys, you get to check out two hott chicks in tiny bikinis getting drenched under a waterfall…what could be better than that? With Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Dave Matthews, Nicole Kidman, and soon-to-be superstar Brooklyn Decker, this is one movie you don’t want to miss.

Olivia is a sophomore studying economics and English. You may contact her at [email protected].

Just Go See It

OLIVIA QUINNDelta Delta Delta

For those of you who live under a rock, underwater or somewhere without internet “Pursuit Of Jappiness” is the recent up and coming video sensation produced by none other than 3P. Created last year in the dorm rooms of Alice Crocker Lloyd Hall, Lucas Brody, Skyler Fulton and Devin Rossinsky had no idea their song would take off to the level it has reached since its February 11th release. I am writing this on February 15, less than 100 hours since the leakage, and their video has already reached 140,000 on YouTube and counting. At this rate, who knows where this video could land 3P.

To give you some background, Lucas Brody, the 6”4 giant of New York City’s Soho streets, commented on 3P’s short but rich history as a crew. “Last year, we put out a parody

mixtape titled "Tha Palmer 3," with POJ being the last song we produced. We only sent it out to about 50 friends but it quickly spread to U of Illinois and U of Indiana, which made us think that maybe it could be something bigger than just a track recorded on Garageband.”

Since "Pursuit Of Jappiness" has hit the World Wide Web, it has drawn a great amount of feedback from fans and critics alike. After scrolling through several comments on YouTube, one message that holds true is how accurate the video is in depicting the life of a JAP (Jewish American Princess).

Devin Rossinsky, a native of Long Island and a student in the Michigan Theatre School had this to say about the inspiration behind the video. "The inspiration for POJ was birthed around the time that the Steve Aoki 'Pursuit

of Happiness' remix was at its peak after its feature on a Vitamin Water commercial. I really relished the wordplay and fi gured it would be great material to satirize. Having come from a predominantly Jewish neighborhood on the North Shore of Long Island, I had plenty of in-fi eld research to truly capture the essence of all things JAP. The song and the accompanying video is in NO way meant to be perceived as a slight to Jews or derogatory, but rather as a social commentary on a prevalent behavior on campus.”

The third and potentially most focal member of this trio, Skyler Fulton, a Bostonian, the primary fi lmmaker of POJ. Humbly, Skyler spoke on 3P’s production, saying “it was a lot of fun to make. We all feel really fortunate that it has gotten such good a response. There are haters but I always think to myself: if they hate then let them hate and watch the views pile up."

Pursuit of Jappiness has become more than just a college music video by talented U of M students; it is a statement about the lifestyles

of jappy girls and boys everywhere. 3P’s POJ is comparable to “Nassau County State of Mind”, a music video that also sheds light on the seemingly homogenous lifestyle of Jap’s, particular from Long Island. Their video has amassed just over 1 million views 6 months after its debut but there is no telling how far POJ can go if they keep slaying views at this rate.

Shout out to Cody Rose, Trevor Cookler, The one and only Variety Pack, Simon Yzvelman, Julia Whalen, Mike Cooper, Brett Pere, Perlynerp, Stephen Platz, Schram, Trish Mittman, Alyssa Horing and anyone else who represents 3P…..churt.

Ben is a sophomore studying undecidedology. You may contact him at [email protected].

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BENJAMINSEIDMAN

Alpha Epsilon Pi

2.24.11 Michigan Odyssey

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