Fresh out of high school and without a clue of what to do with your life, you are immediately thrown into a startling, chaotic world called college.

Coming from a student who has changed her major four or five times in the past three years, four years sounds daunting to the average student, especially one who isn’t exactly sure what her career may be.

You have the biology major whose secret passion is writing, but she wants a stable and steady income for her family in the future and decides to take the long road with the pre-med track. There’s the aspiring architect who cannot pass a math class to save his life and is forced to give up his dream of constructing the next Eiffel Tower. And of course there’s the lazy genius, who scores As on all of his exams without taking one look at his calculus textbook but fails to register for his classes and doesn’t get into the final core class he needs to graduate on time.

No matter the circumstances, there is always that question that resurfaces when you least expect it: are four years really enough?

There are multiple factors affecting how your time in college will pan out: how many credits you need to graduate, what pre-requisites you need to take in order to get into graduate school and how many classes transferred over from high school or community college. It seems as though you need to know exactly what you’re going to do before you do it. Not all students can or want to begin their first real time as adults making a map of their future; they want the freedom to explore.

The New York Times also addresses this discontentment: “College officials also recognize that deciding on a major can be overwhelming, especially when coupled with the fear that a wrong choice will result in added semesters and tuition. ‘Students no longer have the luxury of stumbling into a major or making mistakes,’ says Neeta P. Fogg, a research professor at Drexel University’s Center for Labor Markets and Policy.”

So what, if anything, should we do about this predicament?

I interviewed two very different CU students, and this is what they said.

Mike Molinari, a senior (and soon-to-be super senior) history and Italian major, thinks that four or five years is a standard amount of time for a student to spend in college.

Did you know exactly what you wanted to do after you left high school?

Yes, I knew I wanted to join the military.

Is the reason why you chose to participate in the military? 

I wanted to join, because I knew becoming an officer would open up a lot of different options for me in the future. Plus, just serving my country is one of the main reasons I did it, and I just didn’t want some boring old office job. I wanted something where I could actually make a difference.

Do you think that you needed this four years of schooling to learn that?

Yes, definitely, if not more. Over the summer we have training in addition to the four years, and I still don’t think a lot of people get enough experience with what we are going into actually serving.

Do you think you would have rather gone to a more military-based school?

No, I thought about going to an academy, but I didn’t, because I wanted the college experience as well as being able to serve. I’m glad I didn’t do that.

Do you feel as though being at school for an extra year disadvantages you?

Having an extra year? I don’t think it does at all. If anything, it helps me, because I may be able to pick up another major, learn a lot more, and that is only going towards my creditability for the future.

(Courtesy Mike Molinari)

Meghan Wilmesher, a junior integrative physiology major, sat down with me for a couple of minutes to discuss her views on the academic system. She is currently in the process of getting her prerequisites for medical school or physical therapy school.

Did you know exactly what you wanted to do after you left high school?

No.

What is your opinion on the academic system right now?

I think the academic system right now doesn’t support maybe a good education. I came in as a freshman — undeclared — and I didn’t figure out until the end of my freshman year what I wanted to do. Because of that, there was really no buffer for me to decide what I wanted and I ended up actually being a year behind in class. So, if I had come in and decided what major I was in, I would be in my actual junior year, but right now I am at my sophomore year in my major.

What experience did you have that made you decide what you wanted to do as a career?

When I was just looking at the majors that the school offered, I knew I had always kind of liked science, and a really good friend of mine was studying i-phy. I ended up looking into his major a little bit more and found out I really liked what upper division classes the school had to offer and the career choices.

Will you be graduating on time?

No.

Explain how this disadvantages you and what you want to do with your future?

I mean, obviously cost is a big one. I don’t have student loans out, but it is still going to cost me probably 30,000-40,000 extra dollars to graduate and get the same degree as anyone else. As well as just time, I’ll be older when I go to grad school, and I’ll get a later start jumping into things.

Is there a way to change that?

Yeah, I think that there should be more leniency on the starting majors and coming in. Maybe you could get one semester or two to try out that nobody is allowed to declare until they’ve been in school for a semester. Also, maybe not so many weed out classes or core requirements. I just feel as though maybe those took up my freshmen year, and if I would have jumped in and did the other recommended classes and I would have known.

(Courtesy Kelsey Samuels)

Contact CU Independent Copy Editor Kelsey Samuels at Kelsey.samuels@colorado.edu. 

With all the internships, jobs, and maybe even a little summer school, there isn’t much time to cook. Here are a few deliciously healthy recipes that are quick and easy to make.

Banana Berry Smoothie

This easy concoction is perfect when you’ve pressed the snooze button one to many times. You know the drill, just throw all the ingredients in the blender, turn it on high and you’re good to go. It’s convenient, tasty and if you’re in a hurry, you can easily take it on the road.

• 1 cup of frozen strawberries (5-6 pieces)
• 1/2 cup of plain or vanilla, low fat yogurt
• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 tablespoon of honey or agave
• 1/2 cup of raspberries, blueberries or blackberries
• 1 cup of orange juice

 
(Kelsey Samuels/CU Independent)

Breakfast Tacos

Have a fiesta at breakfast with these spicy scrambled egg tacos. First, pre-heat the oven to 250, so those tortillas get a little crunchy.  Then, pour the canola oil on a saute pan and turn the heat to medium. Wait a minute or so to let the oil heat up and then throw the garlic and onions on the pan. After they have been sautéed to a nice golden brown, add the mushrooms and spinach. Once all the veggies are cooked to your liking, scramble the eggs in a separate bowl and pour them into the pan. Mix everything up until the eggs are ready and add as much or as little of the hot sauce as you want. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper onto the eggs and place them in your tortillas. This easy, healthy recipe is sure to add a kick to your day!

• 1/2 cup of chopped onions
• 1/2 cup of portobella or white mushrooms
• 1/2 cup of fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon of chopped garlic
• 1 tablespoon of canola oil
• 2 eggs
• 2 flour or corn tortillas
• a pinch of salt and pepper
• Any hot sauce of your liking

(Kelsey Samuels/CU Independent)

Quinoa Berry Salad

If you’e seeking for something on the healthier side for lunch, look no further: this quinoa salad is a balanced meal in itself. Add the quinoa and water to a pot and bring to a boil. Once the water has began to bubble, place a cover on the pot and set the flames to a simmer. Let it sit for 15 minutes until all the water has evaporated. While the quinoa is cooking. Take your greens and place them in a mixing bowl. Add the vinaigrette and sunflower seeds and evenly mix. Once the quinoa is complete, add it to the greens and mix again. Finally, place the berries on top of your creation. Enjoy this healthy salad with a glass of OJ or your favorite summer drink.

• 1 cup of quinoa
• 2 cups of water
• a handful of fresh greens
• 1/2 cup of chopped strawberries
• 1/2 cup of blueberries and/or blackberries
• 1 tablespoon of sunflower seeds or chopped almonds
• 2 tablespoons of raspberry vinaigrette

Orange Teriyaki Baked Salmon 

Looking for a few omega-3′s to keep your diet in check? This teriyaki salmon tastes amazing and is great for you. First, pre-heat the oven to 325. Then, pour 3 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce, the soy sauce, and the honey into a gallon size bag. Add the salmon and let it sit in your fridge for about 30 minutes.  After it has marinated for long enough, take the salmon and place it in an eight by eight glass pan. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of the teriyaki sauce to the top of the salmon as a glaze and glue for the orange slices. Place the oranges and the green onion evenly on top. Finally, add a pinch of pepper and place the fish right in the oven for around 15 minutes. The time varies depending on whether you like your salmon rare or well done, so just keep checking on it. This dish pairs nicely with steamed white rice or asparagus and mash potatos. Whatever mood you’re in, salmon is always the right and healthy choice!

• 1 Salmon uncooked
• 5 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce
• 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons of honey
• 3 orange slices
• 1 green onion chopped
• Pinch of pepper

Fried Bananas

Finally, a dessert that hinders your sweet tooth and is easy to make. Heat a pan on high and then either the butter or canola oil (healthier choice). Add the sliced bananas and cook evenly on both sides until they are golden brown. Put the heat to simmer and add the sugar.  Once the sugar is cooked, sprinkle the cinnamon on top and serve over ice cream or just by itself. It takes about 15 minutes total and is sure to keep your tummy satisfied!

• 3-4 sliced bananas
• 2 tablespoons of butter or canola oil
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of white sugar
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Hershey’s Kiss Cookies

If you like chocolate kisses as much as I do, try these peanut butter kiss cookies.  First, pre-heat the oven to 350. Then, cream the butter and add the Nutella and peanut butter, and both kinds of sugars. After those are mixed evenly, add the eggs and vanilla extract.  Finally, slowly stir the dry ingredients into the bowl.  Roll the cookie dough into small balls and place on lightly greased cookie sheets. If you want a little extra sweetness, sprinkle some sugar on top of the dough.  Bake at 350 for about 8 minutes and then remove from oven.  Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center and place back in the oven for about three minutes.

• 1 cup butter or margarine
• 1/2 cup of peanut butter
• 1/2 cup of Nutella
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tsp of vanilla
• 3 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup of sugar for on top
• 1 package Hershey’s Kisses

(Kelsey Samuels/CU Independent)

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Kelsey Samuels at Kelsey.samuels@colorado.edu. 

It’s spring, which means the last thing on your mind is studying for finals. The sun is out — greeting what is hopefully the last of the spring snow, the final days of skiing are upon us and you just want to be done with anything academic. CU Independent interviewed students about taking on these last few days of school.

 Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Kelsey Samuels at Kelsey.samuels@colorado.edu.

The CWA panel “Sex Sells” did exactly that. On Monday morning more than three quarters of the Old Main auditorium was full of individuals young and old drawn to the idea that sex does in fact attract consumers.

Several panalists speak about the concept of “sex sells” during the Conference on World Affairs on Monday morning. (Ryan Tibbitts/CU Independent)

This 80 minute panel discussion had a diverse range of characters: ranging from the Playboy CEO, to a feminist author and  a musician. There was no way it was going to disappoint.  The panelists had different views of sex and advertising, but the main idea was consistent: sex sells.

Jo Muse, founder of Muse Communications and known as one of advertising’s best leaders, stuck to the scientific side of things. A certain part in our brain called the parietal cortex, which provides awareness and choices, demonstrates an individual’s attention span. Jo Muse explained that because every single human being has one, it’s easy to attract attention through sexual visual pleasures.

Long story short, Jo believed that using provocative images in advertising will always entice viewers, so selling sex was just pure laziness.

Howard Schultz, media expert and creator of MTV’s Next!, had a different idea on the matter. His primary response when being asked if sex sells was “duh.” Looking further into the matter, he then asked himself if sex really ever made him purchase anything. The only thing that he bought for the purpose of that was ironically Playboy magazine.

“It’s really not sex, it’s the hope of sex,” Schultz said.

He explained that the provocativeness gets ourselves out of our heads for just moments, desiring and wanting something else. There’s not a true connection between buying a product and sexual imagery, but of sex and attention.

Jenni Schaefer, an expert on body image and eating disorders addresses the CEO of Playboy Enterprises, Scott Flanders. The panel, titles “Sex Sells” was held in Old Main on Monday morning. (Ryan Tibbitts/CU Independent)

Jenni Schaefer, a nationally renowned author, took on the feminist approach. She dug a little deeper on the issue and explained that by selling sex, young women are being negatively affected.  She justified her comments with research she had done stating that self esteem, ambition and even GPA are decreasing while eating disorders are on the rise.

Ironically, Scott Flanders, CEO of Playboy Enterprises and CU alumnus, spoke next. He explained to Jenni that Playboy was not about categorizing women into stereotypes, but to demonstrate what the audience wants to see. He even added that Playboy distinctly tries to find more voluptuous women for their models rather than what we see in high fashion magazines.

Scott explained that sex sells, not solely because of naked women, but because “men are wanting education on how to be attractive to the opposite sex.”

Evelyn Resh, author and sexuality counselor, sparked a room full of laughter with her dry, witty sense of humor. She first identified an important and interesting notion: the part of the brain that controls sex is two-point-five times larger in men’s than in women’s. That is why, she believes, “men rule the industry.”

Resh exploited the fact that it isn’t sex that drives us, but other factors that dig deeper into our subconscious.

“Shame drives us,” Resh said. “We want to know how other people behave sexually, which is why sex sells to our undivided attention.”

You can check out more of the 65th Annual Conference on World Affairs at here.

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Kelsey Samuels at Kelsey.samuels@colorado.edu.

We’ve all seen them: those brown-nosing, loud mouth students that you just hate sitting next to. You go out on a limb trying to avoid them at all cost, but sometimes you’re stuck next to the most obnoxious person at CU. Here’s some advice on how not to be that annoying classmate.

The Brown Noser

“No question is a stupid question” was valid when you were in elementary school. You’re in college now, so things are a bit different.  I know you want to get noticed and maybe show your professor you’re engaged in the class, but lecture is the wrong time for that. You are not going to get a better grade by raising your hand in the middle of Chem 140 and asking a question.

First off, the teacher will not remember you. You are one of 400 students in the class; you are just a number. Hopefully you knew CU was a large university when you applied.

Second, usually in large lecture halls the teacher is doing just that – lecturing. He does not want to be interrupted in the middle of explaining differential equations or the philosophies of life. The professors, just like you, are on a time crunch and need to get through certain concepts before the school year ends. Make use of office hours; that’s what they are there for.

The Aisle Squatter

I understand that you want to be the first one to leave once class ends, but sitting in the aisle won’t make that much of a difference.  Maybe you enjoy getting your stuff stepped on, or you like getting squished as people try to find a seat in your row. Whatever the reason may be, it’s extremely annoying for everyone else.

Have some sympathy for those people who arrive late for class and have to step around and push through those people seated in the aisle. It’s disrupting to the entire class and to the professor. How can you avoid being that annoying classmate you ask? Don’t sit in the aisle.

The Sniffer

Flu season is year-round at most universities. Freshmen are forced to live in confined areas, so there are bound to be a few runny noses in class. Usually people can tolerate a runny nose or a small cough, but when symptoms are above that, there are a few things to consider before going to class.

Are you about to take a test? Bring a box of tissues. No one, especially people who are in the middle of a difficult essay question, want to hear you sneezing and snotting everywhere. For the sake of sanitation and annoyance, be respectful to those around you.

Here’s some advice from the master of skipping class: If you’re enrolled in a lecture and feeling under the weather, don’t go if you’re contagious. Don’t compromise your classmates’ health by going to a class you can get notes on later.

The Chatty Cathy

Whispering during class is easy to ignore, but when a person thinks his deep, low voice cannot be heard, it is a completely different playing field. If you have a assertive teacher, those people will usually be shut down right away or asked to leave, but for those professors who are more timid, it’s a little more difficult to deal with those people. You can’t just be that person who “shh-es” the person who is speaking, because then you would be known as the “shh-er,” and you don’t want that either.

Try to ignore it and pay attention to the professor. If that’s not possible, stare in the general direction of the person “whispering.” Hopefully, the culprit will soon catch your gaze, and when he does, shoot him a death glare. If the whisperer doesn’t see you, clear your throat a bit, and that should get his or her attention. It’s obnoxious, but it tends to work every time.

The Early Packer

No one really wants to be in class, but there is no reason you need to pack up 10 minutes early. You will be missing prime notes because your notebook is already in your bag. You also distract the other 200 kids making an effort to pay attention.

Listening to a boring lecture is one thing, but hearing the clicks, zips and shifts of your book bag is even worse. This also triggers a chain reaction of other eager students waiting to get out of class. Now there’s not just one but 20 backpacks making noise. Help yourself and others by keeping your books and pencils on the table for that extra 10 minutes.

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Kelsey Samuels at Kelsey.samuels@colorado.edu.

It’s that time of year again, when you hear talk about Cancun, the Caribbean and other tropical vacation spots. Your head drops in disappointment, knowing that you will not be partaking because you have to pay the institution you need a break from. Here are some vacation ideas for Boulder students who can’t afford an extravagant getaway.

Sophomore finance and accounting major Chris Maddock lays out enjoying the sun. Catching some rays is one of the simplest ways to spend your spring break. (Nate Bruzdzinski/CU Independent Photo Illustration)

Road Trip

If you don’t have enough money to fly, take a four-wheel excursion. Find one of your just-as-poor friends and a car and go anywhere without school work or responsibilities. Roll down the windows and stick your head out because that worry-free feeling won’t last forever. If you’re looking to get away from the chilly mountain air, check out Moab, Utah. It’s only a five-hour drive from Boulder and the weather is completely worth it. It rarely rains and is a prime tanning getaway. If you want something more adventurous, try the Great Sand Dunes located in Alamosa, Colo. Bring some friends and a couple of sleds and enjoy shredding on the sand.

Camping

The No. 1 goal for many college students over break is the ability to drink freely and without worry. That is why most people go to spots where the drinking age is lower than in the U.S. Alternatively, camping lets you live in your party. It’s your perfect and perfectly cheap alternative to a foreign country. Immerse yourself in new territory with a few of your close friends and go crazy. Little did you know, there are multiple areas to camp not too far away from the Boulder campus. Head to Georgetown, Colo., which is only an hour away where you’ll find shops, restaurants and train rides for the less-adventurous as well as multiple campsites for those who want to brave the wilderness.

Going Home: The Couch Potato

You may be dreading going home to your parent’s house this break, but consider this: While your friends who are on vacation are burning a hole in their wallets and wearing three-day-old socks, students who dwell with grateful parents are greeted with homemade dinners, clean laundry and a nice-smelling environment to come home to every night. That sounds terrible, you’re right.

Going Home: The Local Tourist

You may think you have explored every inch of your hometown, but there is always more to be discovered. Why not check out the local brewery or that amusement park nearby? You may be surprised with what you find by simply revisiting old favorite locations. Treat yourself to that spa your mom has been raving about or head to the local pool. If you’re feeling really adventurous, go to a place you’ve never been before and pretend to be a tourist.

The College Town

If you’re too broke to even fly back home for the break, why not have a vacation in your own backyard? You decided to study in Boulder for a reason. The school may boast quality academics, a 95-percent retention rate and amazing program for your major, but let’s face it, you wanted to go to this university for the social atmosphere, too. Take advantage of the recently arrived spring weather and camp right in your own backyard. Indulge and invest in a couple of beach chairs, a kiddy pool and a few margaritas and you’re good to go. Set up shop on top of the sunny locations of K’s or the Rio Grande.

Cabo San Lucas may be a great trip to look back on one day, but bragging rights will go to you when all the money that you saved up from over the years by not splurging on Spring Break can go to bigger and better things. Everything will work out in the end, no matter where you spend the break. Remember, you can have fun without $15 piña colada.

View Spring Break Getaways in a larger map

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Kelsey Samuels at Kelsey.samuels@colorado.edu.

We’ve all experienced those situations that make us cringe, blush or even perspire at the thought of them. Whether you are with friends, in the library or even in the comfort of your own home, those circumstances always seem to appear when you least expect it. Here are some helpful tips to make these situations as least awkward as possible.

The Creep

Following a long week of exams, papers and stress, you cannot wait to hit the town with some of your best girl friends. And perfect for you, it’s Thursday and ladies’ night at the Absinthe House. After getting a couple of cheap drinks and appetizers from that cute bartender, you are ready to hit the dance floor. Everything is going great: the drinks are flowing, the DJ’s playing all your favorite songs and you are smirking at those girls in the ridiculous 5 inch heels.

But then things suddenly take a turn for the worst, and you feel that extra wiggle room for dancing slowly vanish. Ladies, you know exactly what I’m talking about: an unwanted dance partner who just doesn’t seem to get it. As much as you try to subtly decline by standing stone cold still or peering nervously behind you, Mr. Oblivious over here wants nothing more than to invade your personal bubble.

Instead of “Jenna Marbles-ing” the poor guy, politely turn to face him and explain that you are just not interested: Using the “I have a boyfriend” excuse is always effective. If the music is too loud, you can sacrifice one of your intoxicated friends –with her consent, of course– and switch places with her. Not the bravest way to avoid the situation, but it does seem to do the trick.

The Ex

Everyone, for the most part, has an ex of some kind. Whether it is a long lost friend, a summer fling or one of those unfortunate freshman year nights of regret, we all have someone we hope to avoid at all cost. It’s terrible, but it’s a fact. There are two things to consider in a situation like this. First, on a scale of 1 to 10, how good do you look and feel at the moment of seeing this particular individual? Second, how badly did things end?

Say, for instance, that you are at the gym. You have just finished an extremely intense workout and are sweating profusely, so you probably don’t look attractive, not even a little. You could be the most beautiful or handsome person in the world, but after a hard work out, you are not going to be very enticing to the opposite sex: Harsh, but true. If you run into your ex in this situation, do not stop to talk. Do you want to go in for an awkward hug and leave a sweat mark from your face on his gray T-shirt? Yeah, I didn’t think so.

If you do run into that certain someone, put your earphones in before they recognize you, and quickly give a wave as you pass by. Awkward situation avoided. When you are looking your best, be confident. Approach them and let them feel awkward; there’s nothing more satisfying than the feeling of self-assurance.

The “Bye Evan”

Most of us have seen the witty and raunchy movie, Superbad — and if you haven’t, I urge you to watch it immediately after finishing this article. I’m sure you recall the memorable scene where shy high schooler Evan bids his crush Becca goodbye in the hallway. Mortified when he realizes that he is actually going in same direction as her, Evan quickens his pace and awkwardly speed walks ahead, which causes her to say the infamous line, “Bye Evan.”

Michael Cera can get away with such situations because, well, look at him, he’s adorable. You, on the other hand, need to play it cool. Make a joke and laugh it off. Do anything that you can to make it as least “Evan-like” as possible. If this person is someone you don’t really know, pretend you have to take a phone call and hold your phone up to your ear. It sounds stupid, but it works every time. If you don’t have your phone at hand and still don’t want to keep conversation with that person, diverge from your original path and walk a different direction. It may be tedious, but it works in your favor.

These are just a few situations that I hope you can now get yourself out of or at least make it less uncomfortable. If you’re still feeling a little awkward, here are some awkward moments that may help you feel a little better about yours.

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Kelsey Samuels at Kelsey.samuels@colorado.edu.

We have all seen them: those certain individuals wearing short shorts, flip flops and dresses in the cold and often bi-polar weeks of early spring. Some may look fashionable or even cute, but most of them just look plain stupid. Here are the dos and don’ts of Colorado spring attire.

Shoes

It may look beautiful outside. The snow may have melted a little, and the birds may be singing, but that does not mean it is OK to wear flip flops or any open toed shoes for that matter. Number one, you’re going to get frostbite on your little toesies. Number two, what happens if the weather changes in a matter of seconds –which we know happens almost five times a week– and you’re stuck trudging through the snow practically barefooted? Not very enjoyable, I’m guessing. Also, as it’s still winter, your toes probably haven’t seen sunlight for at least a month. Which probably means they aren’t ready to be seen in public either. Give them a little more time to freshen up, for the sake of your feet and your peers around you. There is nothing more disgusting than seeing pale, pruney feet in the middle of winter. Instead, try transitioning from your heavy duty snow boots into some comfortable and stylish Converse or Vans skate shoes. They are perfect on sunnier days and still keep your toes warm and happy.

Shorts

Guys, I understand you are trying to keep your cool factor by wearing shorts in winter. You need to impress the ladies by showing them that the 30 degree weather has no effect on you whatsoever. Or maybe you’re trying to exemplify your manliness by showing up to class in your pre-workout gear consisting of a sleeveless tank and exercise shorts to match. As much as we girls love that about you, there are various other ways you can show us your masculine side without freezing your poor behind off. If you want to impress the girls, try wearing something maybe you have heard of before: pants. Girls love, more than anything else, a guy who has a certain kind of style to him. I’m not saying that he has to be dressed from head to toe in designer clothes, but it would be nice to see a man in something other than what his mom has picked out for him four years ago in JC Penney. And as for the workout gear, come on — we still know you’re a gym fiend if you put on some sweatpants and a hoodie.

Dresses & Skirts

Dresses can be a chic and stylish outfit in the winter and spring if you know how to dress appropriately, but I have seen girls in flowy, floral skirts while it was blizzarding outside. Number one rule for wearing a dress or skirt in the winter is layering. That gray shawl your mom gave you for sophomore year homecoming may actually come in handy now. Feel free to get funky with your attire. Wear some sheer tights or leggings underneath your dress; this helps keep you warm and doesn’t expose those white, translucent legs you’ve been hiding since October. Layering also helps shift from the freezing weather outside to the overly warm, heated classrooms, or suddenly sunny and warm outside. There is also the problem of wind. Imagine walking to class in a dress or skirt and keeping your hands warm in those jacket pockets. Meanwhile, your skirt is defenseless against that cold, winter breeze. Not only does it suck when you get the chills from the cold, but what is even worse is being utterly defenseless when the wind blows your skirt up.

Overall, just be smart about what you wear, constantly check the weather channel to see what the forecast is for the day and in general, if you think what you’re about to wear is a bad choice, then most likely you’re correct. Stay warm, CU; summer is almost here!

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Kelsey Samuels at Kelsey.samuels@colorado.edu. 

Whether you’re seated at your dinner table or at a five star restaurant, it’s a good idea to think before you bite into that juicy steak or cut into your tender chicken breast.

According to the documentary “American Meat,” most meat produced in the farm industry is filled with various chemicals to make your meal as inexpensive and profitable as possible.  Farmers typically inject synthetic estrogen, testosterone and antibiotics into livestock to increase growth rates and make the animals gain weight faster. Now imagine that same meal — not as appetizing, is it?

(Photo Courtesy of American Meat)

On Thursday, the Environmental Center hosted a screening of “American Meat.” Focusing on corporation-run factories as well as family-owned local farms, this solution-oriented documentary takes the audience through the meat producing industry in the United States. The film, which is centered on the farmers who raise the animals we eat, raises questions about the moral, economic and ethical dilemmas of livestock husbandry by demonstrating the challenges that farmers face. Can locally grown food and organic farmers actually feed the entire American population?

It isn’t going to happen over night, but the answer is yes. The problem is productivity. The average American consumes about 40 pounds of pork, 60 pounds of beef and 82 pounds of chicken a year, which means the United States alone eats 59 billion pounds of meat. Conventional farmers can produce that amount for meat distributors in a shorter amount of time than organic farmers can, because the excess hormones and chemicals that are injected into cows, pigs or chickens quicken growth and fatten up the animal. On the other hand, local, organic farmers raise their animals naturally without pathogens. Hypothetically, if four million farmers were to raise organic and grass-fed meat, then the nation would be well equipped with the bonus of creating a plethora of jobs, but this isn’t reality.

Geography major Emma Ruffin thinks there needs to be a complete reconstruction of food policy in order for the industry to turn around.

“The business model makes sense, but nature is nature; it is unpredictable and not an industry,” Ruffin said. “The solution starts with a change in mindset through education programs starting with the schools.”

In a panel after the film screening, Ann Cooper, an advocate for children’s health and wellness, described the dilemma of the food industry as it pertains to a social standpoint. For example, a single mother of two with a minimum wage job won’t be concerned about the benefits of certain meat products compared to others, because she will be thinking about how much food she can put on the table. Education is key for finding a solution to eating healthier.

“As long as we keep thinking our food should be cheaper, we are always going to be sicker,” Cooper said. “We have to change the whole model [of the food industry].”

Emily Stenard, an integrative physiology major, explained that there are multiple ways to contribute to the organic farming community. From Mrin County, an extremely health-conscious suburb outside of San Francisco, Stenard is most concerned about being proactive about where your meat comes from.

“What is more important than your health, and what is going into your body?” Stenard said. “It is more than looking at what it says on the box. I try to buy food as local as possible by putting effort into the food that I buy.”

Stenard purchases local food anywhere she can. If the farmer’s market isn’t in season, then she will go to websites like localharvest.org to find restaurants in the Boulder area that serve organic and locally raised meats.

Buying organic can sound daunting due to the steeper prices of food – especially for students, but there are many ways to buy locally without burning a hole in your pocket.

The Second Kitchen, a community based on the Hill that promotes locally grown agriculture, is a fairly inexpensive way to purchase sustainable produce. They provide a product list of local and organic foods that the residents of Boulder can purchase for prices as low as the grocery store’s.

Additionally, the documentary not only praises farmers for their work in the organic industry but also illustrates the other side of the agriculture spectrum: conventional farming. It explains that “going green” is not as easy as it seems because it takes time and effort on the farmer’s end. We want to believe that if all farmers decided to become organic, they could in a heartbeat, but that isn’t actually the case.

Mel Coleman Jr., owner of Niman Ranch, explained after the film that in all his years in the agriculture industry he had never met a farmer who wanted to use chemicals. He said everyone he talked to made the decision to maintain a conventional farm because they knew it was the to keep their farm in business.

Distributing meat with the organic seal can be more difficult than selling produce conventionally.  In “American Meat,” Chuck Wirtz, a farmer in Iowa, tried to turn part of his farm into organic production, but because the economy was declining, no companies were willing to invest in his meat. Sustainable agriculture requires more uptake, staff and money, so Wirtz couldn’t afford the change and stuck with conventional farming, not due to choice, but practicality.

The conventional industry does have some positive effects on the nation. This industry provides more than enough produce to feed the entire United States, whereas organic farming takes more time to make smaller amounts of livestock.

“American Meat” highlighted issues of sustainability and health in America’s meat industry without focusing on undercover footage of conventional meat processing. Even without the disgusting images people are used to in animal rights documentaries, the film presented a view of the meat industry that many do not see.

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Kelsey Samuels at Kelsey.samuels@colorado.edu. 

Yes, the Hallmark Holiday, Valentine’s Day, has come to a close. You either love it or you hate it, but nonetheless don’t expect to see any more chocolate hearts, fuzzy pink outfits or lovey-dovey couples in the near future (hopefully).  Even though February is almost over, there is still a myriad holidays waiting to be celebrated. Here are just a few.

Peppermint Bark is a nice minty, chocolatey snack. (Ryan Tibbitts/CU Independent)

National Chocolate Mint Day: Feb. 19

Let’s begin with a holiday, that’s close to my heart and my taste buds, which celebrates all things minty. Whether it is drinking a mint chocolate chip milk shake, baking a leafy green, chocolatey dessert or even heading to the spa for a spearmint face scrub, do something to glorify this tasteful day. If you’re new to the chocolate mint scene, stay on the safe side and try an Andes mint candy. They melt in your mouth and have all the chocolatey goodness you could ask for: What’s not to love? A chocolate mint veteran? Switch it up a bit, and invent your own minty snack.  Anything goes on a day that honors sweets!

Love Your Pet Day: Feb. 20 

Obviously you should love your pet every day, but this holiday commemorates a day to spoil them unconditionally. Whether you have a dog, cat, hamster or even a pet rock, take your animal out on the town. Play fetch, scratch its favorite spot or even dress it up in ridiculous clothing; this is the day to show your creature how much you care.

Be Humble Day: Feb. 22  

Why not have a day to celebrate modesty? Oh wait, there is! This holiday not only serves as a day to shut up the gloaters of the world for an entire 24 hours, but also to absorb all  of the wonderful things you do. Pick up some trash on the side of the road, help a friend with homework or even spend a day at a soup kitchen, but keep all those good deeds to yourself, and appreciate what you can do to help others. It’s not just a day to be humble; it’s a day to celebrate yourself.

National Tortilla Chip Day: Feb. 23 

Any holiday commemorating food is fine by me. On the 23rd, head to your favorite Mexican restaurants to celebrate: Qdoba, Illegal Pete’s, Chipotle, or get a little fancier at the Rio. If you don’t want to spend money and you love to cook like me, make some homemade nachos with the works. Add some beans, cheese, onions, sour cream, and if you want to go all out, make some guacamole to go with it. Love chips and queso? A secret source has informed me that Chipotle may be in the works of creating just that. Be on the look out for an announcement.

Public Sleeping Day: Feb. 28 

Saving the best for last, here is a day dedicated to sleep. On the last day of February, why not celebrate by taking a nap in a public area? Catch a quick snooze in the middle of Norlin Quad, on a park bench or if you’re feeling adventurous, try catching some Z’s in the middle of class. That probably won’t last very long if you’re in a class of 15. Sleep where ever and whenever – it’s the one day you can be lazy and get away with it.

There you have it: some weird, random holidays that will get you through the rest of February. It’s not Valentine’s Day, but hey, sleep and food sound a little more appealing than a holiday that supports PDA, don’t you think?

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Kelsey Samuels at Ksamuels19@gmail.com.