MAY CONTAIN NUTS SPF: Sun Plus Fun
For as long as I can remember, the sun and I have not had the best of relationships. When I was five, my mother would devise every scheme imaginable to excuse me from outdoor gym activities. The reason? She was fearful that my then-alabaster skin would become the burnt-beech color it is now. The notes she attempted to send (I shredded them frantically on the bus) to the gym teacher were priceless. “She has allergy to the sun,” was one of the more ridiculous statements.
You’ve got a degree from MIT, but can you cook?
Congratulations, Class of 2011! You’ve made it through four years in TFP; a countless number of late-night p-sets, excruciating examinations, sessions of procrastination filled with AngryBirds and Facebook stalking, too many gallons of caffeine to count, and a vast canvas of memories too large to comprehend. In between those episodes of work and fun, there were Ramen noodles, Lean Cuisine boxes, Domino’s Pizza with the infamous cheesy bread, and stashes of free food that were collected from random locations on campus (but who cares, right? It’s free food!). But now, you’re at the end of your time at MIT. As you enter the “real world,” it may be necessary to start cooking. If the thought of holding a spatula makes you hyperventilate, take a few deep breaths — The Tech has you covered. Below are a few easy recipes that will make you look like a culinary genius while also ensuring that the fire alarm doesn’t get tripped off every time you get near a stove.
MAY CONTAIN NUTS Healthy, ‘well’-thy, and wise
“How you doin’?” The common answer is “good” — or “well” for the grammatically correct. But is this really the case? Perhaps in a superficial sense, yes. But from a health standpoint, the answer may not be so fitting. For me, I know that this semester has taken quite a toll on my sleeping and eating habits. I’ve succumbed to the age-old truth that you have to pick two: sleep, grades, or friends.
MIT Sexual Assault Awareness Week
Editor’s Note: Readers are advised that this article contains discussion of the circumstances of sexual assault.
MAY CONTAIN NUTS How to save a life
If you’ve ever seen Mrs. Doubtfire, you will understand why I love the movie so much — after all, a man dressed as an endearing old lady … what’s not to love? But when I saw the movie for the 30th time, I realized that it was also instructional. In a pivotal scene, Robin Williams’s character — disguised as the congenial Mrs. Doubtfire — saves his ex-wife’s lover from choking on a horrible piece of chicken by using the Heimlich maneuver. Though “Mrs. Doubtfire” reveals his true identity in the process, the scene demonstrates the importance of knowing basic life support techniques.
MAY CONTAIN NUTS Kickin’ back
I entered the Rotch Library to a sea of coffee cups, books, laptops, and heads bent in intense concentration. As I took a sip from my own coffee cup, I realized that my life had evolved into this regimented schedule of sleep, work, extracurriculars, more work, food in between, and then back to sleep. I had no time to relax and from what I saw of my peers in the library, they didn’t either.
Baby, I was born this way
“Does this make me look fat?” Most guys hear this question and end up mumbling something along the lines of, “Honey, when I see your face, there’s not a thing that I would change, ‘cuz girl you’re amazing just the way you are.” Most girls hear that response and either melt on the inside or doubt the sincerity in the sentiment since it’s the standard response. Ultimately, a vicious cycle ensues where the guy is perpetually convincing the girl that she is indeed beautiful, and the girl is eternally on a quest for that elusive 36-26-36. In this society of aesthetic regulations, it seems like we’ve become more concerned about outfits and societal images speaking to our personalities instead of the other way around.
Medical receives a makeover
MIT Medical recently unveiled new daytime-only operation hours for its Urgent Care Service and redesigned its inpatient facilities to become the new Community Care Center. New hours came into effect on Dec. 22, 2010.
Healing achy, breaky hearts
I remember the days when Valentine’s Day consisted of writing everybody in my third grade class a “Spiderman Valentine” that said things along the lines of, “you’ve got my spidey senses tingling” and “thanks for sharing your PB&J sandwich.” The more special friends got an extra Hershey’s Kiss, while the people I couldn’t stand got Laffy Taffy. There was no heartbreak involved — only trading of candies if you didn’t like the flavor or type you received from someone. If only Valentine’s Day were so simple now.
Learning how to say “no”
“Divya! You should come downstairs with your plate and fork. There’s a ton of food downstairs.” My friend looked at me with a sense of urgency as I walked into my room with Trader Joe’s grocery bags in hand.
Fitting fitness in your daily schedule
“Sleep, Grades, Friends — Choose 2.” I’m sure you’re well acquainted with that phrase. Unfortunately, from experience, I know that of the three, sleep is usually the most sacrificed option. And also unfortunately, in the wake of psets, exams, and extracurriculars, sleep is not the only health-related activity that takes a back-seat.
Athena printing changes coming
Over the past year, Information Services and Technology, the UA, and the MIT Administration have been examining how the Athena printing system can be improved to maximize efficiency and cut costs.
Protein folder wins National Medal of Science
MIT Professor Susan L. Lindquist was awarded the National Medal of Science by President Obama last Friday. She recalls her unexpected introduction to research:
Prince of Monaco reports back on Antarctic research
Antarctica is in hot water, the Prince said.
Institute Professor Diamond may be next Fed member
On March 12, 2010, the White House identified MIT Institute Professor Peter A. Diamond PhD ’63, as well as Janet L. Yellen and Sarah B. Raskin, as possible candidates to fill in three vacancies on the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors.
Confession linked TEP to Na injuries
The sodium that exploded in 2007 and injured volunteers from a Charles River clean up crew was thrown into the river by Bhaskar Mookerji G, a Tau Epsilon Phi brother, according to public court documents.
Schmidt, Google Chief, Talks about His Plans
It seemed to be a meeting like any other: brownies and fresh apple cider for refreshments, professionals engaged in conversations, and a frenetic sense of purpose filled in the air. That is, until Google CEO Eric E. Schmidt walked through the doors to the room.
OpenCourseWare Cash Woes Drive Search for New Revenue Sources
MIT’s OpenCourseWare is in danger of running out of funding by the 2012 fiscal year at current expense levels, according to the executive director of OCW, Cecilia d’Oliveira ’77.
UA Summaries of Task Force Recs Generate Hundreds of Student Votes
Several hundred students voted online on Planning Task Force recommendations based on summaries posted by the Undegraduate Association. The UA selected the 22 most important recommendations, summarized them on their website, and allowed students to vote them up or down and enter anonymous feedback.
Libraries Complete $5 Million Renovations Over the Summer
Looking for a cool new place to study this semester? MIT recently renovated two of its largest libraries. Dewey Library boasts a $4.6 million facelift that includes expanded group study space and more environmentally responsible features. Barker Library gained a brighter reading room and inherited the orphaned collections of the Aeronautics and Astronautics Library, which was closed in June. The collections of the other closed library, Lindgren, have been relocated to Hayden.