Thursday, December 6, 2012

No Doubt Controversy


Victoria’s Secret Angels aren't the only ones raising eyebrows for allegedly “racial” costumes.  
Musical group No Doubt was under fire last week after lead singer Gwen Stefani wore a Native American-themed ensemble in the band’s newest music video, “Looking Hot.”
According to their website, the “multi-racial band” pulled the video and released an apology on Nov. 3rd, just weeks after it’s premier earlier this month.
The band said their intentions with the video “was never to offend, hurt or trivialize Native American people, their culture or their history.”
“Although we consulted with Native American friends and Native American studies experts at the University of California, we realize now that we have offended people,” No Doubt said. 
The band said the issue was “of great concern to us and we are removing the video immediately.”
“We sincerely apologize to the Native American community and anyone else offended by this video. Being hurtful to anyone is simply not who we are,” No Doubt said.

Victoria's Secret Controversy


One thing will be missing from the annual Victoria’s Secret Runway Show airing December 4th on CBS and it sure isn’t controversy.

Supermodel Karlie Kloss, 20, hit the runway Wednesday night, flaunting more than just an incredible body; a controversial 
Native American-themed costume.

Kloss strutted the runway in a floor-length red, black and white headdress accompanied by a leopard-print bra and panty set, accessorized with tan fringe and tons of sliver and teal jewelry.  

Earlier today she tweeted “I am deeply sorry if what I wore during the VS Show offended anyone. I support VS’s decision to remove the outfit from the broadcast.”


The underwear brand released an apology on the official Victoria's Secret Twitter page, which stated, “we are sorry that the Native American headdress in our fashion show has upset individuals. The outfit will be removed from the broadcast.”


Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Weather (Review)

Resident Assistants says students are safe from "the elements" in residence halls.

According to Michigan State University Resident Assistant Adam Burns, students are protected against storms and severe weather in the dorms.

"The concrete and steel-reinforced walls are thick enough to protect students from storms...and the stairwells and certain door in the residence halls are fire-proof," Burns said.

RAs are also trained to direct students in tornado safety in the event of a tornado on campus.

"We are told to gather as many or our residents as possible into the hall, with all doors and windows closed, and sit on the floor in tornado-bracing position," Burns said.

As for the secret wish of a snow day, students' only hopes come from an old YouTube video about a previous MSU snow day.  


Weather (Preview)

They are dry and they are warm, but are students safe?

As the weather gets colder and blizzard season approaches, Michigan State University students wonder how safe they are in the residence halls.

And although George Lessens of WZZM 13 news predicts a cold and dry winter this year, one MSU student hope the weather is mild.

"I hope there isn't a lot of snow because that makes walking to class extremely difficult," said sophomore Ryan Fetters. 

In the event of severe weather, Michigan State Police share safety tips in an attempt to protect the public.

Students also wonder the likelihood of class cancellations due to heavy snowfall.

Could this winter hold another snow day?

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Men on Body Image (Review)

It turns out that men are more sensitive than some thought.

After discussing women's body image issues with three male Michigan State University students, they said the media and women are the source of the problem.

According to sophomore Ryan Fetters, women "over think" body image.

"I feel like even if somebody is extremely thin, they always feel that thinner can always be achieved," Fetters said.

Fetters said that the media makes women believe thinner is better by showing models and actresses on television and magazines who are smaller than the average American women.

Sophomore Nnaemeka Unaegbu thought it was a "big step" that designer Ralph Lauren hired a plus sized model for their ad campaign.

He said the campaign is more "realistic" and Lauren is "tending to the needs of the average day women."

Sophomore Anthony Johnson believes a solution to the issue of women's body image would be for women to stop comparing themselves to the women they see on t.v..

"I believe a good looking women as someone who is comfortable with themselves and someone who presents themselves in a nice way," Johnson said.


Men on Body Image (Preview)

Are they all dogs, or do they understand our pain?

Male students at Michigan State University weigh in on the heavy topic of the body image issues women face. All while trying to break the stereotype that they are the source of the problem.

In a society where it is okay for overweight and unattractive men to be with beautiful and fit women sets a double standard that comedian Ellen DeGeneres doesn't agree with.

DeGeneres said that women feel the need to keep up their appearance for men, but that expectation is "not fair" because, in her opinion, men don't have to keep up their's for women.

"It's a double standard because, you know, there are men with really beautiful women that don't have great bodies and yet nobody is saying anything about that," DeGeneres said in an interview with Katie Couric.

But the real question is, are men expecting that same standards women set for themselves?

Friday, November 9, 2012

Laughing It Up With Cristela Alonzo (Review)

It was a full house this evening at the Michigan State University International Center food court.

While many early birds gathered around the stage, some late-comers were forced to fill back-row seats due to the large crowd.

The show started off with an improv performance from MSU's ROIAL Players, an improve theatre company. Who, thanks to the help of an audience member, acted-out short skits with the theme of "fish."

The ROIAL Players covered everything from an awkward break-up due to a dead fish gift, to an arranged marriage gone wrong after a father tries to sell his daughter away for a fish.

Things really got going once Cristela Alonzo hit the stage and rattled off joke after joke. Hitting topics like unique names and the MSU Dairy Store.

Following the performance, Hospitality freshman Sara Schumar waited in line to get an autograph business card from Alonzo.

"I loved her! She was so funny and did a really good job of connecting the jokes," Schumar said.

Schumar said she hopes MSU's UAB continues to bring comedians like Alonzo to campus.

After the show, the comedian tweeted "Michigan State University = amazing. I am lucky I got to play there (but not so lucky because I couldn't taste their ice cream). "

Laughing It Up WIth Cristela Alonzo (Preview)

Michigan State University is showing their funny side by bringing in funny girl, Cristela Alonzo.

The MSU Activities Board is bringing in the former Comedy Central writer and comedian to the International Center tonight to provide a source of entertainment and supply a quick bite to eat, according to the UAB.

Alonzo's career began in Dallas, TX before moving to Los Angeles in 2005.  She received her "big break" in 2006 when she was hired by Comedy Central as a writer, according to her website.

Alonzo's has been featured on Comedy Central's "Live At Gotham," NBC's "Last Comic Standing," Gabriel Iglesias' "Stand Up Revolution," and FX's "Sons of Anarchy."

Recently, she made her "late night debut" on Conan, according to her website.

Opening the show with be MSU's ROIAL Players, an improv theatre production company.

The show is free to MSU students and allows for one guest with a valid ID.

The show begins at 9:00 p.m. There will be free pizza while supplies last.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Ryan's Chapelure Adventure (Review)

Despite a cold day in East Lansing and what Ryan Fetters called a  "depressing loss" against the Cornhuskers, the advertising major enjoyed ending his day at Chapelure.

The Michigan State University sophomore said he enjoyed his cheese and turkey croissant and carmel-cream mocha at the small cafe.

According to Fetters, his only regret was a lack of time.

"I wish I would have gotten here earlier," he said. "It's hard to get the whole experience in 30 minutes."

Fetters, who arrived at the café around 9:30 pm, said he felt pressured to "finish" his purchase quickly.

"I don't want to be a burden, I know [the employees] want to get home. After all, it is Saturday night," he said.

Chapelure closes at 10 pm on Saturdays and opens at 7:00 am on Monday.

For more information about Chapelure, be sure to follow them on their Facebook and Twitter page.

Ryan's Chapelure Adventure (Preview)

According to 19-year-old Ryan Fetters, a cold day in East Lansing calls for a trip to Chapelure.

The fine pastry and espresso café, located on South Hagadorn Road, serves as a great studying location for many Michigan State University students, and that's not just according to Fetters.

Urbanspoon users rave about Chapelure's tasty treats and "great atmosphere."

This evening, Fetters said he's heading to the popular spot to catch up on some homework, hang with friends and grab a bite to eat.  

"I'm excited, they always have something really good," Fetters said.

Fetters said he appreciates Chapelure's great presentation skills.

"Everything always looks so nice and is decorated so well," Fetters said.