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Posts tagged as “college life”

(Archive May 2017) Staying Awake: What You Might Not Know About Energy Drinks

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Nick Cherico | Assistant Editor

Almost every college student knows what it’s like to be a little sleep deprived. The countless hours of school, work, and trying to maintain a social life can begin to take a toll on you after a while. To boost energy and performance, some people like to drink coffee, use energy boosters, or consume energy drinks. 

While energy drinks can give you that boost you need to get through the day, they also can bring a various amount of health risks. According to a study done by Longwood University, “Energy drinks have been found to increase headaches, migraines, insomnia, and type II Diabetes.” Energy drinks, such as Monster Energy, also contain caffeine, which can cause dehydration when overused. Dehydration can cause the jitters, anxiety, and irritability. read more

(Archive May 2017) How to Use the PaperCut Printing System

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Joshua Needham | Social Media Editor

Infographic displaying information on the environmental impact of the PaperCut System
Photo by Joshua Needham

With the recent upgrade to the PaperCut printing system it seemed as though it was a broken and expensive system that no one knew how to use. 

What is a FOB and do I need one in order to print? How do I add money to my account? Why did the company have to call their software PaperCut? Fear not! Some of these questions will be answered (we’re still not sure why they chose PaperCut for a name, perhaps they will add a future update called LemonJuice).  read more

(Archive April 2017) A Musical Review: Wicked is Wicked Awesome

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Courtney Wentz | Editor-in-Chief

Source: “Dennis Beck / Broadway Tour,” BroadwayTour.net

The Wizard of Oz is a fun movie, but Wicked is even more fun, dazzling, and has many surprising twists. 

Wicked the musical tells the story of everything leading up to the death of the Wicked Witch of the West, but they do it with catchy songs like “Dancing Through Life” and “One Short Day.” Then there’s the annoyingly catchy song “Popular,” sung by Glinda about making Elphaba, the wicked witch, popular. 

The stage was set up like the insides of an old timey clock, along with a mechanical dragon perched at the top of the stage. Anytime Elphaba used magic, the dragon’s eyes would glow red and smoke would come out of its nostrils. The Wizard also has a mechanical head that looked like it was floating, while he was talking to Glinda and Elphaba. read more

(Archive April 2017) How Chance the Rapper Shines a Bright Light on Rappers

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Jamie Parker | News Editor

Chancelor Johnathan Bennett, also known as Chance the Rapper, has been making moves lately that show how different he is from other rappers. In the beginning of March, Chance donated one million dollars to Chicago Public Schools. This along with his message he raps, show that he is shining a whole new light on modern day rappers.

Chance the Rapper is a product of the Chicago Public Schools, which have gotten a lot of negative attention recently for their current state. This is what sparked his idea for the donation. Rising to fame without the help of a label has put Chance in a unique position of unrestrained artistry, and freedom. He seems to be using this freedom to convey a holistic sense to his listeners. With the message of God flowing strongly throughout his newest album, “Coloring Book,” he is truly proving to be doing the work of a greater being.  read more

(Archive April 2017) Boston Celtics Predicted to Reach Eastern Conference Finals

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Zachary Connell | Observer Contributor

The Boston Celtics opened the NBA season with 20-1 odds to win the NBA Championship according to espn.com. They finished in 5th place with a 48-34 record last year and lost in the first round of the playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks. With the signing of center Al Horford and drafting small forward Jaylen Brown, the expectations are higher for the Celtics to make a stronger push in the playoffs this year.

Although I would love for the Celtics to come out on top at the end of the playoffs, I believe they will reach the Eastern Conference finals. I think they will face the Cleveland Cavaliers but lose the series four games to one. Cleveland has proven they can beat anyone in the East Conference.  read more

(Archive April 2017) Ned Flanders-Themed Metal Band Shows How Pursuing Your Ideas Pays Off

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Jason D. Greenough | Observer Contributor

Okilly Dokilly

Have you ever had an idea that you thought would be great, but then never built onto it because you second guessed yourself? Did something ever cross your mind, and you got excited about it, but feared that some people might look at it like a joke, so you passed up the opportunity? Well, I have a story about how going through with that one really strange idea can really turn out to be an awesome experience.

I love going to concerts. Metal and punk shows, mostly. The atmosphere is wonderful, and especially when there are lesser known bands on the bill, it makes it even more interesting, because I get to hear some new music that I usually wind up liking later on. Every band has something to offer, and when those opening acts blow the roof the place, which they often times do, I sometimes feel a sense of connection to the band, and it’s mainly due to the fact that I could be on that same stage if I just worked out a single idea longer than a week or so. I know I could be, but I second guess myself too much. I always have that feeling of connection, but it really hit me hard when I went to see Mac Sabbath at the Worcester Palladium on March 25th.  read more

(Archive April 2017) Times Square is the Worst Place in NYC

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Courtney Wentz | Editor-in-Chief

Source: chensiyuan, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1_times_square_night_2013.jpg

Everyone around the world dreams about visiting New York City, specifically Times Square, where Manhattan is not at its finest or most impressive.

Times Square is full of tourists blocking the way because they have to get a selfie in front of oversized, electronic billboards. Cars are constantly running red lights and honking their horns at pedestrians, who have the walk sign to cross the street. The locals pretend the tourists do not exist or ignore them like the plague. Do not ask for directions because there is a good change the locals are not going to help you.  read more

(Archive April 2017) Present Negative Effects on Climate and Its Impact on the Future

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Jennifer Ballou | Observer Contributor

Most of us think about the future and what incredible changes are going to happen. But what about the negative changes that are starting to happen right now? How will they affect us?

This is exactly what former Senator Stephen Brewer is concerned about. Now the special assistant to the president at MWCC, he recently attended a retreat put on by the East Quabbin Land Trust. The EQLT works to sustain the natural resources around us, including farmlands, woodlands, and water, by working with the communities, government agencies, and other land trusts. Brewer is an active member of the group.  read more

(Archive April 2017) Why Organic Food is a Healthier Choice

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Micah Clark | Observer Contributor

In today’s food market, agricultural products often contain unhealthy ingredients and it can be hard to avoid these items, Professor Thomas J. Montagno explained, and he has advice on how to make better choices.

“Monsanto manufactures some of the deadliest chemicals and pesticides of the world,” said Dr. Montagno, Chair of Natural Resources at the Mount and professor for about thirteen years. “If you don’t buy your food organic, chances are it’s from Monsanto,” he added.  read more

(Archive April 2017) Professor Says Travel Ban is Constitutional

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Brianna Stevens | Observer Contributor

The recent travel ban instituted by President Trump is constitutional, according to Professor John Fielding from the Mount. 

Many people have questioned, why Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen? Fielding explained simply that the reason for only those six countries was because they do not keep records of their citizens. 

Many people wondered why Pakistan was removed from Trump’s ban when it was on the original ban. “Because Pakistan keeps records of their citizens,” Fielding said, “So even though you might think it’s unusual, we do allow Muslims from Pakistan into the country.” Trump’s ties with countries that were not on the ban had nothing to do with Trump, simply that those countries kept records of their citizens. read more