This week marks the 60th anniversary of a momentous event in the Holy Land. It marks the point in time when, as Israeli historian Ilan Pappe argues, 750,000 Palestinians were expelled from their land in an effort of ethnic cleansing.
In March of this year, millions of people living in the shadow of an authoritarian giant came together in support of democratic ideals. The Chinese government said that it "would 'repulse' any pro-independence activities" and there was concern of a violent response from Beijing. The event drew significant criticism from the U.S. government.
As the semester comes quickly to a close, many Oles are mentally preparing to leave the Hill for seven or eight months to study abroad fall semester. Many others are currently applying for Interim 2009 programs.
As the year draws to a close, most people feel the pull toward nostalgia and toward wallowing in the memories of the year that has passed.
But that's not really for me.
Bon Iver was not a great choice. He was a bad choice. I'm not arguing against his overall musical skill. He's received much critical acclaim as well as sold out large venues. I've been told that he makes really good music for an iTunes sleeping or studying mix. Whatever talents Iver has, unfortunately, did not transfer well to Lutefest.
It's spring. That means the sun is back, the snow is gone, and the question heard all around campus is, "Where are you living next year?" Room draw consumes the spring at St. Olaf. It is almost guaranteed that at one point in the room-draw season we all experienced some drama over the whole rooming ordeal.
