Category Special Interest

Nov 19 2010

Wire vs. No Wire? That is the question.

“It just won’t FIT!” Words of any women when attempting to fit into a piece of clothing that she just HAS to have or just really need at that time!

In this case, I’m talking about bras. Bras are an everyday part of a woman’s life. If it’s not, this article will only enforce your decision.

Bras of all choices are available, but does it work for YOU? Photo by Ivana Ellis

 

A bra is made to support the girls who never speak but receive a lot of attention in our lives.

Bras are made sexy, granny-ish, sporty, and of course, for everyday use.

Two problems though, one is how incredibly expensive they can be at times and two, how uncomfortable they can be.

Personally, I suffer with under-wire! Maybe it deals with my slim frame like a fitter mentioned to me once before.

It can be the reason why the hard wire digs into my rib cages. The fitter did however mention the good of under-wire, but after getting home and re-trying on my fresh purchase, I’m second guessing the wonderness of my wired bra. It could also be I’m not used to it.

Under-wire bras supposedly are good for extra support, a plus for larger breasted women. However, for smaller women like myself should I keep the painful under-wire to attempt defeat against the gravity of nature?

However, what if it’s not the under-wire, it’s the bra with the under-wire.

Since like many other long term “wear me until you die” items, such as underwear and shoes, the material and making of the bra might not be the right one.

Although, it could possibly just be THAT bra or bras in some cases.

Well, I suppose everyone has their comfort standards, whether it be wire or no wire, it’s better to have something than nothing at all.

Oct 16 2010

“Downtown Bound” in Downtown Hammond

HAMMOND-  Strawberry Stadium is clearing out and excitement is high, and Downtown Hammond is the place to be.

This year, on Oct. 23, the Downtown Development District is hosting Downtown Bound, also known as Take it to the Tracks, the Southeastern Louisiana University homecoming post-game celebration.

Downtown Hammond awaits Homecoming night. Photo by Ivana Ellis.

“The event is a chance for fans of Southeastern and McNeese State who attended the game to celebrate with friends, grab a bite to eat and catch some great live music at eight different venues, all within walking distance of each other,” said Melissa Griffin, event coordinator of the Hammond Downtown Development District.

For 2010, participating vendors:

  • Cate Street Pub will have music by Todd O’Neill performing rock, country and originals from 10 p.m.–2 a.m. Free t-shirts will be available to the first 50 guests who bring in Southeastern Homecoming game ticket stubs.
  • Cate Street Seafood Station will have DJ Johnny Five playing 80s, 90s, Top 40 and Dance hits outside the restaurant. Also available will be sushi served inside the restaurant until midnight and 10 percent off any bill with proof of the ticket stub beginning at 9 p.m.
  • La Carreta will have music by Guy Parent from 7–10 p.m.
  • Mariner’s Inn will be offering one free house beverage with the purchase of an entrée, burger or sandwich.
  • PJ’s Coffee will be offering a free drink up-size with a ticket stub.
  • Tope la restaurant will have a free appetizer with the purchase of two entrees or by bar only, a buy one well drink or house wine, get one free with the game ticket stub. There also will be live music that night.
  • Tutti Frutti will be open late this night with 20 percent off deals to those with the game ticket stub.

Downtown Bound took a few months to organize and should be an exciting experience, according to Griffin.

“We’ve been attending the Southeastern Homecoming planning meetings since about July/August,” Griffin said. “We made contact with the downtown merchants in late August to request for their participation. Promotional items have been in place since the beginning of October.

“This particular Saturday evening will be exceptionally interesting.  There will be music that will suit almost any taste, plus sweet treats and special deals if you bring your ticket stub.  We’re looking forward to a great night to stroll around beautiful Downtown Hammond and the perfect way to celebrate Lions football.”

Griffin is not the only person interested in Homecoming night.

“I do plan on attending the homecoming game, and I plan on going because it’s the climax of homecoming week,” said Nicholas Robert, a junior at Southeastern.

Robert also stated Downtown Bound sounds like something he would be interested in attending because he likes going to the restaurants in downtown Hammond and hearing live music.

Alice Gibson, a health studies instructor, also looks forward to game nights.

 “I am a two-time alumni from SLU and also a current faculty member. I am also an athletic committee member and season ticket holder,” Gibson said.

She was also interested in the restaurant discounts and entertainment that will be taking place downtown. Gibson also mentioned enjoying time spent in downtown Hammond with friends.

During Homecoming week, Oct. 18-23, at Southeastern, the campus will be hosting events all week. Taking place on Homecoming day will be events like “Decorate your tailgate” contest judging at noon and the Homecoming parade at 3 p.m. with entertainment in Friendship Circle beginning at 1:30 p.m. Pre-game activities start at 5:40 p.m. in Strawberry Stadium, where kick-off will take place at 6 p.m. against McNeese State University.

Oct 12 2010

A Path to Saving Lives

“A pro-life group involves itself in political, religious, moral and social issues. Finding the right balance between legitimate free speech and expression without overstepping into preaching and proselytizing can be tricky,” stated Dr. Matt Rossano, advisor of Southeastern Students for Life organization and professor and department head of psychology at Southeastern Louisiana University.

Southeasterns Students for Life saves the ones who cannot speak for themselves just yet.

Members of the Southeastern Students for Life organization stands up for what they believe about life being from the unborn to those on death row. Their goal is to educate others and raise awareness of what is going on in the world around them. The organization also provides resources for pre- and post-abortive parents and for people of those who are being treated unfairly.

“This organization is different from others because we are mainly here to educate our fellow students. We want all students here to realize the true value of human life from conception to natural death,” expressed Christopher Theriot, president of Southeastern Students for Life. “What I like most about this organization is that I can really save lives! It really makes me feel horrible to know humans are dying from abortion, euthanasia and the death penalty, and we do nothing. This organization allows me to do my part in ending these horrible acts. When I noticed that SLU had no pro-life group, I decided to help start one.”

Southeastern Students for Life began three years ago with Theriot being one of the founding members. Since then, the organization has been making the importance of life known on campus by creating displays such as the ‘Cemetery of the Innocent,’ which was recently displayed on the SLU campus on Sept. 29 on the lawn surrounding the Hurricane Katrina memorial fountain.

Southeastern Students For Life flyer posted on a bulletin board on the 2nd floor of D. Vickers Hall at Southeastern Louisiana University. Photo by Ivana Ellis.

‘Cemetery of the Innocent’ is a statement about abortion with a display of small blue and pink flags representing unborn babies aborted each day.

“From day one, I have been impressed with how passionately they believe in their cause, but at the same time how thoughtful, reasonable and compassionate they have been in how they go about presenting their case,” Dr. Rossano said.

Southeastern Students for Life meetings consist of speakers with a few added bonuses. “We do different things at every meeting, from speakers to designing posters, to educating ourselves on pro-life matters, to just plain hanging out and having a good time,” Theriot said. The organization also volunteers at local crisis pregnancy centers.

The meetings for Southeastern Students for Life are held every second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. in War Memorial Student Union, Room 223. It is open to all SLU students, faculty and staff. More information about the organization can be found by visiting the following link: Southeastern Students for Life. To contact the organization directly, send an email to southeastern.lions4life@gmail.com or attend a meeting.

Oct 2 2010

The Power of Listening

By Ivana Ellis

Imagine a place where personality, looks, strength and the past does not matter. This is a place where dealing with troubles and figuring out solutions to them goes hand in hand. Any student, faculty or staff member of Southeastern Louisiana University can have this place of tranquility free of charge.

The University Counseling Center is this place. It provides pampering for the mind. The center is there to help clients better understand themselves and gain control of their environment, relationships and life.

“Everybody has difficulties and worries from time to time,” said Dr. Barbara Hebert, L.P.C.-S, registered play therapist and director of the University Counseling Center since July 2006. “We help people figure out what works best for them. This can lead to making good choices for themselves and creating good coping mechanisms.”

Dr. Barbara Hebert, L.P.C.-S, registered play therapist and director of the University Counseling Center discusses information, services and groups the center offers. Photo By Ivana Ellis

These benefits are offered under confidentiality. “If a parent calls asking if their child went to their counseling session, we offer a ‘not saying they did but not saying they didn’t’ answer, stating to them that we are not allowed to give out that information,” explained Hebert.  However, the UCC is confidential within boundaries of ethical and legal requirements. If a client or someone discussed is in danger of suicide, abuse or a court order is involved, confidentiality becomes an exception.

The UCC offers help for any mental health issue. Depression, anxiety and relationships was stated by Hebert to be the most handled, but she also explained that if a client needs more than what is provided at the UCC, they will refer them to an outside source that will help.

Darlyn Mills, a student at Southeastern Louisiana University, was pleased with her session at the UCC. “You feel a connection with them because they look in your eyes and actually take the time to listen to your concern and give feed back,” expressed Mills. “In the movies, the counselor is sitting there writing on the note pad and asking ‘How do you feel about that’ and not giving eye contact. They weren’t like that.”

Individuals are most often seen at the center, mentioned Hebert, but it is open to couples, families, workshops, consultations and groups as well. To be considered a group, only three people or couples must be interested in being counseled.

Offered group topics are:

  • Keeping the Love You Have: A Group for Couples
  • Understanding the Female Mind: A Group for Guys
  • Loving your Looks: A Body Image Group
  • Chill…A Stress Management Group
  • The Single Parents Group
  • I made it to College, Now What/ A Freshman Transition Group
  • In Recovery Group: For those Balancing Sobriety/Clean time with University Life
  • Flirting 101
  • Non-traditional Student Support Group
  • Finding your Inner Social Beast: A Group for Shy People
  • Veterans Support Group
  • Adult Children of Alcoholics and Addicts
  • Mindfulness Group

Aiming towards people afraid to visit the UCC, Hebert said, “We’re nice! People think counseling is for crazy people and that is not true. Everyone has issues and can use support.” Seconding Hebert, Mills said “It’s not as bad as it seems. If you’re afraid of someone knowing you’re going there, it won’t happen because they’re confidential. The only way someone will know is if you tell them.”

The UCC is also on Facebook and Twitter. Search Southeastern Louisiana University Counseling Center (Facebook) and selucc (Twitter). These pages offer inspiring words, videos and updated information on upcoming UCC events around campus.

If interested in getting free mind relieving sessions, the University Counseling Center is open Monday – Friday, 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and is located across the street from St. Tammany Hall at 307A Virginia Ave. The center can be contacted by phone or email at 985-549-3894 or slucc@selu.edu. Fax is also available at 985-549-5007.

For after-hour counseling emergencies, as well as on weekends/holidays, contacting the University Police Department at 985-549-2222. The operator will help connect someone in need to the on-call counselor. If a counseling emergency occurs during its open hours, immediate counseling is offered.