Among such networks is NBC, the ugly cousin of broadcast television. Once the pinnacle of ratings and creative success with shows like Friends, NBC has now become a mess of a network. Though NBC touts critically acclaimed comedies in Community and Parks and Recreation, the network’s ratings are less than stellar. NBC’s solution to this problem? See the photo below.

Either I just had a stroke, or Cee-Lo is Dr. Evil | Promotional photo courtesy of NBC

No, NBC didn’t make a spy procedural starring Cee-Lo Green as an eccentric cat-collecting evil mastermind (though I would absolutely watch that). Rather, the second season premiere of NBC’s The Voice put the network in an unfamiliar position: first place. The Voice’s post-super bowl premiere drew the largest ratings of any (non-sports) show in 6 years (37.6 million total viewers with a 16.3 rating in the 18-49 demographic).

NBC may have found itself at the top of the Monday night ratings rankings, but it remains to be seen whether The Voice can keep those viewers. In all likelihood, many of those viewers left the TV on after the Superbowl while getting drunk and making fun of Patriots fans.

The Voice’s incessant ad campaign has garnered high ratings, but the show itself is really just another run-of-the-mill reality show. NBC’s selling point, and admittedly the show’s most appealing element, is the blind auditions. The judges sit with their backs to the contestants, able to hit a button that turns their chair around. There is the requisite amount of sob-stories behind each contestant, but for those who can stomach that, the talent can be fun to watch. NBC screens the talent for The Voice, and thus we get no comically terrible auditions in the vein of Idol. These are pleasurable if subtle deviations from the vocal competition formula, but once The Voice leaves its blind audition rounds (and gets through its excruciatingly ill-planned “battle rounds”) the show just becomes a rote Idol riff with a host that is somehow less likeable than Seacrest (seriously, Carson Daly has been on TV for years and years and somehow still doesn’t know how to act like a personable guy. I’m 90% sure he is one of the giant lizard-aliens from V).

There’s nothing overtly offensive about The Voice, and I’m sure fans of such competition series will be pleased. But at the rate these networks are churning out these cheap, highly rated competition series, the less hope I have for quality scripted programs.

Fleet Foxes Sing The Blues So Well by Kristin Toussaint

‘Men Being Manly III’ Proves That Real Men Sing A Cappella by Lauren Michael

How Mad Men Turns Black Characters into Real People by Allan Lasser

Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons user Samvscat.

Almost all of the interview slots were taken. Students signed up and shuffled into BU Central for ten minutes one-on-one with an MTV producer. Ghita Benslimane (CGS ’15) interviewed for her chance to be made into a confident stand-up comedienne. The producer asked her questions about how supportive her family is, her confidence level, and why she felt she wanted MTV to help her achieve her dreams. “The interviewer was very nice and very personable in a sense that I was relaxed during the process even though a camera was filming me the entire time,” Ghita said. “I really like the concept of the show and after getting interviewed I got back to my dorm and started watching some of the previous MADE episodes. They really achieve people’s dreams from what I can tell and I think that’s an awesome thing to do for people.”

MTV may not end up choosing one of our own to star on a future episode. The TV channel reached out to BU in addition to many other big universities to coordinate the nation-wide casting call. In the event that a BU student is chosen, cameras will probably not enter the classroom, so you don’t have to worry about your half-asleep, drooling mug making its way onto the small screen. MTV will, however, be allowed to tape in public places around campus and potentially in dorms if given permission.

Between alumni like Howard Stern and Geena Davis and an overall all-star faculty, BU’s got more than enough star power to go around. Happenings such as this casting call, however, are a reminder of said star power and the abundant opportunities handed to us as students at a major urban university.

RockMelt + BU + Free Beta = Match Made in Social Heaven by Lauren Hockenson

Top Chef Recap: Everybody Made Soup by Joel Kahn

The Euro Meets Its Match by Evan Caughey

A black dress and high heels do not an idiot make. | Photo courtesy of xlordashx via Flickr Commons.

Biddy.

What a strange word, that. According to the ever-reliable Urban Dictionary, a “biddy” is a coupon used at McDonald’s in Australia…and a hot girl. Most BU students, though, are probably aware of the many connotations the term holds. As both a derogatory term and a label to aspire to, it refers to a type of woman with a certain look, style, and way of behaving that seems to engender alcohol-fueled mockery by both women labeled as such themselves and by many of their peers, most especially by men.

And the subgrouping “biddy”? It sucks. It really, really sucks.

If I were to break down the many reasons it sucks, I would go on for quite a while after my word count. It’s classist (the clothes it “takes” to fit the part cost quite a bit), racist (I’ve only ever seen it appeared to light skinned women), and it’s exclusionary (you’re in or you’re out, whether you embrace or eschew the label).

Worst of all, however, is that the term is unbelievably sexist.

At one time or another, we have sorted and been sorted by labels both multiple in number and variety. As much as our culture lauds individuality, labels are an easy way for our brains to sort each other. But when these labels purport a lifestyle based first and foremost on one’s gender identity, and on a highly stereotyped one at that, we start to hurt each other.

“Biddies” are most commonly mocked by men, without repercussion, which enforces the idea that women of this subset are open targets for derision. Some men love to lump all women with this style and behavior together. It’s open season, for there are plenty of women for them to label as less than intelligent or capable women who only care about partying and their physical appearance.

If you have been labeled a “biddy”, you should be pissed. You are a human who deserves to be given respect. If you are a man who mocks these women, cut it out. You are lucky enough that you can just be yourself and avoid a lot of labels, besides “bro,” which is an unspecific, often positive term. We call this a privilege, this time a stereotype privilege, and here it means that any label you receive won’t be as damaging or degrading as the term “biddy.”

Women have to deal with a lot already, like keeping themselves safe and being told they suck at a lot of things because of their gender. And if you’re just another BU student who wants to degrade other women and call them “stupid biddies,” also cut it out. It helps no one to tear each other down, and if your insults come from the bitterness of a previous hurt, address the perpetrator; don’t rob someone of their humanity and individuality by assigning them generic, insultatory traits for your own smug satisfaction.

And, if you happen to be one of the few women who feels empowered by the term “biddy”, own it. Love it. Be you. Just don’t use it as an excuse to put other women down, okay?

Please stop making memes.

Please stop making Shit ____ Say videos.

PLEASE.

Yes, some of them are funny. Some of them are very funny. Some have even made me chortle out loud and spin the computer around to share them with a comrade. But enough is enough! The Internet is supposed to be a vast stream of information, but now it is just Memeville, governed by Mayor Philosoraptor. What happened to puppy videos? Or StumbleUpon? Remember good ol’ StumbleUpon? With all that… variety? What ever happened to spending hours on Megavideo? Oh, wait; I know what happened to that. (Fun thing to do: Google search the house of the guy who created MegaUpload, and then hate yourself.)

I like to think that I’m giving a voice to the downtrodden right now, but perhaps I am part of the Memeville 1% and just pissing off all you 99%ers to the point where you will rise up against me. But this @LiquidFun tweet makes me feel like maybe I’m letting the truth rain down:

Sage wisdom from Ross Huston: The send doesn't justify the meme.

February 8, 2012 8:40 pm via Mobile WebReplyRetweetFavorite

@liquidfun

Liquid Fun

But if you do hate me for being a Class-A fun ruin-er, maybe we can compromise and you can only make memes with cute puppies and Shit Cute Puppies Say videos?

(Also, there were lots of words in all caps in this opening because I am very passionate about this topic, but my copy editor told me to cut that crap out because it sounds mean. BUT I LOVE CAPITAL LETTERS!)

I PROUDLY PRESENT…

Are you coming to "The Black-Jew Dialogues" at BU! ... or are you just going to sit in your room alone looking at BU memes all day?

February 8, 2012 3:29 pm via FacebookReplyRetweetFavorite

@BU_Hillel

BU Hillel

Oooooooh snap! @BU_Hillel has got some jokes! Welcome to #TweetCreep, guys.

ANYONE HAVE TAPE FOR MY GLASSES?

Socially awkward? Maybe. But one of the most fun-loving colleges too! http://t.co/OyfID9gk

February 8, 2012 3:09 pm via HootSuiteReplyRetweetFavorite

@comugrad

BU COM

Apparently only if that fun includes Dungeons and Dragons and a can of Cheez Whiz.

FALSE ADVERTISING

Let's talk about sex! Sweet moves BU DTG and SHS #flashmob http://t.co/azeW6wdM

February 8, 2012 12:44 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@theGSU

SAO

Okay, you had me at “Let’s talk about sex!”, but then the tweet quickly lost my interest. Did Student Health Services make a sex tape or something? And if so, was it the “you’re going to get an STD” kind or the Kim Kardashian kind?

THE SHINING, BUT WITH TELEMARKETERS

What's scarier than tuition? Well, not much but...BCAP's Monster opens tomorrow night, Feb 9! http://t.co/GFFHk7fv

February 8, 2012 9:56 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@CFAtweets

BU CFA

Spoiler Alert: The Monster is your future student loans collector. Played by Jack Nicholson.

ALTERNATE PUNCHLINE: YOUR GLASSES ARE CROOKED

StuVi III: Because no one will notice South Campus is crooked if we build another skyscraper. Maggie Dunn reports: http://t.co/uo0QqQCF

February 7, 2012 2:30 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@butv10_TheWire

butv10's The Wire

South Campus isn’t crooked! Your gait is crooked!

WRITER’S NOTE: I debated whether to use the word “gait” or not, but I decided to go for it because I believe in your intellect. If you don’t know the word, look it up because this joke works, damn it!

AND FEWER LAXATIVES

We ask that you please refrain from making any Oliver Twist jokes in the D-Halls today.#Dickens

February 7, 2012 12:19 pm via Twitter for iPadReplyRetweetFavorite

@BUDiningService

BU Dining Services

“Please sir, I want some more… adherence to health code regulations.”

NO LOL

Roflcopter yea we do! RT @bdevit: Remember that time @theGSU paid her to come host an event? Yep, #BU. http://t.co/ycVxmtiW…

February 7, 2012 10:12 am via HootSuiteReplyRetweetFavorite

@theGSU

SAO

Stop trying to make roflcopter happen! Seriously. Never again, guys. I can’t even wrap my head around what roflcopter even means. You laugh so hard, you levitate? Just… never again.

HAVE THEY BEEN WORN?

Head down to the GSU Link today to send a Panty Gram to that special someone! Just One week until Valentines Day!

February 7, 2012 11:49 am via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@BUDeltaGamma

Delta Gamma ZZ

Panty Grams: The Valentine’s Gift of Choice for Japanese Businessmen and Frat Boys Everywhere

WANTED: TALKING VAJAYJAYS

If your vagina could talk, what would it say? "Um, yes please", "NOT YET", "You da one"? Think of a better one? Let us know & you could win!

February 6, 2012 11:13 pm via EchofonReplyRetweetFavorite

@VagMo2012

BU Vagina Monologues

I’m not interested in what any vagina has to say unless it is Snooki’s vagina or that monster vagina from the movie Teeth.

BU TweetCreep: January 29th – February 3rd by Liz Breen

BU TweetCreep: February 27th-March 4th by Meghan Ross

BU TweetCreep: April 10th-15th by Meghan Ross

Temple Run: Quite possibly the most addicting game since Angry Birds is Temple Run. It’s kind of like an app version of Indiana Jones in which he’s just running from bad guys. In this case, the bad guys are monkeys and there is no “prize”—you just have to keep running. It has me gripping my phone and cursing way too much, but who’s watching?

Screenshot courtesy of Apple

Pinterest: Similar to Tumblr but more organized, Pinterest is a virtual bulletin board (remember those??) that lets you organize everything from recipes to craft ideas with certain themes. It’s great for planning events and following cool people, and you never know what kind of inspiration you’ll find.

Words with Friends: A complete rip-off of Scrabble, but I’ll let it pass. The free version has ads but all of the same features as the paid version. You can even play without a Smartphone by connecting to Facebook. A great app that won’t fry your brain.

Airbnb: Budget-friendly rentals | Screenshot courtesy of Apple

Airbnb: Named one of the breakout apps of 2011, Airbnb comprises rooms to rent in major cities—NYC, London, Paris—and is a million times better than paying for a hotel. It’s very user-friendly and not at all sketchy. Listings also include apartments that are generally better deals than hotels.

Zombie Farm: Vampires are so 2010. Taking two very popular concepts, Zombie Farm lets you harvest certain agricultural staples and zombies with ease. Once you have “grown” enough zombies, you can lead an invasion or mutate your zombies.

An advanced zombie farm. | Courtesy of Flicker user fifikins

That’s a Spicy iPhone: The Quad Tests Cooking Apps by Allan Lasser

Great Apps for Movie Lovers by Liishi Durbin

Zombies…to the Rescue?? by Camilo Pardo

The Beach Boys in 1964. | Photo by Desconocido via Wikimedia Commons

The Beach Boys to Collaborate with Foster the People, Maroon 5 at Grammys

The three rock bands are set to take the Grammy stage together, where Beach Boys members Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, and David Marks will reunite for the first time in over two decades. This collaboration comes as the latest in a string of performance announcements including Adele, Deadmau5, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, and Nicki Minaj.

Foo Fighters Look Forward to Fighting Adele

“Fighting” for Grammys, that is! They are up against one another in a whopping six categories, including Best Album. Foo Fighters singer Dave Grohl says he’s honored to be up against the “Someone Like You” singer and praised her with his comment to The AP, saying, “I’m glad that we’re with Adele in the same category. It means we’ve done something right. I think she gives us all hope. She’s made an incredible record, and she’s an incredibly talented artist, so maybe it is true that the cream actually rises to the top.” Adele’s Grammy performance will be her first live show since she underwent vocal chord surgery last year.

Grammys Go Electronica

For the first time ever, the Grammys will include an all-electro performance segment to honor the rising genre. Deadmau5 and David Guetta are among scheduled performers to bring the best in electronic dance music to the awards show.

Lady Gaga. | Photo by TJ Sengel via Wikimedia Commons

Lady Gaga Announces “Born This Way Ball” Tour

Gaga is gearing up to hit the road on a whopping 110-date tour this year. She recently announced the first dates of the Born This Way Ball Tour, which kicks off in June in Asia and Australia. She won’t be North America-bound until early 2013, but hey–it’s never too early for Little Monsters to start planning their ball outfits.

Klaxons Cancel Concerts to Work on Album

Indie rockers Klaxons just announced cancellations of their 2012 festival appearances in favor of focusing on a new album. Both LCD Soundsystem‘s James Murphy and The Chemical Brothers are rumored to be involved with the band’s Surfing the Void follow-up.

And in case you missed it…

M.I.A. got a little profane during the Super Bowl half time show

Adele’s 21 is STILL at #1

Everyone feels bad for Lana Del Rey…even The Black Keys

NBC’s The Voice is back for round two

Newsic Music November 26th – December 2nd: Grammy Nom Week, Lady Gaga, and Green Day by Nee-Sa Lossing

Newsic Music November 14th-20th: Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber by Nee-Sa Lossing

Newsic Music September 19th-25th: R.E.M., Rihanna, Lady Gaga by Nee-Sa Lossing

Sweet treats aren't the only fun part of V-Day! | Photo by Andovercookiemama via Flickr Commons

Red and pink hearts. Heart-shaped boxes of chocolates. Aggressively marketed lingerie. Yes, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, spawning obnoxiously romantic ads for diamonds and a flurry of sappy cards throughout every CVS. While it’s true that V-Day is mostly  a holiday that was made up by greeting card companies, it’s still a significant night for both the single and attached. Couples have their romantic fun while single ladies can have a blast with their own “Galentine’s Day” à la Leslie Knope. Sounds like a great time for all; the only question is, what to wear?

A red dress is a powerful and versatile piece for Valentine's Day. | Photo by Han Ghazi via Flickr Commons

Here are a few ideas for how to remix Valentine’s Day classics, be it for a romantic date or a wild night with the ladies. Pop in some smooth jams (we like Al Green) and vibe with us.

1. The Red Dress

Oh, the perennial V-Day favorite. A red dress is an iconic article of clothing: sexy, chic, and timeless. For a date, a red dress is best worn simply–keep accessories minimal (one statement-making necklace and a small pair of interesting studs, or shoulder-grazing danglers and a bangle) and stick to low-maintenance styling with almost-natural makeup and soft, easy hair.  For a fun Galentines’ night out, however, it’s time to make the red dress fun! Embrace all the man-repelling trends you love and layer piles and piles of gorgeousness on top. Throw on a striped Breton top, a military jacket, and every accessory you own, do your makeup crazy and bright, strap on a pair of bear-trap shoes, and hit the town like the fabulous peacock you are. In this case, before you leave the house, put one more thing on. 

2. The Lingerie

We know what you’re thinking. This one’s obvious, right? Not so much. Whether single or attached, every girl loves a good bra and panty set. And with Valentine’s Day’s emphatic advertising of all things underwear, why not incorporate some into your outfit as well? For a romantic date, it’s simple–make it pretty (whether that means delicate and pale or dark and sumptuous, that’s all personal preference) and wear it under the clothes. For the single girl, though, the options get interesting. We at The Quad love us some underwear as outerwear–think Carrie Bradshaw–and we think that, when played just right, it is utterly chic. Try a neon bustier under a sharp-shouldered blazer and pair it with a pair of slouchy pants. It’s a brilliant and totally unexpected silhouette.

3. The Makeup

The make-up ads around Valentine’s day are always a little counter-intuitive to romance. They scream “RED LIPS” to spark the mood, but lipstick marks on a glass are not cute, and who wants to kiss a sticky, crimson pout?  For a date, focus on beautiful, glowing skin and try subtly smokey eyes with a lip-balmed mouth (we love L’Oréal Colour Riche Balm). If a date is not on the menu, however, dive right into the lipstick abyss! It’s glamorous and as fun as can be. We love shades of orangey-red and hot pink this season.

Whatever the status of your romantic life, there’s no reason not to look fabulous and have a fantastic time on Valentine’s Day! Try out a few of the ideas listed above, indulge in a few of those chocolates (no matter who bought them!), and feel the love.

Poster courtesy of Wikimedia user Dhialokaaaa.

The Contenders:  Demian Bichir – A Better Life, George Clooney – The Descendants, Jean Dujardin – The Artist, Gary Oldman – Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Brad Pitt – Moneyball

The Front Runner: The Artist, yet again, leads the race for Oscar glory with Jean Dujardin’s electric performance as George Valentin in one of this year’s best films. So far, he’s won the Best Actor title from the Screen Actor’s Guild, the Golden Globes, as well as at Cannes–so it looks like he’s a shoo-in for taking home the prize on Oscar night. And Dujardin rightly deserves his accolades as well–he managed to make us laugh, cry and cheer for him all without uttering a single word. He was both charismatic and emotive, and the fact that he was able to do so silently makes his performance even more of a triumph. The only thing going against him is that he not well known in the United States and he’s up against three huge Hollywood names. I doubt that this will hold him back very much, though.

Worth Mentioning: The biggest competition Dujardin will have is George Clooney with his role as Matt King, a man living in Honolulu who is about to lose his wife. An Academy darling, many thought Clooney was going to be the one to win the Oscar this year until Dujardin exploded onto the scene. In comparison to Dujardin, Clooney’s performance is more subdued (although there was one pretty tear-jerking scene towards the end of The Descendants that is worth applauding) so he is most likely going to be edged out of the competition this year. Nonetheless, Clooney played his role well and deserves his nomination.

Jean Dujardin is this year's front runner for the Best Actor prize. | Photo courtesy of JJ Georges via Wikimedia Commons

Probably Not Going to Win: People say third time’s the charm, but this probably isn’t the case for three time Oscar-nominee Brad Pitt. That’s not to say that his performance in Moneyball isn’t good (he turned what could have been a relatively mundane baseball movie into something quite touching), but Dujardin and Clooney are going to eclipse him. The same goes for Gary Oldman for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Demian Bichir in A Better Life. Oldman is long overdue for an Oscar, but Tinker was low on the Oscar radar and he will most likely be passed over for another person on the nomination list. The same goes for Bichir. The Academy seems to like reserving a spot for actors in lesser-known films (like Javier Bardem in Biutiful last year), so it’s unlikely he will win. All of this Academy exposure can only do his career good, and it looks like he’ll get something out of the Oscars anyway.

Snubs Galore: The Best Actor category this year has its fair share of snubs, including Ryan Gosling, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Michael Fassbender. Gosling was a triple threat, with three critically acclaimed hits this year (Drive, The Ides of March, and Crazy, Stupid, Love), so it’s kind of frustrating that he didn’t get nominated for any one of those performances. While J. Edgar wasn’t exactly a hit in the critics’ circles, most can agree that DiCaprio’s role as the notorious J. Edgar Hoover was powerful and convincing. But perhaps the biggest snub of all in this category goes to Michael Fassbender as a sex addicted New Yorker in Shame . Maybe it was the NC-17 rating that was just a bit too racy for the Academy, but it’s a pity that this up-and-coming talent didn’t even get a nomination.

Nomination Speculation: Best Picture by Ruth Chan

Nomination Speculation: Best Director by Ruth Chan

QuadFilm Picks the Oscars: Best Actor by Ruth Chan

The polar bears for the Coca-Cola commercials have always entertained. | Screenshot by Aria Ruggiero

As I sat through the entire event and watched every single ad play, there are some obvious choices for the best ads of this year’s Super Bowl (in my opinion, of course).

Audi 2012 Game Day Commercial – Vampire Party

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=lw9ZeXB2uKs

The ad quite clearly speaks for itself. I mean, who doesn’t like a parody of the Twilight series? Personally, this ad makes me want to buy an Audi with new LED headlights. Just have to wait to win the lottery is all…

Pepsi – King’s Court Super Bowl

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Rcf01QTcO6E

It always seems like Pepsi turns out memorable commercials each year, with this year being no different. Seeing Sir Elton John in those metallic gold platform heels followed by an unexpected appearance from Flava Flav in the king’s secret dungeon? ‘Nuff said.

M&M’s “Just My Shell”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yn3mktl30iw

This ad finally introduces the brown M&M as “Ms. Brown.” I think everyone can agree that this one is funny, and no one can resist the red M&M dancing to “I’m Sexy and I Know It.”

Sketchers – Go Run Mr. Quiggly!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MlYCBJSYWBQ

This ad encompasses all the definitions of cute (I may or may not have watched this an unhealthy number of times). As we all know, the Super Bowl is also the day of the Puppy Bowl, and although this little French Bulldog wasn’t in the actual competition, he won my heart.

“Matthew’s Day Off” – 2012 Honda CR-V Game Day Commercial

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=VrInJIqxUMA

Anyone who grew up watching Ferris Bueller’s Day Off can most definitely appreciate this spoof of the movie featuring Ferris himself, Matthew Broderick. Personally, I loved this ad from start to finish, and it was cleverly crafted to not only sell the new CR-V, but make me want to skip class and watch Ferris Bueller’s Day Off as well.

Those were just five of the dozens of commercials that aired during the Super Bowl, and although those were some of my favorites, many ads this year did seem to fall short of eye-catching. We’ll just have to see what’s in store for next year’s Super Bowl–which teams will play, who will perform at half-time, and of course, which ads will not only sell their product, but entertain at the same time.

It’s undeniable that desserts are delicious; they always have been and always will be. And for many–myself included–there is no way to escape that craving for sweets after every meal. There is, however, a choice we can make: pick the better dessert over the worst.

A combination of warm Nutella and fresh strawberries will keep your sweet tooth at ease. | Photo by Estefania Souza.

The easiest way to avoid eating a dessert that amounts for the same calories as a full meal is by making it at home. Restaurants tend to add extra fat and sugar, thus making desserts with double or triple the amount of calories.

Take IHOP’s Nutella crepes, for instance. The dessert has the same amount of sugar as 80 jellybeans! Instead, try making crepes at home and save both calories and dollars.

Strawberry Nutella Crepes (adapted from Cook This Not That)

Makes about 4 crepes

For crepe batter:

• 1 cup flour
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  

  IHOP's crepes have more than double the calories and fat. | Photo by Estefania Souza.

• a pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup fat free milk
• 1/2 cup water

For filling:

• 1/4 cup Nutella
• 2 cups sliced strawberries

1. To prepare crepe batter, mix flour, eggs, and butter in a medium bowl. Once incorporated, slowly add milk. Whisk constantly to avoid the formation of lumps. Add water and continue whisking until batter is smooth. Set batter aside.
2. Coat a 10-inch skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Once hot, pour 2 tablespoons batter onto pan and swirl to distribute evenly. Cook crepe for about 3-4 minutes, or until bottom is golden brown. Flip over and continue cooking for about 3 more minutes.
3. Spread 1 tablespoon of Nutella on the crepe (still on the pan) and add 1/2 cup strawberries on top. Cook for 1 more minute. Fold crepe over and slide on a plate. Serve immediately.
4. Clean pan with a paper towel and repeat to make 3 more crepes.

Keep the batter in the fridge and make a crepe in no time! | Photo by Estefania Souza.

Baked Raspberry Custard: An Easy Dessert for the Stressful Holiday Season by Deb Singer

More Than a Yule Log: Holiday Dessert Recipes by Gabriela Fernandez

An American in Paris: My Favorite Things by Annie White

You can't tell me this man doesn't look like a turtle. Photo from flickr user PaisleyPittbull

The Republican primary, which looked like it was in danger of stabilizing last week, has dealt us a fresh surprise with Rick Santorum’s victories in Colorado, Minnesota, and Missouri on Tuesday. This primary season has resisted predictability all along, with early strong showings from Herman Cain, Michele Bachmann, and Rick Perry, all of whom are almost certainly crazy. But the fact that the field is still so uncertain could have more to do with lack of inspiration than anything else.

All four remaining candidates – Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum, and Ron Paul – face serious issues that have made primary voters uncertain of their ability to face Barack Obama in November.

Ron Paul is in the somewhat unusual position of having been in public life for more than three decades and having almost never contradicted himself. He looks like he could be a grandpa. He wears orthopedic shoes on national television. It’s hard to imagine having a beer with him, but maybe a glass of warm milk. Look past his adorably turtle-like appearance and realize that he wants to abolish the federal reserve, end birthright citizenship, and might be a racist. Paul looks less like a grandpa in a suit and more like someone who should never be allowed within fifty feet of the Oval Office.

Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich, both of whom believe that they are the front-runner, have perhaps the opposite problem. Romney has often struggled to convince voters that he experiences human emotion, while Newt Gingrich made the unfortunate mistake of cheating on his wife while she was being treated for cancer, and then letting people find out about it. Their policies are largely in line with the Republican base, but neither has been able to create a consensus behind his candidacy despite huge campaign war chests and significant establishment support (for Romney, anyway).

Rick Santorum has gained the attention of a significant portion of primary voters, as evidenced by his victories in Iowa, Colorado, Minnesota, and Missouri (although, his victory in Missouri was non-binding and did not award any delegates). His sweater-vest-wearing antics lend him a relatable quality that Romney (who makes $10,000 bets) and Newt (who racked up $500,000 in debt at Tiffany’s) lack. But as soon as Santorum opens his mouth, it becomes clear that he is a single-issue candidate. And his single issue is making sure that Americans everywhere are obliged to adhere to his morals, whether they like it or not.

With such a lackluster field, it is unlikely that anyone will be able to clinch the nomination quickly. As it stands, Romney is closest to that goal with 94 of the 1114 delegates needed to secure the nomination, but his lead is far from decisive.

Far from inspiring crowds of thousands with the mere power of their words like Obama, the most serious problem for Romney and Newt is that it is unclear why they are even running. Santorum and Paul both have strong convictions (however misguided) that are the driving forces behind their campaigns. Romney and Newt both have a lot of money and really want to win. But there is nothing less inspiring than someone who wants to lead the free world just for the sheer pleasure of being able to say he’s done it, and if Obama is able to rally even a fraction of the principled hope he inspired in 2008, the eventual Republican nominee will struggle to create the same fervor with a “lesser of two evils” approach.

Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is the loud mouth. Born into a family of championship boxers, he is known for having a big head and a big mouth. His attitude is only amplified by an estimated $200 million in earnings and an unbeaten record through 42 fights. Mayweather is known for his smooth, fast boxing style. He is considered the modern-day Muhammad Ali, except he boasts a lot more money.

"Money" Mayweather. | Photo courtesy of Mshake3 via Wikimedia Commons

If Mayweather is Ali, then Pacquiao is Frazier. He is the constant recipient of Mayweather’s insults and challenges. The quiet, methodical pugilist is an idol in his native Philippines, as noted through his #1 albums and his seat in the southeast Asian country’s House of Representatives. When he enters the ring, Pacquiao becomes an entirely different animal. It is through his powerful and quick style that he has maintained a record with only three losses through 59 fights.

The two rivals, however, have never actually fought. There’s been a multitude of reasons preventing a tumble, from a disagreement on steroid testing to false reports of fights, which have had negative effects for both men.

In mid-January, Mayweather challenged his Filipino competitor to “stop being a punk” and “give the world the fight they want.” From there the two groups entered into negotiations. Nevertheless, it was again a flirtatious boast, with Mayweather announcing on February 1 that he will be taking on Miguel Cotto on May 5, a month before he will be serving a 90-day jail sentence.

Today’s obstacle? Money. Top-name boxers are easily the world’s best-paid athletes because in addition to a purse they receive for fighting, they are also able to take a percentage of the pay-per-view revenue. With Pacquiao and Mayweather currently averaging 1 million viewers per fight, they could have easily made a small fortune on what could be the biggest boxing match in 40 years. Unfortunately, the two men and their entourages could not agree on what an even split of PPV revenue meant. In other words, who was the biggest draw, the Pac-Man or the Pretty Boy?

"Pac-Man," or Manny. | Photo courtesy of Roger Alcantara via Wikimedia Commons

Still, they will not fight. The world will have to wait another year for what has been billed as the fight of the century. Just like with Frazier and Ali, it will break records. More importantly, however, fans will finally be able to have an answer to the barbershop talk, or if anything a new reason to debate.

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