Ditz

DITZ

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Letter from the Editors

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Last issue, we ran a piece by Riley Hooper on the buzzworthiness of the word "green." This concept has floated around for decades and, with the help of Al Gore, has recently plopped itself down at least semi-permanently in our collective consciousness-for better or for worse.

What's Green In Your Life?

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Our contributors tell you what's green in their lives.

How Green Is Our Campus?

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Occidental College doesn't use any solar panels to generate its electricity. It decided not to construct its new multi-million dollar dorm as a certified 'green building' and it still uses plastic takeout containers in its dining hall. This might seem a little odd for a small liberal arts college located in a city whose smog has prompted some of the tightest vehicle emissions standards in the country.

Criminal Neglect

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

To the untrained eye, Eagle Rock appears to be the teddy bear of Los Angeles County, but the crack of gunshots on Avenue 51 in March shattered the community's candy coating. Here, Emily Jensen investigates this growth in gang violence.

Moral Dilemma on Aisle 3

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The grocery store has become a war zone these days, requiring the perfect strategy and precision strikes to walk away satisfied. Do we decide based on our moral compass, or doctor's orders? Linni Kral uses Michael Pollan's book, The Omnivore's Dilemma to analyze these concerns.

Is Superbad Supersexist?

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Suggestive lines like those inSuperbad are supposed to be funny, right? Movies targeted at young audiences, or "boy movies," seem to suggest so with their rising popularity. But what messages are these movies portraying about women and men?

Be Happy

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Young people today are more miserable than any generation since we've been scientifically measuring misery, according to recent studies. And this misery trend has thrived, despite the widespread acceptance and use of anti-depressants in the United States. This article is an exploration of a primary cause of youth unhappiness: a lack of intimate relationships.

The Stereotypes of Reality TV

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Gold-diggers. Skanks. Bimbos. Dumb sluts. Power-hungry bitches. Insecure attention whores. "Joe Millionaire." "For Love or Money." "The Apprentice." "Big Brother." "Flavor of Love." "Rock of Love." "Beauty and the Geek." "The Bachelor." "Extreme Makeover." "The Swan." These are the female stereotypes of so-called "reality" TV that we love to hate, and the shows that promote them.

Generation XXX

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Britt Karp looks at the generational changes in sex practices and body issues afflicting girls at her summer camp.

Extraordinary People in Ordinary Places

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

As the days, months, and years go speeding by, sometimes we forget to take a minute and realize what we could be missing out on. We often do not realize that we are surrounded by people with amazing stories of leadership, courage, and kindness. Those who seem the most ordinary may, in fact, be the most extraordinary of all.

Even Your Period Can Impact the Environment

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Since Tampax was founded in 1936, women have largely depended on tampons and pads to help get them through their periods. Many women, however, do not know the expense and negative impact these products can have on themselves and the environment.

Moms, Made-Over

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Has the amazing gift of reproduction been reframed as something that ruins a woman's body?

Bad Advice She's Getting

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

"50 Things Guys Wish You Knew." "Be a Sex Genius." "Little Mouth Moves That Make Sex Hotter." Sounds good, right? Wrong.

Better Graphics, Better Boobs

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

More and more, the strong, capable woman is becoming typical of videogames in this era. Except in the case of Princess Peach and Mario, the old fashioned damsel in distress is outdated and laughed at in this modern day setting.

Delightfully Tacky, Yet Unrefined

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

For 25 years, Hooters all over the country and overseas have served customers with a promise of something more than just tasty American food. Hooters opponents, however, cite the restaurants' alleged sexist environment as major cause for moral concern.

How To Be Green

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Our interesting woman this issue is Michele Davis, who makes a living out of being green. After sharing some information about her life, she also offers her advice on how the average student can lead a greener lifestyle.

Diary of an Almost-Vegan

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I never was too concerned about what I ate. I was raised on meat and milk just like most kids and was always thrilled when we could go "out to eat" at McDonald's. When I made it to college every guy in my dorm passed around the Men's Health magazine, eager to know the new tricks to getting "ripped abs" or shoulders that were "absolutely jacked.

Feminism at Summer Camp

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Ah, summer camp. The campfires, the sing-a-longs, the feminism. I mean, I'm not the only one who became a feminist while learning to sail and getting mosquito bites, right? Well, I might be.

Music Review

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the new section! Women who grew up reading girls' magazines like Seventeen and CosmoGirl were lulled into a state of musical ignorance. Sidebar articles singing the praises of "the latest cutie rapper" or the "new pop sensation" make the cruel assumption that females all possess a blind inclination towards mediocre, trendy music.

Coming up next fall

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

No time like summer to get down to business! We'll be working on an exciting fourth issue, as well as making some changes to the site. Don't worry, we'll still be the DITZ you know and love, but with some exciting new features.

Stay tuned to see what we