My Commons Life

News & features about the Vanderbilt Commons from the students who live here

Archives for September 2020

Top 5 Steps to Curb Your Phone Use

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Netflix’s “Social Dilemma” has created some waves across the internet for it’s insight into the social media industry. If you haven’t watched it yet, there are two things to take away from it:

-What goes on behind your screen every time you so much as tap it would shock you.

-You need to curb your screen time now

1. Move Distracting Apps to the Last Page

This means Instagram , Youtube, Snapchat, Netflix, Prime Video, TikTok, even freaking Reddit. Basically, if you’ve ever hopped on the app, and two hours suddenly flew by, it qualifies. Move just these apps to their own home page all the way at the end. This way, at least it will take a few swipes to get to them. It’s in these critical seconds that you may be able to catch yourself and think, “maybe I don’t need to see how Addison is doing”.

2. Create a Folder

This is a nifty feature on the iPhone. It’s a great way of organizing your apps, but in our case, it’s another failsafe. Move all of your social media apps into one folder, so that it’s just one lonely app on the corner of your homepage. Title it something that might catch your attention, like “TRUMP 2024”. This does two things. First, you now have to perform an extra tap to access those apps, giving you more critical milliseconds to rethink your decision. Secondly, you’ll wonder why you titled the folder something so ridiculous, and remember that you are trying to tell yourself to stop and put your phone down.

3. Use IOS 14 widgets

Your phone’s last homepage with its singular social media folder is just too empty, right? Go ahead and add the “Screen time” widget, and choose the biggest option that takes up half your screen. It shows how much time you have spent on your phone for the day, as well as for different categories of apps. Here, you are slapping a giant sign above your apps to guilt yourself away from them. You can track the time and try to set goals for yourself. If not, at least it makes you ask, “am I really about to log my 4th hour on Instagram?”

4. Turn off notifications

One of the scariest parts about “The Social Dilemma” was their explanation of how these apps draw you back to them. If a user has not been on the app for a while, the AI decides to send excess notifications to bring you back. Even if it’s irrelevant to you, once you open the app again, you’ve fallen into the trap. This doesn’t mean turn off any notifications from the app altogether. If you are willing to do that, that’s great. For those of us who still want to use the apps, however, we can go into the notification settings within each app and disable notifications for updates you don’t need. On Instagram, for example, I don’t need to know whenever somebody goes live.

5. Out of Sight, Out of Mind

This is an obvious one, and something most of you are doing already. When you need to focus, turn off your ringer, and put the phone somewhere you cannot see it. Otherwise, you’ll be pulled away every time your screen blinks to life with a new notification.

Squirrel Series part 1: Dissecting Our Neighbors

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For those of you who don’t know, October is squirrel awareness month. Now, I imagine you’re thinking, “Hmm, what is the best way to celebrate such a momentous occasion?” Well, never fear, my friends. Word on the street tells me that a published mini-series on the squirrel is an acceptable form of celebration. Prepare yourself for the first installment of such a series.

This week’s article covers basic anatomy of the squirrel, describing how it scurries the way it does.

A squirrel is able to perform its acrobatics through three primary features: feet, claws, tail.

A squirrel’s back feet (also called paws) are double jointed. This trait allows them to easily and quickly spin to a different direction while in motion. A squirrel’s sharp sharp claws enable purchase on practically any surface. Working in conjunction with the spinning back feet, a squirrel can hang dangle itself down a tree trunk; the double jointed feet allow the animal to maintain an upward facing stance while dangling, and the sharp claws ensure that the animal can remain dangling (White, 2016).

  • Picture 1 (AC Shadowfall)
  • Picture 2 (Alan and Elaine Wilson)
Picture 1 shows the double jointed back feet. Feet stay in a position that allows claws to remain in trunk, while still enabling squirrel to dangle. Picture 2 shows the back feet’s ability to cover wide span.

As is the case for most tails, a squirrel’s tail helps maintain balance. Seeing as squirrels spend lots of their time scampering about on tree branches that have diameters smaller than those of pill bottles, it is understandable that a squirrel’s evolution has decided to keep the tail.

When the squirrel becomes too off balance for the tail to manage, the tail can work to compensate for its failure. As a squirrel falls, its tail acts like a parachute. The hairs separate, catching as much air as possible and slowing the animal’s fall (Wall, 2018).

A couple other notable facts about a squirrel’s anatomy include:

            A squirrel’s teeth never stop growing, which means they can continue eating nuts without worrying about their teeth dulling into nothingness.

            The world’s largest squirrel is considered to be the Indian Giant Squirrel, which weighs about 4 pounds and can reach a length of 18 inches (Bittel, 2019). For more information check out Bittel’s link pasted below.

Return next week to read more about campus’ most prevalent non-human resident.

(Bittel, 2019): https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2019/04/indian-giant-squirrels-colors-camouflage/

(Wall, 2018): https://nuscimag.com/simple-squirrels-or-physics-prodigies-69e6b2ebd70c

(White, 2016): https://asknature.org/strategy/sharp-claws-increase-vertical-agility/#.Wqv3bFnwYsl

CommonsCast Episode 56-September 30, 2020

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It’s a new episode of the CommonsCast podcast, and Dean Gresalfi has important details about the Lawson Lecture, Zoe has the info on events and happenings around the Commons, and she has a great discussion with fellow first-year Min Kalasikam in our Humans of the Commons segment.

The Top 5 Shower Stalls You’ll Find in Your Freshman Dorm

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1. The one with something really gross in it

You walked into this shower early on and there was a huge bloodstain (or pile of nail clippings, or hairball, or other unpleasant substance that shall remain nameless) on the floor. Or really, not so much a stain as a smear. A truly worrying amount of blood, calling to mind the works of Christie and Doyle and that one time you stepped on a lizard when you were nine. You contemplated this shower for a minute and then backed out slowly in horrified silence. A few days later the bloodstain was gone (we tearfully salute you, janitorial staff), and since all the other showers were full, you were forced to use this one. You warily peeked in, tiptoeing in your shower shoes (we hope). And it was…fine. The water was hot, the pressure was okay, it should’ve been a decent experience, but you just couldn’t stop thinking about the bloodstain. It haunted you, globby red mirages appearing in every shadowed corner. You’ve showered there a dozen times now, but the memory lingers. That’s The Bloodstain Shower now, and no amount of hot water will wash away the stain it has left on the dimmest, grimiest corner of your mind. 3/5

2. The one with the really good water pressure

This one isn’t so much a shower as a religious experience. True, it’s badly lit, the tiles are grimy, and it broke in the first week and was running full blast for three days before some heroic, soggy maintenance staff member managed to turn it off. But none of that matters, because the water pressure is just that good. The water in this shower hits you with the force of a speeding semi when you’re jaywalking on Western. All your stress is immediately blasted off and washed straight down the somewhat dubious drain. It’s like getting a massage from a thousand angry babies. You now refuse to use any other shower and have, on occasion, lurked longingly in another stall for upwards of ten minutes waiting for the person using it to get out. 6/5

3. The one that’s, like, okay

This shower is just okay. Maybe the temperature system is a little weird and you had to initiate one of those awkward yelling conversations with someone in another stall to figure out how to use it. Maybe it’s warm enough, but the water dribbles halfheartedly out of the shower head and slowly saps your energy and will as you shift back and forth, trying in vain to fit both shoulders simultaneously under the weak, wobbly stream. But it’s, like, fine. You’d feel weird complaining. 4/5

4. The one that drips

Everyone on your floor has a sort of unspoken agreement not to use this shower, because it’s about two gallons away from breaking at all times and nobody wants to be the one to call maintenance. At the same time, the precariousness of that steady drip, drip appeals to you. Walking by, you’re always a little tempted. I wonder what would happen, you think. And even after you’ve turned away and the impulse is forgotten, the void keeps calling, quietly. Hungrily. Drip…drip…. 2/5

5. The tub shower

The existence of the tub shower has…implications. Implications we here at MCL don’t like to think about. The shower head is about four feet off the ground, which isn’t ideal in any context, but the tub beneath hints at bacchanalian aftermaths best hidden behind the kind of closed door that jams so that it won’t lock unless you really give it a good shove. If anyone has actually taken a bath in these tubs, you are a fascinating specimen of humanity and I really hope you’re up to date on your vaccinations. 1/5

Top 5 Fruit “Hacks” You Maybe Didn’t Know

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In flipping through Keith Bradford’s book Life Hacks, I found quite a few entries involving various fruits. Some of them are obscure, but I thought them worth sharing.

Also, let it be known that these hacks have not been tested by yours truly. I am merely the reporter who distributes the information, and you are the reader who decides whether to venture into the world and experiment with the given information.

5. Blueberries

above: a right dandy snazzy picture of some blueberries

This one is not as much a hack, as it is a general recommendation. Blueberries are great. They clear up your skin, they protect against macular degeneration, they are a good source of vitamin C, and they are blue. There aren’t that many available foods that are naturally blue, so blueberries are kind of exciting in that regard.

4. Limes

Did you know that limes are actually a very common ingredient in key lime pie???

To be honest, I really don’t spend much time dwelling on the merits of limes, but apparently they are the unsung heroes of headache and frizzy hair prevention.

Under life hack 339, Bradford writes, “Got a headache that just won’t go away? Take a lime, cut it in half, and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing should go away.” In addition, under life hack 420, he writes, “Squeezing a lemon or a lime into your shampoo will stop frizzy hair.”

I would like to take this time to remind you that I have not tested these hacks. I, nor any part of the MCL staff, am liable for any side effects you encounter in implementation attempts.

3. Bananas

A bunch of bananas

Okay, bananas were a frequent guest in Bradford’s book. I’ll share some of the highlights.

  1. Hack 253: “The scent of a banana might help you lose weight.”
  2. Hack 112: “Fix a scratched CD or DVD by rubbing a peeled banana on it and then buffing it out with the outside of the peel.”
  3. Hack 462: “Holding a banana peel over a bruise for ten to thirty minutes will almost completely remove its color.”

Kinda wild stuff, I know.

2. Raisins

Admittedly, raisins are not as pretty as some other fruits. I suppose it depends on your definition of pretty, though. Perhaps we could say they are not as vibrant.

Though I am sure raisins have many other admirable qualities, I only have one fun fact here. Hack 228 reads, “Has your champagne lost its bubbly-ness? Drop a raisin in and watch the bubbles magically return.” Hmm, who knew, right? Well, perhaps many people knew, but I didn’t, so here it is.

  1. Watermelons
Only recently, did scientists discover the watermelon has a green exterior and a pinkish interior.

The multiple mentions of watermelon hacks are what inspired this article. Hacks 173 and 315 describe how watermelon can reduce stress and acne, respetively. However, the big star of the show lies in hack 182:

“Want to cut a watermelon open without a knife? Take a quarter, make a small incision at the center of the watermelon, and karate chop it in half. No joke, it actually works!” Pretty cool stuff.

I hope this article provided you with great insight into the wonders of the fruit world.

Allow me to reiterate once more, that MCL is not responsible for any issues you face in applying these offered techniques. With that said, however, I encourage our readers’ bright minds to brace themselves and voyage into the unknown; try new things, perhaps these. I also encourage readers to leave comments on their thoughts or perhaps experimentations regarding the content of this article.

CommonsCast Episode 55-September 23, 2020

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It’s a band new edition of the official podcast of the Commons! On this episode Dean Gresalfi discusses how we think about failure, Zoe let’s you in on the events happening around the Commons, and she has a great interview with fellow first-year student Mira LaRocca.

Top 5 Social Locations on Campus

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In a normal Vanderbilt semester, we would be gathering in dining halls, walking to classes, and going to country concerts in the city. While these social opportunities are currently off limits, It doesn’t mean that we cannot connect with others. It just means that the few opportunities that we do have left are that much more important. 

Whether you’re grabbing a meal or just looking to get out of your dorm, here are some great spots to have a good time.

1. Wyatt stairs/Peabody lawn

It’s not unusual to see several groups sitting on the Wyatt center steps on a sunny afternoon. Sometimes, you can see their gazes going back and forth as they watch a football or frisbee being tossed. 

2. Commons Lawn 

You can’t talk about social life in Vanderbilt without mentioning the Commons lawn! Serving as an integral part of the freshman experience, it has persevered through COVID-19 as a vibrant social scene, especially on the weekends. 

3. Branscomb Common Room

You might be thinking, “Every dorm has a common area”. While that is true, few are as spacious and lively as Branscomb’s. It’s almost its own mini library for studying, except you can also cruise around the room on a skateboard.

4. Alumni Lawn

 

While there several lawns on campus, this seems to be an especially popular spot for picnics. It’s also where you’ll find the most residents from Carmichael Towers, who live right next to it. 

5. Rand Decks

This is a great dining spot to enjoy your delicious Rand cookie! Also, make sure to look up from time to time. Rand’s central location gives you the highest chance of spotting Elliot Choy whipping by on his longboard. 

TOP 5 Unrecognized Threats in a Stroll Across Campus

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5. The cyclist  

We’ve all seen them. They bike across campus and along the sidewalks, often having to creep behind students at a glacial pace. Recent studies predict the highest probability for collision is in rounding the corner of the Stevenson library that a person reaches just after crossing the bridge. Thankfully we have seen few collisions so far but remember to stay alert.

4. The magnolia leaf

This one is perhaps the most unrecognized threat of all. Just another part of the scenery, a defining feature of much of the geography, right? Think again. Often the leaves are harmless; they crackle underfoot and allow you to carry on about your merry way. Other times, though, when their smooth sides are face down and you step on them just so, you’re suddenly grasping the air for balance, hoping not to wipe out.

These leaves are banana peels in disguise. That’s right. The banana peels in cartoons, the ones where the bad guy steps and slips on the banana peel and gets caught? Yes, the magnolia leaf is the banana peel 2.0, refined but still natural. Be careful where you tread, my friend.

3. The acorn

All day the squirrels stand in the branches, munching on acorns only to toss them to the ground below. While few people have reportedly been bonked by the discarded snacks, they remain a danger. In the grand scheme of things, the acorn is essentially the same size as the coconut. The downward dive of the coconut is a well-known threat, occasionally fatal, so why are we so much less concerned about the acorn?

2. The off-brand sidewalk

So many of Vandy’s inclined sidewalks are exactly what a mindless walker would expect: smooth rises, evenly increasing elevations, nothing too extraordianry. However, not all sidewalks are the same. Some of the campus’s sidewalks feel the need to repeatedly rise then plateau, rise then plateau, rise then plateau. Such a pattern makes for disoriented, unexpected, and very undesirable stumbles. The sidewalk stretching from the Wyatt Center to Peabody is perhaps the most notable example of this threat. Between the threats of magnolia leaves and off-brand sidewalks, walking is more dangerous than ever.  

Readers should thank Brooke Gallaway for the recognition of this threat. We would also like to thank Maeghan Grady for her contribution to the development of Brooke’s research. Thank you, Brook and Megan. You have likely saved many of us from great future peril.  

1. The mosquito

Okay okay. The mosquitos are very much a recognized threat, but it seems wrong not to include them on a list of warnings. They are the nemesis of students who simply want to sit on the lawn and enjoy the nice weather or maybe eat a meal with a friend on the patio. It is scientifically impossible for any Vanderbilt student to not have received at least one mosquito bite in the span of the last three weeks. In a group effort to drive the mosquito population to starvation, all students should cover as much skin as possible when going out. Snow gear (ski masks, goggles, gloves, full snowsuits, layered shirts and pants) is the most strongly suggested covering.