Tulane from Above

A quick post to show this awesome video that one of our seniors, JP Stiles, made with a Phantom 2 drone and a GoPro Hero 3. JP just gradated with a major in Digital Media and is now out in LA working an internship with Doug Ellin, creator of Entourage (and a Tulane alum!). JP is working in post-production on the new Entourage movie and also an additional show on CBS.

View the video here and enjoy the ride!

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Obesity

One of the worst things a person can be is stupid. Stupidity is one of the greatest conceivable evils. Yet it isn’t a sin at all. It is something no-one, with the exception of  novelist Hasek’s Good Soldier Svejk, deliberately chooses to be. What is inflicted on you at birth, which you couldn’t help, did nothing to provoke, can hardly qualify as sin. And yet. . . .

Right next to it, as far as I’m concerned, is obesity—right up there with thievery, mendacity, cruelty to people and animals, rudeness and dirtiness. It may even head the list, along with stupidity.

Yet it too may (repeat: may) be something glandular that you cannot help. Of course stigmatizing it predicates belief in the beauty and goodness of its opposite, slenderness. I confess that I, as a lover of women—more specifically beautiful ones—consider slimness a sine qua non. This has to do with obesity being tantamount to ugliness. And surely such overweight is ugly.

The obese person is unsightly, and therefore shunned and unhappy. Consider the attention devoted by the ABC network to tracing missing children. Most of them are girls, which in itself is noteworthy, and almost all of them are overweight. One recently was five feet tall and weighed 200 pounds.

We cannot dispute the fact that for the vast majority of people the standard of beauty is set by Hollywood. Female stars have to be slender. I recall one movie magazine long ago naming the two most beautiful actresses: Hedy Lamarr and Ann Sheridan. They were both 5’6” and both weighed 118 pounds. I agreed that they were, each in her own way, true beauties. There may be something quaint about that 118, definitely not a rounded (in both senses) figure (again in both senses). But it surely worked for both those alluring actresses.

We may well ask what is so beautiful about slimness? There have been ages and societies whose standard of feminine beauty was much more ample. Never mind the Hottentot Venus or the paintings of Rubens and, worse yet, Botero; but think of our own Gibson girls, ideals not so long ago.

The beauty of slimness has something to do with proportions, symmetry, pleasing ratios, which remain steady even if details change. Already 5’6” may seem a bit ordinary nowadays, perhaps even short; we tend to admire a woman like the tennis star Maria Sharapova, who at 6’2” might not so very long ago been considered a giantess and not particularly desirable. But she is, today, a beauty.

Too much height in a woman, however, is a bit intimidating, especially to men who are shorter than that. But too little height is considered childish, cute, like kittens, puppies, or six-year-old girls. Only one thing definitely scorned in our time is obesity.

I don’t recall reading anywhere the weight of Angelina Jolie, widely held to be one of our greatest beauties, with or without breasts. But one thing she certainly, even remotely, is not: she is anything but obese. Now if you wonder why I concentrate on a particular kind of beauty, namely feminine, it is for the same reason that painters through the ages painted beautiful, often nude, women as the high point of beauty.

I realize that this is foolishly derided by many as sexist; but others will agree that it is a good place to look for beauty. To be sure, one hears about fatty lovers (or should it be one word, fattylovers?), but they are relatively rare. The rest of us value delicacy even in a vase and champagne glass and, particularly, flower; then why not in a woman? I don’t mean undernourishment, frangibility, flimsiness; but I do mean gracefulness, the sort of thing we get in a ballerina.

Something there is that loves slenderness. Think of the women of, say, Botticelli, Manet, Degas, Modigliani, and so many other artists, almost all gazelles. And the same in sculpture: there is a Venus de Milo, but a Venus de Gaston Lachaise is inconceivable.

Reflect now on the causes of obesity. It is very frequent, for example, in black women? Why? Because many of them are poor. If you can’t afford other good things, there is one that you must: food. But food isn’t just for survival; it is also for pleasure. And what food is cheapest? Junk food, which is notoriously fattening. Now what makes poverty a bit more bearable?  Munching away on junk food. Consequence? Obesity.

Obesity, moreover, is comic. The comic is not beautiful. How many comediennes have been slender? A few; but many more have been—are--to put it politely, big. And funny is not sexy either, which is first cousin to beautiful. But funny can actually be obese, which is the reverse of beautiful. So obesity ends up being the opposite of beautiful, i.e., ugly.

Take the word porcine, which applied to a human is hugely insulting. Why? Because pigs are fat. They are, however, far from stupid, and, contrary to popular belief, would as soon not wallow in mud. But swinish, or piglike, i.e., obese, is what an unappealing person is deprecatingly called. Not equine, canine or feline. Porcine, i.e., ugly.

Americans rate very high on the obesity scale. But why are so many Americans flagrantly obese? Can you ride a bus without spotting at least one such? Or, more likely, several. This is because, compared to those in the rest of the world,

America’s poor are less indigent. At any rate, they can afford more candy and other fattening junk food. And don’t forget the proliferation and persuasiveness of American advertising plugging dubious comestibles. Result? Obesity.

Bear in mind the derivation and definition of the word obesity. In Britain, the Oxford English Dictionary points out, the word “obese” was first recorded in 1651; “obesity,” in 1612. They come from the Latin, perhaps via French, the adjective meaning, according to the OED, very fat or fleshy, or exceedingly corpulent; the noun, excessive fatness or corpulence. Note the signified more than mere fatness. Conversely, as rich a language as German, which of course has words for fat and thick, has no word for obese. This surely does not mean that Germans are less obese than Brits, but it does mean that the Anglo-Saxon, and hence also American, sensibility is more offended by vast overweight than that of some other nations. And rightly so.

We hate a walking tub of lard more than some other nationals do. We could be satisfied with fat and thick, with plump and pudgy, chubby and overweight, but no; we also want, for the greatest repulsiveness, the greatest shock, obese. Or is it that we have more fatties, greater unappetizingness (or bigger appetites) than other peoples? “Obese” is a word that exudes stricter disapproval, elicits stronger repulsion than any of those other synonyms or near-synonyms.

It does not help that we now know how unhealthful such superfatness is. Even the similarity in sound to the word “obscene” should give warning. Or the rhyming with “grease.” Or the negativity of most words beginning in “ob”: obscure, obscurantist, obstacle, objectionable, obsolete, obnoxious, obstructionist, perhaps even obligatory, which is at best indeterminate: some obligations are worthy, many restrictive and tedious. An irredeemably damning word then for an irredeemably damnable phenomenon.

Observe also how unwilling “obese” is to join up with something remotely positive as “fat” and “thick” can do, as in “fat and sassy” and “thickskinned,” which in today’s brutal world stands for something rather handy. Obese, however, stands alone and is bad business however you slice it, and, given its adiposity, is very appropriate for slicing.

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Hidden Tulane Part VII - Reily

Here is me bro'in out at Reily. I am here a lot. 

No, this isn't just an excuse to take a #gymselfie. It's a chance to get back to one of our favorite blog series- Hidden Tulane! We've been all over the place over the years, everywhere from our glass blowing studio to the Hillel to our most recent trip to the LBC's Garden Level.

Today we are heading somewhere that is far from hidden- the Reily Recreation Center! I'm featuring it because on our usual campus tours, you get a chance to head into the lobby of Reily, but not much else. There is so much to see in Tulane's magnificent gym. When I was a senior in high school, one of my "check boxes" for colleges was I wanted somewhere with a "sick gym" (actual quote from Jeff, circa 2001). When I toured Tulane with my dad after being admitted, we walked into Reily and I immediately knew that this place was above and beyond what I could have hoped for. Reily is pretty spectacular.

Reily is 156,000 square feet of athletic awesomeness. Just to give you an idea of what is housed here, there is an outdoor social pool, an elevated 1/8th of a mile track, 5 full basketball courts, an indoor Olympic swimming pool, a massive weight room, multiple cardio areas, squash and raquet ball courts, a smoothie bar, a number of fitness and exercise rooms, 2 outdoor tennis courts, an outdoor sundeck, and a spinning studio. Plus, newly added- a brand new TRX room. Reily is also home to all of our club sports and the home base of the thousands of intramural games placed each year. You can get a little sneak peak all all of this on our virtual tour here. You can get anything you want for health and fitness at the Reily Center.

So much cardio! 

From swimming lessons for Triathletes to yoga to Absolutely Abs (with my man Joe, good luck getting in or out of your car the day after taking his class. Or laughing. Even laughing is painful after his class) to Bahangra dance classes, you can take a fitness course for just about anything at Reily.

Pano of the weight room. Tons of weights here. Literally. 

Took some photos for you to get a sneak peek of what you can expect from your student recreation center experience here at Tulane. If you ever happen to tour campus, check with the admission office and we can hook you up with a free pass to use the center during your visit. I think you'll love what you see. It's pretty, um, sick.

The main atrium at Reily and the smoothie bar.  

More cardio space. This is the Coca-Cola cardio lounge 

The weight room. Lots of bros to be seen here. 

The brand new TRX room. I have no idea what I am doing when I am here. 

Plenty of places to ball out. There are three courts in the main gym.
The one closest to the bleachers is usually the most advanced players.

Reily in all her glory.

The indoor pool

Sorority girls being social at the social pool. 

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CPE RESTAURANT REVIEW

Would you like to have your CAE or CPE writing corrected for free??? Would you like to post in this blog??? You can send your Word document to our Manager's email: Gustavo.albarracin.q@gmail.com

...

Take a look at this very well-written Restaurant Review sent to us by a CPE student from Chantilly, France. For more on Reviews, you can also visit our page How to write a Film Review.

TASK : 

Your local newspaper is asking its readers to write a review of a restaurant where you have eaten recently and would recommend to others.

Write your review in 280-320 words

The Open House Polo Restaurant

(Name/location)
The ‘Open House’ is a restaurant situated in the heart of a small village between three national forests and close to the horse´s capital city, Chantilly. It is the favourite hangout place for people from the polo, horse races, and golf world.

(Atmosphere/decor)

As you enter the place you are welcomed by a magnificent setting, a delightful marriage of antique cut stones and the luxuries of modernity.  Sitting in any table you have a wonderful view of the workshop-like kitchen where you can see the chefs working. For those who do not book a table and are waiting, there is a cosy lounge with aged leather armchairs and pictures of polo players displayed on the walls. 

(The menu/dishes)

The menu offers a wide variety of mouth-watering starters. I had the white asparagus accompanied by a mousseline sauce and poached eggs, while my friend tried the zucchini carpaccio served with sundries tomatoes and a mozzarella strudel. They were exquisite. The main course consisted of a risotto with scallop cooked in cream and a cassolette of coley with mussels, which really thrilled us. It all was followed by a delicious apple pie served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. 

(The ingredients/the wine/the prices)

All the products were fresh and the dishes had the warmth of home-made food. The chefs take great care in selecting the best quality ingredients. The restaurant also caters for all tastes by providing a large selection of the best wines of the region, which are pricy but worth sampling.

(The service/the waiters/the owner)

What a pity that the service does not accompany the high quality of the cooking. You can hardly get a smile out of the waitresses. Thankfully the owner and hostess, a middle-aged charming woman, is always around willing to exchange some kind words with all her clients.

(Recommendation)

Despite the high price of the food and the not so attentive waiters´ service, I had a pleasant dining experience with food of the most exquisite flavours. For this reason I highly recommend going to the Open House Polo restaurant.

Posted by SYB 
Edited by Gustavo Albarracín

CPE Practice. 

Now it is your turn to practise for the CPE Cambridge Exam. Write a Restaurant Review using the task above. If you would like to have your writing checked for free and posted in this blog, you can send it to gustavo.albarracin.q@gmail.com

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CPE REPORT ON THE MUSIC FESTIVAL

Take a look at this excellent report sent to us by a CPE student. Then visit our page How to write a report.

EXAM TASK: 

You belong to a committee that helps to organise a yearly music festival in your hometown. This year’s event has just taken place and you have been asked by the event leader to write a short report highlighting its success and making recommendations for next year.

Write your report in 280-320 words

REPORT ON THE MUSIC FESTIVAL

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this report is to outline the great success of the very first Music Festival which took place in Chantilly last month. This report will also give recommendations for the organisation of next year’s event in Senlis, France.

SUCCESSFUL PUBLICITY

Informing as many people as possible about this novelty was crucial. To that purpose a press file was scrupulously prepared and largely distributed to the newspapers of the local press and some specialised web sites in music. The event was so well publicised that more than 10 000 people attended it, which was beyond all expectations.

SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCES

The music festival took place during a whole week-end. Many music schools from everywhere in the region greatly came forward and gave violin,   guitar and piano concerts in front of the crowd gathered there. The biggest success of this festival was its closing, during which the best musicians were given prizes for their outstanding performances by the mayor himself.

INCONVENIENCES PRESENTED

The sound system provided was of great help however we somehow regret the poor quality of the mikes and loudspeakers, which affected the quality of the sound in the concerts.

RECOMMENDATION FOR THE MUSIC FESTIVAL NEXT YEAR

On the basis of the points mentioned above, I strongly recommend having an even more aggressive marketing campaign next year. I advise hiring a professional to design eye-catching leaflets and posters to be distributed among the local press and in social networking sites. I also suggest considering the viability of purchasing new sound equipment which is of great importance especially for a music festival.

Another recommendation would be inviting a huge celebrity to the closing ceremony  to attract an even greater crowd.

Posted by SYB

Edited by Gustavo Albarracín

CPE Practice.
Now it is your turn to practise for the CPE Cambridge Exam. Write a Report using the task above. If you want to have your writing edited and posted in the blog, you can send it to gustavo.albarracin.q@gmail.com

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Topic 96. People have different ways of escaping the stress and difficulties of modern life. Some read; some exercise; others work in their gardens. What do you think are the best ways of reducing stress?

People have different ways of escaping the stress and difficulties of modern life. Some read;
some exercise; others work in their gardens. What do you think are the best ways of reducing
stress? Use specific details and examples in your answer.

Sample essay 1.

In today's society, everyday we may face some kind of stress and difficulties from work, school or
family. In order to escape them, people have different methods. Some read, some exercise, while
others work in their gardens. From my point of view, I would like to use different ways according
to different stress.

First, the stress from work and school maybe the most common stress. In this circumstance, I like
to listen to music, especially some inspiring music. When I appreciate it, I can transiently forget
those unpleasant things and let my head sober. After listening to those inspiring music, I feel that I
am full of encourage overcoming difficulities. Then I will calmly analyse my circumstance and
find the way to solve problems.

If my stress comes from my family or my friends( foe example, some misunderstanding and
squabbles), I think that the best way to erase this stress is a sinere conversation. I will positively
converse with my relatives and friends. I hope that I can know what is their opinion and also let
them understand me. I feel that when we understand each other, all conflict will disappear.

In a word, everyone can find the best way that is suitable for himself/herself. But conservation
and appreciating music are the most suitable for me to erase stress.

Sample essay 2.

Stress is one of our biggest enemies. It affects our health, our personality, and our relationships
with others. In order to get rid of stress, I first have to identify the cause. I have different antidotes
to stress depending on the cause. The most common types of stress I face are with work, with
friends, and with myself.

Work-related stress is the easiest to combat. I simply stop working for a while. If I find myself
picking up the same piece of paper four times a day and never doing anything with it, I blame
stress. If I find- myself staring at the computer without finishing a report, I blame stress. The best
thing to do is to do something else. Sometimes, I get up from my desk and go down the hall to talk
to my colleagues, but I don't talk about work related subjects. Other times, I will take a short walk
around the block and get some fresh air. Work-related stress can be cured by getting away from
the work.

Stress caused by friends is more difficult to cure. Often the cause is more complicated. My friends
could have a personal problem that causes them and me both anxiety. Or my friends could be
angry at me or vice versa. Here, the cure for stress is talking about the problem and being with my
friends. Unlike work, you can't walk away from your friends.

Stress I cause myself is also not so easy to get rid of. If I feel bothered by an exam or anxious
about the future, there is very little for me to do. I just have to tell myself that I can only do my
best and leave the rest up to fate.

It is important to try to lead a stress-free life. If you can avoid stress by walking away from it (like
at work), talking through it (like with your friends) or facing it head on (like with yourself), your
health, personality and relationships will benefit.

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CPE ESSAY ON QUALITY OF LIFE

CPE Writing Paper model . In the Proficiency in English Cambridge Exam (Paper 2- Writing, Part 1) you are given two pieces of text and are asked to write an essay based on the information given. #Words: 240-280

Take a look at this essay sample. Then visit our pages How to write an essay and Tips to write an essay.

Quality of life

We all have dreams of having more and longer holidays, getting a better job, being fitter and living in a wealthier place. However, it is difficult to further our dreams for several reasons. Both texts deal with the concept of «quality of life» pointing out how it influences our health and how difficult it is for some to have access to it.

According to the first passage, being healthy is not just necessary but essential. We need to be in good physical and mental condition to be able to keep a job and to participate actively in a social group. Unfortunately our health state can be influenced by factors we cannot always control such as living in a poor neighbourhood, a place with bad weather conditions or a country in which people lack political freedom.

In the same way, the second text highlights the importance of the climate, the environment and the economic situation of a country. According to very interesting studies they play a major role in improving out quality of life. It also states that very few people are ready to take the plunge and move their housing in search of these factors. The sad reality is that for most of us it is not easy to relocate for numerous reasons.

On the other hand, there are small simple things we can put into practice to improve the way we live. These little things can be various such as devoting oneself to a passion like art or music, which at the same time will boost new encounters essential to our well-being; doing a sport to keep fit and healthy, granting ourselves some small pleasures like a massage or a stroll in the forest, reorganising our house, and of course spending time with our family and friends through leisure time and holidays.


Posted by Syb
France

CPE Practice. 

Now it is your turn to practise for the CPE Cambridge Exam. Write an Essay using the task above. If you want to have your writing edited and posted in the blog, you can send it to gustavo.albarracin.q@gmail.com

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Topic 95. Some people think governments should spend as much money as possible exploring outer space (for example, traveling to the Moon and to other planets). Other people disagree and think governments should spend this money for our basic needs on Earth. Which of these two opinions do you agree with?

Some people think governments should spend as much money as possible exploring outer
space (for example, traveling to the Moon and to other planets). Other people disagree and think
governments should spend this money for our basic needs on Earth. Which of these two opinions
do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

Sample essay.

When we see photographs of starving children, it's hard to say that we should spend billions of
dollars on space exploration. But that's just what we should do. Children don't need to be starving,
but we do need to explore space. Right now, we have enough money to feed every person on
Earth. Children are starving because of mismanagement of resources and simple human greed.
Those are problems we can solve right here on earth. That shouldn't stop our need to find out
what's beyond our own solar system.

We may never make contact with whatever other species there may be out there in space. Even
so, there are still two very practical and positive consequences of space exploration. One is a
certainty and the other is a possibility. The certainty is medical research. Yes, we can conduct
research here on earth. But much of the research done in space, for example, on the effects of
gravity on bone marrow, is making a difference in medicine here on Earth. When we do research
in space, we also learn more about space exploration. Also, many of the inventions that were
developed for space travel have been adapted to good use on Earth.

The possible consequence of space exploration is finding another planet human beings can
colonize. Overpopulation is a huge problem on our planet. People are living longer, more healthful
lives, and that's a good thing. But it means there are fewer people dying and more people being
born. Eventually we'll have less space, fewer resources, and major distribution problems. If we
can find another planet to live on, we can relieve the problems of overpopulation on our planet.

It's a tragedy that there are human beings suffering on Earth. However, if we wait until everyone
has a perfect life, we will never explore space-and that, too, would be a kind of tragedy.

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