Staff editorial
There’s a saying that is meant to make others feel better: “Don’t sweat the small stuff, and it’s all small stuff.” Well, the small stuff in our community is adding up, which leads to the inevitable question borrowed from Jerry Seinfeld beginning with the phrase, “What’s the deal with … ?”
What’s the deal with the Coca-Cola cups?
It’s great the Styrofoam cups are out and paper ones are the replacements. But the cost of the change is that students are staring at essentially Coke commercials for the 12 to 18 hours each week they are in class. Looking around a classroom, feels like an “American Idol” set sans Simon, Paula and Randy.
Also with the switch, the cup sizes increased. The smallest Styrofoam cups were replaced with bigger paper ones. Besides the fact that the largest cup, at about 40 ounces, holds about 400 empty calories of soda, they are so big that occasionally the bottoms break and the liquid spills everywhere.
Speaking of soda, what’s the deal with the “Do you say soda or pop?” conversation?
As soon as a new group of freshmen come to campus, this idle chatter resurfaces. No one cares if in Nebraska they say pop or in Texas they call everything Coke. This reoccurring dialogue is fueled by the fact that people have nothing else to talk about. This problem, unlike the first, which is caused by the Coca-Cola’s contract with the school and its subsequent monetary support of Pepperdine, is easily solved. Instead of settling for unstimulating and inconsequential banter, talk about the news, what’s for lunch in the Caf, or tell a story about the last time you went to Sav-On.
Speaking of Malibu shopping centers, what’s the deal with the smell around Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf?
Everyone knows that certain parts of Malibu have a distinct, if not disgusting, smell. It’s part of living in Malibu and after awhile our noses become immune and some may secretly enjoy the aroma of beach and sewage colliding. However, one place that the stench cannot invade is Malibu eateries.
One locale that the smell is better tolerated is in bathrooms. Unfortunately, during Convo students are highly discouraged to not use the facilities during the Wednesday programs. So what’s the deal with restricted restroom access at Convo?
All of us are aware of the corners that can be cut in order to make the least of Convos. Laptops, headphones, school books or cell phones can be used to block out a Convo speaker if a student is really adamant about being disrespectful and not listening to the week’s lecture. Tend to nature’s call is a completely different than turning up the iPod when Won by One starts to sing.
It’s important for the university to discourage students from loitering in the hallway in the back of the Firestone and respect the sanctity of Convocation. But a Fieldhouse of full bladders wanting to be relieved does not fall within the Convo-hating act category.
Speaking of unbearable waits, what’s the deal with the slow drivers and consequential passing situation on Pacific Coast Highway?
Because of it’s scenic nature, parts of the PCH have been designated by the U.S. Department of Transportation as an All-American road. Well, in the United States, we drive on the right and pass on the left. But this norm cannot be practiced because those driving in the passing lane are traveling slower than some of the professional bicyclists riding on the shoulder. The ocean my be beautiful, but punctuality is a beautiful thing as well.
Now maybe this stuff is really small, and we should all have a roll-with-the-punches attitude. But until then, let’s make life a little easier on ourselves and those with whom we share the classroom, university and roads.
04-06-2006