Last Wednesday’s showing of Planet Earth was a minor success, with only limited technological difficulty and an applaudable attendance for the first night. Next week will feature the “Deserts”, “Caves”, and “Ice Worlds” episodes, and we will be joined by the Environmental Science Club who is working hard to bring the film “Fresh” to campus as part of our Food Week programming. Of course, Food Week accompanies Michael Pollan’s visit to the campus on February 25th.

Visit Artist Cup Cafe, or the Creative Crust, or any of the other businesses participating in First Fridays.
I did want to reach out for brainstorming on an issue brought up by dining services. Efforts to reduce bottle wastes have struggled as student feedback pans any changes. Specifically, Michael Zanie would like to shift more consumption to the fountain beverages, which while cheaper are used less frequently. However, because the most popular beverages are drinks that cannot be obtained from the soda dispensers, we are still in need of creative strategies. The purchase of another dispenser for gatorade and similar sports beverages is being considered, though permanent water bottles might require a just distribution plan. Efforts to phase out bottle water in favor of free water bottles have apparently waned.
Finally, I do encourage everyone to head down into Meadville today for the monthly “First Fridays” event. Businesses usually open until only five or six p.m. will stay open until eight. Also, visit the Meadville Council on the Arts gallery on the second floor of the Markethouse, opening tonight. As part of Ryan Cole’s promotion of the programming, receipts from participating First Friday’s businesses can be entered into a Game Room drawing for local gift certificates. This week may be your best shot at winning $25 given the novelty of the plan.







