Contact Info

We'd like to let everyone know (this addition is forthcoming in our next issue) that we can be contacted at simpsontabularasa@gmail.com for any comments or concerns.

Avatar: What a Good Movie Should be

      If Avatar was in Swahili, it would be worth the price of admission. Without discussing story, theme, or anything else, let me first state that the visuals make the movie worth seeing. I won’t ruin anything for you, but the first time you see the floating mountains, you will be blown away. Every frame could be on a postcard and that’s in the 2D version. 3-D is even more spectacular. One of the things to notice when you watch is the sense of scale. Note how dramatically Cameron separates the two species and then how spectacularly he combines them. I could write this entire review on the visuals but for brevity’s sake, I will stop there and let you experience them for yourself.

     In terms of plot, this is the one point at which I find the film lacking. It is essentially Dances with Wolves or any similar plot and innovates very little. I won’t describe more as you’ve probably heard enough about the story. From the beginning you know where it is headed and it heads precisely there. This simplicity however adds to the enjoyment of the visuals and James Horner’s brilliant soundtrack. The movie is a piece of art, not a complex literary work.

     But even then, the movie conveys a certain message and one that we in this country are not comfortable with if we examine it closely. After watching the movie, I realized that it is profoundly anti-American. It condemns both our current foreign policy of killing for resources and our historical trend of subjugating natives for our own personal gains. This point is driven home gracefully however through the relatable love story and potent visuals. Consider this a movie to see at least once if not more.

The Unlikely Disciple: Review

     During his sophomore year, Kevin Roose, a 19-year old from Brown University met a group of college students from Liberty University, America’s largest conservative Christian college. Roose becomes so intrigued by these “evangelical Christians” that he decides to pack up his bags and spend a semester “abroad” at Liberty University. Coming from a secular Ivy League, adjusting to residential life at Liberty wasn’t exactly a walk in the park for Roose. He quickly realized following the “Liberty Way” boiled down to a long list of no’s: no swearing, no drinking, and absolutely no R-rated movies! In order to blend in with his classmates, Roose disciplined himself to strictly abide by Liberty’s student handbook. He purchased a self-help book entitled 30 Days to Taming Your Tongue, plastered a Jesus fish onto the back of his car, and even joined Jerry Falwell’s choir at Thomas Road Baptist Church. After only a few weeks at Liberty, Roose was surprised to find himself surrounded by a group of Christian friends. He found that the longer he spend at Liberty, the more he began to actually enjoy “experimenting” with prayer, dating Liberty girls, and attending Bible studies with his hall-mates. The Unlikely Disciple provides a thought-provoking, hysterical account of a “sinner’s semester” at one of America’s most conservative colleges.

Bog Bean: Your Answer to the Simpson Bubble

     While it is easy to mock the small size of Redding and its shortcomings where art and culture are concerned, it should be noted that Redding does have at least one redeeming quality to its unfortunate reputation. In the heart of downtown Redding, Bogbean, a used media store offering an eclectic mix of used media, gives shoppers a chance to break away from the commercial world and experience the extent of Redding's taste in CDs, video games, game systems, tapes, records, books, DVDs and VHS. Located on California St., Bogbean is a redeeming quality in a city where there is a seemingly limited amount of aesthetic appreciation.

     Upon entering, a shopper is greeted immediately by workers who love their job and are more than willing to help you buy, sell or trade used media and literature. Reviews of this quaint establishment label it as something straight out of Berkeley, CA. This description seems accurate enough given the appreciation for nostalgic subculture icons. Given this acknowledgment, it is safe to say that anyone who is a fan of classic rock will find a decently sized library to meet your craving of artists like CCR and the Rolling Stones. However, this used media store does not simply cater to one genre of American culture. They have a vast selection of literature, movies, and music that will fulfill your urge to watch the entire Seinfeld series or take a gander through sappy Romance novels. Never fear, dedicated players of 90's video games. They have a hefty selection of games for that Sega you've banished to the garage or the Nintendo system that's been gathering dust in your closet. Although the prices are not especially desirable, if you are looking for any off-the-wall finds, Bogbean will certainly deliver. All in all, this store is a nice break from the standard Hilltop and Churn Creek establishments where Simpson students typically find themselves. Bogbean offers a chance to take a step toward finally popping that pesky Simpson bubble.

Swearing: The Simpson Way?

     Is swearing wrong? By swearing, I mean use of the words meaning curse words which for reasons explained later won’t be printed here, not swearing oaths. While a large portion of the student body uses these words, they won’t use them in public or around those they don’t know, especially faculty. Is this biblical? No and yes. First, it must be noted that we are asked that we not cause our brethren to stumble through our actions, including our words. But this means only that we not make them become disillusioned with their faith. If someone has a strong moral objection to swearing, we should not swear out of respect to them. But addressing those who have moral objections to it: Why? If you refer to Ephesians 4:29, let me remind you that the word “unwholesome” means “worthless” and “corrupt” in Greek. Gossip, lying, cheating speech is covered under this. This verse also contains instructions for building each other up. Language is a set of tools; swear words are part of those tools. If a hammer is needed to pound in a point which needs to be made, a hammer is the best tool, not a soft rubber mallet which won’t drive the point in hard enough. Our job is to build ‘community’ and if we’re not using the right tools, we can’t build much at all.
     Additionally, you probably already use the word ‘crap’ which if you think about it is no worse than using a stronger word. And since “out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks,” why is it not appropriate when in great pain or distress to use a stronger word? Gratuitous use of stronger words will of course sound asinine, but repeated use of any word will have that effect.

     And a final note: In its only mention of the subject, the student handbook prohibits use of “obscene language.” According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, “obscene” means “designed to incite lust or depravity.” Swearing is almost never designed to incite lust or corrupt acts. If you view swearing as corrupt, your logic is circular, therefore wrong. If you only view swearing as corrupt because you think it’s corrupt, there is no real reason for you to think it is bad. The language should be used as a tool. Language should not be used to offend people, but if you take umbrage at harmlessly used words, you really should rethink your views. They’re words. Examine the heart of what people say, not the way they say it.

Decline in Show Quality Reflects Societal Decline

     With shows like Jersey Shore and South Park gaining more and more viewers, it is obvious that the amount of crude shows are on the rise thanks to a loosened grip by the FCC. Television is no longer dominated by the Dick Van Dykes and Lucille Balls of the world; rather, shows that the Parents Television Council frown upon are steadily increasing in number. While it may seem that there is a decline in modern television, it should be noted that crude language does not always constitute compromised quality. Yes, Jersey Shore is not exactly a highlight where quality television is concerned; however, do not let intoxicated, self-proclaimed Guidos form your opinion of modern television. Shows like House and Lost offer well-developed plots and complex character development. While it is true that crude language and sexual innuendos are a regular occurrence these days, it should be noted that shows like Weeds and Dexter, which often implement these things must be examined as a whole so that the viewer understands the witty realism at work. The world does not exist in a virtuous vacuum, thus depictions of less than virtuous humanity is relatively accurate. Television shows are indeed an art form thought up by people trying to convey an idea or lifestyle as they see it. If we are to condemn them for expressing that in a seemingly crude way, then clearly accuracy and the freedom of expression are no longer priorities of our culture. We need not allow Jerry Springer to taint the image of modern television; rather, we should encourage the production of television shows that are successful artistic endeavors.

Don't Get It? Read this Article

     In the very likely possibility that you don’t understand what is happening here and why this flyer thing is posted in your dorm lobby, let us take an opportunity to explain. This is the Tabula Rasa. In Latin, it means Blank Slate. Look it up for more meanings, but ours is this: we are a response to the Slate. We feel it has become anti-intellectual and irrelevant with too much opinion and not enough news, as would befit a newspaper. There are also an embarassing amount of grammatical and design errors. This reflects poorly on the school. We hope that the student body understands this and supports our efforts. Our response is not to be anti-Slate, but we wish to show what a good student newspaper COULD be. This is therefore our challenge to the grammatically and thesis-lacking Slate. We do not wish to offend, but we want to correct and instruct.

     We also wish to help the student body in a very pertinent way. In following issues, we will post articles about relevant local and world news from outside the typified narrow Simpson view of culture. In line with our academic leanings, we will provide appropriate grammatical tips and writing suggestions. We also hope to review local restaurants for taste, atmosphere, as well as economy, as these are all important to the student body. It is also important to note that we will frequently operate in the satirical mode. You must understand this in order to understand the content. Sometimes we will say something ridiculous in order to make our point.
     We will also be remaining anonymous. This is in order that the content is focused on, not the writers of content. Who are we? We are the Tabula Rasa. Enjoy.

Local Student Newspaper Hits 500,000 Errors

     A local university newspaper ritten by students has reached their goal of 500,000 errors. This is a momentus occasion in their history, as their editor-in-chief states “I personally believe that are errors in this addition of the newspaper are reflecting inner values held by the students into higher education where we truly udnerstand the issues that in most places ignored.” They have been working for several years to obtain this decadent prized, time. These errors are a wide array of grammatical errors, design faux pas, or articles that lack theses. What goles do they have next? “We want to reach an million soon or egg dog orange."

Leatherby's: Quality Food and Music

     In light of the majority of Redding’s eating establishments closing unnaturally early, Leatherby’s Family Creamery downtown was given the honor of serving me dinner last Friday. When I say ‘unnaturally early,’ I mean it. It was 5:30 and Damburger, my intended target, was closed for the day. Who closes a burger shack before 10 on a weekend? I digress.

     Leatherby’s, located at 1670 Market Street, lives up to its title (the ‘family creamery,’ not ‘leather.’ It was nothing like leather). They offer a range of burgers, sandwiches, and ice creams. I settled for the cheapest – a Double Cheeseburger – because like most of you, I suffer from chronic pennilessness. Well, I’ve got pennies, but not much else. My accomplice, wild woman that she is, ordered a Western Burger. Both came with fries. Water was complimentary. Golly, how fortunate! The food was good, salty and greasy as required by any respectable burger joint. The atmosphere was definitely my favorite part of the experience however. Two televisions provided entertainment, one showing basketball and another playing 80’s music. As Marvin Gaye crooned, I partook of my feast. That burger and I had a moment. The music continued to match my feelings towards the meal. I kept eating, although I was full, as Kim Wilde’s ‘You Keep Me Hangin’ On’ filled the air. It was only right, really.
     We spent an hour or more at Leatherby’s and no other customers ventured in. Thank goodness there were those two employees there to double the occupancy of the place. Both the employees and a pool table and mini arcade beg for attention.

     Leatherby’s is busier on Art Hop nights, the 2nd Saturday of every month, but otherwise seems a comfortable, relaxing, and definitely family-friendly establishment. Next time you’re craving a burger, and have a couple extra bucks laying around (these two rarely occur at the same time for me; you may be luckier), skip the predictable like In-N-Out or Red Robin and check out Leatherby’s Family Creamery.

Leatherby’s address is 1670 Market Street, in the downtown mall on the north side.

Simpson YAKS Closes Doors

     As you may have noticed, the familiar Yaks coffee shop is no longer in its Simpson University location. Why, might you ask, has this happened and who is this imposter in its place? As an answer to the first question: Money. The Simpson Yaks was simply not making enough profit, just half of what they would have liked to make. The South Street Yaks closed their doors recently for the same reason.

      And as an answer to the second question: The Coffee Shop is owned by Chartwells, the same company whom the cafeteria is contracted to. They serve Seattle’s Best Coffee as opposed to the custom blend Yaks serves. Seattle’s Best is owned by Starbucks, the largest coffee chain in the world. As a result, many of the drinks are the same, but Seattle’s Best’s beans are roasted less consistently, but more flavorfully.

     One welcome change for Simpson students is the food menu. Instead of 9-dollar salads and sandwiches, the Coffee Shop serves sandwiches, salads and quesadillas all for under 5 dollars. This would be ideal for a student on the 14-meal plan who needs an extra meal on a chance day.

Writing Center has New Addition

     Students who venture into the Writing Center have been getting more than just a helpful critique and literary advice in recent months. Stuttered one recent visitor “It’s h-h-haunted!” That’s right, Simpson University has finally attracted its own spectre. Normally regarded as ‘a pretty bad thing,’ more learned folks recognize the prestige of the situation. All respectable institutions of higher education claim an apparition of their own. Having finally acquired one such being, Simpson University has finally joined the impressive ranks, which include establishments such as Yale, Stanford, Bowling Green University, and Detroit City College.

The ghost has taken up residence in the Writing Center, located on the library’s second floor. For those of you who may not frequent this archive of helpful literature, technology, and wisdom, the library is located in the Grubbs Building. The presence has only been noted by frequent visitors to the Writing Center (for instance, were you to become a habitual guest yourself, hear and apply the friendly and knowledgeable staff’s advice and receive the resulting better grades, you would be more likely to meet the spectre). Students have confessed to receiving better assignment scores and feeling more confident about their writing after rubbing elbows with the apparition.

     Intrigued? Find out more for yourself at the Writing Center whose hours will be posted around campus soon and whose staff would love to help you succeed in your classes and introduce you to their newest (paranormal) addition.