Suzanne Collins blew readers away with her first book of the Hunger Games trilogy, which made critics and myself wary that she would be able to out-do herself for the following book, Catching Fire. What we really should have been worried about was how we were going to prepare ourselves for Collins genius to blow us even further away from reality.

To my upmost relief, she stuck to the same type of writing style that she started the series with, writing from Katniss Everdeen’s perspective as she battles with the Capitol and President Snow for her freedom from persecution. After Katniss and Peeta tricked the Capitol into letting them both win the Hunger Games, the worst was far from over.

They now had to deal with the fact that their actions sparked a rebellion within the 12 districts, and President Snow holds Katniss personally responsible. These turns of events turn tragic as the Capitol fights back by making Katniss enter yet another Hunger Games, only this time a male and a female past victor would be chosen from each district to fight to the death, yet agian.

To Collins’s credit, I was not expecting such a strong second novel. In trilogies, the second books tend to be a little lack-luster, and mainly provides a bridge to the last and most exciting book. Although the intensity of Catching Fire does match that in The Hunger Games, the story does seem a bit rushed at times. This is partially just her writing style, and its something you have to adjust to, but it seemed like she was rushed into the writing process so she could get to the third novel more quickly.

But overall, I was generally very happy with this sequel and what it had to offer readers in terms of excitement and an interesting plot.

“Love knows no distance.” I held onto this quote for over four and a half years ago, when it first became a reality that I was going to be in a long-distance-relationship. Now, I find that friends of mine are constantly asking me how I have made it work over all of those years. The trouble is, there really isn’t one definite answer or way to make relationships like this work.

The only way you can hope to make a LDR work for any amount of time is by first asking yourself some serious questions, and being honset with yourself and your significant other.

The first thing that you both need to figure out is how hard are you willing to work, to make it work out in the long run. Anyone who has been in a long-term, long-distance relationship will tell you it’s HARD work. Trying to match up schedules, while also trying not to come off as over bearing can be a tricky balance. You don’t want to suffocate your partner with constant text messages, but you also don’t want to go days at a time without speaking.

It’s in everybodys best interest to lay out some ground-work before jumping in, head first, into a relationship like this. Figure out what each of you is expecting from the other in regards to communication. For some, constant text messaging is a must. For others, a few texts a day and a phone call can make all of the difference. It depends soley on the persons involved. And lets not forget about the amazing invention of computer programs like Skype and AIM.

Another thing to think about before fully committing to anything, is exactly how committed are you planning on being. There are major differences between a monogomous relationship and an “open relationship”, which in of itself can mean different things to different people.

Are you comfortable with your partner seeing/dating other people? Do you think its healthy for someone to go six months without having an physical affection? (from someone other than yourself). These are the kinds of things that if not seen eye to eye on, can be detrimental to a relationship.

If you do get past this point, with all green lights, then pat yourself on the back. The hardest part is over. Just kidding. That was the easy part.

The hardest part of a LDR is what happens when you do finally get to see each other. There can be alot of pressure to, lets say, perform. Whether that’s in the bedroom or just with conversation, it can be really stressfull. But the important thing to remind yourself is that you want the experience to be fun. You are going to have to spend another three months replaying this weekend in your head, making sure these precious moments are actually worth your time. Sounds messed up, I know. But considering that this is the point in our lives when we have the ability to date and mess around freely,  a lot of people don’t want to miss out on their “prime time to shine”.

The only way a relationship will ever work long distance is if you are completely open with yourself and your partner. I’ve had to hear some pretty brutal things over the years from friends and family, even my boyfriend himself. But in the long run it has been for the best. I don’t feel like I’ve wasted my college experience on one guy, even though many would try to convince me otherwise. For those who are in the same postion that I am in, don’t let the haters get you down. If it’s what you want, go for it.

For fashion lovers around the world, the presentation of the  Spring and Fall fashion collections was the end to an anxious wait.  If you admire designers like Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang and the designers of J. Crew, Donna Karan and Alice and Olivia you would get a lot out of the upcoming Spring collections. There’s a wide range of designs in lace, sheer and bright prints to dresses, slacks and coats.

Many of the designs I’ve seen seem to be for the eye of the person with eclectic taste or an eye for high fashion, someone who doesn’t mind pushing the envelope or making a statement. Many pieces weren’t for the simplistic or people who like to be ordinary.

A lot of these collections are mostly found in Boutiques and the closets of the rich and famous besides the commercial brands we know, but I did find a few pieces from a few designers that I liked and some stuff that might be similar in stores like Macy’s, Nordsrtom, Lord & Taylor and Charlotte Russe.

The Alice and Olivia Collection really caught my eye. I liked some pieces from it and I think other women will too. Most of the collection consisted of skirts and dresses with a few pants. Some were pleated, had ruffles or were tutu-like and others had funky patterns. A few pairs of their shoes worn with the outfits were fabulous and this one brown leather jacket one of the models presented was really cute. Leather jackets have been in style for a few years now and are being worn more and more in a magnitude of colors.

My favorite overall outfit was this long sleeved black shirt, black and red skirt paired with a black belt and black pumps. The core of the shirt resembled a corset, the skirt hit right above the knees and it was a full waist belt; simple yet chic.

The outfit came from a collection by a woman named Stacy Bendet, a New York native and pant lover. She studied at the University of Pennsylvania and according to the Alice and Olivia website she collected tons of pants, “stacks and stack of them” she said, trying to find the perfect pants. She eventually sought out to make her own pants thus the birth of Alice and Olivia which was launched in 2002 at Barneys NY. She incorporated Retro with sophistication.

This collection has pieces I could see in stores like Macy’s, Charlotte Russe and Jessica McClintock. I have seen similar patterned pants, dress pants and leather jackets at places like Forever 21.

The Cushnie et Ochs 2012 collection of spring dresses was one that I really admired. I’d heard of this line before, but the dresses were feminine and the styles were unique. I liked their use of lines and triangular shapes throughout each piece. I enjoyed how they used the shapes for the sweetheart neckline, different areas across the chest and the split at the bottom of the dresses.

The very first dress in the lineup I absolutely loved. It was all white, form fitting and strapless with a unique plunging neckline and knee length bottom. I just wish it was a little shorter showing off some leg, it would make it a little more sexier.

The designers are Carly Cushnie, a London Native, and Michelle Ochs, from Maryland.

Crushnie et Ochs first launched in 2009 with the spring collections and they have won numerous awards since. They are sold in the most exclusive boutiques worldwide. The diverse background of the two designers, through education and strong sense of female form, result in the collections intricate play of shape and technical craftsmanship.

The Donna Karan Fall 2012 collection was very grown, sophisticated and consisted of a lot of black. There was some black and white, grey, red and green though. Each and every woman had some sort of head piece like a hat and if they weren’t wearing a dress they were most likely wearing a blazer with their outfit.

Blazers are a hot commodity in both women’s and men’s wardrobe. This season they’re being worn in a variety of colors and a multitude of styles and lengths. My blazer of choice is the one button hip length. It’s classy, yet sexy.

J. Crew’s Fall 2012 collection was more casual and business-like. They presented a lot of pea coats, slacks, sweaters, blazers and a few skirts and dresses. They also showcased a lot of different prints and colors.

I instantly fell in love with the guy’s clothing lines. From the cardigans and button-ups, to the suit jackets, blazers and pea coats. The collection seemed very vintage and chic. It had a classic look. To spice it up one outfit did have a maroon leather jacket which gave it a modern edge.

J. Crews collection had many outfits, but the most memorable was a pink two- piece suit that a woman was wearing. It was a hip length blazer and slacks with a seam line running down the front. Underneath the blazer she was wearing a striped turtle neck.

I loved the bathing suits from Michael Kors Spring Collection. They all had a similar style and shape which was a one piece bikini format, but they were in different colors and patterns, and were matched with different accessories.

The one I enjoyed the most had a different design from the rest. The top portion had two straps and dipped down into a V-shaped meeting the belt at the belly button. The bottom-half formed a diamond, the tip starting at the belt. It was a snake skin-like pattern worn with some knee high gladiator sandals.

For many of the designers either the style of the pieces are great, but the colors were off. They also have pieces that do feature nice colors or the top half is nice, but the rest of the outdit seems off.

The popular designers had a tendency to showcase ugly patterns and colors for their pieces. I’m in no way anti- lace, but there was way too much and way too many different colors.  Despire these hinderences But the Spring and Fall collections are something to look forward to and there’s a little something for everyone.

The excitement of going out might lose its luster if there’s a lack of variety.  If you don’t quite feel like making the rounds to the usual lunch spots, spend some time getting to know Rueben and Rachel.

Basically any casual attire is welcome at Reuben’s Delicatessen in West Hartford where $20 goes a long way.  Priding themselves on being a “true” New York-Style Jewish deli, they offer everything from challah french toast to chicken pot-pie.

The humble décor of chalkboard filled walls and wooden shelves that hang overhead bear glass jars of fruit, nuts and condiments.  The glass case at the front of the shop displays an assortment of meats and homemade baked goods.  All of these factors contribute to a relaxed environment that makes it easy to enjoy some comfort food.

“The Brammie” can be a new addition to your list of food challenges for all of the Man Vs. Food followers out there.  Two potato pancakes hold a half-pound of corned beef and a half-pound of pastrami, Swiss and Russian; all doused in sauerkraut.  If you’re not feeling bold enough for “The Brammie”, there are several varieties of Ruebens and Rachels to chose from, including “Rachel Lutzker’s” Rachel.

For the less Reuben experienced, a Rachel is a variation of the Rueben, substituting pastrami for the corned beef and cole slaw for the sauerkraut.

Living up to its New York expectations, Rueben’s also offers a small variety of beer and wine.  It certainly couldn’t be associated with The Big Apple if they didn’t brew a good cup of coffee.  They offer bottomless coffee for $1.95, a nice alternative to get that quick boost of energy without spending the extra cash on the bells and whistles.

For those that grew up eating grandma’s potato knish and matzoh ball soup, this menu  serves up a side of nostalgia.  For others, it’s an introduction to a new vocabulary and a new world of food.

Located on LaSalle Road,  it is just a ten minute drive from the West Hartford Reservoir, a five minute walk from Pink Berry and it’s right next door to Starbucks.  And if you’re in a hurry, they offer take out.

An incoming freshman anticipates the moment when a letter will come in the mail revealing their future roommate and they hope that it will be someone compatible that will make their college experience even better.

The Department of Residence Life is responsible for matching up two students together to live with one another on campus.

According to Ryan Baumann, the Associate Director of Residence Life, the department manages the housing assignment process and their main goal is to get two students to live peacefully with each other for a semester.

Residence Life looks at the preferences of the incoming housing students and does their best to place them in spots accordingly. The preferences they look at are if the student requested a roommate, what their hobbies and interests are, what type of music they prefer and what dorm building they requested.

“There are residence halls that students are excited to get into and other ones where students are not as excited. Unfortunately, the residence halls that don’t receive a lot of interest usually have a higher number of beds,” Baumann said. “You can’t put 20 pounds of potatoes in a 10 pound sack. That’s the biggest thing.”

Some students said that they were not matched up with their roommates well.

“It didn’t really seem like they even looked at the sheet we filled out to match us up with a roommate,” said sophomore Colleen Costin. “My roommate and I had nothing in common.”

Freshman Summer Nagy said that the things taken into consideration for matching roommates aren’t enough.

“I think it’s a good idea matching people with the likes and dislikes we put on the application. But I feel like they could do more,” Nagy said.

Another common complaint among students in housing is the amount of waiting they have to go through to find out who they will be living with.

“Waiting was tough and nerve-wracking,” Nagy said. “It would be nice to get to know the person before you have to start living with them.”

The current process that the department is using has been in effect for all four years that Baumann has been the Associate Director.  Baumann said there has been slight modifications made in order to boost the overall success.

According to Baumann, the old process was,“very difficult and not very transparent.”

Baumann said the old system had its uses but that everyone has pretty much outgrown it. Communication has sped up and that the housing application process has been streamlined a little bit.  To go along with the modifications and tweaks, the future process may be changed in order to improve the results.  He also said he would like to automate the systems, taking an online route to do everything.

“We try to make the process as easy as possible and I am always happy if a student has a question or comment,” said Baumann.  “We really try to have a high level of integrity for this whole process.”

Baumann said that the current system has been working; he knows there is always going to be concerns and problems, but he assures students that things are going to get worked out.

One of the biggest complaints I hear from my college peers is about how they wish they could sleep more often. The second biggest complaint is that they wish they had more energy. Now, I can’t very well add hours to the day that don’t exist, but there are quite a few things we can do to help ourselves feel better for the days ahead.

The most important factor in how you feel during the day is what you eat and, more specifically, how often. Eating smart is an easy way to make the most out of your day, starting with eating smaller meals. Your body has to work harder to digest larger meals, leaving you feeling more exausted after having a large lunch or dinner than when you started. It also helps to eat more slowly and to drink water before and after each meal.

Taking your time to eat your meal may seem like a rare luxury, anyone with a six class work load can attest to that, but taking the time to slow down may have greater benefits than you realize. The next tip is pretty self-explanatory, but should be mentioned none the less. Pick up healthier snacks. Complex carbohydrates and protein are much better for you, and their energy effects last longer. It’s tempting, with all of the vending machines filled with goodies around campus, but those sugary treats will only make you feel worse in the long run. Whole grain, fruits, veggies and foods high in fiber are easy to find in your grocery store, and with Stop n’ Shop just around the corner there is no excuse for any of us. And lets not forget the most important healthy eating habit of them all, eating breakfast. Don’t skip it. Make sure to give yourself enough time in the morning to have a meal and start the day off right.

Making sure you’re getting enough sleep each night has been preached and praised by doctors and health officals for years, and we all know that six hours of sleep is the minimum we need to function at a proficient level, but there are other things we can do to give ourselves more energy. Taking a nap during the day for 20-30 minutes can help give you a quick energy boost when you need it, but don’t use this as an excuse to take a three hour nap in the middle of the day, because that will make you feel drained for the rest of the day, and throw off your sleep schedule.

Keeping a regular sleep schedule is also a key way to get the most energy during the day. Going to bed and waking up around the same time each day may seem pointless, especially when our schedules differ so much from day to day, so it’s important to keep in mind that even though sleeping in may seem like a great idea at the time, the long-term effects may not be so great. What you do before you go to sleep has a huge effect on how well you sleep at night, and giving yourself an hour or two before bed to step away from the computer, TV or tablet can have a postive impact on how well you sleep at night. Giving your mind a chance to chill out and unwind after a long day is great for your body, as well as giving your eyes something other to look at than a brightly lit screen.

There are many students that have a drink or two (or more) to help them fall asleep at night, and while this does deliver the short term effects needed, it can cause the quality of your sleep to worsen over time. Try to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages at least two to three hours before going to bed, to make sure you get the best quality sleep possible.

What you eat and how you sleep are the two major factors in changing how awake and energetic you feel during the day, and with some small tweaks and changes to your lifestyle choices, it’s easy to wake up feeling like a million bucks.

William Dhal came to New Haven not knowing his real name, his birthdate or the location of his parents.

Dhal is one of the  20,000 boys of the Nuer and Dinka ethnic groups who were displaced or orphaned during the Second Sudanese War (1983-2005) where about 2.5 million were killed and millions displaced.

Dhal was separated from his family around the age of seven and traveled by foot across three countries to seek refuge, eventually reaching Ethiopia. Over half of the orphans died along their  journey due to starvation, dehydration, sickness and disease or attack by wild animals and enemy soldiers. Experts say they are the most badly war-traumatized children ever examined.

After several years in Ethiopia, Dhal was displaced again and  found himself in Kenya where he began to get his early formal education.

“I didn’t know if my family was dead or alive,” Dhal said. “I quickly began to take advantage of educating myself, to make my life better.”

Dhal arrived to the United States at the estimated age of 16 with the help of the UNICEF program, “The Lost Boys of Sudan.” Dhal immediately took an opportunity to receive an education at Gateway Community College, earning an associate’s degree prior to continuing his studies at CCSU.

Dhal will be graduating this May with a degree in economics and a minor in finance. He currently works overnight shifts at Target in order to pay his expenses.

African American Studies Professor Stephen Balkaran, met Dhal several years ago when he was enrolled in one of his courses and has been his mentor ever since.

“His story goes beyond borders, wars and college success, he constantly reminds me of the opportunities presented to him in America,” Balkaran said. “He came to America without knowing his real birthday, his age, any of that. The United States gave that information to him.”

Balkaran said that being his mentor also reminded him that he did not face the same warfare that Dhal had faced.

“We both share an arrival in a strange country,” said Balkaran, who immigrated from the Carribbean. “But William arrived without any family and friends, and I learned from his life and mine that life in America can be just as difficult as any war torn country.”

Dhal hopes to carry on his career to become a teacher, and hopes to go back to Sudan and see what has happened since he left many years ago. In returning to Sudan, he hopes to find out if his family is still alive.

Dhal has a girlfriend, and said that he would like to marry her someday. In the Dinka tradition, it is customary to ask both sides of the family for permission and to accept and give a dowry.  Dhal said an example would be 100 cows.

Since Dhal does not know if his parents, or his girlfriend’s family, he needs to go back to Sudan to find them. Dhal did not wish to give the name of his significant other.

“I still have hope,” Dhal said. “I still have hope that they are alive, and I want to see my old home and talk to the people there and find out what has happened and tell them my story.”

Balkaran said that mentorship and believing in students can play an immense role in enabling them to achieve their goal. Balkaran has nominated Dhal for the President’s Citation Award for this year and recently wrote a letter of recommendation to President Miller.

“William shares his CCSU experience with great admiration and immense support from faculty and staff,” said Balkaran. “His relationship with the School of Business and his new friends and mentors made CCSU a safe and a trustworthy new home. William also wants to give back to the CCSU community. He is an admirable man and deserves this more than anyone.”

The guys from the reality MTV show The Buried Life came to visit CCSU to ask the question: “What do you want to do before you die?”

On Tuesday night, in Welte Auditorium, over 500 students sat and listened to how this group decided to pack up and travel around North America, in a purple transit bus named Penelope, in the hopes of completing their list of “100 Things To Do Before You Die.”

The twist is that for every item they cross off of their own list, they vow to help a total stranger cross something off of their own “Bucket List.”

The company was created by Ben Nemtin, Dave Lingwood, Duncan Penn and Jonnie Penn who are British Columbia University students. They created this “extreme hobby” after being inspired by a specific stanza in the 1852 Matthew Arnold poem entitled “The Buried Life.”

“But often, in the world’s most crowded streets, but often, in the din of strife, there rises an unspeakable desire after the knowledge of our buried life”.

During the presentation students were able to get up and tell the cast of the show, and the entire audience, what they wanted to do before they died, as well as show off some of their own talents by singing or dancing on stage.

The cast joked around and retold the stories of their travels and narrated a few key moments about what made them realize this is how they wanted to spend their summers.

Backstage after the show, Duncan Penn explained why they ask students the famous question and what stuck out to them the most.

“The people who were forthcoming and honest about what they wanted always hits home, and being able to stand up and say it in front on that many people takes a lot of guts,” Penn said. “Once you say out loud what it is you want to do, it gets you really thinking about it and that’s important”.

Many CCSU students at the event were impressed that CAN and events management were able to put together an event this large with a group as famous as they are.

Stanley Dombrowski was one of these students and he and his friends were one of the many who were lined up outside the doors of Welte Auditorium to get inside.

“We came because I’m a big fan of the show, it’s a great thing that these guys are doing and I’m happy to support it”, Dombrowski said. “I just feel like something really positive will come out of it”.

Freshman Kailyn Craham didn’t know much about the show, but the event was still something she looked forward to.

“I actually didn’t know what it was but a lot of my friends were really into the show so I just decided to come and see what it was going to be like” Craham explained.

After watching movies, reading articles and hearing guys talk about strip clubs, I found my self driving past the Gold Club in Hartford one day and wondering “What is it really going on behind those window-less doors?”

I asked a good friend what he thought of strip clubs and I was suprised that the had never been to one before, and he too had always wondered what it would be like inside. I jumped at the opportunity to finally get my answers and asked him if he would want to go together.

Now, I know what you are probably thinking. “Why would a girl who isn’t a lesbian want to go to a strip club with someone who isn’t her boyfriend?” That’s a great question, but the truth is I am just a curious person, and I wanted to figure out what all the hype was about. After we told our friends of our plan, I had another friend (a female) who also wanted to tag along and see what the big deal was.

After pulling into the parking lot, the first thing I noticed was that the place was packed. It was a Thursday night, around 11 p.m., and I was lucky to get a parking space. We accidentally walked into the 21+ section and were quickly told to go next door to the 18+ section, which was a surprise because I didn’t realize strip clubs actually did that. Finally we got into the right section, I paid my $5 ladies special fee, got my hand stamped with a smiley face and took a good look around.

First off I noticed that the 18+ side was much cleaner and smelled alot less like sweat and smoke than the 21+ section. There were also a lot less people sitting around the stage. My girl friend and I took seats further away from the stage, while my male accomplice made a bee-line for a front row seat.

Now this may come as a suprise to many, but what I learned was that the section for people over 18 actually had more nudity than the 21+ section, mainly because there is no alcohol involved and people are less likely to try something with one of the strippers.

As we sat down, one of the strippers was just finishing up her dance, and soon afterward a new girl came out. To my sheer dismay, I realized there were no outfits involved. I was under the impression that strippers came out in outfits like cops or nurses and that they made a real show of taking their clothes off. Instead, they came out in just a bra and a thong and started rolling around on the stage.

After about half an hour of watching this dancer and some others do their bit on stage, I came to the conclusion that my $5 would have been better spend on a Subway sandwich and that I would have enjoyed it more.

While the dancer was finishing up her routine, she started to collect the cash that had been thrown on the stage, and it disturbed me greatly how many times she said thank you to the guys around her. Hearing her say “thank you” each time a guy threw a couple ones or a five her way seemed excessive. Both parties, the stripper and the customer, know that the correct thing to do is to pay a stripper if she skakes her butt in your face or lets you motor-boat her breasts. I figured the guys should be saying thank you to the stripper for letting him get up close and personal.

Soon after the first stripper got off stage, she came over to us and asked if we were having a good time. Obviously not trying to be rude or arrogant, we said yes. She then asked us if we were planning on having any “personal dances,” to which we quickly replied “no.”

But instead of walking off and looking angry like I expected her too, this stripper sat down and  started talking to us about our night, with questions like “What brought you guys here tonight?,” “Are you two a couple?,” and being generally pleasant. After explaining that I was doing research for a column, she opened up completely.

We learned that she was a part-time stripper, in the sense that she only comes in once or twice a month, and she makes around a thouand dollars every night she works. Even more shocking was what she was doing with the money: saving for her tuition to the police academy! Yes, you read that correctly. She told us that her uncle was a state policeman, and that she was only doing this for the money.

“I know what people must think when they see me dancing on stage, but I’m not like a lot of other strippers. I don’t allow any touching, I don’t do personal dances, I don’t do coke and I don’t suck c***. I’m basically an angel compared to alot of other girls here.” She seemed like she wanted to continue talking, but when her manager came up and told her to do another dance, she smiled and waved goodbye.

After a couple dances, and a lap dance for my guy friend, we decided to head out. To my suprise, even my male counterpart was pretty unimpressed with the whole event and decided that he probably wouldn’t be going to a strip club again any time soon. I left the strip club with a profound sense of gratitude, feeling thankful that I will probably never have to do something like the women on that stage. That does not mean I think less of them, for I understand that everyone needs to make their own way in life. And deep down I somewhat envy the fact that they can be brazen enough to be so open and comfortable with their own bodies. Although the entire experience didn’t really entertain or excite me in any way, I am very glad that I took a chance to open my eyes and see things in a new perspective.

Around the same time everyday, throughout the whole year, our campus booms with harps and bells coming from the Davidson Hall tower.

Everyone has heard it, whether it has brought them complete joy or has annoyed them as they walk through campus to class.

It can be assumed that up in the tower, a series of bells in collide with one another creating the famous melodies such as the “Nutcracker Suite” or “Brahm’s Lullaby,” but that is not the case.

“The Singing Tower,” made by the Verdin Company, has been on campus for more than 20 years with two different versions being purchased.

This electronic device can be found in an ordinary, locked closet in Davidson Hall and with just a push of a button, music is sent up to “horn-type” speakers that are located in the tower above.

Scott McKenna, director of Operational Logistics and Event Management has been overseeing the system for some time, operating the music box and updating it when needed.

“It’s really, really simple,” said McKenna next to the electronic device. “It’s simply a digital recording device that you program and it sends up to a speaker that is in the tower. You are just hearing a harp and bell combination.”

McKenna keeps an updated schedule of class times for the semester to determine just when he wants to set off the device. McKenna is able to do that by just a click of his mouse in his office.

“It adds a sense of ambiance to the campus,” said McKenna.

Although it may sound like the same songs are played every day, McKenna said that they are not. In his office, McKenna has a book full of hundreds of songs selected  by the music department and other committees on campus.

“It plays songs seasonally,” said McKenna. “However, out of the blue the “Nutcracker Suite” will start playing in the summer as well as a lullaby during finals, it’s all in good fun. It may seem like the same songs are played everyday, but they are different each day with the device going through the long list of songs.”

Aside from its daily schedule, McKenna will toll the bell for major events, in which he simply overrides the system by pressing a button.

McKenna also commented on how realistic the bells sound, even though it is just an electronic system.

“The quality of the sound is great,” said McKenna. “I haven’t changed it or updated it because of its fine quality.”

“The fact that it is just a bell is just odd, I thought that it would be a bell,” said Adam Goldstein, a senior. “To hear that it is a musical box kind of cheapens it for me. If I had a few more years here I’d even volunteer to ring the bells myself. I figured it would be easier to have regular bells, but maybe not.”

James McGowan, also a senior, said that he accepted that it is an electronic device due to how digitalized everything is in current society.

“The way that technology is now and how advanced it has become, it is probably a lot easier that it is computerized so it can be easier to manage it,” said McGowan. “It makes more sense now to have this box rather than a rusty old clock tower. The only weird thing is that Davidson is an old building and you would expect there to be bells.”