Last week the Arab Student Union held a panel discussion in the library on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This inter-faith panel included Archpriest Nicholas Dahdal of St. George Church, Mr. Rabeeq Jaber former president of the Mosque Foundation, and Rabbi Brant Rosen of the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation.

The audio of this event is available below: Listen now (flash player required): Visit our event podcast page Listen in iTunes Download the MP3 audio

Panel members and Moderator Matt Sweis

Today, we helped a student who was doing research on Aphra Behn’s 1688 text, Oroonoko, for a literature class. This work is notable for the following:

1. It is an early form of the novel, which was a new form of writing at that time.
2. It is one work from that time about an African slave (and slave revolt) written by a women.
3. It has a pretty gruesome scene where a slave is pretty much barbecued over a fire. (See page 208 of the text)

This got us looking at the use of the word barbecue. We discovered that the way we (in 21st century America) think about barbecue is different than they way the word was thought about in the past.

The Oxford English Dictionary notes that the term is originally from the Spanish word barbacoa which is derived from the Haitian word barbacòa. This refers to “a framework of sticks set upon posts.” There is also evidence that this was related to the French term babracot, which came from the Indians of Guyana. If you want to know more, take a look at the OED.

Anyway, the word Barbecue actually refers to the physical cooking structure and not to the style of cooking or to a particular sauce.

8 Easy Green Thanksgiving Tips

(repost by S Presseller, 11/20/2009) originally by Lauren Hasler

The holiday season is officially in full-swing, and Thanksgiving marks the beginning of big family dinners, extensive gift shopping and elaborate decorations.

But the season isn’t all turkey, stuffing and pie. According to RecycleWorks, from Thanksgiving to New Years Day, household waste increases by more than 25 percent.

So, start off your holiday season on the green foot by making a few small, eco-friendly changes this Turkey Day. It’s easy to get the entire family involved, have fun and decrease the burden on your wallet as well.

click here to learn more: http://earth911.com/blog/2009/11/16/8-easy-green-thanksgiving-tips/