Abigail Diamond – Pipe Dream https://www.bupipedream.com Binghamton University News, Sports and Entertainment Thu, 09 Oct 2025 23:00:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.1.17 Try these fall-inspired ice cream flavors from Sugar Lips https://www.bupipedream.com/ac/try-these-fall-inspired-ice-cream-flavors-from-sugar-lips/170224/ Mon, 29 Sep 2025 03:20:25 +0000 http://www.bupipedream.com/?p=170224 As the leaves change color and the weather gets colder, Sugar Lips Ice Cream Shop, a fan favorite among Binghamton University students, is expanding its vast menu with fall-inspired additions to help in the transition.

While students begin to embrace the fall season, the weather is still warm enough for a frozen treat. What better way to celebrate the early fall season than with frozen twists on classic flavors like cinnamon, pumpkin and apple cider?

Known locally for its extravagant flavors and outdoor-friendly environment, Sugar Lips is a must-try for anyone in the area. As one of the oldest ice cream stands in Broome County and with over 60 flavors to choose from, this year’s fall options have the potential to be fan favorites. If you’re looking to try some fall-inspired frozen treats, here is a closer look at a few of the delicious selections from this season’s menu to experience and celebrate the season to its fullest as autumn arrives.

Apple Cider Donut 

The apple cider donut flavor is made of apple cinnamon ice cream and apple cider donut pieces. A hard ice cream flavor, this treat combines ice cream and a classic fall baked good into one unique dessert.

This ice cream tastes like a trip to an apple orchard, with the flavors and doughy texture of the donut complementing the base. It is the perfect combination of toppings and ice cream, with the apple flavor sticking out among the rest of the tastes.

Cinnamon Bun

Cinnamon is a favorite traditional fall flavor, and the cinnamon bun flavor is no exception. With chunks of baked cinnamon rolls and cream cheese frosting blended into the ice cream for a twist on the popular delicacy, this flavor has sweet, tangy bites that taste fresh from the oven. Baked goods and ice cream are wrapped into one, creating a cool and comforting flavor.

Pumpkin Cheesecake 

As one of the most popular symbols of fall, Sugar Lips created a twist on the traditional pumpkin spice flavor many know and love. The pumpkin cheesecake alternative is made of real pumpkin, with spices blended into creamy cheesecake for a unique combination. This reinvented take on pumpkin is creamier, richer and sweeter without overpowering the distinctive pumpkin flavor we all love.

Cape Cod Cranberry 

The last fall flavor that stands out is Cape Cod cranberry, which features walnuts generously mixed into cranberry ice cream. As another popular symbol of the season, cranberries add a refreshing and sour taste to traditional ice cream.

Blended in with walnuts for an earthy crunch, the tart cranberry adds a light flavor to keep this option fruity and fun. It doubles as a nod to Thanksgiving, preparing customers for the upcoming holiday as the season stretches on.

Whether you prefer apples or pumpkins, or spicy or sweet flavors, Sugar Lips has all the options you need to enjoy autumn. With a wide range of seasonal flavors, they always have something new to offer even the most loyal customers who are looking to celebrate the season and taste everything that fall has to offer.

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Food Co-op unveils spring latte menu https://www.bupipedream.com/ac/food-co-op-unveils-spring-latte-menu/165785/ Fri, 11 Apr 2025 12:39:37 +0000 http://www.bupipedream.com/?p=165785 The Food Co-op, the student-run organic and vegan cafe on campus, offers unique, locally sourced drink and food options. Located in the University Union Undergrounds, the co-op has operated on campus for over 50 years, serving sustainable, plant-based and allergen-friendly meals for a planet-conscious and delicious experience.

The co-op updates its specialty menu twice per semester. For the new season, it unveiled a Spring latte menu, featuring delicious flavors like brown sugar cardamom, rose, lavender, ube and pistachio vanilla.

“The inspiration for this latte menu is spring flavors, with a mix of unique flavors of lattes,” wrote Ashley Dua, the co-op’s general manager and a senior majoring in political science. “For example, we have lavender and rose matcha lattes, based on floral flavors. We also created an ube syrup for a nutty flavor, and a brown sugar cardamom flavor that is sweet and spicy.”

“Our pistachio vanilla syrup was for St. Patrick’s Day, and we had lots leftover,” she continued. “Next we will be reimplementing our campfire cold brew — a crowd favorite!”

The brown sugar cardamom cold brew is a sweet and spicy take on a regular cold brew. With a coffee base and potent brown sugar and cardamom flavors, the drink can be enjoyed by everyone, not just coffee lovers. Meanwhile, the vanilla pistachio cold brew blends vanilla syrup and pistachio milk. Both are decadently sweet and robust in flavor.

The matcha rose latte, the co-op’s most visually appealing drink, is rich and sweet. The thick and frothy matcha is topped with rose cold foam and decorated with decadent rose petals — making it a unique take on the classic matcha latte. The combination of the rose and matcha flavors blends earthy and floral notes, making this drink the perfect spring beverage.

Ariana Gilligan, the cafe’s volunteer coordinator and a senior majoring in integrative neuroscience, said she hopes students enjoy the variety of flavors on the Spring Latte Menu.

“I hope our Spring Menu brings people joy — whether they are sipping one in class, studying, or taking a break from the school day,” she wrote. “I think there is something special about treating yourself to a good drink, and I hope our menu helps brighten people’s days.”

Arguably the best drink on the new menu is the ube iced chai latte. Made with pistachio milk that adds a nutty undertone, the chai’s spice and the ube’s mild sweetness create a lovely, layered drink. Overall, the menu offers a range of decadent spring-themed drinks, with options that can be enjoyed by coffee fans, students looking to experiment and anyone who enjoys a latte.

“The Food Co-op is one of those hidden gems on campus that everyone should experience at least once,” Gilligan wrote. “It’s a safe, welcoming space where you can find good food, a place to study, and the chance to meet amazing people. I am so glad that I have been a part of the Food Co-op for the last 4 years and it is one of the things I’ll miss most when I graduate in May.”

Alex Moon, the co-op’s treasurer and a junior majoring in environmental science, said she wants students to enjoy all that the cafe has to offer.

“I hope that people feel excited about our rotating drink menu and want to come back to try all of our offerings,” she wrote.

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‘Snow White’ hits theaters as Disney’s latest live-action adaptation https://www.bupipedream.com/ac/snow-white/164238/ Mon, 24 Mar 2025 01:06:50 +0000 http://www.bupipedream.com/?p=164238 Released in theaters on March 21, Disney’s live-action adaptation “Snow White” reimagines the beloved 1937 story of Disney’s first princess finding her inner strength and leadership.

Directed by Marc Webb — known for “The Amazing Spider-Man” duology and “(500) Days of Summer” — the film, starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, takes the beloved classic and turns it into a modern blockbuster.

“Snow White” is an enchanting cinematic experience that brings the fairytale and all its magic to life, with a set designed to replicate the original movie’s animation. The film’s colors, lighting and a combination of physical sets and CGI bring the magic of “Snow White” to life, allowing audience members to become truly immersed in its world.

When it comes to costume design, Snow White’s delicate dresses and short hair allude to the innocence of the character and gives tribute to the original Snow White from the 1937 film we all know and love. Meanwhile, the Evil Queen is decked out in jewels, dark robes and her iconic sinister crown, enhancing the character’s greedy desires and dark spirit.

Throughout the movie, there are countless musical numbers that connect the audience to the story and emotions of the characters through the powerful performances delivered by the talented actors. Some songs, like “Whistle While You Work” and “Heigh-Ho,” came from the original “Snow White” that audiences grew up loving. Other songs, like “Waiting On A Wish,” were made for the new movie, adding to the modernization of the adaptation.

The movie begins with the pure innocence of Snow White’s adolescence and her parents’ peaceful reign. It later progresses to the hardships of life under the watchful eye of her stepmother, the Evil Queen, whose hatred for Snow White and hunger for power is at the core of the movie’s plot. After the Evil Queen orders her death, Snow White is forced to flee into the forest where she encounters an array of animals who lead her to safety and the seven dwarfs who help her find inner strength.

Zegler’s passionate performance provides depth, warmth and strength to Snow White. Unlike the 1937 portrayal, Zegler plays the character as ambitious and brave, while keeping the same compassion for those around her as the original Snow White. Gadot’s portrayal of the Evil Queen is both elegant and malevolent, highlighting the cruelty and power-hungry motives of the Queen, who will stop at nothing to ensure her power is protected. Gadot brings a deeper understanding to the motivations of the Queen, creating a complexity missing from the original movie.

The most infamous change was the reimagination of the seven dwarfs, where a controversial decision was made to use CGI for the dwarfs’ performance. These characters are the complex, humorous and emotional outcasts that highlight Snow White’s grace and assist her on her journey. However, the CGI dwarfs, while mimicking the 1937’s film’s style, drew criticism for not casting people with dwarfism to portray the roles.

The film adaptation retains the beauty and charm of the original movie while adapting it to appeal to the modern world. However, the underlying themes of grace, bravery, kindness and self-discovery remain untouched.

“Snow White” breathes new life into the beloved story of a fearless and kind princess and a role model for audiences across the world. This movie brings the original story’s magic to the real world with thoughtful cinematography, choreography and show-stopping vocal performances, bridging the gap between multiple generations of Disney fans. Inspiring a new appreciation for the fairytale we all know and love, “Snow White” is a must-watch for this spring season.

Rating: 3.5/5 

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Don’t leave your past self behind https://www.bupipedream.com/ac/carrie-bradshaw-style-article/161246/ Mon, 10 Feb 2025 00:38:53 +0000 http://www.bupipedream.com/?p=161246 As Carrie Bradshaw, the protagonist of the world-renowned TV show “Sex and the City” once said, “Maybe the past is like an anchor holding us back. Maybe you have to let go of who you were to become who you will be.”

High school was a stepping stone, a means of receiving passing grades to get into college. High schoolers spend years enduring late-night study sessions and mental breakdowns, all leading up to that pinnacle moment where they get into their dream school. And now that we have all reached that milestone. What’s next? Do we leave the people we were in high school in the past and start a new life in college, where we can choose new relationships, friends and even a new personality?

In high school, long-lasting relationships were myths and romances were rarely taken seriously. In a world of Snapchat streaks and “he said, she said,” genuine relationships were hard to come by. The gap between high school and college is astronomical, and now, we have the opportunity to form real, meaningful relationships. So I couldn’t help but wonder: Do we follow Carrie’s advice and leave our old selves behind to find whoever we are supposed to become? Do we ever really leave our high school selves behind?

The first time I walked across the Spine, I was excited and nervous to begin a new chapter of my life with the knowledge that I could reinvent myself. But despite the thousands of unfamiliar faces, I couldn’t help but think about the person I was not even a few months ago in a completely different environment. Somehow, that person already felt like a lifetime ago.

When we come to college, we transition from small, 20-person classrooms where participation is encouraged to 400-person classes in Lecture Hall 1. We go from lockers and juggling eight classes each day to barely making it to four classes each week. In a world full of GPAs and Dean’s Lists, it is still equally important to focus on the relationships you make outside of the classroom with the people you find in the massive undergraduate population.

However, in many ways, high school and college are exactly the same. In a world where hook-up culture is encouraged and relationships are still rare, it is almost uncanny how little relationships change between high school and college. We still carry our old friendships and relationships with us, no matter where we go. We still think about those failed Snapchat streaks or fleeting relationships. Deep down, we all hold a piece of who we were before. Can we ever truly leave our high school selves in the past? Can we ever truly start on a clean slate?

Maybe we never really leave our high school selves behind. And maybe it’s vital that in college, we hold on to who we were in the past and the relationships that shaped who we are today. In navigating the turmoils of college, through its ups and downs, the past can shape us instead of holding us back.

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Stellar Human offers eclectic vintage on the East Side, will move downtown within a month https://www.bupipedream.com/ac/stellar-human-offers-eclectic-vintage-on-the-east-side-will-move-downtown-within-a-month/160729/ Mon, 03 Feb 2025 01:49:43 +0000 http://www.bupipedream.com/?p=160729 Stellar Human, one of Binghamton’s unique vintage stores, is a must-see. Located at 128 Robinson St. in Binghamton’s East Side, the boutique encourages those from small towns to explore their sense of style.

LaRue Simmons, the 39-year-old owner and founder of Stellar Human, was inspired to open this store after hearing the term “stellar human” in his early sobriety. Simmons is now six years sober, describing how Stellar Human is not just a vintage store but a philosophy.

“What it’s come to represent is always wanting to improve,” Simmons said. “Our goal as humans, I think, should be to become the best versions of ourselves — each day waking up and wanting to be better and just, you know, improve.”

Not having had any previous experience owning and running his own business, Simmons ran into obstacles when opening Stellar Human. It began as a thrift store and later shifted toward selling primarily vintage clothing, which drove away a few customers. He also found the store’s location to be out of the way. However, Simmons, overcoming these obstacles, will be moving his store downtown within the next month to cater to a wider range of customers.

Simmons also found it hard to reach community members in Binghamton who understood the work he was trying to do and were interested in vintage pieces. Though this was frustrating, he believes customers will find him, and for this reason, he works tirelessly to build a community around Stellar Human.

“One of my favorite things that I’ve been able to do with the events that I do here is bridge the gap between the student community and the local community,” Simmons said. “I think that there was — and I think still kind of is — a disconnect between the two, unfortunately.”

He added that through events like music shows, he seeks to bridge the gap between the two. Priding himself on his ability to style pieces and help customers, Simmons described his success with the Japanese principle of “Ikigai,” which emphasizes meaning in everyday experiences over solely professional success.

“I’ve never felt more of my purpose than when I’m up here, with a customer and helping them find something,” Simmons said.

Stellar Human has a comfortable, citylike feel with its vintage posters, records, couches and instruments. Every piece is carefully curated and everything in the store is repurposed, from the clothing to the sports cards used as tags on the clothing. Simmons added that he wants Stellar Human to feel like a welcoming space for anyone to enjoy.

“I’ve had the pleasure of having people come in and tell me that they feel the things that I envisioned people to feel like,” Simmons said. “I’ve had people come in and say, you know, ‘I feel safe. I feel welcome.’ And, a lot of spots you go into, it feels a little cold. You feel like you’re walking into a store. I want you to come in and be like, you are walking into your homie’s closet kind of thing, you know? I think the experience is above all, the main thing.”

“I’m just like a creative who stumbled into owning a business,” Simmons added.

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Binghamton Ballroom Dance Association holds ‘Romeo and Juliet’-inspired masquerade https://www.bupipedream.com/ac/binghamton-ballroom-dance-association-holds-romeo-and-juliet-inspired-masquerade-2/159921/ Mon, 02 Dec 2024 03:50:52 +0000 http://www.bupipedream.com/?p=159921 The Binghamton Ballroom Dance Association, a club offering weekly dance lessons and a competitive team, held its annual masquerade ball last Sunday in the Mandela Room.

This year, the masquerade centered around Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” The space was illuminated with purple lights and classical music was playing as guests walked in. Dinner tables were arranged around the perimeter of the room, with a dance floor in the middle. Each table had two candles and a vase with a singular rose inside. Once everyone sat down, dressed in their gowns, suits, masks and heels, the lights dimmed, and the night began.

The evening was split into two acts, inspired by the events that take place throughout Shakespeare’s tragedy. During Act I, an arugula salad appetizer with a baguette and butter was served. As the audience enjoyed the food, the organization introduced the play’s two feuding families — the Capulets and the Montagues. The dance portrayed the two families and their longstanding grudge through two styles of ballroom dancing — Latin rhythm and standard smooth.

Renzo Guevarra, the organization’s co-programming coordinator and a senior majoring in mathematics who rigorously planned the event, described the artistic themes and choices for the dances performed at the ball.

“The Montagues sported red masks while the Capulets sported blue, and we even represented this color rivalry in the lighting during the group numbers,” Guevarra wrote in an email. “In the merging of the two families, purple lighting represented the conflict and clashing, as well as the secret rendezvous of Romeo and Juliet.”

In dance, the association also depicted the street brawl that broke out between servants of the two families, leading to a fight between the heads. In another dance, they showed the initial encounter between Romeo and Juliet — how the two met at a masquerade feast and fell in love. Romeo’s declaration of love for Juliet was also portrayed when he climbs on a ladder in the Capulets’ garden under Juliet’s window.

Rachel Lastowski, a co-programming coordinator and the treasurer of BBDA and a senior double-majoring in political science and history who played a vital role in planning and narrating the dances at the event, described the diversity of dance styles the Ballroom Dance Association displayed in their performance.

“I really wanted to showcase the diversity of dances that we as a team teach and compete through our performances as well as highlighting the different styles,” Lastowski wrote in an email. “We teach and compete in 19 dances across four different styles. Our performances … covered all four styles and we showcased 10 different dances.”

After Act I ended, there was a brief intermission for the main course catered by Sodexo. Two options were served — a ginger miso-glazed tofu and a hoisin-glazed chicken, followed by pumpkin cheesecake for dessert. Once everyone finished their meals, Act II began.

Once again, the two star-crossed lovers waltzed and cha-chaed declarations of love as Romeo asked for Juliet’s hand in marriage. They depicted Romeo sneaking into the Capulets’ orchard, overhearing Juliet’s declaration of love for him.

Romeo and Juliet got married in secret. However, her parents disapproved, and Juliet was forced to marry another man — Count Paris. To avoid the marriage, Juliet drank poison, which put her to sleep. Romeo learned of Juliet’s apparent death, found her and picked her up from her slumber as they waltzed. Romeo drank poison in hopes of being with Juliet, and tragically, she woke to Romeo lying on the ground and proceeded to kill herself with his dagger — sealing the two lover’s fates indefinitely.

After Act II concluded, the night ended with a group dance lesson, where guests learned the tango.

“I truly hope the audience and attendees were able to feel the magic, romance, and elegance from the moment they stepped under the rose archway into Mandela,” Guevarra wrote. “We’re so happy to have given the public an opportunity to wear their most elegant gowns and their most extravagant masks. It was also an absolute joy to see people enjoy the vine-covered roman columns, taking pictures, and I hope they felt immersed in our story of ‘Romeo & Juliet.’”

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Chabad at Binghamton hosts ‘Mega Challah Bake’ https://www.bupipedream.com/ac/chabad/159684/ Mon, 25 Nov 2024 01:03:24 +0000 http://www.bupipedream.com/?p=159684

Chabad at Binghamton hosted its annual Mega Challah Bake this Wednesday in the Mandela Room. Challah, a traditional Jewish braided bread, is typically baked weekly in preparation for the Sabbath, a day of rest when Jews from all backgrounds join together in prayer, food and joy.

Avigayil Simon, Chabad’s major programs coordinator and a junior majoring in art and design, led the planning for the Mega Challah Bake and explained challah’s symbolism.

“Challah is traditionally eaten at every Shabbat meal,” Simon wrote in an email. “Baking and eating challah fosters a sense of togetherness and community, as the tradition has been passed down through generations for centuries.”

Shoshanna Udler, an undeclared freshman who played a major role in preparing for the event, said “a successful challah bake will look like hundreds of students having a good time and overall feeling inspired and happy.”

Co-sponsored by various organizations on campus, including sororities Alpha Epsilon Phi and Sigma Delta Tau, the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity, Hillel at Binghamton, the Chabad Women’s League and the Beth David Synagogue, the Mega Challah Bake is one of Chabad’s largest fall semester events.

“Mega Challah Bake is Chabad’s yearly event where we gather Jewish students of all backgrounds together to bake challah as a community, giving students an opportunity to meet new people, have fun with friends, taste challah, and do a mitzvah (good deed),” Simon wrote.

At 7 p.m., students gathered in the Mandela Room in anticipation of the event. They were met with an array of delicious challahs to try, including sprinkle challah with a frosting dip, plain challah, zaatar challah — an Israeli spice with hummus — garlic challah with a garlic dip, babka — a chocolate baked good made from challah dough — apple cinnamon challah, cookie challah and crumb challah topped with sugar.

After the challah tasting, attendees converged at various tables, waiting for the program to begin. The room buzzed with excitement as students gauged the setup of ingredients in front of them in preparation for the challah bake.

As the program began, Goldie Ohana, the director of programming and engagement at Chabad, took to the stage to elaborate on the importance of challah in Jewish culture and to thank the countless people who participated in planning the Mega Challah Bake. Ohana spoke about the mitzvah of baking challah and the role mitzvahs play in encouraging people to do good deeds and follow the Jewish commandments.

Ohana then described the first few steps to making challah dough, including adding sugar, salt, yeast and water to the bowl as students followed her instructions. While waiting for the yeast to rise, a video played for the enjoyment of attendees, put together by Chabad members, emphasized the importance of patience in waiting for the yeast to rise. Afterward, the audience participated in a Jewish-themed game of Family Feud.

Students were then instructed to add flour to their bowls and knead and braid the dough. Meanwhile, Ohana led a prayer over the dough. Students had the option to add toppings like chocolate chips or crumbs to their challahs.

As the challah dough was completed and ready to bake, and the event came to a close, students were offered free tote bags as memorabilia and instructed on how to bake their challah at home.

Refael Rockman, a sophomore majoring in environmental studies on Chabad’s Social Committee Board, helped spearhead the Mega Challah Bake. He discussed the overall importance of carrying on the tradition of making challah.

“Challah holds deep cultural significance, tracing back to the first Jewish woman, Sarah,” Rockman wrote in an email. “As Jews, we are connected through our ancestors and traditions, including baking challah — a practice that links us to our foremothers. Wherever Jews are in the world, challah remains a staple food that unites us and reconnects us with our roots.”

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Hindu Student Council hosts annual Diwali Banquet https://www.bupipedream.com/ac/hindu-student-council-hosts-annual-diwali-banquet/159055/ Thu, 07 Nov 2024 02:01:43 +0000 http://www.bupipedream.com/?p=159055 The Hindu Student Council held its annual Diwali banquet this Sunday in the Mandela Room. One of the organization’s largest annual events, the campus community was invited to come together and celebrate the Hindu festival of lights.

The council aims to foster community for Hindu students and celebrate Indian culture on campus. They host other South Asian events, including Holi, Garba and Durga Puja. Daksh Mehta, the organization’s president and a senior majoring in computer science, explained the meaning behind Diwali.

“Diwali is the Hindu Festival of Lights and it is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Hindu culture,” Mehta wrote in an email. “It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil and for some Hindus the day after marks the start of the new year. It is also celebrated by other communities, including Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, each with their own historical and religious interpretations.”

At 7 p.m., many gathered in the Mandela Room, eager for the banquet’s start. Every seat was filled with students dressed in traditional cultural wear, like saris, kurtas and lehengas. Candles, flower petals and other decorations lined the walls and tables, and the room was buzzing with excitement as students waited for the celebration to begin.

The event started with E-Board members introducing themselves and a short presentation about the holiday of Diwali and its significance to Hindu culture.

As the board members explained, Diwali is a day when homes are lit with candles and decorated with Rangoli, a traditional pattern displayed on tablecloths to welcome happiness and the Hindu goddess of wealth and good fortune, Lakshmi, into one’s home. Families gather to celebrate and feast.

After the introduction, volunteers participated in an intense game of musical chairs, and the winner received a mystery prize while the crowd cheered.

Afterward, Binghamton Bhangra, a co-ed team that performs the traditional Punjabi dance, put on a show to traditional Indian songs mashed up with pop hits including “Promiscuous Girl” by Nelly Furtado and “Chun-Li” by Nicki Minaj. The upbeat, choreographed dance stunned many attendees as they cheered for their peers.

Next was another competitive game for audience members to participate in — a scavenger hunt. Members of the audience were given objects around the room to bring back, and the last to find them would be out. The winner received a prize.

Then came another dance performance from Binghamton Masti, a Bollywood fusion dance team that performs various numbers. The co-ed team performed their choreography for the audience, dancing to traditional South Asian music while the audience cheered.

After the performance, the programming paused for an intermission, so attendees could enjoy food catered by Royal Indian, take pictures in a photo booth and have Henna drawn on their hands by members of the Henna Club. The food line was packed, with many students eagerly awaiting traditional Indian food including Aloo Gobi, Paneer, Naan and Batata Vada.

Ariel Hammerman, an undeclared freshman who attended the banquet, reflected on her experience.

“Attending the Diwali event was a very meaningful, eye-opening experience that truly allowed me to gain a deeper appreciation for the Indian culture and festival as a whole,” Hammerman wrote in an email. “It was really nice to see everyone join together in celebration. The atmosphere was so warm and welcoming, and I am thankful that I had this incredible opportunity to join the festivities!”

As the Hindu Student Council’s annual Diwali banquet came to a close, many attendees felt a sense of togetherness, a pivotal aspect of the celebration. Alisha Patel, a co-cultural chair for the Hindu Student Council and a junior majoring in business administration, described the banquet’s importance.

“A successful event to me looks like one where everyone who comes to the event leaves feeling lighter, more positive, and with a smile on their face because they are glad they came,” Patel wrote in an email. “I hope everyone enjoys celebrating Diwali with us and I hope they get the chance to learn a little bit about Diwali whether through our presentation about Diwali, joining in on the dance floor, eating good food with us, or just talking with new people and others in the community.”

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2024 Halloween costume ideas https://www.bupipedream.com/ac/2024-halloween-costume-ideas/157425/ Thu, 17 Oct 2024 02:43:50 +0000 http://www.bupipedream.com/?p=157425 Whether you’re participating in Halloweekend costume parties or looking to dress up for Halloween day, finding a good costume is essential to the holiday’s festivities. Halloween costumes can express one’s interests, sense of humor, creativity — allowing college students to dress differently from their everyday style. You can either opt for something simple and fun or creative and niche depending on what you’re looking for. Here are some Halloween costume ideas to help prepare you for Halloween festivities at Binghamton University.

Vampire

Vampires are easily recognizable and can be used as a base for a potentially unique costume. All you need is fake fangs and blood, giving you all the creative freedom you need to make the costume your own. You might choose to opt for a Victorian-esque vampire, a heartthrob 2010s teen vampire or maybe a specific vampire character from a popular TV show or film such as Lestat in “Interview with a Vampire” (1994) or Sarah in “My Babysitter’s a Vampire.”

Lifeguard 

Just because pool season is over doesn’t mean you can’t bring back classic summer looks. If you’re looking for something simple and easily identifiable, you might want to consider being a lifeguard. With a whistle, a bucket hat, a plain white shirt and red or orange shorts — you can easily transform into a staple of summer fun. Halloween night can be pretty chilly as well, so adding a lifeguard hoodie to your look is sure to keep you warm and stay on par with the costume.

Movie characters

Dressing up as your favorite movie character is a good way to display a little bit of you during Halloween. Of course, we have the classic Disney princesses which you could easily replicate by wearing the characters’ signature colors and props. But, you could also go as niche as Mathilda in “Leon: The Professional,” Tyler Durden in “Fight Club” or Patrick Bateman in “American Psycho.” The trick with movie characters is to go with a character that has a signature look. A potential downside with choosing to dress up as a niche character is a decrease in identifiability. Still, it’s a fun way to display your unique interests and can turn into a conversation starter for those who might not know your costume.

If you’re looking for group costumes you could specifically look at movies with a large variety of central characters. “Alice in Wonderland,” “Scooby-Doo” and the “Inside Out” franchise are perfect for large groups because each character has their own unique look. With “Alice in Wonderland” costumes you can be as creative or simple as you’d like — all you need is to nail each character’s special attributes. For “Inside Out” and “Scooby-Doo,” each character has their own signature color scheme making them an easy costume to recreate.

Animals 

Another easy costume to put together is becoming any animal of your choice. First, you would need ears and a tail which can be easily ordered from Amazon. Use face paint or makeup to draw on the face of your animal. You could dress up as a dog with an all brown outfit and accessorize with ears, a tail and paws. If you’re a cat person, opt for wearing all black and painting on your own whiskers. You could also be a cheetah or a cow if you have the right animal prints to wear and align your makeup with the respective animal prints.

Popstar 

This year has especially been prominent for pop music. With the rise of female artists like Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan, this year’s Halloween would be a perfect time to channel your inner popstar. For Charli XCX, grab any white tank top from your closet, a pair of black leather shorts or pants and a pair of black sunglasses. For Carpenter, tight corsets, mini skirts, chunky boots and anything heart-shaped will be your best friend. Copy Roan’s iconic look with a curly red wig and a glittery pink cowboy hat, or try one of her elaborate drag-inspired stage costumes as the symbolic Statue of Liberty or a feathered white swan.

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NLE Choppa headlines fall concert https://www.bupipedream.com/ac/nle-choppa-headlines-fall-concert/156619/ Sun, 29 Sep 2024 14:57:14 +0000 http://www.bupipedream.com/?p=156619

The Student Association Programming Board brought NLE Choppa, a beloved American rapper, to Binghamton University on Thursday to headline this year’s fall concert. Choppa is known for his hit songs like “Walk Em Down (feat. Roddy Ricch)” and “SLUT ME OUT.”

Opening for Choppa was Baby Tate, known for her diverse discography that includes a blend of pop, R&B, rap and hip-hop tracks.

Ryan Miller, SAPB’s concerts chair and a senior majoring in English, reflected on bringing NLE Choppa to campus.

“NLE Choppa is a great performer and artist who we thought students would love to see as a result of his recent rapid growth in popularity,” Miller wrote in an email. “Over the summer, we sent out a survey for students to vote on for the upcoming events this semester. The majority of votes went to NLE Choppa, so he was the obvious choice!”

Many students entered the Events Center when doors opened at 7 p.m. to acquire a good spot on the floor or a seat in general admission.

At 8 p.m., the concert DJ took to the stage to remix hit songs like “goosebumps” by Travis Scott and “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri. As the set continued, the crowd sang along and expressed excitement for the artists’ sets.

Around 8:15 p.m., Baby Tate took to the stage to students screaming in the audience, singing and dancing along to her songs “I am (feat. Flo Milli)” “Hey, Mickey!” and “Rainbow Cadillac.”

Tate danced throughout the entirety of her set and even covered Choppa’s song “SLUT ME OUT,” which grew the crowd’s anticipation for the rapper’s set.

By 9 p.m., Tate left the stage and the DJ returned, remixing songs like “FE!N (feat. Playboi Carti)” in preparation for NLE Choppa, who came out around 9:10 p.m., filling the crowd with excitement.

The crowd moshed to the beat while Choppa performed songs like “Bustdown Rollie Avalanche,” “WE SEE YOU” and “IT’S GETTING HOT.” His high energy had students screaming every lyric and as every song passed, the crowd’s energy only increased.

The moment many had been waiting for finally arrived when Choppa began to sing “SLUT ME OUT” and “SLUT ME OUT 2.” The energy in the crowd was palpable, as many attendees were on their feet, thrashing to the beat.

He then sang a few of his older songs and even brought out his parents on stage for a song. He closed out his set with “SLUT ME OUT 3 (feat. Carey Washington),” when many in the crowd gave every last ounce of energy they had.

Madison Perdue, the vice chair of SAPB’s Concerts Committee and a junior majoring in business administration, described the importance of bringing live entertainment to campus.

“I hope events like the Fall Concert allows students to be able to take their minds off of their work for a few hours to live in the moment,” Perdue wrote in an email. “Attending such an academic rigorous institution can be stressful, that’s why I believe it’s so important for people to participate in these events to build a stronger sense of community. We’re all in this together.”

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