By Christine “ECKO” Ho, Staff Writer

With Valentine’s Day coming and going, single sisters nationwide feel the hit as the sisters with significant others rub it in our noses. But never fear — for other sisters are there! However, you feel that you already hang out with your chapter sisters every day. You hang out with chapters in the same region almost on a weekly basis. But which sisters do you know on the other side of the nation?

We are clustered folk, with chapters in the north and chapters in the south. We are also, as human beings, lazy. Technology and internet absolutely forbids excuses on why sisters across the nation have such a hard time talking to each other. Pick a chapter. Pick a sister. Do the following activities that are free and fun.

1. Create a blog together – there are many blogging sites, Tumblr being one of my favorites, that two people can share and post and share their lives. It is a way to learn about each other and each other’s life without even having to talk to each other. Similar to this, I found a site called Picaboo.com which enables virtual scrapbooking. Show how you live to other sisters! Or maybe each chapter can have a page for each sister outlining favorite things to do, funniest moment, etc. Be Creative — I can’t think of everything for you.
2.  Truth or Dare: Start an e-mail chain with a sister. If she picks dare, give her a (reasonable!) dare and make her take a picture of it. Truth is like virtual Vegas — whatever is said in the e-mail stays in the e-mail.
3. Morphthing.com actually takes two pictures, and makes a baby — wouldn’t it be nice to see what kind of cute baby you and your fellow sisters would make? It can be something hilarious for you to do (not that I’m saying your baby looks funny) to break the ice.
4. Make a crazy madlib, and give a list of all the nouns, adverbs, etc. that you need and send it to another sister. Once they give you back said nouns, adverbs, etc., fill it in and share it!
5. Long distance scavenger hunt — we all (or most of us) have cameras on our cell phones. Make use of it! It doesn’t have to be a timed scavenger hunt, but pick something not seen often, and tell a sister that whenever she sees it to take a picture of it. This is a creative way for them to think of you whenever they see a yellow bicycle, or whatnot. It’ll also help sisters keep in touch

These are all individal-individual. What are some chapter-chapter activities you can do?

1. “Cribs.” Southern chapter, pick a northern chapter and send a video of your pad. What’s so special about your Delta House? What are some memories kept within those walls? Northern chapter — reciprocate!
2.  Make a family tree. I don’t know about other sisters/chapters, but being a Sneezy has provided me a family within my family. It’s just another way to connect to sisters and to be proud of the roots of your Greekdom. So make a family tree and send it to another chapter so sisters can connect in just more than one way. Have a Dopey conference call or a Doc chatroom.
3. Online “coffee hour.” Have a designated time for everyone to jump on AOL Instant Messenger to discuss interesting issues, or even stupid issues. Have it just to talk about sorority politics or regular government politics. Talk about what your heart may decide.
4. Make up a list of questions that you may want to ask another chapter. This may be the most beneficial activity. You can find out what other chapters’ recruitment periods are like, what they talk about in chapter, what kind of philanthropic events, etc. Also, mix it up — what does the chapter do to ensure sisterhood remains strong and intact? What do sisters like to do for fun?

These are all just a few simple activities that sisters can take initiative and do during the course of their sorority career. I hope more than one person takes this advice. Or maybe, if someone else comes up with a good idea, please go ahead and enact — best way to show is by example!

By: Jennifer “Impression” Nguyen

So far, the New Year has brought many changes – whether it is simply writing a new number when we write the date on papers or just changing our habits for the traditional New Year’s resolutions. Nevertheless, sisters at the University of Georgia have not forgotten the importance of giving back to the community and its heroes.

At UGA, sisters continue to work with children and teenagers ages 6 to 18 at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Athens. The students arrive after school at the Boys & Girls Clubs, where they can enjoy many activities, from doing art projects to playing a recreational sport or simply doing homework. Upon volunteering, sisters get to interact with the kids through helping them with homework, playing a game with them or just talking to them. Through such interactions, and in addition to the warm environment provided at the Boys & Girls Clubs, the children are able to have a positive experience every day. The sisters of Alpha Chapter choose to volunteer at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Athens because sisters believe in giving back to the community, so why not try to make a difference in the present community?

Furthermore, on January 25, Christina “ICON” Shin, in cooperation with the President of Delta Epsilon Psi Fraternity, Inc., hosted “Bookmarks for Kids” on campus. This was an event in which sisters, along with other Greeks and students, were able to make and decorate bookmarks to donate to a local elementary school. The chapter decided to host the event because it was a fun and great way to promote reading and education among children. By donating handmade bookmarks, children are able to receive encouragement and see how much people around them care. After all, as John Kennedy once said, “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.”

On February 8, sisters hosted a mixer with Xi Kappa on campus to make care packages for soldiers. Under the coordination of the chapter’s co-philanthropy chairs, Jaleesa “Aspire” Reed and Grace “Silhouette” Huang, the care packages went to the troops that are fighting in the forward deployed bases. Sister Karla “Rumour” Schott brought the idea to chapter because her father is a soldier who informed her of the situation. He said that items such as tissue, snack foods, games, etc. would really help the soldiers. Therefore, the chapter agreed to buy and donate the following: packs of pocket tissue, games (crossword puzzles, Sudoku, cards, etc.), candy, drink mix packets, travel-size toiletries, individually wrapped snacks, toothbrushes and toothpaste, hand sanitizer, razors, wet wipes and lip balm. The event was special in that it allowed sisters to show our support by helping out those who sacrifice their lives for us. Furthermore, it showed how sisters will not struggle to help a fellow sister and her family when the occasion arises. In any case, everlasting sisterhood is what we hold to be the truth.

The following day, Nyla “Prevail” Lieu, the chapter’s internal vice president, held a program concerning domestic violence on campus. Speakers from Project Safe came and told personal stories, which showed everyone that domestic violence does exist and that we can lend a hand in stopping it. Founded in Athens, Project Safe is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to ending domestic violence through advocacy by way of prevention and educational programs, crisis intervention, ongoing supportive services for survivors of domestic violence and their children. We chose to host the event so that students could be informed about what it means to be in an abusive relationship and how we can all help spread the word about turning those in need to Project Safe. We also held a donation as well in which people could donate items such as toiletries and cleaning supplies to Project Safe so that they could provide it their survivors. A lot of donations were given and three big boxes were filled. There were around seventy people who showed up and found it very informational, making it a successful event.

Lastly, the sisters at the University of Georgia have chosen to lend a helping hand in fighting hunger among orphans around the world. Through the website www.ricebowls.org, rice bowl piggy banks were ordered, and sisters are now all collecting donations. The chapter chose to work with Rice Bowls, which works with orphanages all over the world, because we all understand that philanthropic work cannot only take place within our nation’s borders. Ultimately, the rice bowls turn pocket change into food for orphans.

Photo credit: Jennifer Nguyen

By Christine “ECKO” Ho, Staff Writer

So we’ve all heard of oysters and chocolate being an aphrodisiac. However, there are more foods out there that are considered aphrodisiacs that may (or may not) work.

Here are two herbs that every Asian should be familiar with: ginger and ginseng.

Ginger in the Kama Sutra is mentioned as an herb that can increase success in love due to its promotion of sex health. Ginger also has a wide variety of health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and LDL cholesterol. It is best known as an herb that aids digestion. As an aphrodisiac, however, it increases circulation, which in turn increases blood flow to key areas.

Ginseng is an almost mystical herb that ranges from treating fatigue to impotence. Ginseng is known to increase stamina as well as performance. As an aphrodisiac, ginseng increases libido and is generally geared more towards the males.

As aphrodisiacs go, these two Asian herbs are not proven 100% in any area to be 100% effective, but also have better success rates in the scientific field than other “aphrodisiacs.”

Below, I have provided a recipe for an herb-laden meal with your husband or significant other, which can be found on wildgrown.com!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Ginseng Cookies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Makes 3 – 4 dozen cookies

• 1 pkg. (18 1/ 4 oz) Devils Food cake mix
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 C vegetable oil
• 1 pkg. (10 oz.) peanut butter chips
• 1/2 to 1 C chocolate chips
• 1 tsp. ginseng powder

1.Combine cake mix, eggs, oil, and ginseng. Batter will be stiff.

2.Stir in chips.

3.Roll into 1” balls.

4.Place onto lightly greased baking sheet. Flatten slightly.

5.Bake 9-11 minutes.

6.Cool one minute. Put on wire rack.

By: Stephenie “Remedi” Lai, Staff Writer

According to Chinese Zodiac, 2012 brings the Year of the Dragon. More specifically, the Water Dragon.

The Water Dragon is expected to give the Chinese Five Blessings – harmony, virtue, riches, fulfillment and longevity.

The Dragon is the fifth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, a sign of good fortune and intense power. Those born in the year of the Dragon are known to be fearless leaders and innovators.

The element of water can soothe the Dragon’s temper, enabling them to make decisions without ego. Since 2012 is the Year of the Water Dragon, you can expect this year to be more balanced between the extremes of achievements and disasters. The Year of the Water Dragon is believed to bring more successes than failures.

Read below to find your Zodiac forecast for the Year of the Dragon. (Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/)

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Prepare to make interesting and life-altering changes. The limitations of the past are lifting, and it’s vital that you position yourself strategically to take advantage of opportunities that arise. It’s what you do during the first half of the year that will determine the end results. A new job, a higher earning potential and love are all highlighted during the second half of the year.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): As the year progresses, you will find it increasingly easier to fix any mistakes or situations that were problematic. The effective use of your networking skills during the first half of the year will pay off in terms of experience and knowledge you accumulate. Don’t be afraid to use a little muscle to get what you want. Accept the inevitable and you can make it work to your advantage.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t be slowed down by the little aggravations that challenge you. Discipline and hard work will bring greater rewards, peace of mind and sweet revenge. Love is highlighted, along with expanding your plans for the future. Nothing is impossible if you express your goals knowledgeably and implement them with moderation. Success will be the result if you allow your imagination to be the conduit for your willpower.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): You will have to exert your will if you want to get things accomplished. Put a little extra muscle behind your every move and you will make a convincing argument that will help raise the support you need to achieve your goals. Change will be inevitable, and the sooner you accept and move on, the easier it will be to get your own plans up and running. Live life and be a participant, not a spectator.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Your thirst for knowledge and lifestyle change will lead you in a new direction. Reinventing who you are and what you do will bring you up to date and put you where the action is. Helping others will expand your interests as well as your friendships. Greater stability will come from chaos, followed by transformation. Expect the unexpected and accept the inevitable. You will master moderate extremism.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Consider what you have to accomplish and stick to your game plan. As the year progresses, you will be tempted to take on unrealistic ventures that could end up costing you emotionally, financially or physically. Use your creativity wisely and keep what you do simple, moderate and perfectly balanced. Focus your energy on work and family to ensure that both are protected from outside influences.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Your insight and hard work will start to pay off. What you have learned from experience will pave the way to your success. The tables are turning, and you will finally get your chance to explore the benefits of being the flavour of choice. Prepare to pursue those long-awaited changes with fervour. Fear of failure is the enemy; bravery is your friend.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Don’t be fooled by what others do or say. Your intuition is kicking in, and you must follow your gut when it comes to personal decisions that can affect your lifestyle and financial investments. It’s your turn to call the shots and to put pressure on those you feel owe you. A strong alliance with an old friend or partner will make your goals easier to obtain.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Be careful what you wish for. Change can be a two-way street. Confusion is likely to lead you down the wrong path. Talk to a trusted friend before you make a move you cannot reverse. Excessive behaviour and financial, physical or emotional temptation will be your downfall. Bide your time, observe, listen to good advice and make the smart choice. Patience will be your saving grace.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Take stock of your assets and liabilities so you can add the finishing touches that will bring your situation greater stability. Being responsible and using unique methods will grab attention and make an impression that leads to success. Do your due diligence during the first half of the year, and once everything is in place, you will be able to coast along and enjoy the ride.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Prepare to reassess, review and redo. A serious look at your past, present and future will help you put your life in perspective and set realistic goals. You will advance quickly once your direction is clear. New beginnings and projects will confirm that you are on the right track. Greater success will unfold as you take advantage of the opportunities that are offered to you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Work and personal partnerships must be looked at carefully. Consider what you give and what you get back from the people you deal with daily. Cut your emotional, physical and financial losses in order to move on to more rewarding times. Too much of anything will work against you. Find ways to get the most for the least. You must put your own needs first.

Photo credit: http://www.draconian.com/

By Kippie “Sumitra” Aguilan, Staff Writer

Question:

“I spend a lot of my free time with the sorority and have had arguments with my boyfriend about the things I am doing when I am not with him. How can I get him to understand that our sisterhood is truly important and not just for ‘partying’?” – Sister Stuck in the Middle

Answer:

First off, I want to say congratulations to you – you seem to have caught yourself a gentleman who genuinely concerns himself for your well-being. Though I can see how it would be perceived as nosy or even controlling, men who take time to worry about what kind of people his partner is associating herself with, whether or not it be sisters, can be signs of deep emotional maturity, wishing only what is best for her and wanting her to be surrounded by good people with good intentions. One type of man that is a great example of this concern: a loving father towards his daughter. As a daughter myself, I would say that my father raised me with some sense and has characteristics I know I would want in a life partner.

Now, it may be easier said than done, but to get him to truly understand what it is to be a part of this great sisterhood, you will want to get him involved. As a sorority, “we hold our virtues to be true” and compose ourselves in demonstrating those virtues with every action we take, whether it is in the work place, at play or our regular daily routines. Start by introducing him to those virtues – explain to him events that may have taken place in your life that you feel the sorority has gotten you through, before he came into the picture. Often times, we join Delta Phi Lambda, looking to belong to something greater than ourselves and find it in supporting sisters – tell him the hardships you endured in your personal life and how those sisters helped you through that storm; talk about late-night study sessions that drove you and fellow sisters crazy, but the amazing grades you received that semester; explain how many shoulders you were able to cry on when times were tough with family or outside friends; remind him that when you two fight, you have at least five sisters within reach to talk to so you can calm down before addressing the issue together again.

Next, get him involved with these women you call sisters – we love to party, so why not invite him to join the fun? One or two get-togethers may be enough, but if he wants to be a part of your life, he will want to associate with them on a regular basis to see just how important the sorority influences you. Remind him that you understand he will not remember or even meet everyone (because we are growing as a sisterhood every single day), but that the ones closest to you will accept him with loving arms because they know he cares for you and you care for him. He may not even like to party, but if you are both in college, why not invite him to regular study sessions? Show him we are a studious bunch and he is more than welcome to join in on the academic fun, for lack of a better term. Or better yet, ask him to help out with philanthropic events your chapter may be planning – for example, sisters of the Loyola and DePaul chapters participate in volunteering with city-wide marathons. If your beau is a runner, remind him of the volunteer work we do and introduce him. Not only would your sisters find him quite the catch after running so many miles, but he can see that the chapter’s dedication helps you develop your own values at the same time. In time, he will get to know their names, have their phone numbers and even plan surprises with them to demonstrate his feelings, with the help of the girls that know you best.

Finally, sit and talk with him about the concerns he may have or that you may even share. Listen carefully to what he has to say and explain that his opinions are important to you. Explain to him that you understand you may not always see eye-to-eye, but that you appreciate his involvement and you want him to be comfortable with the choices you make and the people you surround yourself with that involve the sorority. Even if he may not ever fully understand the bonds that we build as sisters throughout our years together, a man who loves you for you will respect your wishes and see the good and bad with any situation, including the sorority. A man will never force you into accepting his opinion or try to change your mind about such important relationships – if he does, you may want to think about what his “best interests” are for you.

By Oanhie “Shinsen” Pham, Editor-in-chief

It’s only been a little more than a month into the new year, but Delta Phi Lambda chapters have already done numerous philanthropic projects in January and plan on doing more during the rest of February and March.

Sisters at the University of West Florida recently fed the homeless at a Lutheran church in downtown Pensacola as part of their spring recruitment and had set up a Best Bones Forever! table at their Lunar New Year event. They will also be raising money for Relay for Life by selling silk roses for Valentine’s Day.

The University of Cincinnati sisters said they’ll be making Valentine’s Day cards for the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and continuing their work with Matthew 25: Ministries, a nonprofit organization that provides aid to impoverished communities at home and abroad.

Dany “Vegas” Son, a sister at the University of Central Florida, said her chapter’s friends and supporters help at their biweekly cleanups at their school’s Lake Claire. They even try to make it fun by having contests to see which group collects the most trash. The UCF chapter also helped out at the Dragon Parade Lunar New Year Festival on February 5, and participated in Homelessness to Hope Walk-A-Thon, which is organized by the Orlando Day Nursery.

DePaul sisters volunteer every year at Chicago’s Fleur de Lis Ball, a fundraising event for the St. Vincent de Paul Center. Crystal “Chaaya” Watson said sisters help sell and manage raffle tickets for guests, provide assistance at the auctions and help answer guests’ questions. Watson said being part of the event has been an enjoyable and memorable experience, and helps the chapter get more involved with the community.

Sisters at the Fleur de Lis Ball

“It wasn’t the fancy location of the ball or the formal attire that we got to wear that made it memorable for us,” Watson said. “It was the fact that we were able to contribute our time for the children in need and knowing that we would make a difference.”

During Martin Luther King, Jr.’s weekend, Grand Valley State University sisters participated in Day of Service, a school-wide event held every semester. GVSU sisters were placed into two different groups, one with Healthy Homes Coalition and the other with Love Inc. Sisters, who were helping out the Healthy Homes Coalition and were given the task of giving out and collecting tests for radon, an unsafe substance found in homes. Sisters with Love Inc., a Christian-based nonprofit organization, volunteered to organize clothing and put them where they belong in the organization’s store. Xee “Marvel” Yang said she finds it neat that the organization has a priority request box in which one can write names on so the organization will pray for them. Overall, Yang said sisters had a lot of fun doing community service.

Even though their spring semesters are busy with recruitment, classes and work, sisters still set aside time to volunteer for various organizations and have fun doing it! If you would like to find out how you can start volunteering today, check this out.

Photo credit: Crystal Watson

By Gaoli “Chamomile” Moua, Staff Writer and Copy Editor

Although globalization has carried Western ideas of dating further East, dating is still not to be taken lightly in traditional Asian cultures.

Asian-American parents are aware of prevalent “dinner and a movie” dates, but would rather have their children stick to traditional Asian dating practices.

“My dad says I can’t date until I get married,” University of Georgia alumna and client support manager Diana Chanthaboury said. Chanthaboury comes from a traditional Laotian home.

Dating is a family affair across Asian cultures.

Georgia State University alumna Wen “Selene” Guo said, “In Fujianese tradition, women are often introduced to eligible men through their parents’ mutual contacts and are expected to be married [between 22-24]. The parents of the eligible singles often [screen] the other person before deciding if they should start contacting one another.”

Relationships that lack the approval of elders often end because men and women are only supposed to date with the intent of marrying.

Whether dates occur with the blessing of parents or not, group or chaperoned dates are encouraged. Loyola University student and elementary education major Tiffany Yi said, “When a [Korean] girl goes on a date with a new guy, she almost always brings a close friend.”

Couples are expected to avoid public displays of affection, like holding hands, kissing or simply gazing lovingly into each others’ eyes. This is apparent in popular Asian dramas where the female counterpart often rejects affection (see “My Sassy Girl”).

“I remember my parents making remarks when my cousin was resting her head on her husband’s shoulder,” Guo said. “[My parents] think that they shouldn’t do that in public.”

Being seen in public together is often enough for a man and woman to be recognized as a couple.

Guo said her parents have mistaken many of the men in pictures with her as significant others.

The children of mixed ethnicities do not escape cultural dating rules.

Pamela “Heiress” Pettus, a financial planning major at UGA who is part Thai, isn’t very familiar with Thai traditions, but she has noticed that her older cousins in Thailand “don’t date around or anything in the way that we do here.”

Pettus’ mom is not particular with the men she chooses to date, though she reminds her to keep education top priority.

Photo credit: My Sassy Girl

By: May “Mosaic” Advincula, Staff Writer

As sisters of Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc, we aim to exemplify our virtues in every endeavor we undertake, but that doesn’t always have to mean business 24/7. Our virtues can be applied to any aspect of our lives — especially in relationships with the people we care the most about.

Show your love to the special people in your life this month with some virtue-inspired gifts and activities. Whether you’re single or in a committed relationship, there is bound to be someone in your life that you can show some love and appreciation.

Loyalty- This virtue extends beyond being there for someone in their time of need and involves truly understanding and putting someone else’s needs before your own. Next time you notice someone in your life is overwhelmed, take the time to do something for him or her. Whether it’s helping with chores, taking him or her out for lunch or running an everyday errand, lending an extra hand when life seems too chaotic is always an appreciated gesture even if they haven’t asked for help.

Honesty- For your next gift, tell someone special 10 things you love about them. Your list can take the form of a simple letter, photo collage, video, book, etc., but taking the time to express the reasons why you love and appreciate someone demonstrates that you care and can strengthen your relationship. If you’re not too fond of making your own crafts, there are services available that can turn your project into a cool and customized gift idea (See Shutterfly.com or zazzle.com for some ideas!)

Respect- Everyone is different and embracing those differences demonstrates respect. The next time you’re hanging out with a friend, family member or significant other, pick one activity that each of you like to do that the other would not normally do on their own. For example, if you’re not so fond of the rugged outdoors, but your significant other loves camping plan a getaway to the mountains. Or if you’re into classical music, bring that special someone to a concert of your favorite artist. Introducing something new to each other serves as a reminder to keep an open mind and demonstrates that you care about a person by being willing to try something that they like to do. Who knows? You might even pick up a new hobby!

Dedication- When life gets busy, free time might seem like a fleeting luxury. Although it’s nice to have alone time, it’s also important to remember to reserve time for the people you care about too. Whether it’s dinner, getting coffee, or going to a movie, quality time is always a refreshing break from your normal “to-do.” Each week, allot yourself quality time blocks, so that it’s included in your must-do’s.

Integrity- Often characterized with honesty, integrity also involves living up to the standards that you value in your life.  In the sense of your relationships, you can encompass this virtue while building and sustaining relationships that matter to you. Whether it is demonstrating qualities such as being honest, fair, open-minded, respectful or reliable, never sell your relationships short by forgetting your values. Also take the time to know what others value in their own lives to help continue to enhance your own.

Discipline- The next time you’re looking to complete a long-term goal or activity, think about inviting someone along for the ride. Though long-term aspirations take an amount of individual discipline to complete, it helps to have that extra vein of support. Whether it’s training for a marathon or planning a big trip, bigger tasks always seem to be a bit more bearable in good company.

Academic Excellence- When it comes to those important relationships in your life and sustaining them, take the time to keep learning about those people you care about the most. Whether you have known each other for one year or 10 years, never underestimate the power of quality one-on-one time. The next time you have a one-on-one session, try a “getting to know you dinner” activity. Pick one dish that neither one of you has ever tried making before. Then plan the entire dinner together including going to the store, prepping the food, and cooking the dinner. This activity will allow you to have the opportunity to work together and bond, and in the end you will (hopefully) end up with a tasty dish! Being able to share that sense of accomplishment and learn more about each other is also a great way to solidify your relationship with someone — platonic or romantic.

Do you have any gift or activity ideas that demonstrate the seven virtues? Please share with us in the comments!