Features

Thin is beautiful – and nowadays it seems thin is healthy, too. We’re told an “obesity epidemic” of massive proportions is gripping the nation, and doctors are warning worried citizens about the dangers of being overweight – arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and more. More and more, the idea that thin equals healthy is being sold as by the media as common knowledge and established fact.

The next time you see a small white butterfly fluttering through town,it could land you a free pitcher of beer or the cash equivalent. Arthur Shapiro,professor of evolution and ecology at UC Davis continues his annual “Butterfly-for-Beer” contest,now in its38thyear,this month. Shapiro will reward whoever captures the first live cabbage white butterfly (Pieris rapae) of the year.Only adult butterflies found outdoors in Sacramento,Solano or Yolo counties are eligible.

TODAY Open Mic Night with SickSpits 7 to 10 p.m. Griffin Lounge, MU This open mic night is open to all; poets, singers, guitarists and anyone else is welcome!

Inner tube water polo was invented at UC Davis in1969by Intramural Director Gary Colberg.

Don’t be fooled by Uncle Vito’s classic New York-style black and white exterior wall– eating here isn’t like stepping into aGodfather movie.I was personally intrigued that such an interesting looking pizza place dedicated to New York-style cuisine was opening,but was slightly disappointed by the lack of authenticity.

To some,honor societies may seem like exclusive clubs for reclusive bookworms. Members of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) may be bookworms,but they’re anything but reclusive.

TODAY Project Compost 6p.m. Project Compost Office,MU Basement Learn about radical composting on campus and how to get involved.

TODAY Student parade marshal nominations E-mail:vicechair@picnicday.ucadavis.edu Picnic Day is looking for nominations for the student parade marshal.Send nominations to thee-mailaddress above.

The Grinch may be terrorizing Whoville this holiday season,but here in Davis you must still be wary of holiday theft in order to take precautions to prevent it from happening. According to the UC Davis and City of Davis Police Departments,crime is higher this time of year and it is especially important for students to be vigilant.

According to the 1999 U.S. Census Bureau 24.5 percent of Davis resdients were living below the poverty level. To help locals in need, various organizations are giving back to the community. The California Aggie profiles two of them below.

Every year without fail,a select group of people can be found racing around department stores in a frenzy,desperately searching for a last minute holiday gift.I speak from experience:You don’t want to be one of those people.To help ease the burden this year,here are some helpful ideas to ensure you find a thoughtful (and economical) gift for those you love.

So your sweetheart caught you under the mistletoe and rather than thinking about that big Christmas smooch that’s coming your way,you wonder:what exactly is this hemi-parasitic plant above me and how did it get such a romantic reputation?