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The Olaf Messenger

The Student Newspaper of St. Olaf College

The Olaf Messenger

The Olaf Messenger

The Messenger Wars: Tote Bags vs. Backpacks

The Messenger Wars: Tote Bags vs. Backpacks

Catherine Lyons and Lizzie Elsenpeter October 15, 2025

Tote Bags by Lizzie Elsenpeter In the heated debate of tote bags versus backpacks, there is a clear winner: tote bags. Tote bags are the perfect accessory for any outfit and fit much more comfortably...

The Messenger Wars: Dogs vs. Cats

The Messenger Wars: Dogs vs. Cats

Kathryn Looney and Juliet Stouffer October 8, 2025

Dogs By Kathryn Looney Dogs: they aren’t called “man’s best friend” for nothing. And after spending most of my life growing up around dogs, I can guarantee that the saying is true.  Ever...

The Messenger Wars: Physical Books vs. Ebooks

The Messenger Wars: Physical Books vs. Ebooks

Julia Sikorski Roehsner and Kim Tran October 1, 2025

Physical books by Julia Sikorski Roehsner Every book I own is precious. They’re all mostly at home right now, young adult and children’s books, fantasy and romance, and realistic fiction, crammed...

The Messenger Wars: Early bird vs. Night owl

The Messenger Wars: Early bird vs. Night owl

Annie McMullen and Louise Skokan September 24, 2025

Early bird By Annie McMullen I once posted on Fizz that I wished St. Olaf offered classes earlier than 8 a.m. — and immediately got downvoted into oblivion. While I realize that take may have been...

Mess Wars: Fall vs. Spring

Mess Wars: Fall vs. Spring

Ashlyn Wuench and Kathryn Looney April 30, 2025

FALLing for the ideal season By Ashlyn Wuench The wind whistles through the spaces between branches, the autumn leaves holding dozens of shades of reds, oranges, and yellows, mirroring the soft haze...

Winter vs. Summer

Winter vs. Summer

Ryan Brentner and Kathryn Looney April 23, 2025

Winter — The only season that comes without bugs By Ryan Brentner When I put together a list of all the things I love in life — sleeping, family, hot drinks, holidays, cookies, and so much more...

Vaseline vs. Aquaphor

Vaseline vs. Aquaphor

Kathryn Looney and Kate Linggi March 19, 2025

Vaseline:  Each morning when I walk out of my dorm, I make sure I have my three essentials for the day: my phone, my ID, and my mini Vaseline Lip Therapy. But those are just the essentials. Additionally,...

Essays vs. Exams

Evan Atchison and Jacob Rozell March 13, 2025

Essays: By Evan Atchison It’s 9:05 a.m. on a Wednesday. For the past two days you’ve been studying, stressing, and overthinking about your math exam. Your Celsius — to compensate for only five...

Coke vs. Pepsi

Coke vs. Pepsi

Lizzie Elsenpeter and Brooke Ellis March 5, 2025

Pepsi: By Lizzie Elsenpeter Possibly one of the most heated and long-term rivalries in all of history is the Pepsi vs. Coke debate. Dare I claim it to be even more heated than the rivalries of Carleton...

Humanities vs. STEM

Juliet Stouffer and Joel Tauro February 26, 2025

Humanities: By Juliet Stouffer As a creative writing, English, and film and media studies triple major, this Mess Wars topic is very close to my heart. My whole life, I can remember being told that...

Christmas Movies

Brooke Ellis December 4, 2024

Home Alone By Brooke Ellis The greatest Christmas movie of all time? “Home Alone,” hands down. This holiday classic has somehow managed to stay just as beloved and relevant for over 30 years —...

Thanksgiving Pies

Apple Pie By Julia Sikorski Roehsner You lean back in your chair with a contented groan, patting your comfortably-full stomach. Another delicious Thanksgiving meal draws to a close. But wait, what’s...

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