J.D. Salinger, the beloved author of “The Catcher in the Rye,” died today at the age of 91. According to his son, his death was of natural causes at his home in New Hampshire.

“The Catcher in the Rye” was written in 1951, and has remained a memorable part of every teenager’s education since.  Written during the Cold War era, Salinger intended for his audience to consist of adults who were living through this time of anxiety and hardship.  However, even to this date, teens have been able to relate to “The Catcher in the Rye” and have pegged the novel’s protagonist, Holden Caulfield, as the face of teenage rebellion.

Throughout the plot, Caulfield struggles with his identity, loneliness, and, infamously, the “phoniness” of the adult world.  To adolescent readers, the novel has represented all of the issues they face but are never able to put into words.  Consequently, reading “The Catcher in the Rye” has shaped so many of our teenage lives and has affected the way we have dealt with teenage angst and adversity. The novel reminds us all that we are not alone in conquering the pain that comes with growing up and that it is OK to let our inner Holden Caulfield’s to shine through.

Although Salinger never wanted to be famous or known to the public, often refusing interviews and remaining a recluse, we will never forget his contribution to literature and American culture. He will forever be regarded as one of the greatest authors of all time.

Welcome back to The Rival Rundown! If you’ve always wanted to give props to your school on CC, now’s your chance! Shoot us an email explaining what’s awesome and unique about your school (or what stinks about Rival U) at rivalrundown@collegecandy.com!

Pac-10 fans will rejoice as we detail this storied rivalry from The Beaver State. Oregonians are well-versed in what they call The Civil War between Oregon State University and the University of Oregon. If our analysis still leaves you skeptical, you can catch the 2009 matchup between these schools tomorrow night, as the Ducks and the Beavers duke it out for a Pac-10 title and a berth to the Rose Bowl!

Quick Facts
Oregon State: Public research university with nearly 17,000 undergraduates in Corvallis, Oregon. Mascot is the Beaver.
University of Oregon: Public research university with nearly 18,000 undergraduates in Eugene, Oregon. Mascot is the Duck.

1. Civil War Record

Oregon State: 46-56-10
University of Oregon: 56-46-10

Three credits to: University of Oregon, by the numbers. Read More »

Welcome to a new College Candy feature: The Rival Rundown! We’re taking a look at the oldest, fiercest, and even funniest rivalries between colleges and universities all over the country. We’re going to be examining everything from mascots to mess halls to the most obnoxious traditions, all with the intent of determining which schools are ballin’ out of control.

And if you’ve always wanted to give props to your school on CC, now’s your chance! Shoot us an email explaining what’s awesome and unique about your school (or what stinks about Rival U) at rivalrundown@collegecandy.com!

This week, we focus on one of the most intense rivalries in all of sports. Only eight miles (and immeasurable animosity) separate the campuses of UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University. Both are excellent schools with terrific athletic traditions. Between two seemingly similar schools, who will win the Battle of the Blues?

1. Mascot Matchup

UNC- The Tar Heels take their nickname from a reported exchange between Civil War soldiers about Carolina’s fidelity to the Confederate cause.
Duke- The Blue Devils got their name from an homage to French soldiers during WWI, Les Diables Bleus.

Three credits to: Duke. Though both nicknames have military origins, the Confederates eventually lost and the French were among the Great War’s victors. Way to pick a winner, Duke. Read More »

We’re back with another edition of G.W.W.E. (Guys We Wanna Eff), and no, that’s not a typo! This week, we have a very special treat in store–instead of featuring one luscious lad, we have decided to salute ten of Hollywood’s hottest vets in honor of Memorial Day. Some battled enemies on the war front, others on screen, but all of these studs are on our short list for a pleasure-filled patriotic eff. After all, what’s hotter than a man in uniform? Read More »

“Things are very confusing, looks like we are heading for a civil war and total destruction, its a ticking time bomb, any thing can happen any time”

That quote comes from Raj, in Harare, Zimbabwe on the BBC’s comment page.

Zimbabwe’s election (held March 29th) still has no clear winner. The opposition, led by Morgan Tsvangirai (MDC) accused incumbent Robert Mugabe of “preparing for poll war”.

The opposition petitioned Zimbabwe’s High Court to demand the immediate release of the poll results.

The Zimbabwean Electoral Commission (ZEC) countered by questioning the courts jurisdiction over the issue.

On Saturday, moreover, police prevented the opposition lawyers from entering the court to give their arguments. Luckily they made it into the court on Sunday.

On Monday the High Court ruled that it does have jurisdiction. The judge heard the case Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Mugabe’s Zanu-PF party said it wanted to re-check the election results because it feared discrepancies…. Right. Read More »