Otto Fritton PZ ’27 begins his new column by defending old things. Drawing on the familiar, Fritton encourages you to rewatch movies, reread books and spend time in familiar places, should they bring you joy.
Otto Fritton
After Coop Store backlash, 5C businesses to navigate AI’s growing role
On July 16, the Coop Store at Pomona College sparked controversy with two promotional Instagram posts created using generative artificial intelligence (AI). Although the posts disappeared within roughly a day, their brief appearance ignited discussion about AI use on college campuses beyond the classroom.
Since July, TSL has contacted student and faculty managers and employees responsible for dining and retail operations across the consortium to gauge whether and how AI already fits into campus businesses. Responses were mixed. Some took a definitive stance against AI; other managers said that while they haven’t formally embraced it, they wouldn’t rule out future use.
American in Reims: How to manufacture memories
What happens when your study abroad experience isn’t the one you wanted? After months away, Otto Fritton PZ ’27 picks up his abandoned column and reflects on the four months he spent in Reims, France. Between cooking with his host mother, playing soccer in the hail and galavanting in a couple of fields, Fritton realizes how hard it is to notice life while you’re still living it.
The Writing Process: Narrative Space and the New York Knicks
What happens when a writer has too much good material? Otto Fritton PZ ‘27 returns with his not-so-weekly column, The Writing Process. In this edition, he covers Elmore Leonard, widely regarded as the master of crime pacing and dialogue. In “Get Shorty,” that tension manifests in Bo Catlett, whose unrealized potential becomes the novel’s most revealing loose end.
The Writing Process: Night surfin’
Is your writing stuck? Look no further! Otto Fritton PZ ’27 returns with his not-so-weekly column, “The Writing Process.” In this edition, he analyzes a young Stephen King’s short story, “Night Surf.”
Paulo Dybala and the art of being second
How does it feel to be good, but not quite good enough? Otto Fritton PZ ’27 explores the confusing career of footballer Paulo Dybala, feeling as though some chapters were left unwritten for the Juventus regular and Argentine international.
American in Reims: Chili and the Sword of Shannara
Otto Fritton PZ ’27 seems to be changing his mind. Still stuck in a foreign land, his perception on small-city life has changed. He doesn’t love Reims, at least not yet, but he can’t deny it is growing on him.
Where is your Ballon d’Or? Don’t need it
Otto Fritton PZ ’27 likes to look at the “what-if.” Few careers saddened him more than that of Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, a man who influenced an entire generation without ever quite fulfilling his potential. Yet, despite his shortcomings, Fritton wonders if it even matters. Perhaps Neymar shouldn’t be judged on what he didn’t accomplish, but on the generation he inspired.
American in Reims: Searching for the Magical Abroad Experience
Stuck in a foreign land, Otto Fritton PZ ’27 finds himself confused. After hearing months of promises about the “study abroad” semester, he wonders if he held his expectations too high. The champagne city of Reims has given Fritton his first experience of smaller-town life, and he remains uncertain if it is the person or the place that makes study abroad? Or, is it both?
Chasing the ghosts of Mourinho’s Chelsea: Arsenal’s impossible task
Sitting atop the Premier League, Arsenal is currently facing the impossible task of breaking Chelsea’s record-breaking 2004-05 season, in which they conceded just 15 goals. Ten games into the season, the Gunners have conceded three goals in 10 games, and are currently on track to break the record. Otto Fritton PZ ’27 discusses Arsenal’s true chances of breaking the records, as well as the problems they may face en route.