The Boom of Reality TV & Relationships

By: Hannah Robson

sodes were released on May 27th 2022 (Netflix) and then having to waiting almost a full month to get Volume 2 which was released on July 1st, 2022 (netflix).

Something viewers weren’t a fan about was the waiting time between volumes. However, the show has been renewed for its 5th and final season ( Tudum).

On the other hand, Outer Banks has released its third season and there are mixed reviews. Larissa Blazer, Senior at Bloomsburg, thought it was okay but wasn’t worth the hype whereas Amanda Gaffney, avid OBX watcher, loved the 3rd season and binged it in one day.

Mentioning that there was a good plot to the season, however, some of the side storylines getting a little weird for her.

OBX has been renewed for a 4th season and it is unsure at this time if season 4 will be the last season.

Reality TV has been a phenomenon that the US and many other countries love and dedicated many viewing hours towards watching. Two reality TV shows that have taken over the internet this past year have been “Love Island” and “Too Hot to Handle.” These shows have boomed with rising viewing numbers due to a few key factors.

Tik Tok’s influence increased the amount of viewers. Some of the people on these shows have social media platforms, promoting both the show and themselves. Tik Tok platforms also have been making edits as well as reposting scenes from the shows that are pivotal, dramatic, important, or hot. People fan over these characters and their looks all over the internet.

Season four of “Too Hot to Handle” is the one that had the internet idolizing some of the contestants. This specific season dealt with more drama than any other season and the contestants were extremely attractive. This pulled in countless viewers through edits and fandoms created online. Season one of “Love Island” pulled in many viewers over the beauty and attraction these contestants shared for each other.

“Too Hot to Handle” is a very impactful and sought after show due to the very different plot line. In these seasons, they take previously known sexually active people from society that think they are joining a reality TV show that allows them to have hookups with whoever they want. After this draw in, they reveal to the contestants that they aren’t on the show, but interested in being “Too Hot to Handle.” The reality show attempts to turn these people from “hoes” to someone who wants to be in a dedicated relationship.

Through this, they make the contestants try to form a meaningful relationship through not being allowed to do anything sexual and get to know each other the entire time on the show. If they do break the rules and do things that are of a sexual nature, money is docked from the total prize. This initiative makes contestants not want to break the rules in hopes of being the one to win it with their significant other. This show has broken the internet with these rules that were set for the contestants.

In “Love Island,” the premise is about people that have struggled to find love, meeting people and doing challenges that help them find it. Season one of the US version was so popular because of the attractive characters and edits that were formed online.

People love this show because they get to follow along the growth of these contestants’ relationships with each other. It basically gives people an inside eye on relationships and how they start and finish the show, without being there. Watching love unfold is something everyone loves to see, which is why this show draws in so many viewers.

The ability to watch love unfold in “Love Island” and the personality and nature of these contestants change in “Too Hot to Handle” is what draws in these viewers.

People love being able to watch real life and love occur without it being scripted or fake. Seeing something real is what attracts so many people to this TV show. Reality TV and shows alongside this style could be the future of Netflix and other TV platforms.

By: Carly Busfield

The town of Bloomsburg offers many eateries, especially in the center of town towards Main Street, East Street, and Lightstreet Road. A sandwich can fit many occasions, but most importantly a sandwich will nourish someone, especially college students.

The sensation of holding a warm, juicy sandwich can put a smile on anyone’s face and leave one drooling. A number of locations around the town provide a lot of great options whatever that occasion is.

Here are my favorite sandwiches of in-town, Bloomsburg:

1. Boom Boom Pretzellini- Tri Pi Pizzeria

Coming in hot at a strong first is the Boom Boom Pretzellini from Tri Pi Pizzeria located on Main Street. This savory specialty of Tri Pi consists of lots of flavor, chicken, bacon, mozzarella cheese, “Boom Boom sauce”, on a garlic butter pretzel bun with a size of ranch to dip into. This sandwich screams “late-night munchies” and that is the only occasion I have ever ordered a “Pretzellini” for. This commodity costs around $7.00.

I originally started out with the “Buffalini” which is a buffalo chicken sandwich that includes: breaded chicken, buffalo sauce, mozzarella cheese, and a side of dipping ranch on that same famous pretzel bun. Yet, the “Boom Boom Pretzellini” is just a step above that order. The pull of the cheese, along with the Boom Boom sauce and flavorful bun, make a dream come true.

One of my favorite aspects is the shape and texture of the pretzel bun. The bun resembles more of a ‘kaiser roll’ and has a soft, cloudlike texture. The outer crust is the same texture as a pretzel, and it tears apart in the same fashion. The chicken is spread across evenly, and the other ingredients are added on. The nicest feature of this food is that the sandwich sticks together and doesn’t drop anything, making it the perfect dipping sandwich.

The most outstanding flavors from this are the distinctive Boom Boom sauce and the bacon. The sauce is typically made with mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, ketchup, and sometimes even mustard is added. The flavor can be changed by adding garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and other spices, making it more dynamic and tastier.

Tri Pi Pizzeria does not open until 4pm and closes around 2am. This scheduling makes customers inclined to ordering later in the evening. They serve a specific niche for “Greek-life members”, even when the organizations are no longer affiliated with the Bloomsburg

University campus. They serve this audience by allowing members to sign onto the paddles on the wall with their corresponding organization Greek letters.

2. Buffalo Chicken Big Mouth Sandwich- Naps

Making a distinction for second place is the Buffalo Chicken Big Mouth Sandwich from Naps, a well-known eatery on East Street. This sandwich is one to share or save for later. Big Mouth Sandwiches are around the size of a small or personal pizza; the bread is massive. Yet, for such a massive roll, it is not too doughy.

Breaded chicken and/or chicken tenders can leave a big impression on their eaters, especially if they are more delicious than usual. The chicken that is topped amongst this large, monster sandwich is crispy, well-coated on the outside, and has a helpful touch of spice from the hot sauce.

The sandwich comes with breaded chicken tenders, shredded lettuce, tomato, onion, hot sauce, and blue cheese. I added American cheese and mayo because I was nervous the bread would take away moisture, leaving the contents dry. However, it was perfectly crisp and flavorful with the topping variety. The weight and thickness of this stacked goodness affects the texture. A bite is a mouthful of every ingredient with a balanced taste. The lettuce is refreshing and the warm chicken compliments it.

This beast is cut into four quarters which compliments the way it is eaten. There’s something about munching on it starting with a corner that is satisfying to eat. While the cheese melts into the warm, crispy chicken, the heat compliments the colder temperature of the sauces, lettuce, and tomato. It is perfect for a small gathering or to have leftovers! A Big Mouth Sandwich costs $17.98 and is $1.00 off on Mondays.

3. Roast Beef Hoagie- Steph’s Subs

I am pro-hoagie and will only call it a hoagie, not a sub. I grew up with Wawa stores and gas stations as far as the eye can see. As a result, I have high expectations for a hoagie in an area raised on Sheetz.

Steph’s Subs is a respectable local establishment that is best known for their submarine sandwiches and sense of community. Stephanie Severn is the owner who lives right in Bloomsburg and is a very active member of the Greater Bloomsburg Area. My personal favorite is the roast beef cold hoagie. I usually only get half for $7.00, but the whole is $13.00.

All cold hoagies from Steph’s Subs include mayo, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, oil, oregano, parmesan, salt, and the best part, hot peppers. Hoagies should be filled with meat and veggies, topped with at least oil for moisture, but it must not fall apart. That signature ‘hoagie-grab’ or hold of the roll in your hands matters. A hoagie is a nourishing, filled sandwich, but not something I’d consider “too messy”. Steph’s Subs’ main product is compact, sturdy, and their rolls are not too bland. The rolls have a nice rip and flavor but are on the thin side that natural [tomato] juices and oils from the toppings could make it soggy.

The slice of their lunch meat is thin, which is admirable and allows for a nice tear when taking a bite. Steph’s Sub product has a distinct taste. Upon arrival and initial stay within the dorms at Bloomsburg University, Steph’s Subs was a go-to during the Covid-19 pandemic, especially when the daily specials were available. Who could turn down a half of a hoagie, chips, and a fountain drink for about $5.00? That’s a steal. However, since the turnover of the pandemic, the small business has experienced short-staffing issues and has shortened hours. Yet, the quality is just as high.

4. Buffalo Chicken Wrap- Tiffany’s Downtown

Sometimes,sliced bread is a too basic. The Buffalo Chicken Wrap at Tiffany’s Downtown hits. This wrap is like the contents of the Buffalo Chicken Big Mouth from Naps but has its own Tiffany’s spin on it.

It’s light, airy, and refreshing. It is filled with buffalo chicken tenders, blue cheese or ranch dressing, lettuce, tomato, and onion. Blue cheese has my heart, but I think either option should do justice. The sauce ties it all together and allows everything to blend together. It’s a simple wrap that can fit into any lunch or dinner.

$8.25 for a wrap and chips is not as expensive compared to many other stores, especially BU on-campus dining.

The chicken on the sandwich is spicy, just enough to tell, but is not overwhelming. The chicken induces a nice crunch with each bite. The rest of the ingredients make up for any lack of flavor and add variety. The lettuce is crunchy, and the veggies are fresh, which is something to look forward to. The best part is the tortilla wrap on the outside does not fall apart.

P.S. Get the fries. They’re fresh-cut and delicious.

5. Onion Ring Round Up Burger- West End Ale Haus

West End Ale Haus is a notable, popular restaurant and bar on Main Street past the fountain. The burgers at this restaurant have been “voted one of the best burgers in Pennsylvania!” A fan favorite and my personal choice has to be the Onion Ring Round Up Burger.

This flavorful burger is grilled with a smoky BBQ sauce and topped with two onion rings stuffed with melted cheddar and crumbled bacon. The bun is a brioche roll that is airy, crisp and provides a foundation for the sandwich. The 8-ounce patty is juicy, flavorful, and thick [but not too thick]. The bacon crumbles on top allow for a savory crunch and combine well with the gooey cheese sauce. The cheese provides that satisfying “cheese whiz” feeling you’d find on a Philly Cheesesteak, but instead a burger.

The onion rings hold the bacon and cheese mixture inside the concoction creating less of a mess. This was a nice touch. The rings have a nice fried outer-layer that doesn’t get in the way of eating the burger. With all these rich ingredients, sometimes that can take away from the burger itself. Yet, each element uplifted the others.

This meal is not something you order during late night shenanigans, but when you actually sit and enjoy the meal you are consuming. The burger comes with a pickle spear, the correct pickle to eat beside a sandwich, and a side. Sure, the burger is a meal in itself, but the whole order is worth $13.95. I would not say it is one of the best burgers I have ever tasted, but top tier for the local area.