College OTR

What Does NYU Think of NYULocal?

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 02:54:59 EDT

I cant quite decide what to make of NYU Local? A few friends of mine used to write for it. Another few actually still do. But still, I dont know if I can quite appreciate it. My first visit to the site I stumbled across a wildly superficial and demeaning pathetic excuse of a post bashing Elisabeth Moss of the show Mad Men simply for not being some stunning beauty. I immediately wrote a comment simply expressing my disgust at such a post and not only did they leave the post up, but they deleted my comment. Maybe I just dont see the newsworthiness of being rude and vile in the face of an actress who is really doing something with talent rather than being trashy, but I cant help but hold this incident against the site in its entirety.

NYU Local is seld-defined as:

In the hopes of covering all of the discussion-worthy news that happens at and around NYU, we bring you NYU Local, a 24 hour website about the school and the city that we call home. The site is conversational, the setup straightforward and the information useful. Read us often to learn about free food, the most recent J-Sex fumbles and the best dorm parties, twittered in as they’re occurring. We’ll help you feel pretty damn connected at a school with no campus.

But it is also run by rather young students who, in my humble opinion, may not have the best judgment as to what is newsworthy or even remotely related to NYU. Anyhow, I am curious as to what everyone else might think. Love? Loathe? Any interesting stories to give me insight into the usefulness of this blog site?

Prop 8 Post

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 06:56:38 EDT

Students join local community in a protest against the election results of Prop 8.

BBoys Anonymous Live Performance

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 06:46:50 EDT

UCIrvine's rising dance team performs live at the student center.

Mr. Two-Bits' Last Cheer in the Swamp

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 05:51:26 EDT

Our beloved, Mr. Two Bits, does his iconic cheer one last time in the Swamp in the final home game of the season against Citadel. Later in the game he was awarded a key to the city of Gainesville.

Thanksgiving Dinner Party!!

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 04:40:52 EDT

On Friday we all went over to my friend's house for a pre Thanksgiving dinner party- it was soo fun! It was pot luck style- I brought a turkey and there was soo much food !! Everyone got tips over wine and we wound up going to a bar after-

How To Survive Thanksgiving Dinner

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 03:25:52 EDT

Now it may only be me, but going home for Thanksgiving this year does not feel the same as it did last year. My bags were packed and my boarding pass was printed in anticipation for warm California weather and reminiscing with old friends. But this being my senior year, thoughts crossed my mind that this might be one of the last flights I take home for Thanksgiving to visit my family. I eagerly wanted to unpack and convince all my friends that the cool kids were ditching the gravy for going out, but it didnâ€™t work. Though I am currently writing this blog from my own bedroom at home, I wonder how I will get through yet another Thanksgiving filled with boring family stories and unfunny jokes. Here might be a few ways to spice up the old Thanksgiving hoopla.

The obvious thing would be to get totally wasted. Being a 21 newbie, I no longer have to worry about dirty looks shooting at me across the table as family members question what Wisconsin has done to my innocent liver.

When the booze runs out, and your family is progressively getting more annoying, you could always slip into the kitchen mid Turkey cooking and add a little something to your Grandmaâ€™s favorite stuffing. If your own addition is as gross as I think it has the potential to be, Granny may not be hosting any more Thanksgivings at her house.

To continue with the horrible scheming of the food exchange, you could always insist on taking on the role of adding the marshmallows to the yams. In place of the mallows, add a little spice with look-a-likes such as chicklets to get the crowd to start wondering where their traditional Thanksgiving dinner went, and where they could get it back.

We all have an annoying uncle, cousin or sister that can totally put a damper on the giving of thanks. Mashed potato replicas of your sisterâ€™s face or Aunt Gertrudeâ€™s body always cause a laugh from your side of the table.

But if you donâ€™t feel like being a complete **** on the day that was meant to be shared with family and friends, you could always partake in a game of food coma and eat until you no longer feel like you can stand up away from the table.

To all you Thanksgiving lovers out there who enjoy a nice dinner around the table giving thanks with family and friends, you might scratch all of these options and keep with your usual routine. For me anyway, Iâ€™m either spiking the cranberry sauce or finding a cheap one-way ticket back to Wisconsin, where food is always appreciated and getting wasted is mildly encouraged.

It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere!

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 02:19:45 EDT

People on campus are always down to drink and party, drinking games, keg races, beer bongs, and just social drinking. Whatever it is, people are partying and having a good time!

Masquerade Ball

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 02:13:49 EDT

This past weekend there was a party with the theme of a Masquerade Ball, everyone dressed up in fancy dresses and suits and carried around sparkly feather masks to hide their faces. Its a reoccuring party theme on campus that everyone seems to love!

Cal Gets Pumped Up by Burning Stuff Down

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 01:09:38 EDT

What do you get when you put a bunch of wooden pallets in an amphitheater full of Stanford haters? You get UC Berkley’s annual Bonfire Rally to kickoff Big Game Weekend.

Thousands of students packed in to Berkeley’s Greek Amphitheater tonight to call out chants, listen to alumni trash Stanford, enjoy the Cal Marching Band and Cheerleaders, and of course watch a Stanford banner burn in flames. When the fire started to die down throughout the rally, students shouted, “Freshman, more wood!” As is tradition, a group of freshman students came out bearing wood and keep the bonfire raging.

Billed as the biggest bonfire west of the Mississippi, once the pallets were lit it was not hard to see why. From my seat, way up in the nosebleed section, the heat was so intense on my face that I could not look in the direction of the fire for more than a few seconds. One can only imagine how it felt to be in the front row. The fire was a great way to get all of Cal pumped for The Big Game tomorrow.

Flowers in Ashtrays during The Great American Smoke Out

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 12:31:52 EDT

Throughout campus Thursday, bright yellow artificial flowers were seen sticking out of ashtrays as part of The Great American Smoke Out. They were intended to inspire life instead of death by smoking. Regardless of your stance on the issue, the flowers brought a splash of color back to the dying Autumn campus.

Pappy's Sweet Shop Still Not Done With Redesign

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 12:11:37 EDT

It has been two months since Pappy's, the classic burger place in the Union that alumni always come back to, began their redesign but their new replacement for the famous wall menu has yet to arrive. One would think that they'd consider the logistics of shipping time beforehand so everything would be done at the same time.

Otherwise, the new aqua paint and wall murals have actually been well received. At least, there haven't been any outcry against changing its previous antiquated look of white walls. The murals, are the biggest change but their incorporation of Purdue history is actually pretty neat.

Purdue changed something for the better for once. Props.

I hate Bad Beer Pong Partners

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:56:54 EDT

So I hate bad Beer Pong partners.

Here is why!!

Because they don't watch for the bounces

Because they don't show any signs of life during the game

Because they talk the most shit during the game

Because they think since they made the last cup that they are the best player ever

Because they "dont drink"

Because they have no social skills at all

Because they aren't pissed off when they lose

That is why, god I really really hate bad Beer Pong partners, god speed, drink, and be merry!

Maryland v. Florida State Tomorrow Night!

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:10:37 EDT

This is a big one for the Terps - a victory plus a loss from Boston College and we're in the ACC Championship game; but first thing's first, we've gotta win this one. Florida State's not a ranked opponent, so we can't garauntee a victory like usual, but last time the 'Noles rolled into College Park they fell victim to the Byrd Blackout and lost on a blocked field goal. It's gonna be a cold one tomorrow night, so let's wear black and give 'em hell.

Staying Warm in Binghamton

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:47:24 EDT

And so another Friday night at Binghamton ensues. The roads are icy, a perpetual flow of snow is dusting over the greater Bing area, and dorm heat isn’t quite up to par just yet; Welcome winter. I can’t help but notice that I’ve had essentially the same conversation with everyone to whom I’ve inquired about weekend activities. They all seem to be unsure—almost skeptical about venturing into the cold. So here are some tips to keep you warm this weekend, should you decided to make the move downtown.

1. Cover up. Okay, so I realize that you feel out of place and burdened by the idea of carrying around a jacket with you. But hey, even the Rat has a coat check for $1, sometimes for free. Even a sweater will suffice. I mean, what are you trying to prove in your skimpy sleeveless shirt? That you’ve got enough blubber on you to keep you warm through the winter? Even guys know better to wear warm clothes, and they’re not going to want to invest time in a girl who can’t even dress for the appropriate weather. Note to all the boys of Bing: the naked shoulder girl is inevitably going to be the one to steal the shirt of your back while you’re attempting to hail a cab.

2. Drink…A lot. The people on the Titanic had the right idea. Numb your body with liqueur before the frigid cold does it for you.

3. Dance. It’s aerobic exercise which will make you sweat and stay warm.

4. Generate body heat. If you have the means...by all means.

The Girl-Crush of Mothers Across America: Michelle Obama

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:01:08 EDT

I was home for all of five minutes before my mom began to gush over her newest girl-crush. She’s genuine, she’s stylish, and she’s a great mother.

She’s Michelle Obama.

When I spoke to several other people about this, my mother’s newest obsession, they laughed in empathy. Apparently, moms across America have latched onto this future first lady as someone to admire because of her intellect, will, and spunk.

Michelle Obama occupies an important seat in American history as the first African-American first lady. And yet, there are many other qualities present in this strong woman that make her suitable to be the girl-crush of so many mothers.

At the Barack Obama webpage, Michelle’s information is fascinating. When asked to describe herself, she stated that first she is mother to her daughters, Malia and Sasha. It is this ability to relate to others that allows so many around the nation to admire Michelle Obama. Though she studied at Princeton, then Harvard, she insists that her “first priority will always be to make sure that our girls are healthy and grounded.”

Michelle plans to make sure Malia and Sasha remain grounded by enlisting on major help while the family lives in the White House: Michelle’s mother, who will be moving in with them to help keep the girls’ lives as normal as possible.

Michelle Obama will certainly keep things interesting in Washington these next four years. It will be interesting to see how many people she can win over with the same charm and vivacity that caused her to become my mother’s newest obsession.

What U. of Oregon Students are hiding

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:42:53 EDT

This week on campus there was a board set up outside th Erb Memorial Union for people to post what they were hiding. Students were encouraged to anonymously write down their secrets and post them on the board. Secrets pertaining to life, love and everything in between were revealed on yellow post-it notes for anyone and everyone to see. It always helps to get out a secret and this was a good way for students to lift that weight off their shoulders without having face any potetial consequences.

A few of the revealed secrets:

"I don't care of other people die, and its beginning to scare me"

"I stabbed my brother in the leg with a fork when I was 16, on purpose"

"I'm telling everyone I'm over you, but honestly i still love you like I always have and it hurts to see you with her...even if you're just friends. I wish you'd come back!"

"Urinals scare me..."

"I hate it when people are late but I'm never on time"

"I sometimes look at pornography"

The Iron Bowl Nears, Tension between Auburn and Alabama Rises

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:28:33 EDT

The Southern Holiday known as the Iron Bowl is just weeks away and tensions are higher than Snoop Dogg. Yes, Auburn has lost 349,524,234,802,424,828,420,420 games this year, but that still doesn’t mean that we can’t defeat the University of Alabamer, who has won 349,524,234,802,424,828,420,421 games this year. Auburn has won the Iron Bowl for six consecutive years. For those of you who don’t know what this epic event is, click herrrre.

Basically, it’s bigger than the second coming of ~~Jesus~~ Mariah Carey. I’m not lying. No one does ANYTHING on Iron Bowl Saturday. Alabama basically becomes a place where you are forced to be divided based on color and the two sides are never to mix with one another; or they will be shunned forever by their peers. The Oranges sit in one section and the Crimsons have to sit in another. There are feelings of animosity on both sides and if emotions get too out of balance, a riot could ensue. But things are becoming more progressed and relations between the two sides are bettering.

Anyway, the game is on Nov. 29 at the University of Alabamer in the Bryant-Deny Stadium at 2:30 p.m. I won’t be there, but I will watch it on CBS. War Eagle!

(Photo/Vasha Hunt)

Cutest Way to Rid Baylor Boredom

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:14:52 EDT

See this precious kitty? There are many more where she came from, and they need you! If you miss your pet at home or just want to hang with an animal for a few weeks, fostering pets is for you. This one, we named Sophronia, was only six weeks old, had heartworms and was underweight, but is totally lovable. Here are 5 reasons to foster a pet through the Waco Humane Society:

1) You don't have to pay for anything. The Humane Society gives you everything you need from food to a litter box, their medicine and a kennel.

2) You get to love on as many little critters as you want! Girls in my sorority have up to three at once.

3) You get to name them and whoever adopts the animal keeps the name. We named the little kitty that my friend fostered Sophronia, after one of our sorority founders. I know other people who named their foster animals after super heroes; it is totally up to you!

4) SInce you only have each aninmal for a few weeks, you don't have to pay absorbetant pet fees from your apartment complex, because if you're smart you won't say anything about helping out a cute little animal.

5) If you love the animal so much after you foster it you or a friend can adopt it, and you can keep it forever and live happily ever after!

Honestly, if you love animals there is no reason not to foster an animal. There is nothing cuter. Plus it's a great way to log volunteer hours. If only I didn't live on campus...

The Happiest of Hours

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 07:18:18 EDT

The best thing about Friday’s, other than no classes (for me, at least) is happy hour: the happiest of all hours. Relaxing with your friends, several pitchers, and a deck of cards has got to be the best way to wind down after a long stressful week of working and forcing yourself out of bed to that dreadful 8am class. While Thursday typically kicks off the weekend in a crazy frenzy of too much alcohol and several poor choices, Friday is the day to reflect, rejuvenate, and relax into a stress free atmosphere where no one is quite as worried about their outfit, hair and makeup. Is it just me, or are people much friendlier at happy hour than any other night? I find that people who would typically elbow me to get ahead at the bar are suddenly willing to offer a smile online at the bathroom, sometimes even a casual conversation. It’s sad when it’s over, but happy hour is always a time of the week to look forward to—and did I mention the cheap beer and food?

First Snow Fall in Philly: To Cold to Go Out?

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:50:16 EDT

Last night was the first official Philadelphia snowfall – and by snowfall I mean a sixteenth of an inch of watery, barely-visible white crap. The grassy areas of Locust Walk were “covered” with snow for about two hours this morning before it all melted. But still, snow is snow, and regardless of how bootleg it is in Philly, it still marks the coming of winter.

Simultaneously, the snow means that it’s getting much to cold to go out at night jacketless. Although we technically should have been wearing jackets out to parties back in October, we tend to stretch out the “it’s-okay-to-not-wear-a-jacket-because-it’s-still-sort-of-warm” period way beyond appropriateness.

Honestly, no one wants to wear a huge puffy jacket to frats – where do you put it? Behind a couch? Under a bed? I’ve already had one jacket stolen at a frat, and I don’t think I need to stress how un-fun it was to walk home that night in the freezing cold and a tank-top.

As a result, a significant number of people simply don’t go out as much as it gets colder, which is both semi-understandable and extremely lame. We can’t let the weather rule our lives!

So I propose that frats start implementing coat-checks in order to accommodate the piles and piles of jackets that accumulate throughout the night. We can’t discriminate against the cold-fearing partiers, right?

Penn State vs. Michigan State Preview

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:46:44 EDT

The No. 8 Nittany Lions prepare for their final game of the regular season against the No. 15 Michigan State Spartans.

This is a big game for the Lions. The Big Ten Championship, a Rose Bowl bid, and, not to mention, the Land Grant Trophy all rest on the outcome of this game. There is no doubt, the Lions will have their hands full on Saturday.

The Michigan State offense is powered by the duo of quarterback Brian Hoyer and running back Javon Ringer. Hoyer is able to throw the ball quickly and accurately and will be the biggest threat the PSU defense will have to deal with. The secondary unit must be prepared for this quarterback who can tear up the field in minutes. Ringer is arguably the best running back in college football and is the heart and soul of this Spartan offense. He has scored 20 touchdowns this season and has tore up defenses all across the country. I feel pretty good about how the Penn State defense, which is the 10th best rushing defense in the nation, matches up to Ringer. The defense has always been better defending the run rather than pass. If they shut down Ringer, all the defense will have to do is contain Hoyer and prevent him from making any big plays.

The MSU defense is anchored by linebackers Greg Jones and Eric Gordon, who were both named Freshman All-Americans last season. The secondary is led by cornerback Chris L. Rucker. The Nittany Lions might have some trouble getting things started on the ground with Jones and Gordon, but nothing that the Lions really have to worry about.

Like I said, this is a big game for the Lions and might turn out to be one of their toughest. The Spartans are coming into this game with a week's worth of rest and are ready to play for their first BCS Bowl bid since the 1980's. Don't let the fact that Penn State is a big favorite fool you, the Lions will have a tough time in a battle of emotions on Saturday.

THE GOOD NEWS: A big game at the Beaver on Senior Day

THE BAD NEWS: The Spartans are not as soft as they look

KICKOFF: 3:30 p.m.

TV: ESPN/ABC

INJURY REPORT: TB Brent Carter (knee-out), DE Josh Gaines (ankle-possible), DE Jerome Hayes (knee-out), C Doug Klopacz (knee-out), LB Sean Lee (knee-out), DE Devon Still (ankle-out), S Nick Sukay (foot-out)

BOTTOM LINE: Are those roses I smell?

What Do You Think About JMU Guys??

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:45:13 EDT

Some may disagree, but JMU is not the best place to find a decent guy. Guidos, tools, and douche bags are what come to mind when I think of most guys I meet at JMU (my friends included).

Although it’s definitely NOT my goal to find a guy (especially in college), it would be nice if it weren’t so hard to find a funny guy that respects girls and cares about more than just sports (beer pong included).

While talking about it with another girl, someone in my class today summed it up quite nicely:

“Finding a guy at JMU is like shopping at TJ Maxx; you reallyy have to dig to find something good.”

In my opinion, she’s completely right. But they are out there. Somewhere…

What are your thoughts on JMU guys?

Palin Pardons a Turkey, Chats Obliviously while another is Slaughtered

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:42:40 EDT

And we thought she was old news. But oh no, Sarah Palin steals the spotlight once again as she pardoned a Thanksgiving Turkey yesterday at Triple D Farm & Hatchery near Wasilla, Al. Unfortunately after her pardon, not all of our feathery friends were saved. While being interviewed, a Turkey is slaughtered behind a seeminlgy oblivious Palin. Warning: not for the squeamish.

Ball Pit Extravaganza

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:42:21 EDT

A student at Boston University has constructed a ballpit in his room. It leads to some interesting nights.

Drunk Hair Cut

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:39:54 EDT

Giving my friend a haircut while he was drunk. Fortunately, he did not regret it.

Recount Under Way In Minnesota: Even-Handed, Civil, Boring As Hell

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:24:08 EDT

The nail-biter of a senatorial race between incumbent Norm Coleman and former SNL cast member Al Franken was too close to call on election night, and is currently in the process of a mandatory recount. With Coleman currently leading by just over 200 votes, this race is still anybody's game.

But the recount process, in true MInnesota fashion, looks to be rather uneventful. The New York Times headlined their recent coverage of the recount with the terms "patience" and "politeness". Looks like the recount is going to be totally fair and non-controversial. How boring.

Minnesota has the advantage of using only paper ballots, which makes recounts like this more accurate and less susceptible to shenanegins. There doesn't seem to be much drama between ballot counters and observers either:

By the end of their shift, they had watched 1,592 ballots pass before them, challenging none. “It was very clear-cut,” Mr. Erickson said. “No disputes, no disagreements,"

Looks like we're not going to be seeing any Florida 2000 style fireworks. There have been a few instances of ballot questioning, and some feel the process has been fishy, while others believe things are running as they should. But mostly, the media seems to agree that this is a fair run recount process that should result in little to no devious goings-on.

I doubt HBO or Kevin Spacey will be falling over themselves to do a special about this recount. I'll bet SNL won't even touch it. Again, true to the MInnesotan spirit, this recount appears to only be noteworthy only in how lackluster it is. So far, everyone's been nice, civil and fair, and man, is that ever lame.

Saturday: The End of a Purdue Era

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:19:24 EDT

At the noon kickoff tomorrow at Ross-Ade Stadium, fans will witness the end of an era—Coach Tiller’s last game. He has been the winniest coach in Purdue history, despite his less than successful final season with the Boilermakers.

Another era will come to an end tomorrow—it will be quarterback Curtis Painter’s last game as a Boilermaker. Similar to Tiller, Painter has not had nearly as successful a season as in the past.

Both Tiller and Painter have more than just their final games in common. Both were extremely successful while being at Purdue, and yet both are ending their final seasons with less than a pleasurable season. Neither are ‘loved’ by many fans (especially the student section), and many are glad their seasons and times at Purdue are over. Many fans are ready for a change, despite the success both brought to the program.

Poor Tyler Zeller...

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:03:25 EDT

Missing from future games that is...hey basketball team, let's stop hurting ourselves?

Cornell Holds Memorial Service for Engineering Student

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:05:08 EDT

In late October, the life of Evan Dowland Wade, a fourth-year engineering student, was tragically cut short when he accidentally crashed his SUV into a tree near Cornell University.

To this day, the unexpected loss of one of Cornell’s brightest young students is still deeply felt amongst his family, friends and peers, and last night, the Cornell community gathered to remember him in a teary-eyed memorial service held in the Anabel Taylor Hall Chapel.

The Cornell Daily Sun reports:

Shortall then invited mourners to come forward with their own memories of Wade. After several friends and acquaintances recollected, Marica E. Smith Wade, Evan’s mother, came forward to share her memories of her son.

Reminiscing on the life of her talented, beloved son, the elder Wade stayed true to his memory with humble but fervent praise. Wade thanked the University community for its fulsome support to her family.

“Evan was so blessed to come to Cornell,” Wade said. “Evan absolutely adored it, and he still does.”

After closing reflections by Prof. Alexander Deyhim, mechanical and aerospace engineering, who read a poem entitled “I’m Free,” the Naval ROTC midshipmen concluded the ceremony with a sepulchral rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

Our condolences go out to everyone who knew Evan.

Rest in peace, my friend; you will always be remembered as a bleeding-heart philanthropist who touched many lives in just a few short years and inspired hundreds of others to do the same.

[Photo Credit: The Cornell Daily Sun]

What Does Congressman John Boehner Need To Do?

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:30:53 EDT

GO AWAY! That seems to be the message to Congressman John Boehner coming from a majority of Americans, regardless of political persuasion.

Recently, Boehner had to fight to keep his Republican leadership role in the House and now it seems he will have to continue to fight lest he begin to look like the guy who keeps coming around the same old party, but really isn't welcome anymore. Nobody likes that guy. As most have deduced by now, the Republican party is about as dull as when you got tricked into being the only kid to go to the sociably awkward kid's birthday party back in 3rd grade. But changes are being made to help restore the party to it's former glory. Almost every Republican leadership role seems to be changing the guard, except of course for Boehner's position who's holding onto it tighter than the campus frat rat that tries to hold onto her dignity every weekend.

In order to stay in the spotlight, Boehner is now criticizing Henry Waxman's promotion to the chairman position of the Energy and Commerce Committee, because - as he claims - Waxman's appointment strays from the Majority's promise of governing from the center. The real story, however, seems to be the public's reaction to Boehner's continuing criticism of all things Democratic, while at the same time saying partisanship needs to end. Here are a list of user comments from the Politico.com article.

"Boehner who? He has become irrelevant. I guess no one has told him yet."
"Boo hoo, Boehner. How many leadership positions did you submit for Demo approval when the GOP ran the House? That's what I thought. Zero."
"Cry me a river Boner, you opinion means nothing, so just shut up!"

Maybe not the most articulate responses, but the general opinion of the American public seems to be that Boehner is the diva on set of the drama (formerly known as Capitol Hill), stopping anything from getting done. Regardless of your politics, the GOP leadership matters. Rarely does one political party or person have the answers. The president-elect will have to take bits and pieces from a plethora of ideas, so even if you hate Republicans more than amateur blog writers, the future of the GOP matters to us all. Unfortunately, it seems Boehner is involved in that future... for now.

Gender Neutral Housing: Finally!

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:28:03 EDT

For over two years the Inner House Council has been debating the issue and appealing to higher administration to have gender neutral housing approved and this past Friday the housing department finally caved. Open Housing has passed and students can now officially live with the opposite sex officially instead of “sexiling” their same-sex roommates. Well if they’re ready for that commitment.

Open housing has passed with the interests of University’s transgender community largely in mind. It has been approved for upperclassmen for next quarter, each situation judged on a case-to-case basis. The U of C joins peers like Dartmouth, U Penn, Brown, NYU, Harvard, Wash U and Stanford and there will be no limit to the amount rooms available in each (non same-sex) house.

The program will be officially instated in the fall of 2009 and will be available for entering freshmen next year. Those who request the option do not have to state a reason for their desire but U of C housing wants to stress that it is not intended to sever romantic couples. Because the Cory and Tapangas of the world aren’t going to take advantage of this. Just the same, way to go IHC for actually getting something done and way to go housing!

DJ Girl Talk Performs at Harvard Pep Rally, Students Rush the Stage

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:24:52 EDT

Tomorrow is the big day, everyone!

The Harvard Crimson will go head-to-head with the Yale Bulldogs in a battle for Ivy League supremacy and yearlong bragging rights.

Given the pedigree of The Game, the annual pep rally that precedes it is always an extravagant affair that puts Harvard’s billion-dollar endowment to good use.

This year, the administration booked student-favorite DJ Girl Talk to rally support for The Crimson Nation, but apparently, he did his job—too well.

The Crimson reports:

Alina A. Hooper ’10, who is also a Crimson photographer, said she was pushed toward the stage and started hyperventilating in the crush of people.

[…] In an effort to control the crowd, organizers took the stage repeatedly, asking students to step back—only to have glow sticks thrown at them.

Pararas at one point included expletives in his call for students to move away from the stage.

Gillis ended up curtailing his performance because of the failed attempts to control the crowd.

And this, ladies and gents, is why Harvard students can’t have nice things.

DJ Girl Talk, on the other hand, showed nothing but class last night.

After hearing that his performance needed to be cut short, Girl Talk asked the crowd if there was “a house somewhere [he] could go, right now.”

Bad-ass.

Overheard in Gainesville: The Sexy Edition

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:13:26 EDT

Prude Guy: I don't really masturbate.
Girl: What?! As a man you should kill yourself. As a human, you should
be ashamed!

Someone doesn't understand drinking games:
Girl who doesn't think before she speaks: I can't think of anything to say.
Friend: Say "Never have I ever videotaped myself having sex."
Girl who doesn't think before she speaks: No, 'cause then I have to drink!

Chatterbox: I say a lot of different things during sex.
Friend: Yeah, but too much talking kills it
Chatterbox: Well, I don't have an essay!

Girl #1: So she got laid?
Girl #2: Yeah, but it was unsuccessful again. They started and then he
went soft.
Girl #1: WTF is wrong with him?
Girl #2: Erectile dysfunction.

All these years of "That's what she said" and no one thought to reply with this?
Girl: Stop hogging the blanket.
Guy: It's a small blanket.
Girl: It's not that small.
Guy: That's what she said.
Girl: She lied.

Catching up with old high school friends, always a good time:
"Fun fact. This guy she used to like in high school who was kind of an
asshole to her is in gay porn now. And she bought it!"

Girl: I've known this guy since elementary school and to this day, he
grabs his balls constantly.
Guy: Whatever, man. I love my penis.

Girl whose plan to get laid failed: I was kinda hoping the weather
would be bad and I would have to stay over. But then the weather was
awesome so I got fucked over.
Friend: Instead of fucked.

Curious girl: Should I be worried about getting colon cancer from anal sex?
Girl who is not so curious: What you do have to worry about is the
fact that it hurts like a bitch.

Tuition Increases at Florida Colleges Mean it's Time to get Thrifty

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:04:46 EDT

A proposal was just made by Governor Christ allowing for an increase in tuition at FSU & other Florida universities. Although Florida has incredibly reasonable tuition compared to other public schools, this would still be a hard hit to the wallet in already trying economic times.

The increase in tuition is supposed to fund the salaries of professors and smaller class sizes. Still, I'm sure our tuition money will be used for other totally useless projects as well.

This ruling would allow universities to raise tuition by 15% a year... great. To those with Bright Futures scholarships who think they're off the hook, the outlook is not good. The scholarship will only cover the base tuition, but not the differential. In addition, 30% of the money made from the raise in price will be set aside for need based scholarships, but isn't everyone struggling right now?

So, now that we have a raise in tuition to look forward to, here are some suggestions for saving some cash. College expenses really add up so every little bit helps:

Campus food locations are offering $5 drink cups that can be refilled with soda, tea, or coffee for $0.99 at the on campus Food Court, Einsteins, Quizno's & Starbucks!
Most clubs and bars offer reduced cover for entrance by 11 or Midnight. Sometimes you can even get banded early & re-enter whenever you want.
Take advantage of the free movies (with a student ID) offered every night at the Student Life Center.
Get together and cook dinners with roommates & friends and chip in a couple bucks each for food supplies.
The dollar stores in town are great for items like cleaning supplies, Christmas decorations, and shampoos on the cheap.
If you want to get away or go home on weekends carpool with friends to cut down on gas prices and for some extra company on the drive.

We're college students, we're inventive, we'll come up with our own ways to beat this awful economic recession.

Wesleyan Early-Decision Applications Up 40 Percent

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:43:32 EDT

Wesleyan’s Early-Decision Round I admissions applications were due last weekend. Remarkably, the Admissions Office has reported a forty percent increase in applications. While this year was initially speculated to show a dip in applications due to the nation’s financial crisis, Wesleyan’s rate is currently unprecedented.

According to the New York Times article, Wesleyan’s competition has also seen significant increases in early-decision applications Dartmouth, Middlebury at 10 %, Haverford at 14 %, Pomona at 20 %. Wesleyan’s rivals, Williams and Amherst, rates have remained stagnant.

Greg Pyke, Senior Associate Dean of Admissions at Wesleyan remarked on the outstanding increase:
“It’s hard to believe that one group of 17-year-olds has become more decisive than the group you saw the previous year. So maybe it’s that in a time of economic uncertainty, people want something settled.”

At Berkeley Carroll, a New York City private school, Brandon Clarke, Berkeley Carroll’s director of college counseling, reported that not a single family this year reconsidered their child’s college choice based on financial reasons.

“Maybe education is the last thing people are willing to give up,” he said.

To what do we attribute this increase in applications? Could it be due to all of the press Obama conjured for Wesleyan this past summer? Or the success of Wesleyan alumni in mainstream music (MGMT, Santogold)? Why are we out-competing our competition?

Read the full article

Library Book Sale, AIDS quilt, & Van Wafels

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:20:33 EDT

Three things:

Library Book Sale

Get your book on with the Providence Public Library Book Sale today at the Providence Central Branch on Empire Street. If you missed the first day of the sale yesterday (with a $15 cover, sha!) then today is your day to get reasonably priced books that you'll never find anywhere else. Plus, your purchase supports the public libraries in Rhode Island, and lord knows, the library needs our help. If you are a crafter, here's a great opportunity to get books to dissect without feeling so bad about it (I mean, they've already been well loved, right?)

AIDS Quilt

Check out the AIDS quilt on display in the former RISD Works building on Westminster Street today and tomorrow. It's across the street from the RISD library, right at the corner of Westminster and Memorial. If you are walking, continue up Westminster to hit the library sale mentioned above. The quilt was started in 1987 and now weighs an impressive 54 pounds. Crazy, man.

Van Wafels

Get your Dutch on with some Van Wafels. The Wafel brothers will be selling their Dutch-inspired 'stroopwafel' cookies on the Main Green from now until 3 pm. Don't miss out on this fantastic treat!

Where in EL to watch the Big Ten Championship?

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:23:19 EDT

Your Spartan football championship viewing headquarters: The Peanut Barrel

That’s right Spartan fans. Your Michigan State football team is on a bus to Happy Valley, Pennsylvania, to fight the Penn State Nittany Lions for the 2008 Big Ten Football Championship. Kickoff is 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. It will be televised nationally on ABC.

Don’t want to make the 10-hour trek into the middle of nowhere to spend four hours freezing your tail off? Wanna watch it with the Spartan faithful in East Lansing? Where shall I go? Whatever shall I do?

Your Big Ten Championship East Lansing Viewers Guide:

Peanut Barrel -
The best damn sports bar in East Lansing. Sure, it doubles as a neighborhood pub. If you need to light up, this is also the place to goIt is packed for game days, the food is fantastic – my favorite is a Border Burger with Swiss on Rye – and the atmosphere is hard to beat. Loud and tv screens everywhere. Their Long Island iced-teas (maximum 2 per customer) and Bloody Mary’s are legendary. If you hate smoke (I do) and are unwilling to brave second-hand carcinogens (I am willing to absorb the smoke of others), maybe go elsewhere. Food review

Bw-3 -
Now, you want to see some of the pretty college coeds while you watch the Big Ten Championship? Then, head a few blocks down and over the Buffalo Wild Wings/bw-3. It’s a big, big place. Their 22-oz beer glasses make for perfect viewing pleasure. The service is pretty good, as are the hot wings. TV screens everywhere, this is the bar of choice for the college kids of drinking age.

Spartan Sports Hall of Fame Cafe -
Decked out in green and white, Spartan championship banners and memorabilia freaking everywhere, the Spartan Sports Cafe is a great place to watch any game. The five large HD tv’s behind the huge bar make for a sports lovers’ dream. You need to head downtown and up by my house on the north end of East Lansing, just off 127 on Lake Lansing Road. The food is pretty damn good, and the environment for Spartan games is electric. Food review 1 & review 2

The Riv –

This is another old standby, a la the Peanut Barrel. Plenty of tvs, several pool tables to take your mind off the game incase MSU is getting its butt kicked. Just a great mix of the older college crowd and people who really, really need to drink cheap. Food is OK, but the environment is damn good. I saw Appalachian State beat Michigan here, and the place erupted, it was electric. That had me sold.

Other Honorable mentions:

Dagwood’s –
Blue collar, cheap beer, great great food... been serving Spartan customers for over 50 years. On Kalamazoo St, just the other side of 127. Big-time thumbs up. Food review.

Harper’s Brewpub –
Huge tv screens and a very very large bar places the old Dooley’s on this list. The homebrewed beer actually is fairly decent. Problem is the service sucks (worst in mid Michigan) and the food is just as bad – and usually cold. Eat before you go, and you’ll be fine. Food review.

Crunchy’s –

This place is good, but nowhere near the place it was when I was in school. It has certainly dropped a few notches, and I don’t think they have replaced the big projection tv since I was in college 20 years ago – picture quality is for shit. Great food, though. Food review.

Dublin Irish Square –

Proximity to downtown is great, food is exceptional. Seems a bit too clean though; it needs a few years to be broken in. I haven’t been there for a game yet, but I would anticipate it to be fairly rocky. Food review.

The Week in Celebrity Gossip

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:32:47 EDT

Who’s getting arrested? Who’s hanging out with an ex? Who might be in labor? Allow me to fill you in.

You might have heard last week that Ashlee Simpson was in labor, but according to Pete Wentz, who called into TRL’s final episode, the rumors are just not true. Ashlee’s sister, Jessica, told Ellen on her show that they might have to induce labor. That emo baby just doesn’t want to come out! On the upside, that gives us plenty of time to speculate what the baby’s name will be. My money’s on Melancholy.

**Update: They named their newborn baby boy Bronx Mowgli Wentz. Really? Melancholy was better.

Today's video of the week is brought to us by the most annoying militant organization of all time. Most people that aren’t in PETA hate PETA*. They do for the animal rights movement what Tom Cruise does for Scientology…make it creepy and obnoxious as ****. But this week, in what might be the best thing they have ever done, they poured a bag of flour on Lindsay Lohan’s head while she was heading into a club in Paris. Thankfully, someone had a camera handy. The result is more entertaining than every Lohan movie since Mean Girls.

Apparently the other side of the pond is the place to be lately. While Lindsay got floured, Kanye West was busy getting arrested for assaulting a paparazzi in London. He wrote on his blog about the incident in which he put up his hand to block the camera’s view of him. Apparently, in the ensuing commotion, the camera scraped the photog’s nose and hours later the police came knocking because the pap had filed a complaint. Charges were not filed and Kanye is adamant about getting that point across. Thanks for clearing that up, but can you please use a keyboard that doesn’t have a jammed caps lock key?

Not everyone is getting off easy. Heather Locklear has been formally charged with driving under the influence of drugs back in September. She might face up to six months in jail if convicted. I wouldn’t be too worried, if Paris can handle jail anyone can…all 20 minutes of it.

Speaking of Paris, she was seen in Miami with ex Stavros Niarchos, which sent the tabloids into a frenzy. God forbid two people attend the same event but tell that to The Sun who reported the flirtation. Of course, this is Paris Hilton so they’re probably not wrong. You can take the skank out of the girl, but herpes is forever.

In celebrity news more tragic than herpes, Miley Cyrus was NOT killed by a drunk driver as you might have heard from her official Youtube account. The person who planted the fake video was a hacker with too much time on their hand. Because that’s where Miley Cyrus fans get their news about her…Youtube videos. Cyrus had this to say about the hoax, "Oh, I'm ticked. I'm gonna like, smack 'em!” Yeah, maybe if you "smack 'em" hard enough, their cheeks will look as puffy as yours, chipmunk-face.

That’s all the news for this week. Join me next time as we sort through more pregnancies, hookups, breakups and flour bombs.

*That’s right PETA, I’m calling you out. Seriously, if you can find a single piece of fur in my closet, let me know, so I can sell it for beer money. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a delicious steak to enjoy.

A Michigan Athletic Achievement! UM Basketball Knocks Off #4 UCLA!

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:24:48 EDT

It's time to get excited about Michigan basketball

The Michigan basketball team made a huge statement tonight as they knocked off UCLA at the Madison Square Garden. UCLA was ranked 4th nationally and is coming off three straight final four appearances. Freshman Stu Douglass from Indiana hit the go-ahead 3 pointer with just over 4 minutes left and Michigan held on to win with strong performances from DeShawn Sims, who shot 9-15 for 18 points, and Manny Harris who fought for 15. Michigan won’t have long to celebrate their biggest basketball victory since, well, it’s been a long time (Last win against a top 5 team was 1997). They play #5 Duke Friday night in the Coaches vs Cancer tournament championship game at 7:30 pm.

Michigan was 0-10 against ranked teams last year so the early upset should give them a boost of confidence going into the season. Furthermore, the mediocre Tommy Amaker teams of the mid 2000s never made it to the Big Dance because they lacked big road wins against high quality non-conference teams. Should Michigan find itself in the middle of the Big Ten (4th-5th place) at the end of the season and on the bubble, this is a game that could have huge significance. I know, it’s way too early to be talking about The Dance, but this is a very deep team showing signs of fitting the system implemented last year. Beilein did great things at West Virginia and the future is bright for Michigan basketball. All but 3 games this year are free when you bring your M-Card, go and check them out for yourselves.

Only Done One Semester of Spanish? No Problem. Even Penelope Would Fall For This Song.

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:21:54 EDT

The lyrics are elegant, beautiful, mesmerizing and goosebump'esque. His pronunciation is pin-point perfect and the accent is spot-on. But most importantly, it is obviously working on his sultry Spanish maiden in purple.

All thanks to one semester of Spanish in college.

Often times I would sit in the back of my Spanish class and ask myself that all important, "Why do I need to know this?"

Well, here is the answer; you never know when the time will come for you to bust out in Spanish songs of seduction.

This is a tool as important as knowing the chorus to T-Pain songs when dancin' up-on girls at parties and singing in their ear. Or being able to say lines from The Notebook in romantic moments with your lady. Chicks love that shit.

And they will love your ability to sing the sounds of the old Spanish countryside like my man in the black unbuttoned button down.

Not only will college girls love this, but in times of emergency (Penelope Cruz shows up to your party) you will be able to bust this out on actual Spanish speaking senoritas.

So, when you study for next Spanish final, just remember, it is very important to know this amazing language.