thePULSE
OK, so one of the best parts about starting back to school ~ whether as a freshman, sophomore, or upperclassman, is that it’s the perfect time to explore your options ~ college is basically a glorious melting pot of people who have different styles, backgrounds, and ideas, who follow different trends, have different hobbies, etc. Soak it all in! Get creative! Explore! Experiment with the way you dress, the way you decorate your dorm room, the kind of music you listen to, which clubs you hang out at, what you watch on TV, and the coffeehouses where you get that all important caffeine. It’s an adventure. Check out what other people are into. Think you might be a head-banger at heart? Try a Palladium concert on for size. Tired of your “cutesy” dorm room? Redecorate in a more sophisticated style and see how it feels. Never heard of disc golf? Give it a shot! Realizing that you secretly covet your roommate’s vintage look and are ready to ditch your preppy attire? Head to a local thrift shoppe and put together your own take on hippie-chicness. Been dying to try out the latest video game? Find someone in your dorm who has it and introduce yourself. Now, don’t lose sight of who you really are inside, but have some fun trying out new places and looks and pasttimes. You’re going to school in a city that pretty much covers all the bases, so clueing into new trends and opportunties should be easy ~ they’re all around you. So from all of us at Pulse, welcome [back], have a great school year, get out there with your friends, meet some new people, have fun, try something different, and get to know your city!
Coffee, Cocktails, Clubs, and Cuisine
By Rachel Shuster and Vanessa Formato
The Bars and Watering Holes
Worcester is known for its award winning Colleges and Universities, but our eclectic city is also known for its lively and fresh nightlife. So, whether you’re here for your first semester, or coming back from summer break, Worcester has you covered for memorable nights (and some early mornings and afternoons) out.
Worcester’s nightlife can be broken down into various popular areas. Shrewsbury Street, one of Worcester’s most culturally rich and historic areas has the ultimate variety. Stand outs for an informal night include Brew City Grill and Brew House for over 155 types of beer and great food, or Funky Murphy’s for a contemporary twist on the average pub. Mezcal Cantina is the place for life-altering margaritas and late night dancing, while Morocco Restaurant and Bar has authentic Arabian food and belly dancing. Have some of the best desserts and drinks around at Allgos,
The Canal District is one of the hottest areas for nightlife. For a casual outing with friends and an assortment of beers, head to the Blackstone Tap, The Banner, The Perfect Game or Square One. All have great pub food and sports themed décor. Collegians from Worcester State College, Assumption College, Becker College, WPI and Anna Maria College frequent here. For something more formal, visit Spanish tapas bar Bocado. Jose Murphy’s, Blu (alternative), and Fusion are perfect for dancing and the Lucky Dog Music Hall is the place for killer live bands and even some karaoke. They’ve got something going on every night of the week and there’s never a dull moment. Hit The Boiler Room for a taste of New York City hip/chic or ride the bull at the Salty Dog.
Downtown Worcester is known for its music venues as well. Irish Times has huge bars and three floors. The top floor, Club Rehab, is the spot for dancing. Tammany Hall is great for live bands, pool and a casual drink. The Citizen, a swanky new place behind the DCU Center, specializes in wine, cheese and chocolate. The couches and outside lounge are perfect for a relaxing night. Head to The Raven for great bands and a true rock-n-roll ambiance.
Park Avenue ~ on the West Side of the city ~ has both old and new popular spots. You’ll see classmates from Clark University and Holy Cross hanging here. Leitrum’s, a classic favorite, is a typical Irish bar with rustic atmosphere, pool tables, and room for dancing. Snack on popcorn and drink inexpensive beer at the Blarney Stone. For a different vibe, Loft 266 Bar and Lounge, a newbie to the city, has a warm, comfy atmosphere, plus ladies’ night and a yummy menu. Club Universe has dancing, 15 plasmas, patio seating, DJs and great drinks. Beatnik’s has a delish menu, eclectic live music, and a laid-back atmosphere. Closer to Gold Star Blvd, Jillian’s has everything you need: pool tables, yummy food, like music and DJs, and lots of different weekly events.
Right near WPI is Ralph’s Rock Diner, which has to be experienced to be believed. Open late, they serve a casual fare of burgers and chilis that can’t be beat. The real reason to go to Ralph’s, though, is not the funky décor or the perfectly chilled beers, or even the pool tables and eclectic crowd, but the live entertainment featured nightly. They’ve hosted everyone from Alice in Chains to local bands like Wrighteous L and everyone in between. Monday nights at nine, The Dirty Gerund takes over, showcasing Worcester slammers like Alex Charalambides and Nick Davis who take the stage in a show of comic poetry prowess the likes of which has rarely been seen. The “Iron Poet” competition is a must-watch.
If you need more food after all that revelry, look no further than Flats, nestled next to Main Street’s Blarney Stone. Clark student Collette Mauboussin describes it as “great for drunken munchies,” a major selling point for Worcester’s college crowd. The menu boasts delicious pizzas like Di Parma ~ a white pizza including fresh gorgonzola, fig syrup, and prosciutto ~ and white clam. You get your money’s worth, too: these pies are so big that the boxes often come stuffed with extra slices. Flats is a true gem.
The Caffeine
If you love hearty coffee drinks and out of this world desserts, stop by the Bean Counter on Highland Street. It might take you a few minutes to make your choice from their extensive caffeine and dessert menu, but then you can grab the newspaper and relax at one of little tables ~ or just strike up a conversation with one of the interesting folks doing exactly the same thing. Lots of WPI kids hang here, but so do coffee lovers from across the city.
And on the West Side is Nu Café on Chandler Street ~ drop by for some delish coffee and make sure to get there nice and early on Sunday nights if poetry is your thing ~ the Poets’ Asylum hosts weekly features with local poets and national guest poets ~ get ready to laugh, cry, and even be inspired to write your own poem to share!
Acoustic Java, at the corner of Main and Downing, claims that “As music tames the savage beast, coffee civilizes man unkind,” and if anyone’s coffee can do it, it’s theirs. The shop has a bookstore-like vibe and offers tasty, reasonably priced brews in gargantuan portions. If you’re headed for a rough day at the office, try a Shark Attack: 8 shots of espresso over ice, if you dare. Acoustic Java is wallet-friendly compared to corporate coffee shops and boasts some of the most indulgent chocolate chip cookies you’ll ever find.
There are lots of coffeehouses sprinkled around the city ~ and even some coffeehouse/hooka bar combinations. We don’t have room to list them all here, but we bet you’ll have fun finding them and discovering which suits your style best!
The Restaurants
Now if you’re looking for a full meal, you’re in the right place. Worcester has a mind-boggling selection of restaurants, diners, and dessert places. Want to stick with good old American favorites or Italian comfort food? We’ve got it. Out late and craving diner food? We’ve got some of the best diners in the country! Feeling like getting adventurous with some more exotic flavors? Choose from Middle Eastern, German, Asian, Irish, Spanish, Brazilian, Indian, and more. Vegetarian or Vegan? Not a problem, Worcester has a large veggie population and enough restaurants to keep them happy and well-fed. And never mind trying just one place, try them all ~ you never know what’s going to turn on your taste buds like never before! We can’t possibly mention all the amazing restaurants just waiting for you here in the city, so instead, we’re going to direct you to our website that has them ALL ~ www.tasteworceser.com. You can search through restaurants in all the neighborhoods and by kind of food served, BYOB, if entertainment is offered, by price point, whether it offers a romantic setting, and more. From breakfast to brunch to dinner to dessert to late night snack, you’ll find lots of options to explore. Why not start a tradition of bunch of you from your dorm going out to a different restaurant each week, or setting aside Sunday mornings to enjoy brunch together. Take turns who chooses where you go. Know some kids from another school? Invite them along too. Before you know it, you’ll have a network of friends that included people from all the different colleges…
So you might want to start out the school year at a bar, club, or restaurant where you know you’ll see your classmates, then gradually venture out to new spots to meet some fresh faces. No matter how many times you frequent the same spot, or try a new one, you’ll always end the night feeling like Worcester is becoming a little more like home each day. Plus, you get the fun of exploring the city and trying new things. Who knows, you might just discover that there’s been a falafel-loving, mechanical bull-riding, karaoke champ inside of you and you didn’t even know it!
Studying Abroad
One of the Greatest College Experiences You Can Have
By Rachel Bryson-Brockmann
Spending a semester in a different country is something every college student should consider. It’s not as expensive as you might think ~ I studied abroad in London for a semester and my only extra expense was a plane ticket. My program included three classes and an internship at a magazine, so I was fully immersed in the life of a Londoner. Even if your college doesn’t have its own study abroad program, it can point you to a program that places you with other students from around the country. For example, Becker College uses the Center for International Studies, based in Northampton, MA. Just ssk your college for more information.
Rich Rizzo, 21, is another Clark student who studied in London with me. “I went to London because it offered me a unique opportunity to work in an international city while taking classes. I worked at the UK AIDS Consortium, which gave me a real-life working experience. As an intern I was able to attend meetings at Parliament, work collaboratively with other international organizations and do my own independent projects.”
Here’s what some other students who studied abroad had to say:
Scott Coffrin, 21, a senior at Clark, spent a semester in Osaka, Japan, studying Art and Japanese. “I had an amazing time ~ learning another language is a challenging and powerfully rewarding experience. At the first the differences are overwhelming, and it took me a while just to realize that people are just people. I had many friends, foreign and Japanese, while working some small part time jobs including tutoring elementary school students in English.”
Melissa Rimondi, 21, a senior at Becker College, spent a semester in Florence, Italy. Since Becker doesn’t have its own study abroad program, she went through the Center of International Studies and lived in an apartment with 7 other girls from different colleges. “I never thought living in Italy would be a reality, but it became one. I felt so comfortable living there, and I realized how special of a place it was and how important it is to learn about different cultures. I want to try to get a job there, or at least go back and visit.”
Margaret Kettles, 20, also senior at Clark, spent her fall semester in Namibia, Africa, where she had an internship at a local organization dealing with gender and HIV/AIDS. “I had three short homestays, including one where I lived in a dung hut ~ stinky!” she said. She spent her spring semester in Trier, Germany, where she took classes at the University of Trier and lived with a host family. “I saw the vast differences and inequalities in ways of life around the world. I enjoyed getting to eat zebra and drink German beer. I’ve travelled to fifteen countries this year as a result of study abroad and what was most eye-opening was how different their cultures were, but the greatest learning experience for me was finding all of the hidden similarities.”
Katie Higgins-Beer, 22, another senior at Clark, studied in Buenos Aires, Argentina. “Buenos Aires is made up of lots of different types of neighborhoods, and there are chances to explore many different types of cultures. I really enjoyed living with my host family, and enjoyed a new type of freedom with great public transportation.”
If studying in a foreign country is something that interests you, do some research. Talk to students who’ve gone abroad, do some reading on countries with which you’re a little bit familiar but also ones that are complete unknowns to you. Do you want to learn a new language or practice one you already know? Are you curious about the country where your grandparents were born? Is there a particular overseas program that is involved in the kind of social change that is close to your heart? Do you simply want to explore a different culture through its art and architecture? Definitely consider taking one semester out of four years to experience studying abroad!
Games, Gadgets, and Gear
(and a little interior design)
By Thomas Hodgson
What’s the saying? “All work and no play…” Well, no-one can argue with the fact that college does require some studying and you should probably make that a priority. But then there’s that all important down-time, when you get to exercise other parts of your mind and indulge your tech-gadget-lovin’ side. So in honor of that side, here are a few trendy items that might just strike your fancy (shhh, one might even help with your school work, but don’t let that deter you).
TRITTON AX Pro Gaming Headset
Wanna stay up nerding well into the witching hours but don’t want to disturb the other two people in your force triple that aren’t insomniacs? One word: TRITTONs.
Where as other headsets only work specifically for a single console, TRITTONs serve cross-functionality with all gaming systems and computer formats. Four speakers in each ear cup blasting Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound will provide an unparallel gaming experience until the birds start chirping, but you’ll be too busy to hear them when you’re listing to the pristine 3D positioning of enemy footsteps or spent shells hitting the ground.
blik Re-StikTM Wall Art
Ever wanted to live like you’re in the Mushroom Kingdom but don’t have enough mushrooms to do it? Blik wall art has you covered, literally. The self-adhesive decals will change that sterile white dorm room into a beautiful work of art, or a testosterone palace of bachelor delights. Revel in 8-bit heaven and dress your walls in the side-scrolling landscapes of Super Mario Bros. or the familiar scenes of Donkey Kong and Asteroids.
This stuff is like wallpaper for young adults, before mid-life crushes down upon your hopes and aspirations and fake wooden paneling seems like a good idea.
www.whatisblik.com/shop/super-mario-bros
Halo: Reach
On September 14, 2010, your productivity will plummet 19854% when Halo: Reach hits store. You’ll lose sleep, you’ll miss class, and what seems like your15th paper about Hamlet will never get done.
The best part about Halo is that it’s a social experience. Instead of sitting in a room alone slaying dragons adding to your agility stats (and rep as a total hermit), Halo makes it cool to hang out on a Friday and frag with your friends. It’s a universal language of enjoyment, helping transcend all preconceived notions of dorm cliques. It will also help you show that douche bag kid from Intro to Law how you really feel.
www.bungie.net/Projects/Reach/default.aspx
Droid X
Featuring an 8-megapixel camera with 4x digital zoom, 720p video recording, a massive 4.3 inch screen, Wi-Fi, an HDMI output, and a blazing CPU to text “lol letz gt drnk” to your friends really fast, you may forgot this Android phone can be used to call people. Just be careful when the party’s going strong that no-one spills a bottle of cheap vodka on this portable NASA computer.
Livescribe Echo Smart Pen
Let’s be completely honest with each other: taking notes sucks. Enter the Livescribe Echo Smart Pen, which will revolutionize the classroom experience. It records what you hear and links it to what you write and draw via the bundled notepad. You can then press on a word and it will sync to the audio recorded while you were writing it. The device can also connect via USB to your computer and archive your notes, making them searchable by keywords. Available in 4GB and 8GB models, the Echo Smart Pen will help pull you in from drifting off to the freshmen walking by outside.
www.livescribe.com/en-us/smartpen/echo
And lastly, the obvious…
An LCD HDTV
No dorm room is complete without a good TV. For gaming, Blu-ray movies, and the next UFC pay-per-view, brands including Samsung, LG, and Panasonic have released competitively priced models with similar 32” 720p builds (at Best Buy for $399.99), all of which are indistinguishable from the next and deserving of your parents’ money.
Get Culture-ized!
By Erin Hansen
Now, part of the college experience is getting out there and getting some culture (or “culcha,” if you prefer). Worcester is recognized far and wide for the quality and variety of its cultural organizations and venues, so whether you are in the mood to take in the world-renowned collections and special exhibits at the Worcester Art Museum or tour the smaller ARTSWorcester gallery, spend an evening listening to classical music at Mechanics Hall or Tuckerman Hall, see a show at The Hanover Theatre, explore one of the smaller galleries at one of the Consortium schools (for example, The Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Art Gallery at the College of the Holy Cross has wonderful exhibits throughout the year), or get medieval at Higgins Armory, you’re bound to find something that’ll stimulate your senses. Keep at eye out for poetry readings, plays, master classes, StART on the Street artists/vendors, and more at a host of other sites around the city, too, including outdoor spaces like Elm Park and Institute Park. Worcester has a huge artistic community and thanks to them, there’s never a dull moment regardless of whether your tastes run towards the more classical and conservative or towards the avant-garde and experimental!
Second-hand Scores
By Ashley Klann
We all know college students are naturally thrifty. If you have a job, it’s part-time. Books aren’t cheap, and parental love only runs so deep. When you’re strapped for cash, secondhand shopping is an easy way to save and get awesome stuff for your wardrobe and your dorm.
Worcester’s Salvation Army (Cambridge Street) and Goodwill (Park Ave/Gold Star Blvd) are what you’d expect: dirt-cheap, well-organized, crammed shelves of worn but often great finds. And If you’re thinking of hosting a costume party for Halloween, look no further for costume jewelry and wacky, tacky attire.
Saver’s, with locations on Park Ave. and across from Lincoln Plaza, is another great option. All of their clothing is color-coordinated, and they have shelves of household goods and appliances if you’re looking to make an affordable addition to your interior. These stores usually have tons of books and CDs also. Keep an eye out for bargain days at these stores, and you’ll save even more.
When you’d rather those thrift store gems in the rough already be sifted out and refurbished for you, The Canal District is your destination. Though it isn’t next door to any campus, getting out and about in Worcester is worth the walk, and the area is budding with secondhand stores. Alexis Grace on Harrison Avenue will give you an excellent bargain for your buck. While they do carry posh, one-of-a-kind, vintage beauties, you’ll also find a dollar bin in the back with great options, no matter your price range. Also on Harrison Ave. is Blackstone Vignettes, where you’ll find tons of retro accessories, furniture, and decorations. Both of these shops also carry unique crafts from local artisans. Joining these two shops in the fall will be Provenance on Green Street, which will focus on furniture.
Regina’s Fabulous Finds, located on Prospect Street in West Boylston, is also a great stop for all things fabulous, from jewlery and other accessories to home/dorm décor.
Unique Boutik on Highland Street carries authentic, high-end, vintage and some new boutique lines for a good mixture of fine fashion. Though the prices are higher, all of the items are in excellent condition. The boutique also has outstanding vintage pendants and broaches.
Retro is in right now, and these Worcester shops will give your wardrobe a retro makeover that would have given Twiggy a run for her money.
Some of the hottest trends for back to school (for the ladies) will be super-easy to find at thrift stores:
Leather (or preferrably Faux Leather) Jacket
Floral Dress
Shorts
Waist-Cinching Belts
Statement Scarves
Pearls
Classic (or Not-So-Classic) Blazer
The LBD
The Nautical Striped Top
Dorm Room Basics
Balancing Personality and Practicality
By Tine Roycroft
Summer’s over and it’s back to the dorms. Here are some helpful hints to make your home away from home as perfect as possible.
Prepping
Schools typically provide lists of prohibited items, soyou’ve probably already made sure you aren’t hauling anything to campus that will ultimately need to be hauled back. Leave those totally cool but highly flammable paper lanterns at home with the ‘rents.
You’ve also probably talked to your roommate already before even hitting the stores/doing your final packing session. Whether you’ve never met before or you’re old friends or you’ve at least emailed back and forth a few times, it’s important to have discussed décor likes and dislikes, as well as who planned to bring what. There’s no need for two coffeemakers taking up space, for example. If you haven’t had a chance to chat (sometimes it’s just a bummer to admit that summer is over and it’s time to deal with actual school-related stuff), realize that you’re going to have to be ready to do some compromising ~ more if you’ve got suite-mates rather than just one roomie. Sure, let her put those Twilight posters up, but that means your fuzzy pink beanbag gets to stay, too.
Organizing
Keep in mind you need to sleep, eat, hang out and study in this room. It has to do the job of a house in about 1/20th the square footage. Rearranging the space can help accomplish this goal. Try stacking the beds in bunk formation, leaving floor space for desks (studying) or a futon (lounging, entertaining.)
Make the most of your closet space with hanging shelves for clothes and shoes. Underbed bags can provide great storage for out-of-season clothing or items that you don’t need on a daily basis. Hooks placed on the backs of closet doors also come in handy.
Small desk shelves keep assignments in order and a corkboard above the desk is a great place for pictures and notes. A whiteboard posted on the back of the room’s door is a convenient place to leave messages for the roomie.
The more stuff you can keep hidden but handy, the better. It’ll give you more room plus help you avoid arguments about whose fault it is that the room is so messy.
And remember that room set-ups don’t have to be a year-long or even semester-long commitment. Configuration not working? Need to evolve your original vision now that you’ve discovered that yours is the room where everyone on the floor comes to hang on Saturday nights? Go for it!
Enjoying
Once the tough stuff has been accomplished and all the kinks work out, look around and realize that this space is yours…it’s your nest, your safe haven from the hustle and bustle of classes, your place to retreat and just be you.
A word to the wise ~ check out thrift shoppes, consignment shops, even Dollar Stores…you just might find what you’re looking for…and if not, make a trip to Target or Wal-Mart part of a “getting to know each other” day with your roomie.
Worcester’s Extreme Sports
By Sally Horowitz
The 13 colleges in Worcester ensure that athletes have easy access to their swimming pools, basketball courts and soccer fields. But those who prefer their sports a bit less regulated ~ and a bit more extreme ~ must venture off into unknown and wild Worcester to get their kicks. Fortunately, The Pulse has a few suggestions to make that venture easier:
SKATING
Subliminal Skate Park, located in nearby Shrewsbury, is a mostly wooden indoor park complete with a mini ramp, bowl and street course. All obstacles are designed by owner and long-time skater Jason Moelk and friends. It’s $15 for a three hour session and helmets are required. Pro tours frequently stop by the park, so check their website for a heads up on events. There is a shop in the vicinity, but Moelk also recommends Concrete Wave in Worcester for shoes and boards. But for those who want to try out some local-made boards, go to the FYC on Pleasant Street in Worcester to get a custom hand cut Tasty deck.
DISC GOLF
“The first time I ever played disc golf was at Newton Hill,” says player Joe Boudreau. The course, which leads through the scenic and wooded hill (located right off Park Ave. in Worcester), begins in the parking lot of the Doherty Memorial High School. But be warned, players are not allowed there during school hours. “It’s a challenging course, but it’s fun. Especially because it’s in such a pretty area,” Boudreau adds.
ROCK CLIMBING
With terrain over 40 ft. high, Worcester’s Central Rock Climbing Gym is a must-go destination for any climber. There are several courses for new-comers as well as training sessions and yoga classes. An all-day adult pass is $14. As one (slightly quivering) first timer says, “You really do get your money’s worth…just not if you’re scared of heights.”
Music
By Tine Roycroft
Radio Stations
Sure, when we’re out jogging or using the gym, we’re usually plugged into our iPod. And Syrius rules our time in the car. But most of us still have a faithful old radio that turn on when we’re puttering around our dorm room ~ or we want a station we can tune into on the web when we’re surfing or just answering emails.
Check out 104.5 WXLO FM to get your fix of the latest hits from Pink to Kanye West, Maroon 5 to Sarah Bareilles. Their morning show, with Jen Carter and [the very funny] Stephen Donovan, makes it easier to face the day, too.
Need to chill out with some Jazz or Folk music? Try 90.5 WICN FM. In addition to a wide-range of accessible music, they offer wonderful concerts featuring both world-class and local musicians and a number of their events are free to the public.
Bringing back the glory days of the true indie rock station, when you felt like you were a part of the evolution of music, is NEGB1 Radio ~ listen to new indie bands from around New England (with a heavy concentration of Worcester County talent) before anyone else does and right before they hit it BIG. Head to www.negb1.com/radio on your cpu, iPhone, or Blackberry and listen 24/7.
For your fix of news and sports, turn that dial to 94.9 WTAG FM and stay on top of Central MA happenings.
And naturally, for the best hard rock around, it’s WAAF (and their crazy line-up of DJS ~ from the sexy, no holds-barred Mistress Carrie to the hilarious Kevin Barbare to LB, HSU and Spaz, these guys are tuned in (pun intended) to the music scene like no-one’s business. They ARE the Big Kahuna. Find them at 107.3 and 97.7 FM.
Also make sure to check whether your school has its own radio station ~ that’s the perfect place to hear som underground tunes AND maybe even get involved in the programming.
Live Music
Worcester has a bevy of amazing music venues and clubs, but here are few that really draw the crowds . To find out everything that’s happening in the live music scene, check out our Club Listings every month in Pulse. From rock to folk to reggae to metal to funk to grindcore to whatever the DJ feels like playing, Worcester have something for every musical taste almost every night of the week.
Tammany Hall, at 43 Pleasant Street in Worcester, consistently rocks the weekends of Worcesterites and never disappoints with their line-up of local musicians. They’re an 18+ venue, so the younger friends can tag along.
The Lucky Dog, at 89 Green Street in Worcester, has been a live music favorite for years. They have a great variety of bands (including “house band” Flock of Assholes, a chill rock-n-roll environment with karaoke on the last Monday night of each month, an special nights throughout the week. From the hardest metal to the best cover bands, you’ll find it here at the Dog.
Ralph’s Diner, at 148 Grove Street in Worcester, is an intimate venue where you can experience the passion of the music, up close. The backyard patio area is the perfect place to chillax and enjoy a tasty adult beverage. Almost every local band (and many national ones) call Ralph’s their second home.
The Raven, relatively new on the scene, has rapidly become one of the best music rooms in town. The bands rock, the acoustics are awesome, and you’re going to have a good time, guaranteed.
Freshman? Sophomore? Can’t get into ~ literally ~ the music scene? Head to The Palladium for great heavier-genre concerts that are all-ages. It’s General Admission, so no assigned seating. The Palladium has affordable ticket prices perfect for the tight budget. A lot of clubs have 18+ shows on specific nights, too, so you’re not going to feel left out at all.
The DCU Center brings in some great music, too ~ from Rob Zombie to The Eagles to Nelly Furtado, and those shows are all ages as well ~ and there’s tons of parking available downtown!
So just get out there and support live music, whether it’s the big name acts or the up and coming bands ~ or better yet, both!
And if you’re interested in starting your own band while away at school?Besides challenging you (we hope) academically, college affords you the opportunity to experiment with your own interests that may not seem practical/worthwhile to the real world (ie parents!). But sometimes, with the right mix of people, talent, ambition, and luck, college can be the perfect opportunity for artistic collaborations that will turn into something big. These ten bands started in college, but ended up playing for millions of fans all over the world and selling millions of records worldwide. Bet their parents are pretty proud now!
1. R.E.M.: University of Georgia
2. MGMT: Wesleyan University
3. Radiohead: an all-boys school in Oxfordshire, England
4. Better Than Ezra: Louisiana State University
5. The Strokes: NYU
6. Styx: Chicago State University
7. Pink Floyd: Regent Street Polytechnic in London
8. Coldplay: University College London
9. Queen: Imperial College
10. Creed: Florida State University
TV and WEB
By Rachel Bryson-Brockmann
There’s no denying that most of us turn to the web or our TVs at least some of the time when it’s time to unwind ~ when we just want to laugh or forget all about the months of hard work in front of us, or about that guy or girl who just isn’t asking us out as fast as we’d like. TV shows are a great reason to gather a group of people you’d like to hang with but haven’t quite made the leap to “friends” yet. So post a sign on your door inviting everyone to come by your room to watch, email a few hotties you noticed in English class, whatever. It’s a totally non-awkward way to hang out. Think you’ve met some folks who have the same warped sense of humor that you do? Grab the laptop, gather round, and just laugh at some of the absurd web stuff that’s out there.
So what are a few of the shows and websites that might get the party started? Take a look:
Television
“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”
Join the gang as they return for their sixth season on Thursday, September 16 on FX for more outrageous, politically-incorrect humor. This comedy follows a group of friends who work at Paddy’s Pub ~ Charlie (Charlie Day), Mac (Rob McElhenney), Dennis (Glenn Howerton), Sweet Dee (Kaitlin Olson) and Frank (Danny Devito), who adds another layer of insanity to the show as a demented father figure. Their warped and more-than-slightly deranged personalities always get them into trouble. Some highlights: in Season 1, the group opens their bar to underage drinkers and end up getting asked to the prom; in season 2, Dennis and Dee become drug addicts in order to receive welfare money; and in season 4, they attempt to redecorate a poor family’s home a la Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, but end up completely demolishing it. This season, Sweet Dee is pregnant… watch and see what happens when a baby is thrown into the mess!
“Weeds”
If you haven’t been watching “Weeds,” which started up on August 16 on Showtime and runs Mondays at 10pm, you’re missing out bigtime. It’s a dark comedy/drama about a suburban mom who became a pot dealer after her husband unexpectedly dies. Nancy Botwin (Mary-Louise Parker) starts by selling and growing marijuana locally, but in later seasons she gets involved in smuggling other contraband from Mexico to the U.S. She complicates her life further by first marrying a D.E.A. agent (who later gets killed) and then a Mexican drug lord / politician. There’s never a shortage of drama in Nancy Botwin’s life – which seeps into the lives of her two children, Silas and Shane, and her loveable pothead brother-in-law Andy. Last season left us with the young, troubled Shane committing murder, so the family escapes to Canada and takes on their first normal jobs working in a hotel. It seems the Botwins may finally try to lead a normal life ~ but if you know excitement-craving Nancy, you know that can’t be for very long.
“Outsourced”
NBC has added another sitcom to its already comedy-packed Thursday night ~ “Outsourced” premieres September 23 after “The Office.” Based on the 2006 romantic comedy of the same name (which won the Best Film award at the 2007 Seattle International Film Festival), it’s set in India and centers on an American company that sells wacky Midwestern novelty items like mugs in the shape of a toilet or giant cheese wedge hats. Wanting to cut costs, the company’s call center has been outsourced to India, and the manager of the call center, played by Ben Rappaport, is transferred to India to run the operation. And as one would imagine, funny culture clash arises.
(And shhh, we’ll keep “Glee,” “Gossip Girls,” and all those reality shows that we pretend we’re not watching ~ and secretly loving [and yes, I mean you GUYS, too!] a guilty pleasure secret just between us, OK?)
Websites
Ever wish the Internet was only full of websites that YOU found interesting? The Internet community called “StumbleUpon” allows you to channel-surf websites that fit only your personal interests. Added on to your toolbar, you can click “Stumble!” and browse through pages of interests that you have specified – anything from ‘Alternative Rock’ to ‘Travel’ to ‘Spiritualism.’ With over 500 interests available to choose from, you’re sure to find a ton that you like. If you find a page you really like, you can click the “like” button, and that page will be saved to your StumbleUpon profile—so you’ll never lose that really cool website you found. You can also send those websites to your friends, with just a simple click.
“Be Very Afraid” is the motto of the website Dlisted, and well, you should be. Written like an evil but extremely witty ‘mean girl,’ the website updates many times per day with celebrity gossip – with a twist. With snarky and vulgar language, writer and creator Michael K. insults celebrities with catty nicknames such as ‘Lady CaCa’ and ‘Parasite Hilton.’ His absurd insults will have you laughing all day.
Visit Neave.com, the work of London-based interactive designer Paul Neave for something a little bit magical. You can stare into a strobe animation for 20 seconds, and then look up at the wall – your vision will have so altered that it seems like you’re underwater. You can explore space and constellations with ‘Neave Planetarium’ or play retro games such as Snake, Simon or Frogger. You can watch colorful balls bounce in accordance to the music you play on your computer (or even your own voice). There’s a lot more to check out, too – it’s a website of wonder.
If you want to know what the Internet is “buzzing” about, look no further than Buzzfeed.com. It “…tracks the web’s obsessions in realtime,” searchingfor trendy stories and then posting them with a video, image or link. Cofounded by the same guy who created the Huffington Post (the most popular Internet newspaper), it really captures exactly what’s going viral on the web at that time ~ from an image of Megan Fox’s awkward seventh grade yearbook photo to a video called “Winston the Cat Eats Watermelon.” Without a doubt, you’ll be entertained.
AND WHAT ARE THE TOP TEN COLLEGE HUMOR SITES ACROSS THE NATION?
College Humor (www.collegehumor.com) – This one is kind of obvious, as the site has been around for a while (since 1999). The number one humor related website among College Students.
Points in Case (www.pointsincase.com) – All original college humor that features funny quotes, comedy articles, weekly columns, daily blogs and funny Instant Message conversations. It first began as a humor column posted in the dorm bathrooms of Emory University and over the years has become a haven where College students can cure boredom, procrastinate and “spur your imagination”.
Fark (www.fark.com) – Interesting, bizarre and amusing news stories, along with regular photoshop contests, Fark is a different kind of news site that highlights random and funny stories throughout various news topics.
ComedyCentral.com – Our favorite comedy station on the web. It includes show previews, games, jokes, videos and downloads from all your favorite Comedy Central shows like The Colbert Report and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
The Onion (www.theonion.com) – The Onion is known for its unbiased coverage of national and international news with an interesting twist.
Overheard at College (www.overheardatcollege.com) – Features quotes heard at college. It’s a site where users can upload and post funny things they hear at their school.
Break.com – Is a leading entertainment channel online for guys that features user generated videos, humor, comedy, hot chicks & pictures.
Funny or Die (www.funnyordie.com) – Funny or Die is a competitor to YouTube, founded by Will Ferrell. Videos are voted on by users of the site. Those videos that are deemed funny stay, but those that are not “die.”
AND JUST FOR THE GUYS:
Check out www.thecampussocialite.com and then head to “Blob Fraternity” on the right side of the page. With options like “Living with Balls,” “BroBible,” “Fantasy Phenoms,” “Beer Goggler,” and some links we can’t even print here, rest assured, you and your testosterone are going to want to thank me.
We know you’ve got a bunch of your own fave shows and sites, and that’s the great thing about hanging out with friends (or emailing the ones who always seem impossible to get fact time with!) ~ you can exhange faves and turn someone on to what just might become their new favorite show or the website that (uh-oh) distracts them from their homework just a little too often…
Want to serve something a little fancier than soda when you’ve got a group coming over to watch your favorite show ~ but everyone’s under 21? Here are some great virgin drinks to try:
Nada Colada – a tropical treat without the buzz!
2 cups pineapple juice
1/3 cup cream of coconut
1 1?2 tsp. rum extract
1?2 cup crushed ice
Combine ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Garnish with pineapple slice and add a sugar cane swizzle stick, if desired.
Bora-Bora
Bora-Bora is part of French Polynesia, near Tahiti. The pineapple juice flavor conjures up the flavor of tropical islands amid azure seas.
Ice cubes
3 measures of pineapple juice
3 measures of dry ginger ale
1/2 measure of grenadine
1 teaspoon lime juice
1 slice of lime
1 maraschino cherry
Pour the pineapple juice, grenadine and lime juice into a cocktail shaker half filled with ice cubes. Shake well and strain into an ice filled glass. Top up with the dry ginger ale and garnish with the cherry and slice of lime.
Pomala
Cola drinks are the world’s most popular drinks, but a touch of lime juice can add zest to an ordinary iced cola.
Ice cubes
5 measures of cold cola
1 measure of lime juice
1/2 measure of grenadine
1 slice of lime
I maraschino cherry
Put the ice cubes in a highball glass. Pour in the cold cola, the lime juice and the grenadine. Stir and garnish with the cherry and slice of lime.
Acapulco Gold
2 tbsp. Coconut
2 oz. pineapple juice
1 oz. coconut cream
1 oz. whipping cream
Put all ingredients in a blender and blend well.
Baby Bellini
2 oz. Peach Nectar
1 oz. Lemon Juice (Fresh)
Cider (Chilled)
Mix the fruit juices in a champagne flute and stir in cider.
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