College OTR

Girl "Hiding" Under Covers

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 03:41:14 EDT

Where is his hand and her head? Or better yet, is he asleep or at the peak of his night? Hmmm....

Homecoming Ball

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 01:18:52 EDT

This year, Homecoming Ball took place on Asbury Circle. Asbury Circle has become the center of campus recently, where the most students can be seen at any point during the day. In the past, the Homecoming Ball has been on the quad, however after getting complaints from girls about how their high heels were getting stuck in the grass, we decided to make a change.

A giant tent was erected over the old traffic circle, and a second tent was built to the side of the circle nearest the Emory hospital. Little known fact: Emory student will never see a stage facing the hospital because it is school rules that all concerts must face away from the hospital.

The Student Programming Council, the student body that puts on campus’ largest parties, hired both a Michael Jackson cover band as well as the top 20 DJ RJD2, to play at the ball. Around 10:30pm students began to pile into the traffic circle, crowding around the stage. The Michael Jackson band rocked the house. People were screaming at the top of their lungs and grabbing their crotches, Michael Jackson style. RJD2 was a big draw for the students that attended the ball, however I don’t think he was as good as the cover band. In any case, there were about 1000 students in attendance and everyone had a great time.

UGA's Dawg Walk

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 01:02:44 EDT

Well the game wasn't the prettiest, but the Dawg Walk is always a cool experience.

Best Juicy Campus Posts at Boston University

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:41:34 EDT

So I never really caught on to the Juicy Campus thing, mostly because people don't care enough about my social life to post about it online, so I was not fortunate enough to know what went on on the glorious website that is Juicy Campus.

Today I took a couple minutes to learn more about the noteworthy people that I've missed out on at Boston University.

The following are direct quotes from the website (I have changed names out of respect for those being posted about):

Topic: "Guys who flaunt how much money they have"

Best Reply: "... Says the poor person. You shoulda gone to state school!"

-Not hysterical, but pretty funny that people took the time to write about this. It's kind of funny because there are a lot of toolbags that flaunt their parents wealth, but at the same time it's true--it's Boston University.

Topic: "Where is the best place to have sex on campus?"

Best Reply: "what a toolish tread...why don't you get a sock and some KY you
stupid cock sucker. no one is ever going to love you but your
whore of a mother."

-This person was just trying to have a little sexual bonding time, reminisce about that time they banged out on Nickerson field with people watching from the smoking balcony. Forgive the person who is just trying to boost their self esteem a little by seeing that people have "got their D wet" in more embarrassing places and mister pessimist had to come in and rain on the parade.

Topic: "who is this?"

Subject: "ok so about a week ago me and a few of my friends got really drunk at a
frat party and we needed help getting back to west. this one guy actually
walked us home and i wanted to thank him but all i can remember is that i
think his name was "jim" and he was asian and like really big does anyone
know this kid"

Tags: asian "jim"

Replies: Not really that important.

-The fact that somebody used this to thank this kid for walking her home is funny as shit. What is this Craigslist missed connections?

Topic: "Hot RAs"

Best Reply: "MATT GROSS. I would do him AND his girlfriend. 11B WARREN."

-Hahahahaha--did a guy or girl write this?

Topic: "Lisa Silver"

Best Replies (Too many good ones): "loves it up the bum. takes it like an anal queen. its better than
that loosey goosey pussy too."

Reply #2: "Oh Lisa is a f*cking cunt, I fucked her last semester . . . twice.
Not even good. Though, to be fair, she did finger my asshole."

NYU Film Review: Choke

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:36:14 EDT

The first thing I need to make clear, before I say anything about Choke is that, though I greatly enjoy and admire his stories and his gruesome imagination, I truly despise Chuck Palahniuk's writing. I have read every last one of his works through Rant and I cringe through every page of blatant forced "literary technique" amidst what could have been a great, simple storytelling voice. Beyond that, I think the man is something of a perverse genius and I can respect that. I suppose my problem with Palahniuk is the opposite of the problem I previously expressed having with Sloane Crosley - shes a skilled writer with no creative thought and he is a fantastic creative thinker lacking in writing skills.

THIS WAS ORIGINALLY WRITTEN AND EDITED THE DAY AFTER THE FILM CAME OUT:

Anyhow, rather than attempt a night of drinking in yet another day of misty NYC weather, I went to see Choke this past Saturday evening. As I just said, I have read Palahniuk's version of the tale and so I was somewhat eager to see it adapted to the big screen - the way I think all of Palahiuk's work would be most affective. Clark Gregg seemed like a weird choice as the director, especially since this was his first try at it, but overall I think he did a rather good job. Its a compelling story, in and of itself, so it would have been hard to really mess it up, but the directorial aspect despite a choppiness in the beginning of the film, went well. What was slightly off was Gregg's writing, however, that strayed far from the disappointing prose of then novel in places and stuck too close to it in others. Where Gregg allowed himself to get creative - in the use of both Nico and Ursula - I think he did a rather good job of creating the connections in dialogue and action that Palahniuk struggles with. But in scenes like Victor's first attempt at sex with Dr. Marshall or the zoo flashback, Palahniuk's poor character exchanges seeped too deep into the scripting and felt just as forced and unnatural to the characters on screen as it did on paper. Not to mention, Gregg's dialogue is rarely funny, though it is clear where he means it to be. What did work, comedically, were a lot of the situations and so this doesnt really take away from the film too much but it is apparent and slightly awkward for, us, the audience to feel where we were meant to be laughing at certain line, but just werent.

My biggest confusion, though, was Anjelica Huston's performance. At times she was incredible as ever, emotional and riveting and who would expect less? She is a timeless actress with many great roles under her belt. One of my favorites, even. But, and Id like to blame this on the writing, in other moments she wasnt even remotely believable as a psychotic, erratic, senile old woman. For one thing, she looks impeccable throughout the entire movie. I guess I dont know too many loony old ladies but the ones I do know dont have flawless hair, pinned back and kempt, and they arent nearly this witty or lovable. As I mentioned before, the biggest fault in the film is the zoo scene. The whole thing is presented completely ridiculously - and not in the kind of "ridiculous" that was being attempted - and Huston's dialogue is atrociously written and delivered. I wouldve rather not had that bit in the movie at all, thats how much it detracted, affecting my viewing experience even days in the future, just a sour taste in my mouth.

That isnt to say that most of the other characters werent great. Sam Rockwell never disappoints and played the lead of Victor without even so much as a glimpse of breaking character. I loved to hate him in The Green Mile and hes only continued to prove himself between 1999 and now. Plus, he cleans up spectacularly in his personal life. Kelly Macdonald, who I loved in No Country For Old Men played a similar role in both films - that of a docile but semi-intelligible girl of mediocre angelic looks that keeps some reckless male protagonist grounded to reality - continued to delight with her unique voice and looks. But the person I was looking most forward to seeing on screen was Brad William Henke, who won my heart as the lonely but honorable neighbor in Me and You and Everyone We Know. He really is a great actor. Perhaps he plays one role over and over, but I love him for it. Hes just so simultaneously adorable and pathetic and heart-wrenching that I do believe it was his performance that stole the show. Alongside Gillian Jacobs as his stripper girlfriend, I enjoyed their plot the most throughout Choke. When he stands up to Victor for her, man, I liked him a lot.

Overall, I wouldnt say Choke was great, but it was certainly entertaining and worth the $12 or so bucks I had to shell out to see it immediately in New York City. I wouldve done a few things differently but that casting was impeccable and I must applaud Gregg for his first work of directorial art. Im just curious as to what Chuck, himself, thinks of it...after all, Gregg does wrap up the ending in a nice little "Happy Ending" package, complete with a Mile High Club ribbon.

Amanda Kofron, Undiscovered St. Louis Gem

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:34:19 EDT

Im notorious amongst my music-saavy friends for unabashedly loving female crooners - i.e. Fiona Apple, Carina Round, Bjork, etc - and so when a St. Louis native pal of mine, who also happens to be one of the station managers and radio hosts at WNYU, was burning me a CD a few months ago, he put three Amanda Kofron tracks on it. She worked with this friends younger brother while recording and he was certainly right to think Id enjoy it. You Will is a specifically incredible track with powerful vocals along with powerful lyrics and a particularly heartwrenching feel to it. She reminds me most of Adele, Columbia Record's big British sensation of the moment, and thats a pretty decent compliment considering how well shes doing. Amanda writes on her Myspace:

I recently looked back on something I wrote in third grade about what I wanted to be when I grew up, it said "I want to be a singer." It was third grade that I knew.

So check her out. Enjoy this song, at least. For college-aged female vocalists, Id say shes doing something a bit more substantial that anyone has yet realized - along the lines of Mirah and Round - and so I bring it to you first. What do you think?

Voorhee's Vocalist

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 11:59:48 EDT

On your way to Murray Hall, you're likely to pass a gentleman who look like he got lost on the way to Tennessee and decided to stay here instead. Clad in cowboy hat, jeans, and plaid, he sings and strums as the college students rush on by. Sometimes people would stop to chatter with him, but most are too busy to stop and ask him why he picked this place to sing.

I mostly feel envious of him as I run late to class each time, wishing I'm sitting out in the sun with a guitar instead.

Gentrification of our Food, thank you Taco Bell

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 11:44:25 EDT

EL Moe's Firehouse grill has closed its doors. Never heard of it? Neither had I. Still, this closing of yet another mom-and-pop eatery along Grand River is the latest of umpteen different eateries shutting their doors since I attended Michigan State as a freshman (umpteen years ago). It's a revolving door syndrome in East Lansing that, with the current economy, likely will see no signs of turning.

But this closing speaks somewhat to the dumbing down of American cuisine, the gentrification of the American (or, more likely, Spartan) diet... or just plan bad marketing sense by some owners trying to make it.

If you knew where Taco Bell was on Grand River (near Collingwood Rd, Stonehouse Village... or where I knew it, near the Peanut Barrel), then you know it closed up its shop and moved across the street to the new high rise. But, the city didn't tear down the old building. It sat there, like a boarded up Alamo. Until Moe's took over, I guess. The guy who owns Moe's also owns Sahara's restaurant, a damn fine cultural cuisine on the south side of campus off Hagadorn. But noone came to Moe's. Instead, when Taco Bell moved across the street, people didn't go to the Alamo. They went to the new Taco Bell. Instead of getting better food, serving a local business... the clientele opted for the same thing they could get in International Falls, Minnesota. or, in Laramie, Wyoming. or, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. or, in Atlanta, Georgia. (but not in Mexico).

So much for people's diet. I've seen so many good restaurants (don't know if Moe's was any good) come into East Lansing and leave because of the cut-throat nature of the business and the pathetic palate of our youth, it is just a shame to see another yet put a lock-box on the door. When will the youth try something local instead of opting for same-old fast food?

I would put much of the blame of this on the owner. First off, a "firehouse grill" in an old Taco Bell restaurant isn't really a good idea. That thing should be steamrolled -- it looks the same as any other Alamo-style Taco Bell in America. And, it's run down. Second, opening a restaurant in downtown East Lansing in June when the students leave for the summer is just dumb... you lose your prime customer base. Finally, a complete lack of marketing effort - failing to have any promotion or fail to connect the locals to the cuisine - doomed the cause. The Meridian Township Police uniforms on the walls likely scared the students away....

Still, it would be nice to 86 the Taco Bells of this world in favor of local, fresh food instead of something heated in a microwave, prepackaged off of a refrigerator truck from St. Louis. Sigh. So much for the gentrification of our food.

How Many Girls Does It Takes To...

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 10:51:36 EDT

... Pour caramel into crockpots? Here a just a few of the Alpha Chi girls at this year's Frisbee Fest.

Media Schmedia

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 10:37:34 EDT

Since I am taking a feminist theory film studies class I have to ask the question are women being subjected to a masculine idea of what it means to be feminine? If it wasn’t for the media and the images that they put out there of what a desirable women should look like the world would be a different place. Since men are the ones that control the media and what is distributed to main stream America it takes a toll on the type of image that are being shown to women.

Men do not want to see average looking women with average bodies, but in fact they want a breed of supper women with tiny waist, big breast, and long legs. These are the images that are constantly shown plastered on tv shows and the fronts of magazine covers. Very rarely does the media ever showcase an intelligent women with average features, because no man can obviously get a hard on to Diane Sawyer.

I am not trying at all to shove this feminist conception of men being the down fall of our culture, but in fact I am just sharing my wisdom from someone who has spent her whole life constantly working out and grooming myself to fit into this size 2 world of beauty, because when it comes down to it this idea of beauty is a far cry from what the rest of America looks like.

Chalking Reaches All-Time High

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 10:31:31 EDT

The chalking phenomenon goes beyond announcing different organization meetings and events. Is there a chalking art show in our future?

New to the Area

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 09:42:00 EDT

Hell yes, Yale.

You now have your own editor for the Yale CollegeOTR blog.

How special do you feel?

Pretty fucking special, I'll bet.

Mom's going to be so proud when you call her tonight.

(Don't forget it's her birthday next week, beteedubs.)

So how did you feel about that YDN today? Pretty funny?

Yeah, it was the joke issue. Didn't you notice?

Well, they tried at least.

So.

Do you like sports?

Yeah, me neither, really.

Um.

How about the weather today?

Exactly. Warm.

Cool...

...

Yeah, I think it's about time I got home.

Test tomorrow. You know how it goes.

What? Oh yeah, see you soon. Around. I'll call you.

The Race to Rent

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 09:26:23 EDT

Around this time each year, people are seen begging, pleading and even going as far as camping out. No, we aren’t talking about the bums on the street; we are talking about students looking to rent an apartment for their next year. With some of the most expensive real estate in Madison, J Michael & Steve Brown have become house hold names for those who don’t mind indulging in over-priced apartments with over-the-top amenities. The race to rent is as fierce as ever, especially with new buildings such as Lucky as well as old favorites on Langdon Street. So if you are interested in living the life of luxury in a town that most likely didn’t create it, you better get a head start now.

People are doing some crazy things to get their hands on the goods…

If you are looking to live five minutes away from classes and just seconds away from all that State Street has to offer, why not live on the street that houses all the sororities and fraternities on campus. Langdon Street, home of foolishness and frat parties, is also where J Michael decided to build some of his most sought after apartment buildings, such as 619 and 625. These buildings, filled with those who don’t mind spending over $700 a person, will enjoy the luxuries of the location and on-site laundry, as well as bragging rights. With more and more people getting excited about Langdon, the fight for these select apartments has been as fierce as ever. People have been spotted putting letters under doors of certain apartments begging and offering money to seniors who may be moving out. Not only are students providing bribes, they must also pack their bags for a 2 day camp out if they aren’t lucky enough to have someone sign their apartment over to them. With the J Michael system becoming cult-like, giving preference to those already in the JM system, students are on the prowl to make their way in, and up.

Though Langdon Street has its perks, some would rather be away from all the messiness and mayhem Langdon receives on the weekends. Students looking to live further away but in buildings just as nice as those on Langdon are turning to the Equinox and 420 West Gorham, buildings right across from one another. Both of these buildings, furnished and fancy, draw students in each year causing leases to be signed left and right. If you are looking for an apartment unlike any other, attempt to get your hands on one of the penthouses in 420 that offers a sprawling patio and 2 levels of floor space. Now this is what you call over the top; over the top of Gorham, that is.

And just when you thought apartment living couldn’t get any luckier, the 777 hit university and opened its doors this year for those willing to spend close to $1,000 a month per person. Lucky, the building that has merely been a myth until now has its own doorman, floor to ceiling windows, and some of the ritziest kids you’ll ever find. Unlike any other building, Lucky has become like a world of its own, with a food court, maid service and concierge. Sound like a hotel? It pretty much is: a hotel for 20-something students who don’t mind living up high for impeccably high prices. Feeling lucky or feeling broke?

So if you find yourself in the mood to spend big and live it up this year, these buildings just might be up to your standards. From Gorham to Equinox, Langdon to Lucky, these buildings provide it all for those willing to participate in the race to rent.

Smoke Ring: Fail.

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 07:39:03 EDT

I think he needs a few more lessons. No matter, the blueberry + spearmint tobacco was still a tasty combo...

NYU Student Begs for Money

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 07:31:13 EDT

While our parents and professors lose sleep over the loss of their retirement funds and life savings that they’ve been watching slowly fade away everyday, most college students aren’t really feeling the effects of this financial crisis. Since most of us don’t have money in the stock market except for maybe a small share here and there (my mommy got me Disney stock to keep my childhood alive!) we don’t really understand how bad the economy is.

But with that in mind, we can still cut back on a few extras and do some things to try to get a little bit of extra money. While erasing those 2 a.m. Taco Bell visits is probably the best for your bank account (and your love handles and/or beer belly) there are other things you can do…like emailing people you don’t know and begging for money!

NYU student Max Stephenson had the right idea when he sent out an email to his friends, relatives, and acquaintances asking for donations for college.

In a heartfelt email begging for tuition money, Stephenson raised over $5,000 in TWO WEEKS!! That’s a better salary than I can even dream of! You must be thinking this kid has to have some rich relatives or something, but that’s surprisingly not it.

He only asked for donations of two dollars and fifty cents. That’s right--$2.50 aka pocket change for most. By sending this email to only 300 people and asking them to forward it, over 2,000 responded and sent money.

Although that $5,000 won’t pay the ridiculous cost of NYU, it’s a start and it’s more than most college students can say they contributed to their college tuition.

25 Townies Attack ND Students Off Campus

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 06:54:19 EDT

Imagine you're standing outside an apartment complex housing mostly off-campus students, and you see a group approximately 25 townies charge and attack any one standing outside. You should probably visualize the picture above, but times 20, and with more intrinsic-energy-producing fireballs. But seriously, this occurred last weekend at LaFayette apartments, and witnesses say the group of townies was mostly 16-year-old black boys. A handful of Notre Dame kids were assaulted before students took cover inside apartments.

Rumors suspect that this was a part of a local gang initiation, but it's difficult to know for sure. However, it is obvious that the tenuous relationship between Notre Dame students and local residents is getting worse without any signs of improvement. Unfortunately, I don't think there is any chance that similar types of conflicts can be avoided because the hatred of ND students stands on a deep-seeded prejudice toward the privileged members of a higher social class. There's just no changing the fact that some groups of local residents simply look at members of ND as rich, white, conservative pricks.

To quote an Alumni who wrote in the Observer (on a different subject), hopefully the image of Notre Dame doesn't further change "to be a great place to be from, but not a good place to be."

An Ode to the Men of the University of Pennsylvania

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 06:19:21 EDT

Over the weekend, The Punch Bowl, a student-run comedy blog, flexed their poetic muscles and wrote a three-stanza-long ode in honor of the fine gentlemen enrolled at Penn (no – not Penn State).

While it’s all very tongue-in-cheek, the ode itself utilizes many Ivy League stereotypes as a basic framework for its subject matter, and some would argue that these are all loosely rooted in the realm of reality.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide. And so, here’s the ode in its entirety:

Snaps go out to you, Oh Men of Penn, both Anglo Saxons and Jews alike
It is you I envision as I dehydrate on Pottruck's exercise bike
For this institution is laden with gentlemen hailing from as far as Pittsburgh and New Jersey
I don't care about what my therapist said, for you did not coerce me
In the morn, you put me in a cab on 43rd and Pine
Never offer to pay, but that is a burden that is mine

Not intelligent, but wealthy, since to your trust funds you constantly allude
Cultured and Enlightened, patronize Zates and Castle to go around the world in 80 dudes
An open book, because about yourself you remain vocal
Yet you shy away when we are accosted by locals
Grateful was I, when you took me to La Viola, a moderately expensive act of love
Disheartened I was, when I began to show symptoms of the STD you weren't admitting of

So have pity on me as I trudge to your registered party in hair too bleached and heels too high
Reeling from the fact that to my text message you did not reply
Because Oh Quaker man you keep me coming back like a moth to a light
Been hooked since NSO, when you asked, "You're A Freshman Right?"

On second thought, maybe it isn’t satire – after all.

It's Always A Good Time At Ohio State!

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 05:48:35 EDT

Apartment Pregaming to celebrate Ohio Stat's Victory over Purdue, OSU vs. Purude Game!

Just in time for Halloween: Purdue as the effing Shining

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 05:46:16 EDT

It looks like someone is trying to make our school into a D-level movie.

This 2-minute video recently found on YouTube is apparently an attempt to make an admissions-recruiting tool that turned horribly wrong. I guess some sort of disease or zombie infection hit campus and I missed it. Except that it just turns out everyone was just out eating some burgers (no, really, watch the video and you'll get this).

But on second thought, maybe the video's not so bad. Nothing says "great university" like dark creepy classrooms and empty chairs watching Dr. Phil.

Go Green, Go White

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 05:45:43 EDT

Cheerleaders can make any Monday suck less.

Binghamton Party Scene: OcTAUberfest

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 05:28:36 EDT

This past Saturday night, Tau Alpha Upsilon invited guests into their house to celebrate the traditional “Octauberfest.” It was truly a fabulous way to embrace this shockingly beautiful Binghamton autumn we’ve been having.

To get us into the spirit, the brothers of Tau served, hands down, the best beverages I’ve encountered at a frat party. The warm apple pie punch and the pumpkin spice punch proved to be great successes as they were completely gone within the first hour of the party. However, quick on their feet, the brothers were able to conjure up a batch of cosmos before a riot broke out. Of course, the Tau signature peppermint patty shots were in full circulation, as well as kegs. Because you know, what would a frat party be without some hardy kegs? Though, the turnout was incredible, so the alcohol didn’t last.

Its always good to change it up a bit when it come to going out, and parties at the Tau house are most definitely the perfect way to do that. They never fail to come up with novel ways to impress the Binghamton partygoers.

Friday night, the bars were raided, and rumors of a Saturday night raid were afloat. Perhaps that’s what brought so many guests.

Sara B. Rocks the Wiltern

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 04:49:57 EDT

UCLA alum Sara Bareilles performs at the sold-out Wiltern on Saturday night with Raining Jane and Marc Brussard . The singer was a communications major and graduated in 2002. She also won Spring Sing twice while a student.

Survey Shows: BSU Students Would Rather Battle Dark Knight than Save Economy

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 04:44:12 EDT

A recent survey held by The Arbiter shows that while eight percent of Boise students would use $700 billion to bail out Wall Street, a staggering 35% would rather dress up like the joker and burn the money in a pile.

Over four times as many students would rather burn the money than use it in the bail-out plan. Does that mean we have a campus full of die hard conservatives or anarchists? Personally, I’d rather believe BSU has thousands of radical students, fighting the man every action they take. If this were the case, its fun to imagine some of the scenarios we could end up with on campus.

A crazed engineering student rigs the Micron Engineering Center and Engineering & Technology Building with bombs. Students in both building must listen to Professor Haws’ Ethical Dimensions of Technology lectures until one building compiles a rational justification of blowing the other up.

Students in the Quad must decide to save a Liberal Arts professor or a Math/Geosciences professor. When they go to the building to save the instructor, they find the Lib. Arts professor in the Math building or the Math teacher in the Liberal Arts building.

I’m sure these and more difficult situations would arise if this were the case. Fortunately for anyone prone to being taken hostage, 39% of students did express more interest in just holding out for a better plan. If more people are favoring making an informed, politically and economically important decision than cite pop culture, maybe this society does have a chance.

Then again, the numbers were awfully close.

Talk to the Booty

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 04:27:04 EDT

The PINK sweatpant. Can we talk about this for a second? Because I think it's a fascinating trend that has swept up campuses nationwide, the brightly colored, boldly stated, comfy cotton fashion phenom that cushions our behinds and speaks to the issues of our generation. PINK sweatpants are not merely a cutsie covering for our bottoms but also take on education, politics, and romantic relationships with ingeniously simplified zingers like "Think Green; Live Pink;" "Love Team '87;" and "University of Pink." Finally a form of fashion expression that we can all agree on! PINK sweatpants: get yours or look different.

Hot D.I.Y. Halloween Costumes for FSU Girls

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 04:25:45 EDT

"Halloween is the one night a year when girls can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it" - as stated by Cady Heron (aka LiLo) in Mean Girls

As broke college students we often run into the yearly dilemma of trying to decide whether or not to fork out $30+ for a one-time use halloween costume.

What you may not realize, is that there are tons of costume options just sitting in your closet that involve little to no investment. Here are fives suggestions for D.I.Y. (do-it-yourself) costumes for October 31st:

Paris Hilton: She's been off the radar for a while, but now with her awful new reality show you can rock the Paris look once again.

Materials Needed: tight minidress or That's Hot written on tank with denim mini skirt, stuffed chiuaua dog in purse, oversized sunglasses, cell phone in hand, blonde wig, high heels; valley girl accent optional

Greek Goddess: Comfortable and easy to recreate; think 300 or Gladiator.

Materials Needed: white dress (or sheet that can be tied), gold ribbon to criss cross across front, fake leaves to create wreath for hair, gold lace up heels; curl or scrunch hair

Hula Girl: This outfit puts the last of your summer tan to good use!

Materials Needed: bikini top, grass skirt or green crepe paper to tuck into bathing suit bottoms, flower for behind ear, inexpensive flower lei, flip flops; use tanning lotion for an island glow.

School Girl: A classic that never gets old.

Materials Needed: Plaid skirt, white collared shirt tied in knot, white knee high socks, black patent leather heels, pencil behind ear, apple for teacher; hair in pigtails

Pirate Wench: Be Jack Sparrows saucy counterpart.

Materials Needed: white poufy blouse, black corset, lightweight white skirt or petticoat, knee high black leather boots, eye patch, skull scarf to tie around head; parrot on shoulder for extra effect.

Columbus Day Report: Columbians Stuck in Classes

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 04:19:14 EDT

The fact that Columbia doesn't let students and faculty have Columbus Day off is ridiculous, and not just because practically every other school and workplace has a holiday today. As some of you may know, Columbia is named after Christopher Columbus. In other words, today is kind of our special day, a university birthday of sorts: we should all have the day off to honor our namesake (or just to relax and/or party for an extra day).

So why don't we get Columbus Day off? Columbia decided to stop recognizing the holiday a few years ago due to protests and lobbying by the Native American Students Association. I'm usually all for political correctness, and I certainly recognize that Columbus had a problematic history for numerous reasons, but Columbia is still named after the guy, and making students sit in class when others have a vacation accomplishes exactly zilch.

While I scramble to finish the reading for my next class, you lucky kids at other schools will have to enjoy the perfect fall weather on my behalf. If you're in NYC, check out the Columbus Day street fair or see the waterfalls one last time before they close -- today is the last day!

Sweet Tea Vodka Introduces Some Charming Southern Nostalgia Into UGA Students' Hard Partying Ways

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 04:09:00 EDT

Vodka is a quick and dirty way to ride the blackout express, but what if it was also a little homage to the Dirty South? That just may be the idea behind a new type of vodka sweeping the University of Georgia, Clemson and the University of South Carolina.

Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka combines the Southern charm of sweet tea with the wild shenanigans of hard alcohol. The concept is genius: Have students liken getting wasted with lazy days spent with grandma. Because, why not?

Scott Newitt, an LSU alum, and Jim Irvin, a Vanderbilt grad, created the winning combination and launched it this summer. Newitt tells UGA’s Red and Black: "I grew up in the South and drank sweet tea like it was milk." What he failed to mention was that he drank sweet tea like it was milk, but really wished that milk was a strong ass cocktail. Fortunately others don’t have to experience the same sense of deprivation. Interns have promoted it at colleges in the region and the vodka most recently hit Athens, GA.

"I think it's awesome," said Brian Miller, a UGA junior from Charlotte, N.C., in the article. "Sweet tea is my favorite drink and plus alcohol is a winner."

Yes little Brian, alcohol is a winner.

Cornell Sexpert Implores Men to Love Their Butts

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 03:55:04 EDT

Two weeks ago, The Cornell Daily Sun’s resident sex guru/nymphomaniac Liana Mancini, ’09, enthralled readers with her riveting, heartfelt guide to maintaining a long-term, long-distance relationship (“shaking eye-tits to and fro”). Thankfully, she’s back with a new sexaholic-friendly guide to anal sex.

That’s right – Mancini wants her readers – and by proxy, OTR readers – to know that it’s not only OK to take a trip down the Hersey Highway (think about it), but also completely pleasurable for both men and women.

Before all of you sprint for the “Back” button, read to her justification for sexual experimentation first:

For women, it’s “dirty.” For men, it’s “gay.” Interestingly enough, most of those men really wanna stick it in their fearful lady friends’ butts, but it’s “You can’t put your finger there!” when it comes to tickling their own tushes. It’s a strange dichotomy like so many other things in life, but it comes down to this: Don’t let anyone play with your ass unless you can play with theirs. It’s only fair, right? Besides—and here’s the rub of this whole thing—anal stimulation can feel really, really good. Why would you want to let someone else miss out on all the fun?

[…] By denying ourselves certain acts just because they initially make us uncomfortable or because we think they’re gross, we limit ourselves severely. Wouldn’t you rather know you don’t like something than always wonder if you would, if only you had the guts to try it?

In other words, guys, stop being sexual prudes. Next time your significant other goes down on you, let them explore the rest of your anatomy.

Just make sure you shower thoroughly and trim the hedges.

Penn State at Wisconsin Post Game

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 03:34:40 EDT

The No. 3 Nittany Lions routed the Wisconsin Badgers Saturday night, 48-7.

This was the most impressive win the Nittany Lions registered all season. Offensively they were perfect, defensively they were perfect. A copy of this game should be made and sent to all the football programs of all the schools in the nation as an example of how a team should play on the road. The Lions dominated from the first minute to the last; registering only one turnover and one penalty. For the first time all year-and the last decade-I was truly in awe of the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Like I said, the offense played perfectly. Quarterback Darryl Clark threw the ball for 244 yards and a touchdown and ran it for two touchdowns. Evan Royster led the rushing attack with 60 yards on 14 carries. Derrick Williams caught the ball four times and ran a punt back 63 yards for a touchdown. This was his third touchdown return of the season and the fifth of his career-a Penn State record.

The defense played the best game they played all year, holding this prolific Badger offense to just seven points and forcing four turnovers. Lydell Sargeant grabbed two interceptions and Aaron Maybin forced two fumbles. This was the first time all year I watched this defense and really had nothing to complain about. This was the best performance all season by this unit.

I said before this game that this game would be the hardest the Lions would play all season. I still stick by that statement. This was a good Wisconsin team and Penn State just tore them apart. I can't say enough about how impressed I am with this team. Watch out everyone, we are Penn State and we are the real deal.

THE GOOD: The Penn State Nittany Lions

THE BAD: The Wisconsin secondary, plus JoePa was in the press box again

THE UGLY: Wisconsin fans booing their team at half time

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Deon Butler, Derrick Williams

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Lydell Sargeant

NEXT UP: The Nittany Lions return to Happy Valley to take on the Michigan Wolverines

The Great Tufts Blackout of 2008 Recap

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 03:34:35 EDT

For those of you who have been living in the dark for the past few days (I madez a funneh!), here's a recap of what went down on campus this weekend.

*Power went out around 2pm, emergency power begins in all buildings.

*Doors are propped since JumboFOB system doesn't work.

*Mayer Campus Center closes. All campus eateries are also closed.

*During the early evening, power is restored to some parts of campus; this includes Frat Row, Talbot Avenue houses, the Asian-American House, and Dewick (using a Generator). Larry's house has power, as well as Barnum.

*Emergency power runs out on most residence hall emergency lights... totally dark in hallways.

*SendWordNow FINALLY sends out a text/call around 3:15pm (although I didn't receive mine until 7:30pm). Gantcher Center and Cousens Gym are open to student use because they are unaffected.

*Dewick reopens to provide a place for students to sit; serve salad, sandwiches, and melting ice cream.

*Cops patrol campus throughout the night, and several EMT/ambulances are sighted rushing to various parts of campus.

*Lights restored this morning.

If you have any exciting blackout stories to share, or have any additional input or info, leave a comment below, or drop us a line on our tips page!

Death Cab for Cutie Concert Confirms Northwestern Is Dead

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 03:19:48 EDT

Friday night was a bunch of excitement for indie rock lovers. Or at least, it should've been. A&O worked their butts all summer to coordinate bringing Death Cab for Cutie to the Riviera in an NU-exclusive concert.

And that was the problem.

Maybe Death Cab is so 2004 and maybe Wildcat youngins don't remember The OC. Regardless... the concertgoers were having as much fun as the NUDAC president visiting Darfur.

What ever happened to partying, Northwestern? Whatever happened to fun? One of the most celebrated independent acts of our generation was performing their biggest hits and you couldn't bother to move a little? Twist and shout?

And don't give me that "you can't dance to indie music" bullshit. We are way past the grunge era, so why the "deer caught in the headlights" stance? The sound of settling, indeed.

After the concert, the crowds just silently waited for the buses to take them back to Evanston. Even though, they were already downtown on a Friday night. Unbelievable.

Even the A&O kids, who should've been the most excited and rambunctious during the concert, stood in the balcony almost motionless, overlooking the crowd of zombies in their black "oh look at me, I'm in A&O, doesn't that make me soooo ****in' cool?" t-shirts.

The Daily article today quotes lead singer Ben Gibbard, "A lot of times, the crowd will smell like alcohol or maybe they'll smell like weed. You guys smell like coffee."

Hmmm... I don't think that was a compliment.

So next time, whether it's Wilco or Kanye West, Northwestern, please promise me you will enjoy yourself at a concert and not spend the whole time taking pictures with your phone. Live a little and let the music set you free.

Pink And Beer Do Mix At WVU

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 02:33:59 EDT

A girl beer with a pink beer cozy is still a beer after all.

Republican Senatorial Candidate Norm Coleman Pulls Negative Ads

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 02:32:25 EDT

This video from the Pioneer Press begs the question: Does Coleman have a conscience? After hearing Norm state his approval for some of the most venomous attack ads of his opponent, the Democratic candidate Al Franken, that I've ever seen, it's a strange sight to see him decry the mudslinging techniques that have seemingly been the cornerstone of his campaign. Coleman attack ads have accused Franken of tax evasion, writing pornography, laughing at rape, having an uncontrollable temper, and much more, in an overtly vitriolic campaign strategy that has exemplified the ugly side of politics.

Franken's ads have begun responding to Coleman's ads, citing accusations lifted out of context in their original form. The back-and-forth ad onslaught from both parties has actually benefited Independence Party candidate Dean Barkly because people are seemingly sick of the constant bashing taking place on the airwaves. It's been an interesting and downright dirty year for politics.

After announcing his discontinuation of his firmly established snake-oil campaign techniques on Friday, one wonders if Coleman actually feels bad about all this. This announcement comes on the very same day that John McCain visited Lakeview, Minnesota, where he called for his supporters to "be respectful" of his opponent Barack Obama, despite calling him so callously in the very-recent debates, "That One". Like Coleman, McCain has tagged his name on some of the most flagrant negative ads this country has ever seen, connecting Obama to everything from hating troops to terrorism.

Are Coleman and McCain finally feeling the negative response to their unbridled negativity? Both candidates polls are significantly lower than their opponents, and many have cited their attack ads as the reason. But the reason Coleman and McCain run such negative campaigns is because they have no other legs to stand on. They have no other ways to drum up support for their campaign than to diminish the other guy, because their policies are simply not what's right for the country. Where are they going to go from here, I wonder?

Caught On Camera: Tim Tebow Sighting At UF

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 02:12:10 EDT

The man, the myth, the legend. Marry me?

Brandon Tate Out for Remainder of Season, Ends NCAA Career

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 02:10:59 EDT

UNC-CH senior receiver Brandon Tate is out for the rest of the season, ending his college football career.

Tate limped off the field Saturday during the first quarter as the Tar Heels took on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He has been diagnosed with a torn ACL.

Tate led the NCAA in combined kick-return yards with 3,523.

Without Tate, one of UNC-CH's biggest offensive threats, the Tar Heel offense will have to step up their game more than ever. It's time for the receivers to "pull a Cameron Sexton," if you will.

Giant Beer Makes Everything Better At Baylor

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 02:08:51 EDT

Where there is a big blow up bottle of beer, there must be beer nearby.

UMD's Thirsty Turtle Holds World Series Qualifying Tourny

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 02:05:54 EDT

And we're not talkin' baseball here. This is college, we're talking beer pong. I've heard of the World Series of Beer Pong before, but this year it really seems to be expanding. According to an article by the Diamondback, there were over 100 poeple, making up 54 teams, at Turtle this past Saturday to participate in the qualifying tournament.

Now what is this World Series all about? Well, it is held in Las Vegas in January. Last year there were almost 300 entries in the World Series and this year more are expected. Winner takes home a $50,000 prize.

Pretty sweet. The winning duo, dubbed Shawn2, took home the $1000 prize (paid entry to the World Series plus hotel reservations) for Thirsty Turtle's qualifying tournament. What I'd like to know is what exactly they mean when they say "we have been playing together on and off for about three years now." Does that translate to - we play beer pong most weekends like every other college student and we're usually partners except for the occasion when one of us is playing flip cup, doing a keg stand, or hitting on some girl which, in turn, forces the other one to play with a different partner or by himself?

Also, I think the option of playing with water instead of alcohol really compromises the integrity of the game. Half of the battle is being able to endure the dizzy, drunken doldrums of alcoholic embibement. Letting players use water as an option drowns out half of the challenge.

I do have another question to pose. Say the World Series of Beer Pong really does catch on and blows up like the World Series of Poker, are they going to put an age limit on entrance and if not, at what age does it become sad to enter?

That being said, let's go Shawn2! Bring home that trophy to College Park!

Trying to get in on this action? Look out for more qualifying tournaments here.

Click here for more on UMDBeerPong.

Click here for more on the World Series of Beer Pong... they've got a counter until the WSOBP, 80 days...

Homecoming Wonderful Wednesday

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 01:57:58 EDT

Homecoming Wonderful Wednesday was the largest I've seen at Emory. It featured a giant "slam ball" court where students could throw rubber balls at each other as hard as they liked.

USC Opens Anonymous Tip Line, Hopes to Prevent More Campus Shenanigans

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:53:31 EDT

Last year, a USC freshman passed away due to drug overdose. While people on his floor knew he was having drug issues, no one bothered to tell an administrator or Residential Advisor about the situation.

USC is trying to fight back.

USC's division of Student Affairs and The Daily Trojan announced the launch of Trojans Care for Trojans, or TC4T (oh USC and your acronyms), a program that offers an online anonymous tip line. Students merely go to the website (which, despite a lengthy Google/USC search, I could not find) and fill out their concerns. USC Student Affairs will then sort through them and make sure the tips get to the right places, from DPS to the administration to the Residential Community.

Student Affairs hopes that this will lead to a change in the culture of USC Students:

“[The committee] feels that the program will make an impact on the student body,” says [Andrea Torres, director of Student Support and Advocacy]. “Even if it’s not an immediate explosion, we really think that over time it will help us help them and help them help themselves.”

Overall, Torres says she hopes this initiative will make students feel comfortable asking for help — for themselves and for others.

“We want to change that culture to a culture of care instead of a culture of ‘I don’t want to deal with that,’” Torres says.

While the student's death was certainly tragic, I only hope that students use this program for what it's actually designed for-- reporting REAL safety concerns. The last thing we need is another way for Big Brother to keep on watchin' and students reporting "so-and-so is using USC internet to look at porn OMG", or the million fake tips and pranks that I'm sure the website will have to deal with.

I know it's finally getting chilly out there, my fellow Trojans. Be safe, get a mug of cocoa, and bundle up. Winter's on its way

Don't Vote No, Vote HELL NO on Ohio Issue 6

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:38:26 EDT

It's no secret how important November 4th is for Ohioans. Once again, the presidential election is riding on the coat tails of Ohio and we've yet to see for sure which way Ohio will swing. But there's another reason why Ohioans should know the issues and vote this coming election. That reason is the absolutely bull-crap piece of legislation, formally known as issue 6, which is sponsored by a man named Lyle Berman (pictured above) from Nevada.

A yes vote on Ohio's issue 6 would allow a resort casino to be built in Clinton County. The yes crowd claims that up to 5,000 jobs would be created for Ohioans with tax revenues being shared by all 88 counties in Ohio. The vote yes commercials show Ohioans fleeing our state to surrounding states, such as Michigan, Pennsylvania and Indiana in order to spend their hard earned money in their casinos. They go on to insinuate that we Ohioans are missing out on a gold mine of opportunity by refusing to build a casino in our state. But this isn't the first time that Ohioans have had to decide on whether or not to change our state constitution in order to allow casino gambling in our state. In fact, Ohio voters have blocked every attempt made by casinos to rear their ugly head into our state. This time, though, they're bringing out the big guns making it seem like we don't support new jobs and tax revenue by voting no. Obviously that's ridiculous. What I don't support is bringing a gambling addiction into Ohio to watch senior citizens throw their fixed income away while we may or may not receive tax revenue.

As always, it's hard to tell who's telling the truth in policy ads. However, I'm more inclined to believe the vote no ads, since they have a nifty thing called evidence and bi-partisan support on their side. (As if the guy that will profit from this sham paying for all of the vote yes ads and working out of Nevada isn't suspicious enough!)

One vote no ad quotes the Columbus Dispatch on August 23, 2008 saying that "The pro-casino campaign ... admitted yesterday that they [included] wording that could lower the tax rate to zero." Yikes, that kinda defeats the purpose of voting yes. But then there's the issue of jobs.

Yes, a casino would naturally create jobs, but how about we create jobs without bringing in an addiction? We could create more green-campaigns in Ohio, thus creating jobs for Ohioans. One suggestion might be to build wind turbines along the shore of Lake Erie. That would create jobs for Ohioans and I don't think you'd have to worry about people getting addicted to or spending money on wind. Maybe we could finally get to work on that high speed train that politicians in Ohio have been talking about for quite some time. A high speed train would connect Cleveland to Columbus and/or potentially Chicago. Could you imagine the job growth if two of our largest cities in the state were connected? Take a step further and imagine the job growth if Cleveland were connected to Chicago. It may seem far fetched, but a high speed train could get people from Chicago to Cleveland and vice verse in about two hours. High speed trains would create jobs, encourage business growth and be a huge boost for public transportation.

I'll admit, the first time I saw a vote yes ad for issue 6, I thought about supporting it. Mostly I thought about it, because they made it seem like if you don't support the issue, then you don't support Ohio job growth or tax revenue staying in Ohio. But after seeing all of the evidence pointing to the obvious fact that a guy in Nevada is trying to trick Ohioans and increase his checking account, I simply cannot support such an outrageous issue. I wasn't moved to write about the issue, though, until the most recent yes ad aired.

The most recent ad - which I would post here, but am having a hard time finding it online - portrayed citizens of surrounding casino states thanking Ohioans for their money. Although petty and lame, the last straw was when they showed a guy wearing a Michigan football hat, tossing a football around saying thanks to Ohioans as well. To me, this meant that this ass-clown out in Nevada thinks Ohioans are dumb enough to support issue 6 just because a Michigan football fan is teasing us. Yes, Ohioans loathe Michigan football for the most part, but we don't base policy on a hatred for a sports team. If we did Jim Tressel would have led the Ohio National Guard into Michigan a long time ago.

What sucks most about this issue is that it is actually winning the approval of Ohioans. In August 2008, a poll indicated that 60% were in favor and 35% opposed to the issue. However, there's hope. A more recent poll conducted by the Columbus Dispatch revealed that the approval number has dropped to 50% with 41% opposed. It seems that the yes crowd won the first impression battle - as they did with myself as well - but are starting to lose ground now that the facts are getting out and as Ohio politicians (both Republican and Democrat) come out in opposition to this issue.

Miami University readers, many of you have registered to vote in Butler County ever since Democrats swarmed onto our campus registering voters. It might be tempting to vote yes, since the idea of having a casino in nearby Clinton County might be appealing to some. But I implore you to look up the facts and put the well being of Ohio ahead of casino interests. For those of you reading out of state, be weary of these types of issues appearing on your state ballot and work on getting issues on the ballot that can actually improve your state.

We Ohioans have previously rejected three casino ballot initiatives and it's time we make it fourth. Let's vote this craptastic issue down so we can return the thanks to surrounding states for allowing this foolish addiction into their state so we don't have to. On November 4th, vote an emphatic HELL NO on Ohio's issue 6.