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Best Of's
Five Best Ways to Procrastinate
by Gretchen Hannes
1. Feng Shui Attack
Have a feng shui attack �" make sure your desk isn’t on the west wall, move your books so they don’t face your body while studying or sleeping, and buy some plants or a beaded curtain you can use to prevent your roommate’s negative energy from gravitating to your side of the room.
2. Turn on MTV
One can never watch an episode of Laguna Beach too many times. Or Real World. My Super Sweet Sixteen is good too. Oh, and don’t forget MADE. Just saw an episode last night? It doesn’t matter �" it often takes multiple viewings to really grasp the complexity of these shows.
3. Postsecrets.com
Make your latest online procrastination obsession www.postsecrets.com, a site that displays anonymous postcards people have sent in with secrets that range from disturbing to funny to poignant. Some examples are “These days, I want enchiladas more than I want sex” and “I give decaf to customers who are rude to me.” New secrets are posted every Sunday, and you can almost always find a postcard that is one of your secrets, too. Or, try submitting your own. A PostSecret book will also be available soon, for even greater proscrastination.
4. FitWell
Take a class at the FitWell Studio like Hip Hop/Jazz to pick up some new moves to use during the impromptu dance parties you hold in your room when you should be studying.
5. “Study” in the Sunken Gardens.
Simulate productivity, when really, you’re doing nothing. Get distracted by a Frisbee game, engage in a little people-watching, and after that turn on your iPod while telling yourself you can totally study and listen to Coldplay at the same time.
Five Best Do - It - Yourself Dining Hall Creations
by Rebecca Hamfeldt
1. Sno-To-Go
Yep, you can make it at the dining hall too. While it’s not quite as stellar as the real thing, just grab a take-out cup and fill it with alternating layers of soft serve vanilla and whichever flavor you like from the slushie machine. Now you don’t have to be sad that Sno-To-Go closes for the winter.
2. Fresh fruit salad
Sometimes, canned pineapples and peaches just don’t cut it. So take advantage of the fresh fruit displays and grab an apple, a banana, a peach, or whatever you like and slice them all up! Sprinkling a sugar packet from the coffee area over your fruit mixture will make it a bit sweeter and juicier. And be on the lookout: the UC has been known to have fresh strawberries this year.
3. Fresh Rice Krispies
Sure you can eat the ones that are already made, but who doesn’t want warm Rice Krispie treats? Take some mini marshmallows from the hot chocolate station and combine them with butter and rice krispies. Briefly place ‘em in the microwave and enjoy!
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4. Bacon and Egg Bagel Sandwich
Send a bagel into the toaster. While you’re waiting, head to the buffet line for some scrambled eggs and bacon, or a sausage patty, if that’s what you prefer. Pick up your bagel and add on the eggs and bacon. If it’s the weekend, head to the salad bar and add cheese and/or whatever veggies you like!
5. Eat out
Sometimes the most creative thing you can do is give the wonderful Dining Services staff a break and go out. Nothing says “I’m not eating at the UC” like a Cheese Shop turkey sandwich with tomato and house dressing, a bottle of sparkling French Berry water, chips and a pecan bar.
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Five Best Pop - Punk Albums
by Gretchen Hannes
1. The All-American Rejects �" Move Along
You’ll listen to their first CD so much you’ll almost wear it out. Though it doesn’t quite measure up to their self-titled debut, their new album is definitely worth listening to. Throughout the CD, characterized by distinctive vocals and infectious guitar riffs, they try everything from strings to choirs to piano solos.
2. Fall Out Boy �" From Under the Cork Tree
Listen to it for weeks on your iPod. Each song is unique (with interesting titles such as “Our Lawyer Made Us Change The Name Of This Song So We Wouldn’t Get Sued”) and clever lyrics that people can relate to. The vocals are powerful, the hooks are catchy and almost every song is fun and energetic.
3. The Click Five �" Greetings from Imrie House
If you’re really anti-pop-punk, this album will probably make you gag. There’s nothing revolutionary about this guilty-pleasure CD, but every song is slick and bouncy and has a chorus you won’t be able to get out of your head. The lyrics aren’t particularly clever, but the music is perfect for car-dancing and days when you need a little pick-me-up.
4. Relient K �" MMHMM
Relient K is a Christian pop-punk group, but the message is presented in a way that everyone can enjoy. Most of the CD is fast-paced and urgent, but a lot of the songs have a slow-down point where they become more melodic and light. Though on their last album the lyrics were more about wordplay and cleverness, the lyrics on MMHMM are less goofy and more poignant, examining heavier themes like painful breakups.
5. Yellowcard �" Ocean Avenue
They haven’t released anything since this album in 2003, but it’s still a classic and one of those rare CDs you can listen to all the way through without skipping a track. The songs seamlessly transition from upbeat rock tunes to some slower, more relaxing songs. The violin player in the band adds a slight hint of country and definitely sets Yellowcard apart from some other pop-punk.
Five Best Romantic Dinner Dates
by Rebecca Hamfeldt
1. The Gazebo behind Swem
Perfect for a first romantic dinner, the Gazebo is just out of the way enough to give you and your special someone a bit of quality alone time. Sandwiches, ice cream, or even just a couple of smoothies are all you need to enjoy this little secluded nook. It’s a wonderful spot to sit and talk while watching the creek flow along below.
2. Governor’s Palace Gardens
Colonial Williamsburg has more romantic potential than you might expect. Just as if you were heading to Matoaka, make dinner together and carry it along to the Palace where the gardens are gorgeous and full of perfect little romantic nooks and crannies. Find a cozy spot amongst the foliage to enjoy your meal. Bring along some extra bread with your dinner to feed the ducks at the pond below the gardens. Get lost in the Palace maze together. And, of course, end the night with a starlit walk down DoG Street to the Capitol Building.
3. Sunken Gardens Picnic
It’s cute and classy, without being too serious. It has romantic potential, without being too far away. You can grab takeout from the UC and sit on the grass or take sandwiches from the Cheese Shop and lay out a blanket. To set a bit more of a mood, candlelight never hurts.
4. Sunset at Matoaka Amphitheatre
There are few things more romantic than the sun setting over a glittering lake. Chances are you two could have the place all to yourselves on most any evening. Rather than bringing dinner from somewhere, have fun making dinner together beforehand. Then, pack it up and head over to watch the sunset. After the sun has almost entirely set, the twilight walk through the woods will be a perfect ending. Even though Matoaka is going under construction soon, there’s still some time. Besides, Matoaka will only be more magnificent after the renovations.
5. The Trellis
As every student knows, the Trellis is the ultimate romantic date destination. No other restaurant can contest its legendary reputation as the spot for serious couples. A table almost always needs to be reserved in advance, and the atmosphere and food are known to be pricy but phenomenal.