Flying by…

My feelings on the first semester have officially gone from “Wow, this semester is going by fast,” to “Where in the wide, wide world of sports did first semester go?” in like 10 minutes.  Seriously… August seems like it was just weeks ago.  I was looking forward to coming back to school so much this summer and had so many expectations for the year that I’m practically at a loss for words.  I’ve been having a great year… So many memories, experiences, friends, weekends, weeknights, etc.  But at the same time, I feel like I haven’t done anything.  For me especially, with being gone next semester, I need to make the most of the little time I have left this semester.  I’m sure you feel the same way.  It’s really mind-blowing to think about how little time you spend in the “prime of your life.”

 

Thanksgiving break is next week, and it’s a very welcomed hiatus.  I’m just flat tired of schoolwork.  I haven’t been home yet, and I’m starting to get cranky.  I think people are starting to notice.  I’m excited to spend time with my family and with my hometown friends.

 

I had a buddy call me yesterday and inform me that we’re breaking in my friend’s parents’ new house with a Wednesday night potluck and rage-fest.  I couldn’t turn that down.  Everyone has his or her own Thanksgiving traditions and I’m sure you’re excited to get moving on yours.  My family is headed to the great state of Nebraska for Thursday’s festivities and the rest of the nights are dedicated to my friends.

 

Enough about me… back to Milwaukee.  Like I’ve mentioned a couple times in previous posts, basketball is back in Milwaukee.  Marquette looks… well all right.  Our success rides on how deep this team is or isn’t.  Either way I can guarantee we’ll lose some games we should win and we’ll sneak a couple away from better teams.  I went to the Bradley Center Monday night to actually watch the Bucks.  Brandon Jennings is legit.  The kid is 5 days older than me and really makes me ponder what I have done with my life thus far.  Not only is he ballin, but I’m hearing good things off the court too.  I read an article about his charity and service, I heard he lives modestly, and I also heard he drives a Prius (Ok, I made that last one up.)  But seriously, Jennings is exactly what Milwaukee needs.

 

Friday night, Late Night is hosting the Spelling Bee, 9 pm in the Weasler.  There will be prizes for audience members, too!  Show some hall pride and root on your own hall’s contestant.  LMFAO and Shwayze are at the Rave Saturday night.  Guaranteed to be a great show and definitely a party.  Shwayze is one of my favorites and I’m torn whether to go to the concert, the basketball game, or watch my huskers take down another Big 12 foe.  Along with another Golden Eagle game, you should have plenty of things to do this Weekend.  Like I said, you don’t have much time left in first semester, so be sure to make something of it.  Get out to that restaurant you’ve wanted to try or just make time to do something different.

 

Enjoy your Thanksgiving break with family and friends.  I’ve personally have always thought Thanksgiving was overrated, but that’s another rant for another day.

 

Peace.

 

 

The kid can Ball.

Considering This Economy…

A couple of my friends made the observation that we were all in a rut as far as weekends go.  We were doing the same things week in and week out, and while I was having a blast doing so, I needed to escape.  I was in complete support of an event off the beaten path, something a bit out of the ordinary.

Saturday night started like most Saturday nights, except around 11 PM we rolled about 15 people deep to Comedy Sportz on 1^st Street. A couple bus rides and 20 minutes later, I paid only $5 for an hour of improv comedy.  Can’t beat those prices in this economy.   There are shows at 7:30, 10, and midnight on Saturday nights.  We of course went to the “uncensored” midnight performance.  It was great.  I did competitive improv in high school and have always been a fan.  While the raunchiness provides some cheap laughs, uncensored improv is the way improv comedy should be done.  Censorship in improvisation only detracts from the performance and these guys can really perform.  It was a great time and definitely something I suggest.

By the way… I love this phrase, “especially in this economy.”  I can almost hear you Sconnies dropping a “5-4 isn’t really that bad for the Pack, especially in this economy.”   Or over Christmas break when I have to tell my Dad my GPA was actually pretty good when you take into account this weak economy.

Like I said earlier, P.O.S., my new favorite attempt at liking underground rap music is at The Rave Wednesday.  The only problem is, he’s not on the Rave’s schedule.  I don’t understand.  A.V. club Milwaukee has listed him at one of their favorites for the week, but Ticketmaster and the Rave have no record.  http://bit.ly/1UgDLf Either way, I’m going to try to go.  When I think American music, I think C.C.R.  Lead vocalist, John Fogerty is at the Riverside Thursday night and would be a fun show.

Marquette Basketball this Tuesday at the Bradley Center.  It’s easy to look past these teams, but you truly never know.  Consider it a one game season.  Get out a support the squad.

Because I’m currently obsessed with inserting videos into this blog, I’m going to sign off with my favorite new band.  Excuse me if I’m a little late to the bandwagon on Phoenix, but I just heard them this weekend, and love their CD.

Enjoy.

Peace.

Catch 22…

All of you know Marquette’s policy on alcohol in the dorms.  Which means all of you know of how one has to write that 500-word essay when one gets caught.  Well recently a few of my friends “were caught” and I thought the punishments were kind of funny.  A couple of the alleged were to write an essay on 21 things to do in Milwaukee.

I was struggling to think of something to really ramble on about this week, so I thought… why not top it.

Here are my 22 things you can do in Milwaukee… this weekend.

Feel free to use it as your own.

• Alem’s Ethiopian Village- Located on Wisconsin Ave.  Alem’s is a restaurant I’ve wanted to try for some time now.  I’ve never had Ethiopian food and this is one of the highest rated restaurants in Milwaukee.  You eat with your fingers and everything is served family style.

• Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band- The boss still owns.  If you love America, and I sure hope you do… look into the show at the Bradley Center Sunday night.  The dude’s got staying power and proved it last year at the Super Bowl.

• Get started on the Wing Challenge- OnMilwaukee.com recently gave Point East Pub their nod to best wings in Milwaukee.  However, voters on the site chose Buffalo Wild Wings as their choice.  I personally know I would choose Point East before a taste test, solely because I hate chains (see post from September.)  But maybe you have a different opinion.

http://www.onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/wingschallenge.html

http://www.pointseastpub.com/

• Bucks Game- Milwaukee just tackled its 5 game home-stand, Golden State is coming to town Saturday, and Dallas on Monday.  Its weird, now that Brandon Jennings is playing well… I might go to actually watch the Bucks instead of whomever we’re playing.  The key is to show up right before game time and scalp tickets, trust me.

• Visit the World’s Largest Urinal—Ok, so this one isn’t in Milwaukee, but I feel somewhat obligated to support Wisconsin’s tourism industry.  Located in New Glarus, just south of Madison, this urinal would make for the perfect location for your new profile picture.

• Bo Burnham- Turner Hall, Friday night. See previous post homie.

• Emperor of China- Recently chosen as the best Chinese Restaurants by Sheppard Express.  Have I been craving Chinese food lately? Absolutely.

• Marquette vs. Centenary- 7 PM, Friday, Bradley Center… need I say more. Ok, I will.  There is nothing like basketball at Marquette.  It was a big reason I came here and I huge reason why I love MU.  The Golden Eagles were virtually unstoppable at home last season.  I remember saying that we had one of the best home court advantages in the country.  We can’t have a down year.  We’ll be tough at home no matter who we’re playing.

• A Serious Man- New Coen brothers’ film.  Only showing at the Landmark Downer Theater (30- Downer bus route.)  My choice if you were to see a movie this weekend.

• AMC Mayfair Mall- If the Coen Bros aren’t your thing.  Mayfair is one of the best places I’ve seen a movie.  Its tough getting to the theater in college, but it’s a relatively short bus ride away.  I just can’t contain my excitement for THE NEW TWILIGHT MOVIE!! LoLzzZZzERz!!

• Pasta Tree- Notoriously known as the best Italian restaurant in the ‘Kee.  Located on the East Side, Pasta Tree was suggested to me as the best place to take a date.

• Downtown Books—Located just down the street on Wisconsin, Downtown Books has a huge assortment of used books and movies.  I guarantee you could go in and come out completely satisfied with something you never thought you’d find.

• Explore the Library—So I was just thinking about books, and before you mark this suggestion as “Never!” you might want to think about it.  There are a lot of things you can do in the library.  I found you can rent classic movies in the basement of Raynor.  Also, Memorial would make for a sick game of hide and go seek.

• Fish Fry—One of my favorite memories last year was hitting up Serb Hall for their Friday fish fry.  Take a Friday away from the parties and go brush arms with the locals at one of the many pubs hosting a fry on Fridays.  You won’t regret it.

• Tour a Brewery—Another one of my favorite memories from last year.  While I heard smaller breweries like Lakefront have a better tour, you must be 21 to participate.  Miller does have a free tour on the weekends and a visit is well worth it.

• Look into P.O.S. at The Rave—Next Wednesday.  I was just scanning through upcoming concerts and decided to look this rapper up.  The guy is sick.  After about 3 songs on YouTube I was sold.  Flows like Minnesota.  Only $15 too.

• Crash Weddings at the Wisconsin Club—I feel this is pretty self-explanatory.  Get yourself some dress clothes and get cracking.

• Watch European Soccer—Admittedly not for me.  I just had a discussion with a friend about how I can understand how people love European Futbol, but as much as I try, I don’t think it’s for me.  However, for those of you who are fans, there’s a place for you.  Check it. http://www.nomadworldpub.com/

• Karma—I frequent Karma nearly every Saturday to watch my beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers.  Recently, I’ve tried the food and found it to be superb.  Located on Van Bueren and Ogden, right next to Chipotle, be sure to wear red when you try this restaurant.

• Visit the Harley Museum—Just like Miller Brewing, needs to be visiting before leaving town. www.harley-davidson.com/museum

• Steely Dan—Similar to Bruce, Steely Dan almost defines “timeless.”  Guarenteed to be a full-length, over the top, intense, classic rock show.  Steely Dan is performing at the Riverside Theater, 8 PM Friday evening.

• A Midsummer Night’s Dream—Starting Thursday, Marquette University’s Department of Performing Arts is performing Shakespeare’s classic at the Helfaer Theatre.

So there you have it.  I hope you never get caught… I mean I hope you never drink in the dorms.  But if something does happen, here’s a good start to your essay.

Peace.

We Are….

Basketball season.  It’s here.  Make room.  Clear your schedule.  Basketball season.

I went to the exhibition Saturday afternoon and felt great.  It was an exhibition though, and the main reason I wanted to go was to see the pre-game video and introductions.  As cheesy as last year’s “Pray” video was, it never failed to give me chills.  Big game or not, I was immediately pumped up after watching that video and knowing DJ Khaled was about to come on so the squad could come out. Now maybe it’s because we don’t quite have as strong as of a squad this year, and no one is as confident as last year, but this year’s video didn’t quite do it for me.

Nevertheless, I’m psyched for this year’s team and you should be also.  New faces, raw talent…. should make for an exciting team.  We open this Friday with Centenary.  Many journalists picked us to finish towards the bottom of the Big East, as they should.  But I feel like this squad will surprise some people and make a run at the NCAA tournament.  Looking ahead at our schedule, besides the Old Spice Classic in Orlando, we could run the table until Christmas.  Go to the game Friday and get in the mood for some B-Ball.

So on to something I’ve been meaning to post on here for a while… I’m transferring.  Just kidding.  But I am not going to be in Milwaukee next semester.  I will be in Washington, DC interning on the U.S. Capitol and I couldn’t be more excited.  I’m going to miss Marquette and Milwaukee, but the Les Aspin Center is something I had to take advantage of while I can.

So you know what this means…  ok maybe you don’t, so I’ll tell you.  We’re looking for someone to fill in for me next semester on this blog.  I’ve 100% enjoyed this gig so far and I’m bummed I have to abandon my post, but its gotta keep going.  If you’re a writer and looking for a position to develop your talents, or you’re just interested in getting out and exploring, you might be a great candidate for stealing my blog.  I say my blog, because that’s the best part of the gig.  You can make this position what you want it to be.

So if you’re interested, contact Jennifer Reid in Office of Student Development- AMU 121, 414-288-7205.  Not sure when a decision will be made, but don’t hesitate to stop in and get some more information.

If basketball isn’t your thing… look into Bo Burnham Friday evening at Riverside theater.   If comedy isn’t your thing… there’s something wrong with you.  Bo literally just graduated high school and is younger than all of us.  The kid blew up on Youtube a couple years ago, and has proven he’s not a fluke.  Tickets are relatively cheap for stand-up and I’m considering skipping the game for this show (I didn’t get Bball tickets because I won’t be here next semester.)  Check out Bo, yo.

I’m out.

Father James McCabe 100 Years of Women at Marquette Halloween Costume Contest…

Because Marquette has a weird obsession with naming buildings the same, (see Schroeder Complex and Hall, Straz Hall and Tower, each of the Wehr’s) I figured why not keep up the tradition and name an awards ceremony after a building.   Seeing as I could not find any corporate sponsorship for these awards and with MU celebration of women, why not keep the Father McCabe trend going.

I had a fantastic Halloween, both my costume idea were hits both nights.  I went all out Friday being the H1N1 virus (pig tail, pig nose, pig slippers, bathrobe, thermometer and Robitussin.) Saturday night was a lot of fun when my buddy and I went as Brennan and Dale from Stepbrothers and just shouted “Prestige Worldwide- wide- wide- wide” all night.  Since we’re too old to trick-or-treat, or at least society tells me we’re too old, I’ve realized we do the same things we do every weekend on Halloween, except with costumes.  I’m 100% fine with that.

I’m proud of you guys.  I saw a lot of great costumes both nights.  I saw a lot of poor costumes also.  But it is what it is, and that’s what you’re going to get.  When the selection committee was stressing over these prestigious awards, a few things were taking into account.

1. Stress Originality
2. Stress commitment to character
3. My friends get special consideration (because I was with them most evenings.)

Lets get into it.

Your 2009 Father James McCabe 100 Years of Women at Marquette Halloween Costume Award Winners are…

The “Coming Through in the Clutch and Delivering a Solid, Impromptu Costume When Most Would Just Fold Award” goes to…

My buddy Tom who thought of “The Most Interesting Man in the World” from the Dos Equis commercial at around 6 PM Saturday night.  While his costume was far from detailed and his idea wasn’t the funniest I’ve ever seen, I have to hand it to him for thinking of this idea and rounding up the supplies just before the deadline.  Most people would have just folded and worn a popped collar or flannel shirt.  Which brings me to the next award….

The “Most Lack-Luster, Not Coming Through in the Clutch and Sub Consciously Self-Defining Costume Idea Award sponsored by Monster Energy” goes to….

Bros dressing as Bros.  It’s a unanimous decision.  I’m sorry but it’s not creative or funny.  It takes nothing to get into that character.  And I personally believe it’s a cop-out for not taking the time to think of a decent costume.  I own all of those polo’s you are popping and you obviously do to, which is why popping them doesn’t constitute a character.  Sorry Will.

The “Only Guys Would Get The Joke, And Many Still Won’t- Best TV Reference Award” goes to…

Tyrone Biggems from Chappell’s show narrowly edges out Captain Insano from South Park.  I would go into more depth on the decision here, but only guys would get it and many guys still won’t.

The “I 95% guarantee that no one has ever thought of this for a Halloween costume before idea award” goes to…

Einstein Bagel Bros.  Two of my friends found suits and ties, top hats, mustaches, bagel eyeglasses, and even carried around an orange ring… making a terrific rendition of the Einstein logo.  Carrying around the ring required commitment, which in itself deserves an award.  And while the costume won’t win the funniest award, the fact that it was even considered as a costume is impressive.  I can almost guarantee that no one has ever said the Einstein Bagel Bros would make a good Halloween costume, yet everyone knew who they were.  It’s really a shame that they couldn’t pull it off longer into the evening.

The “Best Spin-off of an Over-Done Costume” goes to..

The guy from the Sham-Wow commercials.  Like I mentioned before, dead celebrities were going to be huge this year.  I expected to see a bunch of bearded, blue-shirt wearing Billy Mays screaming in my ear, but I did not expect the Sham-Wow guy.

The “Getting Way Too Into A Character, Therefore Making The Costume Worth-While Academy Award” goes to…

Congratulations to the Hamburgler in Madison that stole my buddy’s bag of food and bailing on a McDonald’s.  I’m a firm believer that getting into your character is actually more impressive than a good costume idea.  I also heard of people in Madison dressing as huge traffic cones and running around the streets.  Getting into character and holding that character the whole night is what Halloween is really about.  Speaking of Madison…  I had some desire to attend Freak Fest this year and I’m glad I didn’t go.  A few of my friends that did go did have a pretty epic weekend, and by epic I mean scary.   I’m sure its fun, but I would not want to put up with that many intoxicated, belligerent people all in the same spot at the same time, not to mention in costume.

The “Easily The Most Offensive, Hopefully Not Too-Soon, Yet Probably the Funniest to Witness In Person Award” goes to…

Terry Schiavo. Hands down, 100 %, no questions asked… Terry Shive wins this award.  Not only was it easily the most offensive costume I have ever seen, but also, everyone that saw him knew exactly who he was supposed to be (which kind of surprised me.)    No matter how offensive you think this costume was, there would be no way you would be able to hold back your laughter when seeing Schiavo running through campus or trying to check into Schroeder.

The “Funniest When You Take a Second And Realize What You’re Doing And What You’re Dressed As” goes to…

This one has to go to my friend Parker who goes to University of Iowa.  Now while I didn’t see him in person this weekend, I did get a chance to see his costume, so did millions of other people.  That is why Parker wins both the Funniest When You Realize What You’re Doing and Biggest Attention Getter Awards.  I was watching the Iowa Hawkeyes Saturday afternoon while for about 20 seconds the camera panned to 4 dudes in Teletubby costumes standing in the student section.  I tried getting a hold of my buddy to tell him I saw him on ESPN, but he was too busy conducting interviews with the local TV station and destroying the friendly town of Iowa City, all while dressed as Po.  While I know being in a full-length teletubby costume didn’t phase him that afternoon, it’s pretty funny to think about those guys running around downtown Iowa City doing what they were doing.

“Overall Top Costume”

When deciding the overall top costume of my weekend, the main things I took into account were: Creativity, Originality, Commitment to the Character, and Visibility (that is people had to see you.)  When considering all those things, one group costume sticks out.  Early Friday night, when walking to a friend’s house on 17^th, three guy in hockey helmets, hockey jersey, and rollerblades were skating down the middle of the street if perfect V-formation.  The three mighty ducks were screaming “Ducks Fly Together!” and “To win, Coach Orion, Sir!”  This got my Halloween started right and ended up topping all the other costumes I saw.  When discussing costumes with my friends days later, someone told me they saw these guys at a party and they even smelled like Hockey players.  Commitment second to know, Sir.

The Victor McCormick Honorable Mentions.

Best Combo of 2 Ideas—Redneck Superman (superman with a mullet and trucker hat.)

Most Over-Done for Females—Construction Workers. (Why?? I have no idea… girls showered in construction workers this year.)

Most Over-Done for Males— Any form of sports jersey

Most Patriotic– Joe Carey as Joe Carey

Top Unexpected Movie Reference—Jamaican Bob-Sled Team from Cool Runnings

Movie Reference I’m Upset I Didn’t See—Anything with Jim Carey would have been terrific. I heard of an awesome Ace Ventura, but didn’t see him

Most Ironic Idea for Next Year—Ken Griffey Jr. (Very Inside Joke)

Again, these are based off of costumes I saw or heard about directly.  So if you have any disagreements or nominations for other awards please send them my way.  (Just click comment at the bottom of this post.)

There really isn’t much going on around Milwaukee this weekend.  Broken Lizard, the comedy troupe that stared in Super Troupers and Beerfest will be at the Pabst Friday night for relatively cheap.  Also, Jerry Seinfeld will be performing at the Riverside Saturday… not cheap.

The Bucks are still an NBA franchise, and despite a 1-2 record early in the season, they are almost making me take back the things I said about them last week.  Brandon “Young Money” Jennings has proven he can compete at a high level in the NBA, and he is somewhat making Milwaukee’s front office look intelligible.  The lottery pick has led the squad in scoring his first three games, and is looking like an early steal in the draft.  The Bucks are in town this Saturday vs. the Knicks and next Wednesday vs. the Nuggets.  You might want to keep track of Jennings this winter, and maybe even follow the Bucks too.

You probably already know, but Marquette men’s basketball opens its exhibition season this Saturday vs. MSOE.  While its only an exhibition is a good chance to see the new team and get in the mood for basketball season.  We can’t overlook MSOE either after seeing what happen to another Big East team, Syracuse, last Tuesday.

That’s all for me.  Please send or tweet your nominations.

Peace.

Halloween Overkill…

I got in the Halloween mood way too early.  My excitement might have peaked during the costume-brainstorming phase.  Nevertheless I am eager for this weekend (especially after this week.)  Have no idea what I’m doing, but I know it’s going to be a good time.  If you’re still looking for an idea, hold the faith.  Don’t succumb to a store bought costume.  Simple is good… I would love to see a ghost running around the streets.  One of my friends is just painting his face and being a cat (admittedly not the best idea, but you get what I’m saying.)

One idea I had that someone has yet to jump on is the Panini dude from Schreoder cafeteria.  Just get a Sodexo apron and holler, “All ya’ll that want Panini’s say Hey!!” Feel free to make it yours.  AV Club came out with a funny list of what your costume says about you, and I find it to be strikingly accurate.

http://www.avclub.com/milwaukee/articles/the-av-club-psychoanalyzes-your-halloween-costume,34191/

And if you’re looking for costume contests with prizes, you don’t have to go much further than the AMU Saturday night when Late Night hosts its Halloween party with the Haunting in Connecticut, pumpkin carving, costume contest and more!

http://latenight.marquette.edu/

NBA is back and I’m pumped.  In case you didn’t know, and I wouldn’t fault you if didn’t, Milwaukee has an NBA franchise.  In fact, they’re called the Bucks and they play their home games at the same arena as your Marquette Golden Eagles.  The Bucks are headed for an ify year.  They’ve been plagued by injuries and poor upper management; they’ve gotten rid of every player that they should have kept and overpaid the players that shouldn’t be here, but that doesn’t stop me from being a fan.  I’m excited for the NBA season. The intensity will be constant, the competition will be fierce, and the drama of next summer and the LeBron sweepstakes will always be looming.  Tickets in Milwaukee will be extremely reasonably priced in this economy.  And the Bucks are going to have to have plenty of ticket promotions if they want to keep the franchise here

I love the NBA.  I know a lot of people, especially college students, prefer the college game, mostly because of the perceived camaraderie and pageantry.  Many hate on the NBA because the lack of hustle and effort, before even watching a game.  They’re all haters.  NBA players are the best in the world, and the competition is the purest form of basketball there is (disregarding terrible NBA officiating.)  You probably won’t get elite competition out of the Bucks this year, but that won’t stop me from attending games.  Their first long home stretch won’t be too exciting, but you might be able to find some cheap tickets.  The real competition comes to town after Thanksgiving, with games against Chicago, Cleveland, Portland and the Lakers during that time.

If you’re not in the mood for the Halloween festivities this weekend, Milwaukee’s concert scene has plenty going on.  Two big shows Saturday.  Matisyahu is bringing his act to the Pabst Saturday and tickets are going for $25.  And yes, I said “act,” because I feel like the reason the dude got popular was with the whole “I’m the Jew that spits fire” deal.  Nevertheless, the guy can rap and King Without a Crown would be sick to see live.  Also Saturday night, New Found Glory (which in my opinion is one of the most underrated rock groups of the last few years) is at the Rave. Tiesto is performing at the Rave Sunday night, and if you ask a couple of my buddies, it’s a concert you wouldn’t dare miss.

I have kind of been disappointed with the Rave’s lineup so far this fall.  Last year I felt like there were too many concerts I wanted to go to, that I had to pick and choose.   This year, I honestly have been dying to go and nothings really jumped out at me.  Stop.  Just announced: Weezer with Motion City Soundtrack and Jack’s Mannequin, December 3^rd.  Excited.  Intrigued.  Definitely going.  Weezer comes out with a new CD next week, which I have already listened to a few times.  It sounds quite a bit more like classic, late 90’s Weezer, which is a big step up from The Red Album.  I grew up with the Blue album, and while Beverly Hills made me want to vomit, I consider Weezer one of my favorites.  MCS, who are from the Twin Cities, also fall into that underrated category and should put on a great show.  I consider Jack’s Mannequin to be one of my many guilty pleasure bands.  The dude can ball on the piano.  I’m jumping all over these tix when they go on sale this Saturday.

I gotta get back to studying.  Quit taking all my favorite spots in the library.

Be fun and have safe this Halloween.

Yankees in 7.

Peace.

Rest and Relaxation…

So Fall Break is supposed to be a time away from classes, a time for rest and relaxation and I accomplished neither.  I did have a fantastic weekend, however.  Other than a train de-railment causing a 7-hour stay in Union Station, my weekend adventure to South Bend was a terrific time.  ND reminds me of some of the things I’m missing here at school, such as a football team, and a traditional campus… but also reminds me of some things we have here.  We have access to the city and they don’t.  We have a unique campus, intertwining with the city.  I did have a great time at the game though.

Halloween this weekend, I’m sure you don’t need my help finding things to do.  Nevertheless, I am sure there are a bunch of things you weren’t aware of around campus.  One of the things that I thought was cool was Carmen Reed, who’s story inspired the movie “The Haunting in Connecticut,” is speaking at the Weasler at 9 PM Saturday.  The Rocky Horror Picture Show is showing both Friday and Saturday at the Oriental Theater at midnight. I’m going to try to hit up a haunted house sometime this week or this weekend.  One of note is Mars Haunted House, located just a 20-minute bus ride south of here.  Also, Marquette is sponsoring a trip to the country’s only haunted high school Thursday night.  Located in Oconomowoc, you can sign up at OSD in the AMU, or online at Late Night’s website.

http://www.hauntedhigh.info/

http://marshauntedhouse.com/MarsHauntedHouse/index.html

I was on campus last Wedneday, when all of you weren’t and let me tell you it was DEAD.  I tried to take advantage of the extra time and nice weather, and instead of getting Subway or J.J.’s, a friend and I took a walk down to Water St. to find a restaurant.  It was pretty late, and many things were closed by 9 on a Wednesday night.  But we did end up stumbling across Rudy’s, a Mexican joint located on Edison and Water.  Good food, reasonably priced, and its open late.

Although last week was supposed to be Midterms, I don’t feel like my classes slowed down at all.  My schedule is only getting harder as crunch time nears.  We’re gonna get a glimpse of nice weather for another week or so.  It’s an awkward time when I’m planning for both golf and skiing.

Check back this Thursday.

Peace.

Notre Dame For Fall Break

Gotta get through the week first. Got great news and caught a little break earlier this week when a teacher announced he was going to push back the paper due on Wednesday til next Wednesday. I do still have a tough week. Paper and test, both on Tuesday. And with my friends coming up last weekend, chalk the weekend up as a loss as far as being productive goes. You know how that goes.

It was refreshing having my buddies from back home in town this weekend. We’re all the same, and I love that. We’re storytellers, we make our own fun, and we have a lot of love for where we come from. Even though a lot of you stayed in Saturday, making this weekend a little more quiet than normal, it was nice having those guys here and just hanging out. Especially since I’m not going home for fall break.

I’m going to the University of Norte Dame, or as they would like to call it, “Football University,” for fall break. And I’m excited. I’ve been on the campus but haven’t been to a football game at ND. Even though my allegiances will always lie with statistically the best football team in the last 50 years. Nebraska… AKA the real Football University. I’m psyched to experience the so-called tradition in South Bend. Also, the break from school is much welcomed, along with a road trip with my buddies.

So the weekend before we moved in, way back in August, I went to two different colleges to visit friends. I noticed at both schools that there were cans everywhere, adorning the respective school’s colors. I immediately thought… sweet idea. Then I began to think about what that actually stood for. Is a brilliant marketing tactic? Is it a corruption of the youth? Is it nothing more than a little color on a beer can? People seem to have different opinions. http://bit.ly/3qaJxF

Many take the side of the distributer and believe it’s the consumers’ responsibility to make the right choices when consuming this beverage. This guy asks the question, “Does the color of the beer can really effect how much I consume?” Then answers his question saying absolutely not. http://bit.ly/2idQTq. I feel this is a typical college attitude with most people thinking that they are responsible enough not to let advertisers and marketers get to them. However, this is never the case with advertising; and if one thinks that, they are falling right into the trap.

It’s more the principle of the thing for the issue. Like I said, when I first saw the cans, I thought it was a great idea… I’m sure you felt similarly. However, when half of the students on a college campus are under the legal drinking age, that means %50 of the target market for this particular promotion cannot legally consume the product. The alcohol advertising industry shoots for at least 70% of the target market (people who view their ads,) to be over the age of 21. This promotion comes nowhere near that standard.

This promotion just compels college students to binge drink more than they already would. People are going to say that the color of their can doesn’t affect their consumption, and while you’re consuming it, that may be true. But who is Budweiser really attracting? Many colleges believe this is irresponsible, and I agree.

Fall break is much needed for everyone on campus. It’s a great time to catch up on some rest, get away from school, and visit friends and family. If you do stay in Milwaukee, take this away from school to get off campus. Find a friend a go explore. With nothing to hurry back for, the bus doesn’t seem that bad.

Have fun and see you next week.

Peace.

Looking Ahead…

There are certain things one needs to take into consideration when thinking of the perfect Halloween costume.  First things first, do you want to have a costume, or do you want to be a hit.  A hit takes commitment, dedication, talent, a lot of creativity and a little stupidity.   That $25 store bought fat suit will only get a laugh for about 5 minutes.  Something done with little inspiration won’t get you noticed.  Trying to scare people will only get them to avoid you.  And that skimpy teacher costume will only get you exactly what you were looking for.

It really isn’t that big of deal if you don’t want to go all out for Halloween.  People will forget the good costumes by Thanksgiving anyway.  If you are going for that hit costume that will get people talking, be warned.  It might not be worth it in the end.  Three of my friends from back home went in full body ketchup, mustard, and hot dog suits (see last week’s twitter post.)  Needless to say, they were a hit and regretted it later.  One must also take weather into factor if you want to feel you fingers in 10 years.  The key is finding a costume that is creative, not overdone, easy to find and put together, easy to wear, and fun to be.  Easier said then done.

I struggled this year, until about a week ago.  Unfortunately for me, all my ideas came right when I was supposed to be studying for Midterms.  Kind of embarrassing when someone looks through my notes and sees Tim the Toolman Taylor, Christmas Carolers, Kayne West and Taylor Swift jotted down.  Unfortunately for you, that’s all I’m sharing right now.  Here are 5 tips I will share.

1. Think of a joke only Marquette kids would get.
2. Think of some sort of inanimate object or idea that you could personify any you’ll be a hit (don’t try be too deep) .
3. Dead celebrities will be huge… So go for it, but don’t think you’re clever.
4. Movies or TV shows from our childhood, always good.
5. Commit to it.  If you’re costume takes more than a 5 second explanation. Don’t do it.

Its not to early to think about it, and with fall break coming up you can pick up supplies at home or wherever you might be going.

Speaking of Midterms, I love how crowded the library gets during this time of year.  I feel like students think that there is going to be some magical awakening taking place in the early morning hours at Raynor.  We gotta do what we gotta do, but if you’re cramming past about 1 AM, you’re done for.  Best of luck on all your Exams!!!

The biggest thing on Marquette’s campus is back.  (Sort of.)  Marquette Madness is this Friday, and I’m psyched.  Everyone knows about the question marks surrounding this year’s squad after graduations and injuries, but MU Basketball is still king.  This is the campus’s first taste of what we got this year.  A chance to put faces to names, see some sick dunks, and just watch the team.

I do have a tiff with Marquette’s way of doing their version of the “Madness.”  The concept of having a practice/pep rally was started all the way back in the early 70’s at Maryland.  Coach Lefty Driesell actually came up with the idea to get school support for the team by having practice at 12:01 AM and inviting the students.  3,000 kids showed up.  Teams have taken the idea since then and made it to what we know today.  Some of the elite basketball programs, like UConn, Kansas, and Kentucky still host the event at Midnight on the Saturday closest to October 15.  Recently the NCAA has allowed teams to hold the event at 7 PM the night before, so more people could attend.  While the community event is all fun and dandy, can’t we do something else for the community?  I feel like this event, especially at a small school like ours and especially with a great venue like the AL, should be shared between students.  Yeah, the 7 pm time is fine (doors open at 5 this year,) but it still feels like an afterschool high school pep rally.  MU should look into moving the event to midnight.  Let’s get Elite.

http://www.youtube.com/user/muathletics#p/u/47/XP9XZb5PZHY

As far as concerts and other happenings, Dane Cook is at the Bradley Center Sunday night, if his humor hasn’t gotten old to you yet.  Also, Andrew Bird is at the Pabst both Friday and Saturday.  Jam band, Moe, is at the Rave Friday night, should be a party.

Transformers 2 is showing at the Varsity Friday and Saturday.  If you’re a good writer, or if you have a scary tale you just can’t keep to yourself… type it up and turn it in to OSD for the Scary Story Competition.

Two friends are going to be in town one night and one night only Friday, so hosting them going to occupy a bit of my time.  Especially seeing as one of them was told he could never come back to O’Donnell Hall last year.

Wish me luck.

Peace.