By this time of winter, I think we’re all wondering why we didn’t go to school down south. The weekend forecast is cloudy and cold, a foot of snow is supposed to hit us by Friday and, even though more than 36,000 people got them, I don’t have tickets to the Villanova game. But life at SU isn’t all that bad. Syracuse has some hidden secrets that just might brighten up your winter blues.
Free Lunch
Anyone who’s ever told you, “there’s no such thing as a free lunch,” lied. Every Thursday from noon until 1 p.m. in the Noble Room in Hendricks Chapel, Dr. T.E. Koshy and his friendly volunteers serve up homemade salad, rice and meat sauce and an assortment of cakes to anyone interested (a vegetarian alternative is also available). Since 1966, Koshy, a Chaplain for the Evangelical Christian Ministries, has been working to bring together students of all backgrounds and faiths from across campus through a hot meal. I schedule my classes so I’m free for this event. The food may be the same every week, but the outpouring of love and goodwill keeps me coming back for more. Koshy funds these luncheons, which serve around 150 people a week, by himself. “I could have gotten a job and made money,” Koshy said, “but I felt it was a wonderful thing to do to help build relationships for people.” If the free food isn’t enough to make you smile, Koshy’s energetic warmth is sure to do the trick.
Beer Delivery
Running out of beer is a guaranteed way to wreck a party (unless you have handles of hard liquor lying around). Luckily for students, Sabastino’s on Westcott can deliver you from a party emergency. Just give them a call and within 30 minutes they’ll bring your favorite brews directly to your door. While the beer is overpriced, it’s a convenient option for an impromptu party or a rager about to fizz out. A 30 of Keystone is $21.56 and if you want to get fancy, Bud Light’s $27.14 (tax included). They deliver until right around 2 a.m., check your ID when they arrive and charge a dollar delivery charge. So next time you start drawing straws to see who gets stuck with the beer run, just chip in and have it delivered. Oh yeah, they can bring you pizza, too. 315-478-1000
Downtown Dining on a Dime
For the past five years, downtown Syracuse has offered a week of affordable dinners at some of their best establishments. This year, Syracuse extended Dining Week for an extra seven days, giving you until Saturday to take advantage of this deal. 19 local restaurants, including student favorites like Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Pastabilities and Empire Brewery, offer three course meals for $25 or less. Stop sustaining off soup and the dining hall’s wrap bar and get something you’ll actually savor. If you don’t have a car, you can catch the bus at the Connective Corridor to get there. Places like L’Adour, Lemon Grass and Pascale will give you the best deal, because typically their entrées alone average around $25. Peter Themistocles, a junior marketing and retail student, said he’s already been three times. Sometimes you just have to take advantage of a good thing. Go to http://downtownsyracuse.com/static/C2/ to see the full list of participating restaurants.
The newly released details of SU Showcase, formerly known as MayFest, are a reminder of the changes being made this year. For many of us, getting that October email announcing regularly scheduled classes for SU Showcase made for a dark day. As a student body, we’ve organized meetings, wrote articles in protest and used our social networking skills to show our displeasure (the Facebook group Operation Rescue MAYFEST has 5,235 members.)
When the University started making changes to put SU Showcase into an inspiring academic event, I complained too. I can’t pretend like I didn’t love MayFest. After enduring nearly five months trudging to class in a frozen tundra of snow and slush, spending a day frolicking in the sunshine on Euclid was heavenly. In the dead of winter, MayFest was a promise that better days would come. MayFest is one of the reasons I studied abroad in the Fall semester instead of the Spring. But let’s be realistic. MayFest is not a birthright. It’s not even technically a tradition (it was only started five years ago.) Is it really asking too much for the University to expect us to go to class on a Monday?
It sounds like Steve Parks, head of SU Showcase, is really putting thought into what this day will entail. Raising the standards on what work will be displayed at SU Showcase should bring pride to the people chosen to participate in the event, and to the University’s community as a whole for having such talented students and faculty. In addition, even though SU will have less high-school students attend, the students who will be on our campus for SU Showcase will be here because they care about their education and deserve to present their work.
Syracuse police officers reported to the Post-Standard that an estimated 3,500 students took place in the booze-fest last spring, which is about the same number of local talented, high-school students that came to our campus that day. Busses brought thousands of young intellectuals to see our academic work and what did we show them? How to throw the winning beer pong ball, the art of hooking up with drunk chicks and the formula to be a sloppy mess (add one parts vodka, four Keystones, a pair of jorts and shake). There’s no reason we can’t all move our block party to a Saturday, or perhaps skip class on a day that’s not supposed to celebrate our academic work.
Lauren Thomas, a sophomore magazine major, thoroughly enjoyed her freshman experience of MayFest, but can see the benefit of what the day is really supposed to be about, too. “It’s great that high-school students are given the opportunity to showcase their work and see what we do academically,” she said. “I think it can be a step forward for them in the college process.”
The University’s steps toward refocusing this event and the recently announced details of what SU Showcase will entail can potentially create an enriching experience for SU’s visitors, students and faculty. I’m happy to go to a school that’s known for having fun, but I’m more proud of the prestigious academic reputation of SU. I worked hard to get into this school, and I work hard while I’m here. I agree students should have a day off to unwind, but it doesn’t really make sense to schedule it on a day that’s meant to present our academic achievements. I’m not denying the beauty of day drinking in the spring, and if you really feel the need to fight the power of Nancy Cantor and skip class for your own personal MayFest, no one’s stopping you, but maybe we should be more open to what SU Showcase can offer and reschedule showcasing our keg stand abilities.
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Crank up Beyonce—it’s the fourteenth again.
Yesterday in Hendricks Chapel, I overheard two girls discussing weekend plans. The one revealed this would be her first single Valentine’s Day in three years. She planned to hibernate with excessive amounts of chocolate to cope. Before you start debating if the cashier at CVS is going to know you’re buying the Russell Stover candies for yourself, stop overreacting about being alone this holiday.
With all the hand-holding, gift-buying outrageous public displays of affection, it may feel like you’re the only single lady (or man) on Valentine’s Day; but trust me, you’re not. Whether you savor your single status or are less than tickled pink, there’s no reason to feel left out this holiday. According to the US Census Bureau, there are 95.7 million single Americans. They might not be at the evening showing of Valentine’s Day in Carousel Mall this weekend, but they’re out there.
Back in the days of Ashlee Simpson and the Ying Yang Twins, my first real boyfriend asked me out at the school’s Valentine’s Day dance. He had roses and I wore pink. It was precious, or nauseating, label as you see fit. For the next few years, I had perfect Valentine’s Days, complete with candlelit dinners, cards, flowers, candy… the works. I pitied those poor single people left alone with their Necco hearts.
And then, I was one of them. Freshmen year, I thought my first real single Valentine’s Day was going to be the worst I’ve ever had. That chilly, Thursday night, I danced around in the dorm before embarking on a sledding expedition on the hill behind Sadler Hall (without a coat or a real sled). I woke up the next morning with a cold, no phone, and a killer headache. It was the best Valentine’s Day I’ve ever had. I loved every minute of that time with my friends and it’s one of my favorite memories of college. Hangovers will pass, puke can be cleaned, and you know you wanted a cell phone upgrade anyway. I’ve had my Valentine’s Days in and out of relationships, and in my opinion, single makes a much better story.
As long as you’re upbeat about your weekend, I’m sure you can find ways to enjoy V-Day even with your single Facebook status. An article in Cosmopolitan called, “Fun Ways to Celebrate Yourself on Valentine’s Day” suggested going out to a fancy restaurant for dessert… by yourself. Before you start making reservations in Armory Square, let’s think this through. Not only would you be stuffing your face alone surrounded by dozens of happy couples, you’ll also probably have to wait two hours to get your table, and at the end of the whole embarrassing ordeal, you’re going to be the one to pick up the tab! I don’t think I can imagine a worse way to spend my Saturday night.
Instead of taking part in ridiculous activities like this or wallowing in misery alone in your dorm room, go to the bar. Not only are you likely to have fun with your friends, but also you’ll know that every person you meet is available, too. Being single on Valentine’s Day might just be the best way to find yourself a bad romance, if only for the night.
Disagree? http://bit.ly/c0EKXz
Kyle Corea, one of the managers of Funk n’ Waffles, said he wishes he could print a list of everything wrong with chain coffee shops, and how small shops like his are better. Too bad I only have 550 words.
Instead of the corporate-mandated repetition of specially selected tracks, small coffee shops have a sound all their own. Whether it’s an old record, a surprising playlist, or a live band at Funk n’ Waffles DJ Wednesdays, you never know what tune your about to hear. The space to sit and relax at Funk n’ Waffles, Freedom of Espresso, or in the room adjacent to People’s Place is so much more welcoming than the revolving door of customers flowing in and out of chain shops.
More importantly, the goods these shops offer don’t come from a giant warehouse or industrial sized freezer. People’s Place rotates through more than two-dozen different Fair Trade, organic flavors, soaked in different brews to offer calorie-free, syrup-free, good-for-the-world flavored coffee, and Funk n’ Waffles makes every specialty drink by hand. Food is made fresh with local, organic products, and benefits other small business like Byrne Dairy and Liberty Deli.
Elysa Smigielski, a senior studio arts student, said she strays from chains because she believes in helping local businesses, and in these small shops’ mission to do the same. “I bought this mug at Freedom of Espresso for $20,” she said. “I could have gotten one at Target for $5, but I want to help these little places because they have quality products and a great atmosphere.”
Still, the small shops often offer better prices. People’s Place sells the same Tazo teas as Starbucks. The quality is exactly the same, but the price for a large tea at People’s is $0.50, compared to $2.35 at Starbucks. A large mocha is $1 versus $4.15. If you buy one cup of coffee per class day for a semester, that’s $252—which could like, totally pay for a new pair of Uggs and leggings!
But there’s more separating People’s Place, Funk n’ Waffles, or Freedom of Espresso apart from corporate chains than price. These tiny shops are an escape from a materialistic campus with a credit card and an attitude problem. They are tiny havens of caring individuals and caffeinated beverages. As a manger of People’s Place, I know that when we hire employees, we aren’t looking for how many barista jobs they’ve had; we’re looking to see if they’re going to ask customers how their day is, and genuinely care to hear the response.
Before I left to study abroad in London last semester, two of my favorite customers handmade me a coffee mug, as a keepsake of my time at People’s Place. Upon my return, peers, faculty, staff, and people I just know by their coffee orders were giving me hugs, showing me baby photos, and telling me which of my blog posts were their favorites. When you become a regular customer at a small coffee shop, you’re not just getting a quick pick-me-up to get you through a bio lecture. You’re becoming a part of an intimate family who isn’t interested in taking your money (that jar on the PP counter benefits a children’s fund).
I am overwhelmed by the impact these small shops, their staffs, and their customers have made in my time as a Syracuse student. What started as a cheap cup of coffee has made my life a mixture of Comstock and Westcott— a blend between clean-cut prep and something with a little more edge. Moving away from Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts changed more than just where I went on a Saturday night or what songs I downloaded to my iPod; It changed how I view myself in this world by exposing me to people who don’t try so hard to fit in. That’s an awfully big result for an 85-cent hazelnut with cream.
Read the other side http://bit.ly/akGjtD
I’ll admit it. I waste an unbelievable amount of time considering the quality of my Facebook profile picture. I search for a photo that says I’m exciting enough to friend request, but safe for employers to hire. I click through my own profile pictures probably more than all of my friends combined. Your profile picture isn’t just another tagged photo; it’s a representation of your identity. It’s a tiny window for the casual Facebook stalker to get to know the real you. But this week, it’s all a lie.
For the past few days, Facebook users worldwide have taken part in doppleganger week: a time to change user profile pictures to that of an actor, athlete, musician, or other quasi-famous person the user may resemble.
This Facebook phenomenon gets it name from the German word doppelganger, deriving from double (doppel) + goer (ganger). Merriam and Webster define doppelganger as a ghostly counterpart of a living person, double, or alter ego. The idea of a figurative double was the theme of Joseph Conrad’s 1912 novel, The Secret Sharer. The term is also the title of a 1993 romantic thriller staring Drew Barrymore, which the International Movie Database claims is up 132 percent in popularity this week (Google searching doppelganger anyone?)
Alejandra Nasser, a sophomore art history student, said one of her friends who changed his picture to Joseph Gordon-Levitt (500 Days of Summer) bared a close enough resemblance to the star that she wondered why her friend had a headshot as his photo. Nasser, however, chose not to participate. “As an ethnic person, there aren’t enough really famous minorities,” she said. “People would just ask me why I didn’t use America Ferrera (Ugly Betty).”
Looking through my mini-feed of Syracuse friends I’ve found varying levels of success at my peers’ endeavors. Some people find surprisingly accurate look-alikes— the punky hipster who eerily resembles Ellen DeGeneres, or a messy brunette matched with the perfect phase of Britney Spears’ breakdown. Others took a humorous approach by matching a scrawny white girl with a rags-to-riches rapper, or a devastatingly handsome heartthrob with a nerdy freshman. Some of my personal favorites have come from cartoon character look-alikes like Mulan, Pocohantas, and Tommy Pickles.
Still, not everyone is playing the game right. If your so-called doppelganger has topped Maxim’s Hot 100, you’re single, and you aren’t trying to make a joke, reevaluate your participation before accepting any friend requests.
If you’re struggling to find a twin, a recent article in the NY Daily News suggested readers check out sites like myhertitage.net or use the Facebook application, Face Double to find an accurate portrayal. You could always just pick your idol and hope people think you’re a comedian and not a raving narcissist.
Blogs and online forums seem to have some controversy over when doppelganger week ends, but it seems like you’ve got a few more days. Make the most of your chance to escape reality and image search some B-list celebrities (let’s be real here, folks) for an identity change.
As for me, I’ve enjoyed the relief from my profile picture quest that’s come with having Aimee Teegarden (Friday Night Lights) represent me, but I’m ready for this week to end. Facebook stalking is infinitely harder when profile pictures are fakes.
See what students said at http://bit.ly/cvrhJR
Tonight in Schine student center kicks off the Pan-Hellenic Society’s 2010 recruitment season, and pretty soon it’s going to seem like every girl on campus is in a house. Current sisters will be wearing their Greek insignia on the daily. This weekend and next will see record numbers of young women flocking to Walnut and Comstock in a sea of polished locks and perfectly accessorized outfits. As a senior, I’ve seen this all before. Tonight starts a strategic game of smiles, bumping into conversation, of “less eyeliner, more mascara,” and faking friendships until they turn real. It’s an annual event, and a reminder of what I’ve chosen not to be a part of.
It might sound like I’m just another sorority-hater, but freshman year I had never felt so left out. With every girl on campus showing their sorority involvement more than ever, I felt like I was the only one who didn’t rush. I called home to tell my mother I regretted not joining in, and I planned to pledge sophomore year. Sophomore year came and went and I rationalized that rushing wasn’t worth the commitment if I was going to spend a semester abroad and graduate early. Still, with Greek life thrust into the spotlight, I have wondered if I’m missing out by not rushing. Sororities have organized social events and, as my post-graduate unemployment looms in front of me, I’m sure I’d appreciate a network of sisters spread across the nation.
Maria Angelov, a junior policy studies and political science student, said she remembers hearing so many of her classmates talking about rush and feeling like everyone on campus was taking part in Greek life, except for her. But not everyone has felt the same way. “Maybe from time to time I think it would be fun to go through and see what it’s like, but I’ve never really thought I wanted to rush,” said junior Brittany McLaren. “I know it’s not for me,” she said.
As much as I’ve always known I didn’t fit into sorority life, rush week has still always been a hard time to be GDI. But even though for these next two weeks Greek life might seem bigger than ever, sororities and fraternities only comprise of 20 percent of Syracuse University’s student body, according to the student life Web site. For those of you readers who know rush isn’t for you, here’s a reminder that you’re not alone. I’ve loved my time here at SU and I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like to leave the friends I’ve made here. It might have taken me a few years to realize, but I know that even though I’m not in a house, I’ve still made a home.
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