Like a Pro: It's not all that bad

Every time I try to have a conversation with a friend about UNH, talk with classmates in the hallways, scan fellow UNH students on Twitter, pick up a copy of local newspapers or even this very newspaper or my past posts, I cannot help but notice the pessimism cast towards UNH.

Our tuition is too high. Our hockey team never wins the big game. The state is cutting our funding and our budget is plummeting. My favorite bar unexpectedly closed. My professor has an accent. I got another parking ticket. No one talks about me on Like a Little. My advisor is useless. Our dining halls have some weird grudge against salt. I live in Stoke. (Okay, so that last complaint is acceptable.)

I will openly admit I am usually the first one to make complaints, or critique UNH for its shortcomings. I am jerk number one – the instigator of criticisms for UNH – but I usually try to make a point with my opinions. Or, at least I think I do. What I am trying to say is that UNH is not all bad, and when it comes down to it, I'm definitely happy I chose to come here.

I do not want to come off as "holier than thou" or some self-righteous preacher, but look around. Are you receiving a strong education? Have you made great friends who will stand by your side for years to come? And, most importantly, have you had fun along the way? If the answer to any of those questions is "no," then I feel sorry for you, because you are not taking advantage of everything UNH has to offer. The opportunities are there, but it takes an effort from the individual to take the next step.

If you are sitting reading this thinking that I am being way too contradictive of my past writings, I understand. But with those pieces, and I'm sure there will be many more to come, I am simply trying to point out problems that arise and how they affect the student body, but not necessarily make UNH a bad school by any means.

Most of the time I am just trying to reverse the damage done by the Union Leader (and, as of lately, Foster's Daily Democrat) whose sole mission seems to be to destroy UNH in any way, shape or form possible. If one were to read the dozens of front-page editorials and articles in the Union Leader about UNH, one would assume that UNH is a money-wasting, liberal propaganda machine whose only goal is to brainwash students and destroy the world. Because that, my friends, is what public education is all about!

And with that paragraph I can now cross off two more places I'll never work. I'm not saying that one opinion or side of the issue is better than the other, I'm just trying to be fair about it. If they get to print biased pieces towards the school, it's only fair that someone responds.

UNH is a strong, public school with a lot to offer. It has some of the most well-published professors in the country, with a wide variety of majors and fields of study, although with the looming budget cuts some of these may be eliminated. There are dozens of great student activity groups and the campus is one of a kind.

UNH provides great opportunities for students to perform original research, which makes our undergraduate programs that much better. For all the negative attention UNH receives from the local media, this school sure does a great job with the limited resources our state provides. So before you are quick to judge UNH as just an average state school, known for its party atmosphere, take a look around.

I'd like to see our state representatives and Union Leader editors tour UNH before they vote on or write on another issue that could determine the fate of UNH. Who knows, maybe they'll even learn a thing or two.

I'll be the first to admit that UNH is not perfect. It could be a lot worse. Just be thankful you don't wake up every morning and realize that you go to school in Orono, Maine. Like I said, it could be a lot worse.

Stay classy, not UMassy

UNH Massage Therapist fired for groping student

via WMUR - David Blair was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of sexual assault. Over the weekend a female student reported the assault from a massage therapist at the UNH Health Services Department and is no longer employed there. Blair passed a background check when he was hired two years ago.

So how are all those gift certificates for massages guys got for their ladies on Valentine's Day looking now? All I really have to say is  good for the victim for contacting authorities quickly. Many times incidences like this go without anyone speaking up so hopefully this was the first time Blair ever acted in this way. This is a serious account, so I will refrain from referencing the SNL Celebrity Jeopardy "therapist" joke and simply link to it.

This was my reaction when I found out Ballard's was closing for good.

Immediately followed by:

Beer = fun. Coffee = not fun.

I don't watch this show, but this pretty much sums it up perfectly.

h/t to Joe L.

Ballards being replaced by an Aroma Joes

 A Ballad for Ballard's...

ahem:

Ballard's you got me drunk

the news of your closing has me in a funk

you had plenty of really cheap beer

and when it got packed you could barely hear

Your patio made you unique

I often used your bathroom to take a leak

Ballard's, you will be greatly missed

 boy, am I really pissed

Discounted pitchers and beat the clock

this news came as quite a shock

At Ballard's I was often trashed

Let's have another night when we all get smashed!

The rumors started swirling this afternoon, but it looks like it is more than a rumor. Apparently Ballard's Restaurant, known for being the only place to drink outside downtown, is being replaced with an Aroma Joe's coffee shop. This is a very sad day for UNHers. Ballard's (formally the Tin Palace for all you oldies) definitely, without comparison, has the best beer selection of all the Durham bars. Sitting out on their patio on warm afternoons, evenings and nights was one of my favorite things about going out downtown. Factor that in with no more Ballard's Beat the Clock and the fact that the other bars just got that much more crowded makes this even worse.

I am not sure on the timetable with this, but hopefully they'll have a final closing bash or something. Ballard's will definitely be missed and UNH nightlife won't be the same without them.

No more Ballard's drinking game, no more patio nights and no more dollar drafts of the best beer selection in Durham.

New Hampshirite = devastated. Rest in peace Ballard's, rest in peace.

Update: Apparently there is a sign on the door that says they're closed the rest of the week for refurbishing and inventory. Sounds like it has already happened.

Furious Dry Heaving

The following is the text message I woke up to this morning, which was sent to me at 8:45 am:

What the fuck? I woke up this morning in a puddle of urine. Then i had to run to the bathroom to dry heave furiously. My heads on fire, n i just checked and its only Wednesday i hafta go to class? Oh, and i cant figure out why "build me up buttercup" is stuck in my head [sic].

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you my best friend since first grade. Let's take a moment to dissect this text, because this is the type of shit my friends have to deal with. Never become close friends with an asshole blogger.

Obviously it is a hungover/drunk text so I'll leave most of the major grammar issues aside. I thoroughly enjoyed his word choice of "dry heave furiously." I can't help but laugh at the image of someone dry heaving "furiously." There aren't many things that one does "furiously" and dry heave is not one of them. The question mark in "its only Wednesday i hafta go to class?" is also quite remarkable.

The fact that he also woke up in a puddle of urine and unaware of what day it also made me laugh. Quite possibly because he woke up in a puddle of urine. Hey, shit happens. I guess piss does too.

The only part that didn't surprise me is that "build me up buttercup" was stuck in his head. Because when I get drunk I enjoy putting that on the jukebox at the various bars around Durham. You're welcome.

You can't help, but singalong!

Like a Pro and other thoughts

My column in today's TNH is simply a revised, and personally a much better version, of the piece I wrote Sunday night about attending UNH hockey games over the past four years. I think TNH presented it very well I must say, choosing to highlight the line "Senior Night is for the players, but as a graduating senior I couldn't help but feel slightly emotional as I stood in the student section one last time. I think it means something to all of us who have been there throughout the years" as the column's feature quote. A few times (maybe just 2 or 3 ever) they've chosen quotes that missed my intended point, but this one was spot on.

I also had a couple comments about today's issue. First of all, there was an article about UNH Twitter accounts and how UNH students are using Twitter for news and those types of things. But the article failed to mention my account, which is about to break 1,400 followers. Instead it focused on @PrezHuddleston,  @UNHswag, @UNHCowbell, @UNHProblems and @UofNH. While those accounts are great, funny or informative, when it comes to UNH news it's my account that people turn to. (I know Prez Huddleston and UNHCowbell personally and they're great.) Not to sound sour or jealous, but when I meet people the first thing I'm usually told is something like "I get all my UNH info from you, how do you hear about everything before everyone else?" I don't care that I wasn't contacted or anything, but I think the fact that I wasn't even mentioned reflects poorly on the author.

Secondly, I was mentioned in a letter to the editor about Barstool. This should be old news by now, but I just wanted to clarify that I am NOT a Barstool supporter. I simply think both sides have taken things too far. That being said I could care less about whether or not they come here. I won't go and I don't care.

If you'd like to read my revised column, follow the jump. (Read more link)

How I trolled UMass without even trying

Just a short time ago someone posted a link to the UMass Meme Facebook page on the UNH page. Boy, was I surprised to see that their page ID photo was taken from this blog and was created by me. Here is a screen shot I just took:

And here is the post I wrote when I created that meme back in October.

I think this is just another example proving how much better, smarter, innovative and physically attractive UNH students are than UMass students. I trolled them without even trying! Bahahaha! This is just too easy. New Hampshirite for the win. Suck it UMass! And while I'm on that topic...

Stay classy, not UMassy.

UNH Field Hockey Remix

Members of the UNH Field Hockey team decided to remix Asher Roth's "I Love College" with a little help from their friends.

Say what you want, but this is still 100 times better than the D-Hop Rap.

UNH Monday Meme

My pick for the UNH Meme of the week might not have the most likes or comments, but it is pretty clever. Also take note of who made it. UNH Hockey for life.

Not too shabby TvR, not too shabby.

Four Years of UNH Hockey: From Behind the Glass

Over the past four years I have attended roughly 60 UNH men's hockey games at the Whittemore Center, possibly closer to 70 or more even. I only missed a home game or two a year (only one when I was actually on campus, the others coming over breaks.) UNH hockey is a way of life in Durham and it was a big part of my college career.

From my freshmen days of filling a Coke can half full of vodka for the walk from Williamson to the Whit, arriving just a few minutes before puck drop to eventually becoming a front row fan as a senior I've seen a lot of hockey. It was a pleasure this year to help out with The Wildcat Army and I fill with joy during every "I believe" chant because that was started on my suggestion. I hope that tradition carries on because I would love to have had an impact on the UNH hockey atmosphere.

Senior Night is for the players, but as a graduating senior I couldn't help but feel slightly emotional as I stood in the student section one last time. I think it means something to all of us who have been there throughout the years. Getting to step on the ice to pick up pucks on Senior Night was truly a great experience as a UNH fan. I took a few pictures as I gathered it all in.

I've seen a lot of great games at the Whit over these last few years. The Wisconsin games were entertaining and well as the Miami-Ohio and Michigan games, but nothing compares with the two game home series against Maine last year. Thompson's last minute backhander after Nyquist missed an empty net was legendary.

The 5-5 tie against Miami-Ohio a few years back was another great one. It featured 9 second period goals (5 from UNH) and it will go down as one of the most entertaining periods I've seen. This year's game against Northeastern earlier in the season (with the power outages) was another great one. With only the student section remaining after three power outages, that game will be one to remember. I remember watching UNH's upset over North Dakota in the NCAA regional from my dorm room in Williamson. Last year's tournament upset over Miami-Ohio was another great game.

I got to see future and current pros and UNH legends such as James van Reimsdyk, Bobby Butler, Brian Foster, Blake Kessel, Phil Thompson, Phil DeSimone, Mike Sislo, Peter Leblanc and hopefully more from the current roster. Not to mention future NHL stars from the other Hockey East schools.

Going to hockey games has been amazing and I would like to thank all of the players. This has been a tough season for UNH fans, but I think the underclassmen have shown a lot of potential. I'm definitely looking forward to following this team as an alumni. To all the seniors, Tyler Scott, Kevin McCarey (whose easy button slap last night was epic) Matt Digirolamo, Damon Kipp, Stevie Moses and Mike Borisenok - thank you. I've never met you guys, but it was great seeing your careers progress these last four seasons. To all the underclassmen, best of luck in the upcoming years and make the most of it. This hasn't been our year, but I think a UNH championship is not far off.

Stay classy, not UMassy.

Thoughts on Barstool Blackout

UNH has been buzzing the last few days about a potential "Barstool Blackout Show" coming to Durham or the seacoast NH region. For the past few months Barstool Sports have been barnstorming college campuses with black lights, light show equipment, DJs and their party reputation, putting on sold out shows everywhere they go. Sounds like fun? Probably for most college students.

But, with the good comes the bad. Barstool, and their owner Dave Portnoy, have gained a misogynistic reputation for what he says and writes. The entire Barstool shtick is simple: sports, hot girls, and quite simply, what guys talk about with their buddies over some drinks. (Hence "Barstool Sports.")

Barstool diehards says it's all fun and games. Words are harmless and the jokes are just jokes. Barstool haters claim that they "condone rape" simply by making off color jokes. Personally, I think both sides have taken things too far. I'm not a Barstool fan, but I do keep up on them because they frequently run local stories about UNH or other schools. Do I honestly think that Barstool "condones rape," simply because of a few sentences written in years of the site being up? No way. Do I think they often take things to far? Absolutely yes.

(If you're out of the loop: TNH's editorial and Barstool's reaction.)

Then there is the argument, "by simply joking about rape, they are making light of it and therefore condoning it and allowing a rape culture." That is the popular argument among those who vehemently oppose Barstool. I think it is a stretch. It is easy to point a finger at someone by taking a quote out of context or removing any sarcasm or possible attempt at humor. It's even easier when it is written down than when it is said. I'm sure most of you (no matter which side you take) has said something in your past - whether joking or not - that would make you sound misogynistic, racist, slutty, prudish, ignorant, uneducated, douchy, or just plain idiotic.

However, I am also not taking Barstool's side at all. I think they go for the cheap laugh, the cheap page hits and use sensationalism to the max. And they do it as well as or better than just about any blog out there. It has worked for them, but you have to understand that is their style. It is their gimmick, and El Prez has nailed what he does, it has made himself a huge cult following and a decent amount of money.

Barstool's response to the entire issue is what grinds my gears more than anything. Every time KO Barstool or a college newspaper releases an editorial on the matter El Prez responds the same way "It's just fat, ugly chicks who are jealous... blah blah blah." (He even called me a "fat chick" two years ago when I took SCOPE's side during Prez's original pissy pants fight with them.)  If that is his only response than I think it pretty much answers the whole question. They're immature and they don't care. They like the attention stuff like this brings to them and they will ride it out as long as people hate on them.

That being said, I definitely think Barstool has taken things too far at times. There is a line when it comes to "jokes" and I believe they have crossed it numerous times. But that is what they do. When it all comes down to it, if they were to land a show in the Whit, it would sellout immediately. There is no doubt in my mind that it would. Lots of students would drink, there would be arrests, but what UNH show isn't like that?

In short, I don't believe that "Barstool condones rape" or "creates a rape culture" but I do believe that joking about it can go too far and hurt people.  I do not think that one causes the other, joking about rape doesn't cause it to happen. Portnoy is an ignorant, arrogant jerk for the things he says and writes. But his blog doesn't cause rape. Poor education on the matter and bad people allow rape to happen. If Bartsool came to UNH I wouldn't be there for personal choices, but I probably wouldn't protest it either. It is what it is. A blog on the internet, it attracts readers who simply "think" in that way, but it doesn't cause people to think that way.

Stay classy, not UMassy

Like a Pro: A UNH Valentine

In honor of today being Valentine’s Day, which many students claim to hate while others obsess over it, I have decided to dedicate today’s column to creating the worst date scenarios possible here at UNH. I just want to clarify that I have never done any of these and they are simply for enjoyment and maybe even a few of you will be warned to avoid these situations. Also, I think it is only fair to let you all know I am awkward. Extremely awkward. I am not a dating expert, but I also like to think that I am not a complete idiot. So UNH, on this Valentine’s Day, whether you are celebrating or not, here is what you should not do.

For the single guys out there, you may be looking for a nice young lady, an orange, ugged out North Faced girl, to sweep off her feet this evening. Sorry, if that was too harsh, I’m sure Oompa Loompa’s have feelings too. (Although I highly doubt they can read and figure out that I'm talking about them right now.) YOU'RE ORANGE TAN LOOKS SO NATURAL DURING A NEW ENGLAND WINTER.

First, there is the ever-important pickup line. You want to be funny, but not awkward. Confident, but not overkill. This means you should avoid saying things like “Hey baby, would you like to be the tap to my keg?” However, this may actually work in the basement of Scorpions. Why? Because location matters. Always remember: location, location, location.

Other pickup lines to avoid include, “Aren’t you in my Making Babies class? We should study together.” Also, “Hey, didn’t we make out on Libby’s dance floor that one time? No? Well she looked just like you. I mean she was almost as cute as you… sooo do you want to?” And lastly, “Yeah, I’m on the hockey team. Well, I’m not on the team exactly, but I do sit next to Stevie Moses in class and we’re friends on Facebook. So, like I go to all their parties.”

Congratulations, you’ve made it past the pickup line. Now you need a little conversation starter to keep things going. Every college student says the same things. They ask where your from, what’s your major and where do you live on campus. Side note: Any guy just trying to get lucky says that he is in WSBE, because for some reason he probably won’t have to defend himself or his future. You know, because all WSBE majors are going to be Fortune 500 CEOs. Don’t worry, they won’t read this. Am I right Ham-Smithers? Also, some of my best friends are business majors... Never say that you’re a history major. Trust me.

If you have made it this far you have pretty much secured a date. Well done. Now if you think I’m going to share my ultimate date ideas you must be crazy, because I don’t have any so you are shit out of luck. However, I do know what not to do. These things will not impress the ladies.

Do not make a lunch date at a dining hall you silly, silly freshman. If you must because you are extremely poor, at least avoid HoCo and take her somewhere exotic like Stillings. It has weird hours and only the locals know where it is. Also, Wagon Hill might sound nice and romantic, especially under the stars, but not in February. Save that one for warmer weather. Do not invite a date to go to Libby’s on a Thursday or Saturday night, although if you both like dancing it could be a way to end a night out. Do not start off there and definitely do not hit on or dance with other people if you do.

Lastly, and I cannot stress this one enough: never, ever, under any circumstances offer to buy her some 40s to drink in the back ally next to DHop under the stars. Trust me, it won’t work. Not that I know from experience or anything. A date night should never involve 40s, Keystone Light or Zhenka. Keep it classy. You can never go wrong with a bottle of wine, (keyword: “bottle” notice how I didn’t say “cardboard box”), a blanket and a movie.

Or, worst comes to worst, wait for your roommate to fall asleep and skim through the HBO channels after midnight.

Stay classy, not UMassy

96 bottles of beer on the wall...

Fellow UNH 2012ers, we are 96 days away from graduating. Chew on that for a second. It is time to step our game up. Remember this is UNH's Greatest Semester Ever.

If you haven't seen it yet, there is a new UNH Meme Facebook page that has been blowing up. I got a tweet last week about starting one, but my lazy senioritus diseased self dropped the ball so all I can do is help promote it. I will however be selecting one a week as my favorite pick and post it on the blog. Here's my first pick:

There were a lot of good ones, but I hate the UNH bookstore and refuse to go there anymore so this one definitely caught my attention.

In other news, I started working on a new blog project. All I can say is that it will be a way to wrap up this whole thing before graduation and a trivia/scavenger hunt game with prizes will be involved. Stay tuned for updates and rules on how to play and win.

Stay classy, not UMassy.

Letter Regarding David Guetta Concert

Dear Students of UNH,

I hope your semester is going well. With David Guetta performing a concert at the Whittemore Center tonight, Wednesday, February 8, I have been asked to get some information out to the students.

I am asking for your cooperation to make sure that no “after concert” problems may arise on campus. UNH has had a few times in our history where major student misbehavior followed concerts such as the Wiz Khalifa and Avicii "ragers." Leading up to and following these concerts significant damage has occurred to student's brain cells and livers.

I am requesting that students stay away from the Main Street area. Students will not be permitted to gather downtown. There is going to be increased police presence at the Whittemore Center and in town. By going downtown you face a serious risk of arrest, suspension from school or face a possible death squad.

Also, to prevent any "during concert" problems, students are being asked to stand still throughout the concert. No singing, no dancing, and absolutely no "going HAM" will be allowed. If you must use the facilities please raise your hand and a trained usher will walk with you. To avoid confusing the ushers, we respectfully ask that you refrain from "fist pumping."

Lastly, to prevent any "pre concert" problems, students are being asked to bring a book to read quietly while waiting in line for the doors to open. Any student found not studying will face possible suspension or arrest.

Enjoy yourselves and thank you for your cooperation. And remember stay classy, not UMassy.

The New Hampshirite
Student Blogger: Certified Bad Ass
unhblog@yahoo.com

The UNH Student Bill of Rights

Here at UNH, we have the infamous student rulebook known as the "Student Rights, Rules and Responsibilities" handbook.

Other than the "Academic Honesty" portion of every professor's syllabus, which usually quotes or references the portion on plagiarism (section 09, pages 22 and 23), you have probably never actually read the handbook. It discusses all the rules governing UNH students – what we can and cannot do, including rules on alcohol, dorms, academic policies and other subjects.

I've skimmed through the handbook a few times to brush up on various rules to keep my columns accurate, and one thing bothered me. Probably because I am an American history nerd, I was depressed to see that there wasn't a section labeled the "UNH Student Bill of Rights" that took the original Bill of Rights and adjusted it to life at UNH. So, because I have nothing better to do, I did that on my own.

The First Amendment protects the student's right to drink any beer or alcohol you please without persecution, even Keystone Light. This also provides us with the right to make drunken statements without consequences, including but not limited to drunken texts, Facebook messages and tweets. This amendment also prohibits UNH from establishing any law prohibiting students of age not to drink as they please.

Finally, the First Amendment allows for students to assemble a party as they please or to congregate in the downtown area provided that the students remain peaceful.

The Second Amendment provides students with the right to always have a room full of alcohol, and states that the right to bear a flask at all times shall not be infringed. This amendment also allows students to have a separate fridge for bearing excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages.

The Third Amendment gives students the protection of quartering a roommate's girlfriend or boyfriend for an extended period of time. No girlfriend or boyfriend may stay over without consent of one's roommate(s).

The Fourth Amendment provides students with the right to say "no" and deny any police's request to look into one's backpack. Police must have permission, and many students do not realize that "no" is an option.

The Fifth Amendment is famous for the double jeopardy clause. Here at UNH it is simple, and more of a rule than a right – don't go home with the same girl you meet on Libby's dance floor twice. It also gives students the right to not give details of the previous night's activities, especially if beer goggles were involved.

The Sixth Amendment provides students with the right to take a class that will result in a speedy or easy "A." Making Babies and Germs are perfectly acceptable classes for filling out one's schedule.

The Seventh Amendment provides students with the right to intervene with another friend's beer goggles experience. It also provides students with the right to intervene with a drunken roommate in general, for his or her own protection or the protection of someone else.

The Eighth Amendment rules that if a class is 120 minutes or longer and the professor does not allow for a minimum of a five minute break, it shall be considered cruel and unusual punishment.

Purposely making loud noises to annoy a hung over roommate shall also be considered cruel and unusual, but still humorous nonetheless.

The Ninth Amendment provides students with the right to not be fined, suspended, arrested or expelled for something not in the "Student Rights, Rules and Responsibilities" handbook. This amendment also prohibits certain employees from making rules outside of their jurisdiction. For example, let's say a Housing employee cannot threaten students with an arrest or suspension for going downtown.

The Tenth Amendment states that all powers not delegated by the "Student Rights, Rules and Responsibilities" handbook, nor prohibited by the university or the Town of Durham, are reserved to the students.

There you have it, UNH's first (not really) official Student Bill of Rights. Feel free to cut or print this out and keep it on you at all times. It won't actually protect you from anything, but at the very least it could be used to start a fire if you think any of your rights are infringed upon. Am I right, UMass?

Stay classy, not UMassy

Zoomass Slamherst: straight class

Another day of UMass embarrassing themselves and all was right in the world again...

You can't spell "Patriots" without "Riots"

UNHers, if you see or hear of anything happening on campus tonight related to excessive police force, dumb students or just cops and students mixing in general please let me know. Leave a comment on this post, send me a tweet, facebook the New Hampshirite or email me. Pictures would be wonderful. I hope nothing happens, but I would like to stay on top of anything.

Seriously people, be smart tonight. We all may be drunk and angry (or happy if you're from NY/NJ) but don't do anything stupid. Remember: Classy, not UMassy.

As a Boston fan I've seen 3 Super Bowls, 2 World Series,1 NHL and 1 NBA Championship. I've been spoiled and really can't complain. Be safe and be smart if your venture onto campus tonight.

Stay classy, not UMassy.

Alcohol is bad mmmkay

UNH Health Services released a few alcohol awareness videos and they practically don't have any views so I felt it was my responsibility to share them with you all:

Best part: "Now I have alcohol poisoning."

Best part: 3,000 students won't drink this weekend... (but the other 10,000 or so will.)

Best part: "Avoid pre-gaming and drinking games." Umm, that's the point!

This one uses most of the first three videos and has some more commentary between them:

So, apparently pre-gaming and 5 or more drinks is high-risk drinking. Whoops, five drinks is usually about my average pre-game. I have much to learn.

To make this better, this video was in the related videos tab on YouTube. Good ole' UNH:

Go PatRiots!

 I am so getting arrested tonight...

Who is ready for Super Bowl Sunday?

I think the UNH administration is. Credit goes to @PrezHuddleston for this one:

Don't worry UNH, I explained about the riots so all the current students know about them. I just hope the riot gear isn't necessary this year... oh wait, it never was. I forgot.

That song has nothing to do with anything. I just wanted to share it.

Be safe, be smart and most importantly stay classy, not UMassy.

UNH Students told to Avoid Downtown Following the Super Bowl

 UNH Police: Riot Gear and Stealing your Beer.

Dear Resident of Gables Apartments,


I hope your semester is going well. With the New England Patriots competing in this year’s Superbowl on Sunday, February 5th, I have been asked to get some information out to all of students.


I am asking your cooperation to make sure that no “after game” problems may arise in our housing residences. UNH has had a few times in our history where major student misbehavior followed sporting events such as the Super bowl and World Series. During these celebrations significant damage has occurred in and around the residence halls and the town.


UNH has since worked with the town to make it clear to students that such misbehavior will not be tolerated and anyone creating a disturbance will be arrested and/or suspended from UNH.


Staff will be working on Sunday night walking around the complexes and residences. We will wait until after the game ends to do rounds and ensure that things are under control.


I am requesting that students at the Gables, Woodside and Adams Tower stay at their respective residences and away from the Main Street area. Students will not be permitted to gather downtown. There is going to be increased police presence at the complex and in town. By going downtown you face a serious risk of arrest and suspension from school.


I hope that you will choose to celebrate within your residence hall or apartment in a respectful and responsible way.


Enjoy yourselves, but not at the expense of your neighbors.
Thank you for your cooperation this weekend.
Michael Saputo

This email has been sent out to UNH students at various resident halls basically warning us to not go downtown after the Super Bowl or we are at risk of arrest and/or suspension from school. This is due to past incidences when the police unnecessarily showed up in riot gear, used excessive force (included bean bag guns) and caused mass chaos. Between 2002 and 2007 there were several incidences downtown following the hockey teams loss in the 2002 National Championship and the results of Red Sox and Patriots play-off games. The worst incidences occurred when the police were in riot gear and threatened students. When they showed up in their regular uniforms there were no problems.  I had a very well respected professor who blamed the police for the incidences, citing that the riot gear causes fear among the crowd. Look at the Occupy protests if you don't believe me. All of the worst occurances happened when the police were in riot gear.

I'm wondering and am very curious to see what will happen. You have to expect that many people will be watching the games at the bars and other downtown establishments. You can't get arrested or suspended without breaking a law or UNH ordinance.

Stay classy, not UMassy (and go Patriots!)

Updates: 2003 Red Sox riot with cops in riot gear. Notice the tear gas and the girl towards the end with the busted face from a tear gas pellet. Things obviously escalated AFTER the cops in riot gear showed up and possibly overreacted. Obviously the fireworks and the dumpster burning was to far, but was the police force necessary and did it provoke the students to take things further?

Q&A with UNH Freshman Casey Thrush

 Casey Thrush is a freshmen forward on the UNH men's hockey team. Thrush, a native of Maryland, previously played for the Muskegon Lumberjacks (Michigan) of the USHL. Through 22 games this season Thrush has registered 9 points (2g, 7a), which is third on the team for freshmen. Thrush is also tied for the team high with a +/- rating of +7. Thrush was named Hockey East Rookie of the Week on November 21st after registering a goal and an assist in a 5-0 win over the UMass-Lowell River Hawks on November 18th. That was also his first goal of his collegiate career.

1) Why did you choose to play at UNH?
I come from an area that is not big into hockey so I wanted to come to a place that had a big fan base and passion for the game.

2) Throughout your career, what has been your most memorable hockey experience?
The most memorable would have to be the entire Frozen Fenway weekend. From the practice to the game it was all pretty unreal and it was my first time at Fenway Park.

3) Do you have any pre-game rituals?
Hockey players all have rituals. I pretty much follow the same schedule every game with warm ups, taping sticks and getting dressed at the same times and of course lining up the same way and a few handshakes.

4) Non-hockey related, what have you enjoyed the most about UNH?
I like the size [of the campus] big enough to meet a lot of new people, but also has a small feel.

5) I know you guys are focused on the game, but is there a chant you like the most?
I like when the crowd gets the wave going kinda old school its only happened twice this year so I would like to see more of that.

6) What are your goals heading into the end of the season?
Getting the highest seed in the Hockey East playoffs that we can get and give us best chance to advance to the semifinals.

7) Growing up what NHL player(s) did you admire? Who is your favorite team?
I'm a big Caps fan so I am big OV guy, but growing up I liked Markus Naslund of Vancouver he was my favorite player.

8) Zombie apocalypse. Which teammate survives the longest?
Good question, that's a tough one I like my chances if I can meet up with my brother he is a mountain man and a engineer but if it's individual thing I'd go Damon Kipp.