Well that was one quite interesting weekend to say the least. Two awesome hockey games, one great football (although I never did leave the tailgate area... whoops) reuniting with old friends, awesome costumes and parties and helluva lot of alcohol. (Helluva. See what I did there?)
In preparation for the weekend I purchased some moonshine. I really don't feel I need to elaborate on that statement. Moonshine. Use your imagination.
Anyways, it was awesome to see the hockey team rebound with two awesome wins. I tweeted this the other night, but, I have been going to UNH games since 1999 (all hail Jason Krog, Ty Conklin and Darren Haydar) and the Northeastern game will go down as one of the most memorable games I've ever attended. It will be up there with the first game I attended, a 9-4 trouncing of Providence featuring a multi-goal game from Hobey Baker winner Jason Krog, the 5-5 tie against Miami a few years ago that featured a 9 goal second period and last year's Maine game where Paul Thompson netted the winner with 17 seconds left after Maine's Gustav Nyquist dodged a diving DiGi and missed an empty net.
The other night wasn't a super close game, a big upset or a last second thriller, but everything that happened made it one to remember. UNH jumps out, the crowd - although it was smaller than usual- was loud and then Northeastern made it interesting. It was 3-2 with about 18 minutes left when the lights went out in the Whit for a third time. Most of the crowd left, but the majority of the student section remained. After 47 minutes of delays (which was 15 minutes longer than how fast the Maine tickets sold out today) the game resumed. The only thing was Northeastern never showed up after the power resumed and UNH netted three more goals to finish the game off with a 5-2 win. Being in the student section for that game was a great experience and it was nice to see so many students stay. I know (via twitter) the players really appreciate it and they were also excited to see how fast tickets went for next weekend. Hopefully next weekend will feature some great games too... oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention the huge 2-1 upset of Union the night before for the first win of the year.
Stay classy, not UMassy.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
MTV True Life contacted me... wait, what?
I got out of class today, hit up the dining hall and then Store 24 for some weekend provisions. I got back to my apartment to see this email in my blog's inbox:
Dear University of Nonsensical Happenings,
My name is Laura Desmond and I'm helping to produce an episode of MTV's Emmy award-winning documentary series, "True Life." We are currently making an episode about young people who are addicted to marijuana. I am reaching out to you to see if your blog can help us spread the word about this episode and connect with young people interested in sharing their stories.
"True Life" has been on MTV for over ten years, and it covers important social and personal issues for young people in a straightforward, empathic style that respects its participants and its impressionable viewers. Our style allows the young people to tell their own stories, in their own voices, without a reporter or narrator. We simply follow them through their lives, without affecting their choices in any way, and we capture real life as it happens.
Our goal, as with all episodes of True Life, is to put young people across the country in our subjects’ shoes. We hope that, by portraying the most intimate moments of our subjects’ lives, we will help young people understand complex personal and social issues. We have no moral, religious, or political agendas, and aim only to objectively tell the story from our subject’s perspective.
Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions! Thank you for your time and consideration.
So that is a real email I received today from a production assistant from Punched in the Head Productions, the company that runs MTV True Life. She left her name, company position and phone number and it all checks out with their website, so as far as I know this is actually real and not spam. I mean they had to of searched for college blogs, found this and my email under the contact tab so it's not like a generated bot. I guess if you're interested, email me and I can send you their contact info. I don't really expect any of you to reply, but I had to post this because I think this is actually pretty hilarious and kind of cool... Although I'm not sure whether I should be excited or depressed. Maybe I'd be more supportive if MTV (Music Television) actually played music. Zing!
Have a nice Hallowcoming weekend.
Stay classy, not UMassy.
Dear University of Nonsensical Happenings,
My name is Laura Desmond and I'm helping to produce an episode of MTV's Emmy award-winning documentary series, "True Life." We are currently making an episode about young people who are addicted to marijuana. I am reaching out to you to see if your blog can help us spread the word about this episode and connect with young people interested in sharing their stories.
"True Life" has been on MTV for over ten years, and it covers important social and personal issues for young people in a straightforward, empathic style that respects its participants and its impressionable viewers. Our style allows the young people to tell their own stories, in their own voices, without a reporter or narrator. We simply follow them through their lives, without affecting their choices in any way, and we capture real life as it happens.
Our goal, as with all episodes of True Life, is to put young people across the country in our subjects’ shoes. We hope that, by portraying the most intimate moments of our subjects’ lives, we will help young people understand complex personal and social issues. We have no moral, religious, or political agendas, and aim only to objectively tell the story from our subject’s perspective.
Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions! Thank you for your time and consideration.
So that is a real email I received today from a production assistant from Punched in the Head Productions, the company that runs MTV True Life. She left her name, company position and phone number and it all checks out with their website, so as far as I know this is actually real and not spam. I mean they had to of searched for college blogs, found this and my email under the contact tab so it's not like a generated bot. I guess if you're interested, email me and I can send you their contact info. I don't really expect any of you to reply, but I had to post this because I think this is actually pretty hilarious and kind of cool... Although I'm not sure whether I should be excited or depressed. Maybe I'd be more supportive if MTV (Music Television) actually played music. Zing!
Have a nice Hallowcoming weekend.
Stay classy, not UMassy.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Registering my final time...
As a senior I am about to register for classes one final time. Unless I go to grad school, but this is my last time registering as an undergrad. After this semester I will have completed my major and I already have all my gen ed requirements, which means I only have to get the credits I need to graduate. Needless to say, I'm planning on making the best possible schedule. I was going to take all 400's but then I stumbled across this class:
HMGT 771 - Beverage Management/International Wines Credits: 4.00
Class description: Examination of purchasing, evaluation, storage, service, and control of alcoholic beverages. Emphasizes wines, although beer, ale, distilled spirits, liqueurs, and mixed drinks are examined. Enrolled students must be at least 21 years old. Prereq: permission.
Well, I guess I can take three 400 levels. I don't care how challenging this course is, I am going to take it and I already can't wait. Hospitality Management sounds quite interesting and I think it could complement my history degree quite well. I feel that I could be very hospitable and I really like alcohol. Sounds like a match made in heaven.
Stay classy, not UMassy.
HMGT 771 - Beverage Management/International Wines Credits: 4.00
Class description: Examination of purchasing, evaluation, storage, service, and control of alcoholic beverages. Emphasizes wines, although beer, ale, distilled spirits, liqueurs, and mixed drinks are examined. Enrolled students must be at least 21 years old. Prereq: permission.
Well, I guess I can take three 400 levels. I don't care how challenging this course is, I am going to take it and I already can't wait. Hospitality Management sounds quite interesting and I think it could complement my history degree quite well. I feel that I could be very hospitable and I really like alcohol. Sounds like a match made in heaven.
Stay classy, not UMassy.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Are You Ready?
Shh, can you hear it? That eerie silence? The calm before the storm? The anticipation for possibly the greatest weekend in UNH history is growing and Friday is just a few days away.
Since the administration announced the move of Homecoming weekend to the same weekend of Halloween, the UNH campus and community has been buzzing with excitement. It's been dubbed "Hallowcoming" and it is going to be one heck of a weekend: two hockey games, tailgating, homecoming football, parade, fireworks, Halloween costume parties, volleyball senior day and potentially great memories. I say potentially, because quite honestly, we might not actually remember all of it.
The stars have aligned and two of the best, craziest and outrageous college weekends have been combined into one. However, this also means that the two weekends that usually average the most arrests, apart from maybe Spring Climax, are also combined. Arrest numbers will most likely exceed the 48 we saw last year leading up to and following the Wiz Khalifa concert.
This weekend poses two huge questions: what do I wear for Halloween? And how do I not get arrested? Have no fear, for I am going to share some of my senior wisdom that will hopefully help provide answers to both.
First on the table is the question of what to wear for your ever-important Halloween costume. The first tip I have is to wear something that can be comfortable in a variety of temperatures, or at least wear layers so you can adjust appropriately. Sure it may be 80 degrees in that dirty basement, but when the cops break up that party a mile off campus and you have to walk back, that "cat" costume may be a bit light for a New Hampshire fall night. This happened to me sophomore year, but luckily my full Celtics warm-up jumpsuit was suitable for the warm and cold. Also, you want it to be comfortable – you're going to be wearing all night, or all weekend if you're dedicated, so be sure to take that into account.
The second tip I have for a costume is to be original, but not too obscure that you will have to be explaining yourself all night. I have a feeling we'll see about 25 Lady Gagas and even more Nicki Minajs this weekend.
Personally, I would love to be Chuck Testa, but only three people would probably get it. Last year my Jagerbomb costume was borderline too obscure. It was definitely creative, but only about a third to half the people who saw me got it. Those who got it loved it, but those who didn't thought I was just some weirdo with deer antlers and a fake bomb taped to my stomach.
As for the arrest problem, there are a few things to take into consideration. The most common arrest at UNH is underage intoxication. If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times and it is no secret that underage college students drink.
I did it, you probably did it and thousands of you will do it this weekend. For those of us who are 21, we only have to worry about public intoxication, but the tips for both situations are similar. Don't attract attention to yourself and don't cause a scene and you will probably be fine.
One of the problems about drinking is that it usually throws common sense out the window and the only thing it really takes to avoid an arrest is common sense. Be respectful to the police, be smart about your decisions and chances are, they won't bother you.
On big party weekends like this one, the police are looking to control the crowds and keep people safe. They will not single out random students from a crowd and ask for their ID, but if you're calling attention to yourself, they probably will. Stay together in groups, watch out for hotdog costumes and mind your own business. There is no reason you can't have fun and partake in various college nightlife activities and still stay out of trouble or harm's way.
The biggest tip I have for you this weekend is to be safe, but still have as much fun as humanly possible. You are only in college once, and believe me, it goes by way too fast. So enjoy yourself and your time here, but be smart, stay safe and most of all:
Stay classy, not UMassy.
Since the administration announced the move of Homecoming weekend to the same weekend of Halloween, the UNH campus and community has been buzzing with excitement. It's been dubbed "Hallowcoming" and it is going to be one heck of a weekend: two hockey games, tailgating, homecoming football, parade, fireworks, Halloween costume parties, volleyball senior day and potentially great memories. I say potentially, because quite honestly, we might not actually remember all of it.
The stars have aligned and two of the best, craziest and outrageous college weekends have been combined into one. However, this also means that the two weekends that usually average the most arrests, apart from maybe Spring Climax, are also combined. Arrest numbers will most likely exceed the 48 we saw last year leading up to and following the Wiz Khalifa concert.
This weekend poses two huge questions: what do I wear for Halloween? And how do I not get arrested? Have no fear, for I am going to share some of my senior wisdom that will hopefully help provide answers to both.
First on the table is the question of what to wear for your ever-important Halloween costume. The first tip I have is to wear something that can be comfortable in a variety of temperatures, or at least wear layers so you can adjust appropriately. Sure it may be 80 degrees in that dirty basement, but when the cops break up that party a mile off campus and you have to walk back, that "cat" costume may be a bit light for a New Hampshire fall night. This happened to me sophomore year, but luckily my full Celtics warm-up jumpsuit was suitable for the warm and cold. Also, you want it to be comfortable – you're going to be wearing all night, or all weekend if you're dedicated, so be sure to take that into account.
The second tip I have for a costume is to be original, but not too obscure that you will have to be explaining yourself all night. I have a feeling we'll see about 25 Lady Gagas and even more Nicki Minajs this weekend.
Personally, I would love to be Chuck Testa, but only three people would probably get it. Last year my Jagerbomb costume was borderline too obscure. It was definitely creative, but only about a third to half the people who saw me got it. Those who got it loved it, but those who didn't thought I was just some weirdo with deer antlers and a fake bomb taped to my stomach.
As for the arrest problem, there are a few things to take into consideration. The most common arrest at UNH is underage intoxication. If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times and it is no secret that underage college students drink.
I did it, you probably did it and thousands of you will do it this weekend. For those of us who are 21, we only have to worry about public intoxication, but the tips for both situations are similar. Don't attract attention to yourself and don't cause a scene and you will probably be fine.
One of the problems about drinking is that it usually throws common sense out the window and the only thing it really takes to avoid an arrest is common sense. Be respectful to the police, be smart about your decisions and chances are, they won't bother you.
On big party weekends like this one, the police are looking to control the crowds and keep people safe. They will not single out random students from a crowd and ask for their ID, but if you're calling attention to yourself, they probably will. Stay together in groups, watch out for hotdog costumes and mind your own business. There is no reason you can't have fun and partake in various college nightlife activities and still stay out of trouble or harm's way.
The biggest tip I have for you this weekend is to be safe, but still have as much fun as humanly possible. You are only in college once, and believe me, it goes by way too fast. So enjoy yourself and your time here, but be smart, stay safe and most of all:
Stay classy, not UMassy.
Monday, October 24, 2011
SCOPE's Fall Show is...
Two Door Cinema. Can't say I've heard of them, but apparently they were highly requested. Student tickets are just $10 and go on sale at the Whit Box office November 7th.
Not really impressed and I sense an unhappy student body. I'll give them a few listens, but I don't think I'll be going.
Friday, October 21, 2011
The Colonial Clash Part II
I've haven't seen any of them for more than a few minutes since school began so I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone. But I realized something today. I can't wait to tailgate with them all, last year I wasn't 21 yet so I didn't want to risk anything. Last year was a blast while sober, so this year should be even better. Last year's Colonial Clash was one of the best afternoons of the school year and it's nice to see people get excited for UNH football. UNH is playing well this year and UMass is preparing to move up a level so it should be a good game. UNH has already sold out their student tickets, twice, so hopefully we have the bigger crowd again this year.
Hopefully this will get more people excited for the remaining home games UNH has, especially homecoming. Or should I say Hallowcoming, as it is being called around campus. The anticipation is killing me!
Stay classy, not UMassy.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
When skipping classes is okay...
So today I thought of how whenever I have one class canceled it instantly makes me about 90 times more likely to skip my other classes that day. I then began thinking of a post, "when it's okay to skip"and began making a list thinking of it as a meme. I didn't feel like making a bunch of memes, so I just made the first one. I also didn't feel like finding the perfect picture for it so I just used the classic John Belushi image. In short, I am very lazy.
Anyways, here is my remaining list of when it is okay to skip classes. Feel free to comment all the ones I forgot...
- Have an exam in afternoon, skip morning class to
studysleep in. - Have an exam in the morning. Skip afternoon class to
reward yourself for doing welldrink sorrows away. - Raining.
- Snowing.
- Too cold.
- Too hot.
- Too humid.
- Professor doesn't take attendence.
- "He'll never give us a pop quiz two classes in a row..."
- Too hungover.
- Still drunk.
- Bed is too comfortable.
- "It's only a level 400"
- It is a Friday...
- According to the syllabus, we're watching a documentary.
- Only two levels left...
- History class? That's why we have the History Channel. Ancient Aliens marathon. Sweet.
- Environmental Conservation? Gets high and watches Planet Earth.
- Poly Sci? I watch the Daily Show every night!
- Intro to Music? I love music. (Turns up Ke$ha).
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Quiet Hours Survey
Attention residents of the Gables and Woodsides, please be aware that an email has been sent out with a brief (3-4 question) survey regarding quiet hours. In the email housing says that the change was in hope of reducing the cost of damages. However, they fail to mention that they have seen no change in damage bills so far this semester. (Their direct quote to me was "very little difference" but didn't say in which direction). Please take this survey to show them that they were out of line by changing the quiet hours without any student feedback. They used the fact that 22% of students polled said it wasn't always quiet enough when they wanted to study or sleep, which is nowhere near the majority of apartment residents. My roommates and I all selected the "10pm weekday and 1am weekend" option, I hope you do the same.
In other news, I just received a tweet saying that ATO has now lost recognition. Anyone have any details on this? UNH fraternities are dropping like flies.
Stay classy, not UMassy.
In other news, I just received a tweet saying that ATO has now lost recognition. Anyone have any details on this? UNH fraternities are dropping like flies.
Stay classy, not UMassy.
A Message to UNH Hockey Fans
This is my TNH column for the week. It basically expands on what I said last week, but I wanted it to get a bigger audience.
Despite what you may think, I do not always write about partying, barhopping, and being generally awkward. This is college and college life is so much more than those things, especially here at UNH.
For example, there is also hockey. If you are an ill-advised freshman or an upperclassmen who has been living in a box during your time in Durham, hockey is a major part of UNH culture. Our fans live, breathe and die Wildcat hockey.
Friday and Saturday afternoon activities in the fall and winter consist of body painting and sign making. I grew up about a half hour drive from campus, and ever since I attended my first game as a 9-year-old, I looked forward to the day I could stand in the student section.
For the past three seasons, I have only missed a handful of home games and some of my favorite memories of my time at UNH relate to hockey games. If you do not get that excited feeling in your stomach this time of year or irresistibly smile every Monday morning when you pick up your student ticket, you are not a true UNH hockey fan.
UNH hockey fans are our own breed. We are proud of our school, our team and our classmates who make up the team. We may not know the players on a personal level, but you would never know that by the way we support them through good times and bad.
While every student has the right to get tickets and stand in the student section, UNH games are for the most dedicated students. There is a reason why the student section sells out, usually as well as the rest of the arena, for every game. UNH hockey games are for those true UNH hockey fans, not just the students who show up to games just because it is the thing to do.
The season is underway and so far things have been shaky for the team on the ice. They lost a lot last year, but they also return many key players and will be looking for younger players to step up. For the dedicated fans, the slow start has not been too much of a surprise, but we fully expect the team to improve throughout the season and transform into a true contender.
Have faith, because we have Wildcat blood running through out veins and the season is still very young.
Those of you who attended Saturday night's game against Boston College probably noticed a few changes among the crowd.
Namely, the super-fans who have led the student section for years have moved on and passed the cowbell down to current students. This has given us a great opportunity to create new traditions as well as carrying on the old classic ones that make the Whittemore Center one of the best college hockey arenas in the country.
The Wildcat Army, the name the new student leaders have taken up, has brainstormed new cheers, chants and songs. They can be found on Facebook and Twitter by searching their name if you want to learn more. Flyers and cheer sheets are in the process of being made.
Nothing annoys me more, apart from terrible refereeing (cough Hanson brothers), than students who show up to games and don't participate in the cheers. Or even worse, they mock their fellow students who work hard to make the Whitt the intimidating arena that it is. The irony of a kid wearing a "we are the 6th man" t-shirt leaving the game halfway through the third period kills me.
It may take a few more home games for the crowd to return to its normal rowdiness because of the transition, but we believe that this is for the better and will help current students create a better bond with the team. While hockey is, always has been and probably always will be UNH's top sport, we shouldn't forget about our other student athletes who wear Wildcat colors.
While schoolwork may take priority over some games, it is important to try and show your Wildcat pride for all the different sports. Football, both soccer teams, volleyball and field hockey all have a handful of home games left and the basketball and winter sports season is just around the corner. Try to make it to a few of those games to show your Wildcat pride, because college is the last chance you have to really have a connection with the athletes you cheer for.
Stay classy, not UMassy.
Despite what you may think, I do not always write about partying, barhopping, and being generally awkward. This is college and college life is so much more than those things, especially here at UNH.
For example, there is also hockey. If you are an ill-advised freshman or an upperclassmen who has been living in a box during your time in Durham, hockey is a major part of UNH culture. Our fans live, breathe and die Wildcat hockey.
Friday and Saturday afternoon activities in the fall and winter consist of body painting and sign making. I grew up about a half hour drive from campus, and ever since I attended my first game as a 9-year-old, I looked forward to the day I could stand in the student section.
For the past three seasons, I have only missed a handful of home games and some of my favorite memories of my time at UNH relate to hockey games. If you do not get that excited feeling in your stomach this time of year or irresistibly smile every Monday morning when you pick up your student ticket, you are not a true UNH hockey fan.
UNH hockey fans are our own breed. We are proud of our school, our team and our classmates who make up the team. We may not know the players on a personal level, but you would never know that by the way we support them through good times and bad.
While every student has the right to get tickets and stand in the student section, UNH games are for the most dedicated students. There is a reason why the student section sells out, usually as well as the rest of the arena, for every game. UNH hockey games are for those true UNH hockey fans, not just the students who show up to games just because it is the thing to do.
The season is underway and so far things have been shaky for the team on the ice. They lost a lot last year, but they also return many key players and will be looking for younger players to step up. For the dedicated fans, the slow start has not been too much of a surprise, but we fully expect the team to improve throughout the season and transform into a true contender.
Have faith, because we have Wildcat blood running through out veins and the season is still very young.
Those of you who attended Saturday night's game against Boston College probably noticed a few changes among the crowd.
Namely, the super-fans who have led the student section for years have moved on and passed the cowbell down to current students. This has given us a great opportunity to create new traditions as well as carrying on the old classic ones that make the Whittemore Center one of the best college hockey arenas in the country.
The Wildcat Army, the name the new student leaders have taken up, has brainstormed new cheers, chants and songs. They can be found on Facebook and Twitter by searching their name if you want to learn more. Flyers and cheer sheets are in the process of being made.
Nothing annoys me more, apart from terrible refereeing (cough Hanson brothers), than students who show up to games and don't participate in the cheers. Or even worse, they mock their fellow students who work hard to make the Whitt the intimidating arena that it is. The irony of a kid wearing a "we are the 6th man" t-shirt leaving the game halfway through the third period kills me.
It may take a few more home games for the crowd to return to its normal rowdiness because of the transition, but we believe that this is for the better and will help current students create a better bond with the team. While hockey is, always has been and probably always will be UNH's top sport, we shouldn't forget about our other student athletes who wear Wildcat colors.
While schoolwork may take priority over some games, it is important to try and show your Wildcat pride for all the different sports. Football, both soccer teams, volleyball and field hockey all have a handful of home games left and the basketball and winter sports season is just around the corner. Try to make it to a few of those games to show your Wildcat pride, because college is the last chance you have to really have a connection with the athletes you cheer for.
Stay classy, not UMassy.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Hungover Hockey Thoughts: A PSA to the fans
I haven't got out of bed yet, but here are some very quick thoughts on the hockey team so far. They are obviously off to a slow start, but I have no fear. We have a very young team and it is going to take some time for them to all get on the same page. That being said, I expect nothing to change for the home opener. In fact, I think we need to be louder and rowdier. Top ranked BC is coming off a 4-2 loss to number 3 Denver and UNH is in dire need of a win; or a goal for that matter. We need to get the Whitt rocking tonight and show the team that we still fully support them. We have the best home crowd in the country and let us prove that again tonight.
The superfans of old have moved on and it is now time for the students, and The Wildcat Army to take over. We have a few new cheers ready to unleash. One of the biggest things is that we are looking to keep the student section noisy without too many silent pauses. Hockey games are for the hockey fans, not students who just show up because it is the thing to do. Participate in all the chants and wear white.
Here is an Adobe link for some of the new cheers and for the old one's check out my Hockey Chant tab at the top of the blog.
Stay classy, not UMassy.
The superfans of old have moved on and it is now time for the students, and The Wildcat Army to take over. We have a few new cheers ready to unleash. One of the biggest things is that we are looking to keep the student section noisy without too many silent pauses. Hockey games are for the hockey fans, not students who just show up because it is the thing to do. Participate in all the chants and wear white.
Here is an Adobe link for some of the new cheers and for the old one's check out my Hockey Chant tab at the top of the blog.
Gorgeous.
Oh yeah, The Dude hates the Eagles too. Fuck 'em up, fuck 'em up, BC sucks!
Stay classy, not UMassy.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Hey SCOPE, we're waiting...
Nonsensical Nation, it has been a while. How are you? I have been beyond busy lately, I seriously read an entire book yesterday. Like 272 pages in one sitting. I'm not complaining though, this is college and there are some weeks that kick your ass and others that you can go out every night without worrying. That being said, I have will not have time to start gathering signatures until maybe tomorrow morning, but the weekend seems more likely. Sorry, but for now my colloquium and other work comes first. Usually I'm not that way when it comes to blog stuff, but I know nothing will be done until housing releases their new survey and all the data is collected. Like they said, it won't be an overnight knee-jerk reaction.
Now, I do have a bone to pick with another group on campus. I hate to say this, but SCOPE, you are officially on the New Hampshirite's hot seat. Something I just made up while halfway through typing that sentence.
A few days ago SCOPE began inviting people to their annual Homecoming fireworks they put on with CAB. However, the invitation lacked one key feature. The Homecoming comedian. Umm, what's up with that? The Homecoming comedian is a big tradition at UNH and we haven't heard a peep from SCOPE. They haven't even announced the date for the day they release their first show announcement. Homecoming is even later than usual this year and they still couldn't get anything done.
Listen, SCOPE takes a lot of heat from the student body, but for the last two years I have stood by their side, even when I don't like a particular artist. I understand that they are trying to please all types of music fans and that they are also students. They are not professional show hosts or promoters. They are students just like you and me. That being said, there really shouldn't be any excuse for them not having a Homecoming comedian or even a single peep of a show announcement.
So SCOPE, before I take this too far, what's going on? I've heard rumors that you are unorganized and unprepared. I hope those aren't true because this is my senior year and I am hoping for some awesome concerts on campus. Who knows, maybe they're purposely doing things differently this year. Saving up for fewer and bigger shows instead of 3 or 4 average level concerts. Until they make a move, we're just going to have to play the waiting game.
Stay classy, not UMassy.
Now, I do have a bone to pick with another group on campus. I hate to say this, but SCOPE, you are officially on the New Hampshirite's hot seat. Something I just made up while halfway through typing that sentence.
A few days ago SCOPE began inviting people to their annual Homecoming fireworks they put on with CAB. However, the invitation lacked one key feature. The Homecoming comedian. Umm, what's up with that? The Homecoming comedian is a big tradition at UNH and we haven't heard a peep from SCOPE. They haven't even announced the date for the day they release their first show announcement. Homecoming is even later than usual this year and they still couldn't get anything done.
Listen, SCOPE takes a lot of heat from the student body, but for the last two years I have stood by their side, even when I don't like a particular artist. I understand that they are trying to please all types of music fans and that they are also students. They are not professional show hosts or promoters. They are students just like you and me. That being said, there really shouldn't be any excuse for them not having a Homecoming comedian or even a single peep of a show announcement.
So SCOPE, before I take this too far, what's going on? I've heard rumors that you are unorganized and unprepared. I hope those aren't true because this is my senior year and I am hoping for some awesome concerts on campus. Who knows, maybe they're purposely doing things differently this year. Saving up for fewer and bigger shows instead of 3 or 4 average level concerts. Until they make a move, we're just going to have to play the waiting game.
Stay classy, not UMassy.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Notes on my meeting with Housing
So I just got out of an hour long meeting with UNH Housing Director Kathy Irla-Chesney and Director of UNH apartments Michael Saputo to discuss quiet hours at the Gables. It went pretty well and I think that there is some room for progress.
Right off the bat they said the quiet hours are NOT set in stone, however they do not want to have a knee-jerk reaction. They want more student feedback just to be sure that this is something that the majority of Gables residents actually want. I obviously can't prove that without a petition or a survey, but I will be knocking on doors this week looking for signatures and asking for any additional feedback.
As for their reasoning, this is where things get really interesting. The first thing I asked was what exactly the survey asked and what the responses were. Michael had the numbers on him and showed me. The first few questions were like "do you like living in the Gables?" and "would you recommend them to a friend?" and those had positive responses in the 93-95% range. The three questions he had highlighted included "are you able to sleep and study with the noise levels" and "do you feel respect from those in your building/community?" Those had positive results at 78% and 72%. Still strongly positive, but not necessarily a call for alarm. Michael said about 50% of Gables students filled out the survey, which is enough to get a good idea of how students feel. However, this is not directly related to quiet hours. Obviously no one is doing homework from 12-1 on Friday and Saturdays.
They will be issuing a new survey sometime in October that addresses quiet hours more directly. This will be very important for determining what course of action they are going to take.
However, this survey was not the only reasons they provided. Over the summer they met and discussed how the Gables buildings had accumulated more than twice the amount in damages then any other dorm. Both parties agreed that while the damages are usually done by non-residents or those who live in other dorms. No one is going to trash their own building when they have to pay for it. However, I made the point that while Gables residents are responsible for their guests, students travel from the other dorms on their own and it is usually out of control for the host and it kind of seems like the Gables residents are being punished for actions done by students from the dorms. They both admitted to not thinking of that and made notes of it. They believed that over the last few years many students had been traveling to the Gables because of the extra hour around 11:30 and they thought moving up the quiet hours would cut down on the student traffic to the Gables and prevent damages. However, this is just an observation and not a fact.
When I asked if they could tell a difference in the damages so far this year compared to last year, they admitted there wasn't much of a difference at all. I think that is important to note.
They admitted looking back on the decision that they wish they got feedback from the students first and this is something they want to improve.
Moving forward they are hoping to hear more from students on this and other issues. There are currently no Gables residents on the student council so that can make it more difficult to communicate with the residents. The most important thing moving on is to take the upcoming survey and let your opinion be known. They really are taking this seriously and are willing to work with the students.
One other possible option they brought up is about registering events. Gables residents have the option to register an "event" (party), which allows 22-24 people to be in an apartment as opposed to 13. So far this year not one Gables event has been registered and they said one option would be allowing registered events to remain until 1 a.m. while unregistered events would end at midnight. This is a possible solution and will be mentioned on the survey. Registering an event does not attract more attention, let's face it, if you're having a party, they will hear it anyways. It does ask that you inform your neighbors and have them sign off that you told them about it.
That pretty much hits on everything we discussed. So for now wait for me to come around with a petition and be ready to take their survey. If I can get around half of the Gables to sign off there is a very good chance we can make this happen.
Right off the bat they said the quiet hours are NOT set in stone, however they do not want to have a knee-jerk reaction. They want more student feedback just to be sure that this is something that the majority of Gables residents actually want. I obviously can't prove that without a petition or a survey, but I will be knocking on doors this week looking for signatures and asking for any additional feedback.
As for their reasoning, this is where things get really interesting. The first thing I asked was what exactly the survey asked and what the responses were. Michael had the numbers on him and showed me. The first few questions were like "do you like living in the Gables?" and "would you recommend them to a friend?" and those had positive responses in the 93-95% range. The three questions he had highlighted included "are you able to sleep and study with the noise levels" and "do you feel respect from those in your building/community?" Those had positive results at 78% and 72%. Still strongly positive, but not necessarily a call for alarm. Michael said about 50% of Gables students filled out the survey, which is enough to get a good idea of how students feel. However, this is not directly related to quiet hours. Obviously no one is doing homework from 12-1 on Friday and Saturdays.
They will be issuing a new survey sometime in October that addresses quiet hours more directly. This will be very important for determining what course of action they are going to take.
However, this survey was not the only reasons they provided. Over the summer they met and discussed how the Gables buildings had accumulated more than twice the amount in damages then any other dorm. Both parties agreed that while the damages are usually done by non-residents or those who live in other dorms. No one is going to trash their own building when they have to pay for it. However, I made the point that while Gables residents are responsible for their guests, students travel from the other dorms on their own and it is usually out of control for the host and it kind of seems like the Gables residents are being punished for actions done by students from the dorms. They both admitted to not thinking of that and made notes of it. They believed that over the last few years many students had been traveling to the Gables because of the extra hour around 11:30 and they thought moving up the quiet hours would cut down on the student traffic to the Gables and prevent damages. However, this is just an observation and not a fact.
When I asked if they could tell a difference in the damages so far this year compared to last year, they admitted there wasn't much of a difference at all. I think that is important to note.
They admitted looking back on the decision that they wish they got feedback from the students first and this is something they want to improve.
Moving forward they are hoping to hear more from students on this and other issues. There are currently no Gables residents on the student council so that can make it more difficult to communicate with the residents. The most important thing moving on is to take the upcoming survey and let your opinion be known. They really are taking this seriously and are willing to work with the students.
One other possible option they brought up is about registering events. Gables residents have the option to register an "event" (party), which allows 22-24 people to be in an apartment as opposed to 13. So far this year not one Gables event has been registered and they said one option would be allowing registered events to remain until 1 a.m. while unregistered events would end at midnight. This is a possible solution and will be mentioned on the survey. Registering an event does not attract more attention, let's face it, if you're having a party, they will hear it anyways. It does ask that you inform your neighbors and have them sign off that you told them about it.
That pretty much hits on everything we discussed. So for now wait for me to come around with a petition and be ready to take their survey. If I can get around half of the Gables to sign off there is a very good chance we can make this happen.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Fire at North Tower
Earlier today a fire was started in the Gables North Tower, where I happen to live. From what I was able to observe and gather, in a sixth floor apartment a girl had incense burning. Apparently she thought it was out and threw it in her desk where it caught papers on fire. It must have spread pretty quickly because a ladder truck was used to access the room and possibly to get the residents out of the building.
Oh yeah, the girl with the incense had already been written up by fire safety a few days ago.
Only that one apartment had fire damage, but the room below it had water damage. Five towns responded with fire trucks including Durham, Lee, Dover, Newmarket and Exeter.
No one was injured, although there were paramedics on scene. Residents were kept out of the building for at least an hour before being allowed to return to their rooms.
There is a reason why we're not supposed to have incense and luckily no one was injured because of that apartment's ignorance and carelessness.
That is all I know for now, here are a few pictures I snagged with my really crappy camera phone:
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Quiet Hours Update
I received a second email from David May today. It read: I copied Kathy Irla-chesney, Director of Housing on the email. She is very interested in working with you to make the right decision for all the residents at the Gables. Kathy said-“Her goal is to provide a living community that allows students to socialize while maintaining an atmosphere where those who want to sleep or study at night can do so. There are many ways we can gather feedback and ideas and move this in a positive direction. In fact it might strengthen the community.” This beings said, she would very much like to work with you to make the right decision for the Gables Community. I am hoping you could find time to meet and help us.
That sounds pretty good to me... for now. I am extremely busy right now, but I am hoping to squeeze in a meeting with them sometime next week. Please let me know what you think, especially if you are Gables or Woodsides resident. I want to present something respectable and reasonable. I am taking my time out of my schedule because I believe that 1 a.m. quiet hours on Friday and Saturday nights at the campus apartments are what most students want. I'll keep you posted as I learn and go through more.
Stay classy, not UMassy.
Update: I will be meeting with the director of housing and the director of UNH apartments next week to discuss the new quiet hours. Please let me know what you think of the situation. I am your representative on this situation, not the student senate. I will be asking for 1 a.m. weekend quiet hours to be reestablished.
That sounds pretty good to me... for now. I am extremely busy right now, but I am hoping to squeeze in a meeting with them sometime next week. Please let me know what you think, especially if you are Gables or Woodsides resident. I want to present something respectable and reasonable. I am taking my time out of my schedule because I believe that 1 a.m. quiet hours on Friday and Saturday nights at the campus apartments are what most students want. I'll keep you posted as I learn and go through more.
Stay classy, not UMassy.
Update: I will be meeting with the director of housing and the director of UNH apartments next week to discuss the new quiet hours. Please let me know what you think of the situation. I am your representative on this situation, not the student senate. I will be asking for 1 a.m. weekend quiet hours to be reestablished.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
So Walking is Hard...
Earlier today I was sitting in the library reading for about three hours. It was a book I need to read for my colloquium and I can always focus better at the library than at my apartment. After about an hour I had to go to the bathroom. I was in the big reading room on the fifth floor and sitting on the couch in the corner. I stood up and shuffled between the couch and then I took my first step only to realize that my entire right leg was asleep. My knee buckled and I almost fell. Almost. I regained my balance and did that foot stomp move. I continued toward the door, but did that weird limping thing the whole way there. The entire time I could hear people trying not to laugh. So if you were there, yeah, that was me. So smooth...
In other news, if you didn't see below, the Mast Road cat was found and returned. Well done people.
Also, I just got back to my room for the first time since this morning and I had a message from Chad, the editor at TNH. Apparently David May (Vice President of Business Affairs I believe) wants to talk with me about my last column. I know he was involved with the energy drink situation, but my last column mostly focused on the new quiet hours at the Gables and Woodsides. I'm emailed him and will run updates about the situation. I'm very interested in hearing what he has to say, but the last time something like this happened it began the on-going two year war with Dining.
Stay classy, not UMassy.
Update: Already heard back from David May. He said "I just wanted to get a better understanding of the issues at the Gables." I replied: "The only issue is that many students are upset by the earlier quiet hours at the Gables and Woodsides (especially on the weekends) that were put into effect this semester. I believe that the majority of students would prefer the one a.m. quiet hour as opposed to midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. I am hoping to write a respectful petition for the former quiet hours to be restored in a timely manner and will circulate it to gather signatures and show that I have support. Thank you and let me know if you have any further questions."
In other news, if you didn't see below, the Mast Road cat was found and returned. Well done people.
Also, I just got back to my room for the first time since this morning and I had a message from Chad, the editor at TNH. Apparently David May (Vice President of Business Affairs I believe) wants to talk with me about my last column. I know he was involved with the energy drink situation, but my last column mostly focused on the new quiet hours at the Gables and Woodsides. I'm emailed him and will run updates about the situation. I'm very interested in hearing what he has to say, but the last time something like this happened it began the on-going two year war with Dining.
Stay classy, not UMassy.
Update: Already heard back from David May. He said "I just wanted to get a better understanding of the issues at the Gables." I replied: "The only issue is that many students are upset by the earlier quiet hours at the Gables and Woodsides (especially on the weekends) that were put into effect this semester. I believe that the majority of students would prefer the one a.m. quiet hour as opposed to midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. I am hoping to write a respectful petition for the former quiet hours to be restored in a timely manner and will circulate it to gather signatures and show that I have support. Thank you and let me know if you have any further questions."
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Infamous Mast Road Cat Stolen
If you or one of your friends parks a car in Mast Lot then you have probably met the Mast Road cat. It is probably one of the friendliest cats in the world and follows students up and down Mast Road by the UNH Equine center. According the the message I got on facebook he was last seen crossing the Dairy Bar bridge headed into campus, in the arms of two girls. He is wearing a blue collar with a bell on it. The UNH Equine Facility and his owners greatly miss him. So two girls apparently stole one of the few cats I actually like. I'm a dog person, I love dogs. Cats are creepy, but not this one. So if you know anything please call one of the numbers above. And if you're one of the thieves then you should be a ashamed. Seriously, who steals a cat?
Update: He was reportedly seen in the SERC area over the weekend.
Update 2 (Wednesday morning) The cat has been found and returned. Nice job people.
Like a Pro: Doing Nothing Accomplishes Nothing
Maybe it is my obsession with the American Revolution, the counterculture or that fact that I read the Declaration of Independence and the Port Huron Statement for fun or frequently listen to Bob Dylan, but I love when the people fight for what they believe in.
This is why last week when UNH Dining declared that it would be halting the sale of energy drinks on campus, I was so furious, and when President Huddleston denied the ban, I rejoiced. Listen, I understand that getting worked up over energy drinks is silly, especially when they are much cheaper downtown, but it was the principle of the situation that bothered me the most.
Where do you draw the line? What is the next thing that they will take from us?
President Huddleston reversing dining's decision was a minor victory for the student body over the administration, which is something that really doesn't happen at UNH too often — especially with our mostly passive student body. Many people told me I was overreacting through comments and tweets, but it was clear that they did not see the bigger picture.
It wasn't about the energy drinks to me; it was about responsibility and the freedom of choice.
On Twitter, I half-jokingly tweeted "no taxation without representation" because of how dining made the decision without discussing options with its meal plan-paying customers. People said I took my comments too far and blew the situation out of proportion. But the majority of the students who still wanted to pay for overpriced Red Bulls at the library got their way. If people didn't complain, then come January, UNH Dining services would have been energy drink free.
Doing or saying nothing accomplishes nothing.
It was a small victory for the students. We didn't lower tuition or convince UNH to renovate Hamilton-Smith, but like President Huddleston said, the administration listened to the students. They may have all the power, but we have the vast majority. Students can make a difference on this campus if we care enough to try. We won't always succeed, but we definitely won't if we don't try.
That is why I have decided to do something about another UNH decision that has bothered me this year.
I mentioned it briefly last week, and after discussing it with many students, I have decided it is worth a shot. I will personally be writing a respectful petition and circulating it around the Gables asking that Friday and Saturday night quiet hours be restored to 1 a.m. Like President Huddleston said about the energy drink situation, the administration wants us students to make our own decisions. If we fail miserably, so what? At least we tried. If we don't try we have already failed.
If the majority of Gables residents are willing to sign the petition, they have to at least listen to us. UNH might not be a democracy, but America is, and the majority usually wins. I say usually because we all remember the 2000 presidential election.
Is this a major problem on this campus? No, it isn't. But it is a start and something that many students care about, and you need to start somewhere. The one-hour makes a huge difference. The bonus features such as more freedom, responsibility and independence of the Gables and Woodsides are what make them special to the students and worth the extra money. The reason for the change in quiet hours was that housing cited a survey where students complained about noise levels, but I believe the majority of students would prefer the 1 a.m. quiet hours.
During the week, 10 p.m. is understandable, but on the weekends very few students are ready to go to bed or quiet down at midnight. This is not even an issue of being able to party later, but much like the energy drink situation, what comes next? Will there be CAs on every floor like the RAs in the dorms? You may think that will never happen, but did you expect the quiet hours to change without warning?
Many students, such as myself, were annoyed that the change was not announced until after the room selection process was completed and we would have lost our deposit if we sought to live elsewhere. The new quiet hours are not the end of the world, but it is a matter of responsibility.
Obviously, students will not get everything we ask for all the time, but I believe it is worth a shot.
Stay classy, not UMassy
This is why last week when UNH Dining declared that it would be halting the sale of energy drinks on campus, I was so furious, and when President Huddleston denied the ban, I rejoiced. Listen, I understand that getting worked up over energy drinks is silly, especially when they are much cheaper downtown, but it was the principle of the situation that bothered me the most.
Where do you draw the line? What is the next thing that they will take from us?
President Huddleston reversing dining's decision was a minor victory for the student body over the administration, which is something that really doesn't happen at UNH too often — especially with our mostly passive student body. Many people told me I was overreacting through comments and tweets, but it was clear that they did not see the bigger picture.
It wasn't about the energy drinks to me; it was about responsibility and the freedom of choice.
On Twitter, I half-jokingly tweeted "no taxation without representation" because of how dining made the decision without discussing options with its meal plan-paying customers. People said I took my comments too far and blew the situation out of proportion. But the majority of the students who still wanted to pay for overpriced Red Bulls at the library got their way. If people didn't complain, then come January, UNH Dining services would have been energy drink free.
Doing or saying nothing accomplishes nothing.
It was a small victory for the students. We didn't lower tuition or convince UNH to renovate Hamilton-Smith, but like President Huddleston said, the administration listened to the students. They may have all the power, but we have the vast majority. Students can make a difference on this campus if we care enough to try. We won't always succeed, but we definitely won't if we don't try.
That is why I have decided to do something about another UNH decision that has bothered me this year.
I mentioned it briefly last week, and after discussing it with many students, I have decided it is worth a shot. I will personally be writing a respectful petition and circulating it around the Gables asking that Friday and Saturday night quiet hours be restored to 1 a.m. Like President Huddleston said about the energy drink situation, the administration wants us students to make our own decisions. If we fail miserably, so what? At least we tried. If we don't try we have already failed.
If the majority of Gables residents are willing to sign the petition, they have to at least listen to us. UNH might not be a democracy, but America is, and the majority usually wins. I say usually because we all remember the 2000 presidential election.
Is this a major problem on this campus? No, it isn't. But it is a start and something that many students care about, and you need to start somewhere. The one-hour makes a huge difference. The bonus features such as more freedom, responsibility and independence of the Gables and Woodsides are what make them special to the students and worth the extra money. The reason for the change in quiet hours was that housing cited a survey where students complained about noise levels, but I believe the majority of students would prefer the 1 a.m. quiet hours.
During the week, 10 p.m. is understandable, but on the weekends very few students are ready to go to bed or quiet down at midnight. This is not even an issue of being able to party later, but much like the energy drink situation, what comes next? Will there be CAs on every floor like the RAs in the dorms? You may think that will never happen, but did you expect the quiet hours to change without warning?
Many students, such as myself, were annoyed that the change was not announced until after the room selection process was completed and we would have lost our deposit if we sought to live elsewhere. The new quiet hours are not the end of the world, but it is a matter of responsibility.
Obviously, students will not get everything we ask for all the time, but I believe it is worth a shot.
Stay classy, not UMassy
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Beer Olympics Recap
Well I'm just wrapping up a pretty awesome weekend and I have been trying to stay away from so many drinking and party posts and get a little serious, but I still got to stick to my roots. The other night was possibly one of the best I've had during my time at UNH. Our youngest roommate turned 21 on Friday and to celebrate we hosted a Beer Olympics. It's something we've all wanted to do for a while, but we never did. We planned it all out for a while, sent out facebook invites and made the brackets. We planned on having three games with 16 teams, each consisting of a guy and a girl who pick a country to represent and dress up as. We ended up with 17 teams, but we solved the matchup problem by randomly making two play a "play-in" game before starting the tournaments. We settled on Beirut, Beer Dodge and survival flip cup as the three games. However, we never got to flip cup and the Beirut tournament ended in the final four, but that didn't matter because everyone had a great time. We had around 35 people in our Gables apartment and never even had a courtesy knock. It was pretty amazing. Everyone had unbelievable costumes, but the best was the birthday boy who represented Vatican City with a pope costume topped off with a pope hat made out of a PBR 30 box.
My partner and I represented Team Romania (so we could dress up as Gypsies.) We have been friends for a while and entered the night expecting to make some noise in the Beirut tournament, but had zero expectations for the other games. We both are pretty good at beirut and can handle our beer quite well. However, it wasn't our night on the ruit table. We lost in the first round to one of my roommates whose partner started off hitting her first 6 cups. That didn't matter to us though because we would go on to win the gold medal in Beer Dodge, the one tournament that we actually completed. On our path to glory we took out Burkina Faso, Scotland (a huge upset over my roommate who is the Randy Johnson of Beer Dodge) and Kenya. In the finals we were matched up against Cuba, who stormed through their side of the bracket. But those commies couldn't handle the power of the gypsies. It was a back and forth game and both teams only had one can left. The next hit for either team would have ended the game if the ball wasn't immediately retrieved and it was my turn to throw. My partner was ready to drink and I nailed the top of the can, the ball took off straight up in the air with an amazing airtime. They caught it and slammed it down, but it was too late, my partner had finished her beer and the Gypsies were Olympic Beer dodge champions. I spent the rest of the night wearing my Gogol Bordello Gypsy flag around my back and I am considering making myself a gold medal.
My partner and I represented Team Romania (so we could dress up as Gypsies.) We have been friends for a while and entered the night expecting to make some noise in the Beirut tournament, but had zero expectations for the other games. We both are pretty good at beirut and can handle our beer quite well. However, it wasn't our night on the ruit table. We lost in the first round to one of my roommates whose partner started off hitting her first 6 cups. That didn't matter to us though because we would go on to win the gold medal in Beer Dodge, the one tournament that we actually completed. On our path to glory we took out Burkina Faso, Scotland (a huge upset over my roommate who is the Randy Johnson of Beer Dodge) and Kenya. In the finals we were matched up against Cuba, who stormed through their side of the bracket. But those commies couldn't handle the power of the gypsies. It was a back and forth game and both teams only had one can left. The next hit for either team would have ended the game if the ball wasn't immediately retrieved and it was my turn to throw. My partner was ready to drink and I nailed the top of the can, the ball took off straight up in the air with an amazing airtime. They caught it and slammed it down, but it was too late, my partner had finished her beer and the Gypsies were Olympic Beer dodge champions. I spent the rest of the night wearing my Gogol Bordello Gypsy flag around my back and I am considering making myself a gold medal.
If you have never done a Beer Olympics you have to add it to your UNH graduation bucket list. It was easily the best party we've ever hosted and I can honestly say that everyone there had a blast.
Lastly, I am asking for readers to submit their best planking pictures around the UNH campus. I already had another one sent in and if I get some more I'll start posting a few at a time. You can email them to me (unhblog@yahoo.com) or send them via twitter or facebook. If you want I can blur out faces if that's something you care about. Yesterday's will be hard to beat, so be creative. I'll try to post some of my or my roommates too.
Stay classy, not UMassy.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
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