Study Spaces: The Residential Colleges

Lately, I've found myself looking for places to study within the residential colleges. I realize that although I know exactly where to go when I want to study in Whitman (having lived there for three years), it would be very handy to have a chart detailing what spaces are available in every college and where these are located. Perhaps I will review each of these at a later date. But for now, I present to you my Unofficial Residential College Study Spaces Chart (with colleges listed impartially in alphabetical order). If I've left anything out, please let me know!

- Meghan Todt '11

College	Study Space	Location
Butler	Library	2nd floor of Wu (dining hall building)
	Computer Clusters	3rd floor of Bloomberg & New Butler’s “Building D”
Forbes	Library	Basement of the “New Wing”
	Computer Cluster	Basement of the Main Inn
Mathey	Library	Hamilton Hall (Shared with Rocky)
	Computer Cluster	Behind the Mathey Common Room
Rocky	Library	Hamilton Hall (Shared with Mathey)
	Computer Cluster	Lower level of Holder, near entryway 11
Whitman	Library, which includes a computer cluster	Under the cloisters and through three sets of doors
Wilson	Library	Second floor of Wilcox (dining hall building)
	Computer Cluster	Ground floor of 1937

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Trend of the Week: April 12, 2010

Spring has sprung! And of all the things that I can get excited about (fashion-wise, and otherwise), spring shoes are particularly high on my list. After carefully observing the footwear choices of my fellow Princetonians, I bring you the trend of the week: nude-colored flats.

After months of tucking our poor, over-walked feet into thick, wooly socks and big, sturdy boots, the time has come to expose our lovely feet to the sun. And that doesn’t necessarily mean the toes have to come out: flats provide the perfect modest exposure, especially fitting for the up-and-down weather of late.

So what is it about this neutral color that seems to be taking over the ballet flats of Princeton? For one, it’s time to ditch those somber winter hues in favor of light, airy shades. Nudes/skin-colors reflect this favorable change in weather. Also, neutral certainly doesn’t mean boring, as the women in these photos demonstrate. Gold grommets, bows, or a slight sparkle appropriately spice up skin-toned footwear. Also, you may not realize it, but wearing shoes that blend into the color of your skin make your legs look significantly longer. Want to look like you have never-ending gams? Go for nude-colored shoes.

If you want help jumping on the neutral flat bandwagon, look no further than London Sole, my favorite ballet flat maker – I’m a fan of the “beige ponyhair” ones pictured. I’m adding them to my spring shoe wish list immediately.

-Allie Weiss '13

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Singles of the Week: Apr 11, 2010

Pop/Rock: Jack Johnson - “You and Your Heart”

Jack Johnson probably represents one of the most consistently decent — and wildly uncontroversial — artists in the music business. It’s no surprise then that his new single for his upcoming album, “To the Sea,” turns out to be another gentle, easy-going success. It’s not a radical departure from his previous work, but still, Johnson deserves props for perfecting his craft. The guitar line is catchy, the piano and drums soothing, and Johnson’s voice uplifting as always. The lyrics however, are surprisingly thoughtful, contrasting to the simplicity of the melody: “You dropped so many lives in the sand/Lost your fingers, nails on your hand.” However, the biggest appeal that “You and Your Heart” can offer is a perfect, down-to-earth companion to the good spring weather.

-Lisa Han ‘13

Indie: High Places — "On Giving Up"

Three years ago, with the release of their self-titled LP, High Places made a name for themselves as a chipper electronic duo. Backed by ramshackle percussion and layered samples, vocalist Mary Pearson cooed sweetly about spiritual wonder. Now, on their sophomore album “High Places vs. Mankind,” the band has exchanged childlike whimsy for somber sobriety. Sonically, this amounts to a greater emphasis on melody and traditional orchestration. Lyrically, this means eschewing the nature theme in favor of angst. “On Giving Up” is the first single and the best example of the band’s new direction. A rolling bass and echoing guitar line create a sexy, sinister mood as Pearson insists: “Tonight is going to be the night.” In a nutshell: this is a dance track for people who don’t want dance – for those who’d rather sway noncommittally while smoking a cigarette in the corner. Which is to say, it should be played on heavy rotation at a certain eating club. (T.I., naturally.)

-Cristina Luzarraga ‘11

Pop/Rock: Train - "Hey, Soul Sister"

Let's be honest: Train is great band, but if you were asked to list their songs, you’d probably be stumped after "Drops of Jupiter." Luckily, Train's first single in 3 years, "Hey, Soul Sister," has the potential to be as big as "Drops." Definitely check it out (if you haven't already heard it on the radio) and add it to your "YESSS IT'S SPRING!" playlist (oh wait, am I the only one that has one of those?). It's beachy, fun and casual, and Pat Monahan's whistle-high voice singing "I don't wanna miss a single thing you do tonight" is the perfect jam for the sun soaked, romance-sparking days we've been having (and, cross your fingers, will continue to have).

-Jess Turner ‘12

Hip Hop/Rap: Wale - “Rude Boy” (Rihanna Overdub)

We’ve all heard Rihanna’s “Rude Boy,” but this week, try checking out D.C. rapper Wale’s take on the song. On his most recent album, Wale lost some of the mixtape-born, loose, unexpected flow that he flaunted on “Back to the Feature” and other earlier tapes. But make no mistake -- he’s back on track on “Rude Boy,” and teaming up with Rihanna’s techno-backed chorus feels natural. He’s just the rude boy the song has been looking for.

-Sara Wallace ‘12

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"Viva la Revolucion": Immortal Technique at Terrace

Immortal Technique’s concert Thursday night at Terrace Club was nothing short of an apocalypse, when a gathering of Ivy League students suddenly became more like a gathering of insurgents. Tech is a rapper who’s made a name for himself with his sharp wit and fiercely political style. When it was announced that he was coming to Terrace, I expected a show akin to the crowded, woozy atmosphere of GZA’s performance last semester. Though the sheer volume of people may have been matched — and as much as I love the Wu Tang — GZA had nothing on Tech that night.

From his very first lines, Tech spat with meticulous precision and power to the very last syllable. While many rappers falter under the heat and energy of a live performance, Tech amped it up, blending a capella raps with hard DJ beats and call-and-response interaction with the audience.

His proteges, every one of them already hip hop authorities, hyped up the crowd before Tech’s entrance and set the tone for an incredible concert. MCs Diabolic and Akir were particular standouts, echoing Tech’s in-your-face political aggression — “How many of yall hate the fucking government?” Akir even came out wearing an orange polo in anticipation for the Princeton audience. The four preceding rappers did such a good job, in fact, that at the end of their sets everyone was left screaming, and pushing forward onto their toes chanting “Technique! Technique!”

Immortal Technique’s own set was a steady downpour of mind-blowing moments. From chanting “hip hop” to “fuck cops” to spitting thought-provoking rhymes about the government, berating drug use, poverty and suffering, Tech radiated more uncontrollable energy in the span of his set than I have ever witnessed in my life, much less in Princeton. Tech described the atmosphere pretty accurately himself: “This placed is packed like a rush hour train. It is West Indies hot - we’re all losin’ some weight tonight!”

One great moment came after the underground classic “Dance with the Devil” when he addressed the controversial and personal lyrics by telling the crowd that, “this happens every day, in every part of the world, and that’s why I make it personal.”

Best part of the night? Maybe it was the time when he told everyone to give him the finger and chant “Fuck Technique,” or maybe it was his shout “Viva la revolución” followed by the “William Tell Overture” at the end of the night that had everyone dancing into oblivion. Or perhaps his heartfelt call to respect women that made him the most effective spokesperson that SHARE never had.

Ultimately, it’s impossible to choose a single highlight. For me, between straddling a speaker, losing my voice, and being drenched in a mixture of water sprayed from the stage and my own sweat, I’d say this show was downright historical.

-Lisa Han '13

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Study Spaces: Frist Reading Room

Today I realized that the study area on the third floor of Frist is called the Frist Reading Room. In my defense, it really isn't a room - just an open space filled with rows of long tables and studious Princeton students. No matter what time of day you are here, it seems that there will always be at least a few other people to keep you company. For those of you who have studied here during exam periods, you know that it can get completely packed.

For that reason, I have to be in a particular mood to come here. As I've demonstrated in previous posts, my instinct is to seek out secluded study spaces, where I can curl up and privately bury myself in readings and papers. But sometimes, it's nice to have others around you, particularly others who are in the same boat.

And really, that's what you will find at Frist. Even though the person next to you might be studying a completely different subject, you can just about guarantee that they have had weeks as busy and as stressful as the one you might be having.

To top it off, this "room" has easily accessible lights, outlets, couches, armchairs, and, as mentioned, very long tables. It's important to note that from 7:30-10:30 pm on Sundays through Wednesdays, the McGraw Study Hall is held here (so don't expect quiet during those hours). When student groups are rehearsing in the Frist Theatre, you might also catch drifts of their music. This could get bothersome, depending on what is being rehearsed. But today, the soundtrack for the upcoming Expressions show didn't faze me at all.

Frist Reading Room Hours:

Monday-Wednesday, 7:00 am-2:00 am (7:30-10:30 pm is McGraw Study Hall)

Thursday-Friday, 7:00 am-3:00 am

Saturday, 7:30 am-3:00 am

Sunday, 8:00 am-2:00 am (7:30-10:30 pm is McGraw Study Hall)

- Meghan Todt '11

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Albums of the Month: March 2010

Electronic: “Colors- EP” – The Pass

Like Phoenix? Like Hot Chip? Late of the Pier? LCD Soundsystem? Well…thrill me and imagine for a second that they all got together and somehow had a baby. The child is named The Pass. Coming from Louisville, Kentucky, this electropop quartet sounds like it’s been around the world studying how to make people dance. To start off with, I'd recommend the songs “Crosswalk Stereo” and “Colors” — they're both unbearably catchy, and after about three listens, they’ll feel like old favorites. Keep an eye out for their full-length release!

-Sara Wallace ‘12

Rock: “Fly Yellow Moon” – Fyfe Dangerfield

Simply put, Fyfe Dangerfield is brilliant. There's really no other way to say it. As the frontman for the Guillemots, Dangerfield had already proven himself as a gifted performer; with Fly Yellow Moon, he adds top-knotch songwriting to his already impressive resume. Dangerfield's silky voice weaves massive tales of love and joy and sweeps you into its fantasy in the process. The quality of the songwriting is so good that you'd be hard-pressed to find too many faults in the structure of the album. Indeed, Fly Yellow Moon is, like Dangerfield himself, simply and utterly brilliant.

-Kiran Gollakota ‘13

Indie: “Volume 2” – She & Him

It strains credulity to think that Zooey Deschanel can’t land a boyfriend — after all, she just married Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie, making her one-half of the indie counterpart to Jay-Z and Beyoncé. And yet on her sophomore album with collaborator M. Ward, the hipster goddess sings of guys continually flaking on her. This could easily amount to insufferable wallowing were it not that her sound – part Beach Boys, part 60s-era Carole King– is so gosh darn cheerful. Sure, there may be tinges of melancholy, but it’s never enough to dampen the optimism. To be fair, the band doesn't tread any new ground here; this really is the sequel to 2008’s “Volume 1.” Still, it’s a winning formula and a perfect springtime soundtrack. End of semester stress got you down? Take a cue from She & Him and go get some fresh air. After all, as Deschanel sings: “We all get the slip sometimes every day/ I’ll just keep it to myself in the sun/ In the sun.”

-Cristina Luzarraga ‘11

Punk: “Brutalist Bricks” – Ted Leo and the Pharmacists

Ted Leo’s latest album, “Brutalists Bricks” proves to the world that punk rock is aging well. At 40, Ted Leo captures the lows and highs of adolescence like no one else can, and his songs are catchier than ever. Though he doesn’t sing with as much sky-high oblivion as in his past albums, the musician’s ingenious songwriting still produces the familiar vigor, garage rock energy and optimism that propelled him to the punk rock throne in 2001. After hearing this album, it’s impossible to buy the criticisms of age and doubt that have latched on to the band’s 11 year career. In a way, “Brutalist Bricks” is a big “fuck you” to middle age and an anthem to perpetual youth, reaching out to get everyone involved. Give the album a listen, and you will surely be taken in by the impeccable force that each song is constructed upon. Perhaps the youthful, wandering spirit of the album is embodied best in the sunlit track, “Bottled in Cork”: “I’m just a loner in a world full of kids, egos and ids.”

-Lisa Han ‘13

Pop/rock: “Habits” – Neon Trees

Love, drugs, sex, mistakes - those are just some of the things we deal with as young people trying to grow into our skins. And the glory and hardship of youth is exactly what "Habits," the debut album from the somewhat unknown West Coast-based band the Neon Trees, captures in musical form. Of course, being young also means having (sometimes way too much) fun. Tyler Glenn, Chris Allen, Branden Campbell, and Elaine Bradley - yes, they have a female drummer! - manage to deliver tons of fun on this album with upbeat, edgy, energetic pop/rock songs with just a touch of techno. The first single off of the album, "Animal," is definitely one to catch. Other highlights include "Sins of My Youth," a Killers-esque reflection on being a little too carefree, and "Our War," a more sentimental tune that is nevertheless full of pep. Even the "softer" tracks make you uncontrollably tap your foot. This album is absolutely one to check out, especially if you are a fan of the Killers or OK Go.

-Jess Turner ‘12

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Pearls of Wisdom: A Compilation of Prince Comments

This week, comments were less funny than normal and more unabashedly vicious. This is counterintuitive, since the gorgeous weather ought to inspire cheery whistling and general good fellowship. I guess the most dedicated commenters tend to avoid sunshine and other humans…?

Oops, maybe that was also a little mean.

Below is one example of an article that engendered some grade-A mean-spiritedness.

Comments on “How to be a rebellious yet refined Princetonian”

“im gonna remember this writer's name and should it ever come across my desk as a potential hire, ill remember how utterly worthless and stupid this piece is. why do princeton students insist on trying to appear witty and interesting. its a gift, that sadly, felipe, like many other prince writers, does not have.” – Posted by old ivy. Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed/forgot to have his bran this morning/needs a chill pill/is kind of a meanie.

“Felipe's column is the tits” – Posted by JV. I enjoy JV’s positivity and intend to use the expression “the tits” as often as humanely possible.

“Hahaha how does everyone care so much about this crap? Really? Get a life, commenters. Take care of that acne problem you probably have and go outside for once.” – Posted by seriously??, who seems to suggest that the verbal bile exchanged on the Prince’s comment boards is stored in zits. Ew.

“Wow, is Haterade™ on sale at CVS or something? This was actually witty and entertaining. Props to Felipe, keep playin' the game.” – Posted by w. Lol “HateradeTM.” When I am feeling pissed-off I prefer GloweradeTM, but both get the job done.

News about the Dinky, however, inspired less spite and more heartfelt emotion.

Comments on “Bus service may replace Dinky”

“the form of Town Government, Brian Lesh and other apologists, would try and take it away from us. Small Government should protect us from socialists and redistributors, not join with them.

Jefferson weeps.

Reagan cries.” – Posted by Rutherford B. Hayes

“BRAAAAAAINS? *cries*” – Posted by Zombie Reagan

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooo” – Posted by Tiger

There seems to be a general consensus about this among Princeton students…

“it would be sad for the Dinky to die; can't they just add more cars to it? It's so fun, the way it just dinks a long” – Posted by ‘07’07’07

-Allie Shea '12

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