Liberal Arts Colleges

Archive for May, 2010

Finding the right backpack, bag or accessory for your classes can be tough, but if you consider the demands of your program and how much supplies you’ll need to have for class, you can determine which bag is right for your degree. Maybe you want a backpack that comes with all the bells and whistles, or maybe you prefer a basic tote bag. Lucky for you, there are plenty of stylish and practical school bags on the market today. Here are 10 school bags and accessories perfect for these specific degrees and more:

• Art/Design Degree
  Art students cherish their artwork, and in order to keep it in tip-top shape, you’ll want to get a portfolio. Portfolios secure, organize and protect your artwork from getting damaged, and serve as a portable, professional way to carry and present your designs. They vary in size, color and shape, and often include handles, zippers and pockets to hold supplies.
• Journalism Degree
  Journalism students are constantly on the go, gathering stories, interviews and reporting around town. With such important assignments, students will need quick access to their reporter notepads, notes, recorders, laptops and other helpful materials. Messenger bags are the perfect bag for journalism students, who want to carry all their school necessities, as well as have their
  hands free for note-taking and looking professional while doing so.
• Architecture Degree
  Every good architect and architecture student needs a reliable work surface, specifically a drafting table. Drafting tables have an adjustable top, allowing the worker to reach every angle of their assignment. For those late-night projects and homework assignments, drafting tables beat working on the floor or staying late in a lab.
• Computer Science Degree
  Computer science majors are always on their computers, and in most cases, take their laptops with them to class. To protect a precious laptop, computer science students will want a reliable computer bag that’s going to be weather-proof, durable and, of course, cool. Today’s computer bags come in backpack, wheeled and messenger bag-styles, with unique features such as MP3 pockets and earphones access to listen to music, as well as security locks, extra compartments and eco-friendly materials.
• Fashion Design Degree
  Large tote bags will be a fashion major’s go-to bag for carrying fabric, sewing materials, books and other necessary supplies. Large totes typically have deep compartments with secured zippers, interior and exterior slip pockets and additional sections for easy organization. Tote bags have strong shoulder straps for lugging across campus, and can take serious wear and tear.
• Biology Degree
  Since a large part of a biology program involves laboratory experiments, a dissection kit is a must-have accessory for class. A dissection kit includes the basic dissecting instruments, such as scalpels, forceps, dissecting scissors, blow pipe, teasing needles and more. Lab aprons, safety goggles, microscopes, slides and other equipment may be provided by your program, but it’s also a good idea to have your own set.
• Law Degree
  Law students are constantly writing case briefs throughout their program, and collect a large amount of documents in the process. A great way to organize and present these cases is to use a briefcase. Not only are briefcases professional looking, but they also serve a utilitarian purpose for carrying books, notebooks, papers and other school supplies.
• Photography Degree
  Rolling backpacks are convenient bags that are wheeled and sometimes worn as a backpack. They are used by students of several majors, but photography students are one demographic that benefits greatly from using a rolling backpack. Photography students have to lug around expensive cameras and heavy camera equipment on a daily basis. Rolling backpacks offer a portable, pain-free way to transport your photography equipment and keep it safe in a durable, cushioned bag with heavy-duty wheels.
• Kinesiology Degree
  Kinesiology majors are physically active students, who will work out, play sports and do athletic training as part of their curriculum. Because exercise is such a focal point of the kinesiology degree program, students will want to have a sports bag or duffle bag to carry their workout gear and training equipment while in class and at the gym.
• Music Degree
  Music majors will want the best music cases and bags for carrying and protecting their beloved instruments. Today’s music cases and bags are heavy duty and can withstand daily wear and tear, as you haul it around campus. Most cases and bags are lined with soft material to cushion the instrument, and their lightweight exteriors are made to absorb bangs and drops without damaging the instrument.

Ringing in at only 20 ¢ or so per package, ramen noodles are a staple for kids, college students and adults alike. This extremely versatile food can be boiled, baked, fried or eaten dry in some normal and not-so-normal ways. These tried and tested recipes are both peculiar and well-liked. So, gather your change and get cooking!

• Ramen Frittata
  Ramen for breakfast anyone? This odd frittata dish get high marks for creativity and versatility, but have your napkins on-hand because this one can get messy.

  Fill a medium-sized saucepan with water and bring to boil. Place 2 packages of chicken flavored ramen noodles in boiling water and set aside the seasoning packet. Cook for a few minutes until tender and drain. In a separate bowl, whisk 6 eggs and 2 seasoning packets and mix in noodles. Then, melt 2 teaspoons butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add noodle mixture, cook at medium-low heat for 5 to 8 minutes, browning both sides. Sprinkle ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese over top and serve hot.

• Ramen Greek Salad
  More like a pasta salad than a Greek salad, this dish provides a whacky way to incorporate your daily veggies and get your ramen fix.

  Boil 2 cups of water and cook 2 packages of any flavor ramen noodles, drain and set aside to cool. For the dressing, mix ½ cup canola oil, ¼ cup citrus juice and a dash of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Finely chop 1 cup red bell peppers, ½ cup onions, ½ cup black olives, ½ cup green olives, ½ cup tomatoes and cube 1 cup of feta cheese. Mix veggies and cheese with noodles, add salad dressing and toss.

• Tuna-n-Cheesy Ramen Noodles
  What makes this meal more unusual than a tuna and macaroni and cheese dish, is that this one is done in the microwave and with slices of cheese. It’s perfect for college students living in the dorms and when you’re seriously strapped for cash.

  Microwave 1 cup water in microwave-safe container for 2 minutes on high or until very hot. Add 1 package of any flavor ramen noodles and microwave 2 more minutes to cook. Drain water and stir in seasoning packet, 1 can water-packed tuna, drained and 2 slices American cheese. Place back in microwave and cook another 2 minutes until hot. Stir and serve.

• Ramen Cakes
  Didn’t think ramen could be eaten for dessert – think again. Whether it’s the drizzled chocolate or the salty, slippery taste of the noodles, these chocolate cakes are a favorite among unusual ramen dishes.

  Take 1 package of any flavor ramen noodles and begin crushing into small pieces, while still in the package. Heat ⅓ cup vegetable oil in pan and add noodles, being careful not to burn them by constantly shaking the pan. Once noodles are lightly browned, remove and place in bowl. Put 3 small dessert cakes on a serving plate, scoop 1 cup maraschino cherries noodles and place on top of cakes, then drizzle 1 cup chocolate dessert fondue over everything.

• Ramen Party Mix
  Your friends will be both impressed and perplexed at this ramen-inspired trail mix.

  Break 1 package of any flavor noodles into small pieces while still in package. Heat ⅓ cup vegetable oil in pan and add noodles, being careful not to burn them by constantly shaking the pan. Once noodles are lightly browned, remove and place in large serving bowl. Chop or serve whole ½ cup dried cranberries, ¼ cup sliced almonds and ¼ cup dried apricot. Combine with noodles, toss and serve.

• Spam and Ramen Surprise
  If you love spam-a lot, then you might want to add this whacky dish to your list.

  Boil 2 cups water, add 1 package of any flavor ramen noodles, 1 lightly smashed clove of garlic and place 1 head of chopped broccoli into boiling mixture. Remove when noodles and broccoli are tender. Drain and rinse under cold water. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon peanut oil until very hot and crack in 1 egg. Lower temperature and cook until yolk sets but is not hard. Remove egg and sauté 4 slices spam in remaining oil. Put noodles and broccoli in serving bow and top with egg.

• Ramen Nachos
  From the Doritos presentation to the odd combinations, kids may be the fan favorites of ramen nachos.

  Boil 2 cups water, add 1 package of any flavor ramen noodles, and cook until tender and drain water. In a separate skillet, brown ½ pound ground beef and place in a large bowl. Add ramen noodles and 1 package of taco seasoning and mix evenly. Place Doritos chips around the bowl and sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top.

• Jell-O Ramen
  Get ready to see some squeamish faces when you serve these not-so-typical Jell-O jigglers.

  Break 1 package of any flavor noodles into small pieces while still in package. Heat ⅓ cup vegetable oil in pan and add noodles, being careful not to burn them by constantly shaking the pan. Once noodles are lightly browned, remove and place in large serving bowl. In a separate mixing bowl, combine 1 packet of any flavor Jell-O powder with 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until powder is completely dissolved. Add 1 cup cold water, add noodles, stir and place bowl in fridge for a couple hours to set. When solid, cut Jell-O into pieces and serve.

• Ramen and Fried Spam
  This may look like a traditional Chinese-style noodle dish, but fried spam doesn’t fool everyone.

  Boil 2 cups water in pan, add 2 packages of ramen noodles and cook for 3 minutes. Using a strainer, drain the water. In a skillet, lightly brown 1 can of cubed spam in 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder and some dry herb seasoning. In a large serving bowl, combine noodles, spam and ½ cup cooked green peas and ½ cup sliced green onions. Toss and serve.

• Grilled Ramen
  Get your steak knives ready to cut into this juicy, marinated cut of ramen? Yes, grilled ramen is on the menu.

  For the marinade, whisk together 1 seasoning packet from ramen package, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce or favorite hot sauce, ½ teaspoons rice vinegar, ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil, ½ teaspoon sugar, ¼ cup hot water and sprinkle sesame seeds. Marinate dry ramen square in sauce for 20 minutes, flipping to make sure it is absorbed throughout. Once tender, place ramen square on medium flame charcoal or gas grill. Lift corner every minute to see char marks and watch for a little smoke, which means it can be flipped. Cook for about 3 minutes and remove from grill as a whole. Serve plain or with chives, grilled veggies or scallions on top.

• Ramen Pizza
  For the ultra cheap or ultra daring, try this noodle-corn chip pizza that has some, well, unusual pizza ingredients.

  Place 3 to 4 packages of dry beef-flavored ramen into a large resealable bag, add a couple handfuls of corn chips, close bag and crush mix thoroughly while adding ramen seasoning packets. Boil enough water to barely cover the noodles and pour in noodle mix. While noodles cook, chop up 2 or more jalapenos and slice summer sausage or pepperoni. Once noodles are done and have absorbed most of the water, pour into resealable bag and begin kneading the dough. Lay bag out and flatten down evenly to make dough and crust. There should not be much water running out, but if there is add more crushed ships to thicken dough. Place dough on round baking sheet. Meanwhile, heat 1 can chili (no beans) and scoop mixture on dough, top chili with 1 layer of squeeze cheese, add sausage or pepperonis and jalapenos. Cook in oven or eat as is.

• Coca-Cola Ramen
  Love Coca-Cola? Love ramen? Then, love them together in this peculiar salty and sweet dish.

  Boil 2 cups water and add 1 pack of Texas beef ramen or regular beef flavor noodles for 3 minutes or until tender. Strain the water and add one ramen seasoning packet and ½ or ¾ can of Coke and stir. Sprinkle ⅔ cup of crushed, salted peanuts on top of noodles. For additional flavor, slice 1 beef stick or summer sausage and add more Coke.

• Pork and Beans Ramen
  Stand out at the camp fire with this twist on a classic pork and beans dish.

  Cook 1 package of any flavor ramen noodles in ½ cup chicken stock. Stir until noodles are tender. Meanwhile, heat 1 can of pork and beans in a saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons of chopped onion to beans. Drain ramen and mix noodles with beans. Pour in serving bowl and top with grated cheddar cheese.

• Barbeque Ramen
  You won’t find this dish at your local barbeque joint, but go ahead, give it a whirl.

  Brown ½ pound ground beef in medium frying pan. In a separate pan, boil 2 cups water and add 1 package of beef flavored ramen noodles. Drain water and set aside. Add 2 tablespoons of your favorite barbeque sauce to beef, add noodles and toss well. Top noodles with crumbled barbeque chips.

• Jellied Ramen
  This ramen dish is so sweet and slimy you’ll think you were eating gummy worms.

  Boil 2 cups water and add 1 package of any flavor ramen noodles. Drain water and set noodle aside. Combine 1 tablespoon apricot jam, 1 tablespoon brown sugar and a small dollop of butter in a microwave-safe container and microwave for 20 seconds. Add jelly mix to noodles and toss well. Top with slivered almonds.

• Ramen Ice Cream
  Ice cream lovers may have met their match or their limit with this unusual ice cream-ramen combo.

  Break 1 package of any flavor noodles into small pieces while still in package. Heat ⅓ cup vegetable oil in pan and add noodles, being careful not to burn them by continually shaking the pan. Once noodles are lightly browned, remove and set aside. In a small serving bowl, scoop 2 cups of caramel ice cream or any other flavor and add the hot fried ramen on top.

• Ramen Pudding
  Get your toppings and sweets ready, because this is not your typical bread pudding.

  Boil 2 cups water and add 1 package of any flavor ramen noodles. Drain water, then place noodles in a blender and add 1 cup milk. Add nuts, chocolate chips or candy and blend until the mix becomes thick like pudding. Pour mixture into serving bowl and add brown sugar, chocolate syrup, fruit or whatever sounds good on top and enjoy.

• Ramen Poutine
  With the cheesy French fries and gravy, this dish sounds like something you’d find at the ballpark, except for the whole ramen part.

  Begin by baking 20 to 30 frozen French fries in the oven. Then, boil 2 cups water and add 1 package of any flavor ramen noodles. After 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, remove from stove and drain water. In another saucepan, heat 1 can of gravy. Place noodles in a serving bowl and top with 1 cup cheddar cheese curds, French fries and drizzle the gravy over everything.

• Ramen Breakfast Burrito
  Expect a mouthful of noodles when eating this unique breakfast burrito.

  Boil 2 cups water and add 1 package of any flavor ramen noodles. In a separate bowl, beat 1 egg and slowly pour beaten egg into the boiling saucepan. Stir and cook both ramen and egg for 3 minutes. Drain most of the water, but leave 1 tablespoon. Stir in seasoning packet, ¼ cup shredded cheese and a couple drops of hot sauce. Scoop noodle mixture into warm flour tortillas, roll up and serve.

• Ramen Beef Pie
  Ramen takes the place of mashed potatoes in this French Canadian Pâté Chinois-inspired dish.

  Boil 2 cups water and add 2 package of beef flavored ramen noodles. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes and strain water. In a large skillet, heat ⅓ cup vegetable oil and add ½ cup chopped onions. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook until browned. Stir and combine meat mixture into a baking pan or pot. On top of the beef, add 1 can sweet corn drained, then add ramen noodles. Put pan into oven and cook for 10 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove and serve.

Having fun on a budget is challenging, but not impossible. Thanks to the abundance of happy hours and drink specials happening in your college town or city, you can keep drinking on a dime and still have money left over. Here are 20 handy sites, smart phone applications and tips to help you find an awesome and affordable happy hour:

• Happy-Hour.comFind a variety of happy hour locations and great food specials on this all-inclusive happy hour guide. While you’re browsing for drink deals, learn some new drinking games and see what’s in your drink with the handy drink recipes feature.
• Happy Hour SpotsHappy Hour Spots allows you to find a happy hour in your area, generate a list of your favorite spots, and share them with friends on all the major social networking sites, as well as receive coupons and specials through text or e-mail notifications.
• Boomtown AppsBoomtown Apps helps you find the ideal happy hour by searching for future special, happy hours going on right now and by the time remaining for drink deals. There are also features to find the cheapest drink, distance to the bar and to add your favorite happy hour hotspot.
• Happy HoursIf you’re craving Asian food, a frozen margarita and want to drink patio-style, you can filter your search to find a place that has all of your preferences and do it all on your phone.
• Happy HouredWhen using this free iPhone app, you are at the guidance of fellow drinkers like you. Happy Houred is a user-driven program that lets you search for happy hours based on your preferences, such as type of drink, type of bar and location.
• UnthirstyWant to find a bar or restaurant with no smoking, allows underage customers or has free Wi-Fi? Unthirsty is a quick resource for finding that perfect happy hour location that fits your needs.
• Drink SpecialsThe Drink Specials application is committed to giving you the largest and most accurate happy hour information at your fingertips. Choose from more than 30,000 drink specials offered at 3,000 bars across the nation. This program ensures updated drink deals by letting users verify that a special is correct and allowing them to update missing information.
• MappyHourWant to find a happy hour within walking distance? No problem. MappyHour will map your location and list the bars and restaurants with happy hours nearby. You can also rate your happy hour visits, as well as get quick access on your cell phone.
• Happy Hour by Pulse WeeklyGet the evening started with this easy-to-use iPhone application that features local drink specials, happy hour updates, even pick up lines you can try out on fellow coeds or bartenders.
• Bar BuddyThis iPhone app provides easy access to daily specials that are in your area, and lets you search by closest bars or favorite places.
• FindMeSpecialsCovering most large U.S. cities, FindMeSpecials will do exactly as it promises — find local food, drink and leisure specials in your area. In addition, this iPhone app finds discount coupons and killer events happening at this moment.
• Daily Happy HourDaily Happy Hour has you covered in all 50 states. This Web site lists more than 6,000 bars with happy hour specials in college towns and big cities, as well as fun drink recipes to make at home.
• UrbanspoonLooking for a local pub or sushi bar where you can get some good eats and cheap drinks? Then, check out Urbanspoon, a foodie’s dream site and iPhone app that gives you the low-down on restaurants and bars in your area.
• YelpA great way to find happy hours and restaurants serving cheap drinks is to check out review sites like Yelp, which gives an insider’s look into customer service, favorite dishes and drinks, as well as tips to get the most from your dining or drinking experience.
• Bang/BuckThis iPhone application will do exactly as its name describes — give you more bang for your buck when drinking at bars. It does so by comparing the price of the alcoholic beverage to the type of drink, alcohol percent by volume and volume size to determine if you are actually saving money. If you’re not getting the best bang for your buck, then you can move on to another happy hour or bar that will achieve this goal.
• AroundMe
  Following No. 15, the AroundMe iPhone app can help you find a drink that will give you more bang for your buck, as well as find bars and restaurants that are within walking distance from your current location. All in all, you’ll save money by scouting out a cheap bar and by using little or no gas to get there.
• ReferenceDesk.orgA quick way to find a happy hour or drink special is to pick up your school newspaper or view it online. Chances are your college newspaper has several bar and restaurant advertisements that are geared for you and your budget.
• Local WineEvents.comWine lovers, listen up. If you want a change of scenery and would like to partake in fairly inexpensive wine events, then check out LocalWineEvents.com, to find wine tastings and festivals in your area.
• Beer AdvocateThe same goes for beer lovers, too. Browse the Beer Advocate site to find a local brewery, beer tasting event, beer festival or release party, where you can score some cheap beers and have a good time.
• Chowhound Chowdown is a online community of food and drink critics, who share tips about their favorite restaurants and bars to help you plan a cheap night out and catch a good happy hour in your area.