Liberal Arts Colleges

It’s that time of year again- everyone is heading back to school! Since we know that no college campus is immune to crime, whether minor or serious, it is best to have a couple of tips on how to minimize becoming a victim of a crime while on campus. New students on campus who are looking forward to the coming year should also be aware of how important it is to also take some simple precautions when walking or driving around campus. Here are 10 tips to ensure you have a safe and successful year:

Use the buddy system- Whether walking to the dorms, another building, or the parking lot try to avoid situations where you are walking alone, especially at night. If possible, walk with a classmate or friend and try to stay on areas of the campus that are well-lit, heavily populated and patrolled. Always carry a functioning cell phone in case you need to make a call for help.

Be aware- As in any case, you should always be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to what is going on around you and be extra careful when approaching vehicles that appear to be out of the ordinary or that make you uncomfortable. Make sure to quickly check in and around your vehicle before getting into it while in parking lots.

Know where help is- Be sure to know where the campus police office is and how to get there should you ever need to visit the office. Also, have the number of the campus police office handy or on your cell phone so that they may be reached easily. If placed in a situation that makes you uncomfortable or scared, do not hesitate to call the campus police and ask for an escort or help when you need it.

Be prepared- Be prepared when walking around campus- have your hands free and your keys ready. It is a good idea to carry some sort of mace or pepper spray in case you come across someone who is threatening your safety. If you are worried about attacks on campus, looking into purchasing a stun gun or taser might make you feel more at ease.

Keep valuables at home- When parking on campus, it is best to avoid keeping valuables in your car that you wouldn’t like stolen. Keep books, jewelry, money, clothes and other personal items that may be of value out of your car in case it is broken into or stolen. Having anything that appears to be valuable in plain view could also be inviting break-ins.

Stay safe if you have car trouble- If you find that you are having some sort of car trouble, it is best to stay in your car with your doors locked, especially at night, and turn on your emergency flashers. Call someone for help or contact the campus police and ask them to wait with you while you wait for help. Be careful if strangers ask to help you and only accept help from someone you know or trust.

Let someone know where you are- You should always let someone you trust know where you will be and around what time you expect to return. Letting a roommate, classmate, friend, or family member know this type of information can help if something doesn’t seem right or add up. Try to keep that person updated if possible to prevent them from worrying if you are not where you are supposed to be.

Don’t be too trusting- Be wary of strangers who ask you for help, directions, or to borrow your cell phone. It is probably best to be polite and keep a safe distance, or you can try to assess the situation to the best of your ability. That isn’t to say not to help people, but use your best judgment when talking to strangers or people you don’t know very well.

Don’t be afraid to yell for help- If you feel you are being followed or targeted, call the campus police for help. If the situation worsens and you feel you are in danger, do anything to draw attention to yourself and scare the attacker away. Run, yell, scream, cry- make a scene, it is the best way to deter someone who is trying to harm or rob you.

Report suspicious activity- Should you come across a person or group of people that appear to be doing some questionable, report it to campus police. Do not confront the group or draw attention to yourself, simply contact the campus police or operator and give them as much information as possible about the person/people while keeping a safe distance.

The culture and vibe of a bar is determined by the music it plays. A fun night out at an establishment is enhanced immeasurably with an appropriate tune. These days, your average college or young person’s bar may feature the rhymes of Lil- Wayne and an abundance of -80 songs – the same songs to which the patrons-parents- probably danced before they were born. But through the years, there have been a handful, errr earful, of songs that have become ingrained into mainstream American bar culture. Step into a normal-looking bar – today or 20 years ago – anywhere in the country and you’re bound to hear a few of the songs listed below.

1. Journey – Don’t Stop Believin-
   Every bar that’s located within a mile or two from a professional or college stadium of note plays this song ad nauseum. And it makes sense – after a big game in which your team has won or lost, as a fan, you can’t stop believin’ and you must hold on to the (good, winning) feelin-. This tune is also excellent for karaoke or impromptu sing-alongs with your newest and most plastered friends.
2. Bon Jovi – Livin’ on a Prayer
   “Livin’ on a Prayer” is an epic sing-along song that seems to be a favorite of many female bar-dwellers. Despite its depressing lyrics, it also seems to convey a feeling of positivity that few other rock songs possess, likely because of Bon Jovi’s pop-like sound. Given the song’s strong presence on iTunes and continued use in bars across the country, the song’s popularity hasn’t waned much since it came out in ‘86.
3. AC/DC – You Shook Me All Night Long
   Brian Johnson’s transition into the role of lead singer for AC/DC was a resounding success thanks to “You Shook Me All Night Long.” Lines such as “knockin’ me out with those American thighs” have been immortalized and etched into the brains of anyone who has spent time in a bar from ‘86 to present. The first sound of the guitar in this song always indicates the party is on.
4. Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sweet Home Alabama
   For more than three decades, ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ has been a staple of parties and bars in Alabama and 49 other states. And even though Alabama isn’t quite California or New York, when the tune hits the speakers in its original form, everyone becomes an Alabaman. It’s also a popular song to cover – by inserting their home state in the place of “Alabama” and substituting in a couple of other lyrics, lesser-known local bands invoke a feeling of unbridled state pride from their liquored-up audiences.
5. Def Leppard – Pour Some Sugar on Me
   “Pour Some Sugar on Me” is one of the racier songs you’ll hear at bars, excluding songs from the rap genre, of course. It’s certainly appropriate for those who are out on the prowl, feeling hot, sticky and sweet from their heads down to their feet. Because of the lyrics, it’s quite the popular choice at gentlemen’s clubs as well.
6. Neil Diamond – Sweet Caroline
   “Sweet Caroline” is an excellent song to serenade to your date when good times have never seemed so good, though a chorus of your fellow patrons will inevitably blurt out “bah, hah, bah,” ruining your mojo. You, Neil Diamond and countless drunken karaoke singers aren’t the only ones to have worked with the song – Frank Sinatra, Elvis Pressley, Waylon Jennings, Julio Iglesias and The Drifters recorded the song during their careers.
7. Eddie Money – Take Me Home Tonight
   “Take Me Home Tonight” is a night-capping song for bars in which every guy is pleading to their new lady friend to “take them home tonight.” It’s ’80s cheese, which is all the rage these days in college bars, as previously mentioned. If you hear this song, it most likely played after songs like “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and “Livin’ on a Prayer.”
8. Jimmy Buffett – Margaritaville
   When a recording of “Margaritaville” plays over the speakers, you don’t have to be sipping on the frozen concoction to feel as though you’re wasting away in a tropical locale. It’s the perfect escapist song, representing the leisure life we all wish we could live year-round.
9. Garth Brooks – Friends in Low Places
   Coinciding with the assimilation of country music into the mainstream music scene has been the popularity of “Friends in Low Places,” which can be heard in bars from Austin to Nashville to New York City. Most guys can relate to song, as old flames die hard and resentment can fester from relationships past. There isn’t a better place to drown your sorrows than in your favorite watering hole while this song plays in the background.
10. Semisonic – Closing Time
    Although “Closing Time” is young relative to the other songs on the list, it has made up for lost time. Aptly, it’s heard at closing time, when there’s one last call for alcohol and the patrons must finish their whiskey or beer. Of course, they don’t have to go home, but they can’t stay there.


Semisonic – Closing Time
Uploaded by hushhush112. – Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

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.

There’s no doubt about it, textbooks can be a huge rip-off. One of the biggest complaints from college students is how expensive textbooks are and how little they get back by selling them. While this may be the case for many, there are many solutions to finding cheaper textbooks and earning more money. Behold the 20 discount textbook sites that are college-approved and guarantee low prices.

• Amazon

  You are bound to snag some awesome deals on this discount bookstore that offers new and used textbooks for half the cost. When you’re done with your textbooks, let Amazon buy them from you or sell them yourself on Amazon.com Marketplace.

• Half.com

  Get ready to wheel and deal with sellers on this book marketplace. When you’re done with your books, turn around and sell them to another student in need.

• eCampus

  Why buy, when you can rent? This is eCampus’ policy, which makes renting textbooks and selling them back a piece of cake.

• AbeBooks

  AbeBooks is committed to giving you the best price on your new and used textbooks with their 30-day money-back guarantee.

• BIGWORDS

  This site works as a search engine to compare textbook stores and find the best prices for you, in addition to offering coupons, promotions and discounted shipping rates.

• Barnes & Noble

  This mega bookstore is also a great place to buy and sell your textbooks. Receive fast and free delivery on all new textbook orders, as well as instant cash back and free shipping when you sell your textbooks.

• Borders

  Rack up rewards points and receive savings on Borders merchandise and other retail brands, while buying your discounted textbooks and novels here.

• Books-A-Million

  This site has thousands of textbooks covering a wide variety of subjects. Join the Millionaire’s Club to receive extra savings on most merchandise.

• Alibris

  Students, meet your independent sellers on this online marketplace, where you can bargain, trade and sell textbooks.

• Powell’s Books

  Powell’s Books has a nice assortment of new and used textbooks, and can be programmed to alert you whenever a used book is available.

• U.S. Government Bookstore

  Many students aren’t aware that the U.S. Government has an online bookstore, but if you’re looking for novels or textbooks in military history, travel and tourism, health care or another government-related subject, then this is the site to visit.

• Phat Campus

  This site has a funny name, but offers serious savings for students looking to buy or sell their textbooks. Phat Campus gets high marks for its customer service, guaranteed quality and fast shipping.

• BookByte

  BookByte is a student-centered online bookstore that offers new and used textbooks, buy backs, several study resources and school supplies all in one spot.

• Biblio.com

  This online store and marketplace has a large inventory of new and used textbooks, as well as handy searches for finding multiple books at once and getting a quote for buy backs.

• ValoreBooks

  This online marketplace is committed to offering you the cheapest textbooks available, while providing an opportunity for students to become used textbook sellers through Valore’s services.

• Direct Textbook

  Let Direct Textbook search through more than 200 online bookstores to find your desired textbooks, so you don’t have to.

• Chegg

  This online bookstore is all about textbook rentals, buybacks and saving trees. Not only are they saving students thousands of dollars every year, but they are also rewarding textbook recycling by planting a tree per rental.

• TextbookX

  This bookstore has a lot of cool applications and incentives to buy and sell textbooks here, such as the Facebook application that lets you shop and sell books through your profile, as well as the Buck-a-Book program, where TextbookX pays you $1 for every referral.

• CheapestTextBooks

  This is another textbook marketplace that searches online college bookstores for the cheapest textbook you can get.

• Textbook Revolution

  At Textbook Revolution, there is such a thing as “free.” Through collective efforts and contributions, Textbook Revolution provides students with e-books and PDF files of various undergraduate textbooks at no cost.

Do you have a big test to study for or a paper to write?  How can you stay awake long enough to get everything done?  Check out the following tips on staying awake for an all-night cram session.

Drink water. Sounds easy doesn’t it?  Water actually makes you feel more awake and alert.  Many studies have shown that drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning can be more effective that drinking coffee.  The water helps your body work better and oxygenates your blood.

Pressure points. The first point is located at the base of your skull about 1-inch from your spine.  Massage points in both directions for about 3 minutes.  The second point is between the thumb joint and forefinger.  Move from your hand to your feet.  Massage the soul of your foot 2-3 inches from the base of your toes.  Move from your feet to head.  The next pressure point is under your hair in the middle of you head.  The last pressure point is about 3 inches under your kneecap on the outside of the leg bone.  Massage each point about 3 minutes each.

Exercise. When you feel yourself getting tired take a brisk walk to get your blood pumping and to reenergize yourself.

Caffeine. While it’s not recommended to abuse caffeine it does work on some people to keep you awake.

Stay cool. Keep your environment cool, as warmth will lull the body to sleep.

Take a nap. Taking a 15-25 minute nap may be all you need to feel rested.  Do not sleep any longer because if you enter into a deep sleep you will awake feeling more tired.

Controversy runs rampant over Wet versus Dry campuses. Do students on dry campuses actually drink less than those on a wet campus? Many colleges and universities have gone dry over the years due to student deaths that were alcohol related. While I can see that this is one way to deal with the problem I’m not sure I think it’s the best way. Students who want to drink and party are going to figure out how to do it. While researching this article I found many postings by college students stating that the “dry” campus rules are not strictly enforced. Another comment was that if the campus is dry the students can go into town and get into a bar even if they are under age. Check out these Top 10 Dry Campuses.

1. University of Wisconsin located in Madison, WI has a student of 42030.
2. Indiana University located in Bloomington, IN has a student population of approximately 40,000.
3. Purdue University located in West Lafayette, IN has a student population of about 36000.
4. University of Iowa is located in Iowa City, IA and has a student population of over 30000.
5. Oklahoma State University located in Oklahoma City, OK and has a student population of 26506.
6. University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN has a student population of 26476.
7. University of Kentucky located in Lexington, KY has a student population of 26,054.
8. University of Alabama in Birmingham, AL has a student population of over 25000.
9. Missouri State University located in Springfield, MO has a student population of about 21000.
10. University of Rhode Island is located in Kingston, RI has a student population of 12,954.

*Student populations are not from current year.

Have you ever been to a celebration or event with lots of drinking included? Or just a simple Friday or Saturday night out at the bar? If you’ve been drinking, most probably you will have a hangover the next day. Alcoholic drinks make us feel dizzy and out of our present mind, especially when drank too much. But that’s not the worst part, because tomorrow, your hangover will hit you like a hammer in your head. Surely you want to do something to cure your hangover. There are many ways to do it naturally. There are myths going around, and those won’t work. Go for the tried and tested methods instead. Below are ten homemade cures for hangovers.

1. Amino acids. These are the building blocks of protein that our body really needs to work. Amino acids can be found in protein-rich foods like meat and dairy products. Refilling our body with this mineral will help our body overcome the hangover pain.

2. Water. Having a hangover means that our body has been dehydrated. The simplest way to cure this is drinking lots of water the next day. Contrary to some beliefs, water will not make the nauseous feeling return. Water flushes out the toxins in our body so we will be free from the harmful substances of alcohol.

3. Bananas. These have fructose and potassium minerals that the body loses when they drink alcohol. The sick feeling you have in your stomach will lessen since there are natural antacids in bananas. The throbbing headaches, meanwhile, will be cured with the magnesium also found in this fruit.

4. Bouillon soup. Soup has potassium and salt that our body uses up when drunk. Buying broth cubes is a good way to make soup, but making your own is much better. This way, you can add nutrients you think you lack.

5. Vitamin B-complex. Stress makes our body drain the B-complex vitamins. Drunkenness is a kind of stress, I’m sure. So take a tablet of this vitamin, so our body will return to normal.

6. Coffee with lemon. Drink hot, black coffee to relieve the pounding blood vessels we have when having a hangover. The throbbing in the head is really caused by the blood vessels that pound. Adding lemon juice to the coffee isn’t only for a better taste. It actually lessens the nauseous feeling in our stomach. The downside of drinking coffee is dehydrating our body even more because of caffeine.

7. Crackers with honey. Crackers feed our stomach so it doesn’t feel as queasy. It will also absorb the excess alcohol we might still have in our system. Eating bread is better, though because it has better absorbent powers than crackers. Honey is a concentrated fructose, so it cures the low blood pressure we experience after being drunk.

8. Fruit juice. Like honey, it has fructose we lose in a hangover. Drinking it not only replenishes our sugar supply, but also rehydrates our body after alcohol depletes us of water. Fruit juices are healthy, simple, and delicious. The best juice for hangover is tomato, because it contains the right nutrients our body needs.

9. Willow bark. You might not have heard of this hangover cure, but willow barks have salicylate in organic form. Drinking water together with willow bark is very effective. Salicylate is found in aspirins to relieve pain. If you can’t find willow barks at home and can’t get one, simply pop one or two aspirins for quicker relief.

10. Time. If you become sick and tired of always finding a cure for hangovers, you can just wait it out. It takes time though. But anyway, when it cures, the memory will become blurry.

Getting hangovers has its upside. Maybe it will teach you not to get too drunk all the time. The best way not to have a hangover is not to drink alcohol. As the saying goes, “prevention is the best cure.” That is very true.

Drinking alcoholic beverages isn’t really bad, as long as taken in moderation. It can even be healthy, like drinking a glass of red wine a day. There’s nothing wrong with partying and celebrating, just stay focused because it can have consequences in the future. Best example? Hangovers! Drinking is fun (for some people, anyway), overdoing it is bad for everyone. If you want to celebrate, you can do it in the companionship of your friends. You can hang out without drinking, as many people do.

Anemia is a blood disorder that is attributed to the deficiency of iron, folic acid and Vitamin B12. Iron-deficient anemia is the most common type, and occurs when your body does not have the required iron content to produce hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen to all parts of your body and provides energy for you to carry out your daily activities.

Anemia causes dizziness and makes you feel tired even during non-strenuous activities. Iron is of two types – heme which is easily absorbed by the human body and non heme which is not. While non-vegetarian foods like red meat and eggs are a rich source of the former, vegetarians have to augment their intake of iron from foods like beetroot, blackstrap molasses and green leafy vegetables with foods rich in Vitamin C. Citrus fruits and other food laden with Vitamin C help in the absorption of non-heme iron.

I’ve included two recipes – one vegetarian and the other non-vegetarian – for dishes that are rich in iron.

Beetroot Fruit Cocktail

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 1 beetroot of medium size
• 2 ripe pears
• 1 small lime
• ½ a red bell pepper
• 1 handful of basil leaves

1. Wash the beetroot and the pears
2. Peel and chop them into small pieces
3. Squeeze the juice from the lime
4. Wash, deseed and chop the bell pepper
5. Wash and chop basil leaves
6. Add all ingredients to a blender and juice

This juice must be consumed within an hour or so after preparation. It’s a good recipe for those prone to anemia because it contains beetroot juice which is rich in both iron and folic acid, and lime which is rich in Vitamin C, the catalyst that helps the body absorb iron from non-heme sources.

Ham and Beans

Serves 6

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs smoked ham
• 2 lbs Great Northern beans
• 2 dried peppers
• 2 onions
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ cup blackstrap molasses
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup mustard

1. Rinse and dry beans
2. Fill Dutch oven with water and cook beans
3. Add the ham and all the other ingredients when the beans and half-cooked and cook till ready

This dish contains both red meat (ham) and blackstrap molasses, both of which are rich in iron and help enrich the hemoglobin content in your blood.

Besides these recipes, there are other concoctions that help in preventing and combating anemia:

• Eat a ripe banana combined with 1 tbsp of honey twice a day
• Drink a mixture of beetroot juice and apple juice with a tbsp of honey once a day
• Soak currants overnight, deseed and eat in the morning
• Drink a mixture of apple and tomato juice once a day.