Opinion
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
CLOSSIN: MOVING IN TOGETHER REQUIRES PERFECT TIMING
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2009
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--cities in hip-hop. Lawrence doesn't usually come to mind. New York, the unquestionable Mecca of hip-hop, is roughly 1,100 miles to the northwest, while Los Angeles does its thing 1,300 miles to the west. So here in Lawrence, we are almost exactly halfway between the two metropolises that have had arguably the most influence in hip-hop history to date. Despite being so far from either of these two drastically different cities, Lawrence is sometimes scheduled as a show stop for hip-hop artists from around the nation, partly because of its convenient location just off I-70. This fortunate fact makes Lawrence a potential gem for hip-hop heads across the country when a quality show comes to town. The problem is that these shows are few and far between.
--cities in hip-hop. Lawrence doesn't usually come to mind. New York, the unquestionable Mecca of hip-hop, is roughly 1,100 miles to the northwest, while Los Angeles does its thing 1,300 miles to the west. So here in Lawrence, we are almost exactly halfway between the two metropolises that have had arguably the most influence in hip-hop history to date. Despite being so far from either of these two drastically different cities, Lawrence is sometimes scheduled as a show stop for hip-hop artists from around the nation, partly because of its convenient location just off I-70. This fortunate fact makes Lawrence a potential gem for hip-hop heads across the country when a quality show comes to town. The problem is that these shows are few and far between.
The bouncer wouldn't let me in, so I got pissed and took off my shirt
Does anybody else think that sororities try to recreate an immature version of high school?
--cities in hip-hop. Lawrence doesn't usually come to mind. New York, the unquestionable Mecca of hip-hop, is roughly 1,100 miles to the northwest, while Los Angeles does its thing 1,300 miles to the west. So here in Lawrence, we are almost exactly halfway between the two metropolises that have had arguably the most influence in hip-hop history to date. Despite being so far from either of these two drastically different cities, Lawrence is sometimes scheduled as a show stop for hip-hop artists from around the nation, partly because of its convenient location just off I-70. This fortunate fact makes Lawrence a potential gem for hip-hop heads across the country when a quality show comes to town. The problem is that these shows are few and far between.
--cities in hip-hop. Lawrence doesn't usually come to mind. New York, the unquestionable Mecca of hip-hop, is roughly 1,100 miles to the northwest, while Los Angeles does its thing 1,300 miles to the west. So here in Lawrence, we are almost exactly halfway between the two metropolises that have had arguably the most influence in hip-hop history to date. Despite being so far from either of these two drastically different cities, Lawrence is sometimes scheduled as a show stop for hip-hop artists from around the nation, partly because of its convenient location just off I-70. This fortunate fact makes Lawrence a potential gem for hip-hop heads across the country when a quality show comes to town. The problem is that these shows are few and far between.
You were hot until I saw your Uggs.
--cities in hip-hop. Lawrence doesn't usually come to mind. New York, the unquestionable Mecca of hip-hop, is roughly 1,100 miles to the northwest, while Los Angeles does its thing 1,300 miles to the west. So here in Lawrence, we are almost exactly halfway between the two metropolises that have had arguably the most influence in hip-hop history to date. Despite being so far from either of these two drastically different cities, Lawrence is sometimes scheduled as a show stop for hip-hop artists from around the nation, partly because of its convenient location just off I-70. This fortunate fact makes Lawrence a potential gem for hip-hop heads across the country when a quality show comes to town. The problem is that these shows are few and far between.
I just walked by two Asian dames talking about "peepee" and "pooooo"
--cities in hip-hop. Lawrence doesn't usually come to mind. New York, the unquestionable Mecca of hip-hop, is roughly 1,100 miles to the northwest, while Los Angeles does its thing 1,300 miles to the west. So here in Lawrence, we are almost exactly halfway between the two metropolises that have had arguably the most influence in hip-hop history to date. Despite being so far from either of these two drastically different cities, Lawrence is sometimes scheduled as a show stop for hip-hop artists from around the nation, partly because of its convenient location just off I-70. This fortunate fact makes Lawrence a potential gem for hip-hop heads across the country when a quality show comes to town. The problem is that these shows are few and far between.
I just made a countdown to March Madness. I'm way too KU-obsessed.
My roommate's getting married and already has her date set. I'm still obsessing over a guy who only calls me when he's drunk. Drunk my life.
To whoever had the bounty out on one of those dancing Statue of Liberty: I can't get you a Statue of Liberty, but I can get you a dancing Uncle Sam if you want.
--cities in hip-hop. Lawrence doesn't usually come to mind. New York, the unquestionable Mecca of hip-hop, is roughly 1,100 miles to the northwest, while Los Angeles does its thing 1,300 miles to the west. So here in Lawrence, we are almost exactly halfway between the two metropolises that have had arguably the most influence in hip-hop history to date. Despite being so far from either of these two drastically different cities, Lawrence is sometimes scheduled as a show stop for hip-hop artists from around the nation, partly because of its convenient location just off I-70. This fortunate fact makes Lawrence a potential gem for hip-hop heads across the country when a quality show comes to town. The problem is that these shows are few and far between.
DJ Abraham Lincoln is way better than DJ Chef.
--cities in hip-hop. Lawrence doesn't usually come to mind. New York, the unquestionable Mecca of hip-hop, is roughly 1,100 miles to the northwest, while Los Angeles does its thing 1,300 miles to the west. So here in Lawrence, we are almost exactly halfway between the two metropolises that have had arguably the most influence in hip-hop history to date. Despite being so far from either of these two drastically different cities, Lawrence is sometimes scheduled as a show stop for hip-hop artists from around the nation, partly because of its convenient location just off I-70. This fortunate fact makes Lawrence a potential gem for hip-hop heads across the country when a quality show comes to town. The problem is that these shows are few and far between.
Dude, I just saw a skunk.
What the hell?
--cities in hip-hop. Lawrence doesn't usually come to mind. New York, the unquestionable Mecca of hip-hop, is roughly 1,100 miles to the northwest, while Los Angeles does its thing 1,300 miles to the west. So here in Lawrence, we are almost exactly halfway between the two metropolises that have had arguably the most influence in hip-hop history to date. Despite being so far from either of these two drastically different cities, Lawrence is sometimes scheduled as a show stop for hip-hop artists from around the nation, partly because of its convenient location just off I-70. This fortunate fact makes Lawrence a potential gem for hip-hop heads across the country when a quality show comes to town. The problem is that these shows are few and far between.
To all the workers at The Hawk:
stop acting so superior. You're only six months older than me.
Wow. I just saw that Texas retired Kevin Durant's number after only going to the second round of the NCAA tournament and only going to college for one year. Classy,
--cities in hip-hop. Lawrence doesn't usually come to mind. New York, the unquestionable Mecca of hip-hop, is roughly 1,100 miles to the northwest, while Los Angeles does its thing 1,300 miles to the west. So here in Lawrence, we are almost exactly halfway between the two metropolises that have had arguably the most influence in hip-hop history to date. Despite being so far from either of these two drastically different cities, Lawrence is sometimes scheduled as a show stop for hip-hop artists from around the nation, partly because of its convenient location just off I-70. This fortunate fact makes Lawrence a potential gem for hip-hop heads across the country when a quality show comes to town. The problem is that these shows are few and far between.
For Lent I'm giving up Lent.
How's that for a loophole,
God?
--cities in hip-hop. Lawrence doesn't usually come to mind. New York, the unquestionable Mecca of hip-hop, is roughly 1,100 miles to the northwest, while Los Angeles does its thing 1,300 miles to the west. So here in Lawrence, we are almost exactly halfway between the two metropolises that have had arguably the most influence in hip-hop history to date. Despite being so far from either of these two drastically different cities, Lawrence is sometimes scheduled as a show stop for hip-hop artists from around the nation, partly because of its convenient location just off I-70. This fortunate fact makes Lawrence a potential gem for hip-hop heads across the country when a quality show comes to town. The problem is that these shows are few and far between.
Is it weird that one of my goals in life is to solve a Rubik's
--cities in hip-hop. Lawrence doesn't usually come to mind. New York, the unquestionable Mecca of hip-hop, is roughly 1,100 miles to the northwest, while Los Angeles does its thing 1,300 miles to the west. So here in Lawrence, we are almost exactly halfway between the two metropolises that have had arguably the most influence in hip-hop history to date. Despite being so far from either of these two drastically different cities, Lawrence is sometimes scheduled as a show stop for hip-hop artists from around the nation, partly because of its convenient location just off I-70. This fortunate fact makes Lawrence a potential gem for hip-hop heads across the country when a quality show comes to town. The problem is that these shows are few and far between.
Damn, it feels good to be a gangster.
--cities in hip-hop. Lawrence doesn't usually come to mind. New York, the unquestionable Mecca of hip-hop, is roughly 1,100 miles to the northwest, while Los Angeles does its thing 1,300 miles to the west. So here in Lawrence, we are almost exactly halfway between the two metropolises that have had arguably the most influence in hip-hop history to date. Despite being so far from either of these two drastically different cities, Lawrence is sometimes scheduled as a show stop for hip-hop artists from around the nation, partly because of its convenient location just off I-70. This fortunate fact makes Lawrence a potential gem for hip-hop heads across the country when a quality show comes to town. The problem is that these shows are few and far between.
Dude, why are you creeping on your sisters on Facebook?
Can someone go to The Hawk and retrieve my dignity for the last time?
I don't care what anyone says. I love the dancing Statues of Liberty, especially when it seems like they're dancing to the music in my car.
--cities in hip-hop. Lawrence doesn't usually come to mind. New York, the unquestionable Mecca of hip-hop, is roughly 1,100 miles to the northwest, while Los Angeles does its thing 1,300 miles to the west. So here in Lawrence, we are almost exactly halfway between the two metropolises that have had arguably the most influence in hip-hop history to date. Despite being so far from either of these two drastically different cities, Lawrence is sometimes scheduled as a show stop for hip-hop artists from around the nation, partly because of its convenient location just off I-70. This fortunate fact makes Lawrence a potential gem for hip-hop heads across the country when a quality show comes to town. The problem is that these shows are few and far between.
MUSIC
BEN COLDHAM
Lawrence has potential to attract more hip-hop artists
W when considering the most recognizable and culturally influential
Since arriving in Lawrence from the north side of Chicago, I have attended as many hip-hop shows in the area as possible. My experiences with the majority of the shows in Lawrence have been tremendous; I have never been able to get so close to a performer so effortlessly anywhere else. The first instance of this was Atmosphere and Brother Ali at the Granada — definitely a hype show — but it still took me only five minutes to shimmy through the crowd to the front and center of the stage. After that first show, a couple of Chicago acts performed at the Bottleneck (Typical Cats and
PAGE 7A
Long Shot, among others). I was among only two dozen there, and was able to take in an awesome show by one of my favorite groups just a couple of feet away. My love for the Lawrence hip-hop scene grew from there.
Used to catching only glimpses of emcees in packed Chicago venues, I was begrudgingly accustomed to watching a show nine or 10 rows back (no matter how early I arrived). But in Lawrence, no matter whether it's a small-time act or an international performer, one can be right in front giving dap to the man on stage. Lawrence offers truly unique and incredible experiences to its residents with this kind of hip-hop scene, experiences few towns throughout the country can match. However, while the shortage of concert patrons offers a much more intimate and comfortable way for hip hop heads to see their favorite artist, it can also be a curse.
Lawrence may have a healthy hip-hop appetite, but it is usually dying of starvation. Every week I check local Web sites for upcoming quality shows in Lawrence and the Kansas City area, and I'm pleasantly surprised less and less frequently. It seems to me that
BEN'S BEATDOWNS
Hot Track:"Honor's Promise" by Wisemen
Classic Cut "Electric Relaxation" by A Tribe Called Quest
Underground Classic:
"Reality Check"by Binary Star
although artists appear to enjoy performing in Lawrence, they may be forced to book other venues in more populated areas. For example, underground favorite Murs has been to Lawrence several times in the past but now plays only in the larger market of Kansas City.
What the hip-hop community in Lawrence must do is attract better acts more frequently by attending what shows do come through town in greater numbers. This will encourage acts to return to Lawrence in the future as well as attract other management groups to the city. So, fellow hip-hop heads (and non-heads), do as I do and check Lawrence.com for upcoming shows, buy yourself a ticket and get doser to the hip-hop experience than you ever thought possible. Help support Lawrence's potentially incredible yet currently dormant hip-hop scene. Peace.
Coldham is a Chicago senior in journalism and English.
From Switzerland: Into the mild
BLOGS
BY MARK DENT
mdent@kansan.com
INTERLAKEN, Switzerland — The bus circled up and around the steep roads before sunrise and into the sleepy town.
I woke up right before we entered the ski shop. The mountains still hid behind the clouds and darkness, but inside that ski shop I started to realize just how tough of a time I'd have tackling these mountains.
Two friends and I waited in line for equipment. Other skiers chatted back and forth around the store. A worker told one person that this was going to be the best day of the season.
"So, are you a good skier?" the same worker asked, a slight smirk on his face.
He could sense that the only ski mogul I knew about was Rupert Murdoch on a vacation in Aspen.
Then I got up there.
I went there on a Friday when we didn't have school. I spent the day on either the green slope or the bunny slope. I'm not sure they have a distinction at Snow Creek. It was a successful run down the slope if I didn't get tangled up with another kid on the rope pull and lose a ski and wriggle around in the snow for 30 minutes until I finally realized I had to detach the other ski before I could stand back up.
The last time I went skiing was 12 years ago, at Snow Creek. Everyone from the Kansas City area knows about Snow Creek. It's our only winter haven. It is an overpriced small hill covered in
Thing is, bad skier wasn't even accurate. Worst skier would've fit better.
artificial snow, but damn it, making artificial snow is harder than it sounds.
"No," I replied, not minding his sarcasm. "I'm a very bad skier."
I hadn't skied from then until Switzerland, and it was quite a bit different. Let's just say the Swiss Alps don't have a rope pull. They don't have bamboo slopes either.
The first turn came. Wipeout.
The first big downhill came right afterwards. Wipeout. 10-year-old kids sped past me. This went on for a good half hour as I kept thinking to myself, OK, make the pizza shape with your feet to brake. Then that made me really hungry for
I discovered this at the top of Kleine Scheideegg, after an hour-and-a-half train ride to get up there. (I suspect that would be a three-hour rope pull.) But for some reason, I was undeterred. I strapped on my ski goggles, stomped into my skis and dug my poles into the ground. I was skiing. I was actually doing it. Sort of.
Follow Mak's travels during his last semester of college in Rome at www.kansan.com/blogs/notorious_blog/
@KANSAN.COM
pizza, and didn't help me brake, so I decided to crash to a stop.
I pulled to the side of the trail for a moment and just stared at the mountains. The sun reflected off the white slopes, and green pines covered the rocky sides as they slid into the valley where several wooden cabins created a small town. No skiers passed by for a while. The mountain was mine, and I felt at peace. It was like something out of a Shelley poem, a Mary or Percy Byshe one.
I decided the worker at the ski shop in the morning was right. I wasit a good skier, not even close. He was right about something else, too. This was the best day of the season and even one of the worst skiers could tell that.
After the break, I successfully made it down a hill and navigated a turn without crashing. The rest of the day, the Swiss Alps didn't feel a whole lot harder than Snow Creek.
STUDENT LIFE
University should help its teachers with accent barrier
I'm spoiled. My parents have given me everything anyone could ever ask for. Now that I've (somewhat) grown up, I can see how blessed my life has been. With this has come an appreciation for what my parents do and an understanding of what their help is worth. And with that comes a desire to get the most out of one of their greatest gifts, my college education. It's that appreciation for my college experience that makes me want to change the small but crucial things that interfere with it.
Most of us have had or know someone who has had an instructor from another country. Such instructors can be especially interesting and incredibly eye-opening. But, let's face it, sometimes their accents are impossible to understand.
That's not surprising, given the disparity between the way many Americans speak and the way the English language is technically supposed to sound. Americanaccent.com, which offers help learning to speak and understand the American accent, points out many of those differences that native speakers don't think about. For example, "Let her get a better water heater" doesn't bear much resemblance to how we say it: "Ledder gedda bedder wader heeder."
This breakdown in communication is as old as the hills, but it causes problems. It's enough that the material in a class is difficult to understand — why should it be equally difficult to understand what the instructor is saying? If you said it shouldn't, were vibin right now. There isn't an isolationist bone in my body, and I believe everyone who wants to should have an opportunity to
The University wasn't the cheapest choice for college in terms of tuition. Because my income wasn't quite up to snuff, I asked my parents to pay for my education. I offered to take out loans to shoulder some of the financial burden, but my father refused. He simply made me promise to do the same for my children. It was at this point that I realized how valuable my parents were. And armed with the knowledge of what their help should be worth, I think it's time to ask the University to start seeing our value as students.
The Daily Princetonian
The University should offer alternatives for these teachers, such as American accent training. After all, we offer help for international students who have trouble following classes in English. Why can't there be better services for those who have to teach in a foreign or second language? It's not a problem that can't be solved. We just need to change along with our changing society.
Lucero is a Farmington, N.M. junior in journalism.
FROM NEW JERSEY
make a life as a teacher. But at no point should a student's education be sacrificed for anything. And if comprehensibility is compromised, the student can't learn. If a teacher's accent is standing between receiving information and not, something should be done (and in all likelihood, instructors want to know whether they're hard to understand).
Princeton U.
Princeton U.
Luckily I escaped my encounter alive and well. Not everyone might be so fortunate, however, for the internship maria is contagious. Once limited to economics and operations research and financial engineering maiors, the hysteria is sweeping across such varied departments as psychology, English and history. Remember a simpler time when we all used to work at summer camps? No, of course not, the intern zombie has crowded that out of mind with visions of a
I was a dark and stormy night. I heard a noise in the corner. I whirled around and found myself face-to-face with an unidentifiable figure. He was wearing a crumpled suit, a wrinkled tie and a look of piteous desperation.
Defeating the intern zombie
CHRISTINE BROZYNSKI
"Second round?" he croaked, his eyes fixated on me.
Oh no! I realized with a burst of horror what was standing in front of me: an internship zombie!
He leaned in and whispered,
"Do you know who got a second-
round interviews at JP. Morgan?"
high-salary future.
HCC L1408g/nr A. 7m
For those who would rather avoid the do-or-die approach to internships, I have developed some guidelines that would make Public Safety proud: "How to Avoid Becoming an Intern Zombie."
1. Do not become an intern zombie. Think this is a silly first rule? I refer you to Public Safety's own list of ways to prevent bike theft, in which the first helpful suggestion is to prevent your bike from being stolen.
2. Do not major in economics.
In fact, do not pick a major at all.
Someone once told me that they thought the Slavic languages and literature department was safe,
but I wouldn't take any chances.
3. Fail your classes. Yes, you might be expelled but — wait. No. This isn't a good idea at all.
4. Do not buy a suit. "But it looks pretty," you might protest. "And it's on sale!" Stop, drop it and roll your mind around this thought: Suits lead to interviews, and interviews lead to the dark side.
And there you have it. So good night, sleep tight and don't let the intern zombie bite.
— UWire
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