Get Cookin'

I'm hungry. The constant plight of the college student is that ever present pang of hunger that seems to stick in our gullet. I am not sure if there's actual statistics out there but I believe hunger increases 99% from the transition to high school to our college years. Maybe our mother's encode a self activating DNA chip that begins to work the first day of our higher education. This ensures we will always be grateful for her cooking and never again will we grumble about having to eat leftovers for the third day in a row.

James Madison University is ranked number five in the nation as far as food goes, yet we still manage to brew an insatiable hunger in our bellies. I do not believe it is the quality of the food but the simple fact that after 2-3 meals a day for months on end, dishes get repetitive. We want choices that don't just include what sauce we would like with our nuggets. 

Healthy options can also become daunting. It seems that eating healthy boils down to which salad to choose or getting a nice big scoop of pre-frozen vegetables heaved on to our plates. Laziness is also an issue. Mrs. Greens is one of the healthiest dining facilities on campus with its all inclusive salad bar full of tantalizing tastiness. When there is snow up to my eyeballs and a windchill that makes Antarctica look like a summer retreat, I am simply not making the trek across campus.

I don't have any money. Who does? Sure we have some dining dollars and that opens up some doors like Chick-fil-A and Quiznos, but sometimes that can be just more of the same with a fancier name. When hunger strikes it is important to answer the call swiftly. Often you can be sitting at your dorm in the middle of a paper that is due in 32 minutes electronically, and BAM, it hits you. Caught unaware and with a pit in your stomach the only options are: resort to cannibalism and eat your troublesome roommate, or make something to snack on.

Whoa, whoa, whoa make something? I live in a dorm and am equipped with a microwave that survived the Disco era and stove that has grime on it that was splashed there by the freshman class of '67. Plus, the Food Network is something my mom watches to drive dad out of the room and to usurp remote control power.

Well before you start hyperventilating or pouring ranch dressing on your roommate, look at this unique list of recipes. All of these can be masterfully created in mere minutes, cheaply, and in the microwave. Before you ask, no I am not insane and yes I am telling the truth. mmm yum

Go ahead, give it a try. All you have to lose is a few minutes, but think of all you have to gain. Maybe a few pounds, but good food never came without sacrifices. There are some healthy options thrown in so be sure to try out those as well, just for appearance sake. Happy eating!

-KP

Getaway

Time to escape. Five classes, fours papers, three tests, two projects, and my last nerve all hang in the balance before Thanksgiving break gets there. The tantalizing thoughts of turkey and pumpkin pie loom just out of reach in these last few days before we are finally released from our cage of academia.

A peaceful retreat and a few moments of peace seem impossible among the hustle and bustle of balancing school and social activities. While budgetary limitations have us living on a diet of freeze dried noodles and frozen vegetables, extra money is just not available for getaways. Sometimes even the library can seem like a breath of fresh air just as a change of pace from stuffy dorms and squalling roommates.

The Arboretum is the perfect escape for students who just need to get away for a while. Tucked away just beside JMU's campus it the perfect place to go for a walk or just sit and rest for a while. Bring a blanket and have a picnic on a sunny fall afternoon. The setting is serene and calming, a true haven in the midst of the busy surrounding area.

If you have an interest in wildlife there are many animals that frequent the area. Feed some ducks and watch as catfish swarm and collect the food you can purchase and throw in to the pond. Birds fly and fill the arboretum with song and resonate a soft soundtrack during your visit. Other wildlife consist of the many dogs that travel along with their owners through the trail that winds around the area. Okay, not so wild, but cute and cuddly nonetheless.

Not a nature person? Try the airport lounge in Warren. It is a quiet place that is sometimes virtually empty on weekdays. It is open til 11p.m. everyday and provides the ideal location to study or even to take a nap when you feel like just having some time to be alone.

The library can be overcrowded sometimes and too noisy to get any real work done. The airport lounge is filled with tables and chairs, and ample amounts of outlets for when your laptop needs recharging. It is also perfectly situated near a Java City where you can go to get your coffee high for the day.

When it is time to getaway, don't spend a lot of money and time doing it. A vacation is just a walk away. Take a moment to "unplug" from your technology, unwind from the busy week, and de-stress from all of the work that you have ahead of you. Take a moment and breathe.



-KP

7 Habits of Highly Effective JMU Students

You know that book that your mom told you you should read?  This one?

Well here's a shorter version just for JMU students.  I don’t want to pretend like I’ve figured out college because there are definitely things I don’t know, like how to get JMU to let me stay here forever, but I've learned a few lessons (some took longer than others) in my time here.

1. Join an organization.   Forgive me for sounding like every college tour guide…ever…but the reason this is the most repeated piece of advice for college is because it’s true.  As a freshman I got organization-happy and am still paying the price (I should really ask to be taken off the club dodgeball listserv), but I found a few clubs that have truly made my experience at JMU.  Being part of an organization breaks up the monotony of going to school and doing homework and allows you to meet people you never would have met otherwise. (And there are certainly plenty to choose from, as you can see from this list.) 
2. Utilize UREC.   I hate working out just as much as the next person, but think of it this way: it’s great people-watching and never again in your life will you have [essentially free] access to a gym with a rock climbing wall in the middle of it.  We all know that staying healthy is important, so going to UREC combined with walking up and down the ISAT hill is a guaranteed way to combat those 3 helpings of buffalo mash. 
3. Get to know your professors.   It’s hard when you’re in a gen-ed religion class of 100 people, but as you get further into your major building relationships with your professors is crucial.  It took me a long time to get over the throw-up-nervousness feeling that attacked me when I thought about going to office hours but it has seriously come in handy, from useful pieces of career advice to letters of recommendation.  I've only heard of a few that bite so don't be scared.
4. Don't take chances with Parking Services.   I learned this one the hard way.  I have a slight problem with authority/following rules, and this combined with my theory that Parking Services has a personal vendetta against me has had a pretty depressing impact on my budget.  If you know that you can’t park somewhere, DON’T.  I don’t know how they manage to ticket people that park illegally for only 15 minutes but they are like vultures.  I’ve parked at Chipotle and walked before, and while you’re not technically allowed to do that it beats paying yet another $25 ticket.



Bummer!

5. Don't spend your dining dollars too early.   There are few things that are worse than spending 10 hour days in ECL during finals week, but having no money to buy Java City is definitely one of them.  I like saving up all my dining dollars, and then dropping $100 in one week on things like espresso beans and quadruple shot macchiatos. 
6. Go to the football games, even if you only stay till halftime.   I grew up in Blacksburg, VA and went to Virginia Tech games my whole life.  Needless to say I was less-than-impressed with JMU football at first but going to a school with a smaller team has its perks.  The student tickets are free, there are no commercial breaks every 10 minutes, and everyone in general is less stressed out.  Even if you only stay through halftime (and of course, it’s a sin to leave without hearing the Marching Royal Dukes), at least you got the experience and hopefully a picture with the Duke Dog (unless you are like me and scared of mascots, which is perfectly normal and understandable). 

7.  Get to know Harrisonburg.   Take advantage of the area.  I’ve been saying I need to go to places like Blue Hole, Carter Mountain, and Reddish Knob for 3 years now and I’m just getting around to it.  Skyline Drive is one of the most famous roads in the southeast and look at what you can see if you go:

Neat, right?

Locally integrating yourself also has its benefits.  For example, if you buy local honey from the Farmer’s Market you can build up your immune system to local allergies.  If you go to the “townie Wal-Mart” located on South Main Street instead of the one close to campus you can avoid the AWFUL traffic and save money, according to junior Sarah Ervin.  “One time we were shopping for tacky Christmas sweaters and the ones at the Wal-Mart on South High were way cheaper than at the Wal-Mart near campus,” she said.

Hopefully you're not like me and are still a freshman so you can fully utilize these 7 habits for the next glorious 4 years (did I mention I didn't want to graduate?).  Happy habit-ing!

1. 
   
   -SD
   
   

Let's Roll!

Tired of doing the same old thing on a Friday night?  Would you like to embrace your childhood while having fun at the same time?  Grab a group of friends this weekend and go roller skating at Funky’s Skate Center.

Funky’s Skate Center is a bright and colorful location that appeals to people of all ages and walks of life.  Patrons can get back in touch with their younger selves by renting skates to glide across the floor in for just $1 per night ($3 for inline skates).

Music pumping through the speakers just adds to the fun and entertaining atmosphere as people slip and slide around the large wooden skate area. 

Funky’s offers open skates multiple nights per week.

Wednesdays – Cheap Skate Night

Open Skate from 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Cost - $2

Fridays

Open Skate from 7:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Cost - $6, $3 with college I.D.

Saturdays

Open Skate from 1 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. – Midnight

Cost - $5 and $7, respectively

Funky’s also offers Bingo on Tuesdays at 6:15 p.m, Family Skate on Sundays from 1 p.m. – 3:45 p.m, and private rentals.  Visit Funky’s website (http://www.funkysskatecenter.com/) for more information about events or to schedule a party or event of your own.

Living on $20 a week

When I first thought about it, it seemed impossible to go through a week without spending more than $20. We have gas to pay, groceries to buy and a slew of hidden costs that add up in our bank accounts. However, if we all can learn to live on a much simple budget now, it will be easier to follow it later in our lives. College students are notorious for being broke and up for a challenge, so I say we take up the offer and increase our innate ability to survive in this recession-led economy. Here are 10 tips that will help you make it on $20 a week. 

1.       Memorize the bus schedule and use the bus to go to any destination you need to go, whether it’s on or off campus. You should also probably thank Harrisonburg for offering this free public transportation to all JMU students.

2.       Carrying a Tupperware container or plastic bag with you at all times is essential. Saving extra food at D-Hall or leftovers from the following day will ensure that you will not go hungry for awhile.

3.       Attend any club meetings that advertise free food for the week and fill your plate until you can eat no more. You will become more knowledgeable about events happening around campus and you will interact with more people.

4.       Instead of hitting up the Regal Cinemas and paying $10 for a movie ticket, go to Grafton on campus and watch the featured movies for only $2.50.

5.       If you have a dining plan, stick to it and use it to its fullest advantage. Do not waste any punches and try to eat at all-you-can-eat dining halls such as D-Hall to get the most bang out of your buck.

6.       Use cheap staples such as rice, beans, pasta and ramen noodles to help feed you on days that your dining plan does not cover. One meal that you can cook could last up to a week. 

7.       Use as much help as you can through friends and family, whether it’s getting free rides to the grocery store or stocking up on mom’s cooked food to freeze for later.

8.       If you decide to go out, hit up places that do not require an expensive cover fee, such as free house parties. In addition, look for free student events that are happening around campus on Friday and Saturday nights.

9.       Dollar Stores, Plato’s Closet and Sharp Shopper should become your next best friends. They offer huge discounts on cleaning products, clothing and food items that are usually double the cost at other huge retailer stores.

10.   Otherwise, money should be used only in dire emergencies such as physical health altercations or during safety hazards.  

-Sarah Hasnain

How To: Survive Living on Your Own

Thinking back on your freshman year of college, you probably have fond (or less than fond) memories of living in a dorm.  Whether it be an epic prank war with your suite-mate, the distinctive smell that penetrates an all-male hall, or learning to love the glow-in-the-dark Twilight posters your random roommate decorated with, the freshman dorm experience is an essential part of college and a stepping stone for living on your own.  As fun as hall meetings and fire drills are, moving off-campus is something that most college students revel in.  Having your own apartment is new and fun, but it comes with its own set of challenges.  Here are a few things I’ve learned through living on my own...


1.   Don’t let your kitchen get nasty.  I lived in a house with about 40 other people this summer and although we had chores, it was understood that no one ever did them.  Thus, the kitchen was in a constant state of filth and the worse it gets, the less likely it is to ever get better, as illustrated by the chart below.

2.  Pay your rent on time.  Set up an email reminder, write it in your planner, get your mom to send you a carrier pigeon, whatever works for you. 

3. Know how to read a bus schedule.  This may seem intuitive, but you’d be surprised at how often I’ve read the Monday schedule on a Tuesday.  The bus schedule is your best friend, so make sure you grab a copy or check it out on the Harrisonburg Department of Public Transportation's website.

4. Don’t be passive-aggressive if you’re having a roommate conflict.  It may seem like a good idea to turn down the air conditioning to 60 degrees Fahrenheit to get your point across, but it’s not.  Neither is hiding all the toilet paper or releasing an ant farm in their bedroom.  My advice is just to talk it out.  There might be some yelling, but at least you won’t wake up sweating in the middle of the night when you realize your roommate turned the air conditioning back up to 90 degrees.

5.  Make friends with your neighbors.  They’re more likely to turn down their bass if you’re nice to them than if you tell them to shut up as a stranger.  Also, they might have essentials that you don’t, like rolling pins or milk for when you only have cereal. 


Living on your own is a big step toward becoming an "adult" (not that I'm ready to do that), and it can be a lot of fun.  With more freedom comes more responsibility, so make sure you stay on top of everything!


-SD

How 'Bout Them Apples?

Apple picking is an entertaining way to spend a beautiful afternoon outside.  With fall coming to a close and frost beginning to settle on the ground each night, students are losing time to enjoy outdoor activities such as apple picking. 

In nearby Timberville, Va, which is just a 25 minute drive from campus, multiple places offer opportunities to pick your own apples with a group or with friends.  Here is the information for two that you want to check out before it starts getting too chilly!    

 Ryan’s Fruit Market is on Rt. 613 is Timberville.  They offer apple varieties such as Red Delicious, Fuji, Granny Smith and Gala.  To contact Ryan’s Fruit Mart, call 540-896-2181 or email cryan56374@aol.com.  Call to get information about when certain apples are ripe.

Showalter's Orchard and Greenhouse is located on Honeyville Rd. in Timberville.  Showalter's offers homemade apple cider and over 20 varieties of apples.  On Saturdays, patrons can visit the Orchard and pick their own apples to take home.  For more information about Showalters, call 540-896-7582 or visit www.showaltersorchardandgreenhouse.com.


Once your apples have been picked, try one of these fun and easy recipes from some of your favorite Food Network stars!  These recipes also do not require a lot of baking, so on campus students will be able to make them as well.


Caramel Apples
Paula Deen


Ingredients

• 6 apples
• Craft sticks
• 1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
• 2 tablespoons milk

Directions

Remove the stem from each apple and press a craft stick into the top. Butter a baking sheet. Place caramels and milk in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 2 minutes, stirring once. Allow to cool briefly. Roll each apple quickly in caramel sauce until well coated. Place on prepared sheet to set. They can be rolled in chopped nuts for an added touch of flavor!

Recipe courtesy of the Food Network website: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/caramel-apples-recipe/index.html

Waldorf Salad

Food Network Kitchens

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup walnuts halves
• 1/2 cup non-fat yogurt
• 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 lemon, zest finely grated
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large crisp apples, such as Gala
• 2 ribs celery (with leaves), sliced into 1/2-inch-thick pieces (leaves chopped)
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1 head Boston lettuce, trimmed, washed, and dried

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degree F.

Spread the nuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool and break the nuts up into small pieces.

Whisk the yogurt, mayonnaise, parsley, honey, and lemon zest in a large bowl and season generously with pepper.

Halve, core, and cut the apples into 3/4-inch pieces, leaving the skin intact. Add the apples, celery and raisins to the bowl, and sprinkle with the lemon juice; then toss with the dressing. Cover and refrigerate if not serving immediately.

When ready to serve, toss walnuts into the salad. Arrange the lettuce leaves on a large platter, or divide them among 4 salad plates. Place the salad on the lettuce and serve.

Recipe courtesy of the Food Network website: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/waldorf-salad-recipe2/index.html

Apple picking is a fun and delicious way to spend a fall afternoon.  Apple season runs through the end of November, so be sure to get picking while you still can!