2001-09-29-pine-press

The Pine Press Student Housing Corporation

September 29, 2001

Rich history found in the co-op system

Volume H, Issue 7

By: Gavin Craig

Inside this issue:

It would be impressive today if a group of costconscious students got together, purchased a house, and set up a system where they each would share responsibility for running, maintaining, and paying for the house. It would be more than impressive, in fact, it would be incredible. I don’t think that many of us could imagine five, twenty, or even thirty students pooling together enough money to purchase a house and pay for school at the same time. No bank would lend them the money, and the city of East Lansing wouldn’t let them convert the property to house more than two unrelated people. Yet, this is exactly what happened at least ten times between 1939 and 1970. Shortly after Hedrick House was formed in 1939, East Lansing’s second cooperative house, Elsworth, was born less than a year later during a conversation between three students over a hot plate in a dorm room. (Yes, you read that right, a hot plate in a dorm room. Not only that, but the room was in Wells Hall, which was a dorm at the time.) By the end of the school year, those first three, James Lyons, Ralph Newton, and Delmar Ruthig, had found twenty other students (all

By: Gavin Craig

It would be impressive today if a group of costconscious students got together, purchased a house, and set up a system where they each would share responsibility for running, maintaining, and paying for the house. It would be more than impressive, in fact, it would be incredible. I don’t think that many of us could imagine five, twenty, or even thirty students pooling together enough money to purchase a house and pay for school at the same time. No bank would lend them the money, and the city of East Lansing wouldn’t let them convert the property to house more than two unrelated people. Yet, this is exactly what happened at

Fall 2001

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The Pine Press

Meet the crew at Raft Hill By: Vikram Kamat

Sometimes you will meet the best people when you least expect. Have fun in life!!

By: Vikram Kamat

The Raft Hill CO-OP is The Raft Hill CO-OP is The Raft Hill CO-OP is located on 420 Evergreen; it’s located on 420 Evergreen; it’s located on 420 Evergreen; it’s a brown and white house and a brown and white house and a brown and white house and is comprised of 12 members. is comprised of 12 members. is comprised of 12 members. The house has 10 rooms 8 The house has 10 rooms 8 The house has 10 rooms 8 singles and 2 doubles. The singles and 2 doubles. The singles and 2 doubles. The house consists of three lovely house consists of three lovely house consists of three lovely ladies (a fourth expected to ladies (a fourth expected to ladies (a fourth expected to move in soon): Rahshida, Jen, move in soon): Rahshida, Jen, move in soon): Rahshida, Jen, and Meaghen, and 8 of the and Meaghen, and 8 of the and Meaghen, and 8 of the nicest guys I’ve ever met: nicest guys I’ve ever met: nicest guys I’ve ever met: Osie, Vik, Carlos, Greg, Jeff, Osie, Vik, Carlos, Greg, Jeff, Osie, Vik, Carlos, Greg, Jeff, Ryan, Drew and Kyle. Ryan, Drew and Kyle. Ryan, Drew and Kyle. The Raft Hill house is a The Raft Hill house is a The Raft Hill house is a very old house with a finished very old house with a finished very old house with a finished basement and three floors basement and three floors basement and three floors where the members of the where the members of the where the members of the house reside. There are three house reside. There are three house reside. There are three rooms on the first, four on the rooms on the first, four on the rooms on the first, four on the second, and three on the third second, and three on the third second, and three on the third floor. floor. floor. The ages of the members of The ages of the members of The ages of the members of the house vary from 19 to 27. the house vary from 19 to 27. the house vary from 19 to 27. The members of Raft Hill also The members of Raft Hill also The members of Raft Hill also vary a lot in hobbies and vary a lot in hobbies and vary a lot in hobbies and interests. interests. interests. Meaghen and Jeff are into Meaghen and Jeff are into Meaghen and Jeff are into artsy films and Meg loves her artsy films and Meg loves her artsy films and Meg loves her shoes’ while Jeff is often shoes’ while Jeff is often shoes’ while Jeff is often tinkering with his gas tinkering with his gas tinkering with his gas powered mini racecar. powered mini racecar. powered mini racecar. Ryan, Kyle, and Vik are big Ryan, Kyle, and Vik are big Ryan, Kyle, and Vik are big time into hockey and they 207 Bogue time into hockey and they time into hockey and they Atlantis 337-2762 love the Red Wings, Kyle is127 Whitehills love the Red Wings, Kyle is 351-4490 love the Red Wings, Kyle is Bower also one of the biggest also one of the biggest also one of the biggest Elsworth 711 W. Grand River 337-3236 Radiohead fans I’ve ever met. Radiohead fans I’ve ever met. Radiohead fans I’ve ever met. Ferency 146 Collingwood Carlos is a South American Carlos is a South American 332-0846 Carlos is a South American —– Dave Mathews when he picks Dave Mathews when he picks Dave Mathews when he picks up his guitar; the chicks really up his guitar; the chicks really 332-0844 up his guitar; the chicks really Hedrick 140 Collingwood go crazy. It’s quite common to go crazy. It’s quite common to go crazy. It’s quite common to Miles 152 Collingwood 337-3990 find members of the house find members of the house find members of the house New Community 425 Ann 351-3820 enjoying an adult beverage or enjoying an adult beverage or enjoying an adult beverage or Orion 332-2517 two or three while Carlos 501 M.A.C. two or three while Carlos two or three while Carlos —— plays tunes we all know the plays tunes we all know the plays tunes we all know the words too. words too. words too. Phoenix 239 Oakhill 351-3713 Rhashida loves her plants Rhashida loves her plants Rhashida loves her plants Raft Hill 420 Evergreen 337-2977 and is into art and Jen loves and is into art and Jen loves and is into art and Jen loves Shadowood (ΣΠ)) 505 M.A.C. 332-3844 horses. Osie is into being horses. Osie is into being horses. Osie is into being Toad Lane 415 Ann 332-3973 busy and cool at the same busy and cool at the same busy and cool at the same time, and Greg is an aspiring time, and Greg is an aspiring time, and Greg is an aspiring barber and is currently in barber and is currently in barber and is currently in barber school, free hair cuts barber school, free hair cuts barber school, free hair cuts for all the guys in the house is for all the guys in the house is for all the guys in the house is pretty nice. pretty nice. pretty nice. And finally that brings us And finally that brings us And finally that brings us

Contacting “that other house”

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The Pine Press

History (cont.)

Andrea Szumlinski Ferency Steve Parpart Hedrick Julie King Miles Scott Hilliard New Community Jon Muzzall Orion Traci Kennedy Phoenix Drew Roach Raft Hill Jen Cole Shadowood James DiVita Toad Lane Kate Need

Any questions or concerns about this hiaiku should be sent to Ryan Shannon, at shanno14@msu.edu

Elsworth

It would be impressive today if a group of costconscious students got together, purchased a house, and set up a system where they each would share responsibility for running, maintaining, and paying for the house. It would be more than impressive, in fact, it would be incredible. I don’t think that many of us could imagine five, twenty, or even thirty students pooling together enough money to purchase a house and pay for school at the same time. No bank would lend them the money, and the city of East Lansing wouldn’t let them convert the property to house more than two unrelated people. Yet, this is exactly what happened at least ten times between 1939 and 1970. Shortly after Hedrick House was formed in 1939, East Lansing’s second cooperative house, Elsworth, was born less than a year later during a conversation between three students over a hot plate in a dorm room. (Yes, you read that right, a hot plate in a dorm room. Not only that, but the room was in Wells Hall, which was a dorm at the time.) By the end of the school year, those first three, James Lyons, Ralph Newton, and Delmar Ruthig, had found twenty other students (all men) interested in their idea. The house that became Elsworth was a boarding house on Albert Street whose operators had defaulted on their payments. With the help of George Motts, a professor of agricultural economics at MSU, the students who would become Elsworth made an

Get over here, bitch I see you shakin that ass I’m bout to tap dat

Kristy Rogers

It would be impressive today if a group of costconscious students got together, purchased a house, and set up a system where they each would share responsibility for running, maintaining, and paying for the house. It would be more than impressive, in fact, it would be incredible. I don’t think that many of us could imagine five, twenty, or even thirty students pooling together enough money to purchase a house and pay for school at the same time. No bank would lend them the money, and the city of East Lansing wouldn’t let them convert the property to house more than two unrelated people. Yet, this is exactly what happened at least ten times between 1939 and 1970. Shortly after Hedrick House was formed in 1939, East Lansing’s second cooperative house, Elsworth, was born less than a year later during a conversation between three students over a hot plate in a dorm room. (Yes, you read that right, a hot plate in a dorm room. Not only that, but the room was in Wells Hall, which was a dorm at the time.) By the end of the school year, those first three, James Lyons, Ralph Newton, and Delmar Ruthig, had found twenty other students (all men) interested in their idea. The house that became Elsworth was a boarding house on Albert Street whose operators had defaulted on their payments. With the help of George Motts, a professor of agricultural economics at MSU, the students who would become Elsworth made an

Back the hell up off You sure you wanna step up? I will cap your ass

Bower

It would be impressive today if a group of costconscious students got together, purchased a house, and set up a system where they each would share responsibility for running, maintaining, and paying for the house. It would be more than impressive, in fact, it would be incredible. I don’t think that many of us could imagine five, twenty, or even thirty students pooling together enough money to purchase a house and pay for school at the same time. No bank would lend them the money, and the city of East Lansing wouldn’t let them convert the property to house more than two unrelated people. Yet, this is exactly what happened at least ten times between 1939 and 1970. Shortly after Hedrick House was formed in 1939, East Lansing’s second cooperative house, Elsworth, was born less than a year later during a conversation between three students over a hot plate in a dorm room. (Yes, you read that right, a hot plate in a dorm room. Not only that, but the room was in Wells Hall, which was a dorm at the time.) By the end of the school year, those first three, James Lyons, Ralph Newton, and Delmar Ruthig, had found twenty other students (all men) interested in their idea. The house that became Elsworth was a boarding house on Albert Street whose operators had defaulted on their payments. With the help of George Motts, a professor of agricultural economics at MSU, the students who would become Elsworth made an Bitch, gimme my ends I know you gots ‘em, punkass I’ll pimp-smack you up

John Kuchinski

By: Gavin Craig

By: Ryan P. Shannon

Atlantis

By: Gavin Craig

Toad Lane

Fall Session 2001 Board of Directors Representatives

By: Gavin Craig

Volume H, Issue 7

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China By: Ping Liu Hi, I come from the South of China near the Pearl River delta area. It is one of the most exciting places in China not only because of its fast developing economy, but also because of its deep-rooted traditions. These traditions make the southerners unique. Let me say something about the weather first, as it is where all the traditions stem from. In the winter, the lowest temperature is around 40° Fahrenheit. So, some of the Southerners never see snow. It is hot most of the year. Summer begins in May and ends in November with temperatures reaching in the upper 90’s. The humidity is very high, usually around 80% and sometimes even higher. That means that you sweat a lot and it sticks to your skin and clothes and doesn’t evaporate! So, people struggle against the wet and heat (that’s what we call it) all the time. We think that the best way to beat the heat is to drink soup. Soup is so important in the life of those living in Southern China that they talk about it even more than they talk about the weather. Preparing soup is quite a task. First we clean out a mud pot, and then we fill it just over half way with cold water. We boil the water and then put in 1 pound of rib meat or chicken or seafood and then we add some dry herbs. We cook it over a small flame for 2-3 hours. The secret to our soup is the combination of all the different herbs. People think that the different combinations help fight against the wet or the heat. If you ever have the chance to visit a Southerners’ kitchen, you will find many drawers containing lots of different herbs. In fact, there are so many that you may think it looks like a medicine store. And what is the standard of a good housewife? Making a delicious soup of course! Another tradition in my land is drinking tea. But it is not as simple as just drinking a cup of tea. Drinking tea is about the time that people spend to form business relationships, it’s about making friends and about spending leisure hours with loved ones. First, we make the tea in a ceramic kettle and then pour some into everyone’s cup. Then we all drink it very slowly as it is very hot. During this time, people chat and enjoy dim sen. Literally, dim sen mans small quantities of dessert. But, it can actually be a small quantity of anything. There are many different types and of dimStaff sen including porridge, dumplings, fried Fall 2001 Executive Officers of SHC rice, noodles, cooked vegetables (we never eat raw vegetable in China), seafood and many others. It takes about 3 to 4 hours for “drinking tea.” Fresh hot water is added to the kettle 5 orPresident 6 times and we don’t change Megan Burtthe tealeaf. There are morning teas that go from 5:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. and evening that go from 8:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. I don’t know how people find Newteas Community time to sleep! Perhaps the best way to show the importance of tea drinking in China is to tell 351-3820 you a well-known line. It is said that if you don’t drink tea, you cannot do business in South burtmega@msu.edu China. There other traditions in South China that I would be glad to introduce to Executive VPare many Roy Jorgensen you later. Thank you for reading. Ferency 332-0846 jorgen33@msu.edu

Feeling lost? Ask these guys!

VP of Educ.

Kelly M. Hoover New Community 351-3820 hooverke@msu.edu

Corp. Treasurer Mary Sturbaum Atlantis — 337-2762 sturbaum@msu.edu VP of Membership Amber Bardon Bower — 351-4490 bardonam@msu.edu It’s not too early to think about doing these jobs yourself next year. Ask the current officers about job descriptions.

Be sure to utilize your core house representative. They are there to assist you in your ponderings.

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The Pine Press

Environmentally Clean and Friendly

There are many books on natural cleaning products.

Who really wants to BUY cleaning products?

Your ears will smile and stick straight out in amazement when you clean your house!

By: Valerie Krasny

It’s tough being a college student, having no money and all. Follow these steps to good housekeeping, and you will save some dollars as well as save the earth. Is it possible? Of course! Thanks to Annie BertholdBond and my friends at Urban Options, I’ve learned a couple of cool things you can do to save money on shopping for cleaning products!!! Who really wants to BUY cleaning products? I’m sure there are five million other things we would all rather have than a bottle of toxic toilet cleaner. Have your house shoppers pick up 3-4 boxes of baking soda, one bottle of distilled vinegar and earth friendly liquid soap from the store, and you could have sparking clean ovens, windows, bathrooms and countertops!

For clean windows: Rather than purchasing that unnatural blue liquid try this! 2 cups of water 1/4 cup of distilled vinegar 1/2 teaspoon of liquid ecofriendly soap Put all of this in a spray bottle and use to clean windows around your house! Try to avoid using paper products to clean windows, instead opt for clean rags that can be washed and used again. Out of rags? Find that Tshirt that you never wear anymore. Cut it into crazy shapes and presto! source: http://www.gristmagazine.co m/grist/week/bond092899.stm

Your oven: Alright I’ve lived in 2 different co-ops and I don’t remember anyone ever cleaning the oven. I think we

Mission Statement

September 29, 2001 MSU Student Housing Corporation 317 Student Services Bldg. Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824 Phone: 517-355-8313 Fax: 517-355-9576 Email: coop@msu.edu

Remember to submit! The Pine Press will be published roughly every two weeks.

Our cooperative principles promote quality housing and services. As individuals we are empowered through democratic participation to create a community equally accessible to all. As an organization we are committed to expand the Cooperative movement.

Volume H, Issue 7

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Habitat for Humanity goes African By: Renee Felan

By: Renee Felan

About Habitat: Habitat is a non-governmental, ecumenical Christian housing ministry building simple, decent, affordable homes for people in need in 76 countries around the world. Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with local leadership to help communities address their housing needs for themselves.

Potential homeowners are selected according to need and their ability to pay back their mortgage for which the organization does not make any profit or charge interest. Homeowners and volunteers work under trained supervision to help construct the houses, helping keep costs down. Homes are sold, not given away, and repayments stay within the local community to help build more houses utilizing the revolving “Fund for Humanity.” About the Jimmy Carter Project: Former Unites States President Jimmy Carter is Liu’s China, cont. Habitat for Humanity International’s By: Ping Liu most famous volunteer. Each year, Jimmy and Hi, I come from the South Rosalyn Carter contribute of China near the Pearl a week their time-along River of delta area. It is onewith of theirmost building skills-to the exciting placesbuild in homes andonly raisebecause awareness of China not of its the critical need for affordable fast developing economy, housing. but also because of its deepThistraditions. event is called the rooted These Jimmy Carter Work traditions make the Project (JCWP) andunique. is held at a southerners different location each year Let me say something attracting volunteers from about the weather first, as it around is wherethe allworld. the traditions stem from. In the winter, the About Thisisyear’s lowest Africa: temperature around JCWP will take place in 40° Fahrenheit. Africa and will unite the So, some of the continent in the largest homeSoutherners never see snow.

Potential homeowners are selected according to need and their ability to pay back their mortgage for which the organization does not make any profit or charge interest. Homeowners and volunteers work under trained supervision to help construct the houses, helping keep costs down. Homes are sold, not given away, and repayments stay within the local community to help build more houses utilizing the revolving “Fund for Humanity.” About the Jimmy Carter Project: Former Unites States President Jimmy Carter is Habitat for Humanity International’s By: Ping Liu most famous volunteer. Each year,from Jimmy Hi, I come theand South Rosalyn Carter contribute a of China near the Pearl River week of their time-along with delta area. It is one of the theirexciting buildingplaces skills-to build most in China homes raise of awareness not onlyand because its fast of the critical economy, need for affordable developing but also housing. because of its deep-rooted This event is called the traditions. These traditions Jimmy Work Project make theCarter southerners unique. (JCWP) held at a Let meand say is something different location each as year about the weather first, it is attracting volunteers where all the traditionsfrom stem aroundInthe from. theworld. winter, the lowest temperature is around About Africa: This year’s 40° Fahrenheit. JCWP will take So, some of theplace in Africa and will unite Southerners never see the snow. continent in the largest It is hot most of the year.home-

Potential homeowners are selected according to need and their ability to pay back their mortgage for which the organization does not make any profit or charge interest. Homeowners and volunteers work under trained supervision to help construct the houses, helping keep costs down. Homes are sold, not given away, and repayments stay within the local community to help build more houses utilizing the revolving “Fund for Humanity.” About the Jimmy Carter Project: Former Unites States President Jimmy Carter is Habitat for Humanity International’s By: Ping Liu most famous volunteer. Each year, from Jimmy Hi, I come theand South Rosalyn Carter contribute a of China near the Pearl River week of their time-along with delta area. It is one of the their exciting buildingplaces skills-to most in build China homes raise awareness not onlyand because of its fast of the critical economy, need for affordable developing but also housing. because of its deep-rooted This event is called the traditions. These traditions Jimmy Work Project make theCarter southerners unique. (JCWP) held at a Let meand sayissomething different location each as year about the weather first, it is attracting volunteers where all the traditionsfrom stem aroundInthe from. theworld. winter, the lowest temperature is around About Africa: This year’s 40° Fahrenheit. JCWP will take place in So, some of the Africa and will unite Southerners never seethe snow. continent in the largest It is hot most of the year.home-

Habitat is a major helping hand in the development of houses for those less fortunate.

Volume H, Issue 7

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Dates to keep in mind for this fall BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Not just for Board Reps! This can be your opportunity to voice your opinions and ideas to the board in a formal manner.

Fall session meetings are Mondays at 7:30 p.m. in 328 of Student Services.

October 15, 29

November 12, 26

E-mail Megan Burt (President) with any questions or concerns at burtmega@msu.edu.

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION

Make-up for New Member Orientation is this Friday, October 5, at 4:00 p.m. at Phoenix House, 239 Oakhill. E-mail Amber Bardon with any questions or concerns.

The Gauley River in southern West Virginia is the second best river to white water raft in the United States. Check it out if

POTLUCK DINNERS AT BOWER

Hungry? Riv’s Burger-ama not doing it for you? How about trying a delicious Vegetarian smorgasbord? Bower house holds a potluck every other Thursday, with the next date for October 11th at 8:30 p.m. Bring a dish to contribute, as long as it’s vegetarian!

PARTY ON, WAYNE…

Raft Hill is having a gala this Friday. See the article on page 2 for more info on Raft Hill.

FAMPO (Fall All Member Party Orientation) is open to ALL co-op members and their friends. By: Jill Burt To be at Phoenix House, October 28th, with a Halloween theme!

FAMPO (Fall All Member Party Orientation) is open to ALL co-op members and their friends. To be at Phoenix House, October 28th, with a Halloween theme!

American Beauty

I am a server at a family restaurant, and it never ceases to amaze me how many different types of people I meet. Recently,MEETINGS I was tending to a table when I happened to noticeMEETINGS a man with a shirt that said OFFICER OFFICER "Firefighter". Education: Tuesday, 10-9, 6pm, Ferency Education: Tuesday, 10-9, 6pm, Ferency I always try to tell firefighters how much I appreciate what they do, risking their life to Membership: 10-9-01, 7pm, Raft Hill and save others, so I asked7pm, him Raft aboutHill his shirt. He had Membership: told me that, 10-9-01, yes, he was a firefighter, to be exact, he10-17-01, had just 8pm, gottenPhoenix back from spending Maintenance: a week in New York City helping out as a Maintenance: 10-17-01, 8pm, Phoenix volunteer. Treasury: 7pm, Union Treasury: Union Without11-01-01, saying anything, I gave him a hug. He just looked11-01-01, up at me7pm, and said thank-you. He had an album full of pictures from the wreckage which he aloud me look through. The devastation was unbareable and I started to cry. He looked at me and said, "I did the NASCO CONFERENCE NASCO CONFERENCE same thing when I saw what you are seeing." WillI gave take place November 2-4 in Ann Arbor. Be on toWill takemy place 2-4 in Annmoment Arbor. him back his photo album and went doing job.November What a wonderful sure to sign upawith Gavin (355-8313) by Be sure to sign up with Gavin (355-8313) by to share with fellow American. October 10 if possible.

October 10 if possible.

OTHER IMPORTANT DATES

Send to pinepress@hotmail.com.

you can!

Lizards love crickets, but unfortunately the closest cricket store is in Haslett. The dilemmas...

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The Pine Press

Mutterings of a Co-op President I’m Megan Burt, President of the Student Housing Corporation. This is my column. Today, I’m going to write about the SHC Board Retreat. At first, it really doesn’t seem like all that interesting of a topic, but we had a blast and I’d like to share the experience with y’all. A group of wide-awake students congregated in front of Student Services at 9 o’clock on a Saturday morning, ready for a weekend of … actually no one really knew what to expect, not even myself. We climbed in the cars and drove 2 ½ hours to Camp Timbers in West Branch, MI. We first ate lunch and then the President called for an official nap time (seeing as we all had the mental capabilities of slugs at that point in time). After nap time came the death-defying ropes course, designed to strengthen our group skills. Boy did it ever as we all dangled 30 feet above the ground with nothing but these odd buttgrabbing harnesses to break our fall. We would have all made it through but mother nature decided to literally rain on our parade. As we made our way back to the cabins, most of us came to the realization that we didn’t have any spare clothes (we all packed well). After we swapped clothes and got cleaned up, we started basic training. I spent time talking about Board Rep responsibilities and how meetings work and every other Executive Committee member gave presentations on how their committees work and what they do – you know, the important stuff. Saturday evening was

I’m Megan Burt, President of the Student Housing Corporation. This is my column. Today, I’m going to write about the SHC Board Retreat. At first, it really doesn’t seem like all that interesting of a topic, but we had a blast and I’d like to share the experience with y’all. A group of wide-awake students congregated in front of Student Services at 9 o’clock on a Saturday morning, ready for a weekend of … actually no one really knew what to expect, not even myself. We climbed in the cars and drove 2 ½ hours to Camp Timbers in West Branch, MI. We first ate lunch and then the President called for an official nap time (seeing as we all had the mental capabilities of slugs at that point in time). After nap time came the death-defying ropes course, designed to strengthen our group skills. Boy did it ever as we all dangled 30 feet above the ground with nothing but these odd buttgrabbing harnesses to break our fall. We would have all made it through but mother nature decided to literally rain on our parade. As we made our way back to the cabins, most of us came to the realization that we didn’t have any spare clothes (we all packed well). After we swapped clothes and got cleaned up, we started basic training. I spent time talking about Board Rep responsibilities and how meetings work and every other Executive Committee member gave presentations on how their committees work and what they do – you know, the important stuff. Saturday evening was

Volume H, Issue 7

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“Weezer” going to have a good time By: Crystal Solosky

moshed to death was not fulfilled luckily.”

By: Crystal Solosky

It all started about a week after I had moved into Ferency. I was hanging out in the common area downstairs with two of my new housemates, Steve Parpart and Steve Thelander. The first Steve said he had tickets to see Weezer on September 22nd. The second Steve asked if he could come, and to make a long story short, we were both in for the concert. Steve Parpart, or Steve-O as he is affectionately referred to in our house, was thrilled to have fellow Weezer fans in his home. Steve Thelander, or Dibo as he has been dubbed, was thrilled to be going to his first Weezer show. This was the start of something good at Ferency. So on that pleasant autumn evening we started our pilgrimage to pay homage (and about $60) to one of our favorite bands. We headed to Cobo Arena with a fourth, Aaron Mosier, in tow at approximately 5pm. We cruised down 96 till we hit Novi and decided it was time for some Wendy's. Apparently we were not the only ones who saw the charm in the the Novi Wendy's because that's were we ran into our own president, Megan Burt, with a handful of other New Comm-er's. So several burgers, a bunch of fries and a frosty or two later, we all resumed our journey. After first driving in circles around the place for about 15 minutes we parked Steve-O's plum Taurus and wandered into the excited crowd that was swarming outside. I believe there was also a red wings game that night because there were ten tons of people in the red and white jerseys. Never

www.weezer.com

It all started about a week after I had moved into Ferency. I was hanging out in the common area downstairs with two of my new housemates, Steve Parpart and Steve Thelander. The first Steve said he had tickets to see Weezer on September 22nd. The second Steve asked if he could come, and to make a long story short, we were both in for the concert. Steve Parpart, or Steve-O as he is affectionately referred to in our house, was thrilled to have fellow Weezer fans in his home. Steve Thelander, or Dibo as he has been dubbed, was thrilled to be going to his first Weezer show. This was the start of something good at Ferency. So on that pleasant autumn evening we started our pilgrimage to pay homage (and about $60) to one of our favorite bands. We headed to Cobo Arena with a fourth, Aaron Mosier, in tow at approximately 5pm. We cruised down 96 till we hit Novi and decided it was time for some Wendy's. Apparently we were not the only ones who saw the charm in the the Novi Wendy's because that's were we ran into our own president, Megan Burt, with a handful of other New Comm-er's. So several burgers, a bunch of fries and a frosty or two later, we all resumed our journey. After first driving in circles around the place for about 15 minutes we parked Steve-O's plum Taurus and wandered into the excited crowd that was swarming outside. I believe there was also a red wings game that night because there were ten tons of people in the red and white jerseys. Never the less, the place was packed. We finally found our way to the right burly security guard who gave us all lovely purple wrist bands and let us loose on the floor. Yeah, that's right, the floor. I hear the New Comm-er's were up in the seats. But before we could go in, we had to spend even more of our hard earned cash on the time honored tradition of concert tee shirts. So another $25+ each and we headed in.

“My intense fear of being

Party-throwing for fun and people (not profit) By: John Soltysiak

By: John Soltysiak

As the newly-appointed Social Coordinator for New Community, I recently found myself faced with the task of organizing New Comm's first house party for the year. Now, I've never exactly been the "social butterfly" type, so preparing our house for the onslaught of perhaps hundreds of fun-seeking masses seemed a bit daunting at first. With the help of my excellent housemates, though, I was able to coordinate what some who attended the party called "the greatest Party ever held at Michigan State." While such praise may have been a bit excessive, there was still little doubt that we had organized a successful Party. So that other co-opers may enjoy even more successful Parties, I present to you...New Comm's Five Tips for a Successful Party:

ATTIRE IS CRITICAL. Two hours before our party was set to begin, I suddenly became utterly convinced that our party would not be successful unless I was dressed in a pair of camouflage pants. With that, my roommate and I set out to scour Lansing's finest thrift shops in search of said pants. Sadly, we found none, and I ended up going to our party in shorts. So plan ahead! You don't want to be caught without that perfect garment.

IF YOU CAN'T GET THE CLOTHES, GO FOR THE GLASSWARE We may not have found a pair of camouflage pants, but we did find some wonderful glassware which we used at the party. My roommate found a fantastic margarita glass from a casino in Las Vegas. We promptly dubbed it "the Chalice," and the beer flowed from it copiously all night. I myself found a marvelous oversized shot glass,

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