A Great Way to Relieve Stress and Burn Calories...

Recently I decided I would finally dig my car out of the mountains of snow surrounding it. Apparently when the snow plows come through my apartment complex, they get a kick out of blocking us in with their huge loads of snow and slush. Lacking a shovel of any kind, I rummaged my cupboards to find a medium sized tupperware bowl.

Let me just say that 45 minutes digging in the snow is quite a workout! It is a good idea to properly equip yourself for such an endeavor. I recommend ear muffs, gloves, and some kind of snow boots if possible. I chose to start on the side of the car, digging around the driver's side door, just to make sure I could get in if need be. Work your way towards the rear of the car, if that is the part that is blocked, of course. Try to smooth out the snow as best you can. This may take a while, but scooping and kicking the snow really does work your core, arms, and legs. And if needed, you can take all of those roommate annoyances out on the white stuff that doesn't hit back.

If your car has a low frame make sure to smooth things down very well. Trust me, you don't want to end up being stuck, blocking your entire parking lot, and thus forcing a car full of girls to come help you push your little Suzuki back into the spot you were trying to escape in the first place.

A few things I have learned from the whole ordeal:
1. Buy a snow shovel before the winter comes, by the time you need one, the stores will be sold out.
2. If you see someone in some snowy trouble, help them out-- you'll never know when you may need a favor.
3. Your little car may be a fun driver in the summer, but those ground effects only cause problems when winter rolls around.

Lovers & Haters Event to Reach Out to Anti-Valentine's Day Population

It's that time of year again. Cards, chocolate, and stuffed cupids will soon be exchanged in the name of love. Some view it as a time to pamper their significant others or maybe approach the person that they secretly admire. Others view it as a blatant corporate hijack of the most precious of human emotions.

Those hating on Valentine’s Day will find a great escape at the Lovers & Haters event hosted by Up All Night on February 8 at 9 p.m. in the Student Recreation Center. "It's those haters of Valentine's Day that we're trying to reach out to," said student programmer Andrew Goodin.

For those hating on Valentine’s Day, there will be inflatable boxing, jousting, and sumo wrestling, and speed dating. Other activities include the Rock Band video game, and music headlined by Ivy League, a Seattle indie band.

Romantics will find interest in activities such as a free claw machine filled with valentine themed toys, a "marriage" booth hosted by the GLBTA, and a romantic spaghetti dinner.

Goodin envisions lovers participating in the boxing and jousting too. "Even star-crossed lovers need to get out a little anger once in a while. Why not take the opportunity to do it in a fun and safe manner?" said Goodin.

Do you hate those hour long breaks in between classes? Doesn't it always seem like it's hard to find something to do to fill that gap?

This Wednesday (TODAY), there is something fun and entertaining to do during your extended break between classes. From 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., you can play Rock Band or Nintendo Wii at the Northside Cafe (the dining center at Regents Hall). You can get warm, eat some food, and play some games before your next class or study session.

The event is part of a series called Daytime Distraction. It is hosted by Campus Involvement and Up All Night. The next daytime distraction will be Wednesday, March 6.