Football Saturdays

Tailgating prior on Football Saturdays is one of the fine traditions that the University has. I couldn't imagine the University without it. The day I walk down Hill and State street and see empty front lawns, I will shed a tear. Tailgating is something that we students earned during the week. Michigan is such a great school because of its academic rigor. We students work hard, so that we can play hard.

Anyway, you're probably wondering why I bring up tailgating on Football Saturday. Well, in today's Michigan Daily, there was an article about a program other Big Ten schools are implementing to curb drinking before games. The University of Minnesota and the University of Wisconsin have introduced programs which will breathalyze students who have been previously ejected from a game. The idea is to allow students a chance to attend games, but in such a way that their behavior is fit. Drinking affects the way people act whether with their coordination or their attitude. By implementing such a rule, these two universities are hoping to reduce drinking prior to games and this type of crude behavior.

It does not appear that the University of Michigan has a plan like that at its Big Ten counterparts. Additionally, if they do implement a plan, they would like to implement one specific to the University. I don't know what kind of action they would take, but I don't think that they should specifically attack Football Saturday. There are thousands of students and alumni who tailgate prior to football games. There are only so many arrests per week. The actions and irresponsibility of a few people should not ruin the party for everyone else.

I do hope that the University does implement a plan though. As I was walking to the Ohio State game, it was the first time I was embarrassed to be a Michigan student. I love this school as much as anyone if not more, but seeing the behavior of students who were severely intoxicated whether it be their coordination, comprehension, or their behavior really was a negative experience for me. I tried to put myself in the position of an outsider. Would I be impressed by students of such a great university if I saw them in that state? Absolutely not.

Fun is an intricate part of the University experience, but there's a line that needs to be maintained. The University's image is important too, and to me, people stumbling out of parties, having trouble staying awake, or getting into fights for all the world to see is not a positive depiction of our school. I understand that drinking is all about having a good time or getting pumped up for the game, but you don't disappear to some fantasy world on Football Saturdays. There is a certain decorum that needs to be maintained.

What is Twilight?

So New Moon set records for US and Worldwide 5-day opening weekend.

I have no idea what this movie is about, but I heard a lot of girls are into them because of the books. I didn't know there were books either. And here I was, thinking that it was the new beer from Blue Moon Brewing Company.

At least people are reading...right?

Letter from the AD and Dean

U-M students:

We are sure you are as excited as we are about Saturday's football
game against the Ohio State University.  We are counting on our
student section within Michigan Stadium to add to our home-field
advantage.  Your support, enthusiasm - and NOISE - will help give
the Wolverines an edge.

At the same time, we anticipate that you will join other fans and
residents in welcoming our opponents to Ann Arbor by being
gracious hosts to our visitors.  While Michigan students are known for
good sportsmanship, that reputation has occasionally been tarnished
by some students using offensive behavior and language toward
opposing fans, and throwing objects at people and onto the field.  This
behavior is not consistent with Michigan pride, our tradition or our
reputation.

Games with intense rivalries can sometimes heighten fan concerns about
safety.  As always, the safety of our team, students, fans and visitors will
be our first priority.  To ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable
experience, law enforcement agencies will respond swiftly to any
dangerous or illegal behavior within Michigan Stadium and surrounding
areas.  Laws regarding drunken driving, underage drinking, and other
safety concerns will be strictly enforced.  If you will be hosting a
gathering, here are recommendations from Student Legal Services to
help minimize risks and maximize fun:

Be considerate of neighbors.
Monitor how much people are drinking.
Control the noise level.
Be respectful of the police.
Leave your drinks behind when you leave a party.
Use bathrooms, not bushes.
Use trash containers, not the ground.
Make sure those under 21 are not drinking.

Things not to do:
Do not walk in the streets with open alcohol.
Do not allow drunk people to drive.
Do not play music, etc. loudly between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

While at Saturday's game, to report a crime, disorderly conduct or
suspicious behavior to the University Police, call 734/763-1131 or send
a text message to 377911.  As always, in an emergency, call 911.

You can start the weekend by attending any number of exciting events.
U-Mix kicks off the weekend on Friday from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. in the
Michigan Union.  Come check it out: -Performance by ComCoat 10
followed by a showing of "The Final Destination: Rest in Pieces" at 11 p.m.
in Anderson, performed by NBH Unplugged at 11 p.m. in Pendleton,
ThinkFast put on by Phi Mu in the Ballroom, Karaoke all night in the UClub
with a Nacho-Bar coming out at midnight.  For more information, see the
U-Mix website at http://www.umich.edu/~umix/.  For a schedule of other
U-M events, see http://events.umich.edu/

Go Blue!

Bill Martin, Athletic Director
Laura Blake Jones, Dean of Students

I always find these funny.

Forget Belmont, Party at Willard

So this Thursday is Belmont, a bar night for AKPsis. Normally, this is a great opportunity to go out and have a good time at a bar with fellow brothers. However, my house is having a party on Thursday night paid for by the Snowboarding Club, so I'm not going to miss it. In fact, I had paid money to go, decided not to go and got my money back instead. I loved Belmont the first couple times I went, but it's really lost its luster on me. Anyway, parties at Willard are always a good time. AND it's OSU weekend.

Go Blue!