Dear Las Vegas,

I am writing to inform you that I will be visiting you this weekend. I have seen multiple movies with you as a main character—er, location—but no little about you otherwise. I figured I’d just make a short list of what I expect you to be like, based on my limited exposure to you. 1) George Clooney likes to steal money from slimy casino owners. Hell, he’s good at it in the Ocean’s Eleven series.  He’s so believable as a heist mastermind that I’ll be disappointed... Read More

The Griffith Observatory

They say there’s no culture in L.A. This city’s detractors will tell you that everyone out here is in it for himself and that if people are nice to you it’s merely a front. Furthermore, they’ll note that the city’s history is built on corruption—anyone seen Chinatown? The people who don’t like L.A. will tell you there was nothing fun to do and everything is extremely expensive. How’s a student supposed to enjoy it out here? Easy. Find the free things to do. My... Read More

Crosstown Traffic—And Lots of It

I never liked the way the maniacs on the East Coast drove. Especially New Englanders. Honestly, any time I took the green line on the T to downtown Boston and got off at Boylston Street I said three Hail Marys in the hope that I didn’t get killed trying to cross the street. You think I’m exaggerating? Go see Ben Affleck’s new movie, The Town, and tell me with a straight face that his portrayal of the way Bostonians drive is untrue. Okay, fine. Maybe I am exaggerating. But,... Read More