Preston Pugmire can claim many musical hats. Guitarist, vocalist and music engineer cover just a few of his skill sets. The amazing thing about Pugmire is that he incorporates all of his talents into one musical production in his one-man show, which will be coming to SDSU Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. in Jack’s Place.

Tom Brinker, junior speech communications major, is the University Program Council showcase coordinator and is in charge of the event. He said Pugmire’s show is much different than any event UPC has brought to campus so far this year.

“Preston is being brought to campus to provide a more intimate event. It’s a bit out of the box as far as concerts go,” Brinker said.

Pugmire describes the music he creates as acoustic pop, created by looping.

“I use electronic floor pedals to record and play at the same time. I record tracks while I’m playing and then layer tracks on top of them. By the end of the song it sounds like a whole group is playing,” Pugmire said.

Tyler Husby, the vice president of UPC and a junior construction management major, said that Pugmire’s many talents are one reason he was picked to perform on campus.

“He’s a total show. Why bring four or five guys when one guy can do it by himself?” Husby said.

Brinker said when the UPC board saw Pugmire they were extremely impressed with his live performance at the National Association for Campus Activities conference in St. Paul, Minn.

“The board last year thought he was really talented in a lot of different facets, whether it was mixing beats on a keyboard or singing or playing different instruments,” Brinker said.

Brinker said Pugmire’s unique sound and interaction with his audience allows for an experience unlike any other.

“He does his music in a way that’s really captivating,” Brinker said. “It’s interesting to watch and see how it professes.”

Pugmire has been involved with music for many years.

“I just started playing guitar when I was 15 and joined a bunch of bands,” Pugmire said.

After spending time as a band member, Pugmire decided to become a solo artist three years ago.

“Originally it made more sense for me to go solo as far as touring and scheduling goes,” Pugmire said. “I could create my own path without having to wait for anyone else in a band to be on board with it.”

Pugmire had good advice for aspiring artists too.

“Honestly, the number one thing is to believe you can do it,” Pugmire said. “I know it sounds like an after-school special, but it’s the truth. When I decided I could actually do this, within six months I was able to perform music full time.”

In addition to writing his own music, Pugmire does many covers because he said a great way to quickly relate to his audience.

“I do lots of covers because it gives people something to relate to. Then they relate to [the artist] and listen to more of your original music. It creates a space for [fan loyalty] to grow,” Pugmire said.

To check out a free download of Pugmire’s style before the show, visit his website, www.prestonpugmire.com.

Pugmire only had one closing remark.

“The new Kanye West album is amazing. It’s blowing my mind right now.”

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Last week you may have seen my column of how to properly deliver the perfect Christmas present. Though I am positive my wise ways allowed you to see just exactly how wonderful a surprising present can be, what if you don’t have a present?

Many times you see lists of presents you need to give. For the sake of you and your present recipients, I would like to inform you of some presents I’ve found in recent years that no one wants to receive.

Things You Can’t Use on Christmas Day

When you’re a little tyke, or heck, a big tyke, nothing is more exciting than opening presents. And nothing is more disappointing than when you can’t use those presents for another six months. Case in point … It was Christmas Eve of my senior year of high school and my best friend gave me a new bikini. Great thought. Great suit. Poor planning. Not only did I read into the present with the thoughts “Don’t get chunky over the holidays” but rather “Have fun not using this until spring.”

Christmas Themed Items

Christmas only comes once a year. Buying me something that I can use on that one day is a nice thought without much thought behind it. Instead, buy me something with an American flag on it that I can proudly wear on July 4th and Labor Day. Two birds with one stone anyone?

Pajama Jeans

Let the records show that I adore my friends. Many days, though, I am slightly embarrassed to claim them as mine. One of my best friends decided to declare through the Facebook world (so therefore through the real world) that all she wanted for Christmas was a pair of Pajama Jeans.

This article of clothing claims to be “the hot new fashion sensation” that “looks like designer denim jeans … but feels as soft as a baby’s blanket”. The website claims “they’re so comfortable you will want to sleep in them.”

I know I’m no rocket surgeon, but generally isn’t the word pajama defined as something you sleep in?

Right now, we are all in the middle of a four-year pass on what constitutes as socially acceptable. It’s okay if we wear sweat pants tucked into rain boots with a men’s oversized flannel to Wal-Mart at 2:00 a.m. Why would we ever need to pretend to be socially acceptable in Pajama Jeans? Just wear your pajama bottoms with pride. Yes, I’m talking to you, kid that sits in superman pants in front of me in biology. Be comfortable and be grateful, because after college, we have to worm our way back into proper society somehow and usually that means retiring the sweat pant or rain boot combo.

Giving gifts is by far my favorite part of the holiday season. I work extremely hard to make sure my gifts are original and usable by their recipients.

But unfortunately you can’t win all the time. You will have present-flops that result in less enthusiasm than Herseth-Sandlin’s campaign (too soon?). But in the true Christmas spirit, just remember that really, it’s the thought that counts.

Visions of sugarplums, an end to finals week and a white Christmas are just a few of the things students are dreaming of this time of year. Though no one really knows what a sugarplum is and it is difficult to make finals week end any sooner, the State University Theatre at SDSU can provide a white Christmas for campus.

This year SUT will perform Irving Berlin’s classic Christmas musical White Christmas Dec. 1-5 with performances every night at 7:30 p.m., as well as 2 p.m. matinees on Dec. 4 and 5.

The story centers around two veterans of World War II. These veterans, Bill Davis and Bob Wallace, set out to become a famous duo on the entertainment circuit.

In a ski lodge in Vermont, they meet up with a sister act duo, the Haynes. Singing, dancing and classic songs intertwine to create a show that has been a classic since its film release in 1954 and Broadway release in 2004.

Gaining rights to perform a musical with as much notoriety as White Christmas can claim was not an easy task. According to Kameron Nelson, a junior communication studies, theatre student and member of the male ensemble in the show, the original producers and play writes of a show have to grant permission for a show to be performed anywhere.

“The company that owns the show has to give rights for an acting company to put on the show,” Nelson said.

Nelson also said that it is unusual for college campus companies to be able to produce a show of this magnitude and renown, especially one that is still currently in production elsewhere.

“White Christmas is still on the Broadway circuit, but we’re far enough away in the Midwest to produce the show,” Nelson said. “Rights were hard to get.”

Billy Wilburn, assistant professor of theatre and costume and staging designer for White Christmas, claims the show is huge, from a costuming and staging standpoint.

“This is the largest show I’ve ever worked on,” Wilburn said. “There are about 172 costumes [in White Christmas] and in a normal musical there are 100-115 costumes.”

Wilburn claims that though the show is exceptionally large, it was not any more stressful than a smaller production.

“We had a lot of prep time and we knew the show would be really big, so by the time school began we had a lot of ideas and could get started right away,” Wilburn said.

Wilburn also claimed that the staging for the performances will be phenomenal.

“The set utilizes every fly line and rolling unit, and it even snows on stage,” Wilburn said.

In addition to being one of the larger shows SDSU’s SUT has produced recently, this show will also be the last directed by Raymond Peterson, assistant professor for communication studies and theatre.

This is Peterson’s 40th year at SDSU. He has directed and worked on many productions throughout the years.

“I stopped counting shows I’d worked with as a designer at well over 200,” Peterson said. “My first show was Oklahoma back in 1974, which I directed for Prairie Repertory Theatre.”

Peterson was responsible for procuring the rights to be able to produce this show.

“Usually a new piece [like White Christmas] is kept at a professional status for a time,” Peterson said. “We were one of the very first companies to be offered rights to do it.”

Peterson and the knowledge he posses will be sorely missed when he leaves SDSU.

“I don’t know how we are going to replace him,” Wilburn said.

Jake Windish, a senior theatre student who has been working with Peterson for the past five years, said that Peterson gives a special feel to each production he directs.

“It’s been a fantastic experience working with him. He always does big flashy musicals and it’s always an adventure,” Windish said. “His life is theatre and it shows with how much dedication he puts into each production.”

White Christmas will run for one week and it is the last show SUT will present this semester. The next show will be the student variety show Capers, which will be holding auditions in the Performing Arts Center Dec. 11, at 12:00 p.m. Auditions are open call for anyone and everyone.

The Christmas season is fast approaching and many of the “committed” members of campus are scrambling to come up with the perfect gift for their special someone. Now, I don’t have a boyfriend (I just know a boy who’d be really mad if he heard me say that), but I am a firm believer of the time tested adage “those who can’t do, teach.” I hope that I can provide, young grasshoppers, three simple steps to creating the perfect holiday gift.

Step 1. Desensitize to surprise

Anything can be surprising.

Nine-tenths of the magic of a gift lies in its delivery. If you can make a gift a honest to goodness surprise, the gift is more special. Just ask the recipients of the Trojan horse. The key to making your gift special is to desensitize the receiver to surprises ahead of time.

This desensitization must take place over a period of time and be done rather stealthily. First, find something to give to your beau. This could be any number of inconspicuous items. Ideally this should be an item they already own and have miss placed. Greet your loved one with a great deal of excitement and let them know you have a surprise for them. Have them close their eyes hold out their hands and deposit the item into their hands. The item should be something like socks they left at your place that you managed to launder without turning pink.

Repeat this scene numerous times with unspectacular items such as Tupperware, free coupons you found in the grocery story fliers and paperclip chains. After only a few of your signature “surprises”, your honey will stop getting excited for anything you call a surprise, allowing for the set up and deliverance of the ULTIMATE surprise: the surprise of being surprised

Step 2. Make your move early

Anticipation doesn’t look good on

anyone.

Properly desensitizing your beau to surprises means that they won’t be anticipating much of anything (other than a spotlessly clean set of lost and found Tupperware). Unfortunately, the committed is a fickle breed and many times, though desensitized, these creatures will continue to anticipate the holiday season and the sparkly, bank account murdering items that have become synonymous with the phrase “Merry Christmas”.

The longer these present vultures are made to wait for their gifts, the more agitated they will become. It has been scientifically proven that each day past December 12 a significant other is made to wait equals a $20 increase in gift expense to equal the same level of satisfaction in the receiver of the gift.

By the way, did you know that 73.4 percent of statistics are made up on the spot?

As a way to combat this disturbing trend, I’ve begun giving out my Christmas presents in August.

Step 3. Enthusiasm is key

No one can kick an excited puppy.

It’s Dec. 11. You’ve properly desensitized your loved one to think that any “surprise” you give them will be a paper crane made out of a gum wrapper. You’ve got your carefully selected first edition of Pride and Prejudice in pristine condition wrapped and in hand (friends and kindly strangers take note of what I consider the ideal gift). What if they don’t like it??? Never fear!

Enthusiasm can make up for a myriad of mishaps and mistakes. If your loved one truly cares about you, when you are excited about something, they will be too. Make sure you show up with a grin on your face and enough excitement to make Billy Mayes look dull. No one can disappoint that.

Best of luck to you all in this holiday season and your gift giving endeavors.

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Amazing things can happen with a bit of resourcefulness, a plane ticket to one of the world’s most intense war zones and a fake press pass. Mike Shiley, director and the genius behind the film Inside Iraq: The Untold Stories, can testify to that very idea. Shiley will be visiting campus Nov. 8 to present the movie he filmed and to discuss current events in Iraq.

Shiley’s movie was created when he traveled to Iraq armed with nothing more than a camera and a fake ABC News press pass.

“Part of who I am is an adventure hound,” Shiley said. “I was in Yugoslavia in “93 posing as a photographer and got hired by CNN; and I have gotten into two natural disasters using fake press passes.”

Shiley was able to enter the ABC News compound and travel with their group posing as a cameraman and journalist. He hoped to capture a side of the Iraq war that is not normally presented to the public.

“I shot what I saw,” Shiley said.

Shiley claims that the program he will be presenting at SDSU is comprised of two parts. The first is a screening of his film and the second part is an informative lecture structured around questions from the audience. The presentation will conclude by presenting solutions that may peacefully resolve the conflict.

“Most of the discussion at the end of the program will be based on history, not current politics,” Shiley said. “The question now is what will Iraq be like after the war? It’s easy to start a war, but how do we end it?”

The University Program Council is hosting the event and has been attempting to reach a larger variety of audiences with an expanded speaker line-up.

“We’ve had really good response with speakers this year,” said Sam Wangberg, the lectures coordinator for UPC. “We are trying to think outside the box and reach groups we haven’t reached before.”

Shiley said he encourages everyone to come and see what the movie has to offer, as it will be time well spent.

“For two hours, let’s focus on something bigger than ourselves,” Shiley said. “We have been at war with Iraq since the college kids today were in kindergarten.”

Justin Johnson, a SDSU history student currently in deployment training at Ft. McCoi, WI, was extremely interested in the upcoming event. Johnson said he was surprised that he hadn’t heard about the film or it’s upcoming presence on campus before.

“A non-media biased view of the situation over there would be a good thing for everyone to learn about,” Johnson said.

In addition to posing as a phony news reporter, Shiley was also able to acquire a military uniform. With only 90 minutes of training he was acting as a fake gunner on a tank in the Third Armored Calvary Regimen.

As a result of his “service” to the military, Shiley was award a civilian combat medal.

Shiley wouldn’t reveal what happened when it was made known that he wasn’t an actual reporter and had no right to be there.

“You just have to come to the event [on campus] to find out,” Shiley said.

He has had many influences in his life and people he works to emulate while reporting.

“I’m like Hunter S. Thompson, without the drugs,” Shiley said.

Besides presenting information on the Iraq situation, he will also be discussing how students can create the lives they desire. Shiley is an advocate of creating his own destiny. He claims if you don’t design a life you want to live, someone else will design it for you. Designing a unique life is something he has become a champion at, especially when he gets the opportunity to record his life and present it and encourage people to do the same.

“Show up somewhere with some confidence, have a story that doesn’t suck and go for it,” Shiley said.

#1.1743567:1138447356.png:Mike Shiley 11-03-2010 56:Although he was never in the military, Mike Shiley was able to get a hold of a military uniform, enabling him to get right into the action.:Submitted Photo

I knew Jonathan York and I were going to get along when he had the gumption in class to boldly state, “Girlfriends are temporary, but cats are forever.” As you can imagine, the hilarity of this statement warranted a follow-up conversation.

We discussed everything, from cats to graduate school applications to more serious topics like the sometimes apathetic nature of our campus.

York spent seven years teaching at the American University at Bulgaria in Blagoevgrad, after receiving his doctorate degree in history. He taught modern European history courses that focused on intellectual history to what he called the “elite” students of Eastern Europe.

“These students were accepted to places like Harvard, but for usually monetary reasons couldn’t go to western schools,” York said.

York said he could defiantly see disparities in learning styles and interests between his Eastern European students and the American students he taught once he was back state side.

“I don’t see the motivation or drive in American students, generally speaking,” York said. “They all want to be lawyers or doctors, but they don’t want to work for it.”

It wasn’t as though the students he was teaching were from exceptionally well-to-do families either. York told the story of a colleague that went to a small Bulgarian village to visit a student’s family. The house he stayed in was nothing more than a one-room shack with a bathroom area curtained off in a corner.

“Their interpretation of middle-class is below our poverty level,” York said.

York said he was amazed by how hard his students worked in the classroom.

“They didn’t take anything for granted,” York said. “They knew this may be their one chance.”

York said not all students are apathetic, but many times he is fighting what he called an “anti-intellectualism” attitude.

“Many times I get the eye roll if I start to talk about some new intellectual theory in a class,” York said.

York said living abroad and traveling is one way people can expand their comfort zone and become more engaged in life. One of the attractions to the Bulgarian teaching positions was extended weekends that allowed ample time for European travel.

“I was 70 miles from Greece, so I would drive there on Saturdays to go shopping,” York said. “And it was super easy to fly places for the weekend.”

Though he misses Bulgaria and his students, York said his favorite things about the South Dakota prairie are simply the beauty of the area and the cold weather.

The other part of South Dakota he is extremely fond of is his cat, Poo!. According to York, the exclamation point is part of his cat’s given name.

As we go forward to the second half of the semester, I challenge the SDSU student population to go to their classes with new vigor and excitement. We wake up every morning with a roof over our heads, food in our fridge (if peanut butter and 3-week-old pizza can be considered food) and walk out the door to get a great education. Don’t waste that opportunity.

SDSU tells us “You can go anywhere from here.” With the extensive study abroad program available through the International Affairs office, this saying is particularly true. The International Affairs office provides a plethora of opportunities for students on campus.

There is two study abroad options available through the University: short term and long term. The short-term programs range between programs that last two to eight weeks, and are generally led by faculty members from SDSU.

According to the director of International Affairs, Dr. Karl Schmidt, there are a wide variety of short-term trips available. In addition to the more commonly visited places, like Europe, SDSU has many opportunities to study in less developed countries.

SDSU student Aaron Sattler, a junior Spanish and psychology major, is spending this semester in the Dominican Republic.

“Study abroad has been the single most eye opening thing that I’ve ever done in my life. In high school we learn math, history, science, and art. We don’t learn culture,” Sattler said. “Culture is a huge part of who we are, and by learning about others we have a window in which to view our own. It is then we can start to figure out who we are and what life is all about.”

Mark York, a senior agronomy and mathematics major was most impressed with the “bang for your buck’ that studying abroad outside of Europe offered.

“I spent six weeks in Guatemala, learned a language and taught English to a class of 32 six graders for a little over three grand,” York said. “I’m going back this December for three weeks for a total trip price of about $500.”

Maggie Aldrich, a junior sociology major has been in Guam at the University of Guam this semester. Earlier this year, she spent 3 weeks traveling through Ghana, Benin and Burkina Faso with a short-term university group sponsored by Dr. Zeno Wicks III. Choosing less developed countries to study in provides a whole new facet to the abroad experience.

“Back home I’m used to so many amenities like a phone and a car and having water available. We don’t have those things here. It’s good, but it’s different,” Aldrich said. “The water is “no bueno’ here. A gallon of water is a quarter so I walk to the campus store and buy water every week.”

One of the things York most enjoyed about studying outside of Europe in a less developed country was how much it made him think about life back home and abroad.

“It really made me think about what my life would be like had I been born there, because most of my friends were about the same age as me,” York said.

In addition to learning in the classroom, the local people provide new and interesting ways to learn.

“My favorite thing about being here is the people. They are welcoming and generous and will bend over backwards to help you,” Aldrich said.

York actually stayed with a host family during his stint in Guatemala.

“I have stayed in contact by email and phone with my [host] family and many of my friends down there. It’s been an awesome experience having friends that live 4000 miles away,” York said.

Studying abroad has many things to teach students, in and out of the classroom.

“Deciding which type of program you want is really a question of how much independence you can muster,” Schmidt said.

No matter where a student decides to go, they will have a different outlook on life while there.

“Back home I’ve always had everything handed to me, its nice to have to actually make do by myself. I feel like I’m actually living,” Aldrich said.

Whether you are looking for two weeks in Costa Rica, or a year in Senegal, SDSU’s International Affairs office has a wide variety of programs for any student. Visit them in West Hall rm. 222 or call the office at (605) 688-4913 to set up an informational appointment.

#1.1731141:1556849871.png:Study-Abroad-2-Megan.png:The quiet canals of Amsterdam provide a welcome reprieve to the students of the Study Abroad West Africa class sponsored by Zeno Wicks III. Before an extended layover in Amsterdam, students and staff spent three weeks traveling through Ghana, Benin, and Berkina Faso.:Collegian Photo by Megan Schiferl

As Hobo Day approaches, the Bickel family can barely contain their excitement. Robin Bickel is third in a line of family members that has taken over the role of Hobo Day Grand Pooba.

Robin, a junior mass communications student, began planning Hobo Day last spring and has had a lot of support from her family.

Her older sister, Kasey Bickel, served as Grand Pooba for the 2004 and 2005 Hobo Days and her brother-in-law Nick Wendell, who is married to Kelly (Bickel) Wendell, served as Pooba for the 2001-2002 school year. Having an inside scoop on the happenings of Hobo Day definitely played a role in Bickel’s decision to apply for the position.

“I knew how much hard work went into everything, and I got to see how excited everyone was [about Hobo Day],” Robin said.

Though Wendell made his Hobo Day a successful event he lacked a lot of the understanding of the day as Robin did when he first applied.

“I didn’t know what I was getting into when I dove into it [being Grand Pooba]. When I was offered the role as a sophomore, I knew I couldn’t turn that opportunity down,” Wendell said.

Being Grand Pooba provides many opportunities, such as learning how to organize a large event or manage a committee, but it isn’t all sunshine and roses.

“It’s really tough to be a student and Grand Pooba,” Wendell said. “You don’t get to live the life of a normal student. It’s an all-consuming role.”

“I would sit in classes and think about all the things I could be doing,” Kasey said.

Each Pooba has an interesting story attached to their year in the role. Wendell met his wife, Kelly, while serving as Pooba.

“We really planned the event together,” Wendell said. “Though I think if you had told her mid-Hobo Week she would end up married to Nick Wendell, she would have laughed.”

Kasey as been able to apply her practical knowledge learned while Pooba to her career now. She serves a sales coordinator for the Hilton Garden Inn in Sioux Falls where she books and plans events. Kasey claims that being Pooba taught her a lot about how to deal with big events.

“I came into my career knowing more than many people because there will never be a Hobo Day without some sort of crisis.” Kasey said. “You just have to be able to pick up the pieces and move on.”

Wendell had a different take on lessons he learned.

“More than anything, I learned humility and the ability to own up to the fact that I couldn’t do it all. I had to rely on a committee.” Wendell said.

Robin remains excited about how this year’s Hobo Day will turn out.

“Planning is going well, but there will be a few hiccups, there all ways are.” Robin said. “I have a feeling that the whole week will end up being one huge adrenaline rush.”

Wendell and Kasey will both be around for support as Robin goes through her big day. As they reflect all the excitement and relationships formed through the day, they can’t help be excited for what the future of Hobo Day holds.

“It’s hard to envision what will become a new tradition, but it is important to celebrate and preserve new traditions that link students to the day,” Wendell said.

So as we enter into this Hobo Day, be on the lookout for the Bickel/Wendell group, because to them, this day may be better than Christmas.

#1.1717764:236514038.png:Pooba-Trio-Brigitte.png:Kasey Bickel, Robin Bickel and Nick Wendell gather at the intersection of North Campus Drive and Medary Avenue, known as Pooba corner.:Collegian Photo by Brigitte Norby

The first time I heard the phrase “Grand Pooba” as a lowly and uninformed freshman, my immediate thought was, “Grand Pooba … is that something you can catch?”

Strangely enough, less than a year later I had received the position within the University Program Council as the Pooba for Hobo Days. For those of you who are confused right now, the Grand Pooba of Hobo Days is the person in charge of the event. This title has some sort of historical reference and causes looks of confusion whenever uttered.

The position was at many times challenging and stressful, but I would not trade my time spent as Pooba for anything. The experience was one of the most taxing times of my collegiate experience and life, but I was surrounded by a great group of people that gave me all the support a girl could ask for. Now that it is hobo season once again, I can look back fondly on what I learned from that experience.

1. Things will go wrong.

No matter how much you strategize, problem-shoot or brainstorm, you will not catch all the details of an event or project. You will always have late entries or missing volunteers. Humans are cantankerous creatures and unfortunately, when working with them in a large group, you cannot account for everyone’s actions. The best thing you can do is to attempt to cover as many details as possible, brew a pot of coffee and bunker down. As an event approaches the parts that received a little less love will be more apparent. You can get stressed out by the fact that things will go wrong, or you can…

2. Be Flexible.

Since something will always go wrong, the key to remaining sane is flexibility. Last year, as Hobo Day approached, the University Program Office, which is the headquarters of the event, the key phrase became “Don’t worry about it.” Generally this was in reference to a deadline approaching too quickly, an exam I had not studied for or a batch of illegal t-shirts I was attempting to keep off the black market (speaking of which, UPC has the official t-shirts for sale right now in their office). I had to learn that things might not happen on my exact time line or in the exact way I wanted them too. Sometimes…

3. Something’s got to give.

(Like my anatomy grade.) Unfortunately I believed it would be a good idea to take human anatomy the same semester I was planning the “largest one-day event of the Dakotas.” I managed to survive that class and lab without dropping it, but I was not a happy camper about my grade. The entire experience taught me that people are most important to me. Working with the amount of people I did planning Hobo Day showed me I had the capacity to be excited about something and…

4. Learn new skills.

Going into Hobo Day Week, I had no idea what to expect. Truth be told, I had never even attended Hobo Day. Rock climbing in the Palisades won me over the previous year, which was nowhere near a football stadium or hobo bedecked fans. To make up for my lack of hobo knowledge, I spent hours pouring over old yearbook and newspaper articles, published in the best newspaper on campus, The Collegian. I learned about the event and the traditions, but most importantly I learned how to be diplomatic while dealing with these traditions. Traditions are there for a reason, and you must be delicate when dealing with something people are dedicated and emotionally attached to.

As I look forward to grad school and everything else life has to offer me, I know I won’t be able to forget the “Hobo-esque” lessons from my sophomore year. The best lesson I learned was no matter how stressful things might get or how many things go wrong, you have to keep moving forward, because, as the movie Up in the Air so eloquently put it, “The slower we move, the faster we die.” So keep moving this Hobo season, and squeeze every possible experience you can out of the day.

Throughout the school year, many opportunities to show your baking prowess will abound.

To many college students, dessert is nothing more than the slightly stale Oreo found in the back of their cupboard. Even on a college budget, tasty desserts can be made quickly and easily.

Fruit Cobbler

2 bags frozen fruit of your choice

(approx. 16 oz each)

1 yellow cake mix

1 bottle diet Sprite

Cinnamon to taste

Put fruit, still frozen, in the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch pan. Cover with dry yellow cake mix. Pour Sprite over the top of everything. Sprinkle top with cinnamon. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes.

Chocolate Cake

1 chocolate cake mix

1 can diet cherry coke

Mix and bake as directed on box

Gooey Bars

1 yellow cake mix

1 stick margarine

1 egg

1 1/2 c. chocolate chips

1 can (8 oz.) sweetened

condensed milk

Melt margarine and combine with cake mix and egg. Press into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch pan. Cover batter with chocolate chips and then drizzle with sweetened condensed milk. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes.

Cream Cheese Bars

2 tubes refrigerated crescent rolls

2 (8oz.) pkg. cream cheese

1 c. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1 egg

Roll out 1 package of crescent rolls to fit the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan. Mix cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla. Spread over crescent rolls evenly and make top crust from second tube of crescent rolls to cover filling. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.