Articles from February, 2008

travel 02.29.08 Netherlands: A Curious Casino

Nick Martens takes a trip to the Holland Casino and finds that Amsterdam’s idea of gambling is nearly the opposite of what we come to expect from Las Vegas.
arts 02.27.08 The Disappearing Short Story

People don’t read as much as they used. Jordan Barber observes the downfall of the short story–an underrated medium that should thrive in our busy lifestyle but remains largely ignored.
humor 02.25.08 Tight Pants and Dirty Sheets: A Treatise on Hipsters

The word ‘hipster’ is ubiquitous, but what really defines the word–the attitude, the music, or simply the look? Drew Gemmer examines the hipster archetype and teases out the key concept: irony.
travel 02.22.08 Netherlands: The Bicycle

Though Amsterdam is often associated with its sexual promiscuity and liberal policies regarding recreational drug use, adventurer Nick Martens discovers that the city’s most stimulating feature is its bicycle culture.
personal 02.20.08 Cynic Duty: Thoughts on the Washington State Caucus

With Washington under heavy campaigning pressure after an indecisive Super Tuesday, conscientious objector Caitlin Boersma gets wrapped up in the presidential race and finds that, in spite of all the enthusiasm, it still comes down to slogans rather than issues.
humor 02.18.08 Facebook Haute Couture

Your Facebook profile, like your wardrobe, determines how you’ll be perceived by others. Channeling Coco Chanel, Jordan Barber gives pointers on how to make your online presence absolutely fabulous.
travel 02.15.08 Netherlands: A Hotel and a Cautionary Tale

This is the first installment in a series of essays by adventurer Nick Martens, who is currently studying at the University of Amsterdam. Arriving a few days before his program at the University of Amsterdam begins, Nick Martens relates a pair of anecdotes regarding the quirks of descending into an unfamiliar culture.
travel 02.13.08 Fear and Loathing in North-Central Nevada

Road warrior Jeff Merrion takes the scenic route (well, scenic by post-rock standards) from Tacoma to Denver, encountering crooked cops on “the Loneliest Highway in America.”
humor 02.11.08 Please Consider That You Could Be Wrong

Kevin Nguyen talks reincarnation, Cheetos, and dwarf stars with a personified religious pamphlet.
arts 02.08.08 Why Authors Should Understand Typography

Though writing and layout have traditionally been separated, McSweeney’s fanboy Kevin Nguyen discusses the importance of typographic elements in modern fiction.
arts 02.06.08 Art of the Mix Tape

Digital music makes it easy to burn a CD of your favorite songs, but creating a mix masterpiece takes time, dedication, and a penchant for irony. Mixologist Drew Gemmer lends his expert advice on assembling the most distinguished of tracklists.
personal 02.04.08 My Workout Goes Swimmingly

It’s hard being motivated enough to exercise. That is unless you’re Caitlin Boersma, whose new swimming workout has her racing elderly women.