ShutterButtonOctober 31, 2011 at 4:55 pm

Ring The Alarm, Or Not

Though this hand-scribbled sign is nearly invisible thanks to DRL’s dark corridors, it reads, “Do Not Ever, Ever Tamper With Or Disable the Alarm.” Just what we need: more proof that Penn cares about fire prevention.

NewsOctober 31, 2011 at 3:24 pm

OMG PCR, WTF

Remember when we told you about how Penn Course Review had improved its internal structure by adding in a better search function and other fancy new doodads? Unfortunately, it seems that the new system is fraught with many alleged errors, like listing professors under wrong courses and giving other false information. That ain’t right! And yet, these concerns shed light on an even larger issue. The entire concept of PCR is kind of… Well, how much do you value the opinions of other undergraduates when forming your own academic decisions? Professor Max Cavitch of the English Department summed up these concerns quite nicely in an email sent out to English majors today:

A new and “improved” beta version of the Penn Course Review went on-line today.  DO NOT USE IT.  It is FULL of errors.  For example, dozens and dozens of courses in the English Department alone are listed under the wrong professor and/or course title.
Click to read the rest of the email and some analysis.
ShutterButtonOctober 31, 2011 at 1:38 pm

AT-Whoa

According to this grainy picture snapped by the folks on the 8th floor of Harnwell (who could see it better than their camera), two kids are goin’ at it on the roof of ATO. If you have a better pic please send it in, because this one is not nearly obvious or shameful enough! It’s not creepy at all, we promise.

FeaturesOctober 31, 2011 at 10:46 am

The Dining Low-Down

The way we eat at dining halls is changing a little bit, and whether or not you want to debate the cause, we all must be prepared to make the most out of mealtimes. Upperclassmen, if you haven’t heard, it’s becoming substantially harder to get swiped in by jailbait pledges younger friends deserving of your mentorship. We’ve got the scoop on the direction meal swipes are headed, plus some creative ways to get around the new restrictions.

The facts:

  • Each day, when students swipe into the dining halls, there is a record kept in a system of who swiped in, the time, the date and other information like that.
  • When students swipe in 3 times in rapid succession, that is recorded in the system as, for example, “Amy Gutmann” three times in a row with time stamps (essentially, it’s very obvious).

Read the rest of this entry »

And Just In Time For Advanced Registration — Penn Course Review launched its newly redesigned website today. Highlights include a much-improved search function and average professor ratings based on all the classes they've taught. If you're a traditionalist, the original version is still available.
What's HapPENNingOctober 31, 2011 at 9:00 am

What’s HapPENNing?

Seems like that cold gust of wind that grazed your exposed left nip Saturday night blew us into November. Imagine that! We only have six weeks of class left? Sh, it’s not true! To help deal with the pain, we’re (once again) presenting you with the best events happening around campus this week. Happy (official) Halloween!

Occupy Wharton
Who: Penn students
When and where: Monday, 1 p.m.; Huntsman Hall
Why: Whatever your stance on the Occupy movement, it’s kind of a huge deal. Got love for the protesters? Then go support the movement in front of Huntsman! It’s so close– you don’t even have to go to Center City. Don’t like the protesters? Don’t be a dick.

Read the rest of this entry »

NewsOctober 31, 2011 at 8:29 am

Who Will Be Obama’s Super-Secret Guests?

If you’re on any listserv touched by PennDems, chances are you’ve heard about the Obama Student Summit, some kind of official kickoff to courting the the youth vote. Sounds pretty cool if you’re into that kind of thing. But, even if you’re not, those wily PennDems hope you might buy into a little mystery and intrigue; materials they’ve sent out say we can look forward to “‘special guests’ (wink wink)!”

Mayor Nutter and Obama campaign manager Jim Messina are already confirmed attendees, but we’ve heard a few rumors about who the others might be. One name that’s been floated is Nick Cannon, known Obama devotee. We’ve also heard it could be Alicia Keys, someone who’s never been afraid to lend a hand to the campaign. Do you think either of them will show? Or perhaps… someone else?

Who will it be?

View Results

Friendly PennInTouch Reminder: Kids, get all your immunizations in and finances sorted, because tomorrow, October 31st, is the start of Advance Registration for spring semester courses. We can't imagine anything spookier than being put on hold.
NewsOctober 29, 2011 at 9:25 pm

Saturday Night Special: Fire Burning (Harnwell Remix)

Do you live in Harnwell? (Or a high-rise? Or a dorm? Or, more generally, any inhabitable shelter?) Do you hate fire alarms? And do you love remixes of cheap club classics? If you answered “InTheNameofLuciferYES!” to any and/or all of the previous questions, then you’re in luck! Check out the musical stylings of 2403 Productions above in their rework of Sean Kinston’s chef-d’oeuvre, “Fire Burning,” which pokes fun at Harnwell’s love of fire alarms. Enjoy!

Hey College House Dwellers— Isn't it annoying trying to remember how to log into Penn Laundry Alert? We put a permanent link to the site on our left-hand sidebar to help you out— no password required! Now your biggest problem is fending off your off-campus laundry moocher friends.