Hand over the ketchup, because Travel + Leisure just named Philly the second best burger city in America, as uwishunu reports. Yes, that’s right–our meat-hungry mecca is NUMBER TWO in the country–second only to Providence, RI. While we may not have a staple chain of burger places (In-N-Out, Jack in the Box…does McDonald’s count?), T+L appears to fancy the fancier side of our city’s sandwiches:

Perhaps some thanks is due to celebrity chef Jose Garces, who tops his eight-ounce Angus burgers at Village Whiskey, off Rittenhouse Square, with maple bourbon–glazed cipollini, Rogue blue cheese, or foie gras.

So go ahead and shed a tear for that leftover cheesesteak in your mini fridge; we hear eight ounces of quality beef sandwiched between two toasted buns can put a smile on anyone’s face.

Looks like some students on VP’s 4th floor channeled their cabin fever into something way, way groovier. (In case you’re wondering–yes, you have seen this before.) Way to stay alive, y’all!

The clock strikes 11:00 p.m. You’re in Rosenparty, the adderall is wearing off and you’ve resorted to looking at pictures of calzones. You wander into Mark’s–the sight of soggy, plastic-wrapped sandwiches almost kills your appetite–but not quite. Desperation is imminent. So what’s it gonna be, bb? We consulted our fanciest food astrologists, and now we have all the answers. Read on to find out what your late night study snack really says about you.

Anything from La Petite Creperie–You are that guy: the overeager kid at the 7th grade spring dance in the baby blue tux and bow tie, except that bow tie is covered in mozzarella and creamy feta, calling out “eat me!” in Salma Hayek’s voice–sorry, what were we saying? We can’t concentrate because we’re staring at your food. Read the rest of this entry »

The ’90′s were a time of several transitionally awkward trends (see this, this and this), but THIS? This 1999 depiction of our Quaker surrounded by toast is a sight for sore (and creepily blue) eyes. Though modern day QBF‘s smile is, 13 years later, still a bit on the hello-may-I-offer-you-some-candy-in-my-van side, we’re more than happy to shove this Polaroid back in the drawer with our scrunchies and Spice World VHS.

Still hungover? Too afraid to inspect the textual evidence of last weekend’s embarrassments? We heard you last Fling, and this year we want to hear you again.

Back by popular demand is Texts From Fling, otherwise known as your opportunity to (semi-)anonymously induct your drunk/high/completely effing faced friends into the realm of interweb hilarity. So scour your inbox, send your best gems (don’t forget the area code!) to tips@underthebutton.com by WEDNESDAY at MIDNIGHT and we’ll post the best ones later this week.

There are two ways to look at the litany of events lined up for Fling weekend: the first (otherwise known as the worst) is as an overwhelming, panic-inducing period of time when you’ll be perpetually questioning your sanity. The other (better) way to look at this weekend, however, is as a challenge.

If you, like us, are into challenges that involve booze and fried things, then throw on some plastic neon sunglasses and get ready: we’re giving you a *~*POP QUIZ*~*. Put your hand down and all those silly notes away–it’s go time, betches.

WHERE WILL YOU BE FLUNG THIS WEEKEND?

1. What is your breakfast of choice?

a. Grape nuts
b. Grape nuts with vodka
c. Breakfast? Like…breakfast for dinner?
d. Last night’s conquest

Read the rest of this entry »

Recently spotted outside the string of alt/hip/middle school date-worthy venues along 40th and Locust was this orange beacon of light: Alas! There will be booze. Setting up shop next to Keswick Cycle, Ramen Bar will fill the space now occupied by half of Strikes and all of Locust Moon (cue look of ¡OMG! feigned surprise). While yes, this means the death of all your indie ‘zine and Dragon Ball dreams, you’ll be able to mourn their demise with a sake bomb (or seven) soon enough.

Update: Locust Moon is re-opening at 40th and Ludlow in early May! Let the dreams live on.

That’s right: Penn’s Philomathean Society is bringing us former World Chess Champion and 2007 Russian presidential candidate, Garry Kasparov! Scheduled for next Tuesday (April 3rd) in the Harrison Auditorium of Penn Museum, Kasparov is set to pawn off words of wisdom “on his experiences in chess and politics.” The talk will be followed by a reception, offering students the chance to meet him (and potentially challenge him to a lil’ Chess With Friends). Not interested? These specs could change your mind:

•  Kasparov was ranked number one in the world for 255 consecutive months–the longest streak ever in the history of ever
• He retired from chess in 2005 and since has become a leader of The Other Russia
• He is known to chess fans as the “Beast From Baku” after his aggressive style of play (Grrrr, baby, very grrrrrr)
• This three minute long video of black and white footage of him gaming to the tune of dramatic music exists
• He has a website! And wrote a book! And will sell you as many stainless steel initialed key chains (on CLEARANCE) your money can buy.

Now that’s what we’d call a check mate.

Lest we forget that celebrities are people too, Alan Cumming, Tony recipient and voice of Rumpledkiltskin, was spotted co-mingling with students after speaking in Meyerson this past Saturday. Cumming tweeted about it later that evening, further cementing the evidence. (Social media, you dirty minx!) The Internet may be forever, but stories don’t age so gracefully, so to all you kids lucky enough to be a part of this photographically felicitous testimony, our suggestion: milk it while you still can.