It’s as if you’re getting a care package from Mom, except that it’s not a care package, and you paid for it, but the magic’s still there. It’s two in the morning. I am perched at my desk, my arched shoulders illuminated by the muted blue glow of my computer screen, like a gargoyle, ominously watching and waiting in my boxers. Bits and bytes fly … Continue reading add to cart

Remember when? Waaaaay back in January. Probably December, even? When you promised yourself that you would be a better person this year? Yep. You said you were going to be good to yourself—challenge body, mind and soul. You were going to read books outside of the required reading for class. You know you were. Or you wanted to. But now the semester has started and … Continue reading Required (Leisure) Reading

Arbor View Arbor View Apartments house 59 students in apartment-style living. Each apartment contains a living room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a dining room, and kitchen. The apartments are furnished with a sofa, chairs, dining room table, and a bed, dresser, desk, and desk chair for each occupant. There is no computer lab. Prairie View Prairie View Hall is the smallest residence hall on campus … Continue reading Where in the World… are you living next year?

January Interim Experience offers students a chance to take an in-depth, intense look at a topic of their choosing, allowing them the time to focus on one class for the entire month. It also offers students a chance to relax, kick back and enjoy free time before the new semester begins. January Interim Experience is a chance to rejuvenate and re-energize before the start of … Continue reading Winter Wonderland

Last week was host to one of Gustavus’ finest traditions—Christmas in Christ Chapel. This year’s service was centered around various letters reflecting on the importance of Christmas. Members of the Gustavus community read letters from the likes of Garrison Keillor, Joyce Sutphen, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, various prophets and apostles. Gustavus Choir, Choir of Christ Chapel, Lucia Singers, the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra and the Christ Chapel Ringers … Continue reading Christmas in Christ Chapel: a liturgy of letters and carols

Remember when? Way back then? Back in the ‘90s? Grade school. Trading class pictures, Jello pudding packs and morning recess. Nap time. Good God, bring back nap time. We used to be young and wild and free, and now we’ve got jobs and debts and awkward social situations. But let’s forget all that and for a brief amount of time, think back to what we … Continue reading Party like its 1999

The term non-fiction may seem scary to many—but throw the word creative in front of it, and there’s a whole new world of literature available for reading pleasure. Personal essays aren’t just dry, boring pieces of academic writing, but they look into the lives and existences of others. The following books were read in ENG 256-002 (Creative Non-Fiction) and reviewed for your pleasure. Check them … Continue reading Bringing back the essay

Movies have been a major part of American culture since they first appeared in the late 1800s. As film changed and developed into how we see it  today, they became more and more prevalent in our society. With hundreds of movies made each year, it’s quite obvious that film is an art form that is here to stay. Movies offer a way to escape from … Continue reading Film Fatale

Social media is taking over the world. Or that’s how it seems as of late. With social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm, Blogger and Tumblr, social media is everywhere. But if social media is all around us, what exactly is it? Social media is media for the people, by the people. It provides new opportunities to create and communicate ideas with people around the … Continue reading Communication Breakdown