I don’t know the origin of the phrase “patience is a virtue” (thank you lack of religious education) but it definitely wasn’t this guy. Anyway, we’ve waited so long for Election Day that I just thought I’d remind you, dear reader, that you might have to wait a little longer.

Hopefully by now you’ve emerged from your Halloween-induced incapacitation (diabetic coma or otherwise) refreshed and ready to fulfill your civic duty. But just know that all those thousands of new registered voters are going to make for some long lines at the polls.

While your Blackberry may allow you to settle any bet in seconds, the R1 gets you to the airport in minutes and Gia Pronto gets you that salad, well, pronto, the only thing that’s going to let you cast your ballot on November 4th is some good old fashioned waiting — that may last hours.

May I remind you that you’ve suffered longer waits. (more…)

...call for thrifty measures

Our parents’ investments have probably been shrinking with the rest of the economy and I’m betting many adults are just as nervous as seniors are about whether they’ll have a job this time next year.

Times are tough outside the college bubble, but what about inside? Is there a significant “trickle-down” effect occurring or are students in denial while the rest of the world is learning how to budget?

In true Palin-esque style, a few of my friends claim that they’ve single-handedly kept the economy kicking, though others have admitted to reining in their personal spending.

College Senior Meredith Fineman said that she and her friends go out to fewer expensive dinners and emphasize pre-gaming over spending money on drinks at clubs. She visits discount sites like Gilt Groupe, ideeli and bluefly for shopping and “borrows dresses for date parties instead of buying them.”

Similarly, Wharton and Engineering Senior Andrea Biernat said that because there are so many sales going on, “Buying something full price seems like a waste.”

And while studying abroad may seem like the perfect ticket out of this country’s mess, the weak dollar may only buy you a scoop of gelato for dinner. College Junior Tracy Dubb, studying in Rome for the semester, said she has adjusted her spending habits. “We cook dinner almost every night instead of eating out, walk everywhere rather than cab, and never ever shop,” she said.

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