I see how it is.

There’s an article today in the DP about plans to make the tennis courts by the Palestra into a new park. This location coincidentally also borders the math/physics building, David Rittenhouse Laboratory.

I get the message. The Athletic Department wants to help the University create green space and get rid of eyesores. I’m not naive enough to believe that a few tennis courts are all they’re after. We nerds can’t punt, can’t pass, can’t kick, and we’re next.

Fears of annihilation aside, the circumstances we will face while DRL is allowed to exist will not be pleasant.

(more…)

In a clever marketing move, the Weiss Tech House kicked off yesterday their annual week dedicated to the most over-used and clichéd word in business today — Innovation!

Taking a cue from the Teach-For-America playbook, the high-tech club has littered campus with a flurry of low-tech posters advertising their events, which will take place all throughout this week.

College students are encouraged to attend — this looks like a perfect opportunity to put those B-FLAT skills to use!

(more…)

Sure, scheduling a “social study session” is pretty ridiculous. Kudos to the Biology department for trying to be the geekiest people ever. But so long as Engineers are in Towne, that title belongs to SEAS.

That’s why only Penn Engineers got a collective casting call from the CW’s mediocre Beauty and the Geek. In an email sent out to the SEAS listserv, Casting Director DJ Feldman writes that several students “suggested we contact your department to help us get the word out and reach the best possible people for the show.”

Ouch.

Complete email after the jump.

(more…)

The Biology major offers enticing perks. I received this email today from the major’s listserv:

“Are you tired of studying alone in your room? Sick of the library? Tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 30 beginning at 7:00 pm, join Board members Felina and Lauren for a study session. Since everyone has to study (all the time!), why not have some company? Come to Goddard 102 anytime after 7:00 - bring your books and notes, we’ll supply some snacks. This is a great way to meet other majors and you might just find someone studying for the same course as you. Lauren and Felina plan to stay until 9 or 10 so come late, stay for a short time or spend hours!”

Woohoo! Party time!

To me, this just says: “Oh you poor Bio majors, we know you can’t make friends or participate in normal social activities, so we’re going to make a social activity out of the only thing you know how to do properly: studying.”

Would anyone seriously consider going to this? If you are “tired of studying alone in your room” I suggest you take a study break, because you need one. This event might just push you over the edge. Perhaps they should hand out CAPS brochures along with the “snacks.”

I went to visit my math TA the other day, when I saw this sign in the hallway.

In fact, I’ve been seeing them all over DRL and the Chemistry Building. All I can say is, I wish I were a graduate student so I could check out all the hotties who will show up tonight. Thick glasses are a real turn-on…

It’s your worst nightmare.

Think you can’t stand the embarrassment of your friends looking over your shoulder and seeing you can only get the 7’s on Tuesday’s Sudoku? Imagine completing a beyond-level-4 puzzle in front of hundreds of onlookers in like, five minutes.

That’s what happened in the electrifying final round at this weekend’s Sudoku National Championship, right here in Philadelphia, the “highlights” of which you can watch for yourself here.

My favorite part is the ridiculous head-gear the contestants must wear. As if they didn’t already look like nerds.

The winner received $10k and a trip to compete in the World Championship in India. I bet there’ll be some insane after-parties. Body Sudoku? Drinking-game Sudoku? Oh yes.