MCL Quiz: Which Major Are You Actually?
MCL Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Vanderbilt?
MCL Quiz: How Well Do You Know These Christmas Movie Faves?
Top 5 Interesting Facts About Nashville
Nashville is a place rich in history, culture, and tradition. From the neon lights and cowboy hats, to the art galleries and orchestras, to the famous hot chicken, Nashville has carved out a truly unique identity. Here, we look at the Top 5 most unusual things about this one-of-a-kind city.
- The Batman Building
The Batman Building got its nickname from its resemblance to the Dark Night’s mask (but the less super name for it is the AT&T building). At 33 stories, the Batman Building is the tallest skyscraper in Tennessee.
- Nashville Was Founded on Christmas Eve
So when we celebrate Christmas, we’re all kind of celebrating Nashville, too…
- …And the Founder Lived in a Cave
Nashville founder Timothy Demonbreun spent his first few months in what would become Nashville living in a cave while he built his permanent home and pursued his fur trading business. You can still see Demonbreun’s cave, which is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Andrew Jackson’s Driveway
Long before Nashville was known as Music City, Andrew Jackson had his driveway built in the shape of a guitar. Supposedly, the guitar design helped carriages move through the grounds more easily. Or maybe Jackson was just clairvoyant.
- The Tomato Queen
Every year (exception for pandemics), Nashville has a Tomato Arts Festival to celebrate all things tomato. The festival includes a gallery of tomato-inspired art, a parade with tomato-themed costumes and floats, and a contest for Tomato King and Tomato Queen.
CommonsCast Episode 53-September 9, 2020
On this episode of the CommonsCast Dean Gresalfi talks about the importance of registering to vote, Zoe delivers the Commons Calendar of upcoming events, and she has a terrific interview with a fellow first-year student Enzo Maceira.
The Top 5 Squirrels You Meet On Campus
Since I’ve started classes at Vanderbilt, there has been one thing that never fails to make me smile, even on the worst days: the small, furry woodland creatures. From squirrels to chipmunks to rabbits, it is hard to go anywhere on campus without seeing one of these little critters. (How you feel about that is up to you, of course. They can be vicious.)
Vanderbilt University boasts a 3:1 squirrel-to-student ratio, making for some interesting encounters and a few more great Instagram captions. We’ve determined the Top 5 kinds of squirrels you see at Vandy— and who knows, maybe you’ve run into them at some point during your time on campus.
All photos were taken by the Sam Bianco on the Vanderbilt campus.
#1: The One That’s Just Trying to Get Its Munchie Swipe
Completely relatable. We wonder if it signed the petition.
#2: The One Who Can Stare Straight Into Your Soul
It’s a little unsettling if you look into its eyes too long. But look at that fluffy tail!
#3: The One That’s Got 8 Minutes to Get From Murray to Calhoun
If you haven’t been there yet, you probably will at some point.
#4: The One That’s Straight Chillin’
Do you ever just want to chillax, forgot about that chem class, and binge eat your favorite food? Us too.
#5: The One That’s Not Actually a Squirrel
It’s called a rabbit, John.
Thanks for reading, Commodores, and as always, Anch
CommonsCast Episode 52-September 2, 2020
On this edition of the official podcast of The Commons Dean Gresalfi shares some thoughts on memory and learning in her Dean’s Minute, and we have important information on upcoming virtual events in this week’s Commons Calendar.
Click here to subscribe to the CommonsCast on Apple Podcasts
CommonsCast Episode 51-August 26, 2020
The CommonsCast is back with the premiere episode of the new academic year. Dean of the Commons Melissa Gresalfi delivers a welcome to campus message along with some terrific advice for adjusting to your first week of classes, and the Commons Calendar has the details you need on the upcoming virtual student involvement fair. Listen in and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode this year.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts here
Top 5 Retro Places in Nashville to Blast You to the Past
5. The Hip Zipper
Hip Zipper is a slightly more reasonably priced vintage shop which offers an even wider variety of dated clothing. From Bowie-esque sunglasses to floral overalls and daredevil onesies, this critically acclaimed shop offers a surprise in every corner.
4. Brentwood Skate Center
http://brentwood.skatecenter.com
Want to reconnect with your parents jiving generation while speeding uncontrollably down colorfully lit dance floor? Then Brentwood roller skating rink is for you! Engage in an activity which has spanned decades of American cultural history while feeling like a little kid just 15 minutes from campus.
3. Robert’s Western World
Looking for a true old-timey nashville feel? Go to Robert’s Western World and get an authentic country experience. If you want to go, schedule your trip for an afternoon since the doors close at 6pm for anyone under 21! Still, with no cover, this place place is a hidden gem to newbies on the Nashville scene.
2. Smack
Smack is a local 70s and 80s vintage store with an overwhelming amount of style and sequins. Although pricey, if you’re willing to spend a little extra you can get all the roller skating outfits, neon jackets and bedazzled bras you want. Still, if you’re like me, you might just roam through this museum-like store in awe instead.
1. The Soda Parlor
Located in Five Points Nashville, the Soda Parlor offers a vintage soda parlor experience with the modern twist of being in a mason jar. Besides sweet creamy drinks, the parlor offers small batch sodas and a variety of (free) vintage arcade games to play.