My Commons Life

News & features about the Vanderbilt Commons from the students who live here

MCL Top Five

MCL Top 3: Obscure and/or Bad Holiday Movies (That I Like Anyway)

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The holidays are here, and there’s nothing like a classic holiday special to set the mood. Like a lot of people, I still cherish the movies my family would re-watch every year. However, child me and current me still have trash taste in movies. Here are my five favourite (terrible) holiday movies.

3. Jack Frost (1998)

“Snow dad’s better than no dad.”

To start off, this is not to be confused with Jack Frost (1997), the horror movie where a snowman is the killer. This is the one where Michael Keaton turns into a snowman as retribution for being a terrible father. How did this movie get Michael Keaton post-Batman fame? I don’t know, but it makes a little more sense than having both George Clooney and Sam Raimi on before filming started (both left the project, though not before the snowman puppet was molded to resemble Clooney). Production aside, it’s a weird movie.

2. Olive, the Other Reindeer (1999)

Olive: “Martini, are you okay?”

Martini: “Shaken, but not stirred”

While I refuse to call this movie bad, it is fairly obscure. It was one of the 10 or so DVDs I had as a child to get me and my brother through roadtrips, so we’d watch it even when it wasn’t the holiday season. Here, Olive (played by Drew Barrymore) misunderstands Santa (Ed Asner) when he cancels Christmas (due to an injured Reindeer) on the radio. She believes he needs her, “Olive, the other reindeer.” The thing is, Olive is a dog. A special, talking dog, but a dog nevertheless. Along with fraudster penguin Martini (Joe Pantoliano), she journeys to the North Pole to save Christmas while being tailed by a scrooge-like Postman (Dan Castellaneta). Fun fact, this special was produced by Matt Groening (of Simpsons fame).

1. The Legend of Frosty the Snowman (2005)

“WALTER! This is corn! Corn is a starch.”

You may be thinking, “Frosty? That’s a classic! It’s not obscure or bad!” And I say, you’re right. “Frosty the Snowman” (1969) is a beloved classic. But I’m not talking about the ’69 Frosty, the ’76, or even the ’92 Frosty. I’m talking about the 2005 masterpiece “The Legend of Frosty the Snowman.” I love this movie, and my and my brother can quote the entire corn scene from heart. Essentially, Tinkerton is an authoritarian, hyper-capitalist, ’50s-inspired town where the kids just can’t have any fun. The son of the dictator/mayor, Tommy, is miserable. Enter Frosty, who helps the kids rally together to just let loose and have a good time. That’s basically it. And while the hyper-capitalist part is a bit of theorizing on my part, I am not joking about the authoritarianism portrayed. The villain wants to control everybody in the town. It’s psychotic and I love it.

Have a wonderful winter break, guys, and I will not be taking questions on my bad taste please.

Unveiling the Top 5 Culinary Gems in the Heart of New York City!!!

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Dive into the heartbeat of New York City’s vibrant culture beyond the iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and the Metropolitan Museum. Join me on a culinary journey as I uncover hidden gems that might just redefine your NYC experience. While I couldn’t uncover all my secret spots, I’m thrilled to share the savory tales of the ones I managed to savor during the short Thanksgiving break. Buckle up for a gastronomic journey –. Let the food inquiry begin!!!!

5. Edward's Cafe Tribeca 
Starting things off strong with Edward's!!!! I discovered it on my daily Google Maps stroll, stumbled upon this gem in Tribeca for some odd reason. As a Bronx girl, Tribeca wasn't on my radar, but Edwards changed that. Surprisingly good food, welcoming staff, and a menu that caught my eye. Tried the grilled chicken sandwich instead of my usual burger, and it was a pleasant surprise. Affordable too!
4. Udon lab 
HERE ME OUT!!!!!!!! The only reason why udon lab is taking fourth on this list is because the next dish will blow your mind. But Udon Lab is also an all-time favorite. Located amid the busy streets of Ktown, 32nd Street its flavors and satisfyingly chewy textures will keep you coming back for more. The Korean spicy udon steals the show as the absolute star of their menu, but let me throw in a recommendation for the hot katsu curry udon – trust me, it's a game-changer.
3.  Beauty and Essex
Behold, a culinary masterpiece that transcends its appetizer label. Picture this: Beauty and Essex, a hidden gem masquerading as a pawn shop, unfolds into a vibrant restaurant and lounge offering inventive American cuisine and cocktails. While Google Maps describes it as a "pawn shop that gives way to a happening restaurant and lounge," I'd call it a speakeasy. As you step through the pawn shop façade, a grand restaurant awaits, ready to leave you in awe. Now, let's talk about their Sushi Roku Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice – a mouthful in name but an explosion of flavor from the very first bite. Admittedly, it leans towards the pricier side, making it an ideal spot for a special birthday dinner or any celebratory occasion. Beauty and Essex – where every visit is a celebration of taste and ambiance.
2. Tivoli Trattoria 
Second on the list is Tivoli Trattoria. I usually don't eat pasta at resurants, thanks to my mom's unbeatable homemade spaghetti. However, Tivoli managed to impress and live up to the hype. This TikTok-inspired eatery prides itself on offering affordable Italian cuisine, and I've got to say, it hits the mark. In a recent visit, my friend decided to venture into uncharted territory and gave the Carpaccio di Manzo a try (as seen in the picture). Her verdict? Pure love. Tivoli Trattoria defies the norm, making it a noteworthy stop for those seeking an affordable Italian dining experience.
1. Chip City
 
Even if you're not a cookie fan, Chip City is MUST TRY for anyone visiting New York. While It may not be a restaurant strictly speaking, it undeniably deserves its first-place rank on this list of undiscovered culinary treasures, surpassing any cookie spot in town (yes, even Crumble). Among other things, this particular location is tucked away in the cracks of Greenwich Street, making it a true hidden gem. The main attraction is the white chocolate macadamia which is a unique rendition of the classic cookie flavour with a rich, soft yet crunchy taste. I can assure you that even if you try nothing else on this list, Chip City will leave you dreaming about your next trip to the Big Apple.

MCL Top 5: Christmas Songs

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Stop the bus. We’ve arrived. We’ve made it to the final weeks of our first semester, and as the holiday season gets closer we’re going to be at the mercy of Mariah Carey. It’s that time of the year where the chaos of finals season is overshadowed only by the ballads of a talking snowman with a top hat, a reindeer with a lightbulb for a nose, and someone’s mom making out with Santa. There’s probably no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by cranking some high-quality yuletide tunes. Here’s your definitive list of the top 5 Christmas songs.

5. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams

Starting things off is this classic, jolly holiday anthem. Every year, I always make sure that this is the first song I listen to right after Thanksgiving. It’s so fun and happy, I find that this song has the right amount of pep and fervor to make for a good segue into the last month of the year. It’s like everything good about the season, with all the happy memories from previous years, comes galloping back with the opening bell chimes. All the warm and cozy feels rolled up into one song. 

4. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee

Taking the fourth spot on this list is this song, celebrating its 65th anniversary this year. What I find special about this song is the superior nostalgia and camaraderie that it offers. I’m sure that more than a few of us have put this on while decorating a Christmas tree with their family, lighting a holiday wreath, or doing some other form of festive tradition. Fun fact: Lee recorded and released this song in 1958 when she was only 13. 

3. Underneath the Tree – Kelly Clarkson

The last three on this list all differ from the previous two in that they’re more so love songs, which I feel is largely one of the two veins that a Christmas song can be in. “Underneath the Tree” isn’t necessarily as “classic” as the other songs on this list per se, (it was only released 10 years ago), but I’m still a huge fan of this absolute banger. Kelly Clarkson offers up some stunning vocals with an extremely catchy chorus. What I think makes this song so appealing is is its blend of the charm of older Christmas songs with a newer pop feel. It’s upbeat and fairly energetic, with just a bit of a melancholic touch. 

2. Last Christmas – Wham!

The synth. The George Michael. This song takes the penultimate spot on the list mainly because of these two things. I get drawn back to the lyrics year after year, and I find myself loving it more every time the season comes around. It’s one of the few christmas songs that I occasionally listen to during the other non-winter times of the year. 

Honorable mentions:

Before I get to the final Christmas song on this top 5, I have to share some of those that didn’t quite make the cut:

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Jingle Bell Rock 

Christmas in Hollis – Run-D.M.C.

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

Step Into Christmas – Elton John

1. All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey

I don’t care. I had to, and you all know it. This reigns supreme in the realm of Christmas songs, and I have zero regrets about putting it at the top of this list. It’s the first song in history to have spent time at no. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 4 years in a row (2019-2022), and it’s made the singer over $60 million in the 29 years since its release. Every part of this song is an absolute earworm, from its quiet opening that leads into a frenzied piano intro, to the the high notes that few other pop singers can muster. I’m sure most of us can agree that when it comes to Christmas, this song is the star. 

Sources used:

https://www.npr.org/2022/12/14/1142704853/mariah-carey-billboard-charts-all-i-want-christmas

MCL Top 5: Cornfields (as ranked by Cornfield Chloe herself)

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If you’re a bit bored of fun activities in New York City or beautiful Pacific beaches on the west coast, let me remind you of the true gem of the United States: the Midwest. The rural Midwest, to be more specific. To show you how amazing these “flyover states” can be, I, Cornfield Chloe, decided to take pictures of the cornfields around my house and rank them. With the number of cornfields I have in close proximity to me, I could have done a top 100 list, but for your sake and mine, I’ll stick to the 5 I got on camera.

Without further ado…

#5

Your standard run-of-the-mill post-harvest season cornfield. I see this one every day, and it’s consistent in its presentation. I run on the road at its border quite often, and I’ve never gotten hit by a tractor, so I’d say that’s a win.

#4

Now you might be thinking, “Cornfield Chloe, is this the same field just from a different viewpoint?” I am here to inform you, dear reader, that this is obviously not the same one, but then again, I wouldn’t expect non-experienced cornfield perceivers such as yourselves to pick up on the nuances. I do, however, want you to appreciate the way that the trees in the back nicely frame this field and make it clear whose field is whose for the farmers.

#3

Esteemed readers, we have a true delight here: TWO neighboring cornfields! AND a road of houses in the background! How exciting! You can see that one is prepped for winter wheat and one is not (but I’m not going to tell you which is which because I’m difficult like that). Just a reminder about neighboring cornfields; be careful at t-shaped intersections when the corn is high! Always take a peek out before going to make sure you’re not about to get t-boned. Corn kills, my friends. Corn kills.

#2

For our runner-up spot, I have to applaud this field which has not been fully harvested yet. Here we see a trodden path into the depths of the field, which can be for numerous reasons. A family of deer that narrowly escaped being struck by a truck? Some teenagers looking for a private location for an intimate moment (yes, it happens)? Lost children being drawn into the corn, never to be seen again except in the dark of night when the moon is high? There’s no way of knowing, but all are possible in the rural Midwest.

#1

I MUST give my top spot to this beauty. Just look at those clouds! The sun shining through in glorious rays! The water tower and the farms in the background! If you look closely enough, you might even get a glimpse of the train tracks! And of course, the wondrous cornfield itself. Look at those rolling rows! The patchwork marking properties from each other! I can’t help but be awestruck by these acres, compelled by this corn. Wowzers.

I hope that everyone gets the opportunity to stare out their car window and witness the wonders of the rural Midwest. If you do, you should stop and say hi to me. I’ll be out there. I came from the corn, and to the corn I will return. Unless my life plans take me literally anywhere else. There’s no way of knowing, but I do know one thing: I’m proud to be Cornfield Chloe.

Top 5: Quotes I Found From My Notes

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So I was going through my notes this weekend and I found a lot of random quotes and advice. I have no idea where it came from or why it’s there but here are my top 5 quotes I found with my interpretations. 

  1. Give yourself permission to experience something greater than you’re used to 

I interpret this quote as not allowing what left your life to affect your life. You can’t look for the bad in everything, you have to allow yourself to experience good things. Sometimes you just need to breathe and let life happen for you.

  1. There is no unlived life or alternative reality where everything went right…there is only here and now, what are you going to do with it?

You cannot sit and dwell on the what ifs of a situation. If you made a mistake or if something did not go as planned all you can do is change the way you handle it in the future. You cannot change the past or the present but you can change how you respond in the future. Learn from the past. 

  1. The biggest step you’ll ever take towards your future is the one away from your past 

This quote means that once you finally stop being controlled by your past and let it go you’ll be able to truly embrace the next phase of your life. If something is meant for you, it will find its way back to you but you cannot sit and wait around for it. You HAVE to live your life. Time does not stop. 

  1. You might have done the external work but your mind is starving for internal attention

If you are not taking care of your mind, you will always find something else wrong. Taking care of yourself mentally is so important. 

  1. The fear of staying the same must become greater than the fear of making change 

Change is really scary sometimes but so is staying the same. Change allows you to grow and maximize your potential. Staying the same does not.

MCL Top 5: Thanksgiving Dishes

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Ah, Thanksgiving: a holiday where we say something nice about our lives and connect with our families so we can feel good about having a giant feast. I think we should be allowed to have giant awesome feasts any time of the year, but Thanksgiving dishes in particular always make it a holiday worth celebrating instead of jumping straight to Christmas. Here are my top 5 Thanksgiving dishes in my expert opinion.

#5: Mashed Potatoes

A Thanksgiving classic, this dish is always one to look forward to. Still, with improper seasoning, the mashed potatoes could end up bland. Make sure to add plenty of seasoning in order to keep this dish as a high point on your menu!

#4: Green Bean Casserole

This might be my Midwestern roots showing, but there’s nothing quite like a good, homemade casserole to get you in a thankful spirit. Green bean casserole is the perfect way to get your greens in among the autumnal spread. And the texture of the fried onions on top? *chef’s kiss*

#3: Pumpkin Pie

I don’t care what your opinion is one the pumpkin spice debate; on Thanksgiving, you’re going to have at least a small slice of this classic dessert. My family personally always gets me an ice cream cake for my birthday (if you ever wonder why there are so many mid-November birthdays, do the math), so that takes precedence for my sweet treat, but I still have to give credit to this Thanksgiving staple.

#2: Turkey

Sorry, vegetarians/vegans, but turkey deserves the runner-up spot! I’m a turkey enthusiast, and when prepared properly, Thanksgiving turkey is the most flavorful, juicy, and well-seasoned turkey of the entire year. Thanksgiving is referred to as “Turkey Day” for a reason, after all.

#1: Sweet Potatoes

THIS is what I look forward to every year. They’re sweet! They’re a warm seasonal color! They have marshmallows! What more could you want? I only eat them on Thanksgiving, though, because I have to preserve their magic. That exclusivity makes them deserving of my number 1 spot.

MCL Top 5: Tips On How To Get Involved In The Upcoming Semester

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If you’re anything like me you probably are wondering how to get more involved in the upcoming spring semester without overwhelming yourself. During the fall semester you may have joined every club imaginable, no clubs at all, or maybe you have the perfect balance figured out. Whether you have the perfect balance or have no idea, here’s my tips to getting more involved!

Tip 1: Check Anchor Link 

Anchorlink is a great way to see all of the organizations and clubs that Vanderbilt has to offer. I didn’t know how to work it at first but when I finally figured it out it benefited me a lot. When you’re on Anchorlink make sure you search for things that appeal to your interests. This will save you from over exerting yourself and save some space in your busy schedule. Remember the organizations and clubs you join do NOT have to have something involved with your future career path. 

Tip 2: Talk to your peers 

Honestly a lot of things didn’t sound interesting to me on paper but talking to people around campus changed my perspective on a lot. People introduced me to so many different organizations and clubs and they’ve even influenced me to join a few. Sometimes the topic may seem super interesting to you but the description lacks the same appeal. Trying out a meeting and talking to people about their experience in the club can make or break your opinion on the organization. Obviously I would recommend you to feel it out for yourself but these experiences help you get the bigger picture. 

Tip 3: Watch the Newsminute 

Hey, I may be biased but the newsminute showcases a few events that are happening in the upcoming week on campus. If you do not know where to start or where to look this can be a great starting outlet for you. Remember getting involved does not just mean joining clubs, it also means getting involved in the social life at Vandy.

Tip 4: Go to events that interest you

I was really scared to go to events, especially alone until recently. I was feeling left out of the social scene so I started going to events I saw around campus and constantly emailed about. Going to these events is an extremely easy way to meet new people and experience the social aspect of college life. Checking your email and the bulletin boards around campus will also inform you about these events! 

Tip 5: Figure out what works for you and DON’T stress

A common misconception is that if you did not get involved or join the club at the beginning of the year… you can’t join now. This is not true for most organizations, in fact I joined a new club last week because I found free time in my schedule. It is never too late to get involved! Also I would like to remind you that you’re not behind, everyone moves at their own pace. We all have different schedules so do not overload yourself. Getting involved is supposed to be fun for you, not exhausting. Figure out what works for you and your schedule and don’t focus or stress on what other people are doing.

Whether you’re wanting to get involved in clubs, social events, or volunteering I hope these tips help you get involved in your upcoming semester at Vandy!

MCL Top 3: ABBA Songs for Your Potted Plant

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In today’s publication of my ramblings, we’re going to take a look at the Top 3 ABBA songs for your potted plant. Your succulents, philodendron, mini aloe veras, and whatever else you may have can get pretty lonely while you’re in class, and especially now with winter approaching and sunlight fleeing quicker each day. Every now and then your faithful green friends might need some sonic excitement  to freshen up their leaves, and I have some lovely Scandinavian suggestions to do just that. Let’s dive in. 

The music of the 1970s has always resonated with me. Artists and bands like Jim Croce and the Doobie Brothers keep bringing me back for more, but there has been one Swedish band in particular that to me shines brighter than the sequins on their bedazzled vests. The supergroup comprised of Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Fältskog, and Anni-Frid “Frida” Lyngstad make up the legendary band ABBA. The not only musical but cultural impact that they had on the 1970s world seems as if it was larger than life. Their songs have remained timeless over the past 40 years, and their appeal has stretched across decades. Their music can be the soundtrack to a range of things, from sappy love montages to celebratory dancing. But I think that a very underrated use for their music is to be a companion to your potted plants’ well-being. 

3. Kicking things off at third on our list is “Chiquitita”. I feel that the beginning of the lyrics to this song perfectly encapsulate the coming dreary winter-ness. 

The change in tone that happens famously at the ending of this song always boosts my mood, and I’m sure it will do the same for your soft-stemmed sidekick. The contrast between the depressing first half and hopeful essence of the second will definitely bring your potted plant some much-needed good vibes. 

2. Dancing Queen. How could I make a list of anything ABBA-related and not include their biggest hit? This absolute banger of all time is personally one of my favorite songs and something that I listen to almost every day. Whenever I hear it I find that it’s bright, catchy, and exuberant. It definitely fits the feel of a Friday night described in the lyrics, “having the time of your life”. It isn’t in-your-face or very driving, but rather it’s relaxed and laid back. Being a piano major, I also enjoy the prominence of the piano in this song. This song was ABBA’s sole number one hit in America and sold over 3 million copies globally. The message of “Dancing Queen” is one that remains relevant with a 21st century audience, and will certainly resonate with your potted plant. 

1. Take a Chance On Me. This song belongs at the top of this list because of its pick-me-up attitude and ability to inspire warmth. In the season to come, I think that songs like these will have a big role in finishing out the semester. In addition, the hopefulness that it carries will contribute to this as well. I feel that its mood is cheerful yet composed, which will surely give your small-scale shrubbery the lift to its leaves that it needs. 

MCL Top 5: Movies to Watch this Halloween

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Halloween is nearly here, and I’ve personally made all the preparations. My door is decorated, I’ve got my costume, and I’ve been binging horror movie all October. However, if you haven’t, which is okay, I’ve got you covered. Here are my top five horror movies to watch, depending on what type of movie you like.

5. Spirited Away (for those who don’t like horror)

“Spirited Away” is, of course, a very well-known film. If you somehow aren’t familiar, it’s about a girl who must work in a bathhouse for spirits in order to save her parents after they undergo a horrible transformation. It’s not a horror film, but that’s a good thing if you dislike them. It’s a great film.

4. The Stepfather (1987) (for those who like thrillers)

“The Stepfather” is a personal favourite. It’s about a man who is willing to do anything to obtain the ‘perfect’ family. It’s a horror/thriller with a lot of great elements, but I think one of the standouts is Terry O’Quinn’s acting (he plays Jerry Blake, the eponymous stepfather). He really does a great job.

3. Creep (for those who like found footage)

Found footage has obviously had a boom in the past twenty years, after “The Blair Witch Project” was released in 1999. However, there’s a whole world of found footage beyond “Blair Witch.” And while not all of them are great (including the many sequels to “Blair Witch”), a lot of them expanded on the genre. “Creep” is one of those movies. It’s about a would-be director, Aaron, who finds an ad online for someone looking for someone to film them in his remote cabin. While he’s hesitant, the subject, Josef, seems sincere enough, so he agrees. But it turns out that maybe Josef isn’t what he seems (who would’ve guessed?).

2. Candyman (1992) (for those who like supernatural slashers)

“Candyman,” in my opinion, is a blends slashers and supernatural horror really well. It’s set against the backdrop of gentrification in Chicago as a white academic, Helen Lyle, is finishing her thesis on urban legends. She soon learns about the ‘Candyman.’ According to legend, if you say his name five times, he’ll appear.

1. Alien (for those who like sci-fi horror)

“Alien” is a sci-fi horror about a space crew who discover a distant planet. When exploring the planet, one member is attacked by a creature. Breaking quarantine protocol, the member is let in for emergency surgery. Soon, the crew ends up regretting their decision, as they become hunted by the titular alien.

MCL Top 5: Study Habits

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After returning back to campus from Fall Break, many students are preparing for more midterms, and soon enough, final exams. To alleviate some of the stress accompanied with these examinations, I have offered my Top 5 Study Habits! 

5. Form a Study Group 

One of the best ways to recall information while also having (slight) fun, is to join a study group! Studying with others allows you to gain new understandings of content, such as acronyms or other mnemonics, ask questions, and test your memorization. Having a study group will also hold you accountable for your study time, as it requires you to set specific time aside for studying that you may not have done before.

4. Space out your studying

Although cramming is sometimes a last resort method for many students, I recommend trying to space out your studying! Studying earlier for a test allows you to build your knowledge of content without staying up all night for it, as sleep is extremely important for retention. Studying 3-4 days prior to a test, or even a week prior, offers more comfortable study time, less stress, more sleep, and concludingly, rewarding outcomes. 

3. Use a Reward System

Using a reward system has been one of the most helpful study habits I have acquired. Rewarding yourself after studying, whether that is grabbing a coffee, taking a nap, or eating with friends, will allow you to remain motivated during your mundane studying. It gives you something to look forward to, and it offers you an incentive to complete your studying! 

2. Blurting Method

Active recall is one of the best ways to study, especially for heavy memorization classes. After reviewing content and setting it aside, use a white board, a notebook, or a Google doc to “blurt” out everything you can remember. This allows you to see which areas you should be primarily focusing on, as well as what areas you are well prepared for. Afterwards, review your content and add in material you may have skipped over (preferably in a different color)!

1. Quizlet 

If you know me, you certainly know that I make a Quizlet for absolutely everything. Ever since 6th grade, Quizlet has helped me with quiz and test memorization. Making your own flashcards is a form of learning within itself! With the flashcards, learning, matching, and testing sections, Quizlet helps you learn definitions, as well as concepts. Purchasing Quizlet Plus can enhance your experience as well, as I certainly recommend. Quizlet can be used on the go, such as walking to class, during meals, laying in bed, etc. I highly recommend using Quizlet!!

These are my Top 5 Study Habits! I hope you find these useful and incorporate them into your study habits this year, and so forth!