The Savvy Co-ed’s Guide to Texas – New York Edition
June 23, 2010 by Kate D
Filed under CL ExCLusives!, Etiquette, Travel
After a recent trip down south, it has come to my attention that there are certain southern elements us Yankees must familiarize ourselves with before crossing the Mason-Dixon line. As a New Yorker, I found myself (ironically) the outcast amongst the “y’alls” and Shiner Boch brews. No longer were people gushing over “the city” (who knew NYC isn’t the only city?).
However, the fantastic appeal of southern hospitality could make any northerner a secret lover of the South. To survive this world, I unveil a few guidelines for the classy co-ed so she can capture the attention of all the helpless souls who have fallen to her undoubtedly wit and charm, and once again, dominate.
1. Country – whether you like it or not, learn it. The chance of you caught in the middle of a soiree and Chattahoochee, by Alan Jackson, starts blaring, I’m going to say is about 90 percent.
The chance that 60 Texans explode in full-on song and dance when this comes on, 100 percent, if not more. If you don’t take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with this song, and others of the same nature, you will be left standing there awkwardly as the honky tonk lovers engage in a fantastic time without you. The savvy co-ed has the ability to adapt to all environments, and country is one to master while south of the border. Also, if you happen to see Kenny Chesney in a dive bar in the British Virgin Islands, apparently the witty thing to say would be “Hey Kenney, I have a keg in the closet.” Had I known this, I would have looked a lot cooler than just staring at him and saying, “that balding guy is Kenny Chesney?”
2. DOC (Drink of Choice) – not Heineken. In fact, anything but Heineken. It could result in you branded with the name “Heiney” for the rest of the night (trust me, I know). 
A proper drink would be Shiner Boch, Lone Star or Crown Royal Whisky. Of course, the classy co-ed uses this knowledge to her advantage, but does not take advantage of these drinks, because there is little that’s deemed more unattractive than a co-ed who has had too much to drink, or a Yankee who can’t handle the South.
3. Y’all, Not “You Guys” – If you’re staying in the South for an extended period of time, the savvy co-ed must immerse herself in the language. You’re below the Mason-Dixon line, and must play by their rules. “You guys” will leave you mocked, furthering your stance as an outcast. Acclimatize yourself with that southern drawl as if it comes second nature. Not only is it fun, but it also saves you from looking like a pretentious New Yorker who has no interest in other states. It goes without saying that the savvy co-ed’s nature is chameleon-like, mastering the ability to adapt to and command anywhere she goes.
4. There’s More Than One City – No longer can you refer to New York City as “the city.” Yes, we have the tendency to be self-centered (because really, it’s New York City, the concrete jungle, the center of the universe), and if you’re a Leo like myself, then there’s nothing more valued than pride, especially for this glowing city. However, Leo or not, the classy co-ed renounces all stereotypes, for the time being at least. To them, the city could mean Houston or Dallas. To our surprise, there is more than one city in the world, so when referring to “the city,” we must be more precise.
The summertime opens the realm of travel for the alluring co-ed to explore. However, while she’s on the prowl, she must keep in mind how to uphold her image of class and charisma, though this is rarely a problem, as no world, not even Texas, is too big for her to charm her way through.
Kate Dopazo is an intern with College Lifestyles and a senior at the University of Maryland. After crossing the border and exploring the state of “bigger and better,” she’s looking forward to her next conquest…Aspen!
Top 15 Songs for Your Summer Playlist
April 17, 2010 by Shannon
Filed under CL ExCLusives!, The Intern Dish
“School’s out and the nights roll in, man just like a long lost friend, you ain’t seen in a while and can’t help but smile.” Kenny Chesney sure knows what he’s talking about in regards to this purely relaxing and sunny season. Sweet summertime is almost here and to help you get through your final exams, we’ve compiled our top 15 beachy songs for your summer playlist. Enjoy these laid back tunes and good luck on your finals!
College Lifestyles’ Summer Playlist
- “Summer Nights” by Rascal Flatts
- “Summertime” by Kenny Chesney
- “Roots, Rock, Reggae” by Bob Marley
- “Wrong Way” by Sublime
- “West Coast Friendship” by Owl City
- “Amber” by 311
- “Billionaire” by Travis McCoy
- “Six-Pack Summer” by Phil Vassar
- “Collie Man” by Slightly Stoopid
- “Sacrifice” by The Expendables
- “Sugar Magnolia” by Grateful Dead
- “So Much to Say” by Dave Mathews Band
- “All I want to Do” by Sheryl Crow
- “Redneck Yacht Club” by Craig Morgan
- “Something Like That” by Tim McGraw
What are your favorite summer songs?
Shannon May is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM). She is a Marketing Major at the University of Florida and a member of Alpha Kappa Psi. Feel free to contact Shannon at intern@collegelifestyles.org and follow her on Twitter to learn more about her career hunt and healthy lifestyle blog.
Play Something Country!
February 21, 2010 by Deirdre
Filed under CL ExCLusives!, The Intern Dish, What We Love
I think the smile on my face says it all!
Sorry, I’m back to reality. My little sister recorded the Country Music Awards for me this week (it originally aired in the USA in NOVEMBER) and it made me think: country music isn’t only about a lost dog/broken heart/cheating husband/green tractor/Wal-Mart parking lots/ girlfriend who shouldn’t drink tequila because her clothes fall off. Okay, some of it is, but recently there are new acts which knock that stereotype out of the park (or Tennessee… Too much?) Here are my recommendations to you that will surely get you “countrified”.
Lady Antebellum
Considering this band was only formed in 2006, they surely have taken off in a few short years. Nominated for and winning Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards and CMT Awards for their songs, it is safe to say that their music isn’t falling into any lost dog stereotypes. Their latest single, Need You Now? Number 2 on the US iTunes charts. I’ve been playing it on repeat.
Listen to This: Lookin’ For a Good Time, Need You Now, I Run To You.
Sugarland
You have probably heard of Sugarland already, but if you haven’t, you need to listen to this country duo. They have won Grammy Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, the list goes on. Lead singer Jennifer Nettles teamed up with Bon Jovi for a remake of the song Who Says You Can’t Go Home, which was big on the radio a few years ago. Their songs are upbeat, empowering and highly addictive. Trust me!
Listen to This: Baby Girl, It Happens, Stay (check out this music video- fantastic!).
Carrie Underwood
She doesn’t really need much explanation, does she? After winning the fourth season of American Idol, Carrie Underwood has become a staple on the country music charts. She has won awards, sung a duet with her hero, Randy Travis, hosted music awards shows… What more does a girl need?
Listen to This: Just a Dream, Cowboy Casanova, I Told You So (feat. Randy Travis).
Brad Paisley
Brad Paisley- I love him! Brad has been a major part of country music for years now. His music is often laced with humor and pop culture references, and he can make a music video like no other. And the songs that he has written about his wife, Kimberly Williams-Paisley (from Father of the Bride), are the type that you only wish someone would write for you. Check him out!
Listen to This: Online, She’s Everything, Whiskey Lullaby (feat. Allison Krauss).
Kenny Chesney
Kenny Chesney’s album No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems was one of the first CDs that I bought, ever. I had fallen in love with the song Big Star, about a girl who is discovered while singing karaoke and fulfils her dream of being a, well, big star. (“She said if you work hard to get where you are it feels good in the hot spotlight”- I love that line!) Kenny Chesney has produced 13 albums, won Entertainer of the Year 8 times, and his concerts are supposed to be an experience you will never forget.
Listen to This: Big Star, Don’t Blink, I Go Back.
Are you a country music fan, or do you have a favorite country song? Let me know in the comments- I’m sure I have heard it! J
Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley at the 43rd CMA Awards in November. Credit to okmagazine.com
Deirdre Cunnane is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM) and a second year law student in University College Cork, Ireland. She loves country music, and realises that she HAS to make a follow-up post, because picking only 5 country artists was much too tough a task for her. She didn’t even get to mention Toby Keith!
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