As there is a mass exodus of students from the campus over the next few days, students who are staying on campus over Thanksgiving break might find themselves without much to do. The Pioneer provides nine suggestions for indoor activities and entertainment for each of the nine days of break.
Get addicted to a new TV show
Over the past few decades the quality of television has increased drastically. Nevertheless, there is nothing worse than getting addicted to a great television show during a schoolwork-heavy week when procrastination is the last thing you need. With a week off and not much else to do, consider using Hulu, Netflix Watch Instantly, or other online streaming sites in order to catch up on a favorite show you may have fallen behind on, or get addicted to a new great show. The film selection in the library also includes a number of critically-renowned television shows on DVD such as “The Wire,” “Lost,” and “Slings and Arrows.”
Experience the Celtic Tenors at Cordiner Hall
For students who are interested in experiencing nationally-recognized music without leaving campus, and for those willing to pay some money, on Sunday, Nov. 21, at 3 p.m., the Walla Walla Symphony will present The Celtic Tenors at Cordiner Hall. According to the website of the Walla Walla Symphony, “The Celtic Tenors’ live show is an experience overflowing with vitality and variety from start to finish. Their unique voices, charm and wit combine an emotive journey with a thoroughly uplifting experience.” Tickets prices for students range from $15-$25 and are available online at www.wwsymphony.com.
Catch a flick at Walla Walla Grand Cinema
As most students are aware, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I” opens on Friday the 19th, right before break. So far, pre-screenings of the film have received very positive feedback. If students choose to see the midnight screening of the film, or are in the mood for something else, best bets for entertainment include the 3-D animated comedy “Megamind” (featuring the voices of Will Ferrell and Brad Pitt) or Denzel Washington’s latest thriller “Unstoppable” (see this week’s film review for more details).
Try a little holiday cooking
With dining halls closing for Thanksgiving break, there is no better time to take to the kitchen. For students who are not experienced with cooking, the holiday season provides a fantastic opportunity to learn how to make an assortment of cookies and treats. The Internet provides a great resource for recipes, and even “Bon Appetit” has online recipes available. For directions on how to make maple chocolate-chip shortbread visit: www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2010/10/maple_and_chocolate_chip_shortbread
Visit Penrose Library
At first, this may sound like the last thing students want to do over break. But consider curling up with an enjoyable book in front of the fireplace in the quiet room. The library also includes a great selection of films (especially documentaries and foreign films) that will likely appeal to many students more than most of the movies currently playing in Walla Walla–not to mention, rentals are free. Some recommendations include: “Seven Samurai”, “Chinatown”, “The Royal Tenenbaums”, “The White Ribbon”, “Precious”, “Jules et Jim” and “Almost Famous.” The library will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout break, except for on the 25th and 26th.
Join George Bridges for Thanksgiving dinner
Each year President Bridges hosts a Thanksgiving dinner for students who stay on campus over the week of Thanksgiving break. The event provides students with a great Thanksgiving dinner, as well as a chance to meet the President and other students they not have met otherwise. The dinner will occur on Tuesday, Nov 23 at 5 p.m in the Reid Campus Center Cafe.
Cheer on the Whitman men’s basketball team
In the days following Thanksgiving, the Whitman men’s basketball team will be hosting the Walla Walla Vineyard Inn Classic. The games against Eastern Oregon University and Northwest University mark the first home games of the men’s 2010-2011 season, and provide a great opportunity for students on campus over break to cheer their home team on. This is also the men’s first season with new coach Eric Bridgeland. The Classic will consist of four games and will take place in Sherwood at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Nov. 26th and 27th. Whitman men’s team will be playing at 8 p.m. on both days.
Check out Liberty Theater’s production of “The Music Man”
Meredith Willson’s classic musical “The Music Man” is currently playing at Walla Walla’s local community theater. “The Music Man” tells the story of a con man who, while trying to swindle a small town, falls in love with the town’s library. This production marks the 10th anniversary of Liberty Theater and will feature many of the cast members from the theater original production of “The Music Man” and pay tribute to director of Liberty Theater’s original production, who passed away at the start of November. Tickets are available at the theater’s box office. The show will be performed on November 24 at 7 p.m., November 27 at 3 and 7 p.m. and November 28 at 3 p.m.
