Mada's usual late post, though not as late as usual..

Tonight I went to a U of I tradition, "Piano Man". Piano Man is where this really drunk guy plays piano and songs at the canopy club every Tuesday night, and way too many people show up and sing along. The Piano Man is always drunk during these performances and always plays the most well known songs imaginable, from top 40 hits to classics like Sweet Caroline and Don't Stop Believing. And you have to understand, Piano Man is a big deal. this is something that everyone knows about and tons of people go to. Different sororities and fraternities are regulars to these Tuesday night performances. The place is always full, regardless of which Tuesday you pick. Now my question is, why is this such a big deal? Why do people love this semi-talented guy singing pop so songs so freaking much? Oh yeah, because they're drunk.

Piano Man is just another excuse in college to get drunk. Once you're drunk it's awesome because you get to sing along to songs and dance like an idiot. Now let's try going sober. Pretty boring. You're standing to the side and mildly swaying to the beat. Awesome. This has been my observation for the majority of Big 10 social life. Drink to get drunk or the night's not even worth it.

Take frat parties. All frat parties play music, but only some have it loud enough to consider the party a "dance party". Most frats just have it on in the background and literally the only activity is drinking or so-called drinking games. If you're a girl, your one objective is to look good enough to get guys to approach you. If you're a guy, the one goal is to successfully approach hot girls. In the meantime you drink your beer and return to the keg for some liquid confidence when it runs out. With this system in place it is pretty much impossible to meet potential friends when going out. At night, girls to don't give a crap about other groups of girls and guys are only interested in talking to potential hook ups.

What I'm trying to say is that the night life in a Big 10 college is about drinking, and drinking is not about making friends. Going out is not where you meet your core group and you willl never have a truly meaningful conversation at a frat party. You want to drink to get drunk and then you want to peacock until you've had your appropriate confidence boost.

So here's my advice for college students. Don't get caught up in partying. It;s fun, but it should never be the center of your social life. Join clubs, get a job, or just strike up a conversation with the person next to you in class. That is where you will really find the people you will spend your time with. The people who will matter in 10 years. Drinking is fun, no one denies it, but real social interactions are funner.

Sorry if this seems too preachy or depressing. It's just what's on my mind at this exact moment. Peace out Classic Brian.

~Mada

PS sorry for any typos or unfinished sentences, I'm still a little drunk.