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Category > If You're Bored, Then You're Boring

CULTURE

Review: Voulez-Vous Brûlée

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Posted to If You're Bored, Then You're Boring by Beth Dillman on Monday, March 21, 2011 at 7:00 am

First, I was invited to the event on Facebook. Then, I saw the two preview articles in Smile Politely by Dylan Health (an article about Sonia Warfel's master's thesis, which took place in the basement of Krannert, the basis of the performance at the Canopy Club on March 17) and Alyssa Schoeneman (which explored the various movements and reasoning for the show by Sonia Warfel). I saw posters all over town; I would pass Canopy Club and see the big …

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CULTURE

CU Pride Fest Preview

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Posted to If You're Bored, Then You're Boring to Queer Notions by Beth Dillman on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at 7:00 am

When first hearing about Champaign-Urbana Pride Fest, my initial reaction was, "Super cool," followed by, "Why wasn't there one before?" Seriously though, why wasn't there one before? Well, as is the case with most things, it takes not only the desire to have one (and I'd go so far as to venture there's been plenty of desire for such a thing for quite a few years), but also people with the drive to get it done.

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CULTURE

People with a passion

Posted to If You're Bored, Then You're Boring by Beth Dillman on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 2:59 pm

I went to Pecha Kucha a few months ago. I won't speak about it because Lord knows that Smile Politely has done quite a bit already, but one thing that stuck out to me there was how interesting something could become when you're observing someone else who is truly passionate about it (and how excited I was to go to the next one). We've all had that teacher, or that colleague, or that friend who just geeks out about something …

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CULTURE

Beth rescues us from Hangover Saturday

Posted to If You're Bored, Then You're Boring by Beth Dillman on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at 1:00 pm

From reading articles here on Smile Politely, I've come to realize that my perfect Saturday seems to be the same as that of many other people. I wake up bright and early, hit some garage sales and haggle over some junk I can't live without, shop local at the Farmers Market, and finish up with a yummy breakfast at one of the great places in Chambana. Unfortunately, my perfect Saturday happens about once a month. The reason? Sleep. Man, do …

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CULTURE

If you’re bored, then you’re boring: South of Kirby

Posted to If You're Bored, Then You're Boring by Beth Dillman on Friday, April 9, 2010 at 7:00 am

My topic for this week focuses on things to do south of Kirby, or perhaps things to do that are more fun in the Spring. If we're going the Sesame Street route, we can also say that "S" is my topic for the day. This was not by design, but my three things to do all involve that letter. I will admit, it helps to have a car to get to these places, but with bus service and the beautiful …

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CULTURE

If You’re Bored, Then You’re Boring: Campus Highlights

Posted to If You're Bored, Then You're Boring by Beth Dillman on Friday, March 19, 2010 at 11:00 am

After bashing the "campus is all that exists" viewpoint in my last article, I felt a little bad for making it sound as if there's nothing on campus. As I said, there are definitely gems—particular things that I go to campus to do for fun and entertainment that I can't find other places. So here you go, things to do on campus that perhaps the townies and non-campus lovers might enjoy, even if it's only during spring break, winter break, …

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CULTURE

If You’re Bored, Then You’re Boring: Downtown Urbana

Posted to If You're Bored, Then You're Boring by Beth Dillman on Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 1:00 pm

The towns of Champaign and Urbana can often feel a bit stifling to students, particularly as their world is contained to somewhere between the blocks of University and Kirby (oops, I mean Florida) and somewhere between the blocks of Lincoln and Neil. Given that this teeny tiny area is what most students view as Champaign-Urbana's boundaries, it's easy to just sit back in your cramped little (totally bitchin') apartment and count down the days until you get to leave "Southern …

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Most Recent Culture Comments

isaac arms avatar

just confirmed:  there will be white russians served. the art abides.

Posted by isaac arms to the entry 'Weekender: February 3–5 on 02/03/12.
isaac arms avatar

big lebowski at the art. mark it, dude.

Posted by isaac arms to the entry 'Weekender: February 3–5 on 02/03/12.
{username}

There’s a great video promo out for “Company” too: http://vimeo.com/36077847

Posted by Lindsey to the entry 'Weekender: February 3–5 on 02/03/12.
{username}

Had to tweet this. I ride when I can – but will have to do this all next week. More people certainly should.  <a >Beach wedding</a>

Posted by Wedding planning to the entry 'IU Bazaar Winter Craft Fair showcases vendors' talents on 12/15/11.
{username}

@”@Local Yocal” Well, the first question is why the municipalities across the country needed to use the police to violently overthrow the Occupy encampments in the first place. I’ll let others explain that, for I have no answer. So upon receiving the request from Chancellor Katehi to…

Posted by Local Yocal to the entry 'An achingly rational approach to the UC Davis pepper spray incident on 11/29/11.
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If searing pain seems reasonable to you to handle a trespassing, then I guess that’s how we want to be policed.   Well, I think as stated in the OP, how such weapons are used is important. For me, (and sidebar on the disagreement of trespassing vs.…

Posted by @Local Yocal to the entry 'An achingly rational approach to the UC Davis pepper spray incident on 11/29/11.
{username}

@”@LocalYocal”: “If the trespasser could be dragged or carried out easily…But when they actively prevent that option by holding onto something…. Pepper Spray seems a reasonable choice.” If searing pain seems reasonable to you to handle a trespassing, then I guess that’s how we want to be…

Posted by Local Yocal to the entry 'An achingly rational approach to the UC Davis pepper spray incident on 11/29/11.
Jason Brown avatar

My only problem with the above comment is that your home is not a public place. But that’s nitpicking your example. I understand from the remainder of your comment the semi-validity of both sides, but make no mistake - I am 100% with the peaceful occupiers.

Posted by Jason Brown to the entry 'An achingly rational approach to the UC Davis pepper spray incident on 11/29/11.
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As someone who supports the Occupy movements, it is very tempting to indulge in the symbolism of this incident. By all means, if this can be a rallying cry for further activism, it should be used. But if we are going to look at this on a…

Posted by @Local Yocal to the entry 'An achingly rational approach to the UC Davis pepper spray incident on 11/29/11.
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What a load of apologetic shit. While Holy’s conclusion is correct, Lt. Pike’s behavior was inappropriate, the use of force scale and Holy’s interpretation of the student’s actions of “interlocking arms” as an “active resistor” misses the point about what pepper spray is. Pepper spray is a…

Posted by Local Yocal to the entry 'An achingly rational approach to the UC Davis pepper spray incident on 11/29/11.

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Most Recent Comments

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Nope.  It’s the back (east) side of Urbana Tire Company at 202 S. Vine. How much is a hug and kiss worth?  Do I have to take them all at once or can I break it up?

By Dave to the entry 'Boing Boing props up Urbana graffiti "artist" on 02/07/12.
{username}

FACT: Silverfish feed only on carbohydrates, such as starches and sugars.  They will not consume proteins or fats (the main materials from which human beings are constructed). THUS: That was not actually a human waiter we were conversing with, but rather a lifelike simulacrum created from semi-digested Fruit Loops.

By fruit_loops to the entry 'The Fifty Flip Experiment on 02/07/12.
{username}

nice fishnets you’ve got there, dan!

By secret_admirer to the entry 'The Fifty Flip Experiment on 02/07/12.
isaac arms avatar

is that illini auto on main?

By isaac arms to the entry 'Boing Boing props up Urbana graffiti "artist" on 02/07/12.
{username}

The geniuses at the News-Gazette site have it all figured out. This happened because we don’t have the Chief!

By Q-Tips to the entry 'Politics play in Illini loss to Northwestern on 02/06/12.
{username}

Pamela - Are the roasteries in Seattle as clean as CSR?  It always disturbs me a little that it is so clean in there.

By Brian to the entry 'Columbia Street Roastery blends with the best on 02/06/12.
JPSherrill avatar

Now you will be able to munch on pizza and shrimp cocktails in downtown Urbana (whilst a DJ spins?) after your dissolution of marriage http://www.news-gazette.com/news/business/features/its-your-business/2012-02-05/its-your-business-new-pizza-place-downtown-urban     Is this a franchise of a Reno pizza joint, or just a coincidence of name? http://www.blackrockpizza.com

By JPSherrill to the entry 'More C-U restaurants come and go on 02/06/12.
{username}

Signs someone is “fishing” for a factual anchor: 1. Starts call to radio with: “I’ve been an Illini fan for (XX) years” or “I’m a diehard fan,” as if somehow that unverifiable claim will justify the 5 minutes of B.S. that follows. 2. Makes reference to KenPom…

By Q-Tips to the entry 'Illinois bad, MSU worse, Izzo terrible on 02/06/12.
{username}

That’s what she said.

By kiel to the entry 'Illini pull out an ugly one on 02/04/12.
{username}

Black dog and Siam terrace is where I always go after my divorces.

By Ryan to the entry 'More C-U restaurants come and go on 02/04/12.
Mike Ingram avatar

Love CSR.  Apart from making my way through the regular roasts in 1/2 pound increments, I also like to pick up some of the little sample packets of the flavored stuff for when the lady and I feel like getting crazy.  Sticky Bun is pretty nice.

By Mike Ingram to the entry 'Columbia Street Roastery blends with the best on 02/04/12.
Rob McColley avatar

If you happen to be getting a divorce, or fighting a DUI prosecution, downtown Urbana is a great place to eat.

By Rob McColley to the entry 'More C-U restaurants come and go on 02/03/12.
{username}

HUUUUUUGE fan of their Black Velvet roast…It makes up about 75% of my coffee intake. LOL CSR is definitely one of those Champaign institutions that I brag about to people not from here. :-)

By Mertz to the entry 'Columbia Street Roastery blends with the best on 02/03/12.
{username}

We like CSR too! We french press at home and I leave the lid off while it steeps—letting the ground beans bloom. Then, like in your tasting, I scoop off the top layer before pressing. We really need to invest in a burr grinder though, as I…

By Kirstin to the entry 'Columbia Street Roastery blends with the best on 02/03/12.
{username}

Confidential? In this state? Hahahahahahahhahahaha

By Not_again. to the entry 'LGBTQ participants needed for research study on community involvement on 02/03/12.
isaac arms avatar

just confirmed:  there will be white russians served. the art abides.

By isaac arms to the entry 'Weekender: February 3–5 on 02/03/12.
isaac arms avatar

big lebowski at the art. mark it, dude.

By isaac arms to the entry 'Weekender: February 3–5 on 02/03/12.
{username}

There’s a great video promo out for “Company” too: http://vimeo.com/36077847

By Lindsey to the entry 'Weekender: February 3–5 on 02/03/12.
{username}

Wow, His Majesty took the time to answer your polite plea. It’s been a while since I spoke fluent arrogance, but allow this attempt at a translation: “I deeply regret the embarrassment…” = I wish we hadn’t got caught and it wasn’t a big deal really. “...and…

By Local Yocal to the entry 'An open letter to University of Illinois President Michael Hogan on 02/03/12.
{username}

I love the Guitars

By wilsonwasher23 to the entry 'SP Radio Podcast: Drew Phillips, Uncle John and local bluegrass on 02/03/12.

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