As social creatures significantly influenced by our surroundings, The Eagle's Scene staff has had time over the past two weeks to notice some of the newer developments on campus. Maybe you've noticed them, too. Here are the staff's choices for the ones that have the potential to make our lives a little easier to bear. Oh, AU, how you spoil us (sometimes).
10 ATM machines outside of MegaBytes For those who have stopped in the tunnel for some fast cash, getting money has never been so wonderful. The new and much improved ATM machines shine and sparkle with smooth, clean metal the way every ATM should. Perhaps it is the greedy twinkle in our eyes as we walk away with our crisp cash that makes the experience just as glorious.
9 The front entrance of Mary Graydon Center Maybe the entrance isn't quite completed, and maybe the castle-like stone doesn't quite match the rest of the building. But imagine how useful the extra roof cover will be for rainy days. The new round steps are a pleasant surprise as well. In the meantime, though, we'll wait and see how it all turns out (with the hope that our tuition money will have gone to good use).
8 Juice machines in TDR Grape juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, oh my! Fruitacular. Needless to say, this mechanical godsend will serve us well when we need that extra sugar fix from a day of sweltering summer heat and exorbitant amounts of class reading. Besides, we'll need something refreshing to wash down all the odd TDR dishes we don't want to eat but choose to eat anyway.
7 The new ergonomic chairs in Bender Library If people-watching and the Internet aren't enough distraction from being productive in our oh-so-beloved library, then the new silver mesh ergonomic chairs will be one more thing to worry about. The über-comfy padding and light back support are a sleek solution to the former chairs of AU library history. Come to think of it, who even remembers what the old chairs looked like after having been spoiled with the soft comfort of the new ones?
6 The painted walls in Centennial Hall New classy décor in the Centennial lounges now makes studying and hanging out there twice as fun. Seemingly pointless glass panels with frosted designs provide just enough privacy for lounge occupants without secluding them too much. Also newly improved is the hallway carpet, which comes complete with matching desk chairs in Centennial rooms. It's almost soft and sanitary enough to walk on barefoot.
5 The new Bender Library doors Have you ever slammed into the meticulously cleaned plate glass between the handicapped door and the main entrance of Bender Library? Problem solved! With the library's new, slightly more user-friendly entrance, you'll never have to suffer that humiliation again. Plus, the classy, flat black finish makes you feel that much more confident in your choice to study.
4 Eagle's Nest hours It may mean the end of spontaneous middle-of-the-week, middle-of-the-night dance parties, but the Eagle's Nest has changed its hours. Now open from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day, you might not be able to get your 3 a.m. hot pickled sausage fix, but with the expanded weekend hours, you will be able to hit up some Cheez-its after coming back from the club.
3 Z Burger accepting EagleBuck$ Yes, please. If you're too ashamed to walk into McDonald's and dread the occasional looks of disapproval from the people around you, then Z Burger will prove a likely source for your uninhibited burger lovin'. Not only that, but the fries are to die for. Z' you there!
2 WVAU all the time This is the biggest thing to happen to AU's only student-run radio station since it left the airwaves for cyberspace. Now you don't have to stop listening to WVAU come the wee hours. New 24/7 broadcasting is your late-night party fix, and, for the first time ever, no dead air. Ever. Tune in at wvau.org.
1 Personal printing What's better than having your own printer? Using your $25 of printing money at any of the campus printers from your own laptop. After downloading a printer client from the office Information Technology's Web site, you can even set up a document to print from your off-campus apartment. As long as you make it to the printer within two hours, it's just a matter of swiping your ID and running to class with your freshly finished term paper.
