Book: "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" by Hunter S. Thompson
Read about how Hunter S. Thompson did enough drugs to kill three small elephants and still had the audacity and lack of shame to write about how crazy the rest of us are. This ironically sobering account of desperation in the face of the absurdity that we all deal with daily will be extreme enough to make any dedicated rager raise his Keystone in a toast and literary enough to make any proud English major put their hand up in praise. -- Tom Mandel
Music: "Begin to Hope" by Regina Spektor (2006)
I am an established Pandora junkie. Whilst others head to the frats to find their new loves, I've been clicking "create new station." And just when Pandora's recent affinity for choosing Lindsay Lohan singles made me seriously question my matchmaker, it introduced me to Regina. Compared altenately to Norah Jones, Cyndi Lauper and Tori Amos, Spektor's funky, folky, haunting sound led me to a more committed relationship -- I actually went out and bought the CD. -- Jean Ellen Cowgill
Movie: "Little Miss Sunshine" (2006)
Understatedly hilarious and ironically poignant, Little Miss Sunshine refreshingly manages to send its viewers a message about the value of family without being trite. The casting is brilliant; Steve Carell, especially, shines as a suicidal Proust scholar. A truly rare piece of quality ensemble acting. -- Lily Ringler
TV: "Skins," E4 or www.channel4.com.
Even though you're in college doesn't mean that high school TV dramas stopped being fun. Skins is a British show about a small group of friends who live in Bristol. The first season, which aired in 2007, featured all the drama one could hope for in a fast-paced and funny hour-long show. Tune in for the music and fashion and you'll find yourself hooked on these kids' crazy lives. -- Eve Ahearn
