College will send some on a downward spiral of lame ridiculousness. Tucson is a town full of opportunities and activities, many of which are for the eccentric. When faced with the unfamiliarity of a city or the freedom that a public university represents, students may act foolishly or defiantly, resulting in bad decisions.
Take a gander at four recurring annoyances or problems that I’ve noticed as a student (and a generally well-behaved adult) over the past three years. Of course, these things might not apply to your mature self, but some of your friends might need a guiding hand during their educational stay at the UA.
“”The Rocky Horror Picture Show””
Sure, getting dressed in scandalous clothing might seem like a good idea, but there are classier ways to stick your newfound college freedom to your parents. The cult classic screens at The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd., every first and third Saturday at midnight and features an assortment of people at each showing that might surprise or scare you. The showing is lame because there are not only 18-year-olds mingling in the audience but also creepers in their late 30s mingling with them. The lameness, coupled with the bad clothing choices, should really be the impetus to keep you away.
Los Betos
This Mexican fast-food chain will tempt you with its late hours and cheap eats. Honestly, though, the 24-hour McDonalds on East Speedway Boulevard is probably a better option. Los Betos is notorious for failing its health inspections and, with the toil its burritos took on my boyfriend’s stomach, that really isn’t surprising. What bewilders me about the customers that go there looking for greasy goodness is the fact that there are better late-night Mexican food options. Check out The Taco Shop Company, 1350 E. Broadway Blvd., for an exceptionally clean and quick dining experience, or the legendary Nico’s Mexican Food, 1855 E. Fort Lowell Road, for one of the best cheap eats in town.
Military personnel
With Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in our own backyard, Tucson’s nightlife is overflowing with military officers on the prowl. Yes, you might think dating one is a great idea – with their tanned, toned bodies and clean-shaven faces – but explore with caution. Relationships are already a struggle at a college age and the added pressure of deployment can cause a strain on the partnership. I’ve been a
shoulder to lean on for too many girls who’ve had their relationships ended by their Iraq-bound boyfriends, as well as for too many men who’ve been cheated on while stationed overseas.
Using a fake ID
Fakes in general have a certain ridiculous quality (are you really that desperate to drink?), but if you are going to obtain one, please don’t think that you are going to be the mastermind who fools the bouncers at Maloney’s Tavern, 213 N. Fourth Ave. I’m sure that someone at some point in time has managed to weasel their way into a bar or club in the downtown area, but if Brad Wood, former tight end for the UA football team and scorer against top-ranked USC, couldn’t fight his way past bouncers, you probably can’t either.
