Suzanne Collins blew readers away with her first book of the Hunger Games trilogy, which made critics and myself wary that she would be able to out-do herself for the following book, Catching Fire. What we really should have been worried about was how we were going to prepare ourselves for Collins genius to blow us even further away from reality.

To my upmost relief, she stuck to the same type of writing style that she started the series with, writing from Katniss Everdeen’s perspective as she battles with the Capitol and President Snow for her freedom from persecution. After Katniss and Peeta tricked the Capitol into letting them both win the Hunger Games, the worst was far from over.

They now had to deal with the fact that their actions sparked a rebellion within the 12 districts, and President Snow holds Katniss personally responsible. These turns of events turn tragic as the Capitol fights back by making Katniss enter yet another Hunger Games, only this time a male and a female past victor would be chosen from each district to fight to the death, yet agian.

To Collins’s credit, I was not expecting such a strong second novel. In trilogies, the second books tend to be a little lack-luster, and mainly provides a bridge to the last and most exciting book. Although the intensity of Catching Fire does match that in The Hunger Games, the story does seem a bit rushed at times. This is partially just her writing style, and its something you have to adjust to, but it seemed like she was rushed into the writing process so she could get to the third novel more quickly.

But overall, I was generally very happy with this sequel and what it had to offer readers in terms of excitement and an interesting plot.

“Love knows no distance.” I held onto this quote for over four and a half years ago, when it first became a reality that I was going to be in a long-distance-relationship. Now, I find that friends of mine are constantly asking me how I have made it work over all of those years. The trouble is, there really isn’t one definite answer or way to make relationships like this work.

The only way you can hope to make a LDR work for any amount of time is by first asking yourself some serious questions, and being honset with yourself and your significant other.

The first thing that you both need to figure out is how hard are you willing to work, to make it work out in the long run. Anyone who has been in a long-term, long-distance relationship will tell you it’s HARD work. Trying to match up schedules, while also trying not to come off as over bearing can be a tricky balance. You don’t want to suffocate your partner with constant text messages, but you also don’t want to go days at a time without speaking.

It’s in everybodys best interest to lay out some ground-work before jumping in, head first, into a relationship like this. Figure out what each of you is expecting from the other in regards to communication. For some, constant text messaging is a must. For others, a few texts a day and a phone call can make all of the difference. It depends soley on the persons involved. And lets not forget about the amazing invention of computer programs like Skype and AIM.

Another thing to think about before fully committing to anything, is exactly how committed are you planning on being. There are major differences between a monogomous relationship and an “open relationship”, which in of itself can mean different things to different people.

Are you comfortable with your partner seeing/dating other people? Do you think its healthy for someone to go six months without having an physical affection? (from someone other than yourself). These are the kinds of things that if not seen eye to eye on, can be detrimental to a relationship.

If you do get past this point, with all green lights, then pat yourself on the back. The hardest part is over. Just kidding. That was the easy part.

The hardest part of a LDR is what happens when you do finally get to see each other. There can be alot of pressure to, lets say, perform. Whether that’s in the bedroom or just with conversation, it can be really stressfull. But the important thing to remind yourself is that you want the experience to be fun. You are going to have to spend another three months replaying this weekend in your head, making sure these precious moments are actually worth your time. Sounds messed up, I know. But considering that this is the point in our lives when we have the ability to date and mess around freely,  a lot of people don’t want to miss out on their “prime time to shine”.

The only way a relationship will ever work long distance is if you are completely open with yourself and your partner. I’ve had to hear some pretty brutal things over the years from friends and family, even my boyfriend himself. But in the long run it has been for the best. I don’t feel like I’ve wasted my college experience on one guy, even though many would try to convince me otherwise. For those who are in the same postion that I am in, don’t let the haters get you down. If it’s what you want, go for it.

With an album title like A Different Kind of Truth you’d think the Pasadena, California band was either being serious about changing up their sound a little bit or they were just coming up with a name that sticks out.

Let’s just go with the latter option because the way this album is designed, it’s like the band members made a time machine after they released “Panama” and “Hot for Teacher”,entered the present time and made another album with no knowledge of the change in rock styles today.

That doesn’t mean it’s an album not worth listening to. However, this is more of an album that if you’re into the generation of music Van Halen came out of about that sexy woman you see in the corner at a bar (that leads to love or a one-night stand), pick up a copy.

Although I felt the whole entire album resembled the music you hear at a bar or tavern (and eventually block out), if you listen to it closely the songs do provide that “Van Halen sound” that you’re used to hearing. You can pick each song apart from the other ones.

The starting tracks like “Tattoo”, “She’s the Woman”, and “You and your Blues” have the same vibes. When “Chinatown” begins with its flourishing and smooth sounding hammer-on guitar riff I thought I was going to hear a different song than the first three.

Give it a few seconds though, it’ll be the same as the first three songs, just faster paced. After being fooled into thinking you’ll hear a different song from the intro with “Blood and Fire” and “Bullethead” we’ll land with the song “As Is”. I swear I thought  I was about to hear David Lee Roth sing the verse and chorus of their hit song “Panama” over and over again.

The next few tracks until “Stay Frosty” are not surprisingly distinguishable but recognizable. “Stay Frosty”, even though it’s a well-written acoustic riff, the lyrics and singing patterns are so cheesy and hilarious it’s hard to not get into a mode of laughing.

The last track “Beats Workin” is definitely a worthy track, simply because it’s different from the rest of the album but it sounds like it’s more worthy as the introduction rather than the conclusion of the album.

Generally the whole album, that took nearly over a decade to release, you’d imagine would sound a little different given the years the band has broken apart and gotten back together. In reality, it doesn’t. It sounds almost like previous Van Halen songs tried cloning themselves and failed only slightly.

But as a whole, the album is catchy and fun to listen to (if not involuntarily comical at some parts) and if you’re on a long drive or boring day at work it’s not a disappointment. A lot of the tracks have beginnings that sound like the song will be different than the last one but the stereotypical Van Halen will come out during the verse’s and chorus’s.

It’s not their best album, but being their twelfth studio album it’s tricky to best your prior successes. For the return of the original members this album is worth the purchase and worth feeding your ears to with its “feel-good-have-fun” sound but it’s repetitive and somewhat silly at several instances.

For fashion lovers around the world, the presentation of the  Spring and Fall fashion collections was the end to an anxious wait.  If you admire designers like Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang and the designers of J. Crew, Donna Karan and Alice and Olivia you would get a lot out of the upcoming Spring collections. There’s a wide range of designs in lace, sheer and bright prints to dresses, slacks and coats.

Many of the designs I’ve seen seem to be for the eye of the person with eclectic taste or an eye for high fashion, someone who doesn’t mind pushing the envelope or making a statement. Many pieces weren’t for the simplistic or people who like to be ordinary.

A lot of these collections are mostly found in Boutiques and the closets of the rich and famous besides the commercial brands we know, but I did find a few pieces from a few designers that I liked and some stuff that might be similar in stores like Macy’s, Nordsrtom, Lord & Taylor and Charlotte Russe.

The Alice and Olivia Collection really caught my eye. I liked some pieces from it and I think other women will too. Most of the collection consisted of skirts and dresses with a few pants. Some were pleated, had ruffles or were tutu-like and others had funky patterns. A few pairs of their shoes worn with the outfits were fabulous and this one brown leather jacket one of the models presented was really cute. Leather jackets have been in style for a few years now and are being worn more and more in a magnitude of colors.

My favorite overall outfit was this long sleeved black shirt, black and red skirt paired with a black belt and black pumps. The core of the shirt resembled a corset, the skirt hit right above the knees and it was a full waist belt; simple yet chic.

The outfit came from a collection by a woman named Stacy Bendet, a New York native and pant lover. She studied at the University of Pennsylvania and according to the Alice and Olivia website she collected tons of pants, “stacks and stack of them” she said, trying to find the perfect pants. She eventually sought out to make her own pants thus the birth of Alice and Olivia which was launched in 2002 at Barneys NY. She incorporated Retro with sophistication.

This collection has pieces I could see in stores like Macy’s, Charlotte Russe and Jessica McClintock. I have seen similar patterned pants, dress pants and leather jackets at places like Forever 21.

The Cushnie et Ochs 2012 collection of spring dresses was one that I really admired. I’d heard of this line before, but the dresses were feminine and the styles were unique. I liked their use of lines and triangular shapes throughout each piece. I enjoyed how they used the shapes for the sweetheart neckline, different areas across the chest and the split at the bottom of the dresses.

The very first dress in the lineup I absolutely loved. It was all white, form fitting and strapless with a unique plunging neckline and knee length bottom. I just wish it was a little shorter showing off some leg, it would make it a little more sexier.

The designers are Carly Cushnie, a London Native, and Michelle Ochs, from Maryland.

Crushnie et Ochs first launched in 2009 with the spring collections and they have won numerous awards since. They are sold in the most exclusive boutiques worldwide. The diverse background of the two designers, through education and strong sense of female form, result in the collections intricate play of shape and technical craftsmanship.

The Donna Karan Fall 2012 collection was very grown, sophisticated and consisted of a lot of black. There was some black and white, grey, red and green though. Each and every woman had some sort of head piece like a hat and if they weren’t wearing a dress they were most likely wearing a blazer with their outfit.

Blazers are a hot commodity in both women’s and men’s wardrobe. This season they’re being worn in a variety of colors and a multitude of styles and lengths. My blazer of choice is the one button hip length. It’s classy, yet sexy.

J. Crew’s Fall 2012 collection was more casual and business-like. They presented a lot of pea coats, slacks, sweaters, blazers and a few skirts and dresses. They also showcased a lot of different prints and colors.

I instantly fell in love with the guy’s clothing lines. From the cardigans and button-ups, to the suit jackets, blazers and pea coats. The collection seemed very vintage and chic. It had a classic look. To spice it up one outfit did have a maroon leather jacket which gave it a modern edge.

J. Crews collection had many outfits, but the most memorable was a pink two- piece suit that a woman was wearing. It was a hip length blazer and slacks with a seam line running down the front. Underneath the blazer she was wearing a striped turtle neck.

I loved the bathing suits from Michael Kors Spring Collection. They all had a similar style and shape which was a one piece bikini format, but they were in different colors and patterns, and were matched with different accessories.

The one I enjoyed the most had a different design from the rest. The top portion had two straps and dipped down into a V-shaped meeting the belt at the belly button. The bottom-half formed a diamond, the tip starting at the belt. It was a snake skin-like pattern worn with some knee high gladiator sandals.

For many of the designers either the style of the pieces are great, but the colors were off. They also have pieces that do feature nice colors or the top half is nice, but the rest of the outdit seems off.

The popular designers had a tendency to showcase ugly patterns and colors for their pieces. I’m in no way anti- lace, but there was way too much and way too many different colors.  Despire these hinderences But the Spring and Fall collections are something to look forward to and there’s a little something for everyone.

The excitement of going out might lose its luster if there’s a lack of variety.  If you don’t quite feel like making the rounds to the usual lunch spots, spend some time getting to know Rueben and Rachel.

Basically any casual attire is welcome at Reuben’s Delicatessen in West Hartford where $20 goes a long way.  Priding themselves on being a “true” New York-Style Jewish deli, they offer everything from challah french toast to chicken pot-pie.

The humble décor of chalkboard filled walls and wooden shelves that hang overhead bear glass jars of fruit, nuts and condiments.  The glass case at the front of the shop displays an assortment of meats and homemade baked goods.  All of these factors contribute to a relaxed environment that makes it easy to enjoy some comfort food.

“The Brammie” can be a new addition to your list of food challenges for all of the Man Vs. Food followers out there.  Two potato pancakes hold a half-pound of corned beef and a half-pound of pastrami, Swiss and Russian; all doused in sauerkraut.  If you’re not feeling bold enough for “The Brammie”, there are several varieties of Ruebens and Rachels to chose from, including “Rachel Lutzker’s” Rachel.

For the less Reuben experienced, a Rachel is a variation of the Rueben, substituting pastrami for the corned beef and cole slaw for the sauerkraut.

Living up to its New York expectations, Rueben’s also offers a small variety of beer and wine.  It certainly couldn’t be associated with The Big Apple if they didn’t brew a good cup of coffee.  They offer bottomless coffee for $1.95, a nice alternative to get that quick boost of energy without spending the extra cash on the bells and whistles.

For those that grew up eating grandma’s potato knish and matzoh ball soup, this menu  serves up a side of nostalgia.  For others, it’s an introduction to a new vocabulary and a new world of food.

Located on LaSalle Road,  it is just a ten minute drive from the West Hartford Reservoir, a five minute walk from Pink Berry and it’s right next door to Starbucks.  And if you’re in a hurry, they offer take out.

Sir Paul McCartney is now 69 years old and he may have never sounded more relaxed this side of his forties.

He has finally recaptured something he hasn’t had in over a decade. He’s comfortable making music again. There is an enormous amount of pressure that goes along with being known as one of the greatest song writers ever. That pressure had taken its toll on his work and you could hear that with every lackluster effort he released.

Kisses On The Bottom is a fine collection of standards. However, where this differs from John Lennon’s Rock N Roll album from 1975, in which he covered primitive rock and blues hits like “Ain’t That A Shame” and “Stand By Me”, McCartney’s reflection is on the jazz genre.

The last few releases that McCartney has made his fans suffer through are quickly forgotten as the opening track starts. “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter” sets the mood quite well. This is an album that is inspired by his latest marriage. The entire work’s undertone is that of love.

Unfortunately, this might get filed under the ‘Easy Listening’ category, but it’s much more than that.

As a group, the entire ensemble is very strong. McCartney worked with Diana Krall’s band and the listener can really appreciate that. They’re a tight group and support his vocal contributions nicely. This attention to his vocals benefits the album immensely. In some of his previous works, McCartney has been known to tackle too much. He becomes like Orson Welles and tries to control every detail. This time he understands that the band is there to make him sound better, not vice versa.

There are two original tracks on Kisses. “My Valentine” fits the mood and feel without sticking out, but that’s not really the goal. It offers very little to the album and gets lost in the fold of the older songs. One could argue that is the goal when making a compilation album, but that goes against everything McCartney has always stood for. Of course, this genre is not the norm for him either.

“Only Our Hearts” stands out. It’s the concluding track to the standard edition of the album, but it’s worth the wait. This is his best vocal performance, hitting every high and low he desires. It’s reminiscent of “The Long and Winding Road,” but somehow completely unique. Once you add in Stevie Wonder’s harmonica solo towards the end, it’s a fitting way to tie down any loose ends. Fortunately, there are very few at that point.

McCartney set out to create an album that reminded him of, and payed tribute to, the music of his parents’ generation. We can only speculate what they’d say about it, but one has to think they would enjoy putting the needle down on this record.

The Fray’s newly released album, Scars and Stories, starts off  strong but soon degrades into a horrifically cliché album, a mix of generic alternative sounds that lack originality and fail to inspire enthusiasm.

When the album first opens, it seems to have potential. The track “Heartbeat” is a power ballad with strong chords and catchy lyrics. This song was released for download on Oct. 11, for the radio, so it makes sense that it is lyrically the strongest and most catchy.

But even this first song lacks originality. It has the catchy sound, but it has no depth. The original idea the song was based off of was a woman from Rwanda telling her story of the genocide. But this has not been clearly expressed in the song, rather it contains only a generic message about love. A much deeper song could have been created from such a powerful story.

Another song with a deeper meaning, “1961” contains references to the Berlin Wall, but with lyrics like, “Wanna feel your love right now, wanna see the night and feel the day,” it may as well be another love song. It’s chords are unremarkable, and there is no distinction between this song and the rest of the tracks.

The album does not get any better in the aspect of originality. Most of the songs are about love and heartbreak, which is as cliché as an alternative band can get. This is further aggravated by the stereotypical whine of the lead singer’s voice.

The Fray cites bands like Pearl Jam as their inspiration and it shows. They take the same style and make it more mundane. This album is interchangeable with most alternative albums released in the past few years.

After an album like this, The Fray should just quit while they are ahead. Well, perhaps that is the wrong phrase, because this album definitely set them back. Scars and Stories has damaged the name of The Fray, something they will have a hard time redeeming.

Silverstein’s new album titled Short Songs is just that; a track list of 22 songs that all fall within the 90 second mark. The first half of the album consists of original songs by Silverstein and the second half are covers of short songs originally performed by various punk artists including Green Day, Gorilla Biscuits and Descendents to name a few.

Much like a ’5-hour Energy’ shot, the undersized songs pack a powerful punch that will leave listeners feeling the aftereffects for a period much longer than the entire 20 minute album.

The original songs on the album are more of what one would expect from a Silverstein album with songs like “SOS” and “Sick As Your Secrets,” that bring them towards the heavier end of the punk spectrum. “Sleep Around” is a slower melodic song that speaks to how this band does not need a heavy bass and screeching vocalist to deliver lyrics such as “Start with best intent, you’ve earned it. Promise was made, not kept, you’ve burned it.”

The cover work is not overly impressive but, then again, how much can you change in a song that lasts about 28 seconds like “xOn Our Kneesx” originally by The Swarm.

Overall, “Short Songs” is a unique piece of work that shows how truly talented these guys are as a band and how versatile they can be with their music. Each song is a brave attempt to do something creative and I applaud Silverstein for their twist on this record.

An incoming freshman anticipates the moment when a letter will come in the mail revealing their future roommate and they hope that it will be someone compatible that will make their college experience even better.

The Department of Residence Life is responsible for matching up two students together to live with one another on campus.

According to Ryan Baumann, the Associate Director of Residence Life, the department manages the housing assignment process and their main goal is to get two students to live peacefully with each other for a semester.

Residence Life looks at the preferences of the incoming housing students and does their best to place them in spots accordingly. The preferences they look at are if the student requested a roommate, what their hobbies and interests are, what type of music they prefer and what dorm building they requested.

“There are residence halls that students are excited to get into and other ones where students are not as excited. Unfortunately, the residence halls that don’t receive a lot of interest usually have a higher number of beds,” Baumann said. “You can’t put 20 pounds of potatoes in a 10 pound sack. That’s the biggest thing.”

Some students said that they were not matched up with their roommates well.

“It didn’t really seem like they even looked at the sheet we filled out to match us up with a roommate,” said sophomore Colleen Costin. “My roommate and I had nothing in common.”

Freshman Summer Nagy said that the things taken into consideration for matching roommates aren’t enough.

“I think it’s a good idea matching people with the likes and dislikes we put on the application. But I feel like they could do more,” Nagy said.

Another common complaint among students in housing is the amount of waiting they have to go through to find out who they will be living with.

“Waiting was tough and nerve-wracking,” Nagy said. “It would be nice to get to know the person before you have to start living with them.”

The current process that the department is using has been in effect for all four years that Baumann has been the Associate Director.  Baumann said there has been slight modifications made in order to boost the overall success.

According to Baumann, the old process was,“very difficult and not very transparent.”

Baumann said the old system had its uses but that everyone has pretty much outgrown it. Communication has sped up and that the housing application process has been streamlined a little bit.  To go along with the modifications and tweaks, the future process may be changed in order to improve the results.  He also said he would like to automate the systems, taking an online route to do everything.

“We try to make the process as easy as possible and I am always happy if a student has a question or comment,” said Baumann.  “We really try to have a high level of integrity for this whole process.”

Baumann said that the current system has been working; he knows there is always going to be concerns and problems, but he assures students that things are going to get worked out.