Published: Nov. 17, 2015

Hello, scholars. Happy almost-break! Push through this last torrent of midterms with stamina and capability, guys—we’re almost done. I am Sarah Ellsworth: IPHY major, Boulder native, and event connoisseur, writing to you from the comfort of beautiful CU-Boulder on all of your weekly opportunities for community involvement, educational whatnot and supreme fun.

Wednesday, Nov. 18

Eight- and nine-ball billiard tournaments. Roll on down to The Connection in the UMC from 7 to 11 p.m. to sign up for a little Wednesday night billiards competition and show what you’ve got at the pool table. Sign up starts at 6 p.m. and there is a $5 entry fee, but the winners will take home some sweet prizes. Learn more here.

Thursday, Nov. 19 

Take a break and pet a dog. There’s something about hours of academic work that really just makes a person want to regress back into childhood—the time when life was easier. If that sounds about right to you, then embrace childhood by stopping by the L.H. Gemmill Library in the Math Building between 2 and 4 p.m. and play with or snuggle with a dog for five minutes or two hours—whichever, no one is judging. Click here for more information.

Ralphie’s Cooking Basics. With Thanksgiving coming up, it might be a good idea to brush up on some of your cooking skills. Meet up in front of Baby Doe’s Bakery in the UMC at 4:45 to sign up for the 5 to 6pm class which will cover how to make a shepherd’s pie this week. You may even want to take this newfound recipe home with you for the break to impress your family. Ralphie's Cooking Basics.

International trivia night. Test your worldly knowledge between 6 and 8 p.m. at the UMC Grill with the best team you’ve got. Winners get prizes for their knowledge in areas like international history, music, geography, food, etc.- so bring your game face. Learn more here.

Friday, Nov. 20

Middle Eastern and Mediterranean history symposium. The CU Mediterranean Studies group welcomes a plethora of notable and prestigious scholars to speak on a slew of topics, including Middle Eastern and Mediterranean culture, religion and politics. The 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. symposium will be held in the Duane Common Room and Reading Room, and although it is free to attend, you must register prior to attending. Click here for more info.

Check out BMoCA. BMoCA, or the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, is currently playing host to an eclectic variety of colorful exhibits. If you’ve never been, it’s a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon or try to convince your date that you are, in fact, very cultured and sophisticated. It’s located at 1750 13th Street (right at the bottom of the hill on Broadway), and admission is only one dollar. Learn more here.

Environmental Engineering seminar: Engineering, public policy, and the Safe Water Drinking Act.

Join the esteemed Alan Roberson, director of federal relations for the American Water Works Association, to discuss the varied ways engineers influence policy, with an emphasis on water policy. Mr. Roberson’s lecture will take place in ECCR 150 from noon to 1 p.m., and is open to engineers and non-engineers alike. Event info.

Sunday, Nov. 22

Bella Gaia. The award-winning, multimedia presentation at Fiske at 3 p.m. features music, dance, data and views of Earth from space provided by the highest authority (pun intended) on all things space: NASA. It’s a striking way to consider the relationship between the human race and the Earth and a transformative look from above. Tickets are $7 for students. Bella Gaia.

Ski Summit County. Most of the Summit County ski areas are just opening up, and with a snow storm this week, it’s time to strap on your skis (or board) for one of the first runs of the year. It’s snowing in the mountains and it’s skiable, so grab your friends, pile into a car, and get on the slopes. Ski report.

Go Home! Happy fall break, guys! Go spend it with people you enjoy and who enjoy you. Please be careful on the snowy roads, especially if you’ve never driven in snow before. Have a great break!