Welcome to the Fall 07 Collegian "Get a Nightlife" Blog!

This semester we'll be having two bloggers and doing things a little differently.

I'm Lauren McCormack (LM) and I'm a sophomore majoring in journalism and a Collegian senior student government reporter. Though I'm only in my second year, I'd consider myself a veteran nightlifer. State College has taught me well.

And I'm Erin Prah (EP). You might remember me from the summer, when I headed this blog. Now I've got a partner in crime. When I'm not out getting my nightlife on, I'm a campus senior in-depth reporter.

For our inaugural two-person blog, we're going to share some of our favorite tips and suggestions for a successful, safe and fun nightlife.

LM: First, you need a good soundtrack. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT, begin your nightlife in silence. I myself am a 90's techno, Ace of Base kind of girl when it comes to blow-drying and straightening my hair and finding that perfect, come-hither outfit. You can stick with the mainstream rap, like 50 "Fiddy" Cent's "In Da Club" or Shop Boyz' "Party Like a Rock Star," but come on, Penn State, keep it classy. I say go for the old school, the kind of high-tempo music that will be pumping through your bloodstream all night long, alongside that Vladdy and/or Natty Lite.

EP: Freshmen -- don't go out in droves. I know, I know, you've heard this before, but keep your night-out group at five people max. And in most cases, you're probably taking beer out of a stranger's fridge, so remember what your momma taught ya -- say please and thank you.

LM: True enough, Erin. Freshies - watch out for that East Halls bus stop. You may be killed. And I am not exaggerating. I myself am a Bigler Hall alumna. But anyways, you obviously need to dress to impress. First impressions are essential to an amazing, socially pleasing nightlife. You can't go wrong with basic black, regardless of your gender, fashion taste or body type. Scoop necks, polos, spaghetti straps, muscle tees (or not . . .), it doesn't matter. Black is the epitome of sex appeal. Not to mention it helps those of us of Irish descent look like we don't live in an eternal night.

EP: You know what looks good in black? Stilettos. If you can walk in them, congrats, you're a stronger femme fatale than I, but if you can't you're going to bring your companions down. (You're killin me, Smalls!) So wear some "cute but cas" shoes. You'll thank me later when you can outrun a cop in your flats.

LM: Good call, Erin. For those of you who are not "straight-edge," plastic water bottles are trash-yyyyy. If you're going to pre-game and then bring some along as a precaution that you don't go home sober, invest in a flask. Seriously. As they say in Wedding Crashers, "Class. Class. Class."

EP: It's geeky, but LionCash is damn handy. Instead of fumbling with cash and coins, with a swipe of a card, downtown eateries are at your whim. It's easy enough to add cash on your Penn State ID, which you already had handy, right? Just go to a commons on campus and slap some cash on that sucker.

LM: Speaking of money, Erin, for those bar-hoppers out there. . . TIP YOUR BARTENDERS/WAITRESSES/SHOT GIRLS. Call this particular blog the confessions and admissions from a former nightclub shot girl, but if you don't tip, you will burn in hell. And before you succumb to those eternal flames, bartenders and waitresses and shot girls everywhere will sick those bouncers on you faster than you can say "Shot girl?? More like HOT GIRL!" (Yes, I did get this line on more than one occasion from piss-poor tippers who suffered my wrath.)

EP: Fellas, don't be a creeper. If you've got your eye on some lady fair, approach her in a non-cavemen like way. A "Hey, how are you" is soooo much better than "Be a flirt! Lift your shirt!" And ladies are kind of wary of that whole "Can I get you a drink?" thing unless they accompany you, so just stick to the small talk. At this point, small talk is a welcome thing.

LM: Every nightlifer out there is a budding model, so don't forget that camera, you Facebook frequenters and nightlife prowlers. But, at all costs, avoid that tacky, overrated kissy-face picture, ladies. You look like an extra in "Finding Nemo." You may think you look cute, but there is nothing more unattractive than a girl who has to air-kiss a camera to draw attention to her lips. There are other ways. Cherries, lollipops, Starburst wrappers, anyone?

EP: Safety first, partiers! Remember that a safe partier is a happy partier. Don't go out by yourself. Ladies, walk home with a buddy (that you know). Guys, leave the testosterone at home. Fightin' words and swift punches are just silly and usually end up causing a lot more trouble than it's all worth. And of course, know your limit. Alcohol poisoning is a serious thing, so don't go tooooo crazy. Party on, State College.

So, until next weekend, Penn State, remember -- after the show, it's the afterparty. And after the party, it's the hotel lobby. See you there.