Skanky costumes, smashed pumpkins and orange Jello shots...YUP, last night was Halloween! And of course, even though today is November 1st. it's Halloween WEEKEND and that means Thursday through Sunday, naturally. This means multiple costumes, and if you're smart, you're price savvy about it and use a little bit more imagination instead of dough.

I was very proud of my costume last night, all purchased under $20: Peter Pan. Green cotton tights, an over-sized men's T-shirt (that I cut for a better fit and to make it look Never Never Land rugged) and white and gold rope meant for Christmas tree decoration were all purchased at Wal-Mart yesterday before the big night, topped off by a green hat with a red feather, $5, at McLanahan's on College Ave. My goal was to be warm and not too revealing, and even though Peter Pan doesn't wear pants, I think I nailed it. Tonight, I'm going to be a flapper, feather hat, fishnets and all.

We spent the night at various house parties and eventually landed at Lulu's instead of our usual spot, Indigo...the line at there was, as predicted, exorbitantly long and we didn't feel like waiting. While there, I couldn't help noticing how many guys were dressed as women. It didn't bother or offend me, but I'm wondering if guys enjoy it? Before Lulu's while at a pre-game party, one boy who already had a costume on, decided last minute to throw on a sundress.

"Who wants to do my makeup?!" he asked excitedly.
Is it liberating to dress as a woman? Are guys just curious? Anyway, just some food for thought.

Happy extended Halloween!

- Nikki

With one second to go, I watched Iowa kicker Daniel Murray successfully completed a field goal against 23 mph winds to put Iowa at a one point lead at 24-23, I knew, even at 6 p.m., that my night was over. The G Man, the bar where I was watching the close game turned loss, turned quiet. I spotted a grown man from across the room wipe away tears with a cocktail napkin.

"TURN IT OFF!" people yelled throughout the bar as Iowa students flooded the field to celebrate upsetting a #3 ranked team. Dreams of going to the Rose Bowl and having an undefeated season were wiped away faster than the waitresses cleaning up spilled Miller Lite pitchers. Another NCAA football game quickly appeared on all projectors and TV screens.

I thought, however, that a few hours would roll by and allow for us all to move on and enjoy a Saturday night of teas at Cafe 210. How wrong I was. I realized as 9 o'clock rolled around that I couldn't shake my bad feeling. Instead, I stayed in with friend and watched Casino Royale...clearly, the better choice. I really hope that we beat Indiana next weekend, so we can celebrate a win instead of mourn a loss.