The Wake

The plastic tables outside the Purple Onion cafe contain nothing but snow and cigarette butts. Large windows that allow the Loring Pasta Bar to swell onto the sidewalk in the summer are shut. And thin winter sunlight illuminates the tightly clasped umbrellas on the sky-high patio at Annie’s Parlor. Still, signs that Dinkytown is a thriving community catering to students of the nearby University of Minnesota are unmistakable.A woman stops at her bank on the corner before stepping into Avalon, a small gift shop on the main thoroughfare of the area. A car with the bumper sticker “Annoy a Republican, …

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Break time is over. The days of oversleeping and overeating have come to an end. As classes resume, it’s time to shake any chilly blues or snowy doldrums that might still be leering around. Yep, it’s time to get fit, both physically and scholastically. So throw out the excuses and throw on some workout clothes.Here are a few sweat-producing, pound-dropping options for your exercise enjoyment:U of M Recreation Center: Students often lose sight of the U’s Recreation Center. It’s located just south of University Avenue, across from the Sports Pavilion and Williams Arena and adjacent to Cooke Hall. Whether it’s …

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A new chant echoes across the hardwood floors and penetrates opponents’ ears in the Barn. Its subject: a 6-foot-5-inch freshman forward from Shakopee named Jamal Abu-Shamala. He lacks the Minnesota-typical Scandinavian last name (he is half Arabic and Palestinian), but every time he leaps and launches a high-arching three-pointer that falls through the net, he ignites a growing orchestra of cheers screaming: ABU-SHAMALA. Despite limitations as a role player off the bench, Abu-Shamala’s timely shots and Sports Center-esque last name have made him a fan favorite. Here is a timeout with the man behind the silky-smooth jump shot that Gopher …

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With winter upon us, the Wake felt it necessary to inform skiers and snowboarders where to go to practice their sport. Below are reviews of three ski areas that are all within 45 minutes of the U. The three hills are rated based on price, difficulty and overall experience. Afton Alps
While the name makes it seem like you’ll experience a glimpse of Switzerland, the skiing doesn’t follow. There are plenty of chairlifts to bring you to the 48 runs. But Afton Alps is very spread out. While the widespread runs help when the hill is crowded, it is a …

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