A new Thanksgiving tradition

Thanksgiving generally looks the same for me every year. The day typically consists of watching the home chef prepare the meal, and watching football in order to build up enough of an appetite to eat as much as possible.

This year was no different. I did my part to help set up by carrying chairs from the basement to the dinner table, and the meal was just as good this year as its ever been.

I also watched plenty of football. The NFL outdid themselves this year with three solid games on paper, and that's including the Detroit Lions. The Lions game was the worst of the three, but still entertaining nonetheless. Fortunately, the Cowboys and Dolphins stepped it up with a 20-19 thriller in Dallas.

More recently, the NFL has added a third game on its own network to round out the evening. It serves as a great wake-up call from he mandatory post-dinner nap.

This year was a bit different. Instead of waking up to watch the game on TV, I got suited up to go watch the San Francisco 49'ers take on the Baltimore Ravens, live at M & T Bank Stadium. The atmosphere was unlike any other football game I've been to, as the two teams that played are among the best in their respective conferences, and featured two brothers at the helm on either sideline.

The game was a close one, and the Ravens ultimately came out on top thanks to their best defensive performance of the season.

I think I've found a change in my Thanksgiving routine that I could really get used to. Unfortunately, the Thanksgiving night game moves around from year-to-year, but you better believe I'll capitalize on the opportunity to go if it comes my way again.

I've been to nationally televised games, and playoff games, and big divisional games, but none have been as electric as this one was. It's hard for me to find something more important than a turkey-induced nap, but I think I have.

Speaking of new traditions, my fellow Ravens fans have adopted a new one at the stadium that I've never encountered before. When the Ravens find themselves in key defensive situations, the fans, prompted or otherwise, join in harmonizing the White Stripes' 'Seven Nation Army.' There's not a whole lot more impressive than seeing 70,000+ people singing in tune, and it seemed to have an impact on the Niners' offense late in the game.

Here, see for yourself:

(Note: the video isn't from the Thanksgiving game, but you get the idea).

5 things to do before Thanksgiving break

To do lists make everything easier. It's even better when your list is limited to fun, or even practical tasks.

Here's my short list of things you should try to do before you head home for Thanksgiving, and return to wintry Boston for the rest of "fall" semester.

1. Check out the foliage

New England is renowned for it's glorious fall foliage. If you have the means, you should definitely hop in the car and go for a scenic drive. Even if you don't go too far outside the Boston area, you'll still be in for a nice view.

The leaves are finally starting to change colors, after a brief interruption by snow, but they'll probably be close to gone by the time Thanksgiving break is over. Head down Rt. 2 off 128/95, or Rt. 24 off the expressway for some nice scenery close by.

2. Attend a major event
The NBA lockout has put a bit of a limit on entertainment options this fall, but there's still plenty to see and do. The Bruins are finally starting to get over their Stanley Cup hangover, so now might be a good time to get into the TD Garden for cheap. And if you're a sophomore, the Office of Student Activities still has some discounted tickets ($20) available.

The next option might be limited only to a few like-minded individuals, but WWE Raw will be at the Garden next Monday (Nov. 14) for a three-hour sports entertainment bonanza. WWE Hall-of-Famer The Rock will be returning to Raw as he and Mass. native John Cena prepare to team up at the following week's pay-per-view.

I'll be laying out the newest edition of The 1851 Chronicle that night, but I'll be there in spirit. Tickets start at just $20 for the show.

3. Witness the Faneuil Hall Tree Lighting

Can't make it to 30 Rock in NYC? No problem. The Faneuil Hall Christmas tree will be lit up right in town on November 19 at 5 PM. the 19th is the Saturday before Thanksgiving, and will help you get in the holiday spirit for the following week.

4. Make your shopping list

There has to be more than a few people planning to take advantage of the great savings that come with Black Friday. If you've got the motivation to wake up early (like, before the sun early) then you'll be in a great position to pick up some solid bargains, no matter where you go.

5. Take part in college night at the Frog Pond

What better way to warm up (or, cool down) for winter than ice skating? The Frog Pond at Boston Common has a new promotion this year: college night. Students can skate for just $2 when they present a valid college ID on Tuesday nights. The first college night takes place Nov. 15, and will feature a range of music courtesy of WERS, Emerson College Radio.

What's on your list of things to do before the cold creeps in? Anything I forgot? Let me know in the comments!

Weekend Preview: 11/4-6

You think Tuesday is too early to start looking at the upcoming weekend? Maybe you're right.

But... it turns out this week has already been busier than last week's midterm adventure, so I'm looking for anything to get my mind off the 3 papers I have due tomorrow.

In case you're wondering, I haven't started any of them.

I'm also looking for a way to wind down from submitting two job applications for, you know, the real world.

Anyway, the weekend ahead is a big one for Lasell. On Friday, the original winner of Last Comic Standing, Dat Phan, will be performing on campus. He could arguably be one of the most well-known acts to come to Lasell so it's definitely a can't-miss event. Phan will be joined by opener Ray DeVito to help round out the show in Yamawaki.

On Sunday, the rugby club will host its second home game of the year, and their first playoff game ever at 1 P.M. on Grellier Field. The Lasers had a tremendous regular season, finishing the year 5-0 after topping formerly undefeated Framingham State.

The game was originally scheduled for last week, but was postponed in the wake of the Halloween snowfall.

For me, it's a bit of a shame, as I had every intention of going last week. Since it was rescheduled, I won't be able to go since I'll be in sunny Los Angeles for the weekend. (That shouldn't stop the 1851 Chronicle from live-blogging the event. Follow the paper on Twitter @1851Chronicle). End: cheap plug.

I've been planning this trip to LA for about a month or so, and I'll be attending the Education Writers Association conference at UCLA while I'm there. Of course, there will be plenty of time to explore the city (I've never been), and I'll be sure to post an update and maybe even some pictures from when I tour Nickelodeon Studios.