I love Memorial Union. It, along with Memorial Library, are two vestiges of my time as a UW student that I have yet to give up. Going there can make me nostalgic about events that took place as recently as a year ago, which can be sad but comforting at the same time.
I especially like playing pool at the Rathskeller, sometimes with friends, but often on my own. In the past I have described the issues I've had there: Cue balls being stolen, the occasional lack of chalk. In fact, the two new tables the union recently added don't seem new at all; the warped surface means I sometimes miss shots that I would otherwise make and make shots that I would otherwise miss.
It's all about the atmosphere the wooden tables, the murals that depict German-speaking dwarfs drinking beer, the homages to past UW classes.
But unfortunately, that lovely corner of UW history is compromised by the TV that is constantly blaring MSNBC. I can't tell you how much useless information I've inadvertently absorbed by playing pool there. Yesterday I learend Charlie Sheen is now at war with ABC and that rumors indicate James Franco is a pothead.
I would prefer not have to TV at all in such a sacred place, but if there has to be one, why not have it on silent with subtitles?
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