Rap Music, Brash And Swaggering, Enters Mainstream, by Glenn Collins

"'Rap has really begun to get around the mainstream culture,' said Robert Farris Thompson, a professor of African and Afro-American art history at Yale University. Hip-hop words from what was once an underclass subculture are now common parlance among America's youth. 'Rappers are persons of words, and those words are getting into the language,' said Professor Thompson."

Hand-Painted Clubroom Murals, by Sally Colbert

"The walls in our Clubroom are hand painted with rich murals by acclaimed New York artist, Sally Colbert. Soft lighting, hand made wall sconces and chandeliers, along with a working marble fireplace only further highlight the historic architecture so well preserved today."

L’Occitane en Provence, at Warner Hall

"International retailer L’Occitane en Provence opened its newest boutique on Chapel Street just in time for the holiday shopping rush. The company signed a lease with Yale University Properties in early October and has spent the last several weeks refurbishing the building, which now features a wired glass and metal structure that is supposed to mimic a traditional greenhouse, according to a L’Occitane press release. Since its establishment in 1996 as a branch of the Office of New Haven and State Affairs, University Properties has sought to reinvigorate New Haven’s downtown shopping district by bringing in new restaurants and retailers to Broadway and Chapel streets."

TOWN-GOWN RIOTS BANE OF NEW HAVEN

"The students of today are little different from their fathers and grandfathers of many years ago. Boys will be boys whether they represent the stirring sixties, the elegant eighties, or the trotting twenties, and the annals of the town and gown affairs in the Elm City show that while times and conditions change, the spirit of youth as depicted by the average student goes on as of yore."

The Roger Sherman Watch

"It was a primitive-looking silver watch, made in France in 1760, that belonged to Roger Sherman -- was in his fob when he stood with Jefferson, &c., before Hancock, reporting 'The Declaration of Independence.'"

One part food, one part France, three parts personality, by Jessica Tom

"A little Jean-Michel, Jacques, Robin, Jean-Pierre. The meal, it is delicious. But at this point, it doesn’t matter. Robin, another out-of-place American woman who fell headfirst into a French enclave, said it herself: 'You’re only as successful as the people working around you.'"

‘Tradition’ lives on at Union League, by Rachel Engler

"A painting of a pheasant hangs above the coat closet. The molded ceiling, large glass windows and red-veined marble exemplify traditional refinement. Even the structure of the Union League Cafe reinforces the aura of tradition that defines the New Haven landmark. Carved above the fireplace is an inscription reading, 'This club house stands on the… Continue reading ‘Tradition’ lives on at Union League, by Rachel Engler

Desserts that Sin Not, by Carla Van Kampen

"Temptation is not a word in the vocabulary of the pure. To submit to pleasure implies a certain weakness of spirit, of flesh, of willpower. To avoid such submission when the dessert course rolls around is asking almost too much, even from the most devout calorie-watcher. That is why the tug-of-war conversation between a tempted… Continue reading Desserts that Sin Not, by Carla Van Kampen