Welcome back to The Rival Rundown! If you’ve always wanted to give props to your school on CC, now’s your chance! Shoot us an email explaining what’s awesome and unique about your school (or what stinks about Rival U) at rivalrundown@collegecandy.com!

We’ve covered college rivalries centered around sports, location, tradition, gender (and many other factors), but what about academics? Besides endless keggers and lack of parental supervision social stimulation,  isn’t an education the reason we came to school in the first place? That’s the way students at California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) look at things. The two schools boast impressive faculty rosters, tirelessly motivated students, dozens of highly decorated alumni, and a fond affinity for pranks.  Which school will most likely produce the discovery of a cure for cancer? Let’s assess the variables.

1. Provocative Pranks

Caltech – Though certainly not an athletics powerhouse, Caltech once made an appearance at the Rose Bowl. In what’s known as The Great Rose Bowl Hoax, in 1961 Caltech students designed a series of cards to be held up by spectators at the Rose Bowl (contested between Washington and Minnesota) to read “CALTECH.” And in the last decade, several Caltech students appeared at MIT’s  campus preview weekend to hand out t-shirts reading “MIT” on the front…that when unwrapped were found to read “Because not everyone can go to Caltech” on the back.
MIT -Excuse us – at MIT, they’re called “hacks,” not “pranks.” A popular one is finding another place to hide MIT’s unofficial acronymous slogan, IHTFP (“I Hate This Fucking Place”), which has been delicately placed everywhere from class rings to assemblies of giant letter cubes in campus lobbies. The most epic Caltech hack occurred when a bunch of MIT students disguised as movers removed a 1.7 ton cannon from the Pasadena campus and drove it all the way back to Cambridge.

Three credits to: Looks like Caltech is tops in this category, for originality and humor.

2. Nobel Prize Tally

Caltech – Boasts 31 Nobel Prizes among 30 winners; chemist Linus Pauling won in 1954 for chemistry (natch), and the 1962 Peace Prize for preventing the testing of nuclear weapons.
MIT – Affiliates have brought home 63 Nobel prizes, including 27 for physics alone!

Three Credits to:  MIT hits one out of the park!

3. Terrific Traditions

Caltech – Ditch Day is an annual tradition in which seniors design a handful of tasks for underclassmen to perform to gain entry into their dormitories, which are trapped. Professors cancel classes and students consider it the highlight of the year.
MIT – Designing each year’s class ring, known as the Brass Rat, is a storied tradition carried on by students in Cambridge. It forms a bond between all students and alumni, and it’s a campus pastime to try to find the letters IHTFP somewhere in the design (see Provocative Pranks, above).

Three credits to:  Caltech, since trapping doors usually results in arrest elsewhere.

4. Ass-kicking Alumni

Caltech – Frank Oppenheimer (physicist on the Manhattan Project), William Shockley (invented the transistor radio), Sabeer Bhatia (co-founder of Hotmail)
MIT – Buzz Aldrin, George Eastman (founder of Eastman-Kodak),  Benjamin Netanyahu (PM of Israel),  (Honorable mention, from the MIT Admissions website: “Steve Altes ‘84, Brad Pitt body double and model on the box of “Just For Men” Sandy Blond hair color”)

Three credits to: MIT, for alumni who span, erm, all trades.

5. Acceptance Rate Agony

Caltech – 17.4% for the class of 2012
MIT – 11.4% for the class of 2012

Three credits to:  MIT, though both schools tied for 4th place in US News & World Report’s Best College Rankings 2010

And the diploma goes to: The score is MIT 3-2! Can’t argue with math, folks!

Until about 5 minutes ago, I thought Cinco De Mayo was a holiday to celebrate the invention of the pinata. Or tequila. Or those make-you-wanna-kill-yourself hangovers that only come from a full day of drinking tequila. What? That’s pretty much what the holiday means to most college students, right?

When someone hands you a pint of Jose at 8 am on May 5th, you don’t ask what you’re celebrating – you put on a sombrero, plug your nose and take a swig. Then you do it again and again and again, screaming “Viva La Mexico!” and “I’m living la vida drunk-a” until the sun goes down and another fantastic drinking holiday has come to an end.

But I was wrong. There is no holiday celebrating the birth of the pinata (though I think we should start some sort of online petition to get one going), nor is Cinco De Mayo a 24 hour celebration in honor of Jose Cuervo. Cinco De Mayo happens to be a somewhat important day in Mexican history to commemorate the day in 1862 that the Mexican army defeated a much stronger and better-equipped French army.

It also happens to be a minor holiday in Mexico, pretty much only celebrated in the region where this battle went down. And they don’t even celebrate with cocktails.

I’m not sure how it turned into such a drunk fest up here in the US of A and I’m not saying we shouldn’t celebrate it (because any opportunity to get rowdy all day long must be taken), but maybe we should think about the history a little bit as we’re downing a Tequila Sunrise over breakfast. Maybe we should pour one for our Mexican homies for overcoming their enemies. And maybe we should toast our margaritas to Mexico tomorrow for more than being a great Spring Break destination and the ground zero of the Swine Flu.

So here’s to Mexico! Regardless of all that Swine stuff, we still love ya!

Hello, 2009!

We didn’t start the year off in the best way (laying on the couch, chugging water and eating breakfast sandwiches while watching USC dominate on the field), but now we’re ready! And not hungover! And we couldn’t be more excited to get 2009 going. We have huge plans and goals and lists of things to do.

In the spirit of the new year, we decided to sit down and list our resolutions for 2009. We probably won’t keep ‘em, but it’s the thought that counts, right?

John – UConn: I think the only New Year’s resolution I know I can keep is to diligently turn 21. Pounds can leave, come back and leave again, and friends are the same way, but drinking age is forever.

Leah – Ryerson University: Stop dating, getting involved with, and/or having sex with douchebags. 2009 will be a douchebag free year!

Elise – UCLA: No Diet Coke!!!!

Elizabeth – UC Berkeley: To keep running for fitness health, and wellbeing – not weight loss.

Carly – Grinnell: To get at least one step closer (whatever that might be) to becoming a pastry chef.

Elizabeth – UA Hunstville: To find the easiest, most slacker way possible to make tons of money.

Lauren – University of Michigan: Get out and flirt with boys more. What? I like to make resolutions I can keep.

Kelly – UMass: I’m quitting smoking. For real this time.

Sara C – Fordham: It sounds crazy, but I want to run the New York City Marathon. At the very least, I’ll be running the half-marathon in April, because I already signed up. Oh boy!

Alex – Lakehead University: To be more grateful. I’m starting by writing down 5 things I’m grateful for everyday.

Noa – CU Boulder: Read more non-school books.

Erica – Kent State: I really want to spend 2009 doing more & thinking less!

Beata: I never make New Year’s resolutions because I always forget them two days later. If I did make one, mine would be to make time for all those things I would do if only I had more time…

Suzanne – Tulane: I want to save some money. And I have to, considering I probably won’t be able to get a job next year.

The holidays aren’t supposed to be about presents. They are about family, friends, charity and appreciating everything that we have.

Yeah, yeah.

We get that, but we still l-o-v-e the gifts! We love giving em and getting em (and then going to the store and getting all the deals on the gifts those other people returned).

This year CollegeCandy got new iPod speakers (woohoo!), a giftcard to Ikea (yayyy), and a 30 rack of Miller Light (yeah, our brothers aren’t too creative). Oh, and someone got us a Spin Spa… are they trying to tell us something? I mean, we shower daily almost daily. And we use a vanilla soap! Do we smell? Is it that obvious? Couldn’t someone have just told us!?

Anyways, moving on. We want to know what you got this year. Better yet, tell us: what is the best gift you have ever gotten? What about the worst?

With all the hype and hysteria surrounding President-elect Obama’s most serious White House appointment, the nation has gone batsh*t crazy for all things puppy related. Which lucky pup will have the distinction of being the First Dog has yet to be seen, but on a semi-related note, another canine story is getting a revival.

Last year, Atlanta Falcons superstar Michael Vick made headlines when he pleaded guilty to a series of charges relating to his backyard dog fights. Many were outraged that the NFL quarterback had set a poor example for his young fans by intentionally hurting animals in his dogfighting ring. But the story has a bittersweet ending, Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison, and a Utah shelter took in the abused pups. Now, if you want to support the poor dogs, you can do so by purchasing a bottle of Vicktory Dogs wine!  Each bottle costs $40, showcases one of Vick’s former dogs, and proceeds go to the Utah animal shelter, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

Sounds like there’s a tasteful resolution to this dog tale.

It may only be early November, but the holidays are approaching fast.  Just like your major term paper due this semester, holiday shopping is something best approached far in advance. And though I can’t help you research West African history, I can give you a few suggestions on what to get your loved ones this December.

The Quicktionary II Pen

Know anyone studying abroad next semester? This gadget can scan a line of text and automatically translate it from English to Spanish (or Spanish to English). Best of all, it comes with a speech option so you can hear how the words are pronounced.

Price: $139.99 and up

From: Amazon.com

Mini Building Block Speakers For iPod

These miniature speakers are cute, quirky, and totally original. Compatible with most iPods (except the iPod Touch), they come in a variety of colors and are easily transportable. Perfect for bringing the party with you in your purse!

Price: $19.95 (free shipping!)

From:  LandofNod.com

New Brewers Complete Homebrew Kit

The perfect gift for your beer pong partner, or anyone who enjoys a good beer (who doesn’t?).  This home brewing kit contains all the ingredients and instructions to make your own drinks. It also contains four dozen amber beer bottles and bottlecaps to make your six-packs look legit!

Price: $119.95

From: MonsterBrew.com

Pocket-Sized Guitar Hero To Go

What party or gathering these days is compete without Guitar Hero? Well, now that wildly addictive video game has entered our cultural lexicon, it’s about time things got personal. Really personal. For the Guitar Hero addict in your life, why not snag this awesome hand-held version for their holiday gift?

Price: $14.99

From: ToysRUs.com

Individualized Pop Art Portraits

Have your favorite picture retouched in the style of Roy Lichtenstein (pictured) or Andy Warhol! Send in your photograph of choice and you will receive a professionally modified work of art fit for a museum. Great idea for a quirky family portrait to give to Mom and Dad.

Price: Varies

From: AllPopArt.com

Wrapable Garland Light Fixture

If you know anyone who recently got an apartment, or perhaps just loves interior design, this funky light fixture is guaranteed to brighten their day (and their room!).  It’s glamorous without being gaudy, shimmery without being glittery, and a beautiful way to tie the room together.

Price: $79.95

From: Wrapables.com

Fishbowl Bookends

It’s a shame you can’t bring your dog or cat to college.  Nothing beats having a little animal companionship when you’re up all night cramming for exams. This kick-ass gift supports both your studies and your spirits: it’s a fishbowl that doubles as bookends! Terrific for the dorm or the home, it’s a perfect excuse to spring for a goldfish or two. This is one accessory that will be sure to have all the neighbors talking.

Price: $29.00

From: ChimpFeet.com

Personalized New York Times Puzzle

This gift is really good for just about anyone. Choose a date in history (the recipient’s birthday, anniversary, etc.) and you can have a 400-piece puzzle made from the front page of that day’s New York Times. It comes with a reference copy of the newspaper’s front page, as well as space on the box’s cover for a personalized message.

Price: $45.95

From: PersonalizationMall.com

Target Digital Camera Gift Card

You know you’re living in the 21st Century when even gift cards have gone high-tech. If you still can’t find the perfect gift for that special someone, it’s cool to go the gift-card route now that Target has transformed the gift card into a usable gadget. The card-camera comes with its own USB cord and driver disk and a coupon for 40 free prints at Target. It’s available for purchase in gift card amounts ranging from $50-$1000.

Price: $50-$1000 (your choice)

From: Target stores nationwide

What are you waiting for? Get to those polls!

I don’t know if you’ve realized it yet, but last night was Daylight Savings time. Yup, you were supposed to set the clocks back an hour.

Woohooo!  An extra hour!

It may seem like such an insignificant amount of time, but think of all the things you could do with an additional 60 minutes to your Halloween weekend!

You may have taken advantage of it last night: an extra hour of drinking/dancing with the hottie dressed as Joe the Plumber, an extra hour of some much needed sleep, or an extra hour of booty (which is only good if the guy can handle it….).

Or, if like me you didn’t realize this whole time change thing until this morning when you woke up an hour earlier than you wanted to, you can take advantage of it today: an extra hour at the library for the big exam (boring), an extra hour of really bad True Lifes on MTV (so good), or an extra hour of shopping at the mall (shwing!).

If nothing else, at least that hour you spent huddled over the toilet from too much Halloween hooch won’t kill the rest of your day.

So, grab your Halloween loot, set those clocks back and enjoy that extra hour of weekend freedom before Monday morning rolls around again.

Halloween is here tomorrow! Break out the giant bowls of candy, the pumpkins and the fishnets that somehow go with every costume! It is time to get your Halloween Partayyy on. Whether you go Liq-or-Treating, to a Monster Bash, or just stay home and hand out candy to the kiddies, you gotta be dressed for the occassion.

We have been working on our costume all week long and it rocks. We can’t wait to show it off tomorrow night!

If you don’t have a costume yet, shame on you! But it’s not to late. Maybe CollegeCandy can help you out with some inspiration…

So, CollegeCandy readers, tell us (and the folks without any Halloween creativity) what you will be dressing up as tomorrow night. Leave your costume ideas in the comments section. We can’t wait to see what you came up with this year!

[Photo courtesy of Flickr] 

This week was full of ups and downs… and we’re not just talking about the stock market. Ayooo! Don’t forget to tip the waitstaff!:

Down: College campuses are breeding grounds for disease.

Up: We found a beer that can cure cancer.

Down: Dudes hate our favorite boots.

Up: We found the best shopping site and we got a hot new bag.

Down: We aren’t sure if we’re sexually active.

Up: We learned how to muster the courage to hop on top.

Down: We sent drunk emails to the boys we love

Up: We found some great makeup to cover up the hangover in the morning.

Down: Middle schoolers have to take the PPSAT.

Up: We aren’t in middle school anymore.

Another up is that it’s Friday and we have a great playlist to dance to and the perfect outfit to wear out to the bar. Things are definitely on the up and up from here on out.

Happy Friday!