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    Entertainment
Looking for something fun to do?  These articles might help.

Where the buffalo roam?
by Michael Di Natale
When I arrived at the farm, around 2 p.m., it was a ghost town. The sound of a tractor put some noise into the background, but otherwise it was silent. I was unclear, at first, as to whether or not the farm was open. The building next to the corral was dark, and “closed” signs littered the window. (full article)

Hoop hall welcomes all
by Joshua Pollock

I’ve been at school in Amherst for almost three full years, and have driven by the new Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield hundreds of times. It’s hard to miss that massive silver dome accompanied by the bright orange sphere atop the silver spire. Every time I drive by a glimmering thought at the back of my head resonates. “I need to go there,” I say to myself, paying attention to the surrounding traffic. (full article)

Re-living childhood at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
by Keon Ruiter

One day, a few weeks ago, I found myself drawing lots of triangles on a small sheet of paper with crayons. I was sitting in a tiny children’s chair, only about two feet off the ground in a pleasant sunlit room. I must have been the only adult there. When I was done doodling, I took a small container of blue watercolor and completely painted over my masterpiece. 
(full article)

Not Your Average Theater
by Jill Sarber

Sitting with popcorn and soda in hand, I anxiously wait for “Hotel Rwanda” to begin. As I gaze around, I admire the tall ceiling, sculpted trim of the stage and rows of green velvet folding seats, and begin to wonder what it might have been like to be here sitting in one of these seats waiting to see a performance by the tenacious French actress, Sarah Bernhardt, in 1906, or the mysterious Harry Houdini during the 1920s. It is 7:10 p.m.  (full article) 

Makes Scents to go to Yankee Candle
by Elizabeth Joyce-Brandt

On a particularly gray and boring February afternoon, a couple of girlfriends and I decided to check out the Yankee Candle Flagship Store. We have all lived just ten minutes from the famous candle shop for over a year and had never seen it. We had heard that it was the largest candle store in the country and thought, Candles are fun, why not go check it out? We piled into the car and headed down Route 116. (full article)

The Day I wore My Magic Wings
by Jason Butynski

When I first heard that I was being sent to report on a “butterfly conservatory,” I said what most guys like myself would say in a similar situation: “Damn!” I am a guy who likes sitting around in his boxers and white T-shirt, drinking beers and watching football. I don't do butterflies. (full article)

The Valley Is Alive With the Sound of Music
By Jennifer Hubbard
When I first visited the Springfield Symphony Hall I was scared. I was afraid I was going to be really bored. Around me was a sea of people who were 40+ years older than me. Then Kevin Rhodes ran on stage and started up the band and the age difference melted away.
(full article)

 
 

This website was created by the students of Journalism 375 at the University of Massachusetts 2005