BY ALI KHAN
So finals didn’t go as planned, huh? Decided that you need to spend each of the next 594 nights at Langdell? No way you’ll ever get another B at this school, right?
Ok, budding Scalias, you still need to put the books down from time to time. I know, it’s difficult, isn’t it?
But, let’s say you somehow get over the initial shock of putting that Con Law book away. What do you do now? Where do you go?
Hmm, I can think of a place. What does this “place” have to offer??
Well, glad you asked….
– Cheap beer
– Food
– Close to campus
– Your friends
Sounds great, doesn’t it?? Sounds like a place where everyone knows your name (and firm).
Is this Cheers? Nope (Ted Danson won’t be chugging beers with you). The Kong? Nope (although, honestly, is there ever a reason not to go to the Kong?). Is this heaven? No. And no, it’s not Iowa either.
The place I speak of is none other than the Hark Pub. From 7 to midnight, Monday thru Thursday, and 7 to 10 on Fridays, you’ll be able to drink beer, order food (yes, waiters will be provided), and generally hang out at Cambridge’s newest hotspot. Located on the lower level of the Hark, I think it’s pretty safe to say that this will be THE place to see and be seen-anybody who’s anybody will be there. So, of course I’ll be there.
For the O’Doul’s drinkers out there, have no fear. Food and other beverages will be available. There will also be trivia, karaoke, and other assorted activities that aren’t alcohol focused. The point of the pub isn’t to encourage mass alcoholism (that can wait till year 2 and billable hour 5,645); it’s about creating a place to hangout.
I know, I know. A pub? When did this happen? Why did this happen? Why are they changing the Hark? Does this mean you can’t study at the Hark anymore?
Let me take you back to a time long ago-the academic year of 2003-04. The Hark was a bit different. Not as nice. Not as pristine. Not as immaculate. BUT, the Hark was a hangout. The pool table was constantly being used, the TV was always on, and people were actually, heaven forbid, talking in about 48-inch voices. Hell, we watched the epic NCAA tournament game between DePaul and Drake there one night–let me tell you, there’s nothing like beer, pretzels, and the sound of Bill Raftery’s voice.
Point being, there was a place to hangout on campus. Being a 3L now, I look around and don’t see that anymore. I guess you could hang out at Hemenway, maybe share exercise tips (“Hey, you’ve got some really big traps—how can I look like that?”). But, in all honesty, there is no longer a place to hang out on campus. For better or for worse, the Hark has just become another study area.
Well, LSC and the administration envision the Hark as something more than merely “Langdell 2.” There is a hope that the pub will help create an environment that will foster a sense of community and camaraderie-an environment that has been lost since the Hark was transformed in the summer of 2004.
This isn’t an overnight process; the introduction of the pub is merely the first step towards reshaping the Hark. If it’s received enthusiastically, expect further growth-foosball, pool tables. Keep in mind, the top floor will continue to serve as a quiet study space.
Obviously, this process is contingent on YOU. Do you, the HLS student, want this change to occur? Do you want the Hark to be a hang out? Or would you rather it remain a study space? Do you want it to be a “student center” in merely name, or in name and function?
This isn’t Cambridge Idol-you can’t call some number and cast a vote. Your actions in the next few months will dictate the future of the Hark. LSC and the Dean of Students Office are hosting a grand opening party today at the pub. Which will be followed by the HL Central Bar Review. Stop by and get a glimpse into the future of the Hark.