<p>hawkette-
I have had a few bad experiences at sporting events, college and professional, mostly related to alcohol, but my ideas about the commercialization and overemphasis on spectator sports are based on principle. </p>
<p>The change of seasons in the north is beautiful. Fall and Spring are beautiful and comfortable temperature-wise. Winter is beautiful and fun, too. I love winter. </p>
<p>Among your social life criteria are "strength of party scene" and "alcohol and drug scene". Can you elaborate? How do these relate to the quality of the social life?</p>
<p>On a different matter, I detect an anti-Ivy agenda, anti-north agenda, anti-bookish agenda from you. Am I right?</p>