September 2004

Research

If you love laughing late at night with Letterman, or you can't get enough of Conan's antics, there's something you should know. A new U-M study indicates that young adults who watch late-night talk shows for information have an increased tendency to become political cynics and apathetic to the voting process. U-M communication studies professor Nojin Kwak says that the shows' tendency to present cynical and negative portraits of political candidates are more likely to affect young voters.

In the Know

Perhaps red plastic cups and loud music equaled a party when you were in college, but now that you're in the real world, it can be fun to entertain in a more sophisticated way. That doesn't mean you have to spend a ton of money. DigsMagazine.com offers a great guide to entertaining on a budget. Here are some tips on throwing a fabulous dinner party without breaking the bank:

• Decide your budget first and invite friends accordingly.
• Shop for food at ethnic locations like Chinatown or directly from the vendors at farmers markets.
• Try serving pasta and rice dishes that fill the belly and don't cost a lot.
• Dress up ordinary, inexpensive desserts. Serve pudding or custard in a fancy glass; garnish vanilla ice cream with gourmet chocolate chip cookies.
• Have friends help with the drinks.

Association News

Have you tried inCircle yet? It's the Alumni Association's brand-new networking tool exclusively for U-M alumni. inCircle lets Michigan alumni connect online with friends and friends-of-friends based on shared interests, common acquaintances, professions, location and other criteria. What does this mean for you? Now you can network with your connections and with all the Michigan alumni your friends know, too. It's like "six degrees of separation" just for Wolverines, and your network will increase exponentially. The beta, or test, version is available now and is free for U-M alumni who are current Alumni Association members. Get started today!

Homecoming is just one month away! If you're coming home to Ann Arbor on Saturday, October 9, for the Michigan vs. Minnesota football game, tailgate with us! The annual 2004 Go Blue Homecoming Tailgate begins three hours before kickoff at Elbel Field. We'll have food, entertainment, and, best of all, the Michigan Marching Band will lead us into the stadium for the game. Order your tickets online today!

Career

If you're at the bottom of the totem pole at a new job or if you feel like you're not getting noticed in a job you've worked at for a while, don't despair. The Netscape Network offers some sound advice on how to raise your profile at work:

• Find a mentor in the organization.
• Ask your colleagues in interesting positions out to lunch. It's a great way to network and get to know people in the office.
• Volunteer for new projects.
• Volunteer for nonprofit causes that are important to your company; many workplaces offer company-sponsored opportunities.
• Attend company social events.
• Keep up with developments in your field.
• Get to know people in other areas of your company.
• Be vocal—ask questions in meetings, share your opinions and offer suggestions.