Rining in the next century

From trips to concerts to a blow-out bash, students plan to party into the 21st century. College sophomore Jaron Jurikson-Rhodes is dreaming about his New Year's Eve plans. A penthouse hotel suite with a spectacular view to watch the ball drop in New York City's Times Square. A bottle of fine white wine. And a supermodel girlfriend to boot. Those are his dreams. This is his reality: "I'm going to the Jersey Shore with a couple of friends and just hanging out," he said. Like Jurikson-Rhodes, most Penn students said they will celebrate New Year's Eve with friends and family -- although more than a few finals-stressed students admitted they couldn't think as far ahead as December 31. But quite a number of University students have already made elaborate Y2K plans. From Montreal to Mexico City, from Las Vegas to London and from South Philly to South Beach, Penn students will be uncorking their champagne bottles in a variety of locations. Wharton sophomore Robert Liebesman said that he plans to "be absolutely hammered" as he celebrates the new year in his hometown of Capetown, South Africa earlier than most. Due to time zone differences, the date will change to 2000 in Capetown seven hours before the ball drops in Times Square. For College freshman Julia Lima, New Year's Eve will be a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of Penn life as she relaxes on the beach with her boyfriend. "I am going to Aruba," she said. "It's an island. It's safe from terrorists. And it's beautiful." Wharton sophomore Jason Shafrin is looking forward to celebrating 2000 in the Middle East, as he will be in Israel during winter vacation on an educational trip sponsored by the Jewish Heritage program. Although he noted that portions of the city typically close on Friday and Saturdays due to the Jewish Sabbath, Shafrin expected that for the millenium, "Jerusalem will be nuts." But College senior Jon Schmerin said that the Big Apple will be where the action is-- especially at his semi-exclusive New Year's Eve bash. According to Schmerin, almost 300 of his friends from Penn and other universities will attend his party at the New York City Fireman's Museum -- just blocks from Times Square. "I wanted to be able to celebrate with all of my friends instead of going to a club," he said, although he is charging a cover fee to recoup his expenses. "This has been my little baby. I have been thinking about it for the past year," he said, noting how he has recently been in close contact with his DJ and alcohol distributor to ensure there is a "shitload of booze." Other Penn students said they plan to celebrate by attending special concerts by their favorite musical artists -- ranging from Metallica to Widespread Panic to Celine Dion. College freshman Daniel Cohen said that he was planning to meet a group of his friends from Penn and high school at a three-day Phish concert in Florida. "They are my favorite band and it will be great to be there with 75,000 other young people," he said, looking especially forward to a special marathon jam-session running from five minutes before midnight on December 31 until sunrise the next day. Still, College sophomore Jennifer Cody said her New Year's Eve will be spent close to home. The Philadelphia native said she and a few friends are going to see G. Love and Special Sauce that night at the Electric Factory. "If you're in Philadelphia, it's the ideal way to celebrate," she said.