Two heads are better than one. The UA and GAPSA have worked together on several projects this semester, a stark change for two organizations that previously attacked student problems with separate agendas. UA chairman Jason Karsh and GAPSA chairman Dan Grabell have been the main force behind the newfound collaboration.

Nursing faculty, staff and students gathered with outside guests in the auditorium of Claire Fagin Hall yesterday to celebrate the official launch of the NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health and the landmark $5 million gift from the NewCourtland Elder Services.

Despite tables of chocolate mousse and gallons of apple cider, last night's fourth-annual Halloween party was a letdown for some students. The event, hosted by Penn President Amy Gutmann, was the first to be held at Wynn Commons instead of the President's House at 38th and Walnut streets.

The third shooting of a Philadelphia police officer this week sent the force on one of the largest citywide manhunts in recent history yesterday.

University President Amy Gutmann's refusal to disclose the details behind former Dean of Admissions Lee Stetson's resignation represents an outlier in a long trend of openness as an academic and administrator.

Nobody does steak finer than Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. Don't be misled by the name, though. Ruth's Chris is far from a one-dish restaurant and is the perfect dining location for anyone interested in spending the night out in a more formal setting. The Ruth's Chop Salad started out the meal right, although my date and I opted to share it, due to the size of the dish and the entree we both were eagerly anticipating.

Whether you're a college student with a big appetite and a small budget or you prefer sampling a variety of dishes rather than just one, Joy Tsin Lau's daily dim sum lunch is a perfect choice. Dim sum, a Cantonese term meaning to "touch the heart," or "order to your heart's content," is the Chinese equivalent of tapas.

Originally opened in 1773, City Tavern has proudly upheld the time-honored techniques of 18th century American chefs. Every dish offered on their menu has a unique story behind it. My guest and I began to order our appetizers and our server came to life from being a formal colonial servant to animatedly telling us the story behind each dish: How W.

A new program at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences will hopefully attract more students to Penn, University officials say. Beginning with the Class of 2012, SEAS will implement its first Honors Program. Selected students will take honor-level courses, complete a research requirement and contribute to the community.

Despite the costume controversy that marked Penn President Amy Gutmann's Halloween party last year, there will be no official censorship policy implemented for tonight's annual soiree. Gutmann came under criticism last year for posing with 2007 Penn alumnus Saad Saadi, who was dressed as a suicide bomber.

I have an admission to make: My "fine dining" experiences here at Penn have largely ignored restaurants close to campus. What can I say? I'm an adventurous kind of guy. Not that there aren't great restaurants nearby. Penne's subdued setting below the Inn at Penn and mature clientele don't exactly endear it to the BYO-fanatic student crowd.

Since its construction, the Cira Centre has served as the shiniest welcome sign to University City Penn has ever seen. It has simultaneously served as a building that has confounded students with an array of questions: What exactly goes on there? Is it an office building? A conference center? And how exactly do people walk inside when it's shaped so weirdly? One question (is the food there good?) was answered at Rae, the building's first floor occupant, with a resounding yes.

Step inside a small Italian villa - err, step inside Branzino restaurant. Located at 261 S. 17th St. in Center City, Branzino is a small, but cozy BYO to gather with friends for wine and good food. I especially liked the decor, which included soft green hues and murals that made it seem like one was looking out onto a countryside.

Oh, the woes of a local burger aficionado. Near Penn, choices are slim for that most quintessential of American meals: On the one hand, beefy checks and relatively long waits are the norm at the Marathon Grills or Copabananas of campus, while on the other hand - McDonalds.

Walking into the Rose Tattoo Cafe, at the corner of 19th and Callowhill, feels like entering a secret garden. This undiscovered gem nestled near the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Franklin Institute boasts a romantic atmosphere and is bursting with fresh, green plants and cast-iron decor.

It's silly to cross the Schuylkill when there are great BYOs like Rx right in Penn's backyard. Rx, located at 4443 Spruce Street, is just a brisk walk from campus. It's truly a neighborhood restaurant; our waitress hugged a patron goodbye with a warm "see you next week.

The fire alarm that broke up the Zeta Beta Tau party last Saturday night may have been pulled intentionally, officials from the Office of Fraternity and Sorority affairs say. OFSA Director Scott Reikofski said he has heard "two or three" possible causes for the alarm going off but is awaiting a final report from the fire department before issuing a formal statement.