Decided to change it up this weekend and head to O.U. to see how the Bobcats do things versus the Buckeyes. My Godbrother had invited me down to Athens for their "Sibs' Weekend." It 's interesting how theirs is in the Winter while Ohio State's is normally in May when it's a bit warmer for the siblings. Just a lil drive about 1 hour and 30 minutes outside of Columbus, and you're there. Neat, how Athens, Ohio is just like Athens, Georgia- Both are college towns (Athens, GA has the Univ. of GA) and their builidings resemble each other with quaint architecture. And they both are about 90 minutes away from the state capital.

Ohio University was real hilly though so I imagine it would be tough to get the freshmen 15 there with those mountain climbs to class. They have a Buffalo Wild Wings, CVS, Wendy's and other spots on their strip known as "Uptown" since it is literally up a hill to get there. There's a distinct remoteness about the area that makes it sooo quiet outside, and you can clearly see the stars and the Big Dipper in the sky just like as if you were out in the country.

I thought Ohio State's dorms were pretty antiquated, but O.U. being the oldest university in Ohio, of course had us beat with decrepit residence halls. My Godbrother is an R.A. in one that had no elevator! I couldn't even begin to imagine hauling my truckload of items up multiple flights of stairs. I like to use the steps as another option or a healthier way, but not as the only way. The bathrooms I went into had no paper towels and the showers had an ultra-classic design that looked like a kitchen's faucet.

But beyond the old-fashioned style, the Ohio University campus had a homey feeling to it. Since they have 20,000 students, it seems like there's a little more unity in their student body and more attention on events like Homecoming and even a Mom's Weekend. O.U. seems like a place where you have no choice but to do your work since there's not much else going on. I bet it might be a little tougher for minorities to adjust since their number would be even smaller and there would less diverse outlets and events in the area.

But the Bobcats make do and seem to have fun doing it. For their Sib's weekend, they had major recording R&B artists Brandy and Day 26. They had activities going on all night in their Baker University Center like it was a mini-carnival. And just like President Gee, the Ohio University President is present at many student functions. He even lives on the campus like the early OSU presidents used to.

I admire their Journalism program since it's actually accredited and has so many concentrations such as: Broadcast News, Magazine Writing, Online and Print Journalism,and there's even Business, Community & Sports reporting. They have a live news show every night, and that just seems like something that Ohio State, with its thriving location and all its resources and people should be able to do. But both the Bobcats and the Buckeyes have a lot of great attributes.

Outside for Ohio University's Sibs' Weekend

Me posing in front of an Ohio University landmark

'Uptown' on Union Street which is like O.U.'s High Street with many shops and restaurants

In one of their cafe's, which was kind of like OSU's MarketPlace, but much bigger

A nice pic with Ohio University's President Roderick McDavis

One of the many extensive stair cases all the way up a hill!

A look at the campus with their brick buildings and unique design

My Godbrother Chris and I in his dorm before we go to the big Brandy concert

Miss Brandy singing her last song "Have You Ever" with P. Diddy's group Day 26 chiming in

After the show, Brandy talked with the fans and got surprised at some of them

My Ohio State friends, who are mega-Brandy fans and came down just to see her perform

My other Godbrother CJ at one of O.U.'s delightful Sunday Brunches that had everything to eat!