Allison Whitmore, of New Hampshire, watched as her boyfriend tasted a glass of Kendall Jackson Chardonnay. John Francour raised the glass, rotating it in small circles. Next, he sipped the wine and gave the waitress a nod of approval. When the waitress walked away, Whitmore laughed at Francour, who knew nothing about wine. He had merely imitated the couple at another table.

Following the trend of restaurants in larger cities like New York and

Los Angeles, the Brick Alley Pub on 140 Thames St. went smoke-free on June 27, 2003. The decision, according to dining room manager Jackie Booth, was not a difficult one. “The owners, Ralph and Pat Plumb, made the decision for the employees, not the customers. We have several non-smokers who work here who have bronchitis, and they shouldn’t have to work in a smoky environment,” Booth said.

In fact, many restaurants in Newport have begun to make the transition to non-smoking establishments.

Pieces of twisted metal lie in haphazard heaps on the ground like arms and legs, waiting to be formed into a body. Dust from the floor, like the jazz on the stereo, hangs in the air. Five days a week, starting at 8 a.m., this is where Bob Rotondo does his trade as a blacksmith.

As the weekend approaches, seniors in the English department may feel both terrified and relieved at the same time. It is time for the annual senior thesis presentations, where 30 English majors, 13 literature and 17 communication, will present their final work on various topics.

Purchasing the graduation gown may be exciting, but so is the shopping for the dress or suit that goes under it. For some people, shopping for clothing is fun, even addictive. Other people dread it.

By knowing in advance what to look for, shopping for that graduation outfit can be quick and easy, leaving more time to study… or head to the beach.