Coffee makers

When buying a coffee maker, don't just buy for price, size, or name-brand (though they can all influence your decision). Make sure it turns itself off automatically, and make sure it's easy to clean. The pot I have at work will stay on until doomsday if I forget about it, and on two occasions I've driven all the way back to work to turn it off. The pot I have at home has lots of nooks and crannies where the hot water drips down into the grinds, making it difficult to clean thoroughly. If you're the impatient sort, you also need to have the no-dribble stopper thingy when you remove the carafe while the dripping is still happening.

A water level on the outside of the pot is nice, but not required, as is a clock (though most with auto-turn-off have a clock anyway).

Of course, there are many better ways to make coffee. Some people really adore the French press, and I know that I prefer percolated coffee. I wonder, can you sun-brew coffee like you can tea? And it's better to have your drip coffee go into a thermos rather than a carafe on a hot-plate. And always grind your own beans just before use!

Illegal Immigrant game?

This is what college Republicans do at NYU: Illegal Immigrant Game. Illegal immigration is a complex problem, and certainly one worthy of discourse at universities. But to make a game of it? To target Hispanic immigrants? To offer prizes?