The Mighty Google is great at revealing our collective fears, values, and curiosities. So in an absolutely legitimate and totally scientifically sound experiment, we typed "Is Eau Claire …" into the Google Search Bar of Truth and behold! This is what we saw before us:

1. “Is Eau Claire a good place to live?”

Well, we may be a bit biased – after all, we do live here – but we would have to say yes. So would a lot of studies and surveys: In recent years, Eau Claire has made various lists of best places for raising kids, retiring, and starting a business or career. The fact this is the No. 1 search term suggests we’re in for a Web search-driven influx of those seeking the good life.

2. “Is Eau Claire a party school?”

UW-Eau Claire certainly has that reputation – a well-deserved reputation, as anyone who has participated in (or simply observed) the bar-to-house party migratory pattern of partying Blugolds can attest. However, surveys in recent years have shown a decline in binge drinking, so it’s clear not all UWEC students conform to the stereotype.

3. “Is Eau Claire schools closed?”

During the winter, whether they “is” closed or not depends on the weather. Apparently, however, they “was” closed the day a lot of Internet users learned subject-verb agreement.

4. “Is Eau Claire a dry campus?”

Yes and no. It’s located next to the Chippewa River and is bisected by Little Niagara Creek, so it’s not all dry. However, the elevation of the campus brings it out of the flood plain, so you don’t need to bring hip waders if you enroll. Oh, but you mean “dry” as in the boozey booze? In that case, see No. 2 above.

5. “Is Eau Claire safe?”

For the most part, yes. In fact, the Eau Claire Police Department proudly notes that crime rates in the city are as low as they been in three decades. And the Eau Claire metro area typically ranks near the bottom when crime statistics are compiled nationwide.