The New Blog is Up and Running!

www.thecandidcane.wordpress.com

A New School Year,

A new blog?

So far this summer I've been working on tons- a student organization, new advertising for CAT5 (our Spirit Programming Board), so why not a new blog?

It's time for an overhaul!

FINALLY Friday...

... and it had better be a mind-blowingly awesome Friday at that.

I wound up not taking my exam Thursday morning- I didn't get enough rest / study time Wednesday night due to Tunnel, an assignment for HIS228, and the CAT5 board meeting (new co-chair of PR & marketing what what?). Instead, I'll be taking it on the scheduled date (May 6th), to be followed by my philosophy exam (May 7th).

Asside from my english conference at 1:20 (Oy.... I've never really been a fan, as they seem kind of unneccesary. I know I have to be uber nice for 15 minutes so that my B- goes to a B / B+, so how about I just write them a nice little card?) today should be good. I figure I'd go to the gym, lay around the pool until said conference, then get some studying done until dinner.

After that, things get much more exciting- I promise.

My friends and I have decided to have dinner at the Rat tonight so that we can get great seats to the Bo Burnham (*swoon*) performance that's a part of his tour.

I really cannot wait, and I will blush madly if I get to meet him. Or if he looks at me. Or looks like hes looking at me. R-Patz is so overrated...

After that we've got some down time until the night's festivities kick in.... seeing as the end of the year is closing in fast, what's sure to be the biggest 'soiree' of the season has been put together by a few of the club promoters and football players to be held on star island.

Star Island? Like that place you heard about where P Diddy, Donald Trump, Shaq, Paris Hilton, etc. reside?

Yesssss.

Maybe girls just get more excited about this kind of thing.

Although I've had a great year here at the U, I'm not 'sad' that the year is finally at an end. While I know the summer is going to be a bit slow (with summer classes not quite a possibility and jobs nearly nonexistent), I'm already excited for my sophomore year, and can't wait! =)

Oh, and as for the swine flu-

The lobby is now filled with automatic hand sanitizer dispensers, all check-ups at the health center are free, we had to sign a paper stating we received our own bottle of Purel as well as a list of symptoms, and then the world exploded.

Tunnel of Oppression...

This past week I've been busy writing papers, studying for exams, putting portfolios together, and volunteering at Tunnel of Oppression.

It may seem a bit obvious, but staying in a cold room for 6 hours surrounded by graphic representations of controversial issues is a bit depressing.

Which is why I'm glad the C-store sells Ben & Jerrys.

The brain freeze I get from ice cream tends to help me to temporarily forget everything else.

I have my first final exam tommorrow- art history.

2 more weeks!

Next 2 Weeks = the Worst of the Best

I leave campus in exactly 16 days, and seem to have more than 16 days worth of work to get done.

This week starts off Tunnel of Oppression. We started building at noon on Saturday, and it hasn't stopped since. Even though I had a hand in setting it up, I still can't stand to be in any of the rooms for very long- the whole point is to stop sugar coating important issues (body image, global health, sexual assault, etc.), and as a result it can get pretty graphic.
Last year was the University's first in hosting the program to much avail- hopefully we have an even bigger turn out this time around.

I have pictures from the set up, but I'm assuming many of you could go without having these images burned into your memories for the week.

As for everything else, everything will be better after this week- 3 papers, a portfolio, and an exam is a bit overwhelming. After that I only have 2 exams to worry about- they're going to be a bit challenging, but with a week inbetween them I should be fine.

Went to the baseball game the other night when we played against Virginia Tech- it was great fun, and we even spotted Shalala every once in a while.


Afterwards was the 'Cane Carnival- long lines, but with everything free of charge, definitely worth it. =)

The 2009 Billboard Latin Music Awards

The BUC has been a busy place lately, and can now add The 2009 Billboard Latin Music Awards to its' list of recent events. Although I didn't attend, I was able to enjoy the brief fireworks show from the stairwell balcony.

pictures

This week has gone by quicker than expected- I've been keeping myself busy with finishing up portfolios, studying for exams, and making use of that gym membership while I've still got it.

Hugging!

Earth Day!

Whether you love tyedye and flowers or not, today is your day to be a hippy. At least for a little. Try to recycle something at the very least- believe me, throwing your plastic bottle into that green bin next to the trash does not require any extra energy.

The University is holding its' annual Hug the Lake (where students gather to hold hands around the lake in true hippy style), EcoFair, and much more. Free t-shirts, free food, free feel-goodness.

And look at the cute reusable Mickey tote Disney stores are giving away for free today when you bring in 3 plastic bottles to be recycled!

Classes for Next Semester

I just returned from registering for classes- perhaps a bit more successful than previous visits, but there are still a few bugs to work out.

It seems that on Mondays and Wednesdays I'll be in Graphic Design from 9:05 until 12:05. If I'm lucky and get an override into my much needed class of Intro to Photography, I'll be in that building again from 3:35 - 6:15 on the same days.

Tuesdays and Thursdays are going to be just as busy (if not worse) than they have been this semester. From 9:30 - 10:45 I'm scheduled for a history course concerning the Renaissance in Florence, then the History of Modern Art from 2:00 - 3:15, and finally Contemporary Moral Issues from 6:25 - 7:40. I've wanted CMI ever since fall semester, and I'm glad a spot has opened up. Hopefully it's worth it- I often find myself fighting for classes of these natures and then wondering why... Not that I don't love them, I'm just not a philosophy major for a reason.

The Answer You May Be Looking For...

If you're like me, you're having tremendous difficulty with all the problems financial aid forms can sum up. One of the most doom-like problems is not being able to use your parents financial information; whether they refuse to release it, can't be contacted, etc.

But fear not!
Read: How to File Your FAFSA Without Your Parents Information.

It's by no means the easy road (as this option requires a LOT of time and dedication not only on your behalf but also those handling the paperwork) but desperate times call for desperate measures. You have to take full advantage of any loop holes, seek out any rays of help, and perservere despite the long process.

I hope none of you have to deal with this, but for those who are, best of luck!

I'm Back at the U!

Being gone for a week was really weird- while it's nice to get away for just a bit, coming back just felt right.

It's getting a bit tougher to focus nowadays, seeing as I only have 3 more weeks of this semester left to plow through. These 3 weeks, however, require more focus and drive than any other- and it's not easy for me to get through in all honesty. Term papers and exams galore seem to be piling up everywhere, not to mention finding a job for over the summer, working out the kinks with financial aid, etc. etc. etc.

I guess what I'm most excited for next year (aside from living in Mahoney) is the abundance of art classes I'll (hopefully) be taking. This year it's been difficult to commit myself to them as much as I would like- however passionate I am for art, learning Calculus (or not learning...) and remembering the intricacies of holy wars takes a lot more of my time and energy than it did in high school.

I'm also excited for work next year- I love both of the jobs I have right now; they're perfect in giving me the experience I'll soon be needing and working with my crazy class schedules. Woot woot for student employment opportunities!

Hope none of you have a case of the Mondays- summer is almost here. =)

(Candy) Seder & Other Pictures

Because we could not possibly find all of the ingredients for a traditional Seder, and the celebration being hosted by Hillel was a bit long for our attention spans, my friends decided to create their own rendition of Seder- using candy. Renditions of Hebrew songs were attempted, the 4 questions were sung (more or less spoken, actually), and we all ate lots of matzo and cheese.

Other pictures for the week:

Next week I won't be on campus, which is a real shame- we've got a lot of fun stuff going on; Applause for a Cause, No Zebras "Take Back the Night" (working on sexual assault issues and helping victims), Erik Weihenmayer's presentation, Crohn's and Colitis Walk, SAE benefit concert with the Ying Yang Twins, Budget Ball, Greek Earth Day, and AIDS walk.

"It's a Required College Experience."

Denny's at 2 in the morning.

Have to do it at least once.

At least so I've heard.

Yesterday I spent my birthday going to class- not unlike many other Tuesdays, but I allowed myself a nap to make up for it.
Oh, and I had ice cream for dinner (because apparently the dining hall has decided to carry Edy's ice cream in the machines.... no arguments here).

After a difficult art history exam and just a long day in general, I decided to hang out with my friends for the night- did a bit of work here and there, but I just needed to unwind. We decided to head out to Denny's around 1 in the morning and rented a Zipcar thusly. Fortunately the Denny's is only right across the street, so we all had our heart attack inducing food in no time. Lovelyyyyy. I had never been to Denny's before- not sure how crazy I am for the food, but it was fun.

I was just informed that today there's free breakfast at said restaurant. Oy.

Next week I'll be out of the country- I don't know if I'll be able to make any blogposts (something tells me the purchase of internet where I'll be will come along with a hefty pricetag...) but feel free to message me on facebook if you have any questions / concerns.

Accepted Student Open House

It was a lot of fun to see this event from a 'Canes perspective as opposed to the accepted students. When I attended last year, I never imagined how different my life would be at this point in time- all of the things I've been able to experience, everything I've learned, and how they've changed me as a person.

Pretty corny, but pretty cool if you don't think about it for too long.

As for that orange backdrop set up for families to take pictures against?

Deadly when paired with strong gusts of wind.

More Sun, More Photos

The weather continues to be absolutely beautiful here, so my friend Adge and I decided to take advantage of it and take a stroll through a neighborhood just off campus.

As for today, I've got a bit of work to do and some meetings, but going to the pool is definitely in the near future. =)

My birthday is on Tuesday, so I'll be celebrating tonight.... and the rest of this weekend. Dinner at the melting pot, beach during Saturday, Relay for Life Saturday night, Accepted Student Open House (which yes, I think will be a LOT of fun), and lots of relaxing. =)

The Miami Herald just put out a great list of cheap things to do this weekend... check it out if you'll be in the area.

Have a good weekend!

UM Alternative Spring Break '09

These videos are of the group of students who went to Brazil with Hillel as a part of UM Alternative Break.







The soccer game looks insane.



Oh, and a note to Youtube- I don't find your April Fool's joke funny. Please stop flipping everything upside down. :-(

Shutterbug Fever

I just received my Nikon D40 in the mail the other day- it took a long time to save up for it, but it's worth every cent! I haven't been able to use it much just yet, but I took a few pictures I thought might be of interest...

:-D

Last night was full of great music, food, and performances thanks to COISO's International Week. Belly dancers, hookah, a Mariachi (I can't spell that and Google doesn't want to help me) band, and some really good food greeted all who found themselves on the UC patio.

Around 9:30 there was an advanced screening of Observe and Report; surprisingly the line wasn't as long as it usually is, but it was a great film.

Oh, it's really hot out.

I'm just bitter because I'm wearing too many layers, forgot my sunglasses this morning, and my hair does not agree with humidity levels above 0%.

It's Dang Hot!

This snapshot of the weather forecast was taken this morning around 7 before I left for class.... believe me, it got much hotter....

Rain clouds skirted the campus today, but not a drop fell. Humidity, however, ensued.

Public Transportation + Rain = Ughhhh.

And that sums up my Sunday.

The rest of the weekend, however, went fairly well- my sister had a great time, and I made sure to keep her busy.
Friday was packed with things to do- we attended Shabbat services at Hillel, then visited friends of Jewish community on campus (who work closely with ChabadUM? I'm not sure...) for yet another Shabbat dinner- this time consisting of really good chinese food. Not that I don't absolutely love Hillel dinners, but I'll always have a weak spot for lo mein.
After dinner (which started around 7 and ended around 10:30), we got ready to go out for the night. We made a quick stop by the UGlow party held at the Rat and then went out with some of my floormates.

Saturday we were supposed to wake up early and go see my roomie's regatta- but alas, we woke up late. It's a real shame, too, because the U kicked some butt and earned first place. =D The sister and I used the HurryCane shuttle to get to Sunset Place for some shopping, then walked back. We stopped by the C-store for some dinner, then went back to the dorms and lazed around for the rest of the night.

OH, and our Ricky Martin 6th sense was a complete and absolute epic fail. It was actually Premio Lo Nuestro 2009 that was being held at the BUC. Some lucky students (by some means or another) found themselves on the red carpet and at the event itself.

I'm not familiar with the girl on the left, but the dude is definitely Wilmer Valderrama.

Enough procrastinating, back to facing the menace that is known as Monday...

How Could I Forget?! Marriage on the Rock!

No, not on the rocks, as in leading to divorce, but THE rock- the central meeting place on campus.

The Annual Marriage on the Rock (which sources tell me is nationwide) is a peaceful demonstration in support of marriage equality across America. They held ceremonies in which anyone could be 'married'- roommates, friends, classmates, couples. They had photographers, wedding cake, and even ringpops to top it off. It had to be one of the sweetest things I've seen in a while, and I'm so glad UM is a campus where people are free to express themselves. =)

While I was stuck in class, my two friends Meredith and Alec were 'married':

All you need is love =)

The Real College Experience... Part 4

This post will be kind of short- but no worries, the next one concerns weekend to-dos, so be prepared for quite a long blog.

"does miami have gym facilities? the other schools im looking at have free weight rooms and gyms available to students, and while it might say online, i haven't found this info."

Yes! We have a GREAT gym- a huge track, outside / indoor courts, olympic sized pool, sauna, racket ball courts, cardio area and equipment, classrooms, etc. I'm not athlete and even I can appreciate it. One of the greatest things about Freshmen being concentrated in Hecht / Stanford is that they're right next to the gym, and this can help create the habit of going more frequently (those Freshmen 15 pounds are real and out to get you- take my word for it). While some of the classes may charge a small fee, all of the equipment and practice areas are free of charge. I've found that after a particularly stressful day, there's nothing like going for a run around the track on the second floor to get those endorphins flowing. That is, until I start wheezing and complaining because I'm so out of shape. But nevertheless, it's a great resource available to students from sunrise to midnight.

Fridays are better because Ricky Martin says so.

There's no equation to prove this, but I'm forming a strong theory.


Yesterday, as every Tuesday and Thursday are for me, was crazy busy. Maybe it was the fact that I had a couple of quizes, a few paintings, and some writing assignments due that made it feel particularly jam packed. This might also be influenced by the fact that I can't find my floor under the massive mess I've created since the end of spring break- just another thing on my very long to-do list!

After this particularly exhausting day (which was actually quite beautiful- it's such a shame I had to spend the majority of it inside) I decided I had to find my way off campus for a bit to unwind. A bunch of floormates and I decided to go to the movies and began our venture to the shuttle stop closest to Hecht.
As we walked outside, we began to notice something was very different- there were limos. A lot of limos. And tour buses. Very big tour buses. Not to mention the surplus of barracades, policemen, and flashing lights. We deducted (by some method or another) that it was the 2009 Billboard Latin Music Awards. Someone swore they felt the presence of Ricky Martin, and I find that good enough evidence (although there are no websites reporting this event...). Yes, sixth sense of Ricky Martin should be good enough evidence for just about anything (see above).

The HurryCane shuttle picked us up not much after our Ricky Martin proposition, and we headed towards Sunset Place (every Thursday is student night- you can't go wrong for $7 a ticket). We were a few minutes late to the movie (I Love You Man), but I'm pretty sure no one ever misses anything all too crucial in the first five minutes of a romantic comedy. Once the movie was over (awesome, by the way- totes mgoats.) we picked up the HurryCane once again and returned to campus. While others prepared for a night out at the grove, I headed straight towards bed.

As for this weekend, my kid sister is coming to visit for a few days. I'm determined for her to have the classic weekend here- there's Shabbat for dinner, a Glow Party at the Rat, and tons of other festivities to enjoy.
I've just got to make sure I clean up my room.... finding the floor could turn out to be extremely useful.


Have a good weekend!

Just finished CollegeWeek Live...

I walked in not knowing what I was getting myself into! All in all it was fun, I'm a bit awkward and clumsy when it comes to things of that nature but I hope I was able to help everyone.
Most of the questions were respectful and related, which I'm happy to see- definitely gave me some ideas for future bloggings. =)

I've been sucked into the Tweetmosphere.

Oy vey.

I tweet.

Still not sure what it means, but I do it.

At least I think I do.


I feel really old for not adapting quickly to the newest form of communication via internet.

The Real College Experience... Part 3

"miami has built a reputation as a big time party school, yet princeton review hasn't been placing it as high on the lists anymore. how much partying really goes on there?"

After I had received my admission to both UM and UF, our local news channel decided to do a report on the biggest party school. I was nervous because I knew UM had a 'reputation', and with my parents watching, I didn't want them to think that I should go to UF instead. Luckily, UF got the top billing.

As for here at UM, there are rarely parties on campus- very rarely. Occassionally a frat will hold a party in one of the suites (for St. Patty's day or the like), but that's it. These parties are registered and the UMPD are always down the road to ensure a safe night.
And as for dorm partying? Not here- but who would want to party in a tiny dorm room?

As for off campus.... it's Miami. And just a word to the wise concerning any shin-digs; Miami police don't play around. Do something stupid and irresponsible- or simply find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time- and you will pay for it. Your RA will know, your RC will know, and your parents will know, so make sure to use the brain that got you into UM in the first place!

You'll quickly discover who throws the best house parties and whose are always broken up by the cops at midnight- but thats another story.

If you're not into house parties and the sort, there are clubs in Coconut Grove and SoBe, as well as hangout spots such as Hookah bars. It goes without saying, however, that the majority of places are strictly 21+. When you arrive on campus, the UMPD will remind you that fake I.D.'s are a federal offense in Florida- this will follow you through all of your job interviews years after college, so I'd do yourself a favor and just wait a few years (better safe than sorry).

I'm pretty good at following all of the rules, and I have a blast going out with my friends every weekend- there's always somewhere to go and something to do. :-)

There's nothing wrong with enjoying college- just be smart about it!

The Real College Experience... Part 2

Although I couldn't post these entries during Spring Break (*shakes fist at Comcast*), I was able to work on them a bit.

As for the first segment of the original message I received:

"...number of attractive girls? (i realize you're a girl, but girls don't seem to have a problem with judging how hot other girls are, much unlike guys)...."

I don't always actually laugh out loud when I say LOL, but I definitely did with this one.
Let me just put it this way- Miami is known for its beautiful people for a reason, and UM students just seem to have a glow about them.
A glow of awesomeness.

Seriously though- check out the Sunsations.

I'm pretty sure that's what you're talking about, correct?

And if you see a great looking person on campus, you can bet they've got the looks and the brains- not a bad combination.

Spring Break

During spring break, many students traveled to nearby tropical getaways (such as the Bahamas) or stayed in Miami to enjoy the sights and sounds.

For some reason I decided to go home- not sure why, but I've learned my lesson. Being stuck in an empty town with no internet is not how I want to spend my time off next year!
In all seriousness, however, it wasn't too bad- I was able to catch up on some much needed sleep, enjoy the beach, hang out with some old friends, and ignore my homework quite efficiently.

As always, it's great to be back at the U- despite the papers due, projects to complete, and assignments to finish.

To officially end spring break festivities, some friends and I found our way to Miracle Mile for dinner at Benihana's. The cab took forever to pick us up, took us to Merrick Park instead, and we had to wait almost 2 hours for dinner, but it was fun all the same. The food was great and there was tons of it, and the habbachi dining was an awesome experience. The dude even flipped shrimp into his hat- pretty impressive. That being said, I won't be spending that much on dinner again.... at least not for a LONG time.

As promised, I did work on answering the rest of those questions sent to me- the posts will be coming up shortly.

The REAL College Experience... Part 1

I got a message asking me to truthfully evaluate the U- beyond the brochures and website.

It reminds me of a poster we have hanging up in one of the offices-

It makes me laugh each time I see it- mainly because it's so true. The poster, as well as the message, give me a great chance to tell you what to REALLY expect. I'll answer it in parts, because the questions bring up many layers that should be given the chance to answer fully.

Let us begin with the beginning... seems like the obvious thing to do, right?

"so the website and the welcome guides can say what they want, but it's basically the same thing everyone else says: our college is nice, kids have fun, come here.if you wouldn't mind, could you please tell me what the truth about the university of miami is? the stuff that they don't put in the brochures?"

I wanted the same kind of information when I was debating whether to go to UM or UF- sometimes it's difficult to evaluate what kind of experience you'll really have.  Quite honestly, I hated receiving those sugar-coated answers; they're generic and are always in the confines of being politically correct.

Just some starting points:

- One of the main points that is pushed about the U is how diverse the student population; and this is true.... in some senses.  We have students from various US states and many other countries, but it's mainly white-collar students (as opposed to blue-collared).  At first I thought this would have a big impact, but in the end the only thing it changes is how much of the cab fare you have to pay when with some friends.  I'll admit that it was a bit of a culture shock to me when I saw girls spending $150 on flip flops every other weekend, but everything is a learning experience.

- On a related note.... it's expensive here, regardless of scholarships.  Books, supplies, food, and fun all cost money at some point in time.  I've come to find that being able to budget yourself is very important.  This may be why I work two jobs.

- People here really do have a general crush on President Shalala- I know I'm not speaking for myself, because everyone stops and stares and pretty much bows down in front of her when they are graced with her presence.

- This school DOES offer challenging classes; that's why it's ranked higher than many others. Just be aware that a 101 class is definitly easier than a 232.... and sometimes easier isn't always better. Figure out where you belong, and you'll enjoy the academic side (yes, it does exist) to this college business much more.

That should get us off to a good start.

And if you were wondering-

As for the frisbee throwing that you so often see in various college ads,

that actually does happen.

Frequently.

I'm Very Conflicted About This Matter of "Tweeting"

Should I get a Twitter?

Or, more importantly, should I figure out how Twitter works? Because I don't know- not even in the most basic sense. Something about facebook status?

All I know is that Congress uses it (and you know they start the coolest trends...) as do many college students.

Perhaps it's worth looking into...

Do U Tweet? Follow the University of Miami at:

http://twitter.com/univmiami

The Unwritten Roommate Agreement

... seems to be that when your roomie is sick,
so shall you be.

When Nicole came back from her regatta in St. Petersburg (she's on the University's sailing team), she seemed to be under the weather. Try as I might, living a couple feet away from a person means that it's nearly impossible not to catch a cold or something else along the same lines. So I missed Purim celebrations (but I did have latkes that day at the dining hall, so....) and have lost my voice, but hopefully I'm feeling better soon, because spring break is just a couple days away. :-)

I'm not letting this cold get the best of me, and have been taking as many vitamins and advil as it takes to get me through classes. And days off from class don't mean I can sleep in, either- today, for example, I have my weekly meetings, work, revision sessions, studying, homework, and the ULecture series to attend (which I'm very excited for). Not to mention the Miami Film Festival- I definitly need to get a movie in before heading back home.

As for Miami in general, the weather has gone back to being absolutely beautiful- no more cold fronts, it seems! I envy those who lounge around at the pool until their next class. Lately it's been inside with the AC for me, but we'll see. Perhaps my pale complexion will start workin' with me and cooperate with the sun?
(It won't, but it's nice to think that someday I'll be tan.)

Just one more day of classes...

Then one week where everyday is a Lazy Sunday.

Yessssssss.

PurimPalooza 2009

I'm no fan of Daylight Savings- especially when it means losing an hour of precious weekend time. As I mentioned in my last post, there were some great concerts (it's taking a lot of self control not to blabber on about the Britney Spears concert...) and events this weekend- one of the many pros of living right outside of a city like Miami.

Tonight marks the beginning of even more celebrating, namely for the Jewish holiday of Purim (although all students are welcome to join the festivities). Much like a carnival, there will be free food, a dunk tank, bounce castle (I'm personally very excited for that), and DJ. Because it is in celebration of Purim, costumes are encouraged and there will be a performance by Chassidic rapper Dr. Laz (known for his community work in Brooklyn after the race riots in '91) Tuesday.

Spring break is at the end of this week (the second Friday the 13th of the year for those of us lucky enough to have classes end on Thursday). This seems to mean that professors feel the need to pile on the workload- many (including myself) have exams (other than midterms) this week, as well as papers and projects due now as well as when we return after break. Everyone is spending more and more time at Club Richter (don't get excited.... it's just the library), and I may find myself amongst the stacks if I can't leave facebook alone long enough to write some rough drafts.

American Idol, Green Gardens, and more...

I admit I'm a bit late in reporting this, but UM's own Alex Wagner-Trugman was fortunate enough to be on this season of American Idol. Although he did not make it to the top 12, we all had a great time cheering him on and hope he continues to pursuit his dreams.

Wednesday night I attended a GreenU initiative; an event that showcased companies that are working towards a cleaner environment. I got a great mini-interview with the coordinator of the entire event, I just have to figure out how to get it on the computer....

In related news, students are attempting to establish a community garden outside of the Richter Library.

Although many Florida schools have gardens, this one will differ in that it will not only serve for aesthetic purposes, but also for students to cultivate it.

This weekend should be a lot of fun- Perez Hilton is visiting South Beach for a book signing, my floormates and I are taking a short trip to the everglades, Britney Spear's Circus concert hits Miami, and Girl Talk is performing on Sunday.