It's 51 degrees outside and I'm freezing...

...weaksauce.

On a different note (although maybe she could explain why it's not as warm as I would like), Christine Todd Whitman (governor of New Jersey from 1994-2001) will be speaking on campus today about environmental issues of the 21st century. As former head of the EPA (from 2001-2003) and current president of The Whitman Strategy Group ("...a consulting firm specializing in energy and environmental issues."), she definitely has the knowledge and experience to shed some perspective on solutions to enivornmental challenges.

I once met her at the Monmouth County Fair- I think I was 8. I was really intrigued by the cotton candy stand.
I'll definitely take the opportunity to learn more this time around.

Speaking of environmental affairs, an Earth Day Fashion show is in the works. It will showcase earth-friendly clothes (made of eco-friendly and/or "up-cycled" material) by local designers (and when Miami is local, that means a lot!).

With only 9 days left until spring break, the University has taken the initiative to circulate knowledge about having a safe and fun vacation. It goes beyond a lot of the most obvious information (such as honoring the buddy system) and offers advice on what to keep in mind when visiting a place such as Cancun (quite the hotspot for college students).

I should also mention that the University presents tremendous volunteer opportunities during spring break. UM Alternative Breaks (UMAB) organizes great chances to help those in need across the country.

This year's work concerns women's & children's issues, disabilities, foster care / child abuse, Native American issues, rebuilding West Virginia & New Orleans, animal rights, education & immigration, the environment, homelessness & children, HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, LGBTQ rights, and poverty & immigration.

While the rest of the country freezes...

Mozoltov, Sebastian!

Last week, Sebastian the Ibis celebrated his Bar Mitzvah at 11 Leprechauns in the Grove (a bit of an odd place to hold a bar mitzvah now that I think about it...). All students were invited to enjoy a night of great music and food. Tickets were $5 presale and $7 at the door, with all of the proceeds going to an event for Cystic Fibrosis.

The Rat also held another Belly Bust- this time with comedian Jay Phillips (Def Jam Comedy, Semi Pro, Baby Mama, Kath & Kim). He put on a great show for the packed restaurant and held a meet and greet afterwards.

The next Belly Bust is the continuation of the student stand up comedy contest; whoever wins will open for the Rat's next guest- Bo Burnham! I can't lie- I will be staking out a spot in the front row for days on end with signs proclaiming my love for him. Just saying.