I know, two posts in a few minutes but they deserve separate entries.
With the new social network for Beloit College applicants and because I'm going abroad next semester I've started another blog.
So if you'd like to follow my travels down under, starting in February, I'll be blogging at http://doihavetolikevegemite.blogspot.com/
Because, really, do I have to like Vegemite?
Saturday, December 6, 2008
It Feels Like 100 Days, 100 Nights
I love it when things fall into place.
In the past year I've become obsessed with music from Allido Records and Daptone Records: Amy Winehouse, Budos Band, Mark Ronson, Rhymefest, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Menahan Street Band, etc.
My friend Michelle, writer of Rocksnobs.com got to see Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings last fall and said they were excellent. Imagine my surprise when I found out they were going to be in Madison! It's a $7 bus ride to Madison from Beloit so I was determined to get there, even on a Wednesday night.
My friend Kelly and I had originally planned to go together (she's from Madison) but by the Monday after Thanksgiving she wasn't feeling too hot. But by that point my friend Emily and her step-brother Robbie had decided to go to the show as well, and luckily, Emily has a car!
Now, before I start gushing about how excellent the show was I have to promote my newest favorite album. I first heard a few tracks on Mark Ronson's friday night internet radio show Authentic Sh*t from Menahan Street Band's Make the Road By Walking. Menahan Street Band is a mash-up of artists from various Daptone Records groups Budos Band and the Dap-Kings. Seriously, I can't get enough of their album; I've find myself humming their tunes all the time. Go have a listen, right now, right here: http://www.myspace.com/dunhamrecords!
So, back to the show. I was already very pumped to see Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, whose album 100 Days, 100 Nights has been in my rotation for about 4 months now, but couldn't contain my surprise when the website updated to say that Menahan Street Band was ALSO playing. I had to call my sister and brag.
For only $22, Emily, Robbie and I headed up to Madison on Wednesday night. The snow subsided by the time we hit the road at 4:30 so the ride was uneventful. The show started at 7:30 so with an hour and a half to kill before hand, we went over to Monty's Blue Plate Diner, across the street from the Barrymore Theater. I had a GBLT (guacamole, bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich), Robbie had a bleu cheese and bacon burger and Emily had a grilled veggie salad. We all dug into a Turtle Sundae before heading back across the street to see the show.
It took a while for us to gain feeling back into our toes but we had a good time looking around the old theater. It even has winking, sparkly stars in the ceiling. At about 7:45, Menahan Street band came on stage and we went to stand in front of it. Our feet glued themselves to the floor, which I doubt has been ever mopped, and we watched a great set. By the end of the night, the floor had gone from sticky to slick because so much beer had been spilled.
With only one album out, the set lasted about half an hour but they brought out a special guest! Charles Bradley! He's a James Brown-ish sort of guy with a great voice.
It was another half an hour before Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings got on stage, and in that amount of time the number of people on the floor doubled. I'm only 5'2" and was wearing tennis shoes so I went from having a clear view of the stage to a clear view of everyone else's shoulders. About half of Menahan Street Band are also Dap-Kings so they came back on to stage in nice suits to play a few warm up songs. Binky Griptite sang a few before introducing Sharon Jones. That lady can sing and move! Sharon (only 4'11" herself) brought people up on stage to dance with her, had the audience sing back-up and danced non-stop. A good portion of the audience was also grooving along to her soul-funky voice. To end the show, Charles Bradley came back on and they sang a duet. By this point it was getting close to 11 but no one was willing to leave. An encore was asked for a we got it. Sharon sang another couple of songs before heading out to the lobby to sign merchandise.
Emily, Robbie and I were exhausted by this point and didn't bother to stick around. We knew we had an hour's drive back to Beloit and all had things to do the next morning. We took a quick drive past the capital because I had never really been through Madison before, and hopped on the interstate home. I was back in my room by 12:30 and crashed immediately, wondering if I'd ever get the beer off my shoes or make it out of bed in the morning.
Just yesterday I found out that they'll be playing in San Francisco at the end of January. Since I have two months off between the end of my Beloit semester and the beginning of my Australian semester, I'm going to try and see them again!
Oh, and I apologize for the low quality pictures but the shutter button fell off on my camera over Thanksgiving break and I haven't bought the $18 piece of plastic to replace it yet.
In the past year I've become obsessed with music from Allido Records and Daptone Records: Amy Winehouse, Budos Band, Mark Ronson, Rhymefest, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Menahan Street Band, etc.
My friend Michelle, writer of Rocksnobs.com got to see Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings last fall and said they were excellent. Imagine my surprise when I found out they were going to be in Madison! It's a $7 bus ride to Madison from Beloit so I was determined to get there, even on a Wednesday night.
My friend Kelly and I had originally planned to go together (she's from Madison) but by the Monday after Thanksgiving she wasn't feeling too hot. But by that point my friend Emily and her step-brother Robbie had decided to go to the show as well, and luckily, Emily has a car!
Now, before I start gushing about how excellent the show was I have to promote my newest favorite album. I first heard a few tracks on Mark Ronson's friday night internet radio show Authentic Sh*t from Menahan Street Band's Make the Road By Walking. Menahan Street Band is a mash-up of artists from various Daptone Records groups Budos Band and the Dap-Kings. Seriously, I can't get enough of their album; I've find myself humming their tunes all the time. Go have a listen, right now, right here: http://www.myspace.com/dunhamrecords!
So, back to the show. I was already very pumped to see Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, whose album 100 Days, 100 Nights has been in my rotation for about 4 months now, but couldn't contain my surprise when the website updated to say that Menahan Street Band was ALSO playing. I had to call my sister and brag.
For only $22, Emily, Robbie and I headed up to Madison on Wednesday night. The snow subsided by the time we hit the road at 4:30 so the ride was uneventful. The show started at 7:30 so with an hour and a half to kill before hand, we went over to Monty's Blue Plate Diner, across the street from the Barrymore Theater. I had a GBLT (guacamole, bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich), Robbie had a bleu cheese and bacon burger and Emily had a grilled veggie salad. We all dug into a Turtle Sundae before heading back across the street to see the show.
It took a while for us to gain feeling back into our toes but we had a good time looking around the old theater. It even has winking, sparkly stars in the ceiling. At about 7:45, Menahan Street band came on stage and we went to stand in front of it. Our feet glued themselves to the floor, which I doubt has been ever mopped, and we watched a great set. By the end of the night, the floor had gone from sticky to slick because so much beer had been spilled.
With only one album out, the set lasted about half an hour but they brought out a special guest! Charles Bradley! He's a James Brown-ish sort of guy with a great voice.
It was another half an hour before Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings got on stage, and in that amount of time the number of people on the floor doubled. I'm only 5'2" and was wearing tennis shoes so I went from having a clear view of the stage to a clear view of everyone else's shoulders. About half of Menahan Street Band are also Dap-Kings so they came back on to stage in nice suits to play a few warm up songs. Binky Griptite sang a few before introducing Sharon Jones. That lady can sing and move! Sharon (only 4'11" herself) brought people up on stage to dance with her, had the audience sing back-up and danced non-stop. A good portion of the audience was also grooving along to her soul-funky voice. To end the show, Charles Bradley came back on and they sang a duet. By this point it was getting close to 11 but no one was willing to leave. An encore was asked for a we got it. Sharon sang another couple of songs before heading out to the lobby to sign merchandise.
Emily, Robbie and I were exhausted by this point and didn't bother to stick around. We knew we had an hour's drive back to Beloit and all had things to do the next morning. We took a quick drive past the capital because I had never really been through Madison before, and hopped on the interstate home. I was back in my room by 12:30 and crashed immediately, wondering if I'd ever get the beer off my shoes or make it out of bed in the morning.
Just yesterday I found out that they'll be playing in San Francisco at the end of January. Since I have two months off between the end of my Beloit semester and the beginning of my Australian semester, I'm going to try and see them again!
Oh, and I apologize for the low quality pictures but the shutter button fell off on my camera over Thanksgiving break and I haven't bought the $18 piece of plastic to replace it yet.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Snow, Snow, Snow, Snow, Snowwwwwww.
I was only off by 24 hours! By Sunday night we had about 2 inches of snow on the ground here in Beloit with an additional inch by morning.
December 1 2008 v. November 3 2008:
The sidewalks on campus weren't made by a ruler, instead they twist and turn around old forgotten trees and ancient Native American paths. In the winter they sometimes disappear entirely. Within a few weeks of the semester beginning, we know how long it takes to get to class and which route is the fastest. But when the snow falls, Physical Plant's whims decide our routes. Sidewalks go missing for months while other paths are created.
I lived in 609 Emerson my first year, before there was a path from the most-used door. Instead, we created a packed snow trail from the door to the nearest sidewalk. Within days it had become a solid ice-slide and made for many perilous journeys to meals. A new dusting of snow would only create another layer of ice that took weeks in the spring to melt.
My winter boots have been near my door for a few weeks but I truly needed them this morning as I made my way to class, past the library and Eaton Chapel to WAC. I pounded my feet off on the slushy steps and unwrapped my face as my sunglasses fogged up in the warmth of the building's lobby. The glittery snow looks beautiful right now under street lamp and moonlight, especially through a closed window.
--
Final countdown:
Papers: 2
Exams: 1
Projects: 2
Dinner's at a Professor's house: 1
Days until back in California: 16
December 1 2008 v. November 3 2008:
The sidewalks on campus weren't made by a ruler, instead they twist and turn around old forgotten trees and ancient Native American paths. In the winter they sometimes disappear entirely. Within a few weeks of the semester beginning, we know how long it takes to get to class and which route is the fastest. But when the snow falls, Physical Plant's whims decide our routes. Sidewalks go missing for months while other paths are created.
I lived in 609 Emerson my first year, before there was a path from the most-used door. Instead, we created a packed snow trail from the door to the nearest sidewalk. Within days it had become a solid ice-slide and made for many perilous journeys to meals. A new dusting of snow would only create another layer of ice that took weeks in the spring to melt.
My winter boots have been near my door for a few weeks but I truly needed them this morning as I made my way to class, past the library and Eaton Chapel to WAC. I pounded my feet off on the slushy steps and unwrapped my face as my sunglasses fogged up in the warmth of the building's lobby. The glittery snow looks beautiful right now under street lamp and moonlight, especially through a closed window.
--
Final countdown:
Papers: 2
Exams: 1
Projects: 2
Dinner's at a Professor's house: 1
Days until back in California: 16
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Jumping on the bandwagon.
I’m not sure how many of you are still reading this, and by “you” I mean people other than my mother. Some may have noticed that the link on the Admissions website to the blogs has disappeared and been replaced with another button.
In response to current internet trends Admissions has implemented this social network for applicants, Admissions counselors and a few current students who work for the Office, including myself. Invites will be sent after your application is received and the network goes live. Hopefully it will be up and running in early December for those early applicants who are already on the ball. We’ve got a few applications already being read in the office and can’t wait to get more.
The social network is Admission’s way of making sure questions are answered. I know that Facebook was still predominantly college students with hard-to-get-into high school networks when I joined back in the summer of 2006. My first friends were other Beloit students I met in the Beloit Class of 2010 group. Each year these groups are being started earlier and earlier, as soon as the first acceptances are sent out. This last January, the Beloit Class of 2012 group had a dozen people by the end of the month. Many questions were posted about housing, classes, professors, the town, parties, and entertainment on campus without any real answers. A few current students generously tried to answer as many as possible but plenty were just speculation from other future class members.
Admissions hopes that this social network will help change that. It, quite like Facebook, has groups, profiles and forums to write in, but more people are able to answer questions and support confused future first-years.
Remember, the early action deadline is December 1!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Baby It's Cold Outside
Seriously, isn't that song just creepy? And since one friend has it as a ring-back tone it is constantly stuck in my head. Thanks, Mark.
We've got 15 days left of class plus 4 days of finals before we're all out of here for the semester. I try not to rely on caffeine because I crash hard later but when November (or April) hits I'm all for an extra shot of energy after class.
Pleasant Street Coffee opened almost two years ago just off campus. Though we have the Java Joint on campus, their coffee skillz don't quite match a real shop. On Friday nights they have live music and often the place will be packed. Many times, on my way back from the public library, bookstore or grocery store, I've stopped into get a quick drink, thaw and a punch in my card. The fake fireplace is warming and the big screen TV plays news or sports silently while the radio plays a good mix of classic pop and rock. Student art lines the walls, everything from photographs to local hand stitched maps.
Often you'll find students working behind the counter, always eager for a chat about a professor or homework. Locals and students mix in a really cozy atmosphere over looking the Rock River. On a winter's night P-Street is a welcome respite against the cold winds, low temperatures and intermittent snow that falls between November and March.
And speaking of snow, it snowed today! Well, it seemed like quite a lot while in the classroom but the ground was warm and yet again, it did not stick. Within an hour there was barely a trace of snow on the ground, though the wind has stayed whipping. I think that if it's going to be below freezing, it might as well snow and look pretty.
For my first two years here, the first real snow fall of each year has landed on December 1st, oddly enough. So I guess we'll be waiting another two weeks for a real snowfall and what I consider the offical start of Christmas-music-listening season. I don't celebrate Christmas but I sure do love me some snowy medleys.
1 Dec 2006:
We've got 15 days left of class plus 4 days of finals before we're all out of here for the semester. I try not to rely on caffeine because I crash hard later but when November (or April) hits I'm all for an extra shot of energy after class.
Pleasant Street Coffee opened almost two years ago just off campus. Though we have the Java Joint on campus, their coffee skillz don't quite match a real shop. On Friday nights they have live music and often the place will be packed. Many times, on my way back from the public library, bookstore or grocery store, I've stopped into get a quick drink, thaw and a punch in my card. The fake fireplace is warming and the big screen TV plays news or sports silently while the radio plays a good mix of classic pop and rock. Student art lines the walls, everything from photographs to local hand stitched maps.
Often you'll find students working behind the counter, always eager for a chat about a professor or homework. Locals and students mix in a really cozy atmosphere over looking the Rock River. On a winter's night P-Street is a welcome respite against the cold winds, low temperatures and intermittent snow that falls between November and March.
And speaking of snow, it snowed today! Well, it seemed like quite a lot while in the classroom but the ground was warm and yet again, it did not stick. Within an hour there was barely a trace of snow on the ground, though the wind has stayed whipping. I think that if it's going to be below freezing, it might as well snow and look pretty.
For my first two years here, the first real snow fall of each year has landed on December 1st, oddly enough. So I guess we'll be waiting another two weeks for a real snowfall and what I consider the offical start of Christmas-music-listening season. I don't celebrate Christmas but I sure do love me some snowy medleys.
1 Dec 2007:
1 Dec 2006:
Sunday, November 9, 2008
It's the Final Countdown
I feel like my head's been in another place for the past week. Things are falling through the cracks as classes start to hit the last 6 weeks. As professors try to fit everything in students start to get stressed. I've been lucky not to lose more than a day being sick this semester but it seems almost inevitable. Last semester I ended up taking my finals while on antibiotics for a sinus infection. Hopefully this will be skipped this year...
We have about 4 and a half weeks of classes until finals. Within that are multiple of the 3 Ps: papers, presentations, and projects. My sanity seems to be running away from me. I find myself 15 pages into a packet on Marx and realize that I've absorbed nothing. The highlighter poised in my hand remains capped as I begin again...
It seems like such a downer of an entry and I apologize. I guess I'm starting to slump and need a break. Heck, this is my 5th semester here, and I think I deserve my two months off before next semester (the Australia semester starts mid-February).
Also, since it's now November, the inevitable snow fall will begin. It's been hovering just above freezing for the past two days. We had some brief non-sticking snow on Friday afternoon but it mostly drizzled icy rain. My computer tells me it's snowing right now but my window does not.
And to think it was 65 on Election Day...
I voted!
We have about 4 and a half weeks of classes until finals. Within that are multiple of the 3 Ps: papers, presentations, and projects. My sanity seems to be running away from me. I find myself 15 pages into a packet on Marx and realize that I've absorbed nothing. The highlighter poised in my hand remains capped as I begin again...
It seems like such a downer of an entry and I apologize. I guess I'm starting to slump and need a break. Heck, this is my 5th semester here, and I think I deserve my two months off before next semester (the Australia semester starts mid-February).
Also, since it's now November, the inevitable snow fall will begin. It's been hovering just above freezing for the past two days. We had some brief non-sticking snow on Friday afternoon but it mostly drizzled icy rain. My computer tells me it's snowing right now but my window does not.
And to think it was 65 on Election Day...
I voted!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
VOTE
I don't discuss my politics. Who and what I vote for are mine and mine alone. But what I do support is voting.
Some who read this blog are too young but if you can vote, GO VOTE. In Wisconsin you can register at the polls.
GO. VOTE.
Some who read this blog are too young but if you can vote, GO VOTE. In Wisconsin you can register at the polls.
GO. VOTE.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Tacos?
Did you know that you could've gotten a free taco from Taco Bell today?
As the days turn colder here in Wisconsin, we spend more time online. I have my daily routine of checkin' the email and blogs. It really does pay to keep up on some of the neat websites out there. Without a TV readily available to us, students rely on the internet. Google news gives a good over view but when I really want some more unbiased news, I head over to Al Jazeera, actually. In such a time where all of the 24-hour news sources are focused on what Sarah Palin is wearing, it is refreshing to learn what else is going on in the world. We are global citizens after all!
Some of my other daily reads are Tree Hugger, for all my sustainable-hippie-hemp-and-sandal-wearing needs. I will always be a geek at heart (and growing up in Silicon Valley helped with that) so I hit up a couple of more tech-focused blogs like Gizmodo, for my gadget fix and Lifehacker, for interesting new programs and tips to make my computing time (many hours a week) just a bit easier. Jezebel and Pop Candy cover my pop culture fix. I also like to check out a couple of more brain-numbing sites like the Kitchn, and drool over recipies I can't try my hand at until breaks.
Mmmm. Free tacos for everyone!
*5 points for knowing what movie this is from, 10 points for getting the other reference!
As the days turn colder here in Wisconsin, we spend more time online. I have my daily routine of checkin' the email and blogs. It really does pay to keep up on some of the neat websites out there. Without a TV readily available to us, students rely on the internet. Google news gives a good over view but when I really want some more unbiased news, I head over to Al Jazeera, actually. In such a time where all of the 24-hour news sources are focused on what Sarah Palin is wearing, it is refreshing to learn what else is going on in the world. We are global citizens after all!
Some of my other daily reads are Tree Hugger, for all my sustainable-hippie-hemp-and-sandal-wearing needs. I will always be a geek at heart (and growing up in Silicon Valley helped with that) so I hit up a couple of more tech-focused blogs like Gizmodo, for my gadget fix and Lifehacker, for interesting new programs and tips to make my computing time (many hours a week) just a bit easier. Jezebel and Pop Candy cover my pop culture fix. I also like to check out a couple of more brain-numbing sites like the Kitchn, and drool over recipies I can't try my hand at until breaks.
Mmmm. Free tacos for everyone!
*5 points for knowing what movie this is from, 10 points for getting the other reference!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
I'm Back. Back in the Beloit Groove*
I apologize for neglecting you for so long! I had a very large paper to write this week which took up all of my time.
Well, the week before last was our Fall Break and I got to head out East to visit family and friends. Here's just a slice of my time out there.
Woodrow Wilson House, Washington DC, with Allison
Washington Memorial at Night
New York City Skyline, from a train
Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island
New York System Hot Weiners, a Rhode Island staple
And some Del's Lemonade, another Rhode Island classic, with my cousin Jill
Boston's Public Gardens with Alhan
The Charles River, Boston
*Reference: New York Groove by Hello
Well, the week before last was our Fall Break and I got to head out East to visit family and friends. Here's just a slice of my time out there.
Woodrow Wilson House, Washington DC, with Allison
Washington Memorial at Night
New York City Skyline, from a train
Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island
New York System Hot Weiners, a Rhode Island staple
And some Del's Lemonade, another Rhode Island classic, with my cousin Jill
Boston's Public Gardens with Alhan
The Charles River, Boston
*Reference: New York Groove by Hello
Monday, October 6, 2008
Slackin'
I apologize for slacking on my posting duties but that last few weeks have been mega-full. It's the week before our Fall Break (one week break for mid-terms and studying) so everyone is already on vacation. My first year I stayed in Wisconsin but visited my mom's family out in Milwaukee. Last year I went home to California to see family and friends. This year, I'm heading out to the other coast.
My dear friend Allison (hi Allison!) is studying in Washington DC at American University for the semester. On Friday night I'm flying out there to spend the weekend. On Monday I'll be taking the train up to Rhode Island to see my dad's side of the family and for the last weekend of break I'll be in Boston to visit my friend Alhan and her family.
To switch gears, you're all aware of the new Center for the Sciences but what of Chamberlin, the old science building? Well, you can watch it's deconstruction here. It should be completely gone by Halloween and then work on the gardens and greenhouse will start!
My dear friend Allison (hi Allison!) is studying in Washington DC at American University for the semester. On Friday night I'm flying out there to spend the weekend. On Monday I'll be taking the train up to Rhode Island to see my dad's side of the family and for the last weekend of break I'll be in Boston to visit my friend Alhan and her family.
To switch gears, you're all aware of the new Center for the Sciences but what of Chamberlin, the old science building? Well, you can watch it's deconstruction here. It should be completely gone by Halloween and then work on the gardens and greenhouse will start!
I love the new building but sometimes miss the large, 1960s styling of Chamberlin.
Rest in Pieces
1965-2008
1965-2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Don't ask...
I have a strange fascination with death. I guess it all stems from when I was a baby. My mom sang at funerals and when a babysitter couldn't be found, I would sleep in the casket showroom.
I still prefer dark and quiet to sleep in.
There is a cemetery not too many blocks off campus. I like to walk through it every once and a while when the weather is still good and the sun is just setting. Familiar names to Beloit students pop up, like Chapin, Bushnell and Porter. Some of the gravestones are only a few years old while others date back to pre-Civil War settlers. The brick-paved roads show through on some of the lanes while in other places they are just gravel.
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P.S. I still hope for one of these some day.
I still prefer dark and quiet to sleep in.
There is a cemetery not too many blocks off campus. I like to walk through it every once and a while when the weather is still good and the sun is just setting. Familiar names to Beloit students pop up, like Chapin, Bushnell and Porter. Some of the gravestones are only a few years old while others date back to pre-Civil War settlers. The brick-paved roads show through on some of the lanes while in other places they are just gravel.
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Going to cemeteries much be genetic; one of my dad's sisters lives across the street from one of the oldest cemeteries in Rhode Island and my mom has had encounters with guardian-angel butterflies when visiting family sites.
For October break (coming up in less than two weeks) I'll be off to the East Coast to visit family and friends. Hopefully I'll make it out to visit the grave of Nellie L. Vaughn, seemingly another vampire, like Mercy Brown.
For October break (coming up in less than two weeks) I'll be off to the East Coast to visit family and friends. Hopefully I'll make it out to visit the grave of Nellie L. Vaughn, seemingly another vampire, like Mercy Brown.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Family and Friend's Weekend
Somehow I managed to be with my mom for an entire weekend and not snap a picture! I realized that as she drove back to Milwaukee on Sunday night! I'm sorry Mom!
This was the first Family and Friends weekend that someone from home came to visit. My mom is from the Milwaukee area so she got to see her sisters, mom and one brother. On Friday she drove down to Beloit. We made it through the first half hour of BeauSoliel, a Cajun/Zydeco band, in Eaton Chapel before we both realized how tired we were. The warmth of the upper balcony was cozy but we didn't think the people next to us would appreciate our snoring. We made it back to the hotel and got through a sweet little film called Arranged before turning in for the night.
On Saturday we hit the Farmer's Market after brunch so that I could show her a little more of town. Every stand was packed with locals, students and parents tasting and buying local treats. Friday night we had gone out to dinner with some of my friends when my mom spied the Angel Museum so of course we had to go.
I've been at Beloit for over two years now and attempted to visit the Angel Museum with friends last semester only to have it close. I took it as a good sign and left it at that.
Maybe we should have left it at that too. Inside were approximately 93085092835092835098432096583406983409865095820935809432809184326831096483 angels in every shape, size, color and porcelin moulding possible. And apparently this isn't all of them.
We giggled and made snotty comments the entire time; we are not fans of tchotches.
[[Side note: My sister just texted me to see if I took Blackadder. Sorry, Charlotte, I did.]]
And I'm kinda sorry to say, but the highlights of the weekend all revolved around food. Commons is fine for the every day but when someone else is buying and it's off campus, we're all happy campers.
A few selections:
The Badger Burger + Hummus at Bushel & Peck's Local Market (just a few blocks away)
The burger is "100% Local Black Angus beef mixed with fresh cheese curd from Spring Green, Wisconsin free range eggs, veggies and scratch bread crumbs in a hand formed patty" and the hummus was fresh and chunky. "It's like the consistancy of mashed potatoes but all that low fat protein," said my mom.
I cannot wait to go back and sample the rest of the menu.
Tea and a chocolate muffin at Pleasant Street Coffee just off campus. We also split a veggie sandwich and a crab/artichoke quiche. It's a great little place for a light lunch next to the river or a safe haven between campus and the bookstore for coffee during the winter.
This was the first Family and Friends weekend that someone from home came to visit. My mom is from the Milwaukee area so she got to see her sisters, mom and one brother. On Friday she drove down to Beloit. We made it through the first half hour of BeauSoliel, a Cajun/Zydeco band, in Eaton Chapel before we both realized how tired we were. The warmth of the upper balcony was cozy but we didn't think the people next to us would appreciate our snoring. We made it back to the hotel and got through a sweet little film called Arranged before turning in for the night.
On Saturday we hit the Farmer's Market after brunch so that I could show her a little more of town. Every stand was packed with locals, students and parents tasting and buying local treats. Friday night we had gone out to dinner with some of my friends when my mom spied the Angel Museum so of course we had to go.
I've been at Beloit for over two years now and attempted to visit the Angel Museum with friends last semester only to have it close. I took it as a good sign and left it at that.
Maybe we should have left it at that too. Inside were approximately 93085092835092835098432096583406983409865095820935809432809184326831096483 angels in every shape, size, color and porcelin moulding possible. And apparently this isn't all of them.
We giggled and made snotty comments the entire time; we are not fans of tchotches.
[[Side note: My sister just texted me to see if I took Blackadder. Sorry, Charlotte, I did.]]
And I'm kinda sorry to say, but the highlights of the weekend all revolved around food. Commons is fine for the every day but when someone else is buying and it's off campus, we're all happy campers.
A few selections:
The Badger Burger + Hummus at Bushel & Peck's Local Market (just a few blocks away)
The burger is "100% Local Black Angus beef mixed with fresh cheese curd from Spring Green, Wisconsin free range eggs, veggies and scratch bread crumbs in a hand formed patty" and the hummus was fresh and chunky. "It's like the consistancy of mashed potatoes but all that low fat protein," said my mom.
I cannot wait to go back and sample the rest of the menu.
Tea and a chocolate muffin at Pleasant Street Coffee just off campus. We also split a veggie sandwich and a crab/artichoke quiche. It's a great little place for a light lunch next to the river or a safe haven between campus and the bookstore for coffee during the winter.
Thanks, Mom, for a great weekend. You're on your plane right now and I miss you so much already.
Monday, September 15, 2008
I'm Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack.
Oh yeah. We're back. Rather, I'm finally back. I was supposed to be back a week ago but they had to get new carpeting in Admissions so my days were canceled.
It's already the 4th week of schools so I've got plenty to write about but my fingers just aren't fast enough.
Life is different as an junior. Many of my friends are spread across the country and across the globe. This makes social life interesting. The small group of people I eat meals with is trying to branch out but we feel 1) old and 2) lost with all the new first-years. Seriously, there are 339 of them! That's more than the rest of us averaged out!
(You can also make a stop-motion-gif here)
I'm not complaining, though; they are a superb bunch. Who knew that so many excellent people would show up? Braving the harsh February weather for Presidential Scholarship weekends pays off!
So far, academically, this semester has been a challenge. Two English classes load on the reading PLUS I'm taking a Communication class that has an additional 32958032958 pages every night. But one of the most exciting classes this semester is Buildings as Teachers; it's all about the new Science Center. Holy smokes is that place awesome.
Really, the Science Center is like a new world! The technology is amazing, the bathroom counters are recycled and it's big and open. It is everything Chamberlin was not. I know that we lost some history with Chamberlin but the new place is great. Hopefully I'll get out my camera and show you some pictures of the new SC and the deconstruction of Chamberlin.
I've got so much to tell you but so much reading to do that I will instead appease you with a few other things until I charge my camera.
I've recently been obsessed with this song: I Blame Coco
And every song needs more cowbell...
It's already the 4th week of schools so I've got plenty to write about but my fingers just aren't fast enough.
Life is different as an junior. Many of my friends are spread across the country and across the globe. This makes social life interesting. The small group of people I eat meals with is trying to branch out but we feel 1) old and 2) lost with all the new first-years. Seriously, there are 339 of them! That's more than the rest of us averaged out!
(You can also make a stop-motion-gif here)
I'm not complaining, though; they are a superb bunch. Who knew that so many excellent people would show up? Braving the harsh February weather for Presidential Scholarship weekends pays off!
So far, academically, this semester has been a challenge. Two English classes load on the reading PLUS I'm taking a Communication class that has an additional 32958032958 pages every night. But one of the most exciting classes this semester is Buildings as Teachers; it's all about the new Science Center. Holy smokes is that place awesome.
Really, the Science Center is like a new world! The technology is amazing, the bathroom counters are recycled and it's big and open. It is everything Chamberlin was not. I know that we lost some history with Chamberlin but the new place is great. Hopefully I'll get out my camera and show you some pictures of the new SC and the deconstruction of Chamberlin.
I've got so much to tell you but so much reading to do that I will instead appease you with a few other things until I charge my camera.
I've recently been obsessed with this song: I Blame Coco
And every song needs more cowbell...
Thursday, May 1, 2008
this is the day...
Today’s the day.
It’s the day that all deposits for incoming students are due.
It’s the day before finals.
It’s that last Thursday on campus for months.
And I can’t wait.
This semester was full of learning, work, snow, rain, sun, friends, construction, heartache and laughter. And it’s almost done. Many of my friends are going abroad next semester which changes everything.
Freshman 15. Sophomore slump. Not really. It’s up to you.
I’m sounding all philosophical but it’s because I’m burning out. I still have 2 papers and an exam left but all I was to do is sit around with my friends and laugh until we no longer can.
We’re all ready for a change for a few months. But by August, we’ll be ready to be back or be abroad.
Most of you still have at more than a month before your semesters end or you graduate. Hang in there. It’s not that much longer.
If you end up passing through town this summer, stop in at one of the new stores opening, Clean Cut Clothing on Wisconsin Ave or Bushel and Peck’s [the local produce grocery] on State St!
I hope to meet many of you, dear readers, this fall. I’ll be back in September for another semester of writing.
P.S. I never thought I’d eat Taco Bell at midnight in the basement of a bar while listening to a live death-metal band called “Sounds of Serenity”. Hm. College.
Monday, April 21, 2008
If I Only Had The Words...
Monday, April 14, 2008
jkasjdg;poialkjwa;eoitjalkscjlkdjf
Sorry about the week long hiatus but last Sunday through this morning was busier and more stressful than I could have imagined. Part of it is personal issue but the last two days are what many of you who read this [I hope] were involved in:
Senior Open House [SOH]. Usually this is from Sunday-Monday but with 150 students flying in from across the country I had two lovely prospies from Saturday to Monday! That, coupled with many of my friends’ mom’s coming in for the weekend did not give much time for the rest I needed. But that will be made up this week. My weekend was roughly:
Friday
Dinner with friends and their Moms in the guest houses ~ 6 PM
Little Shop of Horrors from Netflix ~ 11 PM
Saturday
“End of the World” Party at Spanish House ~ 12:30 AM
Hanging out in one of the dorms.
Scrambling the last of my eggs* ~ 3:30 AM
*I forgot that I was planning to make banananananana bread. Now I’ve got four banananananananas in the freezer
Watching the TV Guide channel with friends [because there is nothing else on!] ~ 4 AM
Sleep ~ 5 AM
Homework ~ 2 PM
Re-dying my hair ~ 3 PM
Dinner ~ 5:30 PM
Pick up propsie #1 ~ 7:40 PM
Annual Drag Show [Yes, professional Drag Queens from Chicago come perform every year] ~ 8 PM
Pick up prospie # 2 ~ 11 PM
Sunday
Walked around campus, dancing ~ 12 AM
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street [the Tim Burton version] ~ 12:30 AM
Sleep
Brunch ~ 11:30 AM
Prospies dropped off for tour/info sessions; Bus pick up ~ 2:30 PM
Dinner ~ 5 PM
Prospies hung out at the Alliance while I was here in Admissions ~ 8 PM
Voodoo Barbie [to watch the lovely Emily perform] ~ 10 PM
Finish Sweeney Todd ~ 11:30 PM
Monday
Sleep ~ Eventually
Breakfast ~ 9:15 AM
Prospies dropped off for the day ~ 10 AM
And then, because my class is cancelled this week due to a Saturday field trip, I went back to bed until 12:45.
This week is less hectic but it just gives me time to read and write more for next week…
1 final exam
4 papers
1 revision
843098502385 lines of poetry
1 field trip
*you got Rick Roll’d!
Sunday, April 6, 2008
you know nothing of the crunch!
It's the final crunch. I fly home in a month for three weeks of lovely Californian free time until I start my internship.
In between then and now, though, are 6 papers, 1 exam and 50 lines of poetry.
At least I have part of the poetry done!
My intro to creative writing class covers three genres: non-fiction, fiction and poetry. That's also the order of my preference. We have come upon the last third of the semester and so we begin poetry.
I don't like poetry. I think that anything that is written in poetic form could be put into sentences. I've never liked poetry. And I still don't think I ever will.
toothpastefordinner.com
But my professor is a decent guy. Instead of saying "WRITE POEMS!" he is giving us creative ways to learn how to create poetry. Our first assignment, due Tuesday, is to "translate" a poem.
Let me explain:
1. Take a poem from another language, written phonetically
2. Using just the sounds, write it out in English
3. Smooth it out, begin to make it your own
4. Cut, paste, rework, rewrite until it's new!
We were provided with already phonetically written poems and I chose one written in Persian/Farsi. Look at the evolution of it!
1. [farsi-> english, first two lines]
In between then and now, though, are 6 papers, 1 exam and 50 lines of poetry.
At least I have part of the poetry done!
My intro to creative writing class covers three genres: non-fiction, fiction and poetry. That's also the order of my preference. We have come upon the last third of the semester and so we begin poetry.
I don't like poetry. I think that anything that is written in poetic form could be put into sentences. I've never liked poetry. And I still don't think I ever will.
But my professor is a decent guy. Instead of saying "WRITE POEMS!" he is giving us creative ways to learn how to create poetry. Our first assignment, due Tuesday, is to "translate" a poem.
Let me explain:
1. Take a poem from another language, written phonetically
2. Using just the sounds, write it out in English
3. Smooth it out, begin to make it your own
4. Cut, paste, rework, rewrite until it's new!
We were provided with already phonetically written poems and I chose one written in Persian/Farsi. Look at the evolution of it!
1. [farsi-> english, first two lines]
Dideh-I to ‘ankabur-e biqarar
Dar khiali migozarad ruzegar
D-Day, I to anchor bury big car
Door key ally me go far ahead rosé guard
D-day, I bury anchor, big car
Door key, rosé, guard-ally goes far
I buried an anchor on D-Day
the door key broke; rosé
a bay of sod, full of dummies
marred the door; rosé
Peace, Jared
the door is in disarray; rosé
you cannot bar me from coming
rosé
bashing the red surrey
bar the door; rosé
buried in anchors and maggots
bar the door; rosé
buried in anchors and maggots
Cool, huh?
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
CHEAP TRICK AND JOAN JETT
Aren't you jealous? I know I would be if I wasn't...me? What?
ANYWAY. Cheap Trick and Joan Jett. Brilliance.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts started out the night. Due to dinner issues we missed "Bad Reputation" but heard most of it on the way inside and in the bathroom. Hit after hit with some new stuff thrown in. It was a great show.
Rachel, Sara and I danced like fools in our seats much to the chagrin of the middle-aged fans around us. Most
were either standing still or sitting during Joan Jett's regardless of the raw energy that flowed from the stage. When we were walking to the arena I thought that it was a recording playing because the voice was so flawless. It was power, perfection and performance.
I did sneak out during a low-key song to score some concert swag for myself. $35 later I was the proud owner of a Cheap Trick shirt and made my way back before she sang "I Love Rock'n'Roll". To our surprise, they did an
excellent rendition of Tommy James and the Shondell's "Crimson and Clover". Somehow, everyone around us managed to stay completely still during the entire thing...
One encore later, the lights came on and the drum kit went down.
Sara, Rachel and I attempted to a get a group shot with the result of this after 438048502385 attempts...
It was only after another dozen text messages that I finally secured a t-shirt order from my sisters but then the lights suddenly went out and the classic intro started. Anyone who has ever
listened to "At Budokan" is very familiar with it...
They powered through hit after hit interspersed with stage banter from front man/guitarist Rick Neilsen. I snuck out again during the one song I didn’t know all the lyrics to, “Best Friend”. I made it back in time for “I Want You To Want Me”. The set list was AWESOME. S
ure, they had to “The Flame” but I was able to pass it up because it was followed by That 70s Song!
They “finished” the set but as always, enough cheering and feet stomping, they came back out.
WAIT. They didn’t. An Illinois State Representative came out? Whaaaaaa?
He declared that, from now on, April 1 is Cheap Trick Day. I am totally celebrating.
Rick Nielsen Guitar Count: 7
P.S. This guy had a sweet sweater.
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