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JP goes to Japan

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Image taken from the very slick flight booking site vayama

If you’ve noticed that blogUT posts have been slowing down a bit lately, I apologize. That’s because your truly, JP, has been busy preparing for a 3 month stint in Japan.

Don’t worry, I fully plan on keeping blogUT going, and updating as much as usual. In fact, I have an interesting series of articles coming up. I spent the last month exploring online dating, so I’m preparing a first person account of my experiences. I’m thinking of calling it “The iDate Project: Dispatches from the Online Dating Scene”.

So about this Japan trip: I landed the gig through an organization called IAESTE (International Association for Exchange of Students for Technical Experience)… yes, they won the “Most Awkward Acronym” award in 2006. And true to their title, they are an organization that manages international working exchanges for technical students, mostly engineers and science students. I’ll be working in the R&D lab of KDDI, the second largest cell phone company in Japan.

The exchange program is quite large, and there’s all sorts of jobs, from research positions in universities to jobs in tech companies in countries from Brazil to Czech Republic to, well, Japan. Placement terms range from a few months in the summer to a full year. A few of my friends have completed the program and they’ve all love it. If you’re interested in applying, you can do so through IAESTE Canada. The next round of applications is near the end of 2007.

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Bunnyfish invades Toronto

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Let me introduce you to the Bunnyfish, a promiscuous little hybrid of bunny and fish. It is also the creative product of husband and wife art duo kozyndan. You’ll recognize their works on CD covers for Weezer (The Lion and the Witch), The Postal Service (Such Great Heights), and John Mayer (As/Is), to mention a few.

Over the last year, the Bunnyfish has found itself in compromising positions with the people it meets all over the world. If you would like to be acquainted with this fun creature, check out the photos, paintings, drawings and sculptures of its mischievous adventures on display at the Magic Pony Gallery.

When: Exhibit opening reception is on Thursday June 28th from 7PM – 10PM. The exhibit runs until July 29th.
Where: Magic Pony Gallery (694 Queen St West)
Details: kozyndan will be in attendance for the reception.

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oUTreach wants YOU!

Last September, I had the opportunity to participate in oUTreach, the University’s campus-wide community outreach day. I was among hundreds of students who went out into the community and provided service to various community agencies across the GTA. It was rewarding to see the agency my team (go Team New College!) volunteered with appreciate the work we put in developing materials for a program the agency launched. I plan to participate in oUTreach again this year, and so should you! Contribute your energies to help build good relationships with the community!

The Centre for Community Partnerships extends an invitation to you, a member of the University of Toronto community, to participate in what will be the biggest and most awesome oUTreach event to date:

Get involved in oUTreach 2007: Putting U in the Community! Sign up as a participant or team leader.

oUTreach is a one day event held on Saturday, September 8th, 2007, which encourages community engagement and underscores the importance of community service in the university learning experience.

For Team Leaders, we are looking for individuals who have strong leadership skills, communication skills, and are committed and enthusiastic. Students, staff and faculty from all departments and areas of study are encouraged to get involved.

Contribute positively to your community, join the oUTreach team and become a team leader!
For more information visit:
http://www.studentlife.utoronto.ca/community/outreach2007.htm

Mark the beginning of the next school year by participating in oUTreach 2007!

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University of Toronto at Pride Parade

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You probably already know that the pride parade is going on this Sunday June 24th. But did you know what the various groups of U of T are doing? Well, UT Pride, Engineering Society, and UTSU are all marching in the parade, and they’ll be happy to have you join them.

UT Pride

Probably the biggest contingent of University of Toronto students at the parade. You get to be the calvary.
Meetup: June 24, 1:00pm, Rosedale Valley Rd. Rendezvous in the Valley
More Details: See the UT Pride 2007 page.

Engineering Society

You get to dye yourself purpole and march with crazy engineers. Why not!
Meetup: Sanford Fleming Building, east exit (the doors facing the Mech building). Meeting Time: 9:45am
More Details: Check the Skule webpage, click on Pride Parade

UTSU

A beach theme. Bring your board shorts, sunglasses, beach balls. You WILL get wet.
Meetup: Meet at the UTSU office at 10 am
More Details: See the facebook event page.

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Summer Salsa, Sidewalk Salsa

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Image from Salsaholics Anonymous webpage

Aah, salsa in the summer: the wealtering heat, the infectious beat, and the swaying hips. It’s … it’s really fantastic! I’m saying this as a new salsa convert. I took my first salsa class with U of T Dance Club this summer, and I’m absolutely sold on salsa. (They have another set of classes beginning in a few weeks by the way)

Anyway, so I was told by someone in my salsa class that there is a weekly salsa session right on the street! Last week, I went to check it out, and sure enough, there they were, salsa dancing on the sidewalk at Spadina and Bloor St. There was quite a crowd and some people were really skilled!

A little research led me to the website of the organizers, Salsaholics Anonymous, which, coincidentally, happens to be a U of T club. Anyway, they hold lessons and then sidewalk salsa every Thursday.

When: Every Thursday, Intermediate class: 7-8PM ($6/class), Beginner: 8-9PM ($4/class), Sidewalk Salsa: 9-10PM (weather permitting), $1 suggested donation.
Where: Lessons are at the Trinity St. Paul’s Center, 427 Bloor St. W (map). Sidewalk salsa is at the corner of Bloor St. and Spadina St.
Details: For more info, visit the Salsaholics Anonymous page.

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University students at high risk for depression

Yuan is a recent U of T graduate currently working at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. She is involved in the Blue Sky Project, a project examining depression in young adults. Creating awareness of Blue Sky Project is a challenging task, but she is hoping to reach out to post-secondary students who may be experiencing symptoms of depression.

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Rates of depression among university students are rising, and are now higher than in the general public. A recent survey conducted by the American College Health Association found that a staggering 45% of university students reported clinical levels of depression symptoms. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among university students.

It is therefore important to intervene as early as possible. Young people with depression have an increased risk of academic difficulties, school drop-out, disrupted relationships with family and friends, and medical problems that persist into later adulthood. An early intervention may help prevent what can be a lifelong pattern of illness.

Continue reading “University students at high risk for depression”

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Get Ready for Summerlicious

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Aaah, there are so many things to enjoy in the summer, and luckily for us, fancy food may soon be one of them. 130 of Toronto’s fine restaurants are participating in the prix fixe event known as Summerlicious. You’ll have the chance to enjoy a 3 course Lunch ($15/$25, tax & tip not included) or Dinner ($25/$35) at an affordable price, even for students.

Visit the Summercilious Webpage for all the info you need: restaurant listings by neighbourhood, menus, it’s all there. Bookings start today June 19th, 2007 if you have an American Express card. Otherwise, regular bookings start June 21, 2007.