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A Love Letter for blogUT

Oh blogUT, you’ve been my safe place during my time here at U of T! And what a journey we’ve been on together…

For those of you that don’t know, I am—or rather, was—the Co-Editor of blogUT. Even before I assumed this position, I’ve always had strong ties to this blog from the beginning of my undergraduate studies — first as an avid reader, then a timid writer, and finally, as fate would have it, as Co-Editor. And now after four years, I must, with a certain sadness, bid adieu to blogUT, our hardworking bloggers, and our loving readers. I’m proud to have been able to work with such a dedicated team of bloggers who have worked throughout the years with the sole purpose of writing honestly about what it’s like being a student here at U of T. No bullshit. No rah-rah-rah U of T. Just the real stuff, both good and bad. Like we always say: raw and uncut, we give you the real juice about campus life.

In a university that often feels too massive to ever really feel a part of, blogUT bridges the disconnect, providing a real sense of community for U of T students that span programs, colleges, and commutes. I know that for me personally, blogUT has been a place where I’ve connected with fellow U of T students that I never otherwise would have. Sure, many of us have never really met each other in real life, but blogUT is this shared space for the students and by the students — untouched by the powers that be at U of T.

Through the years it’s been the spot where we’ve all shared our personal experiences about university life, given tips on where to go and what to eat, discussed student politics, rated hot profs and honored the quality ones, found the best make out spots, and yes, even talked trash about lame TAs. We’ve stayed up together during those late night cram sessions, distracting ourselves with pointless, but oh so brilliant and necessary, videos. And we’ve collectively ranted about our shiteous commutes, shared our best survival tips, and celebrated the many gems this campus has to offer. Simply put, blogUT kicks serious ass and it’s not hard to see why I’ll miss this blog.

I say goodbye to blogUT with a sadness, but with pride knowing that this little baby of ours is growing day by day. And I’ve no doubt that our new Co-Editors will bring blogUT to unprecedented heights for the 2011-2012 academic year (no pressure, Ally and Leah!).

To my fellow bloggers, please keep writing. I’ve told you time and again that you are the heart and soul of this blog. To our readers, please keep reading and commenting. Without you, we would be that hypothetical falling tree in the distant forest. Your comments and support are what make us real and relevant.

In the meantime, I am off to plunge into this so called “real world” that U of T was suppose to prepare us for. Stay cool, blogUT. I’ll love you always!

xoxo,
Justine

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Free, uncrappy summer events!

The school year is almost over, which means most of us have been released (temporarily, if you’re in summer school) from the stranglehold that is tests and assignments. We finally have time to do stuff! Go forth and be free! Oh crap, but wait, we still owe OSAP several thousand dollars.

Have no fear, I painstakingly scraped the internet for free events happening in Toronto and filtered out 13 of the best ones (do you really want to attend a talk about organ donation or driving for seniors?).

Continue reading “Free, uncrappy summer events!”

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Third UofT General Assembly

What: Third U of T General Assembly
When: Thursday, April 28th, 5:30-8:30pm
Where: Main Activity Hall, Multi-Faith Centre, University of Toronto, 569 Spadina Avenue

– posted on behalf of William Nakhid

The University of Toronto General Assembly embodies a commitment to transform this University into one that is organized and operated by those who make it what it is.

After all, UofT is our university. It comprises our education, our workplace, our living space, our community – and frequently all of the above. It is a public institution whose aim is to promote the wellbeing of all of its members and of society at large. We, and no one else, are its stakeholders and its governors. As members of the General Assembly, we are reclaiming our role as agents – a role we are denied by current structures of governance.

All members of the UofT community, including students, workers, staff, faculty, alumni, and neighbors, are invited and welcome to participate in the General Assembly.The University of Toronto Multi-Faith Centre has a powered accessible main entrance on its east side. All floors are accessible via elevator. Accessible washrooms are located on the first and second floors. For any other accessibility-related requests or concerns, please e-mail .

Come to get involved with a UT-GA working group, and learn about what some of them have been doing recently. At this meeting we will be continuing to shape our Basis of Unity and Structure.

For more information and other news, take a look at www.utgeneralassebly.wordpress.com

PROPOSED AGENDA

5:30 – 6:00 | Food! – Informal Working Group Discussions
6:00 – 6:05 | Introduction
6:05 – 6:30 | Open discussion: Anti-Corporatization
6:30 – 6:40 | Open discussion: Governance and Accountability
6:40 – 7:05 | Open discussion: Student-Worker Solidarity
7:05 – 7:30 | Open discussion: Fees, Funding, and Access
7:30 – 7:45 | Other Business
7:45 – 8:30 | Approval of the Basis of Unity and Structure
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La Cenerentola (Cinderella) – Almost there but not quite

La Cenerentola is running from April 23rd to May 25th at the Four Seasons Centre for Performing Arts. For people running on a student budget, rush tickets are $20 and are available starting at 11 AM the day of the performance.  If you are under the age of 30, you are eligible for Opera for a New Age tickets for $22.

After a short hiatus in March, the Canadian Opera Company returns with three new productions: La Cenerentola (Cinderella), Ariadne auf Naxos and Orfeo ed Eurydice. I will be reviewing all three of them over the course of the next few weeks. The first of the operas to start its run is Gioachino Rossini’s La Cenerentola, which is an operatic version of the classic fairy tale, Cinderella.

Overall, the COC presents a whimsical production that is sure to draw out a few laughs during the entire performance. The libretto (or lyrics) is clever and humourous and the music, lively and energetic. A special mention goes to the orchestra who played a captivating overture – a delightful piece of music to listen to but I felt that the energy of the piece would have been better conveyed if there was some sort of action on stage. Another special mention belongs to the leading lady, Elizabeth DeShong, who played a vocally enchanting Angelina (Cinderella). There were many times where I felt that her arias were much too short and I wished that they could go on forever.

Clorinda and Tisbe, played by Ileana Montabetti and Rihab Chaieb respectively were well cast as the comical and yet snotty evil stepsisters. Lawrence Brownlee played Prince Ramiro and although he was absolutely enchanting in arias that involved wooing and love, I felt that he was a little weak when playing the role of an authoritative monarch. In one part when he sings on how he is absolutely furious and determined to find the mysterious girl with whom he is in love with, my friend commented, “He was probably the least threatening prince I’ve ever seen.” Perhaps the power behind Brownlee’s voice will reveal itself eventually but in the meantime, I would really like to see him sing in a role with more lyrical arias. Sadly, I also felt that the other male cast members – Cinderella’s stepfather, Don Magnifico, the prince’s valet, Dandini and the prince’s tutor, Alidoro – sounded similar and were a bit forgettable once their songs were over.

Continue reading “La Cenerentola (Cinderella) – Almost there but not quite”

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Reflections and Musings on First-Year from a Very Clearly Learned Scholar and Highly Qualified Expert

Sage Advice from a First-Year Student (Part 7)

The end of first-year, for me, is an out-of-body experience. I am watching myself going through the expected motions: soaking up my last few weeks living in the wild, exhausting, life-changing world of residence, refining and editing final essays until I can recite them line by line, blessing them as I pass them in to the deep and ambiguous abyss of marking by capricious TAs, and, of course, studying for and panicking about those nauseating final exams. Certainly the home stretch is draining and less than ideal, but as the year comes to a close, in many ways I feel at peace.

I titled this series ‘Sage Advice from a First-Year Student’ at the beginning of the year as a joke, because the thought that any idea whatsoever what I was doing at U of T was absolutely laughable. Although I still would hardly call myself an expert, I feel with a high degree of certainty that my feet are at least closer to the ground than they were at the start of the year. Case in point – it is exam time, and I remain upright and breathing and, for the time being, relatively calm.

So, if you will, picture that we are in a classroom or a meadow or wherever you consider to be conducive to learning, and allow me to stroke my chin thoughtfully and reflect on a year in the inferno in the form of a convenient, concise, and of course fancy list of genuine sage advice to take with you as we part ways in this final segment of my advice series:

Continue reading “Reflections and Musings on First-Year from a Very Clearly Learned Scholar and Highly Qualified Expert”

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GOOD LUCK ON EXAMS!

We’ve come to the end, friends. It’s finally time for exams, which means we’re that much closer to seeing that metaphorical light at the end of the tunnel. SO DAMN CLOSE! Just a few more sleepless nights and precious moments shared with your books in Robarts and you’ll be free!

On behalf of the blogUT team, we’d like to wish you all luck on your exams and extend an early congratulations cuz we know you’ll rock ’em.
And of course, a little video that accurately describes our lives to distract you all!

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EngScis Design for a Better Toronto – check it out on Tuesday


What: Showcase of design projects by 1st year Engineering Science students. The projects focus on improving the City of Toronto
When: Tuesday, April 12, 10AM-5PM
Where: Bahen Centre Atrium – 40 St. George St.
More Info: Check out EngSci’s Press Release

Every year, first year Engineering Science students tackle solving complex problems facing the City of Toronto, and they usually come up with some really fantastic ideas. It’s worth making the trip out to check out the projects, grill teams on their designs, and see first-hand just how impressive first years can be.  Last year’s showcase generated a lot of buzz with articles on the event featured in the Toronto Star and the National Post. This year, students teams are tackling problems ranging from improving ambulance response times in the bridle path to the challenge of providing good streetcar stop information systems. You can check out the student-generated Request for Proposals here to get a better taste for what topics are tackled this year. Continue reading “EngScis Design for a Better Toronto – check it out on Tuesday”