Stuttgart, Germany

I hadnt seen them in four months.

Nathalie, and Sven.

The thought of traveling to Europe until Christmas was overshadowed by the pit of excitement in my stomach to see my lost friends.

(For those who are unaware, I am studying abroad in Greece for the fall semester of 2010, coming from the University of Connecticut as a journalism and communications-public relations double major.)

“The Germans” we called them. Sven was my next door neighbor in Hilltop Apartments for the entirety of the 2009-2010 academic school year. A fullbright scholar whom introduced me to other foreign exchange students, we had become close and the thought of visiting him and my other friend, Nathalie, was enthralling.

I had never been to Europe, let alone on an 8 hr. plane ride.

Saying goodbye to my parents was filled with overwhelming emotions, my mother and father cried as tears filled my eyes as well. How can one comprehend saying goodbye to all they have known for near four months?

I had decided in June to come to Europe September 2nd, 10 days before I had to be in Greece, where I would be untill December 18th. It was a spur of the moment decision.

Traveling to see friends seemed like the opportunity of a lifetime, as I would split my time between Stuttgart, Germany and Paris, France, where another close foreign exchange friend of mine lived, Stephane.

The culture shock hit me with such force I felt unstable and uncomfortable in my own body. I spent the first two days in Germany barely speaking a word.

Friends at home often describe me as the girl who will never stop talking or laughing, but here I was out of my element.

Sven fetched me from the airport, with no knowledge of German my layover in Dusseldorf was spent alone, and once I had landed in Stuttgart little assistance was given to me. I felt lonely and overcome by a sensation of temporary regret to choose to travel early. Less time with my family, was the only phrase running through my head.

I napped for sometime at Svens, jet lag crept up on me all to suddenly. Following my nap I traveled across town to Nathalies, where I was staying for my visit, her parents were kind and welcoming, much like her.

I woke up the next morning, feeling a bit more refreshed and open to new experiences. I had spent the following night sipping a cocktail in downtown Stuttgart with Nathalie, Sven, Hannah (another foreign exchange from UConn) and her sister in silence. I barely spoke a word all night.

We had pastries for breakfast, fresh from the bakery, an assortment of croissants, pretzels, and rolls. A family style sit down breakfast, Nathalies mother prepared an amazing strawberry jam by hand.

That day was spent at the Stuttgart Zoo, which was more than impressive in itself for only 6 EURO with my student i.d. Animals galore filled this zoo, everything from polar bears to monkeys and alligators.

Sven told me an interesting story about polar bears, as one sunned itself in the early afternoon rays.

Polar bears, are born white, they then become tan from the sun, and turn brown. They are then regular bears. As they get older, they turn white, and back into polar bears.

Hannah immediately remarked with a “shes going to go home and think Germans are retarded!”

Oh, german humor 🙂

I was still rather quiet for myself, soaking in my surroundings and trying to adjust to the change in tongue, clothing, and overall way of life.

Nathalie and her parents surprised me on the way to dinner later in the day with a trip to my first german castle, Schloss Solitude (Solitude Palace). The castle is located in the forests to the west of Stuttgart, and was built as a hunting lodge between 1764 and 1769 under Duke Karl Eugen of Wurttemberg. It is not a true castle though sadly, but rather a rococo palace.

Nathalie and I, Solitude Palace

We ate dinner with Nathalie, Sven, family, and friends at the “Beer Garden” that night, where I tried my first Radler! I fell in love immediately. Beer and sprite, a perfect combination for someone who wants to enjoy a light drink over dinner (and those who dont particularly adore beer like myself, and most girls!)

I had sausage of course for my entree, I was in germany right?!?!

Sausage, mustard, potato salad, and a light salad, accompanied by an end of summer cool breeze and mesmerizing sunset, perfection!

Joining us at dinner was a group of Canadians from Montreal, whom Nathalies cousin Matthias had met during his year at a University in Montreal.

Following dinner I sampled my first ice cream while in Europe, coconut, and it is definetly a true statement that European ice cream is MUCH better than that of America!

Next came my favorite part of my trip to Germany, a beer festival. (of course this was my favorite part of the trip)

Sven & I

Not as crazy as Oktoberfest by any means, but still, what is a trip to Germany without half a liter of beer in your hand? Approaching the tents live bands played everything from ACDC to Bon Jovi as germans danced on tables and enjoyed 2 euro 1/2 liters of beer! Here we actually ran into University of Connecticut engineers who were participating in a program abroad in Germany, what are the chances?!?! A little piece of home 🙂

UConn Engineers in Stuttgart

That night we went out to a club, my first club in Europe!

Nightlife doesnt begin untill 12 a.m. at the earliest, which is a bit different from my typical University of Connecticut pre-gaming sessions starting by 9 p.m. But I happily adjusted.

The club was fabulous, yet hot. Blasting techno music there was no close dancing or raunchy moves as you would see in America.

The next morning I woke, and headed to the train station, on to  my next adventure, Paris, France!

Less is MORE!

With one final gasp of summer air, you anxiously enter what is to become your new home for the upcoming year. White walls and the smell of must engulf the enclosed space as confusion begins to overwhelm your body. It is now that you begin to wonder to yourself, “why isn’t this like the movies?”

Do not fear, you are not in prison, you are in your first college dorm room.

At first glance, many dorm rooms can possess a very cold, dreary, near institutional feeling to them. This factor, in addition to homesickness, can leave students feeling lost and confused during this difficult transition.

A quick fix to help make your new living space a home away from home is through décor. Simple decorations such as removable wall quotes, hanging mirrors, photo frames, picture collages, sports memorabilia and movie posters are all great choices when it comes to expressing your own personalized style.

Decorating your dorm room need not be pricey. If you find yourself trying to decorate your new dorm on a college student budget, stores such as Target and Wal-Mart offer great college buys. Keep a look out for coupons, and remember to be open-minded and reasonable. You do not need to buy everything all at once!

Also, incoming college freshman, always consider recycling old objects from home as a means of saving money. Picture frames can become new with a coat of paint, an old bulletin board can be jazzed up with photographs, and a favorite blanket can bring a piece of home.

Perhaps the easiest and most inexpensive way to decorate a dorm is through posters and photo collages. The UConn Co-op offers an impressive array of posters in all shapes and sizes.

“When it comes to decorations, I think the more the better as long as the room doesn’t become too cluttered,” said Trevor Sanchez, a 4th-semester political science and Spanish double major. “Me and my roommate last year split the room between our two favorite NFL teams, and mostly the rest was covered with our favorite movies and other sports tapestries, flags and articles.”

Another fun suggestion is buying Christmas lights to place around your room. Bean bags and saucer chairs are also great if you plan to have visitors.

If minimal space ever becomes an issue, rearrange! You will learn quickly it is not out of the ordinary for college students to rearrange beds, desks and dressers. Additionally, stackable crates and wicker baskets are a great way to save space and store items while making your room more appealing.

Do not forget to keep in mind the wants and needs of your new roommate. If personal style becomes an issue, try dividing the room equally and decorating your own designated section. Your new space is shared and you must learn to compromise.

Remember, for many college is a life-changing experience that will frequent conversation of the best years of your life. A dorm room is not decorated in one day, it is an ongoing process between you and your new roommate. Don’t rush, and enjoy the freedom that comes with your new living accommodations.

I got my swim trunks…

You know the old saying – “summertime, and the living’s easy…” Or is it?
Internships, job applications, summer courses and the stresses of moving back home with your parents leave little time to enjoy the summer sun.
Nothing compares on a hot summer day than the sun shining, an ice cold margarita or light beer, and of course, a refreshing pool. It may be fear of the ocean for some, or the unwanted seaweed and sand that lingers long after a beach trip, but the pool is a clean, less tedious alternative to a day at the beach.
Next time you decide to pack up the sunscreen, accidentally forget the umbrella, or aimlessly search the beach for an open spot, consider throwing a pool party instead. Although the pool will not be filled with masses of toys and aquatic games as it was when you were younger, that does not mean the pool party will be any less fun.
Traditionally, the phrases “college student” and “procrastination” work hand in hand. Therefore, you can never plan the perfect pool party too far in advance.
Be spontaneous, but also use a bit of that soon-to-be college degree to be sensible. Yes, there is nothing like an oasis of cool water to escape the summer heat, but to afford the college lifestyle of 30 racks and handles of vodka every week, students need to work! Opt for a weekend, and start the party first thing in the afternoon. Also, keep the invitations open with regards to time. An all-day pool party is the smartest choice to assure all of your guests attend.
Now for food and refreshments. The trick is not to overdo it! Estimate a hot dog and hamburger per person. If you would like, add some cold salads like potato or macaroni, chips, slices of fruit and dessert to the mix.
As for refreshments, a necessity for any college student get together is alcohol, as long as you and your guests are 21 of course. No need to get fancy: the point of your pool party is a nice escape from the heat with a few beers – not a nice escape from the heat with a few of your friends unexpectedly drowning. Assume three or four beers per person, and keep hard alcohols to a minimum. Do not forget non-alcoholic refreshments to keep your guests hydrated, like water, sodas and assorted juices.
Next comes decorations. Despite the childish allusion decorations sometime portray, decor can be made fun and festive at any age. Without overwhelming the party in brightly colored streamers and bows, try to take on a theme, like a Mexican Fiesta or a Hawaiian Luau. Tiki torches are always fun and affordable decorations, as are grass skirts, miniature umbrellas and scattered seashells. If a Mexican fiesta sounds intriguing, try sombreros and tequila. As for a Hawaiian luau, opt for rum and pineapple juice.
Once these necessities are taken care of, it is time to figure out how you will entertain your guests. When we were younger of it was much simpler, give us a ducky raft and maybe a noodle and we were set for hours. But with college students, the key is games.
The perfect game for any rowdy college student pool party is pool pong. The table itself looks like a raft and is placed in the pool, but comes equipped with two triangular arrangements to hold cups. Pick the teams, fill the cups with the beverage of choice, and pass out those ping pong balls. To prevent the pool from becoming more beer than water, a helpful tip is to fill the cups with water and keep a bottle or can of beer in hand. This will not only keep your pool clean, but also keep guests from becoming too intoxicated.
Now comes chicken fights. Proceed with caution as this game was fun as children, but becomes a bit more aggressive with adults. Although most public pools ban chicken fights due to their dangerous nature, as long as there is no hair pulling, biting or roughhousing, this game is very entertaining. The game requires two people per team, preferably a boy and a girl. Whoever is lighter in weight sits on the shoulders of the heavier teammate. The goal is to knock the opposing player off of their teammate’s shoulders and into the water.
Another fun party game that will entertain the boys as well as the girls is a swimsuit contest. All contestants must exhibit his or her best pose. Nominate two or three judges, and let the laughter begin. Games like volleyball and water basketball are also very simple choices to entertain guests.
Now that the pool party is set, it may seem like the time to sit back and enjoy yourself. But before proceeding to the festivities, don’t forget about pool safety. Keep reckless behavior away from the edges of the pool and keep your drunken, belligerent friends out of the deep end. Do you have siblings of a responsible age? Spot them some cash or food and have them play lifeguard for the day. Keep all utensils paper and plastic and try to keep any glass out of harm’s way. If you light any kind of device to repel bugs, be careful about where you place it to prevent a fire. Don’t be stupid, don’t dive into the shallow end and don’t get drunk and assume your friend is drowning and that you need to save them. All will end in disaster.
With that in mind, enjoy the party.

Dow Field hosts 19th annual Powwow

To the common outsider, the cyclical chant of “heya-heya-heya,” the thunderous sound of drumming and the traditionally colorful attire may appear to be an unorganized spectacle, but do not let the lingering smell of incense and animal fur fool you.
“Powwows for Native Americans are like church for Christians; this isn’t a circus for us, its culture,” said Ed Broken Feather, a Canadian Mohawk of Blackstone, Mass.
A multihued array of feathers and dance filled Dow Field yesterday afternoon as the UConn Native American Cultural Society hosted its 19th Annual Light the Lodge Powwow.  Attendees ranged from university students to traveling guests; vendors also journeyed from near and far in the hopes of selling their goods.  George Cole, a member of the Weekepeemee tribe, meaning “Still Water,” travels frequently to powwows around New England selling his merchandise of deer hides and animal fur.
The Mystic River host drums provided music and song as a packed tent awaited the fifteen dancers to make their Grand Entry.  Prior to the Grand Entry, great emphasis and appreciation was given to the veterans, those who were placed between enemies and family to preserve the native way of life.  The Grand Entry is seen as sacred in nature and no filming or photography was permitted at this time.
Men’s traditional, men’s fancy and women’s traditional dancers proceeded to take the floor as history and initial intertribal music exemplified the Native way. 
While traditional dance is more subdued, men’s fancy is meant to be high-spirited and attract the eye with brightly colored dress.  Don Barneby of Listiguj, Quebec, a traditional male dancer at the event, took home the title of Head Male Dancer at Brown University the preceding week.  A round dance was also introduced and all participants were invited to the floor to take part.
“I just love to see their costumes, and watch them dance.  It is incredible,” said Lori Nye, an employee of UConn in the print and mail facilities.
Tara Prindle, a UConn alum, was one of the first members of the club and attended the first powwow back in 1991.  Now a women’s traditional dancer and residing in Storrs, Prindle remains active in the club and in crafts.  “We are just looking to educate members of the club and also the community on the culture of Native Americans,” she said.
Despite the focus on culture, history and dance, a bit of comedy was put into place by the host speaker as well as the vendors in attendance.  The host speaker invited a UConn student to say the UConn Huskies chant into the microphone while vendors sold shirts reading “CSI: Cool Sexy Indian” and “Got Indian.”
When asked about his favorite part of the powwow, Dan Lupacchino, an 8th-semester anthropology major and secretary of the Native American Cultural Society said, “Making sure the Native American way is not forgotten.  Native Americans have been here since the dawn of time and they are still here, Powwows bring wonderful recognition to this complex, multifaceted beautiful way of life.”

Move over American Idol

Silence fell upon the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts  last night as an eager audience and 11 aspiring UConn student musicians waited in anticipation for the announcement of the winner of the 2010 UConn Idol.   
“And the winner is Emma Savitsky!”   
In addition to her positive stage presence, Savitsky’s rendition of country superstar Ashton Shepherd’s “Takin’ Off This Pain” charmed the audience’s vote as she took home the title of UConn Idol 2010. Savitsky’s grand prize is worth approximately $1,200 in recording time and vocal training. Savitsky is a 6th-semester nursing student.
“Emma was my absolute favorite, she was so great up there on the stage!” Abbie Kenific, a 6th-semester psychology major, said.   

Matt O`Brien singing “Days Go By” by country singer Keith Urban

“Emma has the total package,” said UConn Idol judge and music professor, Mary Ellen Junda.  
Jummy Aremu and Jeffrey Lewis took first and second runner-up in the competition. Aremu sang “Summertime” by George Gershwin and Lewis sang “Your Man” by Josh Turner.  
Modeled after the popular television show “American Idol,” the SUBOG Fine and Performing Arts Committee sponsored the popular event that only seemed to be missing the sarcastic criticism of Simon Cowell. A total of 28 students were narrowed down to 10 finalists and one wild card on the March 1 auditions. Greg Sember, Linda Anderson, April Fogarty, Jen Guha, Arriana Turcio, John Valin, Amir Nasser Bigdeli, Jummy Aremu, Matt O`Brien, Jeffrey Lewis and winner Emma Savitsky were all finalists for the competition.  
Each contestant sang one song of their choice to the audience, which was then followed by critiques from the judges. The four judges included Junda, music graduate John Corbit, Coca-Cola campus correspondent Sara Maccaferri and UCTV host Noelle Horelik.  

 

“I thought they all had really impressive performances. It’s so hard to sing in such a large hall, it wasn’t an easy choice at all and that says a lot about all of them,” said Junda.  
The musical genres presented ranged from classical to soul, although country proved to be dominant, as five of 11 finalists opted for it. “I hate to admit that I like country but I was tapping my foot to the performances,” said Horelik.  

Amir Nasser Bigdeli, an 8th-semester bio-medical engineering and computer science double major sang “You Are So Beautiful.” “I was nervous but I really had tons of fun overall, I love classics even though one of the judges hated it because it is sung so much. I can also sing in Farsi,” said Bigdeli.  
As the final votes were being tallied, the 2009 UConn Idol Chris Freeman took the stage singing “Jolene” by the Zac Brown Band, adding to the country genre.  
“I have anxiety just thinking about getting on that stage, the performances were amazing though. I went to UConn Idol last year and saw Chris Freeman perform as well, he is fantastic,” said Kimberly Arnold, a 6th-semester sociology major.  
“I feel like I can already hear them all on the radio,” said Maccaferri.

Mileys Last Song

 

While movie buffs continue to preach that the romantic drama “The Last Song” should not be judged simply by its teen-pop Disney starlet and her lackluster acting, the tear-jerker has inevitably turned into “that Miley Cyrus movie.”

Based on best-selling novelist Nicholas Sparks’ newest creation, “The Last Song” fails to reach the status that has been obtained by such movies as “The Notebook” and “Dear John.” Although Cyrus’ work ethic is strong, her acting skills are minimal; she rarely shows any signs of engaging acting. While the novel itself was written with Cyrus in mind, the question of whether she can ever break out from her “Hannah Montana” franchise is still unclear.

In the movie, Cyrus unconvincingly plays high school senior Ronnie Miller, a young and troubled musician. Following a shoplifting incident, Ronnie and younger brother Jonah (Bobby Coleman) are shipped off by their mother (Kelly Preston) to stay at their estranged father’s (Greg Kinnear) beach house in Georgia. Ronnie, a piano prodigy sought out by Julliard, arrives with evident baggage following her parents’ divorce and her blatant refusal to play music. Deliverance shortly follows in the form of a handsome, rich volleyball player named Will, who is played by Cyrus’ on–and–off–screen boyfriend Liam Hemsworth. The summer romance moves quickly, and the chemistry between the two is cheesy, yet undeniable. A wrench is thrown into a few scenes by newcomer Carly Chaikin, who plays Ronnie’s wild, yet vulnerable friend Blaze.

Throughout the film, Sparks preserves his typical formula of beach scenes, star-crossed lovers, terminal illness and an emotional, yet uplifting ending. Despite stellar performances, including comic relief from Kinnear and Coleman, a better lead actress would have been much more suitable. While Cyrus does have some appeal, she is not experienced enough to pull off the highly emotional role. Although the movie may produce some tears, the effect does not last long. Overall, “The Last Song” is sluggishly paced, and better left as a DVD rental.

I dont like people.

“I don’t like people.”

New York-based comedian Emily Dickson continued, “If I can drink enough to not care about my own problems, I shouldn’t have to listen to yours.”

Accompanied with a comic sarcasm and a fast-draw delivery, Dickson left the audience in stitches with her laugh-out-loud jokes Thursday night at the Student Union Theatre.

Dickson told jokes ranging from dating, GPS and airplanes, to more sensitive subjects like obesity and divorce.

“My parents divorced when I was 7. We had the talk where they told me it wasn’t my fault, and that pissed me off because I spent 7 years trying to get that man out of my house,” she said.

She also poked fun at the popular 90’s television show “Full House.” “It was three grown men living in a house with three little girls, they don’t really ever date, and I’m not pointing any fingers but the Olsen twins are whores,” she said.

Dickson grew up in Toms River, New Jersey, a town located along the Jersey Shore (although she hates to admit it due to her disdain for the MTV show). Following graduation in 2003 she decided to take a different route instead of college. “I went to an acting conservatory and that’s what happens when you fail the SAT,” she joked. Since then Dickson has appeared on MTV’s Friday Night MTV, CBS Sunday Morning, and Comcast on Demand and performed at the NY Underground Comedy Festival and the Laugh Your Asheville Off Comedy Festival.

Dickson and friends have also since made up a new version of the game “would you rather.”

“Instead we play what amount of money will make you do this disgusting and degrading thing because, well, everyone can be bought… it’s fair, it’s a recession,” said Dickson to a laughing audience.

Approaching the end of her performance, Dickson invited any comedians in the audience to take the stage. Paul Valentin, a member of the UConn Comedy Team and the opening act for comedian BJ Novack in the fall, took the stage mimicking Abercrombie & Fitch and their signature extra-small t-shirts, techno dance music and subliminal messaging.

“I absolutely loved her jokes and the show.” said Brittany Booth, a 4th semester Engineering major,  in response to the show.  “It was hysterical, especially the one about her measuring ounces of her shampoo for the plane and feeling like a drug dealer.”

Jason Cornelio, a 6th-semester biology major, also enjoyed the performance. “I saw some signs around the Union and I actually used to watch her from time to time on MTV so it was really cool to finally see her live, she is hilarious,” he said.

A Year with Frog and Toad

 

Children of all ages leaped into the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts with eager smiles Sunday afternoon, anticipating the musical production of “A Year with Frog and Toad.”
The Road Company and Intramusic Theatricals presented the charming show, which was originally adapted from author Arnold Lobel’s beloved characters. Now touring America, the play is well known for its work on Broadway, which earned three Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical. Encompassing a country western theme with witty comical lyrics, the play – first developed by Lobel’s daughter, Adrianne – has become a hit.
Awakened from hibernation in spring, the cheerful and well liked, Frog joins the rather grumpy and lackluster, Toad as the two friends journey through the four seasons. With the addition of such characters as the Birds, Mouse, Turtle and Snail, the play teaches lessons to the younger audience on the importance of friendship and embracing differences in one another.
“I think it’s such a great experience to get these kids exposed to the arts at such a young age,” said Sonya Tebo, a mother from Thompson. “This is the first play my kids have ever been to.”
“The swimming part was my favorite because all of them laughed at Toad because his bathing suit was so funny. The snake was my favorite too,” said Tebo’s 7-year-old son Alfredo.
Those who attended the show were invited, as an added treat, to participate in a special “Pre-Show Froggy Fun” an hour before the opening act. Children and adults took part in such activities as face-painting, frog jumping contests, tic-tac toad, frog toss and frog word searches.
“I liked throwing the frogs,” said 4-year-old Anthony Tebo.
The Children’s Museum of Hartford was also in attendance, providing guests with the opportunity to meet and learn about real-life amphibians.

…But where’s the rum?

 

 

Imagine the sight of rising white smoke, the sound of a blast so loud it left your ears ringing, the weight of ten pounds of metal resting on your forearm, and a pungent scent of rotten eggs.

“Nothing like the smell of gun-powder in the morning,” said John McNiff.

Imagination became reality Thursday morning at Jorgensen as John McNiff of “Free Men of the Sea” demonstrated a blunderbuss gun and other pirate oriented replica weaponry for Steve Park’s FYE Piracy in the 18^th century class. McNiff, and other members of “Free Men of the Sea,” are a group of re-enactors of Piracy in Rhode Island that specialize in historical interpretations and weaponry demonstration.

John McNiff, a current Ranger at Roger Williams National Memorial Park in Providence, R.I., realized his fascination for piracy 15 years ago through a co-worker. “He called me and needed to put together a crew for this movie ‘Hidden History of Pirates.’ We sailed up Narragansett Bay with the crew shooting guns off and just having a really good time. When I saw the finished product, I decided that the period of pirates is a great teaching tool, and I’ve been giving lectures ever since,” said McNiff.

His passion was evident as he walked onto Jorgensen stage holding an Indiana Jones-like whip and dressed in blue and white striped pants, white tights, old fashioned buckle shoes, a coin satchel, and gold jewelry. In addition to his colorful attire, McNiff came accompanied with approximately a dozen weapons such as a replica blunder buster gun, boarding axe, tomahawks, swords, knives, and pistols. “A pirate is never unarmed,” said McNiff, as he pulled a marlin spike from his sleeve, a tiny pistol from his belt, and a knife from his side pocket.

For his first demonstration, McNiff called students onto the stage and pulled out a sword about arms length, cautioning students on the danger of such a weapon. “It’s like a letter opener; you could use it all day. It’s razor sharp. This will slice through bone, flesh, and tendon,” said McNiff. Following this warning, McNiff, with one quick motion, sliced a watermelon completely in half, and then followed with a pineapple. “Sword fights were much more like boxing matches; you go in for a hit and then quickly back away. When someone comes at you with razor sharp steel, you don’t want to be close to it!” he said.

Colleen Thornberg, a 4^th semester pre-education major said, “I liked it when he sliced open the pineapple and watermelon. Fruit was literally flying everywhere!”

For his second weapon, McNiff demonstrated a blunderbuss, a larger gun, and his personal favorite. “First thing you do is prime the pan; it’s a small pan at the front of the gun that you fill with gunpowder. Then you take a premeasured charge, rip it open, and pour the contents down the barrel. Put the lead in the barrel, take it with the ram, and ram it down the barrel. It takes about 60 seconds to reload this gun,” he said. The gun itself produced such a loud noise that he recommended students cover their ears. For his last demonstration he shot off a standard pistol. McNiff allowed students to hold each piece of weaponry before his demonstration to show weight.

Following his demonstrations, McNiff talked about such infamous pirates as Black Beard and Captain Kidd. He also debunked some traditional pirate myths. One of the larger myths McNiff named fiction was that of the treasure chest. “Pirates didn’t really bury treasure, they never had a chance to invest money,” said McNiff with a smirk. “If they buried a treasure the size of the ones in the movies it would be a countries worth. Writers for the most part make up these stories.” The most recent pirate chest discovery was three by five inches large, and was found in North Carolina filled with pearls totaling a couple million dollars. McNiff also demonstrated a flint and steel to make a fire, as well as the necessity of a compass and sundial.

In addition to the presentation, Park’s students will be creating a Wikipedia page dedicated to 18^th century piracy. Information on the “Free Men of the Sea” may be found on their MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/rhodeislandpirate.

“The closest relationship I have is with my blackberry…thank god it vibrates!”

Ashton Kutcher, star of the upcoming movie “Valentines Day”, recently told Parade magazine “I hate Valentine’s Day.”

A hopeless romantic at heart (and husband of actress Demi Moore), Kutcher proceeded to elaborate by saying “I think every day should be a day of romance. Then, on Valentine’s Day, you should get to tell whoever you hate that you cannot stand them. There would be one day of hating, and 364 days of love.”

As Valentines Day rapidly approaches, Kutcher continues to promote his lovey dovey enthusiasm for romance. Love isn’t always sunshine and giggles though, especially when you’re single!

Being single on Valentines Day annually refers to: mass amounts of cheap chocolate (and more cheap chocolate!), sappy love movies, sweatpants, and depression.

But why does it need to be this way?!

Aside from the love-crazed hype and pricey pink roses, Valentines Day is not a particularly special day.

(Does anyone even truly like those corny little teddy bears?!)

Americans over-exaggerate and place such significance on this silly holiday. But why? Those who are single dread it, and those who are in relationships get so caught up in the thrill of the day they typically end up disappointed.

Valentine’s Day, or “Singles Awareness Day”, overall, just creates too much pressure.

Romance and love in itself is passion, correct? Passion is spontaneous. Passion is not planned, and those who want to share passion with another do NOT wait for Valentines Day!

Matt Wixon of The Dallas Morning News wrote, “bring home flowers, jewelry, or another gift on an ordinary day, and you’ll be romantic. But on Valentine’s Day, that just means you’ve fulfilled a duty.”

So, fellow Valentine’s Day haters, do not fall into a depression just yet from this love required holiday. If you happen to find yourself shamefully using the words “single” and “Valentines Day” in the same sentence, here are some simple remedies to help dull the holiday induced pain:

*Ask a cute male friend out on a date! It never hurts to feel special for one night, and the friendship factor will take off the pressure to impress. A stress free date to be yourself is a nice change of pace from the typical stresses of dating, so enjoy yourself! (and order that 1,000 calorie per piece chocolate dessert, its a holiday, remember?)

*Forget a sexy date night and invite over friends! Pop open a bottle of wine (and maybe some vodka), turn up the dance music, put on a revealing party dress, cook up a storm, and celebrate! Being single isnt depressing, its a sign of independence and you have nothing to prove to anyone.

*Screw hosting a party or going on a date and hit the bar! Why put thought into a holiday you truly despise? Call up some of your single girlfriends and have a drink! Local bars and restaurants are bound to have Valentines Day specials, take advantage, especially if you are unattached! Men are not necessary when it comes to reaping the benefits of this day!

*Spend the night in and rent some “chick flicks.” Whether choosing to invite over some girlfriends or watch alone there’s no doubt the mass amounts of man-candy in these films will leave you forgetting about the day itself! Gerard Butler anyone? Try “The Ugly Truth” or “P.S. I love you.”

*Have a little fun and organize a secret admirers gift exchange among friends! Sure it takes a bit of added effort but receiving chocolate or flowers from a friend might be just what you need to escape the Valentines Day blues!

and lastly…

*Spend money on yourself! Get a mani-pedi, a sexy pair of shoes, or even a new hairstyle for the day! Indulge, indulge, indulge!

Whether you choose to spend your holiday alone or with friends, there is no need to fall into a Valentines Day induced depression!

Single ladies, remember, that cheap box of chocolate you miss so much is nothing but empty calories, and those flowers will die in a week. ALSO, that pink teddy bear you love so much? Buy one for yourself! You do not need a man to be happy.

Ladies in relationships, please, do not over-exaggerate the holiday! You’re ultimately only setting yourself up for disaster. Appreciate the little things, and be grateful you have a special someone to spend the day with!