Friday, July 24, 2009
Walking
Monday, July 20, 2009
Robin Thicke - Artscape Encore!
Hey Everyone,
I hope you had a great weekend, because I definitely did. Went out to the National Harbor on Friday and got to listen to free jazz music outside. I encourage you to check it out before the summer runs out (www.nationalharbor.com). They usually have various jazz groups perform on Friday evening's along with other things on various days.
Artscape I think could be termed a success this year - I honestly wouldn't know as I showed up at 4pm yesterday, and found myself a good spot to see Robin Thicke perform! I must say the group Electrik Red that opened for him were doing just fine with their performance and then went to a cheering audience to get their pictures taken and sign a few autographs until Robin Thicke arrived and the crowd of over 2,000 went crazy!!!
He got on stage at 6:30pm (30mins late) which was not bad in comparison to other performing artists. I will be very honest with you - 80% of the crowd only knew 20% of the songs he sang... but he definitely did his thing and is one of the few artists that sound good performing live.
At a time such as this, he definitely paid tribute to Michael Jackson, here's a short clip from my cell phone.
Of course the highlight of the night was his last performance when he sang lost without you... the crowd went wild! But overall I must say it was a great concert... and the fact it was free... EVEN BETTER! There's something about Free Stuff that draws people towards it.
What I think Artscape could do to improve and draw even MORE people!?!? Well I did just talk about Free stuff... it would help if they had a recession section/affordable section where - people such as myself that don't have much money (at the moment) could at least buy a little simpler paintings, clothing or jewelry. I find it hard for some of these folks to think I just got $500 sitting in my wallet and I'm ready to drop it all on a single painting - not to say the painting isn't worth it, but come on now!
That's it from me for today - let me know what you thought of Artscape and what you think can be done to improve it for next year.
P.S. When will Mount Royal Ave. be freed up!?!?
I hope you had a great weekend, because I definitely did. Went out to the National Harbor on Friday and got to listen to free jazz music outside. I encourage you to check it out before the summer runs out (www.nationalharbor.com). They usually have various jazz groups perform on Friday evening's along with other things on various days.
Artscape I think could be termed a success this year - I honestly wouldn't know as I showed up at 4pm yesterday, and found myself a good spot to see Robin Thicke perform! I must say the group Electrik Red that opened for him were doing just fine with their performance and then went to a cheering audience to get their pictures taken and sign a few autographs until Robin Thicke arrived and the crowd of over 2,000 went crazy!!!
He got on stage at 6:30pm (30mins late) which was not bad in comparison to other performing artists. I will be very honest with you - 80% of the crowd only knew 20% of the songs he sang... but he definitely did his thing and is one of the few artists that sound good performing live.
At a time such as this, he definitely paid tribute to Michael Jackson, here's a short clip from my cell phone.
Of course the highlight of the night was his last performance when he sang lost without you... the crowd went wild! But overall I must say it was a great concert... and the fact it was free... EVEN BETTER! There's something about Free Stuff that draws people towards it.
What I think Artscape could do to improve and draw even MORE people!?!? Well I did just talk about Free stuff... it would help if they had a recession section/affordable section where - people such as myself that don't have much money (at the moment) could at least buy a little simpler paintings, clothing or jewelry. I find it hard for some of these folks to think I just got $500 sitting in my wallet and I'm ready to drop it all on a single painting - not to say the painting isn't worth it, but come on now!
That's it from me for today - let me know what you thought of Artscape and what you think can be done to improve it for next year.
P.S. When will Mount Royal Ave. be freed up!?!?
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Becoming a part of the UB community
One of the things on my list for 2009 was to become more connected to UB. When I attended college in the 80s, I didn't take the time to really get to know my college. It's probably why I didn't finish at the time. When I enrolled in my local community college in 2004, I was determined to do things differently, and I became much more involved. Once at UB, unfortunately, I turned to my old habits. After all, I'm an older student and working adult. Who has time to become "involved" in the college life? When I had what I call my "what am I doing this for" crisis last fall, I decided I needed to make a change, so I began the spring semester searching for ways to become more connected. I started using the gym in the Campus Rec Center even going as far as hiring a personal training (Thanks AJ!). I also began exploring more of the UB's resources starting with the achives at Langsdale Library. I started paying more attention to the everchanging UB campus, and the latest news about our community. And of course, I became a summer blogger. It's helped me see UB in a different and more positive way.
What's next for the fall? I've been accepted as a Peer Network Advisor. I'll be working with 3 new students this fall helping them navigate through their own educational journeys, as well as helping them discover for themselves the rich resources UB has to offer.
My point is that we all need to become involved, even in the smallest possible way. By doing so, we become a part of a community that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. The college degree is important; it will help you get a job. The college experience, on the other hand, will help you launch a career. Good luck to you all on your own college endeavors.
What's next for the fall? I've been accepted as a Peer Network Advisor. I'll be working with 3 new students this fall helping them navigate through their own educational journeys, as well as helping them discover for themselves the rich resources UB has to offer.
My point is that we all need to become involved, even in the smallest possible way. By doing so, we become a part of a community that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. The college degree is important; it will help you get a job. The college experience, on the other hand, will help you launch a career. Good luck to you all on your own college endeavors.
Book Recommendation
When you're new to the college experience, it's undoubtedly a lot to take in all at once. You have all kinds of liberties you didn't have before, but you also have all kinds of new responsibilities. It's a great time for self discovery and a great time to forge connections and experience new things. However, handling it all can be very difficult, so it's good to get as much advice as you can along the way.
In my first year, I was assigned a certain book in one of my classes. It was called "This Book is Not Required" (I kid you not) and it had a lot of very good advice about college life and the troubles that students face, in regards to things such as professors, relationships, self awareness, etc.
I recommend that you check this book out if you're new to the college scene; as I said, it's good to know how to handle all the new experiences and this book can be a very useful step in accomplishing that goal.
In my first year, I was assigned a certain book in one of my classes. It was called "This Book is Not Required" (I kid you not) and it had a lot of very good advice about college life and the troubles that students face, in regards to things such as professors, relationships, self awareness, etc.
I recommend that you check this book out if you're new to the college scene; as I said, it's good to know how to handle all the new experiences and this book can be a very useful step in accomplishing that goal.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Halfway through July, already?!
Greetings, mes amis.
Can it be that the summer semester has come to an end? It seems that way -- my UB Facebook friends are all flinging their hands into the air in relief, ready to sit back for a couple of months and think about something else.
As for me, I'm still looking forward to classes in the fall. Until then, I'll be continuing my research, wandering battlefields, chasing history, and presumably spending a long weekend at the beach in Ocean City. With July half gone, the fall semester seems a lot closer -- alarmingly so -- and suddenly I have a jones to wallow in what's left of summer.
To echo the words of other bloggers, go check out Artscape, and enjoy the museums and cultural opportunities that wait for you, so close to UB. For those of you who are new to UB, and to Baltimore, I think you'll be amazed by the number of museums, orchestras, gardens, arboretums, theaters, and other Fun Stuff that awaits you.
Have an excellent summer, everyone.
Can it be that the summer semester has come to an end? It seems that way -- my UB Facebook friends are all flinging their hands into the air in relief, ready to sit back for a couple of months and think about something else.
As for me, I'm still looking forward to classes in the fall. Until then, I'll be continuing my research, wandering battlefields, chasing history, and presumably spending a long weekend at the beach in Ocean City. With July half gone, the fall semester seems a lot closer -- alarmingly so -- and suddenly I have a jones to wallow in what's left of summer.
To echo the words of other bloggers, go check out Artscape, and enjoy the museums and cultural opportunities that wait for you, so close to UB. For those of you who are new to UB, and to Baltimore, I think you'll be amazed by the number of museums, orchestras, gardens, arboretums, theaters, and other Fun Stuff that awaits you.
Have an excellent summer, everyone.
A Support System
With exams and final projects coming to an end; the stress for of all us can be extremely overwhelming. Examples include instructors getting the grades compiled and handed in on time; students finishing projects and studying for finals; and staff completing administrative responsibilities.
Since being officially out of school for three years, it is a time of the year that takes some getting use to dealing with the deadline pressures. It is extremely important you have people in your life who can take your moods and support you along your educational journey. Luckily my significant other has a tough skin and knows how I will deal with the pressure and doesn't take it personally. I have friends who call me to cheer me on and make light that they are relaxing while I am studying. And I have a friend who sends me a cards stating hang in there.
So as we look around and feel our stress, I think it is important to know that we are all in it together. And even though it can be rather stressful - and the end the adventure, I know it will be worth journey of the stress. Thankfully, we will remember the people who supported us along the way.
Since being officially out of school for three years, it is a time of the year that takes some getting use to dealing with the deadline pressures. It is extremely important you have people in your life who can take your moods and support you along your educational journey. Luckily my significant other has a tough skin and knows how I will deal with the pressure and doesn't take it personally. I have friends who call me to cheer me on and make light that they are relaxing while I am studying. And I have a friend who sends me a cards stating hang in there.
So as we look around and feel our stress, I think it is important to know that we are all in it together. And even though it can be rather stressful - and the end the adventure, I know it will be worth journey of the stress. Thankfully, we will remember the people who supported us along the way.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Summer Studies at UB
Hi Everyone! Happy Tuesday! So this will be the last week of classes, and I know you cant wait until this week is over. Remember to relax and enjoy the 43 days you will have until the Fall semester. Artscape will take place July 17 - 19th and there will be live entertainment which will include Dionne Warwick, Cake, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Robin Thicke, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Acrobats of China, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra ... and more.
This will be located on Mount Royal Avenue & Cathedral Street / Charles Street
Bolton Hill neighborhood & Station North Arts & Entertainment District. Be sure to visit http://www.ubalt.edu/ to plan your visit.
This is a good way to end your semester at UB and celebrate what you have accomplished. I feel the best thing about going to school and trying to further your education are the obstacles you have overcome, the people you have met, the teachers that have educated you, and your friends that understood the nights you stayed in were only because your school work was most important. I wish everyone a happy summer and good luck in your classes. I will be continuing to write for the Fall term and I already have many ideas and new exciting things to write about. I will also have more time on my hands and not as many classes. I hope you have enjoyed a little bit of what I have had to say for the summer semester or that I have inspired you in my thoughts of life's lessons as a UB student. Good Luck and remember the processes in life is what molds us and makes us into who we are today, so while going through the process of college at UB stay on top of things and remember you are here because you want to be someone important and successful one day!
This will be located on Mount Royal Avenue & Cathedral Street / Charles Street
Bolton Hill neighborhood & Station North Arts & Entertainment District. Be sure to visit http://www.ubalt.edu/ to plan your visit.
This is a good way to end your semester at UB and celebrate what you have accomplished. I feel the best thing about going to school and trying to further your education are the obstacles you have overcome, the people you have met, the teachers that have educated you, and your friends that understood the nights you stayed in were only because your school work was most important. I wish everyone a happy summer and good luck in your classes. I will be continuing to write for the Fall term and I already have many ideas and new exciting things to write about. I will also have more time on my hands and not as many classes. I hope you have enjoyed a little bit of what I have had to say for the summer semester or that I have inspired you in my thoughts of life's lessons as a UB student. Good Luck and remember the processes in life is what molds us and makes us into who we are today, so while going through the process of college at UB stay on top of things and remember you are here because you want to be someone important and successful one day!
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