Perks of Commuting

"I can't stand Drexel/ Philly! I'm so tired of it."

These are words that have been uttered by a few friends of mine over the years in a general distaste for Drexel or Philly for those of my friends who go to Penn or Temple. And it's something I can never understand.

I like the vibe of Philly and feel that there are endless (well close to anyway) possibilities to have fun and discover new things. I love just walking arounf town and discovering new aspects of Philly I wouldn't have found otherwise.

As for Drexel, except for a slight mix-up in financial aid, I do enjoy being a Dragon and I've had a great time while I've been here. So why the discrepancy in opinion of the same location?

Partly, I believe is because my friends who complain live so close to campus and have been in West Philly their entire time at school. They don't really get away to take a break from things in their surroundings they don't like. I, on the otherhand, live in Northeast Philly about 20 minutes away by train. To some this seems like a lifetime away and I am continuously told how far away it is (which I don't think it is). And I will admit that when I first started commuting from there I couldn't stand it and it seemed like such a restructuring of my life. However, now I am beginning to see it as a way of taking a little break from Drexel and University City. I can go home and relax and not necessarily run into anyone from that area or have to think about anything relating to Drexel.

So this is one aspect of commuting that is positive.

What do you think? What are your experiences?

End of Senior Design this term!

Or should I say "Senior Assumptions".

It seems that my final project as a Drexel chemical engineering senior is all about guessing the right answer. Guessing the pressure in the absorber tower, guessing the temperature of the reactor effluent, guessing what I think my design advisor is actually going to look at in our report. Is this what the rest of my engineering career is going to be like?? For all I know I've created a groundbreaking process. When in reality I probably just wiped out half a city with my chemical plant conditions. Or maybe this is what responsibility is like. For once I can't find the answers in the back of the textbook or wikipedia. It's a little unsettling.

Nevertheless, I think senior design is the best thing I've experienced in my Drexel academic life. I love my group, and I love being able to start from scratch and call the shots in an assignment. For the first time, Ive been able to incorporate my co-op experiences into my homework.
It feels good.

So, in the spirit of St. Patrick's Day coming up, I think I'll write a limerick about senior design.

When I met my senior design adviser
I looked at him as much wiser
But when we showed him our design
And only the cost was on his mind
I realized all engineers are misers!

Lauren

Philadelphia Bike Lanes Become Parking Spots

With spring finally arriving after a long, snowy winter in Philadelphia it was nice to get out and bike around the city. However I was disappointed to see this while I was biking down Spruce Street in Center City Philadelphia:



The recent construction of these new bike lanes is considered a huge victory for the city's numerous bikers. I was very happy to see the city install the new lanes, and it certainly eased my rides on the terribly crowded streets of Center City. I want to say this is just the result of drivers not used to seeing many bikers braving the icy streets, but I've seen this before the snowfall as well. I hope that Philadelphia's drivers will respect bike lanes as more cyclists hit the road as the weather improves.

Remember, you can report any problems to the Philadelphia Police Department. You can find more information on the Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia's website. You can also support commuters here at Drexel by joining the Drexel Commuter Organization (DCOM). Don't get pushed off the road.

Justin

Franklin Fountain

I traveled to Olde Ctiy's Franklin Fountain this past Saturday Evening and they put an Apple Pie in my Milkshake. Where else can you get that??

Your NEXT H.W. Assignment: Go to 116 Market Street. And buy whatever ice cream, float, or shake your little heart desires.

http://franklinfountainphilly.blogspot.com/2009/03/energy-and-persistence-conquer-all.html

The Sweet Tooth,

Angela

(Don't) Let it Snow, (Don't) Let it Snow, (Don't) Let it Snow.....

Howdy,

It seems like no one has said "Gosh, what a gorgeous day!" in a loooooooong time. That's usually reserved for cities that don't begin with P- and end in -hiladelphia.

I'm kidding, but you know you're thinking the same thing too! I mean, we've had record snowfall this year!! OVER 70 INCHES!! Even Polar Bears are like "Dang..."

Now I might be complaining a lot because I'm used to blazing heat waves in the metropolis of Cairo, but it is pretty ridiculous how heavy the snowfall is, and there is MORE on its way. According to weather.com, we're expecting a pretty insane snowstorm to head our way. It is definitely going to be of a greater magnitude than the last one. How come Canada has a snow deficit? Why must mother nature punish the souls of Philadelphia?!

So go grocery shopping guys and gals, cuz Drexel will serve you another Snow Day whether they like it or not. Stay indoors, stay cozy, and fire up the dvds! I know I'm definitely going to watch Zombieland and probably every episode of Entourage ever. If you have any great tips on how to survive the snow storm, feel free to comment on the post below. I'll be reading them and taking notes :).

Take care n be safe!

~Yousef Ezz

Who's going to be the next President for Drexel?

The most exciting part of this term is that I have been really active with the Presidential Search Committee. As we are winding down the process, many people are curious how far the process has gone. I hope that more students or faculty staff can come to me and give their thoughts.

Search TimelineJuly 2009
January–February 2010
-Candidates Interviewed by Search Committee
-References Calls Conducted
-Candidate Pool Narrowed by Search CommitteeMarch–April 2010
Finalist Interviews
-Preferred Candidate Recommended to the Board of Trustees
-New President Named

HaeJi

Did you know

That Lady Gaga and the Goo Goo Dolls are collaborating to make a new Children's Song?

Its gonna be called 'Goo Goo GaGa'

A Midsummer Night's Dream

This Quarter I'll be spending at least half of my life working for Drexel Player's Winter Production of MidSummer Night's Dream.

It's nothing like the wordy Shakepearean script you read in High School, but a whole new edgy and exciting take.
Make sure you make time to see it!


Shakespeare meets Gossip Girl meets Dracula meets 1984. Need we say more?

Drexel Student Admission only $5

DATES:
- February 25, 26, 27 at 8:00 pm
- February 28 at 2:00 pm

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=305383356550#!/event.php?eid=305383356550&ref=mf

Post-event retrospect

Hopefully some of you made it out to the LGBT of Color discussion panel last week, or at least caught the article in the Triangle. Gay, straight, black, latino, white, it didn't matter, everyone in the audience heard something they could relate to, and learned something important. If you made it, I'd like to thank you for coming out. If you didn't, I'd like to extend my regret, it was something special.

There's a lot of stories in the city, a lot of culture. Everyone's different, and it's important to understand and respect those differences. We're not just here to learn, we're here to build our careers, and employers value people who can work with others who are different. It's been a privilege to provide the campus with events that bring different cultures together for better understanding.

See you at the next one!

Dusty

A Tip for the Masses.

Never walk around campus in High Heels after a weekend blizzard.
Just looking out for you guys.

You Never Know

This might be my new inspiration for life. Way back in June 2008 of my Freshman Orientation at Drexel, I was rooming with a stranger, a girl named Raquel from Maryland. I invited her to do somthing, but she had to meet her sister, and we didn't talk. In Fall '08 she was in many of my classes (I'm majoring in PT and she, in PA) and I would say hi and she would just go to the back of the room and ignore me. Let's just say I felt like I tried to be friends but got no response.
I honestly don't know how it happened-but just this year, we started talking. We both joked how we both thought the other one hated us. And in just 3-4 months time, we're kind of inseperatable. I supported her basketball game (where she scored the first 2 points and many 3 pointers) and its upsetting when we're not sitting next to each other in Clinical or 2 hour Anatomy lectures.
So again, You Never Know what's going to happen next. You just have to be open to new opportunities, especially since life is constantly changing. That guy or girl you felt animosity to a couple years ago could actually have alot in common with you if you're open to learning.
Happy Weekend All-
I'm off to a Panini Friday with Raquel for lunch.

Reading Terminal Rant

Ok-lemme get the main idea out and quick-I LOVE READING TERMINAL. Originally being from a small town on Long Island, NY, this cultural meca is my absolute favorite scene in Philadelphia. I make a once a week outing to get my groceries-especially the cheap produce in the back right (way better than any fresh grocer). You can also find the biggest lobster tails to man kind and the Amish are there from Thursday to Sunday. They make the best Eggnog and Blueberry Biscuits-just a little FYI.

If you're a student-Sundays and Wednesdays you get 10% off! And lots of the merchants have $7 meal deals (find them at www.readingterminalmarket.org/news/article/83).

So basically, for all you Foodies like me out there, another homework assignment is to go to Reading Terminal this week, on 12th and Filbert. And make sure you bring your reusable bag too!

-Angela

Naked Chocolate

That's right. Look at that beautiful & bountiful table. If you've never experienced Naked Chocoloate, that is your new homework assignment from me-to visit (It's on 3401 Walnut Street). Even if you don't like chocolate there's a huge strawberry shortcake cupcake, creme brulee, huge cookies, smoothies, everything a sweet tooth dreams of.

Happy Tasting!

-Angela

I should stick to my day job

Hello avid followers! 

I had started writing originally about how the beginning of the new term was going, but I realized that I was essentially boring myself. I'm going to attempt to write an impromptu poem instead. I haven't written a poem since my freshmen engineering design project, so hopefully my skillz are still sharp. 

January 4th. 

I missed my first class 

fortunately it was orgo 

a class i once dropped

and now must forego 

On to the next one 

With a teacher named Wrenn 

Followed by my worst nightmare

By a class called PChem 

But by 2:00 

I was home free

until i remembered the bursars office

was waiting for me! 

After stopping by the SORC

Greeting Kara and Jess

I met up with my friend 

to put my hold em' skills to the test 

Like Lady Gaga

my cunning poker face

put the rest of those boys 

back in their place 

Although I only came in second

I got a free game 

and the rest of the losers

bowed their head in shame

I ended the day 

With Inglorious Bastards 

A movie leaving me

in constant fits of laughter 

It was a busy day

For the start of the term 

If I follow this trend

When is there time to learn? 

Lauren 

To Speak or Not to Speak

In this winter term of 2010 I am taking a class on Free Speech and Censorship. The subject we have been touching on is self-censorship in all aspects of life. The fact is that we are trained from a young age that it is inappropriate to speak on certain subjects depending on the situation and people we're talking to. But why is it that certain subjects are taboo around certain people? Think, for instance, of your family gatherings. Are your family members open to having a conversation about politics, sports, religion, abortion, and other sensitive subjects? Or are these topics discouraged because your grandparents or parents, aunts or uncles would get offended and then angry leading to a complete shutdown of any dialogue?
Or think of your facebook page. Is there content that you don't post or privatize because you are friends with family or employers? Why do you not make this content public?
Another scenario might be that you are in a conversation in which someone says something that offends someone else, will you correct the offender or do you let it go thinking it's not your fight to fight?
As a country, the U.S. is all for Freedom of Speech, but why is it that we don't practice or allow it when it comes to topics that make us uncomfortable? In my opinion, we suffer more from self-censorship as it is based on the fear of what other people might think of us. In censoring ourselves, we take away from dialogue that it is important to fully understanding a topic and how it influences ours and others' lives. Removing self-censors, however, is something that has to be practiced. Only through practice can we get past the grip of that uncomfortable feeling.

What examples do you have of self-censorship and what do you think of it?

-Nicolle

Just a friendly face

That's all it takes to make a difference in someone's life. I helped run the Philly Marathon this past Sunday, and yes I had to wake up at 5:30 am, but it was so worth it. With over 15,000 runners, the atmosphere was exciting. Even though the only volunteer sweatshirts left were extra large, we had a great turnout of students from all backgrounds and ages and had a great time.

Just walking around, people asked many questions because they saw our 'volunteer' outfits and a bunch of transfer students I saw throughout the day asked how we Registered to help. I think its the feeling of connection to campus that makes a person feel comfortable and welcomed.

And the bonus? We all had pumpkin pancakes at the 17th floor of Millenium.

Love you all,

Angela

Movin' in Millenium

I'm SO excited about the new events happening in Millenium. After talking with Director Tricia Shalka, the Transfer Assistants have set a date for a Coffe Hour with open mic on December 2nd (a wednesday) from 8pm-10pm

Also, I'll be having office hours in the lobby of Millenium this upcoming Winter term-so if you're around make sure to look out for me!
-Angela

P.S. If you're going to the Thanksgiving Luncheon this Thursday, I'm SO jealous. I have class but I heard it going to be beautiful and delicious!

Bam Margera's Bar

Hey Guys,

So last Friday I went with a couple of my buddies to West Chester, PA, to see a couple of bands at Bam Margera's Bar known as 'The Note'. Upon entering, this gothy bar's decor was definitely heavily influenced by Bam's idol - HIM. Purple tones, erie candles, and thickly bearded bartenders were just some of those things.

We were there to check out some Jam bands (synth fueled instrumental sets that are mostly enjoyed by neo-hippies). Now I'm not going to lie, I was skeptical. Firstly being that I have not really listened to any band of this genre. But my roommate assured me that I was in for a treat.

So up first was DJ Sonkin, who was friend's with the band that were up after him. He was pretty ridiculous. He did a lot of drum and bass with mash-ups. The band after him, MJ Project, threw on a ridiculous show. The definition of Jam Band should have these guys' faces next to it in the dictionary. I soon realized that 4 minutes into their 9 minute long opening single, I was in love with them (they gave out free EPs to everyone at the show, and it sounds amazing). After MJP was Bodega, a quintet of 19 year olds who were also very entertaining and musically talented. Finally, the headliner - Pnuma Trio. As the name suggests, they are a trio of ridiculous talents fused together to make one heck of an experience. They performed an awesome set.

At the end of the show, it was already 2 am. I was pretty satisfied with my experience, and I think I'm going to look into my new found love for Jam Bands, and I think you should too.

~Yousef Ezz

Water, Water Everywhere!

Hello commuters,

You might say this has been a bit of a rough week. If you were like me this morning, you were ill-prepared for the rain that drenched Philadelphia. Biking from 12 blocks away is generally a fun little ride, but it can sometimes be a frustrating experience in the rain. Believe me, most things are more fun than showing up to class late with ice-cold hands, a numb face, and a soggy butt. However, Drexel has a way for students to stay warm and dry, even in the most formidable weather. Check out the Drexel Shuttle Schedule, and if those buses aren't going your way check SEPTA to see if they can take you where you need to go.

Continuing my issues with water this week, I had an unfortunate incident where my apartment partially flooded. Long story short, the drainage line for my washing machine was improperly connected (that is to say... not connected at all). If you think your apartment experience will go smoothly without any problems, think again. You will deal with something during your 4 or 5 (or 6) years in college. Luckily, Drexel is holding workshops to prepare students for life in your new apartment. Tuesday, October 20th Drexel University is holding Off-Campus Living 101 from 4 to 5 pm in Ross Commons Room 304. Know what to expect before you rent.

Justin Gero
Commuter Assistant
dca6@drexel.edu

Busiest Thursday of My Life

It's 2:07 pm and I just get back from a non-stop day of classes since an 8am Microbio lab. I come back to my room and my roommate (an girl from France) is crying for who knows what reason (I don't speak french besides bonjour!). I have about 30 minutes to study for an anatomy test before I need to catch the bus to take towards the Center City Campus. So now that the test is over, the bus heads back to University City. It's 5:20 and I have to run to get dance clothes and head over to Mandell Theatre for dance auditions from 5:30 to 10pm. And now I'm here, supposed to type this technical communication paper by 10am tomorrow.

That is-and still is-my day (and will be long night of work). I'm sorry to make you read about somebody else's hectic day, but I wanted to share because I think everyone goes through it. And it might not work for everybody, but it always helps me when I can talk to somebody-not just a friend-but somebody who knows what they're dealing with. I'm not crazy, but I have no shame in saying that I've gone to the Counseling Center in Creese to talk to somebody just to clear my head a few times. Or if you do want to talk to someone whose gone through lots of training, but is our same situation of school, co-op, and social life, there's always the confidential Peer Counseling Helpline at 215-895-1523 every Sunday through Thursday at 8pm-12am.

I can only imagine what stresses commuters & transfer students must go through on a daily basis.

P.S. It's obvious, but just 20 mins of running to the Art Museum (it's scenic and short) or a free class at the DAC does wonders for just relieving stress!