My Instagram feed was full of posts about the new Beyonce Album. It was kind of overwhelming!
If you haven't already bought the album on iTunes, checkout this link to listen to some samples of the new songs! They are great!!
Friday, December 13, 2013
Beyonce - New 2013 Album
This morning I woke up at 3:45am for no reason and I decided to go on Instagram because I couldn't fall back asleep.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
No More Sriracha Sauce
What I am about to tell you (or what the title already has) might alarm you, but don't panic.
Sriracha sauce is no more.
For now.
Huy Fong Foods has been sizzling with some scorching criticism these days. Their production plant in Irwindale, California is the source of all the eye, nose and throat irritation in the area due to its mass production of the holy Sriracha hot sauce.
Neighborhoods nearby have been complaining about the fumes for quite some time now. There was even a report of a nosebleed with fingers pointed back at Huy Fong Foods.
According to the California Department of Public Health, "a hold time was necessary to ensure an effective treatment of micro-organisms present in the [Huy Fong Foods] product. Holding products for a period of time at a specified pH level is one method of controlling those micro-organisms."
Sriracha sauce now must remain in the plant for at least 30 days after it is bottled before making its way to the store shelves. But fear not, this #Srirachapocalypse is not as disastrous as it may seem. Huy Fong Foods reassures its loyal consumers that there shouldn't be a shortage with the fortunate amount of bottles they have on hand now.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
How to stay warm and avoid getting sick WITH SCIENCE!
As a native Minnesotan I have perfected the ways of staying warm in the winter and avoiding sickness. So here are some tips and tricks to staying warm scientifically proven. Some of them might be no-brainers but it's still cool to see science at work in everyday life.
1) The human body produces enough heat to boil half a gallon of water in thirty minutes. The trick to stay warm in the winter is learning how to trap your body heat. Native tribes in the Arctic often used animal skin to keep warm. The fibers of the firs trapped their body heat acting as insulation. You may be asking. "But Kate I don't have any nearby Arctic animals to spear and use their fur for clothing!" Fear not fellow Ludblood, I have the answer. Dressing in loose layers can help trap you body heat. The air between the layers will eventually warm to your temperature and make it more difficult for heat to escape through several layers of cloth and air. If you can, invest in a down jacket. The fibers of the down feathers trap your body heat.
2) Contrary to popular believe your head does not give off 90% of your body heat. But your head is one of three areas that gives off the most heat. However, your head, face, neck and hands are more sensitive to cold weather than the rest of your body. Your face, head, neck and hands have more nerve endings under the skin causing the air to feel colder. That is why it is important to cover these areas with hats, scarves and gloves. If you cover these areas you will be less miserable when walking outside.
3) Most of our body heat escapes through the head, armpits and feet. That being said we often neglect our feet. Our feet are the farthest appendage from our hearts making it more difficult for warm blood to reach our feet. Then the blood in our feet has to fight against gravity back up to our hearts. We can help our body out by always wearing a warm pair of socks. Also, keeping your feet warm will make it easier for your body to fight off sicknesses. If your body doesn't have to work so hard to keep you warm it can put more energy into fighting off sickness.
4) Our bodies are amazing and can do so much for us, but they work better when we take care of them. In order to fight off sicknesses it best to take care of your basic needs like always getting 8 hours of sleep and getting plenty of vitamins and minerals. But for those who can feel a cold coming, drinking lots of fluids can help strengthen your body. Also, I personally recommend using an immune booster or a glass of orange juice when you feel the start of a cold. Your body needs these basic things in order to function properly.
1) The human body produces enough heat to boil half a gallon of water in thirty minutes. The trick to stay warm in the winter is learning how to trap your body heat. Native tribes in the Arctic often used animal skin to keep warm. The fibers of the firs trapped their body heat acting as insulation. You may be asking. "But Kate I don't have any nearby Arctic animals to spear and use their fur for clothing!" Fear not fellow Ludblood, I have the answer. Dressing in loose layers can help trap you body heat. The air between the layers will eventually warm to your temperature and make it more difficult for heat to escape through several layers of cloth and air. If you can, invest in a down jacket. The fibers of the down feathers trap your body heat.
2) Contrary to popular believe your head does not give off 90% of your body heat. But your head is one of three areas that gives off the most heat. However, your head, face, neck and hands are more sensitive to cold weather than the rest of your body. Your face, head, neck and hands have more nerve endings under the skin causing the air to feel colder. That is why it is important to cover these areas with hats, scarves and gloves. If you cover these areas you will be less miserable when walking outside.
3) Most of our body heat escapes through the head, armpits and feet. That being said we often neglect our feet. Our feet are the farthest appendage from our hearts making it more difficult for warm blood to reach our feet. Then the blood in our feet has to fight against gravity back up to our hearts. We can help our body out by always wearing a warm pair of socks. Also, keeping your feet warm will make it easier for your body to fight off sicknesses. If your body doesn't have to work so hard to keep you warm it can put more energy into fighting off sickness.
4) Our bodies are amazing and can do so much for us, but they work better when we take care of them. In order to fight off sicknesses it best to take care of your basic needs like always getting 8 hours of sleep and getting plenty of vitamins and minerals. But for those who can feel a cold coming, drinking lots of fluids can help strengthen your body. Also, I personally recommend using an immune booster or a glass of orange juice when you feel the start of a cold. Your body needs these basic things in order to function properly.
Friday, December 6, 2013
16 Ways to Stay Sane During Finals Week
16) Sharpen your weapons and fight the procrastination monster.
15) Take a deep breath, breathing is good.
14) Think fast food will help your brain work better? Guess again. Eat healthy.
13) No one wants to stand next to someone smelly in the elevator. Remember to shower.
12) Keep a list or a schedule of deadlines to keep it all straight in your head.
11) Take a break by taking a walk or jamming to music in your room.
10) Naps are your new best friend.
9) Back up your work ...
8) Back up your work ...
7) and back up your work!
6) Remember you are not a robot. You still need to eat and sleep.
5) Calming tea can be the difference between feeling like your world is falling apart and knowing everything is fine.
4) The internet will still be here after finals week. You don't need to check on it every ten minutes.
3) Learning to work under a deadline is an important life skill, even if it takes you a few years to get it right.
2) You've made it through the entire semester so you can make it for one more week.
1) No matter how stressed or busy you are, winter break will still happen.
15) Take a deep breath, breathing is good.
14) Think fast food will help your brain work better? Guess again. Eat healthy.
13) No one wants to stand next to someone smelly in the elevator. Remember to shower.
12) Keep a list or a schedule of deadlines to keep it all straight in your head.
11) Take a break by taking a walk or jamming to music in your room.
10) Naps are your new best friend.
9) Back up your work ...
8) Back up your work ...
7) and back up your work!
6) Remember you are not a robot. You still need to eat and sleep.
5) Calming tea can be the difference between feeling like your world is falling apart and knowing everything is fine.
4) The internet will still be here after finals week. You don't need to check on it every ten minutes.
3) Learning to work under a deadline is an important life skill, even if it takes you a few years to get it right.
2) You've made it through the entire semester so you can make it for one more week.
1) No matter how stressed or busy you are, winter break will still happen.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Christmas World Record
Once again, the holiday season has arrived. In Rockefeller Center, the 64-foot tree was lit by thousands of lights, creating a glimmering wonder for all to admire. Sure that is a ton of lights, but it is nothing close to a world record.
In Australia, one family has set a new Guinness World Record for the most lights on a residential property by decorating their house with over half a million lights this season. Stretched out, that is over 31 miles of lights. The display uses about $2,291 worth of electricity each month to stay lit and is covered by a local renewable energy company to maintain the holiday cheer.
Volunteeers from SIDS and Kids ACT helped set up the spectacular display, a charity that works to reduce sudden and unexpected deaths in children. The Richards family uses their light show to raise money for this organization and reported more than $70,000 in donations thus far.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Get your skate on!
New York City comes alive at Christmas time. The streets and shops go all out with decorations and lights, our parks put up huge, beautiful trees and there are tons of stalls and mini-stores at the many holiday markets round the island. The best part though? The ice-skating rinks!
It is the focal point in so many movies when the main characters go ice-skating in New York City and it tops so many '100 things' to do lists for NYC. But where are these rinks? And which are the best?
The main two would have to be Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center. Rockefeller Center usually has an hour or so wait but it is probably the most iconic. It is one of the most expensive options and also one of the smallest rinks so you're mainly going there to say 'I've skated at Rockefeller'. Bryant Park is free to skate if you bring your own, otherwise it's $14 to rent. It is a much larger rink as you can see above and also has a holiday market around it so you can get your shopping done too!
Other rinks around Manhattan include Central Park, South Street Seaport, Brookfield Place and Chelsea Piers. There are actually two in Central Park, one at around 59th St and one at 90th. The one at 59th is the largest in the country and more confined in the park and is featured in many movies. It ranges in price between $11 and $17 depending on what time of day you go but it's fun to just walk through the park and watch too. South Street Seaport is smaller and I think less public accessed (it's more for lessons and learning to skate). The Brookfield Place rink is located near Battery Park/Financial District and is one of the larger ones too. It gives a more 'wintery' feel being near the river and has blustery breezes that will almost knock you over. Chelsea Piers isn't an ice rink built specifically for Christmas, it is where they have hockey games and all year round ice skating lessons. But it is one of the only ones to be indoors incase you get too chilly!
There are more rinks in the other suburbs of New York and to find out about them just get your Google on. Christmas is a great time to live here so take full advantage of the city this winter season.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
It's Thanksgiving!
This week is Thanksgiving! Get ready to be thankful and gorge yourself on all kinds of delicious foods. If you are travelling then be safe and we will see you when you get back!
However if you are staying at Ludlow we have two events for you:
1) Macy's Thanksgiving Parade with RA Naysha. Meet at 6:30am in the lobby to go see the parade in person and be in awe at all the gigantic balloons.
2) Thanksgiving Dinner. Meet in the basement at 2pm for a feast.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Union Square Holiday Market
Today is the beginning of the Union Square Holiday Market. It is the 20th season of the European style market on 14th street that will be there until December 24th. Here you will be able to find unique gifts for your friends family for the upcoming holidays!
Venue details
- Name:
- Address:14th St to 17th St
Gramercy & Flatiron
New York
- Cross Street:between Broadway and Park Ave South
- Opening hours:Mon–Fri 11am–8pm, Sat 10am–8pm, Sun 11am–7pm
- Transport:Subway: L, N, Q, R, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St–Union Sq
- Event phone:212-529-9262
- Event website:
- Categories:Shopping. Things to Do
- Good for:Lively scene. Take a tourist. Kids
- Event type:Markets & fairs. Seasonal traditions
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Coffee Pot Cooking
There's food in the fridge, a growl in your stomach, but no pants on your body. You've already plowed through your snacks and now you're faced with the need to cook. Panic consumes your entire being once you realize in order to go cook, you must put on your pants to face outside world...until you realize... You have your coffee maker! Continue on, pant-less food maker!
That's right, your coffee maker. After a soldier away from home complained enough about the less than appetizing options in the mess hall, his mother decided to investigate the alternative uses of the classic coffee maker. It was the only appliance her son was allowed to have in his room and it turns out you can steam, poach and even grill food with it!
Steam: The basket at the top is a great place to steam vegetables. You can throw in broccoli, cauliflower or any vegetable that cooks in about the same time as those.
Poach: The carafe at the bottom serves as a simple vessel for poaching fish and chicken. You can also use it to hard-boil eggs or make couscous and oatmeal.
Grill: This technique is a bit more advanced — and time-consuming. But if you're really itching for a grilled cheese sandwich or a cinnamon bun in a motel room, the coffee maker's burner can serve as a miniature grill.
For more ideas and recipes, click here
That's right, your coffee maker. After a soldier away from home complained enough about the less than appetizing options in the mess hall, his mother decided to investigate the alternative uses of the classic coffee maker. It was the only appliance her son was allowed to have in his room and it turns out you can steam, poach and even grill food with it!
Steam: The basket at the top is a great place to steam vegetables. You can throw in broccoli, cauliflower or any vegetable that cooks in about the same time as those.
Poach: The carafe at the bottom serves as a simple vessel for poaching fish and chicken. You can also use it to hard-boil eggs or make couscous and oatmeal.
Grill: This technique is a bit more advanced — and time-consuming. But if you're really itching for a grilled cheese sandwich or a cinnamon bun in a motel room, the coffee maker's burner can serve as a miniature grill.
For more ideas and recipes, click here
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
How to Get Free Tickets to the Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Recently, I had the opportunity to go to the Daily Show with Jon Stewart and I got great seats for free. Here are the ins and outs of getting free tickets to a great live show. Getting free tickets is a process but it is worth it if you are a fan of the show.
1) Go to the Daily Show website and click on the link for Tickets. This is the site where they post their available tickets. If it says there are no tickets available at this time, check back at a later time. Also you can follow their twitter and they often tweet when they have tickets available.
If they do have tickets available sign up and you can reserve up to three tickets. They will send you and e-mail with instructions. The instructions ask you to confirm your reservation. Also, you will be notified that even though you have a reservation it does not mean you have a guaranteed ticket. They overbook their studio to make sure there is always an full audience.
2) On the day of your reservation, print out your email confirmation or make sure you can access it on your phone. Go to the studio on 11 avenue between 51st and 52nd street (There are signs it's hard to miss). The line grows quick and often people at the end do not get tickets. I arrived at 12:30 and the line was relatively short. So, get in line anytime between 12:30 and 1 pm for a guaranteed a spot (although the sooner the better for better seats). Bring something to do otherwise waiting in line will be boring. At 2:30 they distribute the tickets and you need to show the email confirmation. I was given a ticket with a number. Because I got there early, I was able to get a smaller number (smaller numbers are good in this instance). I was also holding a place for Allie and she was assigned a ticket with a number as well. However, she had to get to the studio before 4 pm in order to get the ticket. Otherwise they would have filled her empty spot at 4pm. For people who have their tickets you are instructed to return to the studio at 4:30.
3) You can find a restaurant to hang out in on 6th avenue while you wait for 4:30. Alli and I found a really cool burger place that makes all different kinds of burgers called Island Burgers and Shakes. It is on 9th avenue between 51st and 52nd street.
4) Return to the studio at 4:30 and get into your designated area. You are asked to get in line according to the number on the ticket. People with smaller numbers are let in first. They let you in and immediately as you enter there is a bathroom to her left. Make sure to go to the bathroom at this time because it is the last chance before sitting in the studio for 2 hours. They ask that you do not leave the studio once seated so not to disturb taping. It takes about half an hour to get everyone through security and seated.
5) Before the show starts they give you the opportunity to take pictures of the set. After that time, they ask you turn off and put away your cell phones if they catch you using your phone outside this time they will take your phone away and return it after the show. A warm-up comedian comes out and talks to the audience and instructs everyone to get really loud when the cameras are rolling.
6) After the warm-up comedian, Jon Stewart comes out and answers a few questions. Stick to non-complicated fun questions, because anything serious and he will answer in a joking manner. After the questions Jon gets behind the desk and they start taping immediately. I've heard sometimes they do retakes of segments but when I was there they shot the entire show once. After the show, Jon will thank everyone for coming and then you are released. We were out by 6:30.
The whole process is pretty seamless and it is free. I hope this information is helpful and gives you an idea of how it all works.
1) Go to the Daily Show website and click on the link for Tickets. This is the site where they post their available tickets. If it says there are no tickets available at this time, check back at a later time. Also you can follow their twitter and they often tweet when they have tickets available.
If they do have tickets available sign up and you can reserve up to three tickets. They will send you and e-mail with instructions. The instructions ask you to confirm your reservation. Also, you will be notified that even though you have a reservation it does not mean you have a guaranteed ticket. They overbook their studio to make sure there is always an full audience.
2) On the day of your reservation, print out your email confirmation or make sure you can access it on your phone. Go to the studio on 11 avenue between 51st and 52nd street (There are signs it's hard to miss). The line grows quick and often people at the end do not get tickets. I arrived at 12:30 and the line was relatively short. So, get in line anytime between 12:30 and 1 pm for a guaranteed a spot (although the sooner the better for better seats). Bring something to do otherwise waiting in line will be boring. At 2:30 they distribute the tickets and you need to show the email confirmation. I was given a ticket with a number. Because I got there early, I was able to get a smaller number (smaller numbers are good in this instance). I was also holding a place for Allie and she was assigned a ticket with a number as well. However, she had to get to the studio before 4 pm in order to get the ticket. Otherwise they would have filled her empty spot at 4pm. For people who have their tickets you are instructed to return to the studio at 4:30.
3) You can find a restaurant to hang out in on 6th avenue while you wait for 4:30. Alli and I found a really cool burger place that makes all different kinds of burgers called Island Burgers and Shakes. It is on 9th avenue between 51st and 52nd street.
4) Return to the studio at 4:30 and get into your designated area. You are asked to get in line according to the number on the ticket. People with smaller numbers are let in first. They let you in and immediately as you enter there is a bathroom to her left. Make sure to go to the bathroom at this time because it is the last chance before sitting in the studio for 2 hours. They ask that you do not leave the studio once seated so not to disturb taping. It takes about half an hour to get everyone through security and seated.
5) Before the show starts they give you the opportunity to take pictures of the set. After that time, they ask you turn off and put away your cell phones if they catch you using your phone outside this time they will take your phone away and return it after the show. A warm-up comedian comes out and talks to the audience and instructs everyone to get really loud when the cameras are rolling.
6) After the warm-up comedian, Jon Stewart comes out and answers a few questions. Stick to non-complicated fun questions, because anything serious and he will answer in a joking manner. After the questions Jon gets behind the desk and they start taping immediately. I've heard sometimes they do retakes of segments but when I was there they shot the entire show once. After the show, Jon will thank everyone for coming and then you are released. We were out by 6:30.
The whole process is pretty seamless and it is free. I hope this information is helpful and gives you an idea of how it all works.
Allie and I on the set of the Daily show.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Of the Artist
It is the charge of the artist to be detached from rudimentary understanding. The artist cannot create under any circumstance other than misunderstanding. The artist understands through the act of creation, of bridging the gap between what is presented and it's visible outcome. Why the fuck do you think y'all can't stop making work about feelings? Because no one has feelings figured out.
Virginia Wolf's book-length letter to a lawyer who queried unto her; "why war?" (which I am reading a meta text about by Susan Sontag, currently) contains generous dissections of war photographs which Wolfe received in the mail. Because of her inability to understand them as simply "photographs of dead children", she sought to create a bridge through her writing. If you think people have these ideas outside of the act of creating work, outside of the act of congealing thoughts into a linear pattern then you're straight wrong. Because nobody's thoughts make any sense. Ever. If you think the raw material of your thoughts makes sense then head on over to Charles Xavier's school for Gifted Youngsters already.
Anyway, we make this stuff because we don't understand anything and we can't even communicate our thought process toward understanding. So you know what? Embrace your misunderstanding. Try to look at everything as painfully alien and worthy of inquiry. Be weirded out by plastic bags and subway cars and trees and bouncing itunes icons (seriously when will it stop) because you will be be giving people something to relate to (shit everyone else seems to understand) and doing something healthy for yourself (understanding things).
Peace.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Dogboarding
When I have a really shitty critique in class or my day has just been crappy, I love to crawl in bed and browse the internet endlessly. Somehow I start by watching a tv show and then end up in that weird blackhole part of YouTube watching cat videos and babies. However there's that awesome feeling when you come across something really fun and inspiring that makes the two hours you thought you 'wasted' into a time well spent. I think the internet is definitely becoming this great platform to share creativity easily so more people are eager to create and make stuff as it's so simple to get it out there.
This video called 'Dogboarding' I found a few years ago and I still watch it occasionally as it just makes me feel so happy. I'm not sure if it's the music or just getting to watch cute dogs transform but it doesn't make me feel angry or depressed; it makes me feel glee. I also admire how much effort probably went into it and the actual execution is top notch. Someone definitely worked their butt off to make this look good as it easily could've come out shit. This is in my inspiration folder on my desktop and whenever I feel like my work is coming out shit I just look at things like this and think 'damn I can do that'.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Yoga - Your Practice
There are many reasons people do yoga. Some people may do you yoga to find peace within themselves, where as others might to do it strengthen their body. There are so many good reasons to do yoga. The great thing about yoga is that you put your own body to work and you make it part of your practice.
When I do yoga (Vinyasa) I find it that it is very important to find yourself within your breath. You must deepen your concentration and stay focus within your inner-self. That's why in the beginning of a yoga class it is important to find a flow with your breath. Your breath is the most important thing that will help you get through the difficult times.
I invite everyone to try yoga, over the next month I'll be doing a yoga program where we can all take yoga.
There's an amazing organization: Yoga To The People.
One of their locations is in the East Village on St. Marks Street between 2nd Ave and 3rd Ave.
It is donation based, so any money you can give at the end of the session is fine. If you can't give anything is fine also. Just be sure to bring $2 to rent a mat or just bring your own mat.
I invite everyone to also try it outside of my two programs and to invite your friends. It is an amazing thing to practice.
My next two yoga programs are Sunday Nov. 24th and December 8th at 6:30pm.
-RA Irving
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Instant Gratification Done Right
It's almost on a daily basis someone somewhere is complaining about our generation's current addiction to instant gratification. We don't like to wait for things, work very hard for them or harbor a single ounce of patience. Emails, texting, instant messaging, you name it, we got it....NOW.
Well you know what else you can (almost, soon enough) have right now??? PIZZA. That's right, PIZZA. Domino's pizza, to be precise.
Currently in its beta testing phase is the PiePal, a device with a button and dial that you simply set to how many pizzas you want and BAM! Order made. Happiness and cheesy goodness delivered. Of course, the temptation and ease of the device has posed itself as a double-edged sword. What if you "accidentally" bump into it? What if the dog knocks it over? There's never a bad time for pizza, except when you aren't expecting it and have an empty wallet... As a precaution, iStrategyLabs is designing an acrylic case with two key locks to prevent too many compulsive button pushes or accidents.
You can sign up to be a potential beta taster (that's right, taster) at PiePal.me or just stare at this video with a hungry, hopeful glimmer in your eye.
Monday, November 11, 2013
The return of figurative painting.
Short soundbite regarding the eventual [next 10-15 years] return to classical painting aesthetics.
While paroozing Chelsea galleries, it would not be strange for me to tell you I've seen an abundance of conceptual artwork which, by association, often lacks the "artists hand" and much of a sense of craftsmanship. Artists who's work is concerned with the figure, with rendering in acrylic and oil, and allowing the stroke to tell the story, have never been more profoundly overlooked as they are now.
With the advent of Adobe Illustrator as well as various other digital rendering technologies, the "art consumer" wants little to do with the figurative painter. In fact, if they are concerned with paint at all, they are buying up abstract works or heavily illustrative, workshopped paintings by people who are selling a schtick.
Though this is the direction of the world at large, without a doubt. Moving away from tactile aesthetics and toward the digital-cerebral is the trend of our age. Negative or not, it is the trajectory. Though in my opinion, just as the pendulum swings one way, it will also swing back the other.
The generation that is growing up now, never having not known touch screens, etc, will seek something foreign when the time comes for them to purchase artworks. And that foreign entity will (in my opinion) be the tactile and emotional response from the painters hand.
While paroozing Chelsea galleries, it would not be strange for me to tell you I've seen an abundance of conceptual artwork which, by association, often lacks the "artists hand" and much of a sense of craftsmanship. Artists who's work is concerned with the figure, with rendering in acrylic and oil, and allowing the stroke to tell the story, have never been more profoundly overlooked as they are now.
With the advent of Adobe Illustrator as well as various other digital rendering technologies, the "art consumer" wants little to do with the figurative painter. In fact, if they are concerned with paint at all, they are buying up abstract works or heavily illustrative, workshopped paintings by people who are selling a schtick.
Though this is the direction of the world at large, without a doubt. Moving away from tactile aesthetics and toward the digital-cerebral is the trend of our age. Negative or not, it is the trajectory. Though in my opinion, just as the pendulum swings one way, it will also swing back the other.
The generation that is growing up now, never having not known touch screens, etc, will seek something foreign when the time comes for them to purchase artworks. And that foreign entity will (in my opinion) be the tactile and emotional response from the painters hand.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Managing Your Time and Stress
In college, sometimes it is difficult to juggle our different responsibilities. Classes, homework, work, internships, social lives and not to mention eating or sleeping can be very over-whelming. Here are some time managing and de-stressing tips that work for me.
1) Keep a schedule.
Our phones can be quite useful when keeping our lives straight. I personally like to use iCalendar just to help me keep track of my work hours and appointments throughout the week. It works best if you enter the change in your scehdule as soon as it happens. That way you can go through the rest of your day knowing your phone will remind you if you are missing something. There are lots of smartphone apps that can help you do this. Also, if you're a more traditional person, keeping a planner to let you know when important projects are due, can help a lot.
2) Make a to-do list.
Sometimes we get so busy we often forget about the little things that need to be done. Keeping a to-do list can free up your mind so that you can focus on other tasks. If your to-do list is a long one, then focus on completing a few things on the list a day. Remember, you are human and you need to allow yourself a reasonable amount of time to complete important tasks. Don't make the mistake of thinking you can get everything done in one day and don't make the mistake of thinking you can get everything done an hour before it is due. Pacing is key. A to-do list can also help with sleep. I know how easy it is to lay awake at night thinking about all the things you have to do. Keep your to-do list next to your bed and write tasks down as you are falling asleep. Once it is on the list, you won't think about it anymore. Pretty soon you'll have nothing left to think about and you will doze off into that much needed sleep.
3) Exercise and eat healthy.
This may seem like a great way to waste time, but forcing yourself to go to the gym or just taking a walk around the block can actually help with focus. Once you sit down to work, your brain is ready to work and you can get more done with less time. Also, taking time to eat your vegetables instead of settling for fast food, gives your brain the nutrients it needs to function properly. If you have difficulty getting healthy food, vitamins can also help.
4) Avoid all-nighters at all costs.
Going to bed the same time every night and waking up the same time every morning can help your head and body shake off that constant tired feeling. Did you know college students need as much sleep as infants? With adequate sleep, your brain is more likely to be there for you when you need it. Part of establishing a sleep routine means you also have to make time to study in order to avoid those all-nighters. Making a study schedule will give you an indication when you should study and when you have time to relax. Just knowing is half the battle.
5) Remember to have fun.
With all our responsibilities it is difficult to remember to have fun. Having fun can lower stress and help shake off feelings of isolation or depression. So text a friend and see if they want to grab a bite to eat or see that movie everyone has been talking about. Make time for the things you enjoy and you will be ready to go back to class on Monday.
With all our responsibilities it is difficult to remember to have fun. Having fun can lower stress and help shake off feelings of isolation or depression. So text a friend and see if they want to grab a bite to eat or see that movie everyone has been talking about. Make time for the things you enjoy and you will be ready to go back to class on Monday.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
CANSTRUCTION 2013
It is that time of year when New York goes canned food crazy! Canstruction 2013 is here.
Don't know what that is? City Harvest organises an exhibition each year to feature sculptures made out of canned food donations. This year there are twenty-five teams made up of students, architects and designers competing to win. There are some crazy sights such as mermaids, Mr. Potato head and more! Each year is different depending on what canned foods have been donated thus far.
Admission to see the exhibition is free, however you are invited to bring some canned food as a donation as they want to reach a goal of 50,000 pounds of food for the holidays.
Canstruction 2013 is on display until 11/13/13 at Brookfield Place (right by the Freedom Tower).
Friday, September 13, 2013
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Running For Fun
If you're like me, then you need a T-Rex in prompt pursuit for adequate running motivation. I've never been a runner and I wasn't until this past summer. However with a little help from some easy to find resources I ran my first 5K a couple weeks ago. And I did it without killing myself, without injuring myself, and I had a lot of fun. So here are some tips to becoming a runner.
1) The Benefits
Exercise in general is a great de-stresser. It allows your mind to focus on something else. Usually with increased exercise comes increased concentration throughout the day. Also, it is a great hobby unrelated to school.
2) Have Fun
Running can be fun and the moment running stops being fun you should stop. What I enjoy about running is being able to get outside, enjoy the air, and clear my mind from everyday stresses. And I believe running can be fun for everyone if you give it a chance. A great way to have more fun is to run with a friend. Especially someone who is just starting out with you, running once a week can keep you motivated.
3) Getting Stared
An 8 week running program is a great way to get stared if you cannot run continuously for 30 minutes.
Take a day of rest in between running days do give your body time to build muscle and acclimate. Pushing yourself too much too fast can cause physical injury. So take your time and have fun. Granted if you have an extremely busy day and don't have time to do a full workout, running for ten minutes is better than not running at all. The best part about starting to run is finding what works for you. Explore different places to run and different times of the day. Find what works for you.
Week 1: Run for 1 minute and walk for 1 minute repeat 8 times
Week 2: Run for 2 minutes and walk for 1 minute repeat 7 times
Week 3: Run for 4 minutes and walk for 1 minute repeat 6 times
Week 4: Run for 6 minutes and walk for 2 minutes repeat 4 times
Week 5: Run for 9 minutes and walk for 2 minutes repeat 3 times
Week 6: Run for 12 minutes and walk for 1 minute repeat 3 times
Week 7: Run for 15 minutes and walk for 1 minute repeat 2 times
Week 8: Run for 30 minutes continuously!
To help strengthen the muscles in your legs you can do this quick six minute workout.
45 seconds of lunges 15 seconds of rest
45 seconds of squats 15 seconds of rest
45 seconds of calf raisers 15 seconds of rest (Calf raisers are where you stand on the edge of a stair with your heals hanging over the edge and and push your body up and down. Use the stair rail for balance.)
Repeat
4) Avoiding Injury
Like I said pushing yourself too much too fast can cause common injuries in knees and ankles. Make sure to stretch out thoroughly after working out when your muscles are warm. If you are having sever pain while running stop immediately and take a few days of rest. A common injury that I've had to deal with is shin splints. Shin splints are caused when the muscles in your calves are so tense they pull away from the bone and as a result the bone forms tiny micro fractures. If you have shin splints do 6 weeks of low impact exercise like the elliptical, biking, or weight training. Then when you start to run put ice on your shins for 15 minutes (no more), followed by heat for 15 minutes and then followed by thorough stretching. Do this twice a day. For any other tender or painful areas follow this same ice and heat routine. Massaging your tense muscles can avoid injury as well.
5) Resources
Fun places to run around New York:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/us/new-york-city-ny/
Running smartphone apps:
http://lifehacker.com/5929709/five-best-smartphone-running-apps
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/couch-to-26.2/id551095787?mt=8
Gym memberships:
Ludlow Fitness (across a street) $399 for a year, they also have an 8 month membership for less. http://www.ludlowfitness.com/
Synergy Gym (131 East 31st Street or check their website for more locations) is $380 for a year through the SVA discount provided by VASA. Synergy is 24 hours Monday-Friday. http://www.synergyfitclubs.com/new_site/default.asp
Run or Dye:
http://www.runordye.com/locations/Staten-Island-2013?gclid=CL_z6_Xur7kCFYie4Aodj0kAdw
1) The Benefits
Exercise in general is a great de-stresser. It allows your mind to focus on something else. Usually with increased exercise comes increased concentration throughout the day. Also, it is a great hobby unrelated to school.
2) Have Fun
Running can be fun and the moment running stops being fun you should stop. What I enjoy about running is being able to get outside, enjoy the air, and clear my mind from everyday stresses. And I believe running can be fun for everyone if you give it a chance. A great way to have more fun is to run with a friend. Especially someone who is just starting out with you, running once a week can keep you motivated.
3) Getting Stared
An 8 week running program is a great way to get stared if you cannot run continuously for 30 minutes.
Take a day of rest in between running days do give your body time to build muscle and acclimate. Pushing yourself too much too fast can cause physical injury. So take your time and have fun. Granted if you have an extremely busy day and don't have time to do a full workout, running for ten minutes is better than not running at all. The best part about starting to run is finding what works for you. Explore different places to run and different times of the day. Find what works for you.
Week 1: Run for 1 minute and walk for 1 minute repeat 8 times
Week 2: Run for 2 minutes and walk for 1 minute repeat 7 times
Week 3: Run for 4 minutes and walk for 1 minute repeat 6 times
Week 4: Run for 6 minutes and walk for 2 minutes repeat 4 times
Week 5: Run for 9 minutes and walk for 2 minutes repeat 3 times
Week 6: Run for 12 minutes and walk for 1 minute repeat 3 times
Week 7: Run for 15 minutes and walk for 1 minute repeat 2 times
Week 8: Run for 30 minutes continuously!
To help strengthen the muscles in your legs you can do this quick six minute workout.
45 seconds of lunges 15 seconds of rest
45 seconds of squats 15 seconds of rest
45 seconds of calf raisers 15 seconds of rest (Calf raisers are where you stand on the edge of a stair with your heals hanging over the edge and and push your body up and down. Use the stair rail for balance.)
Repeat
4) Avoiding Injury
Like I said pushing yourself too much too fast can cause common injuries in knees and ankles. Make sure to stretch out thoroughly after working out when your muscles are warm. If you are having sever pain while running stop immediately and take a few days of rest. A common injury that I've had to deal with is shin splints. Shin splints are caused when the muscles in your calves are so tense they pull away from the bone and as a result the bone forms tiny micro fractures. If you have shin splints do 6 weeks of low impact exercise like the elliptical, biking, or weight training. Then when you start to run put ice on your shins for 15 minutes (no more), followed by heat for 15 minutes and then followed by thorough stretching. Do this twice a day. For any other tender or painful areas follow this same ice and heat routine. Massaging your tense muscles can avoid injury as well.
5) Resources
Fun places to run around New York:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/us/new-york-city-ny/
Running smartphone apps:
http://lifehacker.com/5929709/five-best-smartphone-running-apps
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/couch-to-26.2/id551095787?mt=8
Gym memberships:
Ludlow Fitness (across a street) $399 for a year, they also have an 8 month membership for less. http://www.ludlowfitness.com/
Synergy Gym (131 East 31st Street or check their website for more locations) is $380 for a year through the SVA discount provided by VASA. Synergy is 24 hours Monday-Friday. http://www.synergyfitclubs.com/new_site/default.asp
Run or Dye:
http://www.runordye.com/locations/Staten-Island-2013?gclid=CL_z6_Xur7kCFYie4Aodj0kAdw
Monday, September 9, 2013
Learning to Cook, One Recipe At A Time
I'll be the first to admit that my culinary skills barely
stretch beyond the microwave... So when I found out that I'd be sharing kitchen
space with ICC students, I labeled myself as the designated taste tester and
pastry moocher.
Still, I know I can't live off of my own frozen foods and
their samples forever, so I have started reaching out to these culinary
students for a few quick tips and recipes that are easy to swallow.
I met up with Bubba, a local celebrity chef here at Ludlow
to ask him about his famous pancakes. If you made it to the Pancake Brunch,
then you must already be drooling for the details. He picked up this recipe
from his mom back in Texas and swears by it. The trick to making them so tall
and thick, he said, is the baking powder and salt. You should mix the dry and
wet ingredients separately before bringing it all together in a lumpy union and
then pour as much as you can handle into your pan. Give it a go!
Remember, if you need a professional taste test, I'll be in my room.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
The Best Candy Store in Manhattan!
I used to go to this store every other week to get my sugar fix... ..When you first walk into the store, it feels as if you are in a time machine ...back when you were 8 years old in elementary school. All the stuff you haven't seen since you were a kid, you can find here!!!
This store will make you remember the days when your favorite chocolate bar used to be taken away by the bully in your school. Or in the case of the bully, this store will bring you back to the days when you use to bully your classmates for their chocolate bars during recess. It is the most amazing candy store, it's unfathomable!!
Get ready to have your mind blown! There are piles of candy! Everywhere!
Aside from being the most amazing candy store for carrying candy you haven't seen in decades, this store is also very special because it also carries some healthy stuff! I like to come here to buy my nuts for the week. They have a couple assortments of nuts and dried fruits that are very inexpensive.
So now that you know where to find your favorite candy from your childhood, go get one! It's just one block away!
Thursday, September 5, 2013
China Town & Little Italy
On Labor day an enthusiastic bunch dodged the rain and chanced the flash flood warning to explore China Town & Little Italy. RA Corie cohorsed several other RAs and some new residents into walking the short distance from Ludlow to Canal street.
They first stopped at North Dumping to eat a cheap 10 dumplings for $2 on Essex street between Hester and Grand St.. ( A favorite of RA Mike).Continuing on RA Corie pointed out a delicious dim sum restaurant called "Jing Fong Restaurant". Then they briefly stopped at the Elizabeth center.
A China town tour wouldn't be complete without a stop at one of the many bubble tea shops.
ViVi bubble tea offers a buy one get one free black milk tea that everyone took advanage of.
 |
| Alli and Alex. |
One of the last places we stopped at in China Town was a cute candy store called Aji Ichiban where a variety of Asain candy could be found and tasted before purchase!
The tour always walks back through Little Italy were several nice restaurants can be found. We also found a tiny garden to walk through.
Everyone had a great time.
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