This is how I know tennis season has truly arrived: Long hours in those large white vans! It is truly impossible to find a comfortable position to nap in those vans. I am jealous of anyone who can actually fall asleep in those things, as I have tried many times and cannot do it

International Events

Our Thoughts go out to Japan

Please keep Japan in your prayers while the country tries to pull together after the earthquake and tsunami disaster. Thanks to everyone who gave to Japan relief this week at the World Week table.

World Week is HERE! (and now completed)

What an amazing week of culture! This whole week, the International Affairs office and many members of the International Club helped to make this the best World Week Walsh has seen yet! The dessert buffet was met with approval from everyone. The International Showcase provided some great visuals from the countries of Walsh International students.  People all week were purchasing and wearing our World Week t-shirts.  All in all, a very successful week!

Tennis time

Road Trips to Kentucky and Pennsylvania

Long hours cramped in a van. Many sports here at Walsh know this drill. A small price to pay, albeit an uncomfortable one. But it’s worth the hours on the road to visit all of these different schools in different states. We have already trekked to Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh, PA and to Northern Kentucky just across the border from Cincinnati. In a few hours, I will be on the road again, this time to Roberts Wesleyan in Rochester, New York.

Nets are UP

Which means that we can start hitting outside! No more confined indoor courts, rigid scheduling, or expensive court fees. Unfortunately, this week hasn’t been the best for outdoor activities, but let’s hope that changes soon!

Business Club Bulletin

Sherwin-Williams to come pay Walsh students a visit

Career Event Alert! Watch your emails and save the date: March 23rd from 4:30pm-6pm. BCC will be hosting a guest speaker at our meeting: a recruiter for Sherwin-Williams! This is a great opportunity to speak to someone from HR to ask questions about applying for jobs, interviews, resumes, and all about being a young professional after graduating. Come with questions and an attitude that means business! There are potential job openings available that the recruiter is looking to fill.

The Sherwin- Williams Career event was very successful! We had a good student turnout, and the district recruiting manager was very enthusiastic in his mission to attract Walsh students.  Two Walsh Alumni were present as well as Sherwin-Williams employees and had nothing but good things to say about their jobs.

In Other Walsh News . . .

Trip to Nashville via AMA

Pay attention to those emails! Because BCC isn’t going on a trip this year, I highly recommend AMA’s trip to Nashville, Tennessee.  It’s an action-packed itinerary that you won’t want to miss! Please contact annwilson@walsh.edu for more information.

Truly an Honor

As some of you have seen this week in the David Center, I am one of the finalists for the TOWER award! The winner will be announced this Sunday. Best of luck to all of the other nominees, and thanks to everyone who was in the deciding process that led me to become a finalist. It is truly such an honor!

Travel Tips and Tangents

I have just noticed that I have not yet written about Rome! How shameful, considering I was there for just a little over 2 months. I could talk about the usual sights and attractions, the same pits of history, and similar experiences that other bloggers have written about already. Or, I could just show you some pictures of how I saw Rome my way. Enjoy!

A stained-glass window in the Basilica di San Giovanni. Simple, earthy colours just worked so well in this building. I thought it was wonderfully decorated and designed. In particular, the stonework was very unique and well-thought out.

I sat there for reference to prove how big this crest really was. All done in marble and granite and other awesome rocks. These crests were everywhere, in many basilicas and cathedrals.

A WWII memorial outside of Rome. So many crosses, so many lives lost. Let's hope that for once, history does not repeat itself and this tragedy never happens again.

One day I will have a real one! Until then, I will just settle with this illusion. Taken at a park on a hill just outside of downtown Rome. We could see the whole city from there, it was a great spot to visit!

One of our final dinners together and as you can see, we were quite the energetic bunch! We went to Hard Rock Cafe (not as authentic Italian as I would have liked), but a good time was had by all.

Hey readers! Please leave a comment below and let me know where you are writing from. Just include the city and the country. Let’s see how far away my blogs are reaching!

Julia

I know it’s coming, my calendar is the written proof of that. I try to plan my weekend accordingly so that I get to bed early to make up for the one hour lost on Saturday night sleep. Alas, no matter what I do, I end up losing that hour and wake up on Sunday sleep-deprived and disoriented with the time change. Then there is the mission of changing all of the clocks in the room (the car is by far the worst one).

But on to Walsh-related things:

International Events

Thinking Day collaboration with Girl Scouts of America

Our International Coordinator arranged for me to go speak to around 200 Girl Scouts and their troop leaders about all things Canadian. This was in light of World Thinking Day, a day recognized by Girl Scouts all over the world to educate one another about different cultures and the diversity that exists within our communities, our nations, and the world. I was excited to go speak to the girls, as I had been  Girl Guide (the Canadian equivalent to Girl Scouts) for many years and know how important this organization is for girls to gain a sense of community, fellowship, independence, self-worth, and awareness of the world around them. I had a good time, got a few laughs from the crowds, and was treated to a gift of Girl Scout cookies! Yum

World Week is approaching

Get ready for a week of International food, music, art and culture in the David center! Every year, World Week is dedicated to expand Walsh residents’ knowledge of other nations in a fun and interactive way. Keep on a lookout for emails and posters announcing some of the events and highlights this week will entail.

Tennis time

Adventures in gatorland: Florida Spring Break 2011!

Another spring break tennis trip success! The weather held out beautifully, the tennis provided with excellent competition to get us ready for our season, and fun was had by all as we enjoyed a new location (and by far the best one out of my four years). Here are some pictures, compliments of Barbie Lewis, a Junior on the Women’s team:

The inside of our condos. We had a two-level suite, with a full kitchen and 2 kichenettes, a large flat screen TV, lots of sleeping space, 2 balconies, daily cleaning services and access to great resort amenities. Most used: the hot tubs, excellent after a day of match play.

A view of the lake and the other buildings of the resort from our balcony window. Full screening kept out pesky bugs, what a great idea! It was a great place to catch up on reading or eat a meal "al fresco".

Getting ready in the shade before a match. The shade quickly became many people's friend when they realized the intensity of the Florida sun and heat. I was always a fan.

Cheering on our teammates at one of our match locations. One of the only days where we needed some layers. Much better than last year's weather!

A team dinner at Pizza Hut. Could have picked something more local, but I had never tried stuffed crust pizza before, so I was happy to sacrifice a bit of my health to try the cheesy goodness. Verdict: great concept, but enjoy in moderation.

Business Club Bulletin

Sherwin-Williams to come pay Walsh students a visit

Career Event Alert! Watch your emails and save the date: March 23rd from 4:30pm-6pm. BCC will be hosting a guest speaker at our meeting: a recruiter for Sherwin-Williams! This is a great opportunity to speak to someone from HR to ask questions about applying for jobs, interviews, resumes, and all about being a young professional after graduating. Come with questions and an attitude that means business! There are potential job openings available that the recruiter is looking to fill.

In Other Walsh News . . .

Work Out Room gets a new coat (of paint)

I know that isn’t extremely interesting, but hey, I was away from Walsh all week! I’m searching for news here.

Attention Seniors: Cap and Gown Pick-up THIS week

to everyone graduating this Spring Semester, Tuesday and Wednesday is your cap and gown pick up dates! While you are there, please remember to vote for an Educator and Mentor of the year. Nominees are in, so all you need to do is vote from the selection of candidates at a table located by the cap and gowns.

A Guest from Israel

On Thursday in my International Business class, we arranged for a woman from Israel to come and speak to us about entrepreneurial businesses and inventions that are being developed in this small, young country. It was a very informative presentation and we learned how vital business in Israel really is to our modern lifestyle.  I had no idea so many inventions and innovations come from Israel!

Travel Tips and Tangents

Seeing as I have some pictures from Orlando, this week will be a general rant about travelling.

It surprises me how little people travel within their own countries. I myself have only been to 3 of our 10 provinces and haven’t been close to any of our 3 territories. I know my way around Rome almost as well as I know Toronto! Speaking to other students, I find a similar trend. When given the option to travel, people are all too eager to go overseas and overlook the potential of their own national backyards.

As I get to know the states better, I realize how diverse they really are, some of them almost like countries within themselves.  The beliefs, the daily life, the food, the music, the dress, and even the language changes among the states and creates quite an interesting patchwork of diversity. Geographically, the United States offers almost every major ecosystem, with different types of terrain, flora, and fauna that differs in each state.

So next time you find yourself looking to get away, save some money and splurge on a trip to your own country. Find a state, province, or territory that you have never been to and go explore it! Who knows what treasures await you there . . .

Have a great week back at school everyone!

Julia

    The humbling experience I previously spoke of was just one of many such instances I encountered during Walsh Universities annual field trip to Washington D.C.  Our group left Walsh last Wednesday with over twenty students and four faculty members in a coach bus headed for our nation’s capital.   Glancing over the jam-packed itinerary, I thought the heavy D.C. traffic would prevent us from seeing at least half of the sites.  However, when Thursday morning rolled around I discovered that I had underestimated the professors, who would make sure a fast and efficient schedule would be upheld. 

       First thing Thursday morning we headed off to the Supreme Court where we were able to sit inside the courtroom in which Supreme Court Justices have handed down some of our nation’s most critical decisions.  Next, we took an exclusive tour of the inside of the White House.  After leaving the White House we made our way over to Capitol Hill, where on the steps of the Senate our group stopped for a photo op with Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown.  The Senator was quite accommodating, in that after taking pictures he chose to stick around for awhile and field questions from us on numerous issues.  After having lunch in the Capital building, our group gathered together to head over to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.  The Holocaust Museum was an extremely heavy experience that rouses emotions of anger, fear, and helplessness. Yet, it’s indeed an experience every American should undertake, because as free people we have an obligation to fight just such injustices at every turn. After leaving the Museum we toured both the Jefferson and Franklin D. Roosevelt memorials at night then headed back to the hotel, where the evening was now ours.  Many of the students in our group got dinner together, and although everyone was quite exhausted from the day’s events, many students hit the town for a little bit of D.C. nightlife.  I personally went to a bar with a few of my Walsh friends, and had the pleasure of meeting up with two of my great friends from high school, who now go to school in the D.C. area. 

Cardinal Mooney Alumni in D.C!

       Friday would also begin early, and we had many wonderful sights on the agenda. So I don’t bore you to death, I’ll just list the following places we were able to explore this day: The Library of Congress (A breath-taking work of art, the architecture rivals any historic building in Rome, Paris, etc.), The British Embassy (had the opportunity to pick the brain of a British ambassador to the U.S.), Then your choice of the various aspects of the Smithsonian Museum, as well as the National Archives, where the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights preside!  After these terrific tours, our group gathered for a rooftop dinner with various Walsh alumni who work in the D.C. area, also President  Jusseaume was in attendance.  The dinner was delicious, and our Walsh alumni were quite impressive and open for discussion.  The accomplishments of these alumni were extensive, and they all reiterated what I have come to now know.   The education we receive at Walsh is second to none, and if you take advantage of your days at Walsh any future career path is attainable.  After dinner we took a night stroll around the National Mall, which consists of great monuments such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a tribute to the Korean War, World War II, as well as the Washington Monument, among other sites.

Walsh Old Fogies in Our Nation's Capital

         Finally, on Saturday before heading back to campus we walked around Arlington Cemetery, which is an emotional, yet majestic resting place for many of this nations fallen heroes, both past and present.    Then we made our way to where this story began, Mount Vernon.  General Washington once said “I can truly say I had rather be at Mount Vernon with a friend or two about me, than to be attended at the Seat of Government by the Officers of State and the Representatives of every Power in Europe.”  This quite justly attests to the beauty of Mount Vernon, and to me Washington was stating that it’s indeed an honor to explore the countless beauties of the outside world, but home, (Walsh University), is where we will always feel most at ease. 

A quick doodle I did of Mount Vernon (Kidding, dont sue me for copyright infringement)

Long weekends always make the week fly by. Having only two days of class is not too shabby if you ask me! People ask me what I do with all of my free time. What free time? I am booked daily with activities but frankly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

International Events

Foreign students flying down the hills

The International Club ran into some good luck! Our overnight trip to Peek n’ Peak was a huge success.  :D The temperatures were balmy (so much so that one of the students went snowboarding in shorts), the snow still soft enough to break the falls and the resort had just the right atmosphere. Almost everyone who went out picked it up well enough to join the rest of us on the normal runs in the afternoon. Although it was slightly frightening to watch some of my fellow Internationals fly straight down some runs, everyone made it out alright that day. The next few days, however, was a different story. My roommate in particular was more or less bed-ridden for 2 days due to every muscle being sore and stiff.  I guess some caught the ski bug, as some internationals went up to Brandywine for college night yesterday to try it out again.

Tennis time

Mini match to get us warmed up

This week, we split the teams up and will be holding a mini match between teammates. This will get us in the groove and prepare us for our matches in Orlando next week. The men played their mini match yesterday and I must say, they look really strong this year! I predict a successful season for them.

Orlando Calling

In less than 7 days, both the men and the women will head down to Orlando, Florida for our Spring Break trip! I am excited to see our new location, to play some new teams, and of course, enjoy some sunshine without having to bundle up.

Business Club Bulletin

Sherwin-Williams to come pay Walsh students a visit

Career Event Alert! After Spring Break, watch your emails and save the date (TBA). BCC will be hosting a guest speaker at our meeting: a recruiter for Sherwin-Williams! This is a great opportunity to speak to someone from HR to ask questions about applying for jobs, interviews, resumes, and all about being a young professional after graduating. Come with questions and an attitude that means business!

In Other Walsh News . . .

Student Government Proposes a Father’s Day

Not to be confused with the Hallmark day in June, Walsh would like to create an event that is just for you and a male role model in your life. Student Government is currently organizing an activity-filled weekend for students and their dads (or uncles, grandfathers, etc) as a way of saying thank-you for taking care of us, providing us with guidance, and being a pillar of support in our lives. Keep looking at your Inbox!

An early spring???!!  Winter is BACK

So that was a close call, but clearly winter is back for one last hurrah! Although many people are not sharing my enthusiasm with this idea, I did convince some people to make the best of it. On Wednesday, as the snow looked just right, I proposed an afternoon of snowman-making and was met, surprisingly, with several eager students ready to help out! Here is what we created:

A mom, dad, child, baby, and faithful canine companion, complete with some festive "holiday" trees!

Unfortunately, that night it was destroyed by unknown culprits.

Travel Tips and Tangents

Back to Europe this week mi amici! This time it is to Florence, a city I was just in for a weekend but will remember for a lifetime. Florence is famous for it’s Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral,  as the setting for the birth of the Renaissance,  housing notable historic figures and artworks (Michelangelo’s David) and as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Even in the rain and cold temperatures, I must agree that it was a very beautiful city with many things to see and do. It had lovely shops to explore in the day time, and a great night life atmosphere. A “must see” destination if you are ever in Italy.

Looking inside the dome of Florence's Cathedral. The details were exquisite!

Fashion is a passion in Italy, and it was alive and well in Florence! The window displays are like works of art themselves.

The Cathedral. Amazing marble and stone work covered the building, producing a very impressive impact to all who looked on.

Rubbing his nose ensures a return to Florence. I don't know what a bitten hand means . . .

My next issue will be in March, so have a great Spring Break and enjoy your week off!

Julia

Right now I am in the Spanish mood. My official contract for my studies in Malaga, Spain, just came through and I am excited for the summer to arrive! But I will take it one season at a time as I do not want to rush my final months of undergraduate studies here at Walsh.  I am going to miss this place!

International Events

Hitting the slopes to shred some pow!

Tomorrow is the day! At 9:oo a.m., 15 Walsh students will hit the road to New York state for an overnight trip to Peek n’ Peak Ski Resort. I am looking forward to my last few runs of the season, as my March Break is reserved for tennis matches down in Orlando, Florida. One day I will make my spring skiing pilgrimage out West or our East for some real mountain skiing. Wish us luck and for an injury-free time!

Tennis time

Walsh making their mark in Springfield, OH

Congrats to the men’s team! Walsh secured personal as well as tournament victories down in the doubles tournament. One doubles pair won the consolation draw; another pair made it to the semi-finals and one pair made it all the way to the finals!

Alumni gathering and recruit signing

The tennis teams’ annual Walsh Alumni event went very well if I may say so. We had alumni from the decades come and visit the current teams, with some challenging us to a doubles match on the courts of the Hall of Fame. It was fun playing with different people and especially good to have a free meal, generously provided by one of the alumnus. The women’s team had a reason to celebrate that night because we just signed on a new recruit for next year! I am sad because I will not be here to get to know her better

Business Club Bulletin

Renovations

BCC will be going through some changes for next year. The club needs to look in a different direction if we are to survive as a club in the future. Any ideas? Let me know! We are open to suggestions for new activities, fundraisers, service projects and events. The luncheon will still be a major event, but we are looking into totally new events.

In Other Walsh News . . .

Expand your social circle

I have never really been for the repetitive pattern of living. Moving around to new areas, trying new things, and meeting new people is the spice of life that makes me excited each and every day to be alive. I had an opportunity to meet someone new just yesterday and had a refreshing conversation about culture, traditions, nature, and my future plans. I wish I had met this person sooner, but we were both thankful for the moment even if it will be the only one. In short, I  implore all of you to break from your usual social circles from time to time and meet someone you have not spoken to before. It is amazing what you may learn from them and from yourself. Carpe Diem-> Seize the Day!

An early spring???!!

Those groundhogs must be on to something, because this week certainly felt like spring! Warm winds, sunlight, melting snow, and birds singing was the outdoor setting of the week. Again, I think I was one of the only ones concerned with this early change (I always welcome spring, but I like having my final month of winter before I start switching over into the warmer weather). Good news for ski bunnies: the weather is going to be cold again next week!

Travel Tips and Tangents

Where to go this week? Let’s bring it closer to home and go to Lexington, Kentucky. More specifically, let’s move to the Kentucky Horse Park where I went in 2007 to attend the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day event. This is really for the horse-inclined and the horse-obsessed. For those three days, Lexington is overflowing with competitors, their coaches, their grooms, their families, and hundreds of spectators who come to cheer on their favourite riders. The weather worked out fairly well and the events did not disappoint, so overall it was a great trip .

Details on a jump in the cross country course. The jumps themselves are pretty intricate, requiring a lot of wood, brush, flowers, and details.

Bronze horse statues in downtown Lexington. They were extremely lifelike!

A horse race I can actually win! These bronze racers stood in place, so it was pretty easy.

The show jumping competition on the final day of the event. Keep in mind, these jumps are at least all 4 ft and higher and these competitors had been working for 2 days already. Endurance is key!

Talk to you next week!

Julia

James Fawler author of the book Connected

The Sigma Beta Delta Leadership Academy was indeed one of the most educational and fun trips I have had so far. Besides meeting a group of wonderful and influential people, I learned the importance of serving our communities. Overall, this leadership academy was a great opportunity for me to increase my leadership skills, learn about others, and be a better global citizen.

SBD President Dr. Donald Driemeier & Founding President Dr. James Bearden

Now that the storms have passed and people can finally get their cars de-iced, it is back to the grindstone here at Walsh. Be careful of that black ice though, it has already claimed the dignity of many students across campus.  If one does find themselves on the ground after a fight with friction, just be glad that you brightened up someone else’s day with your comic fall.

International Events

Dating in America and Ski Trip

I wish I could comment more on the first part. This week, the International Club hosted a discussion on the differences of dating and relationships here in the United States. It may sound silly at first, but the truth is that many cultures around the globe have very different customs and expectations when it comes to courtship and dating. Had I been present, I would give you details. I can only assume that fun was had by all.

In old news, our ski trip is officially booked and filled! Now all we need is a cold enough day to keep the snow light and fluffy to cushion the imminent falls that will occur with our first-time skiers and boarders.

Tennis time

The men have their first match today down in Springfield, OH. Most of the team left around 4:30am today to attend a doubles tournament. Good luck boys! The women had an 8:00am practice today, so both teams were up bright and early, all in the name of tennis.

Business Club Bulletin

Valentine’s Day Bake Sale . . . SUCCESS!!!

Well after two days of sales I must say, the BCC Bake sale was a HUGE success! We sold out of almost all of our goods and made more than $100 for the club. Thank-you to everyone who helped bake, sell, and advertize for the event. A big thank-you to my roommate, Ashley Smith, who provided us with the majority of our goodies. Please check out her page, she is amazingly good at what she does and her products are outrageously tasty! http://www.facebook.com/pages/ASs-Christmas-Creations/173495779347010

We are in the process of discussing changes for the club and our vision for future years. More updates TBA!

In Other Walsh News . . .

Student Government Activity

This past Thursday was the most intense Student Government I have ever been to! Debates, challenges, bylaw research, genuine interest in topics and general student interactions made this past meeting interesting indeed. As an executive member of Student Government, I must say that I was very impressed with the input and interest from the senators and other exec. board members. Although things did get a little heated at times, we all learned a lot from this experience and I hope next meeting is even better This Sunday, all Student Government participants are invited to go bowling as a “welcome back” party of sorts, provided by the exec. board of Student Government

Heating Up

It is difficult to judge how to dress here at Walsh. As much as the weather tells me to wear heavy knitwear and layers, as soon as I enter a building I am blasted with such heat that it makes me wish I was wearing a T-shirt and shorts. I think this is where the problem lies. I will remind everyone that yes, it is winter time and unfortunately, that means wearing more than a single layer of clothing to class. It wouldn’t feel like the Sahara in the first place if everyone dressed appropriately so that room temperatures could be set to comfortable living temperatures. And let’s not forget the energy savings too! Remember, smaller bills for Walsh means smaller bills for students!

Kindness in the Cafeteria

I was impressed this week with dining services. As I was filling my plate with General Tao (or is it General Tso? Canadian/American translation issues), I lamented the lack of broccoli mixed with the chicken.  Sure enough, one of the staff ran to the kitchen and brought me all the steamed broccoli I could ask for to mix into my plate. Thank-you for completing my meal, five stars for customer service!

Travel Tips and Tangents

One of my loyal readers has asked me to bring my focus away from the UK, so this week I am moving to sunny Madrid, Spain:

Madrid, the capital city of Spain, is a wonderful European city with both a local and international vibe. Modern mixes with the antique, classic style mingles with modern day visions, and the laid back Spanish attitude balances out the metropolitan, hectic feel of city life. Good food, good fun, good prices. Viva Madrid!

Sangria and Paella, the perfect first meal in Spain (both orders were repeats many times during our stay in the country).

Keisuke relaxing with a saxophonist in Buen Retiro Park. A very large park right downtown, the "Central Park" of Madrid.

In the gardens of the Royal Palace. I never made it inside . . . guess that will be next trip!

A traditional Flamenco show in an old and rustic bar a little ways away from the main tourist spots. A very emotional type of dance, with wonderful costumes.

Traditional tapas, the afternoon traditional cuisine in bars all over Spain. Fun fact: Tapas comes from the verb Tapar "to cover". Sherry drinkers would use a piece of bread with smoked meats or fish on it to cover their glass of sherry, preventing flies from falling into their drinks.

Have a great weekend, hasta luego!

Julia

International Events

President’s Day Break plans (updated)

We are putting our Dinner proceeds to good use this winter, by hitting the slopes! Many Internationals have never gone skiing or snowboarding before and are willing to try something new, despite warnings of the soreness to follow.  We have plans to go to Peek ‘n Peak for an overnight trip. The trip is designed with Internationals in mind, however, anyone from the International Club or the Walsh community may attend! Please email lbrindisi@walsh.edu for more information.

Tennis time

Due to some match changes, I will be posting our schedule next week.  Our practice schedule has been thrown off for a few days due to the weather (and a lack of power at our practice facilities) but have no fear, we will still be ready in time for our season!

Business Club Bulletin

Valentine’s Day Bake Sale

You heard it here first! On February 10th and 11th the BCC will be selling baked goods and handmade chocolates for Valentine’s day. Everything will be priced for under $5.oo, and there may be some raffles for Valentine’s Day prizes as well! If you haven’t found something for that special someone yet, come to the David Center this coming Thursday and Friday at lunch and dinner times and help out a Walsh organization.

The Annual Business Luncheon is still on the works, but keep your early April free, just in case 

In Other Walsh News . . .

A snow day won’t stop our Cavaliers

More victories! Both the Men’s and Women’s basketball teams still bring the heat, even though the ice storm kept many fans away from the court. Nevertheless, both teams defeated their Point Park competitors and kept their sterling reputations. I also just found out that Walsh replays games on our school TV station (in the 30s I believe) for anyone who could not make it to see it live.

Watch out for all of the ice

Walsh is doing a great job waking us all up early in the morning as they salt and shovel to make the pathways safe for pedestrian travel. However, once you venture off the paths, you are doing so at your own risk! The glazed over snow is very dangerous, so take that extra minute to get from point A to point B and use the paths whenever possible. I have already witnessed many falls and injuries,  with some not as humourous as others.

Pandora: A great option for free music

Walsh has reminded us all time and time again about the dangers of downloading files and music for free with P2P sharing.  Fear not, you don’t need to break your piggy bank to access the music you want to hear. PANDORA! Sign up for a free account and listen to a limited commercial radio station that customizes a station based on your requests and music preferences.

Travel Tips and Tangents

Pack your kilt and prepare yourself for blood pudding, it’s off to Scotland this week! Technically a part of the United Kingdom, don’t think of it as England by any means because Scotland is rich in its own culture, heritage and history. From the rugged highlands to the ultra-modern face lifts seen in the major cities, Scotland is bountiful in experiences. My top 5 faves: 1. The delicious scones and shortbreads; 2. Highland cows; 3. Cashmere scarves; 4. The Highland games; 5. Edinburgh on a warm and weekend.

Braveheart, bovine style! A monument I found while wandering the streets of Edinburgh.

One of the most bizarre trees I have ever seen, outside of our dorm at the University of Edinburgh. It is called a Monkey Puzzle tree.

Climbing Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano, and looking down on the University's campus.

Hollyrood Castle in downtown Edinburgh. We had planned to go to the Queen's Gallery that day, but the Queen was in house (the flag flying means the Queen is "in") and the gallery was closed. I waited for a while, trying to catch a glimpse of the famous monarch, without success.

Despite my luck in weather, this is not a typical scene one finds in Scotland. Edinburgh-ians(?) make the most of this sunshine and flock to the parks as soon as they can.

Keep up the safe driving!

Julia

As February pokes its head around the corner, I sit back and realize how quickly January has gone by. However, I am not saddened by this at all. Actually, I am quite happy that there has been so much activity because it just goes to show how good Walsh is getting at keeping its students entertained.

International Events

President’s Day Break plans

We are putting our Dinner proceeds to good use this winter, by hitting the slopes! Many Internationals have never gone skiing or snowboarding before and are willing to try something new, despite warnings of the soreness to follow. We are looking into an overnight trip to a resort out in New York where anyone new to the sport can take lessons and learn how we North Americans get through the long winter months.

Tennis time

Our season has officially started! Both teams are getting on the courts and sweating it out at conditioning, getting our strokes and endurance up to competition standards. I will post the playing schedule in February, when our first match draws closer.

Business Club Bulletin

Valentine’s Day Bake Sale

You heard it here first! On February 10th and 11th the BCC will be selling baked goods and handmade chocolates for Valentine’s day. Candy Grams may be in the works too, so save up that loose change!

The Annual Business Luncheon is still on the works, but keep your early April free, just in case

In Other Walsh News . . .

Walsh Basketball secures TWO victories over our rivals

Way to go Men’s and Women’s Basketball! Both games were amazingly attended. There was also a lot of things to do in the lobby, all in the name of school spirit. On behalf of the tennis teams, I would like to thank everyone who participated in the 50/50 draw. Your donations help us get down to Florida to play teams from across the nation.

Recruits Galore

Is it recruiting season already? Now that we are going NCAA, more and more athletes are dropping by to see what we have to offer.  For any High School seniors out there, make sure you make Walsh an option and book a visit!

Early Morning Snow Removal

I understand that clearing snow and salting the walkways is important for campus safety, but please, could it be done a little closer to when the sun comes up? Or, an even better solution, let’s get better insulated windows to keep the heat in the rooms in and the loud sounds of the shovels out

Travel Tips and Tangents

Here finally are my pictures from Paris. Although I was only there for 2 days, I made the most of my time and jumped to a good majority of the famous sites. There is still so much to see, good thing I will be going back again this summer!

The famous Notre Dame Cathedral right along the river in Paris. I never ventured inside, but the outside was impressive enough!

The Eiffel Tower at night, in a European Union themed lighting scheme.

The inverted Pyramid, made famous most recently with Dan Brown's addictive books.

Paris' business district, seen from an apartment window in St. Germain-en-Leye

The extensive gardens of the Palace of Versailles. C'est magnifique!

Have a great weekend and see you in February!

Julia

So Spring semester is underway, with new classes, new professors, and lots of new snow! I hope everyone had a great Winter Break. I made the most of the last few weeks of 2010. After exams, my roommate and I jetted to Las Vegas, an amazing city that exceeded my expectations with it’s amazing ability to entertain. Reccomendations: see The Phantom of the Opera, go to the Roman Forum shops, and walk everywhere (it’s the best way to see everything, though wear comfy shoes).

This semester has brought a lighter academic load, although that hasn’t stopped me being involved and taking advantage of the activities Walsh has to offer! Here is what’s been going on these past few weeks:

International Events

Tubing at Brandywine

For many of the International students who come from warm climates, the cold is not something to get very excited about.  However, the club wanted to show students that the snow can actually be fun! A group of around 12 students went to the Brandywine ski center and enjoyed Martin Luther King Jr. Day sliding down the tubing slopes.  We bid farewell to our President, who graduated in December, and welcomed a new Vice President. Watch out for many international events during World Week!

Tennis time

Our season has officially started! Both teams are getting on the courts and sweating it out at conditioning, getting our strokes and endurance up to competition standards. I will post the playing schedule in February, when our first match draws closer.

Business Club Bulletin

Spring Planning; Ideas in the Works

Our Service Project to ABCD, Inc to help them with various business tasks, was a great success! Our group managed to create a flyer for their Housing and Counseling Department to use as advertisement. To find out more about ABCD, Inc, click here:http://theabcdinc.com/index.html

The executive board and I met this week to discuss ideas for this semester. Get ready for another Business Luncheon!

In Other Walsh News . . .

UPB Sponsors Ice Skating

One of my favourite winter activities, last Thursday night students hit the ice (some literally) for a free skate provided by UPB. Everyone looked like they had a great time, although I’m sure some people had bruises they did not enjoy the next day.

Student Government Does it Again

People never realize how much you can change things if you only speak up. Last Thursday, representatives from Food and Dining Services sat in on a meeting and asked student government for input on dining conditions. Changes to come/ have already been implemented: whole wheat grilled cheese, more white pizzas, more mixed salad greens, and soy milk. Students can make a difference, this is our school so speak up and make your 4 years YOUR 4 years!

NEW! Merchandise for Sale at Basketball Games

Oh yes, now you can purchase all sorts of things in the PE building when you go to watch our Cavaliers get their game on. I have yet to see these items myself, but I do hear they are different from what you find in the bookstore, and cheaper too!

Travel Tips and Tangents

I feel terrible writing about France last week and not showing any pictures at all, so this week will just be some pictures of Naples, Italy:

A friendly stray who stopped traffic for us and helped us cross the hectic streets.

Fresh, oven-fired pizza in a little ristorante. Amazingly good food here.

An alley market all ready for Christmas shopping. Hundreds of cool things to see and purchase.

The impressive altar of a cathedral.

Enjoy the snowy weather, but please be careful while driving.

Julia