Daily Loaf

“Some people think that when the party ends the night is over, but I’ve found it’s when the music stops and the lights come up that the real trouble begins. You better get your beauty rest now, because it looks like things could get ugly in the morning.”  — xoxo Gossip Girl

Photo courtesy Giovanni Rufino / The CW

Becoming a debutante is one of the most important rites of passage a young girl experiences in high society: white dresses, hot escorts (whom you will fuck later, it is your duty as a new lady of society,) and waltzing — which you will never do again. But apparently, the Upper East Side does not exactly follow these rules. There was no white in sight, the band was playing a song called “Bitch” (not the best song to waltz to), and absolutely no fucking. Between stepbrother’s boyfriends as escorts, a former queen B’s love passed down to the next generation, and the promise of a threesome … all of these things should have added up to a steamy episode. Not exactly.

Let me first address the elephant in the room. Last week’s preview of Gossip Girl promised us a threesome and we got one Read the rest of this entry »

Submission#7: Evan Tokarz | My USF Tampa: “Thanks, Teach”

Evan Tokarz
USF Tampa
Junior, Journalism (News/Editorial)
20, Lutz
My USF is: “The professors who teach me about myself and the world.”

For Evan, the most memorable aspect of his college experience was — wait for it — the education! And as an old-school kind of guy, he decided not to go the video route to sum up that experience but instead reported on it the old-fashioned way — in writing. Read his essay, below, about four favorite professors, and listen to his audio slide show about them, with photos by Rebecca Wainright.

Everybody seems to have favorite teachers. For me, it’s been USF’s teachers of liberal arts. Although I had one English teacher who mocked me for reading books in class — really — for the most part I’ve had good luck with people on the humanities side of the academic fence. Read the rest of this entry »

You came, you saw, you voted: The winner of this year’s College Guide contest is Amanda Abadi of the University of Tampa. Her inventive video, which could be retitled “Crocodile Dundee Meets UT,” drew 6,694 votes. Amanda wins the title CL College Guide 2009, plus a CL briefcase stuffed with movie and concert passes, CDs and DVDs and assorted CL gear plus a $500 shopping spree from CL Deals.

Submission #1: Alex Vera | My UT: “Yes, I’m Losing My Mind”

Alex Vera
University of Tampa
Junior, Graphic Design
21, Tampa
My UT is: “The Minaret, my second home.”

Alex’s video takes viewers behind the scenes for a day (and night) in the life of the UT students who put out the school’s Minaret newspaper. Note the tempers fraying as the night stretches into morning.
(Editor’s Note: Despite any impression you might get from the photo, Alex is not UT’s Spartan mascot. We just happened to have a Spartan costume at the photo shoot, and Alex is an amazingly good sport.) Read the rest of this entry »

Submission#6: Kristina Welch | My USF St. Petersburg: “Our little island”

Kristina Welch
USF St. Petersburg
Senior, Journalism
22, Florida and Oklahoma

My USF is: “A community. And my friends and I are a family. They always make fun of me for saying that, but it’s true.”

Kristina’s video may make you wonder, between the kayaking and the courtyard and the coffee and the beer, why anyone at USF St. Pete would ever leave campus (or get any studying done). A CL intern, Kristina wasn’t content with just a video; she also wrote the following essay about USF.

I began my college journey four years ago at New College of Florida in Sarasota. It only took a year there to realize it wasn’t the right fit for me.

When I moved back home to St. Petersburg, I thought my best option was USF Tampa. I didn’t even realize they had a St. Pete campus until I looked at the school’s website. Since I didn’t want to relocate to Tampa, and I sure as hell didn’t want to commute there, I decided to give USF St. Pete a try. And I’m really glad I did.

The thing about USF St. Pete is that while it’s a small campus, we have all the benefits of a big one. We have dorms (I don’t live there), a student newspaper (dominated by my journalism friends) and even a Starbucks (thank God). We get the same free tickets to Bulls sports games that the Tampa kids do. We are a separate body connected to the heart of USF.

My life has changed drastically since attending USF St. Pete. I went from hating college in every way to really enjoying every aspect of it — aside from the pesky homework part, of course. I love our journalism program, and while I’m not downplaying what USF Tampa and other schools have to offer, I have no doubt that the St. Pete campus is where I was meant to be. Because of the small class sizes, my professors have really gotten to know me. The downside of this is that they can call me on my bullshit, which they do, but the greater benefit is that they’ve been instrumental in developing me as a journalist on a personal level. Because they know me as Kristina and not just another student, they understand my future goals and work with me on making those dreams come true. They’re not just my instructors anymore — they’re my allies. Read the rest of this entry »

Submission#5: Rebecca Wainright | My USF Tampa: “Bronze Balls & Crazy Squirrels”

Rebecca Wainright
USF Tampa
Senior, Mass Communications (Journalism/Magazine)
26, Tampa
My USF is: “Gangsta.”

Rebecca’s audio slide show reveals a campus with unexpected pockets of greenery, potentially dangerous wildlife and a well-equipped USF bull. Read the rest of this entry »

Submission#4: Chris Dvorscak | My Eckerd: “Party Time, Excellent”

Chris Dvorscak
Eckerd College
Senior, Anthropology (major), Management (minor)
21, Crystal River
My Eckerd is: “A tropical vacation spot.”

Chris is a baseball player, an anthropology major and an underwater archaeologist, so his tour of Eckerd naturally takes us to the ballfield, the dorms (where we learn something about the anthropology of party animals) and the swimming pool.

Video:

Read the rest of this entry »

Submission#2: Amanda Abadi | My UT: “Where in the world is Spartacus?”

Amanda Abadi
University of Tampa
2nd Year, Masters in Business Administration (Management)
23, Detroit
My UT is: “Community-focused, auspicious, cultural and enriching.”

Amanda’s video follows the intrepid Dingo Dundee as he scours the UT campus in search of the university’s elusive mascot. Dingo goes everywhere from offices to classrooms to the John H. Sykes School of Business, where a surly student tries unsuccesfully to ignore the weird guy with the Australian accent.

Read the rest of this entry »

Submission #1: Alex Vera | My UT: “Yes, I’m Losing My Mind”

Alex Vera
University of Tampa
Junior, Graphic Design
21, Tampa
My UT is: “The Minaret, my second home.”

Alex’s video takes viewers behind the scenes for a day (and night) in the life of the UT students who put out the school’s Minaret newspaper. Note the tempers fraying as the night stretches into morning.

(Editor’s Note: Despite any impression you might get from the photo, Alex is not UT’s Spartan mascot. We just happened to have a Spartan costume at the photo shoot, and Alex is an amazingly good sport.) Read the rest of this entry »

Our favorite Upper East Siders started college this week. Dan, Vanessa and Blair all are at NYU, Nate’s starting at Columbia soon, and Serena is off to Brown, right? Maybe not. In her apparent quest to be the center of attention, Serena decided Brown was not the right decision for her. Ivy League just isn’t good enough for this van der Woodsen, so Serena is taking the path less traveled for now, socializing with martinis and Manolo Blahniks and living her fabulous life. Who needs college when you have limos, crazy woods sex with Carter Basin, and the world at your fingertips? At least for now…we’ll see what happens when Lily comes home.

While Serena is “finding herself,” guess who found Blair Waldorf? None other than Georgina Sparks (our favorite villain!) who is now also her new roommate. Welcome to your freshman year from hell, Blair! Let the battle for Queen B begin. While Blair tries and fails with headbands and sake (see above for proof), Georgina throws a boho chic rooftop rager. But Blair never admits defeat that early. Instead, she calls in new recruits in the form of missionaries from Georgina’s past at bible camp, all sporting shirts that say OMJC and tambourines… cause everyone loves a good Jesus party. Read the rest of this entry »

I’m a college student, in case you hadn’t guessed from the headline, and I have recently been wondering what exactly it is I’m paying for with my college expenses. It seems that every corner I round, there’s another expense just lurking in the shadows (or standing right in front of me with a club), but I have yet to decide whether I am actually reaping the benefits of these expenses.

Let me explain:

This semester I took a class with a professor who shall remain nameless who has done literally nothing. He assigned us a book to buy (cha-ching) and basically said “read these chapter, then take this exam,” with a lot of anecdotal teaching in between that served no purpose whatsoever. So, I have paid for the class, I have paid for the book – but what have I gotten in return? A whole lot of stress and no education. Outrageous, I say!

Read the rest of this entry »

In a book every gamer and every anti-gamer should read, author Brian Johnson argues that in fact, Everything Bad Is Good For You. It’s a good book, and he makes the case for the internet, television, movies, and video games and how they’ve grown more intelligent and thought-provoking in recent years, offering interesting and meaningful mental stimulus. I totally agree with this thesis, especially the parts about the internet and video games. As he points out, video games are hard. They require not just hand/eye coordination, but also problem solving skills and sometimes great stories. So it should come as no surprise at all then that UC Berkley is offering a course in Starcraft.

Read on below the jump. Read the rest of this entry »

This is the taco recipe I’ve been fooling around with for a couple years now. I’ve been really poor so it’s streamlined for maximum cheapness. The food is simple, easy to make and damn tasty. And everything came to around $10 at the grocery store, excluding the mojo and adobo, which I had in my fridge already. Read the rest of this entry »

Sooner Holley:  Here we are.  As I am beginning this first blog of what will be many this evening, I am filled with an anticipation that is both exhilarating and terrifying.  I have been watching the ESPN Game Day boys, and while I’m appalled at the way they seem to have written Oklahoma off already, I’m also encouraged. Oklahoma was the favorite against Boise St.  Oklahoma was the favorite against West Virginia.  Oklahoma knows what it means to be upset, and they know the power of a motivation that comes from having no one believe in you.  Florida is a tough and scary opponent – that is true without question.  But, I think this game may look a little different than many expect.  

At least I hope so.  Gator fans, I fully respect the power of your defense and the sheer mass of your quarterback, but you may not want to turn your nose up at the Oklahoma defense, nor should you believe that you will easily stop the Sooner offense.  

At last announcement, Vegas likes the Gators by 5.  That news is like putting on warm fuzzy slippers like I just did a few minutes ago.  (did I mention I have a mini-plague which I believe to be the flu?)  That lack of faith is actually comforting.  

Both Lou Holtz and Mark Mays just picked Florida because of Tim Tebow, and Mark Mays just spouted some ridiculous garbage about Bob Stoops being an inadequate coach in bowl situations.

Keep talking boys….

8:04 pm Sooner Holley:  We’re now minutes from kick-off, and so far, I’ve seen one media member pick Oklahoma, and it was Barry Switzer.  I suppose we’ll just see what happens.  This game is going to be decided on the gridiron, not in the press box, and that’s the way it should be.

I’m looking for score predictions.  Gimme whatever you got, even if you’re predicting a Gator blow-out.  I’m curious.

8:27 Sooner Holley:  Okay, one drive down, and the blitz backed the Sooners up and out of scoring range.  It should be noted, however, that the two plays previous, the blitz was blocked effectively, and I’m pretty sure there was a pass interference call that was missed.  Blatantly.

However, the Sooners will persevere.  Let’s see now what happens with the Gators offense.  Is Tim Tebow all he’s been made out to be?  

8:48 Sooner Holley:  Well, it’s as I predicted.  Oklahoma is keeping it in the air, and doing well with it.  Too bad they are making petty mistakes, and also being jobbed by ACC refs.  Even Florida fans can relate to the misery of ACC refs.  I can remember a UF/FSU game just a few years back when the game’s outcome came down to some pretty terrible calls.  Throwing a flag for nothing with no explanation is nothing if not a maneuver to break the momentum of a driving team.

Roughly 4:40 left in the 1st quarter, and we’re still scoreless.  Both teams.

9:07 Sooner Holley: 7-0 Gators, and the commentary color guy would give the trophy to the Gators right now if he could.  Second quarter.  13:34 to the half.  Drive, OU, drive!

9:12 Sooner Holley:  Sorry color commentary guy…can’t give that trophy away just yet.  This is the speed of football that Oklahoma plays well.  Quick to the line, quick execution.  The Gators executed their scoring drive in true Gator style as well – do what it takes to make it happen.  Pound the rock.  Both teams are now playing their own styles of football.  This game starts now.

9:47 Sooner Holley:  It’s half time, and I don’t think ANYONE could have predicted this game.  Oklahoma’s total offense as compared to the score is going to look ridiculous at the end of this game.  We’ve had an interception leading to a 4th and goal gamble and a good old fashioned drive foiled by a receiver who clearly doesn’t know that if you can’t catch it KNOCK IT DOWN!  The Gators have played strange defense, but clearly it’s been effective.  Oklahoma’s offense looks stellar.  Florida did what they needed to in order to put points on the board.  It was messy, but a touchdown is a touchdown.  

I’m not sure what either locker room conversation will be like.  I have no idea what either coach will say to his players.  Personally, I’m a little dumbfounded, but I will say this.  I don’t want to hear anyone say anything again about Oklahoma having an inferior defense.  I think their defense has actually looked better than Florida’s so far, except as it pertains to the goal line, I guess.

All that said, I’m now going to go and have a spot of tea to soothe my throat whose terrible pain has been exacerbated by the frequency of my verbal outbursts.  I’m not sure what Gator Matty is up to right now, but I bet he is as baffled as I am.

10:20 Sooner Holley:  These are the two best teams in the country.  It’s pretty clear now, isn’t it?  There are so many penalties in this game, and so many of them seem unjustified.  I could yell, but my throat says, “please don’t!”  A drive a piece down and nothing really happening.

You know, now that I’m on the other side of the stadium, those “Gator Bait” signs are pretty darn annoying. I’ll admit, I’ve chanted that on behalf of my husband’s team plenty of times, but now I’m kind of sorry.  Plus, it’s just two nouns strung together with no verb.  It’s not “You are Gator Bait” or “We want to eat some Gator Bait” or “Run you stupid Gator Bait”.  It’s just “Gator Bait”…period.  Plus, if you don’t know what’s being said, and you hear it you could totally mistake that chant for any number of similar sounding words.  ”Gator Wait”…”Gator Hate”…”Wait, my mate!”  Granted, those are pretty ridiculous too, but…well…you get the idea.  

Gators are driving.  Ugh.

10:59 Sooner Holley: 4th quarter, Sooners driving, 14-7 Gators.  It occurred to me that if it weren’t for certain bad calls (or lack there of) and some dumb mistakes, the Sooners would be leading by 14 by now, even with the most recent Gator touchdown.  

11:15 Sooner Holley:  Gators up now 17-14 in the 4th.  Percy Harvin appeared to have been injured but was back in the game a play later, so it looks like he’s okay.  Sooners will get the ball now.  

11:33 Sooner Holley: 2:09 left in the game, 24-14 Gators  My faith is starting to waiver.  I don’t think my Sooners can pull out a win.  I believe in them, but I am afraid their confidence might be down.  I will say this, thanks to the overt bias of the commentary team in this game, I will, regardless of any agreements made between the Sinns, never ever declare Tim Tebow the best quarterback in the country.  Never.  It’s not his fault – the fault belongs to the people who have elevated him to god-like status.  He’s a kid like any other who has been afforded some incredible opportunities to be able to travel to other countries with his missionary family.  He has done some really wonderful things, but it isn’t fair to turn a blind eye to the life accomplishments of other more understated players simply because they are not as outspoken.  This game may well be over, and I hope you will all forgive me if I retire from this blog a little early.  I’m afraid, with my adrenaline spent, my flu has really started to overtake me, much like the Gators have overtaken my Sooners to this point.  

This game was personal for me, but tomorrow, I’ll have to get out of bed and remind myself of one very important fact:  it’s just a game.

Goodnight, and might I say once more:  ”I’m Sooner born, and Sooner bred, and when I die, I’ll be Sooner dead.  Rah Oklahoma, Rah Oklahoma, Rah Oklahoma…O-K-U!” 

Gator Matty and Sooner Holley

Sooner Holley: About halfway through regular season play, my husband and I started talking about college football armageddon: The Florida Gators made an incredible turnaround after Tim Tebow’s moving speech following the Ole Miss game, and the Oklahoma Sooners started racking up touchdown after touchdown against every opponent following the Texas game.  Could it be possible that our two teams might meet in the BCS National Championship Game?

When conference championship weekend came to an end, we looked at each other and with a single glance; the battle line was drawn.  Not only would our teams, who had never in history met on the gridiron, see each other in a BCS match-up, it would be for the National Title.  Ever since, I have been inundated with Tebow propaganda… Read the rest of this entry »

Rock the Vote stages Disturbing the Peace Fest 11, a pre-election day party featuring sets by 20 bands on three different stages at St. Petersburg’s Jannus Landing, its adjacent Tamiami Bar, and Push Ultra Lounge. Confirmed artists include Retard-O-Bot, Klik, Trace of Day, Tailgunner Joe & The Earls Of Slander, The Turncoat, and Military Junior. 5 p.m.-2 a.m., $10.

A new exhibit opens today at Scarfone/Hartley Gallery that features “pop-surrealist” mixed media by Carl Cowden, small-scale paintings by Alexandra Fernandez and sculptures made of new, found, natural and manufactured woods, metals, bronze, stone and fiber by Michael Massaro. All three are Tampa residents and University of Tampa alumni. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 813-253-6217.

Comedian Diane Ford performs a set of stand-up at Floyd’s. 8 p.m., Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, $20.

Students of USF’s School of Music Voice Studio present An Evening of Spanish Zarzuela, which includes performances of classical Spanish songs and arias. 8 p.m., Music Recital Hall (FAH 101) at USF-Tampa, free.

Eckerd College welcomes Dr. Zahid Bukhari — Director of American Muslim Studies at Georgetown University’s Prince Alwaleed Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding — for a talk titled, “Muslims in the American Public Square.” 7:30 pm, Fox Hall, free admission.

Each Fall an army of eighteen-year-old “adults” floods USF,expectingto finally set foot in the long prophesized “real world.” They soon discover that college, and the real world, are whatever these freshmen make of them.  In constructing their identities, most are required to take a basic writing course. Creative Loafing has chosen four of those students to blog for the Daily Loaf.

We all know college is by far one of the most anticipated times in an individual’s life. With it comes doubts, fears and worries but mostly the excitement of being out of the house. College is where we discover the true art of surviving on our own.

It’s not the all-night cramming session, or the lingering drama over high school boyfriends that most haunt us; no, it’s (God, how typical) the “freshman fifteen.” This, I believe, is most girls’ (and possibly an increasing number of guys’) biggest fear of college…

Read the rest of this entry »