This is a guest blog by JP, blogUT founder and former editor, who has gone on to do bigger and better things, like uh… open an online store to sell condoms.

So, by now, I’m sure you’ve all heard about the general uproar over the pope’s comments regarding condoms during his visit to Africa. Here’s a recap of what he said, according to The Times Online:

In his first public comments on condom use, the pontiff told reporters en route to Cameroon that Aids “is a tragedy that cannot be overcome by money alone, and that cannot be overcome through the distribution of condoms, which even aggravates the problems”

As it turns out, the issue is always more complicated than it appears at surface level. What if I were to tell you that: the pope didn’t exactly say what you thought he said; condoms aren’t exactly “safe”; and I’m writing about all this as a subject matter expert on condoms after having done a whole bunch of research in the process of opening an online condoms store?

Well, I’m about to tell you exactly that. So please read on. (more…)

Photo from the blogUT Flickr pool by coolnalu

So, as the new school year rolls around and students once again fill the campus in a flurry of activity, I’m in a strangely different position. This Tuesday, I finally handed in all the paper work necessary for the completion of my Master’s degree, wrapping up a 6 year stint here at the University of Toronto. I can’t help but feel a little nostalgic already. It’s been quite a learning experience indeed, and I know I’m going to miss it. So, before I leave, let me share with you 6 things I learned in my 6 years here. It took me a while to figure these things out… but you know what they say, better late then never.

Well, better earlier than late! You get to know them now if you read on. (more…)

So, you might have noticed a lack of postings on blogUT recently. That’s not to say there’s nothing going on… in fact, there are a ton of things going on in the summer, from the Hart House Craft Beer Festival and Summer BBQ, the production of As You Like outdoors at Philosopher’s Walk, the Beaches Jazz Festival, and so much more!

However, we’re going through a transition here as we move to the new student exec for blogUT. Sit tight and we’ll be back soon… definitely before the new school year. Or, if you can’t wait, get involved and make it happen! Send us an email at contact [at] blogut [dot] ca.

Dear readers, the long and the short of it is: yours truly (JP) will be graduating from U of T in 2 months. That means I will no longer be able to hold the position as editor of blogUT. The torch shall be passed on to a generation of younger, better, faster, and stronger bloggers. That leaves the question: who (in the plural sense) will rise to the occasion?

To answer the above question, I’d like to ask two more questions: What has blogUT done for you, and what can you do for blogUT?

What has blogUT done for you? The goal of blogUT was to make U of T campus life more interesting by highlighting various cool, fun things that enrich student life. It is my hope that blogUT will continue to do that in the coming years for future U of T students.

What can you do for blogUT? Aside from the obvious roles of writers, photographers, and web designers (which we all welcome and are in sincere need of), there are a lot of other ways you can get involved. Are you a business or commerce major? You can work on marketing and advertising efforts to build the reach and revenue of blogUT. Interested in leadership? Managing a publication is going to put your leadership skills to the test! (It certainly has put mine to the test… hell, I didn’t even know I had leadership skills till I started blogUT). Are you a political science major? I don’t really know what you do… but perhaps you’d be interested in working with U of T administration and putting together funding proposals to see blogUT grow as a campus establishment.

So, if you do feel that blogUT has done something for your student life and you have something to contribute to blogUT, I hope to hear from you and see you at our next meeting! Thanks for you attention, my lovely readers.

Yours truly, JP

When: Thursday June 26, 2008. 6 – 8 pm.
Where: Hart House Committees Room (ask the front desk where it is)
Details: You can indicate your attendance at this link. If you can’t attend this meeting but feel like contributing, why not join the blogUT Facebook group and the blogUT Flickr Pool. Talk to us, tell us your ideas. We’ll talk back!

Image from Flickr by davidcrow

I don’t know when it officially happened, but there’s been an unequivocal trend that being a geek is now cool. I still remember the O.C. episode where Seth uttered the prophetic phrase: “Geek is the new chic”. I think that was in the first season, when the show was still good. And then second and third season came around and the quality went on a steady decline.

… but wait, I’m wandering off topic. I want to tell you about a very cool Toronto Tech Community institution called “DemoCamp”:

DemoCamp is a variation of the un-conference style of event, started by the TorCamp group as an excuse to have more regular meetings where community members share what they’ve been working on, demo their products, meet others (and share a drink or 3).

And just why should you care? Please read on! (more…)

Photo from the Chinese Undergraduate Association at U of T’s 2007 Hart House Farm Trip Photo Album

The weather has finally warmed up. You’re feeling all bright and summery inside and out. Well, what better way to celebrate than to spend a weekend at Hart House Farm? It’s an expansive, beautiful, idyllic setting removed from the city. You can take some time to connect with nature on this Midsummer’s Eve retreat.

Lunch, dinner and breakfast the next day are included. You’ll find lots to do at the farm. Activities include: hiking, swimming, tour of the 150 acre farm, star-gazing, kite flying, bonfire, and fireworks.

When: Saturday June 21 to Sunday June 22, 2008
Where: Hart House Farm. Buses leave Hart House at 11:00 am Saturday and leave from the Farm at 11:00 am Sunday.
Cost: Tickets are $35 with bus and $31 without until June 18. After June 18 tickets are $42 with bus and $38 without. Get your tickets at the Hart House Porter’s desk.
Details: Bring sleeping bags or blankets and pillows; also bring a tent if you want to sleep outside. See also the Facebook event page.

It’s summer. It’s HOT. You’re feeling it. You’re feeling the heat! What better way to party it up than to get down to the dance beats on board a boat cruise?

Well, seems like great minds think a like. The cool people at University of Toronto Dance Club are throwing a summer dance cruise.

Come see live performances, a dancing contest, and enjoy a drink on board of The River Gambler! You can also enjoy our games, ticket draws, food & alcohol (18+ event)!

Two floors of music, dancing and fun!
TOP floor: Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Reggaeto
BOTTOM floor: Electro, House, TOP 40 by DJ Incise!

When: Friday, July 4, 2008, 7:30pm – Midnight
Tickets: Members: $30, Non-members: $35. Tickets can be purchased at the UTDC office (21 Sussex Ave, Rm 426) or from any UTDC staff member (email: dance.club [at] utoronto [dot] ca)
Facebook: See Facebook Event Page here.