Before I delve into my bickering of the endless idiots I run into on the TTC; I just have to say whoever named the TTC “The Rocket” is also an idiot.

Here are 8 of my TTC pet peeves:

1. People putting their bags on an empty seat. It’s okay when there are a few people but not okay when it’s 9 in the morning and people are barely awake.
2. People standing in front of an empty seat, which is bad because a) you are blocking people’s view of the empty seat, preventing someone else from sitting in it and b) you’re taking up more space by not sitting, douchebag.
3. People standing by the doors, as if there are no other places to stand and that they must block your way as you try to leave.
4. People continuing to wear their backpacks in a train full of people rather than setting them down on the floor. Doing this takes up so much space.
5. Guys (yes it’s only guys I’ve seen do this) sitting with their gigantic legs so far apart they take up one extra seat on either side of them.
6. People lean on posts when other people need to hold on to them.
7. People yapping loudly, especially a group of immature teenagers, and especially on the phone… Okay this one I don’t mind too much but when I’m tired, it is really annoying.
8. The bus driver tells people to move down but they don’t.

I mean is it really all that hard to be considerate? I can admit at times I can be inconsiderate myself like failing to give up my seat to an elder, which I am truly ashamed of and which is why I often sit in the back of the bus.

Image from Wikipedia

Warning: This contains spoilers after the jump!

We all know how tough it can be growing up and figuring out who are, which is why, I think, we can all somewhat relate to Water Lilies. Made in 2007, it’s a French film (originally titled Naissance des pieuvres) essentially about two young girls reluctant to come to terms with the fact that they are both lesbians. Okay you’re probably thinking, this is the perfect movie for guys to get horny but I assure you it is much more than that. I was so moved and felt just as much sadness, happiness and shame as the characters did. I know that sounds completely fruity but it’s true.
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Image from Wikipedia

So I went caving, aka “spelunking,” this weekend. I came away with so many bruises but it was all worth it considering how much fun I had. Now for those of you who don’t know what caving is, go here.

I swear that having escaped all of those — what I consider to be — “near death” experiences really changed my perspective on things like how strong our instinctual survival abilities are. I had to climb, crawl, lean against walls and whatever else, whilst holding a tiny flash light in my hand, as I was sure I was close to plunging to my death. Alright I might be exaggerating a bit, considering how much of a wimp I am. I kept having to ask my fellow cavers (yes I made up that word) to help me out, like by telling me how the heck they were able to climb up or down and in or out in the first place.

If you’d like to give caving a try, why not join our very own U of T Outing club (UTOC)? There are several opportunities to go caving with them at their cabin near the Niagara Escarpment. The club also offers other amazing outdoor events and activities.

In my honest opinion, Saints Alive! is one of the best student productions I have ever seen! I laughed almost the entire time and the music was stuck in my head even after the performance. The performers were so talented and, in, addition to acting, sung marvelously as well. Each actor had his or her own unique quirkiness and charm. The piano accompaniment was solid and lively and the musical numbers were choreographed well; not a single note was off tune (to me, anyway, the tone-deaf girl).

The actors were so well versed in their dialogue, as any actor should be, I kept thinking to myself, How could they possibly remember all those lines and lyrics? They pulled off such a grandiose play with ease.

I was impressed by (more…)

When: From Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 8:00pm to Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 8:00pm (3 shows, all at 8pm)

Where: The George Ignatieff Theater, just North of Hoskin Avenue

How to Get Tickets: Outside Strachan during lunch, or at the door on the night. You can also reserve tickets by emailing trinity.dramatic.society@gmail.com

If you’re looking for something unique to watch, then Saints Alive is definitely it. Brought to you by your very own U of T students (including seasoned director Victoria Wang), this 1940s Trinity Classic, a play written by Keith MacMillan and Ron Bryden, is sure to impress. Along with great music, this play is expected to bring a barrel of laughs as it spoofs life at St.Hilda’s, Trinity College’s previously all-female residence. This wonderful piece has been showcased numerous times in places such as the Trinity College Centenary.

Having witnessed the rehearsal process myself, I have to say I was truly impressed with the amazing talent as well as the amount of detail they have invested into this production (i.e. costumes). With such a great ensemble cast, production team and original, one-of-a-kind musical to present, Saints Alive is a definite must-see.

Image from the Trinity College Dramatic Society

Now that I’ve seen all these posts on first years, I’d like to add to that mix and describe how it’s been in my third year at U of T so far.

This year is set to be the most challenging yet rewarding for me, I feel. I find my courses more difficult but definitely more interesting. I’ve fell asleep in only 1 of my lectures so far! Albeit it’s only been 2 weeks. Although I think I’ve made a little progress in terms of time management, discipline and hard work, and making a little more sacrifices here and there (i.e. less time at home and on Youtube = more time at library).

My first year was tough but second year was toughest for me since I slacked off even more. Trust me, first years, you don’t want to start slacking off after first year — it’ll only get harder to catch up! I’ve only started to learn how to study and it’s hard to get used to all that reading I must do before class. I used to not do any of my readings until right before the test, when there would be hundreds of pages to read.

I haven’t totally warmed up to U of T yet, though. (more…)

Photo from thebagelhouse.ca

If you’re looking for some fantastic bagels then The Bagel House is the place to go. I had ordered a simple roast turkey sliced sandwich with plain bagel and boy did it hit the spot.

I’ve had many bagels in my life so I know when I encounter a good one. Bagel House sure offers some great authentic Montreal-style bagels. The gentleman who worked there, Jeet, was kind, knowledgeable about bagels (since he makes them himself) and very generous, offering few free samples.

I have yet to experience New York bagels, which I heard are the best, but I’m sure these Authentic Montreal Wood Oven bagels (as the website says) are in a league of their own. They’re chewy, dense and very tasty. You would probably say they are the best if you tried them yourself.