If you're ever visiting New York City and are tired of the typical tourist spots be sure to stop by The Morgan Library & Museum.
The library is located on Madison avenue between 36th and 37th street. It houses a collection of rare books and manuscripts along with J.P. Morgan's own prints and drawings. The library boasts such treasures as ancient Egyptian objects, scraps of paper on which Bob Dylan jotted down lyrics, a Charles Dickens manuscript of A Christmas Carol, a journal by Henry David Thoreau, scores by Beethoven and Mozart, and drawings of artists such as Leonardo, Michealangelo, and Picasso.
It's a must see unique find.
Saturday 26 November 2011
Monday 14 November 2011
My Blog Backgrounds
I'd thought I'd make a new post to mention that for the past month I've decided to make it a point to change my blog's background every week or so. Each new background is the album cover from a favorite artist or band of mine. So if you're ever looking for some possible music suggestions, check to see my new background every week.
Tuesday 8 November 2011
3 Must See TV Shows
Whether you're taking a necessary personal day or just taking a break from studying, start watching one of these shows and you won't be disappointed.
Misfits:
This British television series is about a group of young early-20s criminals who are forced to work together in a community service program. After being caught outside during an electrical storm they begin to discover that they have all acquired special powers. However, these aren't the normal powers usually associated with "super powers". For example, the character Curtis can only turn back time when he feels regret and the character Alisha sends people into a sexual frenzy when they touch her skin. The inability to control their power results in the characters running into problems as drastic as murder. The 3rd season premiered on October 30th so if you have an abnormal amount of free time I highly recommend catching up and continuing to follow this season.
Shameless:
Shameless is an American television series that airs on the channel Showtime. It is based on the award-winning British drama series of the same name. The first season premiered in January 2011 and is set in Chicago's South Side neighborhood. The series tells the story of the dysfunctional Gallagher family, which consists of a drunk single father and six children who learn to take care of themselves and each other. The premise is that the father (William H. Macy) does nothing but cash his disability checks and go on benders while his oldest child (Emmy Rossum) struggles to keep everyone together and to make ends meet. The show includes everything from brutal teenage violence to grand theft auto. It's a show that while watching, you can't help but be thankful that you are safe and sound in your student apartment.
Game of Thrones:
This television series is a medieval drama based on the well-known series of novels by George R. R. Martin. It debuted in April 2011 on HBO. Although it's an American series, most of the cast is British or Irish. The show's plot follows the fictional story of seven kingdoms in a place where "summers span decades and winters can last a lifetime". The series has multiple story lines that follow the violent struggles of several noble families to control the Iron Throne. As the families wage war against each other, the eminent dangers of winter also approach. This is the kind of intense show that you'll find yourself ending up getting through the first season in one sitting.
Misfits:
This British television series is about a group of young early-20s criminals who are forced to work together in a community service program. After being caught outside during an electrical storm they begin to discover that they have all acquired special powers. However, these aren't the normal powers usually associated with "super powers". For example, the character Curtis can only turn back time when he feels regret and the character Alisha sends people into a sexual frenzy when they touch her skin. The inability to control their power results in the characters running into problems as drastic as murder. The 3rd season premiered on October 30th so if you have an abnormal amount of free time I highly recommend catching up and continuing to follow this season.
Shameless:
Shameless is an American television series that airs on the channel Showtime. It is based on the award-winning British drama series of the same name. The first season premiered in January 2011 and is set in Chicago's South Side neighborhood. The series tells the story of the dysfunctional Gallagher family, which consists of a drunk single father and six children who learn to take care of themselves and each other. The premise is that the father (William H. Macy) does nothing but cash his disability checks and go on benders while his oldest child (Emmy Rossum) struggles to keep everyone together and to make ends meet. The show includes everything from brutal teenage violence to grand theft auto. It's a show that while watching, you can't help but be thankful that you are safe and sound in your student apartment.
Game of Thrones:
This television series is a medieval drama based on the well-known series of novels by George R. R. Martin. It debuted in April 2011 on HBO. Although it's an American series, most of the cast is British or Irish. The show's plot follows the fictional story of seven kingdoms in a place where "summers span decades and winters can last a lifetime". The series has multiple story lines that follow the violent struggles of several noble families to control the Iron Throne. As the families wage war against each other, the eminent dangers of winter also approach. This is the kind of intense show that you'll find yourself ending up getting through the first season in one sitting.
Monday 7 November 2011
3 Must See Documentaries
Freakonomics (2010):
A 2010 documentary based on the widely-known book by economist Steven Levitt and journalist Stephen J. Dubner. This documentary exhibits the author's unique studies and analysis of human behavior through economic theory. It goes into everything from why certain babies names result in lower economic status to cheating in the world of Sumo Wrestling. It's a great documentary for when you find yourself with that rare moment of downtime between midterms and finals.
Food Inc. (2008):
This 2008 documentary is similar to a modern day version of Upton Sinclair's "Jungle". The film goes far into the world of corporate farming in the United States while revealing that the industry results in unhealthy food, environmental damage, and extensive animal abusive. The documentary received an impressive rating of 96% on the rotten tomatoes website. The film is not for the faint of heart or those who are extra sensitive to animal abuse. It might make you think twice about that hamburger you were craving but it is more than worth it to sit through the whole thing.
The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia (2009):
This documentary was filmed in 2009 and chronicles the lives of the White family of Boone County, West Virginia. Cameras follow the family and its relatives for a year and includes first person interviews. The documentary captures a portrait of "America's last outlaw family". With most family members in and out of jail, on-camera drug abuse, and a intervention by Child Protective Services, this film transports you into a way of live you never thought actually existed. When you think you're life couldn't get any stranger this is the perfect documentary to watch and think "thank god that's not me".
A 2010 documentary based on the widely-known book by economist Steven Levitt and journalist Stephen J. Dubner. This documentary exhibits the author's unique studies and analysis of human behavior through economic theory. It goes into everything from why certain babies names result in lower economic status to cheating in the world of Sumo Wrestling. It's a great documentary for when you find yourself with that rare moment of downtime between midterms and finals.
Food Inc. (2008):
This 2008 documentary is similar to a modern day version of Upton Sinclair's "Jungle". The film goes far into the world of corporate farming in the United States while revealing that the industry results in unhealthy food, environmental damage, and extensive animal abusive. The documentary received an impressive rating of 96% on the rotten tomatoes website. The film is not for the faint of heart or those who are extra sensitive to animal abuse. It might make you think twice about that hamburger you were craving but it is more than worth it to sit through the whole thing.
The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia (2009):
This documentary was filmed in 2009 and chronicles the lives of the White family of Boone County, West Virginia. Cameras follow the family and its relatives for a year and includes first person interviews. The documentary captures a portrait of "America's last outlaw family". With most family members in and out of jail, on-camera drug abuse, and a intervention by Child Protective Services, this film transports you into a way of live you never thought actually existed. When you think you're life couldn't get any stranger this is the perfect documentary to watch and think "thank god that's not me".
Sunday 30 October 2011
University Student Essentials for Winter in Montreal
Before winter comes this semester be sure to pick up these things in order to ensure you'll stay warm:
WINTER BOOTS:
A good pair of winter boots is essential for a Montreal winter. Be sure to get a pair of boots with a wool lining. By the time you get inside you'll be dying to rip them off but nothing is warmer when trudging through four feet of snow to get to class.
WINTER COAT:
As a McGill student in Montreal, one of the most important decisions you'll make is what winter coat to invest in. The characteristics to look for are whether or not it is long enough, what lining is inside, and if it has a warm hood. A warm hood is essential during windy snowstorms when you're forced to leave the comfort of your home.
SCARVES:
This winter make sure to have scarves, lots and lots of warm scarves. Nothing is worse than the wind hitting your face as you drag yourself to morning class. A scarf is the perfect way to protect yourself against the eminate mid-finals week illness.
Overall, be sure to bundle up soon and maybe you'll end up surviving this winter.
WINTER BOOTS:
A good pair of winter boots is essential for a Montreal winter. Be sure to get a pair of boots with a wool lining. By the time you get inside you'll be dying to rip them off but nothing is warmer when trudging through four feet of snow to get to class.
WINTER COAT:
As a McGill student in Montreal, one of the most important decisions you'll make is what winter coat to invest in. The characteristics to look for are whether or not it is long enough, what lining is inside, and if it has a warm hood. A warm hood is essential during windy snowstorms when you're forced to leave the comfort of your home.
SCARVES:
This winter make sure to have scarves, lots and lots of warm scarves. Nothing is worse than the wind hitting your face as you drag yourself to morning class. A scarf is the perfect way to protect yourself against the eminate mid-finals week illness.
Overall, be sure to bundle up soon and maybe you'll end up surviving this winter.
My Favorite Halloween Costumes from 2011
Ghostbusters.
Seeing this costume was a highlight of my Halloween weekend. It acted as the perfect throw back. However, this costume only works if you go all out. Its definitely necessary to have the black backpack covered in a garbage bag with the attached hose thrown over the shoulder. It turns out to be an amusing costume but also a pratical one. With Halloween nightly temperatures hitting below zero in Montreal, it never hurts to be fully covered.
Gold Digger.
I found this costume to be simple yet clever. All you need is some form of gold fabric and a cheap plastic shovel you don't mind carrying with you all night. This costume is easy because it can be customized with whatever gold outfit you can find.
Kesha.
Although Kesha has been around for a while now, it's always a solid costume choice. It's almost as simple as finding an old pair of tights and ripping them to shreds. However, the best/ most challenging part is the hair. It's definitely worth it to spend a few hours teasing you hair and sleeping the night in braids to get the Kesha look.
Seeing this costume was a highlight of my Halloween weekend. It acted as the perfect throw back. However, this costume only works if you go all out. Its definitely necessary to have the black backpack covered in a garbage bag with the attached hose thrown over the shoulder. It turns out to be an amusing costume but also a pratical one. With Halloween nightly temperatures hitting below zero in Montreal, it never hurts to be fully covered.
Gold Digger.
I found this costume to be simple yet clever. All you need is some form of gold fabric and a cheap plastic shovel you don't mind carrying with you all night. This costume is easy because it can be customized with whatever gold outfit you can find.
Kesha.
Although Kesha has been around for a while now, it's always a solid costume choice. It's almost as simple as finding an old pair of tights and ripping them to shreds. However, the best/ most challenging part is the hair. It's definitely worth it to spend a few hours teasing you hair and sleeping the night in braids to get the Kesha look.
Tuesday 25 October 2011
University Student Meals: 5 Healthier Alternatives to Pizza and Beer.
Naan Bread:
A East Indian flat bread with a slightly chewy texture. It can be found in the bread section of any grocery store. Drizzle some olive oil over it and stick it in the oven at 400 degrees fahrenheit for 4 to 5 minutes. The result is a perfect quick snack or an easy-to-make side for dinner with only 78 calories per serving.
A East Indian flat bread with a slightly chewy texture. It can be found in the bread section of any grocery store. Drizzle some olive oil over it and stick it in the oven at 400 degrees fahrenheit for 4 to 5 minutes. The result is a perfect quick snack or an easy-to-make side for dinner with only 78 calories per serving.
Chicken and broccoli with sweet chili sauce:
This easy meal will leave you feeling full without too much effort. All you need is a chicken breast (most likely frozen), some frozen broccoli, and any brand of sweet chili sauce you can find in the grocery store. First, defrost your chicken breast and cut it into small pieces. Do this while you put a pot of water on to boil. Next, saute your chicken in a pan with a small amount of canola oil. Your broccoli should only take about 3 minutes, so place them in the boiling water when the chicken is almost done. Finally, place both the chicken pieces and the broccoli in a bowl and drizzle your sweet chili sauce on top. This small meal is a good source of protein and a tasty way to eat your vegetables while staying away from carbs.
Roasted sweet potatoes:
This is a vegetable that you most likely pass without notice on your way through the grocery store. However, they can make a healthy and easy snack. Although this snack doesn't take much effort, it does take a long period of time. First take about half a sweet potato, peel the skin, and cut it into small square-like pieces. Make sure to preheat the oven to about 350 degrees while doing this. Next, place these pieces in a bowl, drizzle them with olive oil, season them with salt and pepper, and then mix them around with a fork. Then poor the pieces onto a baking sheet and place them in the oven. They should bake for about 30 minutes on each side. It is a bit of a process but the result is a delicious snack that won't leave you feeling bad about it.
Angel hair pasta with sauteed sweet potatoes and asiago cheese:
This meal is similar to the sweet potatoes snack. However, this time add a light thin pasta to make it a meal. Instead of roasting your sweet potatoes, slice them into tinier pieces and place them in a pan on the stove with a bit of olive oil. This is a faster alternative if you don't have an hour to wait for your potatoes to roast. While you do so, prepare a portion of angel hair pasta. Once both are ready and placed in a bowl, add a bit more olive oil and shred some asiago cheese on top. The pasta and sweet potatoes will fill you up without the heaviness of a tomato sauce.
Sauteed asparagus:
Lastly, this side is perfect to go with any healthy-choice meal. All you have to do is place your raw asparagus in a pan with a little bit of oil and lightly spray them with some lemon juice. This vegetable is rarely found in a University student's fridge but it the perfect way to get some vegetables into your diet.
This easy meal will leave you feeling full without too much effort. All you need is a chicken breast (most likely frozen), some frozen broccoli, and any brand of sweet chili sauce you can find in the grocery store. First, defrost your chicken breast and cut it into small pieces. Do this while you put a pot of water on to boil. Next, saute your chicken in a pan with a small amount of canola oil. Your broccoli should only take about 3 minutes, so place them in the boiling water when the chicken is almost done. Finally, place both the chicken pieces and the broccoli in a bowl and drizzle your sweet chili sauce on top. This small meal is a good source of protein and a tasty way to eat your vegetables while staying away from carbs.
Roasted sweet potatoes:
This is a vegetable that you most likely pass without notice on your way through the grocery store. However, they can make a healthy and easy snack. Although this snack doesn't take much effort, it does take a long period of time. First take about half a sweet potato, peel the skin, and cut it into small square-like pieces. Make sure to preheat the oven to about 350 degrees while doing this. Next, place these pieces in a bowl, drizzle them with olive oil, season them with salt and pepper, and then mix them around with a fork. Then poor the pieces onto a baking sheet and place them in the oven. They should bake for about 30 minutes on each side. It is a bit of a process but the result is a delicious snack that won't leave you feeling bad about it.
Angel hair pasta with sauteed sweet potatoes and asiago cheese:
This meal is similar to the sweet potatoes snack. However, this time add a light thin pasta to make it a meal. Instead of roasting your sweet potatoes, slice them into tinier pieces and place them in a pan on the stove with a bit of olive oil. This is a faster alternative if you don't have an hour to wait for your potatoes to roast. While you do so, prepare a portion of angel hair pasta. Once both are ready and placed in a bowl, add a bit more olive oil and shred some asiago cheese on top. The pasta and sweet potatoes will fill you up without the heaviness of a tomato sauce.
Sauteed asparagus:
Lastly, this side is perfect to go with any healthy-choice meal. All you have to do is place your raw asparagus in a pan with a little bit of oil and lightly spray them with some lemon juice. This vegetable is rarely found in a University student's fridge but it the perfect way to get some vegetables into your diet.
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