Pesky Rodents can mean Problems for Student Dorms

This is from a piece that was published in the Washington Square News, check it out http://nyunews.com/life/2009/dec/08/rodent/

When Steinhardt senior Jessica Chandnani settled into her room at Alumni residence hall this fall, the welcoming committee included a mouse.

"I saw the mouse on a Saturday, and they didn't do anything until Tuesday," Chandnani said. "Three days is a long time to live with a mouse."

Along with studying for final exams right now, NYU's procedures for dealing with mice are worth a review — after all, the colder weather has the small creatures looking for a warmer residence. And that might mean some NYU students will find themselves sharing their dorm rooms with the occasional mouse.

CAS junior and Coral Towers resident Hilary Tuttle said she has not had any problems so far this semester, but did encounter some mice in Goddard residence hall her freshman year.

"It was like late winter/early spring, and there were a few mouse sightings, or people's food had visibly been nibbled by mice," Tuttle said. "Of the 16 suites on my floor, I'd say it maybe happened to varying degrees in four or five."

NYU Lean and Mean

Before Mike Galvan got into triathlon he weighed over 200 pounds. He had also been smoking two to three packs of cigarettes a day for 10 years. Then he saw his friend complete her first triathlon. After that he immediately quit smoking, started following a training regimen and three months later completed his first race.

Today, Galvan, 34, coaches the NYU Triathlon Club which helps both students and alumni get into shape and discover a healthier way of life. Most of the 70 members are upperclassmen, graduate students and alumni. While the regimen can be demanding, people keep coming back year after year. Why? The reason is simple: great results and the support of a great coach.

“I want to make sure that the athlete is getting as much instruction as possible so that he or she can improve,” Galvan said.
A triathlon is a long-distance race consisting of three phases: swimming, bicycling and running.

The sport and interest among students has grown, Galvan said. Most colleges have triathlon clubs.

The sport’s participation is at its peak, according to USA Triathlon’s website. In 2009 membership count rose above 115,000. The membership range from 1993 to 2000 was 15,000 to 21,000. Quite the surge.

Galvan has been coaching the NYU Triathlon Club since 2006. He also coaches the Asphalt Green Triathlon Club, Team in Training and Tri Latino.

NYU has 25 clubs and 10 varsity teams listed on its athletic site. Unlike most of them, the Triathlon Club welcomes people of all ages and fitness levels. The current age range on the team is 18 to 70. All members need to do is pass the mandatory physical to join.

While usually the club is given an unlimited amount of new physicals, this year it was limited to 30. A physical is a medical examination done to make sure the athlete is fit to train. Since there were over 50 requests to join, most were put on a waitlist. For this reason Galvan asks that all members commit entirely to the team. This means no missing practice unless sickness or tragedy strikes.

Practices are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:15 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. If this seems brutal in the fall, imagine spring semester when snow is coming down. But early practices are the best way to accommodate most of the team.

“You’re done with your workouts by 7:45 a.m.,” Galvan said. “It gives you the rest of the day to get things done and enjoy yourself.”

His favorite thing about the NYU club is the closeness among members.

“You start seeing people helping each other,” Galvan said.

Newcomer Jessica Kim, 18, is already creating bonds.

“I've been able to talk to some people in the Wagner school which is nice because I'm thinking about going into non-profit or social work in the future,” Kim said. “Others have been able to give me advice about what classes to take.”

But it’s not just the members she likes.

“I really like the fact that Mike [Galvan] memorized everyone's name after the first couple of practices,” Kim said. “Some might think he's harsh, but I know he really wants to see us progress.”

Evidently the pain is worth the prize. Progress is seen every day.

“I’m leaner and have more energy during the off-days,” Kim said.
The emotional progress is just as important. Athletes become more confident and self aware as training progresses, which enables them to improve their abilities, Galvan said.

When Sarah Liedel joined the team last year, she could barely swim a lap. Now she’s an advanced/intermediate swimmer who completed three triathlon races in the past year.

Galvan helped by giving her one on one advice. He also motivated her to spend additional time in the pool practicing.

It’s all about self improvement. They don’t even need to race. All Galvan asks is that Triathlon is something they do for themselves.

“Everyone brings something special to the equation,” Galvan said.

But none is more remarkable than Jackie Blachman-Forshay. Blachman-Froshay, 20 and a junior in the School of Social Work, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in October. She had surgery Nov. 9 and was back at practice two weeks after.

While she was gone the coach kept the team updated and stayed in constant contact with her. She was warmly welcomed back and carefully watched over by Galvan during practice.

“Don’t push it,” Galvan would say. “Take it easy.”

“I love coming to practice because it’s become my one ‘normal thing’,” Blachman-Forshay said.

The first team race is the Pawling triathlon on June 5. The event is already open for entry and at least half of the team has already signed up. It’s only fall semester, but the team is already visibly stronger, Galvan said.

“I can’t wait to see what they accomplish at Pawling.”

My New York Love: The Panini

I wasn't alive until I bit into my first Panini. It was a scrumptious Italian Panini I purchased at University Cafe on 1 University Place. Now I can't get enough of them.

My life was further illuminated when I tried the Eggplant Parmigiana Panini also at University Cafe. My true soul mate. The deliciousness that is this sandwich is simply indescribable.

My travels in the city have taught me that the Italian can be found most anywhere. However, the Eggplant Parmigiana is a rare find. University Cafe scarcely has it for my lunch enjoyment. And I've never even seen it at Ray's at St. Marks place. The only place that never fails to deliver the goods is the Bridge Fresh Market on York Street in Brooklyn.

I came upon the Bridge Fresh Market while interning at Ink Publishing. My first time there I didn't bother to look at the hot food selection. But the next time, curiosity got the best of me. I'm sure the grin the sight of that panini caused was nothing short of ridiculous. But I didn't care. I was just happy my sandwich of choice and I had met once again.

Since that day the rest is history. Every Friday when I intern, even if work is tough, I know my friend will be there waiting to cheer me up around 12:30 p.m.

Panini, thank you for making my stay in New York City that much better.

Photo by Meseidy Rivera

16 Handles...of pure deliciousness

Before coming to New York City my knowledge of the frozen yogurt world was non-existent. Like most newbies, my first steps into the fro-yo realm was via Pinkberry on 350 3rd Ave. It didn't really do much for me I must confess; their Pomegranate flavor left me highly unsatisfied. Then I was taken to Red Mango at St. Marks Place where my like of the stuff began. But it wasn't until I went to 16 Handles at 153 2nd Ave. that I discovered love. I felt like I had walked into the Chocolate Room in Willy Wonka's Factory. The have everything from Original flavor to Cookies and Cream and the best part: you can mix and match as you please. Just go down the line of flavors, take want you want in your bowl of choice, add toppings, weigh and pay. The self service is super convenient and satisfying; you always get exactly what you pay for.

Need more info? call them up at 212-260-4414

The Last Vacation: Saying Goodbye to Home

This is an excerpt from a piece that was published in Big World Magazine, check out the whole article: http://www.bigworldmagazine.com/the-last-vacation/

The coastline came into view when reached the top of the hill. As the car crawled down and around, the wind coming in through the open windows blew my sister’s golden locks away from her face. My hand swerved up and down, swimming through the air as my father sang,”Sin ti, sin ti vivir, estarse muriendo sin morir,” a surefire sign that the stress from work was beginning to fade.

Every year my family tries to find the time to take a vacation, just kick back and get away from the stress of school or, in my Dad’s case, work. Usually we go to Isabela, a beachside town on the other side of the island. Isabela is two hours from our home in Humacao, a small town on the east coast, about 45 minutes southeast of San Juan. This vacation was our first real time together since my sister went away to college, and my last opportunity to be with Mom and Dad before going to college in the U.S.

We pulled into the parador Villas del Mar Hau, where we were staying, the gravel crackling under the tires of my Dad’s Sequoia. A line of colorful cabins that decorated the shore of Montones beach immediately came into view, finishing off on the west end of the beach with a seaside restaurant. The car doors swung open and we hopped out taking in the sounds of the oceans. “Finally,” Dad said, more to himself than us.

And You Thought Camping Season was Over...

Ever heard of a yurt? It's like a cross between a cabin and a pimped-out tent. The amenities depend on the yurt. Most come with bathroom, electricity, beds and a kitchen. Snow, rain - it can handle it all. They're pretty much weather-proof. So you can camp in them during the winter. I recently wrote about yurts for amNew York. Check out my story here! http://www.amny.com/urbanite-1.812039/sick-of-tents-try-a-yurt-instead-1.1346160

Outside the Box opens for Blues Traveler

Calling all Blues lovers! If you haven't already seen Outside the Box play a show you're missing out. They were great the first time I saw them, but their opening for Blues Traveler blew me away. There’s no doubt that this band is on its way to greatness.

The energy and enthusiasm of this blues-based band from The Jersey Shore makes them a joy to watch. Standing in the crowd you can't help but dance and smile at the four members jamming their hearts out on stage.

The band formed October of 2004 consists of guitarist and lead vocalist Jeff Cafone (you wouldn't believe the voice this guy has), bassist and vocalist Ryan Wheeler, drummer and vocalist Francis "Slugger" Valentino, and pianist and vocalist Mark Masefield (the kid must have like 20 fingers the way he dominates those keys). Though Cafone writes the songs, he always takes the songs to band to be perfected and teaked.

They opened for Blues Traveler Wednesday Nov. 4 at The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza. The same night the Yankees beat the Phillies for the World Series.

They did Blues Traveler proud by opening the show with the very energetic, incredibly catchy original song "You and Me and Just Us for All." But what really got the crowd going was when they brought out Blues Traveler keys man Ben Wilson to join them in playing "One Way Out" by The Allman Brothers.

The guys finished up with another original, “Forbidden Romance Silenced the Radio" that left the packed Filmore warmed up and ready to go.

Blues Traveler was welcomed to the stage with a roar of applause, shouts and cheers. From the start the band satisfied the people's musical cravings with non-stop jam sessions and fan favorites such as "The Mountains Win Again."

I'm quite the Blues Traveler fan, but had never seen them live. Let me tell you, they are just as great live as they are on track. Perhaps even better considering the on-going jams you get on stage.

Front man John Popper made the show even better by keeping the crowd updated on the Yankees/Phillies game. Making sure to calm the nerves of fans that ducked out on watching the game to attend the concert.

Blues Traveler has already reached great success. And after a show like that, one can't help think that Outside the Box is following in their footsteps.


Check out Outside the Box at http://www.myspace.com/outsidethebox