Break Dance Competition Gives Students a Chance to Show Off Their Moves

Last Saturday there was an impromptu dance-off in the dinning hall at Collins. Early that morning signs appeared all over the building that read "Break Dance Competition: Dining Hall 4 p.m. NO JOKE!!!" I thought I would wonder down there and check it out. I didn't expect there to be many people there, but I was wrong. The room was packed. There were even people crowded in the hall outside dinning room peering in.

Each "dance-off" featured two teams of two. One person performed at a time switching back and forth between teams. At the end of each round the three judges voted. The emcee would point to each team and if the judge didn't like them they would cross their arms to make an X. The crowd would cheer and boo for the different teams. The competition got pretty intense and the dances became increasingly acrobatic. I was quite impressed "NO JOKE!!"

BFA Students Show Off Their Work

On Friday, The BFA art classes had their end of the semester art shows. BFA stands for Bachelors of Fine Arts. The BFA program is an especially rigorous art program so the students who get accepted to it are the cream of the crop. I went to the Photography show with my friends Michele and Rachel. It was cool to get to see what the BFA students had been working on this semester.
"There is just such an eclectic mix of styles it is really interesting. Especially when you compare their individual work to the collective project" Michele said. At the show each student presented their own series of work. The whole class also did a series together that was based off a deck of playing cards. Each student was required to do a photograph involving each suite and then all their photographs hung together on the main wall. It was really interesting to compare the students different styles across the one project.

The painting program had their show the same night, and I wish I could have made it. There are always so many different art events going on it is nearly impossible to catch them all. I was glad to see the photography show and be able to support the amazing work my fellow students are doing.

Students Express Themselves Through Poetry

Students gathered to celebrate poetry and literature at Collins' Spoken Word Night last week. Several students read their own original work. The night was a mix of funny and serious poetry and short stories. It was great to see how creative other Collinsites were.
One student, Michael, read a poem by, according to him, "our generation's greatest poet." He did a hilarious rendition of "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga. It was a fun night and a great opportunity for students to show off their work and get positive feedback. I'm no poet myself, but I'm always glad to cheer on my fellow students.

A Lovely Day for a Game of Quidditch

A student plays "keeper" and guards the goalposts.

Hogwarts week is over. Yesterday was the big finale, the annual Quidditch Match. The orange team and the white team came out in all their caped glory to fight it out for the Quidditch Cup

The referee and "The Golden Snitch"

Quidditch here in the "muggle" world is like a mixture of tag, dodge ball and ultimate Frisbee. You get points by tossing the Frisbee through the round goalposts but it you get hit with a "bludger" you have to turn the Frisbee over to the other team. All the while, a player wearing all yellow is running around as the snitch. Whoever tags him gets a lot of points and as I understand it most likely wins.


The game was pretty chaotic, but it was fun. I think the only way everyone could have looked sillier running around in their capes was if they actually had brooms between their legs. "That's how the hardcore people play" says Hannah Boresow one of the players for the orange team. Hannah's team took home the prize at the end of the game and their celebration could be heard throughout Collins.

Hogwarts week has come to a close, but I'm sure everyone at Collins will remember it fondly. Especially the members of the orange team who have secured their bragging rights until Hogwarts Week 2010 rolls around. I know I can't wait.

Students Spend A Week At Hogwarts

It's that's time of the year again, Hogwarts Week is here!! Once a year Collins turns into a magical place.The halls are decorated with banners for each of the "houses" and floating candles hang from the ceiling. The Edmonson Dinning Hall becomes "The Great Hall" and the laundry room turns into "The Chamber of Secrets".

Yesterday were the opening ceremonies. Students in costumes earned extra points for their "house". Which ever "house" has the most points at the end of the week wins the House Cup. There were wizarding robes and wands everywhere. Later that night there was a wand making workshop and a lecture on "ancient runes" (A linguistics professor talking about Harry Potter).


Opening ceremonies got the students for excited for the week. Which will include many Harry Potter themed events including a scavenger hunt, a wizard concert and on Saturday a game of Quidditch. Hogwarts Week is always a ton of fun. It almost makes you believe in magic.

Celebrate Halloween by Painting a Pumpkin

Students at Collins celebrated Halloween by dressing up and painting gourds and pumpkins. All day students walked around in their coustumes getting ready for the big night. There was a Halloween party in the coffee house during the day and it continued into the night. There pumpkin painting, hot cider and of course candy. It was a great way to hangout with fellow students and get in the festive mood. Plus, some of the costumes were hilarious like Marge Simpson and a space shuttle.

Victoria Secret Brings Cobra Starship and GirlTalk to Bloomington

The crowd during Cobra Starship at the B-Town Bash

On Thursday Victoria Secret had their B-Town Bash. Victoria Secret passed out tons of IU themed lounge wear from their "Pink" line. The concert was entirely free and I had great time dancing my heart out.

Setting up the stage Thursday afternoon

I saw them setting up the stage when I walked to class on Thursday morning. The stage was huge. It was definitely the biggest I have ever seen in Dunn Meadow. They were doing sound checks throughout the day which you could hear all over campus. I heard them in my dorm room and while I was in class. I was excited all day.

Waiting in line to play some of the games

Before the concert, we walked around and enjoyed all the games that Victoria Secret had set up. The event was like a mini carnival with games like corn hole and target practice. As well as a free photo booth and lots of prize giveaways.

In the crowd during Cobra Starship

Cobra Starship played first and got the crowd excited. By the time GirlTalk came out Dunn Meadow was packed and I could barely move. When GirlTalk started his set it started to rain, but that didn't dampen the atmosphere. Throughout his set the crowd was going crazy. He played 20 minutes over his allotted time and they finally had to kick him off the stage, while the crowd booed. When I got home my shoes were ruined from the rain and the mud. It was completely worth it.

The crowd went crazy for GirlTalk

Take a Break From Studying and Make a T-Shirt

Many people have been studying in preparation for midterms. On Sunday, I took break from my cram session to make a personalized t-shirt. There was a t-shirt making workshop in the Edmonson basement at Collins from 3-6p.m. Students used tye-dye, stencils, and fabric markers to design their very own t-shirts. Plus, they had cookies and pop music which always makes for a good time.

The workshop was a fun way to take a break. Still, school work beckoned as soon as the t-shirts were done. "I have to do homework while I wait for mine to dry" said my friend Anna. At least now we have cool shirts to wear to our group study sessions.

Company of Thieves Plays a Benefit Concert at The Bishop

On Thursday I went to see Company Of Thieves play at The Bishop. It was a benefit concert for The Timmy Foundation. Its mission is to promote sustainable health care initiatives in developing nations.

The Bishop, which is located on Walnut right off The Square, is a short walk from campus. However, it seemed like miles in the rain. I arrived wet, but ready to see a good show. There was a good turnout and the organizers of the event should have been very pleased. I had a great time dancing the night away for a good cause.

Students Prepare for The Big Game

Students at Collins Living Learning Center got geared up for the big game against Ohio State on Saturday. The students made signs, and banners to show their support for the Hoosiers. "They're going down!" proclaimed sophomore Danielle Though.

Junior Ryan Matthews grilled hot dogs and bratwursts for his fellow Collinsites. "Its fun that everyone meets up here before hand. It gives us a chance to hangout and get excited before the game." he said.

Collins provided the students with markers, paint and various supplies to make signs. "The best part was just thinking of what to write on them. We were cracking up all afternoon!" said sophomore Debby Iniech.

When some OSU fans walked by the students engaged in a friendly cheer-off. The students all chanted and spelled out IU with their arms. They easily overpowered the out-of-towners.

Unfortunately the Hoosiers lost on Saturday, but the crowd in Memorial Stadium was one of the biggest in the stadium's history. We didn't go home with the win, but IU students showed those Buckeyes who has the most spirit in the Big Ten!

The Best Places to Eat on Campus

Are you tired of Ramen Noodles and Chef Boyaredee? Looking for a good place to burn some of those meal points? Campus is full of nutritious and delicious places to spend your I-Bucks. Here is a run down of student's favorites.

El Bistro at Read Residence Hall

"One word: Burritos" says sophomore Sam Smith. The El Bistro at Read is one of the most popular dinning facilities on campus. El Bistro serves omlettes, subs, paninis, waffles (with ice cream!) and of course the very popular burritos. El Bistro is open 7:30-midnight weekdays and 9 am-midnight weekends.

Edmonson Dinning Hall at Colllins LLC

It is the "homey" feel of the Collins Dinning hall that attracts students from all over campus. "It is such a great atmosphere" says Gwendwr Meredith, a freshman "Plus, the buffet is awesome!" The Edmonson Dining hall is open on weekdays from 10:30 am -2 pm for lunch and 5-7 pm for dinner. It also serves Sunday brunch from 11 am-2pm.

Gresham Food Court at Foster Residence Hall

Greshman's food court has the best variety on campus. "Their salad bar is the best on campus. There are so many options." says junior Karen Radewald. The Greshman Food Court features: Salad & Spuds, Taco John’s, Antonini’s Italian Eatery, Stack’s Deli, Flamingo’s Grille, Cream & Crimson Creations Bakery, Classic Comforts, and Grab & Go options. It is open weekdays 7 am -10 pm and weekends 9 am-10 pm.

Hoosier Cafe and Store at Wilkie Residence Center

If you just need to pick up some groceries, The Hoosier Cafe and Store at Wilkie is the best stocked on campus. "Every time I go there, I am always surprised by all the stuff they have. It is the best store, hands down." says sophomore Meaghan Reed. Hoosier Cafe & Stores are open 8 am-10pm weekdays and 11 am-10 pm weekends.

Weekend Activities You Won't Regret in the Morning

Students snack on popcorn at a screening of Away We Go

Drinking not your thing? Like to party, but need a break? Well, there are plenty of events on campus during the weekends to keep you entertained. You should check out the movie of the week. FREE movies play in the Whittenberger Auditorium at the IMU Thurday-Saturday at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. This weekend was Away We Go. Next weekend The Hangover will be playing.

Danen Kane playing at the Starbucks in the Union

Also there is usually live music all over campus and around Bloomington. On Friday singer Danen Kane came and played at the Starbucks in the Union. The Starbucks is a popular venue for performances and usually has something going on every weekend. For more information on upcoming events in the Union check their website www.imu.indiana.edu.

Students play board games on a Saturday night

Don't wanna go out? Participate in weekend programing at your dorm. Most residence halls organize fun events for their students every weekend. This weekend students at Collins built a cardboard boat to race in the Duct-Tape Boat Regatta. Or you can organize something yourself. Have a movie night or play board games. You can check out a movie at your residence hall's Movies, Music, and More site. Plus most centers have recreational facilities that include games like foosball or air hockey, as well as an assortment of boardgames. They have everything you need to plan an awesome night in.

Students from Collins build a cardboard boat

For more information on programs happening in your residence hall and around campus visit the RPS Website www.rps.indiana.edu.

Hurry While It Lasts!

Campus is beautiful right now and the weather has been great lately. Students have been out and about enjoying the sunshine.


You should study outside and soak up some rays. It is great way to enjoy the weather and get your homework done.

The Arboretum, Woodlawn Field, behind Woodburn Hall and Dunn Meadow are all great places to study or hang out. So get out there and enjoy. Winter will be here before
you know it!