I know at one time or another you all have been told to get involved in school and all the wonderful extra-curricular activities that school has to offer.  Well, just in case you were wondering: they are right! This past weekend, I went to Rock The VOTE at Old Main Quad and it was a DE-light. On the topic of getting involved, I was doubly involved this weekend because I was not only supporting Q.A.C by going to Rock The VOTE, but I was also supporting voting, and all the other organizations that were there.  To much dismay, I was only able to stay for an hour because I had laundry and other errands and such to tend to, but hey: better than NOTHIN’!  But an hour was good because I got to spend some time with fellow Q.A.C.-ers, listen to the LIVE music, educate myself and take some pretty snazzy pictures!

On that note, I would like to invite all of you to purchase a digital camera (you did?  GREAT!) and take it along with you, wherever you go.  That is precisely what I do, and let me tell you, it works splendidly.  There are more Kodak moments in a day than you could ever think up, and it should be for your photographic enjoyment that you document the day.  For example, when you’re at Rock The VOTE and NP Blogger Holly decides to “dance” to the live music, you can capitalize on this -and many other occasions- with a digital camera.  Speaking of which, I happen to have some choice pics from Rock The VOTE that I figured you’d all enjoy!

Anyway, enough Internet embarrassment!  I STRONGLY urge you to vote.  Think of it as your civic duty, that’s really fun!  No matter if you love ObamaNaderMcCain, or whoever else is on the ticket, just do it: VOTE.  Otherwise, you’d just be a Silly GOOSE if you didn’t!  I have recently discovered that the New Paltz Oracle (That’s our school Newspaper!) has published a sort of “both-sides-of-the-argument” two page spread in their paper stating the candidates’ positions on some major issues.  And get THIS:  The Information comes DIRECTLY from their websites!

So now you have NO excuse to “not vote” (<<what even IS that?)

Now as far as song for this post, well, I’m torn because as of late I have been listening to a lot of Frank Sinatra… so basically anything from:

“Fly Me To The Moon,”

“It Was A Very Good Year,”

to:

“Nancy,”

“My Way.”

Listen I tell you!

See You Lata,

Matt Stracq

: D

Hello there friends! Hope all is well! Let me begin by wishing you a very (belated) Happy October!!! What has been going on with you? Please, do share! In the meantime, let me fill you in with what has been going on up here in New Pizzle!

Last Saturday, I went to the Garlic Festival in Saugerties, which is located just two exits north of the New Paltz exit on the thruway. Let me tell you, it was awesome! I’d like to begin by introducing you two three of my suitemates, who went to the festival with me. Here they are, from left to right, Emily, Ali, and Dana.

We started our adventure by driving to Saugerties. It was a nice drive, full of beautiful colorful fall leaves. When we got to the festival, I was amazed! There were hundreds of vendors exhibiting their garlic flavored products, ranging from garlic dips, garlic pretzels, garlic knots, garlic clams, garlic pickles, to garlic ice-cream and garlic fudge. There were furniture stands that sold wooden pieces with garlic carved them, and jewelry stands that sold silver garlic earrings and necklaces. It was really neat! Take a look at this awesome garlic chair:

Yay, Garlic Festival!

Yay, Autumn!

Ali and I got matching shirts! Woo!

Morris Dancers!

The Garlic Festival was A LOT OF FUN, and really opened my eyes to an entirely new culture. It encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone (and for those of you who know me, my comfort zone=my ever so selective pallet) and try something new. I appreciate the experience of learning from individuals who are ever so passionate about what they do and I grew a lot from this experience.

So, then on Sunday, I headed home for the Jewish Holidays! It was so nice to see my family! We had two delicious festive meals and enjoyed the company of each other.

Of course, during the three days I was home, I went to the beach several times, in the fog, in the wind, and in the sun.. I also went bike riding with my popppps, which was much fun!

And, before I conclude, I would like to mention that this is Parent and Family Weekend, and I would like to give a shout out to NPBlogger Kevin/ OL Kevin for doing a fantastic job breaking the cashew brittle.. look at this skill!

Next to Come: ROCKING THOSE VOTES!

Enjoy this beautiful FALL WEATHER! -Jessie

Yo, Check-It, today was the Fire Safety Bonanza I was telling Y’all about and it was AWESOME!  It was really a good time overall, and for those of you who went and supported your halls: Good Job!  And for those of you who didn’t wake up until 2pm: oh well, maybe next year.  There was food, free pamphlets, keyring toys, and activities.  The activities were really the best part because they were a real eye opener to even me, a real fire safety buff (or at least now I am…)

Next to the R.H.S.A. table there was the R.A.D. program table.  At this table, there were Officers Kelsey and Coxe who played the victim (who knew how to beat the snot out of an attacker) and the attacker, respectfully.  Very cool.

The first activity was the “Rescue Drag.”  This entailed some poor soul (Me) thinking they could drag an -approximately- 165 lb. dummy fifty feet and back.  FIFTY FEET!  Lets just say, that the dummy and I were lucky that Capt. Scott Schulte was there to help me with the last forty five feet (give or take my dignity…)

After that there was the “Let’s-all-crawl-into-the-smokey-room,” dealio and that was scary -no lie.  There were five of us, and one Fire Fighter, and he briefed us about feeling the door, staying low, and crawling TEN feet to the exit door.  Scary…  As soon as I got in, I was like Dane Cook in the War Flute bit! LOLOL  First of all, lets just talk about this phenomenon of memory loss that happens when you open the door:  I forgot to crawl.  Then, I was blinded by -no, not the light (thank you, Manfred Mann’s Earth Band) but by the incessant smoke, no matter that we were on the floor.  Oh, did I mention that I went first?

Now, this next one, was probably the least realistic, but regardless, it was a good experience.  I participated in the Fire Extinguisher training session.  There was a Fire Fighter that operated a propane flame source from a “trash can” and I used the Water Pressure Extinguisher and the P.A.S.S. technique: Pull the pin; Aim; Squeeze the lever, Sweep the extinguisher back and forth at the base of the flame.  Very Savvy…

Now here’s the BIG ONE -Oh My GOSH!  At 2pm they lit a mock college room on fire -legit: no propane, dynamite, gasoline, charcoal, aerosol cans, candles, steak dinners, what-have-you.  Just the room and the flames.  This was one of the most scary and impressive things that I’ve ever seen -and I know what you’re thinking: “Hey Matt, you sure do get scared a lot, huh?”  Nay.  No I do not; but this inferno was something to be seen.  And for the late sleepers of the group, I’ve got a snazzy-do video you can chickety-check out.  Now, this was an event that I wasn’t going to miss, so I planted myself some forty feet away and setup the cam.  As soon as they lit this thing up, i could smell smoke, and as soon as the smoke accumulated there was fire -from there it was over: the picture fell ,the computer monitor EXPLODED and the tapestry created a curtain of flame.  Even me being forty feet away I could feel the heat, and it was deceiving how real it was, because at first, I thought it was the sun, or me just getting all worked up, but when I checked in with the peeps next to me, they confirmed that it was real flame broiled hotness.

Overall, I was super glad that I went, schmoosed, took pictures and video, and had a blast.

Oh, and I have recently discovered “No Air,” by Jordin Sparks (recently? I know, right? what, do I live under a rock? ).  And in case some Dane Cook fans are wondering, I am seeing My Best Friends Girl tonight!

PEACE!

Matt

P.S.  There will be NO audio on the video -do not fret!

: D

fire-safetyb1

Yesterday, I saw my bff Kellie in the SUB and she was all:  “Hey, come on down to Queer Action Coalition with us!” and even O.L. Eli F. and my co-Blogger Holly Gooden were all: “Yeah, definitely come!” So, I went, and I really enjoyed myself.  The meeting is Wednesdays at 9pm, in SUB 402 -but wait, you don’t know what Q.A.C. (pronounced “quack”) is?  Well, it is a group on campus that advocates and educates about G.B.L.T.Q. (Gay, Bisexual, Lesbian, Transsexual, Queer) rights and so forth.  So far they have events like Coming Out Day, Halloween parties, something-for-Thanksgiving, and other cool business going on.  To tell you the truth (the whole truth, and noting but the truth) I wanted to continue to get involved, but I didn’t think it was going to be with Q.A.C.  Actually, I thought it was a one-time-deal meeting instead of a weekly organization, but as it turns out, I really like it and I’ve got something else to be involved in.  And that’s another thought that popped into my head: that you never stop getting involved in new things, if you don’t want to.  That being said, I will be as active in Q.A.C. as I can this year, because I am PUMPED to be there, with Kellie, and Holly, and my new friend Leighann.

Now, back to my friend Kellie: she is a riot! I met her last year because we were in F.Y.I. together, but only in the last few months.  I find it weird that in such an involved organization as F.Y.I., there can still be people that don’t meet until the party’s almost over -in this case: F.Y.I.  Regardless, we are crazy close and if any of you see her just shout out some Anchorman quotes and she’ll get the idea/laugh incessantly.

Aside from Kellie and Q.A.C., I am really looking forward to this weekend.  No, not to engage in illegal and debasing activities but for Fire Safety!!! On Saturday, at high-noon in the Old Main Quad, there is a fire safety Bonanza and they will be burning a college room -and for real, though, they lite the room UP!  I also heard that its basically going to be an awesome get together of classy, classy individuals like Fire Chief, Scott Schulte.  I hope to see you all there -yes, ALL of you!

Oh, and just in case you guys were wondering, Ive been listening to a lot of Bob Marley -namely: “Could You Be Loved,” it’s magical.

My homework AWAITS-

Matt Stracq

: D

WOW was this an awesome Saturday! Hello all! I know it’s late on a Saturday night, but I just couldn’t contain myself! I had to share with you what happened today while all the lovely details are fresh in my mind!

Today I went to the New York Renaissance Faire in Tuxedo, New York. Now, I don’t think I would ever have gone to this event without an invitation from a best friend and a nudge of encouragement. Living on eastern Long Island, I guess I just wasn’t exposed to these thrilling fairs (or I was I just oblivious?) I’ve been to Blues fairs, Greek fairs, and Jazz fairs, but I’ve never attended a Renaissance Faire, and may I say I was EXCITED to do so.

So, the lot of us woke up in the wee hours of the morning (hey- they were wee hours for a Saturday) and arrived at Tuxedo by 9:30 in the morn. Jon Markle was our friend who drove us all, so we could experience our first Renaissance Faire! He was so ecstatic, with his custom-made, loosely-fitted Renaissance garb and his chain link carrying case. Sadly to say, I did not get dressed up. Neither did my friends Renee Levine or Emily Kurland. Emily and I joked around, saying we’d see such few people at the fair WITHOUT costumes, that when we spotted someone with jeans, we’d exclaim: “No way! You look like us! Are you from the 21st century too? What sort of time travel did YOU use?” Luckily, that discussion never sprung into action. Besides, there were TONS of people who didn’t go full-out with the proper time-period attire. They were probably poor college students like us, unable to afford costume rentals.

I must mention that there was this enchanting pathway in the woods leading from the parking lot to the actual Renaissance Faire. Renee described this pathway as the metaphysically earth trodden trail that led from our world to the world of the Renaissance. This pathway was like our closet door to our Narnia, except it led to a closed gate that opened after a 15 minute skit, which presented a storyline for the rest of the day’s events.

The greenery we passed through.

Here’s the front gate where we watched and listened to the skits take place.

The Renaissance Faire was based on the tale of Robin Hood and Sheriff Nottingham; a common story which has been Disney-fied into our hearts

Here’s Robin Hood, playing the observer for the time being.

Once we entered the Faire, so so SO much was going on! I was immediately drawn to this hair braiding booth, where I decided on a design! Check it out!

This is my hair after it was put into a Diagonal French Braid with 2 ropes! Hopefully you can see how detailed it is from this picture.

I want this hairstyle to last until at least Monday. That might sound gross, but I paid “mad dough” for that doo, and I want to get my money’s worth! My hair braider named Sam said people normally leave it in from 3 to 5 days. In order to do so, you have to use lots of hairspray and wear something silky on your head at night so it doesn’t create friction. My roommate found me a shower cap and I’m sporting that at the moment. Stylish! I look like I’m about to milk some cows.

One event I really enjoyed was the Maypole dance. This is where dancers would weave in and out of each other while holding long ribbons or streamers in order to braid the pole. It was a form of celebration to commemorate May Day. I just want to mention how nice the employees were, because as soon as they finished braiding the pole, they took audience members and danced with them. It was as if they’ve known each other their entire lives. That’s just how natural and pleasurable I observed their dancing to be.

Polly Solomon and Renee Levine dancing during the Maypole dance with Captain Jack Sparrow behind them.

Another event I liked was the giant chess match. This chess match took place on a giant field spray painted with white squares to signify the board. We had Robin Hood and his men vs. Sheriff Nottingham and his men. This was no ordinary chess, however. It was even better than the chessboard in Harry Potter, because in this “board,” the characters would stage fight with one another using swords and other forms of weaponry. Here’s some action shots!!!

The bad guy in mid-air after he was FLIPPED!

Sheriff Nottingham vs. Robin Hood during a crazy sword fight.

OH and I cannot forget the main reason we came to the Reniassance Faire. We actually have a New Paltz Alumni, Polly Solomon, acted in so many of the events through out the day! She was the smallest Gypsy and she performed her famous Flying Gypsy Act! She actually learned this unique skill from the N.Y. Circus Arts. While she was still at SUNY New Paltz last year , she starred in our yearly student choreographed dance recital called Fresh Dance, where she performed this same sort of “flying” but at a much greater height (since McKenna stage is much larger)! Here’s some pictures of her act as the Flying Gypsy!

Polly Solomon being the little gypsy she is, just….hangin’.

I love this move! It looks so difficult to do, though!

Now I believe, would be the proper time to end my blog with someone close to my heart. I must mention that Renee Levine, my best friend, became a celebrity through out the Faire today. It has an anecdote that goes along with it. Well, as soon as we entered the gates this morning, there were these stocks you could get into and pose to take pictures. There were 2 adjacent stocks and so I asked Renee if she’d get in one with me for a schnazzy snapshot. She kindly declined, not liking the idea of sticking her head and wrists in a limited space at a 90 degree angle.

Here’s me and Emily Kurland in the stocks. Apparently, I am an insufferable diva and Emily is a nagging shrew.

Well, let’s just say she paid for that decision, greatly. The actors got word of her refusal and claimed she was a guilty sinner who needed to pay the consequences for her actions. Luckily, Renee is a good sport. However, that doesn’t mean she wasn’t scared out of her wits by EVERYONE who worked at the faire. Word spread quickly. Pretty soon the entire staff would shout her name throughout the day. Some would even make the effort to converse with her so she could save her culpable soul. One man in particular liked to bellow her name as loud and as long as he could. Who was that man, you ask? The executioner! He loved to carry his sharpened ax in one hand, and a cleanly sliced head in the other. As he walked, sweat dripped from his shiny, bald head and into his thick beard. Lucky, lucky Renee Levine. Or should I say: lucky, lucky RE-NAAAAAAAAY LA-VIIIIIIIIINE (as she was more commonly called.)

Here the executioner is pressing the dead head he recently chopped off into Renee’s face. Kissy Kissy! As you can tell, she’s thrilled.

Well, by the end of the day Renee went from being hassled by the employees to being respected by them. I felt that all those exuberant and accepting people working the Renaissance Faire saw in Renee what I see everyday: a lovable, comedic, charitable, unostentatious human being. That’s why she’s my best friend.

Ok, well enough of that mushy stuff. It’s raining buckets outside right now! Sorry the pictures came out so tiny. Again, I’m still getting a knack for this blogging thing. Hope everyone stays dry for Sunday!

Today was the second annual Jell-O War!  RA Chris in Esopus Hall came up with it last year and it was so successful that this year Scudder Hall did it as well!  What is a “Jell-O War,” you ask?  Well, it stars the night before in a mass Jell-O making campaign.  For a war of our magnitude, RA Chris, RA Kim and PA Felipe prepared eleven trays of Jell-O, with approximately three packets to a tray …you do the math!  Then, as usual ,the Jell-O is chilled overnight, and cut up the next day.  As far as the game is concerned, everyone is given a number (to wear/hold) and then a group of numbers (i.e. 1-15) is called out at a time, and the goal is to eliminate -by way of Jell-O throws- the number above yours.  As soon as you’re tagged with Jell-O, You’re OUT!  However, if you are the victor, you are to seek out your former opponent’s target.  And if I didn’t explain it well enough, just trust me: It’s AWESOME!!!

However, this year, the Jell-O liquefied in the trays, and a Jell-O Free-for-All ensued.  But it was all good, and I got some sweet shots from the sidelines.

In other recent news, I was able to get into “Women Images and Realities,” class.  This is my second semester in a row trying to get into the course, but it was well worth it.  I have heard nothing but good things from the course and I even heard from RA Kim: “It changed my life!” -So if dat ain’t proof, I donno what is! I must say, that although I just-got-in, it has been very enlightening, thus far.  So now when people ask what courses are good to take, I can at least say: “Women Images and Realities.”

Check out the Jell-O War pictures,

Thanks,

Matt Stracq

: D

On Friday, the F.Y.I. Program took it’s annual trip to Mohonk, and it was a blastie-blast!  Lemon Squeeze, Skytop Walk, Botanical Gardens, and Chillin’ with RD Kristen… Ohh, yeah!

As you guessed, I was on the Lemon Squeeze with CDA Matt, RA Chris, RA Lorraine, RM Diana and RA Matt (hey, would you look at that, all the “Matt’s” went on the Lemon Squeeze!) along with most of the F.Y.I. program.  I felt very important as I was checking students on and off the bus, wearing my bright orange shirt, and taking up the middle group of the Lemon Squeezers all my myself (Yeah!)  Now, as a former F.Y.I.-er from last year, I forgot how awesome it was to be in the thick of it with all those rocks, and all the climbing and the occasional plateau to gaze out over the range.  Although it was a hot, hot day, it still was not as hot, humid and hazy as last year, because this year we were actually able to see the campus!  JFT, HAB, AWC, REH, OM, CH, Hasbrouck Quad, and just a hint of Lenape.  And although this is a small school and a small campus, it still is big. But, even though the campus looks big, and the tower at the top of Mohonk is way tall and has been there forever, it’s all still dwarfed my the awesomeness of mother nature.  Everything from the clouds, the sun and the mountain to the Hurricanes down south (yikes, I hope they’re alright!) can dwarf all else, in its size, grandeur and longevity.  It makes me respect and understand nature and our environment more and more for each one of these experiences.  I only wish I could have taken more pictures, but then again, I think of “3×5,” by John Mayer and I say:

“Naa, they have to see it for themselves -and I should see it again too!”

On that note, I would encourage all of you to go to Mohonk, and climb the Lemon Squeeze.

For now, it’s back to homework and what not

“Yikes! …and away.” -Snickers Commercial

Matt

: D

For those who are wondering about what I could possibly be writing about, let me preface this blog with something I am thankful for:  I have been blessed with the immune system of an ox.  That being said, I may be getting sick. There seems to be some bug that is making its way around the Esopus Hall staff, and I don’t like it one bit!  A few days ago I noticed a little soreness in my throat, but I took an extra vitamin and got plenty of rest.  However, last night I was not able to get the much needed rest and relaxation to cure my common cold.  And so, as one could imagine, I woke up con-ges-ted!  But thankfully, after blowing my nose to oblivion I was able to get some rest, and as I just told one former Blogger, Allie Duarte, I will be taking a twenty-eight hour nap very shortly!

In other news -and on to a more positive note- Esopus Hall elected a new Hall Government E-board last night, and it was a hoot.  I was very pleased to have been one of very many, many people who came out last night to vote.  If I remember correctly, Esopus Hall was not out in full force for last year’s elections, unfortunately; but that is a thing of the past!  It really was a “refresher” -or a “reFreshens,” if I may (try the Chocolate!)- to see so many first-years and sophomores running, voting, and showing their interest in getting involved.  Also, I would like to encourage all of YOU to become active in Hall Government, even if you only plan on voting and coming out to programs (plus, it looks great on a résumé!).

Aaaaannnd, this FRIDAY the F.Y.I. program will be taking it’s annual trip to Mohonk!!!

Woooo, Lemon Squeeze : D

As for right now, well, I have a class at 10:40, so maybe I can sneak in a few winks before my class starts

…maybe…

LatA,

Matt Stracq

Well, let me formally introduce myself, my name is Matthew Stracquodaine, also known as Matt, Matt Stracq, Stracq, and on some occasions, Nankenstein.  I am a Sophomore with a major in Art Education, and I am considering a minor in Art History -but keep that one on the down low…  Also, I currently hold the position of Resident Mentor or R.M. in Esopus Hall.  R.M. Diana, Senior R.M. Tiff and I provide advice and academic aid to the incoming first year students in the F.Y.I. (First Year Initiative) Program to make their first year transitions easy-peezy!  And like I said, we live in Esopus Hall, so shout out to the Esopus Hall Staff for being Superfantastical.

Anyway, as you all know -or will soon find out- today is the first day of classes to kick off the 2008-2009 academic year.  Personally, I have had two awesome classes thus far and one to go.  At 8am, on the bright, I went to my Religions of the World class and climbed to the top of the steps of Chichen Itza (spell check…) in the Humanities building to get there, and already Thursday’s class is canceled: sweet!  And in my Child Psych and Development class, I had the pleasure of meeting my professor, Lenore B. Douglas, and she is a riot.  And my next class is at three, so its up in the air until I get there.

Well, it was a pleasure to have met all of you, and I hope you all have an awesome first day of classes!

Matt