What’s Inside: Late Night Transportation Options…...1 Beat the Winter Blues in Ann Arbor....2 Superbowl Commercials Review.........3 Eating Disorder Awareness Month…..3 Stay in the Blue…………………………..……4 Golden Moments from the Oscars.….5 Renters Insurance………..........…………..6 Protect Your Homes!……..........………...6 What to Know for Spring Break………..7 Beware the Traveling Bedbug...………..8
Hello off-campus students! As midterms approach, remember your late night transportation options: 1. SafeRide is a free service that transports students within a 1 mile radius of campus. Riders may use this service from 10PM-2AM and must present a valid UM ID. To request a ride, call (734)647-8000.
2. Night Ride is a $5 shared-ride taxi service within Ann Arbor that runs from 11 PM-6 AM (Mon-Fri) and 7PM to 7:30AM (Sat-Sun). Call (734)647-8000 and select Option Three for a ride. 3. State Street Ride is a free service from 10PM-6AM (Mon-Fri) from University buildings to the Park & Ride State St. Commuter Lot. Call (734)547-2222 for a ride. Safety Tips When Utilizing Taxi Cabs: • Ride home with a friend or in groups. • Note the company name and ensure that the vehicle is a licensed cab displaying appropriate signage. • To maintain your personal space, always ride in the back seat of taxi vehicles unless you are part of a large group. • Do not send friends in cabs who have been drinking and may not be aware of their surroundings. • If riding home alone, consider calling a friend upon entering the cab and specifying your destination to let them know you are on your way home in a (name of cab company) and will be there shortly. Stay Safe, and Go Blue! Stephanie Karaa and Matt Lonnerstater Beyond the Diag Program Assistants
Beat the Winter Blues in Ann Arbor Feeling bogged down with midterms and papers? Confused by this on-again off-again winter weather? It’s normal for students to feel stressed and moody this time of year. If dreaming of your spring break destination isn’t doing the trick, beat the winter blues in Ann Arbor this month by exploring the city beyond campus. You can find details for the events listed below and many more by checking out the Events Calendar at annarbor.com. Appreciate others’ creativity and artistry by exploring several art exhibits ranging from ink prints to metalwork and more: Gifts of Art Gallery at U-M Hospitals On display February 11-April 8 8:00am – 8:00pm daily Imagine you’re already on vacation with Irish folk music at Traditional Irish Sessions: Conor O’Neill’s Sundays 7:00pm – 10:00pm Whether you’re looking for your big break, want to perform for the fun of it, or just listen to some amateur performers, head to The Ark’s Open Stage: The Ark First and Third Wednesdays of the month 8:00pm – 11:00pm
Laugh out loud at a comedy show featuring Dave Dyer, who is a contributing writer to “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon”: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase Thursday, February 28 – Saturday, March 2 8:00pm and 10:30pm Get outside and serve the community by removing invasive species and getting free snacks at an Eco-Restoration Workday. U-M Mattaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum Saturday, March 9 & 16; April 13 & 20 9:00am – 12:00pm Contributed by Jenn Mulligan Photo contributed by Stacey Caplan, U-M Senior Photo from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Ark_folk_music_venue_Ann_Arbor.JPG
Super Bowl Commercials Review Throughout the years, Super Bowl commercials have established themselves as a classic in their own right; becoming just as important as the game itself. Although this year's ads hardly measured up to the years prior, there were a few that deserve mention. The Good Though there were several heartwarming ads that made you believe in love, friendship, and all that other goodness, hands down the best Super Bowl ad was the Ram Truck "Farmer” ad. The electricity of this ad is not something you can understand from reading a description. Click the link to the commercial and I promise it'll give you goose-bumps. The Bad Quite possibly the worst ad I've ever seen during a Super Bowl would be this year's GoDaddy.com commercial. It features an attractive young woman and a less conventionally attractive man. The narrator deems the pair the two sides that make up the GoDaddy.com company. Just in case you were already bored with the opening, the two share a disgusting kiss with sounds effects. I guess this just goes to show that sex doesn't always sell. The Funny Though many commercials this year missed the “funny mark” there was one that gave me a chuckle: the Doritos princess ad. It features an adorable little girl who bribes her dad and his friends with Doritos in order to get them to join her princess party. Long story short, it concludes with four grown men dancing around happily in dresses. Here's a link so you can enjoy the ad yourself. Contributed by Jadee Pope Photo from http://www.reellifewithjane.com/2013/02/super-bowl-commercials-2013-ram-truckspaul-harvey-god-made-a-farmer/
Eating Disorder Awareness Month Eating disorders are more prevalent on our campus than you may think. The recent U-SHAPE survey of U-M students revealed that 27.8% of female undergraduates, 11.8% of male undergraduates, 21.5% of female graduate students, and 10.3% of male graduate students screen positive for an eating disorder. If you are in any way dealing with an eating disorder or eating disorder symptoms, there are many resources available on campus. Both Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and nutrition services at UHS are free to students. Also, the Body Peace Corps, a student organization focused on promoting positive body image on campus and making peace with your body will be hosting events this month to increase eating disorder awareness. Contributed by Kelly Bissonnette, UHS
Stay in the Blue Combining medications (prescription or over the counter) with alcohol can have unpredictable and unwanted consequences. Learn the effects of the different combinations: Depressants Depressants, such as Xanax or Valium, combined with alcohol have a synergistic effect, with potential for dangerous and even lethal consequences, including rapid onset of dizziness, stumbling, loss of sphincter control, memory loss and potential death. Stimulants Stimulants like Ritalin, Adderall, and Concerta conceal alcohol’s effects when combined with it, so people cannot gauge their level of intoxication, which can result in over-consumption, significant impairment of coordination and judgment, blacking out, passing out and potential death. Prescription opiates Opiates (Vicodin, OxyContin, Tylenol 3 with codeine, Percocet) can result in slowed or arrested breathing, lowered pulse and blood pressure, unconsciousness, coma, and potential death when mixed with alcohol. Three Ways Harm Can Occur: 1. When people do not know that there are significant drug interactions and are caught by surprise when they inadvertently drink alcohol while using prescription medication. 2. When people knowingly combine alcohol with other drugs because they mistakenly believe it will be a “better” or “enriched” intoxication. 3. As a tool to facilitate a crime (sexual assault, robbery, etc) by making a victim incapacitated. If you choose to drink: •Don’t leave your drink unattended. •If you don’t see your drink being made, don't drink it. •Avoid drinks that come from a common source (e.g. punch bowl, igloo container, jug). For more information, see: •Harmful Effects of Mixing Drugs and Alcohol •Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs •The Effects of Alcohol on Prescription Drug Abuse We can help ourselves, help our friends and help our community by understanding the dangers and actively promoting protective behaviors. Stay safe, Go Blue, and Stay in the Blue. Contributed by Mary Jo Desprez, UHS Photo from http://muslimvillage.com/2011/09/22/14948/drugs-alcohol-and-muslims/
Golden Moments from the Oscars Glitz, glamour, glory. These are some words you would probably think about when you hear “The Oscars”. It gives an aura of prestige, validated by the media attention and its ability to allow films, filmmakers, actors and actresses alike to be recognized and valued. Here are some less conventional words that also describe the Oscars: • Human Rights – Marlon Brando refused to accept his award in 1973, protesting against Hollywood’s treatment of Native Americans by having Native American Sacheen Littlefeather speak instead. • Nudity – A streaker holding a peace sign ran across the stage as the presenter, David Niven, was presenting at the 46th Academy Awards in 1974. That’s taking five seconds of fame to a whole other level. • Canada – Robin Williams sang “Blame Canada”, from South Park's: Bigger, Longer, Uncut Original Soundtrack, which was nominated for best original soundtrack in 2000. • Kanye – You’ve probably heard of the infamous incident in the MTV Music Awards when Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift. But back in 2010, there was a similar incident, when Roger Ross Williams was upstaged by the producer of the film. • Legs – Or more specifically, Angelina Jolie’s right leg. One of the most (unintended!) yet talked about moment during the Oscars in 2012. What will be some moments that define this year’s Oscars? Whatever they may be, it’s safe to say that it has a lot of potential, and who knows? Maybe some unintended event will be the most memorable… Be sure the watch them on Sunday, February 24th! Contributed by Emily Ho Photo from http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/i/2013/01/18/SACHEEN-LITTLEFEATHER_510x510.jpg Photo from http://i.huffpost.com/gen/513745/ANGELINA-JOLIE-OSCARS-LEG.jpg
Renters Insurance: A Smart Option for Students Renters Insurance is recommended for all students living off-campus. Theft, fire, and water damage are just some of the risks that students face. In any of these scenarios, the last thing you want to do is break the bank to repair or buy back all of your damaged or stolen goods. Additionally, the lease signed with your landlord only covers damages to the building in which you live. To protect your personal items in the event that these situations occur, consider purchasing renters insurance. Students can safeguard their personal property if it is stolen, lost, or damaged in their offcampus residence at very affordable rates; some policies even cover losses suffered by visitors. Renters insurance guarantees a reimbursement on the personal items that were stolen or ruined. Renters insurance can be purchased from local insurance agencies, which can provide a wide range of policy options that fit both your budget and coverage needs. Contributed by Monica Cerrezuela Picture from http://www.flraz.com/do-you-need-renters-insurance
Protect Your Homes! It is up to you to take responsibility and get involved in your home to stop the spread of fire! Here are some common tips: • Candles: Never leave a candle burning without being present. Keep candles away from items that can easily catch on fire (paper, linens, drapes). • Cooking: Always stay in your cooking area while cooking. Clean up after yourself so that the area does not become dirty. If a fire starts in your microwave, unplug the unit. If a fire starts anywhere else, know where the fire extinguisher is! • Extinguisher Acronym: Know how to use your fire extinguisher with PASS! Pull Aim Squeeze Spray • Smoking: After you are finished smoking you should make sure the cigarette is out. Always put cigarette butts into designated ashtrays. Encourage others to pick up their cigarette butts when they are done. • Escape Planning: Have a plan and know where the exit is. Get low to stay out of the smoke. Feel closed doors making sure they are not hot, and have two ways out. • Common factors for fires: Lack of automatic fire sprinklers, missing or disabled smoke alarms, careless disposal of smoking materials, impaired judgment from alcohol consumption and upholstered furniture fires on decks and porches. Contributed by Jonathan Bickmann Photo from http://www.urbandillo.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/candles1.jpg
What to Know for Spring Break You’ve decided what you want to do for Spring Break, and you are READY. Maybe you want to have fun, or maybe you just want to sleep. Maybe you plan to travel, or stay home, or celebrate the week off, or make a difference in the world. No matter what your plans – you definitely don’t want to wake up your first day back more stressed, exhausted or overwhelmed than when you left. To make sure you get what you want out of Spring Break, here are some important safety considerations to remember, whether at home, on the beach, in a big city, or abroad. Know the RISKS Spring Break risks include break-ins at your house or apartment while you’re away, muggings of students who are out on the town, and sexual assault (often facilitated by alcohol and other drugs) by people you know and people you don’t know. If you’re traveling to a new place, do a little research ahead of time into relevant laws, customs, and expectations; they could all be quite different from Ann Arbor’s. And if you’re leaving the country, don’t forget to fill out the UM Travel Registry. Have a PLAN Do some good thinking before Spring Break about your own goals. Do you want to drink? How much? Do you want to hook up? Who with? What’s your specific plan for transportation, birth control, or safer sex? Do you want to take a Personal Safety & Self-Defense workshop before you go? For travel safety planning, be sure to check out enjoying spring break safely from Erin Weed’s Fight Back Spring Break site. Stick TOGETHER Once you know your risks, and have a plan, it’s a great idea to share that information with a trusted friend. Help each other out, watch for any red flags or suspicious people, have fun together and go home together. And remember - no one deserves, invites or causes violence; no matter what your choices or your situation, you have a right to ask for help. U-M students can get support from many places, including the Dean of Students Office, the Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, and the UM Police Department. Give yourself an amazing Spring Break. Once you know the risks, have a plan, and connect with your support people – have FUN! Contributed by Katy Mattingly, Student Safety Program Manager Photos from Michigan Photography
Beware the Traveling Bedbug Bedbugs are annoying, bloodsucking parasites that are everywhere and like to travel. Here are some suggestions to help you protect yourself from bedbugs as you head off on spring break: Where to look for Bedbugs: Look for bedbugs in any place that offers darkness, protection, and easy access to their hosts. The most likely place to find signs of these parasites are in folds and tufts of mattresses and box springs. Other places include carpet, chairs, nightstands, or other furniture, as well as cracks and hollow posts of headboards. Make sure to inspect behind pictures, clock radios, draperies, and any appliances. Identification: Bedbugs (shown to the right) are reddish-brown insects with an oval shape. They are about 5mm (1/5”) long. Their body is flat from top to bottom. Their head is noticeably smaller than their abdomen. They have tiny wing pads instead of wings. Immature bedbugs (nymphs) look like the adults except that they are much smaller in size. Eggs are yellowish white. An easy sign of bedbugs is that bed linens will have small rust-colored stains. This may come from bedbug feces, or from bedbugs that were crushed by the bed’s occupant. In heavy infestations, a sickeningly sweet odor may be detected in the room. How Do You Get Rid of Bedbugs? Bedbugs can be killed using extreme heat (greater than 120F), extreme cold (less than 32F), steam, and insecticide. Their numbers can be reduced by vacuuming prior to treatment. (Seal bag and toss when done). • Clothing or other items you can wash -- do so. HOT washing of 120 degrees kills adults and eggs. • Non washable Items like stuffed animals can be placed in a dryer on HOT setting for 15 minutes. • The use of No-Pest strips (available at stores in their pest or houseware department) in a plastic bag that is closed for 72 hours will kill the bed bugs. Under no circumstances should these be used in any bags containing food items, medications, cosmetics or any item intended for consumption or body care. We recommend using this for all items that cannot be washed (electronics, paper products, etc.) • Furniture (especially mattresses and box springs) should be steamed, cleaned, heat-treated, or fumigated. Steaming equipment is available at hardware stores at very reasonable cost. Fumigation is achieved by placing item(s) in a sealed plastic bag or container with a NO-Pest strip. Contributed by University Housing Photo from http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Bedbugs-bounce-back-Outbreaks-in-all-50-states2603470.php
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