Labor Day 2012

Did you know that Monday, September 3 is a national holiday and that you do not have any classes on that day? 

Well, it’s true. The first Monday of September each year is Labor Day. This holiday is for us to appreciate the achievements of American workers. 

It was first called the “working man’s holiday” so that people who don’t usually get time off could have one day to spend with their families and relax. In the 1880s American industry was growing so fast that the workers started to form unions in order to organize their rights and benefits. It was during that time period that the tradition of Labor Day started. 

According to the UnitedStated Department of Labor website, “The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy”. Therefore, we now celebrate the work of laborers who work hard every day to make this country what it is today.

Because of the time of year when we celebrate this holiday, Americans also think of this as the last summer gathering of the year. People usually celebrate Labor Day with friends and family by cooking barbeque outside and playing outdoor games. Many people go to their summer vacation homes on lakes around Indiana and play on the water as well.

So what can you do on Labor Day in Muncie? Well, not much, really, but you can find activities in the Indianapolis area that are typical American Labor Day celebrations. As the Yahoo News site says, “parades, pools, ribs and racing” are all a part of Labor Day activities and you can find them all in Indy this weekend. For more information, check out the Yahoo news link here.

Note that because it is a national holiday, banks and other government offices will be closed on Monday.

Lights

This week’s #1 single: 

Lights by Ellie Goulding

"Lights"

I had a way then losing it all on my own
I had a heart then but the queen has been overthrown
And I'm not sleeping now the dark is too hard to beat
And I'm not keeping now the strength I need to push me

You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine It when I'm alone
And so I tell myself that I'll be strong
And dreaming when they're gone

'Cause they're calling, calling, calling me home
Calling, calling, calling home
You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine It when I'm alone

Home

Noises, I play within my head
Touch my own skin and hope that I'm still breathing
And I think back to when my brother and my sister slept
In an unlocked place the only time I feel safe

You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine it when I'm alone
And so I tell myself that I'll be strong
And dreaming when they're gone

'Cause they're calling, calling, calling me home
Calling, calling, calling home
You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine it when I'm alone

Home

Yeah, hee

Light, lights, lights, lights
Light, lights, lights, lights
Light, lights, lights, lights
Light, lights

You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine it when I'm alone
And so I tell myself that I'll be strong
And dreaming when they're gone

'Cause they're calling, calling, calling me home
Calling, calling, calling home
You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine it when I'm alone

Home, home
Light, lights, lights, lights
Light, lights, lights, lights

Home, home
Light, lights, lights, lights
Light, lights, lights, lights

Home, home
Light, lights, lights, lights
Light, lights, lights, lights

Home, home
Light, lights, lights, lights
Light, lights, lights, lights

Ribfest - Downtown Muncie!

 

What is a "ribfest?"
Well, its a festival of MEAT - Ribmeat. Yes, that's right. Local restaurants bring their best ribmeat dishes and sell it at outdoor shops. There will be plenty of beef for those who don't eat pork, and for non-Muslims there will be lots of pork, too. And don't worry, if you don't eat meat at all, there will be many other food options for you. You will be able to taste typical Indiana summer festival foods!

But it's not only a festival of ribs and food, there are lots of other things to see and do as well. For example, if you like cars, there will be an exhibit of old cars along the streets. And if you have children, bring them because there will be many games and activities for children. The days are also filled with live music - there are 4 stages with a variety of entertainment.

Muncie's RIBFEST is a great way to get out and see local people and experience a part of Muncie's culture.

WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, August 25 & 26

WHERE: Downtown Muncie

COST: $5.00; children under 10 are free. This price will get you into the event for BOTH days!

HOW TO GET THERE: 

Maybe this map will help?? :)

Here is an article in Muncie's newspaper, The Star Press, about the ribfest. Check it out for more information.

If you go, please let me know about your experience! Leave a comment for other readers to know about it, too!

Have a great weekend everybody!

Concert on the Green

Wednesday August 22, 2012

At

Minnetrista Grounds

The

MuncieSymphony Orchestra

Will perform!

Welcome!

NOTE: This picture was taken at Ball State Arts Terrace, not at Minnetrista

Minnetrista is an honorary jewel in Muncie’s crown. It is the center of our history and a focal point for Muncie’s culture, pride, and gratitude. Minnetrista is the original homestead of the Ball Family. The Ball Family’s philanthropy powered Muncie’s growth and development and serves as the namesake of our most prestigious institutions – Ball Memorial Hospital and Ball State University.

There is much to say about Minnetrista which I will save for future posts. Today’s post is dedicated to simply announcing an event that takes place at Minnetrista:

Wednesday August 22, 2012

At

Minnetrista Grounds

The

MuncieSymphony Orchestra

Will perform!

Welcome!

Cost: free

What to bring (everything on this list is optional)

• Blanket or chairs to sit on
• Food/drinks to share (or not)
• Friends and family
• Money to buy drinks and treats on site

How to get there:

From Robert Bell building, go east. The road in front of Robert Bell is called “Petty”, but on the other side of McKinley, it is called “Neely”. Take Neely all the way to the end. There is a traffic light there and the crossroad is called “Wheeling.” Cross Wheeling. Note that Neely becomes “Minnetrista Blvd.” at that point. Take that as it curves around and you will see parking on both the left and the right. The Minnetrista grounds are on the right.

International Conversation Hour

Here is a cool opportunity for you to meet other international students and American students at Ball State:

For Both Domestic and International Students: 

International Conversation Hour (ICH) is a group of U.S. and international students who meet weekly to discuss different topics such as academic success, friendship, dating, and recreation. 

The goals of ICH are to 

• provide a place for both U.S. and international students to meet and learn from one another
• help international students improve their English 
• adjust to life at Ball State University.

ICH is a weekly program that is sponsored by the Counseling Center. 

Time:6-7:30 pm, every Tuesday. 

Location:310 Student Center 

Please come and bring your friends to join us. We are looking forward to seeing you there.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Pei-Yi Lin, Ph.D. at plin@bsu.edu. 

Welcome to Muncie

FUN-SEE Muncie! 

What's going on in Muncie?!

This blog is designed for international students at Ball State University, but of course,
everyone is welcome!

I'm River Lin, ESL instructor at Ball State University's Intensive English Institute (IEI). I am concerned because students often tell me that there is nothing to do in Muncie. Well, I agree that we don't have the kinds of events, activities, and amenities you are likely to find in nearby Indianapolis or not-so-far-away Chicago, but we DO have something worthwhile to offer.

I hope that this blog will help to inform students of places to go, things to do and people to meet here in Muncie, Indiana.

Check back often because 

I'll post upcoming events and opportunities 

as well as 

interesting stories 

and tidbits about 

YOUR 

FUN-SEE MUNCIE 

 

Minnetrista Museum