Local News 29 Sagl Feldman The F inancial Blues The last time I sat down to write a piece to be published, I expressed my heart-felt admiration for Frank Sinatra’s. Since then, however, I have been struck by a phenomenon which took control of the majority of the student body - low cash flow. The good old days when I was able to afford feasting at Frank Sinatra's or any other wellestablished restaurant where the chairs are not nailed to the floor are over. When I Initially arrived at the G ivat Scum campus, life seemed easy and unruffled due to cash which was still at the students’ dispense. I can still remember talking to friends and telling them that I was on my way to the bank to withdraw money. How I miss those days when the phrase "withdraw money from the bank" seemed feasible. People went out to numerous clubs every night, travelled around Israel, and many even travelled abroad. To many of us, these activities are now a luxury Instead of a way of life. It all started very Innocently with the *borrowing' of salt and pepper shakers from various restaurants. Yes, I’m talking about what the students refer to as *living the economical life of a student abroad,’ when In actuality it is called ,being cheap, stingy, pathetic, and in some cases even unlawful." Although these actions seem pointless to those who are financially secure, and can afford to buy the normal ,over 18" bus pass Instead of shaving on an hourly basis In order to pass as youth ־ to many of us this way of living is not an option. I, for one, have adapted to this new challenging situation, and have developed some means to survive and have fun at the same time. Now that the year Is almost over, I can look back at people's desperate attempts to save moneyand laugh. For example, unlike at the beginning of the year, students no longer leave the dorms to drink In pubs, and discos. Instead, Club 111/2 is flooded with students who drink cheap, watered-down beer while watching old episodes of the Simpsons, Seinfeld, or the ,all new* 1990 MTV countdown which Includes songs In Chinese (luckily the words to the songs appear on the bottom of the screen so that everyone can sing along - however, they too are in Chinese). Furthermore, the bus stop at the top of Hen Yehuda street 18 filled with students by the time midnight comes around so they will not have to spend an extra 2 NIS and take a cab Instead of the last bus. Although this way of living sounds pitiful, it can be fun If it Is looked upon in a positive manner. The educational and inexpensive M.A.S.A. seminars which were offered periodically throughout the year represented an opportunity for the students to get away for the weekend, stay in a comfortable hotel, eat constantly, "borrow" useful items, and perhaps even learn something between eating, watching T.V., and swimming outside. For those students who remained ethical, and had not yet been morally corrupted by their financial strains, Pizza Hut offered an ,all you can eat" deal on SundayB and Mondays. On these nights herds of students trekked to the Canion and stuffed themselves to the point w here b re a th in g becam e challenging. This ritual became more than just another dinner In the eyes of some students, but a challenge too. Bets for who could eat the greatest number of pizza slices became common in the struggle to find the true Pizza King. Upon the completion of the feast, the students swiftly headed to the nearest bathroom in order to stock up on soft, free toilet paper which is a necessity after a night at Pizza Hut. For what goes in, must eventually come out. Shuk M achane Yehuda was yet another place where students could find cheap food, good laughs, and most Importantly - good falafel. It was the Shuk that students visited to avoid the overpriced supermarkets, and learn the art of advertisement - sweaty men screaming at the top of their lungs for people to come to their stands. The real problem for me began when I attempted to store and eventually cook the food which I bought. Not to say that there was insufficient space to store my food in the 60cm by 50cm fridge which was shared by four people, or that the stove was not great just because Its gas flow was inconsistent, thereby burning my arm-hair to a crisp every time I lit it. It must be said that, in general, the students from abroad did not master the art of cooking. Due to the lack of cooking talent, most students on the O.Y.P. survived on pasta. Even though I had enjoyed eating spaghetti for the first several months, I have now developed an allergy to the food. The first time that I became aware of the sad reality that I was unable to feast at Frank Sinatra’s, I decided I would change my lifestyle. I still miss Frank's, and often write sad poetry about the crispy shnitzel- ,roses are red, violets are blue, I miss the shnitzel, what else can I do.1 However, I am learning to cope with my new situation. So, if you find yourself stealing towels from the Hyatt, having wet dreams over food, or not being able to look at anything attractive without thinking of how it would look on your desk, do not fear. Many of us are experiencing the same emotions, and are singing the financial blues. ,Money, mo' money ־ I ain’t with being broke. Got to get my hands on some.1 -I Ain't With Being Broke, THE GETO BOYS
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