We’re back with another edition of G.W.W.E. (Guys We Wanna Eff)!

Swine flu, the rapidly-spreading illness making headlines across the globe, is probably Mexico’s least popular export at the moment. But let’s talk about my faaaavorite producto de Mexico, Gael Garciá Bernal, whose new film The Limits of Control opens today. Yeow!

The guapo Guadalajaran first caught my attention in Y Tu Mamá También, which is seriously the steamiest movie I’ve ever seen. Gael plays one of two teen boys who have sex with every woman under the sun and eventually take part in a thrilling three-way with a sensual, twenty-something woman (why wasn’t that me!?). While his character was supposed to be young, Gael’s physique alluded to the chiseled heartthrob he would soon become.

Bernal has also starred in the mega-hit biopic The Motorcycle Diaries, about the Argentine revolutionary Che Guevara, whose iconic face adorns many a hipster t-shirt. (Honestly, I’m as enthusiastic for socio-economic reforms as the next gal, but I’d much rather see Gael’s stunning visage on my cotton tee.) But if foreign films aren’t your forte, definitely catch Gael in The Science of Sleep, an indie cult favorite which…okay, it has a bit of French and Spanish in it, too, but accents and foreign tongues are just oh so effable, no?

Despite his premier acting chops, Gael has inspired legions of fangirls to set up websites in honor of his breathtaking hotness. And while no one has put a ring on it as of yet, Gael did welcome his first child, a son, with girlfriend Dolores Fonzi earlier this year.  But  having a little Gael around doesn’t bother me. There’s plenty of guys I wanna eff, I’d tell him, y tu papá también.

But before I start sounding like a fairy-tale, she does have some, ahem, quirks that some may find annoying, but I personally find endearing. This girl has taught me how to get along with almost anyone, especially complete strangers. (But for her sake, or mine, I’m not going to mention her name. She may do something to me in my sleep)

She Talks In Her Sleep. Even better, she talks in Spanish in her sleep since she’s from Mexico and that’s her native language. Many of you may find this difficult to deal with when trying to sleep, but I just laugh at her and roll over. I usually tease her in the morning for it too.

She Talks to Her Boyfriend on the Phone 24/7. She even has a specific phone just for talking to him because she uses so many minutes. Who knew one person could talk so much to their significant other? But I’ve learned to tune it out. I understand it can be hard having a boyfriend who lives 3 hours away. They have such a good relationship too, so it’s hard to get mad at her. They’re so cute together! Plus he’s a lot of fun to hang around with when he comes to visit.

She Listens to Taylor Swift When We Are Getting Ready in the Morning. Ok, this one is a little harder to forgive. But I see it as motivation to actually get out of bed and get to class on time. Otherwise I have to listen to…ugh, THAT.

Her Laugh is More of a Cackle. I really have no room to judge here, because when I laugh really hard I start sounding like I’m a hyena. Laughing is infectious, so I always end up laughing with her. Plus I like it because when she makes that laugh at something I say, I know it’s genuinely funny.

So if you ever have to live with a total and complete stranger, remember to look on the bright side. It can turn out good if you two can look past annoyances and see who they really are. My roommate has quirks, but she’s also funny, smart, and very good hearted. I love living with her, and it’s so much better than living with someone you just fight with all the time.

Ok, fess up time. Who has a roommate  with quirks that you can’t help but love?

It may only be early November, but the holidays are approaching fast.  Just like your major term paper due this semester, holiday shopping is something best approached far in advance. And though I can’t help you research West African history, I can give you a few suggestions on what to get your loved ones this December.

The Quicktionary II Pen

Know anyone studying abroad next semester? This gadget can scan a line of text and automatically translate it from English to Spanish (or Spanish to English). Best of all, it comes with a speech option so you can hear how the words are pronounced.

Price: $139.99 and up

From: Amazon.com

Mini Building Block Speakers For iPod

These miniature speakers are cute, quirky, and totally original. Compatible with most iPods (except the iPod Touch), they come in a variety of colors and are easily transportable. Perfect for bringing the party with you in your purse!

Price: $19.95 (free shipping!)

From:  LandofNod.com

New Brewers Complete Homebrew Kit

The perfect gift for your beer pong partner, or anyone who enjoys a good beer (who doesn’t?).  This home brewing kit contains all the ingredients and instructions to make your own drinks. It also contains four dozen amber beer bottles and bottlecaps to make your six-packs look legit!

Price: $119.95

From: MonsterBrew.com

Pocket-Sized Guitar Hero To Go

What party or gathering these days is compete without Guitar Hero? Well, now that wildly addictive video game has entered our cultural lexicon, it’s about time things got personal. Really personal. For the Guitar Hero addict in your life, why not snag this awesome hand-held version for their holiday gift?

Price: $14.99

From: ToysRUs.com

Individualized Pop Art Portraits

Have your favorite picture retouched in the style of Roy Lichtenstein (pictured) or Andy Warhol! Send in your photograph of choice and you will receive a professionally modified work of art fit for a museum. Great idea for a quirky family portrait to give to Mom and Dad.

Price: Varies

From: AllPopArt.com

Wrapable Garland Light Fixture

If you know anyone who recently got an apartment, or perhaps just loves interior design, this funky light fixture is guaranteed to brighten their day (and their room!).  It’s glamorous without being gaudy, shimmery without being glittery, and a beautiful way to tie the room together.

Price: $79.95

From: Wrapables.com

Fishbowl Bookends

It’s a shame you can’t bring your dog or cat to college.  Nothing beats having a little animal companionship when you’re up all night cramming for exams. This kick-ass gift supports both your studies and your spirits: it’s a fishbowl that doubles as bookends! Terrific for the dorm or the home, it’s a perfect excuse to spring for a goldfish or two. This is one accessory that will be sure to have all the neighbors talking.

Price: $29.00

From: ChimpFeet.com

Personalized New York Times Puzzle

This gift is really good for just about anyone. Choose a date in history (the recipient’s birthday, anniversary, etc.) and you can have a 400-piece puzzle made from the front page of that day’s New York Times. It comes with a reference copy of the newspaper’s front page, as well as space on the box’s cover for a personalized message.

Price: $45.95

From: PersonalizationMall.com

Target Digital Camera Gift Card

You know you’re living in the 21st Century when even gift cards have gone high-tech. If you still can’t find the perfect gift for that special someone, it’s cool to go the gift-card route now that Target has transformed the gift card into a usable gadget. The card-camera comes with its own USB cord and driver disk and a coupon for 40 free prints at Target. It’s available for purchase in gift card amounts ranging from $50-$1000.

Price: $50-$1000 (your choice)

From: Target stores nationwide

But since I transferred after my freshman year, I lost a few credits. I still need to graduate in 2009; with the way tuition is, I can’t afford another semester or even another year. So since I was a little underweight in the distribution section, I decided to do what any smart, responsible college student would do; I signed up for summer classes.

Summer classes are no joke. They last just about a month, maybe a little bit longer. You’re learning things that are usually spread out throughout a semester, but crammed together into four weeks. It’s fast-paced, hectic, and time-consuming. It’s even harder if it’s a subject you’re not familiar with.

I’m taking Spanish 101 and 102 at my local community college to get my language requirement out of the way. Mind you, I’m already pretty well versed in Spanish. I took it for about ten years in baby steps. But now that it’s pretty much being crammed down my throat and even I’m having some difficulty.

If you’re taking summer classes, you can’t afford to be the slacker you might be tempted to be when those obscenely hot summer days roll around. You have to go to every class, because so much material is packed into one day that even that one absence can screw you over. You know that model student you promise you’re going to be in the beginning of the semester, but it eventually goes downhill? That’s the way you’ve gotta be during summer courses. Take notes, study, do all your homework, show up to every class, and ask questions. If you’re confused about something and you don’t take the chance to ask the professor right then, you’re pretty much screwed in terms of hoping it’s gonna come back up again to clarify itself. Trust me; it ain’t gonna happen.

The good thing about summer classes is that it’s over pretty quickly. Like I said, they range from about four to five weeks. After that, you never need to look at that Statistics or Baby Bio book again. They’re also pretty convenient; most colleges will readily let you transfer summer courses.

So if you’re lagging behind a bit in credits or just want to get that distribution out of the way, sign up for a summer course. It’s a little painful, but faster and even easier in the long run.

But damn if it isn’t mind over matter.

[Picture credit goes to: gettyimages.com]