Apparently I have been out of the loop in terms of keeping up with other Web-savvy people. I had never heard of the Vlogbrothers until two weeks ago. The Vlogbrothers are John and Hank Green, two guys who set out in 2007 to communicate without text for an entire year ... that means: no IM, no email, and definitely no blogging. What was left? Well, the phone, and YouTube! John and Hank decided to post a YouTube video to one another on their own YouTube channel for an entire year. Somewhere around June or July 2007 they became insanely popular and have continued to post these videos, even though the challenge is over.
I happened upon them due to a podcast that I listen to. This was the first video that I watched of theirs, about the new economic stimulus bill. Regardless of how you feel about the bill, the video is definitely worth watching. My favorite quote, as suggested in the title of this blog, is "...irrational exuberance, which is my favorite kind of exuberance!"
*Note* apparently the video goes into periods of not working for a time. I have observed this happening, too, and have noticed that it usually resets itself within an hour or so. :)
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Monday, February 23, 2009
Friday, November 7, 2008
Harry, A History
I meant to give this plug a few days ago, but I got a little carried away with the election. :) Not surprising. Anyway, I wanted to take an entry to plug a new book that I think anyone interested in the Harry Potter phenomenon should read. It's called Harry, a History: the true story of a boy wizard, his fans, and life inside the Harry Potter phenomenon, by Melissa Anelli, the woman in charge over at The Leaky Cauldron.
I have not yet had a chance to thumb through the book myself, but I listen to a podcast that Melissa is a part of regularly, and they interviewed her on the show about the book, so I feel like I have some good insider info about it. Melissa is uniquely positioned to write about the whole affair because of her prominent place as webmistress of one of the biggest Harry Potter sites on the Web. Further, Leaky is more than just a fan site, it's a news site, and Melissa is a freelance journalist. She has treated her job as a journalist and not as a fan, so Leaky has a sense of professionalism that is very rare among obsessed fan bases. That's why I appreciate Leaky the way that I do. Finally, Melissa has had the opportunity to enjoy the books in multiple contexts, and to really be fully involved in the online community. She's probably the most qualified person to write this book.
From the interview, it sounds like Melissa spends time outlining key aspects of the fan community, but she also tells her own story of how she came to be a part of the community. I think the fact that Melissa weaves her own story throughout the book shows what Harry Potter has really been for so many people. Harry Potter has created community. I would venture to say that this is because the books deal with so many core issues of what it means to be human: life, death, family, friends, good, evil, sacrifice, forgiveness, love ... just to mention a few. Trust me, there's more, and when you're dealing with such heavy material, it's natural to seek out other people to discuss it with you.
That's why Harry Potter is so popular. Readers are faced with information, story, and philosophy that requires a response. If one really engages with the books, one cannot help feeling a kind of inner transformation as you read them, the kind of transformation that you want to share. Obviously, it pales in comparison to the kind of transformation that occurs when reading the Bible and interacting with God, but it's a kind of spiritual transformation. We are spiritual people and when something touches us in our souls, we have to share it.
I'm looking forward to reading Melissa's take on everything, especially the online communities and fan fiction. In terms of me, I got into the whole Harry Potter thing while looking for a community. I started reading the books in 8th grade (when the 3rd book had just come out) because a club I was part of at school had decided to read them. I got involved in the online communities and in fan fiction in high school because friends of mine were involved in them and thought that I would enjoy them. In doing so, I had a whole new world opened to me, all at the click of the mouse.
Take a look at Melissa's book and take a look at some of the fan sites. They're rather imaginative and cool. The beginning was a community for me, and my whole HP experience has been shaped by community since. I think it's very cool, and I'm glad that someone has chosen to write about it!
I have not yet had a chance to thumb through the book myself, but I listen to a podcast that Melissa is a part of regularly, and they interviewed her on the show about the book, so I feel like I have some good insider info about it. Melissa is uniquely positioned to write about the whole affair because of her prominent place as webmistress of one of the biggest Harry Potter sites on the Web. Further, Leaky is more than just a fan site, it's a news site, and Melissa is a freelance journalist. She has treated her job as a journalist and not as a fan, so Leaky has a sense of professionalism that is very rare among obsessed fan bases. That's why I appreciate Leaky the way that I do. Finally, Melissa has had the opportunity to enjoy the books in multiple contexts, and to really be fully involved in the online community. She's probably the most qualified person to write this book.
From the interview, it sounds like Melissa spends time outlining key aspects of the fan community, but she also tells her own story of how she came to be a part of the community. I think the fact that Melissa weaves her own story throughout the book shows what Harry Potter has really been for so many people. Harry Potter has created community. I would venture to say that this is because the books deal with so many core issues of what it means to be human: life, death, family, friends, good, evil, sacrifice, forgiveness, love ... just to mention a few. Trust me, there's more, and when you're dealing with such heavy material, it's natural to seek out other people to discuss it with you.
That's why Harry Potter is so popular. Readers are faced with information, story, and philosophy that requires a response. If one really engages with the books, one cannot help feeling a kind of inner transformation as you read them, the kind of transformation that you want to share. Obviously, it pales in comparison to the kind of transformation that occurs when reading the Bible and interacting with God, but it's a kind of spiritual transformation. We are spiritual people and when something touches us in our souls, we have to share it.
I'm looking forward to reading Melissa's take on everything, especially the online communities and fan fiction. In terms of me, I got into the whole Harry Potter thing while looking for a community. I started reading the books in 8th grade (when the 3rd book had just come out) because a club I was part of at school had decided to read them. I got involved in the online communities and in fan fiction in high school because friends of mine were involved in them and thought that I would enjoy them. In doing so, I had a whole new world opened to me, all at the click of the mouse.
Take a look at Melissa's book and take a look at some of the fan sites. They're rather imaginative and cool. The beginning was a community for me, and my whole HP experience has been shaped by community since. I think it's very cool, and I'm glad that someone has chosen to write about it!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Land of the free
Despite all the bad press, really, I'm proud to be an American. As much as I try to remember that I'm also a world citizen, and that my identity as a Christian supersedes any other affiliation that I have, there are some times when being American makes me feel warm and fuzzy. Here are some reasons why I feel that way today.
1. The world goes on. Seasons come and seasons go. Change is inevitable and you cannot continue going in one direction forever. It's natural. Hearing other perspectives is a very good thing. I'm glad that Americans are open to hearing other points of view.
2. We have gracious winners and gracious losers. Barack Obama isn't gloating over John McCain, and John McCain is offering his full support and aid to Barack Obama. The presidency isn't something to treat lightly, folks. This is a job that can literally take years off of your life in stress. Thank God that despite it all, these two men are willing and able to work with each other.
3. I am so proud of our voters for setting records for political participation. That's what it's all about. I helped shuttle 300+ students to the polls yesterday morning in about 3 hours. That's awesome! And over 5 million Facebook users voted! Also awesome!
4. Media coverage last night wasn't bad. The networks didn't call states too quickly and they were showing positive highlights for both candidates. I had to go to bed by 10 and I still really had the feeling that the election could go either way. Props. However, I'm a bit disappointed by the language the AP is using. Landslide? Sweep? Yeah, maybe in terms of the number of electoral votes, but not in terms of the popular vote in key swing states. Virginia came really close, y'all. It's important to remember that honestly, a few thousand changed votes could have produced a different result.
5. Though there is a Democratic majority in both the House and the Senate, the margin is close enough that there will still be room for substantive conversation and other perspectives. We have checks and balances for a reason, and they work. Obama will still have to deal with the Republicans in Congress. Honestly, this is a government teacher's dream, as my CT said this morning to our class. The government and the parties are going to have to work together to get anything done. My hope is that they will.
To me, the country does feel a bit different than it did yesterday, and perhaps it is, but I know that this life and this country is more than the person sitting in the Oval Office. A good teacher, a good citizen, a good American will be able to look at the trends, take it in stride, and pull out things that we can learn. I'm excited to see what will happen next.
1. The world goes on. Seasons come and seasons go. Change is inevitable and you cannot continue going in one direction forever. It's natural. Hearing other perspectives is a very good thing. I'm glad that Americans are open to hearing other points of view.
2. We have gracious winners and gracious losers. Barack Obama isn't gloating over John McCain, and John McCain is offering his full support and aid to Barack Obama. The presidency isn't something to treat lightly, folks. This is a job that can literally take years off of your life in stress. Thank God that despite it all, these two men are willing and able to work with each other.
3. I am so proud of our voters for setting records for political participation. That's what it's all about. I helped shuttle 300+ students to the polls yesterday morning in about 3 hours. That's awesome! And over 5 million Facebook users voted! Also awesome!
4. Media coverage last night wasn't bad. The networks didn't call states too quickly and they were showing positive highlights for both candidates. I had to go to bed by 10 and I still really had the feeling that the election could go either way. Props. However, I'm a bit disappointed by the language the AP is using. Landslide? Sweep? Yeah, maybe in terms of the number of electoral votes, but not in terms of the popular vote in key swing states. Virginia came really close, y'all. It's important to remember that honestly, a few thousand changed votes could have produced a different result.
5. Though there is a Democratic majority in both the House and the Senate, the margin is close enough that there will still be room for substantive conversation and other perspectives. We have checks and balances for a reason, and they work. Obama will still have to deal with the Republicans in Congress. Honestly, this is a government teacher's dream, as my CT said this morning to our class. The government and the parties are going to have to work together to get anything done. My hope is that they will.
To me, the country does feel a bit different than it did yesterday, and perhaps it is, but I know that this life and this country is more than the person sitting in the Oval Office. A good teacher, a good citizen, a good American will be able to look at the trends, take it in stride, and pull out things that we can learn. I'm excited to see what will happen next.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
The day is finally here
Yes, I am going to echo the sentiments of many others: I'll be glad when this day is over. So much has happened during this election that makes me a bit ashamed to be an American. Honestly. Regardless of your political beliefs, there are things going on here that should never happen.
1. The blatant undermining of female candidates ... specifically, Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin, and really, you can take it back to Geraldine Ferraro, too. Why is it that whenever a strong woman comes forward for office, she is attacked several times more than the male candidates? I do not understand. Despite what I think about any of these women, I'm just glad that they're taking the initiative. How does being a woman make someone unfit for office? I doubt that any of these people would directly state that sentiment, however, their actions speak louder than their words. What they've done to these women shows what's really in their hearts.
2. A campaign that lasts two years ... the first time I heard about Barack Obama was about a year and a half ago. Again, that should just not happen. The presidential system was never designed for two year campaigns. When did the presidency become about who can spend the most money and beguile enough people? I'm not pointing fingers at either campaign, either. John McCain is just as guilty of these as Barack Obama. Historically, campaigns like this are a very recent blip on the radar. Fifty years ago, the campaign started after the nomination. Can you imagine what a two month campaign would be like? I think it would be heaven.
3. Total underpining of the issues ... despite what anyone would say about Obama and McCain, they're only talking about half of the issues they are covering because of minor candidates who add accountability to the system. If this were just the Obama and McCain show, I can guarantee that we'd have a much shorter list of issues on our plates. The problem that I have run into with this campaign is that I have such little trust in the president to do what he says he's going to do anymore. Actually, it's not just the president, it's really any political figure. Because of the nature of the campaign beast, candidates will say anything to get elected. Will they actually follow through? Who knows. I'd like to believe that they will, but I'm trying not to be that naive.
Regardless of all that negativity, there is one thing about this election that has been incredibly heartening: the response of the American people. Never before has there been such an incredible movement to get Americans to vote. The Student Assembly at W&M conducted such a vibrant campaign effort to get students to register in Williamsburg that we actually have to help out at the polls so that they don't become overwhelmed by extra people. Facebook is asking everyone who signs in whether or not they have voted today, and tracking it here. Organizations like The Leaky Cauldron and HP Alliance have taken advantage of the fact that they have a wide fan base and planned events like Wrock the Vote to encourage their fans to register, if they have not already.
That is just fantastic. As a government teacher (and former student) I know all of the excuses for why people choose not to vote:
1. The blatant undermining of female candidates ... specifically, Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin, and really, you can take it back to Geraldine Ferraro, too. Why is it that whenever a strong woman comes forward for office, she is attacked several times more than the male candidates? I do not understand. Despite what I think about any of these women, I'm just glad that they're taking the initiative. How does being a woman make someone unfit for office? I doubt that any of these people would directly state that sentiment, however, their actions speak louder than their words. What they've done to these women shows what's really in their hearts.
2. A campaign that lasts two years ... the first time I heard about Barack Obama was about a year and a half ago. Again, that should just not happen. The presidential system was never designed for two year campaigns. When did the presidency become about who can spend the most money and beguile enough people? I'm not pointing fingers at either campaign, either. John McCain is just as guilty of these as Barack Obama. Historically, campaigns like this are a very recent blip on the radar. Fifty years ago, the campaign started after the nomination. Can you imagine what a two month campaign would be like? I think it would be heaven.
3. Total underpining of the issues ... despite what anyone would say about Obama and McCain, they're only talking about half of the issues they are covering because of minor candidates who add accountability to the system. If this were just the Obama and McCain show, I can guarantee that we'd have a much shorter list of issues on our plates. The problem that I have run into with this campaign is that I have such little trust in the president to do what he says he's going to do anymore. Actually, it's not just the president, it's really any political figure. Because of the nature of the campaign beast, candidates will say anything to get elected. Will they actually follow through? Who knows. I'd like to believe that they will, but I'm trying not to be that naive.
Regardless of all that negativity, there is one thing about this election that has been incredibly heartening: the response of the American people. Never before has there been such an incredible movement to get Americans to vote. The Student Assembly at W&M conducted such a vibrant campaign effort to get students to register in Williamsburg that we actually have to help out at the polls so that they don't become overwhelmed by extra people. Facebook is asking everyone who signs in whether or not they have voted today, and tracking it here. Organizations like The Leaky Cauldron and HP Alliance have taken advantage of the fact that they have a wide fan base and planned events like Wrock the Vote to encourage their fans to register, if they have not already.
That is just fantastic. As a government teacher (and former student) I know all of the excuses for why people choose not to vote:
- the weather is bad
- they feel that their vote will not make a difference
- apathy with the system
- do not align with either candidate
- too busy
- they forget about election day
- they cannot get to the polls in time
- among others
- so what? Yes, it's raining outside ... a little rain never hurt anyone
- clearly, your vote DOES make a difference
- I'm apathetic with the system too ... and I voted
- I also don't align with either candidate ... this is about your duty as a citizen
- I have a job, a teaching internship, I'm taking 13 credits, I attend church multiple times a week, I have mentoring appointments, I serve on the Student Assembly ... still think you're busy?
- Anyone who forgets that today is Election Day is clearly hiding under a rock
- The polls are open today from 6 am - 8 pm. You have time.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
BREAKING: Judge sides with ADV churches
Yes indeed! It is true! Judge Bellows has ruled that the Virginia Division Statute is applicable to the case of the eleven churches that voted to break away from TEC in 2006, one of which, of course, is my family's church, The Falls Church.
Response from the Diocese of Virginia: Statement on Property Ruling
What this means is that the judge has determined there is a definitive split in the church. The next step is another hearing on May 28 to determine constitutionality of the Virginia Division Statute, and then a ruling on the property. I wrote about this issue some months ago on this blog. Links to those commentaries:
Part 1 - A New Beginning
Part 2 - Is Property the Issue?
Part 3 - Two Diverging Roads
If you have been following my blog at all, my opinion on this issue should be clear. This made my day when I read about it yesterday -- praise God for His favor and for granting us mercy in the eyes of Judge Bellows. My prayer is for His will, not that we will or will not get to keep the property. Of course, I hope we get to keep the property. I really want to get married there someday, but the physical building is of no consequence when it comes to the true worship of God. And still, my ultimate prayer is for reconciliation, not just between The Episcopal Church and those of us who feel estranged because of their reevaluation of scripture, but for all in the body of Christ.
I want to learn more about being Anglican. I connect so strongly with the mix of traditional and contemporary elements that are present in the Anglican Communion, and I have enjoyed all of the Anglican churches I have attended. Hopefully I can engage in reading more books about it in the coming months! Maybe there is an Anglican podcast I can check out.
On another note, I took two finals today, wrote a paper last night, and I have another paper to write before Monday. The end is in sight. :) And then I'll be cruisin' in the Caribbean!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Another good read
Two posts in 30 minutes, haha...I briefly forgot that I was also going to give a shout out to my friend Kate, who wrote this great piece for The Virginian-Pilot. She made the front page! Kate and I are sorority sisters and fellow journalism students. We've had pretty much every journalism class together, and she's pretty awesome.
Kate got the idea for this piece from our copy editing class. One of our fellow students is giving up Facebook for Lent and Kate wondered if this was a general trend. She did some great reporting, so give it a read!
Friday, February 15, 2008
God send your mercy this way
News: Gunman targets students at Northern Illinois University
*note* if the link doesn't work, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/; it's their lead story. I'm sure every other U.S. paper is running it today
This breaks my heart. I found out about it last night when a friend invited me to a prayer facebook group for the victims and I literally started crying. There is no difference between 21 and 32. Those 21 have friends and family, as do all the other students at NIU who are dealing with this now. I would never wish upon anyone the fear that I felt last April when I first heard about Virginia Tech. I was in Germany, and I heard about 6 p.m., so noon in the States, and for fifteen mintues I felt sick to my stomach, completely terrified. Every person I knew at Tech flashed through my head, even if I had only met them briefly through my cousin Jesse. And Jesse...hearing my mom telling me that everyone I knew was okay was, I think, the most relieving sentence I heard all of last year.
Oh goodness, I'm going to make myself cry again. If you have any links whatsoever to someone at NIU, I'm praying for you. If you have no links to NIU or Virginia Tech and have no conception of what I am describing, I hope you never have to experience it. But everyone has lost someone dear to them, everyone has been afraid, and I'm sure everyone has, at one point, felt their entire world shatter in an instant. This song from "The Season," written around April 16, is what I have to offer:
*note* if the link doesn't work, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/; it's their lead story. I'm sure every other U.S. paper is running it today
This breaks my heart. I found out about it last night when a friend invited me to a prayer facebook group for the victims and I literally started crying. There is no difference between 21 and 32. Those 21 have friends and family, as do all the other students at NIU who are dealing with this now. I would never wish upon anyone the fear that I felt last April when I first heard about Virginia Tech. I was in Germany, and I heard about 6 p.m., so noon in the States, and for fifteen mintues I felt sick to my stomach, completely terrified. Every person I knew at Tech flashed through my head, even if I had only met them briefly through my cousin Jesse. And Jesse...hearing my mom telling me that everyone I knew was okay was, I think, the most relieving sentence I heard all of last year.
Oh goodness, I'm going to make myself cry again. If you have any links whatsoever to someone at NIU, I'm praying for you. If you have no links to NIU or Virginia Tech and have no conception of what I am describing, I hope you never have to experience it. But everyone has lost someone dear to them, everyone has been afraid, and I'm sure everyone has, at one point, felt their entire world shatter in an instant. This song from "The Season," written around April 16, is what I have to offer:
"Forever Changed VT"
On just an ordinary day
A weapon drawn and lives forever changed
One act of violence made the world stop and watch
And on a drill field by candlelight we prayed
The questions on our minds
We wonder where the future lies
As we look up to heaven
With hope in our eyes
Where do we go from here?
Can we overcome this fear?
And find healing through the pain
And see the sun beyond the rain
We've got the strength to endure
And soon we'll feel more secure
In a world filled with hate
We need to become something great
Oh God, send your mercy this way
For we're all Hokies today
And to the ones who fell that day
In our hearts your love will never fade away
Picking up the pieces to build a better tomorrow
We'll find the joy, yes, to move on from the sorrow
By the colors of the leaves
You know God has us on His mind
So we look up to heaven
With hope in our eyes
Where do we go from here?
Can we overcome this fear?
And find healing through the pain
Can we overcome this fear?
And find healing through the pain
And see the sun beyond the rain
We've got the strength to endure
And soon we'll feel more secure
In a world filled with hate
We need to become something great
Oh God, send your mercy this way
For we're all Hokies today
The spirit lives on
Don't let it be gone
Let it shine forever
And through the heartbreak
For the lost and their sake
Let it bring us together
Where do we go from here?
Can we overcome this fear?
And find healing through the pain
And see the sun beyond the rain
We've got the strength to endure
And soon we'll feel more secure
In a world filled with hate
We need to become something great
Oh God, send your mercy this way
For we're all Hokies today
And see the sun beyond the rain
We've got the strength to endure
And soon we'll feel more secure
In a world filled with hate
We need to become something great
Oh God, send your mercy this way
For we're all Hokies today
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
News: Christian photographer sued for refusing to photograph same-sex wedding
Christian photographer hauled before commission for refusing same-sex job
My thoughts on this case...
Isn't it within the photographer's rights to decline an offer of work? It seems to me that the New Mexico Human Rights Division is taking this case to an extreme. Why was it so important to the couple that Elane Photography take pictures at their wedding? There is no evidence suggested here that they said anything discriminatory, they just didn't want to take part in this couple's ceremony. That's their right. This is capitalism. If someone doesn't want to accept a job, they cannot be made to do so.
There is no law that says a photographer, or a pastor for that matter, has to take part in a ceremony if they don't want to. It's their right to decline the money on a matter of conscience. My home church refuses to marry couples who are sexually-active...does that mean that they are being discriminatory? I don't think so. They are setting standards for the marriages that they want to perform, standards that match their personal views. I can't get married in a Catholic church because I'm not Catholic, nor can I attend a Mormon wedding because I'm not Mormon. I don't think that's discriminatory, those are their standards.
Surely the couple could have found another photographer, just like they could have found another way to get married than to go to my home church (which, incidentally, also will not marry same-sex couples). It's against the First Amendment to force a private citizen or institution, like a church, to perform something against their religious beliefs. That's impeding free exercise of religion.
The government can do whatever they want. They're not following Christian standards anyway. The US stopped being a "Christian nation" a long time ago. The government and court system cannot force someone to break their belief standards. That's unconstitutional.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Mock Convention 2008
I am currently watching the final session of Washington and Lee's 2008 Mock Convention on Channel 18 (Lexington's public access channel), and taking notes on what the speakers are saying to write up a full report later. Va. Sen. Jim Webb is speaking right now and he'll be followed by Harold Ford, Jr., chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC) and West Va. Gov. Joe Manchin III. Speakers yesterday included Va. Gov. Tim Kaine, Charles Wilson, Jesse Jackson, and others. I only heard Tim Kaine.
W&L hosts a mock presidential convention every four years, in accordance with the democratic primaries. Since 1948, the only nomination we've predicted incorrectly was in 1972. We chose Ted Kennedy for the Democratic nomination. Our picks don't always get elected, but they usually get nominated at least. ;) And it's understandable, since we're always picking a non-incumbent nominee. It's a generally-known fact that incumbents tend to win over nominees that are new to the position.
To cut to the chase (I'm writing this background after the close of ceremonies), W&L chose Hillary Clinton for the presidential nomination and Harold Ford for the vice presidential nomination. A lot of people don't think that we'll get it right this year because the race is so close, but we'll see. There's still some time before the official conventions in August.
The convention is held over a period of two days. Happily, our classes on Friday were cancelled for the festivities. ;) Over 90% of the school participates in some fashion, usually by joining a state delegation. I was a member of the Virginia delegation...state pride, ya know? Each delegation does research to figure out how their real delegates are likely to vote in August, raises funds to support the convention, tries to find good speakers, and designs a state float to be trailed in the parade on Friday morning of the convention. I'm sure they do more work than that also, but those seemed to be the most important responsibilities to me.
As for the convention schedule, there's the parade Friday morning. The floats were pretty good -- I watched from the warmth of my office. The convention officially convenes at 1 pm on Friday for a series of speakers. I went to the first hour and a half or so of this, and saw Tim Kaine. That was really cool. He's a very dynamic and engaging speaker. He spoke about voter participation and his support for Barack Obama...his speech compelled me to call up the Virginia voter registration office and order my absentee ballot and nearly compelled me to vote for Obama. Nearly. I didn't attend any of the other Friday speeches because I had things to do, and I wanted to call my Mom. :)
This morning I would have attended, but it was cold, and I didn't want to get all dressed up, so I have been watching the proceedings on TV, while sitting on the couch in my pajamas. It would have been cool to have actually been there, but...I'm still happy with my decision.
My impressions on this morning's speakers:
- Jim Webb: not as engaging as I had hoped, however he had some interesting points; tendency to ramble and to jump from topic to topic; was surprised by his statistic that the Republican party filibustered 62 times last year; agreed that the current administration doesn't have an exit strategy for Iraq and that's really not acceptable; some quotes: "You don't take out a hornet's nest by sitting on it, it's time to do something else;" "This issue is not going to turn around until we have new leaders...we have these leaders, we will work toward solutions;"
- Harold Ford: very dynamic and engaging, a lot of people I have talked to liked him; I felt that he mostly talked about things I already knew, so I actually didn't pay very much attention to most of his speech; did like his point that we're the only generation that has ever financed two sides of a war (we support our "enemy" with our dependence on oil); memorable quotes: "We have asked our military men and women...to go fight while at the same time you and I subsidize those who seek to kill them day in and day out." "Pick a Democrat who the nation will wrap their arms around, pray for, and believe in...a tall one for the world."
- Joe Manchin: talked a lot about blessings and being thankful for what we have, and giving back; really emphasized his West Virginia roots; pointed out that a good leader has to look past party lines and unite groups of people; we have to be careful to preserve the nation for future generations; every child should have a safe place and a healthy start; on 9/11, did it matter what was in your bank account? did your house or car matter did your race matter? or were you more concerned about your family, friends, and fellow Americans? that's what you need to think about today; memorable quotes: "If you think you can come from right or left and govern, you're wrong." "We as a nation came together as a country for this one day like never before, as Americans." "We need a change from the top to the bottom, and the change starts here...the greatest generation sitting before me now has the power to do that...not only for this nation, but for the world."
I feel extremely empowered. This was an interesting and fun experiment, and I'm looking forward to seeing how this all pans out over the next year.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Snow Day
Washington and Lee actually cancelled classes today. I mean, cancelled. Not a two hour delay, but a real cancellation! We had several inches of snow, though it did not start snowing until about 7 a.m. Morning classes were allowed because of this, so I still went to Ethics as usual, however the university closed starting at 1 p.m.
I was still in the J-School around lunch time, when the cancellation email was first sent out. Kat, Nicole, Elliott, and I were all in the Lab preparing for this afternoon's Rockbridge Report. We are all copy editors doubling as producers this term and knowing the J-School, we weren't sure if Rockbridge Report was actually going to be cancelled. Prof. Luecke told Elliott that we weren't going to have it, but Nicole had already started packaging some of the J253 stories for the web. Kat, Nicole, and I discussed the matter and realized that if we didn't produce the web site, the stories would be killed, and the reporters would lose their first articles.
Well, we couldn't have that. We got the three 253 reporters, John, Helen, and Jane, and a 202 assistant, Queenie, in on our idea and when Luecke and Richardson showed up in the lab we told them what we had decided: we were still going to produce the web site. They were skeptical because the roads were getting worse but we explained that none of us had to drive home because we all live downtown. The professors were waiting for the storm to die down and roads to be cleared before they drove home, so they agreed.
It was a whirlwind of an afternoon! Kat, Nicole, and I all produced. I was in charge of multimedia...photos, slideshows, and extra graphics. Kat did general organization and assignments, and Nicole actually put everything together. Kat, John, Helen, and Queenie produced a breaking news story about the day's snow. I took some photos around W&L and a local elementary school and made a slideshow. I also worked on a graphic for one of John's stories, and taught Queenie and John some Photoshop basics.
We're dorks. We know. We didn't have to produce the web site. Classes were cancelled. But seriously, this is what real reporters do, right?
That's what makes us those kids.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Free Rice
Quote of the Day:
"Each act of procrastination can become a time of planning and preparation [when writing]. The writer can say with conviction to the skeptical parent, teacher, or editor: 'I am not procrastinating, Minion, I am rehearsing.'"
~ from Writing Tools by Roy Peter Clark, Chapter 41 "Turn procrastination into rehearsal," page 202
Above quote is an excerpt from one of the writing books my opinion writing class has read this term. Great book, I highly recommend it. One thing that I'm passionate about is that everyone can learn how to write. Seriously. It's true, if they would just believe that they can. Clark agrees, and does a great job about making writing accessible. I might just use his book when I teach writing in my future classroom. ;)
The quote is also a great response to all critcism regarding the fact that I have not posted here for two months. And it's just funny.
Ok, so the real point of this post is that I found the coolest thing today, www.freerice.com. It was launched on Oct. 7 as a way to boost vocabulary and combat world hunger. It's a game that tests your vocabulary with quite challenging words (GRE anyone?) and for every word you get right, the company donates 10 grains of rice through the United Nations to developing nations.
It may not sound like much, but it adds up. My sister and I donated around 4000 grains combined today. ;) Go forth, rehearse, build your vocabulary, and feed the hungry!
"Each act of procrastination can become a time of planning and preparation [when writing]. The writer can say with conviction to the skeptical parent, teacher, or editor: 'I am not procrastinating, Minion, I am rehearsing.'"
~ from Writing Tools by Roy Peter Clark, Chapter 41 "Turn procrastination into rehearsal," page 202
Above quote is an excerpt from one of the writing books my opinion writing class has read this term. Great book, I highly recommend it. One thing that I'm passionate about is that everyone can learn how to write. Seriously. It's true, if they would just believe that they can. Clark agrees, and does a great job about making writing accessible. I might just use his book when I teach writing in my future classroom. ;)
The quote is also a great response to all critcism regarding the fact that I have not posted here for two months. And it's just funny.
Ok, so the real point of this post is that I found the coolest thing today, www.freerice.com. It was launched on Oct. 7 as a way to boost vocabulary and combat world hunger. It's a game that tests your vocabulary with quite challenging words (GRE anyone?) and for every word you get right, the company donates 10 grains of rice through the United Nations to developing nations.
It may not sound like much, but it adds up. My sister and I donated around 4000 grains combined today. ;) Go forth, rehearse, build your vocabulary, and feed the hungry!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
