Final Post

Megan:
“There's a sad sort of clanging from the clock in the hall
And the bells in the steeple too
And up in the” College Relations and Communications Office “an absurd little bird
Is popping out to say ‘cuckoo’
Cuckoo, cuckoo”
Yes, sadly it’s that time; time for me to say goodbye to the blog and all the wonderful people in the relations office. :( From keeping a blog, brainstorming video ideas, scheduling interviews, working a camera to being in front of a camera, working at Fool for Art and just watching how a communications and relations office works, I’ve learned an incredible amount. I didn’t really come into in this internship with any expectations, I thought it was going to be fun, but I didn’t realize how much excitement it was really going to be. :o) Kyle and I disagree on many things like music (except Sinatra and classic jazz lol), food, sweet tea and Southern hospitality, but it’s been a great experience keeping the blog with him. To everyone in the relations office, ya’ll are totally awesome sauce! Please keep in touch, friend me in FB, FUR REALZ!!! :o) And to ya’ll all blog followers, keep telling everyone about the blog, because it is far from over and I’m sure the next interns will only make it better! 

My plans, hmmm... I don't really have anything set in stone. I'll be hanging around JTCC for another year or so, but other than that I'll be making my plans as I go along. :) I hope to pursue a degree in Visual Communications, but who knows. I'll probably change that by next semester. lol. That's the good thing about JTCC, I don't have to commit to one thing right a way. Anyways, hope to see ya'll around and now, as much as I hate to say it, “So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, adieu Adieu, adieu, to yieu and yieu and yieu!”

Kyle:

In the beginning of this internship, it was very slow paced and the work was very minimal.  However, after a few weeks in the office, things started to kick off.  We started on the Sketch project which took up most of our time, filming and editing it all.  Right after that we started on the Hybrid project and, after completing the first draft of it, was then dumped and we had to go back to the drawing board. 

While still working on Hybrid, we had to start preparing for Fool for Art, which was our busiest period.  That’s why we had stopped posting blogs for a while.  Finally Fool for Art was over and things started to calm down. 

Overall, this experience was much better than I had initially thought.  When you think of an internship, you probably think of being taken advantage of and making coffee runs.  Well, that’s not at all what I did.  I learned a lot, stuff that’s actually useful to life too.  I was treated very well and enjoyed the co-workers around me.  This was a huge commitment, six to eight hours a week, but I don’t regret it at all.

My plans: I am going to graduate high school at JTCC and then move on to a four year university. I’m thinking of studying marketing or business.  After college, I plan to move back to the north and build a newer and brighter life.  I don’t want to plan too much, because I know plans change and, maybe, after college I’ll end up in Amsterdam or something like that.  Probably not, but you never know.

Thank you guys for a wonderful semester, take care!

The End is Near

What time is it? Almost summer time! Yay woohooo!!! There is light on the other side of finals, believe it or not; then, the sunshine will be here to stay! Beaches, pools, flip-flops, sunglasses and don’t forget the sun block - tis the season for all that means summer. Make it through finals, you can do it! I believe in you! Don’t give up yet, just a little bit longer. It’s hard to stay focused when my mind starts wandering to all the amazing things I have planned to do this summer.  What does your mind keep wandering to? Any crazy fun plans for those warm months of the year?

Kyle:

For the summer, first, I am going to Cozumel, Mexico for a week in May with my family. Also for Independence Day, like every year, my family and I go to Smith Mt. Lake. In August I’m getting together with the touring company I’m in and will be putting together a show to perform throughout the 2011-2012 season. Other plans: I am planning to volunteer for a One-Act Festival in Charlottesville, getting my wisdom teeth pulled, taking some culinary classes, refurbishing my stoop and flower beds, and probably other stuff. Other than that, I’ll be working. Just recently I got a job for a company called AIM and work beside the president. I’m really excited to be working there and am blessed with this job opportunity.

Megan:

My plans, hmm… well as always I don’t know yet. Lol. I usually fly by the seat of my pants and tend to be indecisive about plans. I graduate high school this year, so this is my senior summer vacation, but I really don’t know exactly what I’ll be up to. I’ll probably catch up on some lost sleep from this semester, loaf on my couch and watch cartoons (one of my fav things to do). I’ll keep working, but for the most part I just want to hang out with friends and enjoy the hot weather. Maybe I’ll go to the beach or climb a mountain. hmm I might even paint a masterpiece or write a bestselling novel! Who knows? I have a summer camp that I volunteer at, so I’ll be doing that. So for the most part I have a boring summer planned, but that leaves room for being spontaneous, which is something I love to be. :)

So what kind of plans do you have this summer? Comment below to tell us about them.  We’d love to know about all about them. 

Pic 1: http://lifestyle.resourcesforattorneys.com/

Pic 2: http://www.trishayearwood.com/

-Megan Way

-Kyle Rudnick

so you might be a nerd when...

I freely admit, ok maybe not so freely admit, but I’m a nerd. I was just on bedfordstmartins.com, looking at Diana Hacker’s guide called, “A Writer’s Reference.” On this site there are writing exercises to improve any mistakes that you’ve been making. They have anything from exercises in grammar, punctuation and sentence agreement to researching and there is so much more. With everything you do, improvement comes from practicing. This site gave me a great opportunity to do that.

While I was on the site I saw this link, Language Debates. I’m always interested in a good debate so I curiously clicked on it. Up came a list of controversial language usages. People, much smarter and brighter than I, have clashed and torn at these subjects. Now, I have the pleasure to read the debates and figure out which side of the fence I sit on. For example, comma usage. When making a list do you put a comma before the “and” or do you leave it out? e.g.: “When I go to the store I need to get popcorn, milk, bread, butter, paper, pens, and pencils.” Or, “When I go to the store I need to get popcorn, milk, bread, butter, paper, pens and pencils.” See the difference? It gets harder when you look at a sentence like this: “They had brown, green, gray and blue eyes.” Are the eyes gray and blue or were some eyes grey and others blue? Personally I like to not have the comma. You might have to read it twice, but I don’t think that not having it takes away from the reading. What do you think? To have a comma or not to have a comma? Hmmm… what a writing quandary.

Check out all the different and fascinating language debates on Diana Hacker’s site. Here’s a link to a few:

Preface

Clichés

lie versus lay

that versus which

Oh and my fav "cliche" quote of the day is:

“Think like a man of action, act like a man of thought.”      —Henri Bergson

- Megan A. Way

Spring Improv

Once again Improv is back, and this time on both campuses.

Firstly, on Friday April 22 and Friday April 29, the Midlo. Improv Group will be performing at 7 PM in room A201 at the Midlothian campus.

Secondly, on Tuesday May 3 and Tuesday May 10, the Chester Improv Group will be performing at 7 PM in the Nicholas Center Theatre at the Chester campus.

This is a great opportunity considering that there are four performances, two on each campus.  Help your selves to some laughs and come to one, or even more, of the shows.

Also as a side note, if you come to one of the performances and find that you like the genre of theatre, there is a new place in Richmond called ComedySportz Improv Theatre at: 8906 West Broad Street.  It’s in a strip mall near the intersection of Parham and Broad.  Shows at this venue will begin on May 7, 2011 and will continue on Fridays at 8 PM and Saturdays at 7 PM and 9:30 PM.

Picture: http://laughingsquid.com

-Kyle Rudnick

How To Be A Millionaire, a Mark Zuckerberg Story

I could be very clique and say, “Are you a fan of FaceBook? Have you seen the movie The Social Network?” Well, have you? If you haven’t, why don’t you clear your schedule for a movie night out at the Midlothian campus? It’ll be in room C109 at 6:30pm. Oh and you should definitely post what you think about the movie on JTCC’s FB page. To reserve a seat for you and a friend, contact Amanda Carpenter at ACarpenter@jtcc.edu. Clique warning again: “Hope to see you there!” ;)

- Megan A. Way

-Kyle Rudnick

Mark Your Calendar. You Must Be There.

Are you doing anything April 9^th? Most definitely you are! You’re coming out to JTCC’s annual Fool for Art! What is Fool for Art, you may ask? It’s only the biggest, coolest, most exciting place to see art in several different forms in Richmond!  Fool for Art was started in 2006 when people realized no one knew about all the crazy cool things JTCC had to offer. So they set up some tents and had all the faculty, staff and community set up booths where they could proudly display all the amazing things they had made. There are free educational sessions, hands on activities, information booths and free take away prizes! The buzz from the crowd is incredible as you wonder and wander through all the great stuff to do. What about the kids, you may ask, do they need a babysitter? Nope. Bring them along. It’s a great family friendly way to spend a Saturday and with so much to do, your kids won’t ever get bored! Make sure to stop in and say hi at the Sketch table in room C109. There you can pick up a snazzy new Sketch magazine and “sketch” out a plan (or whatever you want) on a super cool canvas tote (totally in all the time!). So make sure to check out the website (click here) to print out your program and see all the crazy cool stuff that’s goin on that day!

-Megan A. Way

Blood Drive

On March 30 and March 31, 2011 from 9 am to 3 pm at the Midlothian Campus Room C109, there will be a Blood Drive for those who are willing to donate.  I know that there are people who hate the needle, but perhaps you can think of it as facing your fear.

Picture: http://www.welchok.com/tag/blood-drive/

-Kyle Rudnick

Common Courtesy

Just recently I wrote a persuasive essay on common courtesy.  You’re probably thinking that that is a terrible topic for a persuasive essay.  Well, at first it was.  I had a lot of trouble starting the essay because most people aren’t discourteous and trying to convince harsher people to use common courtesy isn’t very easy.

While I was going nowhere with the paper, I was eating a pastry and drinking coffee at Starbucks on Broad Street by Kroger and these people were smoking in the courtyard.  They were becoming a real annoyance and I thought to myself, there must be some rule against smoking in the courtyard.  Sure enough, as I turned my head to the door, there was a big sign that said, “Please, no smoking in the courtyard or in the store,” or something like that.  One of the people smoking happened to work at the store.  I couldn’t believe how discourteous these people were.

I turned back around and looked at the smokers who were facing the sign and exchanged a couple of words.  Nothing bad, however, just firm.  They had a few unpleasant words to give to me, which I thought was uncalled for.  After that I said forget about it, and minded my peace while coughing in the smoke.

This immediately sparked an idea and an idea after that.  Before I knew it I was deep into three pages.  I took a little break and finished it at a restaurant down the street.

Now, I’m certainly not going to lecture here, because I know you guys aren’t that indecent, but I just want to make clear that reminding people to be courteous won’t hurt you.  I may have been cussed out in that instance, but sometimes when I let people know that they are being a nuisance, they say that they never knew it and they stop.

Always be nice when you let someone know, and use common sense, don’t correct someone who looks like they can beat you up.  Common courtesy is important, so try and keep it alive.

Picture: http://www.lafayettecountyhealth.org/Volunteers.html

-Kyle Rudnick

The Rest of the Story

“Rocket Science is not for me!” Yep, like I said in the Sketch video, Rocket Science is so definitely not for me. What? You haven’t watched the video? OK here’s the link, go watch it, NOW (because it’s awesome)! Ok, so I guess, that you can guess, what part I played in the video, but if all you see is the finished product you don’t even know the half of it. So, have you ever walked on a treadmill in an office, while wearing heals? No? Well, you haven’t begun to live. That was just one of the crazy experiences making this video gave me. Having to memorize lines, follow steps, use hand motions, be mic-ed and have bright lights on me was a totally new experience. I should mention that not only do I have stage fright, but I am camera shy. I was so nervous about the shoot that I was petrified the mic was going to pick up my heart pounding. Ms. Heather McIver, JTCC’s fabulous Web Content and Electronic Communications Manager, Mr. Joel Traylor, JTCC's very talented Media Specialist, and Ms. Holly Walker, JTCC’s wonderful Public Relations Specialist, helped me stumble through lines and steps. I had just gotten the hang of everything when the class showed up for their allotted time of education inspiration, in the class room we were using, and we had to get out of there! So we gather up all the gear, me still mic-ed with chords attached to me, and ran (literally) to another room. We had fifteen minutes to set up, shoot, get it right and tear down. We successfully did this. Then, after all that effort we reshot the next day. So, yeah, Rocket Science is not for me, but after helping with this video, who knows, I might change my major and become an actress! lol Anyways, watch the video; let me know what you think. Share it with your friends; tell them to let me know what they think. Tell your friends to tell their friends to tell their friends to tell their friend’s friends, and well, I think you get the point.

-Megan Way

My experience with Sketch was all behind the camera.  I would set up the lights, the camera, mics, and tri-pods.  Clearing the room always took some time as well.  The biggest issue was trying to find a white background for the shoot.  We had tried three rooms and in the end finally found that the room beside our office was the perfect one.  It took us about three days to shoot, so nine hours in all.  Once we finished shooting, it was time to edit.  I didn’t do any of the editing because it was mainly graphics.  But sitting through and watching Joel, the video editor, edit it, was very interesting.  Finally, after about a week of editing, we showed it off to the Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System.  We all felt pressured that day because we had a few technical errors.  But after that day, we felt relieved that we were at the crust of the Project Sketch.

- Kyle Rudnick

For the Rest of Your Life

“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat. “I don’t much care where,” said Alice. “Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat. - Lewis Carrol

 Maybe you’re in high school, maybe even middle school (over achiever), and you’re thinking about college and what you want to do for the REST OF YOUR LIFE. Honestly, I’m a senior in high school, but I’m also in my first year at JTCC and two years ago I had no clue what I wanted to be. I thought that if I chose a major or even a college, that my plans would be written in permanent marker for the REST OF MY LIFE. No chance for change, no freedom, no eraser. Sketch shows us how to break that fear. It shows you that you have the power to take charge of your future and not be afraid of changing it. Go see a counselor, check out the VA Wizard (personally I’ve used it and it was amazingly accurate and a great tool), take a look at Sketch, the career pathways and explore your possibilities.  Just start with “sketching” it out, then you can move onto more concrete drawings, but get your pencils, open minded paper and willing eraser together first, then go crazy! It’s fun to try new opportunities and to not be afraid of where they’ll take you. Go SKETCH it out!

- Megan A. Way

Caged Monkeys?

And so it begins, the day that is. What of it? Is there anything exciting or new to do? Or is it just the same old same old? Is the daily drudgery of classes, work, homework, classes, work, homework, classes, work, homework getting you down? Classes, work, homework. Classes, work, homework. Classes - work - homework! AHHH!!! Will it ever end? When do we get a break? I’m too over whelmed with this taste of warm weather. I need to be free, to go as I please and not be worried about the paper due on Monday. I need - Spring break.

March 14^th everyone! It’s coming! It’s coming! Hold on, don’t lose heart. The day will soon be upon us when tests and papers are no longer priority. Oh, come quickly day! Not that I don’t like learning or enjoy stretching my mind intellectually. It’s just sometimes I get this disease, commonly diagnosed as SPRING FEVER!!! And boy, do I have it bad. The beach, the waves, warm air, sun shine, freedom, just talking about it makes me happy. J But I loathe that day when it is over and I have to readjust to normal life. Here are a few tips to get back in the swing of things after being exposed to all that freedom:

1.      Set your alarm clock. Ok, this may sound like a no brainer, but many days  I forget to set my alarm (for the right time). Especially after any amount of time being care-free.

2.      Read a little. Don’t forget those  books we pour ourselves into during  the semester. Read something that you enjoy, just to keep your mind limber.

3.      Set high goals. Come back to your classes with new, higher goals. Use that time to reset your priorities and readjust your mind to dream bigger dreams!

I hope these help. What are some things that you do to help get yourself back into a disciplined routine?

- Megan A. Way

International Food Festival

On March 10, 2011 at the Nicholas Center from 12-2 PM, a series of ethnic foods will be cooked and prepared for students to come and eat.  The event is completely free, and the only thing that you have to do is contact acarpenter@jtcc.edu to get a reservation contact.

I wish I didn't have class at that time or else I would drive down there.  The menu looks very nice and personlly I love ethnic food.  Hopefully some of you guys will be fortunate enough to chow down at this event.

Picture: http://artsplatter.wordpress.com/2010/12/22/is-your-city-trendy/

-Kyle Rudnick

Why a Raven Is Like a Writing Desk

Meaning – life – words - spoken, unspoken.  What does it mean? Where do we begin to find it? On this pathway of life, we are trying to find answers and communicate with others who are on the same track. One exemplified way of beginning to find answers is to listen to other people. It may sound crazy, but by listening to others we may find the answers within ourselves. Some people may have something to say that we disagree with, but by listening to them pour out their hearts, we can find that we truly do disagree, or they might even persuade us to think differently.

In college, we have a unique opportunity to discuss life’s issues with people who are open to thrashing ideas out intellectually. One great way to hear from others and even express your own thoughts is through writing. By getting something on paper I feel we can look back on it and learn from ourselves. The Tyler Notebook is a great place where students can publish their writings and read seasoned student writings. They have poems, short fictions and advanced reads. I highly suggest that you take a look at these writing from other students, who have opinions that we can all learn from. Just always remember, never forget, this one question: “Why is a raven like a writing desk?” – The Mad Hatter.




tripod.com

 - Megan Way

Improv

Are any of you familiar with the show called Whose Line is it Anyway?  It was aired back in the 80s
and 90s.  The premise of the show was four actors who would improv a series of theatre games.  If you aren’t familiar with improv, it is a theatrical show that is NOT scripted.  Everything you see is made up right on the spot.  There is usually a moderator or referee who keeps the actors and games organized.

If this sounds interesting to you, there are two improv shows on the Midlothian campus on March 2 and March 3 at 1 PM in room A201. 

If you cannot make the shows or you are on the Chester campus, don’t worry, there will be up coming shows in Chester and I’ll post them in advance of when and where they are.

Personally I am in an improv group and I love it.  It is very difficult but a lot of fun.  If you’re someone who can think quickly, perhaps you should consider an improv class next semester.  It usually isn’t a “homework” class, and it takes you out of life’s burdens for a couple of hours.  I look forward to it  very week just because it’s so relaxing.

Here is an episode of Whose Line is it Anyway?  See if you like it.

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoHZns7byZE&feature=related

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFqYezAvnLA&feature=related

Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJvUm01RkVw&feature=relate

Picture: http://risecomedians.com/ContactUs.php

Videos: http://www.youtube.com/

-Kyle Rudnick

From Feelings to Battle Cries

                  What kind of difference can you make? You’re just one person. You’re just one incapable person. What kind of impact can you have? What is the use of trying? You’re just … Fill in the blank, we’ve all heard this before numerous times. You can’t really do anything. You can’t, because you don’t believe you can. What if Martin Luther King Jr. had thought he was only one person? What could he do? What if Abraham Lincoln thought he was incapable? What if David Archuleta had never tried out for American Idol :(? What if he had given up on singing because he had vocal paralysis? Forest fires start off with just a spark and waterfalls start with just a drop of water.

              We, in America, have so much to be thankful for. We have cable TV, there are McDonalds everywhere and Starbucks around every corner. I just want to give you a taste of how far our money can go in Africa. $7 can SUSTAIN a life of 1 person living with AIDS, it can PROVIDE 7 people with clean water for a whole YEAR and it can SAVE the life of 1 person with malaria. $7 is just two cups of coffee. Just think what you could do by giving up two cups of coffee a month for a whole year. Just think of what you can do - what you can change. You have the power to change the world. Forest fires start off with just a spark and waterfalls start with just a drop of water. 

Info obtained from the MOCHA CLUB.

Simple feelings can turn into battle cries:

What are you doing to change the world? Comment below on everyday things you do to help make a difference. :)

- Megan A. Way

Take a look at this commercial.  But be warned that it isn’t very clean.

Look familiar?  It was aired during Super Bowl XLV.

What did you think?

In my opinion, disgusting.  I’m not quite sure what these people are thinking about when they shot this stuff, but it is outrageous.  So yes, there are people like the boy in the commercial who watch the Super Bowl, but how about the rest of the crowd who has to suffer through it.

How about the kids?

If I had a child I would definitely be concerned about today’s advertisements.  Just watch normal TV and you’ll know what I’m talking about.

I’m a little worried about the upcoming years for advertisement.  I don’t watch TV that often, but the times that I do I see a lot of garbage, and it seems to be getting worse, especially the Super Bowl.

Now I like advertising, and as a matter of fact my brother is in the industry, but there are certain boundaries that should not be crossed when it comes to what’s being posted on television or on buses or billboards.

Putting a couple of skinny women in bikinis is not the right way to draw the audience, even though most of us agree that that is what draws in them.  It’s just for the sake of the rest of society that doesn’t want to look at it.  And unfortunately we are forced to look at it, on our way to work, school, the gym, hey, even church for that matter.

Let me know what you think about the shift in advertising.

Video: youtube.com

-Kyle Rudnick

Sharpen Your Pencils!



http://www.towson.edu/english/

So if you haven’t seen the posters, flyers or posts on the JTCC website, you might not know that the Literary Festival is going on right now! This annual festival of literacy is a great time to meet published, experienced writers that can help you cultivate your creative skills. This year Kirk Nesset, a poet and flash fiction author, has agreed to impart some of his literary genius in the form of a writing workshop on March 1^st in room A102 from 1 – 2:30pm. He will also have a reading, reception and book signing at 6pm that same day. So if you’re interested in sharpening your writing pencil, make sure not to miss this great opportunity!

- Megan Way
- Kyle Rudnick

Alt+Ctrl+Delete

Alt+Ctrl+Delete, Alt+Ctrl+Delete, Alt+Ctrl+Delete, Alt+Ctrl+Delete, Alt+Ctrl+Delete, Alt+Ctrl+Delete…

I don’t know how many times I have to hit these three buttons each day.  I am so sick of these stupid computers.  Don’t get me wrong, they have a lot of benefits.  As a matter of fact I wouldn’t even be sitting here right now writing this column if it were for computers.  I like what they can do and the ability that they have, but they, for some reason, have a difficult time performing properly for me.

I’m pretty good with computers, and I have all the new gadgets and gismos, but they are just uncooperative with me.  They are ungodly slow, they always seem to freeze, and every time they appear to be doing well, they shut down.  I have had so many computer problems that I’ve lost count.  I really don’t understand why computers don’t like me.

And the internet!  Don’t even get me started with the internet.  You know I spend about 1/3 of my life waiting and back talking at the internet.  It takes forever to load a screen.  And I don’t even use DSL. I live in the city and am a Comcast customer, so you would probably think that I get pretty fast internet, but I don’t.

Fios, please, that’s like two seconds better than Comcast.

Aside from the internet, how about games?  Long ago when I actually played computer games, I spent hundreds of dollars on ram, graphics cards, and a couple of new mother boards just for the systems to run properly.  Now look, I don’t mind the cost, but it sure as heck better work for the money that I paid.  I mean literally, thousands of dollars in computers, phones, Blueray players, printers, TVs, gaming systems, even alarm clocks, and they all pose a problem.

If I’m paying all this good money, why isn’t it working?

Is this just me, or are there people out there who have the same difficulty that I have?

If any of you have profound luck with computers or any gadget, please tell me your secret.

Picture: pctechnotes.com/hard-drive-failure-signs/

-Kyle Rudnick

Tyler Notebook

An old silent pond...
A frog jumps into the pond,
splash! Silence againby Matsuo Basho

As most of you probably know, this is a haiku.  If you’re someone who likes short, terse, poetic pieces, haikus are for you.  There are also ABC, lyrical, free verse, and couplet poems.

If you’re not a poetry kind of person, then perhaps short stories or response essays.  There’s nothing like reading a short essay while enjoying a nice hot cup of coffee.  At least it excites me.

Personally I am always interested in reading what others write, especially when it’s ambiguous or controversial. 

Anyway, the point is last week I realized that John Tyler had what’s called, “The Tyler Notebook.”  It’s this site where writers from the school get together and post material that they’ve worked on.  I believe it’s the writer’s club that sponsors the site.

I took some time to read a couple of pieces that they did and I’ve really been enjoying the work so far.  As I am still flipping through their works, I would, if you’re into literature, take a look at the site.

Even if you don’t like reading, they have a lot of short stories and poems that are easy reads and quite entertaining.

Below is the hyper link to the site, so check it out:

http://cwcblog.weebly.com/index.html

Poem Site:http://www.poemofquotes.com/famoushaiku/basho.php

-Point of view-Kyle Rudnick
-Megan Way

Claim It and Frame It



ipkitten.blogspot.com

In Claiming an Education, author Adrienne Rich says that students need to claim ("to take as the rightful owner; to assert in the face of possible contradiction") an education. Not only claim an education, but the very rights to their lives. That people need to stand up and say, "this is what I want to do," "these are my ideas" and "this is the way I want to go." She says to make this happen there needs to be a mutual respect at colleges between faculty and students. When students actively participate in their education they have the right to be taken seriously by their professors and for their ideas and beliefs to not be shot down, but respected. Faculty must see a student's mind as a valuable thing, but students must put in a dedicated effort to cultivate their minds. She says if this happens we will be quickening the coming of a world in which our minds "will no longer be wasted, raveled-away, paralyzed or denied."

What do you think? Do we (students) owe a college anything except money? Do we owe our professors respect, time or even effort? What do our professors owe us? Respect, time and effort as well? Do they need to see us as valuable or just another marble to polish and send off to a university or job?
-Megan Way

Is it hot in here or is it just me?

Picture this: its mid-February, snow is pouring down, filling every lawn and street.  The temperature is in the single digits and you’re outside shoveling snow or building a snowman, whatever you prefer.  You look down your street and all you see is white masking the buildings and houses afar.  You’re enjoying this right? 

Well guess what it’s not real, because you are probably in Richmond sweating to death thinking, there should be snow on the ground and cold air whipping through the trees, considering it’s the middle of winter and all.

50, 60 degree weather, what is this - summer?  Where’s the cold weather?  Why is it that every city in America is getting brisk cool air and snow, except Richmond?  It seems as though every time Richmond has a chance for snow we always seem to get the southern or northern tip, or the storm just splits in half and completely misses the city.

Is that a good thing?  Should we be concerned about this lack of winter temperatures precipitations or is it simply Richmond?  What do you think?  Should we hope for colder weather or just not worry weather or not we get it?

-Megan Way

-Kyle Rudnick

Super Bowl XLV

As hopefully all of you know, Sunday is the big day.  Super Bowl XLV in Arlington, Texas.This year’s competitors are the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers.  Both are legendary teams who have a couple of Super Bowls under their belt.

The Steelers have been in the Super Bowl seven times, making 2011 the eighth time, winning six of those seven.  Super Bowl IX, X, XIII, XVI, XL, and XLIII.  The Steelers lead the NFL in the most Super Bowl wins.  They have only lost one Super Bowl so far, Super Bowl XXX, losing to the Dallas Cowboys.  Pittsburgh’s last Super Bowl win was on February 1, 2009.

The Packers have been in the Super Bowl four times, making 2011 the fifth time, winning three of the four times.  Super Bowl I, II, and XXI.  The Packers won the first two NFL Super Bowls in 1967 and 1968.  The Packers lost one Super Bowl to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXXII.  Green Bay’s last Super Bowl win was back on January 26, 1997.

So personally, I’m a huge New York Jets fan and I was pissed off when Pittsburgh beat us.  We lost the second Championship in a row.  Last year I cheered for the New Orleans Saints because I don’t like the Indianapolis Colts.  So this year, I’m again cheering for an NFC team.  I’ve always hated the Steelers and I don’t have a problem with the Packers, so I’ll be wearing green and yellow on Sunday.

So even though I’m cheering for the Packers, I have my doubts about this game, but I’m going to take a risk and say that it will be Green Bay over Pittsburgh 24-21.

What do you think the score will be?

And I must say that, I’m happy to see that the New England Patriots aren’t in the Super Bowl again.

Pic. 1 & 2: http://www.chrissniderdesign.com/NFLlogos.html
Pic. 3: http://frontburner.dmagazine.com/2010/02/04/north-texas-super-bowl-xlv-logo-revealed/

-Kyle Rudnick