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