Blog-inception

A blog about blogs -- this is a brilliant idea.

Blogging is one of the newest forms of journalism, and I appreciate that we study it in this class for the sheer fact that it could be part of our job opportunities in the future.

While at the Philadelphia conference, I actually went to a session about writing blogs and freelance journalism, and I realized just how important it was to the world of journalism: it's another way to expand our audience and (in some cases) make money doing what we love. The guest speaker told us to create a blog if we didn't already have one, and work on an e-portfolio to show to potential employers.

Blogging, for me, however, has been difficult, only because of a lack of new ideas. Most of my journalistic ideas go towards the Torch or other writing projects, and I want to come up with original things for my blog. It's hard for me to come up with creative ways to express a combination of newsy-feature pieces without taking ideas from my other projects.

I think it could be used for later classes, but I would make it either fewer or produce topics for your students to write on, that way, they can do it within the structure of the course and not have to worry about coming up with several creative topics.

Midwestern Politeness

I never understood why people  always say that Midwestern residents are some of the nicest people... Until I went to Philly.

Don't get me wrong, over the last few days, I've met several dozens of people who are delightful human beings that I genuinely enjoyed talking to.

But in general, people had no problem shoving into each other, honking car horns in anger, and verbally harassing my group and following us. There were at least three instances (that I know of) in which members of my group have been hounded.

The first happened at a gas station on our way to the conference, when a gentleman in a car called out to a fellow group member "hey! How old?"
Luckily, she was able to keep walking and not look back.

The second instance occurred this morning, when a gentleman was following me and a couple others to a local market, and he kept talking to us about where we were going and what we were doing. We didn't look back.

The third happened this evening, when a gentleman on the side of the street repeatedly called out to me and a fellow group member, asking where we "two lovely ladies" were going, and almost followed us.

Yes, I am aware that these things can happen anywhere, but to have it happen three times in less than 24 hours was something I never thought I'd have to experience.

Though I loved Philly, I can't wait to be back in the Midwest, where people are a little more respectful of others.

A Cheesy, Beautiful Experience

In going to Philadelphia this weekend, I had one major thing on my bucket list: to eat a REAL Philly Cheese Steak.

As cheesy as that sounds (if you'll pardon the pun), I'd never been to Philadelphia, and the cheese steak is part of the city's notoriety.

It's funny to think that something as simple as a sandwich could be such a crucial part of the tourist's experience, but when I took that first hot, melted bite, I finally understood the delicious Heaven of which I'd been so deprived.

It wasn't about the sandwich, though. I mean, sure, I wanted to eat it because of it's flavorful fame, but really, I wanted to be a part of a culture. This is what it's known for; this is what the people eat; this is why people go here (for other reasons as well, but this is a big part).

To finally be one with this city was a cheesy, beautiful thing, and I loved every bite.

Marijuana-Infused Candy

Colorado parents have to especially worry about their children trick or treating this Halloween, as concerns over marijuana-infused candy rise in the legal state.

According to a video on the Denver Police Department's Facebook page, parents are encouraged to check all candy for tampered wrappers.

This last part, of course, is nothing new. I remember when I was a child and my parents would check every single piece of candy before I ate it, because it was so easy for people to mess with candy.

When I was younger, I used to think this was too precautionary; I didn't understand why my parents didn't trust the world the way I did. But as I've grown older and seen the horrors they have, it's no wonder why we have to worry; we have to worry about people who would drug innocent children celebrating a holiday.

Teenage Marriage

Fall is always a prime time for weddings; within the last two weeks, my view of Facebook feeds has seen pictures from four different ceremonies.

However, the one that sticks out to me the most was a girl I graduated with: 19 years old and getting married.

Though I'm thrilled for her and wish her a lifetime of happiness, I cannot help but worry about the possibilities this could end badly; she's so young, and there are so many horror stories about teenage marriages ending in divorce.

I was reading an article earlier in the New York Times about Teenage Marriages, and it stated some of the worries I expressed.

"Studies show that today marriages are two to three times more likely to end in divorce than are marriages between 25 years of age and older," wrote Sarah Kershaw. "Most comprehensive study on marriage and age that sociologists cite was published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2001, from 1995 data, and it found that 48 percent of those who marry before 18 are likely to divorce within 10 years, compared with 24 percent of those who marry after age 25."

This information, along with other statistics, I read at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/04/fashion/04marriage.html?_r=0

Though it is true each love story is different, I can only wish that the girl I've known for 14 years doesn't end up another statistic.

Response to Luke's Smartphone

In Luke's blog, he wrote about how our generation is so focused on using smart phones and technology that we are missing out on some of the most beautiful parts of life that come from living in the moment. He especially referenced a time during a concert in which he focused more on recording for later purposes, that he missed how incredible it was.
Reading this account reminded me of when this happened to me. It was my sophomore year of high school, and I saw my favorite band, All Time Low, for the first time. I waited in line for over four hours before the show, so I obviously was really close to the stage. I was so focused on snapping photographs that I didn't embrace the fact that I was literally just a few feet away from the bassist.
Because I was so focused on capturing moments for later, I missed so much of what was happening that moment, and now I only remember what happened during the times I had my phone put away.
I hope to do what Luke did, and see ATL the next time they do a US tour. They've been my favorite band since I was 13, and they are to this day. I want to put the phone away, and just sing along to the music that will always mean so much to me.

Yo Quiero Un Taco

It was National Taco Day today, and Wittenberg's Dining Services joined in on the celebration.

The CDR offered a variety of tacos for its patrons. Students could go to various lines for hard or soft taco shells, and select from chicken, pork, beef, fish, or shrimp to have as their main taco portion. There were a couple of buffet-style tables set up, students could use for additional toppings for their tacos.

The staff also had a large pinata by which students could take photos. If students took photos with the object and posted it on the internet with the specific Wittenberg hashtag, the students had the chance to win candy. The staff were all very enthusiastic, even changing their work uniforms and donning sombreros.

For students who did not want to participate in the event, normal dining options of pizza, french fries, soups, salads, cereals, and sandwiches were available.

Lyrical Content Show

Here I am at the Lyrical Content show, which is now picking up speed.

The show had a rough start,  after troubles in scheduling with Pocket Lint renting out Founders for the same time slot.

The performers were shaken at first, trying to get into the groove, but they were able to get into something as rhythmic as their poetry.

I'm now enjoying a plethora of poems and raps about love, pain, confidence, and strength.

Protecting Privacy of Public Personalities

Actors Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis shared the birth of their baby girl, Wyatt Isabelle Kutcher, earlier this week in an unconventional way.

The new father uploaded eight pictures of babies -- some of which were animals -- on his Twitter account, alongside a message of "Can you guess which one is ours, or does it really matter? All babies are cute." (The message has been taken down since its posting.)

High profile celebrities such as the former "That 70's Show" costars have to take extra precaution in protecting the privacy of their children. This instance was, for me, one of the cutest ways to do it.

Other celebrities in the past have gone to greater, more "out there" ways to protect their children, as the world saw with Michael Jackson forcing his children to wear masks when they were in public.

Though it is understandable that fans of these stars want to appreciate the joys of the new additions to families, it is unfortunate that celebrities should have to go to extra lengths to ensure their children's safety. They are people, just like you and me, and they shouldn't have to worry about a person out there with malicious intent. It is sad that they have to go out of their way to hide their identities if they want to take their children out shopping or to get ice cream.

I'm glad that Kutcher was smart enough to be cautious for his child from birth. I hate that he and Kunis can't share new baby photos like everyone else, but at least the pair are being sensible in their baby girl's protection.

Student's Sex Scandal

Breaking headlines this week is the case of Rachel Respess and Shelley Dufresne, two teachers who had a threesome with a 16-year-old student. Though cases such as this are nothing new, there is an aspect I'd like to address in this blog.

While, yes, I think we can all agree that the teachers have crossed a serious and disturbing line in having intercourse with a student and should be severely punished, I feel as though it should be recognized that the student was not raped. According to the police via Times-Picayune, he was "bragging to other students that he was having a sexual relationship with teachers."

Whether this is a defensive or coping mechanism is unclear (as I really hope that he isn't seriously happy with what transpired), but as it was expressed in one of the articles I read (http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2014/10/2nd_destrehan_high_school_teac.html), it seems as though the student is disregarding the serious legal offenses, and what these women could face in court.

Though I agree that they absolutely should be punished -- with or without consent, no adult should ever have sex with a minor. But if the case is true that he was bragging about this, what does this say about people's mindsets if they believe that what these women could be charged with deserves praise or a high-five from buddies?

This is not something to glorify; it is sad that these women's lives are ruined -- even though, yes, it was their fault -- and heartbreaking that, according to the police statement, he chalked it up to bragging rights.

Response to Ciara's "Is the HPER Doing Too Much?"

In her blog, Ciara discussed the working conditions in the HPER center for student workers. They now have to wear uniforms, enforce the ID check, and the students are not allowed to work on homework or studying while at work.

I, for one, don't see this as much of a problem. In a lot of jobs, people wear uniforms: it's part of the process. It shows unity and spirit in what you're attempting to do at your job.

Enforcing the ID check is also a good thing. While, yes, it is unfortunate that students are turned away for practices when they don't have their card, part of their responsibility is to recognize that they need to show it when they enter the building. That's like driving a car without a license; it's your responsibility to have your license on your person to verify that you are permitted to drive. It's an issue of safety/protecting the well-being of responsible parties.

And finally, being a student worker, I know what it's like to not be allowed to do homework at my job. While, yes, it's hard on me when I know I still have three papers to write or a large reading I haven't even started and I hear about my friends sitting behind a desk at another job finishing that same reading, I recognize that this is a JOB. I'm being paid to contribute to the Wittenberg community, not to do my schoolwork. An on-campus job has responsibilities, and we have to respect that and treat it as if it were a job in the real world.

Creatures Stirring

Just a few moments ago, as I was studying, I heard a knock on my door. I opened to find my neighbor in a frantic state.

She has a mouse in her room. She went to brush her teeth and spotted the creature on her way out of the door. Having never dealt with vermin, she is lost on how to get rid of it, and doesn't feel comfortable going back to her room.

She and I have been standing here, talking about her options. Our RA was contacted, but she wasn't trained on how to handle this situation. Currently, attempts to contact both the CA and AC are happening.

Vermin are nothing new on this campus. Reports earlier in the year have been made of mice in campus housing; my roommate found a cockroach in the room when she moved in; and an incident occurred a few years ago (in the same residence hall) in which a student woke up in the middle of the night to find a cockroach on her face.

Unfortunately, creatures cannot always be prevented from entering buildings; it's part of life. But we need to educate our students and RAs better on how to handle these situations, so students can feel safe in their homes.

Discrimination Against Fun

I've been deeply reflecting on the idea of disconnectedness between races after having a lively chat with Dr. Brooke Wagner in the sociology department, and thinking about how discrimination affects fun times you can have with other people.

To me, I can't figure out why this is an issue in our daily lives. Over the weekend, for example, I went on a choir retreat, and during arts and crafts time -- because choir kids are young at heart -- another soprano and I took stickers and went over to one of our friends in the bass section to decorate with him. He is an African American gentleman.

We didn't care that he was African American; we never even thought about it. All we did was celebrate our inner children as we laughed, broke out into random song, and played with our fellow choir member, and friend.
 
Wagner and I discussed earlier the sociological state of "false consciousness," in which a person has difficulty relating to others of different racial backgrounds because they perceive them as different from themselves.

People are people, regardless of skin color. Other races aren't lesser beings because of their ancestry; they're humans, just like us. And disassociating one's self with another person because of their racial background makes you the lesser being.

Because making bookmarks and tiaras using markers and stickers with other human beings is fun. And your racial background shouldn't discriminate on the amount of fun you can have with your friends.

Response to Luke's "Is Rock Music Dead?"

In Luke's post, he discussed how pop music has taken the center attention and is now disregarding what he described as "raw, emotional, and powerful music that held true meaning," a.k.a. rock music. He argues that the only place rock music can still have domination is in live performances.

I agree with Luke's statement, in that today's society emphasizes the sugary-pop and rap genres of music, and radios play fewer and fewer songs that could even remotely be classified as "rock." I have honestly stopped listening to the radio for the most part, because I cannot find music that brings me joy there anymore.

I've turned to the alternative/indie pop punk genre as my main focus, because only there can I still find lyrics that talk of something more important than clubbing or intercourse; in this genre, there are still songs about dreams and self-discovery, of all of the intricacies that define humanity.

As the penman behind 218 original songs, I find it fascinating to see how I've changed throughout the years as a songwriter. Back when "pop" music still had integrity, I was creating pieces to reflect it in that respect. But as I've aged, I have seen a change in my musical style to be reminiscent of early Green Day combined with Fall Out Boy, Panic! at the Disco, and All Time Low. My music has started to embody the styles of the only performers and music I still believe in.

Why You Gotta Be So Rude?

The Wittenberg Choir held its successful annual Variety Show on Friday and Saturday. Each night procured a full house, with additional seating necessary to accommodate the turn out, and the shows raised a lot of money for the choir, despite the negative occurrence on Saturday night.

While the choir members were performing their solos and duets, there were two groups of individuals mocking, laughing, and talking to each other and on their cell phones DURING the performances. The singers put on a brave face and tried to ignore the rude nature of these audience members, and they still focused on their respective performances.

After this continued to happen, Frances Fonza, the choir's director, came over between acts and told the disrespectful people to either quiet themselves or leave the room. The audience members got quiet, and remained in their seats after that.

The other group was about halfway up in the middle section, acting in the same manner. Other audience members commented to me about how hard it was to enjoy the performances while these people were having lengthy conversations. Thankfully, after Fonza's reprimand of the first set of individuals, the second group quieted down as well.

As a performer, nothing is quite as disrespectful as people distracting others during a show. We worked hard for weeks to perfect the 21 acts for the VOLUNTARY audience's pleasure, and the fact that people came to the show and then tried to talk on their phones DURING it was very upsetting to us behind the scenes, as we were trying to get emotionally ready for our numbers and focus on the acting aspects within the show.

I was fortunate enough to not have this happen during my solo, but it still stuck with me knowing that there were audience members who didn't have enough courtesy to just sit back and enjoy an hour and a half of dancing, comedy, and music.

Race is But a Color

If you had no exposure to me other than this blog, would it matter to you if I told you I was Italian? Or that I'm Irish? Of Scottish descent? Or German?

Now, what if I told you I was black? How would you view me?

The recent issues in Ferguson and Beavercreek have sparked the issue of racial discrimination in the media, but what some students on this campus fail to realize is that racial profiling is an overlooked matter at Wittenberg.

I have several friends here who are African American, three of whom I consider to be my best friends in this world. And, sadly, one of them (who will remain anonymous for protection) has been a victim of racial profiling on campus.

Last year, she was walking back to her dorm one night when a male student called out to her and another friend with whom she was walking (who is also of African American descent). The male student made sexually suggestive comments, with racial slurs and slanders infused in his speech.

The truth is that our society perceives individuals differently based on their racial backgrounds. "White supremacy" is well known, and there is a blatant disregard for those of other colors. This disheartens me to a great extent.

To me, people are people, regardless of what color you are. If you're white, congratulations; if you're an African American, congratulations. You're a human being, and my friend, and that's all that will ever matter to me.

The Way Partying Should Be

My first college party experience has been a positive one, regarding alcohol and behavior.

It's an hour and a half into this party, and my drink of choice is pink lemonade (ah, the joy of being a good underage kid at a college party). Every other person here has been drinking (except for one), and it hasn't been anything like the stereotypical "college party."

The alcohol consumption has been mild, girls sipping on hard cider or fruity vodka. I haven't been pressured to drink, and they haven't judged me. The night has been filled with laughter and bonding.

College parties (especially at Witt) are notorious for being binge-crazy, leading to nights of regret. On college campuses, heavy drinking is one of the biggest factors for sexual assault and rape cases.

Being a journalist whose beat is in sexual assault stories, I've done extensive research on the subject, and the numbers (which I'll get out my notes and update later on when I'm home) are disturbing.

But this party...this is how a college party should be: people of age drinking in moderation and just having fun. People have buddies to walk home together and it's in a safe environment.

Look at this Variety; Wittenberg Choir Variety Showcase

Next weekend, I'm vying to win the coveted "Variety Show Winner" trophy.

My choir, the Wittenberg Choir, is holding its annual variety show on Sept. 19th and 20th at 8pm in Krieg 300.

The show will start and end with numbers from the entire choir, and in between, it will showcase 17 vocal solos, duets, and comedy routines. I have a solo, covering the contemporary piece "Clarity" by Zedd (featuring Foxes), and am dead-set on putting on a grand show.

The show is my choir's main fundraiser of the year. Tickets are free for Wittenberg students when they show their ID cards, and $4 at the door for any non-student.

There will also be a female number intended to captivate the men in the audience, with a seductively-choreographed rendition of "Baby Love" by the Supremes. The men have planned to serenade the women in the audience with a rendition of "Barbara Ann" by the Beach Boys.

At the end of the show, audience members may "vote" on their favorite performances by donating money into buckets representing each act (all proceeds will go to the choir for transportation and competition funding, as well as choir necessities such as sheet music). The act that pulls in the most money will receive the trophy, and bragging rights for the rest of the choral season.

Response to Bobby's "CVS Health: PR Genius"

In his article, Bobby discusses the changes in the CVS pharmacy chain to stop sales of tobacco products, and the publicity impact in doing so.

While, yes, this is a good publicity stunt to get the pharmacy chain's name back on the forefront, it should be noted that there is more opportunity to this than just PR. Though it is stopping sales on tobacco products, the stores are, in fact, going to replace these items with products to help smokers quit. It cannot be said as to what extent people will actually seek out these items, but it may have at least a little benefit.

In the end, though the store is getting a great deal of PR, and it is standing by its claim to "better health," isn't the most important thing that this could change, possibly save, lives?

Musical Taste

Wittenberg's Music Department held its annual picnic for its majors and minors earlier this evening in Krieg Hall.

The head of the department, Dr. Corwin Georges, attended the event, along with Dr. Fonza, the choir director; Dr. Crean, university organist; and Dr. Schubert, vocal teacher, among many other faculty and staff. Both music professionals and music students chatted about the department, got to know one another, and celebrated their shared love of music.

A variety of songs in pop culture played in the background, as people enjoyed the intimate setting. The event was catered, with hamburgers, hot dogs, and veggie burgers for the main dishes, and assorted fruits, potato salads, and desserts buffet-style.
 
The music majors and minors came and went leisurely, and all in attendance appeared to be in good spirits. The evening was filled with laughter, good food, and the power of music.

The Return of the Torch

Tonight was the first meeting of the Torch for the 2014-15 school year. Senior Sarvani Ramcharran led the group in its first budget.

Ramcharran started the meeting by welcoming the new staff writers, and introduced them to their editorial board for the year: Editor-in-Chief, Ramcharran; Managing Editor, me; Design Editor, Lauren Swanson; Photo Editor, Elizabeth Doll; Sports Editor, Maggi Quigley; and Professor/Supervisor, D'Arcy Fallon.

Ramcharran briefly discussed what potential positions each new staff member could hold as a writer, copy editor, designer, and photographer, before addressing the week's stories.

The editor-in-chief opened the floor for potential stories, and allowed all members of the staff to share any new story ideas they had. She then briefly described each story, and allowed the writers to select any stories they wanted to cover.

After appointing the stories, Ramcharran dismissed the staff, and potential copy editors, designers, photographers, and sports writers stayed after to discuss their new jobs/responsibilities with their respective editorial board member.

*Note: Due to being Managing Editor, I had responsibilities to attend to during the meeting and I was unable to blog this during the meeting itself, so this is as close to on-the-scene as I could get. Check out this issue of the Torch when it comes out on September 10th!*

The Journey Begins

When I was a sophomore in high school, I had a friend convince me to join the school paper. I had always loved reading and writing, so I thought it would be a great experience to try my writing skills in a journalistic environment.

My first story was actually a big news story: covering the oil spill in the gulf (now I'm REALLY aging myself). I recall being so excited to write about something so important. I went around to students at my school, asking for their responses to this dreadful accident. I lived off researching the timeline of events regarding the disaster. I spent so many hours displeased and discouraged with my work, rewriting time and time again in the hopes of achieving an impossible perfection.

The moment I saw my name and story in print, I remember clearly thinking to myself, "I'm a journalist."

Sophomore Suspense

It is hard to believe that only a year ago, I began my academic journey at Witt. It feels as if I have been a student here for 10 years, but at the same time, it is as if I am experiencing the beginning of freshman year again.
Arriving on campus this weekend, I relived the wide-eyed wonderment and excitement of college -- seeing old friends, admiring Wittenberg's beautiful campus, and, of course, the "fine dining" via cafeteria food. Moving back in with my roommate and staying up all night laughing made it seem as though the year wasn't a terrifying idea.
But it is.
Though I am excited for everything going on this year, I cannot help but worry about my obligations. Last year, I was just a student still trying to figure out what she wanted to study and hoping to find a place where I belonged -- in social groups, departments, and clubs.
This year, I am officially declaring my English major, Journalism minor, and Music (Vocal Performance) minor, and am proud to be in the Honors Program. I am also Managing Editor/Ad Manager for The Torch, Secretary for Newman Club, a second soprano in WittChoir, a founding member of the (soon-to-be) Shakespeare Club, and a member of SAGE (Student Advisory Group in English).
So it feels like freshman year again: I am terrified. Only this time, my concern is letting everyone else down.