Life of a Fake Journalist

News in the life of the fake journalist!

2010-03-22T16:22:00.000-07:00

Next quarter I will be working as an Arts & Life editor for the Western Front!

I am very excited about this and look forward to being on the other side of the newsroom, so to speak. I worked as an editor for the paper over the summer for the Welcome Back edition of the Front, but this will be quite a bit different, as that was just one issue, and this will be two issues a week.

I will update again soon and let you all know how it goes! And be sure to look out for the first edition of the Front for spring on April 2.

I apologize for my poor posting habits lately, but here's a link to my most recent articles that I didn't get around to posting in a timely manner:

Western confronts identity crisis

Frosty talk: Geologist discusses glacier reduction

Legislature preserves tuition stetting authority

Bellingham's Most Violent Visitors

2010-02-28T12:36:00.000-08:00

Bellingham is known for its breathtaking scenery and active community. Views of Mount Baker and Bellingham Bay, a diverse population and a vibrant downtown district showcase the area as serene and friendly. But when the lights turn off, businesses close for the evening and everyone goes home, walking Bellingham at night can be a bit creepy- and for good reason.

Read the full article here at klipsun.wwu.edu

State senate extends tuition authority

2010-02-13T17:25:00.001-08:00

A proposed bill that would change university tuition control passed the Senate Finance Committee Monday night.

The bill will give university Board of Trustee boards the authority to set tuition rates for the undergraduate state-residents at Western, the University of Washington and Washington State University. Currently the state Legislature has this power. Undergraduate state-residents make up 86 percent of Western's students.

Read the full article here.

Learning the importance of dining etiquette

2010-02-12T14:27:00.000-08:00

Etiquette may no longer be a required class, but that doesn't mean it is unimportant. Students enjoyed a three-course meal Wednesday night at the Viking Union Multipurpose Room while learning how the rules of etiquette can make or break a job interview.

The etiquette dinner is held every winter quarter the night before the career fair. Effie Eisses, employee relations manager for the Career Services Center, said the event gives 140 students the opportunity to sit down with and have a meal in a professional social setting and network with potential employers who sponsor the event.

Eisses said proper etiquette is an important job skill to have, as employers often look to see how applicants interact with other members of their in the final interview process.

Read the full article here.

Illustration imagined

2010-02-11T17:09:00.000-08:00

*For those of you who follow me on twitter, I apologize for my empty promise of a new post last week. To make up for it, I'll be posting more stuff tomorrow!

Artwork from children's book illustrators around the world will go on display alongside Columbia Elementary School forth and fifth graders' art starting Feb. 10 in Wilson Library. More than 70 artists from 30 countries illustrated original book covers for the exhibit, which challenges the idea of judging a book by its cover.

The exhibit, commissioned by the International Youth Library in Munich, Germany, is titled "An Imaginary Library: Children's Books That Do Not (Yet) Exist."

The twist: the books haven't been published yet. This is the last stop of the exhibit, and the only West Coast venue, before it returns to Germany.

Read the full article here.

Despite death, a glow remains

2010-01-22T10:34:00.000-08:00

(This was a very tough one to write.)

Glow sticks and bracelets lined the walkways around the Sigma residence hall earlier this week in memory of Western junior Matthew "Glow" Stanley.

Stanley's father, Jeff Stanley, said his son was a very smart and loving person.

"He cared about everybody," Stanley said. "His whole life he'd been willing to help anybody."

Gary Goldfogel, Whatcom County medical examiner, confirmed on Wednesday 19-year-old Stanley, from Puyallup, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Read the full article here.

Being a fake journalist

2010-01-20T18:56:00.001-08:00

When I created this blog, I had a long debate about what to title it. At the time, I mainly wanted to post my writing samples to get feedback. I was a PR major in reporting and news writing classes, forced into a journalistic lifestyle. I felt more like a fake than anything else, since being a reporter was not my passion. Thus, I decided on the fake journalist. I didn't realize until much later (with a bit of googling) that the term fake journalist was so negatively used for other individuals. But I didn't care. I'd spent a fair amount of time on this blog already and I wasn't about to start all over. (For the record, everything I post on here is truth, not fiction. If I do write fiction, I will label it as such.)

These days I don't feel like such a fake. My writing and confidence in my reporting skills has vastly improved. I enjoy writing on a deadline and interviewing people to tell their stories. Being on the newspaper again feels right. Its an awesome feeling to see my name in print.

This week, however, it has been a comfort to know that I'm still just a fake journalist; that this lifestyle isn't my future career. I've had a full plate, with work, school and numerous stories. And I've had to write on some hard topics. I enjoy writing about upcoming events, changes in government and other soft news. When it comes to the hard news, I'm more than happy to leave that to the real journalists.

I've got a number of great stories that I'm working on now. I'm looking forward to posting them once they are published. I'll also be posting my list of top juvenile books in the next few days. Thank you for reading, and be sure to comment and let me know if you have any questions about me or my blog. For those of you that are unfamiliar with my blog format, you can post a comment by clicking on the number in the top corner of the post, or by clicking read more. You don't need to register or sign-in to leave a comment. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more!

Need a good book?

2010-01-18T14:28:00.000-08:00

It can be hard to find a great book. Only you really know what you like. Until you read the book, it's almost impossible to tell which books are just hyped-up, and which are worthy of critic's praise.

Since I am an avid reader, and recommend books for a living, I decided to provide a few suggestions for books I feel are worth your time. This list includes books that have made me laugh, cry, think about life, inspired me, and stuck with me long after I finished reading them.

*note: while compiling this list, many of the books were children's or young adult novels. I will post a separate list of these later this week. This list includes some younger novels, but I include them because I feel they speak to a wide range of ages. These are in no particular order.

1984 by George Orwell

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

First French Kiss (and other traumas) by Adam Bagdasarian

The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis

Diary of a Yong Girl by Anne Frank

Somewhere a Band is Playing by Ray Bradbury

The Snows of Kilimanjaro by Ernest Hemmingway

A Bend in the Road by Nicholas Sparks

Village of a Million Spirits: A Novel of the Treblinka Uprising by Ian MacMillian

The Art of Styling Sentences by Anne Longknife (non-fiction)

The Chosen by Chaim Potok

The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

Looking for Alaska by John Green

Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris

I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron

Thank you for reading. If you have read any of these books, or have book suggestions for me, let me know by leaving a comment. I'm always looking for a good read.

We're changing things up

2010-01-16T12:20:00.000-08:00

Considering the title of this blog is life of a fake journalist, I am going to start posting more than just writing samples. I have also redesigned the page. Let me know what you think. The old template was just too boring.

For those of you who don't know me, my name is Ali. I am a student at Western Washington University studying public relations. I also work at a bookstore. I have been in the book industry for about 5 years. My personal philosophy on the written word is this: I believe that what you read, whether in a newspaper, book, blog, etc. stays with you and becomes a little bit of who you are. I know it's corny, but I like to think it is somewhat true as well.

Thank you for reading. Be sure to check back often for new content. And don't forget to comment on the new design!

Food challenge urges Western to buy organic

2010-01-16T12:15:00.000-08:00

By 2012, University Dining Services plans to increase Northwest-grown, fair-trade, organic and humanely produced food on campus by 20 percent.

Read the full article at www.thewesternfrontonline.net

An Engagement to Remember

2010-01-14T23:48:00.000-08:00

Summer may seem far off for some, but in the bridal industry it's just around the corner...

Read the full article at TheWesternFrontOnline.net

When to play,when to train: kids and sports

2009-11-02T20:45:00.000-08:00

Light-up sneakers squeak across the court as their owners scuttle after black and white balls gone askew. The coach is trying to herd the children in with a quick game of red light-green light. Parents watch on the sidelines, reminding their children to “listen to the teacher” and “use your feet, not your hands” as the children keep showing mom and dad what they can do. By the end of the 45-minute session, a few players have gone home after falls on the ground or bumps on the head got the best of them, but overall there are still smiles, giggles and enthusiasm from the little players. The team ends the day with a group chant of “have fun!” This is youth soccer with 5-year-olds, and it’s a step in the right direction.

From superhero training to all-ages dodge ball, gymnastics to soccer; the Whatcom Family YMCA has a program for almost any interest and any age. In a world filled with technology and overwhelming obesity rates in youth, Youth Sports Director John Bullard says the YMCA is a place for kids to get off the computer and onto the field.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that only about 25 percent of high school students are enrolled in physical education courses, and about half of America’s youth are not vigorously active. Derrick Mears, an associate professor in the physical education department at Western Washington University, says community programs such as the YMCA, which are designed to include all kids and not competitive, are the best programs for young children.

“We’re starting kids in competitive sports way too early. 5- and 6-year-olds should be learning hopscotch, not playing competitive sports,” Mears says.

The YMCA has set up good parameters for the programs that have age appropriate goals and activities for the children, Mears says. Well designed programs have the potential to extend beyond physical activity and encourage children to experience the social development that goes on with sports, such as working with others.

The YMCA attempts to build strong kids, families and communities with their programs by engaging children in activities together and having family events, as well as encouraging community members to volunteer at the YMCA to continue the programs. Bullard, who used to work with at-risk kids and teens before he came to the YMCA, says he sees these strong bonds every day.

“It’s definitely a nice break to work with children whose parents are so involved in their lives,” Bullard says.

Western Senior Nick Campbell volunteers as a youth soccer coach at the YMCA. He began volunteering as part of a field experience requirement for his kinesiology degree last spring, but has continued to volunteer since he finished the requirement. Campbell coaches teams between the ages of 3 and 6. He says his favorite part of the job is seeing the kids smile and laugh and have fun—and their faces when they make a goal can’t be beat.

The teams are designed to get kids interacting with one another and working together in a fun way, keeping in mind the YMCA motto of “respect, caring, honesty, responsibility.” Bullard says that at that age, soccer is more about not touching the ball with your hands than anything else. He says it often takes parents' help to keep kids from clambering over the one another to get to the ball. All of the YMCA teams are non-competitive and play rain or shine -- it is Washington, after all.

Raleigh Kukes just started her 3-year-old daughter Halsey in the YMCA youth soccer program. She says they tried to do soccer last year, but Halsey wasn’t quite ready for it yet. While Halsey was a little shy on the court to tell the coach her name, she joined in and played with the other kids. Kukes says she really enjoys the many different activities the YMCA has available for her daughter, so Halsey can get a wide variety of experiences to figure out what she’s interested in. Halsey is also in the ballet class.

Bullard says he is always impressed with kids' willingness to help one another. He recalled one basketball team in which every player had made a basket except for one kid. This boy was taller than most of the other players, but uncoordinated. At the last game, all the team members kept passing the ball to him to give him a chance to make a basket. He finally did and the whole team went into an uproar of cheers.

The YMCA offers a variety of other programs for children to enjoy. Dance, swim, rock climbing, and running are just a few of the many programs the YMCA offers. The YMCA also offers a wide variety of adult activities as well. Members of all ages have access to the gym, swimming pool, rock climbing wall, and fitness center. There are also many classes available including yoga, volleyball and adult ballet.

These boots are NOT made for walking

2009-02-25T13:15:00.000-08:00

If you walk onto the Western Washington University campus, you will undoubtedly see numerous girls walking around with their skinny jeans tucked into a pair of faux-suede Uggs, or Ugg look-alikes. While these “rain boots” are the current fashion trend across America, this reporter is having trouble figuring out why.

After seeing these not-so-stylish boots around for over a year, I finally broke down and bought myself a pair, since my rain shoes consisted of ballet flats and my Converse Chuck Taylors. While I originally looked at getting myself a pair of authentic Australian Uggs, the retail price of $144 on Zappos.com was a bit steep for my college-kid budget--I went for a Wal-Mart knock off for $12.

Before I decided to go with the pair from Wal-Mart, I shopped around to get an idea of the quality differences between the Wal-Mart $12 shoes and the pricey Jung+G Fashion shoes for $50. Although I’m no cobbler, they all seemed to be about the same, minus various color options.

My first complaint is that these boots are terribly designed. It is almost impossible to find a size that fits. Your usual size will be able to fit your foot snugly in them, but the leg won’t be able to accommodate your pants. A size or two bigger will fit your pants, but your foot will have a lot of wiggle room. I think it would be beneficial to widen the leg a bit to fix this problem. I purchased a size eight instead of my usual size seven to fit my pants between the boot and my leg.

It took a good 10 minutes to get my pants shoved in the boots far enough that my feet were in the foot part of the boot instead of the leg. Then I noticed the seam along the top of the boot had already started to fray (most likely just a Wal-Mart issue). Already frustrated and late, I ran out to catch the bus to campus.

While trying to run, my feet were constantly moving around in the boot and caused me to miss-step a number of times. Add this to rainy weather and you get a girl stumbling down the sidewalk to catch the bus while frantically trying to stay upright.

A big difference you will find with the Uggs and the look-alikes are the soles. The Ugg soles are rubberized and grooved to help you maintain traction, while the look-alikes use foam soles with little grooving or grip to help you out. This turned out to be just as much of a problem as the fit.

As I got on the bus my foot slipped on the stairs, causing me to face plant into the person standing in front of me. I apologized and quickly found my seat, noticing the water already seeping through my socks. When getting off the bus I made sure to step carefully and had no problems, assuming it was just because of my rush that I had slipped earlier. Unfortunately, as soon as I stepped off the brick-laid path up to the Communications Facility onto the smooth concrete I slipped again.

This time, my feet went completely out from under me and I managed to end up face down in a puddle. A few people stopped to help me up and asked if I was all right. One guy kindly informed me “It’s slippery, you should watch your step.” (No, really?) Already embarrassed, I simply thanked him and said I’d keep that in mind.

Sitting here now, soaking wet and disgruntled, I think my $12 could have been spent on something else. Even if the boots had better traction, the design makes them hard to walk in and they provide very little protection from the rain and puddles that surround Western’s campus. Maybe the $144 authentic Uggs would be better, but I don’t plan on spending that kind of dough on shoes that don’t even look that great.

Bellingham residents looking forward to the new team in town

2009-02-23T22:16:00.000-08:00

The cancellation of Western Washington University’s football team left football fans with little to cheer about—until now. The announcement of the Next Level Football League starting a team in Bellingham is putting fans in a much better mood.

“I’m pretty stoked about it,” said football fan Casey Silva. He said while he didn’t attend many of the WWU football games, he plans to attend some of the Bellingham Blitz’s games. Matt Jackson, also a football fan, said he gives it a thumbs-up. He said he wished there was even more football in the area. “I’m a football fan all the way," Jackson said, "there can never be too much football.”

Even residents who do not regularly follow football think the Bellingham Blitz team is a good idea. Sherry Sayre, who said she doesn’t really follow football said, “I don’t really know about it, but it sounds like a good idea.”

Alice Despopoulos was initially concerned about the cost to the city. She was relieved to find out that the team was privately owned and hoped that a good turnout would benefit the community. The city may actually benefit financially from the team, since the team will be playing their games at the city-owned Civic Stadium. According to the City of Bellingham's website, the city’s fees for the use of the stadium range from $80-900 an hour depending on the use of the stadium.

The Bellingham Blitz general manager Mike Kulcheski and co-owner Tom Abbott gave the City Council an informative presentation on the NLFL at the Feb. 12 City Council Meeting, but did not ask for any support. Kulcheski also highlighted that there is an exclusive three-year contract with Comcast to televise the games. Silva said he looked forward to watching the games as well as attending them.

Nicole Valencia was not as enthusiastic as Silva. "I'm not going to watch it, but it's a good option for people who like it," she said. Valencia also said that the new team is good for an area as large as Bellingham, especially since the WWU football program was cut.

City Council Recognizes Employees' Dedicaiton

2009-02-10T09:52:00.000-08:00

The City Council recognized 55 employees at the meeting held Monday night for their service and dedication to the city and community. City employees who worked for the city for 20, 25, 30 and 35 years were given Employee Recognition Awards. A Certificate of Appreciation was also given to Doug Starcher for his work on the Bellingham Planning Commission for the past eight years.

Free rides to help homeless

2009-02-02T14:48:00.000-08:00

WTA bus riders enjoyed free rides Wednesday and Thursday as the WTA partnered with Bellingham Whatcom Project Homeless Connect (PHC). The PHC, sponsored by United Way, offered a variety of services to homeless people throughout the area, including medical, employment, and legal services.

Bruce Johnson, a volunteer coordinator, said “it went better than we expected.” Johnson said that more than 300 volunteers and 200 service providers helped roughly 60 homeless people from the community.

Still no decision on the Fairhaven Library

2009-01-28T10:25:00.000-08:00

One of the few issues on the City Council’s agenda Monday night was the Fairhaven Branch Library funding. City Council met with the Library board earlier that day to discuss transferring up to $600,000 for further repairs of the Fairhaven branch from funds budgeted to the Central branch.

The Fairhaven Branch Library has already been guaranteed $2.2 million in the budget for repairs to the roof, steps, new stucco on the outside of the building and seismic protection. The library is now requesting up to $3.2 million for further renovations, such as a new interior design and further seismic protection.

John Servai, chair of the Advocacy Budget of the Friends of the Fairhaven Branch Library, spoke up at the meeting urging City Council to stick with the current budget so renovations could start in June without delay. Servai said “we are out of time” and many of the renovations requested were not needed, such as the updated interior layout and seismic protection in the ceiling.

Servai went on to say that the library board and the administration had not allowed the Friends to be a part of the plans, but that “you can bet we tried.” Servai said the Friends do not support the presentation earlier that day given to the City Council.

Bruce Deile, a homeless man living in Bellingham, also showed his support of the library. Deile said he goes to the library to get out of the cold and that “the only recourse some of have is the library.”

City Council decided to hold off on any decisions regarding the Fairhaven Branch Library branch until a public meeting, scheduled for Feb 5 is held, and public opinion can be heard on the matter.

After the meeting, Councilman Terry Bornemann said “we just don’t have the extra [money].” Bornemann also said that he was concerned that the Central Branch was willing to give up its $600,000 for its needed repairs to the Fairhaven Branch Library, and wondered if the money could have been budgeted elsewhere in the first place.

The public meeting scheduled for Feb 5 will be held in the Fireplace Room at the Fairhaven Branch Library from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Brad Cornnwell of RMC Arcitects will be there to review the Fairhaven Branch Library renovations, according to a press release. The public is invited to attend and provide input on the Fairhaven Renovations.

Residents may be kept awake by piling removal

2009-01-26T23:35:00.000-08:00

The City Council ratified the Bellingham noise ordinance to allow piling removal along Bellingham Bay around some residential areas.

The removal began in late fall to remove the creosote-treated pilings and prevent further contamination of the Bellingham Bay. The piling removal is expected to be done by the end of the week, however the project could go until Feb. 28, said Councilman Terry Bornemann.

The method used to remove the pilings during low tide could occur outside the ordinance's 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. noise allowance. Most residents should not be affected, but the noise could carry into some residential areas, especially those close to the waterfront in the South Hill neighborhood and the western part of the Sehome neighborhood.

Sehome Development may be delayed

2009-01-23T12:05:00.000-08:00

The Sehome neighborhood’s development project may be in jeopardy, according to Council Member Terry Bornemann. The biggest issue council members face is “how to deal with the current financial crisis” caused by the poor economy.

In an interview with Bornemann Thursday, he said the current economic situation is affecting the local revenue that pays for city projects. Bornemann also said the council needs to “really work to adjust for that.”

The Sehome neighborhood project, which has been in the works for many years now, may be set on the backburner if City Council cannot find the resources to fund the project. The proposed “urban village” redevelopment would convert the strip malls and motels that currently line Samish Way into sidewalk shops and businesses with residences above.

Mohinder Singh, a manager at the Coachman Inn on Samish way says he thinks the project “will be good for the area” and “help us to compete with the Guide [Meridian].”

The idea is to make the Sehome neighborhood into a place where people shop, live, and work, much like Fairhaven is designed. The current plan will help to accommodate the growing population throughout the area.

The Sehome neighborhood development project is just one of many neighborhood redesigns that are currently in the works; however Sehome has taken the lead, according to Bornemann.

The project will require rezoning of many areas, and possibly new ordinances to allow for taller buildings that can house both businesses and residences. The project will also include a landlord accountability law to make sure buildings are up to code and that landlords are responsible for their tenants.

The final project proposal is set to be reviewed by the Council sometime in the next few weeks.

Look for these stories and others on the newsgarden this week

2009-01-19T12:06:00.000-08:00

Police Called to Sehome Haggen

An individual attempted to use a counterfeit bill at the Sehome Haggen Sunday. Efrem Haile, 21, attempted to use a counterfeit $100 bill to pay for his groceries. His efforts were thwarted by the checker who used a counterfeit bill detector pen on the bill to determine its authenticity. Police were called to the scene and arrested Haile for counterfeit according to the police report.

Boomers Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Students and seniors alike can get any burger at a discounted price to celebrate Boomers 20th anniversary. Many were taking advantage of their deals this weekend. The lucky few who could find a spot sat in their cars, while the rest parked their cars and headed inside to eat their meals by the fireplace. The local hot spot will continue its anniversary sale through the end of Feb.

Pedestrians Are Fed Up With Pet Owners

Sehome pedestrians have had some tough times lately. They've had to trudge through snow, slush, rain, and... poop? Pedestrians have noticed an increase in dog piles on the sidewalks along Bill McDonald Parkway and Samish Way. Bellingham does have a "pooper scooper" law; however, Jerra Jenny, a local pedestrian, feels it is not being enforced properly. The law requires dog owners to have equipment with them to remove their pets' poo, and to do so before continuing on their walk. If caught, pet owners face up to a $250 fine.

Extreme weather prompts residents to take action

2009-01-14T23:18:00.000-08:00

This was a "practice" story for a website that our stories will soon be loaded to-- you can check it out here. I will be writing for the Sehome neighborhood.

Sehome residents are petitioning the city to purchase more snow removal equipment in light of recent weather. Community members can be found at stores and churches throughout the area to get the 2,000 signatures they need by Jan. 31. Volunteers are still needed to help with gathering signatures, answering phones and working on a Web site. To contribute, or for more info call 650-6244.

Story from this summer

2009-01-09T00:05:00.000-08:00

This is a story I wrote for my news writing class this summer. It's not the best thing I've ever written, but i figured I'd put SOMETHING up on here for now.

Garage Sales: An American Tradition

As summer weather finally hits the northwest, another summer tradition kicks into gear as people throughout America attempt to clear the clutter with garage sales.

So many people have participated in this summer tradition; it seems to have become a staple in American springs and summers. Almost every weekend, you will find new signs and posters on major intersections advertising for new sales.

Lena Harrington, a student at Western Washington University who recently moved to a new home in Bellingham, posted cardboard signs at each end of her road to try to attract potential buyers to take away her surplus of clothing, furniture, and other miscellaneous items.

Andrea Bjazevich, also of Bellingham, used colorful poster board and cardboard boxes to attract people to her garage sale. She was attempting to get rid of her old toys and clothes so she could buy newer toys. When asked what she would do with the things she didn’t sell, she said “I’ll probably give stuff to my friends, or donate it to Value Village.”

Vera Henychova was visiting Bjazevich from the Czech Republic and helping with the garage sale that day. When asked if they have garage sales in the Czech Republic, she said, “No. [Garage sales are] very American.” Henychova said that in her country, when people have too many things, they donate them to charities.

While many who hold garage sales do first attempt to sell their items, most donate what they do not sell to organizations such as Value Village, the Goodwill, or the Salvation Army.

Donation seemed to be the case with both Bjazevich and Harrington, as neither sold as much as they hoped, nor made much money, averaging about a hundred dollars for each sale.

The Goodwill website says that its organization is about bettering communities, through jobs in their stores, to turning the profit from their stores to provide educational classes for community members.

Items that the goodwill receives come, in part, from garage sales, but also receive items from people who do not want to go through the trouble of planning and executing a garage sale.
Many people can be found “bargain hunting” as a weekend activity- going from sale to sale to see what they can find. This can be a great solution for college students.

Russell Ritchie, also a Western Washington University student of Bellingham, said “You can find some really good deals at garage sales […] a lot of people practically give away stuff that you would have to spend a fortune to buy new.” Ritchie said that he has found furniture, dishes, televisions, and clothing at garage sales.

Whether you’re trying to get rid of the dozens of sweaters that you never wear anymore, or looking for some bargains, everyone can benefit from garage sales. Sunshine and hot weather seem to go hand in hand with garage sales, and it seems that this American tradition is here to stay.

Ali
bookgirl2005@gmail.com

Lessons from my first day of school

2009-01-07T17:06:00.000-08:00

1. I don't like orange juice in the slightest.

2. Apples are quite a delicious thing while you wait for the bus
3. Converse shoes are about as effective in the rain as socks.
4. Riding the bus to school is a lot quicker than i realized
5. Everyone seems to think that everyone else thinks that newspapers are "dying" and feel they must tell you otherwise for most of the class period.
6. I'm excited to become a better writer.
7. You'll get a lot wetter when you unnecessarily walk from one end of campus to the other between each class than if you just stay put.
8. Staying put in the same building is not nearly as fun as walking around campus unnecessarily (even if is is pouring buckets).
9. I don't remember anything from my news writing class I took this summer. Thus...
10. My Reporting class is going to kick my butt!
11. Coffee makes me have to pee a lot
12. I have a lot to learn.
13. I'm SO GLAD I'm going to Western, and not Central
14. It's nice to have friends again
15. I should write a lot more, so I'm starting with this note-- we'll see if more are to come