Thursday, November 10, 2011

response to article

Police beats and serious crime reports are not only hard to write, but they are also extremely hard to report because of the graphic images associated with them. But, it is indeed a job at the end of the day that needs to be covered, and that adrenaline and horror experienced by the reporter only adds to the story. Indeed, it will take a toll on the reporter's emotions and they may pick up habits such as smoking, but it will take a hard-skinned individual to see it to the end.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Police Beat Response

When a story that contains horrific details or disturbing images, many of us forget that the only reason we are receiving the story is because someone reported on it. Yes, someone has to do it, but I think that we should all have a newfound respect for those who willingly cover the "police beat". Like the article says horror and tragedy often visit reporters on the police beat, and on top of that, many times reporters attempting to get a story are put in danger.
I believe many people take the news for granted when an extreme case is presented. I definitely have grown more aware that there is a person behind that story who could have put themselves at risk just so I could know what is going on.

Response to The High-Stress Police Beat

I found this article extremely interesting. Partially because the police beat was one reason I became a journalism major in the first place. I personally hope to never have to cover the beat, because I want to be on the other side. I want readers to know there is a good side of the news too. After all it is no secret that crime reporting and tragedy in general command the attention of the journalism world.
I do think that we all forget or do not realize the ramifications of being a crime reporter. Mentally no one really can take their mind away from anything seen at a crime scene. I really think this article really did a great job of reminding readers of this. It also pointed out that crime reporters deserve way more credit than they deserve. It really is more of a lifestyle for them since they really work nonstop on this beat. The crime beat is draining emotionally, physically, and mentally. Those who report for the crime beat really do need help dealing with all that they come across on a daily basis.

Police Response

This story really opened my eyes to a crime reporter's life. I guess when I watch the news about a serious crime, I've always just focused on the story itself. This article made me see it through the eyes of the reporter covering that serious crime. It is one thing to read about or watch about murders and rapes, but to actually be there with the victims and criminals is in a totally different league. I cant imagine the stress and emotions that would go through someone who had to see and deal with that every single day, and then be expected to clock out and go home to live a normal life, while knowing the whole time what the world is really like out there. This article made me understand and have respect for the life of a crime reporter.

Response to Crime Beat

Although I've never considered being a crime reporter, I have thought about the possibilities of having to cover a crime. After reading this, I definitely hope I will be able to avoid drastic crime scenes. You can take your body away from the crime scene, but you can't take the crime scene out of your mind. When you leave the crime scene, you go home to your families. The way you usually act could change, and that could cause family problems. I agree that counseling should be mandantory. Many people think their personal ways to cope will work, but when it's over, they won't have the same mind frame. There are many dangers associated with crime reporting too, as mentioned. Having to gather courage to walk to someone's door could take days. However, as a crime reporter it has to be done eventually. I believe the hardest thing would be speaking with families who have lost children and teenagers. A life so young gone from the world. Reading the article, it was mentioned that one of the most difficult times was seeing two sisters killed in a wreck on the way to college. Not just one, but two deaths in one family having to be dealt with in one day. Crime reporting will not be for me.

Response To Police Beat

I agree with this article in that when reading stories about crime and tragedies we don't think enough about the people that it is dealing with and the reporters and police that have to deal with it. It's easy for us to just read a story and not think much more about it. I do agree with what the article was saying about how people dealing with these tragedies need to go see a therapist or counseling sessions . One should not have to deal with seeing awful things on a daily basis. Having different emotions about what they see at work is normal. I personally don't think I could handle a job like this. I have so much respect for the people who have these jobs. I would be able to console a family after a hard time but I could only do so much and then I would break down, feel bad for the families, and not know what to do. I do agree and think reporters should be offered counseling sessions. It is hard to sit there and witness people going through such hard times and it's hard for it not to take a toll on ones self. By reading this I have so much more respect for reporters because I'm more aware of what they have to deal with and what goes on behind the scenes of reporting.

Response to Police Beat

When reading the news or watching it on TV, it is easy to look at tragedies as things that are not real, just a fictional story like a movie. What I often forget, it that this is not Disney’s version of a tragedy, but people’s real lives, hurts, and troubles. I am guilty of not looking into a story seriously if I am not connected. However, as a crime news reporter, you have no choice but to put yourself into the situation. Being on the crime scene and witnessing the events first hand is something I do not feel I would be able to do. I know I would not be able to keep my cool when it came time to talk to grieving wives, husbands, children, or any significant other. I feel it would want to hung them and console them, instead of asking them how they were feeling. I know this is a job that must be done, in order to inform the public of events, so realizing just how much trouble witnessing these events causes a reporter, makes me gain a whole new respect for what they do. It takes a strong person to be able to put there self in that situation, and still remain human at the same time.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Response to Police Beat Stress

I think that it's easy to forget that when you read about crimes and murders in newspapers or see them on TV that a real human being had to see the horrifying things described up close and personal. I don't think I have what it takes to report on crime; I'm not sure that I could "turn off" my emotions. I have a lot of respect for someone who is tough enough to report on crime and still find a way to function normally. I do believe that the newspapers and stations should provide a counselor for their reporters who have witnessed the horrible things that happen on a daily basis. This article made me realize that those reporters out there day and night living on the edge of danger are human, not just a name below the title of a story.

Monday, November 7, 2011

The High-Stress Police Beat

A steady diet of violent crime, fatal accidents and human tragedy takes a toll on reporters. Some think newspapers and TV stations should do more to help their staffers cope. 


After our police beat discussion in class today, read the following story from The American Journalism Review and post your brief reactions here by Thursday, 10 Nov.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Intramural Soccer Kicks Off this Week at Ole Miss

It’s that time of year again, soccer has returned to the Ole Miss intramural field. Teams compete for pride and the infamous intramural tshirt. This is Jessica Lynch with 271-TV News.


Students who participate tend to get very competitive when it comes to their soccer skills.


It's the refferees job just to make sure everyone is out there to have a good time.


This is Jessica Lynch here with 271-TV news, hope you have a great night.



Ole Miss Looks to Reduce its Carbon Footprint with students' "green"


 Video (Taylor Cook - Campaign Coach, Lead Organizer)


The Green Fund is a program that looks to lower energy costs for the university as well as reduce the carbon footprint left behind.

The fund will add five to twelve dollars to students’ tuition every semester for energy saving renovations such as energy efficient light bulbs and better insulated buildings and even goes as far as installing solar panels on campus.
 These renovations are predicted to save the university thousands of dollars on energy bills and in the long run even slow down the steady increase in tuition for students. But how do students feel about this addition to their tuition?

Video (Mims Graeber - Undecided major, Sophmore)



Due to the shift toward globalization, the number of people coming from other countries to the United States has seen a drastic increase over the years. This can also be seen here at Ole Miss, where the number of international students has also seen an increase.

So why exactly do these international students decide to come to Ole Miss? German student Kirsten Liere-Netheler says she heard from other students that Ole Miss is a nice place and a lot of fun. Also, she and her German friends received scholarships from coming here.

Yes, the number of international students at Ole Miss is increasing, but are they really getting to know the Ole Miss students? Professor Michael Harvey says he never sees anyone speaking to any of the International students in his classes.

Liere-Netheler says she has not really made many American friends. All of her friends she has made are other international students.

The number of international students here is expected to continue to increase, so Ole Miss students could really take advantage of this opportunity and speak to people from all over the world.

Students Live on the Edge by Guzzling Down Energy Drinks Near Finals Week





As students guzzle down energy drinks to get through finals week what they don’t realize is by doing so, their living on the edge. Im Lucy Cross reporting got 271 news. As finals week approaches college campuses, the demand for energy drinks are on the rise. The energy drink industry is expecting nine billion dollars in revenue this year, finals week being one of their busiest times. Megan Hanna with Freds Pharmacy tells us how their company prepares for this week.
"There are piles upon piles of overstock of energy drinks and stuff to give you energy in our store. there is everything from Five Hour Energy, to Nos, to Monster, to Redbull. And when finals week comes around we sell out of everything literally in one week. Redbull and Five Hour Energy are the first to go."
As energy drinks fly off the shelves during exam week, what students don't realize are the serious side affects involved. Dietetics and Nutrition major Kaitlin Gates explains more.
" People don't realize the serious risks associated with consuming energy drinks. Some of the risks include high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, and dehydration. Also, its not FDA approved so you really shouldn't consume it. People don't realize you can overdose on caffeine. In an energy drink, it is equivalent to two to three cups of coffee and the amount of sugar is equal to two slices of cheesecake.
With energy drinks being a staple during exam week, students need to take precaution to the serious side affects and consider alternatives such as green tea as a replacement. Lucy Cross reporting live for 271 news.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011


Is Oxford, Mississippi bicycle friendly? That is the question I asked Ole Miss student, Cody Shuffield and Courtney Keller, who recently moved from Louisiana to Oxford to open her own business.
Ole Miss’ campus is full of students who ride their bicycles to class, there seems to always be problems with student parking so for many a bike ride instead of walking makes their student life a little bit easier.
Cody Shuffield explained that he did not believe the campus or the city of Oxford was very bicycle friendly. He told me even the times when he walked instead of riding his bike, he still was always careful.
Courtney Keller recently moved here from Lutcher, Louisiana and she said that she believes the special lanes for bicyclists is a smart caution Oxford takes and believes the city seems safe for bicyclist.
There has been bicyclists injuries and even death happen in Oxford as well as on campus. The question is what things can be done to improve this? The campus does have a station set up with tools for students to repair their bikes if necessary, some believe the Oxford is bicycle friendly, but other do not. This is Michael Briscoe reporting from Jour 271.


http://youtu.be/j-28iL5Z5T8

Oxford Theft Rate To Increase Over Holidays

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AK1BBxgdmdU

Old Taylor Road intersection to receive facelift

Have you ever feared for your life while walking across the Old Taylor Road bridge or crossing between traffic in your car? Well, your fears are about to be laid to rest. This is Natalie Moore for 271 TV News.

Old Taylor Road has been known to Ole Miss students as a frightening road whether you are a pedestrian or a driver. Drivers merging on and off Highway 6 often causes traffic jams and the narrow bridge does not leave room for pedestrians.

On October 18th, the Board of Alderman approved the rezoning of the Old Taylor Road. This is one of the big steps to add roundabouts on both sides of the bridge as well as another bridge for pedestrians.

Ole Miss students who often use the bridge agree that the Board made a step in the right direction. "I think Old Taylor is a very dangerous road. Since I've lived here on campus for two months I've taken that road maybe 3 times and each time there is almost two car accidents while I'm on that road." says Ole Miss freshman Jenna Hoppus.

The approval comes after 14 years of planning to improve many of the exits into Oxford from Highway 6. The Board of Alderman says they will be starting on this project very soon. This is Natalie Moore for 271 TV News.



Volleyball on the Rise Towards End of Season


The Rebels began play Friday night against SEC foe Auburn whole stole a win earlier this season.
It was Greek night at the Gillom Sports Center, which brought in a huge crowd of rowdy fraternity brothers.
Now to the action. In set one Morgan Springer plays the ball over the net and look at Kellie Goss going up and getting the huge block for the Rebels.
Head coach Joe Getzin and his team would go on to win the match 3 sets to 1.
We move on to Sunday and the Rebels welcomed another SEC opponent Georgia. The team warms up with a few spikes looking to get their third win in a row.
The Rebels would go on to sweep Auburn 3 sets to none in a match where they dominated and easily handled their opponents

http://www.youtube.com/my_videos?feature=mhee

Idea of Midnight Classes Causes Mixed Reviews


It’s that time of year again. Time to start registering for spring classes. And some colleges are doing something a little different and offering midnight courses. Is this something Ole Miss should try? Reporting for 271-TV News I’m Olivia Rearick.

Discussion classes are loud and lecture halls are full. Some students say it’s difficult to make a convenient schedule and several think as enrollment increases so should the number of sections for courses.

Sophomore, education major, Casey Losee says in her own words, “I need to space them out, so there needs to be a lot more options when it comes to having class times.”

But what if Ole Miss decided to offer midnight courses to help with this problem? Other colleges nation wide are finding midnight classes are beneficial to students with children and inflexible jobs.

Assistant Director of Enrollment Services, Jenny Kate Luster, says, “The more you can give them flexibility in terms of their schedule and when they can offer classes is a good thing. However, I’m not sure that would really work for some of our faculty members that obviously work eight to five for the most part. But, for the student perspective, it probably would be a good thing.”

Not only would it be difficult to find professors to teach these courses, but it might be hard to get students to sign up. When told about midnight courses, I received mixed reviews from several students.

Sophomore, business major, Elizabeth Harris says, “I personally wouldn’t go to a midnight course unless it was a ghost hunters themed course then I’d be there like, I can’t even think of an analogy right now that’s how, I’d be there”

Losee says, “Absolutely not. I’m too busy. I need sleep.”

It’s unclear if Ole Miss is considering midnight courses. But, one thing is for sure, if courses keep filling up this quickly, additional classes may be needed. Reporting for 271-TV News I’m Olivia Rearick

http://youtu.be/Mftu8ZgMITQ

How Students Prepare For Exams


With the holidays and breaks approaching, that also means exam week is just around the corner. I interviewed a few students on how they were going to prepare for this semesters exams.

Hayden, freshman student at Ole Miss says, "This is my first time going through the college exam process. To prepare for it I am going to have to make note cards for certain classes, read the chapters, and take notes, and highlight for other classes."

Already knowing how and what you are going to study is very important to do well on final exams.

Margaret Anderson, junior at Ole Miss, says, "This year to study for exams instead of procrastinating and waiting until the last minute I'm defiantly going to study ahead of time. I already have my exam schedule written down so I can figure out which one is the most important and which one I need to work at the most. I think flash cards are also really helpful, looking over past notes, and really talking to your teacher to see what the exam is all about."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsowQRyq2XY

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Kathy Times Visits Ole Miss



ESPN columnist and television personality Jemele Hill visited Ole Miss to present for their Newsmaker Lecture Series. Hill encouraged students to continue their goal to become journalists. Hill interacted with students in the audience, "Using that flip-cam is practicing being a journalist." Hill spoke about her experiences before and during ESPN.


Hill also told her experience as a woman in the field of sports journalism.

Kathy Times Helps Ole Miss Students Prepare Themselves for their Careers



"Students who fail to plan, plan to fail" says Kathy Times as she lectured Ole Miss students on preparing themselves. Times joked as she described her idea of a 'shot caller.'

Having a five year plan, a personal mentor, scoring a good internship, and knowing the 'shot callers' in your field were just a few of the lessons she stressed to the students. Her last piece of advice was to start now.

ESPN's Jemele Hill Speaks to Ole Miss Students


ESPN”s television personality and sports columnist Jemele Hill spoke on the Oxford campus on October 18th as part of the Newsmaker Lecture Series presented by The University of Mississippi's Association of Black Journalists.

Hill’s lecture focused mainly on the idea that journalism is a field that is never ending.

“Methods of delivery change,” she said, “But journalism as a whole does not.” People will always want to know new information, and it will always be a journalist job to deliver that information.

Hill is a lighthearted speaker who also provided several stories, often comical, from her experience in the field of journalism.

Hill was the first of several notable speakers of the week participating in the Newsmaker Lecture Series in the Meek School of Journalism.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Kathy Times Visits Ole Miss


Yellow Brick Media Concepts President Kathy Times visited the University of Mississippi on October 20th as part of the Newsmaker Lecture Series presented by The University of Mississippi's Association of Black Journalists.

Times told tales of her own career and gave students a scoresheet to demonstrate the importance of building their careers today. She encouraged students to have a mentor in their field as well as blog and obtain clips to show future employers.

Times left the students with one very important statement quoting from her exact words, "The one thing that must never change again is ethics. Tap into signs of the story. Always listen never assume."

For more information about Kathy Times, you can visit her website at kathytimes.com

Kathy Times

Yellow Brick Media Concepts President Kathy Times speaks about the importance of networking and building skills while in college at the University of Mississippi.

Times stresses that now is when you should be meeting people and preparing for your career. She also suggests creating a five-year plan and learning a second language.

Times’ speech was a part of the Newsmaker Lecture Series presented by The University of Mississippi’s Association of Black Journalists.

To learn more about Kathy Times you can visit her website at kathytimes.com.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Hv8L8_is0w

ESPN's Jemele Hill Visits Oxford


ESPN's television personality and columnist Jemele Hill visited the campus of the University of Mississippi this past week as a part of the Newsmaker Lecture Series hosted by the school.

Hill came to share her knowledge of the journalism world with students and faculty bringing along humorous anecdotes and tales of her career.

Hill stressed the importance of getting experience in the field and the core principles of journalism.

Hill said, and we're quoting her, "The methods change, but the core principles never change."

She was the first of three parts in the Newsmaker Lecture Series.



http://www.facebook.com/video/?id=1291950312

Jemele Hill








Jemele Hill, ESPN sports personality and columnist, attended the University of Mississippi’s Association of Black Journalists conference on October 18, 2011.

Hill spoke about how important it is to get as much experience as you can because she guarantees it will help a student's future in journalism.


“It’s all about telling people things they don’t know,” Hill says. Hill explained her experiences and understanding of modern journalism. Hill gave tips and insights she has learned throughout her professional career.





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Kathy Times

Kathy Times speaks to Ole Miss Students during the Newsmaker Lecture Series on October 20th. The series was sponsored by the University of Mississippi's Association of Black Journalists.

The Newsmaker Lecture Series continues. President of Yellow Brick Media Concepts, Kathy Times, was the second speaker in the lecture series. She talked with Ole Miss students about being the best reporter you can be, successfully planning your journalism career, and ethics and credibility. Times says the first step is to be adventurous for journalism and hungry for answers. But to her, ethics and credibility are the building blocks for success. In her own words she says, "Unless you have a trust fund, all you have is your credibility. Don't blow it." And with a resume as packed as hers, Times is certainly a credible model of accomplishment.

Jemele Hill

Jemele Hill, columnist and television personality for ESPN, was at the University of Mississippi’s Association of Black Journalists conference on October 18, 2011 to talk to students about journalism now and share her experiences with them.

Hill prides herself in being able to work harder than others.

“The methods change, but the core the principles never change,” Hill says. Telling people what they do not know by twitter, flip cams, blogs, ect. is important in today’s media.

Hill also stressed how important it was to get experience now in order to be successful in the future.

For more information on Hill’s speech and many others, please contact Deidra Jackson, adviser, at 662-915-1547 or djackson@olemiss.edu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPOxsEmjn0Q

Kathy Times Speaks to Ole Miss Students

President of Yellow Brick Media Concepts and Immediate Past President of the National Association of Black Journalists, Kathy Times, spoke to students at the University of Mississippi today about their careers and how news reporting is changing.

Times told students about ten lessons that will better their careers, encourages students to be good writers, always follow the rules, and have a mentor in their field. She tells students that their creditability is all they have and a person’s ethics and character must never change.

Times’ speech was the second part of the Newsmaker Lecture Series presented by The University of Mississippi’s Association of Black Journalists.

Video

Kathy Times Speaks to Students


Kathy Times, president of Yellow Brick Media Concepts, spoke with students at the University of Mississippi today about the every-so-changing journalism field.

Times, an award winning journalist, educated students on how to be successful in the work world.

She informed students of ten lessons that will better their careers, highlighted by the fact that you should chose a field you are passionate about.

Times shared her experiences as a news reporter. Her stories included controversial events, such as racial profiling.

Times’ speech was a part of the Newsmaker Lecture Series presented by The University of Mississippi’s Association of Black Journalists.



Saturday, October 22, 2011

Kathy Times Speech


President of Yellow Brick Concepts, Kathy Times was at the University of Mississippi to talk to journalism students today about the changing world of news reporting.

Times, an award-winning journalist, got her start as a newspaper reporter and worked her way into an anchor position at FOX news.

Times spoke to the students about her career and how to succeed in the ever-changing world of journalism.

She went on to give some advice to the students about the importance of having goals and sticking to them.

Times’ speech was the second part of the Newsmaker Lecture Series presented by the University of Mississippi’s Association of Black Journalists, for more information on upcoming lectures contact Deidra Jackson at 915-1547.




Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Edited Band Story

It’s Sept. 3, the first home football game of the season for the University of Mississippi. Everyone is excited, in good spirits, and having a great time. It appears everything is going as it should, except in one corner of the student section of the football stadium.

According to an Ole Miss marching band teaching assistant of the Ole Miss marching band, this was the first time the band was moved to the student section of the football stadium. The students had complained that the band could not be heard from its prior position in the stadium, which is why the band was moved.

Although this simple move should not have been a big problem, it became quite a mess. Jim Stites, a teaching assistant, said it was the band’s first time in a new place, everything did not go as smooth as everyone wanted.

The drum major of the Pride of the South, Chris Presley, said the band director hired the University Police Department to act as the band’s security, but the UPD never came as they were supposed to.

“The drum major and the TAs [teaching assistants] had to act as the band’s security and keep other people from coming into the band’s section of the stands,” Presley said.

Presley said for the next game, the band directors will call and confirm with the UPD to ensure the band’s security shows up for the next game.

A fourth year member of the Ole Miss marching band, Kelli Harrison, said she did not understand the students’ rude behavior toward the band. Band members’ possessions were stolen when the band left the stands to perform its half-time show she added.

“If the security had shown up like they were supposed to, none of this would have happened,” she said.

Harrison said she cannot understand why students would act rudely towards fellow students. She said even if those students happen to be in the band, they are still just students like everyone else.

“I’m so ashamed of Ole Miss students,” Harrison said. “And I wish I wasn’t a student at Ole Miss right now.”

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Revised: Life of an RA

Clean up on fourth floor. This is a task that many custodians know too well. Students return from their party ventures at the No. 3 party school in the nation, Ole Miss, along with drunken minds.

It’s their first time being away from home with no curfew and constant nagging from parents can get ignored with no physical consequences. Attending class becomes completely optional. Welcome to college.

Although parents are not present, students still have to abide by rules. Residential assistants are paid to live in the dorms and regulate student residents. Although the residential assistants do not control their curfew they do control their noise level.

Residential and community assistants for example experience drunken residents. According to the University policy, residential assistants are to report residents who are caught intoxicated or with alcohol. Martin Hall RA (residential assistant) Shan Williams said,

“When they’re caught, it never ends well. As an RA, we try to give them a second chance.”

Williams says she has experienced the most trouble from girls attempting to sneak guys up after 2 a.m. during the week. The residents are allowed visitation until 12 a.m. weekly. On the weekends, it is extended until 2.am.

“If this problem continues, the residents will be punished with no visitors,” Williams said.

Kwanza Boone, a community assistant says,

“The guys are rowdier that girls when intoxicated, Boone said I try not to judge them after the first time, but after the second time, consider yourself judged.”

RA’s kind attitude and maturity lands them the job, but it’s strictly business once the students arrive.

Community assistants witness many of the same things Resident assistants do. However, their job may be easier. They’re job is to sign visitors in. Community assistants are usually doing homework or watching movies on the laptop in the wee hours of the morning at the desk.

According to the RAs, being a residential assistant is time consuming, but they do have a life outside of being “responsible” for other students.

One World, Two Artists















Artists and Mississippi natives John Alexander and Walter Anderson offer diversity to the University of Mississippi’s museum.

The opening reception took place September 22.

The paintings will be on display through Dec. 3rd. Many of the paintings had been on display at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art.

Tracy Stricklin, the museum desk assistant said, “We had very high attendance. We are excited to have the paintings here. It’s a nice opportunity.”

The paintings are hung on a lime green wall. The narrow hallway seems to enclose viewers into the details of the painting.

The artists’ family donated many of the paintings; however, paintings from personal collections also are displayed.

The art pieces vary from wild, colorful pictures of frogs, owls, and birds to cabbage rows, marsh, shrubs, and trees. There also is a painting of embryos near the end.

The paintings date back to 1934 with the most recent one from 1960.

There are three larger pictures in a corner, which are slightly hidden but unable to be missed.

A quote by Walter Anderson on the left wall reads, “The first poetry is written against the wind by sailors and farmers who sing with the wind in their teeth. The second poetry is written by scholars and students and wine drinkers who have learned to know a good thing. The third poetry is sometimes never written, but when it is, it’s by those who have brought nature and art together into one thing.”

The bibliographies of the artists near the pictures allow viewers to gain extensive knowledge about their backgrounds and lives.

The suggested admission was only 5 dollars although it was no charge to current members.

http://museum.olemiss.edu/2011/08/one-world-two-artists/

Revised Tablet Story


            Imagine a future world with no paper. A world where you can simply pull a thin, powerful, touch-screen computer from your bag and instantly have access to any document, any map, and any book you could possibly dream of.

There’s no need to imagine it any longer, the future is now, as the Apple Ipad and Samsung Galaxy have stormed the tablet computer market.

            The tablets are widely popular for their gaming capabilities but teachers and students everywhere look for ways to involve them in the learning process.

            Penny Rice, instructional technology specialist at the Faculty Technology Development Center, said, “I know of several teachers here [Ole Miss] that use tablet computers to give power-point presentations.”

According to the USM’s school newspaper, Southern Miss NOW, the University has partnered with Blackboard Inc. and Samsung Telecommunications America to distribute 1,000 Samsung Galaxy 10.1 Tablet Computers to specially selected students in the fall semester of 2011.The students will be from the Honors College, McNair Scholars, Southern Style and Gulf Coast sections of the university.

The tablets come preloaded with Blackboard Mobile Learn and will allow the students to access syllabi, textbooks, grades, schedules, and maps.

Will Ole Miss follow the University of Southern Mississippi’s lead and provide its students with tablets to assist in their studies?

“I haven’t heard of any plans along those lines,” said Rice.

Junior accounting major, Will Beasley is open to the idea of going paper-less.

“It would be an improvement,” Beasley said. “I’ve spent well over $2,000 on textbooks alone.”

A base-model tablet costs about $400 and electronic versions of textbooks can cost anywhere from $30 to $40, quite a bit cheaper than the hardback books from the bookstore.

            “Electronic textbooks are definitely on the rise, Rice said. “We’ll continue to see more of them as the years go on.”

Could tablets mean the end of physical textbooks or is it just an idea that will never become a reality?

“I’m not really sure – in my opinion they [textbooks] will eventually be pushed out and things will go to all electronic,” Beasley said.

            The benefits of the tablets computers in students’ hands are numerous. It would mean a lot less to carry if they downloaded their textbooks and it would be a cheaper, easier way to access the textbooks said Beasley.

According to Beasley, there are some cons to go along with the benefits: The tablets could break, get viruses, or even be stolen; therefore, the students could access their textbooks. There is also a danger of some of the more “tech-savvy” students hacking their tablets, that way they could be used for things other than their intended purposes.

             Ole Miss isn’t ready for tablets but colleges everywhere are always looking for ways to improve the learning process. Are tablets the future of learning?

Edited: Housing in Oxford and On-Campus Hard to Come By

The University of Mississippi announced on Friday that the university's population had grown to more than 20,000 students. Due to the increase of students on campus over the last few years, the University of Mississippi has been addressing the need, starting with the Department of Student Housing building three new residential colleges.

Last spring, Miller Hall was torn down to make way for a new dorm complex. Construction for the three residence halls will continue throughout this year until the fall of 2012 when they will officially open. Each residential hall will contain 242 beds each with enough space for 726 students. The complex will be living and learning communities for students that have common interests with majors or other school activities. These communities will likely consist of faculty interaction much like how the current residential college function today.

The record-breaking freshman class of 2015 includes 3,751 students who, according to university policy, are required to live on campus for one year. This year's 15.6 percent increase in freshmen has caused upperclassmen to have limited options when it comes to on campus housing. All residence halls have been reserved for freshmen only, leaving only Campus Walk and Northgate apartments available for upperclassmen. The sorority sophomore pledge classes were directly affected by this change. Normally, sophomores are housed in Crosby Hall but this year are residing in nearby off- campus housing or their sorority houses. Regardless, many women are disappointed with its effect on their sorority. "It would have brought the whole pledge class together," said sophomore Lexi Schneider. "We have girls that live all over the place. You can tell a difference between our pledge classes' unity and the older girl's pledge classes."

However, many feel that the Housing Department is doing a great job considering the circumstances. Former RA Tirranny Nettles said, " It's like they were given a bad seed and are having to work with it. They are building more residential colleges so they will cost more and therefore will be paid off quicker."

The university's growth over the last few years is sure to continue, but according to the Department of Student Housing the updated housing will help meet the needs of new students. It also will provide traditional housing for upperclassmen should they desire to live in traditional housing. Meanwhile, the University has plans to fix other areas of campus to address increased enrollment by renovating the Union

Southern Crossings: Where Geography and Photography Meet

"Photography is the visual language that I use to examine landscapes and share my thoughts about them," says David Zurick in a note before entering the exhibit. Although he is mainly recognized as being a geographer, he calls himself "a student of culture landscape.
In 1996, geographer David Zurick embarked on a nearly decade long journey across the South taking photos of what he felt truly captured the South. Originally from Michigan, Zurick now lives in Kentucky where the project of taking these photos resulted from his desire to make his photographs closer to home. The twenty-three photos featured in the exhibit come from all over the south including Georgia, South Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Each photo captures a different aspect of history of the south through nature or even a simple object or building and how things have changed today.

Ole Miss student, sophomore Victoria Samson, walks through the exhibit before one of her classes. "It's really fascinating how he takes one picture and there is an actual story behind it," she says as she gazes at a photo entitled "Negro Resort." The photo was taken at Amelia Island in 1997 and features four palm trees on the beach. The story behind the photo is about American Beach which was one of the only beach resorts back in the 1930's for blacks. Now the beach features none of the clubs and restaurants it used to but merely a few palm trees and historic signs.

Another photo features the city of the Atlanta, Georgia skyline as well as highways I-85 and I-75 about to merge before entering the heart of the city. The photo features empty highways, a rare site to anyone who calls Atlanta their home. Zurick says the photo was taken early on a Sunday morning and that it interested him that it showed a the city looking virtually unpopulated.

A photo entitled Junked Truck, Stone County Mississippi 2000 captures an old antebellum looking truck rotting in the middle of a forest. Zurick goes on to describe that this is a common site across the South. In fact, its not just cars but appliances and other household items as well.

Until October 15th, Zurick's exhibit Southern Crossings: Where Geography and Photography Meet will be on display at the University of Mississippi's Barnard Observatory located just across from the Student Union.

Southern Crossings: Where Geography and Photography Meet


Jessica Lynch


When humans live in a place over time, we leave our mark. Marks that represent lifestyles, connections between society and land, and values.

Photo of Atlanta, GA

In Southern Crossings: Where Geography and Photography Meet, artist David Zurick captures the marks he sees humans have left on earth throughout the south.

In this exhibit, there are pictures taken throughout several southern states including Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, and South Carolina. Photographs range from pictures of buildings and landscapes, to gravesites and chemical plants.

One of Zurick’s photographs was taken in Pearl River County, Mississippi, in 2000. The photograph is of an old broken down farmhouse set beneath big oak trees and surrounding fields. In the explanation of this photo, Zurick explains that it is the home of an elderly woman who chose to live there because, “that is the way she was born and the way she would die.” Zurick believes old farmhouses such as hers are footnotes of the historical south. Many are disappearing, and the landscape will not be the same when they are gone.

A second photograph was taken in downtown Cordele, Georgia. Cordele is a city located on the Old Dixie highway, whose downtown area used to consist of thriving shops and restaurants serving travelers and farmers passing through town. Now, this once busy downtown is dead, and looks to remain that way. The only part of Cordele that remains afloat is the part located on Interstate 75, that consist of a strip of motels and fast food restaurants.

Another photograph in the exhibit represents the opposite of Cordele, taken in Atlanta, Georgia in 2001. The photo is of the Atlanta skyline featuring skyscrapers and buildings as far as the eye can see. What is interesting about this photo is that there is no form of life in the picture. You can see no people or vehicles on the road, a site that a person who lives in Atlanta their entire life may never see. Zurick took this picture early one Sunday morning, and says it was an “arresting sight.”

Senior Brandon Braner, a visitor at the museum, says the picture of Atlanta is his favorite of the exhibit. “I was born and raised in Atlanta,” Braner said, “and I have never seen the city look that way. The emptiness makes the city look like it has been emptied, and for once peaceful.”

The Southern Crossings: Where Geography and Photography Meet exhibit is currently being displayed in Barnard Hall across from the Student Union.

Boobies Rock

Jessica Lynch

October 4, 2011

Boobies Rock

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With recruitment just around the corner, it is time for greek life to focus on one of its major platforms- charity. Every year, the Panhellenic Council, a group of seven women in charge of girls recruitment, organize the charity event “C.A.R.E. Walk.” C.A.R.E. Walk is a one-mile walk around campus to raise money for breast cancer.

Thousands UM students usually participate in C.A.R.E. Walk each year. It is typically a mandatory event of active sorority members, and encouraged of the freshman intending to participate in the Panhellenic recruitment process. Participants may walk in support of a breast cancer victim by wearing a pink shirt or a nametag with the victims name displayed.

Mary Lauren Brunsen, vice president of community service for the Panhellenic Council, said they really want to focus on the charity part of C.A.R.E. Walk this year.

“In the past, C.A.R.E. Walk has been known for being more of a recruitment event than a charity one, “ Brunsen said, “we really want girls to focus on the cause, and be there to support the victims, and celebrate with the survivors.”

One main change happening this year to shift the focus toward the cause is that active sorority members will wear the same t-shirt. In the past, sorority members have worn their own letters, in a universal shirt picked by their chapter. However, with all the shirts being the same this year, freshman will not be able to identify what sorority each active is in, but instead uniting them as one.

“I am really excited to participate in C.A.R.E. Walk this year.” Freshman Valerie Ellis said. “Finding a cure for breast cancer is a cause I think all women should support, because it could happen to any of us.”

“I think it will a great opportunity for me to meet actives in every sorority, as well as other freshman. I am just ready to get the recruitment process started already, said freshman Valerie Ellis.”

C.A.R.E. Walk is one of the highest grossing philanthropies on campus. “I think last year we raised about $26,000,” Brunson said. “With the largest number of girls going through recruitment in Ole Miss history we hope to raise more than ever.”

Cost to participate in the C.A.R.E Walk is $15. This cost includes a t-shirt and dinner and drinks after the walk.

Sources:

Mary Lauren Brunson: VP Community Service , marylaurenmlb@gmail.com, 662-809-3916

Valerie Ellis: Freshman participant, 817-915-8172, vellis@olemiss.edu

Life in Yoknapatawpha

William Faulkner once declared himself “sole owner and proprietor” of Yoknapatawpha County. He wrote novels, short stories, poetry, essays, and a play during his career. He is primarily known for his novels and short stories, many of which are set in the fictional Yoknapatawpha County, a setting Faulkner created based on Lafayette County, where he spent most of his childhood.

The “Faulkner’s Geographies: A Photographic Journey” exhibit was set up in the University of Mississippi Museum for the 38th annual Faulkner and Yoknapatawpha Conference. The exhibit, which is exclusive to the to the university, presents photographs from the permanent collection of Archives and Special Collections from the university library.

The 36 black and white photographs displayed are from Henri Cartier-Bresson, Cofield Collection, Martin Dain, and Phil Mullen. The images present an opportunity to respond to Faulkner’s generous words with compelling images that help fill in the gaps of wonder and speculation about his intimate world.

In the photographs, Faulkner is seen at work and at leisure, at his home, Rowan Oak, as he was in Japan, with his pipe in hand and Panama hat rolled up and tucked in his shirt pocket. There are images of the people and events that inspired his writing.

Many photographs are not titled as much as there described. Many of the images are described as “miscellaneous,” a mode Faulkner frequently wrote in.

The exhibit opened July 12 and will be closing October 10, 2011.

UM Welcomes Faulkner


"Ole Miss Welcomes William Faulkner Exhibit"

Matt Sigler

William Faulkner of Oxford, Miss. has been regarded as one of the top authors of all-time and arguably the best author to come from the south. Faulkner was a well-rounded talent in his time writing novels, short stories, a play, essays, poems, and screenplays. His work has been an influence for many generations and is respected by most who encounter it.
Now the life of Faulkner and his many accomplishments are being highlighted in the exhibit, "Faulkner's Geographies and Journey", which was held at the University of Mississippi Museum July 12- October 1, 2011.
"I believe this is the perfect opportunity for someone to gain more knowledge about a southern legend," freshman Katie Bruchman said. Bruchman attended the exhibit and said that anyone who plans to attend or has not needs to.
"It was definitely worth my time," Bruchman said. "Being able to see Faulkner's personal story allowed me to appreciate his work more, and, I'll be honest, it's pretty cool he is from here too."
The exhibit itself goes hand-in-hand with the 38th Annual Faulkner and Yoknapatawpha Conference.
Although the exhibit has closed, many people have expressed interest in learning more about Faulkner and his work.
"I had a friend who went and said it was really interesting," senior John Michael Horlock said. "I'm not really a literature kind of guy, but after hearing about someone like Faulkner it sparked my interest."
The exhibit is made up of photographs that are contained in the permanent collection of archives and special occasions at the university library and museum. The photographs give an inside look into the life and legacy of Faulkner so his many fans can see a side many have not.
"Seeing where someone comes from I think adds to their work as a whole," said sophomore Daniel Hooks, who was forced to attend by a friend. "I would say it was interesting and I have gained a new appreciation for him (Faulkner) and his past."


Gallery 130


The definition of art is "the use of skill and imagination in the creation of aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences that can be shared with others."

Gallery 130, the University of Mississippi’s Department of Art Gallery, features many interesting displays of student artwork, as well as professional artwork that are available for everyone.

Robin Helton, a minor of art, said, “I usually end up here between classes to see what’s new, and it’s amazingly interesting what people come up with.”

The art exhibition that is currently displayed in Gallery 130, which is located in Meek Hall, is titled “Not Exactly There,” and will be on display until Oct. 6.

This exhibit consists only of abstract art. Upon entering the room, you can see numerous canvases featuring a mix of colors and shapes. Abstract art uses a visual language of form, color and line to create a composition which may exist with a degree of independence from visual references in the world. Helton described her favorite of the pieces as such.

“I think the use of color and shapes is really interesting,” Helton said. “It makes you feel like you’re looking through a glass window.”

The creator of the exhibit, Michael Wille, is a professor of art at Illinois State University, and holds the title of Associate Director of the School of Art at Illinois State University.

Wille’s paintings have been featured in several art exhibitions around the nation, such as Hoffman LaChance Contemporary, Oklahoma City Arts Center, and Thomas McCormick Gallery in Chicago. He has also lectured on his paintings at the University of Iowa, Temple University in Tokyo, and the University of Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa.

There will be a lecture on Wille’s artwork on Thursday Oct. 6 at 2:30 p.m. in Auditorium 138 in Meek Hall. Following the lecture, there will be a reception from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Link: http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/art/