April 2005 Archives
You've heard it before, and you'd be lying if you said you hadn't.
Catie: Oh my God, I have so much work!
Jill: No kidding! I have, like, three papers due next Tuesday and a presentation on Thursday...
Catie: Yeah, I have a presentation on Friday. But I seriously have four twelve-page papers due on Monday. I haven't eaten all day, and I'm so tired... It's going to take me forever to do all this!
Jill: Oh, I guess I haven't slept much either... but all my papers have to be sixteen pages long, with citations. And finals week I have four exams total. Two on Tuesday, one Wednesday, and my last one isn't till Friday. The nerve to have an exam on Friday that I have to stick around till then!!
Catie: Seriously! Gosh, I have too much to do. I'll never get it done.
Jill: These papers are killing me. I don't think I'll ever see daylight in the next two weeks.
And the defeatest conversation continues from there... on and on, and no one gets anything done except reinforcing three points:
1) There is "so" much to do.
2) We (or whomever) will "never" get it all done.
3) Sacrificing food, sleep, and relaxation does not help the situation.
This is the time that everyone lists the things "to do" and prays to get them done with an ounce of sanity remaining. Listening to friends list their tasks to conquer, there's an unsaid comparison taking place. Who has more to do? Whose work load will take longer? is harder? will push them over the edge? Who should be pitied for the number of finals thay have to take?
The lists get longer and more ridiculous, each person pushing their agenda as the difficult one, looking for sympathy? Empathy?
All I've got is apathy. For this situation, anyway...
We probably don't even notice when we're doing this. But, recently, I've been taking note of it and really trying not to let myself get sucked into this "I'm-worse-off-than-you-are" game that doesn't end with a winner and a loser, but with two people that think they have more work to do...
Put it in perspective--by listing the seemingly endless tasks, we're really throwing our own piece of mind at bay. Telling ourselves we have "so much" to do and that it is "so hard" and that we'll "never get done" is conterproductive. Instead of talking about these things we should just haul off and do them!
And don't let friends that don't get this concept to drag you down with them. Let them list their tribulations, if they must, but tell them you're sure they'll get it done and that they'll be fine. Because they will. And so will you; but you are much better off not trying to play "anything-you-have-I-have-it-worse" game. That isn't getting anyone anywhere.
Make your list of things "to do" and put is someplace you'll see it--but don't dwell on it. Schedule time in your day for working on the papers and projects and presentations, but don't forget to schedule mealtimes and relaxation time, too.
Relaxation shouldn't be partying, but maybe just watching a movie with a friend, listening to music while sharing a pot of tea and talking, or just sitting outside listening to the wind and the birds.
Don't forget to schedule sleep, too, if you're the kind that will forgo your Zs to get it all done. Giving up precious sleep might seem like a solution, but in the long-run, it's actually more of a strike against you.
So good luck, friends. Take those papers to the pound. Grind out those last few readings. Study your stuff till you've got it in a snap. These last few weeks are a trial, but we can do it. I know we can.
But don't complain about it. And don't forget to live...
We're all working hard, comparatively.
Mary Spataro sent me this e-mail... I can think of several bloginators who'd be perfect for this position.
The Instructional Design office is seeking to fill two Tier III work study positions in the Fall 2005 semester. This position will 1) Assist faculty and staff with the implementation of various available technology tools (hardware, software, assistive devices, and peripheral devices) within the classroom and/or for administrative purposes; 2) Respond to faculty and/or staff requests for assistance with the implementation and integration of various software application features and/or hardware issues; 3) Organize, enact, and compile statistics for the annual Faculty Technology Survey; 4) Troubleshoot to resolve computer hardware, software, and peripheral device problems independently; 5) Build and maintain web pages; 6) Assist in the development and delivery of technology training sessions and workshops for faculty, staff, and students; 7) Organize, track, and maintain technology tool inventory (items available for loan to faculty for use in the classroom—digital still cameras, digital video cameras, iBooks, tripods, etc.) housed in the instructional design office; and 8) Assist in the development and delivery of special projects as needed.Required Skills:
• At minimum, intermediate technology proficiency
• An outstanding and enthusiastic attitude toward learning new skills
• Ability to build and maintain web pages
• Must be responsible and able to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to interact professionally with SHU community members
• Must be flexible and able to think “on one’s feet”
• Must be reliable and able to maintain confidentialitySkills will be assessed prior to hiring in order to determine intermediate technology proficiency.
If interested in applying for this position, please contact Mary Spataro at 724.830.1011 or by e-mail at spataro@setonhill.edu.
The shadow of death was upon us, our Country
was attack by cowardly terrorist.
When the "Capital Of The World" was taken by
surprise. When most of our brothers and
sisters where on there way to work, smoke and
thunder covered the city.
Heartless crimal minds killed our people for
no reason at all.
Dont think will go quite into the night and
hide, for we will find you and bring whos
responsible for justice, may God forgive you
and have mercy on your soul, myself as an
American cant...
Today is a brand new day and together, will
help one another, soon our flag will fly high
and our Nation will recover, then We the
people, We the Country with honor will
reclaim "Our Independence Day".
God Bless America....
Illeana Villafana
Copyright ©2005 Illeana Villafana
The front page of today's Tribune-Review reads: "Ex-coach charged with scamming students."
An apparent scandal has just been cracked wide open in regards to a volunteer coach on the SHU Men's Basketball team. He allegedly turned himself into the police after being accused of scamming various students out of $17,000 and sexually assaulting another.
To read the full story, click here.
Here are some choice excerpts:
Ranieri joined the school's athletic department during the 2004-05 basketball season in an unpaid capacity, said Molly Robb Shimko, Seton Hill's associate vice president for institutional advancement. In that peripheral position, he was given the courtesy title of assistant coach, Shimko and police said.Between late September and early March, Ranieri developed bonds with three students in which he promised but failed to provide several goods or services, according to the criminal complaints.
Worse yet....
Ranieri also is charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, a first-degree felony, because of an accusation that he fondled and sexually assaulted a male student in February after getting him drunk at the student's home. Greensburg Detective Jerry Vernail, the investigating officer, said the victim was unaware of the incident until a videotape surfaced on campus a month later.Ranieri sent a telephone text message to the victim on Feb. 12, according to court records. Ranieri asked the victim to participate in a business deal involving properties around California University of Pennsylvania. Ranieri allegedly gave the victim liquor, offering to invite young women to the victim's home if the victim finished bottles of Jagermeister and vodka.
After the victim passed out, Ranieri allegedly performed sexual acts on him.
The videotape surfaced when another student, who purchased a television from Ranieri, found it in a bag Ranieri gave him, police said.
And one more time:
The charges against Ranieri are seven counts of theft, four counts of improper use of credit cards, three counts of receiving stolen property, two counts of identity theft, and single counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent assault, furnishing liquor to a minor and invasion of privacy.
In the article, SHU is quoted as saying that from now on, all volunteer coaches will have to sign a form saying that they read the handbook. A great preventative measure that would certainly make me feel like my kids were safe here. (Not.)
The College Republicans will be having a club meeting this TONIGHT, April 21st at 9:00PM in A403. At the meeting we will be discussing fundraising and planning for our Social Security event with Congressman Tim Murphy on May 6th.
All are asked to attend so that we can create groups to carry out fundraising projects as well as planning committees to help organize this fairly large event that we are planning for the end of the semester.
Food and drinks will be provided. Once again, this will be in room 403 of the Administration building.
(Latin for “We have a pope!”)
Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, 78, has been chosen as the new pope, and has taken the name of Benedict XVI. When I arrived home at about noon, Fox News was covering the chimney from which white smoke was billowing. About ten minutes later, the bells tolled, signaling that a new pope had been selected. A cardinal deacon (from Chile) came out with the announcement, and Pope Benedict XVI stepped out onto the balcony to greet the cheering crowd.
Ratzinger was one of the closest aides to John Paul II, and is considered to be very traditional. The name Benedict means "Blessed One." The previous pope with the name Benedict (Benedict XV) was chosen in 1914.
I'm testing the "Future" post setting. This post should be invisible when I post it, but should appear after midnight. Cross your fingers!
The author talks how lucky Americans are and how very wonderful America is as a country. There are many advantages that America has over many other countries. America is considered to be one of the only countries that people feel like free individuals inside of themselves. It has brought up and raised many great people in history today. But stll so many other countries despise America.
America has helped so many other countries; it is a great nation, why is it that some other countries despise America and these are the same countries that America has either helped or that want to be like America?
I've just upgraded to MT 3.15.
Lots of cool new features, not the least of which is a streamlined interface. Now there are text editing buttons on both the "Entry Body" and "Extended Entry" boxes, and if spam drives you crazy, you can configure your blog to accept and publish comments from your regular readers right away, and hold comments from strangers until you've gotten the chance to approve them. (That should cut down on comment spam.)
This is a poem where the author talks about how America should be what it is supposed to be; everybody should be equal because everybody contributed to make it what it is now and what it will be. The author of this peom talks about how America was never America to him and how there has never been equality and then he goes ahead to say that whoever made America must bring back again, What exactly do you think the author wants America to be like?
In this article, the author Patricia Williams talks and elaborates more on the Patriot Act that was passed after the September 11 attacks. i basically think that the act was both a good and a bad thing. it was a good thing because, it was aimed for a good motive because we can never be too sure when someone might try to attack america again. it was also a bad thing because some people felt kind of violated and people were kind of like looked doing what they did not do. do you think this Act has made a change or is on the way of accomplishing what it was designed to?
This is a poem where the author talks about how America should be what it is supposed to be; everybody should be equal because everybody contributed to make it what it is now and what it will be. The author of this peom talks about how America was never America to him and how there has never been equality and then he goes ahead to say that whoever made America must bring back again, What exactly do you think the author wants America to be like?
From Dean Gawelek:
Seton Hill University is delighted to welcome Jane Geever back to her alma mater to present her story of entrepreneurship during "EntreTalk" from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday, April 21 in A308. Jane earned a Bachelor Degree in Political Science in 1968 and has owned her own business assisting non-profit organizations with fund development, since 1975.J.C. Geever, Inc., New York City, was the first woman-led fund raising company admitted into membership in the American Association of Fund Raising Counsel (AAFRC). Ms. Geever has written widely on topics related to fundraising. She is the author of the Foundation Center's Guide To Proposal Writing, now in its fourth edition, and in support of this book teaches workshops throughout the nation. Additionally, she lectures nationwide on subjects related to grantsmanship, volunteerism and philanthropy. Ms. Geever delivered the May 1989 Commencement address at the 71st Commencement of Seton Hill at which time she received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
Please encourage your students to attend this unique opportunity to hear first hand how one of Seton Hill's own has profited from her passion! Refreshments will be served. An rsvp to Marlene O'Brien, info@setonhill.edu, ext 4605 by Tuesday, April 19 would be appreciated.
Altered Schedule!
*We got more help than anticipated (woo hoo!) and we are publishing a week ahead of schedule. This is the final day of online production. It's early, but I hope I will see some of you on Friday morning.
Friday, April 15, 2005
8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
Links placed, articles finalized, photos inserted.
Final look and publish.
*Setonian Online production Maura Hall publications office. Training available.
From Yolanda Doub & the SHU Spanish Club:
The SHU students who went to Cuernavaca, Mexico for J-Term '05 have organized a panel presentation of their photos and experiences. Anyone interested is welcome to come talk to them, ask questions about the trip, and learn about their plans to return to Mexico this summer. We will have snacks available and information on the upcoming J-Term in Mexico as well. And don't forget, J-Term in Mexico is a great way for students to fulfill their core language requirement!
What: Panel presentation on J-Term in Cuernavaca, Mexico
When: Wednesday, April 13, 8 p.m.
Where: A402
I just find it funny that Icons is what the rest of the world connects to the USA with. My question is what do americans connect to the rest of the world with?
I just believe that we are a hard country to trust. I want to know why we think the world should do all that we ask of them?
I just got this note from the writing center director, Kim Pennesi:
The Writing Center is sponsoring a writing clinic a couple of times over the next 2 weeks. The clinic will consist of a number of tables at which writing consultants will discuss various topics, as well as distribute some helpful handouts. The topics are APA documentation, MLA documentation, Incorporating Sources (and plagiarism), Thesis Statements, Introductions/Conclusions, and Organization (including transitions). We will also have a general info table to briefly address other concerns.The clinic, called Write Aid, will be held on Thursday, April 14, from 12:30-2 pm in A 206; and Monday, April 18, from 8:30-10 pm in A 402 and A 406. You'll soon be seeing posters, Communicator ads, and mailings about it. We're trying to make it a fun and informative event--we'll have candy and door prizes.
“The Road to Graduate School: Navigating Your Way to Success,” on Thursday, April 14, 2005, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, PA, in the Carey Center Student Union.
Seton Hill’s Laura Patterson, Assistant Professor of English and Coordinator for the Undergraduate Writing Program, will be speaking on Researching Graduate or Professional School during one of four concurrent sessions. Other topics to be addressed are Funding Graduate and Professional School, Writing the Graduate/Professional School Essay, and General Test Taking Strategies. A networking session featuring hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will follow the formal part of the event.
There is no fee, but pre-registration is preferred. Students and alumni may pre-register in the Office of Career Development, 507 Admin, 724.838.4247. Directions are available at www.stvincent.edu/general. For additional information you may call 724-537-4570.
TranscendingMadness is back! And we're looking for new members. If you like writing, reporting, or editing, we could use you.
What is TranscendingMadness?
TranscendingMadness is a monthly e-newsletter covering the area lit/art scene and related events. Each column written for TranscendingMadness is also posted on our blog and webpage. Currently, this newsletter is free to the general public.
Why should I join?
This would be a great opportunity for people of all majors to improve their writing skills. TranscendingMadness will offer a community of artists and writers passionate about what they do. Marketing majors are especially welcome to help manage this group as a company.
What are the qualifications?
All majors are welcome. Prior knowledge about internet culture and web writing is prefered. You must be able to attend one meeting per month and keep in contact via e-mail.
How do I join?
We will be holding a meeting on Friday, April 8. Please leave us an e-mail if you cannot attend.
Those of you who have read The Color of Water, or attended James McBride's lecture last fall, may be intersted in attending an awards presentation this Thursday. I'm posting below the text of an e-mail I just received:
I am writing to request the support of the Thinking & Writing Seminar leaders in encouraging students to attend next Thursday's Nostra Aetate Award presention. The event will take place in St. Joseph Chapel from 5-6 p.m.Rev. John T. Pawlikowski, OSM, professor or social ethics and director of Christian-Jewish Studies at Chicago Theological Union, is the award recipient. Professor Pawlikowski is internationally recognized in the fields of Holocaust studies and Christian-Jewish relations. He chairs the NCCHE Advisory Board and his previous presentations at Seton Hill have been well-received by faculty, staff and students.
We hope you will lend us your support! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Cordially,
Wilda
Wilda Kaylor, Associate Director
National Catholic Center for Holocaust Education
Seton Hill University
Seton Hill Drive
Greensburg, PA 15601-1599
Telephone: 724-830-1033
Fax: 724-834-7131
E-mail: kaylor@setonhill.edu
This Monday, April 4th at 7:00PM, a representative from Senator Rick Santorum's office will be speaking at Seton Hill. The rep. is Keith Scmidt, who is in charge of Western Pennsylvania correspondence, and a very good public speaker. He will be speaking in Lynch Auditorium on behalf of the SHU College Republicans, however the event is open to the public.
His talking points, amongst club organization and fundraising, will revolve around Social Security Reform. Keith will speak on the problems with the current system, and the proposed means of fixing it. Anyone who is covering social security for a class (be it a religion, economics, or social studies class) would benefit from hearing Keith's presentation. Food and beverages will be provided and the whole event shouldn't last longer than an hour.
Monday, April 4. 7:00PM. Lynch Auditorium.
Carnegie Reporter, Vol. 3, No. 2 | Abandoning the News
For news professionals coming out of the traditions of conventional national and local journalism, fields long influenced by national news organizations and dominant local broadcasting and print media, the revolution in how individuals relate to the news is often viewed as threatening. For digital media professionals, members of the blogging community and other participants in the new media wave, these trends are, conversely, considered liberating and indications that an old media oligopoly is being supplemented, if not necessarily replaced, by new forms of journalism created by freelancers and interested members of the public without conventional training.
Today, the world lost a great man. (The word “great” is an enormous understatement.) It’s been an incredibly long two days, watching people come and go on TV, as they stood vigil at the Vatican at all hours of the day. However, his long suffering is over, and he is now in a better place. He fought the good fight, and enjoyed life to the fullest.
I think the Pope’s greatest achievements were his adamant stances on life issues, his steadfast conservative adherence to the faith (which is no small feat today), being the “Great Communicator” (a name given to him for his fluency in about eight languages), trying to bring peace to people all over the world and visiting the faithful in their home countries, forgiving Mehmet Ali Agca who tried to assassinate him in 1981, his special devotion to Mary and the cross, and of course, his role with Ronald Reagan in the fall of Soviet communism.
He was so filled with the love of God, and he had an awesome ability to reach with understanding and friendship to others (without forgetting who he was and what he stood for) and touch them in the depths of their hearts. He was truly a man of God.
May God bless you, Pope John Paul II. Do widzenia, Karol Wojtyla.
Assassins-at-Work
Suspicion. Lies. Weaponry. Motive. Pseudonyms. Targets. Assassins...
You've always wondered what it would feel like to pack a magnum, but never got a shot (because you're either too young, too scared, or have some idea about gun control...). This is your chance! There are going to be weapons all over the place--magnum squirt guns; magnum rubberbands; magnum magnets, stuffed animals, and carrots. Oh my! (Sorry, I got a little carried away.)
There's a bitter game about to start. Something new, but not-so-new. Watch your back because Assassins, the game, has arrived at Seton Hill.
Andrea Perkins, a freshman from NY, has taken the initiative to start a Geocities page for the game. Highly accessable, updateable, and fodder for a fast-paced game, the site gives rules, a list of players (current and "deceased"), and news of the most recent killings, attempted killings, and movement in the game.
Pseudonyms might prove to be an interesting factor in the game... Keeping identities secretive for as long as possible, pseudonyms will still highlight the activity of the assassin-at-work on the news page. When a kill takes place, the assassin is to email the game coordinator with a Report--a narrative about the murder--which will be posted for all players to read in the news. This could be an excellent opportunity for some sincerely creative writing!
I encourage any SHU students lurking about the blogosphere to contact Andrea about the game. She is really excited about starting it up, and can't wait to get it off the ground. I'm sure this'll be a good game to watch and participate in...
So get ready--there are assassins-at-work, right here at SHU!
