The Search for a New Chaplain

The Collegian has been covering the University of Richmond's search for a new chaplain. It has been great to be able to interview the candidates and their colleagues, even though I cannot be in Richmond. The Chaplaincy is hoping to have video up of the forums that were held with each candidate.

So here they are so far. There's one more article to go.

In forum, finalist for chaplain says he would welcome, support all in community

Experience of past exclusion drives chaplain finalist’s desire for inclusive campus

For Kocher, chaplaincy should gracefully engage questions of difference

Live Blogging

Yesterday I did some live blogging during the presidential debate for The Collegian. It was a lot of fun and I'm glad I got the opportunity to do it. And I got to watch the debate at the same time.

Good times.

Here it is.

The Collegian is slowly taking over my life...

...and I'm enjoying every minute of it.

Especially when my story is on the front page two weeks in a row!
Week 1 Week 2

I'm writing a story every week for Practicum which takes up a good chunk of time with all of the research and interviews and then finally the writing. Then on Monday and Tuesday I spend a few hours in the office getting some of my pages together. Then Wednesday I am in the office from 7 p.m. until we finish the paper. Last week we set a record by getting out at 1 a.m.

And yet I am enjoying the work so much that it doesn't feel like work. Sometimes the lack of sleep catches up to me but that's what naps and weekends are for. Like last night when I slept for 12.5 hours.

First Week of School

It's only the first week and I am tired... But it's been a good busy week.

I started classes on Monday with Photojournalism at 7 p.m. That is going to be a fun class with a medium amount of work which is always nice. And I have an excuse to buy a really nice camera!

Tuesday I had Copy Editing at 9:45 a.m. We already had homework to turn in and were given a bunch more for Thursday and the next Tuesday. That is going to be my hardest class with the most work. Yet it is going to make me a better writer and have a skill that is in high demand in the journalism world so I guess I'm OK with the work load. After Copy Editing I had Rhetoric and Public Address. Basically its a speech class. I'm a little nervous about it but the professor seems very good at what he does and I want to be able to become a better speaker so there ya go.

Wednesday I didn't have any classes but it was time to get back to work at The Collegian. We put out our first issue of the year that night and it turned out pretty well. It only took until 3 a.m. so we're off to a good start. And now we have Martin to help us out. Martin is Emily, our Features editor, new Miniature Schnauzer and he is adorable! Whenever I need a break, Martin is there to keep me company.

I wrote an article for this weeks issue which you can see here.

Thursday I had Copy Editing and Rhetoric again and then the practicum for Rhetoric. I had to give a surprise speech, as did all the other students, and we we're definitely nervous but it went well. We got some good pointer from out TA for our first speech that we have to give on Tuesday in class. Thursday night we had our first CSF event of the year, Coldstone! What better way to get people to come to your group then free food and ice cream?

After Coldstone I attended the Democratic National Convention Viewing Party and watched Obama's acceptance speech, asked a few people what they thought and then wrote an article for The Collegian online. The new website is awesome, very well done.

And now it's Friday. No classes today either, which is awesome. But a lot of homework to get done for Monday and Tuesday.

And of course throughout the week I've been doing homework, hanging out with friends and Josh. You know, trying to have a social life. And it's been storming and raining all week. All in all it's been a good week and I'm glad things are going again.

I need a nap.

Top Story

You got it! My article about the tuition increase for next year was the top story of this weeks Collegian!!!!!!

Happy dance time.

Stop.

Break it down.

Do do do do do do do do do. O o o o o o o o o o. Da da!

Here is the link to the main page.

Here is the story.

I also have a story on page 3 about how the university spent its money in 2005 based on a tax form. Unfortunately the link isn't working so you'll just have to believe me when I tell you. Hahaha!

I also wrote three briefs that were on page 2 which are also not on the website. Sorry.

Anyway, yeah! I definitely feel accomplished and am proud of my work. This journalism thing is definitely working out for me.

The Collegian

Here is this weeks.

I wrote three campus briefs that are not online unfortunately. Still a good paper.

For the upcoming and last issue of the year I am writing a long story about the upcoming tuition increase. We'll see what happens with that.

More News

It's another Thursday at The Collegian. Only this time we are very close to being done and it is only (I say only...) 12:45am.

Everyone came early and did what they could in advance so that we could all go to sleep before the sun comes up. So far it looks like that is actually going to be the case and I am happy about that.

I realized I have been neglecting you, my proud and few readers, by not putting up a link to last weeks Collegian. So here it is.

The link may change when this weeks paper is put out tomorrow. If I remember/have the time I will correct it.

Until then, enjoy!

I'm Back in the News Room Again

And it is good times.

Last week we were done with the paper at 4 a.m. Righ now it is 4:04 a.m. and I am waiting for approval on my last page and then I can go to sleep. At least this week I don't have to get up in the morning for any reason. I could probably sleep all day...

Minus the fact that I have homework and two tests on Friday and a weekend retreat to prepare for.

Good times.

PS: I'll put up a link for the paper tomorrow and none for last week. And I will have new puppy pictures probably Sunday. She is so cute and I get to bring her home in less than two weeks!

News News News

You are reading the words of one of the newest Assistant News Editors for the University of Richmond's student run newspaper, The Collegian! I start right after Spring Break and will work in this position until Spring Break next year, unless I get promoted of course. : )

Bhutto Assassination Update

A teenager who claims he was a part of Benazir Bhutto's assassination team was arrested by Pakistani police Saturday, January 19 according to officials.
The teenager claims he and four others were sent on the mission by militant leader Baitullah Mehsud, who is said to have strong ties with al-Qaida and the Taliban. Maulvi Mohammed Umar, a supposed spokesman for Mehsud denies any connection with the teen and the attack on Bhutto.
"It is just a government propaganda," he said. "We have already clarified that we are not involved in the attack on Benazir Bhutto." (Associated Press article on msnbc.com)
CIA Director, Gen. Michael V. Hayden, in an interview with The Washington Post said the CIA sees Mehsud as responsible for the assassination.

Now for my opinion:
I still have a sneaking suspicion that Musharaff and the Pakistani government have something to do with Bhutto's assassination. It is a possibility that the government told the boy to surrender himself to the police.
I do not know much about Mehsud but from my limited experience it seems that most militant leaders and terrorists have taken credit for their attacks. Therefore it puzzles me that Mehsud, who is known for assassinations (I don't know that for sure), would not take credit for such an altering and controversial assassination.
I also have problems trusting any leader who suspend his own constitution. That alone puts him on the suspicious list. Then we have Musharaff saying that it was Bhutto's fault because she wasn't careful enough. What? Did you want her to wear a helmet?

And that's all I know so far...