First term reflections...

On the eve of my last day of my first term of CreComm (wow, that was not an economical use of words!), I have made the conscious decision to put off studying and reflect upon all of the things I have learned this semester.

I was talking to some fellow CreComms on the bus on the way home today, and we decided that, even though it seemed to drag at times, this term flew by. We also concluded that we did a lot of very different, but complementary assignments. A lot. But I learned something new and important from each one!

For example:
Blue Bomber game: You cannot be afraid to talk to strangers!
Biography: Less is more. Only use relevant details and pare down sentences to the basics.
Brochure: I am terrible at layout and design things. I know it looks bad, but I don't know how to fix it!
Remembrance Day: Even when your arrangements fall through, persevere. You can't not hand something in!
Personal essay: Can get very personal! Writing can affect you more than you would think.
Streeter: I don't always crumble under pressure!
Live hit derby: Practice speaking in front of a mirror!
Advertising: You cannot be creative on the spot. The best ideas come from reflection.

Our bus conversation was followed by some reflective silence. I began thinking back to where I started at the beginning of the term and where I am now. It's really amazing how far I have come in three months and ten days.

I think that is a real testament to the program and to our instructors, who work very hard to teach us what they think we need to know. The more I think about it, the more I appreciate them and the work they do, both individually and as a collective, to teach us skills that cross the four disciplines and make us better communicators.

Another thing I have really appreciate is the guest speakers we get to see every week. It's interesting to hear from someone who is out in the "real world", doing what we all aspire to do.

My favourite guest speaker of the semester was Dawna Friesen, a foreign correspondent for NBC news, and a former CreComm student. As I aspire to do what she does, I was thrilled to hear her speak and see her receive her Distinguished Alumni Award at the 2009 alumni dinner.

She speaks with such composure, never stumbles her words, and provides real insight into the often harsh realities the subjects of her stories are subjected to.

I will leave you with her words of advice for us CreComms, and the video played at the alumni dinner, which I thought was very inspiring.

- Start small and work your way up.
- Be diligent in your work. Check your facts and double source.
- Find a mentor. Ask them for help.
- Find out more than you need to know. Get as many sources as you can. You will tell a better story.
- In interviews, listen more than you talk. Don't interrupt. Let people finish their thoughts. Let time fill the space.
- Trust your instincts.
- Don't do everything that you're told. If you are uncomfortable, say so and why.
- Don't feel you have to do things that will compromise your integrity.
- Don't take yourself too seriously.
- Accept failure and move on - don't get discouraged.
- Setting goals is important. It doesn't always work, but give it a shot.
- Make every story count.
- You're only as good as your last story.
- The more interested you are, the better your work will be.

Distinguished Alumni Award 2009 - Dawna Friesen from Red River College on Vimeo.

Happy holidays!

Starting that Christmas Reading List...

One of the things I plan to do over the Christmas break is get as much reading in as possible!

A few selections on my list this December are Wayson Choy's Jade Peony, Phillipa Gregory's The White Queen, and my old favourite that I haven't picked up in a long time, John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men.

I always feel guilty reading for pleasure while I'm in school, so I tend to put it off for holidays. However, I did afford myself the pleasure of reading Dan Brown's latest novel, The Lost Symbol and reviewing it for a journalism assignment.

So before you add it to your Christmas reading list, check out my review!




The Lost Symbol
By Dan Brown
Doubleday, 509 pages, $37
Release Date: September 15, 2009

Secret Masonic rituals. An ancient map encoded on a small, stone pyramid. Science that proves mind can control matter. A severed hand covered in symbols found in the middle of the U.S. Capitol. And another powerful secret.

The Lost Symbol follows Dan Brown’s famous protagonist from Angels and Demons and The Da Vinci Code, Robert Langdon, on his third adventure. This time, the Harvard symbologist races through the streets of Washington as he tries, once again, to stop an evil force from revealing a long-hidden secret that could devastate mankind.

While Brown’s novel succeeds in once again taking its readers on a thrilling, mystical quest full of sudden twists, hidden symbols, and secret codes, it lacks the intrigue and urgency of his previous blockbuster novels.

The novel’s biggest problem is that the reader is never convinced that the stakes are high enough. In Angels and Demons, it was essential that Langdon find the antimatter canister before it destroyed the Vatican. In The Da Vinci Code, Langdon was on a grail quest – one of the most revered quests in literature.

In The Lost Symbol, the reader knows Langdon needs to stop an evil, tattooed antagonist from uncovering a secret. But for much of the novel, the secret itself and the consequences of Langdon’s possible failure are unclear. Even more disappointing, once the reader is enlightened, the secret and the power it holds is a letdown in itself.

Another weakness of the novel is that its setting is slightly dull. Brown tries too hard to convince his readers that Washington’s history is as captivating as that of the Vatican or ancient Europe. He even includes a cheesy flashback to Langdon in his Harvard classroom attempting to convert his skeptical students, hoping the reader will follow suit. However, unless you have a keen interest in U.S. history and architecture, the setting is much less romantic.

Though some big weaknesses keep The Lost Symbol from the acclaim Brown received for The Da Vinci Code, as an intellectual thriller, it is still a good read.

Brown knows better than to mess with a good thing. He keeps his standard thriller formula because it works for him. Brown has the ability to create vivid, startling snapshots, beginning with the severed hand standing erect under the massive dome in the U.S. Capitol. These pictures grip the reader, as they are both shocked and puzzled, and read on to hear Langdon decipher their significance.

Brown is also a master of impossible situations. Langdon and Katherine Solomon, The Lost Symbol’s version of Langdon’s beautiful, intelligent female counterpart, are always encountering unsolvable problems and inescapable circumstances. Brown does not disappoint, as their escape is always creative and dependent on the reader’s belief in the intelligence of his characters.

Ultimately, Brown’s success is dependent on his ability to balance fact and intrigue. He is only able to include hoards of research and explanation if it is balanced with a gripping plotline. Unfortunately, Brown upsets this balance at the end of the novel. The heart-pounding action is completed with 50 pages left, and the long conclusion lets the novel fall flat.

In his next venture, Brown will have to find a more intriguing premise if he wants to match his Da Vinci Code success.

I Twittered, wait... uh, Tweeted? What?

Image from vator.tv


So I just joined Twitter in PR class. I know, our assignments are pretty tough! But I just realized that I have blogged AND tweeted within five minutes of each other. Frightening.

It's going to take awhile for me to get used to Twitter I think. I'm still not quite sure what the point is, and I can't see myself rushing home after school to see what everyone has Tweeted or anything. We'll see how it goes.

But feel free to follow me. Maybe it'll boost my PR mark, Kenton?

Tomorrow I Tweet...

Well, tomorrow is the big day.

Tomorrow, I will officially be on Twitter.

Wow. First a blog, then Twitter? What's happening to me? I'm becoming technologically capable! By the end of these two years, I will be so well-versed in social media, I won't even recognize myself! But darn it, I'll be ready for a communications job!

Here's to taking the plunge!


Image from blog.writersdigest.com

My Top Ten Christmas Movies

Image from fiddlingclaire.wordpress.com


So tomorrow is December 1st, and the Christmas specials are already playing! As I sit watching National Lampoon's Christmas vacation, I decided to compile a list of my top ten favourite Christmas movies! Here goes!

10. The Polar Express - delightfully magical!
9. It's a Wonderful Life - another classic
8. The Muppet Christmas Carol - the Muppets even make Dickens entertaining!
7. Frosty the Snowman and Frosty Returns - he's one jolly snowman
6. A Christmas Story - I triple dog dare you!
5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas - a classic
4. Shrek the Halls (I blame my dad, who is the biggest Shrek fan ever)
3. A Charlie Brown Christmas can't go wrong with a Charlie Brown holiday movie
2. Elf - "Buddy the elf, what's your favourite colour?"
1. A Muppet Family Christmas - a childhood favourite - Jim Henson is a genius!

Here's a clip from my favourite.

For all the Muppets' fans out there...

Best Muppet video I've seen in awhile! Enjoy!

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Classifying Starbucks Customers

For our writer's craft class, we were assigned an expository essay - I know. Thrilling.

But I decided to use the assignment to share my expertise on different types of Starbucks customers, a knowledge I have gained through meticulous observation over caramel frappuccinos and peppermint mochas.

I also decided that I should pass my knowledge on to more people than Dr. Chris Petty, and since I haven't posted in awhile, here you go!

(Image from rowox.com)

I am addicted to coffee. I’m not afraid to admit it. There are many others like me. As a coffee addict, I have spent quite a bit of time at Starbucks, my favorite coffee chain. The Starbucks atmosphere is unique, with the store’s art-covered walls, sophisticated music, and specialized lingo. During the many hours I have spent at Starbucks, I have noticed that the chain’s atmosphere appeals to a variety of customers. From my observations, I have concluded that Starbucks customers can be grouped into three basic categories: the rookies, the once-in-a-whiles, and the followers.

The rookies are perhaps the most amusing type of Starbucks customer. They also draw the most sympathy from staff and other patrons. When they first walk in the door, their faces show a mix of anticipation and anxiety. They have heard about the Starbucks atmosphere and are wondering whether it will live up to the hype; however, they are also nervous, as they do not want to let on that this is their first visit to the chain.

Rookies often go together or with a more experience Starbucks customer, hoping for safety in numbers. When they approach the counter, they will quickly glance at the menu above the smiling faces of the baristas, but be overwhelmed, as they don’t know the difference between a cappuccino, frappuccino, macchiato, or espresso. When the barista asks them for their order, they will do one of two things. The more prepared will slowly repeat the order that they memorized and practiced in the car before entering the store. The less prepared will nonchalantly ask the barista for “just a small regular coffee”, to which the barista will ask, “a tall?” Then the barista will have to explain that tall is Starbucks lingo for small, and explain the Starbucks coffee sizing schematic. Eventually, the rookie customer will walk away from the counter, red-faced, either not to return in the near future, or resolving to return more prepared.

The once-in-a-whiles are more comfortable with Starbucks lingo. They understand the drink sizing, have a basic understanding of what each kind of drink is, and know the flavour combinations available for each. The once-in-a-whiles usually go two or three times a month. They are often discouraged from going more often because of the high prices, and view a trip to Starbucks as a treat.

Once-in-a-whiles usually attend with other once-in-a-whiles, and treat it as a nice social outing and chance to visit over coffee. Their drink orders stray beyond the standard coffee or hot chocolate, but as they only go every so often and the drinks are expensive, they will order the same drink repeatedly. They only branch out if they try something ordered by another once-in-a-while and enjoy it.

The last group of Starbucks customers is the followers. I term them ‘followers’ rather than ‘regulars’ because Starbucks culture really does have a following. These customers know and love everything Starbucks. They are well versed in Starbucks lingo. The easiest way to pick out a follower is to overhear their order, which may be something like a “decaf double-tall non-fat extra-dry cappuccino”. They have taken the time to learn the lingo, which is not surprising when one accounts for how often they frequent the chain.

The followers visit Starbucks at least two or three times a week, and have therefore tried most things on the menu, and have perfected their order exactly to their liking. They are also the only customers who will go alone. You can spot them in the comfortable chairs in the corner, either with a book or their laptop, and they will sit for hours, enjoying the music and their beverage.

They are also often on a first-name basis with the workers, and are first to be offered the free products that are soon to expire. Starbucks values their loyalty so much that they are even offered invitations to a Starbucks Christmas party for lots of free beverages and a chance to mingle with other Starbucks regulars.

While the rookies, the once-in-a-whiles, and the followers are very different kinds of Starbucks customers, they are all attracted to the chain for its atmosphere. After my rookie Starbucks experience, I was hooked.

While I would like to consider myself a follower, I cannot afford to be so loyal to Starbucks, so, according to my own classification, would fall under the once-in-a-while crowd. In addition to classifying yourself, I would encourage you to visit your nearest Starbucks (chances are, there is one within a three-block radius), and attempt to classify all the customers that come through the door. Believe me, it will be worth it when you eavesdrop on the awkward exchange between a rookie and a barista.

Attention Red River College Students!

Andrew Kress, Maeghan Heinrichs, Nicole Dola and I are doing research for PR class about the benefits of creating an online format of the school's newspaper, the Projector.

We would really appreciate your help! All you have to do is fill out a really easy 10 question survey. I have it linked below. Thanks all!

Click here for survey.

Happy 40th Sesame Street!

In honor of the 40th anniversary of Sesame Street, a classic Cookie Monster clip. Enjoy!

Blogging about blogging!

site.despair.com


I've officially been a "blogger" now for 43 days. Is it a milestone worth celebrating?

Well, I'm not going to lie, it still makes me shudder a little bit. But the last 43 days have been a unique experience, and I have decided to share it with you (completely of my own volition - it has nothing to do with the assignment I may or may not have to do in PR class today so Citytv has something to shoot).

Initial Impressions

When I first learned that part of our CreComm curriculum would include the creation and fostering of our own blog, I was less than impressed. I have always held a negative opinion about blogging.

I am not someone who likes to share my personal opinions with anyone who will listen. I prefer to do that among friends and family as part of a conversation, rather than a rant. I feel that that way I will learn more and my opinions can continue to develop. To me, blogging feels more like propaganda. Though there is a 'comments' section, it is often a one-sided conversation.

Another particular problem I have with blogging is the lack of credibility associated with it. Anyone can say anything they want, and often are never held accountable for it. And if they are, it is through a computer screen. To have a blog, you don't even have to have an identity (anonymous bloggers). No one is required to take responsibility for anything they say, no matter how hurtful or untrue it is.

43 Days Later

To be honest, my opinion has not changed much.

I have certainly learned more about blogging. Before I entered CreComm, I don't know if I'd ever read a blog - I certainly never followed one. Now, however, I follow the blogs of my classmates, and I've learned more about the format and different focuses and styles of blogs.

However, I still just see it as a bunch of opinions. Not to say there is anything too wrong with that. While some are more interesting than others, I still do not find myself logging on to blogger everyday and searching for the latest posts, eager to see what everyone is thinking. I would much rather have a conversation with my classmates than read their blog.

In All Fairness

Not all blogs are full of rants and opinions, and not all bloggers are people screaming to have their voices heard, hidden behind the safety of a computer screen.

Some bloggers do not try to take themselves too seriously, and view blogging more as a personal creative outlet.

It is not my chosen way to express myself, but freedom of opinion and freedom of expression is important in a democracy, and blogging is another outlet for both of those things.

To Wrap It Up

If it were not a requirement, I still would not have a blog.

Do I think the world would be a little better off without blogging? Maybe.

However, I do realize that, with the way communications professions are changing, it is almost a required skill of some kind. It is another medium through which to reach people, for better or worse. And now, many journalists are required to blog for their outlet's website.

So I will keep giving it my best shot and trying to improve my blogging style (because it really is a unique style.)

I just still somewhat hang my head in shame every time I hit "post".

BUYER BEWARE!

gogreen.motivators.com


Hello all!

Water bottles are a hot topic of conversation these days. Some people are switching to reusable water bottles to help save the planet; others are switching on principle that water should not be commodified, as it is a basic human right. The University of Winnipeg recently implemented a ban on the sale of disposable water bottles on campus.

However, when making the switch to a reusable water bottle, how do you know what kind you should buy?

My advertising team set out to find out more information about disposable and reusable water bottles in order to inform you, the public, about which bottle will serve you the best for the best price.

We studied four kinds of bottles: disposable, reusable plastic (polycarbonate) bottles, stainless steel and aluminum. We compared them based on their health and safety concerns, environmental impact, and price.

Our methodology consisted of both primary and secondary research. Our primary research included a survey to test college students' knowledge on water bottles, a discussion with Lisa Meisner at World of Water regarding water bottle safety and sales, and a phone call to Winnipeg's recycling information line regarding the recycling of bottles. Our secondary research consisted mainly of Internet research about health and environmental concerns, as well as a comparison of prices.




So here are some of the highlights of our findings:

Environmental Impacts

Somewhat obviously, disposable plastic water bottles are the least environmentally friendly way to go. But let's look at some of the facts.

According to back2tap.com,
- Only 23% of disposable water bottles are recycled in the US
- It takes up to 700 years for disposable water bottles to decompose in landfills
- It takes three bottles of water to manufacture one plastic bottle
- The amount of oil used in the production of plastic bottles per year is enough to fuel 1,000,000 cars for a year

A combination of production, shipping and lack of recycling, even though disposable water bottles are the easiest plastic to recycle (#1), add up to a huge toll on the environment.

Reusable water bottles are a much better alternative.

Stainless steel and aluminum are both 100% recyclable. Another benefit to these materials is that they can be created from 100% recycled content. If we recycle enough stainless steel and aluminum to never have to produce them from scratch again, they will be an extremely environmentally friendly alternative.

Reusable plastic water bottles are a little bit trickier. While they are often 100% recyclable, they are made out of #7 plastic, which is the most difficult kind of plastic to recycle. Some smaller recycling depots do not accept #7 plastics. Winnipeg's recycling program does, however.

Therefore, environmentally speaking, I would recommend any of the three reusable alternatives. They are much more sustainable products than disposable water bottles.



Health and Safety Issues

Disposable water bottles are only supposed to be used once. When they are reused, there are some safety issues to be concerned about. Extended use and washing can cause the plastic to break down and leech a cancer-causing chemical called diethylhydroxylamine into the water.

Most of the health concerns regarding reusable water bottles surround the chemical bisphenol A (or BPA, as it's more commonly known). The chemical was banned in baby bottles in Canada in 2008 because not much was known about its affect on humans.

According to a cbc.ca report, in mice, exposure to low doses of BPA increases the growth of breast and ovarian cancer cells in females and prostate cancer cells in males. BPA mimics estrogen, and is therefore of concern to pregnant women, infants and fetuses.

However, Health Canada recently released a report saying that the average adult would have to consume 1,000 litres of water from a plastic reusable bottle for the BPA to be of significant harm.

Nevertheless, if BPA is of concern to you, plastic reusable bottles are not your best option. Nalgene, however, has recently released a line of BPA-free bottles.

Stainless steel water bottles are BPA free, and have no negative health effects if they are kept clean.

Aluminum water bottles have recently been under scrutiny for the use of BPA in their liners. However, many brands, including SIGG, have released BPA-free liners.

To sum it up, if BPA is of concern to you, go with stainless steel or aluminum - just check to see that the liner is BPA free.




Price Comparison

Disposable plastic bottles are not an economical choice. A 24-pack of 500 ml Aquafina bottles can be purchased for $9.99. Based on this price, if you consume one bottle a day for about two-and-a-half months, you would have already spent as much money as it costs to buy a reusable SIGG bottle.

Reusable plastic bottles, such as Nalgene bottles are a cheap reusable alternative. Nalgene-outdoor.com sells 16 ounce bottles for up to $9.50 and 32 ounce bottles for up to $11.50.

The stainless steel brand Kleen Kanteen are more expensive, with an 18 ounce bottle selling for $16.45, a 27 ounce bottle for $17.95, and a massive 40 ounce bottle for $25.95.

Similarly, the aluminum brand SIGG is a more expensive option as well. 20 ounce bottles are priced at $21.99 and the 33 ounce bottles are $24.99.

With SIGG bottles in particular, the consumer is paying for a brand. SIGG is quickly becoming an accessory, not just a water bottle, so keep in mind that you are paying for that.



In Conclusion

1. BPA seems to have a bad reputation. There are only trace amounts present in some water bottles, and we have determined that it should not be of particular concern when choosing a reusable water bottle.

2. Environmentally speaking, in most regions, aluminum, stainless steel and plastic reusable bottles are all recyclable. They are all much more environmentally friendly alternatives to disposable bottles.

3. There are a variety of reusable bottles, all in different price ranges. While more expensive ones, such as SIGG and Klean Kanteen, are often overpriced simply because of good branding and advertising, a better quality bottle may last longer, if one does not intend on replacing it every year or two.


My team would therefore recommend that consumers do not worry about health issues or environmental concerns when choosing a reusable bottle, but rather choose a bottle based on what they are willing to pay and how important quality and branding are to them.

Royal Ruckus

Governor General Michaelle Jean and the Queen.
Picture:PA from mirror.co.uk

There has been a lot of fuss made this week about Governor General Michaelle Jean's referral of herself as Canada's head of state.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/queen-avoids-royal-row-64197077.html

Monarchists and constitutional experts criticized Jean's use of the term, as she is actually the representative of the Crown in Canada, and therefore, only the representative of the head of state in Canada.

The Prime Minister's Office even went so far as giving a condescending reminder to the Governor General. Rideau Hall then went on the defensive, acknowledging the Queen's position, but arguing that, since Jean is the representative of the Crown in Canada and carries out the duties of the head of state in Canada, she is "de facto head of state".

First of all, I think that a correction from the Prime Minister's Office was a little much. I don't think Jean intended to a) slight the Queen by applying the title to herself; or b) use the title as some sort of political leverage over Harper. I think that Jean honestly believes that is a fair title for her position in Canada.

This past Tuesday, a representative from Buckingham Palace somewhat commented on the issue. The representative said that the palace was not getting involved in the debate, and he "presumed" that the Queen was, by official title, head of state in Canada. The whole statement was very wishy-washy. The palace wants to stay as far removed from the issue.

But of course the Queen wants to stay out of the fracas!

What good would it do the Queen to become involved? She knows Jean was not trying to expand or abuse her authority in her position as the Queen's representative. Had the palace commented or corrected Jean, the Queen would have come across as a stodgy Royal reasserting her symbolic authority over all Canadians.

Furthermore, the debate has already brought out anti-monarchist sentiments among some Canadians who disagree with the Queen's position as head of state. Were she to be involved in the argument, more sentiments would surely be raised, creating negative publicity for the Crown.

The Queen did the right thing in remaining silent on the issue. Besides, she has more important things to worry about than tiny technicalities.

Michael Buble anyone?

If you're looking for some new music for the weekend, can I recommend some Michael Buble? The Canadian artist's new CD "Crazy Love" comes out on Friday, October 9th. I will be first in line to pick it up! Here is his first single from the CD, "Haven't Met You Yet".

Good bye CKX :(

On Thursday, October 1st, it was announced that CKX TV in Brandon would be shut down, its last broadcast to be aired the next day.

Earlier this year, CTV put the station up for sale for $1.00 because it could not afford to keep producing programs like CKX news in a market as small as Westman. Two potential buyers promised to back the station before pulling out, and CKX staff members had been uncertain about the future of the station for many months.

The loss of CKX is a big loss for Brandon and southwestern Manitoba. It was a major news source for these smaller communities, who do not receive much coverage on Winnipeg stations.

It is especially unfortunate for sports fans this year, as Brandon is playing host to the Memorial Cup, the Canadian Hockey League's biggest tournament of the year, and the Brandon Wheat Kings are guaranteed a spot in the four-team tournament. Fans will no longer get to watch Wheat Kings' highlights and player interviews as the team plays one of its most important seasons ever.

Many smaller communities across the country are losing their local media sources, as they are often not self-sustainable, and in an insecure economic climate, no investors will take a chance on them.

This is particularly unfortunate for CreComm students. Smaller media outlets are where rookie journalists get their start. It gives them great experience in larger roles than they would see in bigger media outlets.

I would have loved to intern for CKX, and perhaps have begun my career in Brandon. Unfortunately, that will no longer be possible.

New Respect for Peter Mansbridge

Last night, our Cre-Comm class had to find a story at the Blue Bombers' game. It required interviewing several fans until we found an interesting human interest story to write about. But what I never realized was how hard it is to conduct a good interview.

For this kind of assignment, it was difficult to plan any questions ahead of time, other than some basic starter questions. I found I had to go with the flow of the interview and come up with relevant questions that would inspire brilliant answers from my interview subject... much easier said than done. Here's why:

1. I was extremely nervous. Much more nervous than I thought I would be. When I approached the fans, I felt as if I was imposing on their time, and I didn't want to waste anymore of it than I had to.

2. Some people just aren't very interesting. No, that's too harsh, but not a lot of people have original, interesting stories related to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers!

3. Some interesting people just aren't very talkative. It was painful to get any answer worth quoting from them. I still need to figure out what makes a good interview question and inspires good answers.

When I woke up this morning, and looked at my quotes, I was frustrated with myself. I thought of a million things I would have done differently. What questions I would ask, how I would re-word things, what I would ask them to elaborate on, etc.

Most importantly, I learned that interviewing is a learning process. And I have much more respect for those who can do it well under pressure.

My Life Without Cable

Since I moved to Winnipeg at the end of August for school, my roommate and I have been without cable. For awhile there, we weren't sure we'd make it through.

Every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, we would lament the fact that we were missing Big Brother, just as the number of house guests were dwindling and the drama was increasing. I would complain about how I had to miss The Hour, a staple in my nightly TV routine, my roommate about how she missed her favourite TLC shows (Not going to lie, I wasn't too upset about that!)

However, after about a week, instead of coming home from school and plopping myself down on the couch and staring at our blank TV screen in disgust, I slowly found other things I liked to do. I would go outside and enjoy our late summer. I would go for walks and explore my new neighbourhood (Corydon is pretty neat!). I would phone my Grandma, or email my friends. I learned to appreciate life without TV, and I think my personal relationships and my overall health improved!

But last week, I got an email from a friend. "The season premiere of The Office - September 17!"
That was not something I was willing to live without.

We get cable today. Forget exercise and sunshine. And sorry Grandma. At 8 pm tonight, I will be tuned in.

Only a few more hours until "The Lost Symbol"

So I have been waiting for this day for months! I mean, I was looking forward to it after I read his first four books (the first time), but particularly after the release of the Angels and Demons movie (side note: Ewan McGregor as the Camerlengo = amazing!), when I heard the new book finally had a release date! September 15th, 2009 - a great day for the novel!

If you haven't 'cracked the code' yet, Dan Brown's new book The Lost Symbol is being released today. And I am beyond excited. His books keep me reading from cover to cover. The chapters are all super short (rarely longer than five or six pages), but always contain a cliff-hanger, and since I know the next chapter is also going to be super short too, I always tell myself I'll just read one more!

Five hours later, it's four o'clock in the morning and I have to get up for school in three hours. That is the brilliance of Dan Brown. He manages to maintain suspense throughout a lengthy novel PACKED with historical and geographic references, complex codes, scientific facts, and random pieces of knowledge. I feel like I learn so much, but never get bored!

So you can imagine my excitement today when I pulled my copy of Maclean's out of the mailbox, and the cover reads "The Next Da Vinci Code". Brian Bethune previews the book and points out some impressive facts. Doubleday, Brown's publisher, claims that approximately 10% of all adults WHO CAN READ have read The Da Vinci Code.

The book is also under some Harry Potter-esque security. Bethune claims that a maximum 10 people in Brown's various offices have been allowed to read the book - however, in the interest of promotion, Matt Lauer was granted permission as well! (SO jealous).

But other than those 11 people, all the rest of us know about the book is that it involves the familiar protagonist Robert Langdon, it takes place in Washington over a 12-hour period, it involves the Freemasons, and its release date has some significance.

Hmm. Well, only another few hours, and I will be as enlightened as Matt Lauer!

Introductions

Hello!

Lesson learned... never say never! I never thought I would be writing a blog, but here I am! I am a Creative Communications student at Red River College in Winnipeg, and one of our public relations assignments is to create and maintain a professional blog, which I just learned is a necessity in the communications field!

Though I'm not sure what the purpose or focus of my blog is, I hope to share my thoughts on current and relevant news stories and happenings in the world, as I am planning to major in journalism within my program. I am most interested, however, in the dialogue I can create with you. Please feel free to agree, disagree, or just share your own thoughts!

Thanks for visiting, and have an excellent day!