ENG 316: Drama At The RNC

Courtesy: Getty Images

Paul supporters test unity at convention.

Tuesday was the official beginning of the 2012 Republican National Convention. The convention was met with some controversy, however. The always-vocal Ron Paul supporters made one final cry of support for the Texas congressman as well as voiced their displeasure at the GOP establishment. Supporters booed when rules were made in the party's platform that would hinder grassroots campaigning, which got Paul to the national convention in the first place. This was one of many things pointed out in an article by CNN's Kevin Liptak.

Reflection: This article was very interesting. It presented a storyline from the convention that was not publicized too much. Of course, we all knew Romney would be the nominee but convention officials should have given credit to Ron Paul for his hard work during the primary.

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A Second Chance

Courtesy: MJ Bridgescape Academy

For students at the new Magic Johnson Bridgescape Academy, Monday's return to school was anything but routine. The school, which opened in Durham's Performance Learning Center, is giving students who dropped out of high school another chance. The former basketball star teamed up with EdisonLearning, an education service provider, to help students at low-performing, urban schools. According to program director, Lorenzo Johnson Jr., the academy is "tailored to each student's individual needs." The academy also provides counselors to assist students in bridging gaps to their graduation. All-in-all, the aim of this new academy is to drive down drop out rates in the district and help more students earn their diplomas.

I believe this is a very innovative idea for a school district to do. I found a particular interest in this story because I came from the Durham Public School district and I know firsthand about the drop out troubles. I have never experienced something like this but I am sure that people who go through this experience some very hard times. I feel that, with this academy, the future is bright for students in the Durham Public School district.

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ENG 316: Junior Prepares For Future

Blogger and budding journalist focuses on possible news career.
 
Chris White, a junior in sport management, is getting closer and closer to launching his journalism career by taking a news writing class at N.C. State University.

He has always had a love for the news and is now taking one of many courses that will prepare him for the field. Before attending the university White created a blog, Reflections, in 2008 which has been viewed in over twenty different countries worldwide since its creation.

In addition to his blog, White received recognition for his writing skill in 2010 through an essay contest on the United Nation's Law of the Sea Treaty. With that, he had the opportunity of traveling to U.N. headquarters in New York City as well as the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. "That was such a rewarding experience for me," White said, "and I believe it strengthened my understanding of writing in any career field that I pursue."

When he is not concentrating on his studies, he has several other interests: college basketball, musical performance, and children's ministry; all of which he has considered as possible career paths. For the moment, White has planned on finishing his studies at N.C. State and enrolling in a graduate program to continue studying journalism.

With his blog, White hopes to educate his readers on the many issues going on in the world. He also allows readers to chime in with their own comments. He also posts some fun things such as profiles on new music, "Oops Awards," as he calls them, as well as movie reviews. "I want to create an atmosphere with this blog that allows my readers to engage in issues pertaining to the world around them," White said.

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NMM: True Believers

It honestly doesn't get any newer than this. A fresh single from Darius Rucker, entitled "True Believers," was just released today at midnight on iTunes. 

I've always been a huge fan of Hootie and the Blowfish and Darius, especially since he switched over to country music. "True Believers" is, more or less, a love song and has even been labeled as a "marriage song." Although this is true, it incorporates many Christian values as well. With amazing lyrics and a catchy chorus, this song is sure to be another hit for him. Have a listen!

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Roach Knows Best?

We are getting closer and closer to the presidential election. With that, we see tons of ways people are trying to predict who will win. Well, I believe a group in New Jersey beats all I've ever seen. The state's Pest Management Association literally holds a roach race (aptly named the "Presidential Cockroach Derby") to predict who'll win that year's election. 

The group has been doing this for sixteen years and claims the races have an eighty-four percent accuracy rating. So who won? In a landslide, the Romney bug won. Um, I think I'll just wait until the real results in November!

See a video of the race here!

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NMM: Casey James

This week's look at new music features yet another Idol alum, Casey James. He was the third-place finalist on the ninth season of the show and has since blossomed into a rising country music artist. James's self-titled album was released earlier this year and includes the hit song "Let's Don't Call It A Night."

Now, another song has recently been played on the airwaves and is making a buzz. The song, called "Crying On A Suitcase" talks about a couple who is quickly splitting apart. The girl is "sitting at the airport" while James is urging the man to go find her before it's too late. It's a, sort of, new take on a love song and I believe it is genius!

Below is a live version of the song performed by James on CMT's Listen Up.

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Memories

I honestly can't believe that camp ended this past Friday. I mean, it seems just like yesterday that we started. This year has been different than the other years I've worked in that I have become so attached to the kids. This is especially true with the 6th-8th graders. Although they can be a lot to handle, they all make us laugh.

I think the same has happened with them. Once everyone started leaving on Friday, some of the older kids began to ball their eyes out. One even hugged me and said, "You better come back next year."

Honestly, that made me even more upset because this is the first time where I'm not completely sure I will be back. As college goes, I have to have an internship at some point. I'm hoping I can actually do it next fall but don't know if it'll be possible. I hope I'll be able to work again because, even though it does have its stresses, working at camp has been one of the most rewarding things I've done!

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NMM: American Beauty

The Lost Trailers is a fairly new group on the mainstream country music scene. The duo recently released a new album entitled American Beauty which features a mix of great songs as well as the title track, "American Beauty." This new track is completely different from their hit, "Underdog," in that it's more of an upbeat, toe-tapping song as opposed to a ballad. This is yet another great country group to be on the lookout for.

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Photo Competition

I can't believe the summer is almost over. I also can't believe it will soon be time for the NC State Fair to crank up. I have entered the photo competition again this year and I am very excited about it. In the past three years of trying, I have not won anything for my photos but I'm hoping to changed all that this year. That's where I need some help. Below are five pictures that I have selected as choices for the competition. Look at them, study them, and pick which one you really like by leaving a comment on this post. I'll keep you posted on how things go and, regardless of what happens, you will be able to see my picture on display in the Scott Building at the Fairgrounds October 11-21.
Thanks!

Bulls Game

Carolina Hurricanes

The Ryman Pencil Sketch

My Clarinet

After A Rainstorm

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NMM: Thinking Of You (And Me)

Love and Theft catapulted onto the country music scene with their debut hit, "Runaway." Now, the duo has released its second album in three years aptly titled, Love and Theft. The new album features the groups hit song, "Angel Eyes," but also features a great ballad called "Thinking of You (And Me)." The song is just a great song that's bound to be used for weddings and other occasions. With songs like this, Love and Theft is sure to be sticking around for a long time!

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