Articles in The Express Newspaper
Autism activist inspires students
The first time I saw Temple Grandin in person, I didn't quite recognize her. She was sitting at a small table in the middle of the Center for the Performing arts with a subdued expression on her face, signing the occasional autobiographical book that would come her way.
Initially, I noticed something I had seen in the HBO award-winning movie called "Temple Grandin." - her shirt. It was a black cowboy shirt made of loose fitting material, carefully chosen because it doesn't bother her intense sensory sensitivity.
Along the shoulder and the collar were red patterns of embroidery, curling around each other in an intricate design. Around her neck was a little red neckerchief. She looked every bit like the actor who portrayed her in the movie.
At first sight
The moment I realized it was her I was a star stuck. I was so enraptured by it all that I almost forgot why I was there. All I could think of were the great things this woman had accomplished and how she had risen above something that can hold so many others back.
I could barely believe that this woman who had accomplished so much in the face of such adversity was here, at Las Positas College, speaking to students and faculty and imparting her wisdom upon us.
Temple Grandin, born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1947 was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. A year later, with the help of her mother and a speech therapist, Grandin began talking, making several other improvements in speech and broadening her interactions with others.
Early life
Growing up, Grandin was the subject of intense bullying centered on her disorder. She recalls being called names like "Tape Recorder" because of her tendency to repeat things she heard. In an interview with NBC Action News, Grandin said, "You know, I can laugh about it now, but it wasn't funny at the time. But I at least had some refuges away from that."
Despite going through such trials and tribulations early on in her life, she went on to earn her bachelor's degree in psychology, a master's in animal science and a doctoral degree in animal science. Grandin also received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Duke University.
On March 7th, this amazingly accomplished woman came to LPC to talk about Autism, Animals, and Sensory Based Thinking all thanks to the efforts of professor Ernie Jones and the LPC Psychology club.
In her presentation she spoke about the way she conceptualizes the world, and how instructors and parents should treat and help children with autism. Some of her most powerful points focused on her personal experience on living with autism.
"People have said to me, if I could snap my fingers would I want to make myself not be autistic," said Grandin. "No. Because I like the logical way I think. But on the other hand, I'm a college professor first, a scientist first, and autistic second. Autism is an important part of who I am, but it's not the whole thing of who I am."
During the entirety of Grandin's presentation, she emphasized that people with autism were not as disabled as one would assume and that given the proper mentoring and guidance, they could reach their full potential just as she did, thanks to her science teacher and mentor Mr. Carlock as well as her supportive mother and aunt.
"With Temple, had she not had her teacher, had she not had her mother really pushing her, who knows what would have happened," said Psi Beta faculty advisor Ernie Jones, "especially in those days. We'd probably be talking about somebody who'd be in an institution and never developed her potentials."
An Inspiration
Autism activist motivates students Temple Grandin inspires students to put effort into being the best they can be Temple Grandin is a woman who -despite all the hardships in her life that she was forced to face as a child and young woman - was able to rise above and become someone who can inspire those with and without autism to be the best that they can and never to give up in the face of extreme adversity.
When the presentation was over, I could tell that she was getting tired, and was barely keeping awake. She ran her hands over her eyes, through her hair, across her face, and her attention became less focused, however to me she was still able to inspire feelings of complete awe and amazement.
After everyone had finished asking for autographs, it was just me, her and the members of the LPC Psychology club. I set my camera down, put away my papers, and approached the desk at which she sat, heart in my throat.
I timidly pushed a pamphlet in front of her, which she signed readily, and asked her, "Why do you do it? Why do you talk to students like me?" and at first she looked at me as though I should already know the answer before she simply said, "I want to motivate students to succeed."
Initially, I noticed something I had seen in the HBO award-winning movie called "Temple Grandin." - her shirt. It was a black cowboy shirt made of loose fitting material, carefully chosen because it doesn't bother her intense sensory sensitivity.
Along the shoulder and the collar were red patterns of embroidery, curling around each other in an intricate design. Around her neck was a little red neckerchief. She looked every bit like the actor who portrayed her in the movie.
At first sight
The moment I realized it was her I was a star stuck. I was so enraptured by it all that I almost forgot why I was there. All I could think of were the great things this woman had accomplished and how she had risen above something that can hold so many others back.
I could barely believe that this woman who had accomplished so much in the face of such adversity was here, at Las Positas College, speaking to students and faculty and imparting her wisdom upon us.
Temple Grandin, born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1947 was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. A year later, with the help of her mother and a speech therapist, Grandin began talking, making several other improvements in speech and broadening her interactions with others.
Early life
Growing up, Grandin was the subject of intense bullying centered on her disorder. She recalls being called names like "Tape Recorder" because of her tendency to repeat things she heard. In an interview with NBC Action News, Grandin said, "You know, I can laugh about it now, but it wasn't funny at the time. But I at least had some refuges away from that."
Despite going through such trials and tribulations early on in her life, she went on to earn her bachelor's degree in psychology, a master's in animal science and a doctoral degree in animal science. Grandin also received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Duke University.
On March 7th, this amazingly accomplished woman came to LPC to talk about Autism, Animals, and Sensory Based Thinking all thanks to the efforts of professor Ernie Jones and the LPC Psychology club.
In her presentation she spoke about the way she conceptualizes the world, and how instructors and parents should treat and help children with autism. Some of her most powerful points focused on her personal experience on living with autism.
"People have said to me, if I could snap my fingers would I want to make myself not be autistic," said Grandin. "No. Because I like the logical way I think. But on the other hand, I'm a college professor first, a scientist first, and autistic second. Autism is an important part of who I am, but it's not the whole thing of who I am."
During the entirety of Grandin's presentation, she emphasized that people with autism were not as disabled as one would assume and that given the proper mentoring and guidance, they could reach their full potential just as she did, thanks to her science teacher and mentor Mr. Carlock as well as her supportive mother and aunt.
"With Temple, had she not had her teacher, had she not had her mother really pushing her, who knows what would have happened," said Psi Beta faculty advisor Ernie Jones, "especially in those days. We'd probably be talking about somebody who'd be in an institution and never developed her potentials."
An Inspiration
Autism activist motivates students Temple Grandin inspires students to put effort into being the best they can be Temple Grandin is a woman who -despite all the hardships in her life that she was forced to face as a child and young woman - was able to rise above and become someone who can inspire those with and without autism to be the best that they can and never to give up in the face of extreme adversity.
When the presentation was over, I could tell that she was getting tired, and was barely keeping awake. She ran her hands over her eyes, through her hair, across her face, and her attention became less focused, however to me she was still able to inspire feelings of complete awe and amazement.
After everyone had finished asking for autographs, it was just me, her and the members of the LPC Psychology club. I set my camera down, put away my papers, and approached the desk at which she sat, heart in my throat.
I timidly pushed a pamphlet in front of her, which she signed readily, and asked her, "Why do you do it? Why do you talk to students like me?" and at first she looked at me as though I should already know the answer before she simply said, "I want to motivate students to succeed."
Student makes his mark in the t-shirt world
Working out is not a pretty sight. Your cheeks get red, perspiration starts to come from places you didn't even know you could sweat, and at times you sound like Darth Vader with asthma.
However, Las Positas College student Josh Jorgensen believes that with a little state of the art designing he can make you ready for a night on the town mere moments after your workout. "Our business basically is trying to bring people state of the art designs that can be worn in the gym and worn out to dinner all the same," said Jorgenson.
Jorgensen, a freshman at LPC, is taking business classes to improve the business he started with his cousin Grant Caylor called Suffer Now Rest Later (SNRL). Suffer now rest later is more than a catchy phrase to Jorgenson, it's a way of life. "I started the business because I wanted to make a shirt based upon my philosophies of working out," said Jorgenson.
One of the various shirts that Jorgenson and his cousin have made is one with the phrase, "Fu-Snow Angels, I make Sweat Demons," relating to the types of workouts that Jorgenson engages in at the gym. The workout type is called 'Crossfit', which are highly intense workouts that are currently being used by the military for basic training.
Jorgensen's shirts are currently sold all over Northern California in these "Crossfit Gyms", making him a Crossfit Affiliate. In being affiliated with such a gym, Jorgenson hopes that in the end, through the business classes he is currently taking at LPC, he can broaden his business' horizons. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters such as the ones seen on UFC or Pride work out at Crossfit Gyms, and because of this Jorgenson is attempting to get his logo put onto a MMA fighter. "Eventually, I'd love to see some of my favorite fighters (MMA UFC) wearing SNRL. I love mixed martial arts, and Crossfit, and they go hand in hand. Seeing Suffer Now Rest Later on a fighter's shorts is indeed my ultimate goal with the company," said Jorgenson.
"The best part of owning a business is getting to put your own mark on your product, being able to see the finished product and know that you do it, and seeing people wear clothes of yours and be proud," said Jorgenson, however he doesn't just do it for himself. He likes to keep spare shirts in his car just in case he sees a homeless person, at which time he gives them a free shirt. It's a win-win situation. Jorgenson gets to see his shirt on someone else and the homeless individual gets a warm, state of the art shirt.
Jorgenson offered some advice to aspiring LPC entrepreneurs. "Get a simple, clean idea that would apply to many different types of people not just a completely closed group," said Jorgenson. While his advice was based mainly on the assumption that a student would be attempting to start a shirt company, the advice can apply to so much more.
However, Las Positas College student Josh Jorgensen believes that with a little state of the art designing he can make you ready for a night on the town mere moments after your workout. "Our business basically is trying to bring people state of the art designs that can be worn in the gym and worn out to dinner all the same," said Jorgenson.
Jorgensen, a freshman at LPC, is taking business classes to improve the business he started with his cousin Grant Caylor called Suffer Now Rest Later (SNRL). Suffer now rest later is more than a catchy phrase to Jorgenson, it's a way of life. "I started the business because I wanted to make a shirt based upon my philosophies of working out," said Jorgenson.
One of the various shirts that Jorgenson and his cousin have made is one with the phrase, "Fu-Snow Angels, I make Sweat Demons," relating to the types of workouts that Jorgenson engages in at the gym. The workout type is called 'Crossfit', which are highly intense workouts that are currently being used by the military for basic training.
Jorgensen's shirts are currently sold all over Northern California in these "Crossfit Gyms", making him a Crossfit Affiliate. In being affiliated with such a gym, Jorgenson hopes that in the end, through the business classes he is currently taking at LPC, he can broaden his business' horizons. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters such as the ones seen on UFC or Pride work out at Crossfit Gyms, and because of this Jorgenson is attempting to get his logo put onto a MMA fighter. "Eventually, I'd love to see some of my favorite fighters (MMA UFC) wearing SNRL. I love mixed martial arts, and Crossfit, and they go hand in hand. Seeing Suffer Now Rest Later on a fighter's shorts is indeed my ultimate goal with the company," said Jorgenson.
"The best part of owning a business is getting to put your own mark on your product, being able to see the finished product and know that you do it, and seeing people wear clothes of yours and be proud," said Jorgenson, however he doesn't just do it for himself. He likes to keep spare shirts in his car just in case he sees a homeless person, at which time he gives them a free shirt. It's a win-win situation. Jorgenson gets to see his shirt on someone else and the homeless individual gets a warm, state of the art shirt.
Jorgenson offered some advice to aspiring LPC entrepreneurs. "Get a simple, clean idea that would apply to many different types of people not just a completely closed group," said Jorgenson. While his advice was based mainly on the assumption that a student would be attempting to start a shirt company, the advice can apply to so much more.
New state budget proposal to raise tuition, cut classes
The new State Budget Proposal was released to the public on Jan. 10, 2011, causing its fair share of shock and dismay. The budget revolves around a tax ballot measure that is to be voted upon in June, and if it is successful this State Budget Proposal could come into plan this July.
It's not news to most people that California is in a severe budget crisis already, and although this proposal has many negative side effects for students and faculty, it will be put in place to help, rather than hurt.
While California in its entirety will feel the negative effects of the State Budget Proposal, the impact of the proposal is a little closer to home for LPC students and California Community College students as a whole.
Currently, the budget shortfall of California is at $25.4 billion dollars, and according to the Executive Vice Chancellor for Programs of California Community Colleges, Erik Skinner, the proposed bud get will seek to address this shortfall. It will attempt to do this by having a $12 billion spending reduction, $12 billion revenue extensions and modifications and $1.9 billion in other solutions in an attempt to create a $1 billion reserve.
As it stands now, Las Positas College students can expect fees to increase $10 dollars per credit unit, raising the fee from $26 per unit to $36 per unit.
According to the Geography Faculty Chair Thomas Orf and President of the Faculty Senate Sarah Thompson in an e-mail sent out to the LPC Campus Community, the faculty is working on the assumption that there will be a reduction of about 75-80 classes and while summer classes will take place this year, they will more than likely be reduced significantly.
Although the proposed cuts have good intentions and are meant to decrease the immense shortfall that California has acquired, the ability to help students has become a common concern.
"A cut of $400 million will further impair the ability of community colleges to serve the students who are coming to our doors for education and workforce training," Skinner said in an e-mail.
It's not news to most people that California is in a severe budget crisis already, and although this proposal has many negative side effects for students and faculty, it will be put in place to help, rather than hurt.
While California in its entirety will feel the negative effects of the State Budget Proposal, the impact of the proposal is a little closer to home for LPC students and California Community College students as a whole.
Currently, the budget shortfall of California is at $25.4 billion dollars, and according to the Executive Vice Chancellor for Programs of California Community Colleges, Erik Skinner, the proposed bud get will seek to address this shortfall. It will attempt to do this by having a $12 billion spending reduction, $12 billion revenue extensions and modifications and $1.9 billion in other solutions in an attempt to create a $1 billion reserve.
As it stands now, Las Positas College students can expect fees to increase $10 dollars per credit unit, raising the fee from $26 per unit to $36 per unit.
According to the Geography Faculty Chair Thomas Orf and President of the Faculty Senate Sarah Thompson in an e-mail sent out to the LPC Campus Community, the faculty is working on the assumption that there will be a reduction of about 75-80 classes and while summer classes will take place this year, they will more than likely be reduced significantly.
Although the proposed cuts have good intentions and are meant to decrease the immense shortfall that California has acquired, the ability to help students has become a common concern.
"A cut of $400 million will further impair the ability of community colleges to serve the students who are coming to our doors for education and workforce training," Skinner said in an e-mail.
The message behind the paint
LPC art student Bryce Beecher's gallery is now open
Amidst the imposing metallic structures of a previous, finished gallery show, a colorful array of blues and reds patiently await their time to shine as curious gallery guests ponder each piece and their meanings.
Along each wall, calling out to the onlooker as though with a personality all its own, these art pieces capture the imagination and transport the viewer into their own subconscious. There is no set meaning to the dolphin emerging from the vast array of colors, and the blues and purples don't necessarily mean anything. "Everything's relative to your own perception." Bryce Beecher said.
The artist featured in the Performing Art's gallery is a LPC student Bryce Beecher. He has been attending LPC for five years, and is currently working toward his second associate's degree in studio art. According to Philip Manwell, dean of arts and communications, "He's (Bryce) a fine young artist, serious of purpose, with real vision."
In this particular gallery, Beecher is playing with color and toying with the way that people initially look and react to things. "What I always try to do with my work is not have this preconceived notion of what someone's going to think about it," Beecher said.
One of the pieces that caught my eye was the image of what looked like a little blue octopus with three eyes staring at me as though it had something vitally important to say.
According to Beecher, this artwork, entitled "Stun" is a smaller part of a larger piece he made a year ago. It began as a simple character he had thought up which developed a personality and presence of its own over time.
I was very impressed with both the artwork itself and the artist. It made no assumptions about how one should feel when looking at the work, but instead created a message that was unique to each individual's experience with the gallery.
To me, the little blue octopus looking at me with such perplexed eyes represented the need for the deepest part of a human to escape past the box that society has put it in. For you, the meaning may be completely different.
What does it mean to you? Maybe it reminds you of your childhood, perhaps it is a window into your emotional state of being, and perhaps it means nothing at all. However, that flexibility of meaning is what makes this gallery so amazing.
Seeing as this gallery is free, Beecher's art is an easily accessible stepping-stone for expanding the creativity of LPC students as well as anyone else who stops by to peruse the art until Feb. 11.
Because this is the first year of the Performing Art's galleries, it is strictly at a first-come-first-serve basis and the gallery is already booked through the year and so it seems as though we can look forward to many more amazing gallery shows in the future.
Along each wall, calling out to the onlooker as though with a personality all its own, these art pieces capture the imagination and transport the viewer into their own subconscious. There is no set meaning to the dolphin emerging from the vast array of colors, and the blues and purples don't necessarily mean anything. "Everything's relative to your own perception." Bryce Beecher said.
The artist featured in the Performing Art's gallery is a LPC student Bryce Beecher. He has been attending LPC for five years, and is currently working toward his second associate's degree in studio art. According to Philip Manwell, dean of arts and communications, "He's (Bryce) a fine young artist, serious of purpose, with real vision."
In this particular gallery, Beecher is playing with color and toying with the way that people initially look and react to things. "What I always try to do with my work is not have this preconceived notion of what someone's going to think about it," Beecher said.
One of the pieces that caught my eye was the image of what looked like a little blue octopus with three eyes staring at me as though it had something vitally important to say.
According to Beecher, this artwork, entitled "Stun" is a smaller part of a larger piece he made a year ago. It began as a simple character he had thought up which developed a personality and presence of its own over time.
I was very impressed with both the artwork itself and the artist. It made no assumptions about how one should feel when looking at the work, but instead created a message that was unique to each individual's experience with the gallery.
To me, the little blue octopus looking at me with such perplexed eyes represented the need for the deepest part of a human to escape past the box that society has put it in. For you, the meaning may be completely different.
What does it mean to you? Maybe it reminds you of your childhood, perhaps it is a window into your emotional state of being, and perhaps it means nothing at all. However, that flexibility of meaning is what makes this gallery so amazing.
Seeing as this gallery is free, Beecher's art is an easily accessible stepping-stone for expanding the creativity of LPC students as well as anyone else who stops by to peruse the art until Feb. 11.
Because this is the first year of the Performing Art's galleries, it is strictly at a first-come-first-serve basis and the gallery is already booked through the year and so it seems as though we can look forward to many more amazing gallery shows in the future.
How Black Friday came to be
The origins of one of the biggest shopping days of the year in the United States explained
The day after Thanksgiving is one of the most hectic and dangerous days for shoppers and store employees alike.
People swarm stores in search of early Christmas deals, contributing to one of the most profitable opportunities for retailers.
In 1924 Black Friday, as the first shopping day after Thanksgiving, became the start of the holiday shopping season thanks to the Macy's Day Parade.
The parade, which is still held annually, leads spectators and shoppers directly to the doors of Macy's.
However, the name "Black Friday" was coined in 1966. According to a 1966 publication by Bonnie Taylor-Blake of the American Dialect Society, the term "Black Friday" may have originated in Philadelphia in 1966 referring to the heavy and disruptive pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
"'Black Friday' is the name which the Philadelphia Police Department has given to the Friday following Thanksgiving Day ... 'Black Friday' officially opens the Christmas shopping season … and it usually brings massive traffic jams and overcrowded sidewalks as the downtown stores are mobbed from opening to closing," said Taylor-Blake.
Taylor-Blake wrote that merchants objected to the negative connotations given by such a definition so they began to circulate a new origin and meaning of the term.
Instead of having black refer to the dangerous foot traffic in stores, they began to take an accounting angle. To an accountant, red ink means a financial loss, and black ink means financial gain.
In a 1981 publication also by Taylor-Blake, she wrote, "If the day is the year's biggest for retailers, why is it called 'Black Friday?' Because it is a day retailers make profits."
The origins of one of the biggest shopping days of the year in the United States explained
The day after Thanksgiving is one of the most hectic and dangerous days for shoppers and store employees alike.
People swarm stores in search of early Christmas deals, contributing to one of the most profitable opportunities for retailers.
In 1924 Black Friday, as the first shopping day after Thanksgiving, became the start of the holiday shopping season thanks to the Macy's Day Parade.
The parade, which is still held annually, leads spectators and shoppers directly to the doors of Macy's.
However, the name "Black Friday" was coined in 1966. According to a 1966 publication by Bonnie Taylor-Blake of the American Dialect Society, the term "Black Friday" may have originated in Philadelphia in 1966 referring to the heavy and disruptive pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
"'Black Friday' is the name which the Philadelphia Police Department has given to the Friday following Thanksgiving Day ... 'Black Friday' officially opens the Christmas shopping season … and it usually brings massive traffic jams and overcrowded sidewalks as the downtown stores are mobbed from opening to closing," said Taylor-Blake.
Taylor-Blake wrote that merchants objected to the negative connotations given by such a definition so they began to circulate a new origin and meaning of the term.
Instead of having black refer to the dangerous foot traffic in stores, they began to take an accounting angle. To an accountant, red ink means a financial loss, and black ink means financial gain.
In a 1981 publication also by Taylor-Blake, she wrote, "If the day is the year's biggest for retailers, why is it called 'Black Friday?' Because it is a day retailers make profits."
Soloists' talents shine in Concerto Concert
Review
Walking into the Main Stage theater for the first time, the large seating area and the elegantly put-together stage were very impressive.
Before the show began, many conversations were centered on how grand the theater was. By the time the conductor walked onto the stage and the lights dimmed, the theater was about 15 percent full, perhaps from a lack of advertising.
The performers came onto the stage, all dressed in black with nervous and excited expressions on their faces. I was expecting the conductor to talk to us about how this was the first performance, and perhaps give us a little introduction to the concert. Instead, they went directly into the first song.
During the concert, there were two magnificent soloists. Robert Gas played the trumpet during "Prayer of Saint Gregory" and "Grace Cross" on the harp during "Konzert fur Harfe und Orchester." While this concert was a group effort, these two performers stole the show and made it as good as it was.
In the third song, Conductor Cindy Rosefield introduced us to Gas, the soloist. "I'd like to introduce the next performer. He is a student here, he graduated with his degree last year and he's still continuing some classes, such as orchestra and piano.
"He is a retired aerospace…This is Robert Gas, said Rosefield. He played a magnificent trumpet. I know that I would not have liked this song had Gas not been given the solo. In my opinion, Gas made the song. His playing was very impressive. It was soulful and evoked emotion.
"Konzert fur Harfe und Orchester" was my favorite song, thanks to the soloist Grace Cross, playing the harp. "The next soloist I'd like to bring out is a very fine young musician.
I met her last year in a Music 6 class and when I passed around a sheet of 'what do you like', 'what do you do' … I was pleasantly surprised to realize I had two harp players in the class. Which is pretty unique. So this is Grace Cross on harp." Said Rosefield. The harp was breathtaking and it simply made the song.
At times, I wished I heard less of the orchestra and more of the harp. During her solo, I found myself holding my breath, trying to still the sounds of everything but her playing. Her finger tips were a deep red from the plucking, showing just how dedicated she was to her craft. I firmly believe that Cross stole the show.
Generally, I liked the concert. I thought that while improvements were needed, it was a good way to begin the Main Stage's career.
The solos of both Robert Gas and Grace Cross were remarkable in their beauty and a testament to the talent of both performers. Had these two not played, my opinion of the show might have been different. However, thanks to the soloists this show turned out to be quite enjoyable.
Review
Walking into the Main Stage theater for the first time, the large seating area and the elegantly put-together stage were very impressive.
Before the show began, many conversations were centered on how grand the theater was. By the time the conductor walked onto the stage and the lights dimmed, the theater was about 15 percent full, perhaps from a lack of advertising.
The performers came onto the stage, all dressed in black with nervous and excited expressions on their faces. I was expecting the conductor to talk to us about how this was the first performance, and perhaps give us a little introduction to the concert. Instead, they went directly into the first song.
During the concert, there were two magnificent soloists. Robert Gas played the trumpet during "Prayer of Saint Gregory" and "Grace Cross" on the harp during "Konzert fur Harfe und Orchester." While this concert was a group effort, these two performers stole the show and made it as good as it was.
In the third song, Conductor Cindy Rosefield introduced us to Gas, the soloist. "I'd like to introduce the next performer. He is a student here, he graduated with his degree last year and he's still continuing some classes, such as orchestra and piano.
"He is a retired aerospace…This is Robert Gas, said Rosefield. He played a magnificent trumpet. I know that I would not have liked this song had Gas not been given the solo. In my opinion, Gas made the song. His playing was very impressive. It was soulful and evoked emotion.
"Konzert fur Harfe und Orchester" was my favorite song, thanks to the soloist Grace Cross, playing the harp. "The next soloist I'd like to bring out is a very fine young musician.
I met her last year in a Music 6 class and when I passed around a sheet of 'what do you like', 'what do you do' … I was pleasantly surprised to realize I had two harp players in the class. Which is pretty unique. So this is Grace Cross on harp." Said Rosefield. The harp was breathtaking and it simply made the song.
At times, I wished I heard less of the orchestra and more of the harp. During her solo, I found myself holding my breath, trying to still the sounds of everything but her playing. Her finger tips were a deep red from the plucking, showing just how dedicated she was to her craft. I firmly believe that Cross stole the show.
Generally, I liked the concert. I thought that while improvements were needed, it was a good way to begin the Main Stage's career.
The solos of both Robert Gas and Grace Cross were remarkable in their beauty and a testament to the talent of both performers. Had these two not played, my opinion of the show might have been different. However, thanks to the soloists this show turned out to be quite enjoyable.
Temple Grandin, autism advocate, to speak at LPC
The lights fell in the usually loud and hectic lecture hall, the scene in front casting a soft light of the audience patiently awaiting the movie to start. A woman appears on screen, "My name is Temple Grandin and I'm not like other people," she says, and the movie began.
On Oct, 18, the Psychology Club and the Psi Beta Psychology Honors Society held a showing of the HBO movie, "Temple Grandin," for their psychology students and anyone else who wanted to attend.
"If she can do it through her challenges then we can too … that is what psychology is about," said Emekam Ngeme, the president of the Psychology Club.
Ngeme explained to the audience that he believed the meanings of psychology and the movie are one and the same. Despite all the troubles in life and the conflicts that may arise, one can overcome it and keep moving forward.
The Psychology club's goal in showing "Temple Grandin" was to spread awareness of autism and to dispel any stereotypes that one might think of.
"It's an opportunity to open the campus to increased information and knowledge," said Psychology Club Advisor Ernie Jones when asked about the importance of holding movie events and having speakers talk to students.
According to, Jones, the Psychology students have been able to come together and interact with the people who have become important names in the field by having popular speakers come onto campus, such as Temple Grandin, Kim Peek and Dr. Philip G. Zimbardo.
"It's expanding knowledge and experience in a way you can't get in a classroom" he said.
The lights fell in the usually loud and hectic lecture hall, the scene in front casting a soft light of the audience patiently awaiting the movie to start. A woman appears on screen, "My name is Temple Grandin and I'm not like other people," she says, and the movie began.
On Oct, 18, the Psychology Club and the Psi Beta Psychology Honors Society held a showing of the HBO movie, "Temple Grandin," for their psychology students and anyone else who wanted to attend.
"If she can do it through her challenges then we can too … that is what psychology is about," said Emekam Ngeme, the president of the Psychology Club.
Ngeme explained to the audience that he believed the meanings of psychology and the movie are one and the same. Despite all the troubles in life and the conflicts that may arise, one can overcome it and keep moving forward.
The Psychology club's goal in showing "Temple Grandin" was to spread awareness of autism and to dispel any stereotypes that one might think of.
"It's an opportunity to open the campus to increased information and knowledge," said Psychology Club Advisor Ernie Jones when asked about the importance of holding movie events and having speakers talk to students.
According to, Jones, the Psychology students have been able to come together and interact with the people who have become important names in the field by having popular speakers come onto campus, such as Temple Grandin, Kim Peek and Dr. Philip G. Zimbardo.
"It's expanding knowledge and experience in a way you can't get in a classroom" he said.
The origins of Halloween traditions
When Halloween rolls around; houses begin to set up spooky decorations, convenient stores stock up on bags of candies and Halloween stores crop up all over.
In almost every grocery store, bins are filled with pumpkins, exciting the children eager for the holiday.
When the sun starts to set, children turn loose upon the neighborhood to gather as much candy as their pillowcases will allow. Parents throw parties for their children, helping them carve pumpkins and getting them ready for trick-or-treating.
So many people have participated in these traditions during this autumn holiday. But have you ever stopped to wonder, "Where did this come from?"
The truth behind Trick-Or-Treating
Do you remember going from door to door, relying on strangers' generosity to load up on enough candy to last you a few months?
In the Middle Ages in Ireland and Britain, according to Nicholas Rogers, the author of "Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night," poor people would engage in what was called 'Souling'. They would go from door to door and receive food. In return, the poor people would pray for their dead loved ones on All Souls Day on Nov. 2.
While the families could pray for their own loved ones, additional prayers couldn't hurt.
The legend of the Jack-O-Lantern
The origin comes from an old Irish myth involving a man named Stingy Jack and the devil, according to www.hauntedbay.com,
One night, Jack invited the Devil to drink with him. As his name would imply, he did not want to pay for his drink. Instead, he convinced the Devil to turn into a coin to pay for the drink.
Deciding to keep the money, Jack put the coin in his pocket next to a silver cross. This kept the Devil from turning back into his true form.
The Devil agreed to a promise to leave Jack alone for one year and not to take his soul when he died.
The next year, Jack tricked the Devil into climbing a tree to pick a fruit. When the devil went up the tree, Jack drew a cross on the bark to keep the Devil from coming back down unless he agreed to leave Jack alone for 10 years.
As the story goes, Jack finally died. But God would not take such a trickster, and because of his earlier deal, Jack's soul wasn't allowed into Hell either. So Jack was sent back into the world with a burning coal to guide him, which he put inside a turnip and used as a lantern.
He then became known as "Jack of the lantern" or the modern, "jack-o-lantern."
When Halloween rolls around; houses begin to set up spooky decorations, convenient stores stock up on bags of candies and Halloween stores crop up all over.
In almost every grocery store, bins are filled with pumpkins, exciting the children eager for the holiday.
When the sun starts to set, children turn loose upon the neighborhood to gather as much candy as their pillowcases will allow. Parents throw parties for their children, helping them carve pumpkins and getting them ready for trick-or-treating.
So many people have participated in these traditions during this autumn holiday. But have you ever stopped to wonder, "Where did this come from?"
The truth behind Trick-Or-Treating
Do you remember going from door to door, relying on strangers' generosity to load up on enough candy to last you a few months?
In the Middle Ages in Ireland and Britain, according to Nicholas Rogers, the author of "Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night," poor people would engage in what was called 'Souling'. They would go from door to door and receive food. In return, the poor people would pray for their dead loved ones on All Souls Day on Nov. 2.
While the families could pray for their own loved ones, additional prayers couldn't hurt.
The legend of the Jack-O-Lantern
The origin comes from an old Irish myth involving a man named Stingy Jack and the devil, according to www.hauntedbay.com,
One night, Jack invited the Devil to drink with him. As his name would imply, he did not want to pay for his drink. Instead, he convinced the Devil to turn into a coin to pay for the drink.
Deciding to keep the money, Jack put the coin in his pocket next to a silver cross. This kept the Devil from turning back into his true form.
The Devil agreed to a promise to leave Jack alone for one year and not to take his soul when he died.
The next year, Jack tricked the Devil into climbing a tree to pick a fruit. When the devil went up the tree, Jack drew a cross on the bark to keep the Devil from coming back down unless he agreed to leave Jack alone for 10 years.
As the story goes, Jack finally died. But God would not take such a trickster, and because of his earlier deal, Jack's soul wasn't allowed into Hell either. So Jack was sent back into the world with a burning coal to guide him, which he put inside a turnip and used as a lantern.
He then became known as "Jack of the lantern" or the modern, "jack-o-lantern."