School
Last Updated by Tom on March 9, 2010 at 5:39 pm
Yesterday I wrote a story about the radio tower next to Gustavus. I enjoy thinking about the communication structures close to home here in Saint Peter. Believe it or not, Sprint actually has an antenna on top of the library; something I didn’t discuss that yesterday.
Oddly enough, I saw a couple of people in the hallway between the library and the Student Union this afternoon with some pretty cool looking equipment. One of the people had a cream-colored two-foot tall metal tall antenna, and the other person had a handheld device with fancy colored waves running acrost it.
I was interested in this equipment, so I asked them what they were doing. They told me that they were with Sprint; and that they have received a number of calls from Saint Peter residents who have been having service problems. I guess Technology Service’s suggestion to notify phone companies about coverage problems is helping improve service!
They said they were trying to track down and correct an interference problem. The Sprint representatives said that any kind of electronic device, even things like baby monitors can cause interference with cellular signals. Apparently something, which they think is likely on or near the Gustavus campus, is causing interference issues.
I am glad to see that Sprint is working to improve coverage in Saint Peter; and hope they are able to find and fix the interference problem.
Last Updated by Tom on March 3, 2010 at 2:46 pm
I wanted to update everyone about the results of my recent GAC Idol audition.
I was not selected as an act for the show. They did ask me, however to do an introduction to the show. I am super excited!
Come see GAC Idol in the Marketplace at Gustavus on Fri. Mar. 12 at 7:00 p.m. See the Facebook event for more details.
Last Updated by Tom on February 22, 2010 at 11:20 pm
I wanted to let everyone know that I signed up to be a part of the GAC Idol talent show in a couple of weeks here at Gustavus. I want to perform some of the jingles I have on my site for a larger audience. The show, a part of the Building Bridges weekend gives people the opportunity to share their unique talents.
There are auditions next weekend, so it is not an automatic qualification event, unfortunately. I will keep you up to date with the latest news, like if my act makes it or not.
I am so excited! Thanks, Joel, for suggesting this venue. It is going to be great.
By the way, don’t miss this event. See the Facebook event for more details.
Last Updated by Tom on February 18, 2010 at 10:33 am
I recently wrote some content for a webpage advertising Day at the Capitol at Gustavus. I am really happy with how it turned out. Thanks to the Gustavus Web Team for making it look awesome!
Day at the Capitol is a day in which college students have the opportunity to meet with legislators at the Minnesota state capitol, and advocate for financial aid support at the state level.
Gustavus is hoping a lot of students go, because advocacy is especially important as the state financial aid funds are facing deficits.
Last Updated by Tom on February 15, 2010 at 9:59 pm
I attended the Associated Collegiate Press Best of Midwest journalism conference in Minneapolis this past weekend along with four other members of The Weekly staff.
It was interesting. There were a lot of sessions on new media, relevant to what I do.
At the conference, publications were given the opportunity to submit their work in a convention contest. I am excited to note that The Weekly received a fifth place award for its website. See the complete contest results.
Thank you to everyone who has submitted story ideas, commented on the site, written articles, or otherwise helped in the process. We appreciate your contributions.
I should also note that Gustavus was recently recognized by collegesurfing.com as being a top social media institution.
Last Updated by Tom on February 6, 2010 at 4:49 pm
Time is still continuing to move. I will start second semester on Monday.
I have four classes, Marketing, Creative Writing, Geology, and Interpersonal Communication lined up.
I am looking at the syllabuses for some of the classes right now. It should be a good semester.
Last Updated by Tom on February 3, 2010 at 8:06 pm
I visited my high school yesterday. Wow, how time flies!
It was really interesting to see how some things, such as the student population have changed exponentially. Other things, like a special sign I put by the door of the publications room are still present. On this sign, I tried to suggest that people should not place the trash can underneath the mail drop slot. Despite the presence of the large sign, the trash can was placed, you guessed it, underneath the mail drop slot. While this is a natural location for the trash can, being near the door; I would hate for a submission to be trashed!
It was really interesting to talk to the teachers and students I know about what they have been doing. I was also able to learn where a few people are going to college, and about the teacher contract that was voted down.
The newspaper distributed its February issue yesterday, as well. That was fun to see. The webmaster who took over after I left was working on the website. He has been working hard and was really interesting, too.
I am amazed that I will be halfway through my college career at the end of this year. Time flies.
So much has changed in our world in the past two years. I read a story about how blogging is no longer as trendy as it once was. It is amazing how a communication tool that has grown up in the past ten years is already beginning to decline in popularity.
I am really interested to see what the Apple iPad will do for the publishing world. This may be the device that convinces people to switch from books to digital. While it is really just a big iPod, it has some serious potential. We will have to see what people thing when it is released.
I hate to see journalists and writers, who produce quality work, continue to loose their jobs. Advertising is down at all of the major newspapers. Boy, that industry has changed fast, too. It will be interesting to what devices like the iPad do to these industries.
The past ten years have been interesting. I can’t wait to see what the next ten bring!
Welcome to 