Thursday, May 8, 2008
Quad Party 2008--Overkill and Over the Top!
At this year's annual Spring Fest, also known as "Quad Party," there were some unwanted guests, according to the students at Canisius College. Spring Fest is an end of the year celebration, which includes many activities provided by the College to commend the students for all of their hard work.
This year, however, the College decided to heighten their security at the event to pacify neighbors, school officials and the Buffalo Police Department after several complaints were made in previous years about off-campus activities that have gotten out of control. By heightened security, I mean, patrols from surrounding areas, State Troopers and even a SWAT team.
Michael J. DeGeorge, a Buffalo Police spokesperson said, "the intent was and is to make sure that it's a good, clean day for everybody involved...not to overwhelm or alarm anyone." Last year, DeGeorge said, there were “numerous calls for ambulances (along with) general recklessness, rowdiness, loud noise and underage drinking.”
A resident from the local neighborhood was pleased with the College's action of increasing law enforcement. She stated, "Because they don't live over here, they haven't had the experiences we've had over here."
Some students, on the other hand, were outraged by the "intruders." One student described the increased presence of the law enforcers as "overkill." Another student stated, "I'm glad to see where our tax dollars are going...for a bunch of cops."
Personally, I think this action was not only unnecessary but disrespectful to the students at Canisius. One day a year we have an opportunity to celebrate our achievements and we are punished and forced to feel like criminals. I think there are more important issues for the Buffalo Police Department and our SWAT teams to be worrying about. Drugs, violence and robberies are just a few ideas that come to mind immediately.
Not to my surprise, students who attended acted responsibly and only one arrest was made. Ironically, the sole arrest was not even a Canisius student. The young man arrested was 17-year-old Anthony J. Dubreville, a Frontier High School student who was charged with disorderly conduct, harassment, criminal trespass and loitering after he punched a Canisius staffer. Also, only a few tickets were written due to open alcoholic containers.
Hopefully Canisius College officials have learned a lesson from the students mature, responsible behavior at this year's Quad Party. We're not here to cause problems or wreak havoc. We are here to earn a quality education and have some safe fun along the way.
Please enjoy my package above!
For more information on this story, check out WGRZ Channel 2 at http://www.wgrz.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=57485 or BuffaloNews.com http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/buffaloerie/story/337947.html
Have a wonderful summer! :)
This year, however, the College decided to heighten their security at the event to pacify neighbors, school officials and the Buffalo Police Department after several complaints were made in previous years about off-campus activities that have gotten out of control. By heightened security, I mean, patrols from surrounding areas, State Troopers and even a SWAT team.
Michael J. DeGeorge, a Buffalo Police spokesperson said, "the intent was and is to make sure that it's a good, clean day for everybody involved...not to overwhelm or alarm anyone." Last year, DeGeorge said, there were “numerous calls for ambulances (along with) general recklessness, rowdiness, loud noise and underage drinking.”
A resident from the local neighborhood was pleased with the College's action of increasing law enforcement. She stated, "Because they don't live over here, they haven't had the experiences we've had over here."
Some students, on the other hand, were outraged by the "intruders." One student described the increased presence of the law enforcers as "overkill." Another student stated, "I'm glad to see where our tax dollars are going...for a bunch of cops."
Personally, I think this action was not only unnecessary but disrespectful to the students at Canisius. One day a year we have an opportunity to celebrate our achievements and we are punished and forced to feel like criminals. I think there are more important issues for the Buffalo Police Department and our SWAT teams to be worrying about. Drugs, violence and robberies are just a few ideas that come to mind immediately.
Not to my surprise, students who attended acted responsibly and only one arrest was made. Ironically, the sole arrest was not even a Canisius student. The young man arrested was 17-year-old Anthony J. Dubreville, a Frontier High School student who was charged with disorderly conduct, harassment, criminal trespass and loitering after he punched a Canisius staffer. Also, only a few tickets were written due to open alcoholic containers.
Hopefully Canisius College officials have learned a lesson from the students mature, responsible behavior at this year's Quad Party. We're not here to cause problems or wreak havoc. We are here to earn a quality education and have some safe fun along the way.
Please enjoy my package above!
For more information on this story, check out WGRZ Channel 2 at http://www.wgrz.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=57485 or BuffaloNews.com http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/buffaloerie/story/337947.html
Have a wonderful summer! :)
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Manders the Man
To be brutally honest, Mark Manders' brutal honesty made me reevaluate my future career as a Journalist. Mark's confident demeanor, lack of any reservations and profane language were intimidating enough. When he admitted that firing employees was not only an easy task, but somewhat fun, I became absolutely terrified. It certainly takes a special person, a person with extremely thick skin, to stay as calm and completely unemotional when carrying out such a task as firing a major talent at a news station.
Although Mark's presentation regarded the sales aspect of broadcasting, his line of work involves similar pressures that parallel those of journalists as well. Both require a person who is focused, strong-willed and extremely hard working. Mark obviously emulates a person of this caliber.
Like they say, and I'm sure Mark would agree, "suck it up." If I learned one thing, it would be to take every rejection and criticism with a grain of salt and persevere through every negative experience. I have realized the importance of being flexible and willing to travel wherever my career may take me.
Overall, I enjoyed hearing an insider's perspective on the sales aspect of broadcasting. Although Mark frightened me to an extent, he made me realize how vital it is to be more open, flexible and thick-skinned in the business of news.
Although Mark's presentation regarded the sales aspect of broadcasting, his line of work involves similar pressures that parallel those of journalists as well. Both require a person who is focused, strong-willed and extremely hard working. Mark obviously emulates a person of this caliber.
Like they say, and I'm sure Mark would agree, "suck it up." If I learned one thing, it would be to take every rejection and criticism with a grain of salt and persevere through every negative experience. I have realized the importance of being flexible and willing to travel wherever my career may take me.
Overall, I enjoyed hearing an insider's perspective on the sales aspect of broadcasting. Although Mark frightened me to an extent, he made me realize how vital it is to be more open, flexible and thick-skinned in the business of news.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
John Stossel
On Thursday, April 3, College Republicans brought John Stossel, co-anchor and award-winning news correspondent of ABC Television Network’s “20/20” to the stage of the Montante Cultural Center at Canisius College.
Stossel’s commanding presence immediately captured the attention of the audience as he intrigued us all with is intelligence, captivated us with his personal stories and entertained us with his wit.
Stossel spoke about his past career as a TV consumer reporter and his drastic viewpoints on government control. He thinks it is time for the government to stop protecting us from ourselves. He feels that “although the government protects us from bad things, it also protects us from the good.” Stossel believes it is open competition, not the government that can protect us. “The free market protects consumers in unexpected ways,” he claims.
“How big should the government be?” Stossel urged the audience to ponder this question. He feels the government is necessary to protect our property and keep citizens safe, but they are overstepping their bounds. He argues that as Americans, we should at least have the freedom to decide what we put into our bodies. He feels that government control seems to complicate things--from complex drug labels that consumers don’t bother to read (primarily because they are too confusing), to the fact that it takes longer to get a permit to build a house than the actual process of building the house--which actually cause us to become “less safe.”
The ironic part about Stossel’s career is that he has won 19 Emmy Awards as a consumer reporter but zero since he has been criticizing the government, his true calling.
Lastly, one thing that I found to be very interesting was when Michael Rautins interviewed Stossel privately and asked what advice he would give to future journalists. Stossel’s advice was “don’t go to school for Journalism.” This seems rather bizarre, but Stossel believes that students can prepare themselves better from majoring in Political Science or English. He thinks that the skills necessary to become a successful journalist come with practice and that a strong knowledge base will do more in the long run for future journalists.
Stossel’s commanding presence immediately captured the attention of the audience as he intrigued us all with is intelligence, captivated us with his personal stories and entertained us with his wit.
Stossel spoke about his past career as a TV consumer reporter and his drastic viewpoints on government control. He thinks it is time for the government to stop protecting us from ourselves. He feels that “although the government protects us from bad things, it also protects us from the good.” Stossel believes it is open competition, not the government that can protect us. “The free market protects consumers in unexpected ways,” he claims.
“How big should the government be?” Stossel urged the audience to ponder this question. He feels the government is necessary to protect our property and keep citizens safe, but they are overstepping their bounds. He argues that as Americans, we should at least have the freedom to decide what we put into our bodies. He feels that government control seems to complicate things--from complex drug labels that consumers don’t bother to read (primarily because they are too confusing), to the fact that it takes longer to get a permit to build a house than the actual process of building the house--which actually cause us to become “less safe.”
The ironic part about Stossel’s career is that he has won 19 Emmy Awards as a consumer reporter but zero since he has been criticizing the government, his true calling.
Lastly, one thing that I found to be very interesting was when Michael Rautins interviewed Stossel privately and asked what advice he would give to future journalists. Stossel’s advice was “don’t go to school for Journalism.” This seems rather bizarre, but Stossel believes that students can prepare themselves better from majoring in Political Science or English. He thinks that the skills necessary to become a successful journalist come with practice and that a strong knowledge base will do more in the long run for future journalists.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Wonders of Western New York
My family has an overwhelming appreciation for nature which may explain why six years ago
we packed up and moved a whole street over to live on Canal Road, a quaint little street located in the outskirts of Lockport, NY. Quite a journey, huh? These pictures are from my driveway and on the right you can just barely see the Erie Canal which has been drained for the winter months. These images represent a place where I really feel “at home.” Although I really enjoy the hustle and bustle of living in the city, there is a sense of comfort your home provides you which simply cannot be replaced by a college dorm. Looking out from my living room windows and observing the beauty of theErie Canal allows me to reminisce on my younger years and makes me feel a strong nostalgia for my past. There is something so peaceful and tranquil about the continuous flow of the Canal on a warm summer day which brings back memories that I will never forget. That steady flow reminds me that even though that water will not halt for anything and life is ever-changing and unfaltering, you can‘t forget about where you came from. I may go away for years but when I return, I will be assured that the Canal will be steadily flowing, a constant in an often chaotic world. This reminds me that as much as I may change, grow, adapt, etc. my family will be that constant in my life as I will be for them. We all have that warm and fuzzy place we flock to when the world seems to overpower us, and this just happens to be mine! :)
This third image is one that I took this past fall during a trip to Letchworth State Park with my family. Letchworth State Park comprises 14,350 acres along the Genesee River and has some of the most beautiful waterfalls I have ever seen. With a brother who is a conservationist and a dad who has loved the outdoors since he was a young boy, it comes natural for me to have a tremendous appreciation for the outdoors. This picture here shows one of the larger waterfalls which is absolutely breath-taking. Here is a link to the website if you would like some more information about Letchworth http://www.letchworthpark.com. I highly suggest taking a trip to this beautiful park!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
About Me
My name is Amber and it seems to be quite fitting, especially since it happens to match the color of my hair, eyes and skin almost perfectly. My mother could not have possibly planned this out (mainly because I was born with a thick head of chocolate brown hair!) I grew up in a relatively small town called Lockport, NY. Lockport is a nice little town but something about it always made me feel constrained. I often felt like there was much more out there to discover and something about it made me feel suffocated. Although I did not move very far from home when I chose to attend Canisius College, I appreciate the atmosphere of a larger city and I love the independence and responsibility of living on my own. This may be due to the fact that I grew up with two brothers who used to tease me until there was no end. Even though I do enjoy living on my own, I love my family and miss them a whole lot. Shh…don’t tell!
Ever since I was a young child, I have passionately yearned for success. You may ask, what is “success” in my own words? My definition when I was nine years old probably would have included the following: happiness, a career that I could look forward to every morning when I wake, and a family to share my life with. If you asked me the same question today, I would still include these factors in my definition of success. The greatest attributing factor to my hunger for success and will to achieve is due primarily to my parents divorce. All too often people sit around and feel sorry for themselves when something doesn’t go their way, but for some reason I decided to take what I had experienced and use it for motivation to make myself the best person I can be. After watching my parents argue, scream and criticize each other, I learned exactly what I do not want in life, unhappiness. I do not want to get married at 20; have children at the age of 21; nor juggle working on top of being a mother and a student. My parents have taught me the most valuable lessons of all in life: what not to do! This may sound twisted and cynical, but my parents negative relationship forced me to grow up faster, take school more seriously and decide that my life is what I make of it. Every day I live by this and even though my parents may not know this, I would not want things to be any different. I do not regret my parent’s divorce because it was a lesson not only meant to be learned for each other, but for their children to benefit from too. Both of my parents are now very happy and I actually appreciate enduring this life-changing experience.
Knowing that I can have the power to change people’s lives is also what motivates me. The fact that after a couple more years, I can inform, alert and enlighten others who may not have an opportunity to speak their opinion gets me through the long school day. I think it is crucial to be aware of what is going on in your neighborhood, city, state, nation and across the globe in every day life. I want to share my passion with others and be a voice for the voiceless. I am very enthusiastic about becoming a journalist and being en route to attaining this goal is what keeps me going, with a smile!
Ever since I was a young child, I have passionately yearned for success. You may ask, what is “success” in my own words? My definition when I was nine years old probably would have included the following: happiness, a career that I could look forward to every morning when I wake, and a family to share my life with. If you asked me the same question today, I would still include these factors in my definition of success. The greatest attributing factor to my hunger for success and will to achieve is due primarily to my parents divorce. All too often people sit around and feel sorry for themselves when something doesn’t go their way, but for some reason I decided to take what I had experienced and use it for motivation to make myself the best person I can be. After watching my parents argue, scream and criticize each other, I learned exactly what I do not want in life, unhappiness. I do not want to get married at 20; have children at the age of 21; nor juggle working on top of being a mother and a student. My parents have taught me the most valuable lessons of all in life: what not to do! This may sound twisted and cynical, but my parents negative relationship forced me to grow up faster, take school more seriously and decide that my life is what I make of it. Every day I live by this and even though my parents may not know this, I would not want things to be any different. I do not regret my parent’s divorce because it was a lesson not only meant to be learned for each other, but for their children to benefit from too. Both of my parents are now very happy and I actually appreciate enduring this life-changing experience.
Knowing that I can have the power to change people’s lives is also what motivates me. The fact that after a couple more years, I can inform, alert and enlighten others who may not have an opportunity to speak their opinion gets me through the long school day. I think it is crucial to be aware of what is going on in your neighborhood, city, state, nation and across the globe in every day life. I want to share my passion with others and be a voice for the voiceless. I am very enthusiastic about becoming a journalist and being en route to attaining this goal is what keeps me going, with a smile!
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