thunder!

thunder drew record crowds this year!! the weather was amazing, and if you were there, you know what i am talking about. the air show was awesome as usual, and the fireworks were beautiful. there was a tribute to those who had been affected by the tragedy at virginia tech. thunder is awesome every year, and i am so happy louisville is the place that it happens.

relay for life

This past weekend was the fundraiser for cancer, the Relay for Life. It was my first experience attending the Relay for Life, but it was definitely memorable. There were many family and friends there of those that have cancer or had died from it. The experience was very moving and it was great to see all of the support. The race takes place at Papa John's Stadium and there was live music and food. If you're ever interested in supporting a good cause, next years race would be awesome to attend!

iCheating

Last night at work I caught a news report on the use of iPods in schools. It seems as though high school students are not only learning about subjects such as history and science, but they are also learning new ways to cheat on exams.

An iPod is an MP3 player that holds music, videos, pictures, games, and podcasts. For those of you who have not seen an iPod, there is a display screen to navigate songs, albums, and videos. The back is similar to a mirror. Many students listen to music as they walk through the halls, eat lunch, or sit in class. Although some teachers consider this rude and distracting, most allow students to use them in school.

Students have discovered they can cheat on exams using these media players. They can use the back of their iPod to see the student's test behind them, record information onto their iPod and replay it during exams, and they can even upload information onto it and simply read it.

Teachers have caught onto this new form of "cheat sheets" and have started to ban the devices during exams.

It is amazing what kids these days are doing!

Where to Go for the Derby After Party?!

Derby doesn't have to end with the run for the roses. People are already buzzing about what to do after derby. The Kentucky Derby brings alot of celebrities to Louisville. Aside from celebrities people travel from all around to take part in the Derby festivities.

I have had friends spot celebrities like Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson (pre divorce), soap opera stars, and other celebrities. I have not been fortunate enough to see celebrities during derby but, I know they surface. 4th Street Live and Bardstown Road are some hot spots were celebs have been spotted. "I prefer Bardstown Road pubs and bars after Derby," Tiffany Funk Bellarmine University student said,"they seem to have more of a laid back atmosphere which is great considering you've been in the hot sun all day at the track."

"4th Street (Live) is the place to be after Derby," said Katie Brian,23, a native to Louisville and regular to the Derby festivities. "The night clubs on 4th Street provide for a face paced, party atmosphere that closes derby the right way," Brian said. Whether the place to be is 4th Street Live or Bardstown Road bars after Derby, the festivities continue after the track closes. No matter where you go after Derby the fun doesn't stop!

Bellarmine Radio is on a roll!

Having recently developed their 2007-2008 managment team BU radio is blossoming into one of Louisville's most entertaining Internet radio stations. Featuring an array of muscial genres you may hear The Beatles, Janis Japlin, Deathcab for Cutie, and Damien Marley among a few of the artists. BU Radio hit the air last summer.

With the addition of new BU faculty member Dr. Kyle Barnett the radio station has been able to organize and implement a strategy of creating something that will appeal to audiences "on campus, around town, worldwide," said Emily Carroll promotions director for BU Radio. "I hope that within the next six months BU Radio will be bookmarked on every students personal computer," Carroll said about her hopes for the stations near future.

You can access BU Radio here. You can also place your requests by email or AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) or by sending a message to the myspace account which is accessible through the website. BU Radio is certainly helping to put Bellarmine on the map and will hopefully be bringing new and exciting events to Bellarmine's campus and the city of Louisville.

Bellarmine University Art Show

For all you artsy fartsy folks out there Bellarmine University is hosting an art show displaying many of it's students works. The art show will be running until next week in until finals are over. Recently, I have found a new appreciation for art since I have been gathering pieces for my new apartment.

The display features many portraits and abstract paintings. One particular piece that caught my eye was a portrait of half of a woman's face. Some of the work does not feature a specific still-life, landscape, or other object. The more abstract work allows you to use your imagination and interpret the art in whatever way you wish. My recently found appreciation of abstract art allows me to see how talented the art students at Bellarmine are.

Not only does the display have paintings but also sculptures made from various mediums such as wood, plaster, and stone. Although the display is small there is a large variety of various works that will entertain the art fans. Art students at Bellarmine should be proud of their hard work and deserve to show it off.

concerts around kentucky!

I don't know about you, but I am almost always up for a good concert. Anytime there is good live music, I am usually there. Bellarmine just hosted the annual "Hillside" concert this past Friday night. For the first time in a few years, the concert was held outside, how awesome is that? I just recently discovered the concerts that the University of Kentucky hosts on their campus. Tonite they are going to have Amos Lee on their campus, free to UK students, and only $10 for non-students!! What a great way to end the semester!! UK has also had North Jordan play there, which is a local band from here in Lousiville. Each show has a few opening acts, and then he main artists. I'm kind of anxious to see what this concert is all about, but i'll let you know tomorrow!! It just might be something worth checking out more often.

Bow to the Queen

Derby Festival 133 is being held on Saturday, May 5, 2007, at Louisville's Churchill Downs. I will be there, and so will the Queen of England! Security is to be enforced to ensure the Queen's comfort at this exciting horse race. Although I may not be rubbing elbows with the Queen, I will be in the stands.

I waited in line all night in the cold rain a few weekends ago at Churchill Downs. For the first time, Churchill Downs offered two tickets to the stands to the first 500 people in line. There were five of us huddled together under a tarp, sitting on a raft used in a swimming pool, waiting from midnight until we finally received our tickets at 9 a.m.

It was quite an experience, and I can say although I will always remember the night, I will not be doing it again! Unless it is a warm, clear evening! After a warm meal at Waffle House my roommate and I finally went to sleep at 11 a.m. We awoke feeling rested, and excited about our tickets.

I've always gone into the infield with my girlfriends, but this year we are going to wear the big hats, pretty dresses, and heels. It should be an interesting and different experience. I'll let you know if I see Queen Elizabeth.

Fourth Street Live's new openings!

Ready to try something new this weekend? Tired of clubs playing only rap music? Downtown Louisville's street of fun, Fourth Street Live! is opening two new clubs on Thursday, April 26, 2007. Rock Bar will play rock music ranging from The Killers to Godsmack, so head on down for a different sound. Rock Bar sent out VIP invitations for free drinks 7-9 p.m., the place should be packed! I'm curious as to what the shot girls and beer tub girls will be wearing. I am a little apprehensive because the bar hired inexperienced bartenders. How will these novices deal with the massive crowd that is bound to shop up?

Cantina is taking the place of Parrot Beach upstairs at 4th Street.

I plan on stopping by, I'll let you all know what I think!

Small Town, Lots to do

Marion County, Kentucky is known for few things: being the home of Maker's Mark and the infamous Cornbread Mafia. In case you didn't know the Corn bread Mafria was a group of rural farmers who pulled off the largest marijuana trafficing operatioin in history. Most of the gentlemen involved in this operation came from rural Marion County. Full of history, this tiny speck on the map has lots of character and southern hospitality. I'm from Marion County and one of the most common questions I get is "What is there to do if there is nothing there?" With no mall, movie theatre, or any other venue for entertainment the only place the town has to offer is Wal-Mart, not even a supercenter.
Stereotypically, there is nothing to do in such a small town. Being a native, I know different. People in the small community of Marion County make their own fun. There are a few bars scattered across the county which make for a source of entertainment that often isn't the most safe or legal for young adults. Four wheeler rides through the county on a hot Sunday afternoon, or "floating" the river in the summer, night time sled rides in the winter, or just a backyard cookout with friends and family make living in this "boring" town worth while. The recent warm weather has increased the activity in the country. "Riding 4-wheelers through the woods on a pretty day is one of the best parts about the summer," said Ashely Lamkin after a three hour ATV ride throuh the knobs of Raywick, a small community in west Marion County. Lamkin a native to Marion County and has never lived anywhere else, she has a strong appreciation for the small community. "There is something liberating about riding through the untouched woods," Lamkin said about one of the most popular activities Marion Countians participate in. Taking an ATV through the creek or the muddiest puddle you can find will make any adult feel like a kid again. In the country you trully find pleasure in the simple things in life." She said about the recent ride through the knobs. Groups of friends gather to take part in this summer time activity. Often there are stops along the journey for a swim in the river, a competiton to see who can make it up the steepest hill, or to just put down a cold one. The country is loaded with fun activities that just need to be sought out. Marion County, I believe, coined the phrase quality or quantity.

Interning at Kiss FM

Interning at Kiss FM has been an unforgettable experience. Interning has been one of the most beneficial aspects of my education at Bellarmine thus far. When my friends call my cell while I’m at Kiss and scream, “Oh my God I just heard you on the radio,” there is an instant gratification. At my previous internship I was a paid employee of the station were I had a lot more responsibility. Moving to corporate radio has been a drastic change: I don’t have as much responsibility but, I am the queen of filing and coping! I’m on-air at least a couple of times a week assisting Matt with his mid-day show requirements. When Matt and I discussed the importance of interns at Clear Channel I was surprised to learn how beneficial interns are to the company. Previously, I had considered my position to “junior,” inferior or at least less important then my first experience in radio. Matt Ryan corrected my assumption, “I never give an intern anything to do that I wouldn’t do,” he said. “Interns are very important and time saving. Without interns I wouldn’t get half the work done and airplay wouldn’t be as smooth,” Matt said about interns. Bellarmine requires communication majors to participate in at least one internship while in school. According to statistics the more internships students participate in the better their chances are of finding a full-time job after graduation. I feel that my acquired experience from Kiss will benefit me as well post-graduation in finding my dream job behind the mic!

unusual things to do around town...

So....you may be getting tired of doing the same ole' things to do around town. We all feel that way sometimes, and so I wanted to see what some of my friends did for fun. Louisville and it's surronding areas are all good places to live. Louisville was rated one of the best places to live in America by places rated almanac.
"There are so many crazy things to do around here”, Dunaway said. “During Spring Break I was going to go find the blue people of Hazard Kentucky. These people moved to Hazard in the late 1800’s, they had a genetical disorder, they did not get enough oxygen in their blood, and because of that their skin is very blue. They are very incestuous and their gene became a dominant gene. Because of this, blue people began walking around Hazard. The blue people are hard to find now because they found a cure for it.”
Dunaway also spoke about the laser light shows at the planetarium at the University of Louisville. “These light shows are awesome, they happen every Friday night around ten or eleven o clock, and they usually play Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” album during the show.”
If you are into scenery around Louisville, University of Kentucky sophomore, Meredith Wesley, said, “One of my favorite things to do when I come home is drive down River Road with my windows rolled down; it is so beautiful on a nice day.”
University of Louisville sophomore Jordan Shontz has a few activities that he likes to participate in on a daily basis. “I began rock climbing recently. I found that it is fun, it is good exercise, and it is a part of a healthy lifestyle. I have rock climbed locally at Rocksport, and the Red River Gorge. The rock climbing community is full of nice, caring, and thoughtful people.”
Jordan also spoke about local dance lessons. “Dance lessons are something unusual to do for entertainment in Louisville. I like taking dance lessons occasionally with my girlfriend because they are exercise, learning a new skill, a fun date, something to do with a group of friends, and helpful if you want to go dancing. Dance lessons also help with rhythm and coordination. You can take dance lessons here in Louisville at many places; I have been to a dance club called Coconut Beach on Baxter Avenue.”
Bellarmine sophomore Carrie Cooke is everywhere around town, and so I thought it would be good to ask her some of her favorite places to travel to around town for a good time.
“One of my favorite places to go is the restaurant Proof on Main St. It’s the restaurant that goes with the new hotel 21C downtown that is one of the only contemporary modern art museums in the world.”
As you can see, contrary to popular belief, there are many places to go around town for some unusual entertainment.

Media Users as Producers

Advancements in computer software and programs have enabled those who enjoy using media to also become producers of media. Websites such as YouTube display homemade videos on the internet for anyone with access to a computer to view. These videos can be made using digital cameras, camcorders, and various computer programs.

Several Bellarmine University students have proudly displayed their videos in the website, and even professors use YouTube to enhance their lessons.

Have you submitted a video on YouTube? Let us know about it!

Premonition is Nothing Unexpected

Sandra Bullock along with Nip Tuck star, Julian McMahon, protrays a suburbian upper-middle class fmaily who have the stereotypical American "Live it to Beaver" style life. The couple married and purchased a beautiful home shortly after Jim, Bullocks husband in the film, recieves a promotion. Bullock plays a stay-at-home mom who appears to have everything: a wonderful husband, two beautiful daughters, and most of the material nesscessities and luxuries one could need. Her life suddenly comes to a screeching halt when her husband is involved in a fatal car accident leaving her behind with their two children. When Bullocks character, Linda Hanson, wakes up the following morning expecting to face a nightmare she sees her husband standing in the kitchen. As the week continues Bullock goes through a series of obscure experiences that turn into being clues to the future as well as the lessons about appreciating life. Every other day her husband is alive and every other day he is dead when the end of the week approaches Bullock realizes that she has been having a series of premontions that may come ture if she doesn't take efforts to stop them.

The plot of the film is packed with action, although it follows the typical Hollywood three act structure: rising conflict, climax, and resolution. The individual parts of the plot are obvious as well as the ending. Although the end does have a twist that I didn't expect, when reflecting on the film it's obvious to the audience how each scene unfolds. "Premontion" is ironically predictable.

What About Brit?

Like many other female twenty-somethings in college I am an “in closet” reader of the tabloids, well not any more. Yes, I admit it, I actually get a rise out of reading about Britney’s latest paparazzi attack or Brad and Angelina’s newest addition to the family. Reading magazines like US Weekly and catching the latest celebrity news on E! Entertainment Television is one of my guilty pleasures. Guilty pleasures are what I never thought I would practice in my future career. While interning at Kiss FM I have learned that you can enjoy your guilty pleasures, even at work.
Interning at Kiss has been a valuable educational experience thus far. I have learned about several different aspects of radio that I have not experienced until now. Radio, ultimately, is to provide entertainment or the news to a specific demographic. The particular demographic that Kiss appeals to is entertained by the latest celebrity gossip, at least thats what the ratings show. When Britney Spears went into rehab after her “run-in” with the paparazzi, Matt Ryan (the midday host) and I debated on-air about why Britney went to rehab. When Matt asked me if I thought post-partum depression was really the reason she enrolled I responded promptly, “Sure with a side of loritab and vicadin.” Matt explained that people like knowing other people’s business and that it has always been pop-culture to stay on top of the latest celebrity gossip. Although I do perform other tasks at Kiss, updating Kiss listeners about Britney Spears has been one of my favorite things to do at work.

spring break!!

well it looks like heather and libby have told you about their spring break, so i thought i would tell you all about mine. I have never left louisville on spring break my enitre life, but this year, i decided to do something different. A group of my friends and i packed up our stuff and left for gatlinburg, tn. gatlinburg is a perfect getaway for a few days because it is not too far, it has beautiful scenery and there are so many awesome places to stay. we searched the internet for chalets, and we found the perfect one...a huge 7 person hot-tub, 3 levels, balconys. a mountain view,a pool table, and newly remoldeled! when i left i had no idea how much fun it was gonna be. this just proves the point that you don't have to spend that much money to have a good time. so the next time you want to get away for a few days, but don't know where to go, pack your bags and head to gatlinburg, tennessee for a great mountain getaway!