Monday, January 31, 2005

Advice to freshmen

Get to know your profs
Don’t neglect those people who stand behind the podium.

You’re about to enter college, and I’m sure you’ve heard tons of advice about studying, joining clubs and staying healthy, but here’s a tip you might not hear often: get to know your professors.

They may be intimidating or even seem strange, but they’re an amazing resource. You can learn about the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War or maybe even how your biology professor met Elvis.

I learned the importance of talking to professors when I had an assignment to write a feature story for Dateline Alabama about an alumna who had returned to UA to teach English. During the interview, she described her former job at Southern Living magazine. I told her that I wanted to apply for an internship there for the following summer. She said she would write a recommendation letter for me, and I stayed in touch with her.

I got the internship. My connection with her is not the only reason I was selected, but having strong ties to professors can be a priceless asset to your future. My professors, especially in the journalism department, have provided excellent career advice and support. I plan to keep in contact with them and refer to them when I need voices of wisdom.

One of my journalism professors, the late Bailey Thomson, died of a heart attack during Thanksgiving break of my junior year. I regret not establishing a relationship with such an acclaimed journalist and professor. The only thing I ever asked him was if a graduate degree in journalism was necessary. He gave me useful, expert advice, but I wish I had talked to him more.

Don’t be scared to approach a professor who carries lofty credentials or is the author of your textbook. Just start by saying hi and that you are looking forward to the class (even if you’re not). Opening the door to conversation could prove enjoyable. You could learn something new, and they will recognize you in class amid a sea of faces. Don’t become a brownnoser, but make an effort to talk to them. It will never hurt; it can only help.

Be sure to give honest feedback on class evaluations and let your professors know if you have suggestions or comments. They will usually welcome what you have to say.

You will discover that more lies beneath the surface of the people who instruct your classes. That stern persona you witness during class could vanish when all the seats are empty. They might be a “Napoleon Dynamite” fanatic or share your passion for sports or knitting. They could have traveled the world over and tell you how Paris glistens at night. You might make an interesting friend before the semester is over. Yes, professors can be friends.

So step out of your comfort zone and meet your professors. The results will make you glad you did.


posted by Lauren Champlin @ 1:22 PM 0 comments

Sunday, January 30, 2005

Book Review

Limitless love is Nicholas Sparks' specialty
Keep the tissues nearby

If you have a hankering for a book about endless, boundless love, you won’t be disappointed with “The Notebook.” It’s a short read that can be finished in one setting, but its theme is universal and timeless. The characters, Noah and Allie, evoke images of hope, passion, commitment and dedication. Nicholas Sparks’ works feature touching, emotional plots, and his sensitivity shines throughout this book.

The scenery descriptions are captivating. For example, “Tundra swan and geese literally surrounded them. Thousands of them. Birds floating so close together that she couldn’t see the water. From a distance, the groups of swans looked almost like icebergs.”

The most soul-touching portions of the book describe the passion between Noah and Allie. The lovemaking scene allows readers to imagine the sights, sounds, smells, and most important, touch. The deepness of that moment is almost overwhelming, and Sparks writes in such a natural, delicate way that never seems taboo or dirty.

Sparks also employs a stream-of-consciousness technique that set a nice tone to upcoming scenes, as in, “The rockers moved in quiet rhythm. Bats again, on the river. Moths kissing the porch light. Somewhere, he knew, there were people making love.”

The story alternates from flashbacks of the couple’s young love escapades to the present, when Noah is taking care of Allie, who has a brain disorder that affects memory. He takes her for walks and reads the notebook that is their love story. She drifts in and out of reality, but sometimes recalls who she and Noah are, and what their life together was like. The dedication that Noah has for his wife shows the power and strength of love.

After reading the book three times, I still can’t put down the tissues. Sparks manages to stir a person’s innermost feelings. You feel connected to the story and leave dreaming about a love like Noah and Allie shared, knowing that love can conquer the impossible.

posted by Lauren Champlin @ 9:41 PM 0 comments

Saturday, January 29, 2005

Attack piece

Healthy food is shrinking your wallet
Beware of fast-food price ballooning.


You can’t deny your rapidly shrinking waistline, but what about your lighter wallet? How do you explain that?

Fast-food restaurants have sneakily lured your cash in the form of healthy menu items. How can that be? They market a few “fresh” items, at a significantly increased price, as an option for fat-laden foods. You, in turn, buy the healthier items because you want to treat your body right.

But why are you being penalized for choosing fruit instead of fries or grilled chicken in place of fried chicken? It’s a mistake for companies to do business this way, because it discourages people from buying the lower-fat choices.

I’m a big fan of smoothies, but I don’t understand why a small smoothie from Smoothie King costs $4 while a small Wendy’s Frosty costs 99 cents. While they are almost identical in calories, it’s obvious that a smoothie offers more nutrition than a Frosty. The fruit juice and other quality ingredients mixed into that delicious Smoothie King concoction should total to a reasonable $2.

Chick-fil-A recently introduced a fruit cup as a substitute for fries in value meals. But choosing fruit will run you 69 cents extra. Why? A representative from the company said the price is due to packaging and high produce costs, but that hasn’t stopped another well-known establishment, Wendy’s, from offering four side items as a substitute for fries in value meals. If you prefer chili, a baked potato, a side salad or Caesar salad, your wish can be granted at no extra charge. But Wendy’s also offers five entrée salads with low-fat dressings, with the prices starting at a whopping $4. It’s not hard to see why people pick 99-cent burgers and chicken nuggets over healthy stuff.

Everyone knows Jared swears by the Subway diet. The place does have many advantages: no fried food and lower-fat meats, mayonnaise, chips and even brownies. But did you know that if you opted for one meal a day for a week at Subway, you’d be out $40? Most people can’t shell out that much every week.

TCBY offers a surplus of healthy choices, including sugar-free and 96 percent fat-free desserts. You can order sugar-free, fat-free chocolate yogurt in a cone for a mere 90 calories and pay only $1.78, but wouldn’t you rather have a Reese’s Pieces Shiver or an Oreo milkshake? If you choose the latter, expect 550 calories and a $3.62 tab.

The fast-food industry isn’t alone when it comes to expensive healthy fare. Most supermarkets charge high prices for produce, which is somewhat understandable when it comes to ensuring quality, freshness and taste. However, Target has tried to meet consumers’ needs by featuring signs that state “Eat well, pay less” in its produce section. Other grocery stores need to develop ways to offer low prices for good produce, because many people can only afford to buy cheap-as-dirt canned soups and frozen dinners.

High prices may prevent you from improving your health. As responsible consumers, we need to voice our opinion to ensure a healthier future with better price equality.

posted by Lauren Champlin @ 6:48 PM 1 comments

Sunday, January 23, 2005

1/27 Homework

Here's a link to Peggy Noonan's column from The Wall Street Journal:
http://www.opinionjournal.com/columnists/pnoonan/?id=110006184

posted by Lauren Champlin @ 5:54 PM 0 comments

Sunday, January 16, 2005

Critique

Here's a link to my critique for 1/20. It's from Slate.com.

http://www.slate.com/id/2112313

posted by Lauren Champlin @ 4:48 PM 0 comments

Thursday, January 13, 2005

1st Opinion Piece

Check out my published editorial in The CW (Feb. 3) about the advantages of the Rec Center at:
http://www.cw.ua.edu/vnews/display.v/ART/2005/02/03/4201d74746c82?in_archive=1

posted by Lauren Champlin @ 7:47 PM 0 comments

Friday, January 07, 2005

First day of class

I enjoyed the first day of opinion writing. I really like the discussion-oriented atmosphere. I think it will be a very beneficial class. I'm excited about opening up to new people and their ideas. Mrs. Mason is very interesting and enthusiastic, and that makes a big difference. This class will probably be one of the most memorable for me.

posted by Lauren Champlin @ 11:30 AM 0 comments