Monday, November 2, 2009
See drag show audio story and more on WordPress!
Check out everything I've posted for This American Campus so far on WordPress.com, including the Towson University biannual drag show! Click here...
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Years after Cold War, Russian films come to Towson
After showing the film "Welcome or No Trespassing", a smiling Yury Urnov gives a discussion with viewers and students. The film was a part of the Theatre Department's project to get students of all disciplines interested in Russian history and culture. TOWSON- On November 9, 2009, it will be the twentieth anniversary of the Berlin Wall collapse. It was 1989 when people gathered in Germany with hammers to break the wall down and help people over it. It was the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a reformed Russian government.
Now Yury Urnov, a citizen of Moscow, has arrived at Towson University. He is both a Fulbright Scholar in Residence and a Russian director, and plans to spend the next ten months here as a professor in directing. He also teaches dramaturgy alongside another professor, Dr. Robyn Quick.
Urnov, 33, is also hosting and translating a series of Russian cult films recently, which he will continue to show on Saturday nights until October 17. The last film he showed was Welcome or No Trespassing, shown last Saturday, October 3, which was made in 1964 in Russia and released after Nikita Krushchev was no longer in office.
This is one of the elements of a project in progress with Towson's Department of Theatre. One of the goals of the Theatre Department's project was "to promote learning across disciplines about Russia," Quick said. "I was very excited that we were able to connect with Electronic Media and Film Department Chairperson Greg Faller and to offer films as one more way of learning about Russian culture.”
To understand Russia's current issues, students need to understand its past through the arts.
"It gives you the way to tell something about the country, the people, the nation, which can be told only through the arts," Urnov said. "So if you watch the Russian film, for example, you’ll get much more about Russia or Soviet Union than from ten hours of talking to somebody. It gives everything; it gives images, it gives moods, it shows you what is similar and what’s different."
It is important that Americans should see these films for a better understanding, according to United States diplomat Ken Duckworth. “I think that for Americans to see it and look at what people were watching at that time in the Soviet Union," he said. "This was the Cold War, this was the mirror image of the U.S. But yet, you see the similarities.”
However, he still doesn't understand how the Russians "operate", even after the Cold War. "From a political standpoint, I can look at it and say ‘when I was there, there were people who were engaged in politics, that it seemed that they had more lives than a cat'," Duckworth said. "They would fall out of favor and resign from office or get kicked out or leave in disgrace, or be left with some scandal.”
“And then three months later, or three years later I’m watching television,” he continued. “And in the background, I see- ‘is that Boris Yeltsin’s campaign manager from 1996?’ Here he is, working with President Vladimir Putin."
Students were able to discuss with Urnov and everyone else after the film to better understand both the film and Russian culture then and now. “I guess I learned more about Russian people and their sense of humor and outlook on life," freshman art major Wendy Fitch said. "Especially the discussion afterwards, that was interesting.”
In addition to the Russian cult films, the Theatre Department is going to present seven new Russian plays to campus later in the year, Quick said. The first one is called Vodka, Fucking, and Television, which will be a workshop production of a contemporary “allegorical” play opening October 21. “It’s a very funny play, a very cynical play, and it has a lot to say about the generation of young adults in Russia today and some of the struggles they’re encountering in this world that’s in transition," she said.
For Duckworth, he wants to go back and visit the country after viewing the film. “I’m someone who’s spent seven years living there," he said. "For me, it’s interesting to see this or just to be re engaged with the culture. I haven’t been there for ten years.”
Urnov hasn't been to Russia in three months and he already misses his home. “I miss some things and some people. When they come to your dreams and you think of them, and then you call them, probably talk to them, sending pictures, that’s how I miss them,” he said.
The next film viewing is Kin-Dza-Dza on Saturday, October 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Van Bokkelen auditorium. More information about upcoming events are on the Theatre Department's website and at newrussiandrama.org. More on the Russian cult films can be found on the Arts and Culture calendar.
Now Yury Urnov, a citizen of Moscow, has arrived at Towson University. He is both a Fulbright Scholar in Residence and a Russian director, and plans to spend the next ten months here as a professor in directing. He also teaches dramaturgy alongside another professor, Dr. Robyn Quick.
Urnov, 33, is also hosting and translating a series of Russian cult films recently, which he will continue to show on Saturday nights until October 17. The last film he showed was Welcome or No Trespassing, shown last Saturday, October 3, which was made in 1964 in Russia and released after Nikita Krushchev was no longer in office.
This is one of the elements of a project in progress with Towson's Department of Theatre. One of the goals of the Theatre Department's project was "to promote learning across disciplines about Russia," Quick said. "I was very excited that we were able to connect with Electronic Media and Film Department Chairperson Greg Faller and to offer films as one more way of learning about Russian culture.”
To understand Russia's current issues, students need to understand its past through the arts.
"It gives you the way to tell something about the country, the people, the nation, which can be told only through the arts," Urnov said. "So if you watch the Russian film, for example, you’ll get much more about Russia or Soviet Union than from ten hours of talking to somebody. It gives everything; it gives images, it gives moods, it shows you what is similar and what’s different."
It is important that Americans should see these films for a better understanding, according to United States diplomat Ken Duckworth. “I think that for Americans to see it and look at what people were watching at that time in the Soviet Union," he said. "This was the Cold War, this was the mirror image of the U.S. But yet, you see the similarities.”
However, he still doesn't understand how the Russians "operate", even after the Cold War. "From a political standpoint, I can look at it and say ‘when I was there, there were people who were engaged in politics, that it seemed that they had more lives than a cat'," Duckworth said. "They would fall out of favor and resign from office or get kicked out or leave in disgrace, or be left with some scandal.”
“And then three months later, or three years later I’m watching television,” he continued. “And in the background, I see- ‘is that Boris Yeltsin’s campaign manager from 1996?’ Here he is, working with President Vladimir Putin."
Students were able to discuss with Urnov and everyone else after the film to better understand both the film and Russian culture then and now. “I guess I learned more about Russian people and their sense of humor and outlook on life," freshman art major Wendy Fitch said. "Especially the discussion afterwards, that was interesting.”
In addition to the Russian cult films, the Theatre Department is going to present seven new Russian plays to campus later in the year, Quick said. The first one is called Vodka, Fucking, and Television, which will be a workshop production of a contemporary “allegorical” play opening October 21. “It’s a very funny play, a very cynical play, and it has a lot to say about the generation of young adults in Russia today and some of the struggles they’re encountering in this world that’s in transition," she said.
For Duckworth, he wants to go back and visit the country after viewing the film. “I’m someone who’s spent seven years living there," he said. "For me, it’s interesting to see this or just to be re engaged with the culture. I haven’t been there for ten years.”
Urnov hasn't been to Russia in three months and he already misses his home. “I miss some things and some people. When they come to your dreams and you think of them, and then you call them, probably talk to them, sending pictures, that’s how I miss them,” he said.
The next film viewing is Kin-Dza-Dza on Saturday, October 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Van Bokkelen auditorium. More information about upcoming events are on the Theatre Department's website and at newrussiandrama.org. More on the Russian cult films can be found on the Arts and Culture calendar.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Students view Invisible Children documentary
The Invisible Children Towson University chapter showed a screening of the documentary The Rescue in the Chesapeke Rooms on Thursday and many students attended. The screening showed students how hundreds of thousands of abducted children are serving as soldiers of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), still waiting to return home. On Christmas Day 2008 alone, rebel militia commander Joseph Kony and the LRA killed 620 people and abducted 160 children to become soldiers, displacing 104,000 citizens of the Republic of Congo.
Many students stayed after the event to donate, buy merchandise and do other things to help end the situation in Uganda, the Congo, and the surrounding areas. One of those measures was to sign a warrant to send to President Obama, persuading him to make a statement on the war before this Christmas. "I signed the card for Obama and I'm definitely going to be looking at the merchandise to purchase to donate," freshman Ali Jarvis said.
Junior elementary and special education major Amanda Cohen said she almost came to tears after the screening. "Just seeing the kids with the guns and finding out that so many people in that country are helpless due to one person they can't even find," she said. "It's heartbreaking."
Many students stayed after the event to donate, buy merchandise and do other things to help end the situation in Uganda, the Congo, and the surrounding areas. One of those measures was to sign a warrant to send to President Obama, persuading him to make a statement on the war before this Christmas. "I signed the card for Obama and I'm definitely going to be looking at the merchandise to purchase to donate," freshman Ali Jarvis said.
Junior elementary and special education major Amanda Cohen said she almost came to tears after the screening. "Just seeing the kids with the guns and finding out that so many people in that country are helpless due to one person they can't even find," she said. "It's heartbreaking."
Friday, September 25, 2009
Update on This American Campus and previous post
I just had a couple of new ideas for a feature story.
I learned that there are going to be showings of "Russian Cult Films". I have no idea what they are, but I would like to find out. There are going to be viewings tomorrow night and every Saturday until October 17.
Then I heard there was a change to the acts for the Homecoming Concert, coming up later in October. Both Keri Hilson (hit song "Knock You Down" featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo) and Wale have canceled their performances for October 11. Instead, Lupe Fiasco will be performing at the concert. So, many students who were planning on attending the event may be disappointed.
I've also covered the Invisible Children event that was held last night and I've interviewed some students pertaining to the screening.
I'm thinking that this blog should cover a beat based on a broader topic: student events around campus. I really don't see a whole lot of quirky things happening around here, but there are many things to cover.
Please stay tuned for more.
I learned that there are going to be showings of "Russian Cult Films". I have no idea what they are, but I would like to find out. There are going to be viewings tomorrow night and every Saturday until October 17.
Then I heard there was a change to the acts for the Homecoming Concert, coming up later in October. Both Keri Hilson (hit song "Knock You Down" featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo) and Wale have canceled their performances for October 11. Instead, Lupe Fiasco will be performing at the concert. So, many students who were planning on attending the event may be disappointed.
I've also covered the Invisible Children event that was held last night and I've interviewed some students pertaining to the screening.
I'm thinking that this blog should cover a beat based on a broader topic: student events around campus. I really don't see a whole lot of quirky things happening around here, but there are many things to cover.
Please stay tuned for more.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Updated: Feature story? Not sure anymore
I'm trying very hard to find some ideas for a feature story. I have to write a story about it within the next two weeks. Then again, perhaps this may not have been a good idea to start this blog since I'm still drawn to music. I have two major addictions: chocolate and music. Music is also a passion of mine as well, besides writing.
There's another problem as well. I haven't found so much "quirky" news on campus. Everything is advertised ahead of time on the Daily Digest all the time. And nothing surprising has happened on campus yet. I probably would find something interesting if I was living on campus and some crazy event would happen.
Also, I don't think I could do a feature story on some immediate funny thing that would happen. It may have to be written in summary hard news fashion.
Then again, I may not have been looking hard enough. Here are some ideas that have come across my mind:
*SushiFest- September 30, 12:30p.m., University Union Potomac Lounge
*Delta Sigma Theta sorrority's "Dance with the Deltas"- TBD (to be determined)
*Upcoming concert at Recher Theatre?
*Cafe Night at Newell Dining Hall- already attended today at 5:30 p.m.; if I can get a hold of the performer and some people that attended the event, I could pull something off, but I don't know. I don't think I can do it.
*Informational meeting for Towson University Student Council on Family Relations (TUSCFR)- 5:30 p.m. tomorrow, Linthicum 311, attendees will be making peanut butter and jelly for Our Daily Bread. (Unfortunately, I'll be in Digital Publishing class at that time.)
*Invisible Children documentary screening- Thursday, Sep. 24, 7 p.m. (this one is a much more serious matter, looking at the crisis in Uganda and students' reactions to the documentary.)
I did want to see what this Friday's "Sci-Fi Shabbat" was all about, but Friday night is when I'm going to be inducted into the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.
I really need some time to figure this out.
There's another problem as well. I haven't found so much "quirky" news on campus. Everything is advertised ahead of time on the Daily Digest all the time. And nothing surprising has happened on campus yet. I probably would find something interesting if I was living on campus and some crazy event would happen.
Also, I don't think I could do a feature story on some immediate funny thing that would happen. It may have to be written in summary hard news fashion.
Then again, I may not have been looking hard enough. Here are some ideas that have come across my mind:
*SushiFest- September 30, 12:30p.m., University Union Potomac Lounge
*Delta Sigma Theta sorrority's "Dance with the Deltas"- TBD (to be determined)
*Upcoming concert at Recher Theatre?
*Cafe Night at Newell Dining Hall- already attended today at 5:30 p.m.; if I can get a hold of the performer and some people that attended the event, I could pull something off, but I don't know. I don't think I can do it.
*Informational meeting for Towson University Student Council on Family Relations (TUSCFR)- 5:30 p.m. tomorrow, Linthicum 311, attendees will be making peanut butter and jelly for Our Daily Bread. (Unfortunately, I'll be in Digital Publishing class at that time.)
*Invisible Children documentary screening- Thursday, Sep. 24, 7 p.m. (this one is a much more serious matter, looking at the crisis in Uganda and students' reactions to the documentary.)
I did want to see what this Friday's "Sci-Fi Shabbat" was all about, but Friday night is when I'm going to be inducted into the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.
I really need some time to figure this out.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
"Intimate" couple held up at dumpster
I found this interesting news article last night.
In Kansas, a couple wanted to spend some private time together. They decided to head over to a trash receptacle and they were held up at knifepoint instead.
A 44-year-old man and woman went to a dumpster to be alone after 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, when two men came in and robbed them of their jewelry, shoes and wallet, according to MSNBC. Police said the couple was in an "intimate moment" (probably making out or engaging in romantic talking, I assumed) when they were held up.
Then it gets weirder: One of the robbers was 64-years-old, and he was the man who pushed his 59-year-old companion to do the robbery, officers said. However, the property was soon returned and police arrested the suspects.
Then I found another link to the same story, but covered by the New York Daily News. This time, the reporter gave a little more detail.
The couple was having sex in the dumpster when they were robbed.
There wasn't a whole lot more about the story because the writer used the same details, but he wrote it in a more creative way. Still, perhaps that was a little too much information about the couple. It would have just been better if it was left at "intimate moment".
I still wonder, did I go a little too far with trying to find some weird news? Because that was the weirdest, if not disgusting, news I've ever heard.
See the full story at: MSNBC or NY Daily News
In Kansas, a couple wanted to spend some private time together. They decided to head over to a trash receptacle and they were held up at knifepoint instead.
A 44-year-old man and woman went to a dumpster to be alone after 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, when two men came in and robbed them of their jewelry, shoes and wallet, according to MSNBC. Police said the couple was in an "intimate moment" (probably making out or engaging in romantic talking, I assumed) when they were held up.
Then it gets weirder: One of the robbers was 64-years-old, and he was the man who pushed his 59-year-old companion to do the robbery, officers said. However, the property was soon returned and police arrested the suspects.
Then I found another link to the same story, but covered by the New York Daily News. This time, the reporter gave a little more detail.
The couple was having sex in the dumpster when they were robbed.
There wasn't a whole lot more about the story because the writer used the same details, but he wrote it in a more creative way. Still, perhaps that was a little too much information about the couple. It would have just been better if it was left at "intimate moment".
I still wonder, did I go a little too far with trying to find some weird news? Because that was the weirdest, if not disgusting, news I've ever heard.
See the full story at: MSNBC or NY Daily News
Sunday, September 13, 2009
So many nines
This qualifies as strange, but perhaps it's just coincidence.
A whole bunch of babies were born on September 9, 2009, specifically 9-9-09. However, some babies have more in depth detail with nines in their date of birth.
Make sure you skip the advertisement that comes on first.
A whole bunch of babies were born on September 9, 2009, specifically 9-9-09. However, some babies have more in depth detail with nines in their date of birth.
At Franciscan Skemp Medical Center in Wisconsin, Henry Berendes was born on that day by Caesarean section at 9:09 a.m. His parents "broke into laughter" when the nurse told them their son weighed 9 pounds, 9 ounces.
Meanwhile, two movies referring to the number nine both opened that same day: 9 and District 9. Both of their plots referred to the apocalypse in some way.
The news, films and religion brought ideas of an apocalypse coming on days that have straight numbers in them, such as June 6, 2006 and July 7, 2007. So far, it's brought good news and strange news for this week.
Welcome back to college, tigers!
To see the full baby story: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/bizarre&id=7009901&rss=rss-wls-article-7009901Make sure you skip the advertisement that comes on first.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
This Campus Life
This blog is going to be different than other college blogs that you’ll see around here.
Like the radio show This American Life, This American Campus- Towson covers any topic around campus, but in a different way. The whole idea of capturing news in Baltimore is pretty boring. The biggest news topics that are being covered right now are the government, Michael Jackson’s death, the swine flu pandemic and any shocking or criminal stories happening in the state of Maryland. At Towson University, it’s always about the swine flu, Student Government, latest news in the Towson community and any arts events.
All of that has been going on for most of the year so far. This blog should cover the things that are a little out of the ordinary. It’s time to wake up campus journalism with a jolt.
The blog will look at the unsung heroes, the bands that didn’t win Battle of the Bands, the people of the Electronic Media and Film department who made strange videos. It will cover the uncovered areas that no one thinks about around campus, stories from the library and the residence halls. Maybe even Smith Hall, where the science geeks roam, someone might be doing a strange, unexpected experiment.
Who knows? All of it is out there, waiting to be found. Stay tuned for This American Campus!
Like the radio show This American Life, This American Campus- Towson covers any topic around campus, but in a different way. The whole idea of capturing news in Baltimore is pretty boring. The biggest news topics that are being covered right now are the government, Michael Jackson’s death, the swine flu pandemic and any shocking or criminal stories happening in the state of Maryland. At Towson University, it’s always about the swine flu, Student Government, latest news in the Towson community and any arts events.
All of that has been going on for most of the year so far. This blog should cover the things that are a little out of the ordinary. It’s time to wake up campus journalism with a jolt.
The blog will look at the unsung heroes, the bands that didn’t win Battle of the Bands, the people of the Electronic Media and Film department who made strange videos. It will cover the uncovered areas that no one thinks about around campus, stories from the library and the residence halls. Maybe even Smith Hall, where the science geeks roam, someone might be doing a strange, unexpected experiment.
Who knows? All of it is out there, waiting to be found. Stay tuned for This American Campus!
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