Friday, November 6, 2009

It's that time again!

I've been a Lee for four years now. Every year, we have to sign up for our classes for the next semester.

Especially this year, in my last semester, the decision of classes was the hardest. I mean, in a matter of 24 hours, I had to decide what classes I took in my last semester of my undergrad. ever.

Classes aren't a light decision for me, they are something I like to slowly take time to figure out and really give thought it.

You see, for me, I feel like Advanced Class Selection is like Christmas. Let me explain. I'm a big dork and I get really excited about picking new classes. Mainly because I like school supply shopping and picking classes gets me one step closer to school supply shopping.

Anywho, I feel like ACS always sneaks up on you, just like Christmas, you walk into the mall one day and, surprise, you feel like you missed the Christmas-decorating party.



The same with ACS, it's like, tada, it's time to register for classes..

At this point, seniors have already had their chance to register for classes first.
Juniors will be able to register through Nov. 10,
Sophomore's ACS will be open from Nov. 11 through Nov. 17
& Freshman's ACS will be open from Nov. 18 through Nov. 25.

Between Nov. 25 and Jan. 10, students will have the chance to confirm enrollment.

If you're still not sure how to get around portico and use Web adviser to build your class schedule, talk to your academic adviser or visit the online help guide at, here.

Also if you need more help, the records office suggests dropping them a quick e-mail. Comments/suggestions regarding registration, the add-drop process, Portico/WebAdvisor, or confirming enrollment? Email Records@Leeuniversity.edu and let us know your thoughts. (Keep it brief, to the point, and just the facts—no blame, no drama. Please!)

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Friday, October 23, 2009

Check your mailbox

Every time I go to my mailbox , I hope there will be something inside. Since I live three states away from home it is always nice to get a mail from my family. Sometimes it is just mail delivered to my home address that my parents think I might need. Yet, this semester I have been pleasantly surprised to receive at least three large envelopes from home.

For the past two months as I have gone to my mailbox in hopes of finding something there, I have noticed that the mailbox above mine has been full of mail.



There is an envelope in there that looks thick enough to be holding something important.

The ever-present mail has made me wonder. Does this person live off campus? Why else would someone not check their mailbox for two months? My curiosity is peeked by the unopened letters visible through the slot. Whenever this person finally does check their mail I hope they will not be disappointed to find time sensitive material inside.


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Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Tales of a Rockapella fanatic

For the past two years, I have faithfully been checking the Rockapella Web site every two weeks to see when they would be coming to my area (or at least somewhere remotely close to it). A few weeks ago, after two agonizing years and two failed attempts at attending a concert, my wait was OVER. ROCKAPELLA WAS COMING TO LEE!!!

I was never much into the boy bands growing up (even though I regretfully participated financially in the phenomenon). My mom’s generation had the Beatles and the current generation has the Jonas Brothers. I had Rockapella.

I am a hard core fan. I have all of their albums, except for one.

I have followed their career since their days on "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?" when I would watch the show every day and hear Rockapella say, “There’s one more thing you have to do! You know what is!” And I would shout at the T.V. screen, “DO IT ROCKAPELLA!” while my dad was trying to mimic their bassist at the time, Barry Carl.

When I found out that they were playing in the Dixon Center, I got worried. The Dixon Center isn’t that handicapped accessible. I try to avoid going to chapel there because the only way I could see is if I went up the elevator to the second floor and sat in the very back (where I can barely see a thing).

A week after I found out Rockapella was coming, I called to see if I could arrange something to where I would be seated so I could see. I worked something out.

I counted down the days to the concert and even dressed up the day of the concert. This was how much I was looking forward to it.

When the day finally came, it went by very slow and I was too excited to eat.

I arrived at the Dixon Center at 5:15 to get my ticket and decided to stay in the lobby till after the concert.

A few minutes before we were allowed inside the auditorium, one of the members, Scott Leonard bolted out of the auditorium to speak with the people at the front desk. This proved to be a good thing because during the concert Scott remembered me from the lobby and waved at me from on stage!

Once I got seated in the front row, it hit where I was at and how blessed I was. God allowed me to see my favorite group for FREE.

Then the show started. Rockapella was on stage singing their songs and I’m singing along.

Before the show ended, the guys announced that they were going to do a meet-and-greet in the lobby. I was thinking, “Praise the Lord! I don’t have to pull the disability card to meet them!” (I rarely pull the disabled card.)

Meeting Rockapella and attending their concert was a wonderful experience. The guys were very genuine and we had a nice conversation, despite almost running into two of them while purchasing the album I didn’t have.

As I told my dad, my life is complete and I can now die a happy woman.

This blog was written by Leslie Hartman.

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Dear Dog Vomit Girl

So I have this dog named Toby. Toby has been with me for a year and a half and always seems to teach me things. Now this either says something about his intelligence...or mine. I was taking Toby outside one day and I as I was sitting there watching him roam around the yard I was contemplating life and getting frustrated by thinking about who I was becoming.

My thoughts were jolted as I noticed Toby throwing up in the yard, which for Toby isn't an unusual occurrence. Since it was in the yard I didn't worry about cleaning it up and as I was almost back to my contemplative state I noticed Toby going back to his vomit. I leapt off the porch in one fleeting moment and was by his side in a flash to encourage him away from the content that was formerly in his stomach. Whatever it was had made him sick, so there's no point in trying to re-digest it.

My thoughts immediately went to Proverbs 26:11 "As a dog returns to his vomit so does a fool repeat his folly." Then it hit me, this is exactly what I was doing. I was living my life wanting to change and be this great person that God wanted me to be, but I felt like I was getting hung up by the same things every time. Just like it's in Toby's nature to return to his vomit, it's like it was my nature to return to the very same things that I knew would hurt me or mess me up.

I think I even wrote in my journal one time, "Dear Dog Vomit Girl: You're doing it again..."

Months have passed since this initial realization, and some things have changed. Toby still throws up a lot, but he doesn't go back to his vomit. Something in his nature changed. And I have begun to think about God in this way too. I think many times He is sitting on the porch, just like I was, watching me roam around in the yard, and sometimes whenever I throw up something that has hurt me and made me sick it catches his attention. As I try and go back to it, He jumps off the porch and rushes to my side to lead me away. That way just as Toby learned not to return to his vomit so will I be changed by God as He leads me.

This blog was written by Ashley Gunter.



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Monday, October 12, 2009

Better late than never

I was getting ready to take a walk with my roommate earlier this evening when I noticed a Facebook update from a friend about the wind ensemble concert in the Conn Center tonight.

I didn't even know the wind ensemble was giving a concert tonight. It came as such a surprise to me. I know those concerts are usually posted in places throughout campus, but I guess I was so busy this week that I didn't take notice of any of the fliers and such.

I thought to myself, "Man, I always seem to miss those!" And I posted something of that sort on the friend's status. My friend suggested I just come to the concert late.

So I did.



I and my roommate arrived at the Conn Center just in time to hear the last piece and the encore. I only wish I had been there for the whole thing. Let me just say that those 20 minutes were completely worth showing up for.

Dr. David Holsinger and the wind ensemble did a wonderful job, and I was personally thrilled by the prominence of the clarinets in the second movement of the last piece. The encore was equally magnificent, sending chills down my spine.

As the concert ended and we went on our way again, I made up my mind to come to future concerts and be on time. To my great delight, there was a schedule of concerts on the back of the program.

So for those of you who are like me and hate missing out on the ensemble concerts but can never seem to find out about them ahead of time, I am posting the concert schedule for the rest of the semester.

Oct. 21, 6 p.m.
Percussion ensemble concert
Directed by Andrew Harnsberger
Dixon Center

Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m.
Chorale concert
Directed by William Green
First Baptist Church

Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m.
Jazz ensemble concert
Directed by Alan Wyatt
Dixon Center

Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m.
Lee University Symphony orchestra concert
Conducted by William McNeiland
Conn Center

Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m.
Honor band concert
Conducted by David R. Holsinger
Conn Center

Nov. 23, 7:30 p.m.
Squires Hall recital
"Classical Jam"
Squires Recital Hall

Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m.
Wind ensemble concert
Conducted by David R. Holsinger
Conn Center

Dec. 6, 3 p.m.
"A Classic Christmas"
Conducted by William Green
Conn Center

Bookmark this page if you must, but be sure to attend at least one of these phenomenal performances. Hope to see you there!
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Friday, October 9, 2009

The weekend of perpetual events

The weekend is finally upon us, and any Lee student who complains of having nothing to do has no valid excuse this particular weekend.

Friday Oct. 9 and Saturday Oct. 10 are positively full of events on and off campus. Here are just a few of the things happening in the Lee community over the next few days:



Friday:
Intramural softball tournament: Games starting at 8 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. at Butler Field in front of Bowdle and O'Bannon. I hear there will be free food.

Shenanigans improv show: "There's no I in improv...oh wait." These guys are hilarious. For a good laugh and a fun time, come out to the Rose Lecture Hall in the DeVos Education Building at 9 p.m.

Saturday:
Dance Away the LRA: This ballroom dancing event at Studio 125 on Inman St. is to benefit a school in Uganda sponsored by Lee's chapter of Invisible Children. Cost is $5. More information about this event can be found at LeeClarion.com.

Benefit for the Broken: The apartment dorms of campus are sponsoring a concert to benefit various causes, including the Cleveland Emergency Shelter and a missionary in Haiti. The concert will be held in the Conn Center; admission is $3 or three cans of food.

Also this weekend, Endgame continues to play in the blackbox theater in the Vest Building. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday night and 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon, and tickets are free to students.

Personally, I think I'll take in a little bit of softball then go to the improv show tonight. Tomorrow, well, I haven't decided yet. What are you doing this weekend?

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Thursday, October 8, 2009

Half Way There

Students at Lee University wear many hats. Sometimes they are just students, but they are usually also tour guides, tutors, writers, and employees. Not to mention members of clubs, organizations and churches.



Now that students have reached the halfway point of the semester many may feel overwhelmed by everything that they are involved in. Many may be finding out that the “easy” class on their schedule will not be such a breeze after all. Between classes and other obligations , some maybe wondering if they will make it.
However, there are times when students need to just take a break. Whether that be watching your favorite show for an hour or taking a walk with a friend.
Balance is important to a student’s life. Academics should take precedence but students need to give themselves a chance to relax once in awhile to ensure that they enjoy their semester.

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Tuesday, October 6, 2009

The Sp0rts Bl0g - Issue 3

Well, it's been awhile since I last updated the hottest blog about national sports with a new issue. Okay, yeah, not the hottest blog. In fact, I'm not even sure if anybody is reading this. But nonetheless, the sports world is always rolling on. We are now through 4 weeks of the 2009-2010 NFL season, this is usually when you find out if your favorite team is "for real" or not.

Experts are beginning to sort out the true contenders from the rest of the pack. As a viewer, it's easy to see that the "great divides" in power rankings are starting to form. In honor of the NFL's season progressing well through the first 4 weeks, I am going to do something that will benefit any NFL fan.

I'm going to recap every single NFL teams' season so far. I'm going to tell you how good your team is and if it's "for real." However, here's the catch. It'll be the most simple summary you've ever seen in your life. Sure, I could ramble on about stats, records and history, but to be honest, it can all be bottled down in 7 words or less. That's right. Here's a 7 word summary for each team... telling you EXACTLY who they are; and maybe worse, who they're not. In alphabetical order, here we go:

Arizona Cardinals (1-2) - great QB, elite WRs, not much else
Atlanta Falcons (2-1) - promising young talent, great, not yet elite
Baltimore Ravens (3-1) - they have an offense now, very dangerous
Buffalo Bills (1-3) - good skill players, terrible 0-line, average d-line
Carolina Panthers (0-3) - old, going down the tube; fast
Chicago Bears (3-1) - great QB + average team = no playoffs
Cincinnati Bengals (3-1) - fantastic defense, underrated, make playoffs if healthy
Cleveland Browns (0-4) - rebuilding, bad... really bad
Dallas Cowboys (2-2) - overrated, overrated QB, bad coach, no playoffs
Denver Broncos (4-0) - stingy defense, but schedule gets tougher
Detroit Lions (1-3) - you can't lose them all!
Green Bay (2-2) - great QB, awful o-line will prevent success
Houston Texans (2-2) - if healthy, they will compete
Indianapolis Colts (4-0) - they look better than ever, that's scary
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2) - great RB, not much else, we'll see
Kansas City Chiefs (0-4) - gonna be a long season in KC
Miami Dolphins (1-3) - QB out for year, looks dismal
Minnesota Vikings (4-0) - Favre looks good, but schedule toughens
New England Patriots (3-1) - they'll be fine, same old Patriots
New Orleans Saints (4-0) - very much legit, a scary team
New York Giants (4-0) - look great, they'll be playing in January
New York Jets (3-1) - best defense in the NFL, success coming...
Oakland Raiders (0-4) - worst QB... ever?
Philadelphia Eagles (2-1) - solid team, will continue to compete
Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2) - they'll be better as the season progresses
San Diego Chargers (2-2) - overrated, they're in trouble
San Francisco 49ers (3-1) - underrated, watch out, they're for real
Seattle Seahawks (2-2) - too bad they're never healthy...
St. Louis Rams (0-4) - just plain bad
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-4) - see above
Tennessee Titans (0-4) - most disappointing team this year by far
Washington Redskins (2-2) - could they underachieve any more?

There you have it. Respond with comments, tell me what you think. And that's the sp0rts bl0g for ya...




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An editor's guide to Convocation

As we reach the halfway point of Convocation Fall 2009, I'd like to share a little about what I have learned from this year's services.

No, I am not going to recap the sermons or critique the music groups; I simply want to share my observations about seating.


Every student is different. Some of us like to sit in the balcony, some like to sit above the stage. Others prefer the main floor, while some have no preference at all.

When planning the time that you will arrive at Convocation, keep in mind where you want to sit. Especially this year, it seems that services are overflowing faster than normal. Allow me to elaborate on the times of arrival for each particular section.

Students who enjoy sitting on the main floor of the Conn Center should probably arrive at least 15 minutes early. If you want to sit with a group of three or more, I suggest sending a delegate at least 20 minutes early (if not earlier) to claim your seats.

Those wishing to sit in the balcony should arrive 5-10 minutes prior to service. By this time, the ushers are directing people upstairs because the main floor is full, with the exception of perhaps a few obscure individual seats. In the latter part of this time frame, the ushers open up the overflow above the stage for students to sit in as well.

By the time the worship service starts, the Conn Center is normally at capacity and finding seats is a challenge for even the keenest of I Spy aficionados. At this point, you will be told to filter into the Dixon Center to watch the service.

But don't think that going to Dixon Center guarantees you a seat! During the Monday night service, the Dixon Center hosted 570 students, some of whom were seated on the stairs.

So, when planning your Convocation experience, keep in mind where you want to find yourself seated. Hopefully these tips will help you to keep your mind focused on God and not on finding a seat!

Have a blessed rest of the week!

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Did you know 4.0

The updated, fall 2009 version of "Shift Happens" focus' on the convergence of personal life and social media technologies.

Can you imagine what your life would be without Facebook, e-mail or text messaging? You might have to talk to someone face to face!

See the "Shift Happens" video after the jump.





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Friday, October 2, 2009

Blood Assurance Art

Here are some photos from Shashank and Jennifer and my commentary on the wonderful Blood Assurance Truck.
video
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Thursday, October 1, 2009

Top ten greatest videos of all time

No matter how hard school gets, no matter what curveballs life seems to throw me, I can always rely on some old fashioned entertainment for comfort. I’ve spent the majority of my adult life on YouTube.com. I’ve developed hobbies, musical tastes, habits, and even life lessons from those unfortunate victims in the Fail Blog videos. So, here are my top ten best videos on YouTube.

1. Bernstein’s Diet Pills
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZXqT7FpK8c

2. Memory X
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiTiJEKavvk

3. Kitchen Diaries
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7GGkKpBR-g

4. Faith SFX
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbTY7o5X2wE

5. Paper Towels
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYkjLUMx19I

6. Oreo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKtS0z9Wgno

7. Terry Fator
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bPmwzhqEgw

8. Movie Ideas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65voOQro4OY

9. Fail Blog
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l403ndBvdEk

10. Terry Tate Office Linebacker
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbSpAsJSZPc&feature=related




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Monday, September 28, 2009

New Uses for Lee Clarion

This is a short blog video showing how two girls in Tharp Hall creatively decided to use their Lee Clarions.



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Friday, September 25, 2009

Making a difference is not just for rock stars

By Taylor Mobley
I will be the first to admit that Bono is my hero. Although his status as the lead singer of U2, leather jacket, signature sunglasses, and rock star persona are appealing to a culture that idolizes the concept of “cool,” this is not what endears
him to me.

Bono has a heart. Speaking out for poor who cannot speak out for themselves has become who he is, reflected in his music as well as his lifestyle. He is unashamed. He is bold.

So often I put him on a pedestal, with his product (RED) line, books, and TV interviews. I think to myself, “Wow, he is really changing the world.”

I’ve never been on T.V., but I want to change the world too…


We cannot all be rock stars, speaking out about injustice to millions of adoring fans every night, using only a guitar and a microphone. We cannot all be missionaries or work for the Peace Corps, caring for the displaced in Africa or feeding the hungry in Asia.

Most of us will spend our days in the business world, climbing the corporate ladder or teaching kindergartners how to read.

It is so difficult not to get immersed in the world around us where our only frame of reference when it comes to hunger is the time we spent in college living off of Ramen noodles and Mac and Cheese. We forget so easily about the hunger, poverty and disease that ravages the world.

We must not allow ourselves to forget. To make a true difference on an everyday level, social justice cannot simply be an afterthought. It must become a lifestyle. It does not matter what your job is, where you live, or who you are, you can make a difference. When it comes to changing the world, a dentist in Michigan is just as important as a politician on Capitol Hill.

The fight against injustice begins by simply making people aware of the issues that are affecting people around the world.

For example, I bet you thought that slavery was abolished after the Civil War. As I learned recently at a human trafficking round table at the U.S. State Department, there are 12.3 million people worldwide, adults and children, enslaved into forced labor and sexual servitude.

Some of the most common forms of human trafficking enslave children as child soldiers, sex workers, and forced laborers. Many of these children slaves are either kidnapped or persuaded with false promises of a better life.

The idea of slavery produces certain images in my mind. I picture people shackled and chained, living behind bars, being forced to work. But,in the trafficking system, something more permanent than chains binds the victims to the abusive situation. Most of the enslaved have been abused in such a manner that they believe that they have no other option but to continue as they are in their situation. Those who enslave them create a sense of dependency that kills all hope of escape.

It is so easy to dismiss this crisis because it feels so far away, but the truth is human trafficking exists in the United States. Areas such as Houston and Atlanta are known to have underground trafficking networks.

Not only can you speak out against injustice, but you can also be an example through your choices. Choose to purchase goods that are guaranteed to have been produced without the use of slavery. Get involved with an organization, such a World Vision, that works to combat these wrongs through development and funding.

If you turn away, who will tell their stories? Speaking out against injustice does not require a particular college degree or occupation. It simply requires a bold heart.
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Sunday, September 20, 2009

Voices celebrates 15 years with special guest

Cleveland mayor Tom Roland has proclaimed Sept. 20, 2009, to be Voices of Lee Day.

The mayor made the proclamation at the 15th anniversary celebration during the Sunday morning service at North Cleveland Church of God.

Voices of Lee alumni from past and present joined together to fill the sanctuary with the powerful music that the ensemble has become known for throughout Cleveland, the United States and worldwide.

The celebration also featured as a special surprise guest Southern gospel music legend Bill Gaither. Gaither was made an honorary citizen of Cleveland, Tenn., by the mayor.

Gaither spoke about the importance of harmony in the church and the body of Christ, then led the congregation and the choir in a traditional song.

See a video of Gaither and Voices of Lee after the jump.




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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Alternatives to Chapel

Chapel is always a hot topic on Lee's campus.
Are you going to Dixon or Conn? Who's the speaker? Will you save me a seat?
However, there are also many students who are exempt from chapel because of work hours or because they are married. But what about the rest of us those, we who are busy in our own right and miss every now and then.
What if there was a way that you would never have to worry about being on chapel probation ever again?

No I am not suggesting that Lee suspend chapel services. Most of the time I enjoy chapel. What I'm suggesting actually requires a little more effort on the students part.

Every chapel service is recorded and available for download on the Lee University website for students to listen to. My proposal is that Lee give students a chance to "make up" missed chapels by listening to these podcasts.

However, Lee would need a way to keep track of the students that took advantage of this plan. Lee could develop a short quiz to go with each podcast. Just the basic points discussed, maybe even created from the speaker's notes. This way students would actually have to pay attention to the service, in exchange for getting a second chance at chapel credit.

Perhaps one day Lee will embrace such a plan, but for now all those who will be facing probation will just have to go to more services next month.
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Monday, September 14, 2009

Michael Jordan inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame

By Christin Walker, Staff writer

The inevitable has happened. On Friday, Sept. 11, 2009, one of the greatest basketball players of all time was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Michael Jordan, the original 23, has officially been locked into the history of sports.

“I was hoping this day was coming in 20 more years, or that I’d actually go in when I’m dead and done,” said Jordan to a USA Today reporter.

Athletes like Kobe Bryant and Lebron James have been compared to Jordan, but it takes a special superstar to hit game-winning shots, endorse shoes with a moneymaking silhouette, advertise underwear, attempt semi-professional baseball, and save the planet from animated monsters in a cheesy children’s movie.

Jordan’s résumé is utterly unbelievable. He is a two-time Olympic gold medal winner with the U.S. basketball team, he successfully played 15 seasons in the NBA, and he has set numerous records that put most other players to shame. He once scored 69 points in a single game, and had a 45 point performance in an NBA final game while battling the flu.

Jordan’s prestige and appeal might have originated on the basketball court, but it eventually spread: advertisers like McDonalds, Coke, and Nike thrived upon his endorsements and support. From every angle, Jordan’s career can be considered a complete success.

Of all the possible candidates that Jordan might choose to present him during his Hall of Fame induction, he chose David Thompson, former star at North Carolina State. Jordan picked Thompson over predictable names like Phil Jackson, Dean Smith, or Charles Barkley, all of whom had close ties to Jordan and his successful career.

“I was kind of surprised, and also was really flattered that he chose me over Coach Smith. You know how important he is?” Thompson said.

Nicknamed “Skywalker,” Thompson was the big name in basketball, leading North Carolina State to a NCAA championship in 1974, before Jordan was even on the radar.

According to Hall of Fame personnel, Jordan is a huge fan of Thompson and requested him because of his inspiration, clearly not because of his alma mater. Thompson went on to play for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1996.

Thompson is honored to stand alongside one of his fellow legends. “I’ve been smiling ever since [I was asked to present Jordan]. I’ve been telling people and they’ve been congratulating me like I was getting in. I’m already in.”

The general consensus on Lee’s campus is support for the legend’s induction into the Hall of Fame.

“It’s the greatest achievement that a professional basketball player can attain. It gives me great pride to say that he played at UNC, near where I’m from. I’ve seen his skills first hand, and he’s the most remarkable basketball player I’ve ever watched,” said Jonathan Sausedo, a junior.

Other students are excited about Jordan's achievement because it reminds them of their childhood memories.

“I want to go watch Space Jam right now! I used to love Jordan in that movie!” said sophomore Jason Morris.

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Friday, September 11, 2009

Republicans Bake Sale for the Deficit

Lee students have a reputation for helping the community, but Lee University's College Republicans chapter has taken the idea of helping to a new level.

The group has researched the facts and in order to present them to the public they've stepped out into the community to raise money for the national deficit, selling one brownie at a time.

Watch the College Republican's bake sale for the deficit video after the jump.





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Nate Tucker Discusses Portico

This is an interview with Nate Tucker, Associate Director of IS&T at Lee University. In it he discusses the new Portico system and some new features that will be added to the system, such as Chapel attendance online.



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The Sp0rts Bl0g - Issue 2

This upcoming weekend is one of the most beautiful weekend in all of sports. College football rolls into the second week of its season, while the National Football League (NFL) finally kicks off.

This weekend brings back great memories of cool, crisp October and November days. The two different levels of football can entertain just about every fan, but the NFL has certain advantages that collegiate football can't touch.

Now, many of you are probably snarling at me. I come from Vermont, where the biggest local college football game consists of Maine at New Hampshire. Sure, Boston College isn't too far down the road, but since they play in the ACC... it's fairly irrelevant to Vermonters.

When I came to Lee, one drastic difference in the sports world was the passion for college football. It was something I'd never seen before. I realize its South Eastern Conference (SEC) territory down here, but the intensity for University of Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, and some of the other major SEC schools was equivalent to the deadly rivalry between the Red Sox and the Yankees... and anyone from New England can back me up.

But, lets get down to business here. There's one major reason why college football can't touch the NFL is the playoff system. Go ahead, roll your eyes. So cliche, huh? But lets think about this. Let's use Week 1 of the college football season for example.

Two games in particular will be the focus of the rest of this blog. #16 Oregon went to #14 Boise State in Week 1. In a hard fought game, Boise State was able to pull it out in the end. The first half of this game was an "ugly" defensive battle filled with a lot of heart. #14 Boise State has some late scores of the 1st half to go into halftime leading 13-0. #14 Boise State held on, winning 18-9. #16 Oregon's season? OVER.

I mean, seriously?! The 16th ranked team in the nation doesn't receive the strength of schedule necessary to reach the "National Championship Game" without going winless. Oregon isn't in the strongest conference (PAC-10) and because they lost already... they can't be placed in the National Championship game. It's over for Oregon. It's a shame. They could play to the best of their ability and CRUSH everybody else on their schedule... their reward? Probably a BCS bowl... but certainly not the "National Championship Game." Why play the games?

Here's another great example. #3 Oklahoma was upset, 14-13, by a very underrated #20 BYU team. All the credit in the world should go to the #20 BYU team who physically dominated the game, to the point where they knocked out Heisman trophy winner QB Sam Bradford. Now, lets forget about that injury to Bradford for a minute. #3 Oklahoma has a very tough schedule. They play in the BIG 12, a tough conference with National Championship talent in teams like Texas. #3 Oklahoma's season? It's over! The biggest reason #3 Oklahoma lost the game? Probably because they lost their star QB in Bradford. If he doesn't get hurt, maybe they overcome #20 BYU's physicality and pull it out.

So, basically, in college football, it's 1 loss and you're done. Lets give a quick NFL example. Steelers beat the Titans last night 13-10 in overtime (OT). This opening game is quite possibly an AFC Championship game preview. And because the NFL is smart enough to have a playoff, that scenario is actually possible.

I don't care if I'm in the heart of the SEC and passionate college football fans. The bottom line is: until college football declares a playoff system, it can't be respected as a sport that properly rewards who the best teams are. And that's the Sp0rts Bl0g for ya...

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Tuesday, September 8, 2009

One year and counting

After three years of hard work I have finally made it to the rank of senior. As I get used to the first semester with my new status , my thoughts run in a million different directions. Part of me is constantly looking ahead thinking about what kind of job I will have when I get out of college. Who will I work for? Where will I live? Do I have enough experience in my field?

Yet, another part of me looks back and wonders, “How did I make it here?” Every student has there “How I got to Lee” story and I am no exception. Basically, I wanted to attend a Christian school that offered journalism and was still close enough to home that I could drive back and forth.


The experience here has been great. I have learned so much about journalism in this past year. It’s amazing to me to think how little I knew, and how much I still have to learn before graduation. I have also learned a lot about life, and the way God works. What I had always heard is true. He does work in mysterious ways. When I think of all that has happened to bring me to this point, it truly is amazing.
However, right now I really just want to enjoy the moment I’m in. Being the news editor for the Lee Clarion and interning with the Cleveland Daily Banner are enough to keep my thoughts from wondering too far into the past or future. These positions remind me that this moment is determining the future that I’m planning. I want to enjoy every minute of my last year at Lee. I want to enjoy the friendships, the accomplishments, and the lessons.



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Tada.. here I am!

Just to clear a few things up...

Hello, I'm Michelle Bollman, the new managing editor of the Lee Clarion and apparently the "new Harrison Keely."

Though the managing editor of the newspaper changes like clockwork every few semesters, for some reason Harrison Keely became more than himself, he became a entire job description.

Yes, I have replaced Harrison, because he GRADUATED. Though we have the same job titles, I can assure you I won't "become" Harrison Keely over the next year.



Just to point out a few differences:
-I don't like to eat at the dining hall, therefore you will never see me picking up your plates to return them to their homes and, in that case, I most likely will not be able to tweet about what they made for lunch today or blog about how long that blue hanger has been in the cafeteria's men's bathroom.
-I don't ride a bike. I have a car. And personally, I think I should get a reserved parking space in the back of the PCSU, so campus safety if your reading this and see a green Ford focus parked illegally. PLEASE spare me. Please?
-I can't say I'm one to open doors. I usually fail to notice the people that are walking behind me.. therefore you most likely won't find me greeting you while holding open the Conn Center doors on the way into chapel.
-I usually don't find myself walking up to random people and striking up conversation, however, if you ever see me around don't be afraid to stop and introduce yourself!
-And last, but not least, I don't take pictures or record random videos. I'm sorry, but your memories will be archived through the photography team, not myself, but you'll still be able to find all event photos on the Lee Clarion Facebook page!

Don't get me wrong, I miss Harrison as much as the next person... but it's time he bless another city! Let it be said, let it be done. NO-HARRISON-MISSING!

So next time I'm introduced to you as "the new Harrison Keely" at least try to remember my name... for the record, it's Michelle.

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Monday, September 7, 2009

Who's afraid of the big bad swine?

My visit home this weekend took a very unexpected turn when my friend from UTC who gave me a ride from Cleveland to Winchester (and who had been suffering from a sinus infection the past few days) was told by her doctor that she actually had swine flu.

I had been in a car with her for three hours. Medically and scientifically, there was no way I was going to be spared. So my family and I quarantined ourselves for the weekend.



Thankfully, God has blessed me with a spectacular immune system, and I did not get sick from my time with my friend.

Even though the H1N1 virus is indeed a very real thing, I think we are giving it a lot more power than it deserves by panicking at the very mention of it. In reality, most cases are actually milder than the seasonal flu that goes around each winter.

We don't need to be afraid of the swine flu; we just need to know the facts. So here are a few facts from the Center for Disease Control's Web site.

Fact: H1N1 (swine flu) is contagious. It spreads just like the seasonal flu strain we've been dealing with for years.

Fact: "Most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment."

Fact: One can help prevent the spread of H1N1 and the seasonal flu virus by taking precautions such as covering one's mouth when sneezing or coughing, washing one's hands frequently, avoiding touching one's eyes, mouth or nose, and avoiding contact with sick people.

More information about the H1N1 virus is available at http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/qa.htm.

Also, something that I learned from my experience: an RN in my family assured me that if I were going to get sick, I would show symptoms in 24-48 hours.So if you find out you have been exposed to the virus, you might want to take extra precautions (drink lots of fluids, increase Vitamin C intake, try to limit social contact) during that time period to further reduce your chances of getting sick.

And, as always, praying for protection doesn't hurt, either. I feel like God gave me a supernatural flu shot this weekend!

Be smart this flu season and you'll be just fine.



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