The Must List, Novels

Read up, bloggers and other people! These are the 6 Must Read books, you know, in my opinion. And, they're in no particular order.

1. Fall of Giants by Ken Follet
Ken Follet wins again in his first book of the Century Trilogy. On the brink of World War I, the reader follows the adventures of several different families from around the world, including two brothers in Russia, a miner family in Wales, and an American diplomat. The second book just came out, and I cannot wait to get my hands on it. Don't be put off by the sheer volume and massiveness of the book!! It's worth the time.

2. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Henry DeTamble can time travel, and this makes dating difficult. But, Clare Abshire loves him enough to fight through the worrying about when he's ever coming back and the trials of marrying a time traveler. Their love is pure and beautiful with raw fights and precious moments. It is a book that will make you fall in love with marriage and babies and love itself. This book got me through some rough moments when Stuart and I were in a long distance relationship.

3. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
READ THIS BOOK... and then ask yourself: Why is a white woman writing from the perspective of a black woman? What gives her the right to do this? Why do the black women talk in Southern slang but the white women do not? Is this book - which fights racism and celebrates equality among its characters - really a racist novel after all???

4. The Cider House Rules by John Irving
Leave it to Irving to take you away to a place involving Maine, sexual disease, and the questioning of one's morals and own usefulness. I just love the narrative of this novel, the beautiful thought process of Dr. Wilbur Larch, who I read in the voice of Michael Caine since he played the movie character in the film adaptation. Just watch the first five seconds of the trailer, and you can see the amazingness of the casting for this film and how beautiful Caine's voice is. It makes reading the novel 50 times better!! Meh, not so much with Tobey MacGuire.

5. Three Weeks with my Brother by Nicholas and Micah Sparks
This is Nicholas Sparks' first memoir, and I prefer it over all his fiction writing! Nicholas and his older brother Micah go on a once-in-a-lifetime trip around the world, seeing  places like Easter Island and Ayers Rock in Australia. In between the recounting of the adventure - JARS AND BOWLS - Nicholas recounts their childhood with their sister and parents. You will laugh hysterically like never before, and you will weep from a breaking heart over this real life tale. My favorite moment is when Nicholas teaches his son to speak for the first time after years of silence and letting his wife hear her son say "I love for you" for the first time. Even if you've never enjoyed The Notebook or still haven't forgiven him for writing a film with a part specifically for Miley Cyrus (The Last Song), you still need to read this memoir.

6. Wicked by Gregory Macguire
I still haven't had the opportunity to see the musical, but this is a wonderful book. It is full of magic, mischief, love, Oz politics, and all around fun. Follow the life of the Wicked Witch of the West in her time in the green land of Oz - why is she green, what's really going on with The Wizard, when did she become wicked, what's Glenda problem, and why aren't the animals talking anymore? With its green-rimmed pages and small illustrations, you won't put it down!

The Must List, September 22

1. Literal Movie Trailers by Tobuscus
These are just hilariously fantastic. I can't get enough of them. When I finally got around to watch Tron Legacy, the actual movie, I sang the literal trailer all the way through. Check out the one below, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and then watch the several others to complete your day. Skip the video game ones... they're not nearly as good.

2. "Home Grown" Figures
One of these is the latest item to decorate my home! I just love them. They're so freaking adorable. A bee made out of a lemon. I bought a poodle made out of cauliflower for my grandmother. A seal made out of an eggplant, and more! You can get a whole barnyard or underwater cast to decorate your bookshelf, kitchen, or bedroom! I highly suggest it. This is Zest, and I can't get over how cute he is!

3. "Sherlock" Season 2 on Instant NetFlix
I don't know if it's "Instant NetFlix" or "NetFlix Instant," but either way I'm so excited they put the next season of "Sherlock" on there! Benedict Cumberbatch - what a name!! - as Sherlock Holmes is back for another modern, sleuth-solving season. I've only gotten through the first half of episode one before Stuart and I were about to pass out from the exhaustion of this week, but it's already been outstanding!!! I can't wait until he gets home to watch more.

4. The Damon and Elena Kiss on "The Vampire Diaries"
I know I'm like a season behind on this uproar, but still!!!!!!!!! OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, yes, see ya Stephan!! Move on out, boy, it's Damon's turn!!! I've been waiting for this moment for two and half seasons. On the other hand, I have a suspicion that Stephan will eventually will return with a fervor, and then Elena will just go running back to him. NO SPOILERS, ANYONE!!! I haven't finished the season yet, so keep your mouth shut for just a little longer. No one shall ruin this for me like James Lipton ruined the end of Harry Potter for me.

5. The Smoothie Machine in the University Center
This thing is awesome. Three smoothie flavors and a plethora of milkshake flavors, this is my new favorite toy to get an icy treat during my school day. I've had to curb my obsession or else I'm going to run out declining balance in the next two weeks, but they're oh so delicious!! Still, my heart belongs to Freshen's. I still haven't been since it's been reopened. I need to get down there, pronto!

6. Rainbow Cake
This was sweetest, sugary-est cake I've ever eaten... and when I say "eaten" I mean that I took like four bites because it was just too much sugar!! Thankfully, I had some photographers to help me finish it off on our trip down to Waynesville. Isn't it fabulous?

Life of a Journalist: Top 5

As first published in the September 14th edition of The Western Carolinian...

For this issue's column, I thought I would share some insights, memories and all around fun with a Top 5 list of the greatest stories I have worked on as a journalist for this paper. I have covered it all from the "Before They Were Educators" series to serious coverage of scandals and issues plaguing Jackson County. Here are just five of my favorites.

1. SGA Illegal Voting
In the spring of 2011, I learned from a staff writer that the Student Government Association President and Vice President results for the election were delayed because of illegal voting. Fifteen votes during that election were deemed illegal. I was permitted to attend the investigative committee and write an article on the investigation and election, which determined TJ Eaves was President and Alecia Page Vice President. What I did not expect was runner-up Doug Bridges calling me on my cell phone late one night for an in-depth interview about his side of the story. Due to some finagling by former Editor-in-Chief and current Journalism Adviser Justin Caudell, we delayed printing long enough to get both stories in the next issue. The article took many late nights and long hours, but at the 2012 N.C. College Media Association Conference, Caudell and I received an Honorable Mention award for the story.

2. Food Shortage in Jackson County
This was a very moving story that involved many people, who I cannot thank enough for their assistance and dedication to their work. Amy Grimes at The Community Table in Sylva helped in pulling their records and giving me numbers of statistics from their organization. Also, Alison Hixson and Leigh Puttus at MANNA FoodBank in Asheville assisted extensively in making sure I had all the factual information I needed by emailing me various links and research. That article became the longest piece I had ever written and one that I am the proudest of.

3. "A Chorus Line" preview
Since my introduction to "CATS," I have been obsessed with Broadway musicals. For that reason, I began at The Western Carolinian as an Arts and Entertainment writer. One of my first stories was interviewing Charlotte D'Amboise, who directed Western Carolina's production of "A Chorus Line." D'Amboise made me feel right at home with her even though I was extremely nervous as we settled  into a small table at Starbucks in the Courtyard Dining Hall. Enthusiastic about the show, she gave me a great interview. After we wrapped up and I was back at Walker Hall working on the article, I realized that D'Amboise had worked with my all-time favorite Broadway actor Michael Gruber! I still smile remembering my dropped jaw as I put the pieces together. Think of all the interview questions I would have asked if I had known that before the meeting!

D'Amboise and Gruber

4. The Freshman Fifteen, Pound 9
It is not often that I get the chance to be funny to in my writing. My big comedy break came through my editorial column that I wrote as a freshman known as "The Freshman Fifteen." The craziest thing about that column was that there was a banner created to go with it (as seen below), and it was printed in the paper nearly every time. However, the banner only read "The Freshman" with a fork and knife framing the words that sat on a plate. No one ever fixed it, and I don't know if anyone ever said anything about it. It was always just plain funny to me! In "Pound 9," I wrote about what two weeks of my life were like suffering from bronchitis while having to attend classes and walk to the Courtyard Dining Hall for nourishment.It was the most miserable two weeks of my life. I renamed my laptop Kayne West because of its attitude, discovered a website of jigsaw puzzles and became addicted to Pixy Stix. It was a heck of a two weeks, documented for all of WCU to read.

5. The "Rodgers and Hammerstein Gala"
In January 2010, I attend the "Rodgers and Hammerstein Gala" at the former Fine and Performing Arts Center, otherwise known as FPAC. The performance, beautiful and entertaining, was not what made the event stand out. No, it was actor and musical theater student Jonathan Cobrda. During the first number, Cobrda purposefully fell from the stage nearly into the lap of an elderly woman in the front row. It was not until the house lights came back on during intermission that everyone saw the large pool of blood surrounding the woman. Cobrda had accidentally bumped into the woman's ankle and reopened her stitches from a previous injury. Completely unaware, she sat in the dark bleeding until intermission. EMTs arrived and carried her out on a stretcher as the small audience watched on with open mouths. Cobrda continued his performance in the second act without a hitch. Over a year later, I met Cobrda in a Ballroom Dance class. He introduced himself, and I smiled.
"I know who you are," I replied. "You're the one who made that poor woman bleed when you fell off the stage."
The look on his face was priceless, and he laughed. We have been good friends ever since! 

Jonathan and I after a Ballroom recital

A Platypus and a Can Opener

I had to write a poem about a platypus and a can opener for Intro to Creative Writing and Editing class. Afterwards, everyone in the class voted for their favorite poem!! I'm excited to say that mine actually won!!! WOHOO!!! I received a book of poetry as my prize!

A platypus and a can opener are the awkward designs
of God's nightmares.
Their beaks shine like the glint of a wedding band
catching the sunlight.
They hum and purr as they rip open food like a cat
rolling in the throes of cat nip delight.
Splashing in the water, they emerge dripping like a leaky faucet
drip, drop, splash, splish!
Then, at night, they go into the mouths of their dark caverns
yawning like the larger fish waiting for the small one to make a mistake.
Inside, they settle, nesting, resting, still
until the work of tomorrow's new day begins.

The Must List, Sept. 16

I'm sorry I haven't posted in awhile, nothing original anyway. Life has been nothing but busy and bustle. When I do get time off from doing homework and working on the newspaper, the very last thing I want to do is write. As sad as it is, it's the truth.
Still, here is a new Must List!

1. "Parenthood" Season 3 on Instant NetFlix
Finally, finally, finally!!!! I'm so excited to watch this next season. Already, it's been fantastic. The road trip episode, Max running away, Christina setting her foot down... it's as good as usual but never as good as "Brothers & Sisters."

2. "One More Night" by Maroon 5
This is the new song that I can't get enough of. Well, one of the new ones...

3. "Runnin'" by Adam Lambert
This song is a bonus track on the deluxe Trespassing album. It is a beautiful song with a moving topic. As always, Adam has my musical heart!!

"My heart's beating faster, I know what I'm after.
I've been standing here my whole life,
Everything I've seen twice, now it's time I realize
It's spinnin' back around now, on this road I'm crawling
Save me cause I'm falling, now I can't seem to breathe right
Cause I keep runnin', runnin', runnin', runnin'
Runnin', runnin', runnin', runnin'
Runnin' from my heart."

4. Fresh melon slice-scented candle
I found one of these at Rite-Aid. It smells delicious. It's like a melon-flavored Air Head. I've suddenly taken a re-interest in candles. Right now, I have the melon slice scent, warm vanilla cream, banana nut bread, fresh cotton sheets, a candle rope for the bathroom, and a mixed blend from the Outer Banks.

5. Mast General Store in Waynesville
Imagine: barrels and barrels and barrels of overflowing CANDY! Air Heads, hot cinnamon pops, Smarties, Hershey's Kisses, Lemonheads, Nerds, chocolate malt balls, Double Bubble gum, rock candy, lollipops, Hello Kitty-themed candy, Hot Tamales, and so much more... it's my paradise!!

6. "It's Only a Job" mug
I bought a mug that fit me perfectly from the Bradley's General Store in Dillsboro. I thought I could gently poke fun at my staff writers at the next assignment meeting for The Western Carolinian! :)

Our Take

Every issue, there's a small story in the upper left corner of the Campus Views page called "Our Take." And, every issue I write a small blurb about something important to The Western Carolinian as a whole. Here's "Our Take" from the Back to School double issue.

"If this is your first time picking up The Western Carolinian, we would like to welcome you to Western Carolina University and to our newspaper.
It is a small newspaper, but we have taken on the "big dogs" in several award ceremonies and come away happy. Our staff is a family unit of good friends that come together on a regular basis in different events in our offices, in the classroom and out in the Jackson County community. Together, we hike through the great outdoors, see movies, volunteer at local non-profit organizations and strive to participate within our community that we report on every day.

We describe ourselves and our paper as "a college newspaper [that] serves the entire college community by reporting the news, including college events and activities, providing a forum for comment and criticism and encouraging the free expression as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States."
At The Western Carolinian, we believe in the policy of "student run." All of our decisions fall on both two Co-Editors-in-Chief with input from their section editors and staff writers. Each staff member and both Co-Editors are full-time students learning what it takes to be a journalist, photographer or designer.
We encourage you, the reader, to express yourself in any form through The Western Carolinian. It is the campus newspaper for Western Carolina University and its community, which includes all of you.
"As a vehicle for free inquiry and free expression in the college community," we accept all mediums of guest work, including hard-hitting news stories, photographs, poetry and opinion pieces. We also offer paying jobs and are currently looking for staff writers. In a newspaper environment, the staff learned every day the importance of working well under pressure, making deadlines, AP style writing, being a member of a team and many other skills.
Come find out more about us. We are located in the Old Student Union building across the street from Moore. Go through the front door, down the hall, across the expanse of the conference room to the little hally. Our offices are there on the right. Follow us via Facebook or check out website at www.westerncarolinian.com. If you do not feel up to writing a piece for publication, send us any type of feedback.  We hope to hear from you. Have a great year, Catamounts!

First deaf graduate of WCU passes away

Here is a touching story I wrote for The Western Carolinian.

"On Aug. 3, 1946, Jimmie Ray Crawford was born profoundly deaf in the small mountain town of Waynesville. His parents could only guess at the accomplishments their child would achieve.
 Last month, Crawford passed away, but his legacy as the man who took to court the major players of the UNC-System and Western Carolina University lives on through his accomplishments. His wife, Pat Crawford, and nephew, Ernie Pitts, spoke exclusively with this journalist about Jimmie Crawford’s amazing impact.
As a graduate student, Crawford went head-to-head against Western Carolina, the WCU chancellor at that time and the UNC-System along with its president and chairman of the board of governors after being denied an interpreter to help him in his graduate classes.
“He wanted to stand and fight for deaf people’s rights to have an interpreter,” said Pat Crawford.
According to an article by the Associated Press, U.S. District Judge Hiram Ward “affirmed a magistrate’s recommendation that Western Carolina University provide an interpreter for [Crawford].” Magistrate Russell Eliason then strongly recommended to WCU that the school either supply “an interpreter or another method of communicating classroom lectures to the student…,” continued the article.
After years of struggling but succeeding during his years of school and now into his graduate school years at WCU, Jimmie Crawford was finally able to understand every word his instructors said in and outside of the classroom in 1977, not even two years after filing the complaint.
Jimmie Crawford was the first profoundly deaf student to graduate from Western Carolina University and its School of Educational Administration and School Personnel. After graduation, he taught for 30 years at the North Carolina School for the Deaf, according to his obituary.
Pat Crawford, who is also deaf, explained that schooling had never been easy for her late husband before his interpreter at Western Carolina. However, he was never one to give up, saying that he was in the top ten of his class in high school."

Read the rest of the story here!

Before They Were Educators: Jeanne Dulworth

Here is my second "Before They Were Educators" article for The Western Carolinian:

"Jeanne Dulworth began as a journalism major at Western Carolina University. After an interview with her academic adviser, however, she realized her personality did not suit the field. Instead, she chose social work.
Born in Brevard, Dulworth was raised by two teachers, who instilled in her a lifelong desire to learn. When college time came, Dulworth chose Western Carolina for her bachelor’s degree program just like her older brother and some friends of the family.

“It’s almost like being at home,” said Dulworth, who grew up in the North Carolina mountains. “As a student, I wanted to absorb everything and have a good time...”
All four years, Dulworth lived in a dormitory, using the weekends to hike, fish, camp, tube down the river, and she still does it today as a professor of WCU.
As there were very few social work master’s programs in North Carolina, Dulworth traveled to the University of South Carolina after graduating from WCU. She said she wanted a larger school environment and was teetering with the idea of majoring in both social work and law.
“I did not go there for the hot weather,” added Dulworth.
In 1998, Dulworth graduated with her master’s and jumped into the social work field. She worked in Brevard and Hendersonville at community mental health centers, functioning as a case manager for children from birth to 18 with developmental and psychological disabilities, she said. Then, she progressed into the field of a family support specialist with disabled kids from birth to five-years-old. She also counseled the parents, who grieved heavily for their children.
Dulworth said that one of her most profound cases was a boy who was born without legs. Instead, his feet were attached to his stomach. She said that they were beautiful baby feet, but she knew that eventually they would need to be amputated when he began to grow.

Other cases involved several autistic children who bit their parents out of frustration of being unable to communicate. Dulworth was moved by the parents, especially when they came full circle from wondering why God was cursing them to being thankful God had chosen them to raise a child with disabilities.
“I got to see the strength of people in incredibly difficult situations, and that was just a gift to me,” said Dulworth.
Dulworth decided she wanted to move into the teaching field soon after graduating from the University of South Carolina. There was an opening at Western Carolina, and after two semesters of teaching night classes, Dulworth became a full-time professor in 2000. She credited the social work department head, Dr. Terry Gibson, with inspiring her.
“She definitely was instrumental for me in finding a passion for social work education,” Dulworth said.
Dulworth has a multi-faceted teaching philosophy that encumbers much of what her parents taught her, including that reaching each individual and finding what makes them special is important. She is also a “big fan” of service learning because it is a “win-win situation.”
“I believe that students have as much to offer as their faculty,” said Dulworth. “That we as faculty have to come up with questions for them to think about critically and make their own conclusions. I believe that learning is a lifelong process and good teachers continue to learn every day.”
While teaching, Dulworth still volunteers with hospice."

Read the rest HERE!!