ICC NJCAA DII WOMEN'S Championship

Generally, I work at Illinois Central College as a student worker. I work in the media department with an energetic, exciting crew of people. On a normal schedule, we would just be broadcasting educational programs for twelve week courses. At least until basketball or volleyball season. During a normal season, we would broadcast games using stationary cameras and using screens to switch between each of these cameras.

This Nationals tournament is different. ICC has upgraded its equipment. This is the fifth of it's six year contract for the tournament that Illinois Central College will be hosting. After that, another school takes over responsibilities. We now have three cameras operated by student workers that are far from stationary. We have better quality for television purposes and it is quite exciting to say the least!

The woman in the tournament have been working really hard to get to the top! There has been some really close games and one game that have a 70 point lead! These girls are talented and some of the most interesting people you will ever meet!

If you are a basketball fan and are interesting in watching the games; we will also broadcast and internet stream for those who wish to watch! I will be working one of the three cameras! It's pretty exciting! Let me know how we did! Support the girls and wish them luck! Thank you!

http://www.ihigh.com/icccougars/index.html

Coffee shops

Mocha Latte <3

One of the most serene places to go that many people wouldn't even think....a local coffee shop. Yes, ladies and gents, it is quite true. After a long day or shortly before it begins, we all need a little pick-me-up. Coffee drives the American work force. Popular yet comforting. Energizing yet fattening: lattes, frappes, decaf, espresso, and so on. It doesn't seem to bother us too much. In the end, coffee is the fuel for many lives and the obsessive habit that we partake in. There is an art to coffee. Beautiful, delicious, and relaxing.

It isn't just for those hipsters, barbie dolls, college students, geeks, or nerds. Everyone is welcome. Before you know it, the man or woman making your coffee knows your name, any gossip, or brightens your day with a smile. Coffee shops are my refuge. A place for academic studying, social interaction, an artistic atmosphere that offers everything that home may not full fill. When I enter the local coffee shop, known as The Blend, I glance around at the pastel colored walls, smell the warmth of roasted coffee, hear the spoken conversations, and see students preparing for tests or doing their homework. In one place, you will see the community come together. There is no R-rated material or inappropriate interactions; at least typically.... Adults, teens, and children are welcome. These simplicities feed the void of my seemingly empty life as a college student.The stimulation of noise is perfect. I can feel scholarly to myself and to those around me. I can have interesting conversations, appropriate or not, and enjoy myself.

But why would I write about something like this? It is quite simple. I love sharing moments with complete strangers. I love my community coming together. It knits us together. We meet people, talk about others, and through fate-we create a family oriented community. Keeping positive ties with other people that will influence us all. We need an outlet. We need creativity. It makes us human and distracts us from the problems of our lives. Coffee shops offer so much without words. Take my word for it!