Stressing the final

What once seemed so distant has finally arrived — the end of the semester. Of course with it comes final exams, projects and papers. It can certainly be  a stressful time. That’s why I have decided to provide this list of seven simples stress-minimizing steps:

1. Allow plenty of time. Being busy is a big source of stress, so manage your time wisely.

2. Exercise. It takes your mind off the stress you feel and provides a nice study break.

3. Get pleny of rest and eat well. It’s not like you have to get up for 8 a.m. class anymore.

4. Discuss your problems with your friends. They can generally help you relax.

5. Take a timeout when the stress hits you. Time away helps you put the problem in perspective.

6. Take some deep breaths and think about something else.

7. Ask for help. You never know what someone else can do for you.

Good luck with the finals.

(Source: Palo Alto Medical Foundation)

What does it take to get a question answered?

On numerous occasions, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Harvey Perlman has lauded the university as a place of transparency. I am quickly realizing it isn’t.

This, of course, is not Perlman’s fault. But seriously, what does it take to get a question answered?

Last week for the NewsNetNebraska journalism class, we set out to write a story about what snow costs the university. We were hoping to find budget information about snow removal, winter weather supplies and the works. Although we found some interesting information, (click here to check it out) no one would answer our specific question. I heard everything from I can’t tell you that to … nothing. Some just simply ignored the question.

Unfortunately for my reporting and for my readers,  I didn’t press the issue. I was on deadline that day, and I have since had an unusually busy week, which has prevented my following up. This is a public university, and I am rather certain the money going to Landscape Services is partially mine, whether from taxes or tuition. I, no, we have a right to know.

Even worse, during my initial call to talk with landscape services, I was told they can’t talk to reporters without the reporters first talking  to the Univeristy Communications Office. What? Imagine having that job. I am not sure how much Kelly Bartling, the official spokeswoman for UNL, gets paid, but I’m sure it’s not enough if all she can get done is tell people at the university it’s OK to talk. As an aside, I’m sure I could find out how much she makes, but I would imagine just simply asking won’t do the trick.

This isn’t the first example. Three weeks ago, my reporting team and I set out to write some follow-up on the William Ayers controversy and whether the university will press charges. We knew we had to talk with Bartling first. We gave her a call, and she provided some very useful information. (Click here to see what we learned)

We then asked if we could talk with the UNL police chief about the issue. Bartling agreed and contacted him. After at least 10 calls and several messages from us to the chief, we heard nothing back. When we went to the police station, we were told that they would not allow us to talk with the chief nor schedule an appointment. Only the communications office can do that.

So again, we were back on the phone with Bartling. Again, she contacted the police office. After more calls and messages, we’ve still not heard anything.

So what does it take to get a question answered?

 

 

 

 

The preceding white space is my attempt, albeit a weak one, at some humorous irony.

iPod Idiots?

The student population is overrun with iPods, cell phones and many other gizmos and gadgets I can’t even name.

Just take a walk on the sidewalks after classes let out. Try to count the number of people who aren’t using some form of technology. I’ve done it 10 different times and only twice have I needed to use two hands to count those people who are not using an iPod or a cell phone.

Is it something we should be concerned about?

I guess that depends on your point of view. Personally, I think so. I find that I miss out on so many details of my surroundings when I use technology on the move.

Now I’m not saying that we should all spend our walk time “getting in touch with nature.” I just think that we have a beautiful campus, especially during the fall. And we miss so much of it being tuned into our electronic gadgets.

If listening to Bowling for Soup or Abba is what you need to get through the daily grind of school, then that’s your prerogative, and that’s absolutely fine. But when it’s turned up so loud or you sing along so that everyone has to listen, it become my prerogative, and quite frankly, I find it ridiculous.

I hope to continue exploring this iPod culture and what it means. Expect an update or two.