A melancholy sort of day

I am pounding out my last two final papers of my university career (minus my Thesis paper for Lewis and Tolkien), and editing my final Crown editorial.

It's been quite the ride, and its quite the melancholy day.

And I don't know if I ever plan on walking these halls again.

Word of the Day: Sanguine

Quote of the Day: "Been reading a great book about Alexander the Great's younger brother, Carl the Mediocre.." Tim Hawkins' Tweet

Null.

February has flown by. I feel bad for not posting.

The last few weeks have simply been homework filled, including getting out the February issue of The Crown. Last week, applications went out for Editor-in-Chief. Since I will be leaving at the end of the year, someone needs to take my place. It's hard to give up something that you've poured your heart and soul into for 3 years, but I know that God will bring someone in to continue what The Crown has managed to accomplish in the last several years.

It's bittersweet really.

I've also been reading my brain out. I've nearly finished some Michael Ondaatje, which I began reading yesterday evening (I have about 60 pages left), and I need to get my game on, and finish some LOTR today.

Reading break was needed.

Word of the Day: Lego

Quote of the Day: "Recomputing.." Tim Hawkins on GPS for Marriage

Bird Watching: Tweet Tweet

Last night, somehow, I decided that joining Twitter was worth my time.

Interested?

@BrittanyKnapper

You can also follow The Crown @Crown_RUC

Feeling a bit like a bird.
Which, really, is a great analogy for social networking.

Also, I want this.

Word of the Day: Chaos

Quote(s) of the Day: Faber on Paradise Lost: "They play music to distract themselves from the Lake of Fire." Aaron: "Yeah, except they'd be playing Lady Gaga all day."

Oh, September

Semester starts full-speed ahead.

This week we publish our first issue of The Crown, which is kind of exciting. It's also a little scary. This is my first issue as Editor-in-Chief and I hope it is a good issue. The Crown has gained so much momentum in the three years I've worked for it. It's exciting to see just how much it has grown, and changed and developed. It's humbling to be a part of under 30 people who have been The Crown's EIC since it began in 1983.

Although that entire paragraph had multiple grammatical errors, I don't really mind. This blog isn't meant to adequately reflect my intellect.

Anyways, on to homework.

Word of the Day: Phenomenological

Quote of the Day: "Put on Hansen! See what that does to him!" - Amanda

Interviews

My apologies for a very quiet couple of weeks on the blog-front. It has been pushed back on my priority list to the point of complete neglect. Sorry, readers. I'll try to do better.

I made some difficult decisions this weekend involving the future of The Crown (Oh, I am now officially the 2011/12 Editor in Chief - hurrah -). I've been interviewing students for various positions, and tonight I made some decision regarding staffing. Let's pray they were the right ones.

I hope all is well with you, readers. I'll try and keep up on your blogs too.

Word of the Day: Amalgamate

Quote of the Day: "That blasted comma splice!" Peter

Montreal to Remember

I realize I promised to post while I was on the train. My apologies (though, I don't think anyone was eagerly waiting, really). The last few days have been incredibly busy, and incredibly informative.

I have learned a few things about the Canadian University Press that were slightly overwhelming. I mean, The Crown is a fairly small paper, we publish less issues, and less copies of said issues than any other paper in the CUP. We represent one of goodness knows how many Canadian University papers/magazines that are a part of the organization. I couldn't believe just how big CUP was and how much they actually do to promote University Press.

I've had the privilege to sit and listen to some of the most interesting speakers on everything from defamation and the media, to undercover journalism, to the most effective way in which to use web advertisements. I have to admit, I was surprised by some of the other papers. I've been able to pick some of them up, and browse about their pages, to really get an idea of what Student Journalism looks like. My goal next year is very much going to involve re-designing the Crown and cleaning up the writing. I hope to have the website improved to support ads, and perhaps qualify for CUP awards next year.

I'm impressed by how much I learned. I'm impressed by the culture shock I experienced. I think I have forgotten what it is like to be a part of a secular institution. In many ways, I believe that I take my life here at Redeemer for granted. For instance, in our welcome packages, we received condoms. I can't say that was something I expected. For me, it is unnecessary. It is also a rather potent reminder that not everyone shares the values I have been brought up to hold, not to mention respect in regards to Redeemer's policy.

Who knows, I may write an article about it.

Word of the Day: Pretentious

Quote of the Day: "There is greasy lubricant on my table." A ten year old kid to his mother on the train between Montreal and Toronto

Off to Montreal!

Tomorrow morning I leave for Montreal. I have the privilege of representing The Crown and Redeemer at the Canadian University Press Conference. Needless to say, I am both excited and nervous.


Excited because:
- I have the opportunity to meet and connect with hundreds of other students involved in journalism.
- I get to be a witness of a Christian journalist, and Christian paper at a conference where the vast majority of the papers are secular and sometimes questionable in some of their printed material.
- I get to listen to some of the most prominent names in journalism speak during sessions of the week!
- I get to have a tour of Montreal by my cousin Ryan (whom I see, once a year, at Knapper Christmas)


Nervous because:
- It's snowing really hard, we are taking the train in the morning, and I'm a little nervous for travel.
- Suddenly, I am a little fish in a big pond. The Crown gives me a little bit of authority in the Redeemer world, but also responsibility. I'm nervous that I will be completely overwhelmed and not be able to adapt to the 'big pond', or have any idea as to what other papers are talking about
- Voting at Plenary is a little scary. I have the Crown's vote at CUP/NASH, involving things that don't actually affect our tiny little paper all that much, but may have a huge impact in the grand scheme of things!


On a completely different note, I would like to give you a glimpse into a conversation that occurred between myself and Meredeth (and also Joel Sjaarda, who was there at the time, but is more of a bystander, rather than an actual participant). It goes something like this:


BK: I strongly dislike you right now!
Mer: No, Brittany. You simply dislike the fact that you cannot access the extensive vocabulary which you are expected to have, given you are an English Major, which is causing you to lack any sort of legitimate response to my teasing you.


Oiy!


I'll post photos later this week. And I'm hoping to sneak a post in tomorrow while I am on the train. VIArail has become quite considerate, offering free WiFi on their trains!


Word of the Day: Incredulity


Quote of the Day: "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God." Philipians 1: 9-11

The Canadian University Press

Here is some exciting news!

In the new year I have the priviledge of attending the Canadian University Press conference (affectionately known as NASH) in Montreal, Quebec. I get to go to some fun seminars, stay at the Hyatt Regency hotel, meet a whole bunch of journalists from all across Canada, and have an amazing time... Oh, and did I mention that the CUP (Canadian University Press) is paying for me to come, be there, and go home again?

Yep.

Word of the Day: virescent

Quote of the Day: "Art lives upon discussion." Henry James, American novelist, 1884.

It's Out!

There are a few exciting things happening in my life. God is Good.

1) The Crown has published its second issue. It can be found here.

2) By God's Grace, I have been working on organizing a trip to Juarez, Mexico. For those of you who have followed by blog for a while, you may know that I love the city of Juarez. My experiences there, in a large part, have shaped me into who I have become. Last April, God put it on my heart to get a Redeemer team to go down and serve the people of Juarez. I would like to keep you, the readers, updated on how things progress. I ask for one thing: prayer. Please pray that God blesses the preparations and planning of the trip. Please also pray that God leads the right group of people to take part in this trip. If you have any questions, leave me a comment.

God Bless.

Word of the Day: intrinsic

Quote of the Day: "Good, now that everyone's here, I can take off my pants." -Amanda Fraleigh

Public Service Announcements

Introducing something new.

Or, someone new.

Someones new?

I think. Can someone be made plural?

Hmm,

Anyways.

Two of the girls in my dorm have started a blog! I feel compelled to announce them over my own blog, and so, I send you their way! Take a glance, stay awhile. They are friendly people, I guarantee it! (They also smell pretty good, but that really isn't relevant to their writing, thoughts, and posts.)

Introducing Meredeth!

and

Introducing Emily!

In other news,

The first Crown Issue of the season has made it to stands! I encourage passers-by to click on over to The Crown's website for a look into what made headlines this month. The Crown has had a change over of staff; a new EIC, Managing Editor, Digital Editor and Copy Editor. It is an exciting year. Volume 28 has sit 'news-stands' now!

I also picked up a cold. I haven't been sick all summer, but now, the first day of Autumn, and low and behold - Headcold!

Erica has made it safely to France; she got her Student Visa the day she was supposed to leave. So, she has made it safe and sound. Her musings can be found here.

I will post photographs later. There are many of those to come!

Word of the Day: Advil

Quote of the Day: "Every time I turn around, I'm afraid someone is going to throw a spitball at me." Dr. Bertone

Final Stretch

3 essays.

2 weeks.

1 more Crown issue.

and then exams.

It is the home stretch.

Word of the Day: evict

Quote of the Day: "Kristi said you had really soft skin. Can I feel it?" Devon Forbes (who then proceeded to run his hand up my arm, turning to Ezra saying, "seriously, she does. Feel her skin."

A little bit of controversy.

Stephen Lewis was at Redeemer. If you know anything about who he is, or what he stands for, you can understand where the controversy comes from. So if you are interested to know what has made headline news, please feel free to check out all the links.

As someone on the editing staff of the Crown, I would like to remind readers that this viewpoint is not that of the Crown, or any of its staff. Controversy needs to be printed sometimes. If you are angry at the article, I am too. But consider why you are angry.

I encourage you to read them all. Read the comments that go with them.

The basic information on the night with Stephen Lewis can be found here.

The article that has recieved much response can be found here.

Another viewpoint, perhaps more relevant, is by Jan Korevaar, found here.

Now, consider Stephen Lewis as a world figure. His website, www.stephenlewisfoundation.org offers more information on who he is. He is an advocator of Pro-Choice. He is also a significant figure in the fight for world justice, AIDS in Africa, and an advocate of human rights.

Now, consider the articles. As Christians, in response to all of those articles, perhaps casting stones, as Christ condemns, isn't the way to go about things. After all, haven't we all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God? Is our anger justified? Is Redeemer really to be scolded for asking a man of such world influence into its school to speak at the Social Justice conference?

Now that is a little bit of controversy.

Word of the Day: Dream

Quote of the Day: "Hey Chad, have you seen Haas's shirt? It's almost as loud as you are!"

Crown Office Edits

I'm quite pleased with the re-arranging of the Crown office. It went from cluttered to, well, less cluttered. In fact, I do enjoy being able to walk from one end of the office to the other without tripping over an old computer, a table, Jordan's newest (or oldest) lesson plan. I have my own corner, chalkboard space, and an entire table...with drawers, paperclips, stickynotes, and eventually a mug with writing utensils. For really, where else would things like pens and pencils go?

And, I am jamming out to the Backstreet Boys. Tim, our Digital Editor is rolling his eyes at me.

Word of the Day: precisely

Quote of the Day: "Canadian literature seems to be so dark!"

Stumble

Just Copy and Paste the links. I don't know why they aren't working.

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1GeltG/pascalcampion.com/door.swf

Now, that is one of the most entertaining websites I have ever come across. Click it and see for yourself. Watch the entire thing, and there is no sound, so don't worry about it scaring everyone.

This one is just funny.

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/77Mxqg/wildammo.com/2009/08/09/what-stormtroopers-do-on-their-day-off/

And, can you believe it? It is nearly Christmas! It isn't quite time to think about Christmas though. I have had exams, and the last issue of the Crown for the 2009 year (which is also the last issue of the decade. Pretty stellar). Plus, putting in a lot of time consuming work in for the Crown in general. We are sending out the issue to the Alumni in the Hamilton area in the hopes that some will subscribe. So, if you are interested, here's the plug. You have until Friday to make up your mind. Leave me a comment and I will get in contact with you, you know, all 10 readers I have. : )

So yes, tedious work. The company didn't fold the papers for us this time, so I spent two hours this afternoon, with the EIC's wife and our Digital Editor, folding all the papers. Then, we had to distribute them in the mailboxes. Then, we had to fill envelopes with the letter to the Alumni, explaining what's going on, a subscription form (just in case), and the Crown issue. 776 envelopes and 4 hours later, Tim, Danielle and I were finished. The EIC had to sign all the letters, which is a pretty ridiculous job.

Oh yeah! And I write exams! I have one left, but it is in the last time slot of the last day. Most unfortunate. Then, it will be Christmas. Preparing for Christ is exciting, but so is the fulfillment of the promise.

"Oh come, o come Immanuel. And ransom captive Israel."

Word of the Day: Facetious

Quote of the Day: "Next year, we'll put a sign on the bedroom door that says BK Lounge! " Amanda Fraliegh

Nearing the end.

Lounge chairs in the Crown Office provide an excellent place to nap.

I am taking time out of essays to jot down a few thoughts:

Christmas is coming. Wonderful. But it snowed in Juarez this week. And I will complain about this again, because Hamilton is the tropics. It doesn't snow. I wish it would, because someone has built reinforcements for a potential ice rink on the soccer field out behind AUG Hall. It just..appeared. I would like to be able to skate. I would like to be able to walk down the cute little streets in Meadowlands where garlands hang from the street lights, where cars don't dare go. I want to look up and feel the snowflakes on my face. I wonder if I have taken snow and painted it into a vision that doesn't come often enough. Perhaps that is what makes it so special. God's gift spread lightly over the earth.

I drink Spiced Chai from my travel mug tonight. The blue mug that Joel brought up to me at Redeemer last March has been getting just enough wear and tear that the butterfly stickers I stuck on the exterior are starting to wear off from being washed. Sidenote: 32 cups of tea is a lethal amount of Caffiene.

And finally,

Christmas is coming.

One essay left, out of the 13 I have had to write this semester. I cannot believe that there is nearly nothing left of the year. 2009 has been good.

Word of the Day: Brazil

Quote of the Day: "Oh! Time is doing that thing I hoped it wouldn't."

Persuasion. Conversation.

I have some photos to put up here.

And not much to say, except that I tallied. I have like 12 essays to write this semester. I'm NOT thrilled.

And I get to take a sweet graphic design course because the Crown is paying for it. Tuesday night, we cutted apart magazines and made a collage based on colour schemes and layouts. I really enjoyed this.

Monday was a trip to Michaels for a fun paper and stamp sale with Lorie. Lots of stuff. More cards. Happiness.

On Jane Austen: for some reason she cannot just refer to daily conversation as daily conversation, no, it has to be referred to as 'daily intercourse'. This happens multiple times over the course of a five page chapter, and results in my childish giggling. Yep, Mom, you should be proud.

Word of the Day: persuade

Quote of the Day: "Do you swoon over Devon?" Jordan Holmes

Midnight Crown

For the first time in a week, I have had time to sit down and blog. Needless to say it has been a very busy week.

I don't think I knew what I was doing when I signed up to be an H.A. and the layout editor for the Crown (not to mention English Honours major; religion, history minors). I have been busy. The last two days I have been operating on about 7 hours of sleep total. Wednesday night I was in the Crown office with some of the other staff working on the layout. Sounds harmless, right? Not when the layout is not completed until 5:30 am, I have class in the morning, and I get about 2 hours of sleep. I have never been so thankful for coffee.

The problem with being in the Crown office all night is that there is no homework or reading being done. So I was scrambling all day Thursday to keep my head above the ocean of books and essays I have already found myself in. Somewhere in all that, I have to find time to be a decent House Advisor. I'm feeling terrible, because I haven't been around very much. I hope my dormmates don't think I am a bad H.A. because this week has been absolutely nuts.

So, the Crown is getting a new computer (who knew Adobe InDesign wouldn't work properly with Windows' 98..), perhaps an iMac. I am behind in my reading (it's week two..) and sleep has become a luxury I don't get.

On another note, for those of you who are as addicted to Facebook as I am, I thought you might enjoy this.

Word of the Day: Fork

Quote of the Day: 'They can go out in the field and fork each other!' Greg Beenen

Contentedness

I have a good feeling about this year's dorm.

Perhaps, its just that I'm loving life, and loving being back.

I got chopsticks today. My dear friend, Dan, returned from a summer excursion to Hong Kong and brought back the cutest little authentic chop sticks for me. I don't know how to eat with chop sticks though. It doesn't matter, because they are just fantastically cool.

The Crown has big things coming to it. Most of the afternoon was spent arguing with a computer that couldn't talk back except for freezing a little bit, and then sputtering. But eventually, I found a layout I was pleased with. I hope the rest of the staff like. My goal is to make it Redeemer-esque. Easier said than done, when you don't include the good ole 'modesty debate' in an issue. For the first time in 10 years, we will not print this topic. It's about time.

Word of the Day: Romantical

Quote of the Day: "Corey, you give great hugs!"

Big Brother?

This is the poster I purchased today for my dorm. I love it, because it is right on the wall by the entrance, so as soon as you walk in, these guys are looking at you. Pretty much the extent of making my dorm feel like a home.

I plan to finish my chore chart tomorrow, and bake cookies, and sleep in (even though it is Sunday and I should go to church).

RA/HA training has been amazing. So much information crammed into so few days. But definitely worth it. I hope and pray that I won't need to use the information from the training, especially not the First Aid or CPR. Common misconception about First Aid and CPR...in Canada, one is not legally bound to give either of these to a fellow human being. But, it is a really good thing to know, and I don't think that anyone who knows CPR or First Aid would back away from saving a person's life.

Tomorrow the chaos starts. Girls moving in, cleaning up the dorm, making sure I'm organized and have a proper layout for this year's Crown. It's going to be an exciting year. Lots to do, lots to see, lots to experience.

Word of the Day: legitimately

Quote of the Day: "Not getting a cell phone was the best decision I ever made. Now I have one, and I regret it." Paul L'Equier

Thoughts on Getting Keys

It's been a long couple of days. Here I sit, in the Crown office, wondering how I am ever going to figure out the depths of Adobe InDesign, which has to be about the most confusing program ever imaginable.

Let me tell you the story of how I came to be sitting in this office.

Once upon a time, there was a school named Redeemer University College and it needed a new layout editor for the school year. I applied, I got in, I thought to myself 'Yay!'
When I returned to the school in the fall to take on my wonderful job, I found that I needed a key. I thought to myself, well, if one needs keys, they go to the security office and that is exactly what I did. The security office informed me that I must go to the main office and pick the key up there, but, not to go anymore that day, as it was only open until 4:30. So, I went the following day to the main office, and the main office told me they didn't deal with the keys and to go back to security. This appeared to be a problem. I thought for a moment, and spoke to the Senate president who suggested I speak to Dean Schat. 'Great Idea!' I said, and proceeded to find Dean Schat. Dean Schat was not at the school. The following day (count it, third day back at Redeemer), I went to talk to Dean Schat, and he informed me I needed to get a form from the Main office which he would sign and I would get my key. This was incredibly irritating. Back I trode to the main office, demanded a form, recieved the form, and then went back to Dean Schat. Thankfully, he signed the form, and the main office (who. misleadingly had the keys the whole time) gave me my key to the Crown office.

Now I sit here, pondering layouts. I can't decide really how I want things to look, and I have various spreads and archived papers all around me. I think that I am going to go back to my Macintosh and set up a nice layout there.

Until then, I shall just be grateful that I have the keys which I desire and need.

On another note, Marineland commercial count ended two days ago. The final count was 99.

To replace the Marineland commercial count, I have decided I am going to own one of my fellow campus 'advisors' at Uno. The score shall be tallied.

Word of the Day: Irritating, Legit

Quote of the Day: (while playing Uno) Peter: I am going to screw you royally! Me: That's what she said!