Our first Mercy Social of the year was this past Tuesday. At these events, all the Mercy Presidential Scholars get together, eat a meal, and socialize. At this particular one, we introduced ourselves and talked about the values associated with the Sisters of Mercy and what it means to be a student at Mount Aloysius College. It was a nice social, and I think that this is going to be a great year.

We also had a Relay for Life meeting on Tuesday, which was pretty productive. The real exciting day was tonight. I had to give a speech at the All College Liturgy. I was so nervous, but I think I did ok. Later that night, a couple of my fellow students and I had the opportunity to meet and eat with the Board of Trustees and the administrators of the college. I was seated at the table with Sister President and Mr. Joesph Sheetz. It was a nice dinner with a nice conversation. I am going to miss going to events like this when I graduate.

After dinner, I headed back to my room to take the Jeopardy College Student test. I don't think I did too well, but at least I tried...

well, I am going to get some more work done...

Later-

Posted by John Porter at 10:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hello All

Let me fill you in on what happened the rest of Family Weekend 07...

On Saturday, Justin and I woke up bright and early around 9:30 am. (We both didn't get to bed until after 3 am) Once we were both ready for the day, we headed to Cosgrave to start getting ready for the day's activities. After filling up a bunch of coolers and totes with drinks and ice, we packed up my car and headed down to Pierce Lawn. After a couple of trips back and forth, we set up the SAAC concession stand. We also were in charge of all of the inflatables, which all the students enjoyed. After the day was over, we cleaned up all of the equipment and headed to Cosgrave for dinner. After dinner, there was a musician named Paul Plays it All...and believe me, he plays it all.

After enjoying him for a few minutes, I had to head to work. I got a lot of work done. I also was attacked by a horde of students and my boss with some marshmallows. Overall, it was a great weekend...

-John

Posted by John Porter at 7:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Feel like gambling tens of thousands of dollars, but don't want to risk losing any money? Feel like being a kid again and jumping around in a "bounce around machine?" How about watching someone playing music while skating around a cafeteria? If this sounds like your thing, then you should have came down for the Mount Aloysius Family weekend. Although I worked my butt off and got little sleep this weekend, I still had a blast.

On Friday around 4 pm, my weekend full of fun and work started. Justin, Anthony, Laura, and I unloaded a huge truck filled with equipment. This equipment was for the Fantasy Casino. After setting up all of the curtains, lights, screens and other electrical equipment, we started setting up the tables for playing games. We had 2 poker tables, a roulette table, 4 blackjack tables and an oxygen bar. The night officially started at 9 pm and was it busy. Each person received $50,000 to gamble with and once they were finished with gambling, they could purchase raffle tickets with their winnings. The prizes for the night were various types of MAC apparel, TV/Radios, and gift certificates for Sheetz. I made a lot of "money", but didn't win any of the prizes. But at least I got to be dealer for awhile. After midnight, when the event was over, a bunch of students and I stayed to help pack up and load the truck. I didn't get to bed until 3 am...

I have to head to class, but I will fill y'all in with the rest later!

John

Posted by John Porter at 12:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Avasts, ahoys, and argghs to all!

I hope all of you are enjoying this festive holiday known around the world as Talk Like A Pirate Day. Last night, we celebrated a little early and hosted a Talk Like A Pirate Preparation Party. Captain Smith, known as Dr. Julie Smith to most other people, and 55 other salty dogs and I packed into the Ihmsen Lounge to get ready for the following holiday. Captain Smith entertained us with a brief history of piracy and a glimpse of the life of a pirate. After Captain Smith departed (we made her walk the plank,) Owen, Justin, and I continued to entertain by turning on the DVD player and watching the critically acclaimed Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. It was a really great night, but I think I had too much grog (soda) to drink, because I couldn't fall asleep when I really wanted to.

Friday night kicks off our Family Weekend Extravaganza. I will have to definitely share this event with you later.

Well, I think I will set sail until next time...

Posted by John Porter at 10:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I didn't think yesterday could have been any better, but was I wrong! After a great and productive day filled with classes, discussions, and a SGA meeting, the night proved to be just as awesome.

Laura, Justin, Sue, and I held our first informational meeting to discuss College's Against Cancer, and our next Relay for Life event. I am grateful for the number of people that turned out for our meeting, and I am excited to kick off the year with this great start. We talked about the various committees of Relay and started to discuss some of our ideas for this year. I know it's going to be a huge event.

Today, a couple of students and I participated in our first Food Focus Committee of the year. At this meeting we discuss a variety of ideas and suggestions and share them with our food services directors.

Next week is going to be a busy one too, with many programs and activities occurring throughout the week...maybe I should get some sleep to recuperate from this week and prepare for the next...

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

Posted by John Porter at 10:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last weekend was great, but now it is time to get back to work... Today was a very busy, but productive day. After learning some interesting infromation on early Judaism and Christianity in my Introduction to Theology class, I headed to Cosgrave to grab something to eat and to chat with some of my friends. While we were eating together, we talked about one of the many clubs that I am involved with, Children's Advocacy Association. CAA is a club that gives its members unique and valuable experience by working with children. We run various programs and activities throughout the year, as well as service projects in the community. Anyways, we basically discussed some plans for upcoming events.

After snacking and chatting, I headed to my Public Administration class. Today, we took a practical approach to learning by reading a case study regarding bad administration. Afterwards, we debated what the proper methods should have been...who would have thought that communication is an important tool in every job??? Now that's an interesting concept...

We also had our first Student Government meeting. I was surprised with the number of people that turned up for the event. I hope these numbers keep getting bigger. This meeting was to introduce ourselves, give a basic overview of SGA, and to start discussing ideas for this year. Overall, it was a very successful meeting.

Later tonight, I have a Relay meeting. I hope there are a lot of people there too.

Later.

Posted by John Porter at 5:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last night was amazing! The game show, We Can Make You Laugh, sponsored by the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, was held last night. It was entertaining, enjoyable, and down right funny. There were three comedians and each had a unique style. One liked to sing songs, like Freshmen Year (describing the typical freshmen experience). Another, who was a contestant on NBC's Last Comic Standing, liked to make corny jokes. The last comedian, had many costumes, with unique personalities.

After their stand up routines, it was time to play the game. Each contestant had to endure two minutes of jokes. If they could last the entire time without laughing or smiling, then they would win $25. A couple of people lost, and a couple of people laughed. Sue, my friend Kaitlyn, and I were the three judges...Overall, the night was a blast!

My favorite joke, that no one seemed to understand but me (perhaps because I am a history major...), was My grandmother, who just turned 90, was thrown a huge party. They wanted to hire a presidential impersonator, but all they could get was Grover Cleveland, and he could only come for two non-consecutive hours...I know...Isn't it funny?

If you don't understand, let me try to explain it for you. Grover Cleveland was our 22nd and our 24th President. He ran for President three times, winning once, losing once, and then winning again. He was the only President to achieve this honor. Is it funnier now?...(Probably not) :)

Posted by John Porter at 12:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

How can you make a nice, hot, and humid day anymore hotter? How about dressing up in 16th century style clothes and dancing around in a circle for an hour in the sun? Seem a little weird? Well, that is how I spent my Friday afternoon...but first let me update you on this past week.

This week was pretty enjoyable. Wednesday evening was spent using fire extinguishers to put out fires at our Fire Prevention Program. It was organized by Justin, Owen, Security, and I. We passed out flyers with important fire safety tips and procedures. Participants then got the chance to put out a real fire with a real extinguisher. The best part of the night was when Sister BJ came over and participated with us. Just remember to PASS...Pull the pin, Aim the hose, Squeeze the trigger, and Sweep from side to side...

On Friday, I was invited to participate in the 2007 Madrigal commercial. A couple of students, wenches (Madrigal servers), and I put on some 15th century garb, learned how to do the Wench Toss (a fun and easy dance), and made film history...or maybe just a 30 second commercial. I am sure the finished product will be great. Although it was unbearably hot, I still had a lot of fun. I am also sure that the people walking to class, and my great friends who happened to have a camera, had a great time watching us too.

Well, I am going to get some homework done...maybe you'll see me on TV soon.

Ciao

Posted by John Porter at 6:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Labor Day weekend was pretty exciting, yet relaxing!

Friday night, Justin and I watched Kingdom of Heaven, a historical drama depicting the Second Crusades. It was a pretty good movie, as a history buff (and since my major is History and Political Science), I would have to say that the movie was pretty accurate in its portrayal. After my final rounds, I headed to bed.

Saturday - We headed to the soccer field and watched the Mountie Girls and Guys play soccer. Both teams really impressed me; I think that this is going to be a good year. Later on in the evening, I watched some TV and did some homework. Again, after my final rounds, I headed to bed.

Sunday, I worked for five hours down in the Student Union. I got some more homework done and played some Madden on my Wii. Justin and I also watched some TV and made some of our NFL predictions...He thinks that the San Francisco 49rs going to make the playoffs. I just hope the Steelers have a better season this year.

Today, I headed into Altoona with some family members. We headed to the new shopping complex off 17th street. I got some school supplies at Staples, we also went to Gabriels, AC Moore, and Wal-Mart. After spending some money on supplies and clothes, we headed back to the college. Tonight, I am on duty once again...maybe I'll draw something or watch another movie...

Later

Posted by John Porter at 3:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)