A Week In Review

Their motto was "Sleep Less. Think More" at the Institute of Humane Studies. Initially I was opposed to this credo as it goes against most of my core values, namely "Sleep More. Think Less." According to my crude arithmetic skills, I spent 44 hours in discussion groups with nearly 70 attendees and nine lecturers during the 7-day seminar, but each waking moment fostered lifelong friendships and memories.
The amount of sleep lost--I think I averaged 4-5 hours of sleep a night--is inconsequential when compared to new pals and intellectual stimulation.

Here are a few of the many things I learned:

• No one can ever truly be well-read. There are too many great books. But I will certainly try.
• If you stick 70 people on a college campus with a supply of alcohol crazy things will happen.
  
• To differentiate yourself: Know something big. Do something big (Kevin Williamson, Deputy Managing Editor National Review).
• The Simpson's can explain everything from philosophy to economics.
• Ask questions of everyone. Be inquisitive.
• Be Great at one skill. Good at two. OK at 2-3 (Chris Harper, Professor and former international correspondent).
  
• Be edgy.
• Grand Funk Railroad was not a funk group from the '70s.
• Journalists work for their readers.
• People with good handwriting always end up being the writer in groups.
• All great businesses get started in bars or garages.
• The handicap shower stall is far superior to the regular one.
• Don't wait for opportunities, create opportunities.

I would highly recommend those around college age participate in seminars like this one from IHS. In addition to the social benefits, you are exposed to different ways of thinking and alternate ways to view the world. I wish my college experience had been like this seminar. All of the lecturers were interested in getting to know the participants and helping in whatever way they could, whether that be explaining a topic or discussing what music they rock out to.

Got to Circulate to Percolate

Is it brotherly to charge $10 for a $7 train ride? Aside from the suspicion of being duped on the public transit fare, yesterday began my voyage to Philadelphia and journalistic enlightenment.

The flight went smoothly and was a series of firsts. It was the first flight with on-board entertainment. A group that will be appearing on Conan's show Wednesday night was also flying from Chicago to Philadelphia. The front-woman for the group sang "At Last" acapella, including a shout-out to the captain toward the end of the song ("For you, Captain, are mine at last."). The other first also featured the pilot of our air bus, which coincidentally was an AirBus. June 6 happened to be his son Drew's birthday. So, before we took off he called his son and everyone on the plane sang "Happy Birthday."

I ended up making it to Bryn Mawr without much difficulty aside from the sweltering heat. Temperatures were in the 90's with high dew points; a bad combination. I did keep track of weight loss due to sweat. Current total: 6.7 lbs.

The seminar thus far has been a great experience. The open discussion format makes me wish that my college experience had been different. The lecturers/professors are open to discussion and sharing their expertise. The lecture last night by Chris Harper pertained to being an international correspondent. Harper has worked for the AP, Newsweek, ABC News and traveled the world, sometimes taking his family along, covering news.
He provided tips on getting started in international reporting along with stories from his career.

Below are some of the quotes:

"Look where the crowd isn't."
"Got to circulate to percolate."
"The first casualty of war is truth."
"Give war a chance."

Harper shared a story about time spent in Russia and the mandatory drinking the established rapport with his future sources. It seems an unwritten skill set that journalists should have is a high tolerance and functioning liver.

Initial Hotel/Dorm Report: The bed is reminiscent of concrete. The air conditioning is more like a fan. The toilet paper is single-ply. Room size is generous and has a scenic view. No mint on my pillow.

Also, Uzbekistan is the new Siberia when someone references being dumped in the middle of nowhere. More lectures today. Off to breakfast.