Friday, March 26, 2010

Possible laptop program in CreComm?

Today in EP class, we were directed by Tracy to fill out a college survey for Creative Communications to address the possibility of a laptop program for CreComm students.

It sounds like a great idea at first. A brand spankin' new Apple Macbook Pro, including ALL the crazy software we use everyday- InDesign, Photoshop and Final Cut Pro. However, I think some of the conditions and the price is questionable. To finance the laptop during the school year is about $2800, plus $691 if you want to bring it home over the summer. To buy it out and actually own it, is another $1000. I say it's cheaper to buy a laptop elsewhere and add the software yourself. However, for those who want to finance I guess it's a good idea.

When I first heard the idea I was excited, but of course the program won't be implemented until after we graduate. I'm currently using an outdated Acer Travelmate. It's so horrible. I bought the cheapest thing I could find at Futureshop 4 years ago and now I'm paying the price. It's battery power is non-existent, if I don't have my computer plugged in at all times, it will shut off within about 1o to 15 minutes of use. It also overheats and will shut off randomly, which is beyond inconvenient. I also have to deal with how slow it actually is, and how many viruses I'm sure I've accumulated over the years. It's lucky I haven't dropped it or lost it thus far. I guess it takes after me in that it's still surviving after everything it's been through.

Either way, it's high time to retire the old faithful and upgrade to an amazing Macbook! I really want the same one that Carrie uses in the Sex and the City movie- a 17 inch Macbook Pro. It's a bit pricey, so I think I'd settle for a 13 or 15 inch. I just love the style of a Mac, the feel of it, and how it has yet to have any major problems associated with it. It really is the industry standard and I need to "get with the times" if you will.

I'm also a huge fan of the new apple mouse, it's COOL!

Peace out!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Script Frenzy

This month, we have a script writing assignment for Creative Writing. With only 7-10 pages needed, I figured this assignment would be a good starting off point for Script Frenzy, which is a script writing competition that starts April 1st. Only 14 days to go!

Script Frenzy is open to anyone and the goal is to write 100 pages of script in 30 days. It seems daunting, but with 10 pages that have to be written by the end of March, I figure, why not go for another 90 in a month? It doesn't have to be a masterpiece, but the idea of actually finishing 100 pages would be a major accomplishment in itself, at least for me.

Despite all the craziness of CreComm at the moment, I feel that doing some writng will be so beneficial. I've always loved screenwriting, having taken two classes for TV and film at the U of W, and I think now is the time to get motivated and produce something for the competition. I know I have friends who are also doing the Frenzy and I hope to join them in writing groups where we can share ideas and dedicate time to write.

The idea for my script is a comedy, possibly a romcom type story that will be lightly based on real events.

Check out Script Frenzy's awesome website for more information.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

IPP's 2010

After watching two full days of IPP presentations, I have felt so inspired, yet so completely intimidated. I can't believe all of us first years will be in exactly the same position as the amazing people who have presented so far.

Everyone was so great at presenting, and everyone had great IPP's (or 'PP's' or 'IP's') that truly expressed the talents of this year's CreComm grads. I feel like if I wanted to write a novel or host an awesome event, or start a band, I could do it! And I hope to next year, and maybe it will be half as successful as all of the IPP's I've learned about.

I won't get into what my proposal consists of yet, but I will say that it's a fundraising event that supports two great causes. Right now, I'm focusing on finishing this month of school with the least amount of stress as possible... we'll see how that goes.

The IPP presentations really say a lot about what this amazing program aims to achieve within its graduates. Every single presenter that we've seen (and I'm sure the rest tomorrow) have shown us exacly what they are capable of, and what they are bringing to industry. We should feel proud to follow in their footsteps. I can't wait to see what we come up with for  the IPP's 2011!

Saturday, March 6, 2010

A good place to stop: Beausejour, MB

On Friday, 75 awesome CreComms went on a Manitoba adventure for our travel assignment. My group which consisted of me, Adam and Nicki D, chose the cozy town of Beausejour. I have to say, we picked a nice little hidden gem of a place.

Maybe I liked it so much because the small town vibe and the people reminded me of home- Portage la Prairie, or maybe it was the warm and friendly welcome we received from everyone we met, Beausejour really is a 'good place to stop'.

This weekend is major for the 2,000 populated spot in the R.M of Brokenhead. The 48th Annual Canadian Power Toboggan Championships (CPTC) started this morning and go on until tomorrow. The raceplex is huge, and the racers are even more intense--it's amazing how far some people will travel to compete every year! It's great that Beausejour gets exposure this time of year.

Also this weekend, the local snowmobile club the Brokenhead Trailblazers are hosting their 40th anniversary banquet at a rec complex in town. This is what I focused my story on-- and the fact that residents get to snowmobile through town is so cool!

The highlight of our trip was obviously the raceplex and getting to see the racers practice laps around the oval ice track. Power toboggans are not your average snowmobile. They have a different set up so the driver can get low to the ground for turns and speed...I'm not too sure on the exact details, but the rush of hearing the loud engines start up is enough for anyone to head out to Beausejour for a weekend! 

Meeting the deputy mayor and one of the city councillors was also really nice. They seemed really familiar, and were really welcoming, and glad to see that we had an interest in their town. It was nice to see the sense of pride they had while pointing out the many events that Beausejour hosts during the year including the CPTC, a summer rodeo, a music festival hosted near town, and two large-scale craft sales to name a few.

Kassidy's restaurant was also another highlight. The food was tasty and priced accordingly, while the waitresses were really chatty and helpful, knowing that we were out of towners. The set up in the restaurant gave it a diner feel where it had an old refurbished 1952 Rockola juke box, that stood below giant black and white photos of Marilyn, Brando and James Dean. The fake roses adorning an adjacent fireplace were a bit tacky, but expected.

If someone was looking to settle in a small town, Beausejour would be a great place. It's close to Winnipeg and other areas, and has that unique feeling like you belong there, no matter if you just arrived to interview people for a college assignment.

***just a note, this is not my travel story, it's just a little review of my own I thought I would blog about!