As the night sky grows even darker and the moon becomes the world’s night-light, the cold air bites at the uncovered skin of my body and I feel a little less welcome here.
I’ve grown a strong dislike – okay, hate – for UMass Dartmouth over the past year; yet, for a few reasons, I hang on and keep moving forward. One of those select reasons is, in all honesty, the Torch.
The Torch is part of my family at this decrepit place – and definitely the immediate side – and I fear of losing that family. We argue, we challenge each other, we work together and live together. We confide in one another, we collaborate and we deviate. All in all, we are a team and a family is, ultimately, a team.
Aside from my love for journalism and writing, I have grown to love the Torch for the atmosophere, regardless of how stressful it gets at (most) times. I put on this face of irritation more often than not – and usually I am irritated – but I also laugh and smile a lot of the time. Ask Jeff, Jon and Ben – anyone who has has office hours with me. They’ll tell you I complain 95% of the time, but they’ll also tell you that we have had some great talks in that little office, filled with laughter and wit.
I truly love being a part of the Torch, but what I love more than that is my academic life. I am here, first and foremost, for my education – my courses. And, this semester, my courses are getting in the way of my presence at Torch meetings and whatnot. I would like to say that I can fix this – that I can change my schedule and make it flow around Torch time; however, I simply cannot. I have been given class opportunities this semester that I cannot give up. And so it goes, my Torch life is suffering.
I will do my best to fight for my position and make it work – but I cannot guarantee that. If it happens that I have to leave the Torch, I want to personally thank every one of the staff and every reader, every and anyone who has supported this paper. It was, after all, the first extracurricular activity I became involved with in my college life.
So now, as the moon stares back at me, and the stars twinkle with hope, I rest my head with thoughts of how much I appreciate my Torch opportunities. And, of course, my Torch family.
Mia famiglia -
From the deepest – I love you!

Shara Marie .:.

So I got back late last night and this is the first chance I have had to tell you guys the story of my adventure down to Washington DC for the Inauguration.
Monday morning I got up, packed my stuff and Left the house at Noon. After a stop for gas and a Dunkin Donuts breafast sandwhich (not the best idea if you have dry sockets but i was hungry so its all good) we were on our way (we being me and my friend Ryan). Things went smoothly till we hit New York (damn you Yankees fans!) where traffic and snow flurries ended up delaying us by about an hour. Once we hit New Jersey I took over driving and the snow decided it would come down heavy. It slowed the traffic on the highway to stop and go for about an hour and then it progressed at 40MPH almost the entire rest of the way, needless to say this took up even more time that we had not counted on. Once we passed into Delaware it was smooth sailing but we were a good 2 1/2 hours behind schedule. After calling and making new arrangements with the man who was giving us the tickets to the inauguration we finally arrived in DC and got the tickets. They looked official and the price was right so we went with it. The next stop was to meet the guy that we were staying with. After saying a few quick prayers that he wasnt a secret relative of Hannibal Lecter we arrived at the apartment. It wasnt big by any standards but it was in a safe location, was warm, and the guy seemed nice (he bought us pizza the first night ), so we were happy. We got to bed early and planned to get up at 5-6 to shower and get on the metro. I ended up waking up at 3:30AM and being far to excited to get back to sleep. So I laid there imagining what it would be like to witness this great moment and what it must feel like to be Obama when he meets the crowd that would be there just for him (also thinking if he was doing the same thing I was, making me feel very presidential myself). Once everyone else was up we took turns showering and getting dressed in so many layers you would think we were going to explore Antarctica not stand outside in 35 degree weather for a few hours. We hopped on a “metro” line and took it into the Capital. When we got off the subway we could truly see what an event this was going to be. The line to exit the subway was packed. They had guards that organized a line to the far end of the metro station that looped its way back to the escalators. His line took 15min (it seems long at the time but trust me, by the end of the day we would be thrilled to only see this many people). After exiting the subway we made our way through a massive crowd of people and were eventually pushed into the correct area (i say pushed because with the masses of people there was no way to move on your own). After making out way through surprisingly shabby security inspections and a few more massive waves of people we made our way to our positions. After that, we stood, in the same spot, for 3.5 hours, till it began.
Once the festivities began it was a blast. The music prior to it was pretty lame admittedly but still better than nothing. I wasn’t fond of the “boo’s” that rang out from the crowd when Bush was announced or the singing of “na na na na hey hey hey goodbye” that lasted for quite a while. the crowd erupted when Joe Biden was announced and finally the excitement started to reach its breaking point. Then, as if it was Santa revealing himself to a 5 year old kid, Barack Obama was introduced. The cheers and screams were so loud I seriously wondered if Id ever hear another sound again. When he took the mic to give his speech a silence fell over the crowd that i thought would have been impossible in a mass of humanity that big. As he spoke his words moved everyone listening. Many people had tears streaming down their face and even more were staring as if they were witnessing the 2nd coming of Jesus. After the ceremony we tried to make our way to the exit, which was remarkably hard to find and ridiculously far away (nothing feels better after 5 1/2 hours of standing then a nice 3mile hike). The rest of the night ended rather uneventfully with us not being able to find an entrance to the parade so we went home and then went out to dinner.
The next day we got put late and went to the White House at about Noon. We had heard on the news that they were having an open house that was open to the public so we planned on checking that out. Unfortunately our need for sleep made us miss that so we will need to wait for next time to see the White House. From there we checked out the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court. After both of those we went on a private tour of the Capital Building (the guy we stayed with worked there and took us around, good time). This was once of the coolest things, especially for a history buff like myself. The best part of the trip besides for witnessing history as Obama was sworn in came during this visit to the Capital Building. We got to go out onto the balcony where all the dignitaries were sitting during the Inauguration. We went out through the red draped door that Obama entered from and even got to have our pictures taken on the same stage where he gave his Inauguration Address. After that we got a bite to eat at 5 Guys (the best burger place ever!) Then started our 8 hour journey home. All taken into account it was the time of my life and although it did cost me a little more than I had planned (about $150) it was well worth it.

And for those wondering about my teeth they hurt during the trip but taking 4 Advil and 2 Tylenol every 5 hours helped, although i noticed today that in the pictures of me on the stage where Obama gave his speech my smile had turned into more of a grimace but its still going up as my Facebook picture ASAP. And being photo editor we will see if I can photoshop another face onto it where I am smiling.

P.S.- Sorry about not linking my photos into this, I guess I’m not as skilled with this as our lovely News Editor who I will definitely have some great conversations with about this trip next time we are both in the office

Hello Readers!
Many of you who know me know that making plans ahead of time isn’t my strong point (neither is grammar as you can probably tell my this, sorry Hope). So last Tuesday when I realized that the Inauguration is just one week away and that’s something i would like to see, needless to say I didn’t have plans. So i did what any responsible person would do, I looked into hotels and hostels (all of which were booked, DUH!). After that i sat down and thought about how hard i really wanted to go to this and realized that on a scale from 1-10 its a 10. So then i did what any irresponsible person would do, relied on Craigslist. I checked out rooms in apartments being rented and it turned out people were wanting crazy $$ for them, so I posted my own ad. I asked if anyone would let me and my friend stay with them for cheap and luckily someone replied. $20 a night and its right on the metro line that runs to the capital, SWEET! Then i realized that to get close to the actual site you need tickets. After seeing that this meant tons of $$ for tickets I did what I did last time, posted my own ad and sent out 100s of emails asking people to donate tickets, crazy huh? Well last night I got an email from a guy saying that his friend couldn’t go and he didn’t want to go alone so he would give us the tickets (standing room only but who cares they are still tickets) FOR FREE! Since we are driving down and my friend gets great MPGs the gas should only be about $40 each, add in the price of the room for the two nights ($20 a night for 2 nights, so $20 each), the FREE tickets, and the fact that I just stole every ounce of food from my house so we didn’t needa buy food, and this trip could end up costing us under $100 each to see this historic event. On the down side the guy we are staying with could be a creep and the tickets could be fake but we have back-up plans for that stuff so its all good, either way its sure to be an adventure that i will be blogging about as soon as i get back (with lots of pictures, I am the photo editor after all). See you guys Thursday and wish me luck!

Jeffrey Bogosian

P.S. oh, and I just got my wisdom teeth out on Thursday and have dry sockets so ill probably be all hopped up on meds most of the time so who knows if what I remember will be what really happened, my bags look like a pharmacy.

Juuuuust kidding. Sort of. Did I mention that I did a Palin impression in front of the whole seminar on the first day? Well, I totally did. Haha.

Tragically, I find myself extremely ill today. I missed the lecture and the site visit because my stomach and my refrigerator are not on speaking terms. I bundled up and hiked around the corner to CVS Pharmacy this afternoon, where I acquired various soups and another loaf of bread… as well as some cranberry raspberry juice because juice keeps the blood sugar up, and that’s important. (Thank you, mommy, for being a nurse and teaching me such useful things.)

Seeing as how I missed out on Condaleeza Rice’s good-bye speech, for which I loathe my immune system, I will be making the obligatory photo commentary post!

Like all good journalists, I’ve pretty much had my camera in my pocket since I got here. Anywhere the group and I go, I’ve been a busy, busy bee snapping photos and recording video clips to share with the rest of the community.

Most of the time, I’m looking for the most aesthetically pleasing shot I can find. I must have taken a billion of Iwo Jima when we stopped at that memorial, but tragically, I have not loaded them to Photobucket yet. Never fear, good people! They will be there soon!

There were some particularly awesome pictures of Audra and myself that were taken in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

The WWII Memorial is also a very stunning sight to see. There are representations of all 50 states (yes, we rushed straight to Massachusetts gleefully – there’s a group picture or two on someone’s camera), surrounding a beautiful pool of water which bears fountains. The Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean are also represented. I wish I’d gotten a good shot of the whole thing, but I was too distracted by the small details which reminded me of the American artwork that I studied last semester with Memory Holloway (totally amazing professor, seriously, take her if you ever get the chance!).

Well, I need to lay down and get some rest, but if you’re ever in the Rotunda of the Capitol building, keep your eyes peeled for Leonardo Da Vinci. Even though he obviously wasn’t there for the first airplane flight, his designs and contributions were so influential that it was decided that he should be included in its depiction. (Just a little tidbit for all of you artist, scholars, and engineering people to savor.)

Oh, also, huge thanks to John Hoey, the Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs. He was kind enough to link to us on the UMass Dartmouth website’s front page. I shall do my best to make you proud, sir. *salutes*

Peace,
Aubrey Ramsdell
Torch News Editor

We’ve been spending a good deal of the lectures discussing the evolution of the media. They keep referring to us as the “Youtube Generation,” which I find intriguing. I had never used YouTube prior to my freshman year of college. It grew vastly popular almost overnight, from what I observed. I think that the advent of high speed internet is largely to blame for the way in which Barack Obama conducted his campaign and will continue to govern.

The man did something that just destroyed the competitors. He used technology and previously unheard of methods to tap into a virtually (no pun intended) untapped ‘market’ of voters. Statistically, how you vote in your first election tends to affect how you will vote for the next few, and Barack really cornered the market with the young people of America. He has us in awe. We are moved by his promises and stunned by his rhetoric. He has amassed a veritable army of e-mail contacts, and he did this without the major funding of the lobbyists. He drew his donations from the people – and I will admit that I, personally contributed. I am proud to say such.

I am proud to have followed the rally on campus the night of his election, and I was honored to sing the National Anthem with a group of my peers. It’s an experience that I will never forget… and it’s all because Barack knew how to tug at my generation’s heart strings. After years of back and forth media, the headstrong youth (at least on the liberal end) were sick and tired of the same old, same old. The unique approach to campaigning set Barack aside in ways that his hopeful promises couldn’t have done alone.

Now, he faces a challenge that most men should consider themselves lucky to never have to face. I’ve heard from speakers ranging from Bush’s Press Secretary, to Ted Koppel, to Steve Bell and others. Many of them have touched upon the idea of power. Obama will be handed a seat of power that can either be ‘too hot or too cold’ according to Bell, depending on the state of America. In times of crisis, more power is given to the president (or taken, as the case may be).

Blessed is he who suffers temptation and can resist. I think it will be interesting to see what direction Obama takes this power in after Bush has stretched the definitions of its boundaries so far – and don’t deny it. He has.

I would like to clarify that I respect George W. Bush. That man had arguably one of the biggest crises of our nation’s history occur within his first year in office. I may not agree with his methods, and I may not care for him personally… but I would challenge anyone who calls him an idiot to consider what they would have done in his shoes. What would they have done if the Big Apple, the former center of our country, had been attacked on their watch? What would they have told billions of people waiting with baited breath to see how they would react? What would they have done to ease the agony, the pain and suffering of these people? How would they exact vengeance upon those who wronged us?

This is what Barack Obama has undoubtedly been asking himself. Let’s hope he never has cause to answer.

Peace,
Aubrey Ramsdell
Torch News Editor

For those who don’t know, Washington D.C. is a veritable gold mine for aesthetic bliss. As part of the art major minority here at the seminar, I’m continually in awe of every sight visit we make. I gawk at marble carvings, my jaw drops at the mosaics in the Library of Congress. It’s phenomenal.

That’s not why I’m here, though, much to my chagrin (kidding!). We’ve had a variety of speakers, ranging from CNN and ABC news correspondents to the Press Secretary for President George W. Bush. I’ve been learning so much about politics and the evolution of the media, and how the fates of the two seem to be interwoven. I waltzed into John Kerry and Ted Kennedy’s offices and signed the guest books.

I’d never realized how easy it is to do such a thing. It’s quite humbling to realize just how available this city makes itself to the citizens. Even in a time of heightened security, the freedom of the people of this country is still the priority. It makes me proud to be an American, even though I’ve often disagreed with the actions of my fellow countrymen.

I’ve actually been very close to Barack Obama several times while we’ve been down here. We had a reception at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and he was right next door – I heard a rumor that he was even in the building. Another time, he visited the Supreme Court immediately after I visited it. It’s remarkable that I could be so close to the future leader of my country.

In Barack Obama, I do find a renewal of hope. I am, as always, cautiously optimistic. I hope the Democrats actually follow through this time, as I would like to see his grand speeches come to fruition. It’s an exciting time to be in Washington D.C. I hope that the President-Elect goes on to do great things.

I know that I’m really looking forward to visiting the Smithsonian and all of the galleries and museums that I enjoyed as a child. We’ve been taking advantage of our Metro passes to explore the city to the fullest. I can’t wait to see the zoo and the House of Representatives, and, of course, the Inauguration! The Washington Center is just great, and this whole thing has been a stellar experience. I am definitely interested in an internship down here.

Peace,
Aubrey Ramsdell
Torch News Editor

P.S. I could have sworn that I posted a video here, but it seems to be gone… It’s also entirely possible that I typed it up and forgot to hit ‘publish.’ My days are long and tiring. More to come when I buy more batteries for my camera! Check out the youtube account that hosted the first video to see more! :D

Peace,
Aubrey Ramsdell
Torch News Editor

I’m piecing together a video documentary-type-thing, but it’s not really close to being done yet. Mostly boring shots and rambling.

I spent much of last night wide awake, crippled by anxiety. I have an irrational fear of airports (not airplanes, just airports), and I am also an avid fan of Assemblage 23. The two do NOT go well together, and I had the song 30k ft (WARNING: UBER SAD) stuck in my head all night long. Panic ensued, but I was reasonably calm by morning thanks to a loving boyfriend and at least 2.5 hours of sleep.

Airport security was the usual. I got there first thing in the morning, so the guards were still in a good mood. I entertained various people, chatting about the seminar I’d be attending, etc. When I finally made it past security checkpoints, I found myself face to face with a Starbucks illuminated by the light of the rising sun. I proceeded to gravitate toward it, murmuring Shakespearean declarations of love all the while. One “grande” cup of Tazo Calm chamomile tea later and I met up with Audra at Gate 21. Naturally, it was at the end of the terminal. We watched an eagle-painted airplane go by on the runway and waited for James.

The flight was short, as expected. I was calm by the time we were on the plane and it was smooth-sailing. Or uhm. Flying. Yeah, that. As we arrived in Baltimore, I was singing songs from Hairspray to myself and probably making my roommate question my sanity. We caught a SuperShuttle to our luxurious, heavenly Fenestra Apartments building, and I proceeded to spaz out when I saw our kitchen. Fully loaded, dishes and accessories included. Yes, I am in awe. The living room is sweet, too.

For the record, I’ve set up a public photo album here. Feel free to browse through the images. I ask that you not use them for commercial reasons without my expressed permission. If you want to publish them, contact me at aramsdell@umassd.edu. I’ll get you credit and cutline information. (Ahahaha it’s the editor in me talking, there.)

I am sooooo very tired. Lots of traveling. Lots of walking. I ate at “Five Guys” for the first time today. I am proud to say that I felt my cholesterol begin to rise the moment I set foot in the place. I ordered a bacon cheeseburger and fries. Yummm.

We got stuff for sandwiches after getting our Metro 7-day passes because it was rainy and yucky outside. We bought umbrellas as well because we’re both lame and lacked them. Hahahahaha.

Tired. Long day. Tomorrow will be AWESOME. Our roommates seem nice. :)

Oh, also, on a completely random note: You know you’re a newspaper workaholic when you have dreams about talking to your editor about upcoming issues and you ask him to make sure that everyone on the mailing list gets a link to the blog. Then, you’re disappointed that you didn’t actually have this conversation, so you send him an e-mail first chance the next day.

Welcome to my life. Sad, isn’t it?

Peace,
Aubrey Ramsdell
Torch News Editor

Welllll here we go, ladies and gents! I’m currently sitting in a hotel in Warwick, Rhode Island (not a huge fan of RI, I am sad to say) killing time before my flight tomorrow. Y’see, I live in Western Mass (caps totally necessary), thusly I normally fly out of Bradley International.

So, why the switch to PVD? Two of the other students who are flying down are going this route, and as inconvenient as it may be to hike the two hours down here, it’s STILL saving me money in the long run because of the “super shuttle” that we’ve got to take to our housing complex. I’m told I’m getting an apartment for the ten days I’m down there, which is totally beyond jazzy in my book. Kitchen? Yes please! I’ll cook and (hopefully) save money on food. Man, I can’t wait to have my own apartment.

I would this year if not for my housing lottery fail. Le sigh. Next year, it’s Woodland Commons or bust! (Heck, I’d even take the Dell at this point, regardless of the hike… it’s pretty nice down there.)

ALRIGHT, rambling aside, this adventure has begun. I am both thrilled and terrified. I’m not a huge fan of Baltimore Washington International because the last time I flew out of there, they confiscated my luggage. Airport Security: Serious Business. I must have had a blacklisted shampoo in that suitcase or something.

So yeah, keep me in your thoughts around 9:45 a.m. EST and hope that all goes well on my flight. I’m sure I’ll be sitting next to a window, clinging to my armrests.

xoxo
Aubrey

I’m gonna write in my blag about the seminar starting tomorrow, so keep them eyes peeled! :D

Peace,
Aubrey