"Phoenix Connexion"

If there's anyone that reads my blog regularly (and let it be known I appreciate it if you do) you know I haven't updated much lately. There are a few reasons for this. One, I mainly use this blog to post photography and other tidbits related to my hobbies of storm chasing and wasp observation, and it being winter there hasn't been a whole lot to talk about in either of those categories.

Second, Blogger has really been pissing me off lately, with their ever-increasing insistence that I get a new username and password for "new Blogger" with a Google account. Therefore I haven't wanted to even try logging in much. Finally today they made it literally impossible to log in without switching accounts. Grrrrrrrr.

Third, I've been busier this semester than I have for a long time. After 2 1/2 years of college, I decided it was high time to get some out-of-the-classroom experience, so I applied to be a video production intern at Residence Life Channel 20, UW-Green Bay's on-campus cable station. I got the gig, so I've been spending quite a bit of time on that lately. I am also doing a Research Assistantship for UWGB professor Adolfo Garcia, who approached me about it last semester when I was in one of his classes. He is conducting an emperical research experiment about college roommate conflicts, using student volunteers from the Communication and Psychology departments at UWGB. Myself and two other students are helping him prepare and conduct the experiment this semester.

My primary responsibility at Channel 20 is to edit "Phoenix Connexion" (sic), the news show which is typically used to spread the word about upcoming campus events, or discuss those events that recently took place. I edited the first episode of this semester this past weekend, so it could premiere as scheduled on Tuesday at 8 AM, with re-broadcasts throughout the week. I also served as a cameraman for the game show "Phlash Card" (another sic), a combination of trivia quiz and draw poker that this semester, pitted a team of Resident Assistants against a team of Student Ambassadors. It is scheduled to air for the first time tonight at 7 PM.

Here are some screenshots from this semester's first episode of "Phoenix Connexion":

PC hosts Drew and Kristen introduce the show. Kristen signed on to be a promotions intern this semester, but ended up filling in on-air because the regular female co-host, Kelly, joined the foreign exchange program and is spending this semester in London.

Governor Doyle visited the UW-Green Bay campus on Monday, February 12th to discuss his budget proposal and promised it would make "a major new investment" in the University of Wisconsin system.

Channel 20's Resident Assistant correspondent Brian discusses some of the upcoming events being held by Residence Life. At the bottom of the screen is the "Phoenix Connexion" title crawl that is present during all in-studio scenes except the intro. Brian is a fellow proud graduate of Stoughton High School.

Sports editor Josh plugs the intramurals program and urges students to sign up their teams online.

Office of Student Life event coordinator Grant Winslow discusses the events students can look forward to this semester.

Student Ambassadors Rob (left) and Ben (right) discuss what it's like to be an Ambassador and what is required to sign up.

The end credits roll as the hosts and guests shake hands and congratulate each other on a good show.

Every Wednesday, Channel 20 holds its all-staff meeting. Today's was filmed as part of an upcoming promotional video:

From left: Fellow video production intern Dan; Brian (with his back to the camera); marketing intern Matt; promotions intern and Phoenix Connexion co-host Kristen; and yours truly.

From left: Producer intern Dan (a different Dan from above); John, producer intern and host of talk/comedy show "Jaded Nights"; and promotions manager/Student Ambassador/former chief editor Ben (standing).

So, that's what's keeping me busy this semester. The weather is getting more interesting, with the early February severe cold snap replaced by a balmy 35-45 degrees over the last few days. There is even the possibility of a significant severe weather outbreak across much of the Plains and Midwest over the coming weekend. However, that's for another post. Stay tuned...