A Magical Place

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Hello everyone!

            Keith Compton here folks, literally reporting for duty. What duty? I’ve just become the new addition to the Student Blogging Team. Hmmm . . . SBT . . . sounds like something you’d want to stay far away from huh? Have to talk to my teammates about that, could drop the team part . . . wait a minute! That would leave just . . . well anyway back on the tracks here.

Graduated from Kendall Jr. /Sr. High in 1977 and less than a week later I was working a summer job in Pittsburg for the Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey branch. Landed that through a nationwide competition I had won that was sponsored by the Isaac Walton League. I had been accepted at Syracuse but fell short in making it happen that fall. Wasn’t time for me to go to college, not yet. So I moved to Houston in 1978. I was riding the bull at Gilley’s before the movie came out! For those of you who just said “what movie?” that would be “Urban Cowboy”. Enrolled part time (nights) at Lee College in Baytown, Texas in 1982. Home of the “Fighting Ganders”! What a mascot huh? One class for one semester and I was done. Still wasn’t college time for yours truly. From Houston to Dallas in 1986 for a quick twenty years, and they do go quick mind you, back here in ‘07. While residing in the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex opened, owned, and operated a commercial installation company for a number of years. I did earn a small business management certificate from Texas Wesleyan University in Ft Worth. Quite the experience opening and running your own firm is oh yes!

 Upon returning to WNY, employment became an issue as the business I was involved with in Texas, for the better part of two decades, was practically nonexistent here. I might as well have been a palm tree salesman.  And once outside the industry that I was knowledgeable in my experience didn’t seem to matter anywhere else. After four jobs in three years enough was enough! I had to do something . . . . something besides suffer and whine about it that is. The plate was mine and I so needed to step up to it. Doing “what” and “where” about it becoming my questions to answer.

  I decided my “what” to be a higher education and my “where” at Genesee Community College.  I needed a ticket up so I went all in with my hopes, Texas Hold’em style for me of course, and pinned them on punching that ticket here at G. C. C. So in the spring of 2010 I turned myself into a 52 year old college freshman. There’s another “quite the experience oh yes” for ya! Being from Kendall, and starting at the Albion campus, I found myself attending class and doing homework with the children of the “kids” I went to school with! Could a brother please have another check in the “oh yes” column? There’s a life experience few can hold their hands up with me on. And of course a lot of these kids looked just like their parents did when we were in high school. That was borderline wicked spooky! Only time will truly tell how valid my choices, and of course there is nothing like ringing your own bell, but I can’t help but feel that I chose well on both counts, especially the “where” aspect.

In my time I’ve set foot in a lot of different places of business. In jobsites alone the number is well over 1000 not to mention all the peripheral dealings that surround that kind of activity. My ability to quickly “read” a place of business is quite keen. Never in my travels have I dealt with a firm the likes of GCC. A place where every ounce of energy and effort expended is focused on a single goal. This is a place where no one wears their badge of honor any more or less important than the next person, regardless of their position in this affair. The “show” that is performed here on a daily basis is cast with a set of characters that are cut from the most uncommon of cloths. Consummate professionals, many of whom I know for a fact could be plying far more financially lucrative seas. Yet they choose not to. Why . . . . ?  Student nation before you read any further I ask you to please take a moment and really think about that one.

 This facility is no less a jobsite than the commercial sites I used to frequent and it didn’t take me long to see what really goes on here either. What this place is all about. What it really has to offer all of us which is so much more than a higher education.  I’ve got news for you nation, the educational aspect, that’s just the iceberg’s tip around these here parts. Following is my answer to the question from the previous paragraph. I would love to hear yours.

But before I go there is one more question I would like all of you to contemplate or as they say in Texas, “ponder”. Why are we (you) here? I was sure I knew before I enrolled but I didn’t, not even close. We’ll chat more about that one next time.  In business, as in life itself, feedback is everything. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Shoot me an e-mail or just grab me in the hall, be just as fine with me. Actually I’d prefer it, far more personal, nothing like face to facing thoughts and ideas back and forth. I fear its becoming a lost art. Thanks for your time, glad to be on board . . . . Enjoy . . . . And really think about it alright?  

In the Middle of Nowheres

 

Lies a frozen, barren land

Where hope’s only constant is its elusiveness

Where the harshness of the elements put life itself on hold

There you’ll find an outpost, a bastion, emitting a beacon

Garrisoned with dedicated people who are driven by their passions

Whose tireless efforts and boundless energies

Are unified through oneness of purpose

That purpose . . . .  a gift  . . . . to those who seek out the light

The gift of hope

The hope of a new beginning . . . . a new way . . . . a new life

The hope of a chance . . . .

Humanities greatest self-bestowment  

So to All who play host to this magnificent endeavor

Know well that you are all cardholding members, as tenders

Of a most magical place . . . .

 In the middle of nowheres

 

P. S. – Mrs. Barbara Shine, Batavia campus, is caretaker of one of the two original copies of this appreciative acknowledgement. Mrs. Diane Palmer, Albion campus, the other. I’m sure either one of these ladies would love to show it to you. Until next time nation, be good.

The gift of hope. This place is so laced with it, so packed to the rafters with it that it oozes out of the very hallowed ground this facility rests upon.

Spring Fashion Show

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It’s October and we already have our fashion students preparing for the Spring 2013 fashion show, this is our thirty second annual fashion show at Genesee. The previous fashion show, Soiree, had over 1600 in attendance therefore the current fashion students have their creative juices flowing, trying to create an even more impressive show than last year. Many ideas and themes for the show are looking quite impressive, one of which is emphasizing the importance of creating a unified show with original designs. The Spring 2013 show is already looking auspicious; the Genesee Fashion Department just recently received 16 new bridal gowns. These gowns are an incredible gift from M. A. Carr Bridal, a bridal salon located in Orchard Park New York. These gowns will permit the fashion design students to reconstruct and produce new original designs. We cannot thank M. A. Carr enough for their generous contribution to our fashion program.

Study Tips from the trenches.

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Here we are in the middle of the Fall term, by now you have some idea of how you are doing in your classes. Hopefully you are doing well, but if not, don’t despair. Studying itself is a skill that can be learned.
Step One- Read the Text – If there are discussion questions you might want to answer these as you read to be certain when a key point is read, it is reinforced by writing the answer.
Step Two-Write out key terms. These can go in a notebook or on index cards, but actually writing will be more effective than highlighting.
Step Three- If the test has a practice test – take it. If not make your own.
Step Four- Review any areas you missed on the practice test.
Step Five- Take Breaks- get a snack, walk your dog, or watch a show. Give you brain a rest.
Step Six- Make index cards to use as a portable review system. If you do physical activity before of during learning, air will get to your brain, and so will the information.
Step Seven- Use Memory techniques-
*Visualization to remember key words or concepts. A “Thrust” is a type of stage. I picture an actor “thrusting” towards me to remember the term.
*Acronyms can help you remember a difficult series of words. SCUBA (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus)
*Sentences or Acrostics- Form a sentence using the first letter of a series of words. Such as the planets can be remembered in order with “My Very Excellent Mother Just Served Us Noodles.”
*Rhymes and Songs- Just like you can recall words to favorite songs, you can put rhythm to just about anything to help it stick in your mind.
*Chucking- Break the speech, series of numbers or whatever into more manageable pieces.
*Break it down or Sound it out- Say big words in a funny way to help you remember them, or break down it down into parts and assign meaning. For example- You need to recall the term “Geocentric” meaning the belief the earth is in the center of the universe. GEO means earth. CENT is the root of center.
* Get silly- Find an inside joke that will help you remember a key word or concept. The sillier the better! This is also great when studying with friends!
* Record yourself reading the material and listen while doing the dishes or other active tasks!
Step Eight- Test and re-test yourself until you feel confident-
Step Nine- Rest before the test- No cramming! You will hurt your brain. 

Best Luck! Follow these Tips and you will be successful!

Buffalo David Bitton

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Buffalo David Bitton is a denim company that hails from Montreal, Canada.  While visiting the big apple, our fashion students had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Diane Alexander, the head of public relations in the New York branch of Buffalo (not to be confused with the nearby city of Buffalo). Upon entering the building, we were greeted by Diane with a big cup of coffee in one hand and a big smile on her face. Her first words were “I’m not a morning person” and yet she was the most excitable and perky person that spoke to us. Diane was one of my favorite speakers on the trip, she not only spoke of her job description but she also got the students involved in her presentation. It was a very lively interactive experience, especially for being so early in the morning.

A handful of Diane’s responsibilities, as the head of PR, consist of placing products in magazines, social media, television and movies. Diane explained it’s not only print ads and commercials used for publicity; it’s also acquiring celebrities to wear the merchandise. This form of advertising can be more effective as it is subtle and feeds into the readers’ subconscious. If celebrities are wearing Buffalo David Bitton merchandise, it could be showcased multiple times rather than featured in one ad a customer may overlook. However to every good there is an evil. If a celebrity begins to down spiral (like Brittany shaving her head – type of down spiral), and is wearing the product, it could be damaging to the company’s image, therefore select celebrities are invited to wear the product and others are not.

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Diane also announced that Buffalo is rapidly approaching the grand opening their first store in NYC, which will be located in Soho.  Buffalo not only has a great brand name (obviously being from Buffalo, I am a proud Buffalonian), but the products are a great quality and are fabulous trendy styles. We had the opportunity to behold “the closet” while being at Buffalo, it was a room bursting with merchandise and it was amazing. The fall line was so trendy but in the most sophisticated method possible. During the whole presentation Diane spoke of these skull pants, the first image that came to mind was a black jean with corny white skulls all over it. While in “the closet” I beheld the skull pants and they were unbelievable. The pants featured tonal skulls that looked almost like a brocade pattern; it was only when you examined it long enough that you could see the skulls within the pattern.

Buffalo David Bitton is a remarkable company with a talented head of PR. Genesee cannot thank Diane enough for spending time teaching us about the industry. Diane had the patience to meet with our fashion students for the second year in a row. Once again it was an outstanding presentation that the students will never forget, especially for someone who said “I’m not a morning person.”

Happy Ada Lovelace Day!

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Portrait of Ada Lovelace

The Enchantress of Numbers

What, you mean you don’t know who Ada Lovelace is?

Quick lesson time.

Ada Gordon was born in 1815, the only legitimate child of the poet Lord Byron. Her mother, Annabella Milbanke, feared that Ada would inherent Byron’s ‘poetic’ temperament; so, being a lady of mathematics herself, Annabella insisted that Ada study math, science, and logic – which, for women, was quite unusual at the time!

At 19, Ada married William King, an aristocrat.  When King was made Earl of Lovelace in 1938, Ada became Lady Ada King, Countess of Lovelace. (So while ‘Ada Lovelace’ is not technically correct, it’s become the name referred to her over time).

In 1833, Ada attended a party, alongside her mentor Mary Sommerville (a scientist and polymath), who in turn introduced her to Charles Babbage. By this time, Babbage was relatively renown for his (unfinished) giant clockwork calculating machines. Ada and Babbage both had personalities that were not quite the norm for the time, and hit it off quite well together, forming a close and life-long friendship.

Now, Ada was quite interested in Babbage’s Analytical Machine – a rather complicated device which combined an array of gears to his previous Difference Engine with a punchcard system. Ultimately, this machine was never built, but it contained elements of what is now our modern computers.

In 1842, Ada published a translation of an article on the Analytical Machine originally wrote by Luigi Menabrea, an Italian  mathematician. Babbage requested her to elaborate and expend the article, since she “understood the machine so well”.  The final article turned out to be around three times the length of the original, with Ada adding her own extensive notes! Some of these notes included the first published description of a step wise sequence of operations to solve certain math problems, and contained thoughts and ideas of what machines could do, such as composing music. Because of this, Ada is referred to as “the world’s first computer programmer”. Babbage spoke highly of Ada’s intellect, praising her mathematical skills; it was he, in fact, who so dubbed her “The Enchantress of Numbers”:

Forget this world and all its troubles and if
possible its multitudinous Charlatans – every thing
in short but the Enchantress of Numbers.

Quite unfortunately, her life was a short one. She said at 36 years old from uterine cancer.

But, luckily, that was not the end of her contributions.  Her notes helped to inspire Alan Turing (Turing Test, anyone?), and became some of the critical documents needed on his work on modern computers.

It’s easy to see why she’s such a revered figure. And she’s a fantastic role model for everyone – especially young women, specifically those wishing to pursue a career in science, math, or technology. People around the world celebrate Ada Lovelace for her tremendous contributions to society, and use this day to honour her – and other women, modern or not – who helped contribute to the various aforementioned fields.

But I’m leaving quite a bit out about her, and Ada Lovelace Day. I’m not going to give away everything that’s known! Go look it up!

…Oh, she also fought crime with Babbage, too. That’s very important to remember.

Noted Fashion Historian, John Tiffany to Speak at GCC

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Genesee Community College is offering an outstanding opportunity for those interested in fashion and strategic marketing to hear first-hand accounts of what goes on behind the runway curtains when John Tiffany delivers a lecture on Wednesday, October 24, 2012.

Tiffany is an author, lecturer and fashion historian with unrivaled insights from the glamorous and high-stakes world of fashion. His expertise comes from learning first-hand about the iconic events that propel fashion onto the center stage from Eleanor Lambert, the legendary publicist, credited with putting American fashion on the world stage. Tiffany’s book Eleanor Lambert: Still Here details her passion for promoting designers she considered truly gifted, including Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta, Yves Saint Laurent, Donna Karan and Christian Dior, and how her efforts catapulted them into the fashion stratosphere. Lambert raised the visibility of the industry by creating Fashion Week, the Coty Awards, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, the CFDA Awards, and the International Best-Dressed List. She was also instrumental in launching the Museum of Modern Art, the American Art Dealers Association, the National Council on the Arts, and the precursor to what is now Sotheby’s USA.

Eleanor Lambert and John A. Tiffany

With more than 20 years of experience in the fashion industry, Tiffany will discuss event production, strategic marketing and public relations. His lecture will take place in room T119 of the Conable Technology Building on the Batavia campus at 1:30 p.m. on October 24 and is free and open to the public.

“John Tiffany is a brilliant storyteller and an authority on his mentor, Eleanor Lambert, commonly referred to as The Empress of Fashion,” said Jessie Barth, a member of GCC’s fashion advisory committee. “John’s great gift is in the spirited telling of the history of American fashion through the life of the pioneering woman who fashioned it into an industry, and we are very fortunate to be able to host his visit!”

Swap Shoes with Abe

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Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to walk in Abe Lincoln’s size 14 shoes? What would it have been like to live during such a time of turmoil in US history? Could you have risen from poverty and through only self teaching rise to the office of presidency?

What about the other way around, how would Lincoln fare in modern times? Would his “honest Abe” persona be charismatic enough to win over voters? Would people be able to see past the crooked nose and top hat to accept his revolutionary ideas? What would his campaign for the presidential election look like? 

It is those questions and more you have the opportunity to answer in the “Discover Lincoln” contest. The contest is free to enter and explores this concept in each of five different mediums.  You can make a one minute campaign video, an 8.5 by 11 poster, an up to 160 word speech, a 3 by 11 design of a bumper sticker, and a 1.25 by 3 diameter campaign button. The deadline is Oct 20th and there is no limit to the number of entries you may submit.  Winners will be announced Friday Oct. 26 and entries will be displayed in the Library. For details visit

http://www.genesee.edu/library/about-the-library/lincoln-discovery-contest/

On Wednesday October 17 at 12:30, Gcc History instructor Derek Maxfield with present a lecture “What’s so Great about Lincoln” in the Forum. Maxfield is also  founder and coordinator of the College’s Civil War Initiative.

Also on Saturday, Oct 20 at 12:30 pm the Excelsior Brigade Fife and Drum Corps will perform in the Forum. This performance of traditional music from the era of the civil war is often seen during re-enactments. The actors will also offer young people a “School of the Soldier” program, so they may join in the experience.

The month long celebration of Abraham Lincoln also includes a self guided exhibit in the Alfred O’Connell Library. The exhibit was organized by the Gilder Lehrman Institute and includes a collection of pictures, memorabilia,quotes and brief summaries of his life.

There is so much to be inspired by when you consider the determination and overwhelming obstacles that Lincoln overcame in his lifetime. The work he did allowed this great nation to begin live up to the promises of  live liberty and justice for all, stated  in our constitution. Imagine the generations of revolutionaries and dreamers who could not have existed had he not paved the way. Lincoln truly was “a man of his time, a man for all times.”

“I am often a…

Aside

“I am often asked, why is Scottish music so depressing?” quips Jim Malcolm “Have you ever been there?”  I truly enjoyed the combination of Scottish folk and Celtic music and the singers’ self deprecating humor, last Friday Sept. 21 in the GCC theatre. It surprised me that the audience was mostly older members of the community.  Very few students took advantage of the discounted ($3) tickets, except for a handful of theatre majors. Maybe it was because they could not understand the words. (Every parent will pick up on a bit of irony here.)

Despite the singer’s thick accent and my own unfamiliarity with the Scottish slang you can feel the meaning of the music. Jim tells a story about how he is often asked to sing “Like a red, red rose” at weddings. He jokes that no one listens to the words, because it is a song about parting. His songs were often political and satirical. One album is titled “Disaster for Scotland” He sings a song about Napoleon that ends in a bloody mess, but instructs the listeners to “enjoy themselves.” In another song he parody of the Johnny Cash song, “16 Tons.” Jim Malcolm’s version is about zoo animals with a chorus of “16 buns is far too much dough”  

Mr. Malcolm states “humor comes from misfortune,” And it becomes clear he must have had a lot of inspiration in his homeland. We are even schooled in a history lesson as he tells us half the signers of the declaration of independence were Scottish, “a bunch of troublemakers”. He tells of a time that he dressed like Scottish poet and lyricist Robert Burns in tight pants and a frilly white shirt. “I was a babe magnet, well, a woman of a certain age magnet.” I found Jim Malcolm’s voice to be soothing and enthralling.  One of his songs was even about a visit to WNY in the fall.

It’s funny, how I had not appreciated the beauty in my own back yard until Jim Malcolm traveled over 3000 miles to sing about it.  It is amazing how much you can learn about yourself from people who seem very different from you. I encourage all of you be open to new people and experiences. Try something you have never done before.  Search for samples of Jim Malcom’s music online, attend the next concert at GCC, or write your own parody of a Johnny Cash song. Turn your misfortune into laughter. Love your home land enough to make fun of it.  Know where you are from, so you can see where you are going. You can travel all around the world searching for something, and return home to find it.  

Returning from NYC

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Returning back to GCC is a culture shock after having been in NYC for the past few days. From the hustle and bustle of mid-town to the quite rolling fields of Batavia is quite the change. For many of GCC’s fashion students, New York City will be the intended destination at some point in their near futures as it is one of the world’s fashion heartlands. The last few days have definitely helped in our quest to get there, by further deepening our understanding of how the fashion industry works from an insider’s perspective.

On behalf of all of the students who attended, we would like to sincerely thank Mr. Rick Dudkowski, Ms. Donna Ehrhart and Mr. Jerry Kozlowski for accompanying and enabling us to experience this amazing field trip. An extra special thank you goes to Mr. D who worked tirelessly, using his NYC connections, to get us into some of the amazing and highly respected businesses within the fashion industry.

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We would also like to thank the fashion businesses and presenters who delivered insightful talks, presentations and demonstrations about their experiences, knowledge and life within the industry.

Over the next couple of weeks, myself and Samantha will be blogging in more depth about what we did, and learned from this incredible fashion field trip.

Post Provided By: Jamie & Samantha 

The Journey to NYC

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It was a very early morning wake up call for all the eager fashion students attending GCC’s annual fashion trip to NYC. With a bus full of groggy students, we embarked on our grueling seven hour journey to our fashion Mecca. Accompanying us to the big apple is Mr. Rick Dudkowski, our fashion business professor, Mr. Jerry Kozlowski, the dean of the BEST center, and Ms. Donna Ehrhart, our design professor, who is currently embarking on a journey to find the perfect dressy raincoat.

Lori, our delightful bus driver, did an excellent job at getting us to the city in a safe and timely manner. As we approached our hotel, we encountered the usual hussel and bussel of the city. Lori, with her outstanding bus driving skills, managed to parallel park the bus while avoiding chaotic NYC traffic. I will never again complain about having to parallel my tiny Subaru after watching Lori preform this nearly impossible task. My hats off to Lori.

After exiting the bus, it was exciting to hear the “ooo’s” and “ahhhs” from new students. Entering NYC can have quite the impact on students. They can either embrace the craziness or it can overwhelm them. I am interested to see which students will take a liking to the big city and which prefer to stay in suburbia. After check in, we were allotted the evening to enjoy on our own. Jamie, my fellow fashion blogger, and I explored time square, made a couple trips to Starbucks and took advantage of the discounted theater tickets from TKTS. Avenue Q was the most hilarious musical I have ever seen. It was as if someone took Sesame Street and made into an adult comedy. If you are ever in the mood for some adult humor that is the musical to see.

On the journey back to the hotel I got to embrace one of my favorite parts of the city. The fact that no matter what time it is there is always life in the city. Where else can you sit and relax in the middle of a park at night and see as clear as day? After an eventful evening, tomorrow begins the business side of our fashion trip. We begin our day bright and early with the Buffalo David Bitton showroom, continuing on to Fairchild Publication, and ending with the incredible Doneger Group.

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Post Provided By: Samantha & Jamie