Park on campus, go see the show

Everyone seems to know about the bands and fireworks set for tonight over in Memorial Park. Me? I can't understand the folks I saw at 6 a.m. this morning (I run through the neighborhood before work) already setting their stuff out for the day. More power to them, and it should be a lovely evening.

Here's an omaha.com story link that may help as far as parking (anyone can park at UNO.)

Traffic guide: Today's free concert at Memorial Park

And in honor of the holiday coming up . . .
Here's a link to a Library of Congress site where you can listen to Aaron Copalnd's "Fanfare for the Common Man."

Get a pen and sign the beam . . .

. . . over at the old Engineering Buidling (southwest corner.)

Here's the info --

"UNO Invited to Sign CPACS Beam

Leave a "mark" on the College of Public Affairs and Community Services' (CPACS) history! The CPACS and UNO communities are invited to sign the crossbeam for the new CPACS building.

No appointment is necessary. The beam will be available for signing at ground level by the southwest entrance to the building through Sunday, July 15.

For more information, contact Sara Woods at 554.3914 or swoods@mail.unomaha.edu."

And below is the beam . . . so far.

Meeting tonight, looking for ideas

Here's a quick reminder from Mitch Eickman on tonight's brainstorming session on UNO Athletics --

"Just a reminder that the meeting of students is tonight to discuss what we can do to help the athletic program. The meeting is at 7 in the Milo Bail Student Center Fireplace area... on the first floor. Near MavRadio :). If you can make it please attend to help share and discuss ideas."

Idea for the upcoming weekend --
Shakespeare on the Green is in full swing. The first reviews of "Henry V" were great. "Love's Labour's Lost" starts tomorrow night. Think about an evening in the park . . . and it's free, free, free. Here's a link to Nebraska Shakespeare, the organization that coordinates the plays.

Finally, a quote for this time of year --

Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability. ~Sam Keen

Summertime at 60th and Dodge

For folks who were wondering . . .

Criss Library to Close for July 4 Holiday
University Library will be closed Wednesday, July 4. For more information, call 554.3206.

A Latavia Adams Top Five
This has become a favorite feature for me. Latavia has a good take on the city, the campus, the community. I might use this one again closer to the start of fall classes . . .

Top Five Freshman Mistakes
1. Not planing the next four years academically
2. Not getting involved
3. Not staying active
4. Not getting to know everything about the U or their professors
5. Not having goals

More on athletics: Brainstorming session set for Wed.

This was in my Facebook in box over the weekend from a nice guy (who I've never met) Mitch Eickman, who is involved in at least a couple of Mav Sports groups. Should be an interesting session Wed. night. Here's the note --

"Students and Athletes,
In preparation for the unpcoming athletics season, we are going to have a brianstorm/planning meeting on Wednesday, June 27th at 7 pm in the Milo Bail Fireplace lounge. All students are invited to attend. We want everyone to be there.

We especially would like Athletes to be there telling us what they would like from us Students at their events."

It’s Official: MIAA Adds UNO as 11th Member

UNO is in a new conference . . . and it's a good one. I've had the good fortune to meet a few fans from Northwest Missouri State and Pittsburg State. Get ready for cheers of "What's a Bearcat?" (for NWMS and Southwest Baptist) and "Mules, prepare to be gored!" (for Central Missouri. And I really did hear the "gored" line at a game a few years back.)

Here's the start of the full press release -- "University presidents have unanimously agreed to accept the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s application to become a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA). . . click here for more information.

UNO Professor on YouTube

You have to be impressed by this -- UNO's Dr. David Corbin has a video of his dance, "Bagdaddy," out on YouTube. The music is "Posed to Death" by The Faint (and used with permission).



Anyone else have something on YouTube that the campus should know about? Enquiring minds want to know . . . .

Big renovations in the UNO Library

The basement of the UNO Library is undergoing heavy renovation. Take a peek. The photo is by the amazing Tim Fitzgerlad.

And, yes, those are two small bulldozers.

Mavradio, Mavradio

This is an easy day to post for me. Matt Beat, from Mavradio sent this my way. The release on the campus radio stations follows --

Mav Aid
Local music mini-festival to take place in Benson this summer

"Omaha, NE (July 12-14th)-- Mavradio is a student-run radio station that broadcasts on the University of Nebraska-Omaha campus. Currently the station only reaches an audience in the Milo Bail Student Center. In fact, it is so tiny it doesn’t even have a tower, and its equipment is extremely outdated. Though the station has been somewhat neglected in recent years, there is now a renewed hope that the station can establish itself into something great- something that can not only give back to the UNO student body but also contribute to the entire community of Omaha in the long-term.

There is not one radio station in the Omaha metropolitan area that consistently, actively, and aggressively promotes local music. In the standard college format that Mavradio fortunately finds itself in, the station has no limits as far as what genre it gets to represent- from hip hop to country to jazz, all genres of music can be represented. And unlike every other station in town, Mavradio gives each and every local artist a chance to be heard.

But heard where? In one building? Obviously, this is not enough. The current staff at Mavradio has a concrete goal of buying two brand new computers- one with new automation software to program 24 hours a day, and one to be a server to once again stream continuously on the internet via www.mavradio.org. They also have long-term goals of purchasing a new sound board and a new radio tower to broadcast on the entire campus.

The only way to get to that point is by fundraising. Mavradio is completely self-sufficient. Every penny the station has earned has been from fundraisers. Before Mavradio can help out the local music scene, it needs help from the local music scene. This is where Mav Aid comes in.

Mav Aid is an effort to raise funds and simultaneously raise awareness of the station in order to purchase new equipment and reach more listeners. The first major fundraiser will be a local music mini-festival in downtown Benson July 12th-14th. Benson is the new hot spot for live music in the city, so where is there a better place to have six planned local shows going on within three days of each other? The festival will take place at the Benson Grind and Mick‘s on Thursday, July 12th, The Foundry and PS Collective on Friday, July 13th, and at The Barley Street Tavern and The Waiting Room on Saturday, July 14th. Portions of the proceeds for the shows will go to Mavradio to help raise money for new equipment at the station. A complete listing of bands performing and prices for each show is attached. Wrist bands will also be available at all six of the venues for a cost of $8. These wrist bands will get each person into the door at all six shows. "

Mark the calendar and save the date. Also, I've heard good and great things about the Waiting Room. And, in general, lots of interesting artistic/music related things are thriving in Benson.

Digital UNO newspaper is incredibly cool

Technology can be a lot of pretty lights and noise or it can be compelling and useful and amazing. The Digital Gateway project is definitely compelling, useful amazning.

Here's the short version of the press release I just sent out to the media --

UNO Student Newspaper Archive Now All-Digital; Issues Available Back to 1920s
Omaha - Nearly every issue of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) student newspaper, The Gateway, is now available. The depth and breadth of this all-digital offering stretches back to the 1920s.
“It’s an amazing resource and completely searchable,” said Les Valentine, UNO university archivist. “People can browse through old papers, look for a specific topic or name and even search advertisements. Anyone doing research on UNO or Omaha will find this incredibly helpful.”
UNO’s Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library coordinated the digitization effort and is committed to digitizing additional and forthcoming issues of the campus newspaper. The online Gateway can be accessed at
http://library.unomaha.edu/collections/gateway/.

Students who need to get a peek at how Omaha looked and worked and studied now have a resource that gives a complete snapshot of the past. And this database will be updated periodically, too. If you get into the Gateway, you'll be part of the electronic record of campus forever. Like I said -- incredibly cool.

And tomorrow, info on a KBUL fundraiser . . . .

Blogs for this, blogs for that

A friend of mine here on campus is keeping a blog about his upcoming wedding, and it looks sharp. Keeping this blog going has been an interesting experience. When fall comes around, I'll be talking with (okay, bothering) every other person to read it, send material to it, take part in what I hope will be an active and growing stream of information about the life of the most dynamic campus in the state.

With the above in mind (and with the CWS now here) here's a Latavia Adams Top Five . . . and it's a good one for a sunny day --

Top Five Favorate Place in Omaha/Metro Area
1. CWS on Game days
2. Come on Into My Kitchen
3. The Tea Smith
4. The Drive In Theatre
5. Ted and Wally's

Another aside, if you need a good falafel, the new place in Dundee, Amsterdam Falafel and Kabob, rocks. It's good, it's cheap. The webpage is still being developed, but the menu is just three items and grab a cola from the cooler while they ring up the tab. Near the corner of 50th and Underwood, south of Ted and Wally's.

Some stories are sad

If you haven't read the story the Omaha World-Herald's Matt Hansen wrote today, here's the headline and link --

UNO-affiliated Afghan educator slain amid fight for women's rights

Read the story. And be proud that Zakiyah Zaki came to Omaha and UNO.

I've been connected to UNO for most of my adult life. In that time, I've had the good fortune to meet a lot of people from Afghanistan through International Studies. Every one of them has had an incredible story of overcoming the most monumental obstacles that can happen to a person.

The story of Zakiyah Zaki's life is, again, an incredible one. She was shot and killed earlier this month.

Here's a link to the photographs of Luke Powell. His photos of Afghanistan are amazing, touching and hosted by the Center for Afghanistan Studies at UNO.

Video on demand at WOWT features UNO CBA prof.

Jonna Holland is just a wonderful professor (and a great resources for reporters in town.) She was a big part of a story that aired last night on WOWT about women-centered businesses. Want to check it out? It's a prominent feature on the WOWT webpage. Click here and look for the newstream box on the right side of the page.

Spirit Days on campus coming up

Here's a good idea for the long days of summer -- read on.

UNO Spirit Day Set for Fridays
New this summer, the UNO Spirit Committee will sponsor a campus spirit day every Friday. On that day, all UNO students, faculty and staff are invited to dress in Maverick gear.

"We have re-instituted this initiative over the summer to boost morale on campus," said Marie Lee, co-chair of the UNO Spirit Committee. "Starting this month, eNotes will announce to all faculty, staff and students that ‘First Fridays' are wear your UNO colors/gear days. Show your UNO pride by participating!"
"First Fridays" will officially kick off this Friday, June 15.

"If you don't have Maverick gear, then wear red, black or white, and show your UNO colors," said Kay Bret, co-chair of the UNO Spirit Committee.

For more information, contact co-chairs Lee (554.2581 or clee@mail.unomaha.edu), Bret (554.4841 or mbret@mail.unomaha.edu) or Marsha Vance (554.3702 or mvance@mail.unomaha.edu).

Miss Nebraska is from UNO

Forgot to plug this in the other day. Her name is Ashley Bauer and she goes on to compete in the Miss America pageant.

Here's the omaha.com story --
UNO student named Miss Nebraska

And check out Omahype, too

I mentioned the website Omahype.com in an earlier post. Looks like it's getting better all the time. A rundown of recent posts covers a whole range of Slowdown. The recent reviews include:

Review: Saturday Night at Slowdown 6/9/07
Review: Slowdown Opening Day One 06-08-07
Review: Bright Eyes @ The Slowdown 06-07-07

A reminder . . . the library is gorgeous

Gayle Roberts from the UNO Library staff likes having lots of students, faculty and staff in the building. She sent along this friendly reminder.

Criss Library Garden is open
The Criss Library is pleased to announce that the garden area, south of the building, is now open to the public. “There’s still some landscaping to be completed,” states Dean Steve Shorb, “but there are some comfortable benches, tables and chairs. It’s a nice place to study, have lunch, or take a break.”

The garden will generally be open daily until October/November, weather permitting. The garden will be open on days where the forecasted high is above 50 degrees and closed on days that the forecasted high is below 50 degrees, during severe weather warnings, and during rain.

Other Services/Features

• Wireless internet services are available.
• Smoking or other tobacco products are not allowed.
• Patrons may take library materials in the garden, but are asked to keep materials off the ground and to return them inside as they exit the garden area.

Entry to the garden is on the lower level of the Kahn addition. Please contact the Circulation Desk at 554.3206 with any questions.

2007 Fraternity Recruitment

Yesterday, the post was on sorority recruitment. Today, the information is for men. All of this information has been provided by Kate Zielinski from Greek Life. Thanks go out to Kate!

2007 Fraternity Recruitment set for September 4-7
The Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC) holds Formal Recruitment in the fall. Formal Recruitment is an organized time period where you can come out and meet the men of the fraternities, build friendships and decide which organization best suits you.

All men going through Fraternity Recruitment must fill out the necessary forms on-line at ifc.unomaha.edu prior to September 4.

IFC recruitment Week is very informal in nature. It is your opportunity to visit with each of the fraternity chapters and meet the members. Please visit us on life at ifc.unomaha.edu for more information.


Pssst . . . hey buddy, you need a Mac?
Dave Rabinowitz, technology coordinator and Apple specialist for ITS on campus, sent this item along. Students get a discount on Macs. Read more below.

"Thinking about a new computer to kick off the school year? Use your Student Discount to save on a new Apple computer today and you can get a free iPod and printer!
For all the details call or stop by the Helpdesk in the Eppley Admin Building and ask for Dave.

UNO Helpdesk and Apple Demo Center: 402-554-4357
http://its.unomaha.edu/applesales.php"

2007 Sorority Recruitment

This is out in the future a bit, but put this on the calendar if you're interested.

Sorority Recruitment set for August 21st-25th
Formal recruitment is the main process the National Panhellenic Conference Sororities at the University of Nebraska at Omaha use to recruit new members. All women participating in sorority recruitment must fill out the required form at ph.unomha.edu, under Recruitment “PHC Recruitment Registration” prior to August 21st.

Formal recruitment consists of four rounds of events that allow potential new members to meet each chapter and to learn what it means to join a sorority. To find out more about sorority life, sisterhood and recruitment, visit us on-line at phc.unomaha

Sign a beam and make your mark!

The College of Public Affairs has an invitation to the campus --

Come Leave Your “Mark” on CPACS History!

The CPACS and UNO community are invited to sign the crossbeam for the new CPACS building.

No climbing or appointment necessary!

The beam will be available for signing at ground level by the southwest entrance to the building from June 4 until July 15.

Should be fun!

PRSSA Carnival Gets Huge Attention

This is something I wish I could take credit for -- the PRSSA students put together a heck of a carnival to benefit the Food Bank. Great crowd and great attention from the Omaha media, including Star 104.5, TV stations coming out, and a fantastic Omaha World-Herald story with video! Here's the link --

Kids have fun at event benefiting Food Bank

Here's where I do get to crow -- Jaime Ishii, a PR student, has been working in the University Relations office for awhile now, and she coordinate all of this good stuff on her own. She rocks.

UNO's Meneely, Sigman to Compete at World Team Trials

From gomavs.unomaha.edu. This is a big, big deal. If you know either of these two gentlemen, wish them good luck for this weekend --

Todd Meneely Les Sigman

Todd Meneely and Les Sigman, a pair of Mavericks who have accounted for five NCAA Division II titles in five attempts will take their skills to the next level June 9-10 when they compete in the United States Marine Corps U.S. World Team Trials in Las Vegas, Nev.

Meneely, a junior from Omaha, was 35-3 last year in his first year at UNO and won the NCAA II title at 149 pounds in March. Meneely, who won four Nebraska Class B titles while at Skutt Catholic High School, qualified for the trials by winning the 132-pound title in April at the University National tournament in Akron, Ohio.

Sigman, from Sturgis, S.D., won four straight heavyweight championships from 2003-06 and is UNO's all-time winningest wrestler with a 179-7 career mark. Sigman qualified for the trials with a third-place finish at the Trophe Mallone tournament in Rome, Italy, in March. He is currently ranked No. 8 in the senior freestyle division for USA Wrestling.

The meet incorporates all four styles of wrestling (men's freestyle, men's Greco-Roman, women's freestyle and grappling). A total of 21 world or Olympic medalists are expected to compete as well as 29 current or past NCAA Division I champions.

Meneely's weight class will compete on Saturday and Sigman's on Sunday. The event will determine the 2007 U.S. World Team that will compete in the 2007 World Wrestling Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan in September.

And now for something completely different . . .

. . . here's a second top five list for Latavia Adams. If you have a top five in you on, well, anything connected to campus or the city, send it along.

Top Five Favorite Places on Campus
1. Sleeping in a chair on the 2nd floor of the student center
2. The Pep Bowl or Plaza on a nice day
3. The TV Studio
4. Canigila Field on a game day
5. Watching Movies in the Science Center

Students are back!

And it feels a heck of lot more lively on campus. It's nice. And here's a nice event for a good cause tomorrow, too.

PRSSA to Host "Kids 'N' Kans" Carnival June 5
Donated food cans will be the admission to the "Kids 'N' Kans" carnival, set for Tuesday, June 5.

Students from the UNO chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) organized the event, which will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. in the northeast corner of Elmwood Park. Children of all ages are welcome.

The event is being held in conjunction with National Hunger Awareness Day, and all cans collected will be donated to the Omaha Food Bank.

One can buys three tickets to a variety of activities, like face painting, three-legged races and pie eating contests. Prizes will be awarded to the winning participants. A dollar donation will also buy tickets to the carnival.

"The pairing of elevated gas prices and children being home from school for the summer has really drained our pantries," said Jewel Knapp, public relations coordinator for the Omaha Food Bank. "Families who were just barely making it now have to make a choice between filling a gas tank to get to work or putting the needed, extra meals on the table. That is a terrible choice to have to make."

The community is urged to donate food cans for this event, even if they cannot attend. Most of the activities and prizes have been donated by local area businesses, through the PRSSA.

For more information, contact Jaime Ishii at 201.7798 or jishii@mail.unomaha.edu

And a little more on the event . . .

Jaime Ishii wrote the press release on Kids 'N Kans and she's working in my office. She's a big believer in this event. And she adds . . .

"I was a part of this event last year. I painted little cherubic faces with tigers, spiderman masks and flowers. The kids were into it, and it was a chance for parents to not only let their little angels run wild in Elmwood, but also, for the appropriate age, to start introducing the idea of doing good for others.

I was asked numerous times why they had to bring cans. I told the little guys and gals that there were other little folks who did always have enough to eat, and giving them any help we can is good. Most listened and asked more, some were a bit too young to wrap their heads around it, but there was a spark. This year, yielding the highest gas prices we have seen has made this need bigger. The chain reaction of economy needs a little support.

So if I have to paint 1000 faces and have sticky little hands reach for mine to help, I will do it, and I will have fun."

Day session starts on Monday . . .

. . . and it will be great to see more students on campus.

There will be a live radio remote in front of the Eppley Administration Building betsween 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. that day, too.

Countdown to Slowdown
Heard about Slowdown? Check out the website. According to the sites events section, Built to Spill will be playing there on July 18. The band's website plays music (and I like the band!)