Darlene Crockett: The Role Model Teacher

Darlene Crockett has been working in the teaching field for over twenty-five years. With this responsibility comes the ability and patience to molding young minds in order to prepare them for the years to come. Beginning with young toddlers, Darlene found fascination in showing these young kids how to learn, play and work together. In addition, she has worked endless hours with the local church to also provide comfort to those parents that work extra hours.

For the past five years, Darlene has redirected her teaching to those children of three years of age and older at the Timberlake Methodist Learning Center in Lynchburg, Virginia.

“What I love is how these children come in as blank canvases.” Darlene explains. “It’s fun to see how they from running around to following directions.”

Because of the smaller program, Darlene and the fellow teachers are able to intimately focus on the children with a ten to one, student to teacher ratio. With this, the teachers are able to set aside the worries of many students and rather than herding them like cattle, sit them down and teach them the respects of the world.

With a Christian setting, Darlene’s passion of religion can also help steer the voluntary parents and children the ways of the Bible and its teachings.

Darlene also speaks of the lighter side of working with kids. “We also tech them crafts, cutting, coloring, walking in lines and different jobs.

Along with the alphabets, they also teach numbers, shape and color recognition, as well as organized games to teach teamwork and discipline.

“With so many people coming in and praising our institution, it makes me feel good to know that so many people feel grateful with our teachings.”

With working together as a major factor, numerous visitors have volunteered their time to work with the children. Examples include, firefighters from the local area, singers, and spiritual spokesmen.

B-Dubs: Where to go for sports

Just two of over sixty wide screens at Buffalo Wild Wings in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. Photo by M. Enger.

With sports running around the clock all over the world, there is no shortage of fans. With cable and satellite limitations, it can be hard for people to find their favorite teams on television.

Buffalo Wild Wings has over thirty ice cold beers on tap. Photo by M. Enger.

Buffalo Wild Wings has been in establishment since 1982 and began in the wholesome town of Columbus, Ohio. Not only do they provide thousands of food and drink combinations, they work hand in hand with company channel packages. This partnership enables someone to watch nearly any sport that is currently playing from around the world.

Around the city of Pittsburgh, you will not see a shortage of sports fans. Besides attending the respective sporting event, others seek Buffalo Wild Wings for the big screen entertainment.

Waitress Sarah divides up some tip money. Bryan counts the sample glasses. Photo by M. Enger.

This particular location in Monroeville, Pennsylvania is a prime example of a major hangout spot for sports fans. When the Pirates, Penguins, or Steelers are playing, this particular Buffalo Wild Wings averages 250 occupants, filling the restaurants maximum capacity.

Now that it’s the offseason and only the Penguins playing, Buffalo Wild Wings is at its slowest time of the year.

Buffalo Wild Wings in Monroeville has over fifty gaming tablets for patrons to entertain themselves on. M. Enger.

“Football season is our most popular, by far.” Bryan the bartender explained. “This time of the year, we mainly rely on the Penguins making the playoffs or the UFC matches.”

With fifty-five televisions in house and eight more on the patio, this restaurant is packed full of visual stimulant. Whether your going there to watch playoff football or some champion’s league soccer, the staff will be ready to change the television to your channel.

Closing time for Buffalo Wild Wings in Monroeville. Photo by M. Enger.

If there happens to be nothing on that you want to watch, you can always ask for a gaming tablet. With the always-popular trivia and Texas hold’em poker, the gaming tablet will hold your attention for the better part of the night.

Brothers: Engineers

Robert enjoying some much needed time off. Photo by: M. Enger.

Much like a doctor, mechanic, or teacher, it takes years of decisive information and learning abilities to be able to handle the stress and situations related to their correlated jobs.

In the field of engineering, all of the above stresses play a role in this work-study. The Crockett brothers from Michigan and Illinois spent the better part of their lives adapting themselves to the world of math, science and sacrifice of family time.

Robert and Joseph Crocket are brothers from rural Chicago and the upper peninsula of Michigan. Along with another brother, they grew up with different ambitions.

Joe wanted to be an airline pilot, but due to his poor eyesight, began his schooling in math and science and since 1986 been a nuclear project engineer based out of Lynchburg, Virginia.

Robert, nearing three decades with the engineering program, began his studies in veterinarian studies. Since the third grade, Robert had wanted to help animals. With age, math and science began to grow on his paperwork and the result blossomed into twenty-five years of being the president of the engineering company, Crockett Technologies.

Joe and Rob pose for a cousin’s wedding reception in northern Michigan. Photo by: M. Enger.

When asked what the favorite part of their job, Rob answered with simplicity, “Solving a problem no one else can or creating a new way to do things.  I also love the sense of helping people become smarter and better at their jobs.”

Though when both asked how much they spend tome they spend away from their respective households and both of them nearing the sixty-hour mark per week, both responded differently when the question began to personalize.

“Too much travel.  I have to put my life on hold every time I have to go somewhere. Some travel is nice but too many family things get missed,” Rob answered when asked about the faults of engineering, with Joe responding correspondingly.

Joe enjoys time off with his daughter, Jennifer.

Loving their careers, both Joe and Rob would still at this point, nearly thirty years in, would still consider changing careers.

“I love educating and would be happy there as well.  Also, I love the mountains and outdoors.  Would love a job doing that as well.  I would be happy with a job as a carpenter as well.  I have no regrets for this career.  Nowhere else could I have such challenges or growth,” Rob replied with Joe simply replying, “yes, I would chance careers.”

In the closing statements, both do not regret what they have done with their lives thus far in life. Everyone in his or her respective close families is extremely close to them and are proud of their protuberant accomplishments.

Joe and Rob enjoy a rare meal together, and with the family. Photo be M. Enger.

“Enjoy science and math and do well in school and get an engineering degree,” Joe chuckled when asked about tips to give to future engineers. Rob however, served the story out with more of a comprehensive ending.

“Love the challenges.  Respect everyone no matter what they do for a living.  Listen to what others have to say.  You may be surprised that even the janitor can teach you something.  Don’t be afraid to let others teach you.  Stick it out even when you’re not making visible progress.  Just keep moving.”

Expertise and Kindness: A combination for success.

An expert is a person who had comprehensive and authoritative knowledge of or skill in a particular area. Terry Barr is an expert aircraft mechanic.

Raised in rural Virginia, there was not much to do besides learn a blue-collar trade. With maintenance coming rather easy to him, Terry used that knowledge and enlisted in the Air Force reserves as an aircraft mechanic.

Terry stands waiting for engine run inspections. Photo by: M. Enger

With over thirty-five years of experience at fixing and maintaining aircraft, he has come to be one of the most recognizable faces in maintenance at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.

Though he has been all over the world, Terry couldn’t get enough of good old America. “I’ve been to, I believe sixteen different countries. I mean it was a fun experience getting to know the different cultures and food, but it just wasn’t here.”

Even now that he is a civilian, he still turns wrenches in Dover, Delaware. In the decades he has been defending this country, Terry has benefited the maintenance populous in more ways than one.

He has won nearly twenty awards, including civilian maintainer of the year in 2013. Terry has worked on over 400 aircrafts ranging from the smaller C-130 Hercules to his current and more gigantic C-5 Galaxy.

Terry poses at the tail end of the C-5 Galaxy, the largest American aircraft ever built. Photo by: M. Enger

What stands him out from the others is his relationship with the Airmen. He never hesitates to show a new kid what to do and how to do it right.

“Working on a plane this big, there are many times you can cut corners to get things done quicker.” Terry explained. “But I couldn’t live with myself if something were to happen because of taking shortcuts. So when I show someone how to fix or repair something, I show them how to do by the book. It takes longer, but time is something we all have.”

There probably isn’t one part of this humungous piece of aircraft that Terry couldn’t fix. His tireless efforts have gotten the food overseas to the hungry. His constant dedication got the first aid to the warzone to heal the injured. His integrity alone has taught hundreds of young mechanics how to do things the right way, rather than the quick way.

When he is not in a hanger preforming a preventative maintenance inspection, he spends most of his time outdoors with his two boys.

Terry takes a post game picture with his two boys, Colton and Hunter at Dover AFB, Delaware. Photo taken by Dover AFB employee.

“I love hunting, fishing, camping. Anything you can think of outdoors, I probably like to do it.” Terry chuckled. “In the spring, the base has an annual softball tournament, so I’ll bring my boys and we’ll play for the maintenance squadron.”

The maintenance squadron has won the tournament five times in the past eight years. As terry takes the mound to pitch, his boys will go where they’re told.

“Sometimes I’ll play the big boys at short stop or outfield and they’ll hate me for it. But it’s all in good fun and they’ll go play where they want.” Terry laughed.

Whether in the hanger or out at the store, Terry’s uncanny expertise and kindness creates a combination of a contagious feel good attitude in the community.

Beginning Your Passion: One students knowledge and know how.

For those aspiring to work in sports, the chances of getting your foot in the door are slim. Some are blessed to know someone in the business already. As for the rest, hard work and dedication play the biggest role.

Derek shows off his Patriots passion.

Derek Lombardo is the defining example of commitment and knowledge when it comes to wanting to work in sports. Growing up in Providence, he was introduced to sports at an early age. Adapting himself as a man of Boston sports, he knows everything there is to know about sporting teams in and around Boston, Massachusetts.

Wanting a degree in sports marketing and media, Derek moved to Winter Park Florida to attend Full Sail University after high school. Since beginning his degree, he has interned with numerous sporting events around Florida.

The first gig, being a fan of wrestling as well, was an internship with the world wrestling entertainment. Because Full Sail University regularly hosts wrestling events, Derek was able to help production with set up and break down of the events.

Able to add that to his resume, Derek was able to then spread his interest out into the community and away from the college.

Just last year, Derek was hired as an intern for the Orlando Solar Bears, an ECHL (east coast hockey league) team based out of Orlando, Florida.

“It’s a great place to start and get to know people in the business.” Derek commented. “From there, I was able to meet people as well as add another working experience to my resume. You don’t get paid, but there is nothing but benefits when you voluntarily commit yourself to your passion.”

Even when dressed up, Derek shows Patriots pride.

In addition, Derek is in the works of creating his own video blog. Football being his favorite sport, he wants to create a weekly segment about the New England Patriots. This video would include news and reports of the team including statistics, injuries and strategies.

When asked about his dream job, Derek responded modestly. “I feel that this blog would also introduce my knowledge of not only football, but more specifically, my Patriots. Down the road when I am ready to apply for my dream job with the New England Patriots, I will have everything I need to show them that I am the opposite of expendable.”

As of now, Derek continues taking classes on his way to his bachelor’s degree. Though he sounds like an average student reaching for a dream, his knowledge of planning and executing in order to reach that dream is uncanny.

Green Bay Defeats Dallas: But not without controversy

The Green Bay Packers defeat the Dallas Cowboys and punch their tickets for Seattle.

Rallying from an eleven-point deficit, bruised and battered Quarterback Aaron Rodgers lifted his offense to a 26 – 21 victory at Lambeau Field.

Struggling early, Aaron Rodgers appeared to still be very immobilized by his calf injury. Unable to scramble effectively, the Dallas defense was able to reach Rodgers on several occasions, producing a sack as well as a forced fumble.

Chart created using Microsoft Excel.

On the other sideline, running back Demarco Murray exploded early and often, generating yet another 100+ yard game with a touchdown and a fumble lost. Tight End Jason Witten led his team in receiving yards with 71 yards.

Green Bay responded with a rusher of their own in Eddie Lacy, who also broke 100 yards but no score.

What stood out for the green and gold was rookie wide receiver Davante Adams and his desire to stay on his feet. With receivers Nelson and Cobb attaining most of the Cowboy’s defensive attention, Adams was targeted numerous times, racking up 117 yards including a 46-yard touchdown from Aaron Rodgers.

The Packers defense awoken in the second half, accumulating four sacks, two forced fumbles and a blocked field goal attempt.

As it was the great game that everybody expected, the controversial call near the end of the game has social media sites erupting with debate.

With just under five minutes to play, Romo launched a deep fourth down throw to Dez Bryant. Though Sam Shields played the ball as good as someone can, his short stature was no match for Bryant’s long reach. Scarcely holding the ball with his shoulder, Bryant fell to the turf, causing the ball to touch the ground, come loose and pop into the air, where he was able to catch it again before the ball touched the ground.

The initial call was a catch, but after a Mike McCarthy challenge, the referee overturned the call saying, “The receiver did not maintain possession of the football during the process of the catch.”

The info graph above shows the stats from the game in regards to the two team’s offensive figures. Much like the game itself, the numbers were nearly even throughout the game.

When it comes to the world of sports, it is crucial to have legitimate and accurate statistics. Without these attributes, fans of any sport will have trouble following their respective team and/or players throughout the season.

Work For Hire: Getting your writing feet wet in gaming

The Xbox 360 remote control. Photo by M. Enger

In the world of competitive online gaming, thousands of websites have been created to show off the stats and victories of their particular sporting clubs. However, this is done through the help of those clubs asking for competitive writers to make their websites read in a professional manner.

Getting your foot in the door writing for competitive multiplayer sites is easier than most would think. All it takes is some online communication and an outgoing spirit.

Victor Lev has been playing competitive online hockey for several years. Through those years, he has made many friends and decided to create their own hockey league.

A tournament bracket example Created by M. Enger

With this creation, gamers, much like real life players, have an opportunity to show off their skills with the possibility of making the league. Again comparing to the National Hockey League, worthy gamers are drafted to a team along with many others with a chance at a roster spot. Through months of competition, playoffs are held and eventually, a victor is crowned.

“The champions are mainly given only bragging rights, but because of our league’s site, real people have a chance of seeing their name on the front page.” Said Victor. “Real or not, there is something about seeing your name online for hundreds to see gives them a truly great feeling of accomplishment.”

This feeling brought gamers from around the world trying to claim a spot in the Moose Hockey League.

One of many pictures that can be taken right from your Xbox Photo by M. Enger

Victor began writing for the site, meshing his unique editing talents with other website talent. “Once we launched the site, the first thing we did is ask if anyone would be willing to help write blogs or articles for our site.” Mr. Lev responded. “Most of these writing pieces involved post game analysis, interviews, or highlights.”
If one is hired to write for the website, their name will be added to the media team’s page as an expressed gratitude from the creators.

The road to writing is a simple one. Pay is not always be involved but adding pieces to your portfolio for others to see or when someone is looking at your resume, you will have something to show.

Confidentiality in the Hospital: Student on student tips for gaining access

Jennifer Crockett takes a selfie before beginning her clinical work at Lynchburg General Hospital – Photo taken by J. Crockett

So someone famous was in an accident and gets taken to your local hospital. You have a chance to be the first to get the information, story, or even the interview. There are different ways to approach the scenario to possibly gain the information you desire.

Jennifer Crockett is a Nursing junior at Liberty University near Lynchburg, Virginia. As a frequent volunteer at Lynchburg General Hospital, Jennifer is full of knowledgeable legal and medical facts that is required to learn to remain at the hospital.

Jennifer and her Nursing class representing at a Liberty University Parade – Photo taken by M. Enger

“There are different ways to approaching the situation, but really only one way to get any information.” Jennifer explained. “It all comes down to getting information from the patient him or herself.”

The first rule of a hospital is that every single record is confidential. Even a patient who frequents the hospital is not allowed access to their previous records unless a form is submitted to have the records released. Unless you are the patient or guardian of the patient, you need permission from the patient to gain access to his or hers medical records.

“Because no one is allowed access, Lynchburg General has different ways to talk to the victim.” Jennifer responded. “This particular hospital has a link on their website where you can actually email the patient, granted you know what room they’re in.”

The only other option is to ask around and see what room your patient is in. Different hospitals conduct different regulations as far as patient visits go. According to Lynchburg General, you are not restricted on visiting patients.

“At least the floors I have worked on, I see people walking around all the time.” Jennifer explained, “As long as they know where to go, they just go.”

Liberty University nursing building – Photo taken by M. Enger

From this, in a dishonest manner, you could just walk right into his room and try and get your information. But it is safe to say that the way to get information is to ask the patient yourself. If you get the information, you get the story.

To sum up, getting information from the hospital is nearly impossible. The easiest way to gather information for your story is to ask the friends, the family, or the patient. You may not get anything in return, but the way of integrity will keep your reputation on the positive side.

Trespassing to Paint: A Street Artist’s Story

In and around the city of Pittsburgh, much like other cities, graffiti is painted and peeled away on a daily basis. New stings and task forces‘ are generated hourly to try and lower the amount of displays brought forth from these artist’s.

A back alley wall in East Pittsburgh, littered with graffiti.

Many can be prevented from spraying paint on the main streets, but what about the places that only the artists dare to go? From a law-abiding citizen, you will most likely receive the typical response of it lowering the town’s reputation and befouling the walls of the streets. But an interview with Kast (alias) may shine some light on particular rules of the honest street artist and why certain places that are “off limits,” may actually be the spot to spray.

In early 2011, Kast cut through a chain-linked fence and ascended 140 feet up a weakened concrete foundation. After acrobatically tight rope walking along two big beams barely attached to the frame and crawling over some abandoned overhead machinery, he had nearly reached his canvas.

Kast had assembled a six by six foot stencil of a squirrel with a unicorn horn for his piece. He then hung himself out of an already busted out window, dangling multiple stories above the solid ground.

Hanging upside down and glass shards from the old window frame cutting into his clothes and stomach, he painted in the dark. Afterwards, he descended down and headed home.

“The reason I did that was because I knew that I did it. The rush. The raw impulse… And there is no drug that matches the adrenalin for me personally,” Kast responded to trespassing. “It was impressive. Of course it was trespassing, but there are rules to abide by, other than book laws. Abandoned buildings are already in disarray and already cause major eyesores to the community. You’ll never see an amazing piece on a hospital or school, only junk graffiti.”

Kast has exhibited his artistic abilities since he was in his young teens in the mountains of Wyoming. Evolving along with his age and locations, his art transformed from crayons to cans.

“Some people do it wrong, painting to claim territory or nonsensical fame,” Kast explained. “Actual artist’s paint to inspire and awe. You ever wonder why the amazing pieces you see are out of sight or out of reach? You’d never stand a chance trying to complete a piece on Main Street. But places like atop of a building, or an abandoned train car filling house in my case, you can take your time. Some days, you catch people looking and taking pictures, wondering how they did it, or in my case, how they got there without dying.”

6X6 stencil aftermath.

The law is the law; no matter what angle you try and approach this from. Had Kast gotten caught for trespassing, he would have been punished to the full extent of the law.

But the angle of artistic innocence and dedication comes from few; a way of art that no canvas or paintbrush can replace in the heart; a way that bends the mind of the citizens without causing a verbal outbreak of the “hooligan lawbreakers”. This is the angle of the street artist.

Penguins News! BF4F – By Fans, For Fans Game Recap (Penguins vs. Islanders) 21 NOV 14

The hosting Pittsburgh Penguins lost a close shoot out against the New York Islanders Friday night at Consol Energy Center with the final score of 5 -4.

In a sold out arena, The Penguins opened up the scoring early with a goal from Brandon Sutter less than two minutes into the game.

The Penguins entered the locker room down one goal after a rare five-goal period by the Penguins and their divisional co-leaders.

Fan of the game went to Stephanie Klunk, a season ticket holder and opinion holder for the Penguins. Growing up in Pittsburgh with a sports loving team, she was raised with the Penguins black and gold in her veins.

“I feel our defense struggled quite a bit. The passes were off and we spent a lot of time in our own zone,” said Stephanie Klunk, a season ticket holder for the Penguins. “If we can settle down and make the passes, we can exploit their defense and get some goals.”

She predicted correctly.

Though the Islanders added another goal in the second, the Penguins chalked one up to still remain within one as the horn closed out the second period.

“This is where we have to buckle down,” Stephanie commented before the third period. “Fleury is looking solid compared to the first, they’re clearing the puck, now just have to put the puck in the net.”

Again, she got what she asked for. Fleury blanked the Islanders in the third period.

In addition, Patrick Hornqvist tied the game!

After an unenthusiastic overtime, it was time for a fans favorite part of the game, the shootout. What made it even more special was that both the Penguins and the Islanders were, until now, both undefeated in the shootout this season.

Though given a valiant effort from both net minder Fleury and scorer Crosby, both Nielsen and Okposo put one past the goaltender, taking home the extra point. (Full fan view shootout here)

“We did good. We just have to start early and end strong,” Stephanie closed in on the loss. “The Islanders are very strong this season, hopefully we can find a way to take the win tomorrow.”

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