Something neat to visit - Peachtree Rock

Graduation Party videos, part 2

... and the hits just keep coming from the big graduation party roast of yours truly.

Mike Reino from SC6 believes that I won't campaign for candidates in dry locales:

Department of Communication Chair Brian McGee, who I had for an Executive Speechwriting course, looks back on his experience of dealing with me:

Terry Hardesty, serving on the Berkeley County School Board, complained about the late hours which I returned his calls when I ran his school board race:




State Representative Carl Gullick takes us back to 1992, when I was helping him during my aborted first attempt at college. Fortunately his first attempt at running for office was a lot more succesful:

Graduation Party videos

Ok everyone ... we spent weeks telling you about the big Blogland Graduation Fest, inviting you and hoping you'd make it. Some of you did, others didn't - those that didn't make it, missed a really great time ... and free beer as well.

We told you it would be a party, but we didn't tell most that the event would include a roast of yours truly. We could tell you about it, and we did try, but when all is said and done, nothing does it better than video. The videos from this occasion, which we'll be putting out on a piecemeal basis for our readers, will share some of the good, bad, and ugly from this event.

Gary Stroble, my company's operations manager, marvels at how well I used school to avoid work, and used work to avoid school:

Fellow blogger Mike Reino of SC6 fame, talks about my efforts to fit in with younger college students, using my love for heavy metal:



Britton Pruett, who I'll be helping in her challenge of Clarendon Rep. Cathy Harvin, admits she was never so afraid of someone wearing a plaid shirt (correction - I don't own plaid shirts, but I do have a lot of beach shirts):



Mike Reino breaks the news that Rick Beltram couldn't make it:



Be sure to check back daily as we roll out more clips from the event

Graduation party report

Moncks Corner, South Carolina, was ground zero for a good time today as the Blogland Graduation Party rocked and rolled the packed-to-the-walls Train Depot. Those of you who missed it ... missed a truly great time with great people.

But we're still trying to figure out who invited the riot squad.

While we were disappointed not to see big-time GOP leaders like Rick Beltram and Wade Arnette take time out of their busy schedules to join us, a lot of others did come - from work, academia, family, church ... and of course, plenty of politicos.

We were especially surprised, and appreciative, at the company of those who traveled from the Upstate to join us - longtime SCFRW leader LaDonna Ryggs and her husband Robert from Spartanburg County, our long-time friend Rep. Carl Gullick and GOP National Commmitteeman candidate Glenn McCall (who we support) from York County, and Dan Rushing of TELICS (not a politico-just a swell guy we've worked with a lot over the years on a professional basis).

We did receive an offer from the legendary FITSnews girls to do a strip show. We hated to do this, since we knew Moye was coming with great BBQ from three different counties (really Moye - THANKS!!!), but since there were kids there, we had to turn that one down. Darnit.

Fellow bloggers Mike Reino and Joshua Gross made it. Mike's already sounded off on the event, and Joshua did one as well. The problem with bloggers is that you just can't keep a secret once guys like these show up.

Of course, the event wouldn't have gone down without mom, along with a few aunts and cousins.

The highlight of the event was clearly the roast. Indeed, we were roasted ... after years of dishing it out, an evening of taking it was ... well, better handled after downing a few beers. With Charles Schuster, the leader of the Berkeley County Republican Breakfast Club serving as emcee, it was full of non-stop laughs and some moments that I'll never forget. In a couple of days, we're going to share the video footage of the roast with our viewers, along with memorable quotes, so stay tuned.

Thanks again for all of you who showed up - and those who were invited but didn't show ... your loss.

The end of the line (I passed)

Even though the title of this Judas Priest album is "Point of Entry, whenever I see this album cover, it seems more like "the end of the line" to me.

It's official - my thesis was reviewed, defended, and accepted. Having successfully defended my thesis, as well as paid $6.50 in library late fines, I'll get to graduate in two weeks.

My eight-and-a-half-year academic journey reached the end of the line, so perhaps it was fitting that I would think of this album today. Perhaps the end of the line, as the album cover says, is just the "Point of Entry" for whatever is to come next.

.... I want to thank my thesis committee members:

• Dr. Amanda Ruth, my graduate program advisor,
• Dr. Vince Benigni, who also supervised my senior project in '04, and
• Dr. Elena Strauman, who (as expected) came up with some of the most insightful comments and recommendations.

Even though he was unable to participate in the thesis committee due to his usual overload of academic duties, thanks also go out to Dr. Robert Westerfelhaus, who has been a true friend and mentor through years of undergraduate and graduate work. He's been a real source of inspiration, a deliverer of torment and pain, and one of the people most responsible for how I've come as far as I have.

Thanks to them, as well as everyone else for the encouragement, patience, and prayers along the way.

The last stop before graduation - defending my thesis

Tomorrow morning (Wednesday), I'll be defending my thesis. This takes place in front of a committee of three, including my advisor. For those of you unfamiliar with the process, here's how it works:

The oral defense ordinarily will not exceed 60 minutes in length. Refreshments of any sort should not be provided by the student to the Thesis Committee.

The Thesis Advisor shall serve as chair of the thesis defense meeting. At the thesis defense, the student should prepare and deliver an opening statement summarizing the most significant findings of the research project. The opening statement should not exceed 10 minutes in length. All members of the Thesis Committee shall have the opportunity to ask questions on any topic relevant to the execution of the thesis project or the student’s program of study.

After approximately 60 minutes, the student will be asked to leave the examination room at the conclusion of the oral defense to allow for faculty discussion of the oral defense. Immediately following this discussion, all Thesis Committee members must cast a “yes” or “no” vote regarding the approval of the thesis. Students do not pass a thesis defense if more than one “no” vote is received.

The student will be notified of the results of the oral defense within 24 hours of the completion of that defense.

Sounds like a lot fun, doesn't it?

By Friday, I'll know if it's all over - just in time for the weekend. If I make it, I'll see y'all at the graduation party in a couple of weeks.

Stay tuned ...

Tornadoes in the Lowcountry

Taking an evening off with the little one to chase BBQ, we ended up chasing something very different - tornadoes.

After getting BBQ in Moncks Corner and waiting the storms out, we decided to head back towards Goose Creek down the old Highway 52. The weather news broadcasts had warned that the worst of the storm line had just moved across Berkeley County, and they were right.

As we reached the railroad overpass in the Strawberry area, several trees were in the road. Donning reflective safety gear and putting on flashers and strobes, I left the little one in the car as I worked to get most of the trees out of the road, and wrapped the one I couldn't in bright yellow Caution tape so it would stand out better for oncoming traffic.

While standing there on the embankment, it was easy to see the effects of the tornado which had crossed through the Strawberry trailer park. Several trailers were clearly destroyed, and emergency vehicles were scattered throughout the park.

While pulling down the trees, county Coroner Glenn Rhoad passed through, already on the scene to help if needed. A quick call to Senator Paul Campbell to apprise him of what we'd seen was met with promises to help out however he could.

These two were definitely Johnnies-on-the-Spot for the people of Berkeley County, and so were a lot of rescue and emergency personnel. Such people were the silver lining to tonight's dark clouds, and they deserve the thanks of the people of Berkeley County.

My last exam

Today (Wednesday) is my final exam of graduate school - a two-hour oral comprehensive exam, with just me and three professors. No study guide, no review notes ... nothing but me, my scrambled wits and my big mouth.

Y'all wish me luck and say a prayer for me.

RSVP: Earl's Graduation Party & Roast

Plans are in the works for a graduation party to celebrate the end of my graduate school studies - and you, our readers, fans, friends ... and even enemies ... are invited to attend.

Even if your name is Rick Beltram or Anita Floyd, you're still welcome to join the festivities.

For those of you who have watched me dish it out here in the Blogland ... or even been the subject of some of the dishing ... part of this event will include a roast where you'll be able to throw some of it back at me.

The date of the event will be Saturday, May 10 - but the time is yet to be decided, based upon the amount of interest we have in either an afternoon or an evening event.

If you'd like to attend, please drop an email to us to confirm your interest. Be sure to indicate whether you can attend an afternoon event, evening event, or both.

NAWB report: "Two Million Minutes" sounds workforce development alarm

The end result of workforce development efforts - whether through traditional processes, such as primary and secondary schools, or through less traditional approaches, such as workforce development organizations or community/technical colleges - is to empower individuals to be successful and productive citizens.

But in today's world, the comparison isn't just to our fellow Americans. Today's citizens must be successful relative to a standard which includes those in China and India.

For those trapped in the post-WWII worldview, where the United States alone was spared the devastation that swept the world: Europe and much of the Pacific basin was in ruins. The British empire, considered to be the most-likely second power of the post-war era, staggered in the post-war era and collapsed.

That era allowed the United States an opportunity to prosper and lead much of the world, which it did. However, in the sixty years since the war ended, the ruined nations of Asia and Europe recovered, inspired by our innovations and often able to grow thanks to our military umbrella. Now they're fully-developed nations who are competing with us ... and sometimes leading us.

The movie "2 Million Minutes", which was the subject of a panel discussion, was a documentary which examined the differences in our primary career development vehicle: the high school, compared to India and China. The differences presented in the comparisons which the video makes are striking - ones we fail to notice, much less question, and will play major roles in our ability to lead, much less compete, for the next two generations.

The write-up on the movie website represents key issues discussed in the movie:

Statistics for American high school students give rise to concern for our student's education in math and science. Less than 40 percent of U.S. students take a science course more rigorous than general biology, and a mere 18 percent take advanced classes in physics, chemistry or biology. Only 45 percent of U.S. students take math coursework beyond two years of algebra and one year of geometry. And 50 percent of all college freshmen require remedial coursework.

Meanwhile, both India and China have made dramatic leaps in educating their middle classes - each comparable in size to the entire U.S. population. Compared to the U.S., China now produces eight times more scientists and engineers, while India puts out up to three times as many as the U.S. Additionally, given the affordability of their wages, China and India are now preferred destinations for increasing numbers of multinational high-tech corporations.

Just as the Soviets' launch of a tiny satellite ignited a space race and impelled America to improve its science education, many experts feel the United States has reached its next "Sputnik moment." The goal of this film is to help answer the question: Are we doing enough with the time we have to ensure the best future for all?

For those who worry about where we're headed, it's something to watch.

Workforce Boards National Conference

Yours truly will be on the road for a few days to attend the 2008 annual National Conference of Workforce Boards in Washington, D.C.

This will be a great opportunity to meet other people like myself who are involved in workforce development from communities across the United States. Among the many workshops and seminars that I'll be attending, keynote speakers will include:

• Daniel Pink, best-selling author and expert on innovation, competition and the changing world of work will speak at the Opening Session on Sunday morning.
  
• Newt Gingrich, author, speaker and architect of the "Contract With America" will present at Monday's Keynote Session.
  
• Gene B. Sperling, former National Economic Advisor to President Clinton, consultant and writer, will kick-off the closing session on Tuesday.

In addition, I plan to do some sightseeing around the city, visit some Eastern Catholic parishes around the metro area, and visit some places where I used to live out in the Maryland suburbs when I was a kid.

Looks for news and photos from the trip. I'll be leaving tomorrow.

Y'all be sure to have a great weekend!

Stupor Tuesday is over

Ok folks, it looks like Stupor Tuesday is over ... and so is my birthday. It looks like we all survived the day in one piece.

If your name is Joe Daning and you live in Goose Creek, congratulations - you're now a State Representative. You get to work out of town three days a week, for five months a year, and for all that, you will get paid a lousy twelve grand a year.

Does that mean you won?!?

If you're a Huckabee or Romney supporter, it's time to have the guts to admit to yourself that the GOP race is over. Don't feel bad about it - after all, it's not like your guy was a one-state winner, like Walter Mondale. For those of you who don't know who he is, he's the dude on the left.

If you're John McCain, congratuations - you won a healthy delegate lead from coast-to-coast. Now you're all but assured the GOP nomination. Use this opportunity wisely.

If you're a Democrat, yesterday was the one day that could have produced a clear-cut winner ... but didn't. On points, Hillary won the day, but barely.

This morning, the Political Groundhog came out of the hole, looked from California to Massachusetts, saw the delegate count, and predicted six more weeks of Democratic primaries. Good luck, guys. We'll be watching you ... laughing our asses off as you slug your way through two dozen more primaries, caucuses and conventions to figure out who your nominee will be.

Last, but not least of all, if you were me, you got a free dinner from your boss, some birthday cards, some cash, some gift shopping cards and some hugs.

On Stupor Tuesday, it may have been my birthday, but for all you political junkies, there were presents galore. Some good, some bad. Whatever you got, be sure to make the most of them.

It's my birthday

... so don't expect too much from me today. I'll be off trying to get some work done up in Georgetown and Mount Pleasant. Heck, I was working until midnight on the 4th. But cash, free beer, and heavy metal CDs are always welcome.

Instead of rambling, I'm gonna share a rehash of past birthday postings with y'all ... enjoy:

2005: Go see Pedro at South of the Border & Happy Birthday to me

2006: Happy Birthday to me, Birthday Drama & Today's important Safety message

Who is Earl Capps?

When we visited the State House for the State of the State address, we ran into people who somehow thought the name "Earl Capps" was a pseudonym.

Given the links to personal information in the sidebar, such as work, academic, and professional associations that I am part of, I have to wonder why they'd still think that. But hey, not everyone has time to go snooping around into personal lives ... just the crazy ones, right?

Well, for those of you who want to know what we do late at night when we're not conspiring here at the Blogland, we'd like to share an exclusive behind-the-scenes video from us, hard at work in our secret lair, somewhere in South Carolina, getting down with the Beastie Boys ...

Some holiday pictures

It took a few days to download these, but I thought I'd share them with you anyway ...

Here's Christmas afternoon, where I catch up with my mother's family. The water pics are from my aunt and uncle's place on Rantowles Creek, near Red Top.


A couple of days later, me and a car full of kids run the roads from here to South of the Border and back ... oh what fun that was.

The day I became Catholic (3 years ago)

Today, I observe the third anniversary of my formal entry into the Catholic Church through the rite of Chrismation, which is the Eastern equivalent to Confirmation, and my first communion.

I was raised up Southern Baptist, and like everyone else I knew, was baptised in my middle school years. While some meant for this to be a sincere moment, others, like myself, just did it because everyone else was and they felt pressured to join the "team".

On this date three years ago, when I stepped forth to read the Nicene Creed as my formal Profession of Faith, it was by choice.

The experience didn't make me "born again", nor did it mark some major point from which I would forever be perfect (those who know me know better). But it did mark my entry into a larger faith tradition, my willingess to recognize His role in my life and the world around me, acknowledge my shortcomings, and have faith that even when I don't understand, He has a plan for me and the world that I live in.

I'm still far from perfect, a point some of my less diplomatic readers enjoy making, but I do try. I look to the courage and steadfastness of Maximilian Kolbe, my chosen patron saint, who endured far more than I think I ever could, for guidance and inspiration.

Class is over

Last night, after nearly eight years of college, was my last night of class as a student. While I seem to have picked up a bit of a bug from somewhere over the weekend, it cleared up enough for me to get to class, where I presented my research findings and wished my friends good luck in their studies.

The only thing left to complete is my thesis, and that's already underway. That should be done by March.

I'm tired, exhausted, worn out ... but in some ways, I'm gonna miss it. I won't lie. My time at the College of Charleston has changed me, pushed me, and helped me be who I could be - once I had the courage to stop holding myself back.

In January 2000, my goal to complete a Bachelor's degree of a yet-to-be-determined major. I just wanted the paper on the wall to qualify me for a better job. Back then, I had no idea I was going to graduate with a long list of honors, much less go on to graduate school.

It's been a long journey, and one that didn't do it all by myself. My thanks go out to all of you who've been a part of this long and arduous journey.

I'm also thankful for having had the opportunity to do more than just work for myself. I've spent a lot of these last few days of school helping other students with their work, and frankly, it's been far more enjoyable to help with their work than do my own.

As a tribute to those long eight years, here's a video of GWAR re-doing the Alice Cooper classic "School's Out":

Don't worry ... plans for a big Blogland graduation party in the spring are already in the works. Stay tuned ....

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all (where's Big Bird?)

After work stops in Bamberg and Columbia, we'll be heading off for our standard three-day Thanksgiving Exile, to study late, sleep even later, as we work to knock out the last of our papers and get ready for finals. Before we vanish and can't be found until sometime Sunday morning, we'd like to wish you and yours a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving ... yes, even you, Rick Beltram.

Be sure to enjoy some time off, get stuffed and remember this important information: don't act like a turkey this holiday season - just eat one.

Studying sounds like a hell of a way to spend the holiday, but it's not like the world is banging on our door or trying to kick it down (at least not until the SWAT team arrives). But on December 6th, at the end of the very last class of grad school - that will be our turn to give thanks to one and all.

Thanks for tuning in and be sure to have a great Thanksgiving. We'll see y'all in a few days.

Breaking news/Cultivation update #4

My paper on my recent research on Cultivation Theory , which examined how television advertising influenced the beliefs and behaviors of audiences, was accepted for presentation at an upcoming academic conference:

I'm pleased to inform you that your Political Communication paper has been accepted for presentation at the Southern States Communication Association's 78th Annual Convention in Savannah, Ga. The convention will be held April 2 - 6, 2008, at the Hyatt Regency Savannah.

Registration and attendance is expected for all presenting authors and panelists. For more information about registration, membership, hotel rates, and other convention information, please visit the SSCA Web site at http://ssca.net.

A tentative convention schedule should be available at the upcoming NCA convention.

Thanks for your participation.

We look forward to seeing you in Savannah!

This makes my Monday a rather good day!

Blogland Weekend: Off to Bamberg

U.S. Group personnel pulled aside the barrels and opened up Main Street for a parade that was well over a mile long, and the Blogland was there for the occasion.

The kids had a good time watching the parade and scooping up the candy that was being thrown out from the 90-plus parade floats and vehicles. That is after they were done laying down in the street.

Once the ribbon was cut and the parade continued rolling up Main Street, the road was closed back off to allow the community to enjoy a street festival. Once some minor patching work is completed Monday, the road will be opened permanently to traffic. Once minor detail work is completed in the coming weeks, the entire project will be done.

An interesting moment of historical irony was found in the picture we took of Representative Bakari Sellers riding in the back of a Bentley at the parade, being driven by John Sanders. His father, Cleveland Sellers, was the only protestor jailed after the Orangeburg Massacre, accused of "inciting a riot", and grew up in a time when the role and ethnicity of the politician and driver in such a car would have been quite opposite.

It's certainly a comforting sign that the progress that Seller's father helped to bring is finally happening.

Sanders stuck around, but Sellers had another engagement to attend. We'd really hoped to meet the guy, but maybe another time.

For the rest of the weekend, it's kids and studying ... fun, fun, fun. But whereever you're at and whatever you're doing, be sure to have a great weekend ... and check out these pictures from the ribbon-cutting: