The “Lifer”

I did this story about a year ago.  The man’s name is Dr. Alex Green, and he’s now 92 years old!  He’s dedicated his entire life to science and has finally perfected a machine that converts waste into energy.  The machine uses a conversion process, and the heat of the reaction gives off the energy, which is then stored.  At the end of the conversion process, a charcoal substance (aka “bio-char”) is left over and used as fertilizer.

Of all of the stories I’ve ever done, I will never forget this one.  It’s one of my earlier stories, so the production quality isn’t great (and I’m pretty sure I’m whispering throughout the entire stand-up), but Dr. Green is truly a dynamic and inspirational character.  I am so glad I had the opportunity to see his creation in action.  I hope you enjoy hearing his story as much as I enjoyed telling it.

For more info on Dr. Green and his business, check out his website.

http://www.greenliquidandgas.com/greenliquidandgas/Home.html

Interested in Higher Education? You SERIOUSLY Have to Read This Book!

Last week my lit professor had us read Marc Bousquet’s book, How the University Works: Higher Education and the Low-Wage Nation, and I have to be honest, it blew my mind!  Did you realize that nearly two-thirds of all full-time faculty at public institutions are unionized?  Bousquet says that this is because the academic path for the administration has become increasingly divorced from the that of the educator; the unions can ensure that financial pressures will not compromise benefits and wages for all participating employees.  While it’s clear that Bousquet is a pretty cynical guy, his book sheds a whole new light on the pitfalls of the American education system.

Hands-on Education

In this picture I was a volunteer anchor for WUFT, UF’s on-campus TV station.  Even though the term lasted for only a few weeks, what  I gained from the experience was far more valuable than any lesson I could obtain from a book.  Research universities like UF are so unique because they have endless resources and emphasize a profession as an ends to a means.  While some may believe that one should learn “for the sake of learning,” I believe having a marketable trade come graduation is essential, given the current economic climate.  I don’t think that I ultimately want a job in news, but I am very grateful for the hands-on experience I’ve been given, because I don’t believe I would have fully understood the profession otherwise.  Plus, let’s be honest- being on TV is really fun!

(Photo taken by Lynne Guey, fellow telecom student)