Until We Reach That Day

Monday, April 13, as this issue of the Express is going to press, reports are coming in about a shooting at Wayne Community College in Goldsboro, North Carolina.

At this time, it is reported that one person has been killed, and that the shooting is an isolated incident.

But even one death on campus is too many.

Finding Balance

According to “The American Freshman: National Norms Fall 2014 Survey,” 9.5 percent of incoming college students frequently felt depressed during the past year. This figure has increased 6.1 percent over the past five years. Of the students surveyed, 34.6 percent felt overwhelmed. That is almost one in every three students feeling stressed out and overwhelmed.

College can make or break students when it comes to stress management. This skill isn’t listed on syllabi — it’s a consequence of the conditions of the educational system and the way the world works.

Defending Freedom of Speech

In Copenhagen on Valentine’s Day, a man was shot and killed at a free speech event.

This came just over a month after “Charlie Hebdo,” the French satirical magazine, was attacked, leaving a dozen people dead, including renowned editor Stéphane Charbonnier.

Good Enough is Not Good Enough

Fifteen California community colleges were initially approved Jan. 20 to begin offering bachelor’s degrees by the Community College Board of Governors.

None of the Los Rios colleges were accepted into the pilot programs.

That’s because the Los Rios Community College District did not apply for a pilot program.

Jeffrey Siegel’s Audible Sigh

I almost left Keyboard Conversations before the first note was played.

“Jeffrey Siegel presents Keyboard Conversations, a brilliantly polished concert-with-commentary format in which captivating remarks precede virtuoso performances of piano masterpieces,” says the program. “New listeners discover an informal, entertaining and instantly accessible introduction to the magnificent piano experience.”

Nowhere on the event’s website or in the program is an age restriction mentioned, leaving one to assume that this “informal, entertaining and instantly accessible” performance would be at least somewhat family-friendly.

That is NOT so.

Why I didn’t enjoy Music Circus’ beautiful production of “South Pacific”

“South Pacific” at Music Circus – Summer 2014. Photo by Charr Crail.

My brother and I went to see Music Circus’ production of “South Pacific” on Saturday night. The show was lovely in pretty much every regard. Great acting, singing, dancing, sets, music, costumes—the whole package.

But I didn’t enjoy the show.

Why?

The audience.