Thankful. Appreciative. Grateful. Indebted. It’s that time of year when these buzz words become increasingly popular as people begin to reflect on what they are grateful for. Traditional answers might include such things as my family, friends, my education, etc. These are great answers but they only scratch the surface of what you should also be grateful for; something that is very easy for both you and I to overlook.

Here are some things you also might be grateful for, I know I am. This week I am grateful for having a roof over my head, and food to eat – regardless of being a college student, I have money to spend to go out for dinner or grab a cup of coffee with a friend. As I mentioned last week, I do not know what war is like nor have I ever feared for the safety of my life, both of which I am thankful of. I am thankful for the opportunity to attend college and take classes. For the fact I am not required to work full-time while going to school because I have the ability to take out a loan to cover my tuition. And how about the fact that I am able to write this article, at least somewhat articulately, and you are able to read this article? For that, I am grateful. I am thankful that I have running water to take a hot shower, and wash my dishes. I appreciate that I can criticize my government without fear of prosecution. I am grateful that I am allowed to choose what religion I wish to practice or to refrain from religion altogether.

The list goes on and on. I could fill this entire edition of the Lorian, if they would let me, with things that you and I have to be grateful for. However, they limit the words I get per issue and hopefully by now you get the picture. We all have a lot to be grateful for; in fact, we have more than we often realize worth giving thank for. I understand how easy it can be to overlook the simple things and take them from granted. Additionally, I understand how this time of the semester makes it particularly difficult to remain appreciative of everything we have in life – the often times over bearing demands of school and planning for our future. But it is important we remember how to take a step back and see all the blessings we’ve been given.

So, this Thanksgiving continue to be grateful for your family, friends, and education, but remember there is so much more to be grateful for. Be grateful for the fact that you have a roof over your head because there are millions of people that do not. Be grateful for the food on the table, even if you do not like the food because there are millions going hungry everyday around the world. And be grateful that you can read this article, so you can walk away and be appreciative for all the wonderful things and people in your life.

Watching TV

This is definitely classic procrastination. When you really don’t feel like starting a huge essay or working on your homework, there’s nothing more mind-numbing than channel surfing for hours on end.

Playing Games

(Un)fortunately, access to quality games isn’t restricted to the privileged who own the latest game station. Everyone has a laptop, which means everyone has access to hours of entertainment on great sites like Addicting Games, Candystand, or Kongregate. Nothing beats an Angry Birds marathon.

YouTube/Movies

Going along with the hours of gaming entertainment, it’s become way too easy these days to get lost in YouTube’s seemingly endless playlist of videos. Whether you’re looking for comedies, documentaries, tragedies, or how-to videos, there’s something for
everyone.

Eating

Perhaps this isn’t the healthiest way to kill some time, but it’s not uncommon to feel your stomach start rumbling a little when your c alculus homework calls.

Exercise

The polar opposite of the previous procrastination tip, this is an excellent way of putting off your work while still helping yourself. Put down the pen and go for a short jog around campus.

Texting

Sometimes you just need to know that you’re not the only one bogged down by homework. Grab your phone and text your friend if you need help or you just need to get away from it all.

Sleeping

It’s 11 p.m. and you’ve still got mountains of homework piled up on your desk. Go ahead and get some shut-eye; you’re more likely to do better when your eyes are more than half open. Just remember to set an alarm so you get up in time to finish before class.

Other Homework

You don’t generally fight fire with flames, but sometimes two negatives do make a positive. If you’re avoiding a huge project but don’t want to lose your study mojo, grab another textbook and keep the learning going strong.

Cleaning

This applies to anything that you normally should do, but don’t actually feel like doing until you actually are busy. Funny how the room suddenly looks like a mess or the garbage suddenly needs to be taken out when there’s chemistry to be done.

Hobbies

The preceding point doesn’t apply to chores alone. If you have a hobby that you enjoy, do it. Again, just make sure you have time for homework later.

Fresh Air

Let’s face it, after hours of studying, the room seems to close in on you. Close your book, push your chair in, and go get some fresh air outside. Take a couple of friends with you and grab a bite to eat on the way. The fresh air will clear your head and help you focus later.

As a college student, there are just some things in life that can’t be ignored: food, sleep, money, and fun. However, one important aspect many tend to overlook, and even ignore, is transportation.

So many dilemmas surface for students who lack a means of transportation, and they miss a chance to truly experience what the tri-state area has to offer. They cannot eat a delicious local meal, have a job off campus, etc.

Having a vehicle has its downsides too: payments must be made in order to maintain it, and gas, oil changes and other repairs also empty the wallet. And God forbid there’s another hailstorm. In the end, cars require time, stress and money.

But that’s where The Jule, the city of Dubuque’s new-and-improved busing system, comes in. It doesn’t operate 24/7, but it should resolve some of your transportation needs. The city has made some significant changes to hopefully accommodate passengers who might not have been served by the bus system’s previous routes and schedules.

And the city is brainstorming of ways to better serve college students.

“Things are afoot and starting to take place,” said Barbara Morck, the city’s director of transit operations.

Right now, The Jule doesn’t have specific stops, routes, and rates designed specifically for college students. But the city is working with Loras, The University of Dubuque, and Clarke University, in order to develop a bus route that could pick up and drop off students on a regular basis.

“Right now, The Jule has a route called the Green Route that goes up and down Loras Boulevard on schedule, allowing students to catch a ride,” Morck said. “The buses are fully accessible with lifts and ramps, and they include a bike rack in case someone riding a bike gets caught in the rain.”

Although the Green Route is the nearest route for students on Loras College campus, the nearest stop is Finley Hospital near Grandview Avenue.

“Within the next couple of weeks, the college administrators of Dubuque are meeting in order to start gearing towards the students’ needs and meet them where they are at. We would also like to meet with student governments to make sure we’re on the same page.”

Making a bus route available to students at Loras has been a large part of Daniel McDermott’s “to-do list” as Senior Class Student Union President. He has been a strong advocate for reaching out to make arrangements between Dubuque’s bus system and the college ever since he began his campaign for presidency.

“Right now, we’re trying to get everyone on the same page,” McDermott said, “It’s challenging to get the ball rolling on this because, to my understanding, the final thing holding up the project is finding out where the money is coming from, which is a major issue.”

McDermott’s concern is apparent to Morck as well.

“Loras’ student government is very active in getting this into action,” Morck said. “In the future, we want to bring stops to campus where it’s easy and accessible for students, such as dorms and major buildings. Our goal is for students to be able to show their college ID and ride for free, but money is a major factor in making this a success.”

Morck is hoping to have the project will be complete so that students will have a reliable way to travel across town to their jobs, doctor appointments, etc..

“I would definitely use the transportation,” McDermott said when asked if he would use The Jule. “It’s a great way to get around and explore Dubuque.”

Currently, a bus ride on The Jule only costs $1 and it can take you to Hy-Vee, Kennedy Mall, and various other locations throughout Dubuque. Those who are interested in leaving their vehicles at home in order to save a few dollars can ride The Jule’s buses more frequently by purchasing a 10-Ride Pass or even a Monthly Pass.

For more information about The Jule and its pros and cons, routes, etc., visit www.cityofdubuque.org.

By Jake Smith

Loras has a television station and a newspaper. Wait, there is also a radio station?

Yes, for those who are not aware of KLCR, we have a group on campus that runs the internet radio station on KLCR.org. The station plays songs of all kind and reviews new CDs for mostly small time record companies. However, it is currently plagued with problems such as outdated equipments and faulty broadcasting software, to name a few. But, there is hope.

The students in charge of KLCR are currently in the process of applying for a grant to acquire better equipments to work with. If the grant is obtained, KLCR will need your help.

Sophomore Allison Zalesny, the music director for KLCR, said, “I would say that just listening is a big step in helping KLCR out. It is in a transition period right now and I’m hoping that in the next few years it will be an extremely popular organization on campus.”

KLCR is a great place to be at if you want to find new music that you would probably never hear otherwise. New CDs are frequently sent to them, but with the current state of the system, the group has a lot of trouble getting it into the system. The grant would be a boon to become a successful organization on campus.

A radio station is nothing without listeners. The people behind the station are trying hard to get the station up and running. Please be sure to do your part by tuning in on KLCR.org and check their Facebook page for information on show times. The future of KLCR is up to you.