Winter break movie bucket list

As the semester winds down, I can't help but start planning my down time. During the break between semesters, I hope to catch up on some recently released movies and get out to see the holiday blockbusters.

On my list are, in no particular order:
1. "Lincoln" : This movie looks educational and entertaining. It has Daniel Day-Lewis and Sally Field, and if loving them is wrong then I don't wanna be right.

2. "Les Miserables": Wow. What can be said about this movie other than that? This is probably the film I'm most looking forward to seeing. Cannot wait!

3. "The Hobbit": How can a prequel possibly go wrong? I'm excited to watch the story of Bilbo Baggins brought to life.

4. "This is 40": This movie looks insanely funny, and a little too familiar. The trailer alone made me laugh so hard I cried.

5. "West of Memphis": This documentary unravels the story of three men who wrongfully spent 18 years in prison for crimes they didn't commit. Although it will be hard to watch, I think it deserves my time.

I probably won't get around to watching all five movies during the next month. In fact, I'll be lucky if I get to see two of them. But perhaps you will watch the ones I don't and let me know how they are.

On an end note, am I missing some upcoming films that have potential for being awesome? Let me know!

Playaways: Audio books without the fuss of CDs

Photo courtesy http://www.playaway.com/. 

With the holidays approaching, I'm preparing my entertainment for road trips. I love listening to audio books, but my family doesn't always love listening to them as we drive to grandma's house. Well, I've found an alternative! Have you heard of a Playaway? It is a great way to listen to an audio book as an alternative to messing with four or five CDs. It is a little electronic device (about the size of a deck of cards) that comes preloaded with an audio book. You just plug in headphones, and you are set! I discovered them this weekend while browsing at the TCC Library on the TCC Northeast Campus. The Tulsa City-County Library has Playaways as well, for your listening pleasure. Enjoy!

Students say Honors Program is fun!

Have you ever thought about taking a TCC Honors Course? Or maybe envisioned yourself walking in your graduation garb accompanied with a scholarly gold medallion around your neck? Don't just dream it---do it! The Honors Program at TCC is one of the best secrets of the College. Scholarships, camaraderie, support and fun await you......Just listen to these students!

In the words of The Lorax, let's 'speak for the trees'

Yes, summer is over. But the drought that has plagued us isn't over. In fact, the effects of this year's drought are still crippling our trees, shrubs and wildlife. But there is something you can do! TCC's John Kahre, who I like to refer to as "The Tree Whisperer," is offering free advice on how to revive your thirsty yards and bring pep back to your pines. John's "Landscape CPR" session is 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13 at the Tulsa Garden Center. It's free, but seating is limited so call to register (918-746-5125).

If you haven't seen the old version of "The Lorax," check it out on YouTube. It was always one of my favs!

Sweet Son Wi

Tse Son Wi and PTA students in the current PTA clinic.

I got to meet a pretty amazing family recently: Amy, Larry and their little girl Tse Son Wi, or Son Wi. The little girl is only 2 years old, but Son Wi has already triumphed over more challenges than some people face in a lifetime. How did we cross each others' paths? The Physical Therapy Assistant clinic at TCC.

Jeff Hammontree, PTA professor at TCC, has been working with Son Wi and her parents since she was born. He and his PTA students have helped Son Wi learn how to do various things, from swallowing to walking.

Son Wi, and numerous others of various ages and abilities, have received physical therapy while helping PTA students get hands-on learning experience for decades. In fact, the PTA program at TCC celebrates its 30th anniversary this Friday with a sneak peak at the future PTA Clinic facility. The new clinic will enable Jeff and his students to help even more people like Son Wi.

To hear Son Wi's story, click here for a video.

To read Lora's story, another PTA patient, click here for the Tulsa World article.

Pharmacy Tech: Cool career, great pay in 16 weeks

When you are fresh out of high school, it sometimes takes a while to decide "what you want to be when you grow up." Even after I graduated with a bachelor's degree at 23, I wasn't sure. But, I have a new concept. Instead of trying to decide what you want to be someday, how about deciding what you want to be right now? That is, what if you could train one semester and be ready for a career that has the potential to pay between $25,000 and $42,000 per year?

Students can qualify to take the exam to be a nationally certified pharmacy technician after only 16 weeks of training at TCC. And, 99 percent of students who train at TCC pass this exam. Graduates of the program can work at pharmacies and/or hospitals and make a good living. They can also work while furthering their education in pharmacy, nursing or another career. No matter what they decide to do, becoming a nationally certified pharmacy technician will only enhance their resumes. 

And, if you are Native American and a member of a tribe, you have even more options and earning potential.  

Get more details by contacting Teresa Foster, coordinator of TCC's Pharmacy Technician program (918-595-7002).

Check out statistics: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm

Do you 'bleed' blue or white?

No, TCC doesn't have a sports team, but you wouldn't know it from the Grad Blitz tailgate party that employees came to on Saturday afternoon. People whom I've seen sit quietly behind a desk were doing cheers and sporting TCC gear all in an effort to get more current students to file for graduation.

The tailgate party was a kickoff event for the phone calls that TCC employee volunteers will make on Tuesday and Thursday evenings this week to remind current students approaching degree completion that they need to see an academic advisor.

Why? Well, some students do not realize that they need to actually file for graduation. They think that if they finish the recommended courses in their degree plan, an associate degree will arrive in the mailbox. This simply isn't the case. If you are finishing your degree plan this fall, you have to visit an academic advisor no later than Oct. 26 in order to file for graduation. If you plan to finish your degree plan in the spring, you have to visit an academic advisor no later than the last Friday in March.

For complete details, visit tulsacc.edu