Free Smoothies?!

 

When my friend Sarah texted me Thursday saying there were free smoothies at Jazzman’s, I was sure she was kidding. But when I checked it out for myself, I found that her free smoothie message was NOT too good to be true!

The event, called “An Hour of Light,” was promotion for 90.9 The Light, Liberty University's campus radio station. They recently made some changes in format and music. So to spread the news to students, they paid for smoothies for anyone who mentioned their name at the register from 4 to 5 p.m.

The Light’s music was broadcasted live. DJs and talk show hosts greeted all of us and passed out raffle tickets for an iPod touch.

Today’s Hour of Light was the first of five events that will happen in the next few weeks. Each week, they will be at a new place on LU’s campus with free giveaways and raffle tickets. The time and place of the next event will be revealed soon on the air and on their website http://www.thelightonline.com/. 

During this 5-week “Hour of Light” Campaign, anyone who adds The Light on Facebook or follows them on Twitter will receive an electronic coupon for a free muffin from Simply to Go on the first floor of DeMoss.

The radio station has made changes in lots of different areas, but the most obvious change is that they are playing less rap music and more rock/worship music. The station manager, Jeff Wolff was at Jazzman's and talked to students on the air about why they had made changes. This is what he said:

“You gave us your opinion about the station, and we listened. It's not our station, it's your station. We'll always listen to your suggestions--you can be sure of that!”

To be honest, I’ve never listened to The Light much. But since they’re working on changing things for the better, I think I’ll check it out--especially if they offer me another free smoothie!

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When you can't be home for Christmas.

Christmas time is right around the corner! The sparkle of the season is starting to show even now in early November. Christmasis more than just looking forward to a single day, wouldn't you agree? It’s about all of the wonderful things that only come with the season. We cannot wait for the coming weeks when we can bake cookies, decorate the tree, and dress up our dogs like Rudolph. But while we are away at college, we often miss out on things like digging the ornament boxes out of the basement and  balancing on the roof trying to hang lights in 40 degree weather. Just because we’re away from home doesn’t mean we have to miss out on everything. Here are some fun ways to spice up your Christmas season in while in college!

1.      Decorate! Thanksgiving break is the perfect time to snatch up some snazzy Christmas décor at home. Bring back some strands of lights and some fun things that aren’t being used. Some tinsel would look great hanging above your mirror. A wreath would add a lot of spirit to your door too. Most Christmas tree farms sell trees under three feet tall that can be set on top of a desk or dresser. Don’t forget paper snowflakes!

2.      Jam out to some corny Christmas oldies. Go to a dollar store and snag a cheap CD of old Christmas tunes. You could also make a Christmas music station on Pandora, an online radio station. The classics are easy to find, and are sure to make every day more Christmassy.  And don’t keep the music to yourself—get a group of friends together and go carolling down the hall!

3.      Veg  out on Christmas Movies! Your school library probably has a collection of videos and DVDs that can be rented. Check out their selection. Don’t neglect the $5 movie bin at Walmart. Netflix also has an endless selection of new and old favorites. You can’t let December go by without enjoying ‘It’s a Wonferful Life’ or ‘Home Alone’. Just make sure your favorite Christmas film doesn’t come between you and studying for final exams.

4.      Find out what’s going on in your town!  Check online and in newspapers to find Christmas events. Don’t pass up christmas parades, orchestra concerts, and plays. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday night. Instead of going to a movie or sports game, take advantage of an opportunity for a Christmas event.

Christmas is about giving. Share some candy canes and  hot chocolate. Say ‘Merry Christmas.’ Wear a red sweater. Make cards out of construction paper. Whatever  Christmas spirit you have, share it! And I’m willing to bet that those you share it with will pass it on as well.