A look at some of the selections offered at Rocky's Grill, in the SRU University Union.
Off to the side of Rocky's Grill is Rocky's Den, a lounge area where students can relax and hang out.
Student Lauren Faulkner shares her thoughts about the atmosphere in Rocky's.
Student Jesse Funk expresses his opinion about the food served at Rocky's.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Reaching the inner child
Every day, journalists from all forms of the media are always searching for things of interest that may potentially lead to a good story. We're taught to look at our surroundings and look even more closely for the unusual. Without having to look closely, I can tell you for a fact that in terms of my current surroundings – being the living room of my apartment – I can tell you that right away, I spotted five Nerf darts strewn across the top of my coffee table. With that observation fresh in mind, I could come up with an unusual concept for a story about, say, college students fighting with Nerf guns on campus, and the various types of games involved. But I digress.
Whenever driving along William Flynn Highway/Route 8 between Slippery Rock and Butler, I always pass a building that is designed much like a spaceship. This building alongside the road is the home to Playthings Etc., a family-owned and family-operated toy store – that much I already knew. But finally, curiosity got the best of me. I parked my car in the small parking lot out front, and made my way inside . . .
Upon setting foot inside, the atmosphere of Playthings Etc. blew me away. It was as if I stepped on board to a spaceship – a kind of spaceship that happened to be fitted with aisle after aisle of toys instead of computers and equipment, and occupied by scurrying, giggling children instead of crew members.
Playthings Etc. owner Nadine Shingleton said the store's inventory is meant to appeal to people of all ages. The inventory of the store includes items such as building blocks, collectibles, crafts and equipment for recreational sports.
According to Shingleton, advertising is done through the media from time to time, but their most successful form of advertising has been word of mouth.
It's not hard to see why, either. Between the store's whimsical atmosphere, their friendly and accommodating staff, and their wide selection, I entered and left the store with a smile on my face, and feeling like I was a kid again. Oh, and I left with a set of building blocks.
Playthings Etc. is open Mondays through Saturdays except holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Two sides to every story
When writing an article or a column that explores a potentially heated subject, it's almost always a good idea to read into the ideologies of the opposing perspectives – that is, the backing arguments behind those who support the subject, and those who oppose the topic of discussion.
Take the salaries of professional sports players and actors, for instance. When writing an opinion piece on this subject matter (that is if you find yourself in this position), ask yourself, "Do I feel that professional sports players and actors are overpaid? Why or why not?"
On one end of the court (couldn't resist the pun, so deal with it), there are those who argue that these athletes and actors are paid too much, based on ethical reasoning and economic importance of their occupations. The collective argument on this side, is that salaries and contract earnings of sports players are far too high, because of reasons including intense personal greed on the part of the athletes, and legal action taken by their agents.
On the other hand, some argue that the amount actors and professional athletes are paid is perfectly justified, due to the difficulty of reaching the professional level in sports and Hollywood. People on this side of the argument would raise the points that these professionals are an asset in making money for an entire business and local economy, not just a team. Additionally, this side of the argument raises points about athletes being paid high amounts because their names sell tickets, and because overpayment is only possible when a particular market cannot support those who are involved without losing money.
As it stands, this debate seems as though it will only continue to persist without progressive action on either side. Until then, however, movies will still be made for the big screen, and tickets will continue to be sold for ball games.
Take the salaries of professional sports players and actors, for instance. When writing an opinion piece on this subject matter (that is if you find yourself in this position), ask yourself, "Do I feel that professional sports players and actors are overpaid? Why or why not?"
On one end of the court (couldn't resist the pun, so deal with it), there are those who argue that these athletes and actors are paid too much, based on ethical reasoning and economic importance of their occupations. The collective argument on this side, is that salaries and contract earnings of sports players are far too high, because of reasons including intense personal greed on the part of the athletes, and legal action taken by their agents.
On the other hand, some argue that the amount actors and professional athletes are paid is perfectly justified, due to the difficulty of reaching the professional level in sports and Hollywood. People on this side of the argument would raise the points that these professionals are an asset in making money for an entire business and local economy, not just a team. Additionally, this side of the argument raises points about athletes being paid high amounts because their names sell tickets, and because overpayment is only possible when a particular market cannot support those who are involved without losing money.
As it stands, this debate seems as though it will only continue to persist without progressive action on either side. Until then, however, movies will still be made for the big screen, and tickets will continue to be sold for ball games.
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