Audio Report From Demonstration on Swenson

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Signs (and people) on Swenson

Supporters are lined up on Swenson and showing support for their particular candidates. The rest of the campus, however, is eerily devoid of supporters. Most of the pathways are designated free-speech areas. I guess they figure more media attention next to the Pavilion.

Full set is here.

Golf cart for Clinton

Hillary golf cart

Originally uploaded by kristen.ruby

Before I even got to the parking lot today, students standing on the corner of Swenson and Tropicana held signs advertising for their favorite candidate. On campus students are walking around decorated with pins declaring a candidate’s name. CNN press passes lay around the neck of men and women dressed in their Sunday best. CNN reporters and their cameramen stop students to talk to them about the events of the day. As CNN personnel pass me and get a glimpse of my press pass, they smile or nod, probably trying to figure out if I am one of their own.

A sporty, green golf cart displaying a “Hillary for President” poster passes me. It is sure to attract everyone’s attention, just maybe not their vote.

Parking problems..i dont think so

So this morning in anticipation of a parking disaster I decided to skip my morning class. I arrived on campus around 11:45 and to my surprise parking wasn’t that bad at all. There was even a section reserved for UNLV student parking. To my astonishment UNLV cares about student parking for once. I swooped into a parking space right in front Dayton. This was probably one of the best parking days I had despite the anticipated chaos on campus.

Intensified Security On Campus

Community Relations disclosed on November 13, 2007 that heightened security will take place during this weeks debate. UNLV Police Services, US Secret Service, and other security personnel will be monitoring activities especially around Cox Pavilion. During the debate, some of the areas near Cox Pavilion will have restricted access. A UNLV ID will grant its community access to these areas. Be sure to have two forms of ID, a driver’s license and UNLV ID as security may ask to see it. Having an ID verifies your legitimacy on campus. Though no complications are expected, security is taking every measure to avoid them.

Suspicious Package On Maryland Parkway

At 1:00 students received an email declaring that a suspicious package was found in the Wells Fargo Bank Branch across from UNLV. North bound traffic has been directed elsewhere.

The letter advised students to remain clear of the area until investigation had concluded. After personally receving the e-mail I took a stroll down to the suspicious area and low and behold police had already swarmed the scene.

At the Omelet House, a breakfast diner directly south of the Wells Fargo under investigation, an employee declared that it pertained to the democratic debate, and the police are doing their best to track down the owners of the package.

After the police completed the onsite investigation, north bound traffic was back up to speed. Students and faculty must remain cautious as they travel in and out of campus. Also, be prepared to face more complications so leave early.

Parking Mess

This is the first time in my four years here I have had to park in the very back row in the T&M lot.
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Maryland Parkway Closed Due to “Suspicious Package”

Just got this alert from UNLV.

The UNLV community is advised that Las Vegas Metro Police units are currently investigating a “suspicious package” found in the Wells Fargo Bank branch (east side of Maryland Parkway) between Starbucks & Einstein Bagels (near Harmon). Maryland Parkway northbound traffic is being diverted. UNLV faculty, students & staff are advised to keep clear of the affected area. Do not attempt to cross Maryland Parkway (west to east) until police operations are concluded.

Dueling Loudspeakers

The political enthusiasts were out early cheering for candidates on Swenson Street by the Thomas & Mack Center parking lot at UNLV.

Mostly Clinton and Obama supporters were hollering and waving signs at 10 a.m. and when I returned to campus at 11:30 a.m. the crowd had grown.

“What are we?” yelled one group of Clinton fans, to which another group responded: “Clinton country!”

“O-bam-a!” replied the group of Obama fans sporting red shirts.

Each side had a loudspeaker and the crescendo of dueling chants made me think for a few moments that I was somewhere other than UNLV, a place where apathy is in attendance at most university events.

The passing motorists also showed their enthusiasm by honking to the cheers of the supporters. But with both groups of supporters so close together, both groups thought the honks were for their candidate.

The crowds and the cheers are sure to get louder as the countdown to the debate continues.

Edwards on Parade

It will be interesting to see if the heat in the Cox Pavillion rises this evening.  The heat that I refer to is the blast that John Edwards seems to bring with him to recent presidential debates.

What I’m looking forward to seeing is who will be the target this go around.  Obama and Clinton were blatantly put on blast during the last debate by Edwards, making for one heck of a show.