Labor Day in Russia

ST. PETERSBURG – It felt like my first lecture in Russia was appropriate for Labor Day since I highlighted the achievements of working American journalists at St. Petersburg State University.

“Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.” – from Labor Department.

After sipping three cups of coffee, I was ready to take on the world this morning. Now, I’m dying to fall asleep before 7 p.m. It’s a damn shame since the sun looks beautiful outside and the weather’s hovering around 60 degrees.

That’s what I get for waking up 3 a.m., as if I was getting ready for a web shift. Good grief – why can’t I sleep-in when I’m not scheduled for a newsroom shift?

So, a few quick notes.

• The students were smart and they groked my points on online tools and social media networks.
• The university had my interview shot with two high-def cameras and photogs. One of the few times I end up on the other side of the camera in my journalism career. So, I got a little nervous.
• The university’s IT staff rocked in helping me connect my MacBook to their projector set-up. Things have come a long way since my college IT days with visiting lecturers and their personal computers.
• Most popular question from students: Do you have any work experience/internships at your station?
• Beyonce can make anyway pump away in her seat. Even in a St. Petersburg college classroom.

Here’s what my class looked like near the end of my lecture.

Alright – bedtime before sunset. Feels like I’m back on the graveyard shift….maybe I should try a cocktail….Nah. Tomorrow.