A blog about blogs -- this is a brilliant idea.
Blogging is one of the newest forms of journalism, and I appreciate that we study it in this class for the sheer fact that it could be part of our job opportunities in the future.
While at the Philadelphia conference, I actually went to a session about writing blogs and freelance journalism, and I realized just how important it was to the world of journalism: it's another way to expand our audience and (in some cases) make money doing what we love. The guest speaker told us to create a blog if we didn't already have one, and work on an e-portfolio to show to potential employers.
Blogging, for me, however, has been difficult, only because of a lack of new ideas. Most of my journalistic ideas go towards the Torch or other writing projects, and I want to come up with original things for my blog. It's hard for me to come up with creative ways to express a combination of newsy-feature pieces without taking ideas from my other projects.
I think it could be used for later classes, but I would make it either fewer or produce topics for your students to write on, that way, they can do it within the structure of the course and not have to worry about coming up with several creative topics.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Midwestern Politeness
I never understood why people always say that Midwestern residents are some of the nicest people... Until I went to Philly.
Don't get me wrong, over the last few days, I've met several dozens of people who are delightful human beings that I genuinely enjoyed talking to.
But in general, people had no problem shoving into each other, honking car horns in anger, and verbally harassing my group and following us. There were at least three instances (that I know of) in which members of my group have been hounded.
The first happened at a gas station on our way to the conference, when a gentleman in a car called out to a fellow group member "hey! How old?"
Luckily, she was able to keep walking and not look back.
The second instance occurred this morning, when a gentleman was following me and a couple others to a local market, and he kept talking to us about where we were going and what we were doing. We didn't look back.
The third happened this evening, when a gentleman on the side of the street repeatedly called out to me and a fellow group member, asking where we "two lovely ladies" were going, and almost followed us.
Yes, I am aware that these things can happen anywhere, but to have it happen three times in less than 24 hours was something I never thought I'd have to experience.
Though I loved Philly, I can't wait to be back in the Midwest, where people are a little more respectful of others.
Don't get me wrong, over the last few days, I've met several dozens of people who are delightful human beings that I genuinely enjoyed talking to.
But in general, people had no problem shoving into each other, honking car horns in anger, and verbally harassing my group and following us. There were at least three instances (that I know of) in which members of my group have been hounded.
The first happened at a gas station on our way to the conference, when a gentleman in a car called out to a fellow group member "hey! How old?"
Luckily, she was able to keep walking and not look back.
The second instance occurred this morning, when a gentleman was following me and a couple others to a local market, and he kept talking to us about where we were going and what we were doing. We didn't look back.
The third happened this evening, when a gentleman on the side of the street repeatedly called out to me and a fellow group member, asking where we "two lovely ladies" were going, and almost followed us.
Yes, I am aware that these things can happen anywhere, but to have it happen three times in less than 24 hours was something I never thought I'd have to experience.
Though I loved Philly, I can't wait to be back in the Midwest, where people are a little more respectful of others.
A Cheesy, Beautiful Experience
In going to Philadelphia this weekend, I had one major thing on my bucket list: to eat a REAL Philly Cheese Steak.
As cheesy as that sounds (if you'll pardon the pun), I'd never been to Philadelphia, and the cheese steak is part of the city's notoriety.
It's funny to think that something as simple as a sandwich could be such a crucial part of the tourist's experience, but when I took that first hot, melted bite, I finally understood the delicious Heaven of which I'd been so deprived.
It wasn't about the sandwich, though. I mean, sure, I wanted to eat it because of it's flavorful fame, but really, I wanted to be a part of a culture. This is what it's known for; this is what the people eat; this is why people go here (for other reasons as well, but this is a big part).
To finally be one with this city was a cheesy, beautiful thing, and I loved every bite.
As cheesy as that sounds (if you'll pardon the pun), I'd never been to Philadelphia, and the cheese steak is part of the city's notoriety.
It's funny to think that something as simple as a sandwich could be such a crucial part of the tourist's experience, but when I took that first hot, melted bite, I finally understood the delicious Heaven of which I'd been so deprived.
It wasn't about the sandwich, though. I mean, sure, I wanted to eat it because of it's flavorful fame, but really, I wanted to be a part of a culture. This is what it's known for; this is what the people eat; this is why people go here (for other reasons as well, but this is a big part).
To finally be one with this city was a cheesy, beautiful thing, and I loved every bite.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Marijuana-Infused Candy
Colorado parents have to especially worry about their children trick or treating this Halloween, as concerns over marijuana-infused candy rise in the legal state.
According to a video on the Denver Police Department's Facebook page, parents are encouraged to check all candy for tampered wrappers.
This last part, of course, is nothing new. I remember when I was a child and my parents would check every single piece of candy before I ate it, because it was so easy for people to mess with candy.
When I was younger, I used to think this was too precautionary; I didn't understand why my parents didn't trust the world the way I did. But as I've grown older and seen the horrors they have, it's no wonder why we have to worry; we have to worry about people who would drug innocent children celebrating a holiday.
According to a video on the Denver Police Department's Facebook page, parents are encouraged to check all candy for tampered wrappers.
This last part, of course, is nothing new. I remember when I was a child and my parents would check every single piece of candy before I ate it, because it was so easy for people to mess with candy.
When I was younger, I used to think this was too precautionary; I didn't understand why my parents didn't trust the world the way I did. But as I've grown older and seen the horrors they have, it's no wonder why we have to worry; we have to worry about people who would drug innocent children celebrating a holiday.
Teenage Marriage
Fall is always a prime time for weddings; within the last two weeks, my view of Facebook feeds has seen pictures from four different ceremonies.
However, the one that sticks out to me the most was a girl I graduated with: 19 years old and getting married.
Though I'm thrilled for her and wish her a lifetime of happiness, I cannot help but worry about the possibilities this could end badly; she's so young, and there are so many horror stories about teenage marriages ending in divorce.
I was reading an article earlier in the New York Times about Teenage Marriages, and it stated some of the worries I expressed.
"Studies show that today marriages are two to three times more likely to end in divorce than are marriages between 25 years of age and older," wrote Sarah Kershaw. "Most comprehensive study on marriage and age that sociologists cite was published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2001, from 1995 data, and it found that 48 percent of those who marry before 18 are likely to divorce within 10 years, compared with 24 percent of those who marry after age 25."
This information, along with other statistics, I read at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/04/fashion/04marriage.html?_r=0
Though it is true each love story is different, I can only wish that the girl I've known for 14 years doesn't end up another statistic.
However, the one that sticks out to me the most was a girl I graduated with: 19 years old and getting married.
Though I'm thrilled for her and wish her a lifetime of happiness, I cannot help but worry about the possibilities this could end badly; she's so young, and there are so many horror stories about teenage marriages ending in divorce.
I was reading an article earlier in the New York Times about Teenage Marriages, and it stated some of the worries I expressed.
"Studies show that today marriages are two to three times more likely to end in divorce than are marriages between 25 years of age and older," wrote Sarah Kershaw. "Most comprehensive study on marriage and age that sociologists cite was published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2001, from 1995 data, and it found that 48 percent of those who marry before 18 are likely to divorce within 10 years, compared with 24 percent of those who marry after age 25."
This information, along with other statistics, I read at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/04/fashion/04marriage.html?_r=0
Though it is true each love story is different, I can only wish that the girl I've known for 14 years doesn't end up another statistic.
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Response to Luke's Smartphone
In Luke's blog, he wrote about how our generation is so focused on using smart phones and technology that we are missing out on some of the most beautiful parts of life that come from living in the moment. He especially referenced a time during a concert in which he focused more on recording for later purposes, that he missed how incredible it was.
Reading this account reminded me of when this happened to me. It was my sophomore year of high school, and I saw my favorite band, All Time Low, for the first time. I waited in line for over four hours before the show, so I obviously was really close to the stage. I was so focused on snapping photographs that I didn't embrace the fact that I was literally just a few feet away from the bassist.
Because I was so focused on capturing moments for later, I missed so much of what was happening that moment, and now I only remember what happened during the times I had my phone put away.
I hope to do what Luke did, and see ATL the next time they do a US tour. They've been my favorite band since I was 13, and they are to this day. I want to put the phone away, and just sing along to the music that will always mean so much to me.
Reading this account reminded me of when this happened to me. It was my sophomore year of high school, and I saw my favorite band, All Time Low, for the first time. I waited in line for over four hours before the show, so I obviously was really close to the stage. I was so focused on snapping photographs that I didn't embrace the fact that I was literally just a few feet away from the bassist.
Because I was so focused on capturing moments for later, I missed so much of what was happening that moment, and now I only remember what happened during the times I had my phone put away.
I hope to do what Luke did, and see ATL the next time they do a US tour. They've been my favorite band since I was 13, and they are to this day. I want to put the phone away, and just sing along to the music that will always mean so much to me.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Yo Quiero Un Taco
It was National Taco Day today, and Wittenberg's Dining Services joined in on the celebration.
The CDR offered a variety of tacos for its patrons. Students could go to various lines for hard or soft taco shells, and select from chicken, pork, beef, fish, or shrimp to have as their main taco portion. There were a couple of buffet-style tables set up, students could use for additional toppings for their tacos.
The staff also had a large pinata by which students could take photos. If students took photos with the object and posted it on the internet with the specific Wittenberg hashtag, the students had the chance to win candy. The staff were all very enthusiastic, even changing their work uniforms and donning sombreros.
For students who did not want to participate in the event, normal dining options of pizza, french fries, soups, salads, cereals, and sandwiches were available.
The CDR offered a variety of tacos for its patrons. Students could go to various lines for hard or soft taco shells, and select from chicken, pork, beef, fish, or shrimp to have as their main taco portion. There were a couple of buffet-style tables set up, students could use for additional toppings for their tacos.
The staff also had a large pinata by which students could take photos. If students took photos with the object and posted it on the internet with the specific Wittenberg hashtag, the students had the chance to win candy. The staff were all very enthusiastic, even changing their work uniforms and donning sombreros.
For students who did not want to participate in the event, normal dining options of pizza, french fries, soups, salads, cereals, and sandwiches were available.
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