In my opinion, Z.Z. Packer is a brilliant writer. It takes a very talented writer to write the way she does -- so sarcastic, blunt, in your face, and brash -- all while still being able to beautifully articulate her sense of place an atmosphere. Packer has a very distinct writing style. She does a great job using quotations and dialogue.
After really trying to focus on the more subtle parts of Packer's writing style, it seemed to me that she is able to make is exactly as if the reader were in the scene. She executes this style well -- pausing at various points in her stories or commentary to take the reader off in some other direction or thought. I believe that is her way of really putting the reader in the story. Packer is also not shy in her use of..... well.... lets say verbs. Some people may feel this style of writing is too in your face or up-front, but I think that is exactly what Packer is looking for. Packer is not afraid to curse or use slang in her stories. This brings a real authentic feel to them.
I think that all in all, Packer uses her different styles for one main reason -- to get the reader more involved in the story. Whether she be using similes and metaphors, sarcasm, or quotes, it is all done in order to give the story authenticity. Packer throws in whatever words will make the story flow in a very distinct way. It is almost as if she is poetic in her speech. When she does things like compare the Dean lighting his lighter to a detective, it allows the reader to see and feel the specifics of what went on.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Midterm
I read two articles with variances in their story-telling, but very similar in their content. The two articles that I read were, "The Associated Press Is Angry at the Web", by Rob Pegoraro and "Kachingle: "Wait until the summer; we'll save journalism then", by Mark 'Rizzn' Hopkins.
After reading the two articles, I realized that I strongly agreed with what both of them had to say. The first article, written by Rob Pegoraro discusses why the print media (in particular the AP) is so pissed off at the ever growing phenomenon that is "online journalism" as I like to call it. Pegoraro discusses the various reactions to Associated Press chairmen Dean Singleton. Singleton was very angry in speech, saying, " We can no longer stand by and watch others walk off with our work under misguided legal theories. We are mad as hell, and we are not going to take it any more." Singleton is angry at Internet sites that both copy and paste entire news articles taken from the AP and also at sites that merely takes bits of information to use in their news stories. Throughout the article it becomes clear that Singleton is one of many print journalist members who are very, lets say displeased to see that print journalism is dying.
The second article I read, written by Mark Hopkins, is similar in the sense that it also conveys the anger that print media has towards the web. In the article, Hopkins discusses the idea of a start up company called Kachingle that " functions just like an ad network for bloggers, but instead it’s a communal donation network." He feels that could have been a solution to the dying print business IF it would have been done sooner, which it was not. Hopkins goes on to talk about how all the solutions that the Old Media have are " either self destructive or unavailable". Saying " they'd literally rather die than adapt."
At what may be one of the toughest times in the history of journalism to get a job, I will be honest, I am terrified. As a junior Broadcast Journalism major, I am having to realize -- whether I like it or not -- that the entire business that I am trying to work my way into is in decline. Now I know that broadcast is not being threatened with its demise, like print is, but who is to say that I would not want a job in print as well as many of my fellow classmates. All of this being said, I understand that things are changing. Why can't the rest of the bitter print media understand as well. All I ever hear from print journalists is how angry they are at every web page and blog they see. Get over it already. Since the beginning of time things have evolved. That's how the world works. We are at a point now that is tough, no doubt. But the thing that really bugs me is that the print world blames the bloggers and the web sites. It isn't their fault. If anything it is the fault of the newspapers who refused to change when they saw this new movement coming years ago.
I was listening to one of my favorite sports talk radio stations, ESPN radio. The host had previously written for a prestigious newspaper. Although the topic was sports writing, I feel it definitely applies to this topic. The host brought up a really good point. He said that reporters in print, including himself, should not be angry at the online media or digital world, but rather they should be angry at themselves -- for being lazy, stubborn, and arrogant. One example he explained was the idea of college basketball teams recruiting high school kids and how the print reporters at every newspaper who he talked to felt it was "beneath them" to cover petty high school kids. It turned out, covering petty high school kids made the online media over $100 million. This is why print reporters must lose their egos and think of a real plan.
There is no doubt that the changes currently occurring are scary, new, and intimidating but it is also a time to be open minded and realize that many new opportunities are opening up. I could take the approach of simply giving up -- realizing that I have no chance to get a job and try to get out of the field as quickly as I can. Or, I could take the approach of continuing to do what I love to do regardless of the times we are in. In the end, the most important thing to me is being able to be a journalist. Period. I choose to not worry about the adjective that comes before it.
Sources:
1. "Kachingle: "Wait until the Summer; we'll save journalism by then" By Mark 'Rizzn' Hopkins
2. " The Associated Press Is Angry At The Web" By Rob Pegeraro.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/fasterforward/2009/04/the_associated_press_is_angry.html
After reading the two articles, I realized that I strongly agreed with what both of them had to say. The first article, written by Rob Pegoraro discusses why the print media (in particular the AP) is so pissed off at the ever growing phenomenon that is "online journalism" as I like to call it. Pegoraro discusses the various reactions to Associated Press chairmen Dean Singleton. Singleton was very angry in speech, saying, " We can no longer stand by and watch others walk off with our work under misguided legal theories. We are mad as hell, and we are not going to take it any more." Singleton is angry at Internet sites that both copy and paste entire news articles taken from the AP and also at sites that merely takes bits of information to use in their news stories. Throughout the article it becomes clear that Singleton is one of many print journalist members who are very, lets say displeased to see that print journalism is dying.
The second article I read, written by Mark Hopkins, is similar in the sense that it also conveys the anger that print media has towards the web. In the article, Hopkins discusses the idea of a start up company called Kachingle that " functions just like an ad network for bloggers, but instead it’s a communal donation network." He feels that could have been a solution to the dying print business IF it would have been done sooner, which it was not. Hopkins goes on to talk about how all the solutions that the Old Media have are " either self destructive or unavailable". Saying " they'd literally rather die than adapt."
At what may be one of the toughest times in the history of journalism to get a job, I will be honest, I am terrified. As a junior Broadcast Journalism major, I am having to realize -- whether I like it or not -- that the entire business that I am trying to work my way into is in decline. Now I know that broadcast is not being threatened with its demise, like print is, but who is to say that I would not want a job in print as well as many of my fellow classmates. All of this being said, I understand that things are changing. Why can't the rest of the bitter print media understand as well. All I ever hear from print journalists is how angry they are at every web page and blog they see. Get over it already. Since the beginning of time things have evolved. That's how the world works. We are at a point now that is tough, no doubt. But the thing that really bugs me is that the print world blames the bloggers and the web sites. It isn't their fault. If anything it is the fault of the newspapers who refused to change when they saw this new movement coming years ago.
I was listening to one of my favorite sports talk radio stations, ESPN radio. The host had previously written for a prestigious newspaper. Although the topic was sports writing, I feel it definitely applies to this topic. The host brought up a really good point. He said that reporters in print, including himself, should not be angry at the online media or digital world, but rather they should be angry at themselves -- for being lazy, stubborn, and arrogant. One example he explained was the idea of college basketball teams recruiting high school kids and how the print reporters at every newspaper who he talked to felt it was "beneath them" to cover petty high school kids. It turned out, covering petty high school kids made the online media over $100 million. This is why print reporters must lose their egos and think of a real plan.
There is no doubt that the changes currently occurring are scary, new, and intimidating but it is also a time to be open minded and realize that many new opportunities are opening up. I could take the approach of simply giving up -- realizing that I have no chance to get a job and try to get out of the field as quickly as I can. Or, I could take the approach of continuing to do what I love to do regardless of the times we are in. In the end, the most important thing to me is being able to be a journalist. Period. I choose to not worry about the adjective that comes before it.
Sources:
1. "Kachingle: "Wait until the Summer; we'll save journalism by then" By Mark 'Rizzn' Hopkins
2. " The Associated Press Is Angry At The Web" By Rob Pegeraro.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/fasterforward/2009/04/the_associated_press_is_angry.html
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
IMHO #1
Once in a great while I come upon a story that makes me want to kill someone. Recently, this was exactly the case. After reading an article that my girlfriend stumbled upon and decided to show me, I literally wanted to jump up, find the man whom the article refers to, and simply end his life. Of course I did not do this -- one reason is because the man lives in Poland and the second reason is that I do not want to spend time in prison.
The story that I am referring to is about a man who was recently arrested in Poland and accused of holding his daughter captive for six years -- repeatedly raping and abusing her, forcing her to give birth to two children. The police caught the man at a train station where he was allegedly trying to escape abroad. The investigation began when the 21-year-old daughter of the man approached police with her mother and began talking with the policewomen about her incredibly horrid ordeal. Amongst other things, the daughter says that she was raped, beaten, and kept as a slave in the basement of his home.
Much of this case is still unknown such as whether or not the mother had any knowing of what was going on or how the daughter managed to escape.
When I first heard this story, my blood simply boiled. How could any human being possibly be so sadistic, crude, evil, disgusting, impassioned, and down right sick? Sadly this is not the first time I have heard of something like this. There was a similar case to this one which happened not too long ago. Another man -- Joseph Fritzi is accused of holding his daughter captive for over 24 years and fathering six children incestuously.
How many times do we have to hear the same stories before something is done about this. How could not one person have known what was going on. Maybe I am being naive to think that this could have been prevented, but my heart breaks every time I think about what these poor girls must have had to go through and the awful memories I'm sure they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. I have always been the type of person who feels that sick, evil criminals such as these men, should receive equal amounts of punishments that actually FIT the crimes they committed. To me, jail is not enough. Honestly, I don't even believe the death penalty is enough punishment. That lets them off too easy. I would like to see them tortured in various ways and have to hurt and feel as much, if not more pain as those poor girls did.
Too many people these days are allowed to get off because they plead insanity or that they weren't in the right "state of mind" when they committed such crimes as enslaving young children. Well I am definitely in the right "state of mind" when I say that these people should get what they deserve! I have grown up in a world where crime rates have never been higher. Although these crimes did not happen in the U.S., it is not as if many similar ones do not happen here every day. I wish that I could fly overseas and try and comfort those poor girls who most likely did not know any better. If I could meet with them, I would make sure to let them know how important they are to this world and how much a difference they can still make. I would tell them that their fathers do not deserve to ever be in their presence again and they will still be able to have a family that loves them.
In today's day and age. Loneliness is a scary thing. Just imagine how terrified those young girls were trapped underground not knowing if they would ever be free. This is not some horror movie that we get enjoyment out of. This is real life and we need to be aware of that.
Sources:
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/09/09/poland.captive.daughter/index.html
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24324295-5006003,00.html
The story that I am referring to is about a man who was recently arrested in Poland and accused of holding his daughter captive for six years -- repeatedly raping and abusing her, forcing her to give birth to two children. The police caught the man at a train station where he was allegedly trying to escape abroad. The investigation began when the 21-year-old daughter of the man approached police with her mother and began talking with the policewomen about her incredibly horrid ordeal. Amongst other things, the daughter says that she was raped, beaten, and kept as a slave in the basement of his home.
Much of this case is still unknown such as whether or not the mother had any knowing of what was going on or how the daughter managed to escape.
When I first heard this story, my blood simply boiled. How could any human being possibly be so sadistic, crude, evil, disgusting, impassioned, and down right sick? Sadly this is not the first time I have heard of something like this. There was a similar case to this one which happened not too long ago. Another man -- Joseph Fritzi is accused of holding his daughter captive for over 24 years and fathering six children incestuously.
How many times do we have to hear the same stories before something is done about this. How could not one person have known what was going on. Maybe I am being naive to think that this could have been prevented, but my heart breaks every time I think about what these poor girls must have had to go through and the awful memories I'm sure they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. I have always been the type of person who feels that sick, evil criminals such as these men, should receive equal amounts of punishments that actually FIT the crimes they committed. To me, jail is not enough. Honestly, I don't even believe the death penalty is enough punishment. That lets them off too easy. I would like to see them tortured in various ways and have to hurt and feel as much, if not more pain as those poor girls did.
Too many people these days are allowed to get off because they plead insanity or that they weren't in the right "state of mind" when they committed such crimes as enslaving young children. Well I am definitely in the right "state of mind" when I say that these people should get what they deserve! I have grown up in a world where crime rates have never been higher. Although these crimes did not happen in the U.S., it is not as if many similar ones do not happen here every day. I wish that I could fly overseas and try and comfort those poor girls who most likely did not know any better. If I could meet with them, I would make sure to let them know how important they are to this world and how much a difference they can still make. I would tell them that their fathers do not deserve to ever be in their presence again and they will still be able to have a family that loves them.
In today's day and age. Loneliness is a scary thing. Just imagine how terrified those young girls were trapped underground not knowing if they would ever be free. This is not some horror movie that we get enjoyment out of. This is real life and we need to be aware of that.
Sources:
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/09/09/poland.captive.daughter/index.html
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24324295-5006003,00.html
Pitch for final feature
Dear Professor,
Have you ever visited a new city or town, eager to go out and have a nice meal, only to find out that you are surrounded by fast food nation?
Yes, Santa Cruz County has its fair share of fast food chains, what place does not? Yet one place, located in the beautiful town of Capitola gives you great food, old time charm, seaside views, and did I mention the easiest way to get there is by cable car or through their beautiful garden path?
Since 1947 Shadowbrook Restaurant has been pleasing both locals and visitors world wide. Its old time style and romantic feel take you back to the days when dining out was a privilege and not a weekly chore. Its historic setting and unique accessibility make it one of the most diverse restaurants on the central coast.
Having won numerous awards, such as Most Romantic Restaurant by the San Jose Mercury News and Good Times, Santa Cruz, Shadowbrook has long been recognized locally. Living in Santa Cruz my whole life, I would love to give this great, classic restaurant the credit it deserves and share its appeal to the masses.
The subject of food has always been near and dear to my heart and when the opportunity arose to do a feature story, this was the first and only thing that came to my mind. I also believe that good food is becoming more popular. Channels such as the Food Network are beginning to thrive with young adults.
I would be honored if you gave me chance to give this great place its due praise through a feature story. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Russell Mikols
Have you ever visited a new city or town, eager to go out and have a nice meal, only to find out that you are surrounded by fast food nation?
Yes, Santa Cruz County has its fair share of fast food chains, what place does not? Yet one place, located in the beautiful town of Capitola gives you great food, old time charm, seaside views, and did I mention the easiest way to get there is by cable car or through their beautiful garden path?
Since 1947 Shadowbrook Restaurant has been pleasing both locals and visitors world wide. Its old time style and romantic feel take you back to the days when dining out was a privilege and not a weekly chore. Its historic setting and unique accessibility make it one of the most diverse restaurants on the central coast.
Having won numerous awards, such as Most Romantic Restaurant by the San Jose Mercury News and Good Times, Santa Cruz, Shadowbrook has long been recognized locally. Living in Santa Cruz my whole life, I would love to give this great, classic restaurant the credit it deserves and share its appeal to the masses.
The subject of food has always been near and dear to my heart and when the opportunity arose to do a feature story, this was the first and only thing that came to my mind. I also believe that good food is becoming more popular. Channels such as the Food Network are beginning to thrive with young adults.
I would be honored if you gave me chance to give this great place its due praise through a feature story. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Russell Mikols
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Journal #3 NPR Interview Analysis
I recently listened to an interview on NPR. The show was Fresh Air hosted by Terry Gross. She interviewed Mike White -- a writer who has written the screenplays for such Comedies as School of Rock and Nacho Libre, and his father, Mel White -- a gay activist who has devoted his time to stop religious oppression towards gays. The father and son pair were partners in the popular reality show Amazing Race.
It seemed as if the interviewer knew both of men relatively well mostly because she had interviewed both men individually on separate occasions. Although she had previously interviewed these men, the topic of this interview was different and it did seem as if the interviewer was well prepared.
Most of the questions asked by the interviewer seemed to be well thought out, but more importantly they gave the two men being interviewed a chance to expand on the question and talk about the issues they wanted to. It was almost as if the questions were a sort of forum for the interview subjects to discuss their view points.
The interviewer seemed to build up to her questions by giving a little background to back up her point. For example, when she was going to ask a question about how it felt to be on the reality show, she would cite specific examples from the show. This gave her instant credibility on the topic. She also did a good job with follow up questions. Whenever either of the two men would respond with something interesting, she made sure to follow up. It seemed as if the strategy of the interviewer was to give the two men a forum to speak on. Because one of the men was talking about the serious issue of oppression against gays in the church, it seemed as if the interviewer knew that and wanted to give the men a chance to express how they felt.
The two men seemed very kind, honest and sincere so there were not too many questions that they shied away from. The interviewer was also very modest about the questions she asked. The interviewer seemed to have a very friendly relationship with the both men. She had interviewed both of them previously and drew back on numerous things that they had discussed before. This also allowed the interview to be very conversational and at the same time informative.
The main thing I learned about interviewing from listening to this one is the fact if you are prepared you will sound much more intelligent. It seemed to help that they had a past relationship as well. I also learned that when interviewing someone, give them questions that are intelligent, but at the same time allow them to expand on them and give great incite. This is what Terry Gross did very well.
It seemed as if the interviewer knew both of men relatively well mostly because she had interviewed both men individually on separate occasions. Although she had previously interviewed these men, the topic of this interview was different and it did seem as if the interviewer was well prepared.
Most of the questions asked by the interviewer seemed to be well thought out, but more importantly they gave the two men being interviewed a chance to expand on the question and talk about the issues they wanted to. It was almost as if the questions were a sort of forum for the interview subjects to discuss their view points.
The interviewer seemed to build up to her questions by giving a little background to back up her point. For example, when she was going to ask a question about how it felt to be on the reality show, she would cite specific examples from the show. This gave her instant credibility on the topic. She also did a good job with follow up questions. Whenever either of the two men would respond with something interesting, she made sure to follow up. It seemed as if the strategy of the interviewer was to give the two men a forum to speak on. Because one of the men was talking about the serious issue of oppression against gays in the church, it seemed as if the interviewer knew that and wanted to give the men a chance to express how they felt.
The two men seemed very kind, honest and sincere so there were not too many questions that they shied away from. The interviewer was also very modest about the questions she asked. The interviewer seemed to have a very friendly relationship with the both men. She had interviewed both of them previously and drew back on numerous things that they had discussed before. This also allowed the interview to be very conversational and at the same time informative.
The main thing I learned about interviewing from listening to this one is the fact if you are prepared you will sound much more intelligent. It seemed to help that they had a past relationship as well. I also learned that when interviewing someone, give them questions that are intelligent, but at the same time allow them to expand on them and give great incite. This is what Terry Gross did very well.
Copy Edit the World (last 15 points)
Errors are in red
1. Santa Cruz Sentinel
"Witnesses called 911 around 3:30 p.m. saying someone had sat a tree on fire."
- "sat" is supposed to be set. (2 points)
2. The other day I saw something shocking. It was a sweet n' low packet at my dinner table. This is how it was spelled on the packet. "Sweet 'N Low". The apostrophe was in the incorrect spot. (4 points)
3. NBA.com
"Hornets nock off Heat"
- This was a Headline I read about a game that had been played. "nock" should be spelled "knock". (2 points)
4. Sofias Mexican Food Restaurant
" Two tacos with ric and beans."
- The word "ric" should obviously be "rice". (4 points)
5. Aptos Burger Company (restaurant)
" All spcials include a side of fries, soup, or salad"
- The word "spcials" is missing the "e" and should be "specials". (4 points)
1. Santa Cruz Sentinel
"Witnesses called 911 around 3:30 p.m. saying someone had sat a tree on fire."
- "sat" is supposed to be set. (2 points)
2. The other day I saw something shocking. It was a sweet n' low packet at my dinner table. This is how it was spelled on the packet. "Sweet 'N Low". The apostrophe was in the incorrect spot. (4 points)
3. NBA.com
"Hornets nock off Heat"
- This was a Headline I read about a game that had been played. "nock" should be spelled "knock". (2 points)
4. Sofias Mexican Food Restaurant
" Two tacos with ric and beans."
- The word "ric" should obviously be "rice". (4 points)
5. Aptos Burger Company (restaurant)
" All spcials include a side of fries, soup, or salad"
- The word "spcials" is missing the "e" and should be "specials". (4 points)
Personal Obit
WATSONVILLE -- Longtime NBA superstar and loving family man, Russell Mikols died yesterday, in his sleep, from what his family believes to simply be old age.
Mikols, 84, was well known for his 18 year carrer in the NBA. He played for both the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors over the span of his career-- his two favorite teams growing up. After his playing career Mikols devoted his life to taking care of his family. He loved his wife Sierra and two children (to be named later) more than anything.
As a youth Mikols always dreamed of playing professional basketball. From the moment he could walk, he loved sports. He shared his passion for athletics with both his family and friends. In fact, many of his closest friends to this day were friends he formed as a child.
Before his first year of college, Mikols met the love of his life. She stood by his side as he made the leap to the NBA and conquered every record. The two of them started a family when Mikols was 30 and had two beautiful children. Mikols lived his life happy -- putting the most important thing first -- his family.
Mikols is survived by his loving wife, his sister Rachael, his two children, and five grandchildren in his hometown of Santa Cruz.
Mikols, 84, was well known for his 18 year carrer in the NBA. He played for both the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors over the span of his career-- his two favorite teams growing up. After his playing career Mikols devoted his life to taking care of his family. He loved his wife Sierra and two children (to be named later) more than anything.
As a youth Mikols always dreamed of playing professional basketball. From the moment he could walk, he loved sports. He shared his passion for athletics with both his family and friends. In fact, many of his closest friends to this day were friends he formed as a child.
Before his first year of college, Mikols met the love of his life. She stood by his side as he made the leap to the NBA and conquered every record. The two of them started a family when Mikols was 30 and had two beautiful children. Mikols lived his life happy -- putting the most important thing first -- his family.
Mikols is survived by his loving wife, his sister Rachael, his two children, and five grandchildren in his hometown of Santa Cruz.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Mystery Character
He entertains millions of people around the world on a nightly basis. His strong, epic, and godly athleticism matched with his sleek, swift, and picturesque gracefulness allow him to dominant his craft. Not only a master of his profession, this man is an entrepreneur -- with many talents making him one of the most successful people in the United States. His ability to act, dance, and interact with people have made him loved by most. His distinct fashion sense gives all youngsters just one more reason to idolize him. He will go down in history as one of the greatest icons in history -- having mastered his craft at an astonishingly young age. His chiseled body matched with his boyish, yet determined face allow almost every person to pick him out of a crowd.
Word of the Week #8
Word: Thwart
Source: MSNBC.com
How it was used: "The Obama administration plans to spend more than $400 million to upgrade ports of entry and surveillance technologies to help thwart drugs and arms smuggling along the U.S-Mexico border."
Definition:to run counter to so as to effectively oppose or baffle : b: to oppose successfully : defeat the hopes or aspirations of
My Sentence: My attempts to make the shot were thwarted when my opponent swiftly swatted the ball away.
Source: MSNBC.com
How it was used: "The Obama administration plans to spend more than $400 million to upgrade ports of entry and surveillance technologies to help thwart drugs and arms smuggling along the U.S-Mexico border."
Definition:to run counter to so as to effectively oppose or baffle : b: to oppose successfully : defeat the hopes or aspirations of
My Sentence: My attempts to make the shot were thwarted when my opponent swiftly swatted the ball away.
Word of the Week #7
Word: Repeal
Source: MSNBC.com
How it was used: "The plan, drafted by Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, the top Republican on the Budget Committee, also freezes overall spending on domestic programs passed by Congress each year and repeals most of the spending in Obama's recently passed economic stimulus bill."
Definition: To rescind or annul by authoritative act. (n.)
My sentence: My ability to enter the building was repealed after I got into an altercation with the officer.
Source: MSNBC.com
How it was used: "The plan, drafted by Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, the top Republican on the Budget Committee, also freezes overall spending on domestic programs passed by Congress each year and repeals most of the spending in Obama's recently passed economic stimulus bill."
Definition: To rescind or annul by authoritative act. (n.)
My sentence: My ability to enter the building was repealed after I got into an altercation with the officer.
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