The article linked on Charlie G's website, Elite Colleges Open New Door to Low Income Youth, seemed more like a profile than a feature. It definitely had potential to be a feature had stories of other low income youths been shared. However, the focus was on Jack at Amherst. Regardless, I really enjoyed reading this article.
The lede to the article was catchy, it started with a story which "humanized" the topic. By using Jack's story the author succeeds in "showing" the topic, instead of just explaining what is going on.
I thought the style of the article was extremely concise. I did not feel like I was reading a life story, but rather a success story woven into a bigger story of a college. I think that to make this a feature the emphasis should have started on Jack but then panned out to a bigger picture of other schools and other students.
In response to the content of this article, I am in complete agreement that it makes more sense to diversify a campus based on socioeconomic status, instead of race. I tend to be a tad more conservative in my viewpoints when it comes to affirmative action but I truly believe that an affirmative action for socioeconomic status would appease everyone. It makes sense to give aid based on financial need instead of what color you were born. If it happens to be that more African Americans are in the lower socioeconomic bracket, then so be it. At least the school is helping those that really need it.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Feature for Week 10
This link to a feature titled "First Amendment Pressures Mount for High School Journalism" is published on Poynteronline. I found the article particularly relevant to our class because of a discussion we had about censorship and the Index. It gives a good range of opinions and even pulls in some history on court cases that is interesting.
I have to admit the format of the article is somewhat annoying. All the links in the piece are distracting. Once again, I have difficulty reading articles online instead of print format and find myself getting side tracked quite easily. Nonetheless, the flow is fast paced and the topic is pertinent to one of our class discussions.
The lede of the article is quick and painless. I definitely think it could be improved... emphasizing the "showing" not "telling" trick we learned. Also, another downfall of the article is its organization. It felt like a list of quotes or citations from random people. There was not much of a transition from one quoted person to the next and their voices all ran together.
There is a lot of room for this piece to improve but, again, I like the topic.
http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=101&aid=123572
I have to admit the format of the article is somewhat annoying. All the links in the piece are distracting. Once again, I have difficulty reading articles online instead of print format and find myself getting side tracked quite easily. Nonetheless, the flow is fast paced and the topic is pertinent to one of our class discussions.
The lede of the article is quick and painless. I definitely think it could be improved... emphasizing the "showing" not "telling" trick we learned. Also, another downfall of the article is its organization. It felt like a list of quotes or citations from random people. There was not much of a transition from one quoted person to the next and their voices all ran together.
There is a lot of room for this piece to improve but, again, I like the topic.
http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=101&aid=123572
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Spring has Sprung and so has Senioritis
**Note to my workshop group: I have two interviews Wednesday where I will insert the details on the conversations. I outlined how I want the piece to go but it is lacking the direct quotes. I will post it as soon as I finish the interview!! ***
Apathy towards school work, increased procrastination, increased participation in extracurricular self-indulgent activities, decreased ability to remember due dates and class times but capacity to remember party dates, decreased attendance at class and increased time spent on leisure activities are all symptoms of the disease that so many of us suffered from in high school and have once again become familiar with.
The American Psychiatric Association doesn’t recognize it as a legitimate illness but as the temperature increases and the sun comes out, senioritis becomes contagious and both graduating seniors and professors feel the effects.
Senioritis is to blame for the slacking off and the indifferent attitude towards lower grades. With SIPs, Comprehensive Exams, finishing up LACs, applying for grad school or figuring out plans for the future, senioritis can really affect students at Kalamazoo College. To most senior students these responsibilities remain a burden, an obstacle in their celebration filled route to graduation. Ninth week into spring quarter, senior Amy Draybuck has not yet finished her SIP but is quite content with where she stands.
Draybuck explains “I feel like for four years I have, in various ways, put my life on hold because of school. I guess I’m finally realizing that there is life beyond K. In the end I know that I will get it done, and I’m sure I have made people mad along the way, but it’s my life, you know?”
A Monday night at Shakespeares followed by a Wednesday at Wayside and a Thursday night at Waldos all seem enticing to seniors who are using the line “there are only so many nights left” as an excuse to put off their responsibilities and have some fun.
Although this attitude may seem negligent, John Lund, a recent graduate of the University of Michigan, rationalizes his behavior by explaining “I knew living the carefree college lifestyle would be ending soon and most people would be moving to different parts of the country and the opportunity to be with them would not be as convenient. Plus, at that point in the semester, you have a good idea how you will do in your classes, so you tend to feel more comfortable not putting in as much effort at the end when you know that you should still be okay academically if you don’t.”
Not putting in effort on school work can be frustrating for professors and underclassmen that are in classes with seniors. Both the dynamic and the atmosphere of the classroom change.
**Insert conversations with Dr. Smith, Professor Moffit and sophomores**
At five o’clock on Saturday evening the quad is relatively quiet with smaller groups of students lying out on blankets and tossing around a frisbee. Within a few minutes the bottom of the hill fills with cars and sweaty bodies as the seniors rowdily congregate in front of Hoben. After several alcoholic beverages at Bells Brewery the senior pig roast is over, but the seniors aren’t finished celebrating. Some students strip down and begin to streak the quad, an activity crucial to Kalamazoo College tradition.
Of course, streaking makes you thirsty. A crowd gathers around the keg at the bottom of the quad and the antics continue. Among a random “K College” cheer, keg stands, keg tosses and overall raucous a security guard looks lost. Two kegs and a half gallon later, three cop cars arrive and the crowd disperses, carrying the keg to the third party location.
**Insert conversation with security guard, Tim Young**
Both Draybuck and Lund are far from regretting the choices they made. Draybuck smiles, “I am having the time of my life.”
Apathy towards school work, increased procrastination, increased participation in extracurricular self-indulgent activities, decreased ability to remember due dates and class times but capacity to remember party dates, decreased attendance at class and increased time spent on leisure activities are all symptoms of the disease that so many of us suffered from in high school and have once again become familiar with.
The American Psychiatric Association doesn’t recognize it as a legitimate illness but as the temperature increases and the sun comes out, senioritis becomes contagious and both graduating seniors and professors feel the effects.
Senioritis is to blame for the slacking off and the indifferent attitude towards lower grades. With SIPs, Comprehensive Exams, finishing up LACs, applying for grad school or figuring out plans for the future, senioritis can really affect students at Kalamazoo College. To most senior students these responsibilities remain a burden, an obstacle in their celebration filled route to graduation. Ninth week into spring quarter, senior Amy Draybuck has not yet finished her SIP but is quite content with where she stands.
Draybuck explains “I feel like for four years I have, in various ways, put my life on hold because of school. I guess I’m finally realizing that there is life beyond K. In the end I know that I will get it done, and I’m sure I have made people mad along the way, but it’s my life, you know?”
A Monday night at Shakespeares followed by a Wednesday at Wayside and a Thursday night at Waldos all seem enticing to seniors who are using the line “there are only so many nights left” as an excuse to put off their responsibilities and have some fun.
Although this attitude may seem negligent, John Lund, a recent graduate of the University of Michigan, rationalizes his behavior by explaining “I knew living the carefree college lifestyle would be ending soon and most people would be moving to different parts of the country and the opportunity to be with them would not be as convenient. Plus, at that point in the semester, you have a good idea how you will do in your classes, so you tend to feel more comfortable not putting in as much effort at the end when you know that you should still be okay academically if you don’t.”
Not putting in effort on school work can be frustrating for professors and underclassmen that are in classes with seniors. Both the dynamic and the atmosphere of the classroom change.
**Insert conversations with Dr. Smith, Professor Moffit and sophomores**
At five o’clock on Saturday evening the quad is relatively quiet with smaller groups of students lying out on blankets and tossing around a frisbee. Within a few minutes the bottom of the hill fills with cars and sweaty bodies as the seniors rowdily congregate in front of Hoben. After several alcoholic beverages at Bells Brewery the senior pig roast is over, but the seniors aren’t finished celebrating. Some students strip down and begin to streak the quad, an activity crucial to Kalamazoo College tradition.
Of course, streaking makes you thirsty. A crowd gathers around the keg at the bottom of the quad and the antics continue. Among a random “K College” cheer, keg stands, keg tosses and overall raucous a security guard looks lost. Two kegs and a half gallon later, three cop cars arrive and the crowd disperses, carrying the keg to the third party location.
**Insert conversation with security guard, Tim Young**
Both Draybuck and Lund are far from regretting the choices they made. Draybuck smiles, “I am having the time of my life.”
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Week 8 Reading Response
I want to respond to the piece that Lauren posted from Mother Jones. I too admire the author's courage in tackling such a huge subject. However, as a person who knows nothing about mass extinction (let alone camping) I found it difficult to get into the article. The lede is good, the anecdotes about them in their tents and hiking presents the topic as being approachable. Although I can not relate to the "outdoorsy" life, I definitely found these anecdotes to be successful in making this topic easier to read about.
The second and third page dragged on to me. It seemed like I was reading a text book and it was not interesting. Perhaps there was not enough action for me, but I agree that the author could have been more successul had she removed herself from the piece. The stories she recounts about the people she meets are more interesting to me. The lack of direct quotes is boring.
The second and third page dragged on to me. It seemed like I was reading a text book and it was not interesting. Perhaps there was not enough action for me, but I agree that the author could have been more successul had she removed herself from the piece. The stories she recounts about the people she meets are more interesting to me. The lack of direct quotes is boring.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Reading Response: Underworld
I never would have believed that I could become that fascinated in the life of a coal miner and what it is like to actually work in the coal mine. Although this piece was really long, I read it all and really enjoyed it. I wish I had read it in print form though, with the pictures and the layout. Sometimes I find reading on the Internet a chore, not half as enjoyable as the real thing. Charlie's pick for a feature this week really hit home with me though for several reasons.
First, I was genuinely impressed at this woman's ability to form such close relationships with these men and gain access to a job that seems predominantly masculine. I personally am going into a field that is male dominated and am hesitant about how I will be received. I believe that Jeanne Laskas does an incredible job at gaining the respect of her subjects, even though at times they would poke fun at her for not having insight into the job. I have to admit I was somewhat inspired. In the beginning I just assumed that the author was a man, doing some male bonding with coal miners. I was impressed, however, to realize that it was a woman and for some reason this really shined a new light on the characters and the story.
Secondly, I love the full immersion into this culture. She really put herself out there to gain COMPLETE access to the life of several coal miners. I really believe that this article presents the ideal way to write a feature the right way. It isn't superficial and the details are real, she doesn't just skim the top layer of coal mining but portrays every aspect of that lifestyle. The quotes from the characters are perfect, they really show the reader a lot. I am struggling with this part in my own writing and now understand how important it is to have real conversations with your characters.
Third, Jeanne really humanizes these men. I not only felt like I really had a firm grasp on who they are but it went beyond that. I saw them at work. I saw them at home with their wives. I saw them at the bar with their guy friends. It was such a well rounded picture. And I liked them at the end.
The history of the coal mining industry was cleverly worked into the story. I didn't find it to be boring or out of context. Also, the language of the piece seemed to mimic the language of the coal miners. I loved it!
First, I was genuinely impressed at this woman's ability to form such close relationships with these men and gain access to a job that seems predominantly masculine. I personally am going into a field that is male dominated and am hesitant about how I will be received. I believe that Jeanne Laskas does an incredible job at gaining the respect of her subjects, even though at times they would poke fun at her for not having insight into the job. I have to admit I was somewhat inspired. In the beginning I just assumed that the author was a man, doing some male bonding with coal miners. I was impressed, however, to realize that it was a woman and for some reason this really shined a new light on the characters and the story.
Secondly, I love the full immersion into this culture. She really put herself out there to gain COMPLETE access to the life of several coal miners. I really believe that this article presents the ideal way to write a feature the right way. It isn't superficial and the details are real, she doesn't just skim the top layer of coal mining but portrays every aspect of that lifestyle. The quotes from the characters are perfect, they really show the reader a lot. I am struggling with this part in my own writing and now understand how important it is to have real conversations with your characters.
Third, Jeanne really humanizes these men. I not only felt like I really had a firm grasp on who they are but it went beyond that. I saw them at work. I saw them at home with their wives. I saw them at the bar with their guy friends. It was such a well rounded picture. And I liked them at the end.
The history of the coal mining industry was cleverly worked into the story. I didn't find it to be boring or out of context. Also, the language of the piece seemed to mimic the language of the coal miners. I loved it!
Monday, April 30, 2007
An Eccentric Version of a Party Store
His office is spotless; everything is in its clearly specified place, including the toothbrush and toothpaste lying atop the filing cabinet. There is only one chair in the office and he can not seem to find an extra, so we stand for the duration of our conversation. Eye contact is minimal and the dialogue is short. Habib Mandwee sits on the edge of his desk and explains that it was “just a coincidence” that his brother, Saad Mandwee, and he have been a part of the retail liquor industry for twenty-five years.
What began as a temporary business venture developed into not only one of the most well known liquor stores in Kalamazoo, but a premier destination for visitors of western Michigan. Tiffany’s Wine and Spirit Shoppe is highlighted on several websites where customers rave about their extensive product selection and their experiences, “I talked to the man who was working and he gave me the run down on what just came in, what sells like wildfire and some of his favorites for this season. He was a great help and a beer fan himself.” Customers would never know that Habib Mandwee claims his product selection is modestly due to “common sense” while attending trade shows and that he “doesn’t even know what they all taste like.”
The pickled asparagus selection and the jar of Rosenburg Danish blue cheese in oil are not typical products of your average college-town booze store, nor expected products of a manager with such a cavalier attitude.
The $14,090.98 Courvoisier bottle sits indistinctly in a glass case with a hand-written sign “Sorry… not for sale.” Mandwee nonchalantly admits that this bottle is part of an eight piece collection that sells for over $150,000, sold more as a “piece of artwork than as liquor.”
Smells of alcohol, hummus and falafel blend together. The small deli seems out of place in the midst of the large liquor store, as if Tiffany’s had mastered the art of alcohol retail and were attempting to capitalize on their opportunity to sell authentic middle-eastern delicacies. An unexpected and somewhat awkward blend of savory gourmet foods, fresh coffee beans ready to be ground and hundreds of liquor bottles. An $80 bottle of Le Collection Elite Vodka takes the form of a sassy, strappy, glass sandal and is gawkily juxtaposed next to an assortment of $400 cognac bottles. The endless amount of liquor brands, mixers and international beers overwhelms before the wine selection is even visible.
A two part staircase leads shoppers downstairs to a low-ceilinged open space filled with wine bottles. The door to the lower floor is not clearly marked and any hesitant consumer may be intimidated to make their way to the wine cellar and humidor. It is unclear whether or not the room is strictly for employees, or if the public is welcome.
The bottles rest on the floor, not prominently displayed on racks or shelves. The aroma of fresh wood crates wafts in the air. A room so daunting any non-wine connoisseur would feel as if they did not deserve to be surrounded by so many wine bottles that lay unmarked and unorganized in a glaringly obvious manner. Lids of wooden crates line a portion of the walls displaying names of foreign lands such as Napa, California and Yacochuya, Argentina. Assorted maps of France randomly interrupt the wood crates, flaunting the wines from the various regions notorious for their vineyards.
At the end of the room a “Limited Access” sign hangs on a glass door that separates the already vast wine selection with the even more overwhelming wine selection that deserves its own temperature controlled space. The room sits hidden from those meanderers who are not distinctly searching for the ______________ (specific description/year/location of a certain one) bottle of wine.
Tiffany’s sits unassumingly amidst several other shops in a plaza off of a busy commercial road. The recent 1200 sq. foot addition extended the store to the corner of West Main and N. Arlington Street, making the shop more visible from the road. Several small tables, reminiscent of European cafés, invite customers to enjoy their edible purchases in front of the shop. Tiffany’s walks the line of fostering an atmosphere uncommon to most liquor stores, taking pride in the role they play in the Kalamazoo community.
Although Tiffany’s is a popular destination among college students, the store succeeds in balancing their college clientele as well as serving the greater neighborhood, a task many smaller spirit shops have not yet accomplished. Habib Mandwee lights up when he relays his enjoyment on the fact that his “business gets people excited!” His customers are his “guests” and they come to him when they are happy and ready to celebrate.
Most party stores are looked down upon by citizens of an upstanding community and are commonly associated with poverty and debauchery. Habib and Saad Mandwee’s commitment to the Kalamazoo community and their dedication to provide their “guests” with a “diverse variety” of products have given western Michigan a haven for over 100,000 choices of wine alone, along with an extensive international beer and liquor selection, and gourmet foods both packaged and fresh. A haphazard collection of products all available in one location, all brought together to ensure an exciting celebration for the customers of Tiffany’s Wine and Spirit Shoppe.
**Note: The profile about 100 words under 1,000 words because I found several places where I want more specific details, but need to go back to Tiffany's to do more reportage.
What began as a temporary business venture developed into not only one of the most well known liquor stores in Kalamazoo, but a premier destination for visitors of western Michigan. Tiffany’s Wine and Spirit Shoppe is highlighted on several websites where customers rave about their extensive product selection and their experiences, “I talked to the man who was working and he gave me the run down on what just came in, what sells like wildfire and some of his favorites for this season. He was a great help and a beer fan himself.” Customers would never know that Habib Mandwee claims his product selection is modestly due to “common sense” while attending trade shows and that he “doesn’t even know what they all taste like.”
The pickled asparagus selection and the jar of Rosenburg Danish blue cheese in oil are not typical products of your average college-town booze store, nor expected products of a manager with such a cavalier attitude.
The $14,090.98 Courvoisier bottle sits indistinctly in a glass case with a hand-written sign “Sorry… not for sale.” Mandwee nonchalantly admits that this bottle is part of an eight piece collection that sells for over $150,000, sold more as a “piece of artwork than as liquor.”
Smells of alcohol, hummus and falafel blend together. The small deli seems out of place in the midst of the large liquor store, as if Tiffany’s had mastered the art of alcohol retail and were attempting to capitalize on their opportunity to sell authentic middle-eastern delicacies. An unexpected and somewhat awkward blend of savory gourmet foods, fresh coffee beans ready to be ground and hundreds of liquor bottles. An $80 bottle of Le Collection Elite Vodka takes the form of a sassy, strappy, glass sandal and is gawkily juxtaposed next to an assortment of $400 cognac bottles. The endless amount of liquor brands, mixers and international beers overwhelms before the wine selection is even visible.
A two part staircase leads shoppers downstairs to a low-ceilinged open space filled with wine bottles. The door to the lower floor is not clearly marked and any hesitant consumer may be intimidated to make their way to the wine cellar and humidor. It is unclear whether or not the room is strictly for employees, or if the public is welcome.
The bottles rest on the floor, not prominently displayed on racks or shelves. The aroma of fresh wood crates wafts in the air. A room so daunting any non-wine connoisseur would feel as if they did not deserve to be surrounded by so many wine bottles that lay unmarked and unorganized in a glaringly obvious manner. Lids of wooden crates line a portion of the walls displaying names of foreign lands such as Napa, California and Yacochuya, Argentina. Assorted maps of France randomly interrupt the wood crates, flaunting the wines from the various regions notorious for their vineyards.
At the end of the room a “Limited Access” sign hangs on a glass door that separates the already vast wine selection with the even more overwhelming wine selection that deserves its own temperature controlled space. The room sits hidden from those meanderers who are not distinctly searching for the ______________ (specific description/year/location of a certain one) bottle of wine.
Tiffany’s sits unassumingly amidst several other shops in a plaza off of a busy commercial road. The recent 1200 sq. foot addition extended the store to the corner of West Main and N. Arlington Street, making the shop more visible from the road. Several small tables, reminiscent of European cafés, invite customers to enjoy their edible purchases in front of the shop. Tiffany’s walks the line of fostering an atmosphere uncommon to most liquor stores, taking pride in the role they play in the Kalamazoo community.
Although Tiffany’s is a popular destination among college students, the store succeeds in balancing their college clientele as well as serving the greater neighborhood, a task many smaller spirit shops have not yet accomplished. Habib Mandwee lights up when he relays his enjoyment on the fact that his “business gets people excited!” His customers are his “guests” and they come to him when they are happy and ready to celebrate.
Most party stores are looked down upon by citizens of an upstanding community and are commonly associated with poverty and debauchery. Habib and Saad Mandwee’s commitment to the Kalamazoo community and their dedication to provide their “guests” with a “diverse variety” of products have given western Michigan a haven for over 100,000 choices of wine alone, along with an extensive international beer and liquor selection, and gourmet foods both packaged and fresh. A haphazard collection of products all available in one location, all brought together to ensure an exciting celebration for the customers of Tiffany’s Wine and Spirit Shoppe.
**Note: The profile about 100 words under 1,000 words because I found several places where I want more specific details, but need to go back to Tiffany's to do more reportage.
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