"Two boys, two scary ailments," by Jennifer Moody tells the story of two boys, their loving parents and a community determined to help however they could. The story didn't dwell on the medical terminology that can sometimes make stories such as these rather dull to read.
Instead, Moody focused her attention and that of the readers on the great community support the two families have been receiving from Journey Church, West Albany and Santiam Christian High School. Moody shows how those fund raisers have brought relief to the families while bringing the community together for a great cause.
The story also noted on the great care each boy has received at Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland.
I think Moody's use of the boys' first names made the story much more personable and warm. Her use of quotes really helped show the compassionate side of the people in the story.
The 'At a glance,' worked really well because it told people ways they could get involved to support the boys and their families.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Moody's words of wisdom
Jennifer Moody is very personable, very knowledgeable and very well spoken. Did I also mention she is a reporter at the Albany Democrat Herald? She spoke with the Features Writing class at Linn-Benton earlier this week, imparting her own words of wisdom and answering questions.
"The rest of the story," or "And then what happened?" are how she defines what writing features is all about. It can also be hard hitting or light hearted. The main difference between writing news and writing features is the lack of immediacy in the latter.
Moody spoke of her 20 years in a newsroom, including a stint as an editor at the Stayton Mail. Mostly, however, she spoke of what makes a good feature and writing in general.
Her main points included that, like a news story, a feature must be fair and accurate. Another point she stressed was keeping yourself out of the story. "But the voice is yours."
Is a good nut graf important? According to Moody, yes it is. "What is the story and why does it matter?" She pointed students to Chip Scanlon of the Poynter Institute as a great example of a writer who creates good nut grafs.
She also spoke about when to quote and when not to quote. Her best advice was to let the person you are interviewing say it if they are saying something the rest of the story doesn't. She also said it was important not to use a quote to say something that has already been said.
Focusing your feature is another important aspect Moody talked about. "Don't write about the bakery, write about the piece of pie."
Other tips Moody imparted were to ask the right questions and that, especially in a small newspaper, it helps to be flexible.
Whatever the class took away from Moody's talk, one thing is certain. She is her own best example about the importance of being flexible. In the past week, she has covered school board happenings, an honor given to Harrisburg cheerleaders, the changes coming in Girl Scouts and a school bus wreck.
At a glance
2009 ONPA awards
Mother of two daughters
Works part time at Democrat Herald
"The rest of the story," or "And then what happened?" are how she defines what writing features is all about. It can also be hard hitting or light hearted. The main difference between writing news and writing features is the lack of immediacy in the latter.
Moody spoke of her 20 years in a newsroom, including a stint as an editor at the Stayton Mail. Mostly, however, she spoke of what makes a good feature and writing in general.
Her main points included that, like a news story, a feature must be fair and accurate. Another point she stressed was keeping yourself out of the story. "But the voice is yours."
Is a good nut graf important? According to Moody, yes it is. "What is the story and why does it matter?" She pointed students to Chip Scanlon of the Poynter Institute as a great example of a writer who creates good nut grafs.
She also spoke about when to quote and when not to quote. Her best advice was to let the person you are interviewing say it if they are saying something the rest of the story doesn't. She also said it was important not to use a quote to say something that has already been said.
Focusing your feature is another important aspect Moody talked about. "Don't write about the bakery, write about the piece of pie."
Other tips Moody imparted were to ask the right questions and that, especially in a small newspaper, it helps to be flexible.
Whatever the class took away from Moody's talk, one thing is certain. She is her own best example about the importance of being flexible. In the past week, she has covered school board happenings, an honor given to Harrisburg cheerleaders, the changes coming in Girl Scouts and a school bus wreck.
At a glance
2009 ONPA awards
Mother of two daughters
Works part time at Democrat Herald
Friday, February 18, 2011
Goodbye Big Bird? Maybe
By Kay M Roth
Say goodbye to Big Bird, nature programs and Antique Roadshow. It’s possible. If the federal government goes through with their plans to cut funding to NPR and PBS, those are just some of the shows that might end up on the cutting room floor.
While the legislature is trying to come up with cuts to help create a balanced budget, the debate on funding for NPR and PBS rages on. Conservatives are leading the charge to cut the spending. Liberals are on the same side of the aisle as public broadcasting, wanting funding to remain in place. For both sides, the battle seems to have just begun.
If lawmakers in Washington, DC have their way, the tried and true programming that has entertained and informed the public for years might be a thing of the past. Maybe.
While the legislature is trying to come up with cuts to help create a balanced budget, the debate on funding for NPR and PBS rages on. Conservatives are leading the charge to cut the spending. Liberals are on the same side of the aisle as public broadcasting, wanting funding to remain in place. For both sides, the battle seems to have just begun.
If lawmakers in Washington, DC have their way, the tried and true programming that has entertained and informed the public for years might be a thing of the past. Maybe.
The federal government allocates funds to NPR and PBS each year. For NPR, their share equals about 5 percent of their overall budget. In Oregon, $2.5 million in federal dollars yearly goes to Oregon Public Broadcasting. That amount is roughly 10 percent of their entire budget.
Locally, several people responded to a non-scientific survey regarding their thoughts on NPR and PBS. All respondents said they either watched PBS or listened to NPR on a regular basis.
“I listen to NPR every morning and evening,” Kevin Kirk said. Kirk, who worked in local radio when he lived in the mid valley, said he likes the programming and would hate to see it not be available.
Melissa Mills has similar thoughts about PBS. The managing editor of Mom Magazine has three school-aged children at home. “We love PBS.” Her children watch the educational cartoons every afternoon. They are not the only PBS fans in the house. “I love some of their cooking and travel shows.” The possible defunding worries Mills. “I would be really sad to see the funding disappear.”
Jay Stevens-eck lives in Scio and grew up watching PBS and still takes time from her busy schedule to watch it. “My day isn’t complete without it.” Sadly, one of her favorite programs, the WonderWorks movie series, is no longer on the air. She does still have several other shows she watches regularly. "I really love the British comedies, the sewing and knitting ladies and Charlie Rose."
"PBS is an awesome station!" Stevens-eck said she thinks she's more well rounded as an adult because of the shows she watched on PBS as a child.
"PBS is an awesome station!" Stevens-eck said she thinks she's more well rounded as an adult because of the shows she watched on PBS as a child.
Pat Purdue of Albany is also a fan. “I watch and listen to them both and would hate to see them go.” He didn’t realize either received funding from the government.
Cecily Brown of Corvallis is another fan who, like Lunceford, donates to PBS. She trusted PBS to entertain and educate her children. Now, her grandchildren benefit from the educational programing of PBS.
Brown also is an avid NPR listener. Among her favorites are "A Prairie Home Companion," "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me," and "Car Talk."
Brown also donates to support public broadcasting. "I pledge as part of the sustaining circle through NPR." She occasionally donates to support specific programing efforts. "I listen to NPR every morning."
NPR and PBS both receive funding from many sources, the federal government's is just a small piece of the pie. Funding comes from private donations, businesses and other partnerships. For the millions of people who listen to NPR or watch PBS, the federal dollars could mean the difference between their favorite shows remaining on the air or their local station going dark.
At a glance
The breakdown
NPR- who listens?
PBS- who watches?
Friday, February 4, 2011
Save the music!
Music, music, music. We hear it everywhere- in elevators, in doctors' offices, on our car radios. It links us to the past and to the present. Music plays a big part in setting the mood for movies, provides a way to move the story along in musical theater, and even helps young children learn their ABC's.
Children start learning music in preschool and those who are lucky enough to have a strong program in middle and high school, get opportunities to continue their music education. But, for how long?
Sadly, when budget cuts are considered, the arts are usually the first subjects on the chopping block. Considering how the arts influences much of who we are, losing classes in theater, art and music can mean the end of life as we know it.
Music is more than just for the soul, to soothe the savage beast or a way to relax. It is about history, math, science, reading, writing- well, you get the idea. In other words, it's about life and living.
He is the director of athletic bands at Oregon State University and Brad Townsend loves his music. It is more than his job, it is his passion. While he stays extremely busy providing music at sporting events at OSU, Townsend takes time to utilize his training and his passion at local community theaters such as Corvallis Community Theatre and Albany Civic Theater, most recently as Max in "The Producers."
"I love musical theater. It gives me the opportunity to sing and act, both of which I really enjoy." Townsend performs on stage and in the orchestra for many area musicals. He is also part of "Puttin' on the Bitz," a cabaret group he founded.
Dr. Brad Townsend at work following the return of the OSU Beavers baseball team from Omaha after winning back to back national titles in 2007.
Photo by Kay M Roth
Like Townsend, I have a passion for music. Also like Townsend, that passion was instilled in me when I was in middle and high school. I played trumpet and French horn in band and sang alto in choir and swing choir.
"My middle school music teacher inspired me to do more than just learn to play an instrument. She inspired me to teach." Townsend said he made his decision then to continue his music education.
What a shame it would be if the youth of today were unable to experience that same passion that, in my case and especially in Townsend's, has lasted a lifetime.
We are not alone. Take Cheryl Leckie for example. She taught music at Philomath High School for a number of years before turning to special education. She did not, however, leave her music behind. "I love music."
She plays tuba in the Willamette Valley Symphony, performs in the orchestra for many musicals at ACT and is the orchestra conductor for ACT's "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," currently showing at the downtown theater.
Music education can also be linked to higher test scores, better understanding of math and science and how to work as a team. For example, The College Board notes that students who studied music in high school score an average of 59 points more on the verbal and 44 points higher on math in the SATs than their non-musical counterparts.
Even preschoolers who are exposed to music tend to excel in other areas. Drs. Gordon Shaw and Frances Rauscher of the University of California have conducted a number of studies on the subject. The results of one concludes that preschoolers given eight months of keyboard lessons show a 46% rise in their spatial IQ (spatial abilities include being able to visualize how to create objects). The spatial IQ is critical for higher brain functions like complex mathematics.
Townsend notes the added importance of feeling the emotions of the music."It is obvious in the quality, the way the music flows, and the overall movement when a piece is played with emotion."
Sometime that emotion stems from a real life disaster such as the shooting at Columbine High School in 1999. Frank Ticheli wrote "An American Elegy" specifically to honor those whose lives were cut short and to those who survived. It is the passion and emotion musicians feel that makes it even more meaningful.
Dan Johnson teaches music at Philomath High School. “I use this piece very carefully and in guarded years, because it is very draining.” His students are asked to think about the music and what it means to them. “This piece has grown to mean more to my ensembles with each major man-created disaster.”
I have heard this particular piece of music played by large honors bands and small high school bands. Because of the emotions, the passions and the dedication, "An American Elegy" gives me goosebumps every time.
Music also proves how important team work, dedication, and practice can be. Musicians in any type of group whether it be an honors orchestra, a high school band or a garage band, must learn and use all of the above skills.
Youth of today might not get the chance to experience music as we have over the years. Instead of cutting, school boards must find a way to save this valuable subject from extinction. If not for the sake of simply learning to enjoy music, for the positive things it brings to young people that they carry with them to adulthood.
At a glance:
What others say about music
National Association for Music Education
In her own words
Public school music featured at the Oscars
Get involved!
OSUMB
Troubadour Music Center
Gracewind Music
Corvallis Community Band
From 2005, some of the cast of "The Rocky Horror Show" on stage at Albany Civic Theater, doing the "Time Warp." Photo by Jay Thompson.
Children start learning music in preschool and those who are lucky enough to have a strong program in middle and high school, get opportunities to continue their music education. But, for how long?
Sadly, when budget cuts are considered, the arts are usually the first subjects on the chopping block. Considering how the arts influences much of who we are, losing classes in theater, art and music can mean the end of life as we know it.
Music is more than just for the soul, to soothe the savage beast or a way to relax. It is about history, math, science, reading, writing- well, you get the idea. In other words, it's about life and living.
He is the director of athletic bands at Oregon State University and Brad Townsend loves his music. It is more than his job, it is his passion. While he stays extremely busy providing music at sporting events at OSU, Townsend takes time to utilize his training and his passion at local community theaters such as Corvallis Community Theatre and Albany Civic Theater, most recently as Max in "The Producers."
"I love musical theater. It gives me the opportunity to sing and act, both of which I really enjoy." Townsend performs on stage and in the orchestra for many area musicals. He is also part of "Puttin' on the Bitz," a cabaret group he founded.
Dr. Brad Townsend at work following the return of the OSU Beavers baseball team from Omaha after winning back to back national titles in 2007.
Photo by Kay M Roth
Like Townsend, I have a passion for music. Also like Townsend, that passion was instilled in me when I was in middle and high school. I played trumpet and French horn in band and sang alto in choir and swing choir.
"My middle school music teacher inspired me to do more than just learn to play an instrument. She inspired me to teach." Townsend said he made his decision then to continue his music education.
What a shame it would be if the youth of today were unable to experience that same passion that, in my case and especially in Townsend's, has lasted a lifetime.
We are not alone. Take Cheryl Leckie for example. She taught music at Philomath High School for a number of years before turning to special education. She did not, however, leave her music behind. "I love music."
She plays tuba in the Willamette Valley Symphony, performs in the orchestra for many musicals at ACT and is the orchestra conductor for ACT's "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," currently showing at the downtown theater.
Music education can also be linked to higher test scores, better understanding of math and science and how to work as a team. For example, The College Board notes that students who studied music in high school score an average of 59 points more on the verbal and 44 points higher on math in the SATs than their non-musical counterparts.
Even preschoolers who are exposed to music tend to excel in other areas. Drs. Gordon Shaw and Frances Rauscher of the University of California have conducted a number of studies on the subject. The results of one concludes that preschoolers given eight months of keyboard lessons show a 46% rise in their spatial IQ (spatial abilities include being able to visualize how to create objects). The spatial IQ is critical for higher brain functions like complex mathematics.
Townsend notes the added importance of feeling the emotions of the music."It is obvious in the quality, the way the music flows, and the overall movement when a piece is played with emotion."
Sometime that emotion stems from a real life disaster such as the shooting at Columbine High School in 1999. Frank Ticheli wrote "An American Elegy" specifically to honor those whose lives were cut short and to those who survived. It is the passion and emotion musicians feel that makes it even more meaningful.
Dan Johnson teaches music at Philomath High School. “I use this piece very carefully and in guarded years, because it is very draining.” His students are asked to think about the music and what it means to them. “This piece has grown to mean more to my ensembles with each major man-created disaster.”
I have heard this particular piece of music played by large honors bands and small high school bands. Because of the emotions, the passions and the dedication, "An American Elegy" gives me goosebumps every time.
Music also proves how important team work, dedication, and practice can be. Musicians in any type of group whether it be an honors orchestra, a high school band or a garage band, must learn and use all of the above skills.
Youth of today might not get the chance to experience music as we have over the years. Instead of cutting, school boards must find a way to save this valuable subject from extinction. If not for the sake of simply learning to enjoy music, for the positive things it brings to young people that they carry with them to adulthood.
At a glance:
What others say about music
National Association for Music Education
In her own words
Public school music featured at the Oscars
Get involved!
OSUMB
Troubadour Music Center
Gracewind Music
Corvallis Community Band
From 2005, some of the cast of "The Rocky Horror Show" on stage at Albany Civic Theater, doing the "Time Warp." Photo by Jay Thompson.
Monday, January 31, 2011
On Campus
She's easy to spot. Sitting on a high black stool, she greets everyone she sees with a smile and a kind word. With the hustle and bustle of everything going on around her, she remains calm and focused on the job at hand.
Cups fill with ice, hamburgers sizzle on the grill, workers call out orders- it's all part of her day. Students wait- some patiently, some not- to pay for their purchases. She remains focused and busy.
She is very much a people person as her chats show. "Happy Monday!" "Have a great day!" "Have a wonderful weekend!" All familiar declarations. All coming from the same nice lady who, day in and day out, is one of the best known faces at Linn Benton.
She makes the black tabard that is part of her uniform does more than cover the shirt she wears underneath. It tells her story. "I do believe in angels," she said with her quick smile. The tabard's front is filled with angel pins ranging from very small metal ones to vibrantly jeweled ones. And, yes, there is even one from her grandchildren. It's easy to spot- the swirling metal spells out 'Nana' while the loop below the letters holds a trio of small angels.
For students who enjoy a meal on campus, it's very hard to eat without first visiting with this very nice, very helpful lady. Stop by the Courtyard Cafe and see if you can spot her!
Cups fill with ice, hamburgers sizzle on the grill, workers call out orders- it's all part of her day. Students wait- some patiently, some not- to pay for their purchases. She remains focused and busy.
She is very much a people person as her chats show. "Happy Monday!" "Have a great day!" "Have a wonderful weekend!" All familiar declarations. All coming from the same nice lady who, day in and day out, is one of the best known faces at Linn Benton.
She makes the black tabard that is part of her uniform does more than cover the shirt she wears underneath. It tells her story. "I do believe in angels," she said with her quick smile. The tabard's front is filled with angel pins ranging from very small metal ones to vibrantly jeweled ones. And, yes, there is even one from her grandchildren. It's easy to spot- the swirling metal spells out 'Nana' while the loop below the letters holds a trio of small angels.
For students who enjoy a meal on campus, it's very hard to eat without first visiting with this very nice, very helpful lady. Stop by the Courtyard Cafe and see if you can spot her!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Anne, we will always remember
I thought of you today, Anne.
The little flags that appeared in the quad at school probably caused some people to stop and read the signs. Hopefully, a lot of people paused. I know I did.
My eyes especially lingered on the yellow ones. That's when I thought of you, Anne.
It's been several years since I was given the opportunity to tell your story. I just hope we did it justice. I think we did.
I felt I got to know you if even just a bit. Talking with Laureen and Rudi, seeing the photo of your father, hearing first hand what it was like to hide, to be persecuted, to live in fear each and every day. How I wish your young life would have ended differently.
I shared my thoughts with Leigh. She portrayed your mother with all of the fears, the joys and the courage that Edith most surely did possess.
You touched our lives.
We will never forget, Anne. Never.
LB's "Lunch Lady" provides service with a smile
By Kay M Roth
She always serves her customers with a smile and a sincere, “Have a great day.” She doesn’t just look at the items set on the shiny silver counter and punch the prices on the computer screen. She stops a moment to look at the person, to connect.For people picking up a salad, sandwich or something to drink at the Courtyard Café, it's Judi Madarus who does more than just take your money.
Even though everyone seems to be in a rush, people tend to slow down a bit and make small talk with Linn Benton’s “Lunch Lady.” It’s hard not to do. She’s just such a nice person. But, who among us actually knows her?
Even though everyone seems to be in a rush, people tend to slow down a bit and make small talk with Linn Benton’s “Lunch Lady.” It’s hard not to do. She’s just such a nice person. But, who among us actually knows her?
Madarus might not be well known to students by her name but everyone who ventures into the school’s café knows her. And, she knows them.
“I love the students,” she said last week. “I like to call them by name.”
“I love the students,” she said last week. “I like to call them by name.”
LB student Lisa Singleton said she appreciates what she calls that “spark of recognition,” Madarus shows to each and every person who comes through her line.
“She’s amazing,” Singleton said. “She remembers me from a year ago.”
Madarus has been a mainstay at Linn-Benton for 31 years. Although she retired three years ago, staying away from LB just wasn't in the cards. She quickly returned as a part-time cashier.
She is now providing her great customer service for a second generation of students. Pretty appropriate considering she is a second-generation employee.
“I started upstairs in the dish room with my mom.” Madarus’s first job was washing dishes. When her mother retired, Madarus took her supervisory position. “I worked on the hot line upstairs.” She smiles at the memories.
Eventually, she moved to the Courtyard Café where this generation of students and staff have gotten to know her.
From her stool at the cash register, Madarus connects with the students and staff who pass her way. She always has a smile, a comment, and a nod of recognition to those she serves.
The cafe is a second home for her. She considers the people who pass through the café as more than customers. They are family. Like family, they have been through good times and bad times together. “They really rallied around me,” she said of the time 10 years ago when her husband, Ed, passed away.
From her stool at the cash register, Madarus connects with the students and staff who pass her way. She always has a smile, a comment, and a nod of recognition to those she serves.
The cafe is a second home for her. She considers the people who pass through the café as more than customers. They are family. Like family, they have been through good times and bad times together. “They really rallied around me,” she said of the time 10 years ago when her husband, Ed, passed away.
In addition to her radiant smile, people passing through her line can’t help but notice her black tabard filled with pins. Not just random pins. Madarus's tabard is filled with angel pins. Ones that sparkle, ones made of metal, big ones, small ones. All angels all the time.
She started with one. Suddenly, people were bringing her more. “Students, faculty, friends- everybody,” she said of who they come from.
Grandchildren Austin Carson, 13, Colby Carson, 9, and Caylee Perkins, 6, even have presented their grandmother with an angel pin. The trio's pin is complete with the word Nana that holds three little angels. Again, she smiles.
She started with one. Suddenly, people were bringing her more. “Students, faculty, friends- everybody,” she said of who they come from.
Grandchildren Austin Carson, 13, Colby Carson, 9, and Caylee Perkins, 6, even have presented their grandmother with an angel pin. The trio's pin is complete with the word Nana that holds three little angels. Again, she smiles.
“Yes, I do believe in angels.”
She also loves flowers, as noted by the colorful bouquet that always adorns the counter near her register. In the winter, it is often silk flowers. Other times of the year, they are fresh cut. “I do gardening at home.”
When she’s not at LB or working in her garden, Madarus enjoys being with her family, playing Bingo and shopping with friends.
How long will she keep working? “Until I’m not able to.”
How long will she keep working? “Until I’m not able to.”
Fellow Courtyard Café cashier Jennifer Reeser smiled when asked to describe Madarus. “Very friendly.” Reeser gave Madarus great reviews for her customer service.
She also appreciates Madarus as a co-worker. “She’s fun to work with.”
In addition to her three grandchildren, Madarus has two daughters, Christy Madarus and Melissa Carson. And, of course, the LB students and staff.
“Family and friends- they are the greatest asset in life.” Indeed.
Judi Madarus has been a mainstay at LBCC for 31 years.
Photos by Kay M Roth
At a glance:
Name: Judi Madarus
Born in New York, moved to Oregon at nine months old
Family settled in Scio area, where they joined the Czech community.
Follow Courtyard Cafe on facebook
Courtyard Cafe hours of operation are:
Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Courtyard Cafe hours of operation are:
Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Toolbox 101
Stephen King got it right- keep your toolbox handy. His book, On Writing, can help even the least experienced writer feel they can write!
When writing anything there are certain things people need to remember. How they work in Features Writing is really no different than they might work in research writing or fiction writing- or even writing a letter.
Your writing toolbox isn't heavy, it doesn't take up space- well, except in your brain- and it shouldn't get too cluttered. In other words, keep it tidy. If used correctly, like any type of toolbox, it will help you get the job done.
In my opinion, King's suggestions regarding a writer's toolbox actually begins on the pages prior to the section he titled "Toolbox." He suggests to read and read a lot. To be a good writer, you have to read what else is out there.
With so much instant news on the Internet, ebooks and blogs, there is no excuse not to. Reading helps writers become stronger in their writing, lets them know what people are interested and what's already been written and keeps them informed on what's happening in the world.
While King's writing is extremely conversational, he brings into play some great ideas and utilizes several sources. One, William Strunk's "The Elements of Style," deals with grammar and how to use it correctly. King is then quick to add that even Strunk, who he calls the "Mussolini of rhetoric," won't get too worked up if not every single sentence is a complete one.
Another concept that works great in Features Writing is the differing lengths of paragraphs. Pulling a novel down from the shelf, as King suggests, it's easy to see that varying the lengths keeps the words- and hopefully the story- flowing.
The bottom line, in King's opinion, is keeping the toolbox simple yet filled. Utilizing the fundamentals- noted by King as the elements of style, vocabulary and grammar- and then filling your toolbox with the right instruments will make good writing easier.
When writing anything there are certain things people need to remember. How they work in Features Writing is really no different than they might work in research writing or fiction writing- or even writing a letter.
Your writing toolbox isn't heavy, it doesn't take up space- well, except in your brain- and it shouldn't get too cluttered. In other words, keep it tidy. If used correctly, like any type of toolbox, it will help you get the job done.
In my opinion, King's suggestions regarding a writer's toolbox actually begins on the pages prior to the section he titled "Toolbox." He suggests to read and read a lot. To be a good writer, you have to read what else is out there.
With so much instant news on the Internet, ebooks and blogs, there is no excuse not to. Reading helps writers become stronger in their writing, lets them know what people are interested and what's already been written and keeps them informed on what's happening in the world.
While King's writing is extremely conversational, he brings into play some great ideas and utilizes several sources. One, William Strunk's "The Elements of Style," deals with grammar and how to use it correctly. King is then quick to add that even Strunk, who he calls the "Mussolini of rhetoric," won't get too worked up if not every single sentence is a complete one.
Another concept that works great in Features Writing is the differing lengths of paragraphs. Pulling a novel down from the shelf, as King suggests, it's easy to see that varying the lengths keeps the words- and hopefully the story- flowing.
The bottom line, in King's opinion, is keeping the toolbox simple yet filled. Utilizing the fundamentals- noted by King as the elements of style, vocabulary and grammar- and then filling your toolbox with the right instruments will make good writing easier.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Three things I've learned in feature writing so far
Life in features writing class has been interesting to date. I've learned several things about writing that hadn't seemed as important to me before.
Writing features gives me much more freedom to be creative in the way I write and to do more than report "just the facts." The more personable the stories, the better the read.
Quotes, quotes and more quotes (and, of course the attributions that go with them!) are very important in making the stories real to our readers. For example, stories need quotes. Some great examples of students' writing can be found here.
Photos are also a great plus. They can really help move the story along. The review of Heath Ledger's portrayal in the Dark Knight uses an awesome photo.
Deadlines are just as important in features writing as in any other aspect of journalism. Don't miss the quote, don't miss the photo op, don't miss the deadline boat!
Writing features gives me much more freedom to be creative in the way I write and to do more than report "just the facts." The more personable the stories, the better the read.
Quotes, quotes and more quotes (and, of course the attributions that go with them!) are very important in making the stories real to our readers. For example, stories need quotes. Some great examples of students' writing can be found here.
Photos are also a great plus. They can really help move the story along. The review of Heath Ledger's portrayal in the Dark Knight uses an awesome photo.
Deadlines are just as important in features writing as in any other aspect of journalism. Don't miss the quote, don't miss the photo op, don't miss the deadline boat!
Monday, January 17, 2011
"The King's Speech" speaks
By Kay M Roth
In the just announced nominations, The King's Speech leads the Oscar race. With 12 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director, it is clear voters like the film for its story and acting and the spectacular way it was put together. The movie also leads the British Academy of Film and Television Arts nominations with 14. These honors are in addition to those already heaped on The King's Speech at the Golden Globes.
The costumes were top notch, the acting superb, and the story was mystifying, uplifting and fun. The old adage about friendship having no boundaries was proven throughout the film as royalty and the common man worked side by side toward a common goal and, in the end, became friends.
At a glance:
Run time: 1 hour, 51 minutes
Rated R
Drama
Directed by Tom Hooper
Staring Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, Timothy Spall, Michael Gambo, Geoffrey Rush
Local showtimesOther links:
Therapist's granddaughter 'loves' The King's Speech
Firth not first choice as King George VI
The King's Speech
Director honored
What other critics are saying
Queen Elizabeth gives nod
“The King’s Speech” is about so much more than what the title implies. It is about family relationships, friendships and the dedication of a loving woman.
Starring Colin Firth as the unexpected King George VI and Helena Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth, “The King’s Speech,” follows the story of Prince Albert and his ascension to the throne when his brother abdicates.
The film was released on December 2, 2010 but received it's world premier on September 4, 2010 at the Telluride Film Festival. The movie was also previewed at the Toronto International Film Festival, which happened to be on Firth's 50th birthday. According to a festival press release, the star called the TIFF release "a great 50th birthday gift."
"The King's Speech" is reaping honors hand over fist. Firth got the nod as best actor and the entire cast for best ensemble cast in the recent Screen Actors Guild awards. Director Tom Hooper was thrilled to be named the top director in the Directors Guild of America awards. The film is the runaway favorite for next month's Academy Awards.
Starring Colin Firth as the unexpected King George VI and Helena Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth, “The King’s Speech,” follows the story of Prince Albert and his ascension to the throne when his brother abdicates.
The film was released on December 2, 2010 but received it's world premier on September 4, 2010 at the Telluride Film Festival. The movie was also previewed at the Toronto International Film Festival, which happened to be on Firth's 50th birthday. According to a festival press release, the star called the TIFF release "a great 50th birthday gift."
"The King's Speech" is reaping honors hand over fist. Firth got the nod as best actor and the entire cast for best ensemble cast in the recent Screen Actors Guild awards. Director Tom Hooper was thrilled to be named the top director in the Directors Guild of America awards. The film is the runaway favorite for next month's Academy Awards.
It is Prince Albert’s stammer that leads the future King George VI to an unlikely friendship with Lionel Logue. Portrayed by Geoffrey Rush, Logue became Bertie's confidant as well as his teacher and friend. Rush played the pianist prodigy David Helfgott in the movie, "Shine." Like Firth in King's Speech, Rush raked in the honors for that role- the Oscar, Golden Globe, British Film Award and Australian Film Institute Award.
“Call me Lionel,” Rush’s character says to Firth after calling him by his boyhood nickname of Bertie when the pair first meets in Logue’s office. Logue’s unorthodox speech therapy methods work to bring out Bertie’s long hidden traumas, helping him draw on his own strength to enhance his speech.
“Call me Lionel,” Rush’s character says to Firth after calling him by his boyhood nickname of Bertie when the pair first meets in Logue’s office. Logue’s unorthodox speech therapy methods work to bring out Bertie’s long hidden traumas, helping him draw on his own strength to enhance his speech.
When Bertie’s brother, David professes his love for Wallace Simpson, his twice divorced mistress, he is forced to give up the crown, thrusting his younger, stammering brother into the unwanted position as the King of England. "The King's Speech" brings Bertie's struggles to speak in public directly to the forefront.
Perhaps it is the last piece of the story that goes under appreciated by most theatergoers. If not for Bonham Carter’s Queen Elizabeth, her husband and his therapist would never have met. It was Queen Elizabeth’s determination to help her husband that led her to a less than upper class section of London.
It is in the office of Logue, with its peeled paint and shabby furniture, where Bertie learns that he can indeed speak in public without stammering. It is because of the queen’s determination to raising a stable family that the future king has a loving relationship with the couple’s young daughters, Margaret and the current Queen Elizabeth.
It is in the office of Logue, with its peeled paint and shabby furniture, where Bertie learns that he can indeed speak in public without stammering. It is because of the queen’s determination to raising a stable family that the future king has a loving relationship with the couple’s young daughters, Margaret and the current Queen Elizabeth.
Thanks to the many historical figures (Winston Churchill, King George V, Wallace Simpson, to name a few), the film takes audiences through the days leading up to World War II. Unlike some historical films, “The King’s Speech” utilizes the times as background and not as a huge part of the plot. The real plot lines are the friendship between Bertie and Lionel and Queen Elizabeth’s love of her husband that makes “The King’s Speech” flow.
In the just announced nominations, The King's Speech leads the Oscar race. With 12 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director, it is clear voters like the film for its story and acting and the spectacular way it was put together. The movie also leads the British Academy of Film and Television Arts nominations with 14. These honors are in addition to those already heaped on The King's Speech at the Golden Globes.
With masterful performances by Firth, Bonham Carter and Rush, the movie is filled with wonderful moments, with laughter and sorrow and with a story of friendship that lasted a lifetime. I spent the afternoon totally engrossed in historical England, feeling empathy for Bertie and cheering when he succeeded in giving the most important speech of his life.
The costumes were top notch, the acting superb, and the story was mystifying, uplifting and fun. The old adage about friendship having no boundaries was proven throughout the film as royalty and the common man worked side by side toward a common goal and, in the end, became friends.
At a glance:
Run time: 1 hour, 51 minutes
Rated R
Drama
Directed by Tom Hooper
Staring Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, Timothy Spall, Michael Gambo, Geoffrey Rush
Local showtimesOther links:
Therapist's granddaughter 'loves' The King's Speech
Firth not first choice as King George VI
The King's Speech
Director honored
What other critics are saying
Queen Elizabeth gives nod
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Construction at LB nears completion
By Kay M Roth
The fences on the northwest corner of the Quad block off an area normally traveled by students and staff members getting to and from classes. When winter term began, students were scrambling to find their classrooms even more than usual. Men with hardhats moved in and out of the building. Staff worked from relocated offices. And, those fences remained in place. When is it all going to end?
Over two years after it began, construction at LBCC is nearing completion. White Oak Hall, formerly known as the Science and Technology building, is almost ready to open.
According to Kevin Nicholson, the project manager, White Oak Hall is in its final stages of being ready for occupancy. “We’re close to being done,” he said recently.
By Nicholson’s estimation, all of the work will be complete early next month.
Gary Ruppert, the Dean of Instruction, is the person who schedules classes and assigns rooms. “We will have classes in there next term,” he said this week.
This is the final phase of a two-phase project that began over two years ago with groundbreaking for Madrone Hall. Once classes resume in White Oak Hall, the quad will be completely reopened. Nicholson said no further construction projects are expected in the near future.
The total cost of both phases is estimated at $10 million. According to information on the LBCC website, recording the history of the college, funding came from a variety of sources. The college Foundation raised almost half ($4 million) through private donations. The college spent $2.75 million, with an additional $3.73 million coming from state capital construction funding. A federal appropriation of just over $515,000 was used to purchase lab equipment.
Despite the relocation of classes, the closures have been taken in stride. “We’ve had no complaints from students,” Nicholson said.
He believes students and staff will be pleased with the changes. “It’s an all new layout,” he said of the way White Oak Hall will look. “It was totally gutted and remodeled.” A seismic upgrade was also done, preparing the building to withstand the shocks of earthquakes. Classroom sizes will remain basically the same.
In addition to the remodel, a section that used to be open space is now part of Red Cedar Hall. A wide staircase with a pendulum at the center takes up a large space in Red Cedar. “It was just open space,” Nicholson said.
As far as the name changes, Nicholson explained that Dr. Rita Cavin, former LBCC president, instigated the switch from subject specific names, such as Science and Technology, to what are considered subject neutral names- White Oak Hall.
Green leaves adorning trees, students relaxing at the many picnic tables in the quad and, oh yes, the opening of White Oak Hall- just some great things to look forward to this spring.
At a Glance:
New Construction: LBCC science building & alternative transportation efforts
Costs: $10 million for phase one (Madrone Hall) and phase two (Red Cedar and White Oak Halls)Completion date: White Oak Hall, spring 2010
Uses: Classrooms, instructors' offices, study spaces
Capital planning
Students and staff do not yet have access to the newly refurbished and renamed White Oak HallPhotos by Kay M Roth
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