tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24065163906971607772024-03-12T22:32:37.366-07:00Melissa's Online JournalMelissa Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14897382315208882873noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406516390697160777.post-36346944602622055152009-04-29T03:39:00.001-07:002009-04-29T03:42:53.333-07:00Placing trust in today's media<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3RPP3L3S7T7yXkSmcf6FIwFPQHtv2bgAj8OqGSS5_GISXRl-ib-ut5xPSzb3OR89fVvXTIehdMYrNtR62n_R8v4lQTvv5TH1qsvokERSdW1X1jro16_PwFIuqM5XAC82N5hqjgshv84/s1600-h/ethicspanel+002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3RPP3L3S7T7yXkSmcf6FIwFPQHtv2bgAj8OqGSS5_GISXRl-ib-ut5xPSzb3OR89fVvXTIehdMYrNtR62n_R8v4lQTvv5TH1qsvokERSdW1X1jro16_PwFIuqM5XAC82N5hqjgshv84/s320/ethicspanel+002.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330061809346077618" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; color:black">A panel discussion drew over a hundred students in Chesapeake 3, UU on Tuesday, April 28, to discuss journalism ethics and media credibility.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; color:black">The panel included Andy Schotz, SPJ Ethics Committee Chairman, Paul Milton, Executive Editor of Patuxent Publishing, and Michelle Butt, News Director for WBAL-TV.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Each gave their input on the state of today’s media and how ethics and credibility are being questioned by the general audience.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; color:black">Why is there a need for the media to restore its credibility?</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“There are a variety of sources and types of media that audiences are getting their information from,” Schotz said. This includes blogs, podcasts, Wikipedia, late night entertainment, etc. By looking to these forms of media instead of sources like The New York Times or The Baltimore Sun, WBAL-TV or WJZ, we are allowing the credibility of journalism to become a blur.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:10.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black">Some bloggers or commentators like Bill O’Reilly talk like journalists, but are often just there for entertainment, not to give the general audience reliable facts on current news.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Paul Milton said sometimes this can also be blamed on the media because there is competition to appeal to more audiences by telling them what they want to hear and sensationalizing news.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; color:black">Are journalists to blame for the decline in media credibility?</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black"> Currently, not as much time is dedicated to developing beats.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Many reporters must branch out to photography, editing, fact-checking, etc. to fill in the gaps during this economic crisis.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In a haste to put the information for their beat online, many reporters don’t even stop to question the credibility of their sources for their news.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This may be another reason for the decline in media credibility because journalists are not being curious enough to see holes or biases in their own story.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; color:black">Is network coverage credible if the audience only watches one or two networks</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; color:black">? It is the audience’s job to be able to distinguish between national and international news.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We shouldn’t blur them together when they appeal to different audiences and approach news differently.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We need to be open to a variety of news networks in order to get a balanced look at the news and avoid biased network coverage.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:10.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black">“The ethical standards we place locally are so important, so different than what national news does…’cause we’re your neighbors, we’re your co-workers, we’re your friends, we’re in your carpool lines, and we’re behind the Girl Scout cookies. And our standard has to be different and our standard, frankly, has to be a little more human,” Butt said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; color:black">Towson University’s Society of Professional Journalists hosted this event led by Lori Aritani, a Poynter Ethics Fellow and reporter for the Washington Post. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p><p></p>Melissa Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14897382315208882873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406516390697160777.post-22181487099756144602009-04-20T05:03:00.000-07:002009-04-20T05:06:59.265-07:00Nonlinear storyFor my last assignment, I plan to incorporate all of the projects I have been working on that flow with my beat topic. <br /><br />My trunk will include a brief summary of what I have discovered about spirituality on campus. <br /><br />Branches will include my audio story, my blog post (with more elaboration), my soundslide, my feature profile story, and maybe more. I'd like to have some photos as well if I can manage to find time to do that.Melissa Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14897382315208882873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406516390697160777.post-35063164105378289542009-04-12T20:43:00.000-07:002009-04-12T20:52:26.090-07:00Slideshow focus on Tae Jitsu instructor<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILuvFWZBPipHKUlbQmeSfkKdttHCCBFBbwj2GYZXpsngNVsLQ5BkfdkvoQ9QL1s8apEwEkMhZr-9_821FNTPKc4zgxcM37g-onAmgIH4wYXaN8GHNsCvJUSrpzU87sqvFHnCfapBE7EE/s1600-h/angie.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 128px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILuvFWZBPipHKUlbQmeSfkKdttHCCBFBbwj2GYZXpsngNVsLQ5BkfdkvoQ9QL1s8apEwEkMhZr-9_821FNTPKc4zgxcM37g-onAmgIH4wYXaN8GHNsCvJUSrpzU87sqvFHnCfapBE7EE/s200/angie.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324018849159894866" /></a>My friend Angela Liberto is the biggest sweetheart I've ever met. I was shocked when she first told me she was a student instructor for Tristar Martial Arts Tae Jitsu classes. <div><br /></div><div>For my next assignment, I have decided to focus my story on her because she will be competing on April 17 to earn her black belt. I think it will be an exciting event to attend, I'll get great photos and nat sound and I can really use this to go along with my beat. </div><div><br /></div><div>Angie went to a bible study with me last semester so I'm sure she has a lot to say about how God gives her the strength and motivation she needs. </div>Melissa Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14897382315208882873noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406516390697160777.post-35811162748322390582009-04-08T03:55:00.000-07:002009-04-08T04:07:38.285-07:00Superheroes of Hollywood<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipomvSAqFtkLqxB8EJ8S30u0qlUWbUmM3HeaYgitcVxnADEbwm6zf_qMr8FJYmbmGCzSOUk6sdbW0APh2j4trZ_AIFqBDKLKDWacdo21mge09QbY7XuMsMB4gJxSQILVdvcxKCVO0qEQU/s1600-h/confessionsofasuperhero.jpg"><img 0="" 10px="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipomvSAqFtkLqxB8EJ8S30u0qlUWbUmM3HeaYgitcVxnADEbwm6zf_qMr8FJYmbmGCzSOUk6sdbW0APh2j4trZ_AIFqBDKLKDWacdo21mge09QbY7XuMsMB4gJxSQILVdvcxKCVO0qEQU/s320/confessionsofasuperhero.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322275233494547634" /></a><div><br /></div><div>I just finished watching Confessions of a Superhero a documentary by <a href="http://www.funnyordie.com/mattogens">Matt Ogens</a>. It has such great video editing and amazing stills as well! I recommend watching it on Hulu. I thought it was entertaining, funny, and heartfelt. <br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div>It reminded me of the days that I once said "I'm gonna just move to California and be an actress!" Yes, I did say this, it was my dream at the time. Oh how those dreams do change. Who knows, maybe I'll get an news anchor job over there some day and can do a little acting on the side...just for fun:)</div><div><br /></div><div>Watch it <a href="http://www.hulu.com/watch/63282/confessions-of-a-superhero">here</a> or go to the <a href="http://www.therealsuperhero.com/">official website</a> to check it out!</div></div>Melissa Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14897382315208882873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406516390697160777.post-6975661707405511702009-04-07T18:26:00.000-07:002009-04-07T18:48:07.974-07:00Moondance moves to Wyoming<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIX8eqrc2b_XgMrAo3o592zf_sfAI-HwG8OfpsE4Yijfq_xvCMyttdcaT-fzAfIyj4raxfu2SC0FBDrvameXTdwFBzodTSsPaR8DN056Vapv-LQBcYePhyV53ItaIC_4xF5y5QoE2ogY/s1600-h/moondance.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIX8eqrc2b_XgMrAo3o592zf_sfAI-HwG8OfpsE4Yijfq_xvCMyttdcaT-fzAfIyj4raxfu2SC0FBDrvameXTdwFBzodTSsPaR8DN056Vapv-LQBcYePhyV53ItaIC_4xF5y5QoE2ogY/s200/moondance.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322130979937455778" /></a>This CBS video from The Early Show was an interesting story to analyze in terms of editing video. <div><br /></div><div>The clips moved smoothly with natural sounds of people talking in the Moondance Diner, sounds in the kitchen, and the diner's journey on the road.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wide shots included the inside of the diner, the landscape of New York, or the landscape of it's new location in Wyoming. Medium shots of the owners talking or working on moving it to Wyoming and tight shots of items in the diner, the moon logo, or chocolate shakes were also effective.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also like the incorporation of the clip from Spiderman where the diner had a feature. It shows it's importance and why these new owners thought it was worth saving.</div><div><br /></div><div>Watch the clip <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4925910n">N.Y. Icon Saved, Moves West</a> reported by Cynthia Bowers. </div>Melissa Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14897382315208882873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406516390697160777.post-81367084876858388582009-03-31T18:30:00.000-07:002009-03-31T18:20:30.865-07:00Towson's CRU was truly an inspiration<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbhDuroicyX7fpj0V9x0ktu7dSGsU_geaNTHPFF8PawXm27OUSSFKDUuABwJFxzWV2zsRTxiYsvPKJ3ey7wpJbNj4LqyDGYl6Q_qY0YFN5enTz4702inklZ6PQ8zCWXrrU0bY6d610Jk/s1600-h/CRUworship+001.jpg"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbhDuroicyX7fpj0V9x0ktu7dSGsU_geaNTHPFF8PawXm27OUSSFKDUuABwJFxzWV2zsRTxiYsvPKJ3ey7wpJbNj4LqyDGYl6Q_qY0YFN5enTz4702inklZ6PQ8zCWXrrU0bY6d610Jk/s320/CRUworship+001.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319523948378671122" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">What an awesome group of people! I had so much fun doing my audio story on Campus Crusade for Christ's worship team. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Each of them shared what inspires them and how it feels to express their faith and beliefs through music. </span></span></div><div><a href="http://tiger.towson.edu/~mhale1/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Listen</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> and enjoy. -M</span></span></div>Melissa Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14897382315208882873noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406516390697160777.post-18861702535439872512009-03-31T18:14:00.000-07:002009-03-31T18:18:54.207-07:00Soldier boy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGgDCwG9XpRmNdkLb-NZb8FsvVYDvWGRayLNADbwxfZ5VLP8JASJU7toDddvn8qcC84SnGenYBHyHRZoluwzq8zSIkbhwfJIZkA6_PHdoE_au0PHl9Vl4_DZHBuW0h-q6qDqPCc-Y1_U/s1600-h/Picture+020.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGgDCwG9XpRmNdkLb-NZb8FsvVYDvWGRayLNADbwxfZ5VLP8JASJU7toDddvn8qcC84SnGenYBHyHRZoluwzq8zSIkbhwfJIZkA6_PHdoE_au0PHl9Vl4_DZHBuW0h-q6qDqPCc-Y1_U/s200/Picture+020.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319525461908063586" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Check out my <a href="http://tiger.towson.edu/~mhale1/">feature story</a> on Chistopher Paul, a student at Towson University. </span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">He talks about spiritual expression on campus and how he is not only a soldier for this country, but a soldier for Christ as well. </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Te1tVU8qJCw2j-tSBE1uPNSFf0TJXjuDG33Meiknf86y1rSdoTysQkwqdNELrpU7iETBq5iCA3aLPWY-ejja-t99agBccyjB6fc7_hKxBPedEzn9YWD-KlUrCd6UJmy-wQx3k0SphXk/s1600-h/Picture+020.jpg"><br /></a><br /></div>Melissa Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14897382315208882873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406516390697160777.post-32479460408459159312009-03-10T13:22:00.000-07:002009-03-10T13:54:21.227-07:00Music is my life<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSy-Rh6AT6PAwDHnog66BlnkjxnMP_AX33PMlatFvtcXICHNrj-C3QDLxuU6gzdNXBp7BzZd4E0yJosM5WI-i8t8YTMW-d4pMC4L4lai9AOCA0u_7Yd5c94SovItXaVCJwUAz-K1YNeg/s1600-h/harmonipurp.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 196px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSy-Rh6AT6PAwDHnog66BlnkjxnMP_AX33PMlatFvtcXICHNrj-C3QDLxuU6gzdNXBp7BzZd4E0yJosM5WI-i8t8YTMW-d4pMC4L4lai9AOCA0u_7Yd5c94SovItXaVCJwUAz-K1YNeg/s200/harmonipurp.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311664801780185666" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Music has always been fascinating to me. I love a variety of genres from indie-folk to power-pop. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For my audio story, I think I want to focus on students that are using their musical talents as a means of spiritual expression.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I am going to attend a CRU meeting on campus and get to know the muscians there, see if any of them play original songs, what the music means to them, etc. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">These are my ideas so far. Anyone else with suggestions, let me know!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div></div>Melissa Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14897382315208882873noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406516390697160777.post-40511298470507895702009-03-06T12:49:00.000-08:002009-03-06T13:22:46.073-08:00Print vs. broadcast leads<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';">Print lead from <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bal-mtbank0306,0,3335249.story">Baltimore Sun article</a>: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';">M&T Bank said this morning that it will lay off about 29 percent of employees at Provident Bankshares Corp. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';">when the two banks merge in May.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';"></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new'; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';">Broadcast style: M&T Bank says 29 percent of Provident Bankshares Corp. employees will be without jobs by May.<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';">Print lead from <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/07/world/europe/07diplo.html?hp">The New York Times</a>: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';">In her first visit to Europe since taking office, Secretary of State </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';">Hillary Rodham Clinton on Friday promised a rejuvenated trans-Atlantic relationship, and offered a preview of what she hopes will be a fresh start in frayed relations between the United States and Russia.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';">Broadcast Style: Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';"> promises a rejuvenated trans-Atlantic relationship between the U.S. and Russia after her visit to Europe.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Another print lead from <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/07/us/politics/07spend-.html?ref=us">The New York Times</a>:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> With 12 hours or so to spare, Congress approved a stopgap budget resolution on Friday to avoid a shutdown of the federal government for another five days.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Broadcast Style: Congress has approved a stopgap budget resolution to a federal government shutdown for another five days.</span></span></span></div>Melissa Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14897382315208882873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406516390697160777.post-83161640193246831022009-03-05T20:42:00.000-08:002009-03-05T20:44:45.890-08:00Angela Davis talks on abolition, feminism, and some<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(239, 239, 239); font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 12px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 9pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"Standing before a crowd of nearly 500, political activist and socialist Angela Davis grinned, welcoming a standing ovation in the Potomac Lounge at Towson University. </span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 9pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Davis’s confident demeanor, easy-going gestures, and big curly hair were all eye catching and sucked the audience right in, hanging off every word she spoke..."</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 9pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Read the rest at<a href="http://www.nothingmaster.com/?p=1156"> my blog</a>.</span></p></span>Melissa Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14897382315208882873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406516390697160777.post-63652918280825807252009-02-28T08:41:00.000-08:002009-02-28T09:16:11.967-08:00A book looks at the life of Mary Magdalene<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In The Towerlight's <a href="http://media.www.thetowerlight.com/media/storage/paper957/news/2009/02/26/Life/Better.Read.Than.Dead.mary.Called.Magdalene.A.Secular.Look.At.Sacred.Tales-3649304.shtml">article</a> </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Better Read Than Dead: '<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Called-Magdalene-Margaret-George/dp/0142002798">Mary, Called </a></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;color:black;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Called-Magdalene-Margaret-George/dp/0142002798">Magdalene</a>' a secular look at sacred tales</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, Jennifer Tanko reviews the 625 page novel by Margaret George that examines the life of Mary Magdalene in the bible. She confronts common misconceptions about Mary and tries to give a more accurate depiction of her life before, during and after the life of Jesus. </span></span></p> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLgasrDbhBzw5ZDD_pXds7zem6jQqYFUh6AOHoSABZjV5x9Oxuh_6hxu3mvRMaHPVO_ZOqW9df-IE1zINTlfXruQoRwnTjjcPVF2hXc_aAnQMzHSgd-iHyatVAyMN0yaSI44JROZyVP4/s200/MagdaleneJesusFeetHair.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307896043731959266" /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Although I have not read this book myself, I have read the stories of the bible about her and have heard a few of the conspiracy-type theories surrounding these people. I still stand firm to my own beliefs and base my judgments from the bible, but it is always interesting to me to hear other people's views and interpretations. Whether I disagree or not, it helps me analyze a person's ways of thinking, how they analyze things and try to prove to themselves they are right.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tanko's analysis of the book was a little broad for me. I think she could have given more support on exactly what Margaret George says about certain conspiracies or maybe more examples of Mary's life that are sometimes inaccurately perceived. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The lengths of the paragraphs were also a bit lengthy and I almost didn't feel like reading the full article because of this. I also think she could have found more balance of the different views with supporting evidence. The paragraph about Mary's possession, although a good example, doesn't seem to add anything for me because I haven't read it so it probably could have been taken out.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This was a good example of a student on campus expressing her spiritual beliefs. She doesn't go into detail what religion she is or anything like that, but she lets the reader know that she is knowledgeable of some of the stories of the bible, specifically Mary Magdalene, and she stands firm in her opinions, regardless of what Margaret George has to say in the novel. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;">Photo courtesy of Google images</span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVjgwCG9SJVAb_hzYawjZGwPbfj1sRXbzpojvQ4KdZiFcgy56YSinKnVijKt_sKwPX-PBxEsy5MbWvevv8PeRM7VDkzxukM4z4lwqFNEAicq8DQN_sNaoXocc0mmRBsdbdWs2M1kEikCw/s1600-h/MagdaleneJesusFeetHair.jpg"><br /></a><br /><div> </div>Melissa Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14897382315208882873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406516390697160777.post-38043292279693704902009-02-24T15:55:00.000-08:002009-02-24T16:04:57.790-08:00Who shall speak?<div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-Times New Roman";font-family:";color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My first feature story is going to be a profile on a student at Towson University who is open to sharing their spiritual beliefs. I'm going to highlight their beliefs and how they express them, what they do in their everyday life that will help relate them to the readers, possibly something out of the ordinary about them, their opinions of Towson's religious groups and opinions on other students' expression or lack thereof. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-Times New Roman";font-family:";color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I'm still making some final decisions about who this will be, but I'm quite excited about starting off with an interview. I will most likely arrange to meet the student somewhere relaxed and low key, hit record on my </span><a href="http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/15918/digital-voice-recorders/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Olympus</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> and listen to all he or she has to say.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This is a profile of them expressing their beliefs to me.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Once I start the interview, I think I can feel out what kind of angle I want to go with and start asking more direct questions to form support for my story.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-Times New Roman";font-family:";color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pictures will most likely be of the student doing something that expresses their spirituality and possibly of them doing something that means a lot to them in life to connect with the readers.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-Times New Roman";font-family:";color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I’m super excited to get started and just go with this!</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Any other thoughts on my ideas or questions you might want me to ask let me know. </span></span></p></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPU3StXejMMzDC-XPa6xCewfvC3_Lr5sEN4SPwiEY70YV6PbSbCtRZpX3FBbY0nnTMZIFnz2H2Z37N8ZiaBm4IuLJjiNqjR9ZYfgmBuZhaSbrXBe72FPXjiYat8rR6WBeznmM9noRt7co/s1600-h/purritos.jpg"><img style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 241px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPU3StXejMMzDC-XPa6xCewfvC3_Lr5sEN4SPwiEY70YV6PbSbCtRZpX3FBbY0nnTMZIFnz2H2Z37N8ZiaBm4IuLJjiNqjR9ZYfgmBuZhaSbrXBe72FPXjiYat8rR6WBeznmM9noRt7co/s320/purritos.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306517285166651570" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Photo from </span><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">icanhascheezburger</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><br /></p>Melissa Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14897382315208882873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406516390697160777.post-43390896272230417942009-02-22T10:48:00.000-08:002009-02-22T11:19:50.059-08:00Feature full o' goodies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfccKkRzcn0x5owmX5CYF4NUGR5M_YGzsYYBdxJudEb_c1LVjW9xrMfNS9sQptJ9cEpYjv3aFn8jRNJLKKXiLa7az_SN81ItsvDeHYpxPfeJTwZ81Rpk4R8d2MzZeRwaRGHNTNcpX5HGc/s1600-h/wormies.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfccKkRzcn0x5owmX5CYF4NUGR5M_YGzsYYBdxJudEb_c1LVjW9xrMfNS9sQptJ9cEpYjv3aFn8jRNJLKKXiLa7az_SN81ItsvDeHYpxPfeJTwZ81Rpk4R8d2MzZeRwaRGHNTNcpX5HGc/s200/wormies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305703083156707170" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I've been doing some brainstorming on how I'd like to approach my feature story. This story needs to be a treat, full of goodies for my readers to feast their eyes upon. I may even add a little twist to my angle on the story so my readers won't know what to expect. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">These are my ideas so far:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1. Profile Towson CRU and what their organization is all about</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2. Profile a religious leader/figure on campus: Larry Kelly, Campus director for CRU; Kenneth Krivitzky, Campus director for Hillel.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Any other ideas, feel free to comment or talk to me. If you know anyone with a great story about their spiritual expression and who's open to talking about it let me know! </span></div></div></div></div>Melissa Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14897382315208882873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406516390697160777.post-78964778079459370342009-02-20T15:39:00.000-08:002009-02-20T15:54:00.672-08:00Perfectly packaged<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBMuViTNZf2IyzAyXApsbi8VKREoJCvkb3Lc722uGa-ge3C5FIX1565YjTEAW2aZmfuX7nWzWGe-QsDcMaq0pdBj3VXazIrocUwh3G_ZMJDFgERuUHiOJUeW89xl2-sXLocTTy5aq3wI/s200/shaved.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305029969841309538" /><p class="MsoNormal">Searching through The New York Times, I stumbled upon this <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2009/02/18/business/18adco.inline1.ready.html">photo.</a> I first assumed it was just an advertisement. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It led me to reading the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/18/business/media/18adco.html?ex=1250658000&en=6da279e91c6c8a2d&ei=5087&WT.mc_id=BU-D-I-NYT-MOD-MOD-M082-ROS-0209-HDR&WT.mc_ev=click">whole story</a>, which was a perfect example of The Wall Street Journal formula.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The story begins with a narrative lead introducing Terry Gardner to the readers through a story about why she shaved her head.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It includes a quote, the message that Air New Zealand wanted to send through these temporary tattoos, and it also sets up the rest of the story that goes more in depth about the company, its actions and other companies’ efforts at similar endeavors.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I felt the fourth paragraph served as the nut graph for this article.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After reading it through, the last line is what really drew me in to read the rest of the story: “when co-workers or strangers behind them in the grocery store line asked about New Zealand, they could speak enthusiastically right off the top of their heads-so to speak.”</p> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE52-SKCgMakM-i_1dGVJh2FaNSn7SDdgm1WyKwy7PLH3bfwMX568b9tAof1Y5l5kjm5NbcL54KIseCQFZB1BU01gX1RgnT91Oy3TVfSaPxCUqKkyQVRCKf0-YeYrLpsLrKhtVt2_AZcM/s200/eyetat.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 135px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305031093908902050" /><p class="MsoNormal">The rest of the story is full of support material including quotes by contestants who went through the experience, examples of a variety of similar marketing campaigns, successes and failures of these campaigns and a little history about tattoo-related ads. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Finishing off with another anecdote and quote by Terry Garner, the story is wrapped up quite nicely fulfilling the criteria of a perfectly packaged Wall Street Journal formula. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Photography from <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/">The New York Times</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Melissa Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14897382315208882873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406516390697160777.post-89246363296042475892009-02-17T16:25:00.000-08:002009-02-17T16:54:42.697-08:00Spiritual or religious?<p class="MsoNormal">Walking into my Anthropology class on Monday, I quickly plopped my bearings by my desk and straightened myself to make an announcement.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>While grabbing my stack of surveys and explaining to the students that it was for my blog, I handed them out with a smile and then sat back to observe.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As I watched, some students fidgeted in their seats (did this make them uncomfortable?) and others had their pens racing with each answer. In the end, I received 15 students’ responses on how they defined the terms “spiritual” and “religious,” and which term they classified themselves to be. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mPAIpWggw3SjngAb3kx3lrhIgNCis2GISt4yyRczkXiUKR0OEEPMD7IKziuZaLq9LIQi-Wxj6AgJzamEoOYoA0FwVY-gr3CSCL0AE1lpub66UIoJS3jGJniHP8m-gxzlfX-qXcjCGjY/s200/church.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 140px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303931790393143682" /><p class="MsoNormal">The majority agreed that being spiritual meant believing in a higher power or being in touch with yourself or nature.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ben Pfeffer, anthropology major, said it was “one’s feelings of connectedness with a non-physical, even ethereal plane.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">To these students, being “religious” also meant believing in a higher power.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The other majority said it is following a set of guidelines such as praying or worshipping and regularly practicing in a form of organized structure like attending a church or bible study.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">By these definitions, I would say that I am both because<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I believe in God and I also pray and attend church/bible study weekly to keep my relationship with God strong.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Most of the students considered themselves both or just spiritual.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I feel many students are still trying to figure out what they believe and the years spent in college are an opportune time for that.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You shouldn’t be afraid or embarrassed to express what you believe.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So next time you see Towson Hillel hosting <a href="http://www.towson.edu/applications/dailydigest/databases/news/20090213_085411AM_pmint_1776.asp">JHOP</a>, why not stop by and see what they have to say; plus, who doesn’t like free pancakes?</p><p class="MsoNormal">Photo by Melissa Hale Subject: <a href="http://www.trinitylife.com/">Trinity Church</a> in Lutherville, MD</p>Melissa Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14897382315208882873noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406516390697160777.post-11636016184002292682009-02-13T09:58:00.000-08:002009-02-14T05:41:30.515-08:00The posies of language<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family:Georgia, serif;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I’m a huge fan of flowery language. When I read something, I find it quite enjoyable when the words play with my imagination and images immediately fill my mind and draw me in to read more. Features leads do just that. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; ">There are a few differences between feature leads and summary leads from chapter six worth mentioning. </span></o:p></span></span></p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDEEZ3oLqMcyRnC-O16YWmHpUO23iNoKqW6Xkw_10zaXOpTHGEsUFXwku27exPdt9vuam0MwiMsKlC3JwlE30yCzv8gZR_BvMcLck0TiukLhhrkZkOgT0Rkkjk7dVDG9yZBNV3P9geME/s320/roses2.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302373942355936562" /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Summary leads are short, concise and to the point. They consist of the 5 W's and H to be as specific as possible. It is also wise to avoid backing in (placing an introductory clause before a subject) because readers don't like someone who rambles on and on and sounds like the teacher from Charlie Brown. Also, keep it 30 words or less and always in active voice to grab the reader's attention.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We can take these same principles and tweak them to suit feature leads through a variety of lead forms.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Anecdotes are short stories, often with a surprise ending that grabs the reader’s attention.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Narratives go a step further by presenting the story along with dialogue, quotes, or setting up scenes.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Next, descriptive leads “focus on a specific place, person or group of people”(Lieb).</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Question leads are simply that: they pose a question.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">There are many other feature leads that do not fit these categories and belong to “other,” but could be perfect as attention grabbers.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Two examples of feature leads from </span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The New York Times</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">:</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;color:black;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/dining/11immi.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For Dinner (and Fast), the Taste of Home</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> By: Leslie Kaufman</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;color:black;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/garden/12dub.html?ref=garden"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Undoing the Cover-Up</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> By: Mimi Zeiger </span></span></p>Melissa Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14897382315208882873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406516390697160777.post-41510381085357269832009-02-10T14:21:00.000-08:002009-02-10T14:24:34.947-08:00Connections with shabbats and pancakes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfV5MsypsIJncjrkYDltPOWK9MAAz3u5JF-6_zAgYSzvIJFr0W29Gg7TdhymOcEG-q8vG8sGZVVHnq8VhYKFEMsW5RL_OvBAc_eu9LBKce48QPJDtEsDCYCIAPF_iivjfRSbhmims2QUg/s1600-h/hillel.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 131px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfV5MsypsIJncjrkYDltPOWK9MAAz3u5JF-6_zAgYSzvIJFr0W29Gg7TdhymOcEG-q8vG8sGZVVHnq8VhYKFEMsW5RL_OvBAc_eu9LBKce48QPJDtEsDCYCIAPF_iivjfRSbhmims2QUg/s200/hillel.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301297699807228274" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">Many people have found that their religous beliefs often derived from their cultural background or their family history. For students at Towson, primarily those in Towson University's Hillel, they were given the opportunity to return to Israel to explore their Jewish faith.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">A Towerlight article, Undeterred by violence, shared the experiences of the students' 10-day journey. They had the opportunity to explore the land of Israel, meet with American soldiers and make connections with their religious backgrounds. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#333333">"My biggest wow moment was while we were taking a hike around Jerusalem. We were taking this hike and they asked us to close our eyes. When they told us to open them again, we were staring at the Western Wall. Some of us started crying," [Emily Shevell] said.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#333333">On campus, I am always seeing something on the Daily Digest about Hillel hosting an event for students. Sometimes its the Jewish House of Pancakes they hold on Tuesdays, other times its one of their creative Shabbats. All of the events are open to any student and most of them are free. This seems like a great way to reach out to students on campus.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#333333">Just yesterday when I was covering a story for the Towerlight, I attended one of their events.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One of the members of Hillel I interviewed just began to open up to me. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She talked to me about her experiences of transferring to TU, future plans with her communications major and her beliefs on Hillel’s efforts through the event.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#333333">This is just one student who decided to openly discuss her beliefs.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I’d like to think more students on campus would be as generous to speak about their spiritual beliefs, but that is yet to be discovered.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Through more investigation, I’m determined to see how else students are speaking out and expressing their spiritual beliefs.</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 48px;"><br /></span></p>Melissa Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14897382315208882873noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406516390697160777.post-17460805227729688172009-02-07T10:11:00.000-08:002009-02-07T10:26:46.050-08:00God on campus?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielK7PmyyfeCl0UFb-SUOqgEgRPhXjs7z7UCuPqXozLJ9VzGuggmr8yljg54a96oO6RCFRJbNTISZrw99UsP-qkZnGeCR8KEWyHNzI6-EoJF5y5tppAW6I9d7vcOOclahBQJqic2BNPog/s1600-h/prayer1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 149px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielK7PmyyfeCl0UFb-SUOqgEgRPhXjs7z7UCuPqXozLJ9VzGuggmr8yljg54a96oO6RCFRJbNTISZrw99UsP-qkZnGeCR8KEWyHNzI6-EoJF5y5tppAW6I9d7vcOOclahBQJqic2BNPog/s200/prayer1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300122948760553714" /></a>Spirituality is often a controversial topic on a college campus. Some feel uncomfortable discussing their religious beliefs while others are happy to express them. For my beat, I have decided to observe and report on spiritual expression on campus. I plan on attending a few meets of Towson University's <a href="http://www.towson.edu/studentactivities/StudentOrganizations/religiousorgs.asp">religious organizations</a> such as <a href="http://www.towsoncru.com/">Campus Crusade for Christ</a>, attending <a href="http://www.towsonhillel.org/">Towson Hillel</a> events, and interviewing students on their expression.<div><br /></div><div>My parents are both pastors so spirituality has been a part of my life since I could remember. For this reason I thought it would be an excellent choice of a beat topic because it allows me to express my opinions as well as learn about other students' opinions on religion and spirituality. I am hoping to learn a lot about a variety of religions present on TU's campus and how students express their beliefs.</div><div><br /></div><div>"We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature-trees, flowers, grass-grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence...We need silence to be able to touch souls."-Mother Theresa</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Melissa Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14897382315208882873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406516390697160777.post-15794574691923621902009-01-26T05:34:00.000-08:002009-01-26T06:01:02.984-08:00I'm so excited and I just can't hide itI'm always looking for a little excitement in my life. I've managed to find several things that really hit the spot for me. <br /><br />I am Towson University junior pursuing a degree in Mass Communications with a focus on Journalism. This semester I want to learn more about using the new technologies available to me. I'm still getting used to editing audio, but I feel with more practice I can be better. The video editing also sounds like something I might find useful in the future. I hope to either write my own column in a magazine someday or maybe do some broadcast reporting and become a news anchor. Either way, as long as I'm given the opportunity to travel, I'm sure I'll enjoy the job. <br /><br />I've already traveled to Austria, Germany, France, Scotland and the UK. I lived in the UK-North Yorkshire region-for three years while my father worked for the NSA. It was quite an experience and has indulged my cravings to travel the world and explore new things. <br /><br />My family always adds excitement to my life as well. I have three siblings and two wonderful parents. My youngest brother, Zachariah, is currently living in the UK with my parents because my dad was transferred there again. I miss them so much, but I know they have big plans for the future. <br /><br />Another exciting fact about me: I love music. I write my own music and am currently in a band, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/28may">28May</a>. We have played a few shows on the eastern shore as well as Towson University. Making my own music is just a nice way to express my creative side. It's also a nice reason to spend time with my boyfriend, Sean, who produces the music with me. What can I say? We work well together. We've been together almost three years and are still loving every minute together.<br /><br />Lastly, I live my life for Christ. There are many ups and downs that we all go through, but I've chosen to not let things get to me and trust that He will work everything out. My days are brighter and I'm filled with joy just knowing that He is always there for me.Melissa Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14897382315208882873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406516390697160777.post-65557381437820425042008-11-16T18:30:00.000-08:002008-11-16T19:05:52.872-08:00The Three CommandmentsThou shalt use accuracy.<br />Thou shalt practice transparency.<br />Thou shalt not plagiarize or fabricate.<br /><br />I believe these three journalism "commandments" should be followed by all who seek becoming a professional in the journalism field. They will not only keep you out of jail, but they will also allow you opportunity to become a more credible source of information in the public eye.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxsw7pwsOXsjfjKg-RH1w_IRAy8i7MXQXpPWgeHfZ6s17KIql2VE5TEdoH9LYG1l9kdP3-9-YL4wthsiTqA3BgzxtejYFwWTqFVG-jBriOKwpB_CDYN5pSXQc6LQPKLHgHiOVIHMIbPyE/s1600-h/accuracy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxsw7pwsOXsjfjKg-RH1w_IRAy8i7MXQXpPWgeHfZ6s17KIql2VE5TEdoH9LYG1l9kdP3-9-YL4wthsiTqA3BgzxtejYFwWTqFVG-jBriOKwpB_CDYN5pSXQc6LQPKLHgHiOVIHMIbPyE/s200/accuracy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269457038134577330" border="0" /></a>Accuracy is the first point to ponder. If a story is not accurate, how can the readers trust the information from that source? Double checking names, dates, locations, quotes, facts, sources to contact, etc. MORE THAN ONCE is a necessity for any article. Besides grammatics, it is important to analyze the truth represented through a story. Do quotes portray what the speaker actually meant? Do photos misrepresent an event in any way? These are a few questions to ask.<br /><br />Transparency is another important factor dealing with gaining and maintaining public trust. I think we see this in bloggers who have captured the attention of the public eye as credible, honest, and open to criticism. They just put out their opinions and the facts that they've found to be true, not holding back information they believe to be true, and in turn they gain public trust.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDyIQenDxEPqIhQ5NqIXWbltdthoQK7bmFCwJlvRVzzcNcMFONpBNtKQrgbJWqhanPkLlm38WRFQuTd_yq3JDRWw0hSjJugZQIzFXeBMSHLBkDh4U9s_fbA01GCBX0BpKqs4rynvHEpE/s1600-h/jail.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDyIQenDxEPqIhQ5NqIXWbltdthoQK7bmFCwJlvRVzzcNcMFONpBNtKQrgbJWqhanPkLlm38WRFQuTd_yq3JDRWw0hSjJugZQIzFXeBMSHLBkDh4U9s_fbA01GCBX0BpKqs4rynvHEpE/s200/jail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269456648309448322" border="0" /></a>My media law teacher continues to remind us of this rule, despite the fact that we had our test on libel a couple weeks ago: Do not plagiarize or fabricate! It's self explanatory really. Using actual quotes you've heard with your own ears, writing stories based off of interviews YOU conducted as a journalist, and giving credit to any additional sources are just a few keys to sticking to this rule. "So stay out of jail and abide by these commandments," thus saith your future editors!Melissa Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14897382315208882873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406516390697160777.post-91319169851244526122008-11-02T10:08:00.000-08:002008-11-02T11:13:45.115-08:00Towson U: Full of photo ops!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilq8dggcE_ibjgvG_q5jBpP3unMiVwEjEJPc7czOZ-1h6LuaQcSrR1wuP3GjtvteSk3TIwLHdQ9pdv1gIElgKp-s7TuuB6BUoqP4hRa30dVQJjUUveop1lMLbnlK7sS7WNft-VoW4Mf1I/s1600-h/journalismpics+026.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilq8dggcE_ibjgvG_q5jBpP3unMiVwEjEJPc7czOZ-1h6LuaQcSrR1wuP3GjtvteSk3TIwLHdQ9pdv1gIElgKp-s7TuuB6BUoqP4hRa30dVQJjUUveop1lMLbnlK7sS7WNft-VoW4Mf1I/s320/journalismpics+026.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264130467477501874" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Greg Romano, senior Mass Communications major (left), and fellow "rocker" Bryan Patterson, senior Business Management major (right), promote Delta Sigma Phi's 48 hour</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> see-saw to raise funds supporting testicular cancer research. Members of the fraternity had signed up for two hour time slots and braved the harsh weather for a cause.</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoZU3bDSEBApZLZP9Rj5soRNc0J28GXWmetpM2vEtkOAVHBMoAxPU1Biy4fMDAqryv7vTdVvLj6InageRxJhoF49cDCFm96C5UNvN8hX7VCwt90MnlwTMjd85aoDM0PlZPxDOund8y1I/s1600-h/journalismpics+002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoZU3bDSEBApZLZP9Rj5soRNc0J28GXWmetpM2vEtkOAVHBMoAxPU1Biy4fMDAqryv7vTdVvLj6InageRxJhoF49cDCFm96C5UNvN8hX7VCwt90MnlwTMjd85aoDM0PlZPxDOund8y1I/s320/journalismpics+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264134413188383026" border="0" /></a>Taking a superb photograph requires an eye for detail and a mind for creativity. There are great techniques that are often used when looking through the lens. When taking a portrait of someone, as shown above (thanks Claire), it is important to use natural lighting that softens and compliments our natural figures. Also, shooting the camera at <a href="http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=38/39/317/10032&pq-locale=en_US#wg02_1_title_1">eye level</a> and making sure the background is simple (nothing sticking out of their head) work for a great photo.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSC00UIPtr6XCrJC5RHX6Ysj2UesXXkfZiinLZMkwzXnGU7dUFO7LKYs-O4BUaIs-4kk41QcI9Q3s689_m0HisXxomNy3bso_gmKPB-t9dUEA0kBRutsrqSdFPPOHR0OEbwtbZyRD6j0A/s1600-h/journalismpics+015.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSC00UIPtr6XCrJC5RHX6Ysj2UesXXkfZiinLZMkwzXnGU7dUFO7LKYs-O4BUaIs-4kk41QcI9Q3s689_m0HisXxomNy3bso_gmKPB-t9dUEA0kBRutsrqSdFPPOHR0OEbwtbZyRD6j0A/s320/journalismpics+015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264134789324145410" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=317/10032&pq-locale=en_US#wg05_1_title_1">Filling the frame</a> is also effective when trying to draw a focus to the object in the photo. In the photo above, I used a different angle, slightly lower to the statue and filled my frame with the face of the tiger. I also used the <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/learnmore/composition.mspx">rule of thirds</a> because when you break down the frame, there is emphasis on the eyes at the top, and the gaping mouth of the tiger to the left instead of having the subject directly in the middle.Melissa Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14897382315208882873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406516390697160777.post-32973420474528465852008-10-27T14:46:00.000-07:002008-10-27T15:45:15.409-07:00Predators, beware: girls WILL fight back!<span style="font-family:georgia;">In light of the recent rape that occurred near campus,</span> I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to attend the <a href="http://www.girlsfightback.org/">Girls Fight Back</a> event on Tuesday, Oct. 28. During this event, Erin Weed will guide women on several aspects of self-defense that can be used in potentially threatening situations.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Info on event</span>: I know it takes place Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 7:30 p.m. at the Towson Center Arena. I also know the key points that Erin Weed will be touching base on through this event that are listed on the <a href="http://http//www.towson.edu/applications/dailydigest/databases/news/20081024_111543AM_lidard_591.asp">Daily Digest</a>. Looking further for more information, I googled GFB and found their site which gave me background information on the formation of the group, contact information, how to set up seminars, etc. The sponsoring groups for this event are also mentioned as well as who to contact for further information.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxhWPwW9DKfoA-DWUa8RUoaZ0qeTjZ7hMnIjFzJGt0jGwuXU8c1uBsXMQnxa6IH3XLbiwHy1vFCJbFOEA3AnsMPF11oVgY3Nt3sDglTr-9l-admtejcvWiYDkoMRlkfLo_Im18vnNxSg/s1600-h/ww.bmp"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 173px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxhWPwW9DKfoA-DWUa8RUoaZ0qeTjZ7hMnIjFzJGt0jGwuXU8c1uBsXMQnxa6IH3XLbiwHy1vFCJbFOEA3AnsMPF11oVgY3Nt3sDglTr-9l-admtejcvWiYDkoMRlkfLo_Im18vnNxSg/s200/ww.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261965268184448706" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.erinweed.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Souces</span>: <a href="http://www.erinweed.com/">Erin Weed</a> will be my main source, but I will also try to get quotes/information from other women who attend the event and possibly a faculty member who took part in organizing the event or sponsored the event.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Questions</span>: I will seek further information on the event, it's foundation, and possibly it's goals for the future and how it affects women in today's society. I will ask attendees their opinions of the event and how it influenced them. I may also ask faculty about past events similar to this one or with the same objective to relate to this event.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Photo Ops</span>: Photo opportunities may include a profile of Erin Weed, audience members at the event, and possible demonstrations of self defense. It's going to be an interesting night!Melissa Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14897382315208882873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406516390697160777.post-86983004189195461652008-10-11T09:14:00.000-07:002008-10-11T10:17:17.073-07:00Running, Racing, and Raising Awareness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://image.vmixcore.com/60/1563/25/5269715/105/60/52/add5d5e3339b58e9a80f507996b5c177.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://image.vmixcore.com/60/1563/25/5269715/105/60/52/add5d5e3339b58e9a80f507996b5c177.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Runners race for a cause at the </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/other/bal-sp.marathon11oct11002039,0,5909839.story">Baltimore Marathon</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> on Oct.11, 2008.</span><br /></span><img style="font-family: arial;" src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/BETHA%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg" alt="" /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Many of the contestants shared their reasons for running: raising money for lost loved ones and raising money for a specific medical cause such as AIDS, cancer, or hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (don't ask how to pronounce because I have no idea!)</span>.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Beth O'Grady, who's brother, Stephen, was killed by a drunk driver, said, "Doing marathons [has] been a huge release for me and a way to raise money for the causes Stephen loved...Running isn't easy. Anything over 20 miles is pure hell and sends you digging deep into your gas tank. But my bother pushes me on."</span><br /><br /></span><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVWyi2FTt33yoXgQbmT7UVVVq0PJfmKWt4VSQEMgqjB11lCD1f36GDNo1KWhEdw3YpQxIfnAo7KlXpkFMRbxwlBRJMIzsYZIcjzKaqz_u8Vh6lIc8QYfK_yePWzLo2nbENGhVvEFwLf0/s1600-h/10a-Running-Coach.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVWyi2FTt33yoXgQbmT7UVVVq0PJfmKWt4VSQEMgqjB11lCD1f36GDNo1KWhEdw3YpQxIfnAo7KlXpkFMRbxwlBRJMIzsYZIcjzKaqz_u8Vh6lIc8QYfK_yePWzLo2nbENGhVvEFwLf0/s200/10a-Running-Coach.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255945227969465714" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Running a race like this seems to send a strong message to me about life. Sometimes it seems it is hard to press on and catch up because there is excess baggage that is weighing us down, slowing us down so much that we feel like giving up. Like these runners, we should press on, looking forward and staying focused on our goals, never looking back.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Proverbs 4:25,26 says, "Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established." This verse helps me remember that no matter what goals I am racing towards, if I keep my eyes towards the finish, I know I will be successful. I am already an overcomer through Christ.</span></span><span style="font-family:courier new;"><br /></span>Melissa Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14897382315208882873noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406516390697160777.post-62301845072238737252008-09-21T12:31:00.000-07:002008-09-21T13:15:17.978-07:00Pranks, jokes and all that fun stuff!My dad works for the <a href="http://www.nsa.gov/">National Security Agency </a>and always has a story to tell. He takes his job serious, but he and other employees find it equally important to enjoy their job and have a little fun once in awhile. Today, he told me a story about one of his coworkers, Paul.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKh4T5n65GdSHgicCMM_EpsyAI1IM_h1vGlU6TmuPuwWe7suKcE6inHdxq_QhTphAHQxHmulbm2j_8y0Hb4j0GOaR9GQsmwGLD3MNU1rePeM3Up-yBCbzXivRb6DWvqOKIV_fBTybsaJU/s1600-h/Cruise+015.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 178px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKh4T5n65GdSHgicCMM_EpsyAI1IM_h1vGlU6TmuPuwWe7suKcE6inHdxq_QhTphAHQxHmulbm2j_8y0Hb4j0GOaR9GQsmwGLD3MNU1rePeM3Up-yBCbzXivRb6DWvqOKIV_fBTybsaJU/s200/Cruise+015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248567618836600834" border="0" /></a>"So one day we went outside and filled Paul's hubcaps with stones and turned up his car radio to full blast. When Paul went to leave the (military) base, the guards started shouting at him and pointing to his car. He had no idea his radio was on full blast and all the world could hear it, except for him!" my dad chuckled. Reason being: Paul is deaf. "The next day he came to work and started beating on my friend accusing <span style="font-style: italic;">him</span> of the prank when he wasn't even involved!" But Paul knows its all for fun, my dad explained. He doesn't mind the jokes .<br /><br />I can not imagine all the other stories my dad would tell if he performed stand up comedy for a night! That is why I've decided to cover my first story on the Friday Night Live Series of Stand Up Dads. So far the only advance information I know is that its this Friday at 8pm in the Potomac Lounge at Towson University. The <a href="http://www.towson.edu/applications/dailydigest/databases/news/20080912_011505PM_pmint_1355.asp">Daily Digest</a> also mentions getting there early in case the seats fill up fast. Other that this info, I'm sure I will have a lot to gather at the event for my article.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGQ4a4qZ1Yrg2vWx5FfNnDA87NjPHrJsvNF0N3KMbiu8gTgwRSlblfkz6Z4XkrJPSKXwAA2cmWnR7gpw68Xz77TBOaCSBC5A4vjCVtp_NlXZAdhzjOfzWZ3JDuxQslVbYnv5f01lLnwI/s1600-h/mic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGQ4a4qZ1Yrg2vWx5FfNnDA87NjPHrJsvNF0N3KMbiu8gTgwRSlblfkz6Z4XkrJPSKXwAA2cmWnR7gpw68Xz77TBOaCSBC5A4vjCVtp_NlXZAdhzjOfzWZ3JDuxQslVbYnv5f01lLnwI/s200/mic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248568478807192082" border="0" /></a>My main sources will be those present at the event, including audience members, the "stand up dads" and any faculty that helped organize the event. I plan on asking various questions to gather my information. I will be asking audience members what they thought of the performances; the performers, where some of their inspirations derived from; faculty members, what their opinions were about the event. I also plan on recognizing the reactions of the audience to the performance taking note of changes in body language or any other signs of interest or dislike. I'm looking to just have fun and write a terrific article in the process! Can't wait to hear some comical stories!<br /></div>Melissa Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14897382315208882873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406516390697160777.post-33723758258898158682008-09-16T11:41:00.000-07:002008-09-16T12:50:32.567-07:00Twitter, Twitter makes a hitter!<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It comes as no surprise to me that our class is now entering the world of Twitter after just learning to manage blogs. Our generation's knowledge of technology is increasingly evolving as we find more ways to get information out to the public, whether it be on current events or just our daily thoughts and experiences. Three of the Twitter's I thought were worth m</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">entioning as we take on this next challenge are Mikal, Alex and Mike's.<br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7sfZuMqiEGHAo55KRPLLC3NSr_4rnOJTRL83QofHoLvmyZAtuNEcDlPAxQ2GNPdobWLAS0D-CH1vwZlwPHLn-Jilv1k1KyNZ_mW-vuUIAm4kP3Huk_wHcx6utUaCXafeq9r4zYCUgoQ/s1600-h/recycle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7sfZuMqiEGHAo55KRPLLC3NSr_4rnOJTRL83QofHoLvmyZAtuNEcDlPAxQ2GNPdobWLAS0D-CH1vwZlwPHLn-Jilv1k1KyNZ_mW-vuUIAm4kP3Huk_wHcx6utUaCXafeq9r4zYCUgoQ/s200/recycle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246707945453334418" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">One of<a href="http://twitter.com/Mikalannis1"> Mikal's examples</a> for 1-2-3 filing related to Towson's Go Green Campaign. Her first tweet was a great use of alliteration to catch the reader's attention: "and her follow-up answers most of the 5 W's and H (the "when" isn't identified, but thats OK!) It was simple, clean and to the point.<br /><br />Next was <a href="http://twitter.com/alx6169">Alex</a>, who's example about the hiring freeze at TU caught my attention. Her posts were short and informative. I also liked the sentence structure for the follow-up. The content made me want to read more just in case the budget cuts would affect anyone I knew.<br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28fNrp_8nnN3WmrKQOcQXGyX_YKqPNvZnOcsZ2JGXh3M_uqK0QwbngRzGx18gbMIJcz3KUYvgq2jO2mNOTedUMk7M-TrKgO-eazYcWhtX3CQ51vKQ-xx0Mh6I6X6q-0mfw07O94xL2oQ/s1600-h/football.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 126px; height: 126px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28fNrp_8nnN3WmrKQOcQXGyX_YKqPNvZnOcsZ2JGXh3M_uqK0QwbngRzGx18gbMIJcz3KUYvgq2jO2mNOTedUMk7M-TrKgO-eazYcWhtX3CQ51vKQ-xx0Mh6I6X6q-0mfw07O94xL2oQ/s200/football.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246708112032879314" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Lastly was <a href="http://twitter.com/Elmiko75">Mike's tweets</a> on the Tiger's recent loss with Richmond. He used abbreviations in his first and second tweet, making the posts tighter and easy to read. If I read them, I would want to click the link to learn more about the game, how Towson struggled or what the resulting score was.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>Melissa Halehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14897382315208882873noreply@blogger.com0