Mechanics & Mammoths: What will be the Delay? ORIGINALLY FROM FIRST GROUP BLOG: FEBRUARY 8TH

BIOLA 6.4 million dollar Talbot school of Theology; an impressive structure built to house the students of BIOLA pursuing knowledge of God. Started on June 1st 2010 the structure is still in its infancy yet has already faced obstacles of varying natures. There have been the expected delays and the road blocks of suburban construction but there have also been potential delays stemming from more ancient roots.
A broken bobcat mini dozer stood in the way of progressed today with its broken backup alarm. The crew of Crew Incorporated had to wait today for a repair man to arrive and mend the dozers broken safety feature. Greg the awaited bobcat repair man spoke of his love of BIOLA and the many years he has lived across from the school.
While the many years Greg has lived across from BIOLA and problems he fixes to further the progress of the new building there is a potential setback that not even this La Mirada long time local could remedy if encountered, a woolly mammoth. BIOLA already home to a resident mammoth is a potential site for new fossil discoveries. This is a potential source of major excitement or anxiety for the students of BIOlA. As Stewart Hall resident and film major Issac Svennson expressed some students here “we half expected to run into fossils and if they had the operation would have been called off.”
Fortunately for the hopeful future Talbot students no major obstacles in the form of fossils have been run into yet. So for now the days of Greg the repairman will have to be contented with problems of daily mechanics and not the problems of a woolly mammoth.

Journalism: Fiction vs. Reality

After watching clips from both State of Play and the Pulitzer prize documentary about Tom Kelly there are several main points of difference I identified between journalism as portrayed in fiction and as occurs in reality.

In State of Play the situation and unfolding story is intensely intriguing and mysterious. The events that take place are situations that are rather graphic in nature and significant in their implications however these attributes become muted by the fiction of the story.

Unlike State of Play the documentary about Pulitzer prize winning photographer Tom Kelly does convey the true sense of grotesque inhumanity and moral degradation.

In State of Play the deaths of two men by shooting and a women by collision with a metro rail liner are treated with a matter of fact and almost caddy attitude by many involved excluding the romantically involved senator. The emotions displayed by the senator for the death of his mistress do not convey a true sense of sadness as it is fiction.

In the Pulitzer prize documentary the emotional effect of the situation could be felt through all involved and took on more humanity. To see the faces of people in the pictures during their moments of intense shock and sorrow bring to life the gravity of life and death and how it should be portrayed and handled.

The way in which Tom Kelly approached the situation was with an ere of humanity. He choose not to photograph the little girl who had been cut up by her father and in not doing so he choose to respect the life of the girl and the importance of her humanity.

This however is not shown in State of Play or in fictional depictions of journalism. They opt to show all the excitement and intrigue yet without the real world emotional of physical consequences.

Associated Press

Bin Laden Son Says U.S. Violated International Law

By Hector Tobar

Bin Laden son says U.S violated international law.

Analysis of Watergate Story and Journalistic Practice

The story of Watergate was one of great national significance. It was necessary and important that this story be brought to light however the methods used by Bod Woodward and Carl Bernstein were highly questionable and in some instances outright unprofessional. 

Carl Bernstein exemplified this unprofessional ethic in his use of a countdown to confirm a fact from a source. Furthermore the confidence with which he informed his editor about this confirmation was less than truthful and a breach of what I believe should be the reporter editor relationship. 

The methods used by Woodward and Bernstein were understandable with the knowledge that these were two young and enterprising journalists. Additionally a story such as this would cause any journalist to clamor for confirmation no matter their age or experience.

However I believe that the methods used by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward were poor and unprofessional. It is the fact that their story proved true which vindicated their use of questionable methods of journalism. 

If I had been in the place of Woodward or Bernstein I would not have used the same methods. With that said I believe I may not have acquired the story as they did. Woodward and Bernstein took a huge risk and did what they had to in order to succeed but in the process they sacrificed their journalistic integrity. 

The nature of politics and the government organization however was also responsible for the manner in which Woodward and Bernstein conducted their journalism. Surrounded by secrecy and protection Woodward and Bernstein used their sources to the fullest in order to circumvent the bureaucratic wall.

Instances such as Woodward's utilization of his source, Deep Throat for leads, and Bernstein's persistence with and FBI agent are what allowed the pair to uncover the story. Had they not been under the intense pressure for time and the fear of their own safety perhaps Bernstein and Woodward could have successfully written their story while avoiding the risks of shady journalism. 

All the President's Men

The methods used by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein in their investigation of the Watergate scandal were highly effective and produced results.

Bernstein's aggressive and assertive actions were key in the investigation and eventual fulfillment of the story. His initial action of taking Woodwards article and polishing it is an example of the personality necessary for investigative journalism. Bernstein again proved his assertive and determined approach to journalism when he bypasses the sectary at an office in order to obtain a meeting that proved critical in completing the story before the New York Times. The methods and tactics of Bernstein were effective however in some instances bordered on unprofessional and aggressive. 

Bod Woodward the journalist who initially began the investigation for the Washington Post into Watergate has a noticeably different style. His ability to work the phones and illicit answers from interviewees plays to his advantage as it allows him to gain trust. This trust is evidenced through his contacts  with people such as Deep throat who provide him with critical leads and guiding information. His use of persistence separates him from the methods of Bernstein and in turn allows him to wear down tough sources and wade through long and tedious paper trails. The methods of Woodward were far more professional and equally as effective. 

Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein had differing methods yet together their styles allowed them to uncover the truth and break the story of Watergate. 

Media Reflection Week: PRSSA Metting

For my media reflection week I attended the PRSSA meeting on April 7^th at 7:00pm in White 46. PRSSA as I learned stands for Public Relations Student Society of America and is essentially a club for all students either majoring in or interested in public relations. The meeting was led by three members of the PRSSA attended by about ten to twelve other students. The meeting was part an informative session about what PRSSA is and does and then three examples of what current members have been doing. The three speakers for PRSSA who detailed the recent experiences with PRSSA were Charissa Soltz who spoke about here time at a Knott’s Berry Farm PR event, Jessica Aerie who attended the PRSSA’s national assembly in Seattle, and Melissa Operman who attended “so you want to be a PR professional?” weekend.

Since this was a PR meeting there was no deadline work occurring rather it was a time about informing us what PRSSA is about and what they do. This began with Charissa Soltz who shared about here time at the Knott’s Berry Farm PR event about Knott’s Berry Farm’s Halloween festival Knott’s Scary Farm. She shared with us the tips and insights into PR that she learned from attending this event. She spoke about things such as the need to publicize early and often, how to utilize every step of the advertising process, and how everything in PR revolves around the Internet and social media now. She shared numerous stories and emphasized how being a member of PRSSA allows for opportunities to attend such events and network with PR professionals and other PR majors.

Then Jessica Airey shared about her experience at the PRSSA national assembly in Seattle Washington. She spoke of how over two hundred other colleges were in attendance along with the director of communications for Starbucks and Xbox. She shared with us how she learned about social media and tips on how to effectively use it. Additionally she shared a story she heard at the assembly about how employers now employ their interns to use social media in order to stalk potential hires and what this means for personal and professional use of social media tools for PR and journalism professionals.

Lastly Melissa Operman spoke about her time at the “so you want to be a PR professional?” weekend. She detailed the importance for aspiring PR professionals to make business cards for themselves now and to use those cards when they network. She gave examples of this talking about the people she met such as Disney’s head PR man Matt Prince and PR professionals from Target. She made clear that if one wishes to succeed in PR networking is everything.

My analysis of this time was that although it was not an immediate experience with journalism of PR it provided an invaluable resource into what it will take in order to succeed. It also showed me how many opportunities are really out there and broadened my scope of what is possible with a degree in journalism. Additionally I learned about PR and what it really entails as well as its relationship to journalism. My perspective on media was definitely expanded as this showed me the other side of journalism and the people journalists work with and perhaps even against at times in order to convey information to a greater audience. After this meeting my thoughts as to what my potential part in the realm of journalism was expanded as now I can see there are many niche markets and topics in which to operate as a journalist. Rather than seeing journalism limited to the scope of national or international news now I see there are opportunities in various markets dealing with companies and nonprofits. Overall this was a great meeting and I am glad I attended. 

Why Journalists Should Talk About Difficult Topics.

It is important for journalists to talk about difficult topics because difficult topics are part of reality. A journalists job should not be to pick and choose what stories he or she wants to cover because of money or power but because they are simply the facts of reality.

For the most part reality is difficult and if journalists shy away from such topics they will be misrepresenting the world as it is. Journalist’s job is to convey to the greater audience what the nature of their world is and to do so in an accurate and truthful matter no how difficult the topic may be.

With that said journalists have an immense responsibility, especially with difficult topics, to be accurate in their telling of the story. Furthermore they have a great responsibility to not stray into sensationalism or intentionally play with the emotions of their audience for personal or corporate gains.

Stories of horror need to be covered by journalist because only then can people become aware and be called to action. If things need to be changed people must know first in order to do something. This holds true more so with difficult things than with the mundane everyday things. Journalist’s role in covering difficult topics is necessary for the progress of society and the world at large if people ever wish to solve any problems. 

Los Angeles County Bicycle Routes

The miniature Alpine route near Biola University

The thin twisting roads of the European cycling races illicit notions of pain and sheer exhilaration. How is it then that a college student or working man with an already full eight hour plus day is supposed to fulfill his desires for high alpine descents and the majestic accompanying views.

Well it takes a lot less than one would think. Just some Google mapping and a willingness to get lost a bit and you'll find yourself on the slopes of your own Los Angeles Alpine slopes. On such route, as I like to call it, is the Biola to Turnbull Canyon Rd. route. Incorporating two vicious, although shorter, climbs (or four if you double back) this route provides all the thrills without eight hours on the saddle. Located just outside of La Mirada in the Whittier hills and then proceeding into Hacienda Heights and back into Whittier this ride will take you up one spectacular road, and then back down. 

The Turnbull Canyon Rd. is the highlight of this route ascending in a zigzag pattern reminiscent of the European cycling tours. The road climbs along sleepy neighborhood roads and is mostly untraveled. The road tops out at a dirt turnabout after roughly twenty to twenty five minutes of climbing. The view from the top is spectacular, overlooking a plunging canyon filled with overly green vegetation the top is not to be missed. 

However as good as the burning ascent was the downward roller coaster ahead is even better. With very little traffic one can swoop down the canyon side and imagine himself amidst a host of the worlds best cyclists. With that said take caution as this road is not groomed like the hills of the Pyrenees or the Alps but is strewn with fine dirt and the occasional rock. 

Eyes blown dry by the rushing wind and neck stuck stiff from your aerodynamic position you may just find yourself turning around at the bottom to do it all again. If not the road back to Biola is a leisurely yet somewhat technical route through Whittier and then back down Colima Rd. connecting with La Mirada Blvd. to Biola. In total the full loop is around twenty one miles punctuated with two great climbs and one great sense of satisfaction.

Below is the route:

 http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=La+Mirada+Blvd&daddr=33.9933639,-117.9913105+to:La+Mirada+Blvd&geocode=FQhjBQIdxEj3-A;FZOyBgIdcpj3-ClLLwVWPNTCgDFIP89wIaUSzA;FeRVBQIdIkj3-A&hl=en&mra=dme&mrsp=0&sz=13&via=1&sll=33.931539,-117.977371&sspn=0.121064,0.264187&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=13&dirflg=d

March 29, Christian Journalism Response

A Christian who is a journalist does not always have to explicitly nor subtlety incorporate Christian messages or themes into their work. A Christian who is a journalist may write articles or create media that is void of any Christian message but at the same time a Christian journalist should not create media that is in opposition to Biblical principles. While there may be times and opportunities for a Christian journalist to share their faith through their work there are other ways and means by which their work can do God's work.

A Christian journalist can bring glory to God simply by doing excellent work and by setting an example in their workplace and in the market. In using their writing and journalistic abilities to the fullest a Christian journalist will inevitably attract positive attention of some form and with that they are using their God given gifts as they were intended. 

With that said a Christian journalist may certainly incorporate elements of their faith into their work in order to share God's truth. The level to which the journalist may do this could be dependent upon where they work however subtle uses of Christian views might be used in more hostile environments. This is all to say that it is not a sin for a Christian journalist to omit Biblical influence in any of their work but that if they are a Christian Biblical truths would inherently be a part of how they cover issues in the news or elsewhere. 

Where the line should be drawn for how a Christian journalist operates is in the area of ethics. Christian journalists, like any good journalist, should maintain the highest level of journalistic ethics and practices. By doing this they not only glorify God but they serve as a testimony to those around them to the character of those who follow Christ. A Christian journalist will let the truths of the Bible come through in their work naturally if they are living by the commands of Christ and their work will be an extension of their own life testimony. 

I believe the key to being a Christian journalist is balance. To find a line between overtly preaching through an article and omitting all Biblical influence just short of what is prohibited in the Bible. To think carefully and write on a case by case basis is the best way for a Christian to approach journalism. A Christian journalist should first and foremost always seek to serve and glorify God and "Christian" journalism will be a natural extension. 

Josh Kristianto's Obituary (fake)

Joshua Kristianto, better known as Josh, was a bright, young and aspiring journalist. Kristianto was just a few weeks past his twentieth birthday when he choked on his toothbrush severely damaging his airways so that he was put on a respirator. He was taken off Thursday afternoon and died at 11:32 am.

Kristianto was born and raised in Fullerton California just minutes away from where he was attending school at Biola University. Before he passed Kristianto noted that he was grateful for his childhood which was “brimming with happiness and love from his parents’ kindness.” Kristianto’s years were highlighted by his time in his high school’s band and Japanese club. Kristianto was an only child and is survived by his mother and father Jonathan and Tina. Kristianto’s final wishes were that all gifts go toward helping his parents with his funeral expenses. Josh will be greatly missed. 

Obituary: Andrew Edmondson (Not really)

Andrew Edmondson long time Washington resident known for his love of running, cycling, and the outdoors died Thursday near his school in La Mirada California. He was 19.

Mr. Edmondson died Thursday after leaving his dorm and embarking on his weekly bicycle ride. He was struck at 12:00 am by an inattentive driver and was pronounced dead at the scene.  Mr. Edmondson leaves behind two older sisters Elyse and Charissa as well as a mother and father all of whom reside in his home town of Des Moines Washington.

Growing up for a time in the countryside of Colorado and then moving to Washington State at age four Mr. Edmondson would begin his childhood which was punctuated with several moves. At age eight he joined his family as they moved to San Clemente California for a year and then when they returned to Washington State. Mr. Edmondson always considered Washington State his home as he spent most of his years there up into high school.

At a time when most high school and college aged boys were frittering their time away playing video games and indulging mindless entertainment Edmonson was out on the roads and in the hills pursuing his passions. Running and cycling defined his free time; the freedom of the open road and the mystery of entering the early morning fog on a run were too much for Mr. Edmondson to sit idle like most of his day.

Born in the State of Colorado and living most his life in Washington State Mr. Edmondson was always surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors and the peace of the quite woods. It was there where he found his love for running in the woods next to his house in Des Moines. His time in Washington was highlighted by his six years running track and cross country both of which led him to the State Championship meets his junior and senior years of high school.

While the woods across from his house will remain empty now and the open road will be a little less crowded Mr. Edmondson’s presence will be missed. Mr. Edmondson’s family wishes for no flowers or money but rather to donate money to the Cascade Bicycle Club. 

Missions Conference Feature

                At Biola University most students understand the doctrine of God’s omnipresence; however over a three day period known as Missions Conference some students had different feelings as to the effects of such an event. As Junior Mike Heineke put it “Missions Conference is a time that sets up a mindset on God.” Heineke made clear that while he always strives to look for and listen to God for him Missions Conference was a time where he indeed felt an increased presence.

              o  Others however such as senior music major Allie Nordy who did not attend Missions Conference this year because of a Crowell Music school tour felt differently about the event. Nordy stated that while she “heard great things” about Missions Conference this year she prefers Torrey Conference over Missions. She felt Missions Conference left her with a “guilty feeling.” Additionally Nordy commented that the after Missions she felt that increased spiritual atmosphere did not carry over the same as with Torrey Conference because Missions Conference is so focused on those who feel called to missions work.

                Again when interviewing freshman Dan Marino the sentiments of Mike Heineke arose again that for Marino he tries to see God in everything. Marino stated that he “doesn’t feel called to missions” but that “he felt a call to pray.” However when asked if he felt that the spiritual climate carried over he said “I guess it doesn’t feel like we had a big conference deal that just a happened.” Marino’s final analysis of Missions Conference was that perhaps it is just "too soon to tell" whether or not the event had an effect on the campus as a whole. 

Feature Lead: Smell

Smothered in the thick noxious scents or perfume his nose hairs twitched with discomfort. Girls smell best when they don't smell at all. Too much perfume is a message of too much trying. It repulsive and head spining they way girls smell. The best smell is no smell. If only it was so.

Chicken Fried Steak

                Like a mouthful of sea water and the crunch of packing peanuts a chicken fried steak is the best. It is not a food so much as it is an experience. To know what it feels like to have the thickly breaded and fried coating fracture under your teeth is something that cannot be imagined. The smooth gravy sliding over your tongue and the pinching pepper aroma is all too much to be spoken of. A chicken fried steak taste like what a hard day’s work on a farm feels like. It is not subtle, it is not cute; it is an old friend that will crush your hand when he shakes it but leaves you with that warm feeling inside of companionship. Thick salt covers your taste buds and burns the edges of your lips. 

Sensory Details of Biola

The hard smooth plastic like bench beneath me made my muscles ache as the blades of  grass before me that was still yet untamed by the trolling lawn mowers fell slumped over the many shoes that had trod upon them. A day described by a passerby as “warm and pleasant” was more of a day of stark contrasts.

                The waxy petals of a broken flower cooled my fingertips with the morning dew that clung upon them while my ears cringed because of the clanging echo of mechanized movement flowing from over the fence punched with holes. My nose tingled with the aroma of freshly cut crass and my nostrils became frightened by the pollen drifting upward in a breeze of warm spring air.

                As the tiny ants danced along their way the smooth sounds of shuffling student’s feet eased my ears as the pounding of metal machines carried on. Leaving the bench and back into the cool of the library's shadow I paced along the spiritless pavement back to class and was comforted by the sight of a lone scrawny twig braving the plains of the concrete desert. 

Dissecting a Feature: Half the Game is Mental; So is the Other Half

This feature begins with an effective lead because it uses very descriptive and vivid language. The opening line about the narrow room transports the reader and places them right in the room with the students memorizing away. The lead is effective because of its descriptive qualities.
This story gets told by beginning with several descriptive paragraphs framing the nature of the story but not the purpose. Not until the fifth paragraph does the story reveal what exactly the purpose is. Telling the story like this with a strong lead and then lots of descriptive paragraphs draws the reader in and keeps them around long enough to find out what this story is about.
The feature uses quotes from competitors and their coach which mostly detail the rigorous routines for memorization they go through. Using short quotes throughout to inform the story there is a noticed lack paraphrased quotes or lengthy ones at that. Additionally direct quotes used from the coach informs the story line about how memory games have not become very popular as a competition but then proceeds to cite the benefits of it. Additionally quotes are used to inform the background story and how memory teams and competitions came to be.
Sensory description is used effectively when describing the methods by which the students on the memory teams go about their practice. Additionally descriptions of the environment surrounding the students gives the reader a sense of place when imagining these students engaging in their practice. Descriptions of the items and positions used for memorization also add to the sensory descriptions in this story. One description in particular stood out as effective when the author described the student as being handed a "blank sheets to unspool their short term memory."

Supreme Court Ruling: Reaction

What the Westboro Baptist Church (http://www.godhatesfags.com/) did is wrong. I do not agree with what Westboro did but there is no denying the simple fact that it was legal. One can argue about hate speech and invasion of privacy but the fact remains that the church's messages were not directly pointed toward the dead solider nor were their protests in the immediate proximity to the funeral.
Over 1000 feet away toting signs with messages of heated condemnation the Westboro Church was well within their legal rights. To rule against what the Westboro Church would be a mixed bag. On the one hand it would be a good thing for this hateful speech to be shut down but that is inconsistent with the First Amendment. I suppose my perspective on this issue ultimately comes down to my understanding of the First Amendment. With that in mind perhaps if I studied it more closely I would understand it better and perhaps find a place in it for a ruling against the church; as I am sure some have done.
For now though it saddens me that people would use the First Amendment in such a terrible way. That is reality however and no law is perfect to matter how carefully crafted. There will always be loopholes and exceptions no matter how hard we try and with those flaws I am willing to accept the consequences. In turn for accepting those flaws and their consequences however I am able to enjoy freedom and a country the likes of which the world has never seen.
Perhaps there may be another way to defeat this church. Counter protests and rallies against them. Public pressure and community activism should all be used against them. This church is able to rally a group of passionate people for their crazy reasons so also I think we should in response against them. I believe the Supreme Court made the right choice and I believe what the Westboro Baptist Church does is wrong.
Some however believe that the speech of this church should be stopped in light of the First Amendment. Lindsy from Boston like me blelieves that what these people do is disgusting and should not happen. This is true, and I agree, but that does not answer the question as to if it is legal in light of what the First Amendment means. She says they are abusing the First Amendment, I would also agree with that but like I said above we live in an imperfect world with imperfect laws and I will take the negative in order to enjoy the positive that it affords me. Really this whole thing is terrible and sick and serves to remind me again of what a fallen world this really is.
Full Story Below:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/03/us/03scotus.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&sq=supreme%20court%20rule&st=cse&scp=3

The next step.

The next step after having written my first story is to take more time. The next story I do will involve more preparation and forethought. I will also write in a style more consistent with whatever type of story it is and check this by the AP style book.

My Reporting Experience

     This was my first ever reporting experience other than the short in class report. I did not really know what to expect at first but then I quickly became aware that this was not easy or fast. I felt very lost at first trying to figure out what my store was even going to be but once I got past that I moved quickly to what angle I would approach.
     Then came the part that made me most uncomfortable. I did not really enjoy having to approach people although I did find my prepared questions helped me very much. I also found a great lack of satisfaction once I did begin interviewing as most people's quotes were not very interesting.
     Overall this experience was very good because it showed me what Journalism really is. I discovered it is very much about story finding and getting good quotes. I believe I read in STEPP that the key to better writing is better reporting, this is most definitely true.

Potential Interview Problems

The potential problems that may be faced during an interview at Biola stem from the reputation and overall good image of the school. When pursuing a story that may even contain a hint of negativity it may be the inclination of a faculty members or administrator to withhold certain information.

It should be said that the school has every right to maintain its good reputation but it is not beyond the realm of possibility that they may make mistakes. When those mistakes are made it makes for a good story. However in uncovering and reporting those mistakes one will have to confront those responsible and pursue interviews.

This is where the problem may lie in that not wishing to compromise the school or their position a possible interview may turn out nothing of value for a story and instead only cause frustration. 

today we did not blog

today we did not blog

Gawker.com

Former Republican New York Congressman Chris Lee is now one more among the millions of unemployed Americans. Congressman Chris Lee sent pictures of his unclad upper body in response to a January 14th add on Craigslist that was listed as "woman seeking man." The fault lies squarely on the shoulders of Congressman Chris Lee; a married man and a representative of one of the highest public offices. 

He abdicated his duty to professionalism and ethics.  Lee's privately sent photos were made public after the women who created the post did some investigation. After discovering his true identity she sent the photos and the story to Gawker.com.

Gawker.com posted the story quickly with little or no verification. The reputation of Gawker.com as an internet gossip site lends itself well to quick story publication. What Gawker.com did was certainly not good journalism but in this instance it was the truth. 

Gawker.com beat the rest of the media to the story simply because it was handed to them. If they had investigated the story and verified the sources they may have lost their edge. The very nature of the site is to produce tantalizing content in the fastest method possible. That is what they did and so from a purely business perspective they did no wrong.

What Gawker.com did was in their best interest. They capitalized on their advantage and beat out the competition. It is troubling that such a site such as Gawker.com is the place where the woman from Craigslist decided to share her story. It is unfortunate that Gawker.com posted such a potentially volatile story with such little vetting. But most of all it is regrettable that a Congressman Chris Lee acted as he did.

In the end this is a sad testament to the current state of media and the nature of man. A Congressman failed his constituents and his family. A woman aided the gossip site Gawker.com and in so helped perpetuate it and other such sites. This is a story of human failures on many levels and resulted in many consequences, one being the denigration of good journalism.