the Barest Blog

No wonder I have no followers! Sorry for the serious slacking going on here.  I just walked in the door from Logan and it feels SO good to be home.  I made a B-line to the computer in hopes that my journalism teacher won't fail me.

So I really don't even know where to begin in describing to you the vacation I just had.  To call it a Shitshow would be a severe understatement.  Upon boarding our flight, we were bombarded with Bud Lights from every direction. (The cruise I won was called Bud Light Port Paradise)...

I may never be able to drink a Bud Light or Bud Light Lime again, but that's besides the point.  After our flight, we took a bus to the port where we boarded the ship.  Our bus was also jammed with coolers filled with ample beers as well. The goal was to get everyone legless before boarding , which seemed to be a good idea at the time...I forgot to take into account the whole motion sickness factor.

It wasn't too bad though, only my first few hours were spent regurgitating the Bud Light's consumed on the flight and the bus.  Luckily the Dramamine kicked in pretty quick.  The boat itself though was beyond amazing.. bars at every corner.. at least 10 jaccuzis and 5 pools, a humongous  casino, a club called the Crypt which didn't even open until 1 and stayed open until 4, karaoke and piano bars, delicious restaurants, the tax free liquor store..you get the picture.

There was a different theme for every night too.  All white party the first night;(they maybe should have chosen a different color with all the sloppiness), 70's party the next night, a formal night, and kicked off the last night with a college football theme.

The best part of the whole trip though was to a private island called CoCo Bay, this gorgeous island in the Bahamas with exotic landscapes.. there was even iguanas! I liked the iguanas a lot. There was 2 Bud Light cruises that met up on the island for a private concert with Nelly and "The Dan Band".

...  which for those of you who don't know, are those hilarious guys who's band has been seen in Old School, Wedding Singer, the Hangover, etc.  They legit had the entire island rolling in laughter. Not usually a huge nelly fan but he was awesome too.  Him and Murphy Lee definitely got everyone dancing.

Meeting people from all over the country was pretty sweet, but at the same time a huge eye opener.  There are a lot of nice people out there, but tons of crazies and d-bags as well. I didn't realize how many people won this trip...  I met people from at least 20 states and even some Canadians, who were quite a crazy bunch I might add.

The cruise was only 4 days, which seemed all too short to me.  I don't think my body could have possibly made it through another night there though, so I guess the length is fitting... I don't want to bore anyone for any longer though, especially with the ramblings of my vacation when you were all over here freezing! hehe. Justttt kidding.

This cruise in short is my lame excuse for my super slacking in the school arena for the past week.  Back to reality, filled with blogs, features, art pictures, and history papers.  More to come soon.

ZzZzzZ.........

4 lok0..over and over again

http://nyc.barstoolsports.com/random-thoughts/poltician-pounds-as-much-four-loko-as-he-can-before-he-vomits/

Looks like DC isn't the only one sick of hearing about 4 lokos.  Imagine getting 150,000 e-mails about it?

RIP 4 lokos.

drunk chicks suck

I don't know if any of you saw the video on YouTube of the drunk girl who vandalizes the bathroom at the Garden...

http://boston.barstoolsports.com/featured/the-bruins-respond-to-the-drunk-chick-who-vandalized-the-bathroom-at-the-garden-must-watch/

The Bruins marketing people respond with one of the funniest commercials I've ever seen so I thought I'd share.

Enjoy!

Checkbook Journalism

This article discussed just what we've been talking about in class lately-- How my future career in news broadcasting, among other fellow classmates, is seriously lacking in fairness and neutrality.

We always talk about where the nutgraf is, right?  Well in this article, I felt it was really far into it. I could be wrong, but I think it is the seventh paragraph in...

"The shift of audiences toward cable news outlets — with their manifest agendas — as sources of truth and transparency may have something to do with a credibility gap that now confronts more mainstream news outfits. Lately, the idea of objective journalism has been on a pretty rough ride (that means you, CNN), with viewers deciding to align themselves with outlets that share their points of view — warts, agendas and all."


Keith Olbermann donating $7200 to Democratic politicians, Fox news having 3 Republican candidates commentating on the rallies in D.C., Fox Host Sean Hannity donating $1 million to the Republican Governor's Association, these are just a few examples of what news outlets are doing now to boost ratings and gain viewers, despite losing any neutrality that once existed.


News outlets at one point in time were not allowed to say what their political rooting interests were.  But in the world today, this has definitely changed.  News stations, for example MSNBC, still claim to worry about whether they are considered fair news brokers.  When you have anchors who blatantly show what their political interests are, the news you are reporting is no longer fair.  


Unfortunately, it isn't just the news media on television suffering from a lack in fairness.  Another quote from the article that summarizes what I mean by that statement...


Now news anchors lecture the federal government on its response to disasters, cable networks function as propaganda machines for political parties and newspaper writers throw aside neutrality to tell readers what is really going on behind the headlines.


After being suspended for donations made, Olbermann received 275,000 votes on a petition demanding that he return to MSNBC. The man does have outrageously high ratings, but could there be more to this than his likability?  The writer implies how it could be more of an outcry from the Progressive wing of the MSNBC party, who agree with Olbermann's political views. 


On Election night, Fox news lead everyone's coverage with 7 million viewers.  Fox is so ridiculously successful that their news personalities can make any donation they want and will not face any consequences for it.  Why? --because they are the highest power in the news world. 


My future dreams as a news anchor are looking a bit cloudy right now, maybe I should consider becoming a high school Spanish teacher... Estoy jugando.  Voy a estar en las noticias de un día.  Hopefully you didn't have to translator.com that, it's pretty claro. 


Ciao for now...  

epic night

Saw DMB at the Garden last night.  WHAT an amazing night.  First off, dAVE mAtthews live is F'ing awesome.  Second, I am beyond proud of myself that I made it home with everything I went with.

What was cool about this concert was that everyone was having fun together.  So many hippies who were not shy to share the "love" if you know what I'm saying. I don't get how everyone gets away with it but they do.  I'm definitely not feeling the love right now though.

I'm actually feeling quite the opposite. I'm also pondering whether I should man up and go out again tonight, or take it easy. Most likely will be back at it.  You only live once, right?  Sorry in advance if this is one of the lame blogs you were talking about Copester, but I don't have much else right now... hopefully I'll have something better for you soon, before I bore my 2 followers to death.

Different Monsters, Same Politics

This article by Joanna Weiss discusses the "Rally to Restore Sanity And/Or Fear, held in Washington D.C. by Comedy Central's Jon Stewart.  His speech and main concern for the rally was to expose the ridiculousness excess of 24-hour news.

He mostly talked about cable TV, although the internet of course holds up it's end of sleazy news as well.  She then goes on to talk about the article we read in class the other day on Gawker.  The one-night stand with Christine O'Donnell.  A pretty controversial discussion happened in class after reading that one.

 I guess we are all like the "zombies" she uses as a metaphor for the common people in the beginning of the article. Each party is heavily opposed to the others views, which makes it harder for the common people to form their own opinions, because they are so strongly influenced to choose one or the other.  But this is how the elections always are.  Stewart was just trying to rid everyone of their one-sided mindsets. Weiss describes it as, --"an unswerving mob that's dead to thought and compromise."

crazy witch

Just getting out of work.. here to talk about the candidate who had a one night stand that's all over the internet. How are you ever going to win an election with all that dirt under your belt?  This might be Dedham slang, but if I had to call Christine O'Donnell something, it would be a sliggy.

 I think everyone can figure out what that means without going to Urban Dictionary.  I almost want to feel bad for her, but she really did bring it completely upon herself.  "Put an empty Coke six-pack on your head and be a coke head!" That actually did make me laugh, but mainly because of how lame she sounded.

So, you are a drunken sl*t who doesn't wax and you also practiced witchcraft.  Delaware's prayers were answered when you didn't win the Senate race. Sorry Christine, a little grumpy that I got out at 1:30 on a Wednesday and had to blog about your ladybug escapes.  on another note, another W for the Celts! Go000ooodnight.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iWRw3oZdg4

the next Hermione Granger...

Halloweekend

Halloween weekend is no longer fun when you are past age 15. Fact. I liked seeing all the little kids dress up, but dealing with all the drunk messes who dress up and act like fools is not fun.  I'm not sure if it's because I was jealous that I was stuck working all weekend, or because I wanted to dress up and get belligerent myself.

I think it was a mixture of both. Anyways... I took my nephews and nieces, (who are apparently invincible to the freezing cold), trick or treating last night.  It was good to see houses still giving away the full sized candy bars--those were always the go-to houses.   My poor nephew being allergic to peanuts and all gave me every piece of candy containing nuts.

Score one for Aunty.  I came up with at least 70 Reese's cups.  Sadly for my nieces who love Reese's too, they had to cough them up as well, so I have enough Reese's to last me until next Halloween.  I realize this post may be putting whoever is reading it to sleep, but this is all I have for you after this Halloweekend.  Drunk fools at the Yard House, cute little kids in costume, and a free year supply of Reeses Peanut Butter Cups.

News Features

As my followers already may know, this blog is kept for a class.  I thought it would be nice for the readers to see the work we do is actually worth while sometimes, and is not always just ramblings about whatever we feel like talking about.  Feel free to comment on any of the features written by myself and my fellow classmates-- let us know what you think!

http://bsureporter.wordpress.com/

Lebroshade SUCKS

Looks like the overrated, attention loving whores of the Miami Heat didn't have much ball to back up their over-paid asses last night. Got this quote from an article on Barstool today, which does a wonderful job wording what everyone is thinking:

"Plenty of talent, but no team concept.  Just a bunch of stars attention-whoring themselves for TV face time.  I’m sure this will come as great news to the Miami ticket-buying public that Bosh brought his talents to South Beach because he wasn’t famous enough.  That’s always a recipe for winning.  Meanwhile Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Shaq and Jermaine O’Neal all came to Boston to fit it, work together and win championships.  And you saw the results last night.  Team Basketball vs. Self-Promoting, TV Face Time Attention Whore Individual Basketball:  Where cruising to an easy 8-point win happens."

As for you Prince James, Nike did a wonderful job emphasizing your level of douche-baggery.  I pray that they don't keep that commercial on air all season. I don't even know who I hate more at this point, Lebron or Kobe.  I think they're both egotistical scum bags that think the world will stop spinning if it wasn't for them. Can't express how happy I am that my C's won last night.  Did everyone see Shaq hit that free throw?  Maybe green is his color...

:D

We're NOT invincible.

Why is it that everyone, (including my dumb-ass self), thinks that they are invincible?  There is something about our generation of youth that seriously lacks consideration and caution.  Sometimes, this lack of caution results in something fatal. Sometimes, it only takes one weekend to open the eyes of many.

 I was in a car accident Friday night, I was by myself and unharmed (other than a few little scratches and bruises), but more or less just extremely lucky that no one saw, and I arrived home safe.  I completely blame myself for making the most irresponsible decision in driving home that night, but I am thankful that I am fine.

People say that bad things always happen in 3's though, right?  Saturday night, a friend of mine that I went to elementary school through high school with was in a fatal car accident.  He was unfortunately not as lucky as I was, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.  His passenger is in the hospital with minor injuries, but Richie Dykas, only 24 years old, sadly didn't make it.

This accident definitely opened the eyes of many Dedham residents.  He was a great kid.  Smart, athletic, sweet, funny-- everything a mother would want in a son.  The Police have not said that alcohol was involved yet, as they are waiting on test results.  But based on details of the accident, I am sure that alcohol was a factor unfortunately.

While our town mourns the loss of Richie, I hope that everyone considers the decisions they may have made that could have have had consequences similar to this.  I know I am.  I am really lucky to be okay, but really sad that Richie was not as lucky.  All I'm saying is PLease think twice before getting behind the wheel.  A $60 dollar cab fare is well worth your safety/life.  Driving drunk is not worth it.

Best of Both Worlds

Something I've been seriously thinking about lately...  As a commuter at BSU, I struggle daily to keep up with my school work on top of my hectic work schedule.  I wish I could maintain both (best of both worlds) but I find it seemingly impossible.  After working until 2am on Friday and Saturday night,Sunday double, Monday day, Wednesday and Thursday nights, I find it hard to come home after and concentrate on doing my school work.

I get that without a college degree I'll never get a well-paying job in a profession that I am actually interested in, but I can't help but ponder the thought of taking time off school sometimes. The money is SO good that I wish I could just work full time, although the thought of waitressing for the rest of my life should make me dive head first into my books.  I think the reason behind this could be due to the fact that a lot of the classes I'm taking feel like a waste of my time.  For example, since 5 pm when I got out of work today, (it is now 2:15 am), I have been doing a Constitution requirement for a history class.  Apparently it is a Massachusetts state law that it be completed, which is fine, I just feel like it was an utter waste of time in which I could have been doing work that I actually hold interest in, like the news feature for this journalism class.

If we have the right to life, liberty and happiness, then we should not be required to do that assignment ever, seeing as it brought 0 happiness into my life.  A little over-dramatic I know, but sometimes the busy work assigned by Professors is so useless. Anyways, I know I am not the only one who struggles to balance work and school.  It's just catching up with me this week especially with midterms coming up this Thursday.  I also am an insomniac which definitely doesn't make waking up in the morning any easier.  

I think what I dislike the most about this school and work is the fact that my social life is non-existent.  Every one tells you that you need to live-up your life while your still young, but I can't seem to find any time to.  I envy the kids who live at school and actually get to go out on the weekends.  I don't think I've had a Friday or Saturday night off in months.  The money is addicting though, which is why I usually don't care about working.  Any recommendations on how to find a balance between work, school, and a social life??

Social Media

Unless you live under a rock, you are probably well aware of the major influence technology, especially the internet's social networking websites, are having on society.  Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and You Tube are all examples that display how highly everyone relies on the internet for their information.  Like professor said, most of us get our information via Facebook statuses.

 Journalists are getting involved in the social media as well, but they must take precautions and be careful of how they want to represent themselves via the web.  It is important for journalists to go where their readers are, but these networks are very public so it's crucial to maintain a reputable image for yourself. I never even thought to look through groups and causes on Facebook for newsworthy ideas, but I'm definitely going to look into that for our next news feature.

I never realized that journalists, reporters, writers, and other media outlets are using people like us on Facebook, Twitter, or whatever social network you are on, to get story ideas or find photos/ videos.  Next time I might think twice before I upload a picture, especially if there's a good story behind it!  What I took from this reading was a lot I was already well aware of, but I'm realizing that when I graduate and start using Facebook for more "adult" purposes, you really have to be careful about what you're doing on there!


ZzzZzZzzzZ......

Gay Marriage Video

Please watch!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEpQ8fFQ7Rk

Restaurant Etiquette

Straight out of real life examples out of the Yard House and into my blog.  If you've never worked in a restaurant before, you may not relate well with this post, but hopefully you learn something valuable which may prevent future douche bags (excuse my language), from going out to eat. Here is some restaurant etiquette for those who are clearly lacking any...

1.  It is part of my job description that I have to tell you my name, the specials, and ask you if you've been here before.  Please try and let me finish before cutting me off in demand for your drink.

2.It is also a part of my job to suggest specific items to the table.  I do not have ESP unfortunately so if you are not interested, so sorry for wasting the 30 seconds it took to tell you.

3.  If you see someone running food or drinks, kindly move out of the way unless you want a scolding hot enchilada stack all over you.

4. Ladies out to eat with their boyfriends or even husbands..I am actually not working tonight in order to try and steal your boyfriend, so stop giving me attitude and order your food.  It isn't my problem that you aren't secure in your relationship, but you really think your waitress is out to get your boyfriend?

PS- Keep the P.D.A. to a minimum, people are trying to eat here!

5.  When you want a water, just ask for one!  Save the theatrical tapping of your throat to display how parched you are, this isn't the Sahara.

6. If I am talking to another table, please don't stare me down or wave at me.  I will be there as soon as I can, and sorry for you not being the center of my universe.

7.  If it's your birthday, Happy Birthday.  I see probably around 10 birthdays a night, so sorry if I don't look ECSTATIC for your Nana's 82nd.  We don't sing, and we don't make exceptions for certain people who think their birthday is more important than others, so warm up your own vocals!  I'll be glad to bring you a free desert though.

8.To all the Parents taking their young kids out to eat:  Control your fucking children!  I am your waitress, not a babysitter.

9. If you start to get buzzed or drunk, try to control yourself.  Do not tell me, because that will result in me having to cut you off.  Less $ for me, no more booze for you.  Lose-Lose.

10.  TIP YOUR WAITER/WAITRESS!  We work hard and put up with more BS than you could imagine, so please tip accordingly.

=)

Interviewing in the Digital Age

Texting, e-mail, instant messaging, social networks, cellphones.  What would everyone do if we didn't have all this technology?  That's how the world works these days though, and I think I can speak on behalf of everyone when I say I would be lost without it. These technologies are all useful tools in helping reporters get their information.

This chapter goes into detail on how to get an interview with a good source, and what to do to ensure you have a good interview.  For example, getting to know your source before you have the interview, knowing the right questions to ask, building trust, blah blah blah. What I found interesting was that the four journalists in this chapter all agree that an in person interview is better than any other interview.  (e-mail, phone, video chat).

At least there are some people out there who would rather sit down with you face to face and talk instead of texting or "BBM"ing you!...

  The chapter concludes that interviewing gets easier over time.  The more experience you get, the more comfortable you will feel having the interview.  A reporter name Akin says the best way to get comfortable if you've never been the interviewer before is to just walk up to random people on the street.  I really like this idea, might try it out soon. I'll let you know how it works out, if anyone is even reading this nonsense ;)

ZzzZZzzZ...

Let There be Light!

A message that gay rights and gay tolerance activisits all over the country are trying to relay to the community of gay youths who feel they have nothing to live for.  Talk show host Ellen Degeneres is applauded by many, using her high status and fame to send an important message to any young person who is questioning their sexuality.  The suicide rate is climbing, several suicides alone occuring in the past few weeks.  Ellen wants these youths to understand that they are not alone.  There are people out there willing to talk about it with you, and the confusion and frustration is not life long. 

Acceptance is easily the hardest part about coming out, and of course the scariest.  In  order for these young children who are confused about their sexuality to make it through these difficult times, their peers really need to be educated on why it is not okay to taunt, bully, or verbally/physically abuse their fellow schoolmates.  What I can't seem to get a grip on is why these young children feel the need to spread hate and intolerance at such a young age.  I don't think they realize that they are influencing more people to spread hate, which is going to have a long term affect on the future world they will be living in.  An article I was reading in the NY Times said, "The three main groups of pivotal figures are family, friends and their schoolmates,” she said. “And if they’re feeling isolated and like they can’t tell those people, it’s going to be a very rough ride."

If you are interested in hearing more about this...

Here is the link to Ellen's important message:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B-hVWQnjjM

Here is the link to the NY Times article:   http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/04/us/04suicide.html?_r=1&ref=us

Please do not be one of the bullies that leads our gay youth to another unnecessary death.  To all the school; administrators and teachers who see this abuse and still do nothing about it, how about you use your authority for good.  Empower the gay youth of our nation, let them know that they are not alone, and it will eventually get better.  All you need is patience.(and some really thick skin) :)

to be accurate, or to be first, that is the question.

This week, Cope is throwing some new, really interesting journalism information our way. I never realized how very little the media cares about the accuracy of the information they are feeding to the public.  Instead, it is an immature competition as to who will get the breaking news story on live television first.  In chapter 12, Maclean says "In an internet environment, increasingly defined by the ability to get the story first...".  Multiple forms of media are only focused on being the first, not the most accurate.

It just doesn't really make sense to me I guess, what's the point of rushing to be the first if it isn't accurate, because relaying false information is only going to get you in trouble. Like we said in class, the public isn't flipping through news stations when we watch the news to see who said what first, we're watching it because we want to know what's going on in the world.  I get that each station is fighting for the highest ratings, but your ratings aren't going up if your news station has a reputation for inaccurate news.

"If a working definition of accuracy is "getting things right," then accuracy comes in two basic flavors: facts and emphasis" (p176)  I really liked this quote.  When writing a story, if you get the facts wrong someone will inevitably call you out on it.  We need to check and double check on things like dates, name spellings, locations, times, etc.  Challenging the accuracy of the information journalists receive is the most difficult part about writing.  You can't just trust anyone.  Check and double check your sources.  The accuracy checklist is a great tool for new journalists.  There are of course many more reporting basics we are learning about, precision and balance being the two mentioned in chapter 12.  I'll get back to those next time, that's all for now...


Ciao!

Developing Story Ideas

So, less is better sums up what I learned in class today.  When your writing a story, the reader wants to know what your talking about from the jump, not 3 paragraphs deep in the article.  Developing the story idea seems to be the more difficult part for me.  In chapter 11, Holladay tells us that "The key to developing any idea into a story idea is to explore it with the right people. Stories always come from people."  I have been so stumped on finding a news-worthy topic to write about,  I think I may just resort to a poll.  What does everyone want to hear about?  What is everyone interested in?  Why are these questions so hard for people in our generation to answer?  I also learned that I really need to figure out this RSS asap, looks like it could definitely be of some help to my situation!

"Equality is the prime rib of America"

"She's not doing it to be rich, she's doing it to change the world." says Christopher Johnson, one of the many fans/supporters in the crowd for Lady Gaga; who protested at a rally in Portland, Maine on behalf of gays in the military. The "Don't ask, don't tell policy" is what Lady Gaga was fighting for the government to repeal. I like it when celebrities actually use their influence to do things that are beneficial to the world.  I completely agree with her and think it's one of the dumbest policies I've ever heard.
 If someone is willing to go fight for our country, who the hell are you to tell them that they are banned if they don't hide the fact that they're gay?  Are people actually still that narrow-minded? iT's 2010 for god sakes. I looked further into this...(by google-ing Don't ask Don't tell) and found this on Wikipedia."the policy prohibits anyone who "demonstrate(s) a propensity or intent to engage in homosexual acts" from serving in the armed forces of the United States, because "it would create an unacceptable risk to the high standards of morale, good order and discipline, and unit cohesion that are the essence of military capability."   What a load of BS, seriously.  How about get rid of all the homophobes who don't respect those willing to fight for their country along side them.  Go GaGa, I hope this rally gets Washington's attention!

Hot new artist discovered.. check it

If your into music, check this out ;0)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fifkj8rTN4Y

Go Green or Go Home

iT's like, totally in style.  All the new rage, well, has been for a while now, is mission "Go Green". Everyone I know has a recycling bin.  My question is, how often do they actually use it?  Polluting reminds me a lot of smoking.  You know its bad for you, but it won't affect you for a long time so currently you don't give a shit.  People know how bad it is for the environment, but the world isn't going to blow up tomorrow because you threw your gum wrapper on the sidewalk.  Not saying that all people are careless assholes, but there is a lot of them. I see plenty of people tossing trash into the street from their cars.  I get that sometimes you just want to throw something out but keep a trash bag in your car or something.  Sometimes I can't come to terms with how lazy people are.  Now, I'm not saying I'm some angel who has never polluted in my life.  I use to be one of those lazy assholes when I was younger and didn't really care.  I grew up and stopped polluting when I went to school my freshman year of college at Plymouth State University in New Hampshire.  This school with its gorgeous campus and "go green" modo gave me a whole new outlook on how beautiful nature is, as corny as that sounds. It might not have an affect on you now but it will affect your children and grandchildren one day.  Anyways, I read an article in The Street today about another promise Obama failed to keep.  The promise of a greener future.  He seems to be heading in the complete opposite direction by paving $50 billion dollars worth of new roads.  More roads, more industrialization, more cars being bought, more gas being burned.  I thought the plan was to organize a way to overhaul our abuse of transportation for a greener future, but I guess Obama had other plans for us.  More roads, less renewable energy resources. Sounds good..Sorry for putting all the blame on Obama, but if somebody's going to make some moves I'd say he's our best bet. If you take anything out of this post, try a little harder not to pollute.  It will make you feel better about yourself,and you wont be living up to the stereotype that all Americans are lazy as hell.  Which we are.  So throw your McDonald's bag away when you get to your house and not out your car window, okay fatty?  That's about sums up this bashing sesh, more to come soon.
Xo
Lauren


http://www.thestreet.com/story/10854417/3/todays-outrage-obamas-50-billion-is-paving-a-road-to-the-past.html

It's the quality of the journalism that counts, not the awards

Well, the awards count too of course.  This week's reading called "What's a good story" was about recognizing quality in journalist's work.  It says the first place to look for advice on how to be an excellent journalist should be from a judge in a journalism awards program.  Some look for a piece that sucks them right in, keeps their attention, is fair, contains important interviews or facts/ statistics.  The list goes on and on.  A lot of the words used are repetitive when describing what characteristics make up a good journalist...(Accuracy, initiative, originality, creativity, balance, worthiness).  The list goes on and on.  All of this is important of course, but what is a writer without an eye-catching topic to write about?  Professor taught us today that coming up with an interesting story is half the battle, or 50% of the work.  I completely agree.  Once you have the topic you can get rolling, but my biggest problem is picking something interesting enough to keep people captivated.  It's good to be aware of what is expected of you in your writing, so keeping an outline of some basic guidelines helps.  As broad as these 5 terms are they still help remind you of what is expected; Discovery, examination, interpretation, style, presentation.  These skills are crucial to good journalism versus being a mediocre writer.  All of these facts on how to become a good journalist are important, but experience and practice is what I need to be concentrating on right now as well. Everyone knows you don't get better at anything without practice, right? More to come. . .

un dia en la viDa

A day in the life. I'm thinking that this is mainly what my blog will be about.  A typical college student just trying to make something out of myself.  That is all I seem to think about lately, how you can't stop yourself from growing up. To be honest, I feel as if I've been living in a scrub state for the past 2 years. My life is great, don't get me wrong, but I feel like I am going to be doing the same thing over and over again until I graduate; school and work.  Then when I finally graduate, I will have a diploma and still be doing the same job I am now probably, which is waitressing.  Now don't get me wrong, waitressing is great money and an easy job to have when you're in school.  The thing that drives me crazy is all the waitresses/ waiters I work with all graduated and are still doing the same job as me! I guess what I'm saying is I fear the thought of waitressing for any longer than I have to...mainly because I have been since I was 17 and I am ready to move on to a job that I can actually be passionate about; a job that doesn't involve telling anyone the "Fresh Fish" specials or giving bottomless sodas to 12 year olds; (They really slug em' down). Colleges won't let you off easy though.  They make you take ridiculously unnecessary classes and call it a "Core Curriculum", when really it is just a waste of money in reality.  What will taking U.S. History and the Constitution or Biology do to impact my future career as a newscaster?  "Newsflash: Numerous new species of fungi were discovered..."  I would have already changed the channel at that point.  I just think that with all the money we spend on school we should be able to take classes that interest us; we shouldn't have to take useless classes because the state requires it.  If the state paid for our education then I would have no objection, but that is not the case now, is it?  Sorry if this sounds like a rant, which it completely is, but that is what good classes let you do.  This blog is for my journalism class, something I am very interested in taking.  That's why I'm sitting here ranting about these foolish classes rather than reading Chapter 16, the Reconstruction from 1863-1877.  I decided to check out the Globe's website instead of that boring reading assignment, mainly because my Professor works for them and we talked about the Globe in class today.  First headline on the list, "How Paul Pierce spent his Summer Vacation", followed by "Reports on Brady's extension Unconfirmed".  I just read the article on Pierce, and then the comments left by fellow bloggers after.  One of the comments was the following.. aldrichpma wrote: So all and all you didn't do anything to improve yourself or this team and you still complained, and you will still report to camp overweight. Great. Congrats on getting married. This really made me laugh for some reason, but then again it also made me think; I hope no negative bloggers rip on me when they're having a bad day. Anyways, that's about as far as I checked into boston.com tonight.  Copeland, (my professor) was right, the $$ making stories, as dumb as they are, are what get people's attention in society today. I guess I'm going to leave it at that, I should go brush up on my U.S. History.
xO
Lauren    

Laulau Land

Hey yA'll!
Let's get involved!...First off, this is my first blog post so I'm kind of excited.  Second, how freakin' hard is it to figure out what to name your blog?  It is now 1:30 in the morning, I have been brainstorming blog name ideas for around 3 days now.  I think creating the name may be the hardest part to starting a blog.  I'm going to keep this short and drop these wise words from a fortune cookie I had earlier at P.F. Changs; "The secret to vast riches begins with a single penny."  It's sad how when people open fortune cookies and read their cookie's prediction that they actually think the fortune they receive has something to do with their lives. - I am one of those people.. which brings me to this blog post's title: laulau land.  That's where I spend most of my time; In my own head, not to be confused with "la la land", which is where crazy people reside usually.  Anyways, school manana. buenas noches ;0) 


..ZZzzZZz