Interview, notes.

The Interview
- appropriate gestures, look up, and knodd for reassurance. It is important for the interviewee to feel it is a conversation or they will be reluctant to talk.
- if you take your interviewees through the story chronologically, you will get a full picture and be able to spot any gaps in your knowledge
- questions will lead to questions
- if the interview is non-controversial, asking questions in the order you expect to broadcast the answers in, is the best approach
- difficult questions should be held for last if the the interviewing is with a reluctant interviewee
- "When it is off the record" - ask it it can be put on the record if it is good material
- sometimes, things off the record, may be an attribute to a source of some kind
- at times it is necessary to agree to some kind of disclosure of a story before it is published
- it is advised that you do not expose your copy, only allow for quote accuracy check only between you and the interviewee


Features
- usually written as interviews (format), can be inspired by new stories. features are usually more suitable for print than the web
- first-person features, including columns: from an "I" perspective
- opinion pieces and comments: about the writer's views and opinions; the writer draws on their expertise
- reviews: a features writer's assessment of a movie, a play, performance, book, etc.


Audio and Podcasting
- Three approaches to conducting an audio interview: (1) do your initial interview without recording it, this can work also as a practice (2) a straightaway recording but you must have a clear structure (3) the halfway house, being the best approach. You ask a few preliminary questions to get the basics and to break the ice but don't put your key questions. Record as soon as the key questions are being asked.
- Creating a podcast or package: (1) Being with your topic/plan (2) What is the podcast/package about? (3) What do you want to achieve? (4) Simple is good

Recording

- recording is a simple byproduct of the reporting process

- audio is an addition to your text report

- sound can powerfully illustrate your story

Human Interest (Draft; Second Revision)

Euthanasia: Ideal or Ordeal? 

Tuan, now 30 years old, reminisces of the time he forestalled against his will upon deciding whether Euthanasia was the only answer and solution for his beloved dog, Spottie.

Say hello to Spottie.

Spottie is quite a special character: an all white American Pitbull with a sole black spot in the region of his eye. Tuan has been nurturing and befriending his dog for almost fifteen years. Not too long ago, the weeping in pain and the weeping in fear of losing a companionship lurked in their home. Distressingly, Spottie was diagnosed with a tumor. How do you know when is the time to let your pet go? If your pet was suffering excruciating pain would you put it to sleep? Would you be selfish to keep it near you despite its horrific pains? Indeed, this question was a troubling debate for Tuan. His companionship with his pet for more than a decade was the main reason forestalling his final decision: euthanasia or not, that was the question.

The word euthanasia comes from the Greek meaning of "good death." It is the act of putting to death painlessly, usually from animal suffering, esp. an incurable diseases or condition. Euthanasia was, considered an act of mercy, distinct from animal slaughter, being performed for purposes. There are two main types of euthanasia: the injection or the gas anesthetics. The injection is of pentobarbital or sodium thiopental that creates unconsciousness, which then is followed by a respiratory cardiac arrest within 30 seconds. The gas anesthetics, such as isoflurane/sevoflurane, is used as an inhalant on the pet which gives the same results of a cardiac arrest. Both methods are proven painless.

Just a side note: based on a national estimate, 60% of dogs and 70% of cats are euthanized. That’s approximately 5-9 million total yearly, standing of about 575 dead animals per hour. Not all of these numbers are based on euthanasia on pets with conditions. Some of these numbers are a results of euthanasia executions at animal shelters. Did you know that if the shelter is full, 85% chance of those pets will be euthanized? The core reasons for this is that animal shelters lack the food/water, treatments, and attention for all of the animals there. In this case, if the idea of euthanasia is being abused, does this conflict with righteousness and that euthanasia is suppose to be an act of mercy?

The truth is quite doleful. It is not their fault to be diagnosed with a condition or be left at an animal shelter. It never was Spottie's desires to be diagnosed with a tumor and this surely never came to thought for Tuan that he had to go through this decision of euthanasia or not for his pet. But to answer the question to his frustrating debate, poor Spottie was a victim of euthanasia. Today, family and friends try hardest not to remind Tuan of his decision. Though he is glad that Spottie no longer has to suffer the pains of the tumor, it still holds pain to Tuan's heart that he had to lose his pet. Spottie has always been family to him.

Video sources: 

VID_001 - saying goodbye to Pluto before he gets put to sleep

VID_002 - an in-home euthanasia

VID_003 - pet euthanasia, the sad truth

VID_004 - pet euthanasia, perspective from a professional

References: 

mercatornet.com/articles/view/lets_put_this_pet_theory_to_sleep/

americanhumane.org/animals/stop-animal-abuse/fact-sheets/animal-shelter-euthanasia.html

pettrustlawblog.com/articles/general/pet-euthanasia/

www.peta.org/issues/default.aspx

Written by: Remedy Huynh and Juan Padilla, Edited by Remedy Huynh, Research by Misty LaVina, Intro/Headlines Brainstromer: Jason Lopez

A Story with Pictures

A simple long night....

Embedding and Taking Photos - Tips

When taking photos and embedding for an article/story, think about:

- The limitations of photography

- Capturing a specific shot

- Framing your subject; don't be afraid to get in close

- Capturing a certain emotion or point of view

- Images for web will be small (25mm-35mm), therefore keeping it simple is a smart approach

- Editing: edit a copy not the original photo, crop the images, clear of wasted space

- Compress the image for web (reducing the pixel size)

Three types of Photographic Lighting:

- Natural - or available or ambient light

- Flash as the main source of light

- A mix of ambient and flash
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Photo master class video review:
I never really used iPhoto and never even bothered even opening it to see what its like. Most of my editing is done in photoshop. However, iPhoto is actually quite amazing in that it gives you all the basic editing techniques that can also be found in photoshop. Cropping, orientation rotations, color adjustments (levels, saturation, highlights, etc), and much more can be done without even needing access to photoshop. 

Terms

1. Presaged -  to anticipate that something is going to happen

2. Sage - a profoundly wise man

3. Scrutiny - critical observation or examination

4. Corruption - dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power

5. Watergate scandal - a political scandal during the 1970s in the United States resulting from the break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex by 5 burglars. Effects of the scandal ultimately led to the resignation of the President Nixon, on August 9, 1974, the first and only resignation of any U.S. President.

6. Era - a long and distinct period of time

7. Afflict - to cause pain or suffering (of a problem or illness)

8. Watchdog - maintaining surveillance over a person, activity, or situation; (ex: monitoring the practices of companies)

9. Faux watchdogism - false monitoring

10. Pandering - gratify or indulge (an immortal/distasteful desire, need, or habit of a person)

11. Fourth estate - the press; the profession of journalism

12. BulWark of Liberty - a fortification; outwork that secures and defends liberty

13. James Madison - an American political and political philosopher who served as the fourth president of the U.S

14. Talking point - a topic that invites discussion or argument 

       * get the "real story" and not the "talking point"
15. Determinate - having exact or discernable limit or form

16. Relevant - closely connected or appropriate

17. Complacency - a feeling of smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements

18. Subsuming - to include or absorb (something) into something else

19. Assailed - to make a violent attack on 

20. Reticent - not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily

21. Sovereign - a supreme ruler (n) or possessing supreme power (adj) 

21. Empowered - give (someone) the authority/power to do something

Human Interest (Draft; First Revision)

72 Hours Before Death - Pets in Death Row 

Animal shelter takes more pets than they can support. Over 8 Million Pets are euthanized every year due to the lack of space, food and treatment for abandoned and mistreated pets.  

Shelter? Perhaps a lack of term. There is no difference of it to a pet prison or pound.

Animal cruelty, abuse and abandonment, is far reaching and prevalent around the globe.  Every day, everywhere, humans inflict harm on animals, mistreating them for various and multifaceted reasons. Some cause suffering intentionally because they enjoy it, while others abuse animals through their carelessness, often without even realizing. Those abandoned are left trying to survive on their own. While some, decide to simply make up an excuse that they can’t take care of their pet so that the shelter would take them. Have you ever thought about what really would be the faith of your pet?

Forty-five percent of pets (including dogs and cats) are neglected, often being thrown out in the streets to feed for themselves. Those fortunate are found and sent to an animal shelter. Every year, on average, 8-12 million companion of animals, enter animal shelters nationwide. Shelter intakes are about evenly divided between those relinquished by owners and those picked up by animal control. An animal shelter actually is sometimes not the best place for your pet. There is a 90% chance that an animal will never get to leave. They are left confined in a small room or cage with up to 25 other dogs or cats. If the shelter is full, they will receive a chance to get adopted but that must be within a 72 hour time frame. If not, they will get euthanized. If the shelter is partially vacant, they may stay if they can remain healthy. Many shelters lack the food/water, treatments, and attention for all of the animals there. If they begin to have injuries or health concerns, they possibly could be euthanized as well.

Pets that have been killed at a shelter are put into bins like garbage while awaiting the incinerator

Based on a national estimate, 60% of dogs and 70% of cats are euthanized. In other words, these animals are put to death. This percentage of euthanasia may vary from state to state. That’s approximately 5-9 million total yearly, standing of about 575 dead animals per hour. The bodies are later thrown out in to garbage bags or in big bins where they are discarded and sent out for garbage disposal with the rest of our trash. The main root reason for this is because shelters just can’t afford to house all of those animals and provide treatments for those with needs.

So why is that people must abuse animals, even our pets, in such a manner? Studies have shown that about 88 percent of families that grew up in an abusive home, show records of also committing animal abuse. Police reports have recorded proven truths that both family and pets are victims of these aggression. Looking at past records, about 30 percent of animal abusers have had a domestic violence charged in their record.

The truth is quite doleful. It is not their fault to have to be born and raised upon such cruelty or abandonment. It probably would never cross your mind what will happen to your pet. So think about it before you ever decide to leave your pet behind. Help donate so that animal shelters can “afford” to find homes for all of those animals. Make a difference. Be the difference.

Video sources: VID_001 ,  VID_002 , VID_003 , VID_004

References: 

blog.k9cuisine.com/dog-rescue-shelters/

care2.com/news/

ezinearticles.com/?113-Facts-About-Animal-Cruelty&id=5418388

www.pcawl.org/shelterfacts.html

www.peta.org/issues/default.aspx

www.peta.org/issues/Companion-Animals/Animal-Shelters.aspx

Written by: Remedy Huynh and Juan Padilla, Edited by Remedy Huynh, Research by Misty LaVina, Intro/Headlines Brainstromer: Jason Lopez

Soft Power vs. Hard Power

Power is the overall ability to effect others.
The purpose is to get what you want.


My interpretation of soft power and hard power:
Hard power is embarking fear and harsh means to embody what you want. Soft power is the act of still obtaining what you want but in a  more passive manner and doesn't require the necessary aggressiveness using violence, etc. Soft power just requires an effort in persuading and attracting others to believe and want what you do. A good example of this that comes to mind is an activist. An activist would speak about their views and take actions to persuade, while attracting possible followers. Both powers allows one to grab support from others. Cumulating support brings forth more power but obtaining power doesn't always necessarily have to be upon selfish desires. 


Combining the two types of power is "spark power." J.Alexander mentions that it is most efficient and powerful when both means of power are used in conjunction with each other.


for reference, see full video: zocalopublicsquare.org/fullVideo.php?event_year=2011&event_id=463&video=&page=1

'Most challenged' books to be banned

When the individual feels, the community reels' ... Aldoux Huxley's Brave New World came third on the ALA's list of 'most challenged' books.


The American Library Association (ALA) has just release its list of 10 books that should be banned from America due to the contents in the book.


Brave New World, the book by Aldous Huxley is one of the selected on the list. This book has already been banned in Ireland when it was first published in 1932. "The novel of a dystopian future was one of the most complained about books in America last year, with readers protesting over its sexually explicit scenes, offensive language and insensitivity."


I feel that someone is always going to be offended by something, somehow, little or big. There are many topics that infuriates, cause sensitivity, or even disturb a group of people. Example, religion, politics, homosexuality, animal cruelty, abortion and so much more have been topics that a lot of people are not bold enough to talk about or hear about. In this case, should all of these topics be banned from society in general? Should it be banned from even generally speaking of? A book is a book. The reader can choose not to read it. The author deserves respect for his boldness in even deciding to write the book at all. He is not afraid to make his statement and thoughts through publishing such explicitness. Maybe not everyone in society is going to be able to appreciate his writing but I am pretty sure that there has to be a minority group out there, somewhere who will appreciate his guts in writing such a novel.


I have never read the book, nor will I probably ever read it. But I am judging this occcurence based on ethics and my values in giving respect to authors, writers, and the whole idea of self-expression. I am choosing to look at this news article from another perspective. I wonder how the author would feel? I do not believe that novels should be "COMPLETELY" banned. If the novel and other books are found so offensive and disturbing to the average general public, I believe those books should just not be easily accesible in a public library. However, higher teachings or teachers should be able to grab a hold of the novel upon special request. I believe an action along those lines would make more sense than to completely banned the entire novel because I feel that regardless of what is is, someone will always become offended by something, somehow, little or big. Perhaps the book isn't something to enjoy but something to rather study or challenge one to understand.


Of course I find it in the reader to decided whether or not he/she wants to continue to read the full book and digest it. We can not throw all of the blame upon the author. He is being bold as it is, publishing and writing such book. But then again, this is my sole opinion on such actions by the ALA. I have no doubt that someone will disagree with me. Maybe someone would even agree with me.


website, reference: click here for full article

Audience & Story-seeking

Audience:
- Information must be relevant to the audience, "if not, it isn't news to them"
- Studying your audience and what they need to know or find interesting is the key

Where to find the story:

Start with an idea → follow up & research
1. Updates & Interesting angles
2. Talk with those involved
3. Reference from sources:
- Events
- People
- Interviewees
______________________________________________________________

"Journalists are great recyclers" 
caters to their target audience and bringing interest to them.

Story Structures.

A good story must be well-organized and clear to the reader/listener.


Ask yourself: "What is this story about?"


Basic journalistic structures:
1. Inverted Pyramid - The most important information appears at beginning , which leads the story. As you progress down the triangle, it becomes progressively less important.
2. Chronological - Tells what happened in the order it happened.
3. Narrative - Uses vivid descriptions to set scenes; involves the reader with the writing as though a novel/short story.
4. Thematic - Addresses various aspects of a complex story, individually, layering and division of information

3 headlines + 3 intros to news stories

1a. Intro: Educational hindrance due to network loss.

1b. Headline: Hundreds of students are left in a rut of  exasperation as approximately seventy-five labs lose its access to the network system.

2a. Intro: The vital enrichment for education is constantly at threat.

2b. Headline: The library being the center of research for students, faces a major cut in funds that poses major concerns in maintaining up to date holdings.

3a. Intro: Health vulnerability: a hazardous congestion.

3b. Headline: The industry acts as a parent providing growth for its child, our society. However, in exchange for these advances, pollution increases like a spreading infection. Breathing polluted air in the long term, can eventually be fatal your health and even shorten your life.

_________________________

Intro:  A committee's constant indecisive changes inflict category confusions.

Headline: Previously on Wednesday, the awards and nomination committee of the Grammy Awards, once again announced changes to its categories, to now being listed based on genres. These changes after constant re-evaluations, has created a growth of confusion in the structural listings for nomination possibilities.

News/Reporting & Video Responses

“What is News?”

1. New
    (is it new, did it just happen, relative in time)

2. Factual
    (actual witnesses, true, rich facts, statistics, chronological details, etc.)

3. It’s about people

4. Relevant to people and could possibly effects them 
    (Could also be relevant to you)

5. Dramatic and out of the ordinary
    (Great emotions and will spark awareness)

6. Involves a conflict

______________________________________________________________  


What is Reporting?

- Reporting is about finding answers to questions.

- Make sure where the information comes from is stated

- Answering essential questins so that the audience understands what has happened:

           Who?, what?, when?, where?, why?, how (also how much, how many)? 

______________________________________________________________

Video responses:

- This first response is just to inform of the knowledge I just gain from watching four videos about four different publications: what their magazine is and what it is mainly for. Total Politics, is a lifestyle magazine with free distribution to UK councillors and parliament, etc. It's purpose is to be an informative resource of business and politics. The Morning Advertiser is a B-2-B (business to business) magazine, known to be most read for pub trade. It has a purpose to help readers run their business better, informing them of things such as new technology, government, etc. Countryside Voices is a customer magazine to protect rural England. It is created for the reader as a way to drive support and retain members and participation. Don't Panic is a web-based lifestyle magazine for London. Their target market, however, is mainly 20+ year olds who enjoys nightlife and pretty much partying. It is an informative resource to shops, bars, galleries, etc.

-  This second response to regarding a broadcast of a female journalist who refused to read the story about Paris Hilton. I believe that she (more than likely) is a strong journalist because she stands strong with her opinion and refusal to read the story. However, I do not believe she is a strong reporter. In my opinion, just because you don't favor reading a story about Paris Hilton (again), doesn't give you a good enough reason to be snappy because I find it unnecessary and a bit over dramatic. In the case that it is being broadcast at that moment she is refusing to the public, I find that quite unprofessional. Therefore, just to briefly conclude, I feel that she is a strong journalist, however, she isn't a strong reporter.