Camden Jones
Journalism 216
Topic 1 - Looking back at my goals from the beginning of the term, they seem simple. However, that being said, I did not accomplish all of them to the extent I would have liked; I have determined that while it is satisfying to see my writing in the newspaper, I don't actually enjoy this kind of writing. It's not something I can see myself doing as a career. My personal writing has taken an upswing in quality, maybe from just writing more, but I like my personal voice better. And lastly, I made few connections with my interviewees - Leland Holden from Grit and Cody Cooper of Bend, OR, are potential contacts for future stories, but they are all that remian of stories.
My favorite story I wrote was the profile on the metal band Grit, mostly because that is the one I spent the most time on and it turned out with the best quality. It also had the best reception when I showed it to the band members, as they found it really cool that I wrote a story about them.
The skill I feel most important to me this term was working with a deadline, and honestly I was lousy at it. I was doing fine for the first half of the term, but I became overwhelmed with other work and my work in this class dropped. For this I'm sorry. It's not respectful to you as a teacher, and it's not respectful to myself since I voluntarily took this class only to mess up halfway through.
The materials provided on Moodle were enough for my purposes, and the only improvement I could think of was perhaps a little bit better of an explanation about the final portfolio on Moodle itself. I gave it my best attempt, but I'm not sure I fulfilled all of the parameters. And lastly, I don't/didn't enjoy the book, only because that is not a genre I find myself liking. I can, however, respect it for its literary quality and think it should be continued for futre classes as it does present some important information about journalism.
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Week 8 - Journalism 216
Camden Jones
Journalism 216
Topic 1 - The first takeaway from the trip to the DH was that there are people writing stories for the DH who also write for other newspapers in the area. I always thought that a reporter can only write for their home paper, or for the Associated Press. The second takeaway was the realization of how much effort the reporters actually put into their jobs. Each person there was passionate about their work and love the thrill of writing with a dealine. That personally stresses me out so it was nice to see the other side of the coin there. The part that surprised me was how the ads were put into the newspaper. I had no clue how the ads were placed before the tour, and was intrigued at the machinery that does it.
Topic 2 - I've learned to roll with the punches from Edna's tuterage. She doesn't dwell on the criticism and attacks she receives from the public. If I were to continue writing from a journalism standpoint, and I were to cover anything political or controversial, I could face some negative reactions and I would have to just let go of any attacks. My favorite part of the book is the beginning of the chapter on sex, because it holds so much truth about our culture. So many people have sex and reproduce when that is the last thing they should be doing. It introduces conflicts into our daily lives between couples, friends, and strangers. "Other than that, it's swell: the great American pastime." This line stood out to me because of the casual tone it adopts, and the larger issue it reflects. America's society and culture is based on sex and sexuality and is often controversial for being too promiscuous.
Journalism 216
Topic 1 - The first takeaway from the trip to the DH was that there are people writing stories for the DH who also write for other newspapers in the area. I always thought that a reporter can only write for their home paper, or for the Associated Press. The second takeaway was the realization of how much effort the reporters actually put into their jobs. Each person there was passionate about their work and love the thrill of writing with a dealine. That personally stresses me out so it was nice to see the other side of the coin there. The part that surprised me was how the ads were put into the newspaper. I had no clue how the ads were placed before the tour, and was intrigued at the machinery that does it.
Topic 2 - I've learned to roll with the punches from Edna's tuterage. She doesn't dwell on the criticism and attacks she receives from the public. If I were to continue writing from a journalism standpoint, and I were to cover anything political or controversial, I could face some negative reactions and I would have to just let go of any attacks. My favorite part of the book is the beginning of the chapter on sex, because it holds so much truth about our culture. So many people have sex and reproduce when that is the last thing they should be doing. It introduces conflicts into our daily lives between couples, friends, and strangers. "Other than that, it's swell: the great American pastime." This line stood out to me because of the casual tone it adopts, and the larger issue it reflects. America's society and culture is based on sex and sexuality and is often controversial for being too promiscuous.
Week 7 - Journalism 216
Camden Jones
Journalism 216
Topic 1 - I spoke with Cody Cooper over the phone on Tuesday the 14th and asked him what he thought about the story (I emailed him a copy of the story). He said he was impressed with how I told the story, and was glad I included the quotes that I did. He didn't have anything negative to say about the story, but next time I wish as a follow up I could speak to my profile in person to get a better sense of their reaction.
Journalism 216
Topic 1 - I spoke with Cody Cooper over the phone on Tuesday the 14th and asked him what he thought about the story (I emailed him a copy of the story). He said he was impressed with how I told the story, and was glad I included the quotes that I did. He didn't have anything negative to say about the story, but next time I wish as a follow up I could speak to my profile in person to get a better sense of their reaction.
Week 6 - Journalism 216
Camden Jones
Journalism 216
Topic 1 - Kyle talked about writing the "Hero Lead" for sports stories. This I found intersting because it became clear that I knew to do that all along but hadn't for my basketball story. He also talked about the bipolar reception the newspaper receives about political stories. Lastly he stressed "Dress to Impress." I try to not be sloppy during class (sweats or basketball shorts) too often, but I hadn't even really thought about seriously dressing up for interviews. One tip I found helpful is the idea of following a formula for stories I find difficult to write. This can help with my writing style and keep my writing focused on the story itself.
Topic 2 - My speech was on Cody Cooper's talk about his experience with domestic violence. He has taken it upon himself to promote awareness about DV because some people have told him that because he is a male he couldn't be a victim of DV. It was given on Friday the 10th of March, at the Rock Hard PDX in Portland, Oregon. Before the speech I will talked with Cooper about his intentions with this speech, during the speech I watched the audience's reactions, and after I spoke with a man in the audience and asked him for his thoughts on the matter.
Journalism 216
Topic 1 - Kyle talked about writing the "Hero Lead" for sports stories. This I found intersting because it became clear that I knew to do that all along but hadn't for my basketball story. He also talked about the bipolar reception the newspaper receives about political stories. Lastly he stressed "Dress to Impress." I try to not be sloppy during class (sweats or basketball shorts) too often, but I hadn't even really thought about seriously dressing up for interviews. One tip I found helpful is the idea of following a formula for stories I find difficult to write. This can help with my writing style and keep my writing focused on the story itself.
Topic 2 - My speech was on Cody Cooper's talk about his experience with domestic violence. He has taken it upon himself to promote awareness about DV because some people have told him that because he is a male he couldn't be a victim of DV. It was given on Friday the 10th of March, at the Rock Hard PDX in Portland, Oregon. Before the speech I will talked with Cooper about his intentions with this speech, during the speech I watched the audience's reactions, and after I spoke with a man in the audience and asked him for his thoughts on the matter.
Week 3 - Journalism 216
Camden Jones
Journalism 216
Topic 1:
"Seek truth and report it" stands out as the most important aspect of the Code of Ethics presented by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). Reporting and journalism would be nothing without proper and exact representations of the truth, and if we settle for making information up or reporting false data then why be a reporter? Truth, even if it is ugly, is necessary, and its far better than an beautiful lie. "Never deliberately distort facts or context, including visual information." "Identify sources clearly. The public is entitled to as much information as possible to judge the reliability and motivations of sources." These two examples strike me as summing up the reason why seeking truth is is the most important aspect of the Code of Ethics because the readers need their information unedited.
Topic 2:
I covered a basketball game between Paisley High School boys and the North Lake High School boys. My nut graf is the date, subject, outcome, and final result of the game. My three sources will be either the Head Coach or Assistant Coach, the leading scorer from Paisley, and another player.
Questions
Journalism 216
Topic 1:
"Seek truth and report it" stands out as the most important aspect of the Code of Ethics presented by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). Reporting and journalism would be nothing without proper and exact representations of the truth, and if we settle for making information up or reporting false data then why be a reporter? Truth, even if it is ugly, is necessary, and its far better than an beautiful lie. "Never deliberately distort facts or context, including visual information." "Identify sources clearly. The public is entitled to as much information as possible to judge the reliability and motivations of sources." These two examples strike me as summing up the reason why seeking truth is is the most important aspect of the Code of Ethics because the readers need their information unedited.
Topic 2:
I covered a basketball game between Paisley High School boys and the North Lake High School boys. My nut graf is the date, subject, outcome, and final result of the game. My three sources will be either the Head Coach or Assistant Coach, the leading scorer from Paisley, and another player.
Questions
- How did the team perform tonight?
- Do you have any concerns regarding the team?
- How does it feel to be the leading scorer for the third game in a row?
- What motivates you to chase rebounds as aggresively as you do?
- What is your game plan for the upcoming games against Prospect and Trinity Lutheran?
Monday, March 13, 2017
Local metal band Grit - Who are they?
Title: Local metal band Grit - Who are they?
Deck: Up and coming band plays big gig in Medford.
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| Photo Credit to Grit |
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| Photo Credit to Mike Ewing |
Largely influenced by metal bands such as Metallica, Pantera, and Black Sabbath, Grit features the iconic fast paced beat and double bass drumming typical to thrash metal. Their only completed demo album "Warsworn" was recorded in early January when the band traveled to Pacheco, California to record with Juan Urtega. Urtega is notable for having recorded such bands as Testament, Machine Head, and Exodus.
"It was an amazing experience to hear how the tracks turned out on official recording equipment. Because of Juan, our music is now available online," said Linn-Benton student and bassist Leland Holden.
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| Photo Credit to Grit |
"We played well. We were all on and the people loved us." Holden said after the show. "Our next show is at Bombs Away Cafe in Corvallis on March 24th. We will be playing with another local band called Minor Anomaly, and it should be a full house so we're excited."
Grit's music is available on Spotify, Google Play, Amazon Music, and iTunes. Tickets for their show at Bomb's Away Cafe are on sale for 3$ and the show is open to people 21 years and older. Music starts at 9pm on March 24th.
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At a glance:
- Listen to Grit on Google Play.
- Download Grit on Reverbnation.
- Find Grit of Facebook.
- Follow Camden Jones for other stories.
- Check out the Commuter for more top stories.
Cody Cooper speaks on the Effect of Domestic Violence on Children.
"I was 18 years old when I left my dad's house. I graduated high school and moved away because from the day I was born, I lived my life in fear. In fear of being hit. In fear of not being good enough." Cody Cooper, 20 year old resident of Bend, OR, gave a speech on Friday about the domestic violence he experienced growing up.
"I never told anyone. I was afraid of my own shadow for my entire childhood."
Cooper gave his speech on Friday the 10th, speaking between songs during a concert with his heavy metal band Separating the Seas. The band performed several songs throughout the night dealing with the topics of domestic violence, parental issues, and drug and alcohol abuse. The speech was met with positive reception at the show held at Rock Hard PDX in Portland, Ore.
"My father and I, despite our estrangement, saw each other over Christmas," Cooper said. "We were civil and polite, covering our difficult past with small talk and ignoring the awkwardness. As I went to leave, however, he apologized. He got teary eyed and said he's sorry for all he's done." Cooper himself became choked up, and paused to compose himself.
"It wasn't until that moment that I realized how much I needed that apology. He knew he had been a horrible dad, and that he had made my life a living hell until the day I moved out. He knew I still struggled with it. But it didn't make it okay." Cooper still struggles with anxiety and depression from his childhood experiences.
"I don't know if I will ever get over this. But I forgave him. I can't go through life angry at him, wishing it never happened because it did. He's my dad." Cooper concluded this short speech before resuming the concert with a quote from Cherie Carter-Scott, "Anger makes you smaller, while forgiveness forces you to grow beyond what you were."
At a glance:
"I never told anyone. I was afraid of my own shadow for my entire childhood."
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| Photo Credit Seperating the Seas |
Cooper gave his speech on Friday the 10th, speaking between songs during a concert with his heavy metal band Separating the Seas. The band performed several songs throughout the night dealing with the topics of domestic violence, parental issues, and drug and alcohol abuse. The speech was met with positive reception at the show held at Rock Hard PDX in Portland, Ore.
"My father and I, despite our estrangement, saw each other over Christmas," Cooper said. "We were civil and polite, covering our difficult past with small talk and ignoring the awkwardness. As I went to leave, however, he apologized. He got teary eyed and said he's sorry for all he's done." Cooper himself became choked up, and paused to compose himself.
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| Photo Credit Cody Cooper |
"It wasn't until that moment that I realized how much I needed that apology. He knew he had been a horrible dad, and that he had made my life a living hell until the day I moved out. He knew I still struggled with it. But it didn't make it okay." Cooper still struggles with anxiety and depression from his childhood experiences.
"I don't know if I will ever get over this. But I forgave him. I can't go through life angry at him, wishing it never happened because it did. He's my dad." Cooper concluded this short speech before resuming the concert with a quote from Cherie Carter-Scott, "Anger makes you smaller, while forgiveness forces you to grow beyond what you were."
At a glance:
- Follow Separating the Seas on Facebook.
- Listen to Separating the Seas at their website.
- Hook yourself up with Seperating the Seas merchandise.
- Get more stories at Camden Jones's blog.
- Check out the Commuter for more top stories.
Saturday, March 11, 2017
A Day in the Life of Connor Kaer.
Linn-Benton student Connor Kaer seems like the typical college student; he goes to class, does his homework, and hangs out with friends. He works to pay his bills, and enjoys going on runs when the weather permits. But Connor is atypical from most of his peers. He is obsessed with snowboarding.
"I began snowboarding when I was six, and haven't stopped since." Kaer said. He has since picked up a collection of over 20 boards, and hopes to make his own one day.
"I really love the idea of dropping off a cliff on board I made with my own hands. It seems like a perfect way to start a morning. said Kaer.
Speaking of perfect mornings, during the winter seasons Kaer will regularly head for the slopes at 4 in the morning. "I live for the sunrises from the top of Mt. Hood. I'd drive up there every weekend and every day if I could." He'll spend the whole day on the mountain, and won't leave until night forces him to.
Not only does Kaer have a collection of snowboards, but also a collection of tattoos dedicated to the wintery sport. "I have 'Shred the Gnar' on my wrist, coming from snowboarding slang back in the 80's and 90's." Kaer says he has plans for several more over the coming year.
At a glance:
- Connor Kaer lives and dies for snowboarding.
- Kaer is bringing back slang from the 80's with the iconic "Shred the Gnar".
- Get your lift tickets for Mt. Hood today.
- Check out the Commuter for other top stories.
- Follow Camden Jones on Twitter for more stories.
Families Have Fun at Family Fun Day.
Revised Copy:
Title: Families have Fun at LBCC Family Fun Day
Deck: LBCC hosts their 40th Annual Family Fun Day with over 200 hundred in attendance.
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| Photo Credit to Camden Jones |
The sound of children laughing, jumping in the bouncy-houses, and the slap of their feet as they ran around the gym filled the air at the fair.
On Saturday, the 40th Annual Linn-Benton Family Fun Day brought people from miles around together to have fun with their families and friends. Held in the gym in the Activity Center, this family fun fair ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and boasted of 19 different booths designed for children ages 1 to 6, including mini golf, bouncy houses, and a playdough table. For older children, there was face painting and a scavenger hunt to win prizes.
"There's at least 150 people here right now. They come to get out of the house when it's raining, and some families have been coming for years," said Jerri Wolfe. Over 200 people ended up attending this family friendly event.
As Chair for the Department of Education, she and Program Director Aoife Magee worked together to put this event on.
"We do this fair to give back to the community," said Wolfe. "The proceeds become scholarship money, and it brings people who may not be able to afford more expensive events."
In addition to the faculty and staff present, many parents helped out with the fair. Parent Stacie Cheeke helped out with one of the booths, and also assists in the Timber Ridge Co-op Preschool.
"I love being in the classroom with my son and watching him make friends," said Cheeke. "It's good to see him with other kids and this is a great program."
On Saturday, the 40th Annual Linn-Benton Family Fun Day brought people from miles around together to have fun with their families and friends. Held in the gym in the Activity Center, this family fun fair ran from 10am to 2pm, and boasted of 19 different booths designed for children ages 1-6, including mini golf, bouncy houses, and a playdough table. For older children, there was face painting and a scavenger hunt to win prizes.
"There's at least 150 people here right now. They come to get out of the house when it's raining, and some families have been coming for years," said Jerri Wolfe. As Chair for the Department of Education, she and Program Director Aoife Magee worked together to put this event on.
"We do this fair to give back to the community," said Wolfe. "The proceeds become scholarship money, and it brings people who may not be able to afford more expensive events."
In addition to the faculty and staff present, many parents helped out with the fair. Parent Stacie Cheeke helped out with one of the booths, and also assists in the Timber Ridge Co-op Preschool.
"I love being in the classroom with my son and watching him make friends," said Cheeke. "It's good to see him with other kids and this is a great program."
At a glance:
- Saturday was the 40th Annual Family Fun Day.
- The event ran from 10am to 2pm, and over 200 people attended.
- Parents and staff from Timber Ridge Preschool were present and helping out.
- Check out the Commuter for other top stories.
- Follow Camden Jones on Twitter to read about other stories.
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