Lead: Good lead- has all the info needed but possibly make it more concise?
Rewrite: Viona E. Ginnow, a petite woman full of energy who passionately devoted over 30 years of her life as an elementary school educator, died in her sleep Tuesday night of natural causes at her home on Crown Drive. She was 80.
2nd Paragraph:
-Get rid of 1st comma
-“Her fill of numerous jobs like being a:…” – awkward phrase
Rewrite: While receiving her education, Ginnow worked numerous jobs including...
3rd Paragraph:
-One room rural what?
-Is "managed" the correct word to use?
-Change grades "one through eight" to: first through eighth
-StudentÂ’s readings = studentsÂ’ readings
5th Paragraph
-"Eventually she had to call the mother and report his actions." To me it seems like this sentence should follow an explanation of what the boy was doing in class but it does not.
-The student soon left her classroom and she moved on in her career. Did he have to leave because of trouble in his home or because he graduatedÂ…unclear to me.
12th Paragraph
-Maybe think of ending the obit with more about Ginnow instead of a story about a girl she tutored- in order for peopleÂ’s last thoughts to be about her and some of her characteristics. Again...only a suggestion.
Final Paragraph
-She will be "buried from St. MaryÂ’s Church." Do you mean at St. MaryÂ’s Church?
Good Job!!
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Obit draft
Nathaniel Nehrbass
Project 2, Obits
Sept. 26th
Elmer George Nehrbass an avid Vikings fan and connoisseur of all things brandy, died Friday Sept. 15th, due to natural causes. Known affectionately to his family and friends as “Butch”, he spent his final months in declining health at Marywood Convalescent Center. He was 86.
Elmer was born to his parents, John and Elsie (Degner), on February 12th, 1920 in the small town of Athens, WI. On June 26th, 1946, he married Lucinda Westfall and at the time of his passing the two were enjoying their 60th year of marriage.
During his youth, Elmer attended the local elementary school but discontinued his education after the eighth grade. At the age of eight Elmer spent his time working in an icehouse in which he would cut ice off of a lake and store it for customers to later pick up and place in their iceboxes. During his youth Elmer would also spend time working in his grandfathers cheese factory. In his twenties he worked as a logger cutting trees for the town of Athens and its surrounding counties.
After their marriage Elmer and Lucinda purchased a house in the Athens countryside and took up farming. Elmer dabbled in the sales of chickens and pigs but it was the selling of dairy cows in which he garnered the most profit. His days on the farm would not last however as decreasing prices forced him to find work elsewhere.
In 1965 he became employed by the Marathon County Highway Service and finished out his career there until his retirement in 1985. During his retirement he worked various side jobs for his son-in-law’s construction company.
From the years of 1944 to 1946 Elmer served in the United States Army infantry during World War Two. During his time of service Elmer would come to gain a keener understanding of not only himself but of others as well. It was during his time in service that he learned to leave behind the racist stereotypes in which he was brought up in.
After working vigorously throughout his life to support his family, Elmer made sure to enjoy his retirement by venturing to NASCAR races in Michigan and going to Disney World with his family on multiple occasions. Every Sunday during football season Elmer could be found in his favorite chair cheering for the Minnesota Vikings, as if he were right there on the 50-yard-line. Elmer also loved his brandy and it was rare to see his hands devoid of his favorite drink.
He is survived by his wife Lucinda of Wausau, two daughters Janet (Rod) Werner and Debra Drewek both of Wausau; one son Jerome “Bud” Nehrbass of Weston; four grandchildren Matthew, Stacey and Ryan Werner and Nathaniel Nehrbass; three great grandchildren Drake, Natasha and Megan Werner; two brothers Ellwood and Lester Nehrbass of Milwaukee and one sister Laura Bolka of Milwaukee. Elmer is preceded in death by three sisters Hilda Diedrich, Erna Diedrich and Elmira Barnes
Funeral services will start at 11:30 a.m. Monday Sept. 18th with visitation from 10:00 to 11:30. Services will be held at Restlawn Memorial Mausoleum Chapel. The entombment will then follow at Restlawn Memorial Park Garden of Eternal Rest.
Project 2, Obits
Sept. 26th
Elmer George Nehrbass an avid Vikings fan and connoisseur of all things brandy, died Friday Sept. 15th, due to natural causes. Known affectionately to his family and friends as “Butch”, he spent his final months in declining health at Marywood Convalescent Center. He was 86.
Elmer was born to his parents, John and Elsie (Degner), on February 12th, 1920 in the small town of Athens, WI. On June 26th, 1946, he married Lucinda Westfall and at the time of his passing the two were enjoying their 60th year of marriage.
During his youth, Elmer attended the local elementary school but discontinued his education after the eighth grade. At the age of eight Elmer spent his time working in an icehouse in which he would cut ice off of a lake and store it for customers to later pick up and place in their iceboxes. During his youth Elmer would also spend time working in his grandfathers cheese factory. In his twenties he worked as a logger cutting trees for the town of Athens and its surrounding counties.
After their marriage Elmer and Lucinda purchased a house in the Athens countryside and took up farming. Elmer dabbled in the sales of chickens and pigs but it was the selling of dairy cows in which he garnered the most profit. His days on the farm would not last however as decreasing prices forced him to find work elsewhere.
In 1965 he became employed by the Marathon County Highway Service and finished out his career there until his retirement in 1985. During his retirement he worked various side jobs for his son-in-law’s construction company.
From the years of 1944 to 1946 Elmer served in the United States Army infantry during World War Two. During his time of service Elmer would come to gain a keener understanding of not only himself but of others as well. It was during his time in service that he learned to leave behind the racist stereotypes in which he was brought up in.
After working vigorously throughout his life to support his family, Elmer made sure to enjoy his retirement by venturing to NASCAR races in Michigan and going to Disney World with his family on multiple occasions. Every Sunday during football season Elmer could be found in his favorite chair cheering for the Minnesota Vikings, as if he were right there on the 50-yard-line. Elmer also loved his brandy and it was rare to see his hands devoid of his favorite drink.
He is survived by his wife Lucinda of Wausau, two daughters Janet (Rod) Werner and Debra Drewek both of Wausau; one son Jerome “Bud” Nehrbass of Weston; four grandchildren Matthew, Stacey and Ryan Werner and Nathaniel Nehrbass; three great grandchildren Drake, Natasha and Megan Werner; two brothers Ellwood and Lester Nehrbass of Milwaukee and one sister Laura Bolka of Milwaukee. Elmer is preceded in death by three sisters Hilda Diedrich, Erna Diedrich and Elmira Barnes
Funeral services will start at 11:30 a.m. Monday Sept. 18th with visitation from 10:00 to 11:30. Services will be held at Restlawn Memorial Mausoleum Chapel. The entombment will then follow at Restlawn Memorial Park Garden of Eternal Rest.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Rob Stoltz's Obit
Robert John Stoltz, Greendale High School football coach, teacher and local celebrity, died at his Milwaukee home Tuesday morning from unknown causes. He was 32.
The enigmatic Stoltz was born June 27, 1974 at St. Francis Hospital in Milwaukee. He grew up in Greendale, Wis., a small Milwaukee suburb. As a child, Rob was constantly involved in sports and playing with his two younger brothers Stephen, 22, and Ryan, 28, whom he was very close to.
Stoltz attended Greendale High School from 1989-92. While in high school, Stoltz received varsity letters in football and baseball. He was a first team all-conference football player and won all-area baseball honors. In 1991 his football team went undefeated in the regular season and won the Parkland Conference Championship, Greendale’s last football conference championship until 11 years later.
Stoltz went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh for six years where he majored in Special Education and utilized his remarkable athleticism by competing in two varsity sports, baseball (1993-94) and football (1992, 1994-96). In 1994 Stoltz was a part of Oshkosh’s last national champion baseball team. After the season Stoltz made a decision he would regret for the rest of his life, quitting the baseball team.
He then turned his concentration to playing football and schoolwork. Throughout his four seasons as a wide receiver on the Oshkosh Titans, Stoltz tried to emulate his childhood idol, Steve Largent, becoming one of the most prolific pass catchers in school history. Stoltz set school records in career touchdown receptions (24) and receiving yards (2,691).
In 1994 Stoltz received WIAC Second Team All-Conference honors, and followed it up with two first team all-conference campaigns the following years. In addition to his first team all-conference honors in 1996, Stoltz was also named a Burger King Scholar athlete, Academic All-American and WIAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
After Stoltz’s collegiate football career was over, he finished up school but still had a desire to play football. For the last two years of his college career, he took off the second semester and played professional football in Germany with the Frankfurt Knights for two years. When his two seasons overseas were over, he came back and finished up his degree at Oshkosh.
Stoltz then went on to pursue a teaching and football coaching career near his hometown of Milwaukee. In 1999 he landed a job at West Bend West teaching special education. While teaching at West, he began his high school football coaching career. In his first year at the school he coached the freshman football team. In 2000 he took over as the varsity football coach for one season.
On July 6, 2000 Stoltz married Jenny Kuehn, his girlfriend of eight years. Stoltz was contempt with his job and family life until he got an offer he couldn’t refuse. He was offered a teaching spot at Greendale Middle School and an opportunity to coach his younger brother Stephen as the head varsity football coach at Greendale High School.
“(Steve) is a great kid, and a great brother. If those two components were not in place, I probably wouldn’t be the coach here,” Stoltz said in a 2001 interview.
Stoltz was a young, energized and passionate coach who brought a little extra intensity and excitement with him to the field.
“I remember my senior year, it was Rob’s second year as coach,” former player Scott Podd, 21, said. “We were all screwing around in practice and lacked focus. Next thing you knew, Rob was screaming at us and kicked us off the field for the rest of the day. I would have much rather ran until I puked than have to sit and think about what our punishment would be the next day.”
Stoltz was a wildly intense coach, who also was able to have fun with his players. Stoltz occasionally liked to re-live his playing days and suit up and play against some of his players during practice. Although he was intense and demanding of his players one would be hard-pressed to find somebody who didn’t love to play for him.
“Rob was my favorite coach of all-time,” former quarterback Ryan Johnsen, 22, said. “He could relate to us, not only as a football player, but as a person and later in life as a friend.”
Stoltz maintained a close relationship with some of his former players, even after they had graduated from school. His brother, Stephen, was the same age as a lot of the players Stoltz first coached at high school and he got to know them as time went along.
Annually Stoltz organized a “Stickball” tournament which was attended by his brothers, friends from high school and some of his former players. Stickball is a game played on a fenced little league field, with fences slightly shorter than 200 feet, played with a thin wooden dowel and tennis balls which are lobbed into the hitter who must hit the ball over the fence or drop the ball into the outfield for a base hit. The winner of the annual tournament would receive a trophy called “The Doweler.” Rob was a two-time Doweler winner himself.
His brother, Stephen, remember his brother and Stickball fondly. “Stickball gained kind of a cult following while we played it. His old friends would come back from all over the state and even the country to play or just watch the game.
“It is one of the things I will remember the most about Rob. We had a time to hang out, spit seeds, talk and just be brothers for hours in the sun on those days. I don’t know if anything will be as fun to me as those afternoon days were.”
In 2005 Stoltz took a sabbatical from teaching and tried his hand in a career in financial planning. His new job, however, proved too time consuming and he gave up the job and went back to teaching in lieu of quitting his coaching job.
Stoltz could always be found on a Friday night after a football game at Jimmy K’s, a local bar. He and his fellow coaches would go out, enjoy a few beers and pizzas and stay until the bartender would kick them out. His passion for football was only matched by his passion for living.
Stoltz is survived by his wife Jenny, 31, mother Wendy, 53, of Greendale, his father Terrance, 55, of Milwaukee and his two brothers Stephen of Greendale and Ryan of Milwaukee. Stoltz was expecting a child in November.
Funeral and burial arrangements were not immediately known. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Rob Stoltz Memorial Foundation at (414) 421-6975.
The enigmatic Stoltz was born June 27, 1974 at St. Francis Hospital in Milwaukee. He grew up in Greendale, Wis., a small Milwaukee suburb. As a child, Rob was constantly involved in sports and playing with his two younger brothers Stephen, 22, and Ryan, 28, whom he was very close to.
Stoltz attended Greendale High School from 1989-92. While in high school, Stoltz received varsity letters in football and baseball. He was a first team all-conference football player and won all-area baseball honors. In 1991 his football team went undefeated in the regular season and won the Parkland Conference Championship, Greendale’s last football conference championship until 11 years later.
Stoltz went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh for six years where he majored in Special Education and utilized his remarkable athleticism by competing in two varsity sports, baseball (1993-94) and football (1992, 1994-96). In 1994 Stoltz was a part of Oshkosh’s last national champion baseball team. After the season Stoltz made a decision he would regret for the rest of his life, quitting the baseball team.
He then turned his concentration to playing football and schoolwork. Throughout his four seasons as a wide receiver on the Oshkosh Titans, Stoltz tried to emulate his childhood idol, Steve Largent, becoming one of the most prolific pass catchers in school history. Stoltz set school records in career touchdown receptions (24) and receiving yards (2,691).
In 1994 Stoltz received WIAC Second Team All-Conference honors, and followed it up with two first team all-conference campaigns the following years. In addition to his first team all-conference honors in 1996, Stoltz was also named a Burger King Scholar athlete, Academic All-American and WIAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
After Stoltz’s collegiate football career was over, he finished up school but still had a desire to play football. For the last two years of his college career, he took off the second semester and played professional football in Germany with the Frankfurt Knights for two years. When his two seasons overseas were over, he came back and finished up his degree at Oshkosh.
Stoltz then went on to pursue a teaching and football coaching career near his hometown of Milwaukee. In 1999 he landed a job at West Bend West teaching special education. While teaching at West, he began his high school football coaching career. In his first year at the school he coached the freshman football team. In 2000 he took over as the varsity football coach for one season.
On July 6, 2000 Stoltz married Jenny Kuehn, his girlfriend of eight years. Stoltz was contempt with his job and family life until he got an offer he couldn’t refuse. He was offered a teaching spot at Greendale Middle School and an opportunity to coach his younger brother Stephen as the head varsity football coach at Greendale High School.
“(Steve) is a great kid, and a great brother. If those two components were not in place, I probably wouldn’t be the coach here,” Stoltz said in a 2001 interview.
Stoltz was a young, energized and passionate coach who brought a little extra intensity and excitement with him to the field.
“I remember my senior year, it was Rob’s second year as coach,” former player Scott Podd, 21, said. “We were all screwing around in practice and lacked focus. Next thing you knew, Rob was screaming at us and kicked us off the field for the rest of the day. I would have much rather ran until I puked than have to sit and think about what our punishment would be the next day.”
Stoltz was a wildly intense coach, who also was able to have fun with his players. Stoltz occasionally liked to re-live his playing days and suit up and play against some of his players during practice. Although he was intense and demanding of his players one would be hard-pressed to find somebody who didn’t love to play for him.
“Rob was my favorite coach of all-time,” former quarterback Ryan Johnsen, 22, said. “He could relate to us, not only as a football player, but as a person and later in life as a friend.”
Stoltz maintained a close relationship with some of his former players, even after they had graduated from school. His brother, Stephen, was the same age as a lot of the players Stoltz first coached at high school and he got to know them as time went along.
Annually Stoltz organized a “Stickball” tournament which was attended by his brothers, friends from high school and some of his former players. Stickball is a game played on a fenced little league field, with fences slightly shorter than 200 feet, played with a thin wooden dowel and tennis balls which are lobbed into the hitter who must hit the ball over the fence or drop the ball into the outfield for a base hit. The winner of the annual tournament would receive a trophy called “The Doweler.” Rob was a two-time Doweler winner himself.
His brother, Stephen, remember his brother and Stickball fondly. “Stickball gained kind of a cult following while we played it. His old friends would come back from all over the state and even the country to play or just watch the game.
“It is one of the things I will remember the most about Rob. We had a time to hang out, spit seeds, talk and just be brothers for hours in the sun on those days. I don’t know if anything will be as fun to me as those afternoon days were.”
In 2005 Stoltz took a sabbatical from teaching and tried his hand in a career in financial planning. His new job, however, proved too time consuming and he gave up the job and went back to teaching in lieu of quitting his coaching job.
Stoltz could always be found on a Friday night after a football game at Jimmy K’s, a local bar. He and his fellow coaches would go out, enjoy a few beers and pizzas and stay until the bartender would kick them out. His passion for football was only matched by his passion for living.
Stoltz is survived by his wife Jenny, 31, mother Wendy, 53, of Greendale, his father Terrance, 55, of Milwaukee and his two brothers Stephen of Greendale and Ryan of Milwaukee. Stoltz was expecting a child in November.
Funeral and burial arrangements were not immediately known. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Rob Stoltz Memorial Foundation at (414) 421-6975.
Russ Plummers early obit. Read me Kelly!
Viona E. Ginnow, a petite woman full of energy, always seeking knowledge and willing to help others who spent over 30 years teaching her grade school students and evolving her own teaching techniques, died in her sleep Tuesday night of natural causes at her home on Crown Drive. She was 80.
Mrs. Ginnow was born and raised in rural Oshkosh, where she was educated at Oshkosh High School and Oshkosh State Teachers College. Her fill of numerous jobs like being a: clerk, farmer, factory worker, customer service employee and home worker motivated her to find more in life. She eventually earned her bachelor and masters degrees at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.
Her teaching career began on Sept. 2, 1946 in a one room rural where the 20-year-old Ginnow managed grades one through eight. In comparison to her later years in the classroom, she had a much more down and dirty approach to her job. There was no telephone, electric lights did not illuminate the student’s readings and she had to physically pump the water and start a fire while teaching a room full students.
The three decades of teaching left her with many memories of accomplishment inside and outside of rooms filled with colorful cardboard and bright children. However, the most memorable moment for her consisted of helping change a student’s life.
In an interview that occurred in 2006, she reminisced about a troublesome boy in the fifth grade. Eventually she had to call the mother and report his actions. The mother called her back and said the boy received a violent strapping from his father. Ginnow was disturbed by this news and felt saddened that it happened because of her. The student soon left her classroom and she moved on in her career.
Years later while she sat at her desk after her day, she heard a Harley-Davidson pull up in the parking lot. The once little boy was a man who opened his heart to her. He revealed how he turned to drugs and partook in a rowdy rock band. However, a different family took him in and he turned his life around. He stopped by to tell his former teacher that he was doing better. She recalled that as one of her finer moments and stayed in contact with the man later in her life.
Her husband, Russell Ginnow, died April 20, 1982, four days before her birthday. Her life suddenly changed and she became lost in agony. She lived with her son Lawrence for two years until 1984, when she attended a rummage sale where she was informed the house was also for sale. After selling land left to her from her husband and her house to her son, she purchased the new home on Crown Drive. She lived alone, kept her husband’s name and never remarried for 22 years.
Mrs. Ginnow found comfort at her Presbyterian church where she acted as a deacon and elder in the past. She would often sit amongst former students and felt accepted into their families. She could be found planted in a pew every Sunday and helping out with many of their events.
A homebody at heart, she found great pleasure traveling the world. Over her latter years in life, she visited every state besides Alaska, Utah and Oregon. She traveled beyond the border during her visits to Austria, The Netherlands, Spain, France, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, England and Canada. However, the trip most personal to her was when she spent one month tracing her roots in Germany.
Over the years she joined various groups, including Winnebago County Retired Educators, Home and Community Education, Omro Study Club and the Red Hat Society.
Even towards the end of her life she returned to her love of education once again. She tutored three different children starting three years after retirement. Even though she never asked for any pay, she would find herself receiving gifts from the appreciative parents. Witnessing the progression in learning and her love of kids motivated her during the sessions she held.
She recalled one little girl she tutored during the warm summer months. Mrs. Ginnow was friends with the girl’s grandparents and the time also allowed her to tell the girl about the ancestors she never knew.
She is survived by one son, Lawrence Ginnow of Omro, one daughter, Ruth Plummer of Howards Grove and three grandchildren.
She will be buried from St. Mary’s Church. The family will receive visitors at the Smiling Six Feet Under Funeral Home on Roosevelt Avenue.
Mrs. Ginnow was born and raised in rural Oshkosh, where she was educated at Oshkosh High School and Oshkosh State Teachers College. Her fill of numerous jobs like being a: clerk, farmer, factory worker, customer service employee and home worker motivated her to find more in life. She eventually earned her bachelor and masters degrees at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.
Her teaching career began on Sept. 2, 1946 in a one room rural where the 20-year-old Ginnow managed grades one through eight. In comparison to her later years in the classroom, she had a much more down and dirty approach to her job. There was no telephone, electric lights did not illuminate the student’s readings and she had to physically pump the water and start a fire while teaching a room full students.
The three decades of teaching left her with many memories of accomplishment inside and outside of rooms filled with colorful cardboard and bright children. However, the most memorable moment for her consisted of helping change a student’s life.
In an interview that occurred in 2006, she reminisced about a troublesome boy in the fifth grade. Eventually she had to call the mother and report his actions. The mother called her back and said the boy received a violent strapping from his father. Ginnow was disturbed by this news and felt saddened that it happened because of her. The student soon left her classroom and she moved on in her career.
Years later while she sat at her desk after her day, she heard a Harley-Davidson pull up in the parking lot. The once little boy was a man who opened his heart to her. He revealed how he turned to drugs and partook in a rowdy rock band. However, a different family took him in and he turned his life around. He stopped by to tell his former teacher that he was doing better. She recalled that as one of her finer moments and stayed in contact with the man later in her life.
Her husband, Russell Ginnow, died April 20, 1982, four days before her birthday. Her life suddenly changed and she became lost in agony. She lived with her son Lawrence for two years until 1984, when she attended a rummage sale where she was informed the house was also for sale. After selling land left to her from her husband and her house to her son, she purchased the new home on Crown Drive. She lived alone, kept her husband’s name and never remarried for 22 years.
Mrs. Ginnow found comfort at her Presbyterian church where she acted as a deacon and elder in the past. She would often sit amongst former students and felt accepted into their families. She could be found planted in a pew every Sunday and helping out with many of their events.
A homebody at heart, she found great pleasure traveling the world. Over her latter years in life, she visited every state besides Alaska, Utah and Oregon. She traveled beyond the border during her visits to Austria, The Netherlands, Spain, France, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, England and Canada. However, the trip most personal to her was when she spent one month tracing her roots in Germany.
Over the years she joined various groups, including Winnebago County Retired Educators, Home and Community Education, Omro Study Club and the Red Hat Society.
Even towards the end of her life she returned to her love of education once again. She tutored three different children starting three years after retirement. Even though she never asked for any pay, she would find herself receiving gifts from the appreciative parents. Witnessing the progression in learning and her love of kids motivated her during the sessions she held.
She recalled one little girl she tutored during the warm summer months. Mrs. Ginnow was friends with the girl’s grandparents and the time also allowed her to tell the girl about the ancestors she never knew.
She is survived by one son, Lawrence Ginnow of Omro, one daughter, Ruth Plummer of Howards Grove and three grandchildren.
She will be buried from St. Mary’s Church. The family will receive visitors at the Smiling Six Feet Under Funeral Home on Roosevelt Avenue.
Monday, September 25, 2006
A Legend Bites the Dust
Andrew Pantzlaff, a small town journalism student best remembered for a sense of humor that wandered in almost as many directions as his unpredictable, constantly evolving goals and dreams, died Sunday after being struck repeatedly by lightening. He was 21.
Russ Plummer is dead
Russell C. Plummer, a man filled with creative ideas and untapped potential who dreamed of one day becoming a videogame journalist or comedy writer for Conan O’Brien, died of an allergic reaction to mustard in his dorm room on Lincoln Avenue. He was 21.
My Obituary
Greg Koch, an excessively passionate Drew Bledsoe fan majoring in journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, died today in Miami a day after suffering massive head injuries while celebrating the Dallas Cowboys' Super Bowl Championship and Bledsoe's game MVP honors. He was 22.
obituary lead
Nathaniel Nehrbass, A loving husband and father of four, died sunday of natural causes at his beachside home in Laguna Beach, California. He was 54. By his side at his time of death was his wife Carmen and his son Trent.
Obit Example (Sir Malcolm Arnold)
Sir Malcolm Arnold, one of the best-known British composers of the 20th century, who wrote nine symphonies, composed 132 film scores and won an Oscar for the soundtrack to “The Bridge on the River Kwai,” died Saturday in Norwich, England. He was 84 and lived in Attleborough, near Norwich.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/25/arts/music/25arnold.html?ref=obituaries
1. I thought that this obit was constructed very well. It started out with a list of his work and the impressive amount that he was able to put out. I thought this was a good way to outline the significance of the Arnold.
2. From there, the article opened up and became more than just a list of accomplishments. It, to it's benifit, started talking about the more complex of Arnold. I thought it was good that it briefly mentioned the problems Arnold faced in his personal life without making it seem like his life was overly dramatic.
3. I thought it was good that they gave examples of his problems. The one I like the most was that he shot himself in the foot to get out of Military duty. That story really stuck out for me. Without that unusual refererence, I'm not sure the story - or Arnold, himself, for that matter - would have seem so well rounded.
4. One thing I didn't like all that much was the reference to all of his suicide attempts. I felt that it was important to mention that he was troubled (and the article did just that). However, I didn't think that we needed to know about these suicide attempts to define the life of the composer. It said he was troubled, drank too much and had to be institutionalized, but it could have left it at that.
5. Overall, the article was good and I liked how they made an old British composer seem interesting to any reader. By describing his music, his personal life and his brilliance, I felt that I got a good idea of who this man was. The length of the article was also a big plus. It was long enough to cover multiple insights about Arnold, but, luckily, it didn't drag on too long and lose my focus or attention.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/25/arts/music/25arnold.html?ref=obituaries
1. I thought that this obit was constructed very well. It started out with a list of his work and the impressive amount that he was able to put out. I thought this was a good way to outline the significance of the Arnold.
2. From there, the article opened up and became more than just a list of accomplishments. It, to it's benifit, started talking about the more complex of Arnold. I thought it was good that it briefly mentioned the problems Arnold faced in his personal life without making it seem like his life was overly dramatic.
3. I thought it was good that they gave examples of his problems. The one I like the most was that he shot himself in the foot to get out of Military duty. That story really stuck out for me. Without that unusual refererence, I'm not sure the story - or Arnold, himself, for that matter - would have seem so well rounded.
4. One thing I didn't like all that much was the reference to all of his suicide attempts. I felt that it was important to mention that he was troubled (and the article did just that). However, I didn't think that we needed to know about these suicide attempts to define the life of the composer. It said he was troubled, drank too much and had to be institutionalized, but it could have left it at that.
5. Overall, the article was good and I liked how they made an old British composer seem interesting to any reader. By describing his music, his personal life and his brilliance, I felt that I got a good idea of who this man was. The length of the article was also a big plus. It was long enough to cover multiple insights about Arnold, but, luckily, it didn't drag on too long and lose my focus or attention.
Obit Example
The obituary that I choose for my example is the obituary of former Pantera guitar legend Darrell Abbott. I found the obituary on FOXNews.com
1) The article did a good job with the opening. Since this was an unexpected, sudden death they quickly go over the shooting that lead to his demise.
2) Since he was so important to the rock music genre they went around and caught the reactions of other musicans and I thought that worked really well. By showing what his colleauges thought of him one can gain a more in depth understanding of the life that he led.
3) The obituary did a great job of portraying his background. They mention all of the mandatory information, such as birth date, and then go into detail about how he became such an integral figure in the hard rock scene. They also included all the names and dates of the CD's his bands released.
4) The structure used here is different than the one we saw in class because of the unexpected nature of his departure. The obituary is forced to hold-off on the family details and biography until the death is explained and due to the nature in which he died there is little room for warm or humorous memories.
5) I thought this was a well-done obituary and they did a good job of handeling the unexpected structure. While he was a well-known figure in the rock world it still would have been nice to have seen more quotes from his family then from his fans.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,141009,00.html
1) The article did a good job with the opening. Since this was an unexpected, sudden death they quickly go over the shooting that lead to his demise.
2) Since he was so important to the rock music genre they went around and caught the reactions of other musicans and I thought that worked really well. By showing what his colleauges thought of him one can gain a more in depth understanding of the life that he led.
3) The obituary did a great job of portraying his background. They mention all of the mandatory information, such as birth date, and then go into detail about how he became such an integral figure in the hard rock scene. They also included all the names and dates of the CD's his bands released.
4) The structure used here is different than the one we saw in class because of the unexpected nature of his departure. The obituary is forced to hold-off on the family details and biography until the death is explained and due to the nature in which he died there is little room for warm or humorous memories.
5) I thought this was a well-done obituary and they did a good job of handeling the unexpected structure. While he was a well-known figure in the rock world it still would have been nice to have seen more quotes from his family then from his fans.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,141009,00.html
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Russ' Obit Example
I thought this was a well written obituary. It shows the importance of this man's life, but I think it left out major parts. Here are five things I found as key components in the obituary.
1. The intense dedication James F. Lawrence had towards his country and the Marines is evident in the article. The obituary contains much detail of achievements made within his many years serving.
2. My favorite part by far is this excerpt because it is detailed and very interesting. The reader gets a feeling of how brave this man was.
Outnumbered 10 to one, the Marines fought one of the most heroic battles in U.S. military history. In temperatures of 25 degrees below zero, the Marines climbed sheer rock faces and sustained horrific casualties as they repelled the Chinese attack.
Gen. Lawrence's commanding officer cracked under battlefield pressure and was relieved of his duties. The deputy commander was severely wounded, leaving Gen. Lawrence, then a major, to lead the battalion. After five days of fierce fighting, he and his unit were able to punch through enemy lines and make their way to safety. Survivors of the battle became known as the "Chosin Few."
3. I noticed the article follows a similar structure compared to the two we read in class. The format seems to work well in telling this man's story.
4. Even though much of his life involved defending his country, I would have liked to learn more about his family life. Towards the end there is mention of raising three grandchildren in his home. I would like to know more about that.
5. I would have liked to learn more about his upbringing. I want to know if the military was part of his childhood and why he chose to make it his life.
1. The intense dedication James F. Lawrence had towards his country and the Marines is evident in the article. The obituary contains much detail of achievements made within his many years serving.
2. My favorite part by far is this excerpt because it is detailed and very interesting. The reader gets a feeling of how brave this man was.
Outnumbered 10 to one, the Marines fought one of the most heroic battles in U.S. military history. In temperatures of 25 degrees below zero, the Marines climbed sheer rock faces and sustained horrific casualties as they repelled the Chinese attack.
Gen. Lawrence's commanding officer cracked under battlefield pressure and was relieved of his duties. The deputy commander was severely wounded, leaving Gen. Lawrence, then a major, to lead the battalion. After five days of fierce fighting, he and his unit were able to punch through enemy lines and make their way to safety. Survivors of the battle became known as the "Chosin Few."
3. I noticed the article follows a similar structure compared to the two we read in class. The format seems to work well in telling this man's story.
4. Even though much of his life involved defending his country, I would have liked to learn more about his family life. Towards the end there is mention of raising three grandchildren in his home. I would like to know more about that.
5. I would have liked to learn more about his upbringing. I want to know if the military was part of his childhood and why he chose to make it his life.
Obit example
http://www.suntimes.com/output/obituaries/cst-nws-croc04.html
I read Steve Irwin's obituary.
1. One thing that is missing from the obituary is Steve Irwin's birthdate and birthplace. They are items that are required for obituaries, but was left out of this article.
2. As a whole, the article was a little plain. It seemed sort of rushed. There weren't many anecdotes or stories about his life. The obituary seemed very bare.
3. I liked this paragraph: He collapsed at Batt Reef, near Low Isle and the resort town of Port Douglas, Queensland state police said in a statement. Port Douglas is about 1,260 miles north of Brisbane, the state capital.
It gives a clear sense of where the accident took place. One thing that I am not sure about is the first two words. This was the first article I read that said Irwin collapsed. It was my understanding that he was swimming above the sting ray and the barb pierced his heart and he died almost instantly. I think the accuracy of that statement can be called into question.
4. The last paragraph is a good addition to the obit."Stingrays have flat bodies and tails with serrated spines, which contain venom and can cause cuts and puncture wounds. The creatures are not aggressive and injury usually occurs when a swimmer or diver accidentally steps on one"
It gives the reader a sense of what the sting ray is like. The paragraph explains it is not an aggresive creature and eludes to the fact that this was a freak occurance. The description of the animal probably gives the reader a lot better idea of what the ray is like. There seems to be all of the essential information about a sting ray in a short paragraph. It was short, to the point and effective.
5. "Irwin was famous for his enthusiasm for wildlife and his catchword "Crikey!" in his television program "Crocodile Hunter," which was first broadcast in Australia in 1992 and has aired around the world on the Discovery channel" is another good paragraph. When reading it, you can almost hear Irwin yelling "crikey." I think the article helps it hit home, that a man that was a legendary outdoorsman, that mostly everybody knew by his enthusiasm and his catch phrase has died. I don't know if anybody who reads the article who is familiar with Irwin can read that paragraph without hearing his voice in their head. It is my favorite part of the entire obituary.
I read Steve Irwin's obituary.
1. One thing that is missing from the obituary is Steve Irwin's birthdate and birthplace. They are items that are required for obituaries, but was left out of this article.
2. As a whole, the article was a little plain. It seemed sort of rushed. There weren't many anecdotes or stories about his life. The obituary seemed very bare.
3. I liked this paragraph: He collapsed at Batt Reef, near Low Isle and the resort town of Port Douglas, Queensland state police said in a statement. Port Douglas is about 1,260 miles north of Brisbane, the state capital.
It gives a clear sense of where the accident took place. One thing that I am not sure about is the first two words. This was the first article I read that said Irwin collapsed. It was my understanding that he was swimming above the sting ray and the barb pierced his heart and he died almost instantly. I think the accuracy of that statement can be called into question.
4. The last paragraph is a good addition to the obit."Stingrays have flat bodies and tails with serrated spines, which contain venom and can cause cuts and puncture wounds. The creatures are not aggressive and injury usually occurs when a swimmer or diver accidentally steps on one"
It gives the reader a sense of what the sting ray is like. The paragraph explains it is not an aggresive creature and eludes to the fact that this was a freak occurance. The description of the animal probably gives the reader a lot better idea of what the ray is like. There seems to be all of the essential information about a sting ray in a short paragraph. It was short, to the point and effective.
5. "Irwin was famous for his enthusiasm for wildlife and his catchword "Crikey!" in his television program "Crocodile Hunter," which was first broadcast in Australia in 1992 and has aired around the world on the Discovery channel" is another good paragraph. When reading it, you can almost hear Irwin yelling "crikey." I think the article helps it hit home, that a man that was a legendary outdoorsman, that mostly everybody knew by his enthusiasm and his catch phrase has died. I don't know if anybody who reads the article who is familiar with Irwin can read that paragraph without hearing his voice in their head. It is my favorite part of the entire obituary.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Observation
Lounging on a cold cement step, there are buildings all around me. One behind me, one in front and, ushered in by winding patches of cement and sidewalk, there are distant buildings on my left and right. I am surrounded by the sight of brick, stone and manmade structures. Despite this forceful artificial landscape, I am compelled, instead, to focus my eyes toward the sight of flowers.
There are many kinds and colors. Purple. Pink. Red. However, not surprisingly, I focus directly at the most prominent of these flowers: the yellow ones.
They tower just as high as the wandering students passing by, maybe even higher. However, the students, tangled up in their i-pods and cell phone conversations, spare no time at all to glance over at these bright displays of nature’s beauty; a mistake perhaps, considering that winter will soon erase such vibrancies from the landscape.
The students move on. A new student passes by. The cycle continues. Each student carefully, yet unconsciously walks on the cement around the patch of one of summer’s last souvenirs.
The yellow flowers sway in obedience to the breeze; a breeze that carriers with it the scent of autumn. Fall is not coming, it is here. Dead leafs have crawled their way to this patch of flowers. These brown, orange, and red trademarks of fall have surrounded the cement base as it circles with precision around the flowers that have so steadily kept my attention. These wind-swept leafs seem out of place, however. They appear broken, dirty and withered, which, no doubt, is in direct contrast to the green, clumsy leaves that the yellow flowers silently boast.
I glance away for a moment to look at the smooth, dark shape of a black light pole that ascends high into the background. Its location makes me wonder what this scene might look like at night. Would the sight of leaves, the darkness, beams of light and the towering yellow flowers twisting together finally be able to capture the attention of other passersby?
My wonderment disappears with the interruption of a ring and the glance at my cell phone. I, too, now am guilty of the ignorance of other students. I answer the phone, stand up from the cold cement and start walking away. I join the line of i-pod listeners, backpack wearers and fellow cell phone users as I carefully walk around the flowers on my way to class. Then, as before, these yellow flowers are forgotten; tucked away between buildings and the sound of slamming doors and tennis shoes screaching on a nearby gym floor.
There are many kinds and colors. Purple. Pink. Red. However, not surprisingly, I focus directly at the most prominent of these flowers: the yellow ones.
They tower just as high as the wandering students passing by, maybe even higher. However, the students, tangled up in their i-pods and cell phone conversations, spare no time at all to glance over at these bright displays of nature’s beauty; a mistake perhaps, considering that winter will soon erase such vibrancies from the landscape.
The students move on. A new student passes by. The cycle continues. Each student carefully, yet unconsciously walks on the cement around the patch of one of summer’s last souvenirs.
The yellow flowers sway in obedience to the breeze; a breeze that carriers with it the scent of autumn. Fall is not coming, it is here. Dead leafs have crawled their way to this patch of flowers. These brown, orange, and red trademarks of fall have surrounded the cement base as it circles with precision around the flowers that have so steadily kept my attention. These wind-swept leafs seem out of place, however. They appear broken, dirty and withered, which, no doubt, is in direct contrast to the green, clumsy leaves that the yellow flowers silently boast.
I glance away for a moment to look at the smooth, dark shape of a black light pole that ascends high into the background. Its location makes me wonder what this scene might look like at night. Would the sight of leaves, the darkness, beams of light and the towering yellow flowers twisting together finally be able to capture the attention of other passersby?
My wonderment disappears with the interruption of a ring and the glance at my cell phone. I, too, now am guilty of the ignorance of other students. I answer the phone, stand up from the cold cement and start walking away. I join the line of i-pod listeners, backpack wearers and fellow cell phone users as I carefully walk around the flowers on my way to class. Then, as before, these yellow flowers are forgotten; tucked away between buildings and the sound of slamming doors and tennis shoes screaching on a nearby gym floor.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Weather Final
Oshkosh students returning to school for the fall semester found themselves adding a poncho or umbrella to their list of school supplies as cold temperatures and rain swept through the area.
"It makes me depressed," said UW Oshkosh student Derek Kolb, 21. "With winter coming I would like to be outside more and take advantage of the time that we have."
Normally this time of year is a time in which students walk to class in shorts and t-shirts and girls can be seen tanning outside of the Scotts. But with the recent changes in the weather students are walking to class with coats on their backs and umbrellas over their heads.
According to the National Weather Service, the city of Oshkosh has seen an increase of 1.82 inches over last year and temperatures have decreased significantly as well. Last year on Sept. 12th temperatures, on average, were 18 degrees warmer then they currently stand.
With the recent trend of cooler weather and the seemingly constant presence of rain, it appears as if autumn may be here to stay. Yet, despite the conditions, some Oshkosh residents remain optimistic.
Senior Kyle Kallenberg, 21 is not surprised by the unusual weather and is looking forward for it to pass.
"I just think it's a little cold." Kallenberg states. "It's Wisconsin weather, it's a little unpredictable."
There are upsides to the weather however, as some students are using the cold as an excuse to take part in other activites.
"I get to play more videogames and drink more beer." says student Shawn Mees, 21.
Despite the cold and gloomy weather, people should keep their heads up. The seven-day forecast calls for warmer temperatures throughout the week with temperatures reaching into the 80's for the weekend.
"It makes me depressed," said UW Oshkosh student Derek Kolb, 21. "With winter coming I would like to be outside more and take advantage of the time that we have."
Normally this time of year is a time in which students walk to class in shorts and t-shirts and girls can be seen tanning outside of the Scotts. But with the recent changes in the weather students are walking to class with coats on their backs and umbrellas over their heads.
According to the National Weather Service, the city of Oshkosh has seen an increase of 1.82 inches over last year and temperatures have decreased significantly as well. Last year on Sept. 12th temperatures, on average, were 18 degrees warmer then they currently stand.
With the recent trend of cooler weather and the seemingly constant presence of rain, it appears as if autumn may be here to stay. Yet, despite the conditions, some Oshkosh residents remain optimistic.
Senior Kyle Kallenberg, 21 is not surprised by the unusual weather and is looking forward for it to pass.
"I just think it's a little cold." Kallenberg states. "It's Wisconsin weather, it's a little unpredictable."
There are upsides to the weather however, as some students are using the cold as an excuse to take part in other activites.
"I get to play more videogames and drink more beer." says student Shawn Mees, 21.
Despite the cold and gloomy weather, people should keep their heads up. The seven-day forecast calls for warmer temperatures throughout the week with temperatures reaching into the 80's for the weekend.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Where in the World is...Russ Plummer?
A creaking door announces a new entrant into the room. Incoming people are met with a stale smell and plain white walls. The chairs lack the comfort needed to calm the strawberry haired girl as she sits waiting. Her legs are crossed, she lets out a little cough and her sandal dangles as she shakes her foot in a nervous motion.
The television is set at a low volume and the occasional ringing of a telephone interrupts today’s news. A tall man in a black sweatshirt slides open a glass door and discusses something with the woman seated within. A plastic wall fixture displays 66 untouched pamphlets. Fake plants are used in an attempt to create a soothing setting, yet the two people appear nervous when looked at.
Many people enter through the glass door, but choose to take their numerous books or backpacks that contain them down the stairs. A line of two people form behind a black sign with white lettering, while women with coats matching the letters pass by casually.
The strawberry haired woman opens her cell phone and talks to her mother. Soon after, a short friend joins her and the conversation goes elsewhere. Near the creaking door are three trashcans with a stack of Advance-Titans placed next to them. The double glass doors lead out to a bright afternoon.
The television is set at a low volume and the occasional ringing of a telephone interrupts today’s news. A tall man in a black sweatshirt slides open a glass door and discusses something with the woman seated within. A plastic wall fixture displays 66 untouched pamphlets. Fake plants are used in an attempt to create a soothing setting, yet the two people appear nervous when looked at.
Many people enter through the glass door, but choose to take their numerous books or backpacks that contain them down the stairs. A line of two people form behind a black sign with white lettering, while women with coats matching the letters pass by casually.
The strawberry haired woman opens her cell phone and talks to her mother. Soon after, a short friend joins her and the conversation goes elsewhere. Near the creaking door are three trashcans with a stack of Advance-Titans placed next to them. The double glass doors lead out to a bright afternoon.
Observation exercise
The quiet and serine enclave is surrounded by the sides of a building, trees, bushes and grass. The red brick of the building, multi-colored autumn leaves, the beaten down grass set a comfortable backdrop to a relaxing place. Wood benches supported by cement blocks sit in a circle around a small walkway to the entrance of the building. Black light posts stand 10 feet high for the few passers-by and people sitting on the benches illuminating the area during the evening hours. It is a perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate one's self. People sit or stand and share quiet, friendly conversations with one another.
A soft, cooling breeze puffs across while the comfortable afternoon sun splashes down onto the area. Trees sway as the wind rustles the leaves. The fresh air and comfortable mix of sunlight, wind and temperature puts the mind and body at ease. It is a place where a person can go and enjoy the peacefulness of being outside, but without the interruption of hoards of people passing by.
A soft, cooling breeze puffs across while the comfortable afternoon sun splashes down onto the area. Trees sway as the wind rustles the leaves. The fresh air and comfortable mix of sunlight, wind and temperature puts the mind and body at ease. It is a place where a person can go and enjoy the peacefulness of being outside, but without the interruption of hoards of people passing by.
Weather Final (Beer Gardens)
As the streets of Oshkosh were soaked with rainfall on Friday night, student attendance at one of Oshkosh’s traditional end-of-summer events became watered down as well.
Beer Gardens, a no-cover-charge tent party located directly across the college campus at Kelly’s Bar, has become an annually attended party for some students. As clouds loomed overhead, however, this year’s garden party lost priority with those looking to keep themselves dry.
“I like a cold beer as much as the next guy, but I don’t want to go swimming just to get my hands on one,” said Ryan Steffel, a 22-year-old senior at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. “I wanted to go, but after it started pouring out, I decided just to find a party indoors.”
As it turns out, Steffel wasn’t the only one who decided to forgo the trek to Kelly’s party tent located off of Wisconsin Street.
One bartender working at Kelly’s, Brandan Hish, 25, thought there were significantly fewer people at Beer Gardens this year as opposed to last spring’s end-of-the-year version. Predictably, the poor weather was blamed for the unwelcome change. “Friday wasn’t that bad,” Hish said. “The weather didn’t kick in till later. I mean, Saturday and Sunday were pretty crappy out. It discouraged people from being in the tent by the band.”
This “crappy” weather, as Hish called it, was in direct contrast to the sunny skies and comfortable temperatures that students initially enjoyed as they returned to campus. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures dropped quickly from the high of 80 degrees on Wednesday, the first day of classes, to a chilly average of 56 degrees on Saturday.
The cold air and heavy rain didn’t discourage everyone who wanted to attend, however; as many Beer Gardens faithful still huddled under the tent with their beers in hand. “It wasn’t that big of a deal because we were under a tent,” Michelle Laabs, a 21-year old college student, said. “There was still quite a few people there; enough to make it fun,”
Regardless of student attendance being affected by the weather, safety has always been a priority at events like Beer Gardens. However Lt. Dennis Nasci reported that the University Police made no changes to the way they had originally planned on monitoring the event. “Weather is a guess,” Nasci said. “We didn’t add anything more or less.” Nasci then explained that the wet conditions didn’t have much affect at all on the night from a law enforcement point of view, saying only that it might have helped deter people from running around on the street.
Despite the unpredictable weather of late, Winger’s Bar at 120 Wisconsin Ave. will be throwing a fall Beer Garden party of its own on Saturday, Sept. 16. In addition, according to Hish, Kelly’s Bar, the self-proclaimed “home of the original Beer Gardens,” will once again be having their end-of-the-year version despite this weekend’s cold, wet and forgettable celebration.
Beer Gardens, a no-cover-charge tent party located directly across the college campus at Kelly’s Bar, has become an annually attended party for some students. As clouds loomed overhead, however, this year’s garden party lost priority with those looking to keep themselves dry.
“I like a cold beer as much as the next guy, but I don’t want to go swimming just to get my hands on one,” said Ryan Steffel, a 22-year-old senior at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. “I wanted to go, but after it started pouring out, I decided just to find a party indoors.”
As it turns out, Steffel wasn’t the only one who decided to forgo the trek to Kelly’s party tent located off of Wisconsin Street.
One bartender working at Kelly’s, Brandan Hish, 25, thought there were significantly fewer people at Beer Gardens this year as opposed to last spring’s end-of-the-year version. Predictably, the poor weather was blamed for the unwelcome change. “Friday wasn’t that bad,” Hish said. “The weather didn’t kick in till later. I mean, Saturday and Sunday were pretty crappy out. It discouraged people from being in the tent by the band.”
This “crappy” weather, as Hish called it, was in direct contrast to the sunny skies and comfortable temperatures that students initially enjoyed as they returned to campus. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures dropped quickly from the high of 80 degrees on Wednesday, the first day of classes, to a chilly average of 56 degrees on Saturday.
The cold air and heavy rain didn’t discourage everyone who wanted to attend, however; as many Beer Gardens faithful still huddled under the tent with their beers in hand. “It wasn’t that big of a deal because we were under a tent,” Michelle Laabs, a 21-year old college student, said. “There was still quite a few people there; enough to make it fun,”
Regardless of student attendance being affected by the weather, safety has always been a priority at events like Beer Gardens. However Lt. Dennis Nasci reported that the University Police made no changes to the way they had originally planned on monitoring the event. “Weather is a guess,” Nasci said. “We didn’t add anything more or less.” Nasci then explained that the wet conditions didn’t have much affect at all on the night from a law enforcement point of view, saying only that it might have helped deter people from running around on the street.
Despite the unpredictable weather of late, Winger’s Bar at 120 Wisconsin Ave. will be throwing a fall Beer Garden party of its own on Saturday, Sept. 16. In addition, according to Hish, Kelly’s Bar, the self-proclaimed “home of the original Beer Gardens,” will once again be having their end-of-the-year version despite this weekend’s cold, wet and forgettable celebration.
Fianl Weather Draft
OSHKOSH, Wis. -- The Oshkosh Titans football team didn’t miss a beat during practice despite the inclement weather early this week.
After a stretch of unusually cool weather the past couple of weeks, Oshkosh experienced overcast conditions with fair amounts of rain Monday and Tuesday. According to the National Weather Service in Green Bay, Tuesday’s high temperature was 61 degrees with .18 inches of rain on a cloudy day. Monday’s weather was even gloomier than Tuesday’s with a high of only 56 degrees and .42 inches of precipitation.
The poor weather did little to change the practice plans of the Titan football team at Titan Stadium early in the week. “The weather didn’t really affect our practice that much,” 21-year-old junior wide receiver Steve Stoltz said. “We shortened practice to avoid the rain on Tuesday, but it was only by five minutes. Overall the weather really did little to change our routine.”
Generally football practices are not affected by rain or cold temperatures, but the coaches were prepared to alter their plans if a heavy rainstorm that was in the area were to hit. “On Tuesday there was a chance of a torrential downpour to come our way during practice time,” junior wide receiver Kyle Nakatsuji, 21, said. “The heavy rains missed us, but if it would have hit the coaches were ready to move our practice indoors.”
The National Weather Service’s forecast for Oshkosh for the rest of the week was promising for the team as it prepared to avenge last week’s loss to Minnesota State when they travel to Lakeland College Saturday afternoon. Highs are expected to be in the high 70s with the clouds giving way to mostly sunny skies by Friday afternoon. “It looks like all the concerns about the weather are behind us,” Stoltz said. “Now we can concentrate completely on football for the rest of the week.”
The 1-1 Titans’ kick-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. in Sheboygan against the 0-2 Muskies in a final tune-up before starting conference play Sept. 23 against the Whitewater Warhawks.
After a stretch of unusually cool weather the past couple of weeks, Oshkosh experienced overcast conditions with fair amounts of rain Monday and Tuesday. According to the National Weather Service in Green Bay, Tuesday’s high temperature was 61 degrees with .18 inches of rain on a cloudy day. Monday’s weather was even gloomier than Tuesday’s with a high of only 56 degrees and .42 inches of precipitation.
The poor weather did little to change the practice plans of the Titan football team at Titan Stadium early in the week. “The weather didn’t really affect our practice that much,” 21-year-old junior wide receiver Steve Stoltz said. “We shortened practice to avoid the rain on Tuesday, but it was only by five minutes. Overall the weather really did little to change our routine.”
Generally football practices are not affected by rain or cold temperatures, but the coaches were prepared to alter their plans if a heavy rainstorm that was in the area were to hit. “On Tuesday there was a chance of a torrential downpour to come our way during practice time,” junior wide receiver Kyle Nakatsuji, 21, said. “The heavy rains missed us, but if it would have hit the coaches were ready to move our practice indoors.”
The National Weather Service’s forecast for Oshkosh for the rest of the week was promising for the team as it prepared to avenge last week’s loss to Minnesota State when they travel to Lakeland College Saturday afternoon. Highs are expected to be in the high 70s with the clouds giving way to mostly sunny skies by Friday afternoon. “It looks like all the concerns about the weather are behind us,” Stoltz said. “Now we can concentrate completely on football for the rest of the week.”
The 1-1 Titans’ kick-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. in Sheboygan against the 0-2 Muskies in a final tune-up before starting conference play Sept. 23 against the Whitewater Warhawks.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Russ Plummer's Final Weather Article
Russ Plummer
9-18-06
Weather Article
Gusty winds, cooler air and rain came to campus Friday driving UW-Oshkosh students indoors to trade their tank tops for jackets.
Student opinions were mixed when asked about the sudden change in temperature before and after Friday afternoon.
Junior Sadie Offenstein, 21, and her roommate, senior Megan McCube, 21, were among the 26 students studying, reading and talking outside of Halsey Science Center on Friday. Both were wearing tank tops and shorts while lying on top of the dry and prickly grass.
“I love being outside so it is really nice to be able to study outside,” Offenstein said. “So much of the year it is cold and you can not be outside, but I don’t like the bees.”
Offenstein’s roommate also enjoyed the weather, but thinks pleasing weather conditions can be a little distracting.
“I find it distracting to be outside, because in your dorm room you are either by yourself or with your roommate,” McCube said. “Outside you can see a whole bunch of people you know. I am a senior and I have a bunch of friends on campus who distract me. I have been sitting here for 20 minutes and, I have done nothing.”
Friday afternoon brought with it gusty winds, cooler air and rain forcing Oshkosh students to put away their summer wear and don warmer clothing. Numerous umbrellas could be seen in the glistening hands of students coming out of Reeve Memorial Union.
The lower temperatures and rainy conditions continued through out the weekend. Students returned to class on Monday with another day of cloudy conditions and scattered rain.
Monday evening at Reeve Memorial Union, students expressed their opinions about the sudden change in weather and the current 58 degree forecast, according to the National Weather Service.
“When it is raining so hard and you get wet, it is really hard to concentrate in class when you are soaked for four hours,” senior Rachel Scott, 21, said.
“When it is nice outside, I do stuff outside and never study,” sophomore Tom Holyoke, 20, said. “When it is not nice out I study.”
The morale of students concerned about weather conditions may rise soon with the NWS predicting a forecast for the next six days being partly-to-mostly cloudy with temperatures in the low-to-upper 70s.
9-18-06
Weather Article
Gusty winds, cooler air and rain came to campus Friday driving UW-Oshkosh students indoors to trade their tank tops for jackets.
Student opinions were mixed when asked about the sudden change in temperature before and after Friday afternoon.
Junior Sadie Offenstein, 21, and her roommate, senior Megan McCube, 21, were among the 26 students studying, reading and talking outside of Halsey Science Center on Friday. Both were wearing tank tops and shorts while lying on top of the dry and prickly grass.
“I love being outside so it is really nice to be able to study outside,” Offenstein said. “So much of the year it is cold and you can not be outside, but I don’t like the bees.”
Offenstein’s roommate also enjoyed the weather, but thinks pleasing weather conditions can be a little distracting.
“I find it distracting to be outside, because in your dorm room you are either by yourself or with your roommate,” McCube said. “Outside you can see a whole bunch of people you know. I am a senior and I have a bunch of friends on campus who distract me. I have been sitting here for 20 minutes and, I have done nothing.”
Friday afternoon brought with it gusty winds, cooler air and rain forcing Oshkosh students to put away their summer wear and don warmer clothing. Numerous umbrellas could be seen in the glistening hands of students coming out of Reeve Memorial Union.
The lower temperatures and rainy conditions continued through out the weekend. Students returned to class on Monday with another day of cloudy conditions and scattered rain.
Monday evening at Reeve Memorial Union, students expressed their opinions about the sudden change in weather and the current 58 degree forecast, according to the National Weather Service.
“When it is raining so hard and you get wet, it is really hard to concentrate in class when you are soaked for four hours,” senior Rachel Scott, 21, said.
“When it is nice outside, I do stuff outside and never study,” sophomore Tom Holyoke, 20, said. “When it is not nice out I study.”
The morale of students concerned about weather conditions may rise soon with the NWS predicting a forecast for the next six days being partly-to-mostly cloudy with temperatures in the low-to-upper 70s.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
UW-Oshkosh Feelings about Weather
UW-Oshkosh students were enjoying the sun and took their studies outside on the morning of Friday Sept. 8, however, those students now are combating a cold and dreary Mother Nature.
Junior Sadie Offenstein, 21, and her roommate, senior Megan McCube, 21, were among the 26 students sitting outside of Halsey Science Center on Friday. Both wearing tank tops and shorts while reading their own respective textbooks.
“I love being outside so it is really nice to be able to study outside,” Offenstein said. “So much of the year it is cold and you can not be outside, but I do not like the bees.”
Offenstein’s roommate also enjoyed the weather, but thinks pleasing weather conditions can be a little distracting.
“I find it distracting to be outside, because in your dorm room you are either by yourself or with your roommate.” McCube said. “Outside you can see a whole bunch of people you know. I am a senior and I have a bunch of friends on campus who distract me. I have been sitting here for 20 minutes and I have done nothing.”
Friday afternoon brought with it gustier winds, cooler air and rain. Oshkosh students had to put away their summer wear and adorn warmer clothing and numerous umbrellas could be seen at anytime outside on campus.
The lower temperatures and rainy conditions continued through the weekend. Students returned to class on Monday with another day of cloudy conditions and scattered rain.
Monday evening at Reeve Memorial Union, students expressed their opinions about the sudden change in weather and the current 58 degree Fahrenheit forecast.
“I usually study in my dorm,” senior Amanda Emery, 21, said. “I do not study outside, so it is not affecting me at all.”
“I do not really study outside either, but when it is raining so hard and you get wet it is really hard to concentrate in class when you are soaked for four hours,” senior Rachel Scott, 21, said.
“When it is nice outside, I do stuff outside and never study,” sophomore Tom Holyoke, 20, said. “When it is not nice out I study.”
Student morale may rise soon with a predicted forecast of the next six days being partly to mostly cloudy with temperatures in the low to upper 70s.
Junior Sadie Offenstein, 21, and her roommate, senior Megan McCube, 21, were among the 26 students sitting outside of Halsey Science Center on Friday. Both wearing tank tops and shorts while reading their own respective textbooks.
“I love being outside so it is really nice to be able to study outside,” Offenstein said. “So much of the year it is cold and you can not be outside, but I do not like the bees.”
Offenstein’s roommate also enjoyed the weather, but thinks pleasing weather conditions can be a little distracting.
“I find it distracting to be outside, because in your dorm room you are either by yourself or with your roommate.” McCube said. “Outside you can see a whole bunch of people you know. I am a senior and I have a bunch of friends on campus who distract me. I have been sitting here for 20 minutes and I have done nothing.”
Friday afternoon brought with it gustier winds, cooler air and rain. Oshkosh students had to put away their summer wear and adorn warmer clothing and numerous umbrellas could be seen at anytime outside on campus.
The lower temperatures and rainy conditions continued through the weekend. Students returned to class on Monday with another day of cloudy conditions and scattered rain.
Monday evening at Reeve Memorial Union, students expressed their opinions about the sudden change in weather and the current 58 degree Fahrenheit forecast.
“I usually study in my dorm,” senior Amanda Emery, 21, said. “I do not study outside, so it is not affecting me at all.”
“I do not really study outside either, but when it is raining so hard and you get wet it is really hard to concentrate in class when you are soaked for four hours,” senior Rachel Scott, 21, said.
“When it is nice outside, I do stuff outside and never study,” sophomore Tom Holyoke, 20, said. “When it is not nice out I study.”
Student morale may rise soon with a predicted forecast of the next six days being partly to mostly cloudy with temperatures in the low to upper 70s.
Weather Article
Oshkosh students returning to school for the fall semester may have to add a poncho or umbrella to there list of school supplies as cold temperatures and rain cover the area.
"It makes me depressed" said UW Oshkosh student Derek Kolb, 21. "With winter coming I would like to be outside more and take advantage of the time that we have."
Normally this time of year is a time in which students walk to class in shorts and t-shirts and girls can be seen tanning outside of the Scotts. But with the recent changes in the weather kids are walking to class with coats on their backs and unbrellas over there heads.
Fot the month of September, the Oshkosh area has already seen an increase of 1.82 inches over last year and temperatures have decreased significantly as well. Last year on September, 12th temperatures, on average, were 18 degrees warmer then they currently stand.
With the arrival of the cooler temperatures comes the question of whether or not winter is here to stay.
"I would say no." UW Oshkosh student Kyle Kallenberg, 21, states. "I just think it's a little cold. It's Wisconsin weather, it's a little unpredictable."
There are upsides to the weather however, as some students are using the cold temperatures as an excuse to do other activites.
"I get to play more videogames and drink more beer." says UW Oshkosh student Shawn Mees, 21.
Despite the cold and gloomy weather, people should keep their heads up. The seven-day forecast calls for warmer temperatures throughout the week with temperatures reaching into the 80's for the weekend.
"It makes me depressed" said UW Oshkosh student Derek Kolb, 21. "With winter coming I would like to be outside more and take advantage of the time that we have."
Normally this time of year is a time in which students walk to class in shorts and t-shirts and girls can be seen tanning outside of the Scotts. But with the recent changes in the weather kids are walking to class with coats on their backs and unbrellas over there heads.
Fot the month of September, the Oshkosh area has already seen an increase of 1.82 inches over last year and temperatures have decreased significantly as well. Last year on September, 12th temperatures, on average, were 18 degrees warmer then they currently stand.
With the arrival of the cooler temperatures comes the question of whether or not winter is here to stay.
"I would say no." UW Oshkosh student Kyle Kallenberg, 21, states. "I just think it's a little cold. It's Wisconsin weather, it's a little unpredictable."
There are upsides to the weather however, as some students are using the cold temperatures as an excuse to do other activites.
"I get to play more videogames and drink more beer." says UW Oshkosh student Shawn Mees, 21.
Despite the cold and gloomy weather, people should keep their heads up. The seven-day forecast calls for warmer temperatures throughout the week with temperatures reaching into the 80's for the weekend.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Early Weather Article (Beer Gardens)
By Andrew Pantzlaff
As the first week of classes wrapped up at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, many local college students were hoping to bid farewell to their summer in much the same way they had ushered it in: partying at Beer Gardens. Beer Gardens, a no-cover-charge tent party located directly across the college campus at Kelly’s Bar, has, for some, become an annually attended tradition. However, as clouds loomed overhead, this year’s garden party was dampened by weather showing little or no resemblance to the summer it laid to rest.
Students initially returned to campus with sunny skies and comfortable temperatures. However, temperatures dropped quickly from the high of 80 degrees on Wednesday, the first day of classes, to a chilly average of 56 degrees on Saturday. Unfortunately for Kelly’s Bar, not only did temperatures drop, so did attendance for their annual tent event. One bartender working at Kelly’s, Brandan Hish, 25, thought there were significantly less people at Beer Gardens this year as opposed to last spring’s end-of-the-year version. Predictably, the poor weather was blamed for the unwelcome change. “Friday wasn’t that bad,” Hish said. “The weather didn’t kick in till later. I mean, Saturday and Sunday were pretty crappy out. It discouraged people from being in the tent by the band.”
“Discouraged” may be a good word for it. Ryan Steffel, a 22-year-old senior at UW-Oshkosh, said that he had been looking forward to a stop at Beer Gardens since he moved back in late August. However, when the weather cooled off, so did his excitement for making the trip to the tent Kelly’s Bar had set up on Wisconsin Street. “I wanted to go, but after it started pouring out, I decided just to find a party indoors,” Steffel said. “I like a cold beer as much as the next guy, but I don’t want to go swimming just to get my hands on one.”
The cold air and heavy rain didn’t discourage everyone who wanted to attend, however; as many Beer Gardens faithful still huddled under the tent with their beers in hand. Michelle Laabs, 21, said “it wasn’t that big of a deal because we were under a tent.” “There was still quite a few people there; enough to make it fun,” Laabs said.
Regardless of student attendance being affected by the weather, safety has always been priority at events like Beer Gardens. However, Lieutenant Dennis Nasci reported that the University Police made no changes to the way they had originally planned on monitoring the event. “Weather is a guess,” Nasci said. “We didn’t add anything more or less.” Nasci then explained that the wet conditions didn’t have much affect at all on the night from a law enforcement point of view, saying only that it might have helped deter people from running around on the street.
Despite the unpredictable weather of late, Winger’s Bar at 120 Wisconsin Ave. will be throwing a fall Beer Garden party of its own on Saturday, September 16. In addition, Kelly’s Bar, the self-proclaimed “home of the original Beer Gardens,” will once again be having their end-of-the-year version of Beer Gardens despite this year’s cold, rainy and forgettable celebration of the end the summer.
***
As the first week of classes wrapped up at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, many local college students were hoping to bid farewell to their summer in much the same way they had ushered it in: partying at Beer Gardens. Beer Gardens, a no-cover-charge tent party located directly across the college campus at Kelly’s Bar, has, for some, become an annually attended tradition. However, as clouds loomed overhead, this year’s garden party was dampened by weather showing little or no resemblance to the summer it laid to rest.
Students initially returned to campus with sunny skies and comfortable temperatures. However, temperatures dropped quickly from the high of 80 degrees on Wednesday, the first day of classes, to a chilly average of 56 degrees on Saturday. Unfortunately for Kelly’s Bar, not only did temperatures drop, so did attendance for their annual tent event. One bartender working at Kelly’s, Brandan Hish, 25, thought there were significantly less people at Beer Gardens this year as opposed to last spring’s end-of-the-year version. Predictably, the poor weather was blamed for the unwelcome change. “Friday wasn’t that bad,” Hish said. “The weather didn’t kick in till later. I mean, Saturday and Sunday were pretty crappy out. It discouraged people from being in the tent by the band.”
“Discouraged” may be a good word for it. Ryan Steffel, a 22-year-old senior at UW-Oshkosh, said that he had been looking forward to a stop at Beer Gardens since he moved back in late August. However, when the weather cooled off, so did his excitement for making the trip to the tent Kelly’s Bar had set up on Wisconsin Street. “I wanted to go, but after it started pouring out, I decided just to find a party indoors,” Steffel said. “I like a cold beer as much as the next guy, but I don’t want to go swimming just to get my hands on one.”
The cold air and heavy rain didn’t discourage everyone who wanted to attend, however; as many Beer Gardens faithful still huddled under the tent with their beers in hand. Michelle Laabs, 21, said “it wasn’t that big of a deal because we were under a tent.” “There was still quite a few people there; enough to make it fun,” Laabs said.
Regardless of student attendance being affected by the weather, safety has always been priority at events like Beer Gardens. However, Lieutenant Dennis Nasci reported that the University Police made no changes to the way they had originally planned on monitoring the event. “Weather is a guess,” Nasci said. “We didn’t add anything more or less.” Nasci then explained that the wet conditions didn’t have much affect at all on the night from a law enforcement point of view, saying only that it might have helped deter people from running around on the street.
Despite the unpredictable weather of late, Winger’s Bar at 120 Wisconsin Ave. will be throwing a fall Beer Garden party of its own on Saturday, September 16. In addition, Kelly’s Bar, the self-proclaimed “home of the original Beer Gardens,” will once again be having their end-of-the-year version of Beer Gardens despite this year’s cold, rainy and forgettable celebration of the end the summer.
***
Weather article
The Oshkosh Titans football team has not missed a beat this week during practice despite in climate weather.
After a stretch of unusually cool weather in the past couple of weeks, Oshkosh experienced a fair amount of rain Monday and Tuesday. According to the National Weather Service in Green Bay, Tuesday’s high temperature was 61 degrees with .18 inches of rain on a cloudy day. Monday’s weather was even worse than Tuesday with a high of only 56 degrees and .42 inches of precipitation.
The poor weather did little to change the practice plans of the Titans at Titan Stadium early in the week. “The weather didn’t really affect our practice that much,” junior wide receiver Steve Stoltz said. “We shortened practice but it was only by five minutes, so the weather really did little to change our routine.”
Generally practices are not affected by rain or cold temperatures, but the coaches were ready to alter their plans if a nearby heavy rainstorm were to hit the area. “On Tuesday there was a chance of a torrential downpour to come our way during practice time,” junior wide receiver Kyle Nakatsuji said. “The heavy rain missed us, but if it would have hit we were prepared to move our practice indoors.”
The National Weather Service’s forecast for Oshkosh for the rest of the week looks promising for the football team as it prepares to avenge last week’s loss to Minnesota State when they travel to Lakeland College Saturday afternoon. Highs are expected to be in the high 70s with the clouds giving way to mostly sunny skies by Friday afternoon. “It looks like all the concerns about the weather are behind us. Now we can concentrate completely on football for the rest of the week,” Stoltz said.
The 1-1 Titans’ kick-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. in Sheboygan against the 0-2 Muskies before starting conference play Sept. 23 against the Whitewater Warhawks.
After a stretch of unusually cool weather in the past couple of weeks, Oshkosh experienced a fair amount of rain Monday and Tuesday. According to the National Weather Service in Green Bay, Tuesday’s high temperature was 61 degrees with .18 inches of rain on a cloudy day. Monday’s weather was even worse than Tuesday with a high of only 56 degrees and .42 inches of precipitation.
The poor weather did little to change the practice plans of the Titans at Titan Stadium early in the week. “The weather didn’t really affect our practice that much,” junior wide receiver Steve Stoltz said. “We shortened practice but it was only by five minutes, so the weather really did little to change our routine.”
Generally practices are not affected by rain or cold temperatures, but the coaches were ready to alter their plans if a nearby heavy rainstorm were to hit the area. “On Tuesday there was a chance of a torrential downpour to come our way during practice time,” junior wide receiver Kyle Nakatsuji said. “The heavy rain missed us, but if it would have hit we were prepared to move our practice indoors.”
The National Weather Service’s forecast for Oshkosh for the rest of the week looks promising for the football team as it prepares to avenge last week’s loss to Minnesota State when they travel to Lakeland College Saturday afternoon. Highs are expected to be in the high 70s with the clouds giving way to mostly sunny skies by Friday afternoon. “It looks like all the concerns about the weather are behind us. Now we can concentrate completely on football for the rest of the week,” Stoltz said.
The 1-1 Titans’ kick-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. in Sheboygan against the 0-2 Muskies before starting conference play Sept. 23 against the Whitewater Warhawks.
Monday, September 11, 2006
X-Ray Reading (Couric)
1. (First two full paragraphs) But for the past three months, Mr. Horner has been working on what he says is one of the biggest challenges of his career: Writing a 10-second clip of music that will introduce Katie Couric each weeknight on the “CBS Evening News.”
2. To me, this seems like a feature lead. It isn’t really introducing or bridging to a series of facts. Instead, it is setting the foundation for a story about the many different opinions and elements that the composer had to deal with in making the score for Katie Couric.
3. Yes, I do agree. I felt that it did a good job of introducing the background of James Horner (Titanic, 100 movies, etc.), and I also felt that it did a good job of outlining the difficulty he faced with the expectations of CBS. Basically, it was light enough, yet compelling enough, to make me want to read the entire article.
5. For this feature lead, I felt the phrase “The process has been strenuous, in large part because Ms. Couric and CBS brass wanted him to pour an ocean of imagery into a musical teacup.” This analogy made me, the reader, interested in the struggle and curious as to the composer’s ability to succeed with this challenge.
6. - Introducing the composer and his resume
- Explaining his task (making the 10 second sound clip)
- Outlining the various expectations from everyone involved in project.
- Adding to difficulty by explaining Horner’s unfamiliarity with tv.
- Explaining that song needed to be flexible.
- Horner’s acceptance of job and the way he approached completing piece.
- The verdict from CBS and Couric in regard to his work.
- Final explanation of subtle changes and brush-up to the song.
- Horner’s reaction to his completed work.
7. CBS liked the finished product so much that it asked Mr. Beckerman to weave it into news programming across the network. “I’m just thankful that CBS really meant it when they said they wanted me to break the mold.” Mr. Horner says. “Most often when people say that, they hear it and then say, “Um, we didn’t mean that broken.”
8. I feel the ending both closes the story and adds some humor to the closing. In a way, it ends, in a way, with saying that you can’t please everyone. Which, I feel, is a good way to finish up this piece.
9. “Just be blunt, I’m used to great abuse.” - Horner
10. I thought Horner’s initial comments about not watching TV much and not being familiar with Couric could have been shortened.
11. I thought the most visual detail was the account of all the CBS news executives standing in a huddle around a cheap CD player on the desk.
12. I learned that there is a tremendous amount of money, thought and importance going into every aspect of Katie Couric’s debut.
2. To me, this seems like a feature lead. It isn’t really introducing or bridging to a series of facts. Instead, it is setting the foundation for a story about the many different opinions and elements that the composer had to deal with in making the score for Katie Couric.
3. Yes, I do agree. I felt that it did a good job of introducing the background of James Horner (Titanic, 100 movies, etc.), and I also felt that it did a good job of outlining the difficulty he faced with the expectations of CBS. Basically, it was light enough, yet compelling enough, to make me want to read the entire article.
5. For this feature lead, I felt the phrase “The process has been strenuous, in large part because Ms. Couric and CBS brass wanted him to pour an ocean of imagery into a musical teacup.” This analogy made me, the reader, interested in the struggle and curious as to the composer’s ability to succeed with this challenge.
6. - Introducing the composer and his resume
- Explaining his task (making the 10 second sound clip)
- Outlining the various expectations from everyone involved in project.
- Adding to difficulty by explaining Horner’s unfamiliarity with tv.
- Explaining that song needed to be flexible.
- Horner’s acceptance of job and the way he approached completing piece.
- The verdict from CBS and Couric in regard to his work.
- Final explanation of subtle changes and brush-up to the song.
- Horner’s reaction to his completed work.
7. CBS liked the finished product so much that it asked Mr. Beckerman to weave it into news programming across the network. “I’m just thankful that CBS really meant it when they said they wanted me to break the mold.” Mr. Horner says. “Most often when people say that, they hear it and then say, “Um, we didn’t mean that broken.”
8. I feel the ending both closes the story and adds some humor to the closing. In a way, it ends, in a way, with saying that you can’t please everyone. Which, I feel, is a good way to finish up this piece.
9. “Just be blunt, I’m used to great abuse.” - Horner
10. I thought Horner’s initial comments about not watching TV much and not being familiar with Couric could have been shortened.
11. I thought the most visual detail was the account of all the CBS news executives standing in a huddle around a cheap CD player on the desk.
12. I learned that there is a tremendous amount of money, thought and importance going into every aspect of Katie Couric’s debut.
X ray Reading
1) James Horner is an acedemy award winning composer who has written scores and songs fore more than 100 movies, including "Titanic"- one of the best selling soundtracks in history.
2)feature
3)Yes he tries to connect with people and grab there attention by mentioning his work which arguably is one of the biggest movies in the history of cinema.
4)
5)The mentioning of Horner's accolades or his work on the movie "Titanic"
6)Confusion, uncertainty, nervousness
7) CBS liked the finished product so much that it asked Mr. Beckerman to weave it into news programming across the network. "I'm just thankful that CBS really meant it when they said they wanted me to break the mold,' Mr. Horner says. Most often when people say that, they hear it and then say , Um, we didn't mean that broken.' "
8) I think it has a memorable quote because his quote makes me want to know how a news intro can break barriers or molds. I want to listen to it to hear how it differentiates itself from other news intros.
9)"It's the ham-sandwhich rule, when somebody leaves the room to get a snack, you need to remind them to come back to the TV."
10)
11)The part of the article that describs the first time Couric and other CBS big wigs listened to Horner's new theme is very visual to me. The writer describes the the warm afternoon as "sticky" and describes Horner's recollection of the situation.
12) I learned that major news companies take even the smallest details extremly serious even if it's just a ten second music clip.
2)feature
3)Yes he tries to connect with people and grab there attention by mentioning his work which arguably is one of the biggest movies in the history of cinema.
4)
5)The mentioning of Horner's accolades or his work on the movie "Titanic"
6)Confusion, uncertainty, nervousness
7) CBS liked the finished product so much that it asked Mr. Beckerman to weave it into news programming across the network. "I'm just thankful that CBS really meant it when they said they wanted me to break the mold,' Mr. Horner says. Most often when people say that, they hear it and then say , Um, we didn't mean that broken.' "
8) I think it has a memorable quote because his quote makes me want to know how a news intro can break barriers or molds. I want to listen to it to hear how it differentiates itself from other news intros.
9)"It's the ham-sandwhich rule, when somebody leaves the room to get a snack, you need to remind them to come back to the TV."
10)
11)The part of the article that describs the first time Couric and other CBS big wigs listened to Horner's new theme is very visual to me. The writer describes the the warm afternoon as "sticky" and describes Horner's recollection of the situation.
12) I learned that major news companies take even the smallest details extremly serious even if it's just a ten second music clip.
X-Ray reading
1.. James Horner is an Academy Award winning composer who has written scores and songs for more than 100 movies, including "titanic" -- one of the best selling soundtracks in history.
2 Feature
3. yes, this isn't a hard hitting news story, it is simply a feature on a composer who was hired to write theme music for a television show.
5. I think the hook is the fact that he is a very accomplished composer for movie soundtracks and that we have probably heard some of his work before. I liked the use of Titanic as an example as most of us have seen the movie, which will draw us into reading the article to learn more about the man and what he has done.
6. a.) Horner is an accomplished composer
b.) He is tackling one of his most challenging jobs to date, with the CBS Evening News show
c.) CBS is trying to seperate themselves from the field by having a different sounding introduction
d.) CBS is hoping their new image, with help from Katie Couric and new theme songs, will inspire a new, younger audience.
e.) The process of how Horner was selected and decided to take a job
f.) The article shows Horner was on the right track with his first rough draft cd, when Couric and CBS execs said "we love it."
g.) The project was a success.
7. CBS like the finished product so much that it asked Mr. Beckerman to weave it into news programming acrosss the network. "I'm just thankful that CBS really meant it when they said they wanted me to break the mold," Mr. Horner says. "Mst often when people say that, they hear it and then say 'Um, we didn't mean that broken."
8. The ending doesn't close the story, in fact it leaves it very much open. I think it leaves the door open for more of television news and other related elements of news to be reinvented and revitalized. The quote of Horner breaking the mold left a good lasting impression on me, I think it fit perfectly with what the writer was trying to get across throughout the story.
9. "katie told me she wanted something that reminded her of wheat fields blowing rather than Manhattan skyline." After reading that quote you can almost hear the music that CBS had envisioned.
10. I don't think there are any quotes that I think could have been paraphrased, except maybe the aforementioned quote. I like it and it gives me a good picture of what they were trying to get at, but I guess it could be paraphrased. However, I wouldn't change any of the quotes.
11. The most visual detail is the quoe from #9.
12.
2 Feature
3. yes, this isn't a hard hitting news story, it is simply a feature on a composer who was hired to write theme music for a television show.
5. I think the hook is the fact that he is a very accomplished composer for movie soundtracks and that we have probably heard some of his work before. I liked the use of Titanic as an example as most of us have seen the movie, which will draw us into reading the article to learn more about the man and what he has done.
6. a.) Horner is an accomplished composer
b.) He is tackling one of his most challenging jobs to date, with the CBS Evening News show
c.) CBS is trying to seperate themselves from the field by having a different sounding introduction
d.) CBS is hoping their new image, with help from Katie Couric and new theme songs, will inspire a new, younger audience.
e.) The process of how Horner was selected and decided to take a job
f.) The article shows Horner was on the right track with his first rough draft cd, when Couric and CBS execs said "we love it."
g.) The project was a success.
7. CBS like the finished product so much that it asked Mr. Beckerman to weave it into news programming acrosss the network. "I'm just thankful that CBS really meant it when they said they wanted me to break the mold," Mr. Horner says. "Mst often when people say that, they hear it and then say 'Um, we didn't mean that broken."
8. The ending doesn't close the story, in fact it leaves it very much open. I think it leaves the door open for more of television news and other related elements of news to be reinvented and revitalized. The quote of Horner breaking the mold left a good lasting impression on me, I think it fit perfectly with what the writer was trying to get across throughout the story.
9. "katie told me she wanted something that reminded her of wheat fields blowing rather than Manhattan skyline." After reading that quote you can almost hear the music that CBS had envisioned.
10. I don't think there are any quotes that I think could have been paraphrased, except maybe the aforementioned quote. I like it and it gives me a good picture of what they were trying to get at, but I guess it could be paraphrased. However, I wouldn't change any of the quotes.
11. The most visual detail is the quoe from #9.
12.
Weather Article
The article I chose was entitled "Calif. vintner uses aloe vera on grapes." I found this article to be pretty interesting and unique.
First of all, the story was about a California grape grower that sprayed a compost tea that included small amounts of aloe vera on his grapes. The reason for doing so was to try to keep the grapes from getting too much of the unusually hot California sun this summer. As far as the lead goes, I thought it did a good job of introducing the concept of the article by using subtle humor and not giving too much information away. This compelled me to continue reading the article.
Another thing that I enjoyed was that it gave a little background into the origins of this practice. For example, it cited an Australian philosopher for coming up with the idea.
The thing, besides the unusual concept of spraying grapes with aloe vera, that struck me most in this article, was the fact that it was written in a very easy to understand way. Some of the things that were being done to combat the summer sun sounded like it was pretty technical. However, things were presented in a fairly elementary way as not to confuse or lose the reader. A good example of this would be the following sentence: "Pott uses about two to three ounces of yucca per acre and about four to five ounces of aloe vera gel per acre, each mixed in with a compost spray. Because the spray is so diluted, by the time grapes are picked there's no residue."
One thing I didn't like is that they used several quotes from different people in the article. However, they didn't use a single quote from the very farmer that the article was really about. I think they could have at least incorporated one small quote from him to give it a more personal feel.
Overall, it was a pretty entertaining article and a unique way to incorporate the hot summer sun into a news topic. The closing was a good way to end things. It used a quote that compared humans getting enough water when it's hot out to plants needing water when it's hot out, too.
http://www.usatoday.com/weather/news/2006-09-11-grape-sunscreen_x.htm
First of all, the story was about a California grape grower that sprayed a compost tea that included small amounts of aloe vera on his grapes. The reason for doing so was to try to keep the grapes from getting too much of the unusually hot California sun this summer. As far as the lead goes, I thought it did a good job of introducing the concept of the article by using subtle humor and not giving too much information away. This compelled me to continue reading the article.
Another thing that I enjoyed was that it gave a little background into the origins of this practice. For example, it cited an Australian philosopher for coming up with the idea.
The thing, besides the unusual concept of spraying grapes with aloe vera, that struck me most in this article, was the fact that it was written in a very easy to understand way. Some of the things that were being done to combat the summer sun sounded like it was pretty technical. However, things were presented in a fairly elementary way as not to confuse or lose the reader. A good example of this would be the following sentence: "Pott uses about two to three ounces of yucca per acre and about four to five ounces of aloe vera gel per acre, each mixed in with a compost spray. Because the spray is so diluted, by the time grapes are picked there's no residue."
One thing I didn't like is that they used several quotes from different people in the article. However, they didn't use a single quote from the very farmer that the article was really about. I think they could have at least incorporated one small quote from him to give it a more personal feel.
Overall, it was a pretty entertaining article and a unique way to incorporate the hot summer sun into a news topic. The closing was a good way to end things. It used a quote that compared humans getting enough water when it's hot out to plants needing water when it's hot out, too.
http://www.usatoday.com/weather/news/2006-09-11-grape-sunscreen_x.htm
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Published Weather Example from Russ Plummer
When I originally read the title I thought the article would be uplifting. However, the majority of the article was filled with statistics about the amount of destruction. The lead was solid and informative and the use of the quote was good towards the beginning.
However, the article contains way too much information. The article covers fires within four states and has statistics all over the place. After casually reading it, I do not remember any of the stats. I would have broken the story apart and just focused on the good news in Nevada. I would have sought out more quotes from officials. I would have also gotten quotes from families who have lost their homes and those families who homes are going to be saved by the efforts of the firefighters.
I understand the goal of the article was to shock the reader by informing them about the mass destruction in America, but I think the average reader would become bored with all of the numbers.
Since it is an internet news source, the article could be divided up and the reader could read about a state or location that may affect them.
However, the article contains way too much information. The article covers fires within four states and has statistics all over the place. After casually reading it, I do not remember any of the stats. I would have broken the story apart and just focused on the good news in Nevada. I would have sought out more quotes from officials. I would have also gotten quotes from families who have lost their homes and those families who homes are going to be saved by the efforts of the firefighters.
I understand the goal of the article was to shock the reader by informing them about the mass destruction in America, but I think the average reader would become bored with all of the numbers.
Since it is an internet news source, the article could be divided up and the reader could read about a state or location that may affect them.
Weather article
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WEATHER/09/10/bermuda.tropical.ap/index.html
-I liked the last sentence in the first paragraph, I think it gave me a clear picture of how people were readying themselves for the approaching hurricane.
-One thing that I didn't like was the explanation of the sign on a flower shop's window. It read "We've gone away to chase away Florence. Back Tuesday." It confused me a little bit. There is no doubt that is what the sign said, but I had to read it about six times to understand what was meant by it. I think they could have used a better example, or something that is clearer.
-I liked the depth which they described the storm with. It said the size, its speed distance away from land and other things of importance that helped me understand the size and intensity of the storm.
-Another thing I liked about the article was the writer obtaining a quote from an educated source on how the storm could affect the united states. "Those waves will affect a good portion of the U.S. East Coast from basically Florida all the way up to the Cape Cod area" starting Sunday through the early part of next week, hurricane specialist Stacy Stewart said. It answered the questions I had about what the storm's impact would be on us. The quote helped answer questions that I believe most people had.
-In the second last paragraph I liked the brief history of hurricanes this season and what Ernesto had done to the US and how many fatalaties there were. It helps give a sesne of the severity of a hurricane, regardless of how "weak" the storm may be.
-I liked the last sentence in the first paragraph, I think it gave me a clear picture of how people were readying themselves for the approaching hurricane.
-One thing that I didn't like was the explanation of the sign on a flower shop's window. It read "We've gone away to chase away Florence. Back Tuesday." It confused me a little bit. There is no doubt that is what the sign said, but I had to read it about six times to understand what was meant by it. I think they could have used a better example, or something that is clearer.
-I liked the depth which they described the storm with. It said the size, its speed distance away from land and other things of importance that helped me understand the size and intensity of the storm.
-Another thing I liked about the article was the writer obtaining a quote from an educated source on how the storm could affect the united states. "Those waves will affect a good portion of the U.S. East Coast from basically Florida all the way up to the Cape Cod area" starting Sunday through the early part of next week, hurricane specialist Stacy Stewart said. It answered the questions I had about what the storm's impact would be on us. The quote helped answer questions that I believe most people had.
-In the second last paragraph I liked the brief history of hurricanes this season and what Ernesto had done to the US and how many fatalaties there were. It helps give a sesne of the severity of a hurricane, regardless of how "weak" the storm may be.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Welcome to Reporting!
We will use this blog for several things. It will be the place where students post draft and final versions of their articles (while also making sure to hand in a hard copy of their finished work).
It will also be the place where students identify and comment on professional versions of the article assignments for this class.
As described in the syllabus, for each module you will be expected to find a professional article and comment on it. You should use online versions and include a hyperlink in your post.
You should also make at least five specific evaluative observations about the article.
You can use this checklist as a guide for the kinds of things to look at.
Your observations need to be evaluative, meaning that they should include an explanation for your thinking.
Don't write, "The article had good quotes."
Do write, "The quote in the second paragraph worked really well. I liked the use of the phrase 'surge and emerge' because it gave me a clear idea of what was happening."
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