Spotlight on Service

My slideshow will feature a leader from the Towson club, Circle K. This club is completely devoted to community service and volunteerism. In fact, the organization has volunteer activities scheduled five to six days a week!

I have been in communication with three leaders from this service organization, but I will focus on Jess Dugger, Vice President of Service. She is quite active and cares about her community. This past weekend, I was on my way to take pictures of a tree-planting, but it was rained out. Regardless, highlights of the slideshow are pictures of Jess volunteering and examples of her leadership skills. She currently plays Bingo with senior citizens and is passionate about working with animals.

Three Video Editing Techniques

CNN is featuring a two-minute video story on American Apparel, an up-and-coming clothing brand, which has increased profits despite a recession. The story features three components of video editing that we are learning in our MCOM class.

Matched Action: Surprisingly, I had to watch seven videos before I found matched action, but two instances stick out in this story. First, a wide shot shows a cashier at the register. Then a tight shot shows her hands as she takes a credit card and counts money. Second, a wide shot shows a seamstress at her work station. Then a tight shot shows her hands guiding fabric into a sewing machine.

Movement: The short report focuses on CEO, Dov Charney, "a man with so much energy it's hard to keep him still, even for an interview," reporter Jason Carroll says. This vibe is captured in movement. Even the actualities--which have the potential to be boring--build momentum because Carroll interviews Charney while walking. Other content, such as money counting and sewing machine, is fast-paced.


Mood: Three factors help create a specific mood. First the editor has mixed in hip-hop music. Second, most shots are only two to five seconds long. Third, the camera tends to pan quickly across subject in directions that change from left-right to up-down. When these techniques combine with animated subject matter, the result is a fun and upbeat story that is easy to watch.

Audio Story: Relay for Life

Colleges Against Cancer is holding Relay for Life tomorrow at the Towson Center. It is an overnight event where team members take turns walking from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. The event raises money for cancer research. I will interview Beth Petrucci, Survivor Committee Chair, and a team captain on a walk-team.

I will collect natural sound such as footsteps of walkers (if audible), crickets (if they're out that night), cheers from team members, and laughing. Most relays have booths set up for resting or fundraising games. I will go early to see if I can catch some nat sound of people setting up boothes. Who knows?! I might even get some hammering!

Bee Sweet!

The Baltimore Spelling Bee will be held at Towson on Saturday March 14. Organizers have requested volunteers from Towson. I think this would be a great audio story because I could get natural sound of the audience and judges. Of course the best part would be the sound of kids' voices spelling out words. Interviewees could be TU volunteers, judges, parents, bee participants. I think it would be a cute human interest story.

Volunteer Event

I am going to cover a volunteer event that one of the TU clubs/organizations helps with. Two possible events involve "YOURS: Youth Organizing Urban Revitalization Systems" and the "3rd Annual Empty Bowls Event."

Here are some questions for the TU Club Leader/Event Organizer:
1) What drew your club/org to this event?
2) How long have you been volunteering in this area?
3) In what other ways does your club serve the community?

Questions for the Contact At Outside Organization:
1) Explain how this TU club helps your organization at this event.
2) What other colleges in the area volunteer for this event?
3) Does your organization have any other needs that have not been fulfilled?
4) Do you see any other TU clubs (on this list) that could support your mission?

Questions for People Being Served By the Event:
1) How has this event helped you?
2) What need does this event fill in your community?
3) Does your community have any other needs that have not been fulfilled?
3) Do you see any TU clubs (on this list) that could support your needs?

MM Feature Ideas

TU Green Map Project
any collaborative volunteer projects
any charity events
I will put feelers out to see if there are any events coming up soon

Dissection of a Travel Feature

Right now, my home state of Louisiana is hosting the biggest party in the U.S. No, not an Oscar Party…Mardi Gras!!! The official holiday is Tuesday, but festivities and parades are going strong.

Wayne Curtis, of the New York Times, was nice enough to highlight one of the most culturally rich establishments of Mardi Gras season: the Zulu parade. Also, he cleverly used the Wall Street Journal formula.

Criteria #1: Descriptive lead gives specific example
Curtis illustrates an out-of-towner’s typical reaction to the Zulu parade. “Look for those who seem perplexed about what to do with their hands. Applaud? Or cover their mouths in shock,” Wayne says.


Criteria #2: Nut graf relates example to main point of story
Curtis uses the out-of-towner’s reaction to segue into an explanation of how the Zulu Krewe has raised eyebrows over its 100-year history—a theme that is celebrated in their centennial celebration and corresponding museum exhibition. Members of the predominantly black Zulu Krewe literally wear stereotypes, such as blackface.

Criteria #3: Supportive facts, quotes, etc.
Naturally, the story body is full of interesting facts about the origin and development of the The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club who organize the Zulu Krewe and Zulu parade.

Criteria #4: End has anecdote featuring example/person in lead
Finally, the author wraps it up with a question and answer: “So what should you do with your hands when the Zulus roll by?” Referring back to the lead and the perplexed out-of-towner, Curtis says, “That’s simple. Raise them high, and shout for a coconut.”

The Formula vs. The Hook

The Summary Lead
…is a formulaic encapsulation of hard news that offers the most pertinent info needed to understand the story, such as “the 5 Ws and the H.” Active voice, concise language and S-V-O format support the summary lead better than artistry. Though this lead doesn’t offer the writer as much room for expression and creativity,

The Feature Lead
…offers wordsmiths an opportunity to showcase their craft. This lead should use descriptive imagery and intro just enough human interest to draw the reader into the story.

TU/Baltimore Beat?

I can't decide between 2 beats:

1) Obama wants to put more funds in the hands of faith-based organizations due to their close ties with communities. How will that affect faith-based clubs on campus?

2) Official clubs at TU are required to perform community service. In what ways do they serve the community, and how can they connect with each other to make a greater impact?

Fresh Aspirations Bloom in Spring

Introducing Me....

Hi! My name is Claire Evans. I am from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, but currently reside in the Baltimore burbs. I am married to an awesome guy, Russ. I used to be a licensed massage therapist. In addition to research + writing, I love Photoshop, metalsmithing + jewelry-making.

Also, I love to sing. Anything from folk harmonies, to R+B and gospel, to opera (although I didn't do so well with the formal singing lessons!). When I visit BR, I like to sing for my family with my brother, Mike, just for fun. He runs his own business as a professional musician. His two projects are: A Reason Y, his solo work, and Two if By Land, a duo-show with his friend Shane.

Five MCOM 258 Goals:

1) smoothe out + speed up my writing process
2) develop my personal style
3) narrow down my beat interests
4) actually know what I'm doing in Soundslides + Audacity ;o)
5) learn more about making web pages so I can make my portfolio pop