You be the editor!

Another article for 423 presentation.

Music, mood, and safety photos

A sign near the Ag Campus bus stop on Woody Hayes Drive reminds students to be aware of traffic while crossing the street

Students listen to music on their mp3 players while riding the North Express Tuesday. Some students wear their headphones to quickly pass the time riding the bus.

A student wearing headphones walks across a crosswalk on 18th Ave. Tuesday

A student listens to an mp3 player outside of McPherson Hall on Tuesday.

A student wearing headphones walks by Derby Hall on Tuesday. Headphones are an increasing sight on campus as mp3 players become more common

Ethics critique

The advancement of social networks has dramatically changed the social scene. Ever since it first began, I can remember being warned about the dangers of privacy. Although many jobs/schools remind employees/students to remain mindful of what they're posting, it is even more important in the field of journalism.

As journalists, the social network scene is integrated into our professional sphere. Obviously, it's unprofessional to post a pic of a drunken night at the bar and expect to be taken seriously when trying to gain a source through the same profile.

Although I think it's acceptable for journalists to use facebook/twitter for personal uses, I think it should remain professional. You shouldn't want to post anything you wouldn't want a boss to see. Many may think it would be unfair to totally ban usage, but one must be extra mindful about content.

The job of the editors is especially difficult. It would be impossible to check up on each reporter, so the editors must trust that they are using the networks professionally.

One of the issues discussed that I thought would be especially difficult to deal with is political affiliation. One reporter said he never thought twice about mentioning a political opinion, and normally that would be acceptable. But what if the reporter needed to interview a source who supports prop 8? Personal life should never intervene with work, but same may take it too personally.

Overall, I think it's imperative that journalists use these social networks, but put themselves back in those lectures from high school and interviewing courses. Always remember it's professional, and don't post anything you wouldn't want every single person in the world to see...because they can.

Three Multi-Media

This slideshow from the Washington Post opened up the possibility to me for using more than one picture. Instead of being forced to choose one, I could show students listening to their headphones at many different places on campus. Especially if I could get them in groups.
This slideshow, also from the Washington Post, reminded me to try to be creative with photography. There are certain angles and gestures that can seem like more than any portrait photo when taken the right way.
MSNBC is showing a live video of the Obama Health Care Summit. Although this wouldn't be applicable for my project, I think it's a great idea. Everyone can watch it while it's happening, without waiting for any journalist to cover it.

Multi-media story comparisons

I read two stories about the seaworld whale trainer being killed by an orca whale. This story, on CNN included a well written narrative that showcased talking to the right people. It also had many photos and videos, incuding a picture of the woman killed (before) and videos from the press conference, and two videos from witnesses. There was also a link to killer whale facts.

As predicted, this story, from people.com, didn't have as much depth. After CNN's coverage, the sole photograph seemed like a weak attempt as multimedia. I also didn't like it as much because the writing itself was as good. It was much shorter, and didn't go into nearly as much detail. Their story didn't offer me anything I didn't know from CNN's story. But, again, being that people is more of a sensationalistic news site, I wasn't surprised that CNN had better coverage.

Final feature outline

For my final feature, I want to do a story similar to one that Dan posted on his blog. A NYT reporter wrote a story about what subway riders are listening to and why. I'm going to do one about what types of music students are listening to on campus and why. Nearly everyone riding the buses, walking through the oval, or waiting for a class to start has wires coming out of their ears. I want to investigate the diversity of music that comes wth the diversity of students, and analyze what those types of music mean. Besides the obvious reason of listening to music for pleasure, I want to see some of the others reasons. Are students trying to block out noise from attractions and eachother, pump themselves up, calm themselves down etc. What someone listens to and say a lot about the kind of person they are and the mood they're in. I've asked David Huron, a professor from Ohio State's school of music to speak to me about these aspects. He is eaching Music 829D : Music and Emotion. The description listed online says "This course will provide a comprehensive survey of general theories of emotion, review experimental literatures relating sound and emotion, and discuss a broad spectrum of theoretical ideas concerning music and emotional life. The course will address emotions from physiological, evolutionary, cognitive, historical and cultural perspectives. " As well as an interview with him, I will interview many campus pedestrians this Thursday afternoon, and instead of focusing only on a few subjects, will showcase the diversity on campus, and hopefully give others an insight as to why everyone always has their mp3 player glued to them.

During class today, I found a study online that focuses on 7 reasons people listen to music.
Entertainment - At the most fundamental level music provides stimulation. It lifts the mood before going out, it passes the time while doing the washing up, it accompanies travelling, reading and surfing the web.
Revival - Music revitalises in the morning and calms in the evening.
Strong sensation - Music can provide deep, thrilling emotional experiences, particularly while performing.
Diversion - Music distracts the mind from unpleasant thoughts which can easily fill the silence.
Discharge - Music matching deep moods can release emotions: purging and cleansing.
Mental work - Music encourages daydreaming, sliding into old memories, exploring the past.
Solace - Shared emotion, shared experience, a connection to someone lost.

I also received an email from Dr. Huron referring me to two of his doctorate students instead. I've emailed both of them and am awaiting a response.

OSU grad isn’t in it for the money, London community rallies around local vet

In a small town like London, Ohio, it’s not just a cliché that everyone knows everyone else’s name. Some people refer to David Kipp as a hero, others insist he’s the most selfless man they know, but at least one kid still calls him “the man who killed my dog.”
Kipp isn’t a professional dog killer; he’s a veterinarian.
Animals have always been a significant part of his life. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, he moved to the London area in 1973 when his father started Ohio Feed Lot Inc., the largest cattle facility in Ohio. After graduating from Southeastern High School, he enrolled at Ohio State and majored in animal science. He received his Bachelor of Science in 1981, and immediately pursued a degree in veterinary medicine.
Dr. John Hubbell, 57 and a professor of veterinary anesthesiology at Ohio State, remembered Kipp being a “popular and engaging student” who was always “right there at the front.”
“[Kipp] filled the room in some way. He was eager to learn,” he said.
After finishing veterinary school in 1985, Kipp began working at the London Animal Hospital. When the owner wanted to retire 10 years later, Kipp seized the opportunity and bought the company in 1995.
Now 50, Kipp is the sole owner of London Animal Hospital, and one of three veterinary associates at the clinic. It’s rare to work in the same practice for the duration of a career, Kipp said.
“Owning a business isn’t 8-5, five days a week. It’s not for everybody, but it’s rewarding to build something,” he said.
Being a veterinarian isn’t what many think it is, he said.
“It’s hard and dirty and smelly. They have no idea,” he added with a smile.
Christina Coudret, one of the associates, has also never worked anywhere else. Coudret, 39, began interning on the weekends in 1997, and was hired immediately following her completion of school in 2000.
“Even though he’s my boss,” she said, “he treats me as a partner.”
His intimidating physical appearance contrasts with his friendly personality. Kipp towers over many at a height of 6 feet 3 inches, but many recognize his deep booming laugh before seeing him.
A lot of people would be surprised at how sentimental Kipp is, Coudret said. He got teary-eyed while giving a speech at last year’s Christmas party.
The clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., so the employees spend a lot of time together.
“They become your family,” Kipp said. “You see them more than you see your own family.”
The office’s laid back and friendly atmosphere is noticeable. Most of the employees wear jeans and can bring their dogs to work with them. Tucked into the back corner of his office is an old brown leather sofa, the “deep thought couch”, or the “napping couch”, depending on who is asked.
There are assorted signs in the waiting room. One reads “Pets welcome children must be on leash.” Another small plaque hangs on the wall thanking Kipp for saving a family’s dog hit by a car.
Susie Higgins, the dog’s owner, “couldn’t say enough good things about him.” While driving her two young children to school one rainy spring morning, Higgins, 41, noticed the family’s dog lying on the side of the road. She didn’t want to stop and let her daughters see their pet, she said.
Kipp also saw the white dog while he was driving to the office, and took it with him. The dog was given wonderful care, and he didn’t charge the family a penny, Higgins said.
“We were overwhelmed by his kindness. You don’t think there are people out there still like that,” Higgins said. “My kids think he’s the best thing on Earth.”
Kipp takes time to visit local second-grade classrooms. He teaches the importance of animal safety, and many children recognize him as the family’s vet. When he walks into classrooms, sometimes a child will point and proclaim that Kipp’s the one who killed their dog, he said.
Although many would consider him a social person, Kipp believes he lives a solitary life. He’s been married and divorced once, and doesn’t have any children.
When asked about his philosophy on life, he quoted Mark Twain, saying “to be good is to be lonely.”
But after 25 years, he’s finally at the point where he can be off when he wants, he said. Every year, he takes four to six weeks off and travels, mostly alone. He wants to go to all 50 states, and has been to 33, last time he counted.
He also loves to read and write, and is a Stephen King fan. One of his most valued possessions is an autographed copy of “Under the Dome.” Only 1,200 exist. Eventually, he wants to write a book, he said.
As for being 50, single, and having no children, he just takes age as it is, he said. “They’ve all been good years,” he said. “Hopefully the best are coming.”
As for right now, he enjoys doing what he likes.
“If I didn’t have to do paperwork everyday,” he said, “life would be a joy.”