Friday, June 19, 2009
Slideshow Preview
My slideshow will focus on the owners of One Straw Farm, Joan and Drew Norman. One Straw Farm is the largest organic farm in Maryland. The Normans provide organic fruits and vegetables to local restaurants such as the Woodberry Kitchen and supermarkets such as Whole Foods. More importantly, they provide local produce to CSAs or Community Supported Agriculture. CSAs provide individual residents the opportunity to buy local produce all season long, but also provide advanced support to local farmers such as the Normans. It is a mutually beneficial relationship to both the local farmer and the community at large.
Wisconsin Fourth-Graders Boycott School Lunch
Read article here.
Begin Summary:
Fourth-grade students at Nuestro Mundo Elementary School in Madison, WI protested against the unhealthy food that is served in their school’s cafeteria. They boycotted by staying behind in class during recess and enjoying a home-cooked meal. Fourth-grader Sierra Mueller-Owens told The Capital Times that “We had planned really good meals [for the protest], and I was hoping a lot of people would enjoy it.”
Unfortunately, the school district’s assistant superintendent alerted parents and school administrators and asked them to discourage the event.
It has come to light that student protests against unhealthy school lunches have been cropping up all over the country.
The article also raises the fact that the the Child Nutrition Act, which is the bill that funds and sets standards for the National School Lunch Program, is up for reauthorization.
End Summary
The addition I would add to the article would be a bullet list of some or all of the other nationwide student protests. This would add legitimacy to the issue, especially if you found a protest in your local area.
I agree with the story and think it’s a shame that the students have to be the ones who fight for healthy food instead of their parents. Also, it’s disheartening, but not surprising, that the school bureaucracy would discourage the boycotting of unhealthy food for their students.
Begin Summary:
Fourth-grade students at Nuestro Mundo Elementary School in Madison, WI protested against the unhealthy food that is served in their school’s cafeteria. They boycotted by staying behind in class during recess and enjoying a home-cooked meal. Fourth-grader Sierra Mueller-Owens told The Capital Times that “We had planned really good meals [for the protest], and I was hoping a lot of people would enjoy it.”
Unfortunately, the school district’s assistant superintendent alerted parents and school administrators and asked them to discourage the event.
It has come to light that student protests against unhealthy school lunches have been cropping up all over the country.
The article also raises the fact that the the Child Nutrition Act, which is the bill that funds and sets standards for the National School Lunch Program, is up for reauthorization.
End Summary
The addition I would add to the article would be a bullet list of some or all of the other nationwide student protests. This would add legitimacy to the issue, especially if you found a protest in your local area.
I agree with the story and think it’s a shame that the students have to be the ones who fight for healthy food instead of their parents. Also, it’s disheartening, but not surprising, that the school bureaucracy would discourage the boycotting of unhealthy food for their students.
Nonlinear Story Conceptualization
My nonlinear story will contain an article on A Cook’s Café, the only Locavore restaurant I am able to find in Annapolis.
I will also add another article on something else. I will let you know as soon as I find out.
My FAQ page will include questions regarding Locavores and organics.
I will also map out the locations of many of the area farmers markets and Locavore restaurants.
I will also add another article on something else. I will let you know as soon as I find out.
My FAQ page will include questions regarding Locavores and organics.
I will also map out the locations of many of the area farmers markets and Locavore restaurants.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Feature Story Summary
My feature story involved a visit to the FreshFarm Market at the city dock in downtown Annapolis. I interviewed a few of the farmers offering their products to enthusiastic customers.
I learned from one farmer why she chooses to sell at farmers markets as opposed to selling to restaurants where customer loyalty is mostly nonexistent.
A chicken farmer tells what it was like to raise chickens for a large chicken corporation and why he doesn’t do it anymore.
I encourage you to read my feature story here (check back after 6/17/09 for link).
I learned from one farmer why she chooses to sell at farmers markets as opposed to selling to restaurants where customer loyalty is mostly nonexistent.
A chicken farmer tells what it was like to raise chickens for a large chicken corporation and why he doesn’t do it anymore.
I encourage you to read my feature story here (check back after 6/17/09 for link).
Audio Story Summary
My audio story focuses on the true definition of organic fruits and vegetables. I interviewed Joan and Drew Norman, the owners of One Straw Farm, the largest organic farm in Maryland.
We learn from Joan what “organic” truly means, and from Drew, why he chooses to farm organically as opposed to conventional farming where pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers are used.
If you are confused as to what “organic” really means I encourage you to listen to my audio story here (check back after 6/17/09 for link) and then dazzle your friends with your new found knowledge.
We learn from Joan what “organic” truly means, and from Drew, why he chooses to farm organically as opposed to conventional farming where pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers are used.
If you are confused as to what “organic” really means I encourage you to listen to my audio story here (check back after 6/17/09 for link) and then dazzle your friends with your new found knowledge.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Video Editing Techniques
I watched Frontline: Breaking the Bank on PBS. The video editing technique used that was most intriguing to me was the use of aerial views of downtown New York, headquarters of various banking institutions, and the shot of Manhattan’s Columbus Circle, which was used numerous times throughout the show.
The numerous aerial views were used, I believe, to symbolize the enormity of the banking crisis with the players, or culprits, shown through huge lavish skyscrapers. The shots of Columbus Circle are interesting as it is a major transportation hub in Manhattan, so it fits within the context of the story. It also fits metaphorically using the circle to convey the infinite nature of the crisis where everyone seems to be chasing their tail.
The broad overview shots were usually followed by black and white still shots of bank CEOs or Treasury Secretary Paulson. I believe these shots were used to depersonalize these people and keep the mood of the documentary as desensitized as possible. The black and white photos also lend credibility to the story as it plays out more as a news story with shots that could also appear in a hard print newspaper.
The numerous aerial views were used, I believe, to symbolize the enormity of the banking crisis with the players, or culprits, shown through huge lavish skyscrapers. The shots of Columbus Circle are interesting as it is a major transportation hub in Manhattan, so it fits within the context of the story. It also fits metaphorically using the circle to convey the infinite nature of the crisis where everyone seems to be chasing their tail.
The broad overview shots were usually followed by black and white still shots of bank CEOs or Treasury Secretary Paulson. I believe these shots were used to depersonalize these people and keep the mood of the documentary as desensitized as possible. The black and white photos also lend credibility to the story as it plays out more as a news story with shots that could also appear in a hard print newspaper.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Beat Audio Story
I am considering interviewing one of the organizers of a local farmers market to find out the process and amount of effort that is put into organizing and sustaining a viable local farmers market.
Beat News Article Summary
'Locavores' Want Power to Shape Food Policy
Article Published: Tue, May. 26, 2009 02:00AM
Article Summary:
The North Carolina State Legislature is crafting a legislation to create a 24-person Sustainable Local Food Policy Council. The senate bill passed in early May and the House is now taking up that version. The idea of a policy change came after a series of regional meetings across the state on how to support in-state food economies.
The regional meetings culminated in a two-day statewide summit in Raleigh on May 11 and 12 sponsored by the Center for Environmental Farming Systems. Nancy Creamer, director of CEFS, says those meetings were used to determine the best ways to support local sustainable farmers. But now, Creamer says, a food policy council is needed to put those ideas into action.
"Now the work has to happen to get things done," Creamer said.
The Senate bill directs the food policy council to study policies such as, public school food programs, public assistance such as food stamp usage for sustainable foods amongst other issues.
Analysis:
I do agree that some type of uniformity is needed in order to identify and educate all parties involved in the sustainability of local food economies.
There is one thing I found contradictory in the story, probably through no fault of the reporter, but more likely the policy writers; one of the directives of the senate bill was to study, “How to overcome regulatory and policy barriers for farmers and entrepreneurs who produce local sustainable food.” So part of the new policy would be how to overcome the new policy.
Article Published: Tue, May. 26, 2009 02:00AM
Article Summary:
The North Carolina State Legislature is crafting a legislation to create a 24-person Sustainable Local Food Policy Council. The senate bill passed in early May and the House is now taking up that version. The idea of a policy change came after a series of regional meetings across the state on how to support in-state food economies.
The regional meetings culminated in a two-day statewide summit in Raleigh on May 11 and 12 sponsored by the Center for Environmental Farming Systems. Nancy Creamer, director of CEFS, says those meetings were used to determine the best ways to support local sustainable farmers. But now, Creamer says, a food policy council is needed to put those ideas into action.
"Now the work has to happen to get things done," Creamer said.
The Senate bill directs the food policy council to study policies such as, public school food programs, public assistance such as food stamp usage for sustainable foods amongst other issues.
Analysis:
I do agree that some type of uniformity is needed in order to identify and educate all parties involved in the sustainability of local food economies.
There is one thing I found contradictory in the story, probably through no fault of the reporter, but more likely the policy writers; one of the directives of the senate bill was to study, “How to overcome regulatory and policy barriers for farmers and entrepreneurs who produce local sustainable food.” So part of the new policy would be how to overcome the new policy.
Broadcast Style Leads
Print Lead #1
The Obama administration signaled Sunday that it was seeking a way to interdict, possibly with China’s help, North Korean sea and air shipments suspected of carrying weapons or nuclear technology.
Broadcast Lead #1
President Obama will try to block North Korean shipments suspected of carrying nuclear weapons.
Print Lead #2
Eighteen people were killed in a shootout between drug gangs and soldiers in the Mexican beach resort of Acapulco, the army said Sunday.
Broadcast Lead #2
If you have plans on visiting Acapulco, you might want to rethink those plans because 16 people were killed there in a gun battle between drug gangs and soldiers
Print Lead #3
So, in search of a more diverse and accomplished student body, Loyola has joined a growing list of colleges and universities that no longer require applicants to submit an SAT or ACT score. Among Maryland schools, Goucher College, Salisbury University, Washington College, St. John's College and McDaniel College also practice forms of "test-optional" admissions.
Broadcast Lead #3
You can skip the stress from taking SATs by applying to Loyola College because the school just became an SAT-optional college.
The Obama administration signaled Sunday that it was seeking a way to interdict, possibly with China’s help, North Korean sea and air shipments suspected of carrying weapons or nuclear technology.
Broadcast Lead #1
President Obama will try to block North Korean shipments suspected of carrying nuclear weapons.
Print Lead #2
Eighteen people were killed in a shootout between drug gangs and soldiers in the Mexican beach resort of Acapulco, the army said Sunday.
Broadcast Lead #2
If you have plans on visiting Acapulco, you might want to rethink those plans because 16 people were killed there in a gun battle between drug gangs and soldiers
Print Lead #3
So, in search of a more diverse and accomplished student body, Loyola has joined a growing list of colleges and universities that no longer require applicants to submit an SAT or ACT score. Among Maryland schools, Goucher College, Salisbury University, Washington College, St. John's College and McDaniel College also practice forms of "test-optional" admissions.
Broadcast Lead #3
You can skip the stress from taking SATs by applying to Loyola College because the school just became an SAT-optional college.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Original Beat (Locavore) Blog Post
The term Locavore was coined two years ago by a group of four women in San Francisco who proposed that local residents should try to eat only food grown or produced within a 100 mile radius, according to NovaNewsNow.com.
Not only the term, Locavore – named 2007 word of the year by the Oxford American Dictionary – spread virally across the country; the concept, sometimes called Localvore, has become even more popular.
Farmers markets are becoming almost as ubiquitous as Starbucks in many cities. These farmers markets provide city residents fresh produce grown on farmlands located just outside of most cities. Now city residents can access fresh farm products without having to drive out to "the country."
One example of a farmers market is the FRESHFARM Market located on Compromise Street on the Harbor in downtown Annapolis. The market offers fresh fruits and vegetables, mushrooms, baked goods, crab, meats, eggs, cheese, flowers and more from farmers and producers in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
There are also an increasing number of restaurants that have embraced the Locavore concept. As the general public becomes more environmentally conscious, Baltimore restaurants such as the Woodberry Kitchen and Gertrude’s offer customers a place to enjoy delicious, locally grown food.
The largest organic vegetable farm in Maryland, One Straw Farm, is located in White Hall. Drew and Joan Norman have provided locally grown, organic produce since 1985. One Straw Farm is one of the main providers of local vegetables for both the Woodberry Kitchen and Gertrude’s.
Editor's Note: The above post contains "original reporting" collected from various websites. Through no lack of effort, original data and/or quotes were not forthcoming. The above posted "original reporting" shall serve as a substitute for intended "original reporting," hopefully.
Not only the term, Locavore – named 2007 word of the year by the Oxford American Dictionary – spread virally across the country; the concept, sometimes called Localvore, has become even more popular.
Farmers markets are becoming almost as ubiquitous as Starbucks in many cities. These farmers markets provide city residents fresh produce grown on farmlands located just outside of most cities. Now city residents can access fresh farm products without having to drive out to "the country."
One example of a farmers market is the FRESHFARM Market located on Compromise Street on the Harbor in downtown Annapolis. The market offers fresh fruits and vegetables, mushrooms, baked goods, crab, meats, eggs, cheese, flowers and more from farmers and producers in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
There are also an increasing number of restaurants that have embraced the Locavore concept. As the general public becomes more environmentally conscious, Baltimore restaurants such as the Woodberry Kitchen and Gertrude’s offer customers a place to enjoy delicious, locally grown food.
The largest organic vegetable farm in Maryland, One Straw Farm, is located in White Hall. Drew and Joan Norman have provided locally grown, organic produce since 1985. One Straw Farm is one of the main providers of local vegetables for both the Woodberry Kitchen and Gertrude’s.
Editor's Note: The above post contains "original reporting" collected from various websites. Through no lack of effort, original data and/or quotes were not forthcoming. The above posted "original reporting" shall serve as a substitute for intended "original reporting," hopefully.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Ideas for Beat
I would like to feature a genuine Locavore in the Annapolis area, if I can locate one in time. Also, I want to interview the owners of an organic farm who provide local produce to area restaurants. I would also like to pursue a story featuring an area restaurant, such as Woodberry Kitchen or Gertrude’s that serve only local fruits and vegetables.
Wall Street Journal Formula
The following article is an example of the Wall Street Journal Formula:
For Car Dealers, the Hardest Sell Is on the Hill
This article fits the WSJ formula because it starts out with a descriptive lead of Jack Fitzgerald, owner of nine Washington area car dealerships.
The nut graph is revealed beginning in paragraph three regarding the closing of thousands of car dealerships by GM, Chrysler and the US Government.
Supporting information follows.
The story returns to Fitzgerald at the end to complete the WSJ formula.
For Car Dealers, the Hardest Sell Is on the Hill
This article fits the WSJ formula because it starts out with a descriptive lead of Jack Fitzgerald, owner of nine Washington area car dealerships.
The nut graph is revealed beginning in paragraph three regarding the closing of thousands of car dealerships by GM, Chrysler and the US Government.
Supporting information follows.
The story returns to Fitzgerald at the end to complete the WSJ formula.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Summary Lead vs. Feature Lead
The difference between a summary lead and a feature lead is mostly in the order in which the main facts are disseminated. Also, the summary lead is used for hard news writing, whereas the feature lead is mainly used for softer news or where emotions such as empathy is the preferred method to draw in the reader.
The summary lead format requires that all of the most important facts are stated at the beginning of the news story with facts of lesser importance following further down in the story.
The feature lead draws the reader in with a more creative approach by setting up the story using techniques such as empathy or familiarity in the first few paragraphs before revealing the nut graph in the third or fourth paragraph.
Feature Lead example #1
Feature Lead Example #2
The summary lead format requires that all of the most important facts are stated at the beginning of the news story with facts of lesser importance following further down in the story.
The feature lead draws the reader in with a more creative approach by setting up the story using techniques such as empathy or familiarity in the first few paragraphs before revealing the nut graph in the third or fourth paragraph.
Feature Lead example #1
Feature Lead Example #2
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Nick's Beat
The envelope please (drum roll)…Nick’s 2009 MCOM 258 beat is Localvore, or is it Locavore. Apparently, there exists a difference of opinion on the spelling of this new subculture, but the means to the end is the same. For the record, my beat is Locavores and will use the Locavore spelling because this is the spelling that dictionary.com and the Oxford American Dictionary - which chose Locavore as the 2007 Word of the Year – designate as the formal spelling.
What exactly is a Locavore? According to dictionary.com, the formal definition is “a person who attempt to eat only foods grown locally.” My beat will focus on the Locavore methodology; basically, the underlying principles and rules for this dietary lifestyle. I will also profile one or more Locavores, local farmer(s), and hopefully, a restaurant owner or manager that run their restaurant according to Locavore principles.
In the end, my goal is to educate readers about Locavores and the many aspects involved in sustaining this lifestyle. Hopefully, this will lend readers the ability to make an informed decision as to whether the Locavore lifestyle is the right choice for them and their families.
What exactly is a Locavore? According to dictionary.com, the formal definition is “a person who attempt to eat only foods grown locally.” My beat will focus on the Locavore methodology; basically, the underlying principles and rules for this dietary lifestyle. I will also profile one or more Locavores, local farmer(s), and hopefully, a restaurant owner or manager that run their restaurant according to Locavore principles.
In the end, my goal is to educate readers about Locavores and the many aspects involved in sustaining this lifestyle. Hopefully, this will lend readers the ability to make an informed decision as to whether the Locavore lifestyle is the right choice for them and their families.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Intro
My name is Nick Hirnickel. I am a Mass Comm (Journalism & New Media track) major at Towson U. I am a full time student and also work full time as a research analyst at a competitive intelligence consulting firm.
During this crash course summer semester I hope to extend the knowledge I gained in MCOM 257. I also want to refine my interview skills. I tend to zone out after I pose questions to an interviewee. It wouldn't be the first time I have been accused of selective listening.
During this crash course summer semester I hope to extend the knowledge I gained in MCOM 257. I also want to refine my interview skills. I tend to zone out after I pose questions to an interviewee. It wouldn't be the first time I have been accused of selective listening.
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