The next story for feature writing is profile. I've been trying to get a hold of Tony who I met at LBCC.
He's been working on an art project that's supposed to start this September in Corvallis. I'll be interviewing about details of the project, his background, the purpose of the project, and what he hopes for people in Corvallis by doing this project.
Sources
Tony
Angela (Tony's best friend)
Kyle (Tony's roommate)
Others who are working on an art project
Questions
1. What do you do?
2. Why did you decide to work on this project?
3. How did you come up with this project?
4. When will you finish this project?
5. What is your background?
Eric Scott Mckinley Skate Park
Facebook
Friday, January 28, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Three tips from Stephen King that I can use for feature writing
"It ain't how much you've got, honey, it's how you use it."
I've never read Stephen King's books before just because I'm not a fan of fiction, but his book "On Writing" which is his memoir has taught me some tips.
The quote above is one of advices that I'd like to keep in mind. Having a wide vocabulary knowledge is always helpful, but it's more important to know how well I use all vocabraries I know. Though English is not my first language, strong vocabulary ability comes handy. I believe it's the same case in my native language.
Speaking of English as a second language, Stephen's advice for grammar is another thing I'd like to use. Stephen emphasized on simple sentences. When I write a story, I try not write a simple sentence such as a subject and a verb as less frequently as possible. But Stephen recommends a use of simple sentences because it doesn't exhaust readers.
The last thing to remember is to rewrite. If the way a paragraph seems dull, all I have to do is fix it. That what is rewriting is about. Whether I write a fiction, nonfiction, or an essay, I'm allowed to revise it as many times as I want. After all keep polishing a shoe makes it shiny enough to attract buyers.
Stephen King's Website
Biography
I've never read Stephen King's books before just because I'm not a fan of fiction, but his book "On Writing" which is his memoir has taught me some tips.
The quote above is one of advices that I'd like to keep in mind. Having a wide vocabulary knowledge is always helpful, but it's more important to know how well I use all vocabraries I know. Though English is not my first language, strong vocabulary ability comes handy. I believe it's the same case in my native language.
Speaking of English as a second language, Stephen's advice for grammar is another thing I'd like to use. Stephen emphasized on simple sentences. When I write a story, I try not write a simple sentence such as a subject and a verb as less frequently as possible. But Stephen recommends a use of simple sentences because it doesn't exhaust readers.
The last thing to remember is to rewrite. If the way a paragraph seems dull, all I have to do is fix it. That what is rewriting is about. Whether I write a fiction, nonfiction, or an essay, I'm allowed to revise it as many times as I want. After all keep polishing a shoe makes it shiny enough to attract buyers.
Stephen King's Website
Biography
Friday, January 21, 2011
Roxy Dawgs Not Just A Regular Hot Dog Stand
As soon as I walked in, an appetizing smell of grilled sausages almost had me drooling.
Roxy Dawgs is a hot dog restaurant located on 14th and Monroe in Corvallis. It opened on the 5th of December last year. Named after the owner's dog, Roxy Dawgs serves the varieties of hot dogs and sauces to choose from. There are six kinds of mustards! Moreover, there are many choices of fillings that are self-served. For those who are not a fan of meat, salads are also on the menu.
Although I don't like spicy food very much, Chicken Habenero Jack tasted excellent.
The sausage was made with chicken, spicy peppers and jack cheese.
After I was served this hot chicken sausage in a bun, I got to pick whatever fillings I wanted, so I topped it off with diced onions, tomatoes and some ketchup.
The sausage tasted like a chicken steak. Although a hot dog was only about 6- inches long, it was as good as a feast. Plus it was less spicy than I expected and rather delicious!
"The varieties of hot dogs and our smiling faces are the most fascinating thing about this restaurant." said Barbara Whitted, the manager of Roxy Dawgs.
For the 9 varieties sausages, the price is fairly affordable at $3.95. Besides, many fillings are available, such as red onions, sport peppers, sauerkraut, dill relish, and sweet relish.
The Lunch Special which is a sausage, a drink, and a salad or potato chips is popular among college students. It costs $5.95 and is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The restaurant is open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday, Friday, Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Come on in hungry and make your hot dog yummy!
What : Roxy Dawgs
Where : 14th and Monroe in Corvallis, OR
When: Monday - Wednesday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Thursday - Saturday 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Sunday 11a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sausages : Smoked Kielbasa - Pork, beef, onion, herbs and spices
Louisiana Red Hot - Beef and three kinds of pepper
Veggie Dawg - Meatless soy and wheat dog
Chicken Apple Gouda - Chicken, juicy bits of apple and fresh Gouda cheese
Green Salads : Veggie Salad $2.95 - Spring mix with shredded carrots and red cabbage
Caesar Salad $3.25 - Romaine cascade mix greens with parmesan and croutons
NW Special $3.95 - Spring mix with blue cheese, dried cranberries and hazelnuts
Website
Facebook
The Daily Barometer
Mid-Valley Newspapers
Roxy Dawgs is a hot dog restaurant located on 14th and Monroe in Corvallis. It opened on the 5th of December last year. Named after the owner's dog, Roxy Dawgs serves the varieties of hot dogs and sauces to choose from. There are six kinds of mustards! Moreover, there are many choices of fillings that are self-served. For those who are not a fan of meat, salads are also on the menu.
Although I don't like spicy food very much, Chicken Habenero Jack tasted excellent.
The sausage was made with chicken, spicy peppers and jack cheese.
After I was served this hot chicken sausage in a bun, I got to pick whatever fillings I wanted, so I topped it off with diced onions, tomatoes and some ketchup.
The sausage tasted like a chicken steak. Although a hot dog was only about 6- inches long, it was as good as a feast. Plus it was less spicy than I expected and rather delicious!
"The varieties of hot dogs and our smiling faces are the most fascinating thing about this restaurant." said Barbara Whitted, the manager of Roxy Dawgs.
For the 9 varieties sausages, the price is fairly affordable at $3.95. Besides, many fillings are available, such as red onions, sport peppers, sauerkraut, dill relish, and sweet relish.
The Lunch Special which is a sausage, a drink, and a salad or potato chips is popular among college students. It costs $5.95 and is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The restaurant is open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday, Friday, Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Come on in hungry and make your hot dog yummy!
What : Roxy Dawgs
Where : 14th and Monroe in Corvallis, OR
When: Monday - Wednesday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Thursday - Saturday 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Sunday 11a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sausages : Smoked Kielbasa - Pork, beef, onion, herbs and spices
Louisiana Red Hot - Beef and three kinds of pepper
Veggie Dawg - Meatless soy and wheat dog
Chicken Apple Gouda - Chicken, juicy bits of apple and fresh Gouda cheese
Green Salads : Veggie Salad $2.95 - Spring mix with shredded carrots and red cabbage
Caesar Salad $3.25 - Romaine cascade mix greens with parmesan and croutons
NW Special $3.95 - Spring mix with blue cheese, dried cranberries and hazelnuts
Website
The Daily Barometer
Mid-Valley Newspapers
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
3 Things I've Learned So Far In Feature Writing
It's only week 3, but feature writing class has given me some dilemma and struggles.
I was assuming that feature writing was gonna be easier than the news reporting and writing because of varieties of stories, however, like many say, an assumption is not always right. I had a slightly bitter experience in interviewing as well as difficulties in putting informations in a story effectively.
The hardest part was when I had to think of what would be an intriguing story for readers to entertain. Feature writing focuses on timeless stories whereas timely matters in news reporting. I puzzled for a while. As I was writing a first story, I got stuck. The story was boring. If I was a reader, I wouldn't be reading after the third paragraph. Even though I had tons of information from interviewing 3 people, I still wasn't able to make the story worth reading. I learned that it's better to know what you really want to tell to the readers.
On the other hand, the fun part of feature writing is I can pick any type of stories such as narrative, color story, review, investigative and evaluation. The stories are available anywhere. Since anyone has a story, it's easy to get an idea of what to write.
The last thing I learned was that the language can get someone wrong about what you actually meant in a sentence. For example, because of my language usage, a description of interviewee appeared to him came off inappropriate. Depends on the word I choose, the connotation can be different, so I need to be careful with word choice.
Yes, It's only week 3. I'm not going to let my inner conflict stop me from writing.
Feature story exercises and samples
How to write under stress
Where to find story ideas
I was assuming that feature writing was gonna be easier than the news reporting and writing because of varieties of stories, however, like many say, an assumption is not always right. I had a slightly bitter experience in interviewing as well as difficulties in putting informations in a story effectively.
The hardest part was when I had to think of what would be an intriguing story for readers to entertain. Feature writing focuses on timeless stories whereas timely matters in news reporting. I puzzled for a while. As I was writing a first story, I got stuck. The story was boring. If I was a reader, I wouldn't be reading after the third paragraph. Even though I had tons of information from interviewing 3 people, I still wasn't able to make the story worth reading. I learned that it's better to know what you really want to tell to the readers.
On the other hand, the fun part of feature writing is I can pick any type of stories such as narrative, color story, review, investigative and evaluation. The stories are available anywhere. Since anyone has a story, it's easy to get an idea of what to write.
The last thing I learned was that the language can get someone wrong about what you actually meant in a sentence. For example, because of my language usage, a description of interviewee appeared to him came off inappropriate. Depends on the word I choose, the connotation can be different, so I need to be careful with word choice.
Yes, It's only week 3. I'm not going to let my inner conflict stop me from writing.
Feature story exercises and samples
How to write under stress
Where to find story ideas
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Military Veterans at LBCC
Going to college after years of being away from education is a turning point not only to those who graduated from high school long ago but also to veterans.
Interviewing returned military veterans reminded me of that learning is our lifetime project, so it's never too late to start learning.
There are approximately 250 veterans who go to LBCC every term. Those military veterans I interviewed had commonality of values: passion for the military, willingness to work for success, and confidence in themselves. Regardless of their age, there was a strong desire to learn. There was a gumption to pursue their goals in college. They were polite, respectful, courteous, and proud.
"I'm an approachable, eccentric person."
Jeb Oliver, 22-years old has been a student at LBCC since 2008. Because he has a background in variety of fields, he has had a job as a tutor at the learning center in history, speech, sociology, political science, reading, and philosophy.
Also, he has a dedication to serve the country. He served in the National Guard for four years and was going to make a career in the military until disease shifted his plan.
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, he experienced many moves. He has lived in Florida, Georgia, and Turkey.
"I'd love to go to Turkey again."
He lived in Turkey for two years going to the International Department of Defense School.
Family background influenced Oliver to join the National Guard. He comes from a long lineage military personnel, and his devotion to the military reaches all the way back from his ancestors to his father.
"They are inspirational men, my great role models, honorable men."
Part of his military duty included officiating 400 funerals.
The National Guard taught him self-discipline, loyalty and hospitality. He was trained to go to Iraq, but the plan sank out of his sight when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
"I was so looking forward to going to Iraq."
His circumstance pointed him to think of what's next; returning to college.
Currently, his major is history. He wants to become a history professor. He likes hunting, painting, fishing, and reading.
"I'm a connoisseur of life."
With one more term left at LBCC, Oliver is planning on transferring to PSU.
"To me college is a gateway to better things."
Oliver is not the only veteran who happened to encounter a changeover.
As the president of the Veterans Club at LBCC, David Mayotte, 23 years old, served in the United States Marine Corps for four years.
"The military is a tradition in my family."as he says, he is a 6th generation of service man.
"Anyone who wants to serve the country should join the U.S. Marine Corps."
The service sent him to Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Iraq, Burma, Mexico, Australia, and Singapore. Being shipped all over the world gave him a chance to learn how to cope with language barriers and see different cultures.
He learned the life skills from the Navy that helped him grow up.
"You'll grow exponentially. You get mature faster than usual."
Oliver and Mayotte have been very good friends ever since they met through the veterans club. There are 18members in the club, and he'd love to continue being involved.
Psychology, health and first-aid are his favorite subject, and he likes playing games, watching movies, and listening to country music.
David describes himself as "I'm a pretty normal fella."
Like Oliver and Mayotte, going to college was a transition that Bill Stanley never imagined.
"I never believed that I'd go back to school."
Stanley, the former navy crew, decided to go back to college after he left the navy due to an injury. He served in the navy for six years committed to his obligations around the world. With a dislocation of his right knee tearing meniscus and muscles and rupturing two discs in his back, he had to make an end to his military career.
By meeting other veterans like Oliver and Mayotte at school, he found brotherhood and camaraderie again that he had missed.
"I don't want to be dramatic, but college saved my life."
He is married raising two children. He enjoys his classes and is looking forward to his future college life. Decision on going back to school at the age of 35 made him nervous just a nip, but his courage was unshakable.
"Education is worthwhile. Don't let your age stop from not going to school."
This is his second year at LBCC, and Stanley is planning on studying sociology with the focus on criminology at OSU.
"If you want to give it a shot, you should apply for it because it's going to help you later in life."
Even granting that college wasn't a primary goal for them, it's no doubt that education was a ticket to a new beginning of their lives.
What : Military veterans who have returned to college after they got out of the military
Who: Jeb Oliver, David Moyatte, Bill Stanley
When : Present
Where : Linn-Benton Community College
Veteran Education Resources
LBCC Veteran Service Officer
LBCC Contact List for Veterans
Associated Veteran Community Advisor Jim Bell (E-mail)
Associated Veteran Community Advisor Lewis Franklin (E-mail)
Interviewing returned military veterans reminded me of that learning is our lifetime project, so it's never too late to start learning.
There are approximately 250 veterans who go to LBCC every term. Those military veterans I interviewed had commonality of values: passion for the military, willingness to work for success, and confidence in themselves. Regardless of their age, there was a strong desire to learn. There was a gumption to pursue their goals in college. They were polite, respectful, courteous, and proud.
"I'm an approachable, eccentric person."
Jeb Oliver, 22-years old has been a student at LBCC since 2008. Because he has a background in variety of fields, he has had a job as a tutor at the learning center in history, speech, sociology, political science, reading, and philosophy.
Also, he has a dedication to serve the country. He served in the National Guard for four years and was going to make a career in the military until disease shifted his plan.
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, he experienced many moves. He has lived in Florida, Georgia, and Turkey.
"I'd love to go to Turkey again."
He lived in Turkey for two years going to the International Department of Defense School.
Family background influenced Oliver to join the National Guard. He comes from a long lineage military personnel, and his devotion to the military reaches all the way back from his ancestors to his father.
"They are inspirational men, my great role models, honorable men."
Part of his military duty included officiating 400 funerals.
The National Guard taught him self-discipline, loyalty and hospitality. He was trained to go to Iraq, but the plan sank out of his sight when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
"I was so looking forward to going to Iraq."
His circumstance pointed him to think of what's next; returning to college.
Currently, his major is history. He wants to become a history professor. He likes hunting, painting, fishing, and reading.
"I'm a connoisseur of life."
With one more term left at LBCC, Oliver is planning on transferring to PSU.
"To me college is a gateway to better things."
Oliver is not the only veteran who happened to encounter a changeover.
As the president of the Veterans Club at LBCC, David Mayotte, 23 years old, served in the United States Marine Corps for four years.
"The military is a tradition in my family."as he says, he is a 6th generation of service man.
"Anyone who wants to serve the country should join the U.S. Marine Corps."
The service sent him to Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Iraq, Burma, Mexico, Australia, and Singapore. Being shipped all over the world gave him a chance to learn how to cope with language barriers and see different cultures.
He learned the life skills from the Navy that helped him grow up.
"You'll grow exponentially. You get mature faster than usual."
Oliver and Mayotte have been very good friends ever since they met through the veterans club. There are 18members in the club, and he'd love to continue being involved.
Psychology, health and first-aid are his favorite subject, and he likes playing games, watching movies, and listening to country music.
David describes himself as "I'm a pretty normal fella."
Like Oliver and Mayotte, going to college was a transition that Bill Stanley never imagined.
"I never believed that I'd go back to school."
Stanley, the former navy crew, decided to go back to college after he left the navy due to an injury. He served in the navy for six years committed to his obligations around the world. With a dislocation of his right knee tearing meniscus and muscles and rupturing two discs in his back, he had to make an end to his military career.
By meeting other veterans like Oliver and Mayotte at school, he found brotherhood and camaraderie again that he had missed.
"I don't want to be dramatic, but college saved my life."
He is married raising two children. He enjoys his classes and is looking forward to his future college life. Decision on going back to school at the age of 35 made him nervous just a nip, but his courage was unshakable.
"Education is worthwhile. Don't let your age stop from not going to school."
This is his second year at LBCC, and Stanley is planning on studying sociology with the focus on criminology at OSU.
"If you want to give it a shot, you should apply for it because it's going to help you later in life."
Even granting that college wasn't a primary goal for them, it's no doubt that education was a ticket to a new beginning of their lives.
What : Military veterans who have returned to college after they got out of the military
Who: Jeb Oliver, David Moyatte, Bill Stanley
When : Present
Where : Linn-Benton Community College
Veteran Education Resources
LBCC Veteran Service Officer
LBCC Contact List for Veterans
Associated Veteran Community Advisor Jim Bell (E-mail)
Associated Veteran Community Advisor Lewis Franklin (E-mail)
Thursday, January 6, 2011
First story for feature writing
Topic: Returning to college after serving in the military
Sources: Jeb Oliver
His couple of friends who have come back to LBCC after their duties.
His roommates who have served in Iraq last year and has returned to LBCC.
Some veteran services at LBCC
Questions: Why did you join the military?
How long were you in the military?
How did you feel about returning to school?
What's your major?
In what way did experiences in the military change you?
Did it make you grow as a person?
What are the benefits of being in the military?
Has any of your family member joined the military?
Would you want to serve in the military again?
Have you ever wanted to quit the military?
What do you wish to learn in school?
Nut Graph: Why he's returned to college, What's the most intriguing about him, What it means to them in terms of returning to college, In what way has the military changed them, Why is it important to join the military
Sources: Jeb Oliver
His couple of friends who have come back to LBCC after their duties.
His roommates who have served in Iraq last year and has returned to LBCC.
Some veteran services at LBCC
Questions: Why did you join the military?
How long were you in the military?
How did you feel about returning to school?
What's your major?
In what way did experiences in the military change you?
Did it make you grow as a person?
What are the benefits of being in the military?
Has any of your family member joined the military?
Would you want to serve in the military again?
Have you ever wanted to quit the military?
What do you wish to learn in school?
Nut Graph: Why he's returned to college, What's the most intriguing about him, What it means to them in terms of returning to college, In what way has the military changed them, Why is it important to join the military
The First Story for JN217 Feature Writing
Topic: Ambition as a Student Ambassdor
Sources: Khalifa Al-Flasi Student Ambassador at LBCC
Student Life and Leadership
Questions: The role of his job, his background, activities on student life and leadership, the best thing he's
done on this job, things that he learns from this job, his work schedule, his major, his college
life, why he applied for this job.
Nut Graph: How he's devoting himself to this job and committing himself to better LBCC.
Why he's working as a student ambassador, what motivates him.
Sources: Khalifa Al-Flasi Student Ambassador at LBCC
Student Life and Leadership
Questions: The role of his job, his background, activities on student life and leadership, the best thing he's
done on this job, things that he learns from this job, his work schedule, his major, his college
life, why he applied for this job.
Nut Graph: How he's devoting himself to this job and committing himself to better LBCC.
Why he's working as a student ambassador, what motivates him.
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