January 2010
31 posts
Rereading
Adrian Nicole LeBlanc’s Random Family
I first read portions of LeBlanc’s book describing life in the Bronx for one family during a journalism class sophomore year. U of I has what I think is a stupid policy requiring lectures attached to all labs.
This particular professor decided to make his lecture into a book club … except he did most of the talking. That discouraged most...
Having one of those
weeks where you feel exhausted without accomplishing much? Me too.
Why the Internet generation sided with Conan...
kiyoshimartinez:
The story about the battle between Conan O’Brien and NBC is one that we simply couldn’t resist taking sides on — and it obviously wasn’t going to be with the network, or Jay Leno.
Conan was made promises by powers greater than himself, and he bought into this idea that he’d have a job — a dream job at that — where he could be himself and given a fair chance to succeed. He did...
Business card essentials
Any tips on what to include/what not to include? Keep in mind I’m an intern until the end of June, but ideally these cards could help me stay in touch with sources and potential job contacts afterwards.
Include “intern” or label myself something else entirely?
Specify when my internship ends?
Other tips?
Watchkiyoshimartinez:
fishy:
I apologize if I’m not the first to post this, but oh. my god. Conan O’Brien introduces a new segment on his show, “Mini Dose of Joy”, with PUPPIES DRESSED AS CATS.
This is why Conan deserves to keep his time slot and Leno ought to be canceled forever. Would you rather watch this or Jaywalking? I think the choice is clear.
Obama and LOST
me: So, LOST fans... Huge jerks, or completely justified? GO!
Jeremy: Maybe it's part of the show. Maybe Obama's in on it.
me: Haha, helping hype the premiere.
Jeremy: He's giving the news conference, but then he's kidnapped. And wakes up on the island.
me: Haha!
Jeremy: PLOT TWIST!
me: No one would see that coming. And then he has to run for island president.
Jeremy: Hahaha.
me: But no black man has ever been president of the island before! And the island has never had a president! And The Others start a tea party.
Jeremy: And he has ACORN.
me: And he's linked to the smoke monster.
Jeremy: Hahaha.
me: And there's vicious rumors that he wasn't even BORN on the island!
Jeremy: Clearly, airline security is a major issue among his voters. That could hurt him.
me: Indeed and that'll be a weakness Jack will try to exploit. Until Kate goes maverick.
Jeremy: Hahahaha.
me: Dude, I think we just came up with a better conclusion to LOST than the producers ever will. And I haven't even seen LOST.
Jeremy: Nor have I.
The professor and the prosecutor
Great story from Chicago Magazine about the ongoing legal battle between Professor David Protess of Northwestern University and Cook County prosecutor Anita Alvarez.
Taking a class about how wrongful convictions occur last semester removed some of my objectivity on this issue. I certainly wouldn’t have been pleased with a prosecutor questioning work that my classmates did to uncover the...
Chicago dailies can't agree on gov candidates
Surprising, I know.
Sun-Times: Quinn for the Dems and Dillard for the Republicans
Tribune: Neither, thanks for the Dems and McKenna for the Republicans
Muse
There is a tone of voice that reporters develop whenever they’re tracking something interesting or just find out something unexpected. Maybe “normal” people can’t even detect it - I can’t even really describe exactly what I mean - but it always brings a smile to my face. Luckily I get to work in a place surrounded by people who do for the next six months.
2/3 done with week one
It’s quiet in Springfield. Primary campaigns are just getting back on their feet after the holidays and lawmakers don’t come back in town until next Tuesday. Still, it’s been a good couple days adjusting and getting to know the P-D’s bureau chief. And working on my first story, which will hopefully run tomorrow or Thursday.
Man, I missed reporting. (Insert sigh of...
Another idea for 2010?
Recently stumbled across CaseyCulture and really love the idea of fostering dogs from shelters. Unfortunately my apartment building doesn’t technically allow pets :-/ and my work hours aren’t exactly volunteering-friendly this semester.
Any ideas about other things I can do?
Brr
It’s so cold in Chicago that the sewers are doing that weird steam thing. Gross.
Resolutions for 2010 (because I need them...
Take more pictures. Especially with boyfriend. I feel like we have about 20 total for two years…not exactly a solid ratio. (Did okay last night til camera died just before midnight - awesome timing.)
Keep updating resume/clips Web site during St. Louis P-D internship. Adding dozens of articles all at once sucks.
Related - Get on the front page at least once. I’m being conservative...