Friday, June 10, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
My Happy Place
A place where athletes are able to show their full potential and show their pride.
Where thousands of Spartan fans can come together and bleed green and white.
Where one University can become one.
Spartan Stadium; my favorite place on campus.
Saturdays at Michigan State University are the highlight of the fall. Students wake up at 8am to begin a long day of tailgating. Everyone is welcome. For the only time all week, homework and exams don't matter. The only thing that matters is cheering on Greg Jones and having faith in Kirk Cousins.
As fans, we are able to watch our fellow Spartans create a legacy. They may leave the green and white jersey behind to advance to the NFL, but MSU will always be in their hearts.
Where thousands of Spartan fans can come together and bleed green and white.
Where one University can become one.
Spartan Stadium; my favorite place on campus.
Fans are required to get loud and cheer for the guys in green. People from all over the state, all over the country, cheer along with the band yelling and screaming "GO GREEN."
Saturdays at Michigan State University are the highlight of the fall. Students wake up at 8am to begin a long day of tailgating. Everyone is welcome. For the only time all week, homework and exams don't matter. The only thing that matters is cheering on Greg Jones and having faith in Kirk Cousins.
Spartan Stadium is my happy place. As soon as I get past the security guards and get in line to get my student section bracelet, I'm in the zone. On the field the team is warming up and in the stands the fans are doing the same. I may not know the person sitting next to me or the person in front of me, but by the end of the game, we're likely to be Facebook friends. The student section is a community; it's a family.
As fans, we are able to watch our fellow Spartans create a legacy. They may leave the green and white jersey behind to advance to the NFL, but MSU will always be in their hearts.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Why Is It Required?
Karl Gude, a Journalism Instructor at MSU requires his JRN 203 students to sign up and use Twitter. He assigned the task on the first day of class and even associated it with a grade.
I passed, but only after I followed 10 Journalistic sources and tweeted. I just now realized the value of the assignment.
During an interview, I asked him why he assigned the task. He said that he believes his students need to know about Journalism beyond the typewriter.
Twitter is a powerful medium, and according to Gude, it is the best of both worlds and there are so many benefits.
The Twitter network is huge. You can follow and find almost anyone. Ideas can get passed from one person to the next and information can spread like wildfire through the re-tweeting process.
Gude said you Tweet a good lead to any story and it should instantly get the reader hooked.
I passed, but only after I followed 10 Journalistic sources and tweeted. I just now realized the value of the assignment.
During an interview, I asked him why he assigned the task. He said that he believes his students need to know about Journalism beyond the typewriter.
Twitter is a powerful medium, and according to Gude, it is the best of both worlds and there are so many benefits.
The Twitter network is huge. You can follow and find almost anyone. Ideas can get passed from one person to the next and information can spread like wildfire through the re-tweeting process.
Gude said you Tweet a good lead to any story and it should instantly get the reader hooked.
The Twitter Technique
Is there such a thing? Most definitely. Is it hard to master? Absolutely. If it's mastered, will it pay off? Without a doubt and The State News has done so.
Justin Harris, the Editor in Chief, said right now Twitter is one of the best ways to deliver news and he believes the State News has expanded their readership greatly because of the medium.
According to Harris, the State News has over 4,000 followers on their news Twitter and almost 1,500 on their sports Twitter. He believes they've gained readership from all over, not just the East Lansing area.
Harris also said he believes some people are checking the Twitter accounts and then checking the website or newspaper for more information.
Because the State News was able to develop a technique that engages and encourages readers, they are benefiting greatly.
Justin Harris, the Editor in Chief, said right now Twitter is one of the best ways to deliver news and he believes the State News has expanded their readership greatly because of the medium.
According to Harris, the State News has over 4,000 followers on their news Twitter and almost 1,500 on their sports Twitter. He believes they've gained readership from all over, not just the East Lansing area.
Harris also said he believes some people are checking the Twitter accounts and then checking the website or newspaper for more information.
Because the State News was able to develop a technique that engages and encourages readers, they are benefiting greatly.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Is He Qualified?
Absolutely.
Omar Sofradzija is more than qualified to help Journalism students gain knowledge and experience.
Sofradzija spent 17 years writing and reporting news before taking the job at Michigan State University and The State News. He worked for the Peoria Journal Star from 1990-2003 and then work at the Las Vegas Review-Journal until 2007.
Along with writing and reporting fabulous columns, Sofradzija was honored with multiple awards.
Sofradzija has been honored in both Illinois and Nevada. His credentials include honors from the Illinois Associated Press Editor's Association, the Illinois Collegiate Press Association, and he Nevada Press Association.
Take a look at his resume and judge for yourself; I'm sure you'll have the same conclusion.
Omar Sofradzija is more than qualified to help Journalism students gain knowledge and experience.
Sofradzija spent 17 years writing and reporting news before taking the job at Michigan State University and The State News. He worked for the Peoria Journal Star from 1990-2003 and then work at the Las Vegas Review-Journal until 2007.
Along with writing and reporting fabulous columns, Sofradzija was honored with multiple awards.
Sofradzija has been honored in both Illinois and Nevada. His credentials include honors from the Illinois Associated Press Editor's Association, the Illinois Collegiate Press Association, and he Nevada Press Association.
Take a look at his resume and judge for yourself; I'm sure you'll have the same conclusion.
Friday, April 22, 2011
What Have We Learned?
Eleven new students embarked on a JRN 200 journey at the start of the Spring 2011 Semester here at Michigan State University.
Although the class was challenging and time consuming, we would all agree that we learned many valuable lessons.
We learned to always fact check. Fatals, after all, can totally ruin your day. Reporting is key. You can never have enough sources and a neutral expert can always make your story better and more complete.
In the beginning, we all struggled and we are better writers because of it. Many of us have gotten work published on SpartanEdge and we hope to continue to do so.
It's safe to say the lessons we've learned in JRN 200 will stay with us for longer than 16 short weeks.
Although the class was challenging and time consuming, we would all agree that we learned many valuable lessons.
We learned to always fact check. Fatals, after all, can totally ruin your day. Reporting is key. You can never have enough sources and a neutral expert can always make your story better and more complete.
In the beginning, we all struggled and we are better writers because of it. Many of us have gotten work published on SpartanEdge and we hope to continue to do so.
It's safe to say the lessons we've learned in JRN 200 will stay with us for longer than 16 short weeks.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Is Jersey Shore Degrading?
Jersey Shore built an empire around drinking, partying, and fornication. The male cast members are encouraged to bring "DTF" girls home from the clubs, while the female cast members often look for the perfect Guido.
What lessons are youngsters learning?
Youngsters are learning how to blow a grenade whistle and 6 different ways to refer to a female as ugly. They are also learning that it is okay to get drunk and get carried home. Hangovers seem to be a reoccurring theme for the cast.
If they're able to block out the unrealistic "Shore attitude", then they are learning to idolize Ronnie Ortiz-Magro's relationship with Sammi "Sweetheart" Giancola.
After all, being a member of the Jersey Shore cast for Halloween is always an option.
What lessons are youngsters learning?
Youngsters are learning how to blow a grenade whistle and 6 different ways to refer to a female as ugly. They are also learning that it is okay to get drunk and get carried home. Hangovers seem to be a reoccurring theme for the cast.
If they're able to block out the unrealistic "Shore attitude", then they are learning to idolize Ronnie Ortiz-Magro's relationship with Sammi "Sweetheart" Giancola.
After all, being a member of the Jersey Shore cast for Halloween is always an option.
Friday, April 1, 2011
After the Shore Store
Season One took the cast to the Jersey Shore. Season Two they packed up and spent the summer in Miami. Season Three took them back to where it all began.
Where will they be for Season Four? The cast is filming Season Four in Italy.
Since the show aired, it's stars have become well-known names. They've been seen all over television on almost all networks.
Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi has taken her talents to WWE Monday Night Raw. She's also appeared in a Pistachios commercial where she cracked the shell of a pistachio with a tanning bed.
Ronnie Ortiz-Magro was seen in an Xenadrine commercial. Ronnie is promoting diet pills? Seems a little ironic to me.
Paul "Pauly D" DelVecchio teamed up with Miracle Whip to do a commercial claiming that he hates Miracle Whip. Interesting marketing tactic, but I'm sure it's working.
If the show becomes unpopular, at lease most the cast has something to fall back on.
Where will they be for Season Four? The cast is filming Season Four in Italy.
Since the show aired, it's stars have become well-known names. They've been seen all over television on almost all networks.
Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi has taken her talents to WWE Monday Night Raw. She's also appeared in a Pistachios commercial where she cracked the shell of a pistachio with a tanning bed.
Ronnie Ortiz-Magro was seen in an Xenadrine commercial. Ronnie is promoting diet pills? Seems a little ironic to me.
Paul "Pauly D" DelVecchio teamed up with Miracle Whip to do a commercial claiming that he hates Miracle Whip. Interesting marketing tactic, but I'm sure it's working.
If the show becomes unpopular, at lease most the cast has something to fall back on.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Smoke Free Air Law Reactions
Smokers and non-smokers alike have been affected by the 2010 smoking ban.
Smokers are no longer allowed to smoke while drinking their beer at the bar. They now have a designated area outside the bar where smoking is allowed. The air inside the establishment becomes free of smoke. Secondhand smoke is no longer a risk for other customers.
Non-smokers are now able to enter an establishment and breathe clean air. When they leave the bar, their clothing doesn't smell and neither does their hair.
Most people are in support of the ban. Smokers said they don't mind going outside, even though it tends to be a slight inconvenience. Non-smokers enjoy the new atmosphere and even state it increases the likelihood that they will partake in night life around the city.
State Rep Mark Meadows, D-Ingham County, said the ban was passed because the general public supported it's efforts and made it a priority.
Smokers are no longer allowed to smoke while drinking their beer at the bar. They now have a designated area outside the bar where smoking is allowed. The air inside the establishment becomes free of smoke. Secondhand smoke is no longer a risk for other customers.
Non-smokers are now able to enter an establishment and breathe clean air. When they leave the bar, their clothing doesn't smell and neither does their hair.
Most people are in support of the ban. Smokers said they don't mind going outside, even though it tends to be a slight inconvenience. Non-smokers enjoy the new atmosphere and even state it increases the likelihood that they will partake in night life around the city.
State Rep Mark Meadows, D-Ingham County, said the ban was passed because the general public supported it's efforts and made it a priority.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Michigan Becomes the 38th State
On May 1st, 2010 Michigan became the 38th state to ban smoking in all public places. Lawmakers said the ban was passed to improve health and the environment issues caused by secondhand smoke. How has this effected Michigan?
State Rep Mark Meadows, D-Ingham County, said since Michigan wasn't the first state the pass the ban, the government knew what to expect. Most bars and restaurants were not effected, and Meadows said he believed some restaurants even saw an increase in revenue.
MDCH reported that the smoke-free air law had little to no effect on the food and beverage industry. According to the website, MDCH said total sales tax collected has increased in Michigan since the ban was implemented last May.
After meeting with managers of local bars and restaurants, most reported the same statistics. Revenue was down at first, but when everyone adjusted, business went back to normal. Since the ban was unified and all public places were required to abide, there weren't alternatives to a smoke-free establishment.
State Rep Mark Meadows, D-Ingham County, said since Michigan wasn't the first state the pass the ban, the government knew what to expect. Most bars and restaurants were not effected, and Meadows said he believed some restaurants even saw an increase in revenue.
MDCH reported that the smoke-free air law had little to no effect on the food and beverage industry. According to the website, MDCH said total sales tax collected has increased in Michigan since the ban was implemented last May.
After meeting with managers of local bars and restaurants, most reported the same statistics. Revenue was down at first, but when everyone adjusted, business went back to normal. Since the ban was unified and all public places were required to abide, there weren't alternatives to a smoke-free establishment.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
There Is An End To Every Journey
Thursday's loss marks the last time Kalin Lucas and Durrell Summers will wear the Spartan uniform. Together, they've battled to ups and downs, injuries, disappointments, and expectations.
After returning to the Final Four for the 6th time in 12 seasons, the 2010-2011 looked promising for the Spartans. The season got off to a rocky start when Coach Izzo announced that Chris Allen would no longer represent MSU. A few weeks into the season, Korie Lucious was let go as well. The Spartans emotional roller coaster began.
The 2010-2011 feel short of expectations for the Senior stars. Lucas' recovery took time while Summers struggled on the offensive end of the court. After a great 2010 tournament run, the Spartans weren't up to par. Most teams weren't facing the battles the Spartans were living.
After high tournament hopes were shattered Thursday, Lucas and Summers took the Spartan jersey off for the last time. Their journey in green and white may be over, but their legacy lives on.
Both will be remembered many years to come.
After returning to the Final Four for the 6th time in 12 seasons, the 2010-2011 looked promising for the Spartans. The season got off to a rocky start when Coach Izzo announced that Chris Allen would no longer represent MSU. A few weeks into the season, Korie Lucious was let go as well. The Spartans emotional roller coaster began.
The 2010-2011 feel short of expectations for the Senior stars. Lucas' recovery took time while Summers struggled on the offensive end of the court. After a great 2010 tournament run, the Spartans weren't up to par. Most teams weren't facing the battles the Spartans were living.
After high tournament hopes were shattered Thursday, Lucas and Summers took the Spartan jersey off for the last time. Their journey in green and white may be over, but their legacy lives on.
Both will be remembered many years to come.
The Comeback That Started Too Late
The Michigan State Spartans faced off against the UCLA Bruins late Thursday night. The Spartans got off to a slow start and at the half, UCLA had a 42-24 point lead.
Kalin Lucas struggled in his final game in green and white. Lucas recorded zero first half points. His first two-point basket came with only 7:44 left in the game. Lucas finished with 11 points.
The Spartans attempted to make a comeback. Unfortunately, they started a little too late. MSU trailed UCLA by 10 with 3:00 minutes left in the game. Freshman Keith Appling kept the Spartans alive with a late three-point basket pulling the Spartans within one with 4.4 seconds left.
The guys in green and white were unable to pull of another buzzer beater miracle, which were seen multiple times in March last year. The final score showed UCLA on top 78-76.
Drammond Green lead the Spartans with 23 points and recorded a triple-double.
Kalin Lucas ended his career in a heart breaker scoring only 11 while Durrell Summers recorded 15 for the Spartans.
Kalin Lucas struggled in his final game in green and white. Lucas recorded zero first half points. His first two-point basket came with only 7:44 left in the game. Lucas finished with 11 points.
The Spartans attempted to make a comeback. Unfortunately, they started a little too late. MSU trailed UCLA by 10 with 3:00 minutes left in the game. Freshman Keith Appling kept the Spartans alive with a late three-point basket pulling the Spartans within one with 4.4 seconds left.
The guys in green and white were unable to pull of another buzzer beater miracle, which were seen multiple times in March last year. The final score showed UCLA on top 78-76.
Drammond Green lead the Spartans with 23 points and recorded a triple-double.
Kalin Lucas ended his career in a heart breaker scoring only 11 while Durrell Summers recorded 15 for the Spartans.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)