Word of the week: malaise. I came across this word in an opinion piece in the NY Times (before it kicked me off) about internships. It's a great read, and the writer uses malaise perfectly to describe the situation at universities. Webster's New World College Dictionary says a vague awareness of moral or social decline. Origin of Fr < mal, bad (see mal-) + aise, ease. American Heritage says the origin is similarly French, from Old French : mal-, mal- + aise, ease; see ease.
Catch of the week: spokesperson.
A hospital spokesperson reportedly said the man was believed to have left the premises.
Correct AP style is spokesman or spokeswoman. If sex is not known, use representative.
Headline of the week: UF Student Government meets with state lawmakers in Tallahassee. Long online hed but not very DWI. I would have used: UF SG meets with Tallahassee lawmakers as part of Gator Day.
Passage of the week:
He waves his hand in the direction of some 7,000 Joe and Jane Six-Packs squatting restlessly in a cavernous exhibition hall in the Orange County Convention Center. The folks are here on this March Tuesday because they are passionate about rural electricity — in other words, middle American and proud of it. Greenwood is here because this is just the sort of conservative gathering that slurps up his greatest hit.
He is about to sing God Bless the U.S.A.
And they are about to lose it.
Great feature from Sean Daly of the St. Pete Times about Lee Greenwood and his hit song. This was interesting to me especially because I used to sing this song, as required by my elementary school, every Friday morning for flag-raising ceremony. Many laughs were had in this feature.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Journal 9
Word of the week: fugacious. I found this word while perusing racing stories, since I've been in St. Pete all weekend working the Grand Prix. The writer is talking about the debate about whether to cancel Webster's New College World defines it as passing quickly away; fleeting; ephemeral. The origin is < L fugax (gen. fugacis) < fugere. American Heritage gives an origin of From Latin fugāx, fugāc-, from fugere, to flee.
Catch of the week: Alex "Tyson." This egregious error actually appeared in print in the St. Pete Times on Saturday. In a column by Gary Shelton, he refers to Tyus as Tyson near the bottom of the story. I'm sure it was an innocuous typo, but it's still refreshing to see a paper as regarded as the Times make an error after having so many similar things happen in my stories at the Alligator.
Headline of the week: Hope for Japan solicits donations for victims. (More coming soon, gotta run.)
Passage of the week: This passage comes from fellow Alligator writer C.J. Pruner's editorial in Thursday's paper before UF took on BYU in the NCAA Tournament. It's a refreshing perspective leading up to what could have been, and probably was for some, a very contentious rematch.
While lighthearted swings at the Mormon faith may not come close to the same dirt-high level of burning scriptures or using a higher power’s name to justify the desecration of the memory of fallen soldiers, it’s still religious bigotry. These are human beings, some of whom you may be cheering alongside with on Thursday (Yes, there are Mormons in The Gator Nation). It’s fine to have qualms with their doctrine, but leave it in the pews come tip-off time.
Catch of the week: Alex "Tyson." This egregious error actually appeared in print in the St. Pete Times on Saturday. In a column by Gary Shelton, he refers to Tyus as Tyson near the bottom of the story. I'm sure it was an innocuous typo, but it's still refreshing to see a paper as regarded as the Times make an error after having so many similar things happen in my stories at the Alligator.
Headline of the week: Hope for Japan solicits donations for victims. (More coming soon, gotta run.)
Passage of the week: This passage comes from fellow Alligator writer C.J. Pruner's editorial in Thursday's paper before UF took on BYU in the NCAA Tournament. It's a refreshing perspective leading up to what could have been, and probably was for some, a very contentious rematch.
While lighthearted swings at the Mormon faith may not come close to the same dirt-high level of burning scriptures or using a higher power’s name to justify the desecration of the memory of fallen soldiers, it’s still religious bigotry. These are human beings, some of whom you may be cheering alongside with on Thursday (Yes, there are Mormons in The Gator Nation). It’s fine to have qualms with their doctrine, but leave it in the pews come tip-off time.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Journal 8
Word of the week: detritus. Webster's New College World says the definition is fragments of rock produced by disintegration, abrasion, etc; or any debris. Origin: Latin, a rubbing away: see detriment. The American Heritage Dictionary also gives a French origin from détritus, from Latin dētrītus, from past participle of dēterere, to lessen, wear away; see detriment. The writer is using the word to detail the landscape in Benghazi after air strikes began today in Libya.
Catch of the week: Man seriously injured in Colfax hit-and-run. Correct AP Style is "hit and run" for a noun and "hit-and-run" for an adjective. In this headline, the usage is clearly a noun, but the writer used the hyphenated adjective instead. The fact that it's an online hed makes it even less forgivable. There isn't a length restraint, so the writer could have used accident after "hit-and-run" but chose not to.
Headline of the week: Law school addition includes professional courtroom. Not bad, but not very DWI. I would go with "Addition at Levin opens, new courtroom attracts pros." The addition is more than just the courtroom, but the fact that it is already attracting lawyers is a big deal in my opinion.
Passage of the week:
"Corey?" called the drama teacher. "You ready, Corey?"
Corey didn't answer. He was focused on becoming George.
Being someone else is much easier than being himself.
Concise and carefully crafted. Lane DeGregory knows how to hit home with her words, and she does it again with this feature on an autistic actor.
Catch of the week: Man seriously injured in Colfax hit-and-run. Correct AP Style is "hit and run" for a noun and "hit-and-run" for an adjective. In this headline, the usage is clearly a noun, but the writer used the hyphenated adjective instead. The fact that it's an online hed makes it even less forgivable. There isn't a length restraint, so the writer could have used accident after "hit-and-run" but chose not to.
Headline of the week: Law school addition includes professional courtroom. Not bad, but not very DWI. I would go with "Addition at Levin opens, new courtroom attracts pros." The addition is more than just the courtroom, but the fact that it is already attracting lawyers is a big deal in my opinion.
Passage of the week:
"Corey?" called the drama teacher. "You ready, Corey?"
Corey didn't answer. He was focused on becoming George.
Being someone else is much easier than being himself.
Concise and carefully crafted. Lane DeGregory knows how to hit home with her words, and she does it again with this feature on an autistic actor.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Journal 7
Word of the week: blithely. Webster's New College World defines it as showing a cheerful, carefree disposition; lighthearted, with an origin of ME < OE; ult. < IE base *bhlei-, to shine, gleam. Merriam-Webster says it has origins in Middle English, from Old English blīthe; akin to Old High German blīdi joyous. The writer uses the word in a lede about the manner in which one receives a text message. However, this one is not very blithely after all. I have a friend named Blythe so the word caught my eye.
Catch of the week: miniscule. "It's miniscule and he will recover," Lewis said.
Per AP, the word is always used as minuscule, not miniscule.
Headline of the week: Gators fail to clinch SEC, lose to Wildcats. First of all, I understand what our online editor was thinking when he wrote this headline. But the fact that the Gators lost should be first, because they can't fail to clinch the SEC without losing. I would simply rewrite this as, "Gators lose to Wildcats, fail to clinch SEC."
Passage of the week: From the Alligator's one and only, Bill O'Connor:
Since Vietnam, I’ve had no qualms about using escort services. During the war, whores were $4 apiece. At 19, I got all I could while I could.
Blatant, unimaginative ads devoted to call girls plaster page after page of the phone book. Holy shit, is this Bangkok or the Bible Belt?
Astounded, I erupt, “Eugene, can you believe this shit? Look at all these whores.”
Catch of the week: miniscule. "It's miniscule and he will recover," Lewis said.
Per AP, the word is always used as minuscule, not miniscule.
Headline of the week: Gators fail to clinch SEC, lose to Wildcats. First of all, I understand what our online editor was thinking when he wrote this headline. But the fact that the Gators lost should be first, because they can't fail to clinch the SEC without losing. I would simply rewrite this as, "Gators lose to Wildcats, fail to clinch SEC."
Passage of the week: From the Alligator's one and only, Bill O'Connor:
Since Vietnam, I’ve had no qualms about using escort services. During the war, whores were $4 apiece. At 19, I got all I could while I could.
Blatant, unimaginative ads devoted to call girls plaster page after page of the phone book. Holy shit, is this Bangkok or the Bible Belt?
Astounded, I erupt, “Eugene, can you believe this shit? Look at all these whores.”
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Cutlines
There is no where to upload the cutline .doc on Sakai, so I'm adding it here.
Boy Shield:
A Palestinian child, Muhammad Badwan, rides on the front of an Israeli police vehicle after authorities tied the boy to the windscreen on Friday, April 23, 2004, in Biddo, Israel. Police used Badwan, 13, as a human shield after they said they caught him hurling rocks at border police. “When I saw him on the hood of the jeep, my whole mind went crazy,” said Saeed Badwan, the boy’s father.
Boy Shield:
A Palestinian child, Muhammad Badwan, rides on the front of an Israeli police vehicle after authorities tied the boy to the windscreen on Friday, April 23, 2004, in Biddo, Israel. Police used Badwan, 13, as a human shield after they said they caught him hurling rocks at border police. “When I saw him on the hood of the jeep, my whole mind went crazy,” said Saeed Badwan, the boy’s father.
Hummer and Bus:
Authorities investigate the aftermath of a crash
involving a 2006 Hummer and a school bus Saturday, Feb. 19, 2010, in Centre
County. No students were seriously hurt in the afternoon crash at the intersection
of Portry Avenue and 15th street that sent bus driver Pat Higgens and the
driver of the Hummer to Centre City Medical Center.
Journal 6
Word of the week: corpulent. Webster's New College World defines it as fat and fleshy; stout; obese. It says the origin is Middle English, corporality, from Latin corpulentia, corpulence, from corpulentus,corpulent, from corpus, body; see kwrep- in Indo-European roots. Merriam-Webster says the origin is Middle English, from Latin corpulentus, from corpus with a first known use in the 14th century. The writer uses the word to describe primates that are being fattened up for studies on obesity.
Catch of the week: "While some students choose are spending their Spring Break soaking in the debauchery of sun-kissed tourist destinations..."
This was clearly an error at the copy desk. Someone must have changed the lede from "choose to spend" to "are spending" but forgot to remove the word choose. It reads rather funny and makes you do a double-take.
Headline of the week:
Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll and engineer Norman Augustine speak at UF
Another Alligator speech article with a boring headline. Not only do most students not know who Carroll or Augustine are, they probably don't care. I would have used the following headline, which would attract more eyes to the pieces.
Florida is falling behind in technological advancements, Lt. Gov says
Passage of the week:
I ask Boyer about the girl. Does he worry about her? I don't know how she feels, because I haven't been able to track her down. (The fact that I tried angers some colleagues, who tell me that I would be victimizing her all over again if I contacted her. The fact that I fail distresses others, who argue that a story containing even a measure of sympathy for Boyer, without his victim's perspective, is an outrage.)
It's from a story about the first American cyclist in the Tour de France and his life as a child molester. While the prose isn't that powerful, the ethical dilemma is and it sparked an inner debate for myself.
Catch of the week: "While some students choose are spending their Spring Break soaking in the debauchery of sun-kissed tourist destinations..."
This was clearly an error at the copy desk. Someone must have changed the lede from "choose to spend" to "are spending" but forgot to remove the word choose. It reads rather funny and makes you do a double-take.
Headline of the week:
Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll and engineer Norman Augustine speak at UF
Another Alligator speech article with a boring headline. Not only do most students not know who Carroll or Augustine are, they probably don't care. I would have used the following headline, which would attract more eyes to the pieces.
Florida is falling behind in technological advancements, Lt. Gov says
Passage of the week:
I ask Boyer about the girl. Does he worry about her? I don't know how she feels, because I haven't been able to track her down. (The fact that I tried angers some colleagues, who tell me that I would be victimizing her all over again if I contacted her. The fact that I fail distresses others, who argue that a story containing even a measure of sympathy for Boyer, without his victim's perspective, is an outrage.)
It's from a story about the first American cyclist in the Tour de France and his life as a child molester. While the prose isn't that powerful, the ethical dilemma is and it sparked an inner debate for myself.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Journal 5
Word of the week: trochanter. "The scientists noticed that the fleas sometimes jumped with trochanters and tarsi both planted on the Styrofoam." Webster's New College World dictionary defines it as the second segment from the base of an insect leg. Origin: Gr trochantēr < trechein, to run. Merriam-Webster's says basically the same, Greek trochantēr; akin to Greek trechein to run with a first known use in 1615. The writer is using the word when discussing a disagreement between two scientists on which part of the leg fleas use to jump.
Catch of the week:
"Florida State (18-7, 8-3) committed eight turnovers in the opening eight minutes, and the Cavaliers led by four with just fewer than 10 minutes remaining in the first half despite the Seminoles' best player, forward Chris Singleton, having tallied 11 points."
It should be less than, because minutes refers to an amount of minutes, not the individual minutes themselves.
Headline of the week:
Student Body President candidates against block tuition
Catch of the week:
"Florida State (18-7, 8-3) committed eight turnovers in the opening eight minutes, and the Cavaliers led by four with just fewer than 10 minutes remaining in the first half despite the Seminoles' best player, forward Chris Singleton, having tallied 11 points."
It should be less than, because minutes refers to an amount of minutes, not the individual minutes themselves.
Headline of the week:
Student Body President candidates against block tuition
Confusing, confusing, confusing. I had to read the headline at least two or three times to grasp what it was trying to convey.
I would have gone with something else. Like, Unite, Progress can agree on one thing: block tuition.
Students understand there is only two parties, and most everyone apart from the administration is against block tuition, so that doesn't need to be in the headline.
Passage of the week:
"Craig Grant smiles, crooked teeth beneath his white handlebar mustache. He offers a rough hand with dirty nails, nods, looks away. Like he's trying to be personable but it doesn't come easy."This comes from a feature about the Caboodle Ranch in Madison County by Leonora LaPeter Anton of the St. Pete Times. I saw the ranch featured on the Colbert Report and Anton's account provides a greater background that I found compelling.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Guv
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department
The sheriff's office and police are one in the same. Did you want any other governmental agencies?
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department
The sheriff's office and police are one in the same. Did you want any other governmental agencies?
Journal 4
Word of the week:
Jingoists. Webster's New World College dictionary defines jingo, the root of jingoist, as a person who boasts of his or her patriotism and favors an aggressive, threatening, warlike foreign policy; chauvinist. Origin: < phr. by jingo in the refrain of a patriotic Brit music-hall song (1878): orig. ? euphemism for Jesus. Merriam-Webster agrees on the origin. In this instance, the writer is using the word to describe the various factions of thought that could arise if/when Egypt becomes democratic.
Catch of the week:
UF professor arrested for credit card fraud
Jingoists. Webster's New World College dictionary defines jingo, the root of jingoist, as a person who boasts of his or her patriotism and favors an aggressive, threatening, warlike foreign policy; chauvinist. Origin: < phr. by jingo in the refrain of a patriotic Brit music-hall song (1878): orig. ? euphemism for Jesus. Merriam-Webster agrees on the origin. In this instance, the writer is using the word to describe the various factions of thought that could arise if/when Egypt becomes democratic.
Catch of the week:
UF professor arrested for credit card fraud
This headline is potentially libelous in my opinion. Arrested for? How about charged with instead? While the writer used proper AP Style in the article, the headline is a large error.
Headline of the week:
Boring. Other than those in the Peace Corps, or who have a relation to it, not many people would care about this story based on the headline. I would change it to: Social networking connecting UF Peace Corp volunteers. Being an alligator story, the usage of social networking in the headline would lead to more people interested in the story.
Passage of the week:
Remember when Woods was young, back when he was a skinny college guy who barely filled out his shirt? He was all elasticity, so limber and flexible that watching him play golf was like watching a boy shoot rubber bands.
This passage comes from a Sally Jenkins column in the Washington Post about Tiger Woods. As a golfer and golf fan, I can remember Tiger coming up as an amateur. I watched him win the U.S. Amateur at TPC Sawgrass as a kid, and this passage took me right back to that day.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
ConvictGuilty
Former Iowa, Neb. minister guilty in assault case
http://www.kgan.com/template/inews_wire/wires.regional.ia/3cdd3f22-www.kgan.com.shtml
http://www.kgan.com/template/inews_wire/wires.regional.ia/3cdd3f22-www.kgan.com.shtml
A minister who led churches in Iowa and Nebraska has been found guilty of three sexual assault charges ... He was convicted Friday by a Pottawattamie County jury.
Official defends felony school residency case
http://www.coshoctontribune.com/article/20110130/NEWS01/101300313
Official defends felony school residency case
http://www.coshoctontribune.com/article/20110130/NEWS01/101300313
Forty-year-old Akron resident Kelley Williams-Bolar, a single mother who worked as a high school teaching assistant and had no prior criminal record, was found guilty of felony records tampering and served nine days in jail. Prosecutors said she registered her two daughters for school from 2006 to 2008 using her father's address in the suburban Copley-Fairlawn district.
Three convicted in Tom Monfils case -- Michael Hiirn, Michael Johnson and Rey Moore -- await parole hearings
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20110130/GPG0101/101300681/3-convicted-in-Monfils-case-await-parole-hearings
Three convicted in Tom Monfils case -- Michael Hiirn, Michael Johnson and Rey Moore -- await parole hearings
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20110130/GPG0101/101300681/3-convicted-in-Monfils-case-await-parole-hearings
Three of six men convicted of killing millworker Tom Monfils in 1992 will have parole hearings in coming weeks to determine whether they should be released.
Ventura County man not guilty of shooting dog
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fn%2Fa%2F2011%2F01%2F29%2Fstate%2Fn113208S41.DTL
Ventura County man not guilty of shooting dog
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fn%2Fa%2F2011%2F01%2F29%2Fstate%2Fn113208S41.DTL
A Ventura County man was found not guilty of using a shotgun to kill his girlfriend’s dog, but was convicted of driving under the influence and other charges.
Man pleads guilty to rape, holding woman captive
http://m.daytondailynews.com/dayton/db_101691/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=mE8YyR6d&detailindex=3&pn=0&ps=8
Man pleads guilty to rape, holding woman captive
http://m.daytondailynews.com/dayton/db_101691/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=mE8YyR6d&detailindex=3&pn=0&ps=8
Journal 3
Word of the week: conflagration. Webster's New World College Dictionary defines it as: a big, destructive fire. Origin of conflagratio, of conflagrare, to burn. However, Merriam-Webster also gives an alternate definition of 'conflict, war.' Both dictionaries agree that the origin is Latin, 1600's. However, in this article I feel the writer is using the second definition. There is not a literal fire burning across the Arab world, yet there is a conflict.
Catch of the week:
Again, it comes from one of my articles. The original was cut due to space issues. The night editor was confused about a sentence. It ran as "...Alabama would be hard-pressed to find a find a tougher schedule." When the actual wording referenced Florida's recent schedule. The linked article has been corrected and the sentence is found in its original form. "Butler said playing in the SEC, and against four of the five top-ranked conference opponents in succession, has produced one of the toughest schedules imaginable."
Headline of the week:
Israeli official outlines sustainability efforts of Israel
http://www.alligator.org/news/campus/article_d1c9adc6-2a93-11e0-831c-001cc4c002e0.html
Seriously, Alligator? This makes me ashamed to work there.
My headline: U.S. can learn from Israel's green efforts, official says
Most articles covering speeches are boring. The previous headline was atrocious. This one actually would draw attention to the article by relating it to America. Not many people care about Israel's sustainability efforts, unfortunately.
Passage of the week:
At the Orange Shop, established 75 years ago in Marion County, time has tried to stand still. Once there were dozens of similar mom-and-pop citrus shops and packinghouses standing like dominoes up and down the county's major road, U.S. 301.
This comes from Jeff Klinkenberg's recent feature on the Orange Shop that ran in the St. Pete Times. Having patronized the Orange Shop on my many trips down 301, this image stood out in my mind. I'm sure it was the same for Jeff.
Catch of the week:
Again, it comes from one of my articles. The original was cut due to space issues. The night editor was confused about a sentence. It ran as "...Alabama would be hard-pressed to find a find a tougher schedule." When the actual wording referenced Florida's recent schedule. The linked article has been corrected and the sentence is found in its original form. "Butler said playing in the SEC, and against four of the five top-ranked conference opponents in succession, has produced one of the toughest schedules imaginable."
Headline of the week:
Israeli official outlines sustainability efforts of Israel
http://www.alligator.org/news/campus/article_d1c9adc6-2a93-11e0-831c-001cc4c002e0.html
Seriously, Alligator? This makes me ashamed to work there.
My headline: U.S. can learn from Israel's green efforts, official says
Most articles covering speeches are boring. The previous headline was atrocious. This one actually would draw attention to the article by relating it to America. Not many people care about Israel's sustainability efforts, unfortunately.
Passage of the week:
At the Orange Shop, established 75 years ago in Marion County, time has tried to stand still. Once there were dozens of similar mom-and-pop citrus shops and packinghouses standing like dominoes up and down the county's major road, U.S. 301.
This comes from Jeff Klinkenberg's recent feature on the Orange Shop that ran in the St. Pete Times. Having patronized the Orange Shop on my many trips down 301, this image stood out in my mind. I'm sure it was the same for Jeff.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Arrest
Florida's Jenkins arrested on marijuana charge
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/41237858/ns/sports-college_football/
-The AP's Mark Long is clearly versed in the correct usage of arrest. The word charge even made it into the headline. He uses the word multiple times, all are correct, but the first is "Jenkins was arrested on a marijuana charge..."
Ex-boyfriend of Tacoma women arrested in her death
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/6420ap_tacoma_stabbing_death.html
-This article seems like it was rushed to get online. It's only a few inches at the time I'm linking it. And, while there isn't a distinct violation of the usage of arrest, there is no charge mentioned in the article and the word arrest is used. It's assumed someone would be charged before arrested, but the writer does not make that distinction here so it's up to interpretation.
Orioles pitcher Troy Patton arrested and charged with DWI
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/01/24/orioles-pitcher-troy-patton-arrested-and-charged-with-dwi/
-NBC Sports gets it right again. The writer says Patton was arrested and charged with a DWI in the lede, making it clear from the beginning.
2 arrested in deaths of 31 animals in Granite Falls
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20110124/NEWS01/701249849
-The writer indicates that two people have been arrested but makes no mention anywhere in the article about a charge. In fact, the writer only says they've been arrested for investigation of animal cruelty. This is extremely vague and borders the line of acceptable. I would not have let it run this way.
Man arrested for assault at Brighton high school
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_17186255
-The headline has it wrong. While he was charged with assault, you shouldn't use just arrested in the headline. "Arrested and charged with assault..." would have been much better.
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/41237858/ns/sports-college_football/
-The AP's Mark Long is clearly versed in the correct usage of arrest. The word charge even made it into the headline. He uses the word multiple times, all are correct, but the first is "Jenkins was arrested on a marijuana charge..."
Ex-boyfriend of Tacoma women arrested in her death
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/6420ap_tacoma_stabbing_death.html
-This article seems like it was rushed to get online. It's only a few inches at the time I'm linking it. And, while there isn't a distinct violation of the usage of arrest, there is no charge mentioned in the article and the word arrest is used. It's assumed someone would be charged before arrested, but the writer does not make that distinction here so it's up to interpretation.
Orioles pitcher Troy Patton arrested and charged with DWI
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/01/24/orioles-pitcher-troy-patton-arrested-and-charged-with-dwi/
-NBC Sports gets it right again. The writer says Patton was arrested and charged with a DWI in the lede, making it clear from the beginning.
2 arrested in deaths of 31 animals in Granite Falls
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20110124/NEWS01/701249849
-The writer indicates that two people have been arrested but makes no mention anywhere in the article about a charge. In fact, the writer only says they've been arrested for investigation of animal cruelty. This is extremely vague and borders the line of acceptable. I would not have let it run this way.
Man arrested for assault at Brighton high school
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_17186255
-The headline has it wrong. While he was charged with assault, you shouldn't use just arrested in the headline. "Arrested and charged with assault..." would have been much better.
Journal 2
1) Word of the week: poignant. While I've obviously experienced the word before, I thought it was used perfectly by Lane DeGregory. In her piece about letters sent to God and Santa, DeGregory used poignant to describe the central letter to her story. She could have used it earlier, but she waited, knowing the distinct weight the word carries. Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary defines it as: a) sharply painful to the feelings, piercing, or b) evoking pity, compassion, etc.; emotionally touching or moving. And says its origin is from the Middle English poinaunt, from Old French poignant, present participle of poindre, to prick, from Latin pungere. Merriam-Webster says it comes from Middle English poynaunt, from Anglo-French poinant, poignant, present participle of poindre to prick, sting, from Latin pungere, with a first known use in the 14th century
2) Catch of the week:
"Built in 1964, Domodedovo is located 26 miles (42 kilometers) southeast of the center of Moscow and is the largest of the three major airports that serve the Russian capital, serving over 22 million people last year."
The preferred usage of "over" in AP Style is for spatial relationships, such as: The plane flew over the city with a population of more than 22 million people. In the sentence, the writer should have used "more than" instead of "over." The fact that this egregious error made it into an AP story is very surprising.
3) Headline of the week:
Steelers, Packers provide plan for others to find success
2) Catch of the week:
"Built in 1964, Domodedovo is located 26 miles (42 kilometers) southeast of the center of Moscow and is the largest of the three major airports that serve the Russian capital, serving over 22 million people last year."
The preferred usage of "over" in AP Style is for spatial relationships, such as: The plane flew over the city with a population of more than 22 million people. In the sentence, the writer should have used "more than" instead of "over." The fact that this egregious error made it into an AP story is very surprising.
3) Headline of the week:
Steelers, Packers provide plan for others to find success
I actually laughed when I read this. I'm not sure who writes the headlines for NFL.com, but if I were the editor, then he or she would be looking for a different job. I'd change the headline to: Steelers, Packers have more in common than Super Bowl berth. It's enticing and is more appropriate for the entire article.
4) Passage of the week:
Ali stands at the window of his suite on the 24th floor of the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas. His once booming voice comes out a whisper.
"Look at this place," he says. "This big hotel, this town. It's dust, all dust. Don't none of it mean nothin'. It's all only dust."
A fighter jet lands at an Air Force base out on the desert. Ali watches it through the glass, the lights on the strip so bright it seems like they'll burn forever.
"Go up in an airplane," he says. "Go high enough, and it's like we don't even exist."
The passage comes from Wright Thompson's story entitled "Shadow Boxing." It's a detailed account of a search for Jimmy Robinson, and the elusive last autograph sought by a man who is collecting the signatures of every fighter to step in the ring with Muhammad Ali. I thought the passage summed up the story succinctly because after years and years of searching Robinson was no where to be found. And, it was extremely well written. Thompson has the power to move you with his words while not being overbearing or showing off.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Murder
Arrest made in stabbing
By Mike Brownlee
http://www.southwestiowanews.com/articles/2011/01/16/council_bluffs/doc4d32706eddcff604374184.txt
"A weapon was found in the blood trail, Dawson said, though it’s unclear if it was used by the murderer or by Rocha in self-defense."
The writer of this article makes a fundamental error regarding the usage of the word "murderer." The victim was found on the street and there is no indication or statement from authorities to make the reader believe the slaying was premeditated, which is the requirement to use the murder designation. Also, while there has been someone charged with first-degree murder in the case, the case has not gone to trial and no one has been convicted of murder. Therefore, Brownlee's sentence saying that the weapon may have been used by the murderer does not follow AP style and is wrong.
By Mike Brownlee
http://www.southwestiowanews.com/articles/2011/01/16/council_bluffs/doc4d32706eddcff604374184.txt
"A weapon was found in the blood trail, Dawson said, though it’s unclear if it was used by the murderer or by Rocha in self-defense."
The writer of this article makes a fundamental error regarding the usage of the word "murderer." The victim was found on the street and there is no indication or statement from authorities to make the reader believe the slaying was premeditated, which is the requirement to use the murder designation. Also, while there has been someone charged with first-degree murder in the case, the case has not gone to trial and no one has been convicted of murder. Therefore, Brownlee's sentence saying that the weapon may have been used by the murderer does not follow AP style and is wrong.
Journal 1
1) Word of the week: myriad. The writer used the word as a noun to describe the vast array of things you can buy for $15. Myriad can also be used an as adjective. Merriam-Webster describes myriad, the noun, as "a great number" and also as the number 10,000. Webster's defines the adjective as "consisting of a very great, but indefinite, number; as, myriad stars." It has bases in classical Greek but in modern English the word refers to an unspecified large quantity. The reason I found the word interesting is because of the two different usages. I've seen it used frequently in various media platforms over the past six months. Merriam-Webster has an interesting take: "Recent criticism of the use of myriad as a noun, both in the plural form myriads and in the phrase a myriad of, seems to reflect a mistaken belief that the word was originally and is still properly only an adjective. As the entries here show, however, the noun is in fact the older form, dating to the 16th century. The noun myriad has appeared in the works of such writers as Milton (plural myriads) and Thoreau (a myriad of), and it continues to occur frequently in reputable English. There is no reason to avoid it."
2) Catch of the week: The catch for this entry came in an article I wrote following the Florida women's basketball team's victory over Arkansas. The editor that night decided to cut a graf from the middle of the copy that introduced a player named Lanita Bartley. The kicker quote is from Bartley, but since she had not been mentioned prior, the editor had to use her full name in the attribution. Instead of Bartley the copy was printed with "Lanita Hartley." The day of the week is also wrong in the editor's rewritten sentence, so there is essentially two fact errors within four words of each other. Talk about a nightmare. While cutting the graf that originally contained her name was not a mistake, the editor should have corrected the last name to be "Bartley" and used Sunday instead of Monday for the day of the week.
3) Headline challenge: Creativity in the Arts and Sciences Event Sunday. Not only is this headline confusing, but it's lacking appeal. I would've used: Free event to feature 3-D art, dance and music. I feel it's a more alluring headline and would create reader interest in the story. Unfortunately, there is minimal reporting done and the article is not very informative.
4) Favorite passage of the week: This passage appears in Malcolm Gladwell's feature in the New Yorker entitled "Offensive Play." In it, he compares life in the NFL with dogfighting, and provides this stark account from an actual dogfight.
"Snow goes straight for the throat and grabs hold with her razor-sharp teeth. Almost immediately, blood flows from Black’s throat. Despite a serious injury to the throat, Black manages to continue fighting back. They are relentless, each battling the other and neither willing to accept defeat."
2) Catch of the week: The catch for this entry came in an article I wrote following the Florida women's basketball team's victory over Arkansas. The editor that night decided to cut a graf from the middle of the copy that introduced a player named Lanita Bartley. The kicker quote is from Bartley, but since she had not been mentioned prior, the editor had to use her full name in the attribution. Instead of Bartley the copy was printed with "Lanita Hartley." The day of the week is also wrong in the editor's rewritten sentence, so there is essentially two fact errors within four words of each other. Talk about a nightmare. While cutting the graf that originally contained her name was not a mistake, the editor should have corrected the last name to be "Bartley" and used Sunday instead of Monday for the day of the week.
3) Headline challenge: Creativity in the Arts and Sciences Event Sunday. Not only is this headline confusing, but it's lacking appeal. I would've used: Free event to feature 3-D art, dance and music. I feel it's a more alluring headline and would create reader interest in the story. Unfortunately, there is minimal reporting done and the article is not very informative.
4) Favorite passage of the week: This passage appears in Malcolm Gladwell's feature in the New Yorker entitled "Offensive Play." In it, he compares life in the NFL with dogfighting, and provides this stark account from an actual dogfight.
"Snow goes straight for the throat and grabs hold with her razor-sharp teeth. Almost immediately, blood flows from Black’s throat. Despite a serious injury to the throat, Black manages to continue fighting back. They are relentless, each battling the other and neither willing to accept defeat."
Who Are You?
Name: Matthew Watts, junior
E-Mail: mkivmatt@ufl.edu
Where are you from?
Jacksonville, Fla.
Why did you come to the University of Florida?
The corny answer is because it's always been a dream of mine. But, UF is the most prestigious university in Florida, and the education one receives here is priceless.
Major?
Journalism.
Why are you taking this course (besides the fact it is required)?
I hope to achieve a more complete understanding of grammar rules in order to be a successful self-editor. In today's competitive career atmosphere it is imperative to produce clean copy.
Outside interests, hobbies, avocations, things you love to do?
I'm a golf junkie. I also enjoy traveling. My brother and I went to Europe over the summer. I also have a passion for automobiles. Photography and design are also interests.
Tell me one interesting thing about you – something that makes you unique.
I'm older than most students in your class. I'm 25 years old. It's a long story, but my parents passed away in 2005 and my education was unfortunately put on hold because of a lengthy legal battle. But I'm here now and couldn't be more excited for the opportunity I have and what the future may hold.
Are you the first person in your family to attend a university?
No.
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being top-notch, how would you rate your knowledge of grammar, punctuation and AP style?
Before the assessment on the first day, I would have said a 7 or 8. However, I'm learning that it's probably closer to a 5 or 6. I have work to do, certainly.
On the same scale, how would you rate your skills with working with InDesign and PhotoShop and with online media in general?
I have used PhotoShop since version 5.5 and can design a website from scratch. I ran a meager design business when I was 14-16 years old and also worked for a couple of websites as a webmaster/designer during that time. My experience with InDesign began last semester, however I picked it up quickly. For PhotoShop, I would say 8 or 9, and for InDesign, a 6 or 7.
What online skills do you feel you are proficient at?
I can use content management systems, design layouts and art to accompany articles, photograph and edit photographs for the web, produce SoundSlides, and I have experience editing and recording video. There isn't much about online work that intimidates me.
Where do you get most of your news?
I read NYTimes.com frequently, as well as tampabay.com, the website for the St. Pete Times. But I get a large majority of my news from Twitter.
What books are you reading and have read in the last three months?
I'm reading "The Best American Sports Writing of 2010" right now. Books I have read recently include: "Pygmy," by Chuck Palahniuk, "A Gift to My Children," by Jim Rogers and "The Power of Now," by Eckhart Tolle.
Career Goals? Be specific as possible. Elaborate a bit.
My first ambition is to cover the NFL for a reputable outlet. I know that's not entirely specific, but in this job climate I am not going to be picky about potential employers. Eventually, I would like to be an editor. I feel like I am capable of managing a section and getting the most out of a staff of writers. I also have an interest in design and would like to have input in that regard.
What magazines, newspapers and news Web sites do you read regularly?
I read ESPN the Magazine, SportsIllustrated.com, tampabay.com and nytimes.com, but I also enjoy DiGG.com, deadspin.com, jalopnik.com and gizmodo.com.
What is your favorite Web site?
http://lss.at.ufl.edu
Do you blog?
I am applying for a position with bloguin.com to cover the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Do you have any media/communication experience? If so, what?
I currently work at the Alligator. I have been a copy editor and writer. I cover the women's basketball team. Also, I've worked as a production assistant for an ESPN telecast of the St. Pete Grand Prix and I worked the annual ESPNU Campus Connections project in 2010.
Are you pursuing a media related internship or job at this time?
Just the position with bloguin. I will be looking for an internship in the fall.
Do you have an updated resume in your files?
Yes.
E-Mail: mkivmatt@ufl.edu
Where are you from?
Jacksonville, Fla.
Why did you come to the University of Florida?
The corny answer is because it's always been a dream of mine. But, UF is the most prestigious university in Florida, and the education one receives here is priceless.
Major?
Journalism.
Why are you taking this course (besides the fact it is required)?
I hope to achieve a more complete understanding of grammar rules in order to be a successful self-editor. In today's competitive career atmosphere it is imperative to produce clean copy.
Outside interests, hobbies, avocations, things you love to do?
I'm a golf junkie. I also enjoy traveling. My brother and I went to Europe over the summer. I also have a passion for automobiles. Photography and design are also interests.
Tell me one interesting thing about you – something that makes you unique.
I'm older than most students in your class. I'm 25 years old. It's a long story, but my parents passed away in 2005 and my education was unfortunately put on hold because of a lengthy legal battle. But I'm here now and couldn't be more excited for the opportunity I have and what the future may hold.
Are you the first person in your family to attend a university?
No.
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being top-notch, how would you rate your knowledge of grammar, punctuation and AP style?
Before the assessment on the first day, I would have said a 7 or 8. However, I'm learning that it's probably closer to a 5 or 6. I have work to do, certainly.
On the same scale, how would you rate your skills with working with InDesign and PhotoShop and with online media in general?
I have used PhotoShop since version 5.5 and can design a website from scratch. I ran a meager design business when I was 14-16 years old and also worked for a couple of websites as a webmaster/designer during that time. My experience with InDesign began last semester, however I picked it up quickly. For PhotoShop, I would say 8 or 9, and for InDesign, a 6 or 7.
What online skills do you feel you are proficient at?
I can use content management systems, design layouts and art to accompany articles, photograph and edit photographs for the web, produce SoundSlides, and I have experience editing and recording video. There isn't much about online work that intimidates me.
Where do you get most of your news?
I read NYTimes.com frequently, as well as tampabay.com, the website for the St. Pete Times. But I get a large majority of my news from Twitter.
What books are you reading and have read in the last three months?
I'm reading "The Best American Sports Writing of 2010" right now. Books I have read recently include: "Pygmy," by Chuck Palahniuk, "A Gift to My Children," by Jim Rogers and "The Power of Now," by Eckhart Tolle.
Career Goals? Be specific as possible. Elaborate a bit.
My first ambition is to cover the NFL for a reputable outlet. I know that's not entirely specific, but in this job climate I am not going to be picky about potential employers. Eventually, I would like to be an editor. I feel like I am capable of managing a section and getting the most out of a staff of writers. I also have an interest in design and would like to have input in that regard.
What magazines, newspapers and news Web sites do you read regularly?
I read ESPN the Magazine, SportsIllustrated.com, tampabay.com and nytimes.com, but I also enjoy DiGG.com, deadspin.com, jalopnik.com and gizmodo.com.
What is your favorite Web site?
http://lss.at.ufl.edu
Do you blog?
I am applying for a position with bloguin.com to cover the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Do you have any media/communication experience? If so, what?
I currently work at the Alligator. I have been a copy editor and writer. I cover the women's basketball team. Also, I've worked as a production assistant for an ESPN telecast of the St. Pete Grand Prix and I worked the annual ESPNU Campus Connections project in 2010.
Are you pursuing a media related internship or job at this time?
Just the position with bloguin. I will be looking for an internship in the fall.
Do you have an updated resume in your files?
Yes.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)