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Mommalogues

A few interesting blogs that help moms of all kinds voice their thoughts!

Political Raid Injustice

      ‘To each is own’ and ‘To each is own opinion.’ We are all entitled to our own thoughts, opinions, views, and statements. Mary Schmich of the Chicago Tribune recently wrote a heart-wrenching piece about a family in Chicago who were the victims of a political raid. She presented the story very professionally and it wasn’t until the very last paragraph, actually the last sentence, that we really saw Schmich’s opinion about the wrong-doing.

      Feature stories and opinion stories can go hand in hand, but not always do. This one does. I do believe that this story reads much like a feature story, one that touches an individual’s soul and makes the reader feel like he or she is the one interviewing the victim(s). At the end of the story, Mrs. Harris says, "It's not the dogs," she finally said. "It's not us. They just want this property." And that is why I termed the piece a political raid. By this point in the story, the reader knew everything necessary about the story. Schmich gave the background, including the reasons why the law enforcement “justified” their wrong doing. But the little complaints here and there should not have been enough to displace a family who had made a home out of the house they bought more than 40 years ago, and that’s Mary Schmich’s point.

      Unfortunately, what Mrs. Harris said about the property is true. Property is worth more than anybody’s life, liberty, or pursuit of happiness when it comes to a city like Chicago’s government and law enforcement. Schmich points out that the two properties owned by the Harris’s is worth more than a million dollars, and the government wants it now. They don’t want to wait because they want to build new homes and buildings much like the ones that the Harris’s neighbors live in. And most of the neighbors are doing anything they can to make this happen.

      Little do the neighbors realize, or care about, but the Harrises are the only ones left in the neighborhood that established the area. They have lived there the longest, and their traditions and customs are what made the neighborhood become what it is today.  The new neighbors are worried about not having traffic, not having visitors, and not having music. But this is home to the Harrises, and this is what they do.

      Schmich uses great quotes in the story, and the quotes, along with everything else, are what make the story so meaningful. She talked to every member of the family that she could, neighbors, and quoted statements from the release about the raid. My favorite quote in the story is probably this one: "Sometimes," said Mr. Harris, with a weak smile, "you just have to move on." At age 77, I wonder what Mr. Harris means by this. Would he rather move on to another life in a different world than have to worry about all of picking up their life and moving it? Mrs. Harris said they have nowhere to go. And I believe this because their children live with them. However, they are a strong family, because Mr. Harris is still smiling, Yvonne stood up at the CAPS meeting, and Mrs. Harris said she’d move on but wonders why she has to.

      In class we have studied different techniques to making a good story. One of Donald Murray’s ideas is to make a line, and follow it. I feel that Mary Schmich made a line with this story. I can see it. She started out with the facts about the raid. This was her introduction, and she gave onomatopoeia: ‘bam bam’, she listed who was in the house, and she described the setting. She used quotes and quoted a neighbor’s blog post. Then the line moves up. She described the events of the rest of the day. It then dipped down, and described the past. She mentioned that R.J. Harris worked for the city for 25 years, and this is why he was so confused. He could not understand why they didn’t get a warning, why this wasn’t happening to anybody else. Then the line evens out. She describes the family; some got into a little trouble but nothing tremendous. The line then makes a steep rise. “Here’s how the police see it:” she says. The police live for problems and love doing things like this. They don’t care that the family doesn’t have some place to go, or that Mr. and Mrs. Harris are getting into their late years. The line then dips back down and this is where the story touches the reader’s heart. She quotes family members and their reactions to the raid. And at the end it comes to an abrupt halt. Schmich states her opinion here; and she does it professionally.

      The story also fits the suggestions Tim Harrower gives about reporting. He says keep it tight and she did. She maintained the facts. She kept the story relevant by sticking to this one particular raid, the issue of the story. He says, “Take a stand” and she did this by stating her opinion at the end, and backing it up with facts. She wasn’t a bully, and didn’t attack any personalities. She only stated the facts and kept the facts simple. Her lead was strong, and her finish was stronger. It’s a great story; one that I will never forget and neither should the rest of the readers. It makes me thankful to live where I live, have the neighbors that I have, and make me aware of what can happen to people.

      A work of art is something carefully crafted by the artist and one that sticks out in the viewers mind. This is a piece of art that the Harris family can appreciate, and also so many other citizens of Chicago. Raids may not be a normal occurrence in the Harris’s neighborhood, but I’m sure it happens elsewhere in Chicago. She carefully chooses which quotes to use, and she used respect towards the family. The reader can tell she took the side of the family, rather than the City of Chicago, but she did it in a way that she won’t lose her job or her readership.

      Overall, I feel that Mary Schmich did a wonderful job writing this article, and it seems like she has a heart of gold. She will continue to have the respect of her readers, her employer, and the City of Chicago. She is a professional writer, and follows the ‘rules’ of journalism with precise. If I ever become a journalist, I see myself writing the way Schmich does.

The Complicated Euro

The Complicated Euro

     During my lifetime, I can not think of a time where I thought the countries of Europe were seriously suffering. That statement has recently changed. It seems as though the European countries are having trouble with their currency. Catherine Mayer scrounged to find details that made the story in TIME Magazine named “Germany: Grappling with the Euro, and with Its Own Complicated History” worth reading.

Mayer expresses in her article the immediate importance of the decline in the worth of Europe’s main currency, the Euro. The Euro, which according to Wikipedia, is the second most traded currency next to the US dollar, has decreased in value. The same quote was used in several different articles on this issue: “If the euro fails, the Europe fails.” Chancellor Angela Merkel told her parliament on September 7^th while expressing her concern.

     The picture that was chosen to represent this story fits the story perfectly. It is a photograph of Germans scrambling about outside the European Central Bank dressed in business attire. The background is blurred and the sign of the Euro is very bright and attracts the reader’s attention. It is a beautiful picture. I wondered what the citizens are thinking. Also, how will this huge change in their life change them, their careers, and their life in general? Hopefully, the impact will not continue to grow. I hope the issue settles down miraculously, and everybody’s life will go back to normal. This is not what the Europeans are expecting, however.

     To get this story up to par, Catherine Mayer contacted the president of the ECB, the Chancellor, German citizens, business owners, CEO’s taxpayers, and anybody else who may make up the neighborhoods of Europe. She obtained several wonderful quotes, all adding significance to the article. She also worked very hard to learn each person’s viewpoint on the issue. Each person had something unique to add to the story. I’m sure she spent hours on the telephone, knocking on doors, and asking passerby’s for their input. With such an upstanding issue, everybody she would have encountered would be able to comment.

      By using statistics, she was able to add factual information that is vital to the story. She obtained these statistics by reading about other countries; she was able to make great comparisons. It was probably unusual for somebody in Germany to be comparing themselves to others in Greece for example. This is a new issue, new dealings, and new worries. The time it took Mayer to obtain this information is probably longer than I want to imagine. I am grateful for all of her hard work, as are the rest of her readers, because she was able to come up with a great article. One that is unforgettable is one that readers love to read. The word spreads about a good article, people begin reading, and in today’s society we get involved in the media. Without the media, would this issue even be an issue?

     More often than not, we love to read about hard news. Hard news and hard ledes keep our attention tighter. I think this article is a combination of hard news and soft news. The issue is hard, the article itself is not as hard. Mayer expresses the immediate importance for this issue. The quote stated by the ECB President jean-Claude Trichet said that this has been “the worst crisis since World War II.” The world can only hope that we never re-live that time again.

     Chancellor Angela Merkel’s quote is probably my favorite of all in this article. She says, “The euro is much, much more than a currency. The euro is the guarantee of a united Europe.” Germany is, in fact, at the epicenter of the world. Each country depends on Europe for different things. Europe needs, for the sake of its people, to remain united now and forever. I think that it is important for the world, and especially those with power in Europe, to work together to remain united. I believe that if everybody practices teamwork, there can be much improvement made.

     By reading some of the comments on this article, and other article’s on the same issue I was saddened a little. Several comments by readers point the blame in one certain direction. I feel that this is unfair to do. I believe that a series of devastating events have all helped to create this issue. To point the finger of anybody in one direction is wrong. No matter what country is examined, negative events can be found.

     The tone I found this article to take would have to be a nervous tone. “Germany is in the hot seat,” Catherine Mayer says a little ways into the story. She says that the peoples of the weaker euro zone countries have to be made to behave like sensible Germans. Later, the Greeks are discussed in a negative overtone. “I’m fed up with working hard sot he Greeks can sit in cafes and drink coffee with brandy all day”, Uli “grumbles.” Jens, a sausage vendor agrees by saying, “We’re slaving while Greece parties.” This isn’t a fair situation. As I stated earlier, I feel that teamwork is an important gesture to get the situation back to an acceptable standing.

     People of Europe have a negative attitude about the whole issue but it seems as though each person is looking to his or her left and right and waiting for somebody else to come up with a solution. The sausage vendor, Jens age 28, says Germany “worries too much about history and too little about the future.” Even if this is true, where are these thoughts getting anybody? What would happen to him, his business, and his country if the euro fails? Instead, I feel that business owners should be working together to make more jobs, save money but invest more, and spread knowledge.

     All of the issues mentioned in this story add up to a very unfortunate event that Europe will remember forever. I hope that the problems can be solved before they get even more out of hand. Catherine Mayer is a talented journalist who uses techniques to add emotion to her story. She chose great quotes that exemplify her own feelings. However, even with her own feelings expressed, her article is not biased. Donald Murray’s “line” shows form in this article, and therefore, the story is an interesting read.

Jean and Ally

What an amazing story! Jean and her dog are both heroes. Most people hope to live to 90, while the rest of us dream to be walking our best friend [a dog, Ally] on a daily basis at age 90. Murray talks about the line of a story. From what I understand, he means the layout of the story. He starts with "the line" every time he writes a story. This is a great method. I believe it helps to make a good lede, strong body, and a great "kicker." It also ensures that nothing is boring. We don't like to read boring stuff.

In Bakke's story, the line starts with the background information that he provides about Jean and her dog, Ally. Then there's tension: "As in most farm fields, the ground was uneven and rolling. Jean lost her balance and fell. When she did, she felt intense pain in her right arm. She would find out later that her arm was broken in the fall. But all she knew at the time was that it hurt so much she could barely move."

Conflict: “Nobody was around,” she says. “I didn’t have my cell phone.”
While lying in the field, she examined her options and found out she didn’t have many. She tried using her legs to scoot along the ground, but the pain from her arm stopped that pretty quickly. With her arm useless, she couldn’t pull herself up."

Irony: "Usually when a dog hears coyotes howling, especially if they are nearby, one of two things will happen. The dog will run toward the coyotes. Or the dog will run away from the coyotes. Either way, the dog wishes to be elsewhere. Not this time."

Energy: "But Ally not only stayed by Jean all night, she climbed onto Jean’s cold body and laid there for." The energy is comforting. Without Ally, what would Jean have done?

Play: The sun came up, and she was found by her grandson.

Discovery: Well, I have discovered the "line" of this story. I love this story. It is extremely heart-warming to know that Jean will be OK and her and her dog Ally will continue to spend their lives together.

Music: The voice of the text is happy. I hear melodies of heroism and harmony.

Form: The intro/lede. The strong body. The kicker: Jean saved her dog and her dog saved her. Jean says, "“She saved me,” “We saved each other.” How sweet!

I think this feature story is a combination of both art and craft . Bakke uses craft in the style of his writing. The way he captures the reader's soul is craft. And the knowledge that he has about the story is craft, the way he executes it is the art. The art is his talent and he is an excellent writer.

I noticed a couple techniques that Bakke used to craft a good story. He uses a simile: "She is warm like a blanket." Also, alliteration. "She is big AND furry AND warm." (He saved the most vital term, warm, to list last.) Both of these techniques help to make a great story, one that is unique and not boring.

Surprise!

     The text that we are reading for our Comm 337 class has so far given me a wide variety of useful information. One piece in particular that we are studying is the use of surprise(s) in writing. Whether or not its journalistic writing, 'reporting for surprise' is a sure way to make a good story.
     "The best writers seek surprise, delight in what they do not expect to find. They come to the story with a focus, an expectation...treasure the contradiction, the traitor fact, the quotation that goes against the grain..." Take this advice any way you want. Murray states that when exploring the world, a writer should look for what is not there as much as what is there. Hear things that people aren't saying as much as the things they are saying. Use your imagination!
     My favorite type of writing is creative writing. I feel that the more I write, the more I am able to express myself. So far in my career, I have focused on journal writing for pleasure, poetic writing for class, and brainstorm writing for stress relief! I have also figured out that copy writing for the advertising industry interests me. I try and use my imagination and be creative. However, I never heard about the "surprise" before reading this book. I think that Murray makes a great point after great point in describing what he means by using the writer's craft, using the writer's 10 senses, and asking the reader's five questions.
     Seeing the obvious: "The reader's appetite for fresh stories is never satisfied, and as soon as you get an idea, it's used up." He says that it is vital to suspend the censor, be willing to be silly (How fun.), and just list specifics. I like his advice about mapping. It is similar to brainstorming, I think, can be much more abstract.
     I strive to be one of those writers who carries a notebook at all times. I think I will be one day. Right now my bag that I carry everywhere with me contains everything but the kitchen sink and a notebook. As a busy single mom, I think I prepare for anything on a regular basis. I am working towards making room for that notebook. I feel that if I had a notebook with me, I might be able to: 1. Not forget as many things and ideas. 2. Write down my feelings. 3. Turn those feelings and ideas into stories!
     Things I like to write about: The news. I am fascinated by what goes on in our community, nation, and world. So many people complain all day long about our government, our crime rates, and situations that can't be helped. Do I think that I am going to bring all of our soldiers home and pull out of war? No, however if I really wanted to I could write the President every day and let him know how I felt. Every body who complains could do this as well. I feel that as Americans we have a voice. We should let our voice be heard (not necessarily by writing the president every day, but you catch my drift). If we don't like what is going on in our community, why not try and fix it?
                                               Journaling: Throughout my life, I have kept several journals. The only truly active journal I have right now is for my daughter. Her name is Vaida. When I found out I was expecting, I started writing a journal for her. In there, I write down her milestones, I tell her how she is making me so proud, I include anything and everything I can think of that I think she will want to know one day. (Don't worry this journal does not take the place of a baby book or anything. She has two baby books, a calendar for milestones, and a continuous scrapbook PLUS this journal.)
                                               Poetic writing: In the past, I have taken several poetry classes. They have probably been a few of my favorite classes. I liked both to be given a topic, and to come up with a topic. I liked to be given instruction, and make my own instruction. I think poetry is so neat in that you can write however you please, about whatever you please, and others will enjoy it too! I also enjoy reading poetry.
     So, how can I apply Murray to my writing? I take his advice. I love getting new advice anyway! The techniques that Murray advises are interesting, as well. I like the following: Change your point of view. Pursue a new interest. Keep a notebook (I need to do this right now). Compost: My mother calls me a packrat, and I can now say that I am "composting." I think that in years to come, great stories could come of everything I am "composting." Role-play: "It is our obligation to at least use our imaginations to extend the limits of our world" (I love this). Try another game. Read outside your interests. Free write. These are just a few of my favorite techniques that Murray explains. I really think that he (and you) will make me a much better writer.
     My Voice: Its a lovely day today. Actually, every day is a lovely day. A year ago I probably would not have said that, however somebody very special has come into my life. Her name is Vaida Joy Keen. I feel that she has "put me in my place." As I sit here and look out the window, I see her swing swaying in the tree. She isn't occupying it because she is napping, however, as I look out there I picture her singing and laughing as I push her and tickle her toes. She loves to listen to the birds, feel the breeze, and sing to her mommy. She is a very brave little girl and I just pray that she stays that way forever. Some days she tests me, I think to see how brave her mommy really is. Words cannot explain how brave I am striving to be. I want her to have the best possible example to follow because she is a star. She is a star in my eyes, and always will be.
     I am not afraid to dream of a fairy tale. This fairy tale is already coming true. I see her and I and the rest of our unknown family growing together. Her shirt is a light purple, and it reminds me that one day we are going to be planting lilacs together under the windows to give us a refreshing start to our day!

Go State Farm!

State Farm 9/11 Tribute

Check this out! Alicia Keys, State Farm Insurance Company, and NYFD together put together a wonderful tribute to all of the horrifying events that occurred on September 11, 2001. This day was one that will never be forgotten. Alicia Keys' song, Empire State of Mind was already my favorite song, being that she is my favorite artist, and this commercial brought her song to a whole new level. What a wonderful technique to use for a successful commercial.

Go State Farm!

You Learn Something New Every Day. AKA You Meet Somebody New Every Day

Tyler Lewis

“I have never tried a vegetable; I’m a little scared and I don’t like the way they smell.” Tyler Lewis describes himself as a normal 25 year old college student. As we sat in a dimmed classroom in front of computers, the two of us introduced ourselves and began asking questions. I knew it would be an interesting conversation the second he told me that he’s never eaten a vegetable.

            Tyler is a senior at Benedictine University, majoring in Communications and plans to graduate this May. “If everything goes as planned, I’ll be done this spring,” Lewis stated. He joined the Bulldog pack recently, after attending Western University in Macomb, IL for 2 ½ years and taking 3 years off. He is a native of Virden, IL where he resided all of his life until recently, when he moved to Springfield. The best friend of Tyler, named Grady, also lives in Virden.

            When I asked Tyler if he was married or has children, he laughed and said, “Haha, absolutely not.” He has worked construction and done landscaping over the summer, but is currently not working and just concentrating on school. I asked Tyler what he wanted to do when he graduated and he said, “I really just want to find a stable job, you know?” I completely understand this feeling, knowing that the job market is kind of scarce.

            “I have been parasailing before,” Tyler said about himself. Tyler and a few friends traveled to Mexico after graduating high school. I told him that I could to relate to him with this fact. I, myself, traveled to Mexico after graduating high school. It is a beautiful country. I don’t believe however that Tyler drove his charcoal colored Jeep to Mexico, because he said he is going to buy it right after class.

            Some favorites of Tyler Lewis include the color red. When I asked him what his favorite food is, he replied, “Probably chicken. Preferably grilled.” I told him that the best kind of chicken is fried! He was unsure about his favorite restaurant. He said, “Longhorn Steakhouse is up there, maybe Osaka, and Popeyes.” Lewis had a hard time deciding on his favorite movies. When I asked if he had one, he replied, “Wow, that’s tough.” However, he came up with The Goodfellas, and Almost Famous.

            As we talked, I took note of what he was wearing. Tyler had on brown sandals, gym shorts, and a blue Polo shirt. I realized that he does appear to be a normal senior in College. If Tyler could have any car in the world, he would chose to drive a Lamborghini, I suppose a red one.

            It was nice to meet somebody new at school. Sometimes I think I know everybody because several of us students have all had classes together because we share the same major. I hope Tyler enjoys the rest of his time at Benedictine University.