Final Evaluation of MCOM 407...it got an 'A'

I hope I did, too! I know that's impossible...I'm in-line for a 'B,' my lowest grade ever at Towson. That's OK; I learned a lot from this class and from my research on this project.

I wasn't interested in this assignment at first, but once I started researching and conducting interviews I really got into it. There were plenty of times that I wanted to give up; people didn't want to talk to me and I was falling way behind. Professor Lieb mentioned that many students in the past had simply given up...I was not going to take that option!

I think that my final project turned out to be a success. I started out with a pretty awful story about Single Volunteers of Baltimore/Annapolis. I met with them just once, and wasn't confident enough to even ask members for their pictures or personal stories. I don't think they felt comfortable with me either, and after our first meeting, I was never able to reach them again. Email after email went unanswered, and considering I received a reply to my first email the next day, I knew this was a bad omen. To this day I've never heard back from the group.

At that point I wondered how I'd ever pass this class. I had numerous ideas that came to an abrupt end when I was unable to reach anyone for comments.

Just when all seemed lost, I found the group Dinner for Ten. Members actually sent me stories via email and were willing to talk to me over the phone. It wasn't until I was able to meet with the group at a restaurant, and was given permission to take photos and record audio, that I knew that I could make this work.

Debbie Mandley from Parents Without Partners supplied me with the final pieces to this puzzle called Writing for New Media 407. She gave me an incredible story, pointed me in the direction of reliable contacts, and arranged for me to meet with other members at the next scheduled event. I was able to create a slideshow and record two audio tracks from current members.

I am deeply indebted to these individuals. I started-off slowly in this class, and had it not been for these two organizations, I'd have nothing to show for all my hard work. More than likely, I'd be graduating next year instead of next week.

I really enjoyed this assignment. Unlike most classes, at the end of the semester you can actually see what you accomplished over the last four months. That's what I liked most about Digital Publishing, and it's even more enjoyable now. I never had to interview anyone I didn't know, or take pictures of strangers and record audio clips from them last semester. This wasn't a comfortable situation for me, even with my prior experience writing for The Towerlight.

I feel I learned a lot from this assignment. I met new people, learned how to make contacts, and even worked on a deadline (and even though it may seem like a semester is a long time to complete this work, it is not). I feel more confident working with online journalism, and have even decided that I'd like to work online for my career.

Thanks again to all who helped out!

Sincerely,
Jon Parr, Towson 2008

Podcasts...

I linked both of my podcasts to my home page yesterday, but it seems I needed to link them to my blog as well, so here they are.

I met with Dinner for Ten a few weeks ago, and was able to get a good story from a few of their members. The group members were lively, and were happy to help me with my project. I'll be sending them a link to my web site once I put everything together.
Listen to their story.

Last Sunday, I was able to talk with a married couple, John and Emmylu, from Parents Without Partners. I first met them at the weekly dance, and was able to catch-up with them the following weekend for a brief interview. I'll also be sending them a link to my completed project. Listen to their story.

A Brief Summary about Writing for New Media...

Well, let me start out by saying that this was the most challenging class I've taken at Towson. Not that there's anything wrong with that...

I think this class has really helped prepare me for life in the real world. At times, I was a bit overwhelmed, but I was determined to pass this class and graduate in May!

I feel this class incorporated everything I've learned thus far and expanded on it. I had to be a reporter, a photographer, an editor, and a publisher, all at the same time.

In terms of a future career in journalism, it seems obvious that online journalism is where it's at, and I feel this class has not only confirmed this, but has prepared me for it as well.

I think the hardest part of the class was finding an initial idea to research, and I think the rest of the class would agree with me. I think future classes would benefit from simply being assigned a topic to research. In fact, Professor Lieb was the one who pointed me in the direction of Single Volunteers, and that really worked out for me.

Overall, I enjoyed this class; I just wish I had listened to my advisors and not taken MCOM 407 along with twelve other credits!

Ok...one last research post...

I was able to arrange one final interview with John and Emmylu from Parents Without Partners. I spoke with them on Sunday, and was able to obtain my final audio clip. That's about it; I'm finished my research!

Final Research Post? Maybe...

On Sunday, my girlfriend and I celebrated our three-year anniversary. We went to the Orioles game, and then afterward, went dancing! We actually didn't dance; she came with me to the Parents without Partners dance Sunday evening.

I brought along my camera and digital audio recorder, hoping for the best. Debbie Mandley greeted us as we walked in the door, and introduced us to a few couples that had met through the organization.

I sat and talked with three couples, and almost wished I could use these stories for my fourth module. I'm still happy with my module, but there were some goldmines here, and it would have been nice to have had the chance to speak with these individuals earlier.

Still, I found an incredible love story, and the couple agreed to leave the dance and speak to me in the hallway, as I recorded them. I'm quite happy with the audio, and created my slideshow based on their story.

All three couples I spoke with allowed me to photograph them, and I'll use two or three of the pictures in my fourth module. The remaining pictures have been incorporated into my slideshow.

I'm still a bit stressed-out, but I have finally finished my research. I think I have a pretty solid story, as well as some good pictures and audio. I'll speak with Professor Lieb tomorrow for advice...

Continuing my Research...

On Saturday I attended a dinner at Rib N' Reef with members of the group Dinner for Ten. I didn't know what to expect, but had emailed Judy from the group, and had received an invitation to take some pictures. She had mentioned that some people might not want to be photographed, and wasn't sure if anyone would consent to an audio interview.

Since up to this point I had no pictures or audio for my project, I was happy just to have the opportunity to meet the group members. I was able to get off of work, and had the entire evening free to mingle with the group members.

After everyone arrived and the table was ready, I was introduced to the group. I explained what my project was about, and made my plea for some visual and audio help. The group was extremely friendly; I talked to almost every member individually. There was only one member (out of 14) that did not want her picture, name or voice used. She was up-front with me, and I told her I would not. She got a little angry with me when I took a picture that might have shown her reflection in the window, but I showed her each picture I took and she was satisfied.

I was able to get a decent amount of pictures before dinner was served. Karen, the former president of DFT, agreed to give me an audio clip, but when I went outside to make sure it was audible, I found that the restaurant was way too loud to hear her clearly. The current president, Sonia, suggested I could stick around until the crowd died down, and I did.

After dinner and dessert, the remaining group members passed my digital recorder around the table and gave me some great audio clips. I explained I'd be using their words as the photo gallery plays on-screen. After that, I thanked all the group members for the help, shook their hands and left, extremely happy with my research progress!

I plan on calling Debbie Mandley of Parents Without Partners tomorrow to set-up a date when I can attend a dance and hopefully acquire the pictures and audio I'll need to finish my project.

Research Update!

Well, the stress of this class has almost melted away after tonight. I met with the Vice President of the Baltimore County chapter of Parents without Partners. New applicants meet at the White Marsh library on the second Wednesday of each month. The website says the time is at 7:30, but the site hasn't been updated since December. Emails I sent to the organization were sent back from the postmaster as unsent because the address no longer exists. A phone call went unanswered. I was scared.

When I arrived, there was only one woman sitting in the meeting room. I didn't even know if she was from PWP...she was. After explaining my situation to her, we sat for over an hour talking about the organization. I have over four pages of notes, and will be able to attend one of their dances and take some pictures, as well as possibly interview married couples who met through the organization.

Needless to say, I'm ecstatic about this new story and feel confident about the rest of the semester. Thank God for Parents without Partners!

Aaahhh, Research....

Well, we're one week closer to the end of the semester, and while I would've liked to get more done this past week, I did do some research.

In the past week I've signed up for PerryhallSingles.com as well as Date-Baltimore.com. I never received a call back from the former, but the latter called me back the next night. Unfortunately, I was in class and unable to talk. I received a call back two days later, and tried to get some information. Professor Lieb suggested that I be honest with them (the ethical thing to do).

I confessed to my "dating specialist" that I was happily seeing someone for nearly three years, and was attempting to get information about the company for a school project. She told me that while she couldn't promise anything, I could call and ask for the owner this week. No luck on reaching him on Tuesday, I'm calling again tomorrow. (She also asked that I not use her name, and while she gave me the owner's name, asked that I simply ask for "the owner"). Update: I spoke with the owner, Dave. He gave me some information about "Great Expectations," a national organization that Date-Baltimore is a part of. I was able to get some information and a few quotes that I may use in a module. He wasn't extremely helpful though; he kept saying he was really busy working and trying to run a business, and that there wasn't a better time for me to talk with him.

Honestly, I feel like I've been thrust into the roll of investigative reporter on this one. Although I'm not trying to expose any wrong-doing, no one wants to give me any information.

I also researched a bit more about Parents without Partners, and am going tomorrow night to an initiation meeting to hopefully get some good quotes and a great story. My teacher just emailed me a few hours ago that she is okay with me leaving class early for this story.

I was able to schedule a photo opportunity with members from Dinner for Ten. I'll be taking off work Saturday night so I can meet with members and get some long-overdue pictures for my second module.

I've also sent the S.V.B.A a final email, and hope to get a response. If not, I'll have to use pictures from the website, or travel and take pictures of a future event. I found some events that I'll bring up with Professor Lieb in class, including a trip to the MD Food Bank, a dinner in Ellicott City, and an event with the S.V.D.C chapter: a National Zoo clean-up.

Field Trip to The Washington Post

I wasn't going to make this trip.

When my alarm went off at 9 a.m., I almost stayed in bed. I had been at work until midnight the night before, and was scheduled to be back at 5 p.m. I kept thinking about what Professor Lieb had told me: this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I got out of bed.

Professor Lieb's comments made me re-think what I thought was important and relevant in my life, and I told Bertucci's I'd be in an hour late. I was well over two hours late. It was worth it; I could have been fired, and it still would have been worth it.

I love Towson University. My teachers have been incredible in showing me what skills I'll need in the real world. But nothing could have prepared me for Rob Curley... nothing.

A week later, my head is still reeling over what he showed us, what he taught us. This wasn't a field trip to the Washington Post, it was a few hours into Curley's mind. It would prove to be too short of an experience, as Curley wasn't even able to finish his PowerPoint presentation.

We learned a lot from this man. I've looked at some of the other students' blogs on this trip, and unfortunately mine won't compare to some of them. I didn't bring a camera, and have been so busy with work, classes and my internship that it took me a week to reflect on this experience.

Do not let this fact fool you. I am deeply indebted to all of Towson for this opportunity. I spoke with Professor Lieb on the bus trip home, and have started an Orioles blog since the trip. I know now that just doing schoolwork isn't going to cut it when it comes to finding a job after graduation.

This was one of the most interesting and eye-opening trips I've ever experienced. I'd like to express my thanks to everyone involved.

Reactions to slideshows and flipbooks and movies...Oh My!

I have to say that these were some interesting and original sites we were asked to comment on this week. While not all of the links worked properly, the ones that did led me to a wealth of exampes on how creative you can be on the Internet.

The first site I visited, entitled Between You and Me, took a little while to load on my computer but was well-worth the wait. The "film," which won numerous awards in 2005 and 2006, was created by Patryk Rebisz. We were even given a link to read his comments about his creation. It turns out that he was broke, and needed to do a project which required no money and no dialogue. And so, 'Between You and Me' was born.

The "video" is actually over 2,000 photographs stitched togeter to form the illusion of movement. And believe it or not, it looks good! I really liked the opening scene, with the sights and sounds of New York city after dark. Initially, the movement of the people walking kind of scared me; it reminded me of the awkward movements I've now become accustomed to seeing in horror films. I also really liked the idea of stitching pictures of running water together. The scenes of water running out of the shower and faucet, flushing down the toilet, and rippling at the shore of the bay were really neat.

I also thought that the music and sound effects were compelling and really added to and complemented the visual story. The cat at the end was a nice touch and a cute way to end the film.

Lastly, I found that if you paused the video and clicked on the fast-forward or rewind buttons, you could almost see each seperate picture being put together to form movement. I found this to be a very unique and creative way to tell a story.

I also viewed the flipbook slideshow entitled The Cardstacker. The site introduces us to Bryan Berg, a professional cardstacker. Through audio, Berg tells the story of how he's been stacking cards since he was a child, and tells how his parents were always supportive of him. While he speaks, we see photos stitched together of Berg building giant card buildings. He stands on chairs, cinderblocks, and even ladders as he builds his creations.

I enjoyed the photos, as well as hearing Berg speak over the pictures. I thought this was a really neat project, though not as ambitious as the previous one. I liked being able to hear Berg's thoughts though, as opposed to reading about them after the fact. It was nice to know his thoughts on his creations, that this is his way of showing people that they, "...can really do anything."

The second part of the slideshow suprised me. Berg takes a leafblower and destroys all his creations. The photography is fantastic, with cards flying everywhere and buildings crumbling to the ground. The only audio is the sound of the leafblower, the cards flapping around in the air, and the crowd cheering and clapping as the buildings topple to the ground. I thought this was a great way to end the story.

I'm Hoping Things Are Falling Into Place...

Well, we're back from spring break and it's time to get serious and buckle-down for the final half of the semester. I'm going to be honest; I'd like to be further along in my research.
Since handing in my first module, I've been trying to find out more about single life and finding love in Baltimore through a very popular search engine, but to little avail. Since meeting with members of the S.V.B.A. earlier this month, I've been cut-off from any new information. I've sent Anne and Jen emails, asking for personal stories and experiences, but have received no replies. The group likes to remain anonymous and values their privacy; I may have been lucky to simply get their last names. Still, I haven't given up hope on them just yet.
As far as pictures go, I simply don't have any (yet). I'm curious as to what kind of pictures I should be attaining, and will talk to Professor Lieb after class about it. Perhaps I can attend an event and take pictures, but I think this may anger or offend the group members. There are pictures on their site of events, but no names are used (I assume to protect their privacy). I was wondering if random pictures would be ok to use on my site. For instance, pictures of Baltimore to set the scene, and possibly pictures of young love and elderly couples to promote the theme of finding love in Baltimore.
I have also left a voice message with Judy from 'Dinner For Ten,' and am awaiting a reply. If I don't hear back tomorrow, I'll call again. I plan to use this group as my second module, so I'll need information as soon as possible. This group may be more willing to talk, as it consists of older and professional men and women.
I also joined the Yahoo group 'Simply Single,' but there doesn't seem to be much of a story there. I'll mention it to Proffessor Lieb and see what he thinks about it; perhaps he can point me in the right direction. I had also put in a request to join the Yahoo group FORSBA ( Fun Outings and Resources for Singles of Baltimore and Annapolis). The group was started by the S.V.B.A. After nearly three weeks, my membership is still awaiting approval from the group leader.
Finally, I researched a bit about 'Parents without Partners.' This group meets every second Wednesday of the month at the White Marsh Library at 7:30. I live right down the street, but would have to leave my Photojournalism class early to make the meeting. I think I can make this work.
That's pretty much it for now. As you can see, I'm making some progress, but wish I was further along right now.

I'm Doing Research!

As a student that knows he is falling behind, I was extremely excited to meet with members of SingleVolunteers this past weekend. Unfortunately, there were only six members present, and the information I acquired will more than likely give me a sub-par grade concerning our first module. But alas, it was a start. I'm not proud that at the mid-point of the semester I have pretty much nothing. I'm not used to failure. I like success, and I plan on making this a successful website, even though the subjects I spoke to value anonymity! I plan on speaking with Professor Lieb as soon as possible! I have some names and numbers now, though, and want to find out more!

This is about two talking apes....

WOW! I can't say I was too surprised after listening to this 14-minute audio presentation, but I can say I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I love animals, and believe that most domesticated animals honestly can communicate with humans. I have an old cat that seems to talk to me, and now that I have a dog, I know that these animals can communicate with their human counterparts. But no animal can do so in the ways a monkey can.

I thought this was an excellent example of how to effectively use audio in a story, though throughout the process I missed the visual elements that knew would add to the story.

The package seemed like a piece that would run on Animal Planet or Discovery, or a late-night special on MPT. I loved the monkeys screeching, and how the narrator explained exactly what the animals were asking for. I have no doubt that these animals really were trying to use their limited capabilities to speak the human language and get what they were asking for.

I do believe that monkeys and apes are extremely smart creatures, and can learn words from humans. It would be silly to dispute the fact that these creatures are almost human, especially after hearing this story.

Overall, I found this to be a great story, and the fact that a link for visuals was included in the package inclines me to believe that this package was nearly flawless in its total design.

"Can You Spot the Threats?" (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032572/)

This interactive piece from MSNBC.com left much to be desired. After 9/11, the country was understandably a bit wary about airport security, and new screening procedures were introduced across the U.S. The package was produced by Alex Johnson and Ashley Wells and designed by Fred Birchman. The music was supplied by Asim Khan while the images were provided by PerkinElmer Detection Systems. The package was narrated by MSNBC's own Natalie Morales.

Upon launching the package, Morales explains how baggage screening is our last line of defense against terrorists on airplanes. She informs us that the machines that can prevent catastrophes are only as good as the human beings that scan bags for any possible threats. We learn that before 9/11, those hired to perform this task were trained for as little as 40 hours before being placed on active duty, and many went months before seeing anything considered suspicious. She informs us that now, even with the government taking over, it still takes a well-trained human eye to discern a possible threat. She asks: is it enough?

The interaction begins when Morales explains we will be given two minutes to screen carry-on bags passing by on a conveyor belt. Most bags are harmless, but a few contain deadly weapons: guns, knives, grenades, and even explosive materials. We're allowed to stop the conveyor belt, zoom in and out, and switch from black-and-white to color (organic material, often explosive, shows up orange). After two minutes we receive a grade based upon our performance, and are warned that the longer we take in screening the bags, the more impatient travelers become (and they'll let you know it!)

The multimedia images consist of three recognizable carry-on bags: a purse, a briefcase and a backpack. These same three images are portrayed one after another continuously until the "game" begins. The rules are clear enough, and are portrayed on-screen by arrows as Morales narrates how the "game" is played.

I found the instructions to be simple enough, especially after trying to play the "Super Volcano" game. To stop the conveyor, press 'STOP.' To start again press 'GO.' The Zoom has plus or minus symbols, and the threats are as simple as clicking on buttons labeled 'EXPLOSIVE,' 'GUN,' or 'KNIFE.' I found the audio to be absolutely horrendous, even if this came out a few years ago (I'm not sure when it did). I find it hard to believe that I own a better quality digital audio recorder than the folks at MSNBC.

The first time I played the "game" I found the repetitive complaints from the passengers to be extremely annoying. I thought the process would be harder than it actually is, so I stopped the conveyor belt often, zooming in and out and switching between color palettes. After my first few tries, I found the process became easier, and soon was able to correctly identify suspicious packages within the time frame given.

Obviously, this package was intended to portray national airline security, and invoke questions as to are we doing enough in the fight against terrorism. As such, I was extremely angered by the annoying passengers complaining (in repetitively bad audio), that things were taking too long. I haven't flown often (only twice, or four times if you include the return trips), but I have never heard anyone belittle or berate the people checking our baggage. Especially after 9/11, I'd think most citizens would welcome the added safety precautions that the airlines have put in place. I don't especially enjoy flying, but I know that I'd gladly sacrifice a few minutes of my time to ensure that the passenger two rows behind me doesn't have a live grenade in their backpack.

Overall, I thought the basic message of this package was a righteous one, but thought it could have been executed better. Playing the "game" of baggage inspector was fun, but there could have been more. The lack of text and pictures certainly was a disappointment, as it seems this package was only about playing a "game" that lacked even decent audio. In addition, even though you were able to play the game over again after each try, it seemed the same so eventually you were able to pass without even really trying.

I liked the idea of showing the public what it's like to screen baggage at an airport, and hope that anyone who used this interactive multimedia gained a better understanding of what it takes to scan for threats at an airport. I'd certainly use the basic idea again, but fine tune it with better audio clips, as well as text that supports the story and even pictures to go along with it.

Not too much has happened this week...

Hey! Good to see you're all back to see what I've been up to since last time...unfortunately, there's not much to tell. I've been pretty sick the last three days but have still managed to make it to work and my internship. Other than that, I've been sleeping! I've only had three beers in the last three days, so you know something is terribly wrong with me! That doesn't excuse me from making at least SOME progress on my project, so here it is.
Last class, after looking at my storyboard, Professor Lieb recommended using more than just the one volunteer site for my story. That amazed me, as I thought my entire project was just on singles volunteering in Baltimore, and I hadn't thought about adding other unique ideas in the area. Luckily, the site has a "Links" link that users can click on to find other services located not only locally but nationally. I decided the local sites would be best for this assignment, and researched them to see what would be most interesting to include in my final project.
There are a bunch of sites that are unique and interesting, so I hope to speak with Professor Lieb and narrow them down a bit. My favorites so far include: American Singles Golf Association (which doesn't seem to exist), Baltimore's Dinner For Ten, Bike & Brunch, Inc. (Jewish only), and two sites that focus on singles sailing the Chesapeake together: Cheasapeake Sailing Association (again, nonexistent) and Singles on Sailboats, Inc., both non-profit organizations. I'm leaning more toward these last two, since they hit so close to home and seem very unique. Well, let me know what you think. I'm feeling a bit better, and hope to find out more on these organizations this week!

OK...I Think I've Got Something Here...

It seems as if I finally have a topic worth writing about! Last class, Professor Lieb and I were talking about my progress (or lack thereof) in finding a suitable topic to research. As I mentioned in my last blog, we were leaning toward volunteer workers, though I didn't know of anything interesting offhand. Professor Lieb pointed me in a unique direction...Single Volunteers, Inc. I had never heard of such a group, but after researching it a bit found it to be a fascinating and quite original idea. We've all seen the commercials for chatlines and dating services, but most are geared toward one-night-stands and mindless sexual encounters. There are legit dating services out there (I'd imagine), but I've never seen anything like this. Singles meet-up and volunteer all over the nation, helping others while at the same time hoping to find that special someone. Maryland has two chapters listed, one in Baltimore/Annapolis and another in the Washington D.C. Metro Area. I think this organization has a lot of promise for a great project. I'd love to include all the various locales that they volunteer at, as well as find out if anyone has joined under false pretenses (i.e. married, engaged, or in a relationship). It would be really cool to show some of the success stories (couples that found each other on the site), as well as show the people that these volunteers have helped. My only problem may be in finding contacts to interview, but I'll speak with Professor Lieb in class tomorrow to see what my options are...keep your fingers crossed!

I'm falling behind...Help!

In our third blog we're supposed to be writing about our project and how we plan to research it. Unfortunately, I may be the only one in the class who has no idea what to do. Digital Publishing was much easier: we submitted an idea/topic and were told to proceed. I've had a lot of different ideas about what I'd like to research, but most are interesting only to me and not to the rest of the population. My top idea was to attend tryouts for the Perry Hall High School Boy's Varsity baseball team, and follow the team throughout the season, interviewing players, parents, and coaches. I also thought about a story on automobile mechanics or body shop workers. My latest ideas included a story on those in Alcoholics Anonymous as well as a feature story on the homeless in Baltimore City and County. Professor Lieb pointed out the privacy issues that come along with these topics, and suggested going to the opposite end of the spectrum and researching those who do volunteer work themselves. I personally don'tknow anyone who volunteers their time to help others, but it seems like a good story. So that's where I'm at...if anyone is reading these blogs and has any ideas or suggestions for me please leave a comment! Thanks!

Ira Glass tells a good story...on storytelling...

For our second blog we were assigned to watch a few videos on YouTube and give our reaction...a very tough assignment! Believe it or not, I'm not familiar with Ira Glass; I've heard the name before but never have really known who he is. I still don't, but now I know a bit more about him and his ideas.
I was pretty impressed after viewing the videos. I commend our professor for picking these clips; I think we all know what he's looking for and expects from us now. I'm still up in the air when it comes to the topic of my project, but after viewing the videos I feel like I can narrow the topics down and try to tell the most compelling and interesting story possible.
In the first clip, I learned that there are two main components to telling a good story: keep the audience interested and have a great ending...nothing's worse than a dull story with a great point or a great story with a crappy ending!
The second clip reassured me that it is HARD to find a great story...it takes time. Unfortunately, time is not on my side right now; three ideas are due in a few hours. Hopefully, something will come to me quickly!
In part three, this problem is answered by the advice of working on a deadline...exactly what we're doing in class! This was my favorite clip; I loved it when Ira made fun of his own writing and on-air reporting. Hilarious! If you click on only one link, this should be the one.
Finally, the fourth clip gives us advice on common problems people experience when trying to create a package. Ironically, my broadcasting teacher taught us that we HAD to learn how to talk in "TV Talk," where Ira says just to talk normally and to be yourself. Perhaps it's a fine line...
Either way, I really enjoyed the videos and thought they can really help me create a good story. I imagine I will come back to them frequently to assess my progress throughout the semester.

New Semester, New Class...Same Blog!

Well, this is it...my final semester at Towson. For those of you checking this blog to read about my Chihuahua (both of you), scroll down. For the remainder of this semester, this blog will switch to a brand-new topic...one that I haven't come-up with as of yet. Until then, I'll be posting interesting homework assignments on this site...enjoy!

Our first assignment was to review an article and its' accompanying multimedia package and tell how the package enhanced the written story. I chose to read a local story from The Sun about a German bakery http://pages.towson.edu/lieb/MCOM407/germanbakery.doc. At first I thought the story would be pretty dull, but after reading it I found it to be quite interesting. The article was well-written and descriptive, but it begged for pictures and sound to complete it. I wanted to see this man playing his accordian. I wanted to see the restaurant, and the various patrons singing and dancing on Thursdays. Although I found reading some of the German words and phrases a bit confusing, there's nothing confusing about the multimedia package. Well, maybe one thing...I thought they could've varied the pictures just a bit more than they did. Although I did request for the opportunity to see Alfred Zeller play his accordian, I didn't need to see it a dozen times. I would've liked a bit more variety. But I did like how the pictures put you into the story...you're there, in the restaurant, listening to the music and seeing the people that you just read about. Insead of just imagining what this scene might look like on a German Thursday, you're there, watching it. Overall, I found the multimedia package Baltimore Sun German Bakery slideshow complemented the newspaper article well.