Raquelle Schommer

Period: 6

Date: 12/16/12

Class: Journalism

Intervewee: McKenna Ewin

Word Count:  558

Transformed from the flash to featured stories

The guest speaker McKenna Ewin really interested me his job seemed so unique and cool. McKenna tells stories through videos online. He follows people and events around to see the new interesting facts and details of the situation.

 McKenna was hired at a young age to work for the Star Tribune, they didn't want to loose him to another company. McKenna started his feature video story career at my home school Eastview High School. McKenna was part of the flash, forecast and took journalism classes. McKenna went to the University of Minnesota and got an internship, videos were for the news. In the fall of 2008 McKenna went to Washington to learn more about the career he was pursuing. McKenna worked for the Public Radio station and some other non- government stations before sticking with the Star Tribune. McKenna did the most inspirational stories, they were all mostly about sports but others about the players. He did a video on Jack Jablonski and how he and all of his school supported the boys hockey team and their championship and how they were saying it was a miracle and that they love number 13 (Jack) etc. He also did a video for South Metro High School and there football program, He taught us that you always want the camera rolling because unexpected cool things happen like for example a kid threw up which was intriguing even though it was gross. Also that important details can be seen and  the person being taped becomes comfortable and acts their true self. Another neat video he showed us was of a boy who had been neglected by his parents at a young age and adopted by older people who game him the chance of a lifetime. He became a strong independent well willed person. McKenna has done many more videos also. The longest video he has made is 15 minutes the longest story he has ever followed was a three month process of following, recording and investigating. Which added up to be 24 days of following the story and putting it all together. McKenna's job seems so neat and interesting, McKenna seemed to appreciate his job and like it.  McKenna explained that his main job is to follow the Vikings (football team) and even go to away games to shoot post and pre games and the outcomes/ details, I think a job in the field that McKenna is in would be coo because he gets to learn about all these cool events and stories that happen right around our area! I thought it was great to learn about McKenna and how he produces neat videos for the whole world to see.

Weekly Response (Week 6)

1. After watching all of the newscasts this quarter I have realized that the first primary videos are of the most recent shocking news. For example…the Connecticut shooting it was a scary huge recent disaster, the hard breaking new is the best news. It was about something everybody could relate too, school, children, families, weapons, etc. it was a hard topic to hear about but you needed to know something that would affect the whole nation. Also another factor is safety like road conditions or recent important news about weather hazards. Sometimes they will declare that in the future the weather will be changing or maybe even at the minute. I've realized that its news that will affect our lives the most and sink in deep. If you know your at risk or your loved ones are your bound to listen and learn more. If it's a story with little meaning and not very attention getting chances are nobody's going to be interested. I have learned it needs to have a broad statement and interactive anchors , etc.

2. I would say the most important trait is significance! If it's not important and doesn't affect anyone nobody's interested if it gets people involved and catches their attention than it's a good story. People only really pay attention when a lot of people are affected by the story and its super important and plays a part in history or our life, factors like weather, government changes, natural disasters and shootings (I'm sure there's many more). I would say the least important factor is prominence because of course people like seeing whats the latest with celebrities but honestly that E news or some sort of celeb. show. The news is for important relevant now a day important topics. Like I stated earlier it needs to effect us or our loved ones in some manner. It also needs to poke at your heart in some way and a celebrity dying their hair or going on a date is nothing compared to our health and safety.

3. To be a nightly news anchor you need to be motivating and keep listeners awake and use a more incisive tone to catch your listeners attention. You also need to use gestures etc. when communicating or talking at the camera. When the anchor describes the story they have to illustrate that emotion and show how others are feeling. You need to be outgoing and attractive so people are taking you seriously and want to listen to you. I say that because they want a clean sharp looking person telling them facts not a slob who doesn't seem sure of what there announcing. So the best traits are to be social, smiley and reassuring/calm to the listeners.

4. I have learned that local nightly newscasts help explain and illustrate all of the new story's. If we didn't have the nightly newscasts we would never know whats going on in our society! It helps keep me understanding our issues in life like the economy weather changes and even the "end of the world". It reassures my safety and at my age teaches me what struggles we may encounter in life and how to change them or make do!

Analysis of a news source 6.2

Basics: Kare11 news, 10 pm newscast, 12-19-12 anchors Julie Nelson and Randy Shaver

Story #1: Weather with Belinda Jensen

Story #2: MidWest Winter Storm by Randy Shaver

Story #3: Hoffner Reinstated at MSU-MANKATO by Julie Nelson

The story that was the most interesting to me was the one about Hoffner . It was a recent story covering the news of this football coach getting suspended from teaching etc. because he had a naked video of his children on his phone. It affects his whole team and the college. This happened only about an hour and a half away from eagan. There was no prominence in this story. It was interesting because it was weird and a rare type of story. It was unique because they don't normally publicize that personal type of information. 

Analysis of a news source 6.1

Basics:  Kare 11 news station, 10 pm, 12/16/12 anchors Rena Sarigianopoulos and Blake McCoy

Story #1: Interfaith Vigil spoken by anchors

Story #2: Ammunition and Guns found spoken by anchors

Story #3: Discussing the Tragedy by Blake McCoy

The story that really affected me was the Connecticut shooting; it was so sad and terrible. The story was recent it just happened Friday morning it was put on the news an hour later. It's a super important story because little kids and every school around the nation was affected by this. This happened in the US and all schools have similar rules and security etc. There is no prominence in this story. It was very interesting in a sad way, the fact that anybody could hurt little kids scares me so badly. Its a very unique story this has only happened a few times in history and every time its documented and hurts everybody's heart.

TWiP

Photo 1

Beginning: NASA saw from the satellite our lights for Christmas and how much it lit up from east to space. They took pictures.

Middle: They then realized you could see super storm sandy and the effects. 

End: You can see America's beautiful lights but also all the big weather effects and how dangerous the super storm "Sandy" really was.

Photo 2

Beginning: Brewster a young man going to serve in the military..leaving the Country.

Middle: The parents are final reunited with there son and so happy to have him back safe and healthy.

End: The son will either stay in our Country or unfortunately have to leave to help protect our Country again.

Analysis of a News Source 5.2

Basics: Kare 11, 6pm news, 12/11/12 anchors Julie Nelson and Randy Shaver

1st Story: Icy Intersection reported by Julie Nelson

2nd Story: Brutal Commute reported by Randy Shaver

3rd Story: Careful with your car spoken by Lindsay Sever

The story of the roads really interested me because I noticed that they are way worse this year than I have ever seen. The plows are not doing a good job of removing the snow and melting the ice. This is a recent issue this snow storm happened just a few days ago and is still shown everywhere. Its super important because the roads are super dangerous and can put people at high risk of getting hurt, It needs to be changed. This is happening in all of Minnesota so its a big deal and really does relate to all of us, we all have o deal with the issue. Its very interesting to see that the rounds aren't being better taken care of and the danger that we are being confronted with. This story is unique because the roads are traitorous and it only happens for a short period of time every year.

Analysis of a News Source 5.1

Basics: Kare 11, 10pm news 12/10/12 anchor Randy Shaver

1st Story: Snow Tires by Jana Shortal

2nd Story: Weather by Belinda Jensen

3rd Story: Snow Shoveling Death reported by unknown person behind camera

The snow fall is really heavy compared to the previous years so tires need to be safe and sturdy. It was recent timing of the story, super current from when we just got that large snow fall. Its important for safety, we need good snow tires to protect our cars from spinning or sliding and to protect the passengers. This has a great amount of proximity, its all around us no matter where we go in minnesota. No prominence. Its interesting to see why we need the tires and what the tires can provide for our car and safety.  Its unique to see a long story on tires and the weather. 

The art of violin and bow making

The art of violin and bow making 

Total Run Time: 2:28

Air Date: November 23, 2012

1. CU of man tying apron

2. CU of man rolling cuff (right arm)

3. Tilt up of man with large wooden spoon

4. ECU of fingers sliding little piece against wood

5. ECU of mans face concentrating

6. CU wide of mans face and him talking why'll painting is in the back

7. Tilt (dutch angle)also wide of man looking/ measuring wood

8. EECU of piece of dark wood and mans finger

9. Tilt of man holding long wood also long depth to show off desk and items

10. In motion camera moving behind man why'll he holds up wood piece

11. ECU of man shaving wood of of little stick

12. ECU of end of stick showing depth don the whole side and a blur of his hand

13. CU of "frog" piece and his fingers

14. ECU of end of violin piece and fingers

15. ECU of finger tip and metal stick

16. Tilt up of lamp

17. Shot from up to down showing lamp leading to the desk showing a close up of tools

18. CU of measuring tool and wood

19. CU(tilt down) of tools and desk

20. ECU of violin pieces

21. CU with depth of long stick and wood shavings

22. CU of many many long pieces of wood

23. ECU of end of woods

24. CU of wood piece then being picked up

25. Medium shot of man talking (Shoulders up)

26. ECU of mans finger touching piece of violin (frog)

27. CU of wood depth

28. ECU of finger and string/ frog on top

29. medium of mans shoulders and up (talking)

30. CU of light with lighter fluid inside him burning it with a lighter and his finger

31.Starting up swoosh down holding little stick to view of tools on desk in background

32. Medium shot (shoulders up) and man talking

34. CU of chunk of wood being cut his hands cutting it

35. WS (medium) of man at desk working on the violin (cutting)

36. ECU of mans face concentrated on working

37. CU of craved piece of small wood and him holding it

38. Fade into polished same piece laying on desk (CU)

39. Black- OVER

I noticed the pattern of Close ups and transitions of the man showing how to make the violin..physically and then stopping to talk and reflect about it. It was mainly fades from one shot to the next but there was also shots and then a tilt from all the way up to all the way down or vice versa, It was really neat to see how the background sounds also blended with the transitions of movement and shots being portrayed. The whole idea of this was to be calm and collective. The violin is such a unique critically difficult thing to create so he ha to show all the little details and thats why they used extra close up shots or close ups mostly. They also showed lots of depth in the shots so you could se exactly how long the wood was and the background materials. It was like a "How To" thing. How to make a violin so they had to be close and descriptive not only through text but imagery. 

Analysis of a news source week 4.2

Basics: Kare 11 news, 12/3/12 , anchors Julie Nelson and Randy Shaver

1st Story: Vigil For Officer Decker reported by Jay Olstad

2nd Story: Fiscal Cliff spoken by Julie Nelson

3rd Story: Online Shopping spoken by a background voice not named.

The story that I found most interesting was about Officer Decker, there was a huge vigil set up to remember him. The story was super current, they had just been holding the candle lit ceremony that night. It was super significant to everyone, they all showed up with handles and stood around the funeral home. This was held close to us, it was located in Minnesota. Officer Decker wasn't famous but he was looked highly upon because of his "hero" career..a police officer. It was interesting because it was sweet that people really cared about then man and wanted to show it. Its super unique to see Vigil's now a day and its great to know people appreciated Officer Decker and him risking his lives to protect us.

Analysis of A news Source week 4.1

Basics: 12/01/12, Kare 11 News, Anchors Rena Sarigianopoulos and Blake McCoy

1st Story: Officer Shot And Killed (Crime) reported by Blake McCoy, Rena and some random voice

2nd Story: Funeral For Teens Shot and Killed (Sad, tragedy) Blake McCoy

3rd Story: Murder- Suicide Investigation spoken by Rena Sarigianopoulos

I thought that the story of an officer being shot and killed was very sad but inspiring, It was current yesterday it was and reported last night. It was super significant because it involved a police officer and a person dieting for no reason, being shot at a bar. It happened in Cold Spring, Minnesota so it was close to our area. and could happen to anyone. The only prominence was that police officers are recognized and thanked for their duties and well known so it got a little extra coverage that a police officer was killed. It was interesting to see something so sad happen, especially to someone who protects us and helps us to stay safe.

Analysis of a News Source, Week 3.2

Baiscs: Kare 11, 11/26/12 at 6pm. Anchors Julie Nelson and Randy Shaver

1^st Story- Homeowner Charged reported by Dave Berggren

2^nd Story- Great Danes Rescued only spoken by voice behind camera and a lady.

3^rd Story- MN Orchestra Finances spoken by person behind camera and a few random people.

I think the story Homeowner Charged was creepy because two teenagers were killed in a man’s home, he allegedly thought they were breaking in and killed them. He waited 24 hours before calling in to report the incident. It was super current; it was after the man had been in court. I also think its super significant because to kids were killed and it will also affect their friends and family. These murders happened in Minnesota so it does impact our whole state. There was no prominence, but the story is a human-interest subject because it’s rare and very sad. These types of stories don’t happen that often so it was very odd and unique.

From Tom Boy to Tiara

     April Leigh Herke started the first decade of her life as a tom boy, she would prefer to play kickball over going to get her nails done. When she was asked what she would like for christmas instead of the usual response of girls "Clothes or Barbies," April wanted an evil knievel dirt bike! April preferred sneakers over high heels, but finally her friend Shelly proposed that they try something different and dress up into their mothers dresses and heels. After wearing the beautiful outfit and accessories,  April knew that it was time to kick off the sneakers and put on some heels, it was time for her to become a lady. Aprils mother (Sheila) was a wedding designer and loved to see the beautiful dresses, hair and makeup on the brides. Sheila decided to enter April into a few pageants, April was not yet ready for them. April still had the jock side to her when performing so she trained and trained until she started making top ten and from then on she had placed 1st runner up in  every pageant. She didn't understand why she could not win but wanted to reach forward and try to win Miss Minnesota USA. So her mother Sheila, entered her into the pageant and April finally got the confidence and attitude of a beauty queen, she went up on the stage and made it her own. When she did win everyone went crazy. She learned although you can start with one perspective on life, a person  can change at any moment.  An individual  may think they want to be one thing but their path in life may change completely.  After April became Miss Minnesota USA 1991, which she thought she wanted for fame, became a means to give to others and do charity events. Its not about the "title" or "place" its about what you do with your title and learning your place in life. You may be Justin Bieber or Beyonce but were all equal and made from God.  April learned it wasn't about looks,  it was about the feeling of confidence and self actualization when she was in these pageants. Everybody has flaws and things that affect their self esteem but you learn to love the flaws! God has a path made for everyone and something that affects them for their whole life. When April became Miss Minnesota USA 1991 it helped to  make  her who she is today,  a strong, beautiful,  giving woman. April would do anything to please others, she is brave and has so much self confidence although she still loves playing sports and connecting with the athlete in her,  she found her calling and embraced it and made it her life and its one piece of her life's puzzle!

Analysis of a News Source..Week 3.1

Basics: Kare 11 11/24/12 6pm. With anchor Rena Sarigianopoulos

1st Story: Fatal Shooting Investigation Reported by Dave Berggren

2nd Story: Fatal Fire Reported by Renee Tessman

3rd Story: Small Business Saturday Reported by Jeffrey DeMars

The shooting of two teenagers was super tragic and sad. The news of the kids being found dead was the night before- partly the day of. It is very important because it will effect all teenagers to be careful and watch out for what can happen in your area. The area was in Minnesota so it affects the entire area/ our state. There was no prominence in this story. Its a human Interest story because its sad and sick, you hope that cases like this don't usually happen but win they do its rare and you want to be informed. This story was played up because its scary, rare and so unusual to see. To die at a young age is terrible and especially to be murdered so this story was very unique. 

Story #2 Football Time.

The story about the football players and their family tradition was very interesting. It had a loud active voice that kept my attention, the beginning started off with a great metaphor and some what of a twist. It had great background sounds well the parents were in the stands and the crowd was being shown. The story was very entertaining and up beat, I wasn't bored watching it. When the boys were being interviewed it was very conversational and real. You could tell everything being said was truth and from the heart. The mom even said some type of simile such as the carpet was green and they grew up on that which is like the green turfs color.  The boys talked to the interviewer easily like they were all just hanging out, which was neat to watch. The story ends with a cool metaphor.. All they wanted was a little more time on the clock. 

Story #1 50,000 goal

The story surprises all of us, Most people would think that the kids would keep the 50,000 dollars but they gave it back because it wasn't the right thing to do. It is also amazing that the boy with a broken arm managed to make the difficult shot. The story had an active voice to keep readers interested and keep a strong message. This family taught people morals and how to do the "right" thing. In the situation the family could have taken the money and not spoken up about the boys switching places. It was surprising that a lot of companies and teams wanted to do something for the family even though it didn't really effect them. The family still ended up getting 20,00 dollars and an ATV. So the main point of the story is when you do the right thing it comes back around in a beneficial way! 

Week 3: Bob Dotson

      I like how Dotson used words that would have been used back a half century ago. It helped portray the scenery and vocabulary used it also told a great story! He used a lot of facts and made everything super efficient and right to the point. Dotson made most of his scripts conversational! It was interesting to see the words flow so easily. With the news he says you need to catch peoples attentions because people are usually multi tasking why'll watching the news. Dotson states that is teacher once told him the main keys to good writing are clarity and accuracy. Your writing has to create imagery. I totally agree because to enjoy a story or book you need to have details and understanding of the time, scene, etc. You can relate and believe the story when you see it and feel it! Metaphors can provide dramatic tension which captures the readers attention and makes them want more! Its also great to use Gobbledygook and Cliches, it confuses people and makes them wonder. Its great to have an Active Voice it forces people to think what is happening now. A few other good writing techniques are to write in threes and use surprises! 

Bob Dotson

I noticed that Bob Dotson writes stories simply, clearly, and skillfully. Bob writes about his skills on writing, he tries to encourage the reader to start writing. Bob Dotson uses 3 techniques to help him write they include, “The Rule of Threes”, “Filling the Silence” and “The Non- Question/ Question”. Bob uses words that can help describe the feeling, touch, looks etc. He said, “Kids thumbing thru yearbooks”. Bob turns some of his sentences into metaphors such as “Sometimes the yearbook of life closes to soon.”In the script Dotson makes his writing seem so realistic it’s almost boring because it’s so clear. Instead of using words like she was almost like an NBA basketball player Dotson just says “good” or bland words.

I learned that some stories you have to write in limited time. When you’re in that position you have to work fast. To help that, you have to write the middle of your story first which is the easiest part to write. After you are finished writing your middle you need to start on your opening line to do so you can use the three techniques Dotson taught earlier in the book. Whatever you do don’t throw away any thoughts they might not go with your story but they can lead to other points and facts.  Another strategy is to find strong central characters to help set the mood and tone of your story. People connect with characters; it brings them closer to the book.  Help the reader see what they might have missed even standing next to you.

In the beginning of the video they foreshadowed by saying how loved he is and how he had just joined the military. The reporter says this is a tragedy that has become a triumph so you can assume the man got hurt at war and came home to his wife and kid. The scenery took place in Afghanistan, hospital room and lastly a garden like area. Sam lived for challenges, which foreshadows that he was going to have conflict. He was driving in the military car and they ran over a bomb and it burned him very severely. Sam Brown’s whole face is scarred and burned. Through this hardship Sam became stronger and wanted to strive to get better. He did all he could do to get better, he had at least two dozen surgeries. Sam was afraid he would become dependent on pain killers and get addicted. The doctor came up with a plan for Sam to play video games to get his mind off of the burns and problems and focus on relaxing and listening to the songs on the video game. The outcome was that his friend that was also in the military and him starting dating she was his dietitian and she worked with burns so she could relate to him and understand what he was going through. The story was very inspiring and had a great moral the way it was planned out was also very professional and sweet. They interviewed Sam and his lover outside by a garden so it seemed very peaceful and happy. This story had lots of points and different views so it was nice to incorporate it all into one moving story.

Analysis of a News Source, Week #2

Basics: 10 pm. 11-16-2012, Kare 11 News with anchors Julie Nelson and Randy Shaver

1st Story: Workplace Awareness reported by Jay Olstad

2nd Story: Weather reported by Jerrid Sebesta

3rd Story: Prep 11 Sports Extra reported by Randy Shaver

 The Story about "WorkPlace Awareness" was interesting to me, because the swat team came to the minneapolis target because a worker thought she had heard gun shots but it happened to be a construction area in an area near by. It was a case of a worker being hyper aware, With the Christmas season coming along it worries workers of robbery and burglary. The swat team blocked off the whole target store and are still keeping an eye out for the area. Its important to shoppers and store employees safety! This story was live and showed swat cars at the scene. The store was located in Minneapolis, which is relatively close to Eagan. There is no prominence to this story. Its interesting because its rare and scary. 

Alton's Introduction

Alton Brown's introduction has key components such as strong word choice, relatable situations and detail about why he started cooking and how is Grandmother has the recipes on how to make this "Devilish" food. Alton liked to include Classification, such as strongly detailing and describing the food products and how delicious they are. Alton mentions how many people stereotype baking as striving for pure perfection which is nearly an impossible goal for most people, they also think baking is to difficult or tedious. Alton tries to convince people that you don't have to be perfect or a pro to cook. His grandmother was arthritic and didn't knead the muffins like they were supposed to be made, all she could do is pat them because of her condition and they turned out better than the "pro" way. Alton went into detail about how you can change the order of ingredients and make it your own and it may still turn out to be amazing. Alton's main goal was to convince people that cooking can be for everyone and its not as hard as its made out to be, don't judge a book by its cover! I feel like all of this ties in with Journalism and how it may be stereotyped as hard and only for people who are good writers but honestly its capable for any person.

"Analysis of a News Source, Week 1 #2

Basics: 11/13/2012, 10 pm., KARE11, Julie Nelson and Randy Shaver

Story 1: Seat License Spat reported by Blake McCoy

Story 2: Flight Pattern Proposal reported by Jay Olstad

Story 3: Weather reported by Belinda Jensen

Story 4: Advancing on The Voice reported by Jana Shortal

            The story about Nicholas David advancing on the voice intrigued me because he is from Eagan, Minnesota. The story about David was live and recent news, if Nicholas wins the voice it will affect our whole state because he is representing us. Nicholas being right in our neck of the woods is so sweet because he could become famous. Nicholas grew up a couple blocks away from us, it’s interesting that he is getting all of this publicity just for becoming a type of "famous". This interests almost everyone to see an older man from a small suburban area make it longer in a singing contest than young teenagers! Lastly this story is important because it’s so rare to be picked to be put on a TV show or contest, and Nicholas was one of the lucky ones. It’s amazing and I hope Nicholas David wins the Voice!