reflections on michelle wright's two-day journalism workshop || liberty university 2014

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a session that was part of a two-day journalism workshop sponsored by Liberty University and featuring Michelle Wright. Wright is an anchor for WTAE Action News and “This Morning in Pittsburgh,” and is also a graduate of Liberty University.

(Several days later I would learn that she attended Liberty at the same time as my mother, who is also a Liberty graduate. They were acquaintances who were both involved in the communications department at the school.)

Wright emphasized the importance of being an informed communicator. She encouraged the attendees to diversify their outlook to include politics and business, noting that her choice to major in political science helped her greatly when the time came to put her skills to practical use. I jotted down a reminder to study both of these areas more in the future.

As the session continued, Wright dispensed helpful hints for the world of broadcasting right and left. For instance, she shared from her experience with interviewing top cultural icons, such as Oprah, that it’s important to ask the hard questions. Hard questions, Wright pointed out, allow the interviewee to make a firm case for their side of the story instead of simplistic “yes” or “no” questions.

However, perhaps Wright’s most powerful and pointed advice involved a core element that many broadcasters and journalists are prone to forget: people.

“The story is in the people,” she said, urging us not to forget the heartbeat of the industry.

Sometimes one can become so consumed with “the story” that they forget who makes the story come alive. People, she emphasized, are not to be taken for granted.

Needless to say, I left the workshop grateful for Wright's helpful advice and more interested that ever in the world of broadcast journalism.

exercise 12.1 news releases

For more information, contact

Hannah Underhill

Mountain East Medical Center

224-553-8892

hunderhill@memc.com

For Immediate Release

DEPARTMENT HEAD LEAVES

A new man will be at the helm of Mountain East Medical Center’s purchasing department, taking the department to greater heights than ever before.

Johnny Toler will assume the role of department head after his predecessor, Bob Wilkinson, departs from his role as head of the hospital’s purchasing department. Toler was Wilkinson's assistant head and officials believe he is well-equipped to take on the new position.

“Bob’s abilities will be greatly missed at this hospital, but I know that Johnny Toler is a person we can all depend on to do whatever is necessary to keep his department going,” Harry Illscott, Mountain East Medical Center’s administrator, said.

Toler has been employed by Mountain East Medical for 13 years. Initially he held the position of assistant druggist in the center’s pharmacy and moved to the purchasing department in 1978 following the pharmacy’s closing.

“This hospital means a great deal to me and my family, and I will give my best efforts to making our purchasing department the best,” Toler said.

Toler’s background is in pharmacy. He worked under Wilkinson for several years.

“I learned from a fine man,” Toler said, “and I hope I can continue to build on the foundation he established.”

Wilkinson graduated from Virginia State University’s school of hospital administration in 1972. His employment at Mountain East Medical was preceded by his role as the purchasing chief of a small rural community hospital in the area.

Illscott shared Toler’s feeling of optimism regarding the change.

“I have great faith in him,” he said in reference to Toler.

Toler is married and has two children. His wife, Carolyn Toler, is the head of the gynecology department at Mountain East Medical.

 _

Mountain East Medical Center was established in 1894 by Dr. R.F. Janger with a vision to provide quality medical care by using the latest techniques and health practices available. The Center is located in Obichiwan, Va., in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is lauded for its excellent standards, particularly in its maternity wing and intensive care unit. Harry Illscott is the hospital’s current administrator.

response blog to "the persuaders"

Rushkoff is a technology and media commentator for CNN.

In an innovative 90-minute documentary entitled "The Persuaders", commentator Douglas Rushkoff explored the abstract concepts surrounding the path advertisers track to the hearts, minds, and, ultimately, wallets of consumers. His preliminary conclusion was that reaching a target audience involves more than merely marketing what a product does, but also what the product means. Beyond simply fulfilling a physical need, such as satisfying your chocolate craving or washing your hair, the products must be seen as fulfilling several intangible needs. These needs include:

• Community
  As consumers, we want to belong to a community. We want to know that  not only are there other people out there, but that there are other people out there like us.
• Narrative
  We want to understand how things fit into our story of life, an ongoing narrative that creates who we are and what we pursue.
• Transcendence
  We want to experience life beyond a superficial level. The products we use must reflect a transcendental attitude.

Since we're all human with the same basic attitudes about life, you would think that tapping into these core needs would be easy. However, as marketing specialist Claire Rapaille discovered, the analysis of these needs lies beyond the superficial language we use. It's locked away in what Rapaille terms a mental "highway" or "code." That code must be broken in order for advertisers to successfully market their products and services.

As I watched "The Persuaders," the above information made sense. I could attest to the three basic needs of community, narrative and transcendence in my own life. I understood the reality of the mental code Rapaille discovered. 

However, what intrigued me the most was the emotional connection that many of these professional persuaders sought to make with their target audience. No longer is the strategy to sell me on the comparative benefits of a certain paper towel brand. Instead, the goal is to engage my emotions, beyond a logical level, on a heart level. I must believe that the paper towels will satisfy a deep innate need in my life.

What is advertising, then, but a manipulation of humanity? The persuaders aren't selling products; they're selling ideas.

Lifestyles.

Worldviews.

They're shaping the way we perceive the world on a daily basis. Why? Because they know these deeper connections will rivet themselves to the core of our being to the point where we just can't say no. After all, who ever finds it easy to say no to themselves?

While watching the documentary, I felt a chill run up my spine. A very personal part of me seemed to have been laid bare. It was as if these "persuaders," manipulating my emotions to sell transient products and services, were making me something less...human. I felt like they were stepping beyond ethical boundaries and tinkering with my psyche's circuitry, a sphere only relegated to the divine.

"Hey!" I wanted to bark. "That's mine! Don't touch!" But I couldn't, because I knew they were, in a strange way, right.

They know how to make their industry tick.

The basic solution is simple: instead of giving us what we want, advertisers use the concept of Rapaille's mental code to tell us what we want. Then they hand us a well-researched conglomeration of what they want us to have, and we're naive enough to think we were the ones originally clamoring for it.

Such a strategy is intriguing. It's also terrifying, like letting an identity thief look over my shoulder while I'm balancing my bank statement. But as long as the consumer cry is "Give us what we want!", then advertisers who want to survive in the day-to-day chaos will have to figure out a way to satisfy that cry.

But they will. They almost always do.

They are, after all, the persuaders.

exercise 11.1 print advertising critique

Name:
       Viking Range Corporation

Advertisement:
       Viking Designer Series print ad in Vanity Fair (May 01)

1.  What is the promise of benefit offered by this headline?

"Viking introduces its 2001 sports model." This headline indicates three benefits: new, attractive, and powerful.

2. How does the illustration demonstrate the product? How does this illustration attract attention?

The ad works to market the Viking Range Corporation's Designer Series by comparing it to a luxury automobile. The set is designed to be reminiscent of a car repair shop, albeit with a touch more sophistication, as we see that it is actually not a repair shop or garage well, but a kitchen. We understand that the product is heavy-duty but elegant, durable but classy - much like the familiar fender of what appears to be a Corvette in the lower right corner of the picture. Clean lines and bright light draw our eyes to the image above the informative text.

3. What proofs of the promise of benefit in the headline are offered by the body copy?

The body copy promises a "sleek new look for professional performance" with a "dramatic edge" effected by "aerodynamic curves and high-powered features." It describes the product as a "fine-tuned culinary range."

4. What action does the ad tell readers to take?

"Test-drive the complete kitchen at your nearest Viking dealer."

exercises 9.1 & 9.2

Exercise 9.1 Writing Radio News Stories

Drinking Bill

A new bill tackling the legal drinking issue was passed today by the House // The bill raises the state drinking age from 19 to 21 // It was passed after two long-winded debates in both the House and Senate that lasted a collective 60 hours // Representative Tom Hartley sponsored the bill //

Honor Society

35 college students will be inducted into the university honor society Friday // Alpha Alpha will hold its induction ceremony at 10 in the morning at the student center // The names of the inductees will be kept secret until the ceremony // 

Exercise 9.2 Writing Radio News Stories

Theft Investigation

Light is being shed on the city’s auto theft ring that has expanded into surrounding counties // Police chief Clayton Wheat affirmed the department’s ongoing investigation into the situation at a press conference this morning // The ring is responsible for nearly 300 auto thefts in the city // Wheat says most of the stolen cars were disassembled and sold for parts //

Industry Returning

A local group of investors are teaming up with Textron Corporation to start a machine tool plant // The group will purchase the old Lochs Papermill plant // The new plant is expected to employ about 200 people //

exercises 8.1 & 8.2

Exercise 8.1 Writing an Audio News Story

Basketball Death

A 15-year-old athlete died tragically this morning // Todd White attended Central High School // He collapsed today during his basketball team’s practice game // He was pronounced dead at Central Valley Memorial Hospital after attempts to revive him failed // The county coroner will perform an investigation today //

Energy Plan

A new energy plan was announced by the Secretary of the Interior today // Grace Green announced the new 800-million dollar plan in Salt Lake City // The plan will reduce strip mining while making new nuclear power plant licensing easier // Green says the plan will cut foreign oil dependence and make America greener //


Exercise 8.2 Writing an Audio News Story

Faculty Death

The university family is mourning the loss of a beloved professor // Elizabeth Bilton taught education at the university for 36 years // She battled cancer for 10 years // During her career she taught an estimated 10-thousand future teachers //

Wreck

An accident on I-59 caused a traffic jam that blocked the road in both directions for 45 minutes last night // Two trucks collided head-on while on a portion of the interstate that was undergoing repairs // Both drivers were uninjured but cited for speeding and reckless driving //

exercise 7.5 speech stories - graduation

exercise 7.5 speech stories - graduation

Kay McDavid challenged a class of 275 graduating seniors to think outside the box while enjoying life during her commencement speech at Barnaby College’s graduation ceremonies last Friday.

McDavid is a 1985 business graduate of Barnaby with an MBA from Harvard. She is now the president of Flyover Airlines, a small air carrier based in South Dakota that services more than 30 cities in the upper Midwest.  

“I was proud of what I had accomplished…at Barnaby,” McDavid said at the beginning of her speech, reminiscing on her years at the institution.

Barnaby College is a liberal arts college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and founded in 1921. This year’s graduating class was the second largest in the school’s history.

McDavid described being fearful of not leaving her mark on the world post-graduation and how her thought processes had to change so she could become successful in her field.

“For me the change was…trying to see the world differently,” she said.

Last year Flyover was named “Small Airliner of the Year” by International Airlines Magazine for its new air rides on demand program. The program, AirTaxi, transports passengers immediately to their destinations for 20 percent more than standard fare. McDavid, who has been named Airline Executive of the Year, contributes her personal and corporate success to creative thinking.

“We’re building something new, and that’s the fun part,” she said.

She noted that in order to lead, one must seize the day and let other people follow suit. Her final comments to the graduating class encouraged students to “be creative, have fun…let this day be yours.”

exercise 5.9 & 5.10

Exercise 5.9 Writing Leads 2

Plant Accident

Who: Duane LaChance
What: Electrocution
When: 3 p.m. Thursday
Where: Petal Municipal Power Plant
Why: n/a
How: Installing new pipes and accidentally touched power line

A piper fitter for Gross Engineers was in serious condition at Methodist Hospital Thursday night after accidentally touching his wrench to a power line that contained 15,000 volts, resulting in third-degree burns.


McCartney Illness

Who: Peter McCartney
What: Exploratory throat surgery
When: Thursday
Where: Riverside Hospital
Why: Voice reduced to whisper
How: Unknown

Singer Peter McCartney is undergoing exploratory throat surgery Friday at Riverside Hospital in an attempt to diagnose the cause behind his sudden loss of vocal ability during a concert Wednesday night.


BOE Meeting

Who:  Hattiesburg Board of Education
What: New rules passed by administration
When: Thursday morning
Where: Hattiesburg
Why: Low enrollment
How: n/a

Following their third year of declining enrollment reflected in a loss of 200 students in the past school year, the Hattiesburg Board of Education passed a set of new dress-code rules on Friday morning.

Exercise 5.10 Writing Leads 3

Faculty in Plane Crash

Who: Associate professors
What: Plane crash
When: Thursday night
Where: Kennedy International Airport
Why: Crash on takeoff
How: Not stated

A TWA jet carrying 45 individuals, among them two associate professors at Backwater State University, crashed on takeoff at Kennedy International Airport Thursday, killing five people.


Meeman Speaks

Who: Norman Meeman
What: Speech
When: 4:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: Room 111, William Oxley Thomson Memorial Library
Why: How to be a great writer
How: Not stated

Pulitzer Prize winner and author Norman Meeman challenged an audience of 67 English students seeking to become great writers as part of his presentation at the William Oxley Memorial Library Sunday.


Professor Wins Award

Who: Clement Crabtree, professor of horticulture
What: Received George Washington Honor Medal
When: Last week
Where: PA
Why: "Plan for Peace"
How: Not stated

The Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge recently bestowed the George Washington Honor Medal on a professor of horticulture from Liberty University at a ceremony in Pennsylvania Saturday.

CNA #5

CeeLo Green quits 'The Voice'

On Wednesday's episode of Ellen, CeeLo Green announced that he would not be "coming back at all" for future seasons of the hit show, The Voice. He cited reasons such as not wanting to "wear out" his welcome and a desire to record new music. However, he does have a television deal intact with NBC and will be maintaining a good relationship with the network.

Facebook To Buy WhatsApp For $19 Billion

Continuing along the path of a goal to "make the world more open and connected," Facebook will purchase the mobile messaging application WhatsApp for $19 billion, an announcement made this past Wednesday. This announcement followed Facebook's failed attempt to purchase Snapchat for $3 billion last year. WhatsApp serves as an alternative to text messaging, sending the messages over a WiFi signal instead of a cellular signal.

Disney's 'Frozen' Slammed By Mormon Grandmother For 'Gay Agenda To Normalize Homosexuality'

Author of the "A Well-Behaved Mormon Woman" blog Kathryn Skaggs has written a scathing blog post attacking Disney's overwhelmingly popular film, "Frozen", for promoting a homosexual agenda. While not claiming to be anti-gay, she strongly expresses her conviction that parents are apparently blinded to the messages spread by the movie. Skaggs follows the trend of other conservative groups who have perceived a homosexual agenda behind Disney's actions.

exercise 5.8

Exercise 5.8: Writing Leads 1

Write a lead paragraph (sentence) from each set of facts.

Crash

Who: Rufus N. Hebernowski
What: Jet aircraft crash
When: Wednesday at noon
Where: Super Shopping Mall
Why: Not stated
How: Not stated

An Air Force major stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base tragically died Wednesday when his jet aircraft crashed into the parking lot of the Super Shopping Mall . - blind


City Council

Who: City council
What: Tax increase
When: Monday morning; first of next month
Where: the city
Why: Double size of city park
How: 10 percent increase

As a part of measures designed to double the size of the city park, the City Council met Monday morning and approved at 10 percent raise in property taxes for the entire city.


University Raises

Who: Harold R. Drazsnzak
What: Announced 15 percent pay raise
When: Not stated
Where: Front steps of university admin building
Why: Faculty long overdue
How: Increased state revenue

University employees are celebrating today following an announcement from the administration declaring a 15 percent pay raise for all faculty and staff, a decision that has not happened for two years.


Journalism Students Meet

Who: Journalism Student Association
What: Boycott of classes
When: Effective immediately
Where: Not stated
Why: Tuition increase
How: Not stated

The president of the Journalism Student Association declared on Monday to a group of 200 students that "all journalism students will boycott all classes" in response to the university's recent 10 percent tuition increase.

assignment three: interview a missionary

With Global Emphasis Week in full swing at Liberty University, I set out to make contact with an individual or two representing the numerous booths that line the back hall of Demoss, the main academic building on Liberty's campus. After outlining some key questions and praying to make contact with "just the right person," I meandered my way down the hallway - and found her. Below are some of the things she shared with me, and while the wording is far from verbatim, the heart is still fully intact.

Name: Ashley 
Organization: Orbie for Orphans


1) Tell me a little bit about your organization. What is the purpose/function of Orbie for Orphans?

Ashley shared that Orbie for Orphans is an Animated Discipleship Curriculum aimed at shedding the light of God's love on orphans around the world. Each of the twelve lessons covers a significant concept targeted specifically to the unique needs of orphans - concepts such as self-worth, value, etc.


2) Why is the ministry of Orbie for Orphans important?

The concept of Vacation Bible School as it is known in the United States is an excellent one for children supported by families and semi-structured communities, but in the orphanages of foreign countries one week of targeted Bible teaching is hardly sufficient. Orbie for Orphans addresses a huge demand on the part of nearly 50 countries for some sort of truth-centered discipleship for the children in their orphanages.


3) What is your role in the ministry?

Ashley laughed and went on to explain that her role with Orbie for Orphans is somewhat abstract. As a volunteer, she isn't considered a staff member of the organization. However, she considers herself a "freelance missionary," having traveled widely, cultivating a unique international perspective that makes her invaluable to the research Orbie needs to conduct in order to most effectively reach the nations.


4) How long have you been with Orbie?

Orbie is a young organization and will turn three years old this May. Ashley has been a part of the ministry since the beginning.


5) What did you study in college?

Ashley's answer could not have been more appropriate: she majored in International Studies at Baylor University.


6) How did your degree equip you for your present career?

The International Studies degree program focused on a broad range of cultures and topics, enabling her to be a truly versatile missionary. Because she is well-versed in the cultures of the world, she is familiar with cultural taboos and customs, making it easier for her to gain the trust of the people she encounters.


7) What led you to become involved with Orbie?

Ashley met the founders of Orbie, Carl and Jill Toth, three years prior to the initial development of Orbie for Orphans. Through a discussion that centered around a shared passion for the plight of orphans around the world, Ashley and the Toths joined forces to reach the orphans they love so deeply.


8) What do you love most about your role with Orbie?

Her passionate answer to this question was inspiring. She said that she loved reaching the poor and destitute, "getting the Gospel out the least of these." Such a massive global undertaking was also something she noted as being fuel to her flame for this ministry.


9) What one truth would you communicate to the Christians you talk to?

She thought for a moment. Finally, and with a decisive tone in her voice: "If you want to change the world, get in God's presence." Short, sweet, and simple - and incredibly profound.


10) How can people get involved with Orbie?

Mission trips, internships, fundraising - the list is plentiful and diverse enough to allow anyone with a passion for sharing to gospel to do so through Orbie. She directed me to Orbie's website, OrbieforOrphans.org, and also noted that the organization has a Facebook and Twitter account as well.

{-}

Ashley was a pleasure to interact with, and the joy she exuded was contagious. I thanked her for her time, and then asked how I could specifically pray for her and Orbie. She shared a couple of prayer requests.

First, for the ministry of Orbie for Orphans. This ministry is ready to get the material out and into the orphanages of the nearly 50 countries that have requested it - but the financial and people needs are still great.

Second, for herself. Ashley is a faith-based missionary due to her "freelance" status, so her income is dependent even more so on the Lord's provision. She has also been blessed with many open doors of ministry and often finds herself in need of discerning just exactly *which* door she should walk through next.

Please keep Ashley and Orbie for Orphans in your prayers. Also, be sure to visit the website with a heart willing to serve, asking the Lord how *you* can make a difference in the lives of orphans around the world.

CNA #4

Gay teen achieves Eagle Scout milestone in Maryland 

Pascal Tessier, a 17-year-old gay member of the Boy Scouts in Maryland has received the rank of Eagle Scout as one of the first (if not the first) openly gay members to receive the honor. The Boy Scouts of America has traditionally not permitted gay youth to participate in their organization and has only recently lifted the ban. Tessier views his accomplishment as a statement in support of openly gay Boy Scouts everywhere.

(Facets of news: impact, timeliness, conflict, currency)

Earnings gap between young adults with and without college degrees at widest level in 48 years

A recent study by the Pew Research Center revealed a decline in the earnings of young adults whose highest level of education was a high school diploma. While formerly earning 81% of the average salaries of their college graduate counterparts, job-seekers with only a high school diploma are now making only 62% of the same figure. Poverty and dissatisfaction with one's job were also two other side effects of the earning decline.

(Facets of news: proximity, conflict, currency)

California man electrocuted while taking Facebook photos

In Tustin, Calif., a 27-year-old's sunset photography excursion turned deadly when David Strohm Jr. was electrocuted in the process. He had climbed a tree to take photos of the sunset and somehow came into contact with a nearby power line. His parents did not find him until the next morning, and officials had to cut off electricity to at least 20 homes to safely retrieve the body.

(Facets of news: impact, proximity, bizarre/unusual)

Exercises 3.6, 3.7, 3.8

3.6 Using the Stylebook 4

Correct the following to conform to AP style.

1. The first rutabaga eating contest was canceled because of adverse weather.

2. It's not all right to drink an excess of beer before going to the football game.

3. As Einstein said, all knowledge is relative.

4. The state Capitol of Lousiana is located at 3722 Dagwood Road.

5. The mayor refused to go along with the City Council vote. "I dissent," he stated.

6. Madonna certainly has a flair for fashion; she always wears expensive outfits.

7. The bomb destroyed Sen. Kitsmoot's bird cage.

8. My bright green Chevrolet, which is in the garage, needs a  new transmission.

9. Knopke's hilarious joke elicited laughter from the Midville City Council.

10. Jones laid on the floor waiting for the job interview to begin.

11. Horowitz, an ethics major, vowed never to compromise his principles.

12. At the end of the book report, Haynes cited the World Book as a source.


3.7 Using the Stylebook 5

Correct the following to conform to AP style.

1. The 25-year-old man wept as he left Hattiesbug, Miss.

2. Nov. 10 will mark our anniversary.

3. Do not park the car on Rodeo Drive. Instead, park it at 12 Davies St.

4. They spent $130 to buy a new set of nose rings.

5. Smoots moved to the North because the people there are so nice.

6. At 7 p.m. Thursday, the rodeo will begin in the town square.

7. Wednesday, the terrorists blew up their home at 123 Melrose St.

8. Twenty-two seamstresses were needed to mend the prom dresses.

9. About 5 percent of the professors have lost their hair.

10. After two feet of snow fell at his home in Columbus, Ohio, Jones decided to leave.

11. Smith bet $50 that her brother weighed more than a 1964 Chevrolet.

12. Guy Reel, the governor of California, set his trailer on fire Sept. 1.

13. A fire began at 3325 McDonald Drive when an oven full of rutabagas exploded.

14. During the 1970s, everyone wore bell-bottom blue jeans to church.


3.8 Using the Stylebook 6

Correct the following to conform to AP style.

1. In August 1985, Davies rented a rutabaga stand in August, Ga.

2. Pomerantz tied the beehive to Sen. Gramm's cowboy hat.

3. About 1,200 Easter rabbits were killed in the explosion at Big Dave's Bunny Warehouse, located at 2525 Hackensack Drive.

4. In the 1980s, Davies left the Midwest and moved to the Loire Valley in France.

5. Smoots brought two cups of coffee to the governor.

6. About 8 percent of the cantaloupes have been stuffed with rutabagas.

7. Jones bet $40 that his roommate had hidden the sandwich.

8. The three university professors share a house at 613 25th Avenue.

9. After two feet of snow fell at his home in Columbus, Ohio, Davies decided to leave the Midwest and move to the South.

10. Dec. 11, all classes will be canceled.

11. On Wednesday morning, the mayor skipped her aerobics class.

12. Davies drove 2 million miles in his old Toyota Corolla before it blew up.

13. Dr. Kildare said he had filed a malpractice suit against Marcus Welby.

14. At 8 p.m., Gov. Jim Guy Tucker of Arkansas will give a short speech in front of the Gorgas Library.

CNA #3

Sochi squalor: Journalists report hotel horror stories as Russians scramble to finish construction

With the 2014 Winter Olympics rapidly approaching and media already arriving in Sochi, Russia, to cover the event, the country is rushing to finish three of the nine hotels built specifically for journalists and other media personnel. People are reporting delayed check-ins due to rooms not being finished, insufficient furnishings, poor water quality and sundry other issues. While Russia claims that it is ready to host the games, these setbacks are making attendees and supporters question the validity of that statement.

Shaun White jams wrist, pulls out of Olympic slopestyle event

After several practice runs on the slopestyle course in Sochi in preparation for the Winter Olympics, snowboarder Shaun White withdrew from participating in the slopestyle event, citing potential injury as a reason for his withdrawal. He jammed his wrist and witnessed the injuries of other noted snowboarders on the course and concluded that the chance of a gold medal in the event was not worth the personal risk. Other athletes claim that White is simply avoiding failure in a new event.

Chobani yogurt blocked from Winter Olympics by Russians

A Greek yogurt brand and official sponsor of the US Olympic team, Chobani has had yogurt shipments to Russia blocked because of "'unattainable' Russian Customs certifications." The yogurt is intended for American athletes and NBC employees. The Russian government has been requested to approve a USDA safety certificate but will not.

Exercises 3.3, 3.4, 3.5

3.3 Using the Stylebook 1

Correct the following to conform to AP style.

1. He was charged with trafficking in drugs.

2. The Rev. Billy Graham said God was alive and his will would triumph.

3. The flag which Francis Scott Key saw has been preserved.

4. lifelike, outfielder, interracial, IOUs

5. Pianos, nationwide, PTA, Vietnam War

6. The train will arrive at noon Tuesday.

7. The U.S. Census Bureau defines the South as a 16-state region.

8. The judge ruled that because of his verbal skills he had entered into an oral contract.

9. She had an afternoon snack of some Oreo cookies and Coke.

10. harass, accommodate, weird, likable

11. doughnut; pantsuit; plow; National Weather Service


3.4 Using the Stylebook 2

Correct the following to conform to AP style.

1. The Department of Defense is about to propose a new missile system.

2. FCC, hitchhiker, $3, 4 million

3. The three most important people in his life are his wife, son and mother.

4. part time, 10-year-old child, 5 p.m., 5,300

5. The Cardinals won the last game of the World Series, 7-5.

6. spring (season), fall (season), south (point on compass), South (region)

7. Nov. 15, the last day of February, March 16

8. Thirteen people traveled to Austin, Texas, for the rally.

9. He had 10 cents left in his pocket.

10. homemade, well-known, Italian American, questionnaire


3.5 Using the Stylebook 3

Correct the following to conform to AP style.

1. The United States is sometimes not the best market for US products.

2. upward; British Labour Party; Riverside Avenue; cupfuls; eyeing

3. The Republican differed from the Democrat many times during the debate.

4. Drs. John Smith and Mary Wilson performed the operations.

5. goodwill; USS Eisenhower; cigarette; mid-America

6. He said he was neither a communist nor a member of the Communist Party.

7. After surgery she had to wear a pacemaker.

8. "What a hare-brained scheme!" she exclaimed.

9. pre-empt, speedup (noun), 55 mph, hooky

10. The underworld, or mafia, was responsible for the murder.

Exercise 3.9, 3.10, 3.11

3.9 Using the Stylebook 7

Correct the following items to conform to AP style.

1. Estalene Smoots dropped her French class the first day of school.

2. Sadie Hoots won $3.2 million on "Wheel of Fortune."

3. Frustrated that their professor required them to eat fried rutabagas, the students walked out of class at 9 a.m. Tuesday.

4. The office manager had 21 plants, 62 cats and two puppies.

5. President Aubrey Lucas is from Compton, Calif.

6. On Oct. 25, Ruth Ann Bobetksi will turn 41.

7. Goober Hicks lives at 10 W. Hardy St. He used to live in a run-down shack at 2803 Williamsburg Road.

8. Abby gave birth to a 9-pound baby boy.

9. The president invited me to dinner at the White House, but I could not fit it into my schedule.

10. Sen. Davies said his earning had increase 10 percent in the 1980s.

11. Barney the Dinosaur will be executed Tuesday, November 2.

12. Twenty-five vagabonds attacked me from behind in front of the hub.

13. Snarkle found a 10-inch bug crawling in her spaghetti. "Great! Now I won't need seconds," she exclaimed.

14. All the men in the ROTC chapter wore red, white and blue pantyhose to class in January 1991.

15. The Bay City baseball team lost its final game 2-1 and climbed dejectedly back onto its bus.


3.10 Using the Stylebook 8

Using the AP Stylebook, answer the questions or correct the following sentences or phrases.

1. mph

2. A civil case is a suit from one individual against another, usually involving a breach of contract or personal injury. A criminal case involves the state or federal government prosecuting an individual accused of committing a crime.

3. The eyewitness found himself in an eye-to-eye confrontation.

4. A clock reading

5. Never

6. Scene 2

7. Q-tips

8. capitol

9. Adjective

10. either one


3.11 Using the AP Stylebook 9

Using the AP Stylebook, answer the questions or correct the following sentences or phrases.

1. The United States comprises 50 states.

2. A.D. 33

3. czar

4. QE2

5. courts-martial

6. International Associations of Machinists and Aerospace Workers

7. Navy ROTC

8. liberal

9. pour

10. Atlanta

CNA #2

Egypt ex-President Morsi defiant at jailbreak trial

While on trial for his attempted prison escape, former Egyptian president and Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohammed Morsi has presented a belligerent attitude throughout the entire process. Along with other defendants in this specific case (he is also involved in three other separate trials), he is kept in a glass cage to prevent him from disrupting the proceedings with his unruly behavior. The jailbreak occurred three years ago and involves 130 other defendants.

Philippine police condemned over 'torture wheel'

The Philippine Commission on Human Rights found a "torture wheel" located in a prison in Laguna, a tool used by officers to determine different methods of torture for detainees. Forty-four detainees claimed to have been victims of torture in the officers' attempts to learn the whereabouts of drug sources. According to police official Senior Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, the situation is being investigated.

Northern Cyprus lifts ban on gay sex

Where sexual relations between homosexual couples had been formerly prohibited by law, the Turkish Cypriot in North Cyprus has now lifted the the ban on homosexual acts. This ban is a remnant of British colonial rule in the country. Political figures within the European Union and Britain are highly supportive of this decision and hope other former British colonies will follow suit.

Exercises 1.13 & 1.14

1.13 Brevity

Edit all the unnecessary words from the following expressions.

1. wore a white goatee

2. throughout the nation

3. was confirmed

4. looked ill

5. a corpse was found

6. in Los Angeles

7. cost ten dollars

8. broke a rule

9. during May

10. for a short time

11. a pioneer

12. the incumbent

13. will end

14. at the corner of Sixth and Elm

15. for shock purpose

1.4 Wordiness

The following sentences use too many words. Edit them carefully to reduce the number of words, but do not cut out important information. If necessary, rewrite the sentences completely.

1. There was no doubt that one day soon Hannah would become a famous, internationally-recognized jazz singer.

2. Midville is a small town, offering a safe environment for its residents, young and old alike.

3. Ed spent many tedious hours drawing a detailed map tracing the growth of the church denomination to which he had belonged from its beginnings. 

4. At this point, Erin could not any point in continuing to pay tuition to a college where she felt she was not receiving an education comparable to her investment.

5. Always confused by mathematical problems, Sally signed up for one of the hardest math courses in the curriculum, much to everyone's surprise.

6. Because John had not taken prerequisite courses, he was having difficulty and spending a lot of time figuring out his schedule for the upcoming semester.

7. Our textbooks are often extremely expensive, and our professors don't seem to care about this problem.

8. Alex said that in order to improve his writing he should read as many good books as possible.

9. While baseball has always been thought of as the national pastime, football, for all practical purposes, has replaced baseball as the favorite sport for many across the country.

10. During most of February, Laura stayed cooped up in her room trying to fight off a debilitating cold.

11. I don't like helping people who are not willing to put forth the effort to succeed in life.

CNA #1

Campbell Co. Family Raising Money to Adopt 

Steve and Chrystal Anders, a local couple seeking to adopt, are being benefited by national efforts to raise the necessary $21,000 to bring Tavin, a 2-year-old orphan from Eastern Europe. Efforts have included the family's blog, a marathon, and a BBQ scheduled for January 25 at an area church. Short only $6,000, the Anders are looking forward to bringing Tavin home and providing him with the love and safety that he deserves.

Danville Theater Group Wins National Award

Twenty-one students from a theater group in Danville received the "Excellence in Acting" Award at a national theater festival. The Junior Theatre Festival was held in Atlanta, Georgia. Out of 94 groups, the Danville group was one of 12 to receive an award.

Area Crews, VDOT, Preparing for the First Real Snow

With the first major snowstorm approaching central Virginia this winter, VDOT crews are preparing to combat the inclement weather by treating roadways for ice. In addition, hardware stores are stocking up on winter essentials such as snow shovels and heaters. Professionals are advising the populace to be prepared for all possible situations.

assignment two: #JFLibrary

Something new has made it's way on campus. It's big, it's bright, and it's shiny.

Literally.

I give you the Jerry Falwell Library.

(Well. The first two floors, anyway. My arm is only so long.)

Now, what do you say to a neatly-bulleted, ten-item run-down of this dazzling new facility?

Yes?

I knew you couldn't resist.

1. To the Sky 
The building boasts four spectacular stories of bookshelves, seating areas, and lots - I mean *lots* - of glass. (Look to the next bullet to see what I mean.)

2. Oh, Mr. Sun... 
One of the beauties of this facility is the remarkable amount of natural light - no more headaches brought on by harsh fluorescent lighting. The ambiance is effected by over 80,000 square feet of glass: walls, staircases, skylights, et cetera.

3. A Magic [Staircase] Ride 
Speaking of staircases, there are two of them. Well, I mean, there are more than two in the entire complex, but the two of which I speak are prominent and unmistakable. If you were an Aztec Indian from the long-distant past paying a visit to the library, you might erect an altar to the god that made staircases float. Because, with their streamlined styling, glass railings, and no support columns or walls, these staircases sure look like they're suspended on air and little else.

4. Open Up  
Should you need a snack while on a study break, you've got options. An adjacent two-level food court, featuring Starbucks on the top level and Pizza Hut, a French-style bistro dubbed Brioche Doree, and Tsunami Sushi, is conveniently located to satisfy all of your growling stomach's demands and then some.

5. Bookworm 
Now, of course, we're talking about the library - so what about the books? Currently, the library boasts a collection of approximately 20,000 items in their database. While the majority are stored in the electronic retrieval system, many of the most popular are on display for easy access on each floor of the library.

6. Take a Load Off 
For students tired of searching a crowded computer lab for a place to sit and study in their free time, the library offers enough seating for 2,300 people. Couches, desks, chairs and tables - even seating built into the stairs of the main entry - are plentiful enough for the entire student body as well as visitors to enjoy.

7. Shh! Quiet Zone! 
If you're feeling like a champion and ready to immerse yourself in your studies, take advantage of the Reading Room on the first floor or the Scholar's Lounge in a wing just down the hall. Both are designated "quiet" zones - only whispering allowed!

8. Together Forever
Yay for group projects! (Wait. Where did everyone go? Ohhh, now, group projects aren't that bad!) To facilitate quality discussions and planning for group projects, the library houses 35 group study rooms around the building. Bonus: use the walls, windows, and tabletop to take notes with dry-erase pens - each surface functions as a whiteboard.

9. Save Me a Seat 
By the way - just how do you reserve one of them newfangled group study rooms? Easy. Visit 25live.liberty.edu to reserve a date, time, and specific study room without even leaving your dorm. Or your seat. Or your bed. Wherever you happen to be. You know. Or, if you're the more adventurous type, each study room will be eventually equipped with a Creston touchscreen tablet by the door for on-the-spot reservations.

10. [SuperHero Reference] 
Finally, I have a treat for you media-savvy, tech-loving individuals. The main lobby of the Jerry Falwell Library takes innovation to the top notch with a 24' x 11' interactive "media wall" which is, in essence, a giant screen filled with pictures and a globe that anyone can walk up to and spin via the mind-boggling technology that recognizes and responds to your movements from over a yard away (as observed by the author). Outta this world, I tell you. What its purpose is, I can't quite say, but who cares? SHINY.

***

You enjoyed this fly-by? Oh, too kind, too kind. But don't just take my word for it! Get up and get out and visit this inspiring (and seriously cool) library asap.

Yes.

You.

Do it.