Monday, October 31, 2011

Enterprise Stories

Issue # 1: Abortion
I believe this would be a great topic. I would interview a coworker of mine, Holly Reimal. Who works with me and has had an abortion. It would be easy to set up an interview, and I also think it would be a great idea to make a trip down to the Planned Parenthood in Minneapolis. I could interview the protesters gathered outside.  I could also try to interview workers at the facility. I think this would be a very interesting topic! The emotions and feelings are strong on both sides of the debate. I think it would make the perfect story.
Issue # 2: Vikings stadium
Many people are against The Vikings building a new stadium. There are also many supporters who believe it would bring great business to the community. I agree the metro dome isn’t in the best shape, and I think this would be a very interesting topic. Both sides of the debate have their strong points. I would interview residents of the community on both sides of the debate. I think that would add a lot of flavor. I would also try to interview someone who is in charge of the development, someone from the Ramsey County board such as Anette Levi. This would definitely be an interesting topic.
Issue # 3: Aids in Minnesota
No one likes AIDS or HIV, but there are still issues surrounding the subject. There are many stereotypical people, in my neighborhood alone who feel disgusted by people who are infected with the disease. Many people believe that the disease can be spread through saliva, which is a myth. Others feel they can be infected just by being in contact with an infected person. There is a lot of hate. There are groups and organizations that spread the truth, and try to stop the hate and false knowledge. I would interview my neighbor Elizabeth, who works at a group home in Minneapolis for people infected with aids. I would also Interview one of my customers Joe Brink from my job as we’ve discussed the issue before. Then I would call the Minnesota Aids project hotline and get their point of view.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

post #8

Currently only 3 out of every 100 people in America donate blood. Sadly every minute of every day countless people are in need of blood, for transfusions, major injuries, even for some chronic diseases. America’s blood supply is practically emptied daily, which brings the cries for more donors.
The American Red Cross spreads the word about this ever-growing need. With over 38,000 blood donations needed daily to keep up the supply, and a person in need of blood every two minutes, someone has to spread the word. So the ARC has developed a program where anyone who is interested can sponsor their own blood drive, invite their friends, and show their community that they greatly care.
S. Doherty is just wrapping up his second blood drive he has sponsored this year. He says “Once you understand the growing need for blood, I don’t understand how you couldn’t do anything about it.” The process of donating blood takes around an hour, with a mini physical to begin with. The staff check your temperature, blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin to make sure it is safe for you to donate. They ask a few brief questions on your travels, if you’ve been to any countries that have a high risk for infection. After the exam they lay you down and get to work. The nurse inserts a needle into your vein and begins drawing your blood, your asked to squeeze and roll a ball in your hand to keep the blood flowing. They take approximately a pint of blood per donation. The average adult has about ten pints of blood in their body. Once you donate blood your body starts working on making more blood until you have gone back to your original blood mass. A donor can donate blood every 112 days. After they’ve gotten your blood they throw it on ice and it waits to go back to the lab to get tested. The ARC then supplies you with refreshments and sends you on your way. Doherty states “Yeah, you may be a little woozy after your donation, but that one pint of blood is going to save almost three lives. That’s what makes it worthwhile.”
The ARC supplies nearly 40% of the the Nation’s blood supply. After the blood is tested for diseases it is sent out to over 3,000 hospitals around the United States, to save countless lives. Anyone can become a sponsor. It is as simple as going to the American Red Cross’s website and clicking “become a sponsor”. You choose the location you’d like to have the blood drive, and spread the word. The Red Cross will send out a medical bus where all of the work is done.
Doherty had 24 people attend his latest blood drive, ten more donations than the last drive he sponsored. “That’s almost 75 lives! Do you know how awesome that is!” he yells with all his might. “It could be your uncle, it could be your grandmother, heck it could be you that needs it someday. Let’s help each other, help each other.”

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Interview of Justin Johnson



             








  


If you’re looking for guitar lessons, or a guide into the music world, Justin Johnson is your man. He’s been playing the guitar ever since he was five years old. He has a deep passion for music that was planted in him as a child. Justin makes time for music whenever he can. “I always have my headphones on.”
                Justin dreams of being a performer. He plays the guitar, Bass, he also sings and enjoys mixing and creating music. He recently performed at a concert in Rochester, MN. He says if he ever makes it big time he would love to help fund charities like the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). Justin appreciates many different styles of music. He also loves Journalism, he’s always had a passion for writing as well as music.
                After full time school and work Justin still manages to spend at least ten hours a week making music. His grandfather introduced him to the guitar as a child. “When I was a little boy, he would always play guitar during the evenings. He always looks so happy when he plays, and now I’m glad I know why.” Justin’s love and passion for music will stay with him for the rest of his life.
                “I have been playing for 15 years, and I don’t intend to stop. The feeling when you make such beautiful notes is something I could never compare to anything else.”

Monday, October 10, 2011

Blog # 6: Interview Questions

1.What made you decide to take this class?
I have always had an appreciation for journalism, and i thought i would take a class that would help me understand exactly why i have such an appreciation for it.


2.What career are you pursuing?
i have my heart set on somthing involving legal. lawyer, paralegal or somthing of the like.

3.What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
i'm an avid musician, i play guitar and bass, vocals and mixing. i would LOVE a career in music, but i'm nowhere near as talented as others.


4.What do you believe makes you unique?
i honestly have no clue. i'm the only one in my family to be "out of the closet" so i guess thats somthing.

5.What do you do in a typical day?
school work, house work, usually always somthing to do with work. on my down time i tend to stick to videogames or my guitar.

6.What is your favorite hobby, how do you do it?
hobby wise i would say music. either listening or creating.

7.Who or what introduced you to your hobby, and where?
my grandfather. when i was little he would always play guitar during the evening. he always looks so happy when he plays, and now i'm glad i know why.

8.How long have you been doing this?
i have been playing for 15 years. and i don't intend to stop. the feeling when you make such beautiful notes is somthing i could never compare to anything else. 

9.How many hours a week do you spend enjoying your hobby?
at least ten hours a week.

10.Do you plan on doing this for the rest of your life?
**answered on 8**

More questions....
1. What would you do if you had a ticket into the music business?
 
2. Would you perform or work behind the scenes?
 
3.Whats your favorite kind of music to make?
 
4. You were taught the guitar by your grandpa, did anyone else help you grow your love for music?
 
5. Have you ever perforned for an audience? If so, when?
 
6. Has this class shown you why you appreciate journalism so much?
 
7. When do you make time for your music during your week?