Media Forum

A panel of three spoke about politics and media during the Media Forum on Thursday, Mar. 8, 2012.  Areas of interest covered were New Media, Arab Spring, Occupy Wall Street, Super Pac money, political ads and Americans Elect.

Robert Sahl, insturctor of Political Science at OSU was the first to speak, he shared his views about how most Americans believe the U.S. has the best political science in the world until it effects them directly.  We all want different and better third party candidates.  "We want our government to work again," said Sahl. 

Sahl explained the effects of how during every campaign the states are divided into three groups; our states, which we should be able to win; their states, which we most likely cannot win; our targets, which have a chance to win with effort and commitment.  However, the first two groups are ignored.

The second panelist to speak was Rob Priewe, English and Writing instructor at LBCC.  Priewe is a huge fan of the First Amendment and emphasized how important it is to protect it.  Social media and Borack Obama was covered, explaining how Obama used social media to help win the election.  Obama raised $50 million through social media. "As a media guy, I love it," said Priewe.  Priewe's main concern is transparency, where is the money coming from and where is it going?  Media is funded by advertising, which brings us back to the First Amendment, which was Priewe's initial point.

Finally, Hasso Hering, executive editor at the Albany Democrat-Herald shared his views.  "Most people really don't care about politics and neither do I," said Hering.  Claiming most likely to be one of the only people to feel this way, he discourages voting.  A majority of voters are persuaded by commercials which aren't true, another portion read stories and the rest feel obligation to vote even though they know nothing about what is going on.  Hering feels we gain nothing from uninformed voters and are lucky to have the freedom whether or not to vote.  In some countries there are penalties for not voting, it's mandatory.

A very informative forum about social media and it's impact, especially when it comes to campaigning, and politics in general.

The eyes have it -- Non-verbal communication

Non-verbal communication for birds & weasel’s

Seventy percent of communication is non-verbal and first impressions are 93 percent non-verbal. There are two ways to use non-verbal communication in Journalism; Interviewing and writing.

Nils Rosdahl, retired. 
 North Idaho College

The non-verbal communication lecture, presented by Nils Rosdahl, who made this the most comical and entertaining seminar during the entire convention session.  Held Tuesday, Mar. 1, 2012 from 10:15 a.m. - 11:20 a.m. during the twenty eighth annual Associated Collegiate Press Conference.  Directed toward journalism students from around the nation.

Kinetics (body language) is the biggest one. The human makes 700,000 different gestures. Posture is an important part of kinetics, this shows confidence. “It shows you give a damn,” said Rosdahl, retired, North Idaho College.

Body language should not be distracting, no fidgeting. Keep yourself decently kept, make sure there is not food in your teeth and are wearing matching shoes so you aren’t a distraction.

Greeted with “Alright you birds.” Rosdahl remained comical through the entire session, calling us birds, weasels and monkeys along with random outbursts of, “Oh feathers” and “Sugar Jets!”  These innuendos got the crown riled up and interested right from the start.

Para language plays an important role in verbal and non-verbal communication; there are several pieces of para language that work together, these are the pieces that fit together to form the correct para language:

· Rate – If you talk too fast you can lose control, keep it at a steady slower rate.

· Volume – Too loud is too controlling and too quiet is too passive.

· Pitch – The lower the pitch the more in control you are. Raise your voice at the end of each sentence.

· Tone – The tone of your voice shows if you care or don’t care.

· Choice of words – Don’t use lingo or trendy words or phrases.

· Emphasis – He’s giving the money to her. Emphasis on each word means something different depending on which word is emphasized.

· Drama and Energy – Don’t be over dramatic, this is unprofessional. Being too high strung or fatigued is distracting and also unprofessional.

· Hesitations and pauses – Let the one being interviewed fill in the gaps of silence.  Remember, it’s not about you; it’s about the story and what they have to share. 

· Interjections and stuttering – Again, it’s not about you, it’s about the story, interjections are not necessary and should be avoided.  Don’t stumble over your words, slow down and focus.

· Grammar - This one should be a “no brainer.”  As a journalist, correct grammar should be second nature.

· Accents and pronunciation – Make sure words are pronounced properly. 

      Rosdahl shared a personal story of his that was a great example of what can happen if you aren’t pronouncing words correctly.  When he was a child his father would read the book Yosemite Sam to him.  His father pronounced Yosemite (yo-sah-mite), so he just always though that’s how it was said.  Later in college during an oral presentation the word Yosemite popped up several times and instead of pronouncing it correctly (yo-sem-a-tee) he pronounced the way he was taught.  Rosndahl couldn’t figure out for the life of him why the class blew up laughing throughout his entire oral presentation.  Informed by his instructor that he had been pronouncing this word incorrectly numerous times throughout his presentation, he then realized why everyone was laughing.  This is a great example why this part of Para language is critical.  It could help you from making a complete ass out of yourself.


At a glance:

Who:  Nils Rosdahl, retired, North Idaho College. 
www.spokesman.com/staff/nils-rosdahl/,www.linkedin.com/pub/nils-rosdahl/9/56/6a3

What:  Twenty eighth Annual Associated Collegiate Press.  Convention session -- "The Eyes Have It," How to use and recognize non-verbal communication.

When:  Tuesday, Mar. 1, 2012 from 10:15 a.m.-11:20 a.m.

Where:  National College Journalism Convention.  Renaissance Hotel, Seattle

Why:   Training, networking opportunities, feedback and recognition.  See links below for more information.

How:  LBCC and The Commuter.



Links:  

acp.studentpress.org

info@studentpress.org

Twitter: @acpress

Facebook: facebook.com/acpress

Pre-made foods -- column

Everyone has the intention of eating "right," but do we really know what right is?  Society may have been misleading.

"Let food be thy medicine," -Hippocrates, ancient Greek father of Western medicine.  It's so simple, yet we are so busy and lazy these days we would rather get fat and sick.

The popularity of modern processed foods, "convenience" foods, has led to astounding rates of obesity, diabetes and many more diseases and illness.

The foods that fill most of the center aisles in our grocery stores are filled with “convenience” foods.  Prepackaged, boxed, and frozen for, “meals in minutes.”  Just zap it in the microwave and “voila!,” dinner is served!

According to Blane Daily, 51, owner of Daily Energy, and Michael Cox, 49, Daily Energy customer, convenience foods are loaded with hormones and additives.  "They don't do much for you, especially for athletes," said Cox.

If you value your health you will limit your intake of convenience foods, they slow you down and put you at higher risk for cancer.  The body needs lean meats, vegetables, fruits and raw nuts.  The body also needs a certain amount of protein, which can be obtained with supplements if you don't have time to consume enough through food, according to Daily and Cox.

"One-quarter of what you eat keeps you alive, the other three-quarters keep your doctor alive," ---Ancient Egyptian Proverb.

Cox, also an athlete, said, "Seventy-five percent of training is food intake."  Natural foods give you more energy, helps maintain whole body functions and is high performance fuel.  If you put poor quality fuel in your car you can't expect it to perform properly, the same goes for your body, according to Daily.


In the late 1950's the Supermarket was beginning to thrive, the hayday of drive-in burger joints started and this is when the so called "convenience" foods were born, like the legendary foil wrapped T.V. dinner, not to mention a host of other tasty processed delicacies devised to, "make life easier and better,"

The pace of American life was accelerated, even with our food.

"The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather cure and prevent disease with nutrition," Thomas Edison.

If only we would do just that!  Our lifestyles have become so busy that we can't find the time to prepare and eat "real" food.  Apparently we would rather run ourselves ragged, eat some synthetic "food" that only slow us down and make us tired.

How do we get our energy back?  Energy drinks and caffeine, of course!  This is the only way most of us can seem to function.  Not to mention the medications so many people are on to lower blood pressure, cholesterol along with a number of others to "fix" the problem.  How many people do you know on anti-depression or anti-anxiety drugs?  Why is everyone so depressed and anxious?  Probably because we eat completely artificial foods, don't sleep near enough and consume way too many stimulants.

So much of the things we do for leisure is centered around food and a lot of it.  Do you eat to live or live to eat? 

In twenty-five percent all coronary disease cases, the only sign that you are even sick is sudden death.

So much of the things we do for leisure is centered around food and a lot of it.  Ask yourself, do you eat to live or live to eat?


At a glance:

Who:  Consumer's of "convenience" foods.

What:  "Convenience" foods, such as; frozen, boxed, prepackaged meals.

Where:  Nationwide/Majority of Americans.

Why:  Convenience.


Five easy things to do for better health:

1.  Exercise
2.  Eat more fruits and vegetables.
3.  Shop the perimeter of the grocery store.  Try to stay away from the center aisles.
4.  Stay away from "fast food!"
5.  Carry healthy snacks to avoid impulse eating.


Sources:

Blane Daily, owner of Daily Energy

Michael Cox, Daily Energy Customer

Forks over Knives/Documentary/2011

Links:

www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php
Cached - Similar

www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/10/19/processed.htm
Cached - Similar

www.naturalnews.com/processed_food.html

 www.forksoverknives.com 

www.cdc.gov/

www.fda.gov/ 
Cached - Similar

Wiley and the Hairy Man review

As ushers seat enthusiastic children from a mix of local schools, the occasional shadow of a puppet pops up. The crowd of youngsters go crazy with excitement.

The chatter of ecstatic little voices start to fill the theater as Johnny Cash is playing in the background.

The first group of cast members appear on stage, bursting out with "the rules." "Rule number one, no spittin' on the floor, don't spit on each other either," "Rule number two, if you brought pigs or chickens please leave them outside, but if you brought a goat that's perfectly fine, just make sure they don't chew on the seats," "Rule number three, and the most important rule of this whole shindig, ya gotta have fun!" Immediately the crowd is pumped up, the room is filled with clapping and cheering.

Already dim lighting begins to fade, the only light coming from the glow on the steps and aisle seats.

Filtering to the left side of the stage, cast members begin to settle in. This first group does narration, sings and makes sound effects. Two of the men play guitars, one woman makes the sound of the barking dog and uses a kazoo as a sound effect every time the dog jumps. Another man drums at just the right time.

The setting is in a swampland somewhere in the south. The shadow puppetry is amazing with the use of hand-made, over sized masks and detailed scenery.

Wiley, the main character, is a young boy who's greatest fear is to go into the swampland, with fear the Hairy man is lurking. His "pappy", the boys father, was taken by the Hairy Man. His "mammy", the boys mother, encourages Wiley to go into the swampland for materials to build his dog a house.


Dan Stone and his amazing cast made this American southern folktale come to life! Stone, Theater Director, is also a writer, mask maker, and co-founder of Sanctuary Stage.


Chanted throughout the play, "Cuz, when the Hairy Man gets mad, that's bad."

Chloe Nix of
Central Elementary

Thirty minutes into the play there is no chatter of voices, all of the children are deeply engaged.

"I really liked that the scary Hairy Man was afraid of the little dog, hee hee, haa haa haa," said Chloe Nix, Kindergartner at Central Elementary.

The actors were amazing, with great use of southern, "backwoods" accent.

Clapping in rhythm with the crowd also involved, occurs several times throughout the play, keeping the audience engaged and amused.

Children show genuine excitement with bursts of loud laughter and the occasional scream or squeal.

The entire cast lines up on stage and closes with a bow. The crowd cheers and claps as the cast exists the stage.

"Down by the Bay," followed by, "Hey,Good Lookin',"plays as the students exit the theater.

The cast lines up outside the theater while students exit. Clearly, the cast members enjoy every minute of it. Waving and welcoming "high fives" as students head out to their buses.

Holding their masks and some props hand-made from paper, cast members encourage children to make their own.

Elnora Palmtag, the voice of "mammy," really enjoyed herself. When complimented her on her performance a huge smile spread across her face, "Isn't it fun?," she asked.




At a glance:

Who: Performing Arts students

What: Wiley and the Hairy Man

When: Public performances are Feb. 18 & 25, 2012 at 2 p.m.

Where: Russell Tripp Performance Center, LBCC.

Tickets on sale Feb. 1, 2012. By phone: (541) 917-4531, At the door: beginning two hours before performance starts, At the box office Tue - Thu from 8-10 a.m. and 2-4 p.m.

Ticket prices: Adult $9, seniors and students $7, children $5 (under 18, accompanied by adult). Family package $25 for two adults and up to four children.



Links:

www.sanctuarystage.com

cf.linnbenton.edu/artcom/performing_arts/stoned/web

www.linnbenton.edu/go/theater

Jeanne Reichert/Developmental Studies Profile

Jeanne Reichert
 Developmental Studies

With a way of making everyone feel comfortable and involved, Jeanee Reichert of Developmental Studies has a welcoming, laid-back demeanor that encourages students.

With minimal distraction, her office is warm and inviting, just like her personality.

Reichert teaches entry level developmental classes that benefit students new to college.  These classes are designed teach college and study skills, reading and writing.

In her teaching environment she wears that great smile of hers, making everyone feel at ease.  When speaking with students, she treats them as an equal and relates to their ideas and thoughts. 

When teaching in front of class, she keeps everyone involved by asking questions to random students.  Directing the focus on real life situations in comparison and reference to materials being covered in class, then asks for specific examples.

After setting a comfortable pace, she listens to individual input while making sure not to leave anyone behind.  With Concentration on specifics to absorb exactly what each student is trying to get across, she makes sure the rest of the class understands. 

While portraying the feeling that everyone has valuable input, class interaction and brainstorming is encouraged.  A strategy that works well to help students retain the material, but also keeping it interesting and fun at the same time. 

After getting students started on an in-class assignment, she utilizes idle time to browse around the room to give one-on-one attention to individuals in need of further instruction, or have additional questions.

While brainstormed ideas are shared, she makes sure to write key points on the board so everyone can get a visual, have the opportunity to take notes and discuss their ideas as a class.

Reichert makes sure students are aware of resources available right here on campus to provide further instruction or assistance.

Being one of 12 children, with just one of her own, Reichert stated, "I still can't believe I'm from such a large family".  

 She enjoys outdoor activities, cooking and loves reading, but most of all adores floor time with her ten month old granddaughter.


 High school is when she originally wanted to become a teacher, but decided not to pursue it because at the time there was an over abundance.

Inspired by teachers in high school with the way they encouraged students to, "figure things out on their own".  Inspiration also came from her husband, who is in the education field and the automotive instructor on campus. 

She's always been interested in pursuing her career from a counseling perspective and wanted to get into training education.

Reichert moved to Washington to live out of the city.  There she started out working at a rape crisis center, first as a volunteer then as the coordinator of the education program and finally as the director.


Tired of the rain she decided to move to beautiful Durango, Colo. close to the mountains.  "I loved the outdoors and lived in a Tee pee," said Reichert.  This is where she met her husband, Phil.  The couple married in 1988.

In 1992, she graduated from Metropolitan State University in Colorado with her bachelor's degree, majoring in psychology and minoring in parent education.  Right after graduation Reichert worked for Head Start in Washington for two years.   She quit working for Head Start and started teaching parent education classes at two different colleges. 


Her husband got a job at LBCC, this is what brought her to Oregon.  Hired as a grade school program coordinator, then as an Instructional Assistant for reading and study skills. 


She then wanted more, this is when she started working on her master's degree in adult education at OSU and graduated in 1993.


In the fall of 2001, Sept. 11, the day the twin towers were hit.  Reichert began her position at LBCC as full-time faculty with developmental studies and primarily teaches success skills, study skills and reading. 


Her education was the biggest hurdle she had to overcome.  Amazed at how much time it took to do well in school, while trying to balance homework and family life.  


Being a first generation college student, she set an example.  Now many family members have since obtained college degrees, as well.

The most rewarding thing about her position is, "Being a witness to people coming to the realization that they are so much more competent than they thought", and feels honored to be a part in setting a foundation for students.



At a glance:

Jeanee Reichert, Instructor of Developmental Studies

Master's degree from OSU in Adult Education

Office: WH-212

Office phone: (541) 917-4448

E-mail: jeanee.reichert@linnbenton.edu

Links:

                                 
cf.linnbenton.edu/wed/dev/reichej/web.cfm?pgID=2197

www.linnbenton.edu/go/developmental-studies

Calapooia Brewing Co. Review

Calapooia Brewing Co. sits downtown at the end of Hill Street near the Willamette River in Albany.  Established in 1993, it's still running strong on its 18th year.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting from the moment you walk through the doors until closing time. 

A pleasant roar filled the room with a sea of voices and laughter. Everyone was having a wonderful, pleasant time on this evening. 

Tables of different shapes, sizes and wood species fill most of the room and the walls are covered with memorabilia.  Random snapshots of customers are clustered together on the walls. 

While the band sets up, customers enjoy dinner accompanied by their favorite micro brew or glass of wine. Greeted with a smile as soon as we walked in to the small, but alive room filled with satisfaction.

Menu prices are competitive with similar restaurants in the area, ranging anywhere from $5.75 for a Chili Dog to $9.25 for the Cobb Burger.

Steel tip dart boards

Micro brews offered are brewed on site, sold in their restaurant as well as local restaurants and pubs.

The selection is impressive with anywhere from a pale ale to a porter, they also offer seasonal micro brews. The average price for a glass of beer is around $4.   They also have beer-to-go available in half-gallon growler jugs.  The jug is $5 (empty), plus $12 to fill.  This jug can be brought back and refilled.  Prices are spot-on compared to similar, local micro brews.

Jim Jarvis, customer, decided to try something new and decided on the Cobb Burger with tater tots, "Oh, that's good!," said Jarvis.

Cobb Burger with tater tots

To his surprise, he really liked the flavor the blue cheese gave to this burger, not normally caring too much for blue cheese.  "Ok, this burger has brought a new light to blue cheese," said Jarvis. 

Accompanied by SantiAmber Ale, a standard micro brew. According to Jarvis, "The flavor of hops come through more than other amber ale's, but subtle at the same time."

Chicken Ciabatta with chips

Another popular item on the menu is  the Grilled Chicken Ciabatta with chips.  After the first bite -- Oh geez, it just ran down my sleeve --  the juicy goodness of the Chicken Ciabatta is apparent.

This dish was paired with micro brew 'Pooia Porter, one of the standard micro brews. The 'Pooia Porter has a bold, nutty coffee flavor.

Also sampled Undertow Imperial Stout, this is one of their specialty micro brews.   This beer is robust with the slight flavor of molasses.

The Bourbon Porter is a seasonal micro brew, this is the last one sampled.  Sweet and smooth, yet bold, with the gentle after taste of bourbon.  This is my favorite of the three.

Ritchie Styler (Guitar/vocals)

Dave Clark (Lead guitar/vocals)

The Calapooia Brewing Co. also offers a wide variety of genre's of live entertainment every weekend.

This particular weekend entertainment was provided by the group "Cowboy Cadillac." 


Dave Clark, lead guitar/vocalist, who was referred to as old by Ritchie Styler, guitar/vocals.  "I'm older than the dead sea," said Clark. 

Ronnie Letsum, Bass guitar/vocals, actually used to live on Water St. just a few blocks from the brewing co. 

tip jar

Cliff Hatcher (Thumper), drums/vocals, hidden in the corner busted out with some Johnny Cash.  The pleased crowd responded with clapping, whistling and cheering.

Wonderful food and excellent beer, along with the pleasant, comfortable atmosphere make Calapooia Brewing Co.  worth the visit.

More reviews available for viewing the Calapooia Brewing Co. can be found on the beer advocate link.

At a glance:

Who:  Anyone who would like to enjoy good food, great beer and live entertainment on weekends.

What:  Calapooia Brewing Co. and Cowboy Cadillac.

When:  Sun.-Wed. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Thur. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., and Fri.-Sat. 11:30 a.m.-midnight.   No minors after 8 p.m.

Where:  140 NE Hill Street, Albany, OR 97321

Why:  Great food and micro brews while enjoying live entertainment.


Links:

www.calapooiabrewing.com

http://www.myspace.com/cowboyscadillac/music/songs/stand

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/15636/?view=beerfly

Oregon Country Fair Feature story

This years Oregon Country Fair gears up for the 2012 celebration.  Start planning now, especially if you want to perform, sell products or food.  There are deadlines to be met if you want to participate.

This years fair will be held July 13-15.  Although the fair doesn't start until July, there are deadlines that must be met months in advance in preparation for the event.

Performers wishing to perform at the fair must have their application in by Mar. 15. 

Artists that wish to sell their handmade crafts during the fair must have their application in by Apr. 1.  All items sold must be handmade.

Food vendors must have their application in by Apr. 2, by 5pm.

Tickets will go on sale May 1 and will be sold through TicketsWest. 

The first fair was held in Eugene, Ore. on Nov. 1 and 2 in 1969.

Originally referred to as the "Renaissance Faire" that encouraged people wishing to attend to "come in costume".

This year is the 43rd Annual Oregon Country Fair.

It started out as a barter and craft fair to raise funds for an alternative school, the Children's Community School.

The current location, 442 Lawrence Street Eugene, Ore. is 13 miles west of Veneta, Ore. in a wooded setting on approximately 250 acres.  Find your way by using mapquest.  This land is owned by the Oregon Country Fair.

The fair is known in the community for recycling, cooperation, environmental awareness, use of materials and artistic expression.

At the Oregon Country Fair you can dance to music, belly dance, enjoy authentic food, buy jewelry and other handmade crafts, march in parades, get your face painted or just people watch.

Preparations for the fair go on all year long.  They employ seven paid employees, and there are tons of volunteers that help make this event a success every year. 

Permanent structures are maintained year round by a groundskeeper that is on site and is assisted by many volunteers.  A site manager is responsible for set-up and coordination of maintenance year round. 

In 2011 Culture Jam came about.  Culture Jam is an eight day summer youth gathering located on the same site as the Oregon Country Fair, referred to as Alice in Wonderland.

This program is an arts centered program for youth ages 14-18.  Activities like dancing, singing, drumming, circus arts, theatre, media study, writing and painting. 

This year will be the 11th week long event.  Tuition is $400, but scholarships are available.

Norma Sax, Administrative Assistant for the Oregon Country Fair, has been in this position for 16 years and is employed full-time.  The most rewarding part of her job is the diversity of people and experiencing all of the unique talents the entertainers and artists have to share.

"It's a unique event that offers a wonderful experience," said Sax. 

The Family Fair News newspaper is also available for additional information, in print and online.

"I know it sounds cliche, but there really is something for everyone," said Sax.

There are many activities and performances to attend with 15 stages of entertainment.

At the Oregon Country Fair you can be who ever you want to be.  Dress up in costume to express yourself or wear nothing at all.




At a glance:

Who:  Anyone and everyone with an open mind

What:  Oregon Country Fair

When:  July 13-15, 2012

Where:  Eugene, Ore.

Why:  Entertainment and self-expression


Links:

www.oregoncountryfair.org

http://www.powerofhope.org

www.google.com/search?tbm=bks&tbo=1&q=the+oregon+companion&btnG=

www.mapquest.com

www.ticketswest.com