My Job Shadow with The Grand Rapids Press

I was underneath the media tent of Comstock Park High School’s football stadium when I felt the familiar vibration of a text message in the left pocket of my jeans. I fumbled with my phone as I quickly glanced at the screen. Great – a good buddy at a bad time. As I stared up at the Friday night sky that was littered with stars, I realized that the trivial matter of his inquiry couldn’t rattle me. I shoot a response that reads “On assignment – will call ASAP” before I even have time to comprehend what I wrote. Then, it hits me – I’m actually on assignment. This realization drew a huge, goofy grin out of my face as I looked out onto the football field beneath me. My first actual, “this is semi-important”, journalistic endeavor under the belt.

The evening began in the same city I was born in, and the one I had grown up exploring endlessly. Grand Rapids was bustling on this particular evening, as it marked the second weekend of the ever-popular Art Prize competition that brings thousands into the city every September. I would not be hanging around the crowded downtown blocks for long, but this is where I was to meet Pete Wallner, sports editor of The Grand Rapids Press. Nerves, anxiety and a plethora of excitement led me to arrive in the city almost a half hour before I was supposed to arrive at the MLive Media Group building. This presented a perfect opportunity for me to walk around the streets of my city, hopefully calming my nerves. Soaking in the diverse faces of the many people meandering turned out to be exactly what I needed to put myself in the proper mindset.

Awkward introductions, firm handshakes, and then comfort – the worst part was over. Now, as I began to converse with Mr. Wallner about the night ahead, my confidence became unwavering. Every little tidbit of information, or advice that this journalism veteran was feeding me could be used to my advantage. It was a conversation that was both humbling, and empowering. He detailed to me some of the most effective ways to reach your audience, recommended I start a Twitter page – which I have since done – and even complimented some of my writings that I showed him. It was the perfect introductory conversation, and I knew the night was only going to get better when he handed me my MLive Media Pass and instructed me on how to drive to the game we were covering.

Fans of high school football in West Michigan must occasionally take the title “MLive Game of The Week” with a grain of salt. The game is chosen by fans in the area who choose one matchup amongst the five that MLive editors have already listed. This means that the voting often becomes a popularity contest, with larger sized high schools typically dominating the polls. This week, however, was bringing excitement around the area. It featured a local powerhouse, Comstock Park, and their budding rival, Belding. The game would have been an afterthought in previous years because of Belding’s typically dismal performance, but both teams found themselves with perfect 4-0 records headed into that Friday.

Soon after we had nestled into the media tent that sat above the west end zone, my responsibilities were outlined by Mr. Wallner and Steve Kaminski – the lead writer at the Grand Rapids Press for high school football. I was going to be moderating, and contributing to the MLive Game of the Week Chat on MLive’s website. Both Mr. Wallner and Mr. Kaminski post frequent updates of the game they are covering, and writers assigned to other schools inform readers on their respective games. My job was to add to the analysis of our game, and relay score updates from Mr. Wallner’s phone from others. This meant I had to be fully engrossed in the field below, yet alert to the running feed of other games. I found this whole process to be enjoyable, as I was essentially just talking football with some other guys on a Friday night. I began to get into a groove in the MLive Chat, and even made a few observations about our game that both of my “co-workers” admitted they hadn’t.

It felt like I had awoken from some euphoric daze when the game was finally over – and not just a food coma from all the free pizza that was provided. The writers next to me were planning angles on their still to be written stories, and I was still smiling down at the field that had almost cleared. I tagged along with Mr. Wallner for his interview with the winning coach (Comstock Park dominated, for the record), and realized I didn’t want the night to be over. I was needling Mr. Wallner with as many questions as I could before we had to part, and making sure he realized how truly valuable of a experience this was for me. I think he was understanding – if not overwhelmed – by how many “thank you’s” I spat out in the last few minutes of our night.

The drive back to my house in Grand Rapids was a perfect time for reflection. It hit me, again, just how important the night was – and how much I enjoyed it. This experience only affirmed what I want to pursue for a career. Being only a small part of what was contributed to MLive’s coverage was irrelevant, because I know I want more.

(Left to right: Steve Kaminski, Pete Wallner, Me)

Dude…you’re not a human.

New Beginnings

I’m feeling optimistic about the new look of the blog, and the direction that it’s going to be headed in. My desire is to keep readers entertained with content they can surely say is unique in the vast “blogosphere”. I will not compromise filtering my thoughts in order to do so, and this is what I hope will separate myself.
It’s going to be a busy summer, and I will be pleased to record it. Join me!

Stephen Colbert w/ Sherry Turkle – Technology’s Role in Society

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/371249/january-17-2011/sherry-turkle

I would tend to agree with Sherry Turkle on the issue of whether technology has taken too large of a role in society. It is clear that we are extremely reliant on our technology today, and this thought troubles me. To be at the mercy of something that can malfunction, or disable at any moment is not ideal for the well-being of anyone. Even recent natural disasters have shown how the power of mother nature can take our technological advancements and laugh at the notion of them controlling our planet.

Since my arrival at MSU I have noticed an uptick in those surrounding me that seem to literally be oblivious to their surroundings because of a piece of technology they hold with them. It is hard to ride on the CATA bus without seeing at least half of the riders totally absorbed in their iPhones. I can’t think of many things that are more off-putting to potential conversation than someone who has their nose stuck in a piece of plastic or metal. It is partly because of this that I have chosen not to purchase a smart phone, and I am clearly in the extreme minority as a college student. The idea of being constantly connected to a web of meaningless social blabber does not appeal to me.

I do believe, however, that there is a balance to be found with regards to technology. It is undeniable the aid that technology has given our every day lives, and this is what the generations of humans before us have striven for. For all of the anti-technology rants that I spew to friends and family, I still hold a Facebook and Twitter account. Using technology in moderation should not be considered a treason against Earth, or humanity. We must acknowledge that even the greatest electronics are not what defines us, but rather the drive to explore and innovate that created these tools.

 

Ever been this drunk?

This made me chuckle for a good bit, so I thought I’d share. I don’t want to ruin the video – just watch.

Via Reddit.

MLB Assigns Task Force to Increase Diversity

MLB Assigns Task Force to Increase Diversity

On the eve of the release of the film “42”, depicting the life of the first black MLB player Jackie Robinson, Bud Selig has announced the formation of a “task force” with the goal of increasing diversity in baseball.

This comes as refreshing news to anyone familiar with the game, and it’s obvious lack of diversity existing today. The number of African-American players in the MLB has been steadily declining since it’s peak in the 1980’s. This is troubling news for a game that still considers itself “America’s Pastime”. The first moves to be made by the task force – led by Detroit Tigers president Dave Dombrowski – and it’s methods are not immediately clear, but the message is – Major League Baseball desperately wants to become more popular with African-Americans.

I penned an essay on the subject of the decreasing popularity in baseball last semester, and will post this because of it’s relevance to today’s news.

Personal Soundscape, Pt 5

My personal soundscape is still growing, and my IAH 208 class (Music + Culture) has certainly played it’s role in doing so. This last – and certainly not least – influence is under four months old, yet can easily be seen today. In addition to increasing my vocabulary, this course has also increased my understanding of music. I find myself giving even more notice to the rhythm in some of my favorite Doors’ songs, and catching the finite details as Adele croons over homophonic textures. Some could get overwhelmed with the loads of details existing in the musical world, but it has been an intriguing pursuit of knowledge for me. I will certainly share some of the information I have learned with friends and family. More proof that music – and it’s influences on others – comes full circle.

Personal Soundscape, Pt 4

Another influence that I notice every day is courtesy of my friends. I have maintained close friendships with many of the same buddies I had in elementary and middle school. Our soundscapes have grown together, rubbing off on each other with some occasional friction. My friends and I don’t all have identical music tastes, but identical respect and open mindedness towards music. For example, one of my friends was constantly raving about The Red Hot Chili Peppers and their untouchable rock sound. I had, of course, heard plenty of their famous hits on the radio like most my age. However, I never found anything unique in their sound and usually overlooked their music. This same friend declared that he wanted us all to go to the RHCP concert in Grand Rapids last May. I was not opposed to the idea, but I also was not ecstatic about seeing this band live. My premonitions were immediately proven wrong, as I had one of the best musical experiences of my life inside Van Andel Arena that night and a newfound enjoyment for The Red Hot Chili Peppers. They are now a band I listen to frequently, and I shake my head at the ignorance I previously displayed regarding their music. Live music is almost always infinitely better than the recorded sound, and in this case it even brought a new fan on board. This memorable moment would not have happened, and would not have been nearly as enjoyable if it weren’t for my friends, though.

Personal Soundscape, Pt 3

Were this paper to be written when I was much younger, the previous paragraph would have been a lie. It’s undeniable that my parents held the most influence over what I listened to as a child. Not just because they were the ones in charge of the dial, but because they were the most trusted figures in my life. When I heard blues musician Keb Mo played at home, I didn’t understand the stereotypes that may exist of someone who listens to blues music. All I knew was that my dad enjoyed it, and so did I. I can still sing the choruses of many songs from the 60’s and 70’s because of my parents listening choices. Even as I started to grow older and move into my own musical tastes I could still respect my parents favorite music, because they had grown to be a symbol of my childhood. The album “Raising Sand” by Robert Plant & Allison Krauss brings vivid memories of traveling around downtown Grand Rapids and other places that my dad would travel with the CD. Listening to this album today invokes waves of nostalgia as Plant’s timeless voice uncovers memories of my childhood. This is just one of the many albums played by my parents that I still listen to today. Not only was I influenced by the musicians that my parents chose to listen to – but in my dad’s case; the music he made himself. I am ashamed to admit that I still haven’t had the patience to learn the guitar that my father has mastered so well. I could only hope to have even a quarter of the talent that he has on the “axe”, and these overwhelming expectations may be part of the reason I never even tried. This is a ridiculous excuse, and I plan on taking up the guitar by the time I graduate college. In this sense, I suppose, my parents are still influencing my relationship with music.

Personal Soundscape, Pt 2

Above any other person or group of people, I truly believe that I have had the singular most influence on what music I listen to and enjoy. This seemingly obvious answer may not be supported by many sociologists, but I would venture to guess that they would be just as defensive if someone told them their ideologies were largely shaped by others. I believe that I have molded my music tastes – with smaller, less powerful, and definite influences. A friend may recommend an artist to listen to, or blare his favorite song over the speakers while driving; but it’s going to be my ears that make the ultimate judgment on what they hear. I have never been caught in the whirlwind of peer pressure when it comes to music. I like what I like; from the booming bass and vulgar lyrics of Gucci Mane, to the soothing guitar-play, and calming voice of Jack Johnson. Ever since I learned to maneuver the internet sometime late in elementary school I have been hell-bent on browsing music that piques my interest. This has resulted in the digital library that exists on my external hard drive with music from my iTunes dating back to middle school. It’s complete bullshit when someone says they listen to “everything”, but I don’t have 15,000+ songs of similar music. I enjoy a diverse range of music, and can’t fathom being narrow eared. Rarely will I not even give a song a chance on the premises that “I haven’t heard it”, because this is how all music was first listened to. It may seem arrogant to believe so, but I wish everyone would be the strongest influence on their musical palette.