As detailed as it gets

#jrm322 blog post on a feature story that won the Pulitzer Prize in 1979. Story is titled "Mrs. Kelly's Monster."

When I first began reading this feature story, I thought I was reading a short story. Jon Franklin does a wonderful job of bringing the reader into the story. The use of present tense and the exceptional detail Franklin gives, makes the reader feel as though you are in the emergency room with the doctors, nurses, and Mrs. Kelly. To be honest though, I felt the story goes into to much detail where Franklin could also lose the reader. I know the procedure that the doctor performed was very extreme and difficult, but the description he relays during points of the surgery is not needed in my opinion. Parts of the story could be left out, and Franklin could still achieve what he is trying to do, and that is taking the reader inside of that emergency room to show the difficulty of the procedure.

I do have to say that Franklin does give us a great idea of the emotions going on in the room. Dr. Drucker and the other nurses, and the anxiety and concentration they had during the story makes the reader more inclined to the read the article, but like I said, Franklin lost my attention to the feature story, but including too much. There is no need to go into extreme detail of the tools the doctor uses. Half the readers aren't going to understand what these tools are, as well as where all of her aneurysms are in Mrs. Kelly. But on the other hand, this piece did win the Pulitzer Prize in 1979, so who I am to say there is too much detail. This makes me think of the bigger picture. Feature stories these days focus on different things, and take different angles then what stories were meant to do back in 1979. Maybe my criticism is not needed, and though I thought the story was too much like a short story and had too much detail, the story accomplishes what the author wanted, and that is to take the reader into the story, and into that emergency room for an inside exclusive look.

take some time away from your busy life

Being a college student, I know what it is like running around all hours of the day, doing various things like studying in the library, making sure to get a workout in, going to class, getting in some work hours, grabbing lunch before the dining hall closes, and even playing in some intramural sport games. Lucky for me, this is what schedule is like and though its hectic, it's not nearly as bad as what other people have to go through on a day to day basis. In many cases, people get so consumed with all their tasks, that it leads to lots of stress and no free time. Some of you may be thinking, well what else I'm supposed to do? It's college and I have to get myself ready for what lies ahead in life. Not to say that that isn't a true statement, because it is very true, but something else to think about is, "I'm I enjoying life and having fun?" You don't ever want to look back on your college experience and think, "wow...I missed out on so much because I was so consumed with other things."
For me, its quite simple. Too many times we live life in the fast lane, and thats not going to change. But in order to benefit ourselves and make ourselves happier, you have to separate yourself from your hectic schedule and take time for yourself.

Back in high school I had opportunities to go on a number of different retreats. These retreats were centered around a spiritual basis, but what I enjoyed most about those retreats was "getting away." No worries in the world. I could relax, have time to myself and also spend time with those around me. Even just taking a night off and spending time with those people in your life who really care can help make you a happier individual.

Obviously I'm a sports guy, and for me, escaping my busy schedule means watching the Notre Dame Football game with a few of my closest friends. Just me, my boys, and Notre Dame football. No studying for tests, no filling out job applications, no working and no going to the gym. Being a sports fan is my temporary vacation away from my high speed life. Even as I am writing this blog, I feel happy, and stress free. It's just little moments here and there. For some people, maybe its going to see a new a movie in theaters, or maybe going to the park to have a picnic with a friend or two. Maybe its just you, sitting at home getting lost in a book or even taking a nap with relaxing music in background.

The point is, make time for you. I always say, "I love me some me." So this weekend try to create some time yourself, and escape the world. If you have a busy week ahead you maybe only able to take an hour or so to do what you want, but at least you get away and reflect. I know what I'll be doing, and thats finding that perfect spot on the couch while I cheer for my Irish, as well as spending time with those I Love.

Now after giving a lecture on how to escape life, lets get back to talking about sports.
here are a few college football match-ups I think you should keep your eye on.
11FSU vs. 21CLEMSON
7OKST vs 8TexasA&M
14ARKANSAS vs. 3ALABAMA

other than that, I believe LSU will handle their business against West Virginia, and Oklahoma has nothing to worry about with Mizzou. Look for Notre Dame to reach 2-2 after the weekend and look for a high scoring game with Oregon vs Arizona, which the Ducks should win as well.

-Sink

Vick's Controversial Return

In a weekend of sports that was filled with baseball teams clinching playoff spots, Flloyd Mayweather won by a "never before seen" knockout in the 4th round to keep his undefeated record, and Notre Dame got there first win of the 2011 season. But in the midst of all these sporting highlights, came the well anticipated return of NFL superstar, Michael Vick, to the city and team where he began his roller coaster career. This was Vick's first time playing against his old team since he was let go by the Falcons a few years ago when he faced jail time for his dog fighting charges.

Now lets rewind for a sec...when Vick was released from prison, many believed the guy was done and had no chance to play in the NFL again. I mean come on, the guy had been out of the league for 2 full seasons, plus who would take a chance and sign a man that so many fans around the nation had grown to hate. Well Andy Reid, coach of the Philadelphia Eagles decided to be that guy and take a chance on the so called "washed up" quarterback. Vick would be the backup to Donavan McNabb his first season back in the league which looked to be a frustrating one. He had to serve a suspension at the beginning of the season and once he was able to play, he didn't see the field very often. Fans understandably were growing impatient and began to think signing Vick was a big mistake. Last season proved to all the non believers that he still had what it took to be an NFL starter and more, a franchise quarterback once again. He had his best season ever and lead the Eagles to playoffs.

This year lies big expectations for Vick, and in the second game of the season, he had to return to his original spot of success, where he would face boos and cheers from the fans, and an Atlanta Falcons team that many believe is a Super Bowl Contender.
The night would end up being disappointing for Vick and his Eagles as Falcons won 35 to 31 and Vick suffered a concussion in the third quarter. the game lived up to the hype and brought an even bigger story to front. Vick, one of the most controversial players in the NFL and his miraculous comeback to not only MVP type performances, but winning back all those fans that grew to hate him when he went to prison. Fans still don't like Vick but he continues gain more and more respect from not only fans but other figures around the NFL. Though his "welcome home" wasn't he planned, I'm sure it brought a sense of closure to all he has had to go through these last few years of his life. Check out the link below to see how ATL quarterback Matt Ryan did compared to Michael Vick sunday night.



-Sink

Mr. Rogers, "its for the kids"

After reading a sad, yet inspiring story about the ten members of the Oklahoma State Basketball team who died ten years ago in a plane crash, this story titled "Can You Say...Hero" by Tom Junod brought more of a smile while I read over the article.

When reading Junod's article, at first I had to take a step back and look at the structure, then I realized exactly what he was doing. The way he sets up his article is be relaying stories, personal stories of Fred Rogers and his interactions with other people, most of the time with children. He conveys and tells these stories as if he were telling them to a child by always beginning them with, "once upon a time." He retells a lot of stories of Rogers' past, ultimately showing us who this man that we call "Mr. Rogers from his TV show, truly is. When reading these captivating stories, you can't help but think, wow Mr. Rogers is actually a pretty cool guy. I personally would describe him as a "man for others." Look at that Jesuit slogan that I plugged into my blog post. Score!! After telling a few stories here and there, Junod also puts in his own piece and personal experience of when he first met and interacted with Mr. Rogers. In Journalism, I always felt that the best way to get your audience into a piece is show and relate to them by using personal experiences in their stories. Thats what I enjoyed most about Junod's piece. He incorporates these heart felt stories, whether its the simple story about the bunny, or the story about the kid with cerebral palsy whom he asks to pray for him. All these stories have formed Rogers in some way or shape and they help the audience understand him that much more.

As for Junod's personal piece in the story, I don't really have a problem with it, in fact I think it helps us see a connection between the writer and the subject (Mr. Rogers). It adds yet another personal account that again, relays Junod's overall meaning of the story.

here is something funny, a Mister Rogers prank call http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26hGQF8wkvI

-Sink

this was written for my #jrm322 feature writing course

How the NFL honored 9/11

It has been ten years since the attacks of 9/11. When looking back on this historic day in our history, so much in our daily lives and culture changed. 9/11 whether we like it or not will always be a crucial day in our lives for many many years to come.
Yesterday the NFL introduced some very heartfelt and emotional tributes to 9/11. I do believe at times that the NFL can over do some stuff but the NFL hit the bulls eye this past weekend. Each game introduction wasn't about the players but rather paying tribute to our country and those who died 10 years ago, as well as those serving in our armed forces. Numerous players ran out of the tunnels holding American flags. Fields were then covered by American Flags the size of the entire field. There were also 4 games that all tuned into a Marine playing the trumpet from Washinton D.C. As fans and players remained silent, the music proved to be the perfect introduction to all the games that were being played. Players were also given the chance to honor their country on the field by wearing red, white, and blue football equipment during the games. Cleats, arm bands, patches, and even hairstyles were sported to show just how important this day in history means.
So many people have that day 10 years ago fresh in their minds, and the feeling after it all happened was the feeling of "we will get through this all together." Yesterday, while watching the NFL games, it wasn't about who you thought was going to win the game but rather that same feeling we all felt ten years ago.

Aside from the 9/11 tributes, the first week of the NFL proved to be an exciting one at that, and if you missed any games check out http://www.nfl.com/ to get caught up on all that you missed.

-Sink

Fantasy Football 101

I always told myself that I would never become "that guy." The guy who had multiple fantasy football teams and did endless research on players at each position, looked over the difficulty of each teams schedule and even who would be the upcoming year's breakout stars. But it has happened. Call me the #fantasy guru, because now I am in 5 leagues and also in a NFL "pick em" league where each week I try to pick the winners of all the NFL games. Now that I have reached this point of no return, I might as well share some of my fantasy knowledge to those who are interested in fantasy football, trying it out for the first time, or even if you are also a fantasy guru like myself. Here a few pointers that have led me to have success in past years.

Lesson number one, running backs are key. In the first round, one almost always takes a running back with their first pick, unless you have the 5th, 6th or 7th pick and Michael Vick, or Aaron Rodgers are there for the taking, the first round should be full of running back selections. A few sleepers at the RB position are James Starks of the Greenbay Packers who in my opinion will win the starting job over Ryan Grant this year. also keep your eye out for knowshon moreno of the Denver Broncos. Though he has under produced in his first two years in the NFL, he is now playing under John Fox who is notorious for implementing a good running game. My third sleeper, who really isn't a sleeper at all but I believe will a huge year in fantasy is Lagarrette Blount of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The guy came onto the scene last year and though he doesn't have the flashy speed or agility that other backs do, he was able to produce and was a touchdown hog in Tampa.

Lesson number two, when drafting try to get an elite tight end. This may mean you are the guy in the 4th or 5th round who selects a tight end but this position is greatly under appreciated in fantasy. Making it a priority to grab one of the 5 elite tight ends gives you the opportunity to have another guy who puts up numbers like a running back or wide receiver. These are the five elite. Antonio Gates, San Diego, Jermichael Finley, Green Bay, Jason Witten, Dallas, Vernon Davis, San Francisco, and finally Dallas Clark, Indianapolis. (keep in mind that Clark's production could be slow at first if Peyton Manning isn't healthy at the beginning of the season)

My third and final lesson is grab a top 3 defense. Similar to the tight end situation, you want to be a guy who doesn't have to keep picking up and dropping defenses each week because you were the guy who didn't get a defense til late in the draft. Look at defenses that not only create turnovers but allowed the fewest points. Though turnovers are flashy and cool, that doesn't always guarantee a lot of defensive fantasy points if they allow 24 points a game. Try to grab Green Bay, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, or New York Jets. I believe these teams will have the best defensive fantasy seasons.

These are just three easy pointers to help you while drafting and guide you towards a #fantasy #football championship.

-Sink

"Lil Nate", a crowd favorite and loved son

After reading and watching the "Dear Nate" special on #ESPN, it made me realize how important the story topic has to be when writing a feature story. The layout and angle this story Tom Friend took was good, but the actual context made the story. Its a sad story, but with a "feel good" feeling to it. Nate was a kid with courage who was able to walk on to the Oklahoma State basketball team, a program that was on the rise with a hall of fame coach in Eddy Sutton. The feel good part is that Nate played with no fear. He didn't get in many games, but when he did, he left it all out on the court, and the fans as well as his teammates grew to love him because of what he brought to the program.
The reporting Friend had to do was personal, talking to both Nate's parents and his uncle who was the one who switched spots with Nate on the flight. He made it a profile story, even though there were 9 others from Oklahoma State that died in the crash. He found a compelling and touching story that signal in on while also talking about the crash as a whole and its effects on the community. What impressed me most was how he incorporated the Dear Nate letters into the story. The connection Nate had with his dad was amazing and the letters topped it off to fully show the audience how close they were.
Both the written story and video touched me, but the video left out the letters. When reading the story with the letters in it, it just made me like the written article that much more.

#jrm322

-Jonathan Sinkiewicz