Final Photo Essay: People Behind the Register

Tis the season of shopping, eating, giving thanks, and spending time with loved ones. Personally, I want to give a special thank you to those who ring up my items, make my coffee, and take my lunch orders. Thank you everyone, and best wishes.

In order of appearance:

The top photo is of Nate Otto, cashier at the local Bi Mart on Philomath Blvd. When I told Nate about the project I was doing, he enthusiastically smiled as he posed for me after finishing ringing up some customers.

The second one from the top is Elsa Nunez Parmelee. She co-owns the La Rocita in Philomath on Main St. She mostly does cashiering because she speaks both English and Spanish.

The third photo is of Andrew Bowder, who is a business student at LBCC and is the current manager of the Hot Shot Coffee Cart (also at LBCC). While Bowder is the manager, he also does some cashiering for the coffee cart.

The fourth picture was taken at Thriftway in Philomath (also on Main St.). Shoni Esquiro is making change for a customer (not shown in the photo).

The final photo is of Diana Woodhouse, one of the cashiers at Quiznos on Philomath Blvd (in the same shopping plaza as Bi Mart. Diana was great about being totally natural when I took her photo as she handed the customer the receipt. The man behind her is Adam Lindsley, a resident of Corvallis.

Final Article

To Work, Study, or do Both
Alx George
The Commuter

What you probably didn't know about work study: it's flexible, it's a great work experience and applying is easy as one two three. Beverly Gering, director of Financial Aid and Veteren's Affairs (at LBCC), took a break from the books to explain the mystery of how work study works.

To cut it down to size, work study is a program available to students who apply via their FAFA. All you have to do is check the box indicating that you're interested in doing work study. After that, the FAFSA will indicate to financial aid whether or not you would qualify for the program. Gering strongly encourages all students to "fill out their FAFSA early (asap)".

Once you've applied and then (hopefully) been accepted, you need to do a few more easy steps (listed in the How to Completely Apply box) before you can actually start working. Once those are completed and you're situated in your new job, you're all set to go for a term (or several). So where does the flexiblity come in? As you may have seen (in the box) you get to set up when you work and for how long (term wise). Gering explained that the managers (of wherever you work) are happy to work things out with you. After all, "school comes first".

Here's another thing Gering wants students to know about work study: "...it's a great learning experience". Considering you're working like you would at practically any other job, work study provides students with the opportunity to gain  work experience and job skills that they will be able to take with them wherever they go. You will have to perform the duties required of your position as well as exercise skills of being on time (though you probably already do that for your classes), working on a team (with your coworkers)...skills like that which are very valuable.

There's work study in a nutshell: it's a great flexible program that provides a good learning experience and applying is much easier than you probably thought. With the click of a button, you could be on your way to having some of your financial and time management problems solved. Why not give it a shot?

How to Completely Apply:

• click interested box on FAFSA
• wait for an email notification from LBCC
• turn in required documents (W-4, etc)
• wait to be awarded (six to eight weeks)
• check out your award on your SIS account
• go to the Career Center and pick a place to work
• set up your schedule with your manager
• get to work!

Important Websites:

• FAFSA: www.FAFSA.ed.gov
• LBCC: www.linnbenton.edu
• LBCC Financial Aid: www.linnbenton.edu/go/financial-aid

Possible Work Places:

• Courtyard Cafe
• Hot Shot Coffee Cart
• Library
• Student Union
• Learning Center
• Go to the Career Center and check out more

For more info, please either go to www.linnbenton.edu/go/financial-aid or go to the Financail Aid office in Takena Hall on the Albany Campus

Neighborhood Photo Essay

Chris Cochran (left), a sophomore at Philomath High School, looks busy with the register at the Philomath Dairy Queen. Brian Jones (center), plays around on his bike while at the Philomath Skate park. Thomas Garrettson (lower right) age 5, bounces a basketball during a Philomath High School boy's basketball practice.

 

Sport Photo

Jacob Erickson, a sophomore at Philomath High School, prepares to pass or shoot during a Friday after-school practice.

Delayed Summary of Journalism Conference in Wilsonville

Last weekend (Nov. 14) some staff and students from the Commuter (including myself) went to Wilsonville to hear a journalism textbook author  speak about how journalists (particularly those who work for newspapers) can be successful today.

The very first thing he talked about was that there are two things a journalist/newspaper needs to focus on: attracting eyeballs and delivering information as efficiently and effectively as possible. Today, that involves using multimedia (videos, podcasts, etc.). Another thing that may be involved is breaking up a story.

Now this took hours to explain, however I'm pretty sure most people got it. And quite a few were probably excited about incorporating it. And here "it" is: stop writing such long winded stories. Write a few paragraphs, and use other things to tell the story (interview boxes, question and answer boxes, fact boxes, how-to boxes, etc.). SCANDALOUS!!!!

Or is it? Today, most people are incredibly busy, so they rarely have time to sit down and skim the newspaper let alone read it. So how can we (as journalists of any kind) make people want to find time to look at the stuff we're pumping out for them? Attract their eyeballs and efficiently and effectively deliver the information (does this sound familiar?).

Take home message(s):

Go ahead and break up that story
Use multimedia
Take time to make your stuff attractive
And remember: journalism is about the readers, not the journalists.

Legendary Talent at the Hot Shot

Alx George
The Commuter

The Hot Shot Coffee House offers students real world experience.

Upon the creation of Hot Shots, management and worker positions opened up. With the aid of the Hot Shot Talent Grant and work-study positions, students have been running the Hot Shot Coffee Cart for about five years
   
The staff of Hot Shots consists of baristas, who are in a work-study program, and the student manager, who is supported by the Hot Shot Talent Grant. The talent grant presents the opportunity for one business student, with some assistance from staff in the student union building,  to run the coffee cart. Andrew Bowder is the current manager of the coffee cart and receiver of the grant.
   
“It’s a challenge I wanted to take,“ said Bowder.

In the job, Bowder gets to learn general management skills, such as creating proposals, ordering and  purchasing supplies and looking for ways to improve the flow at the coffee cart. He is also always looking for students in the work-study programs to be potential baristas.

“Every term is different,”  Explained Bowder.

What Bowder really wants students and staff to know about the Hot Shot Coffee Cart is that even though coffee service stops at noon, the Hot Shot is still open until about 4 p.m.

“It’s a cool place to meet new friends. This place is a really relaxing place for homework,“ said student Coddie Marshall.

According to Terry Gordier, department secretary for Student Life and Leadership, there used to be a little recreation area where the Hot Shot is currently located. This recreation area had pool tables, games and activities for students to use, all for a small fee that would go back into the school.    
Unfortunately, the funds generated by this student recreation area could not play their part in sustaining LBCC’s activities. So, students in the ASG put their heads together and came up with the idea of changing the recreation area into space for a coffee cart. With that, the Hot Shot Coffee House  was created.

Over time, to make it look more like a coffee house, furniture was added, along with the television and computers that are there now to make it more like a coffee house.
   
“It’s a really just laid-back hangout kind of place," says barista Jamie Butler. "And you don’t have to be into coffee to hang out here. We offer lots of other drinks besides coffee."

Photo Essay Brain Storm

I want to do something called People Behind the Register. I'd take pictures of people at a register (that would be the theme), but from a variety of places (restaurants, stores, etc). I need to make sure to get a variety of people and places. It'd be kind of hard to tell it in a story format, hence why the register is crucial for unifying the subjects.

Photo Critique

Like many others, I've fallen in love with the romantic idea of going to Italy. With that in mind, I searched Google Images for an interesting photo. I found this one and was taken away by the beautiful layering of the buildings (it looks like they're on terraces). I also love the beige/green colors that are constant the main focus of the photo. The water even gives a nice glow to the photo without glaring. As a photojournalist, I have to say that I'm disappointed about the lack of people in the photo. I know there are a few on the bank, but their faces aren't visible. As a tourist, I'd like to see more available pictures of people enjoying Italy rather than looking at pretty scenic photos.

Second Attempt at a "News Photo"

Baristas Michelle Evans and Jamie Butler swiftly and happily prepare coffee at LBCC's Hot Shot Coffee House.

Edited Construction Article

Campus Improvements
Alx George
The Commuter

   
    As construction progresses on the Linn-Benton Community College’s new science building, Madrone Hall, students can look forward to an eco-friendly space for their studies.
    Fred Haynes, dean of Instructional Facilities Planning and co-dean of Science, Engineering & Technology explains that with the roof and ceiling up and the electricity running, the building’s interior is being painted and textured. Next week is the anticipated date to start putting in two elevators. The overall finish date is tentatively expected to be in December.
               “Hopefully it will be ready for student occupancy in January [when winter term begins],” said Haynes.
    However, that’s just phase one of this project. The second phase involves the existing Science and Technology building. Haynes explains that the plans are to “gut” the interior (to remove asbestos) and then make it earthquake safe. The projected start date for this phase is February 2010.
    According to Haynes,  one of the aims of this project is upgrading the science labs, which were originally built in the 1970s. The other aim is to provide more study and work space for students, which includes adding more classrooms.
    As for going green, Haynes let us in on some interesting plans. “We’ll add some things like energy efficient windows and a green roof. This will help LBCC lessen its carbon footprint, which are carbon emissions that contribute to global warming." Haynes also explained that going greener would help LBCC financially.
    Haynes explained that the project will offer modern facilities and will provide study space and access to improved science labs.
    “It also increases LBCC’s ability to reach out to more students in math and science,” Haynes said.

Capturing the Action

Disclaimer: there are no photos to accompany this blog. I'll explain later in this post.


Friday, Nov. 6: One of my friends and I where hanging out on OSU's campus. We were just walking back from Subway when we heard an alarm sounding in a near by building. As we walked, we speculated on what could've happened. While we were guessing and walking, a police car pulled into the area. Shortly after, two fire trucks came onto the scene. My friend and I walked to about a block from his house and parted ways. He went home; I went back to the scene, adjusting my camera as I walked. I got back there and started taking some shots. It was all very nice, except that it was so dark outside and the flashing lights were moving so fast, no matter what setting I was on, it just didn't work out. However, on the bright side, I did have my "action moment". I'll still be on the look out, but each time I've gotten more comfortable diving into the drama.

Different News Photo

Scott Brant safely leans in to sand the panel in preparation for painting the new building additions at LBCC.

Photo Critique

I typed in "running" in the search bar on flikr and this was one of the first photos to show up in the thumbnails. My first response: this is running? I enlarged it, read the caption (blue man running...) and then thought: ok, I kinda see it.

I respect that some people can look at things and see images that other people may not be able to. So I'll try to be fair in my critiquing.

I love the colors. Whether or not they've been painted, photoshoped, or something else, I don't care. They're still amazing. I wish I could see the purple thing (I think it's a flower) in better detail. I know the focus is on the blue shapes, but the purple flower is so beatufil that I think it deserves a bit more attention.

I also like how the person was able to see people in those blue shapes. Like I mentioned before, I respect that. Over all, it's a nice colorful abstract photo.

Pictures (I'm getting closer)

One night after Shaun and I were heading to his place after dinner, we saw some flashing lights. I immediately found a parking spot and we bolted over to the action. Sadly, we missed it. Today, Shalah said she saw flashing lights. We ran out of the building. Didn't get any action, but did think of some cool titles for the following picture.

false alarm
all done
Drama at Linn Benton

One of these days, I'm going to take a great action/news shot!!!!

Tech Savvy Parents ("Article" 2)

Tech Savvy Parents
Alx George
The Commuter

With the current advancement of technology and the media, it seems almost impossible for anyone to fall behind; that includes parents. Lately it’s been noticed that more parents are communicating with (or watching) their children via Facebook, Myspace, Twitter or cell phone use (that includes texting). How did this phenomena occur, and should it be stopped?

A few weeks ago, the Gazette Times published an opinion piece (Why parents should embrace texting) written by Beth J. Harpaz who has embraced technology and used it as an effective means of communicating with her children. She encourages parents to follow her example. She gives a few reasons as to why parents need to embrace technology as an “ally” rather than an “enemy”. She explains that texting is useful when the teenager is in an area with poor reception or somewhere where there’s a lot of noise. Communication will be much more effective. She also presents some research by psychologist Dr. Thomas Phelan saying that if a teenager is not very willing to communicate face-to-face, they may be more willing to text.

As for whether or not parents should partake of Facebook and other social networking sites, that probably would have similar benefits for both the parent and the youth. If there isn’t much face to face contact due to conflicting schedules, Facebook would probably be a much better form of communicating. Some communication is much better than none.

With that said, parents using the things we (youth) use today as methods of communicating isn’t necessarily a bad thing. While this is not true for every case, it is most likely true for many. There’s no harm in trying it.

Portraits

Julia Korreia is a happy barista.

Blog Post 2 (for the week)

I confess: I have a "slight" addiction to Dove Chocolate. While the chocolate is of course delicious, the messages on the wrappers are my favorite part. One day, I decided to save the wrappers and use them for writing prompts, especially for when I was having writer's blog (like today).

Prompt: Do what feels right

The phrase "gut instinct" comes to mind. A cliche example is in police drama TV shows (like CSI) or medical dramas (like House). Often times a doctor or police officer successfully executes a dramatic, life saving manuver based on an internal ("gut") instinct. That's another way of saying that it just "felt right".

Love is another example of trusting feelings. There is no "tried and true" method that applies to every relationship out there. Couples and individuals develop their relationships based on things that feel right. "Is this person right for me"? "What is love supposed to be like"? "Is this love"? These are common questions that can only be answered from a confirmational positive feeling.

Doing what feels right doesn't always guarentee ideal results. For example, "giving in" to peer pressure may feel right at the time, however often times this leads to difficult consequences (examples: unexpected/unwanted pregnancies, drug addiction, etc).

This phrase has both positive and negative senarios and consequences. However, ironically, for each situation, it is up to the individual to decide. In the "spur of the moment", the decision is left to gut instint.

Second Photo Critique

While I was listening to the radio this morning I heard some updates about the "kid and the balloon" story. I thought it'd be interesting to see some photos of the story and use one for my critique this morning.

This photo overall is pretty cute. I love pictures of people in interesting places, hence why I was struck by the boy sitting cross-legged on the roof of the car. It's a nice portrait shot. Although he is not looking directly at the camera, I can still see his mischiveous eyes and smile. I wish the camera had zoomed in a bit more on the face. The background is good (it's not too busy and it doesn't wash him out) however I'm almost positive there is a news car right behind the car the boy is sitting on. As a journalist, that kills me. I think it's because I have this preconceived notion that news crews over dramatize an event. Doesn't news that drags out making a person (or people) look bad get boring after about five seconds? Back on track: Overall, I like this photo, news van and all.

Next Idols?

My first "article" for the Commuter (it's actually a profile):

Profile: Summer Soundtrack

Members: Amanda Dewolfe and Mike Ewing, both aged 18 and are freshman at LBCC

Music Genre: folk, pop, rock...mix of everthying (except metal and country)

Duration: playing together two months, dating for about two years

Typical Performace: playing with other music groups and having fun

Fun Fact: first performance by themselves (no other groups) was Sat. Oct. 3 at Fireworks

Current Status: looking for friends (Myspace.com and Facebook.com) and people to jam with

Secret Plot: have people constantly jamming in the LBCC quad

Latest Achievement: asked to join the music guild at OSU by the founder!

Shout Out: "Get to know us! We want to get to know you too!"

Passionate Music Duo: Summer Soundtrack

Amanda Dewolfe and Mike Ewing are ready to belt it out during their first solo performance Oct. 3 at Fireworks restaurant and grill in southtown Corvallis.

Photo Critique for PhotoJournalism (I've got Weddings on the brain)

Unlike those poor souls in Office Space, I do not have a case of the Mondays. I do have, however, weddings on my mind (go ahead, ask why). So for my photo critique assignment, I chose to look at photos pertaining to this topic on Flickr.com (great photo website).

Here is the picture: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeannemariepics/3989854981/

I like this photo because it's fun and intimate. The bride and groom (or at least let's hope it's the groom) are standing by the ocean. The ocean and light blue (but softly cloudy) really add serenity to the tender happy kiss the groom gives his bride (on the nose no less). The colorful flowers and happy-almost-laughing smile of the bride make the photo fun.

The only thing I don't like is that my eyes always go to the flowers. I'd rather have my eyes go to the bride and her man. The flowers are so colorful and centered that it's a distraction from the couple.

Credit: jeannemarie@flickr

My First Blog Post (for PhotoJournalism)

High Lights:

I am not just taking photojournalism to get better picture taking skills. That's just a bonus for me. I'm really taking this class because journalism is my desired profession. I love everything from reporting, to editing, and I'm sure I'll fall in love with publishing.

As for those pictures we took on Wednesday (for a class assignment) it was an interesting experience. For one thing, I took a picture of some people I knew without even recognizing them until after I took the pictures. Also, we (me and my awesome group members) had a "delinquent moment when we were taking pictures in the Linn Benton Community College Bookstore. We took some pictures behind the register while students were making purchases. The cashiers asked us not to do that because some people had personal information on those screens.

Here is a photo taken on Wednesday in class:

It Couldn't Get Any Worse....Right?

First of all, I just discovered that I kinda broke my "." key. Obviously, it works, but the cover is loose. It looks pretty cool and intricate under that covering. Secondly, I have an adventure story to prove the wisdom behind NEVER saying (and meaning) the phrase "it couldn't get any worse".

Being the social creatures that we are, Shaun and I wanted to party. We got our mutual friend Aaron involved in this process by asking to hold it at his place in Beaverton (he was all up for this idea). A few days later, he informs us that the party has been moved to a series of bars in Portland. Of course, I can't get in because I'm under 21. Does Aaron care? Apparently not.

After getting kicked of Bartini (all I ordered was a cheeseburger, I swear)Shaun and I were forced to fend for ourselves (Aaron didn't even ask where we'd gone and if there was anything he could do to help). We found our way to a bus stop, then to a MAX station which got us back to Beaverton (and my car). At this point, Shaun and I were really hungry and it was 11:30 at night.

We got in the car and went on a search for food, finally finding an Applebee's. It was a Godsend. And to further boost our spirits, the song I'm Walking On Sunshine was playing upon our arrival. We were pretty reassured at that point. That was our mistake.

Dinner was excellent. Full and relaxed, we decided to go to Shaun's parents' house to sleep (since Aaron was probably out of commission). We successfully drove to his parents' house (about a half hour drive)and found that we were incredibly tired. Shaun went inside to disable the alarm. That didn't go over so well.

Fortunately, the police did not come (the alarm company kindly informed them that there was no problem). For whatever reason though, the company could not shut the system off with out a code (which Shaun did not have). After physically trying to shut the system off with wire cutting (and discovering that that did not work) we decided it would be best to drive back to Corvallis.

At about one o'clock, we were on I-5 driving back to Corvallis. We got to his place at about 3:30 a.m. Today is Monday, and we've finally recovered from our adventure.We have no regrets, we may forgive Aaron for his lack of consideration, and I thank God that the worst did not happen.

I'm Back With It

It may seem that I've disappeared for awhile, considering my last post was sometime early July. But I'm still here and I've some story ideas.

In the mean time: I picked a "writing day" (a day that I have to write, no matter what). Friday is my most "powerful" day of the week, so I chose that to be the day. Last Friday was my first official writing day, and this is what I came up with:

August 28, 2009

Dear America,

Why do you have to move so quickly, as an elusive cheetah would? What are we rushing toward? Are we in the final stretch toward the finish line? I do not know how much more my tired cane can take. I am sorry I have so many questions and you do not have the time to answer them.

My generation has some complaints and passing wisdom for you America. If you want to fall into this trap, then that is your choice. Do not take us with you. Do not rush us to our graves. We will be there faster than you think.

On behalf of the elder generation, we wish you would not run when you are in our presence. We do not appreciate being hurried through our meals. We hate watching you addict the youth to this drug. All we have left to contribute to society is our wisdom. It hurts that you cannot take a moment to listen.

If you had a moment, this is what we would tell you: life is precious; why are you rushing through it? When you are old, you will leave the speed trap to fall into a new one of your memories; take the time to create good ones. When your body becomes old and tired, sometimes you will have to say, “The hell with it” and get up slowly.

Of course this is still in draft form, and it may not go very far, but the point of this was to make sure that I write at least once a week.

That's it for now. I'll be back

Running Secrets

Some people (including myself) don't believe a secret until they have solid proof that it is true. So here's the skinny: I have personally tested some passed down secrets of running, and now I'm aiming to inspire all of you runners (and wanna be runners) to try them out.

1. Have a slightly sugared drink about 10 min before heading out. Try something with natural juice. The sugar will provide you with some well needed carbs to keep your muscles happily working.

2. Focus on your strong points. Imagine you have weak lungs but very strong leg muscles. Focus on the great work your leg muscles are doing. This will distract you from the slight shortage of breath.

3. Set little goals throughout the run. Say you're half way done and you're feeling really tired. Try making goals like "I can make it to that mail box" or " at the end of this song I'll walk a stretch". These little goals will help to push you, help you get stronger, and improve your time.

4. Pacing is your friend. Don't run uber fast at the beginning of your run. Take it a bit slower than you think you should. Then near the end if you have lots of extra energy, sprint it out.

5. Use positive mental self talk. Encourage yourself throughout the run saying things like "you're doing good" or "keep it up".

6. Listen to your fave upbeat music.

And finally...

7. When you're breathing starts getting considerably faster, start breathing in this fashion: two short breaths then a long one. The long breaths will expand your lungs (and clear them of excess CO2) and the short ones will trick you into believing you're getting the air you need as fast as you need.

Enjoy your next run :)

7Laws of Listening

1. Spend more time listening: my best friend has a favorite quote that goes "man was created with 2 eyes, 2 ears and 1 mouth. Therefore, we should listen and see twice as much as we speak".

2. Find something interesting in the other person: learn to want to listen. If you actually want to hear what they have to say, you'll be more inclined to listen w/ focus.

3. Stay out of the way (don't create roadblocks):give feedback so they know you're listening, don't give advice unless they ask for it. By the way feedback = eye contact, paraphrasing (repeating the meaning of what the speaker said).

4. Listen to what people mean, not what they say: for example, someone says I'm fine but they look sad and depressed. This is clearly not fine.

5. Take notes at the right times: try mental notes.

6. Assume the proper stance: lean in slightly, make eye contact, set aside distractions, etc.

7: Be aware of your filters: biases, background, anything that might provide room for judgments that could hinder understanding.

Life has a Price

Someone once said that the best things in the world are “things” that money can’t buy, like love, life experiences, and memories. Personally, I believe those are indeed the best things in life. But I don’t think they come without a price.

On Sunday I went over to my friend’s house and we had some girl time. She reminded me that she thinks of me as her older sister (even though I’m five months younger). She says it’s because I’ve “experienced” more. I told her it was mainly because I’ve had the financial means to do so.

Now I’m not saying that money is the only factor. There is a certain type of person that tends to have action in their life that makes up their life experiences (this is a drama queen fyi).

Go back to your high school years. Did you go to prom? Parties? On dates? Many people will think yes to all three. Some will probably think “I wish I had” for various reasons.

What other things have happened in your life? Have you lost your virginity? Traveled to another state? Country? Did you ever “experiment” with drugs and/or alcohol? Do you have a driver’s license? Have you ever lived on your own? Dated someone in another city? Do you know someone who will probably say no to at least a few of these?

In sociology, we studied poverty, both material and relative. Material poverty deals with the money side of experiences. Relative deals with how your experiences “measure up” to someone else’s (this is opinion based by the way). So what does this have to do with experiences? It’s something to consider.

I want to look back on what my friend said about me “experiencing more”. Going to a rock concert requires money. Living in absolute poverty does not. Which is the more valuable experience?

Life is what you make of it (I’m sure that’s been heard everywhere). If something of value (a lesson, a memory, a story to pass on) can be taken from the experience, then it has value. How will this “thing of value” impact your life? The lives of others? “Life lessons” are named as such for a reason. Can we choose how we’re impacted from an aspect of life? Possibly. Can we choose what to do with the impact? Yes.

Go back to the rock concert/absolute poverty comparison. Which is more valuable? It depends on what is “done about” each experience. Go back to me and my best friend. Which of us has experienced more? That information can never be determined.
Everything has a price. That price may or may not reflect the value.

How much are you willing to spend?

Do you intend to get your “money’s worth”?

Now is the appropriate moment for a ton of quotes advising you on how to live your life. Live it to the fullest. Life is like a box of chocolates (this is one of those rare cases where it’s ok to eat the whole box). Sample a little of everything from the buffet table (Dr. Kent Buys). Sing along with the elevator music (Dove Chocolate). I encourage you to live however you want. And I wish you luck.