Ling and Lee News Release (comms211) 9-17-10

Our assignment was to watch the videos of journalists Ling and Lee returning home safely from North Korea and act as if it were breaking news. We then wrote an article on this breaking news...

Nicole Hillstead
391 words

Two American journalists, having been held hostage in North Korea for 140 days, landed safely back in Burbank, Calif. this morning.


Laura Ling, 32, and Euna Lee, 36, were arrested in March while reporting from the border between North Korea and China. Both of these young women were reunited with their families at 4:30 this morning at the Bob Hope Airport in Burbank.


After revealing the release of Ling and Lee, Ling’s father, Doug Ling, expressed his happiness.


“This is the happiest day of my life,” He said “it’s been an emotional yo-yo.”

Doug Ling said he had never lost hope. He knew that sooner or later his daughter would be back.


Showing much appreciation, Doug Ling, recognized that President Bill Clinton had a lot to do with the release of his daughter.


As the plane touched down in Burbank this morning we watched as overjoyed families joined Ling and Lee with many hugs and a few elated tears. Ling was able to reunite herself with her daughter and her husband before turning to the press for a few words.

“The nightmare of our lives is over,” Ling said referring to the women’s fear of being sent to a hard labor camp at any moment.


Having only been told they were being taken to a meeting, Ling and Lee, entered an unknown location,

“When we walked through the doors we saw standing before us President Bill Clinton” said Ling.

Holding back tears, Ling thanked the many people that had helped make it possible for the two women to make it home safely. She gave a special thanks to Al Gore, President Bill Clinton, and the people that had been praying and working towards the women’s safe return home.


“We could feel your love all the way in North Korea,” Ling said.


Al Gore then continued in thanking President Obama for his “humanitarian efforts,” and the families that were both “passionate and innovative.”


In a later press conference President Obama took the time to show appreciation for President Clinton, Gore, and the many other people that worked so hard to help release Ling and Lee from North Korea.


“I am extraordinarily relieved," said President Obama "my hope is that the families know that because of Clinton and Al Gore they get to spend this time together."

Roadtrip Story (comms211) 9-24-10

This was one of my first assignments that gave me a taste of journalism, I loved it! We went somewhere unique and interviewed people to create a story. This is my story...

Sidewalks of food throw enticing smells, beckoning each shopper to stop and taste. People pass by testing samples, pushing strollers, and enjoying the warm summer weather. Stands of fresh produce cover one sidewalk, crafts down the other. Food and homemade items are intermingled throughout the park.

Every Saturday from 8a.m. to 2p.m. beginning in June and carrying on through October, Pioneer Park explodes with the enjoyment of Provo’s Farmer’s Market.

From tie dyed shirts to car-seat covers, smoothies to honey, there’s something for everyone to discover.

Jacob, 26, and Julia, 24, scout out the market every week for fresh groceries. Having moved to Provo recently from Virginia, they both agreed that Provo’s Farmer’s Market was much nicer than the ones found in Virginia.

 “You have to get here earlier since it’s small, otherwise things are gone quick,” Jacob said, ”but we’ve found what we like here, so it’s worth it.”

 Both enjoy the friendly atmosphere that comes with Provo’s Market, including the welcoming personalities of the venders. Julia enjoys talking with, and buying apples from the same vender every week because Alaina Richards, the vender representing Riley’s Orchards, is always has something interesting to talk about.

Richards, 23, travels to the Market each week from Payson with bags full of fresh fruit. Starting in July, Richards brings in cherries from Riley’s Orchards, and then continues on through October bringing whatever fruit is in season.

Another favorite of the market is Joost Bamossy and his homemade bread. Known by many of his usuals as “The Bread Man,” Bamossy’s stand is covered with samples of all the many kinds of breads that he sells including both sweet and savory.  The favorite seems to be asiago basil since, “that is always the first to disappear from my bundles,” Bamossy says.

Bamossy’s story is different from many of the others’ at Provo’s Farmer’s Market. His bread doesn’t actually have a store front anywhere in Utah. Bamossy works for another man who makes the money he needs to live off of in the winter, by selling these homemade breads throughout the summer at many different Farmer’s Markets. Bamossy said that he, along with fifteen other guys, visits Markets every Saturday.

One of Bamossy’s usuals, Leslie Smith, 24, loves that she can find very fresh things for decent prices.

“Sometimes the prices are a little higher but that’s because the quality is great. But at the same time, sometimes the prices are lower because they’re local and didn’t have to drive a truck here.” Smith said.

She enjoys getting to be outside while at the same time shopping through a variety of arts and crafts, food, and produce.

Packing up leftover goods, the venders prepare to travel home once again. It’s after 2p.m. and Pioneer Park suddenly seems very empty.

Press Release Assignment (comms211) 10-01-10

Press Releases are generally written by people in the Public Relations department...this is not really my style, I have come to discover through this attempt that I'm not very good at writing press releases thank heavan I'm majoring in Print. If you're wondering what a press release is though, it's a news release written by a public relations person advocating a specific company. They occur when major news happens, when a company is releasing a new product, or in this case SHUTTING DOWN, and it was my job to make this sounds happy...not easy for me. So here is the attempt :)

The Walton Corporation

Media Relations-1200 Breakview Avenue-Luckyville, Utah-801-432-6681 EMAIL: walton@corp.edu

CONTACT: Nicole Hillstead

801-554-6134

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nov. 1, 2010

Luckyville Plant To Be Shut Down

LUCKYVILLE, Utah--After 25 years of operating in Luckyville, Utah, Walton Corporation pans to announce that it has been forced to shut its doors and put the 25,000-square-foot facility up for sale.

By closing this facility, Walton Corp. will be able reduce costs enough to keep the other two plants they own in Minneapolis and Pittsburgh, and remain a profitable company. 

“Unfortunately the launch of our potentially profitable new product, Touch and Learn Books, was hindered by the introduction of a similar product that entered the market just before we released our product. This event caused a major decrease in revenue, so we feel that it is best to close the plant that operates in Luckyville, Utah.” Said CEO of Walton Corp., Susan Walton.

Approximately 300 jobs will unfortunately be lost through the closing of the Walton Corporation facility; however, CEO Susan Walton is staying positive.

“I understand that many jobs will fall through the closing of our facility, but I am at least gladdened to inform Luckyville that the closing will not be completed until Dec. 31, enabling those that feel the need to look elsewhere for a job will have time to do so."  Walton said.

Severance pay will be given to all those that worked at the Luckyville plant in hopes to help the families affected by the Walton Corp. changes.

Walton Corporation has been in business since 1978, manufacturing educational software for kindergarten through sixth grade.  There are facilities in both Minneapolis and Pittsburgh. For more information about Walton Corporation see the web site www.waltoncorp.com

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Broadcast Assignment #1 (comms211) 10-22-10

We were told to write an anchor lead, and a reader based off of a hard copy story we had on the discovery of Japanese beetles in Orem. An anchor lead is only supposed to be a bout 5 seconds long, or 20 words, and a reader 20 seconds long, or 70 words. Here is my attempt at Broadcast...

((LEAD))

Highly destructive Japanese beetles invade a neighborhood in Orem.

We now go to Nicole live in Orem for more information on these bugs.

                                    (23 WORDS)

((READER))

                       

The Utah Department of Agriculture caught four hundred of these metallic green bugs…saving the city from possible disaster.

these beetles look beautiful and harmless on the outside…BUT their demeanor is just the opposite.

They feed on the roots of lawns…fruit trees…plants and crops causing all vegetation to turn a solemn brown and die.

Luckily THE UTAH DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE set traps for these beetles hoping to catch them before the infestation grows too large.

                                   

(78 WORDS)

Feature Story (comms211) 10-15-10

A Feature Story uses a story that features one individual while also hitting a bigger point that would be interesting to readers. For this I used my Aunt Janice and her breast cancer story. Thanks again to all those who helped me in interviewing.

October; a month of orange, black, and pink?
 

Today’s trend--pink. Every man, woman, child, and teenager takes to the line wearing pink shirts, hats, bracelets, pants, and even shoes.
 

It’s as if a swarm of pink bees fly off to work, as the starter gun goes off with a ping. Racers of every age, and every experience level take off to run the Hot Pink 5K in honor of all those with breast cancer. The Hot Pink 5K is an annual race that occurs every October, as this has been deemed National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
 

Janice Magnusson, 48, from Roseville, Calif., has participated in races like this for the last three years, ever since her own breast cancer story began in November of 2007. Being a mother of four, Magnusson’s first thoughts were,
 

“I don’t want to die,” she said. “I want to be here for the kids.”
 
Magnusson’s journey began with six rounds of chemotherapy, a medication that has many side effects causing most to become very ill, and many to lose their hair. 
 
 After enduring chemotherapy Magnusson then had her surgery. She went into with a positive attitude though; she wanted it as soon as possible so that she could get the cancer out. Radiation came after just as an assurance. A year and four months later Magnusson was able to finish it off with reconstruction surgery in March 2009.
 
For most diagnosed with breast cancer support groups are available and highly suggested, they provide more of an emotional and psychological support, said Leslie Smith, 24, an RN at American Fork Hospital.
 
When it comes to chemotherapy mind over matter is incredibly important.
 
“If you think it’s going to work, your body tries to make it work.” Smith said. “If you don’t think it’s going to work, your body gives up.”
 

Magnusson had her own personal support group including family both close, and extended. A younger sister, though not close enough to knock on her door, gave great support to Magnusson.
Sheri Pead, 35, from Santa Rosa, Calif., called every day.
 
“Sometimes we wouldn’t talk about the cancer at all,” Pead said “I would tell her stories about my kids, try to make her laugh and take her mind off things to help her pass the time being stuck at home.”
 
While Magnusson was set with her support group, there are many patients that don’t have family to be there with them during such a scary time. Other patients may not have the money to do all the necessary treatments to get rid of the cancer.
 
National Breast Cancer Awareness month is a time for people all over the world to recognize those that have been through this struggle, and to help those that are currently fighting breast cancer.
 

During October many pink ribbon items line the shelves of retail stores, with proceeds benefitting research foundations and charities. 5Ks, 10Ks, Marathons, and much more are held during this month, putting money towards charities, while at the same time allowing people to come together in a common cause.
 

Magnusson participates in a few of these 5Ks bringing her supportive family along for the fun. She’s an advocate for buying pink ribbon items, and sells the awareness bracelets.
 

In the office Magnusson and her husband work, October is a month of great charity. On certain days they entertain a concept called “pink hours” in which three hours worth of money earned goes toward breast cancer awareness charities.
 

It was a long journey that ended successfully for Janice Magnusson, who prays deeper, exercises differently, and eats differently than she did at the journey’s beginning. Magnusson has been able to help many other cancer patients through a newfound outgoing nature for people in similar situations.

“Take it one day at a time, fight, and survive.” Magnusson said to those going through their own breast cancer journey.