Meeting Story

Questions Handed Out in Class

1) Describe the experience of covering a meeting...
- I enjoyed the experience of covering a meeting. I have covered plenty of meetings throughout high school and my first two years of college. I meet many new people and acquire many new friendships. I met many people of whom are on the board of education in the county that I resided in for 18 years. I like to get informed of public issues and like to find out its impact on the community. Overall, covering meetings is definitely something I enjoyed.

2) When did you attend this meeting:
-April at the Board of Education Building in Marlinton, W.Va.

3) Name of the governmental unit you covered: Board of Educaation - Misappropriation Hearing

4) Number of members of the body you covered: 5 (Superintendent and Attorney present as well)

5) Number of other members of the audience in attendence: Around 10

6) Were there any votes? No

---Below is the meeting story I wrote---

The Pocahontas County Board of Education plans to look into the claim that funds intended for travel expenses accrued by the high school’s golf team were misappropriated after former employee confronts the board.

            Norman Alderman, former technology consultant for the board of education, said the $2,500 that was to go toward travel expenses for the golf team was misappropriated. Alderman said the offense is a misdemeanor and that Superintendent Patrick Law is a thief and a liar. The hearing was held in April at the board office in Marlinton.

            Law said Alderman was rude when he first brought up the issue to the board. Law said the state’s superintendent office was notified of the misappropriation and copies of all documentation were made.

            Greg Bailey, attorney for the board, stopped Alderman on several occasions when he questioned other board members regarding the matter. Law was the only person open for comment.

            Alderman said a purchase order was not done on the expenditure and he simply wanted to know where the money went. Law said he will look into the matter.

            Alderman got off topic and began to accuse Emery Grimes, a board member, of committing adultery by having a wife and a girlfriend who reside in separate districts. Alderman said it is unlawful to commit adultery while presiding on the board of education. Bailey said Alderman needed to ask questions to Law, while Kenneth Vance, the board president, said Alderman was crossing the lines.

            This hearing was one of many between Alderman and the board of education.

Fall Break 2010

I just wanted to let everyone know how my fall break is going.

I left Huntington on Friday and ended up having almost 5 hours in flight delays. The aircraft did not leave Orlando until the time in which we were to depart. After the plane landed, the pilot had mechanical issues and had to fly a mechanic in to take a look. Needless to say, I did not land in Orlando until dark and then I had a 2 hour shuttle ride to get where my grandparents live.

I am at The Villages, Florida centered between Ocala and Leesburg. It is a retirement community and residents here is past the age of 55. I have just been hanging around the grandparent's house enjoying their company considering I have not seen them in almost 2 years. I have been getting out everyday and enjoying this great weather.

I have been golfing with my grandfather and going to some expensive restaurants. I am looking forward to Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow afternoon with the grandparents and some of their friends.

Even though I didn't get to go to Disney or the beach, I am enjoying the time I have with my grandparents considering they are getting up there in age and might not be around for much longer.

I am heading back to Huntington this Friday and I am dreading the full-body scanners the TSA installed in Orlando. I am perfoming in the game on Saturday and resuming classes on Monday. GO HERD!!

Speech Story

CHEAT THE SYSTEM NO MORE

Hundreds of Students at the University of Central Florida Cheat on Midterm Exam

Business instructor at UCF said the days of being able to cheat the system are over.

Richard Quinn said nearly 200 students were caught acquiring answers from a test bank prior to the midterm exam and many of those students can face expulsion if they do not own up to their wrongdoing.  

Quinn said there was one lecture he hoped he would never have to give and his luck ran out Friday, Nov. 5 when he addressed his class about the cheating scandal that has the university’s Academic Affairs in an upheaval.  

            Quinn has taught at UCF for 11 years and said he has delivered course content to tens of thousands of students. He said the incident left him “physically ill, absolutely disgusted and completely disillusioned”

            The class sat speechless as Quinn used forensic analysis of data to verify that the cheating took place. He used data from the summer and fall course and said the results jumped a grade and a half. He said, “You do not see that kind of improvement by chance.”

            To put it in perspective, Quinn said, “When you get into your labs this week, look at the person on your left side, look at the person on your right side. Statistically, one of them cheated on the exam.”

            Quinn said the midterm grades are being tossed and everyone in the class will have to take the newly revised exam that is composed of 200 questions, none of which are from a test bank. He said he doesn’t care if you are giving birth, everyone must complete the new exam before Wednesday, Nov. 10.

            Quinn said he worked out a negotiation with the Dean and said if students come forward, he/she will be able to finish the course but would have to complete a 4-hour ethics course offered by Academic Affairs in order to graduate. He said those who do not come forward will be turned in and can face expulsion from the university.

            Quinn said “I do not want to be the one to have to explain to your parents why you are not going to graduate.” He said “this kind of behavior cannot, and will not, be tolerated.”

            In a stern manner, Quinn said, “For those of you who took the shortcut, do not call me. Do not ask me to do anything for you ever.”

           

Revised Speech Story

John Gibb

11/4/10

11:30 p.m.

Arnold Speech Story

            Retired faculty member at Marshall University said Tuesday that he is a self proclaimed “grammarholic” who is constantly annoyed by mistakes on menus and billboards.

            George T. Arnold, journalism professor at Marshall for 35 years, taught classes dealing with newspaper writing and editing and told students what he learned from his experience as a “habitual” copy editor. He said “I know I should mind my own business. I’ve known that for a long time. I just can’t help myself. I’m an addict.”

            Arnold said he wrote the “Media Writer’s Handbook,” published in 1996, because nothing in the market back then provided this information in a suitable manner. He said he is working on the sixth edition which is due out soon.

            Arnold, in his humorous sense, told students about specific instances that inspired him to write “Confession of a ‘Grammarholic’.” He said it annoys him when he sees those nice stones that sit in driveways that says the Jone’s or the William’s when is should be the Joneses or the Williamses because he said the apostrophe adds possession rather than being plural. He told of the State Fair of West Virginia incident in which he spoke with a woman that designs these rocks and was asked to leave when his critique offended her.

            Arnold said he admits to correcting everything and bothering everybody but it’s just habit considering his work with copy editing. He said he usually leaves notes for the managers about the mistakes that he reads but is typically “given a cookie and pointed to the door.”

            Arnold told of an article he had written titled “I Don’t Sound Like a Vice President,” where Arnold focuses on the use of pretentious language. He said he once had a graduate student that worked for one of the university’s vice presidents. Arnold said her boss was not pleased with her after she eliminated the wordiness and simplified the language because it didn’t make her sound like a vice president.

            Arnold talked about the new chapter he is including in the sixth edition of the handbook and said it is important to observe the fundamentals of journalism writing. Arnold said “you don’t need to apologize for your mountain accent,” when he spoke about various types of people and the ways in which they speak.

            Arnold moved to South Carolina 1 year ago and is still collecting material for future editions of his book which has been adopted by over 80 colleges and universities. Arnold said that he will continue coming back to Marshall as often as he can.

           

Dr. Arnold Speaks with Newswriting Class

            Long-time serving faculty member at Marshall University and author of the “Media Writer’s Handbook,” came back to Huntington Tuesday to speak to a newswriting class about his confessions as a “grammarholic.”

            George T. Arnold, journalism professor at Marshall from 1968 to 2004 who taught classes dealing with newspaper writing and editing, told students what he learned from the 35 years of experience as a “habitual” copy editor.

            Arnold said he wrote the handbook, published in 1996, because nothing in the market back then provided this information in a suitable manner. He said that he is working on the sixth edition which is due out soon.

            Arnold, in his humorous sense, told students about specific instances that inspired him to write “Confession of a ‘Grammarholic’.” He said “it annoys me when I see those nice stones that sit in driveways and it says the Jone’s or the William’s when is should be the Joneses or the Williamses.” He told of the State Fair of West Virginia incident in which he spoke with a woman that designs these rocks and was asked to leave when his critique offended her.

            Arnold said that he admits to correcting everything and bothering everybody but it’s just habit considering his work with copy editing. He said he usually leaves notes for the managers about the mistakes that he reads but is typically “given a cookie and pointed to the door.”

            Arnold told of an article he had written entitled “I Don’t Sound Like a Vice President,” where Arnold focuses on the use of pretentious language. He said he once had a graduate student that worked for one of the university’s vice presidents. Arnold said her boss was not pleased with her after she eliminated the wordiness and simplified the language because it didn’t make her sound like a vice president.

            Arnold talked about the new chapter he is including in the sixth edition of the handbook and discussed the fundamentals of journalism writing. Arnold said “you don’t need to apologize for your mountain accent,” when he discussed various types of people and the ways in which they speak.

            Arnold moved to South Carolina 1 year ago and is still collecting material for future editions of his book which has been adopted by over 80 colleges and universities. Arnold said that he will continue coming back to Marshall as often as he can.

Recap of Marshall-ECU Game

GREENVILLE, N.C. – Dominique Davis threw for a career-high 208 yards and two scores and East Carolina crushed Marshall 37-10 Saturday night in their homecoming contest.

Marshall’s defensive back, Omar Brown, seemed unstoppable in the first quarter but the Pirate offense kicked it in high gear and dominated the game. Marshall (1-6, 0-3) falls to the bottom of the Conference USA standings.

East Carolina’s, Jonathan Williams, ran for 111 yards and a touchdown for the Pirates. ECU (5-2, 4-0), is now the front runner for Conference USA. Pirate linebacker, Dustin Lineback, ended the night with 12 tackles and wide receiver, Mike Price, scored the final touchdown. It was the first touchdown reception of Price’s career.

Marshall’s running game had many ECU fans worried in the first half. Wide receiver, Troy Evans, scored the touchdown that tied the game 10-10. Quarterback, Brian Anderson, threw 217 yards before being pulled for a backup. This marked the third consecutive time for Anderson.

The Herd scored one touchdown which was Anderson’s 9-yard pass to Evans in the second quarter. Anderson threw 3 interceptions, all resulting in ECU scoring drives.

Pirate running back, Williams, ran for a 29-yard touchdown, leaving ECU on top at halftime 17-10. Davis opened up the second half by throwing a 26-yard touchdown to make it 27-10. With 12:59 left in the fourth quarter, Price scored for the 37-10 victory.

Marshall’s next matchup is at Joan C. Edward’s field in Huntington as they take on the UTEP Miners of Texas El Paso. That game is set to begin at 3 p.m.

Non-Profit Preparation

As I prepare to interview several people about the Non-Profit that I am covering, I thought I would share several things with my readers. Keep in mind that the Non-Profit is the Boy Scouts - Tri-State Area Council located here in Huntington.

Below is a list of questions that I am planning on asking officials.
1) What is the primary goal of the organization?
2) Do you receive any help or support from the community whether it be volunteerism or monetary support?
3) How do you recruit new scouters?
4) I am aware that the organization gets grant funding through the United Way. Are there any other sources in which funding is provided to the Tri-State Area Council?
5) What led you to serving as executive director of this organization?

In addition to the questions listed above, I will ask more personal questions related to the individual I will be speaking with. As of now, I am scheduled to speak with Rick Loudin who is the executive director of the council. I also will dig deeper into the financial side of the organization and find out where money is being spent and where money is coming from. I also want to gain a better understanding of what this particular council does and the benefits that these scouters are receiving.

Below is a list of websites that I plan to visit.
1) http://www.tsacbsa.org/tsac/    (This is the home page for the Tri-State Area Council)
2) http://www.independentsector.org/
3) http://liveunited.org/     (This is the United Way of America website)
4) http://www.sos.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx    (This is the West Virginia Secretary of State site)

Below is a list of documents that I plan to request.
1) Copies of the last three tax returns
2) Copies of the IRS tax-exempt letter
3) Copy of the organization's annual report

Please leave feedback if you think that I should go about things differently. I appreciate all comments. Thanks.

United Way Story

This is my United Way story that I wrote about the presentation last Tuesday in class. Enjoy!!

            Two executives of the United Way of the River Cities told students at Marshall University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication about the importance to give, advocate, and volunteer last Tuesday.

Laura Gilliam, executive director, and Casey Bowden, marketing director, voiced concerns about current problems facing Huntington and outlined the objectives and outcomes of the organization when invited to speak to a news writing class. The United Way of the River cities serves Cabell, Lawrence, Mason, and Lincoln counties and is a non-profit organization that betters human conditions in and around the community.

Gilliam said that the United Way started its outreach back in 1922 and has since served the tri-state area. The organization gets it’s funding from partnerships, fundraising, and grant writing.

“No money, no mission,” Gilliam said. She told students about the need for community donors. “We need to reach our projected fundraising goal of $1.25 million.”

            Bowden said that the money goes toward medication, food, shelter, and other basic safety needs that people tend to go without. Gilliam said that rather than go straight to the homeless, unemployed, and drug abusers, the organizations tries to find the root cause of the issue and move forward from there.

 Gilliam outlined the four focus areas of the United Way. These include health/wellness, learning/earning, families/children, and basic needs/unforeseen hardships.

“We provide funding to local agencies and organizations,” Gilliam said. Some of these include the American Red Cross, Goodwill Industries, Boy Scouts – Tri-State Area Council, Huntington Area Food Bank, City Welfare Mission, and YMCA. Gilliam also told the initiatives of the organization including the Financial Stability Partnership of the River Cities, Success by Six, and the Cabell County Substance Abuse Prevention Partnership (CCSAPP).

Gilliam told students that she was working on a grant from USDA which would address hunger in Cabell County. “It is due Friday and we are excited about it,” Gilliam said.

Gilliam is a 1985 graduate from the University of North Carolina and has been executive director with the United Way since 2005. She is active in the community and within her church. Bowden is a Marshall University graduate and is a member in many community organizations. She began at United Way in 2004.

The class of 12 students asked questions and Rachel Hunter, student, said that the presentation was a great success. The United Way of the River Cities is located on Madison Avenue in Huntington. For more information, call 304-523-8929.

United Way Blog

Summary of the United Way of the River Cities:

The United Way of the River Cities serves Cabell, Lawrence, Mason, and Lincoln counties. It is a non-profit organization which ultimately betters human conditions in and around our community. River Cities provides support programs and strategies that address critical issues in specific focus areas including: health/wellness, learning/earning, families/children, and basic needs/ unforeseen hardships.

The United Way of the River Cities gets its support from three main sources: fundraising, grant writing, and funding through partnerships. It ensures a safety net of services throughout the region and provides strategies that create long-term solutions for problems. The United Way of the River Cities guarantees that all donor dollars will stay local and go toward programs and services that better the local community. Some agencies that are currently funded include: the American Red Cross Huntington, Boy Scouts – Tri-State Area Council, City Welfare Mission, Girl Scouts – Black Diamond Council, the Huntington Area Food Bank, the Salvation Army, Tri-State Literacy Council, and YMCA.

The initiatives of the River Cities include: Financial Stability Partnership of River Cities, Success by Six, and the Cabell County Substance Abuse Prevention Partnership (CCSAPP). The Financial Stability Partnership of River Cities works with other community partnerships and provides tool and strategies that help families maximize income. Success by Six seeks to ensure that children in the region will be ready physically, mentally, developmentally, emotionally, and socially before kindergarten. The CCSAPP is a coalition of various agencies, organizations, and individuals which try to reduce local substance abuse by utilizing awareness and education.

The United Way of the River Cities says that there are three basic things that one needs to ensure a good life: a quality education, income to support family, and good health. The goals outlined for the next ten years include: the cut by half of the number of young people who drop out of high school, the cut by half of the number of lower-income families that lack financial stability and the increase by a third of the number of youths and adults who are healthy and avoid risky behaviors.

Laura Gilliam, native of North Carolina, works directly with the United Way, specifically the River Cities' Branch. Gilliam acquired a Business Administration Degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and moved to West Virginia in 1990. Gilliam works closely with the community and is active in her church. She felt that it was her obligation to serve on various local and state level committees and boards. Gilliam has been married for 23 years, has two children, and enjoys listening to music and playing with her dogs.

Another woman, Cassey Bowden, also serves the local United Way Branch. Bowden grew up in southern West Virginia and moved to Huntington to acquire a Marketing and Economics degree, as well as, a Masters in Science from Marshall University. Bowden has worked for Human Resources and is an active member in the community. Some of her other committments include: Rotary, Public Relations, Chamber of Commerce, and a Women's Club. Bowden enjoys giving back to the community that has provided her with so much. She and her husband have one child.

The organization that I am following is the Boy Scouts - Tri-State Area Council. The area council is a branch off of the nationally recognized Boy Scouts of America. On the home page of their website, there is basic news about popcorn sales, jamborees, etc. I am planning a visit to the next council meeting in order to acquire more information about the group and I might, personally, give up my time to help them out since I am a previous Boy Scout myself.

Errors for Interview Assignment

Recently, I conducted an interview with classmate, Rachel Hunter. Following the completion of the interview, I wrote a rather short article about her in which Professor Morris critiqued. Today, I am blogging about the errors I made in the article in hopes of educating fellow classmates and help them to not make the same mistakes as I did.
First, I needed to check my Associated Press StyleBook beforehand to learn the rules of names. The rule states that after the first acknowledgment, only the last name should be used throughout the remainder of the paper. I said "Ms. Hunter" and "Rachel" various times where I should have used solely "Hunter."
Second, I was too wordy. I have always enjoyed writing stories throughout my life and always choose to use big words. My favorite website is thesaurus.com and I am not ashamed to share that. In print writing, however, being to-the-point is key and elimating descriptive and big words is important.
Third, I had a few sentences in which I never utilized "She said."
Fourth, I needed to answer the "how" question with many sentences I wrote. I included a lot of information but never told the readers how these things came to be. For example, I told the readers that Rachel hopes to inspire many, if not all, her readers through her writing but never reflected on how.
Fifth, I wrote that writing, in general, is one of her goals. However, writing is not a goal but rather a skill. Maybe I should have asked Rachel what kinds of things in life does she want out of writing. For example, Pulitzer Prize, or other big-time awards.
Finally, I was in the habit of using "has"alot when I should have been using "have."
In conclusion, I need to read and acquire a better understanding of the AP StyleBook and Arnold's book in order to not make these same mistakes in the future and then I can become a pro at print writing.

WVU Renting Marshall's Rec Center?

Today in class, a student said that he heard that West Virginia University was renting out the Marshall University recreation center during the night of the Coal Bowl. After attempting to call athletics and the recreation center to see if there was any truth in this, we were still unable to get a definite answer.

Personally, I have no problem with them renting out the building if they so desired especially since Marshall will be the one benefitting. This would also be a wonderful thing because WVU fans can seclude themselves in the rec center and will not have to bother us Marshall folk while we are trying to tailgate. On the other hand, West Virginia fans are horrible. When I visited Morganown last year as part of the Marshall University Marching Band, I was barked at and was called every name in the book before I left that stadium. Should we be kind enough to rent the building out to them?

I can say so much more about this issue but this could be just a rumor. If there is any truth to this - please post below this. Anyhow, I am excited for the game on Sept. 10th and I am predicting Marshall to win by 14 points! We are Marshall.......

Jim Furyk Disqualified for Over-Sleeping

I examined an article dealing with legendary golfer Jim Furyk who ranks 6th in the world and how he was disqualified from a tournament at the Ridgewood Country Club. The reason for disqualification - his cellphone!! Thats right, his cell phone was supposed to awake him in the early hours of the morning but sometime during the night - his phone battery died which resulted in him sleeping in. Apparently, Furyk's caddie called him but got no answer due to the dead battery. Jim finally woke up at 7:23 a.m. and hurried as quick as he could in order to make his 7:30 tee time but by the time he arrived - it was too late. He, in a professional manner, handled the situation well although fustrated. PGA rules are strict and he was unable to continue during that specific tournament but he can, however, participate in the FedEx Cup even though he will loose his current standing.

Now personally, I was saddened by this. I feel soo bad for Jim Furyk because he played his heart out all year which ultimately earned him the 6th place standing. I mean, there have been times in my life where my alarm did not go off wether it was due to a power outage or my phone having low battery and I missed class or some other important event. That is like telling me that I was kicked out of the university simply because I overslept and was late to one class. This is, by far, uncalled for. PGA needs to re-examine their rules and regulations and allow more le-way. I do not understand why the caddie didn't play while Furyk was absent because usually that is how it is but who knows. I hope that the public speaks out about this which can hopefully lead to the PGA altering some of their current policy and rules. On the other hand, I applaud Jim for his professionalism in handling this and I hope he doesn't let this affect him because I want to see him at the next tournament with the number 1 ranking in the world.