New York State of Mind

The positive and negative components of legacy vs. new media is a topic of frequent discussion in my graduate journalism courses. How we report the news and how the public consumes our material has been completely revolutionized by technology. Journalism is a completely different field than it was even 10 years ago.

Two plagiarism cases surfaced in the news media earlier this month. The following articles, particularly the one by David Carr, use the aforementioned plagiarism cases to provide an intuitive, new perspective on the changing landscape of journalism and its effect on the quality of writing and reporting that's produced.

Journalists Dancing on the Edge of Truth by David Carr, The New York Times
"It may not have made a difference: journalists are tasked as seekers of truth. Fabulists find the truth quotidian and boring, insufficient to convey them to the renown they seek."

A Scandal Threatens Zakaria's Image as a Media Star by Christine Haughney, The New York Times
"Not that long ago, getting a column in Time would have been the pinnacle of a journalist’s career. But expectations and opportunities have grown in the last few years. Many writers now market themselves as separate brands, and their journalism works largely as a promotion for more lucrative endeavors like writing books and public speaking."

photo by sophie takes pictures

Wednesday Wisdom: Apologies

It is difficult to take these wise words to heart. Hurt begs for a remedy. We crave validation. We expect justice. However, if you spend your days waiting for something that will never come, you only hurt yourself. Put down your weapons. Stop fighting a war you won't win. There is power in surrender.

"Oh he said it's crazy how love stays with me. You know it hurts me cause I don't wanna fight this war. It's amazing to see me reading through this scene of love and fear and apologies..."
Apologies by Grace Potter & The Nocturnals.

image source

I'm in a New York state of mind...

I've been wanting to start this column for quite some time but I haven't been able to get my act together on Fridays. No more excuses. From now on Fridays will be devoted to "New York State of Mind", a new column where I will include a link and short synopsis for several of my favorite articles from the New York Times that week, along with interesting pieces from other sources like Time and The New Yorker thrown in for good measure. ccc

I don't mean to pigeonhole good journalism into being only from New York, but I'm an old school purist at heart. In my journalism classes we're constantly analyzing the pros and cons of legacy vs. new media outlets. While I enjoy new media sources technology has helped create, I still find intrinsic value in reading articles from reliable, trusted legacy organizations like The New York Times.

My goal with this blog is to provide smart, relevant experiences, stories, and content. I know it's difficult to find the time to read all of the blogs, newspapers, magazines, and books that are available. I hope this column provides an opportunity for readers to appreciate good writing and spark an interest in new topics and ideas.

Today's post will be a little longer than usual as I've been saving up articles for the past few weeks. Enjoy!

Love, Money and Other People's Children by Mona Simpson, The New York Times
An intimate look at the relationship between nannies and the children they care for in relation to the child's relationship with his or her parents. A moving photo essay accompanies the piece.

Why Is It Hard to Make Friends Over 30? by Alex Williams, The New York Times
Three conditions sociologists consider essential to making close friends: "proximity; repeated, unplanned interactions; and a setting that encourages people to let their guard down and confide in each other."

Wash That Blog Out with Soap by Penelope Green, The New York Times
A 24-year-old's viral Tumblr blog demonstrates, rather indecently, the struggles of my generation: bad or no jobs, crappy dates, and moving back in with the parents.

The Positive Power of Negative Thinking by Oliver Burkeman, The New York Times
Believing that anything is possible doesn't necessarily set you up for success or happiness.

Learning How to Eat by Tamar Adler, The New Yorker
"Appetite grows by what it feeds on." Musings on "good" vs. "bad" food and the reasoning behind our food choices. Inspired by Julia Child's wisdom.

Movies from Books by Richard Brody, The New Yorker
"Many directors of moderate merit do well in capturing their own experience or that of others of modest and practical insight—when they lay hold of works of genius, they simply aren’t up to the material and reveal not the vastness of the author’s imagination but the limits of their own."

photo by sophie takes pictures

wedneday wisdom: attraction vs. connection

image, quote source unknown

The Job

Last week I achieved a major adult milestone. I was offered my first full-time job. Benefits, vacation, sick leave, my own office--the whole shebang! As if that weren't enough, the remainder of my master's program is going to be paid for, which will save me over $25,000 in federal loans. This new reality is completely overwhelming. I feel incredibly blessed.

So what's my new position you ask? When I started grad school at DePaul University last fall, I began working as a programs assistant in the department of Writing, Rhetoric, and Discourse. Starting next Monday I will begin fulfilling my new role as the second department assistant.

My previous position was a student-worker position which was only 25 hours a week with no benefits, vacation, tuition waiver etc. Essentially, this a major promotion. I'll continue to manage the department's website, online teaching evaluations, and graduate assistantship applications, but will take on more responsibilities associated with department curriculum, student advising, and event planning.

I had hoped and prayed for this job all summer as soon as my supervisor told me it was going to be available. My career goal is to work for the advancement department, alumni association, and/or public relations department at a university. This is my first real foot in the door. Knowing this job will make me completely financially self-reliant is a huge burden off my shoulders. I'm grateful to my family and friends who've supported me and prayed for my well being.

Now it's time to decide what color to paint my office and how I'm going to decorate it. I have my own office...how cool is that?! I'm a big kid now.

the best weekend of the summer

 

This weekend was the best I've had all summer. My dear friend Irish and I have finally reunited! She's been gone most of the summer visiting her family in Dubai and Manilla. I'm so happy she's back!

Friday night, I joined some friends to watch a movie in the park. Hugo was the selection for the evening. Beforehand, I knew little about the film except that it was directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese and had won several academy awards. The film is a visual masterpiece. I can only imagine how long it must have taken to produce. While it's not something I'll watch over and over it's definitely worth seeing.

Saturday, Irish and I enjoyed watching the annual Chicago Air & Water Show. It was so fun to see the Blue Angels! They are a Seattle Seafair tradition and a Fidler family favorite. After the show we enjoyed a delicious early dinner at the Grand Lux Cafe. Molten chocolate cake--that's all I have to say about that. We spent the remainder of the day hitting up wholesale accessory stores.

On Sunday, although I was late, I finally made it to church! Miracles never cease. It was wonderful to feel the spirit, partake of the sacrament, and make connections with people I know.

Here's to more great weekends!

hugo image / blue angels image

a Jiffy muffin mix

I've always loved Jiffy muffin mixes. They're cheap, delicious, and easy to make. Plus, the packaging looks all cute and vintage. In college my roommates and I frequently bought them to make muffins on Sunday mornings. Oatmeal is by far the best flavor for breakfast but the corn muffins are perfect alongside a homemade bowl of chili.

Earlier this week I had some bananas that were going bad, but I didn't want to go through the process of making banana bread. Then I  had the idea to liven up my regular Jiffy oatmeal muffin mix with the bananas and chocolate chips. They turned out great! I think next time I make chili I'll experiment with adding cheddar cheese and jalapenos to a corn muffin mix. Yum!  

Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Jiffy Muffins
2 Jiffy oatmeal muffin mixes
2 eggs
2/3 cup milk
2 sliced bananas
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Add all the ingredients into a medium size bowl. Mix the ingredients with a fork, smashing the bananas as you go. Cook at 400 degrees for 13-15 min. Makes 12 muffins.

Wednesday Wisdom: Kathi Goertzen

Photo by Mike Siegel/The Seattle Times, 2008

Monday afternoon legendary Seattle news anchor Kathi Goertzen passed away after a 14 year battle with brain tumors. She was only 54.

What I admire most about Kathi was her honesty--her willingness to openly share the reality of a very personal battle. Instead of retreating, Kathi stood out. She continued to fill her anchor chair at KOMO 4 News next to her longtime co-anchor and dear friend, Dan Lewis, until her body rendered her unable.

Many lack the strength and humility to expose their true selves to the world. Kathi was not among the many. She was exceptional in every way. I grew up watching her, Dan Lewis, and Steve Pool report the evening news. With the effervescent rise of technology and social media, I fear future generations will lack the same opportunity to trust and relate to their local journalists the same way I did.

Victoria Martinsen, a lifelong friend of Kathi and the Goertzen family, told Kathi before she passed: "You've done a wonderful job with your life." I don't think any of us can hope for better praise than that.

Seattle Time's article - Longtime TV anchorwoman Kathi Goertzen dies after battle with tumors

The Liebster Award!

Last Thursday I found the sweetest comment on my blog post. Darling Ali W. told me that not only did she love my little blog but that I'd won the Liebster Award! Say what?!

 

The Liebster Award is for blogs that have 200 followers or less. The word "Liebster" is German for kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, valued, cute, pleasant, endearing and welcome. It's a great opportunity to meet other bloggers and gain more followers. Such a great idea, right?

The rules for accepting the award are as follows:

1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.

2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you. 

3. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag with the award.  

3. Choose 11 bloggers (with less then 200 followers) and tag them in your post.

4. Go to their page and tell them about the award (social networks accepted).

5. If you have not done so already, follow the tagger and visit at least three nominees. Spread the love! And remember, no tag backs!

One - 11 random things about me

1. As a kid I never liked summer. I know, weird right? I'm still not a big fan. 

2. Daphne Du Maurier is my favorite author.

3. Utah State University, my alma matter, is very close to my heart.

4. I'm currently interning at The Everygirl.

5. My name is Clarissa and I'm a Pinterestaholic.

6. Baseball is my favorite sport. Go Mariners! Go Cubs!

7. I almost had to repeat kindergarten. My teacher thought I wasn't mature because sometimes I talked baby talk. Pretty sure I graduated high school and college at the top of my class.

8. I'm constantly torn between bold, bright colors or subdued hues when it comes to home decor.

9. My high school bestie and I have been friends for 10+ years!

10. I love reading The New York Times.

11. My nicknames include: Riss, Rissy, Rissana, Cha-Cha Racehorse, and Girlie.

Two - my answers to Ali's questions

1. Your favorite place to go in the world is: Logan, UT

2. Something weird about you that most people don’t know: I have a strange fascination with ducks.

3. Something you collected when you were little: Books. That's probably a weird thing to collect but I was a prolific reader growing up. I still love to read and love buying books.

4. If you could visit anywhere in the world, you would go to: Boston, England, and Italy.

5. Your perfect day would include: a meal at Benihana's, camping with my family and friends, and shopping

6. The most embarrassing moment of your life: Being told at a youth dance that I was flashing everyone.

7. Cooking or baking: Baking! I love, love, love to bake. Cooking just isn't as fun.

8. Biggest pet peeve: People who lie.

9. Something you LOVED as a kid: Pioneers. I dressed up and pretended to trek across the plains (my backyard). I also read endlessly about the Oregon Trail, Mormon pioneers, Abraham Lincoln etc.

10. Your favorite item of clothing at the moment: My blue and white striped Gap dress I scored for $12! It's super cute and super comfortable.

11. What you always do before you go to sleep: Brush my teeth and take my medicine. Super exciting.

Three - Q/A for the winners

1. First childhood memory:

2. Favorite book:

3. Favorite chick-flick:

4. What do you do to relax?

5. One of the items on your bucket list:

6. Salty or sweet:

7. Dream vacation:

8. Who would play you in a movie?

9. What is one of your biggest fears?

10. Favorite beauty product:

11. Best piece of advice you've ever received: 

Four - the award winners (you should start following their blogs and mine too please!)

Expecting the Unexpected

Daydreamer

A Move Begins

Champagne Reveries

This and That

New on U 

Perched

Little Miss Holls

On the Adventure 

The Real World is Weird

Send By Owl

Happy Tuesday!

Polka Dot Persuasion

This fall it's all about polka dots! J.Crew's Fall/Winter 2012 Lookbook set the tone and rightly so. Kate Spade has also unveiled it's fair share of polka dot inspired pieces, but like J.Crew, they fall in the category of unattainable when it comes to my grad school student budget. Luckily, other more affordable retailers are following suit. Hooray! 

I've already scooped up a boatneck sweater and tank from Old Navy, top from Forever 21, and a dress from Land's End Canvas that looks strikingly similar to the J.Crew dress I've included above. It was a major summer sale steal at only $27 (originally $130)!

Obviously the collection above are my dream purchases. Below you'll find more affordable options that I'm currently coveting or have already purchased. Have you embraced the polka dot persuasion?

The 25 Most Fashionable Films of All Time

Today, I stumbled upon Vanity Fair's photo essay of The 25 Most Fashionable Films of All Time. While the images are fantastic, as you'll see below, I was completely charmed and impressed with the intimate, colorful copy that accompanied each photograph. The caliber of writing is superb and reveals thought provoking details about each movie, its iconic actors, and the clothing that is as relevant and poignant as the movie's storyline. Costume designers are indeed remarkable artists whose confections possess the power to reveal the souls of characters.

Here's a portion of the feature introduction to spark your interest:

"Since the beginning of movies, the clothes that characters wear have been part of the draw and thrill. Well-designed costumes not only concealed the physical flaws of actors and actresses, they delineated character and added texture to a scene...the presence of models and beauties doesn’t necessarily make a film fashionable...there are those movies distinguished by a totemic piece of clothing." READ MORE

Audrey Hepburn - Breakfast at Tiffany's

Marlene Dietrich - Morocco

The Best of Everything

Faye Dunaway - Bonnie and Clyde

Mia Farrow & Robert Redford - The Great Gatsby

Richard Gere - American Gigiolo

Jimmy Stewart & Katherine Hepburn - The Philadelphia Story

Audrey Hepburn - Roman Holiday

wednesday wisdom: to be normal

I completely identify with this quote. I battle clinical depression, and during my bad days and tough weeks this is exactly how I feel. It takes all I have in me to get up in the morning, put clothes on, go to work, go to class, make dinner etc. To be normal.

Living with depression I have times when I lack the necessary psychological, emotional, and physical strength to face the day. Getting out of bed feels like the equivalent of scaling Mount Everest. I know it sounds bizarre and weak to some but this is often my reality. I'm not being lazy or feeling sorry for myself. Those who really know me can attest to my work ethic and character.

Since I moved to Chicago last September my biggest struggle has been to get out on the weekends, meet people, and make it to church every Sunday. After surviving the week I often crash. It's really frustrating. There are weekends where I succeed in doing something in the city, making it to church, and seeing friends but it's sporadic at best. The energy and strength to be consistent are what I'm trying to find. I'm grateful for tomorrows.

Photograph by Sati Faulks

iphone covers

I don't have an iphone. T-Mobile keeps letting me down. While droid land has been an ok place to live, the lush iphone landscape has been calling my name for quite some time. My contract is up in November and I will most definitely be switching providers.

What I'm really looking forward to is buying a fabulous iphone cover. Ridiculous. I know. They're all so cute I might just have to buy two! Which one is your favorite?

kate spade polka dots // keep calm and carry on // cath kidston hampton rose // abstract chevron // kate spade note to self // yellow circles

top 10 reasons fall is better than summer

For all of you summer lovers, I apologize in advance. This girl has never been much of a summer fan (insert gasp here). I'm sick of dripping with sweat everywhere I go and having to run my air conditioner 24/7. So, in true David Letterman style, I've composed a top 10 list for why I think fall is better than summer.

top 10 reasons fall is better than summer

10. 95 degree weather with 85% humidity is long gone

9.   the clothes: boots, sweaters, tights, flannel, corduroy, wool socks etc.

8.   apple picking and apple pie

7.   football games with friends

6.   hot chocolate and caramel apple cider, preferably consuming both in the same day

5.   pumpkins: pie, scones, candles, the pumpkin patch, jack-o-lanterns...you get the idea

4.   the holidays: turkey day, halloween decorations, crafting with mom, sparkling cider

3.   reading just seems more appealing

2.   fall leaves: the colors, the crunch, the piles

And, the #1 reason fall is better than summer is...wait for it, wait for it...shaved legs and perfectly painted toes are no longer required! (I love a good pedicure but all the summer body maintenance is exhausting, not to mention expensive)

images: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

sweet potato black bean burritos

 

Earlier this week I finally made a recipe from Pinterest I've been wanting to try: sweet potato black bean burritos. They were absolutely delicious and fairly easy to make. Plus, they're super healthy and a great way for me to eat more veggies (I always struggle with that food group). 

The recipe made a lot more food than I expected and the vegetable filling is actually really great all by itself without a burrito. I froze a portion of the filling for later use so we'll see how that works out. I would highly recommend trying this delicious recipe!

Sweet Potato Black Bean Burritos

Ingredients

2 whole Sweet Potatoes, Peeled And Cubed Small

2 whole Jalapenos Diced

1 whole Red Pepper, Diced Small

2 teaspoons Olive Oil

1 teaspoon Cumin

1 teaspoon Chili Powder

1 pinch Salt And Pepper

1 can Black Beans, Rinsed And Drained (15 Ounce Can)

½ cups Fresh Cilantro, Chopped

2 teaspoons Fresh Lime Juice

2 cups Shredded Cheddar

1 package Burrito-Sized Wheat Tortillas Or Wraps (6-10 Count)

Directions

In a bowl, toss your raw veggies in olive oil and season with spices. Place in a large baking dish and roast in 425 degree oven for 20 minutes, tossing around halfway through. (20 minutes wasn't long enough for my sweet potatoes to become soft. I'd suggest 30 minutes.)

Let cool. Add your roasted veggies to a can of rinsed black beans. Add cilantro and squirt of lime juice. Combine gently. At this point, mixture can be stored for later use.

Warm your wheat tortillas or wraps in microwave according to directions on package. Spray a casserole dish with nonstick spray or olive oil spray.

Add two to four heaping tablespoons of vegetable and bean mixture to center of wrap. Top with shredded cheese. Fold over, fold in sides, place in pan and continue to roll the others. Place into your baking dish, seam side down so that they stay together.

Bake in 375 degree oven for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Baking this way will make the tortilla wrap crisp. For a softer burrito, spray burrito with nonstick spray, then wrap in aluminum foil and bake for same amount of time.

Makes about 6-10 burritos depending on the size of your tortillas.

Tip: Premake your burritos and wrap them in aluminum foil. Keep in refrigerator for 3-4 days for a quick lunch or dinner!

recipe source