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.