White boards

I write primarily on a computer or by hand. From time to time, however, I write on a white board.

Here’s why:

They’re large

I have a white board at my house, but I usually use one of the white boards in The Independent news room for writing because they’re much bigger and offer me more space.

They’re useful

I use white boards to organize my thoughts, ideas and notes. I also edit and revise sentences and paragraphs on white boards.

They’re re-usable

Erasing is easy.

They’re fun

I find writing on white boards can be fun and creative, especially when I’m in stuck a writing funk and can’t generate words or content on a computer or with a pen.

The Independent reveals new website

The Independent, Clark College’s official student-run newspaper, has announced its new website, clarkcollegeindependent.com.

All stories that appear in print are also posted on The Independent’s website. However, some stories are web exclusive, such as the story I wrote today titled, “Emergency evacuation drill at Clark College.”

For more information about The Independent’s new website, grab a copy of the newspaper at Clark College or visit clarkcollegeindependent.com.

Math misery

I’m struggling in my calculus class.

Today I worked on an assignment for five hours, and I’m still not finished. I have a major exam on Friday.

Learning calculus is my responsibility. I focus and engage in every class and I do my homework every night. Evidently, I need to do more.

I’m not seeking pity. I assume full responsibility for my education, and I usually do well in my classes. I’m beginning to realize, however, that failing calculus is possible if I don’t change my study habits.

Nonetheless, I don’t foresee myself withdrawing from the class, even though it would protect my cumulative GPA. I’m trying hard to pass now, but I simply need to try harder. Calculus won’t defeat me without a fight; but if it does, at least I’ll fail knowing that I tried my best.

Microsoft unveils So.cl

Microsoft creeps into the realm of social networking by unveiling a new product called “So.cl.”

Today I read an article by Drew Olanoff titled, “Microsoft would like you to think that So.cl is for students, but don’t be fooled.”

Here’s a summary:

Microsoft’s FUSE Labs released a social networking tool this year called So.cl, pronounced “social.” Microsoft officials say the company isn’t trying to compete with well-established social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter; rather, So.cl is meant to complement them.

Olanoff included this quote in his article from the FAQ page of Microsoft’s So.cl: “We expect students to continue using products such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other existing social networks, as well as Bing, Google and other search tools.”

Microsoft’s FUSE Labs have released So.cl to only a handful of college students, and not to the general public. Microsoft considers So.cl a “research tool” and “experiment,” according to Olanoff.

Interestingly, Facebook originally launched as a social network exclusive to college students, starting at Harvard University. Microsoft officials claim that So.cl didn’t enter the market to compete with the 900-million user social network; however, the company’s approach in unveiling So.cl is strikingly similar to Facebook’s.

30-day challenges

I knew before May that blogging for 31 consecutive days for Blogathon 2012 would be challenging. Yet, I accepted the challenge because I wanted to improve my writing, experience deadline pressure and develop a habit of blogging regularly.

In fact, I have completed my own 30-day challenges before I ever heard of Blogathon. Repeating an action or behavior every day for a month typically, but not always, imbeds it into a habit.

For example, I’ve always brushed my teeth twice per day, but I didn’t used to floss every day like the dentist recommended. Flossing simply wasn’t a habit.

About six months ago, I decided I wanted healthier gums, so I challenged myself to floss for 30 consecutive days. I pinned a calendar onto my wall and checked off every day I flossed. I told myself if I missed one day, then I would start all over. By the end of my 30-day challenge, flossing became a habit. Now, I floss every night.

A couple of months ago, I wanted to increase my flexibility, so I challenged myself to stretch my hamstrings and calves for 30 consecutive days. I completed my 30-day challenge, but I haven’t stretched daily since then. However, I stretch now more than I did before my 30-day challenge.

I am 10 days away from completing Blogathon 2012, which is by far the most difficult 30-day challenge I’ve ever participated in. Unlike the numerous month-long challenges I’ve completed in the past, Blogathon 2012 requires extensive time and effort.

Writing in new places

I write primarily in The Independent news room or at my house.

However, sometimes I prefer writing elsewhere, such as outdoors in Clark College’s courtyard.  I’m inspired and rejuvenated when I write stories in new places.

Reasons I should audio record interviews

Reasons I should audio record interviews

For quotes

I can listen to saved recordings of interviews to correct inaccurate quotes in my notes, complete partial quotes and capture quotes that I missed.

To protect myself against libel

If a source claims I quoted them incorrectly, then I can protect myself from being sued for libel.

Audio stories and multimedia

Some stories are told better in audio than in words, photos or videos.

To become more comfortable with it

Sometimes I don’t record interviews because I’m uncomfortable asking for a source’s permission. Recording interviews is the only way I’ll become more comfortable with it.

Reasons I don’t record interviews

Too easy to slack off

Taking good notes is more difficult when I record interviews because I have a safety net to rely on. As a result, I’m tempted to engage less in the interview.

I’m busy taking notes

Many advocates for recording interviews say they note the time in the recording that a source says something newsworthy. After the interview, they can refer to that time in the recording and transcribe the quote. However, scribbling down a complete quote is challenging enough without glancing at the time and jotting it next to the quote.

Makes people uncomfortable

Some sources feel uncomfortable opening up when the interview is being audio recorded.

Technology can fail

Technology can fail. Additionally, reporters can accidently delete a saved recording, re-record over it or discover that the audio recorder wasn’t recording at all.

Lack of experience

I avoid recording interviews for the preceding reasons. However, I’m not completely opposed to it, either. I haven’t recorded enough interviews to feel comfortable with it and take advantage of its benefits.

Coffee keeps me alive

Like millions of people worldwide, I drink coffee every day.

Apparently, that’s good.

Today I read an article in The Columbian titled, “Study: Coffee might perk up longevity.” The article suggests a relationship between coffee consumption and longer life spans, albeit not a cause-and-effect one.

Nonetheless, I’m thrilled to know that drinking coffee has potential health benefits, especially now that The Independent news room has a coffee maker.

The article mentions that researchers plan to investigate the health benefits of other beverages, including tea and soda. I’m curious if sugar-free energy drinks have similar health advantages.

But in the meantime, I’ll drink my coffee with delight knowing that it’s probably saving my life.

Coffee maker in the news room

How I unblock writer’s block

Writing by hand, rather than by keyboard, helps me overcome writer’s block.

Nothing taunts me more than staring at a blank computer screen. With writer’s block, I’m too susceptible to hitting the “delete” key after every word I type.

On the contrary, writing by hand helps me build momentum. I can’t delete words once they’re penned into paper. I can scribble through them, but they still exist to remind me of my progress.

Sushi Hana

The idea hit me today at lunch. I want sushi.

Except my friends and I were standing in line at Panda Express and Nick had to take a midterm exam in an hour.

So the idea shriveled and settled in the back of my mind.

But when dinner time rolled around, the idea for eating sushi re-emerged. My sister, who didn’t know about my sushi craving at lunch, suggested she and I go out for sushi. I agreed.

So my sister, dad and I ate dinner at Sushi Hana.