Washington Post (Winning Article)-Gunman Kills 32 at Virginia Tech In Deadliest Shooting in U.S. History

         I felt that this winning article of work done by Ian Shapira and Tom Jackman was a very well written piece of work. The two members of the Washington Post staff truly put their minds and most importantly their hearts into this work. I find that such purposeful documentation of serious events is what makes journalism the intriguing field that I've always found it to be. These two Washington Post staff writers did an excellent job with their documentation of the Virginia Tech shooting last April. The way that the two writers involved such clarifying details of the event coverage was also very impressive. They seemed to reach deep into the facts of the shooting and clarified every detail that took place on that tragic afternoon in Blacksburg. I paid attention to how they involved all the essential details in order for the reader to almost feel as if they were there themselves. They also took information from several of the victims in order to expand the overall point of view of the experience. This gave the reader the ability to see the story from all sides and from a variety of perspectives. Quotations also caught my eye as coming from a wide range of those involved in the mayham that morning. The next close detail that caught my attention was the way in which the writers included such meaningful quotes. For example, "I'm really at a loss for words to explain or to understand the carnage that has visited our campus," said Charles W. Steger, president of Virginia Tech. Quotes such as theme seem to grab the reader and make them think deeply about the situation. Overall, one can easily view why this was a Pulitzer Prize winning piece of work. From the great detail involved, to the strategic use of victim’s quotes, this is well-rounded work. To me this has served as an example of how to properly handle a dramatic event in the news. I one day hope to implement this proven style of writing in my work as I progress in my journalism experience.

Record Day For Women in IndyCar Racing

This past weekend marked a big step for women in the sport of IndyCar racing. Twin Ring Motegi in japan was the venue for a huge moment in sports. Here, Danica Patrick became the first female in IndyCar history to win a race. This comes two weeks after the significant race in which Graham Rahal became the youngest IndyCar winner in history at the age of 19. Things are now coming around for IndyCar racing after being put on the "backburner" by many in the sports nation. The winning race for Patrick came after being postponed the day before due to wet track conditions. This race was a large significance to not only the sports world but to Patrick herself, as she has now won her first race in 50 attempts. "It's been a long time coming," a tearful Patrick said in victory lane. "Finally." The burden has now been taken off of her back as she will no longer be pestered with questions partaining to her record in IndyCar Racing. For quite sumtime she has had to hear critics ask her when she was going to finally win a race or if she ever would in general. Patrick's team delivered with a great race Sunday as their strategy seemed to have worked to perfection. She saved fuel in the early stages of the race while her oppenents had to pit stop or ease up on their throttles. Patrick had just enough gas in the final two laps to pass racer Helio Castroneves. I found this to be the most positive sports story in quite sumtime. The significance that this race has for females cannot be matched for quite sumtime. Danica Patrick is opening up the eyes of many young ladies who have hopes and aspirations of one day becoming race car drivers. No longer can individuals state that this is a sport unfit for women. Being a minority also, I completely understand how this stands as a very important day to young women all over the world. I hope that the success that Danica Patrick is demonstrating can continue to serve as a powerful message to all that look upon her.

Demonstrators gather before torch relay

Wednesday marked the first time that the Olympic torch would make its way past North America this year. This once casual celebration has now brought about several issues of turmoil and debate. Law enforcement is now being required to accompany the torch and its runners as they make their way to Beijing. Thousands of pro-Tibet and pro-China groups are gathering along the route to stand up for their strong beleifs. The supporters are standing out against the games being hosted in China due to the thousands of Tibetans that have been killed. I am all in support of their protest as long as they can do it safely and remain off of the course. They are entitled to stand up for what they beleive in just as everyone else is. My only concern is that, the mass amounts of people are creating a safety issue for the torch runners and are taking away their joy of completing the event. This is a traditional event that has taken place for centurys, and it would be a shame to see it altered or affected. On another note, the olympic committee is now dealing with nude protestors calling for the games to return to their most original form as was done in Ancient Greece. I find that these individuals to be the true violators as they are in direct violation of laws and restrictions. These people are the ones that are creating the media attention that has been brought to this event. They could have easily protested their cause while doing so in a civilized form. Overall, I hope that everything works out as planned with everyone keeping their protesting in-line. Im sure that with such tight security that is taking place that everyone can rest assured that the torch will be carried to Beijing safe and sound.

PaY DaY BeGiNs aT NiNe oN MoNDaY

When I first sat down to write this blog, i wanted to share with my readers what exactly was on my mind. This took all of 10 seconds as there has only been one thing on my mind since the beginning of March.Being in 1ST PLACE come this upcoming Monday night! Thats right, the Madness of March (now the beginning of April) is coming to an end, as I sit in first place of my NCAA bracket. To many this nor the term March Madness might not mean much at all, but to me it stands for plenty more. It's not only the pride of winning over my friends, but most importantly, the cash prize of 500 dollars. Yes, you heard me right. The victory of the Memphis Tigers over the Kansas Jayhawks will grant me an all inclusive trip to Kenwood mall. I guess, you all can figure out who im rooting for. All March I've been on edge, pulling for my teams to keep my hopes alive and lead me to a victory over my peers. At first I was just enjoying the competition of the brackets, but as I pulled into first place, things became much more than a friendly game. I kept a close eye on all of my teams wishing for that day where I would know that I was receving a 500 dollar pay day without working not one hour. As the Memphis Tigers lived up to all the hope that I had placed upon them, everything began to fall into place. I do have to admit that there were some interesting occurences along the way. I had became the biggest Xavier fan ever for about two weeks. This is quite interesting considering I had never seen a Xavier game in my life before this past March. On the other hand, I don't even want to begin speaking about the lack of performance of the Georgetown Hoyas. Very disappointing. But through it all, I am sitting comfortably in a tie for first place with outcome of Monday's game deciding the winner. I must say that I truly enjoyed this years March Madness tournament. Be it the friendly competition that was taking place or the much more serious 500 dollar cash prize on the line. So to end my first blog, im going to leave you with one last thought. GO MEMPHIS!!!