Joseph Street Blog

Photo Essay/ Thanksgiving

2009-12-05T19:50:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated differently by everyone, one thing in common is that the holiday is celebrated normally by gathering with family and loved ones. I love to see different families traditions on these types of holidays and experience them for myself. This Thanksgiving I traveled to Baker City, Oregon and shot photos of the entire thanksgiving process.

Before any of the fun and games start on thanksgiving there is always loving mothers and grandmothers behind the scenes getting the food started for the main event; dinner. Of course the food being prepared here is an all-time favorite, mashed potatoes.

Below:

After getting the food started it is time to sit down, enjoy some snacks, and play some cards and dice in this families thanksgiving tradition.

Before any of the eating can happen grandma sets the table with the fine china. Here you see Julie Johnson setting the table right before the turkey is ready to come out of the oven and everyone sits down to eat.

A seasoned turkey carving expert, Larry Vandehey slices into the bird, forcing anyone within the house to start salivating.

After the meal, Vandehey instills his years of knowledge to Kelly Street over a couple drinks and of course the pumpkin pie.

Shortly after this shot the tryptophan from the turkey and the continuous drinks throughout the day began to take their toll on us all and everyone was soon in a deep sleep. Only to wake up the next morning wishing it was thanksgiving morning again with another delicious turkey waiting in the oven.

Final Story/ writers choice

2009-11-29T20:14:00.000-08:00

Former Oregon Duck Dennis Dixon misses opportunity to become hero in NFL.

At a glance:

What: Sunday night football game
Who: Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
When: Sunday, November 29th
T.V. Station: NBC
Outcome: Ravens win game 20-17 in overtime

Former Oregon Duck quarterback Dennis Dixon got his chance to come up huge for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night playing against the Baltimore Ravens. He fell short of becoming a Pittsburgh hero and giving ducks fans everywhere much satisfaction though. The Ravens won the game in sudden death overtime with a short field goal.

Dixon played good early in the game showing good consistency with his throws and mainly handing the ball off to multiple Steelers running backs. The game was a close defensive battle the entire first half and into the fourth quarter.

The steelers were down by four points 14-10 in the fourth quarter. That was when Dixon came up huge scoring a touchdown by looping around the outside and running untouched into the endzone. The steelers took the lead and ducks fans everywhere were gleaming with pride, to quote my friend Cole at that exact moment. "It's all about the "O"."

However the steelers did not hold the lead long as ravens kicker Billy Cundiff connected on a mid-range field goal to tie the game at 17-17.

Dixon took the field with barely under two minutes left in the game and did not perform nearly as well as when he scored earlier in the fourth quarter. The steelers called two straight passing plays and Dixon threw two incompletions, both on very bad reads of the defense.

The ravens then got the ball and after a good return of the steelers punt they had decent field position. Thats when steelers cornerback Ike Taylor called was for pass interference on a deep pass and the ravens were in field goal range.

However the ravens allowed the clock to wind down and had to force a very quick field goal attempt up. Billy Cundiff almost became the hero then, but barely missed the the last second field goal by just inches.

The game went to sudden death overtime and after Pittsburgh captain Hines Ward called tails and won the coin flip the steelers had a chance to win the game.

After Dixon ran a quarterback sneak for a first down on the first drive of overtime it looked as though the steelers were gaining momentum and ready to march down field for the win.
Then Dixon threw two straight passes and once again missed them both horribly and the steelers were forced to punt the ball away to give the ravens a chance to win the game.

The steelers defense held strong though and stopped the ravens from scoring and forced them to punt the ball away for yet another chance for Dixon to run a game winning drive. Like the other chances he had earlier in the game Dixon failed on this one as well by throwing an interception and putting the ravens in field goal range.

Billy Cundiff did not miss his second chance at winning the game and sealed the sudden death win with a short field goal in overtime. Putting an end to Dennis Dixon's and all Oregon ducks fan's chance of glory tonight.

Profile/ Q & A story.

2009-11-29T09:53:00.000-08:00

One weekend I woke up and felt like working out so I headed to the Dixon Rec Center on OSU's campus. I got in a good weights session that day and headed upstairs to play basketball. Thats where I met Kyle Kamerrer, an OSU senior and fellow eastern oregonian. I began talking to Kyle that day and realized that he grew up not far from where I did and he actually attended Eastern Oregon University at the same time I did during my freshman year. So I got the idea that he would be perfect for a Q and A story for my journalism class.

So where did you grow up?

KK - I actually grew up in a middle sized eastern oregon town called Pendelton.

Pendelton.. thats where the Pendelton Round-up (a very large week long rodeo/party) is right?

KK - Yeah (laughs), the round-up is at the end of every summer, in the middle of September. It's a pretty big week in Pendelton, the whole town is packed with drunk rodeo fans!

Are you a rodeo fan?

KK - Definately not!

So how long have you lived in Corvallis?

KK - This is my first year in Corvallis, last year I was going to school at U of O.

You were a duck and now you are a beaver? That not legal, right?

KK - (laughs) Yeah I'm sure I could be in some trouble for that, but ahh well I am really enjoying being at OSU right now. This is actually my fourth college I have attended, my freshman year I went to Mount Hood CC, then transfered to EOU, then of course U of O and now OSU.

Which school has been your favorite after attending all four of the colleges?

KK - I really like OSU, but I think EOU was my favorite, because I spent the most time there and really enjoyed the smaller school feeling.

What is your major?

KK - I am an education major, I want to be a high school math teacher. I also really would like to coach high school football.

So your a big football fan? Who's better Tom Brady or Peyton Manning?

KK - Oh I have always said Brady is the best, you just cannot argue with his superbowl rings!

Do you have any championship rings yourself?

KK - No actually I never won any championships in high school sports and only played college football for a little bit at EOU and we were not very good that one year.

So what is your favorite thing about Corvallis?

KK - I think the people here are great, the OSU students are a very fun group. It seems like there is a lot bigger party attitude from everyone here than there was at EOU or U of O.

What is your least favorite thing about Corvallis?

KK- Oh I would say the party scene is my least favorite as well, sometimes it's a little hard to sit down and get your homework done it seems.

When do you plan to graduate?

KK - I will be done with school here next fall term. I am pretty excited to finally be done with school and start making some money.

So you're not planning on getting a masters?

KK - It's not my plan now but you never know, things always change.

So final question here, who are you taking in the Civil War? Ducks or Beavers?

KK - Ducks! No doubt, I dont mind being a beaver and living in Corvallis, but I will never change my loyalty to the Ducks. I am really happy that the Civil War has finally come down as the game to decide who goes to the Rose Bowl though.

Spoken like a true Oregonian.

My neighborhood photos

2009-11-24T15:38:00.000-08:00

My neighborhood photos

For this assignment I chose to shoot all of my photos in the morning time so you could see different parts of my neighborhood at the same time of the day.

My neighbor Cole Phinney is seen here standing outside his patio door enjoying his first cigarette of the day. I normally see Cole in this exact spot on my way to class in the mornings.

Two local women Judy Greenwood and Nancy Simmons are seen here beginning their daily commute to work. Every morning they ride their bicycles to work, even in the cold wet months here in Corvallis as do many people throughout the community.

This local landmark is Porter Park located at 20th Street and Hayes Ave. The park features a basketball hoop and softball field along with play equipment for younger children. Porter park is also very popular with pet lovers because it is an off-leash dog park.

Press Release story

2009-11-23T08:41:00.000-08:00

Gregory Hamann has been selected as the new Linn Benton Community College President. Hamann will begin his presidency at LBCC on February 1, 2010.

Hamann is replacing Current President Rita Cavin. LBCC began a search for a new president after Cavin decided she would be retiring at the end of 2009.

Gregory Hamann has some past experience working as a community college president, he has been serving as the president of Clatsop Community College since July of 2003. Hamann has also taught middle school and worked in various different positions at Bethel College, Whitworth College, and Northwest College where he served as dean of administration.

LBCC Board of Education Chair Richard Running expressed his approval of Hamann in a press release for LBCC's school website. “The board is pleased that Dr. Hamann has accepted the position and believes he will do an excellent job in leading LBCC to support our students and the workforce training needs of our community,” said Running."

Hamanns credentials include, earning a bachelors degree in psychology and social studies at the University of Minnesota, a master's in counseling psychology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Gonzaga University.

Classmate story

2009-11-20T11:26:00.000-08:00

Lyndsey Aitken has been intrigued by music since her early years growing up in Sweet Home Oregon. As a child Lyndsey was a self proclaimed "band geek" playing the flute for eleven years, as well as the baratone, saxophone, and upright base.

Lynsdey's facination with music began in elementary school when she met her biggest musical inspiration in her life, her band teacher, Ken Collins. She played music with Mr. Collins for many years as he was her band teacher through junior high school.

Lyndsey got her start in musical performance with a "jam band" also known as a garage band when she was much younger.

She has participated in many musical events since she fell in love with music. Her musical accomplishments include playing in multiple jazz combos, playing in live concert bands, attending all state for the flute in high school, and she even auditioned for the Marine Band.

Lyndsey is now attending Linn Benton Community College with hopes of transferring to University of Oregon to recieve her masters degree.

Photo Critique

2009-11-20T09:49:00.000-08:00

I found this photo on si.com. I was looking through an album titled crazy college football fans and thought this picture of some oregon ducks fans was one of the best in the album. I like the passion the photographer got from the guy in the front of the photo. I am also disgusted by the number of Oregon "O'' 's there are in this photo it is just gross.

Action Photo

2009-11-20T09:19:00.000-08:00

LBCC Basketball players, Kenny Yukich (left) and Andrew Carter fight for a loose ball during an early season practice. LBCC Mens Basketball tips off the season November 27th at the Pierce Thanksgiving Tournament at Lakewood Washington.

My last story

2009-11-18T11:01:00.000-08:00

I have not decided what my next story will be. I am thinking of writing a story about an individual who has lost their job or is suffering from the downfall of the economy in another way. I think that this would be a good compelling story because so many people are suffering from this poor economy.

Photo essay idea

2009-11-17T08:28:00.000-08:00

For my photo essay I am planning on following an osu student going about his day. The student will be the same student I met when I was doing a Q & A for the Newsreporting class I am enrolled in as well. This is an interesting student I believe because of the fact that OSU is the third Oregon university this student has attended.

Possible Places for Photo opportunities.
- On way through campus to class
- After class work-outs
- Morning meal spot
- Study sessions
- Afternoon and Evening meal spots
- Grocery Shopping
- Daily chores

My experience in JN 216

2009-11-17T08:27:00.000-08:00

During Fall Term 2009 at LBCC I took a journalism course taught by Rob Priewe called JN 216 News writing and reporting. JN 216 has taught me several things this term. I believe that after taking this class I have a much better idea of what career I am interested in.

Newsreporting has really changed my idea of what I would like to do for a living. Before taking this course I believed I wanted to be a sports journalist but now I am thinking that is not such a great idea. This class helped me learn that being a journalist isnt just like being a fan. I always thought I could be a sports journalist and just go around watching sports and enjoying the entertainment. Now I realize that it is quite different though, it is a job!

Some of the most important things I learned during this class are things I probably never would have thought about. I assumed that because other people have posted their photos and storys online already that they were now available to the public. However I found out you can use these things in your own story but you need to simply add a link in your story to where you found the other information in order to avoid plagarism. I also learned that just because you say you're a journalist or are doing something for a class, people dont always feel they need to cooperate with you.

I think that this class is a very helpful and useful course. Rob is a great teacher and takes a lot of time to make sure everyone is comfortable with and understanding the subject. The multiple chances to get out in the field and experience the life of a journalist is very useful. Overall I loved the class although it did help me to realize I dont think I am a journalist.

NBA Rookie Breaks Record!

2009-11-15T11:23:00.000-08:00

I really like these photos that I found on si.com. Most of the photos are of NBA Rookie Brandon Jennings, during and after a game in which he led his team to a comeback win, while scoring 55 points. I found the pictures after reading a story about Jennings peformance Saturday night.

Volleyball Story from Commuter

2009-11-13T11:09:00.000-08:00

lead - I thought the lead was good. The writer included the most important piece of the story, which was LB volleyball winning both matches last weekend.

nut-graf - I thought the nut-graf was ok but I think that the final score of Fridays match, ending 3-1 should have been before the actual scores of each game in the match.

3 things that could improve - The first thing I think could be improved is getting some quotes or insight from the players. The second thing to improve could be giving more information about the situation the team is in regarding the NWAACC Championships. Third I think the story could have used a little more about individual players who are performing well.

quote - "Saturday's game against Umpqua looked to be fairly easy for the roadrunners as they handled their opponents 25-16."

My take - I think the story was ok, but not that great. I think there should have been more information, definately more information about the Situation the team is in regarding the NWAACC Championships. Such as, who they could play and when.

Quiz Photo

2009-11-06T09:23:00.000-08:00

As I was walking back to my car from class on Wednesday I happened upon these two LBCC students. Tyler said he thought he might have had a flat on his way to school, but in typical college student fashion he waited until after class to check. In this photo you see Tyler changing his flat out while a friend watches, holding onto the spare tire that is soon to go on.

Photo critique 9/30

2009-10-30T09:23:00.000-07:00

I found this photo in SI photos. I like the photo because of the emotion the photographer shows in the players face as well as his jumping looking action. I also like the light blue background the photographer got because he took the picture with the other teams crowd in the background. The photographer also did a good job of showing all different types of the other people involved in the event without losing focus on the player. However i do not like that the photographer did not allow the scoreboard to show more at the top of the photo as it could have helped a reader understand the emotion from the player. Also i feel like there could have been more of his lower body showing because it appears he is jumping up and down. Overall i really like this photo though.

Homecoming

2009-10-25T09:20:00.000-07:00

At a Glance:

What: Condon-Wheeler Homecoming game vs Dufur Rangers
Where: Condon, Oregon
When: Friday, Oct. 24th at 7:30 pm
Halftime: Crowning of the Homecoming Queen
Playoff Implications: Knights need win to stay in playoff race
Admission: Students Free / $3 Children / $5 Adults

Condon-Wheeler Knights take a beating on the football field.

With the first win of their season coming last week against a good team in Maupin the Knights hoped to earn their second win and keep their state playoff hopes alive on Homecoming night against the perenial conference leaders, the Dufur Rangers.

The game started well for the home team Condon-Wheeler Knights with the scoreboard showing an early 8-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Things soon went south for the Knights though. As the Rangers showed why they are consistantly at the top of the conference by exerting their strength and handling the Knights the rest of the night.

The Rangers began the second quarter by opening up their playbook on the first play with Daniel Williams taking a wide reciever reverse for 60 yards and a touchdown. They did fail to convert the 2 point play after the score though and still trailed the Knights.

"I thought that was a good statement play." said Knights Quarterback, Cole Macinnes.

With the Knights holding onto an 8-6 lead with 10:20 left in the first half the Rangers felt it was time to make their own statement play and went for the onside kick, succesfully recovering the ball on the 50 yard line.

Once again the Rangers needed just one play to find their way into the endzone, only this time they converted the 2 point play after the touchdown. Down 14-8 now, the home team Knights lost much of their poise and confidence.

The game continued to go in the Rangers favor, as the clock ran out in the second quarter the scoreboard showed the Rangers leading the Knights by a score of 26-8.

"We had no answer for the speed of their offense tonight." said Condon-Wheeler Coach Gibb Wilkins.

The second half began with a sliver of hope for the Knights as running back Austin Fennern bounced outside on a 2nd down run and broke it for 46 yards and the touchdown. The score looking much better at 26-16 in favor of the Rangers, you could see the Knights had new hope.

This new hope did not last long though as the Knights gave up yet another wide reciever reverse for a touchdown on the Rangers second play of the half. Now leading the Knights 34-16, the Rangers never looked back and continued to expand on their lead throughout the rest of the game.

The score at the end of this Homecoming night showed the home team on the wrong end of a lopsided game losing 48-16. So on a night that is supposed to be all fun and games for the home team. This one ended in heartbreak as the Knights left the field with still just one win on the season and no hope of making it to the state playoffs.

"Tonight was very disappointing, I thought they still had a chance at state if they won tonight." said long time fan Josh Barnett.

Not everyone was as negative after the game though.

"We are going to try and build on the positives from this game and get a win next week." said Wilkins.

The crowd gave a loud round of applause as the Knights left the field Friday night, showing that even when the team is down, they are still in full support of their hometown boys.

Mug Shot

2009-10-23T09:59:00.000-07:00

Kathy Street, Gilliam County Librarian.

Environmental Portrait

2009-10-23T09:55:00.001-07:00

Kathy Street serves much of the community as the Librarian at the Gilliam County Library in Condon Oregon.

Alisa Miller Speech

2009-10-21T11:20:00.000-07:00

Americans have limited view of world news.

Alisa Miller, President and CEO of Public Radio International spoke about the lack of international news coverage available to Americans.

Using many statistics and graphs to prove her point, Alisa showed that the US accounted for 79% of the total news stories. She also showed that local news stations dedicate only 12% of their news coverage to international news.

"I know we can do better and can't afford not to." said Miller

Alisa showed that while the availability of international news is being very limited. The amount of Americans who say they follow international news has grown in the past 20 years from 37% to 52%.

She talks of why Americans are subject to seeing only national news instead of international news saying, it is quite simply cheaper for the local news to cover stories in the US only.

"Covering Brittney is cheaper." says Miller

Event to cover

2009-10-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

I am planning on covering an OSU sporting event. There are multiple events between now and the due date. I am going to cover the first one of the events that I am able to, most likely Mens Soccer vs. Washington.

3 Sources I can use for this story:

1. Fans at the sporting event
2. Player in the sporting event
3. Coach or Athletic Director for the event

5 Questions I am going to answer at this event:

1. Which team won the event
2. How the team got the victory (style of play/ big play)
3. How many fans showed and what support did they show/ Fans reaction
4. What the coaches opinion of the event was
5. What the teams plan to do in the future (improve play/ practice intensity)

LBCC staff serve up lunch!

2009-10-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

LBCC Staff serve up a barbecue lunch for students. The barbecue took place in the LBCC Quad as part of an effort to raise awareness of programs offered to help make students lives easier.
Wednesday, Oct. 7th, 2009

LBCC Mens Basketball

2009-10-07T11:48:00.001-07:00

At a Glance:
What:LBCC Mens Basketball tryouts are underway
When: 1:00pm - 3:00pm Monday-Friday 9/28 thru 10/18
Where: LBCC Activities Center Gym
Last year: Finished in 4th place in the Southern Region Conference
First Game: Nov 27, 2009 Pierce Thanksgiving Tournament in Lakewood, WA

LBCC Mens Basketball Returns to Hardwood for 09-10 Season

The LBCC Mens Basketball team is expecting to make another run at The NWAACC Tournament this season after an earlier-than-expected exit from the tournament last season. "We are going to the NWAACCS," says sophomore guard Kenny Yukich.

Head Coach Randy Falk is excited about the new recruits he has brought in this season and the speed and athleticism they will bring to the team.

The recruits will help to fill some holes on a roster that returns solid contributors from last years team. One such returner is point guard Colton Sundquist, who's play at the point guard postition last season was one of the main reasons for the Roadrunners getting to the NWAACC tournament.

The Roadrunners are also returning versatile big men Jordan Highland and Andrew Carter, the athleticism these two bring to the team will allow the Roadrunners to get out and run quite often this season.

They are looking to beat teams with their athleticism and fast play as well as getting after rebounds with ferocity.

Coach Falk is looking for last year's returners to bring maturity and experience to lead the team. "The returning guys have a good idea of what we expect from this team."

Photoj Critique

2009-10-07T09:12:00.000-07:00

I found this interesting photo on sportsillustrated.cnn.com. The photo album I found this photo in was titled Memorable ALDS Moments, this photo really does show a memorable moment. The lighting in the photo allows you to see all of the bugs that were swarming the players that day and the photo catches a perfect grossed out look on the pitchers face . Another good part of the photo is the action of the man spraying the pitcher with bug spray and actually wiping the bugs off of him with a towel.

My first blog post

2009-10-02T09:16:00.000-07:00

I feel like I really need to figure out how to run my camera. Taking the first photos didn't go so well. I missed a lot of shots I wanted.