The Good. The Bad. The Ugly.

Dipping Deep into their Pockets for the Cause

2010-03-05T10:28:00.001-08:00

Despite making it on the front cover of magazines for adopting several foreign children (Brangelina), cheating on their supermodel spouse (Tiger Woods), or stepping out of a limo wearing a dress and no panties (Lady GaGa), these celebrities gave big to help the relief effort in Haiti, where more than 200,000 people lost their lives after a devastating earthquake on Jan. 12, 2010.

Big names in music and entertainment united at a fund-raising telethon in aid of Haiti. Justin Timberlake, Alicia Keys, Coldplay, Bruce Springsteen, Bono, Wyclef Jean, The Edge and Jay-Z led the “Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief" telethon.

According to MTV News, on Jan. 25, 2010 singer Wyclef Jean, a native of Haiti, and CNN’s television personality Anderson Cooper co-hosted George Clooney’s MTV telethon. While Clooney was in Los Angeles, Jean in New York, and Cooper live in Haiti, donations went to Oxfam America, Partners in Health, Red Cross, and UNICEF. The two-hour telethon aired on major networks and many other channels, raising over $57 million, and counting.

At the telethon, Clooney spoke to the audience and said, “At the core of every religion is the belief that we take care of one another. The Haitian people need our help. They need to know they are not alone."

According to Brian Hiatt, Rock&Roll Daily reporter, Jay-Z, Rihanna, The Edge, and Bono performed a new Haiti benefit single produced by Swizz Beats called “Stranded.” Swizz Beats told Rolling Stone that “the idea of the song is ‘we’re not gonna leave you stranded’ and that’s what the chorus is.” The song is now the number one single on iTunes.

In addition, sports stars are also lining up to lend a hand. According to Tim Saunders, reporter at Look To The Stars, at the Australian Open, tennis star Roger Federer organized a tennis event that had an entry fee of a minimum donation of $10. The event featured stars such as Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, Serena Williams and Samantha Stosur.

National Basketball Association owners and athletes made a combined donation of $1 million to the UNICEF relief effort. According to NBA News, Philadelphia 76ers center and Haiti native Samuel Dalembert made an announcement to the audience at their last home game that he will match donations made by the fans that evening.

It’s easy to judge and make false statements about the celebrity culture when we hear about how much money they make but we never read about the work they do outside of their luxurious lifestyles. After Haiti was hit hard, celebrities dipped deep into their pockets for the cause and opened their arms to a wide spread of donation organizations. From supermodels, actors and actresses, to athletes and singers, celebrities all over Hollywood are lining up to lend a hand.

At a glance
What: Haiti donations
Here’s a breakdown of the biggest celebrity donations so far:
Tiger Woods: $3 Million to Wyclef Jean’s Haiti relief organization
Gisele Bundchen: $1.5 Million to the Red Cross
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie: $1 Million to Doctors Without Borders
George Clooney: $1 Million to Partners in Health
Oprah Winfrey: $1 Million to the Red Cross
Sandra Bullock: $1 Million to Doctors Without Borders
Lance Armstrong: $250,000 to the Livestrong Foundation
Madonna: $250,000 to Partners in Health
Places to make donations: Doctors Without Borders, Livestrong Foundation, Oxfam America, Partners in Health, Red Cross, UNICEF

Follow the lead of these celebrities and make a donation today.

Singles on the CD include:
1 - Send Me An Angel (Alicia Keys)
2 - A Message 2010 (Coldplay)
3 - We Shall Overcome (Bruce Springsteen)
4 - Time to Love / Bridge Over Troubled Water (Stevie Wonder)
5 - I’ll Stand by You (Shakira with The Roots)
6 - Motherless Child (John Legend)
7 - Hard Times Come Again No More (Mary J. Blige with The Roots)
8 - Breathless (Taylor Swift)
9 - Lift Me Up (Christina Aguilera)
10 - Driven to Tears (Sting)
11 - Halo (Beyoncé)
12 - Lean on Me (with Keith Urban & Kid Rock (Sheryl Crow with Keith Urban & Kid Rock)
13 - Like a Prayer (Madonna)
14 - Hallelujah (Justin Timberlake with Charlie Sexton)
15 - Let It Be (Jennifer Hudson with The Roots)
16 - Many Rivers to Cross (Emeline Michel)
17 - Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour) (Jay-Z with Rihanna, Bono & The Edge)
18 - Alone and Forsaken (Neil Young with Dave Mathews)
19 - Rivers of Babylon / Yele (Medley) (Wyclef Jean
20 - Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour) (Jay-Z with Rihanna, Bono & The Edge)

Stephen King's "On Writing"

2010-02-24T10:40:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed reading Stephen King's "On Writing" because I learned a lot about the different techniques to writing a good novel and/or story. I found it interesting and helpful how King used many metaphors to explain these techniques, such as his idea of the "Tool Box." The "Tool Box" was the most helpful piece of advice King gave throughout the book. He explained it as a box filled with logic to help keep the tools of writing simple.

My favorite quote from King is "In truth, I've found that any day's routine interruptions and distractions don't much hurt a work in progress and may actually help it in some ways. It is, after all, the dab of grit that seeps into an oyster's shell that makes the pearl, not pearl-making seminars with other oysters." I found this interesting and helpful because i struggle to write and do homework in general when there is a lot of noise. But i took his advice into consideration and have been doing homework where there are interruptions and distractions. I came to the conclusion that it does help me brainstorm more but it takes me a little bit longer to complete. I guess that's where the saying "quality not quantity" comes into play.

All Star Weekend

2010-02-14T17:45:00.000-08:00

At a glance
What: NBA All-Star Game 2010
Who: NBA and WNBA
Where: Dallas, Texas
When: Feb. 14, 2010

Come the second weekend of every February, my schedule revolves around the greatest pickup game in the world. This year on Valentine's Day my one true love came through for me, the NBA All-Star Game.

The best in the East and the West ball out and show off their impressive athletic ability to a crowd of roaring fans. What made this year more entertaining than any other year was the addition to the team rosters of the under-exposed talent in the WNBA.

Magic Johnson and Becky Hammon during the NBA All-Star Game weekend at the Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas on Feb. 14, 2010.

The Women's National Basketball Association is finally receiving the attention and respect they deserve. For years, the WNBA disappeared because of insufficient profits due to the lack of fan support. This last year was their re-emergence to sports entertainment.

It was good to see female athletes step on the court glowing with confidence in front 108,713 fans, the all-time attendance record for an NBA All-Star Game. What didn’t make me so happy was to hear one of the live commentators say “she should grab those pompoms and stand on the sideline,” directed towards Nicole Powell of the Sacramento Monarchs, as she missed her first shot during the Shooting Star Competition.

Even though the ladies didn't receive much support from the commentators, some NBA players gave great support. Dirk Nowitzki told reporter Brian Martin, “I told Becky she’s the point guard and she just has to lead us off and she did a great job.”

This year only four WBNA players were invited to the NBA All-Star Game to compete in the Shooting Star Competition, Becky Hammon, Marie Ferdinand-Harris, Nicole Powell, and Angel McCoughtry. Although making progress from the previous years, It would still be nice to see more female athletes participate and be involved in other challenges and competitions during the All-Star Weekend.

The WNBA has their own weekend of, what I would call, mini fame. Every July, their regular season is put on hold to celebrate the WNBA All-Star Game. Like the NBA, the game is held during a weekend-long event featuring players from the Eastern and Western Conferences.

Is it just be me, or why haven't we heard or seen much of this All-Star Weekend before?

The lack of public support the WNBA experiences has to blame for this. But the question is, why?

One reason comes to mind, entertainment. From Lebron James throwing up baby powder in front of the stadium before every game to the alley-oop slam dunks, the NBA knows how to put on a show. The upbeat energy of the NBA can hype up their fans and provide them for not only an athletic competition but also an entertaining performance.

In 1984, 100 fans saw the first dunk in a woman's college basketball game. Since then, there are very few women dunking episodes. But it has been done. So now it’s time for these ladies to step up their game and show the fans what their athletic abilities are made of. It's time to see more female faces participating in the NBA All Star Weekend and it's time to get the recognition they all work hard for and deserve.

The Ed Dickson Profile

2010-02-14T17:00:00.000-08:00

At a glance:
Who: Ed Dickson, the former University of Oregon tight end
What: Living the dream
Where: NFL Scouting Combine and Draft
2009 NCAA Stats:
School: Oregon
Receptions: 42
Yards: 551
Touchdowns: 6
Overall Draft Rank: 61
Position Draft Rank: 5

Standing 6 feet 4 inches and weighing in at a solid 244 pounds, Ed Dickson is about to live every college athlete’s dream of going pro. In preparation for the NFL Combine, Dickson is currently living and training in Los Angeles, Calif. where he eats, sleeps, and breathes football.

Every February in Indianapolis, Ind., over 300 of the very best college football players are invited to perform physical and mental tests in front of NFL coaches, general managers and scouts at the NFL Scouting Combine. Over a period of four days, these athletes experience an intense job interview that is the vital steps to achieving their dream career of playing in the NFL.

The tight end from Long Beach, Calif. took the first step to pursue his football career by receiving an athletic scholarship at University of Oregon. But football isn’t where his impressive athletic talent started. While attending Bellflower High School in California, Dickson utilized his skills on the basketball court all four years and received the All-American Athlete Award his senior year in 2005.

What changed his direction to football? “I loved basketball, but because of my size and speed I saw more options with a future in football. Plus, I love the physical contact in football” said Dickson.

His quick feet and skills he developed on the basketball court is what set him apart from any other tight end.

Redshirting his freshman year in 2005, Dickson earned Scout Teams offensive-player-of-the-week on 5 different occasions.

In 2006, his natural athletic talent allowed him to be shifted to the defensive line where he was the second-leading tackler and had his career-best three stops in the season opening game against Stanford. In the last four games of the 2006 season Dickson was shifted back to the offensive line where he played wide receiver.

In 2007, Dickson continued to standout as he received more yards than any other programs tight ends in the past 3 years.

During the 2008 season, Dickson became physically and mentally stronger at the game and was second team All-Pac-10.

Entering his last season as a Duck in 2009, Dickson was on the John Mackey Award Watch List as the nation’s top tight end.

Football wasn’t the only important thing in his life. “I came to Oregon to play football, but I came to college to get an education and graduate” said Dickson.

After graduating last spring with a degree in Family and Human Services, Dickson received an invitation to the Senior Bowl and is now working hard to pursue a tight end position on an NFL team.

“I lived the best 5 years of my life while playing college football. Now to be given the opportunity to continue doing it as my career still seems surreal” said Dickson.

Along with preparing for the Combine and NFL draft, come a lot of decisions. When asked how he went about picking his agent, Dickson commented “What they have to offer all looks the same on paper. I wanted someone who could provide me with options but at the same time who was doing it out of the good of their heart. I chose Jeff Sperbeck to represent me because when we met, we just hung out, played pool, and got to know each other. It was like we had been friends for years and were just catching up on old times.”

Staying at a hotel as he awaits for the Combine, Dickson is currently living in Los Angeles, Calif. where he follows a strict day-by-day training schedule.

“I wake up, follow a detailed meal plan, go to training, interviews, and sleep” said Dickson.

With the little time he finds to himself, being back in L.A. gives him the opportunity to spend time with family.

Dickson commented, “Being close to my family has always been my number one priority. I grew up being raised by my mom and two sisters, without them I wouldn’t be the man I am today.”

The "Tool Box"

2010-02-07T14:12:00.000-08:00

Stephen King writes a creative and practical metaphor regarding a tool box his Uncle Oren once owned. But King didn't just write about your ordinary tool box. His tool box entailed much more than just a screw driver and a hammer. This tool box was filled with logic and kept the tools of writing simple. According to King, the most important tools of writing were experience, grammar, vocabulary, and elements of style. The first and most important level of the tool box contained vocabulary and grammar. King explained that the more vocabulary you can "pick up," the better off you are (114). King also points out that good writers often break grammar rules, but they have to be able to recognize the rules they broke in order to communicate effectively. The second level of the tool box contains elements of style and the third level is magic. This relates to feature writing because King's metaphor to the tool box is helpful to any writer.

This Weeks Commentary

2010-02-07T13:10:00.000-08:00

For this weeks commentary I read Erik Bender's blog post on LBCC's men and women's basketball team, "It's going to be a long season." I really enjoyed the article because for one, i love basketball, and for two, it gives us insight on both teams. Most sports articles are a specific team and their opponent. Erik's article gives a sense of what to look out for this season with both teams. He did a good job introducing both teams and providing statements from both of the coaches to support his article. I really liked how he highlighted the season opening weekend and then the NWAACC tournament. I also like this article because it relates to my feature story on the Lady Roadrunners and their injury list.

Profile

2010-02-01T11:34:00.000-08:00

University of Oregon tight-end, Ed Dickson is battling out with the best of the best in order to pursue his dream career in the NFL.
Questions I'm going to ask include:
Do you have a strict daily/weekly training schedule?
What does that daily/weekly training schedule entail?
Where are you training?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of your life now?
How are you maintaining your focus to the combine?

"On Writing"

2010-01-22T11:20:00.000-08:00

Stephen King: "In truth, I've found that any day's routine interruptions and distractions don't much hurt a work in progress and may actually help it in some ways. It is, after all, the dab of grit that seeps into an oyster's shell that makes the pearl, not pearl-making seminars with other oysters."

I chose this quote because not only can i relate to it, but i found it a great piece of advice. When it comes to writing, or homework in general, I have to isolate myself in the library or somewhere quiet because my mind tends to wonder when there are distractions. But Kings advice, or more so outlook, that interuptions and distractions can actually be helpful and be a building tool to a great story, has changed my attitude. This inspired me to try writing or studying in a more public place, such as a coffee shop. This relates to feature writing because having distractions and interuptions can add "fluff" to your piece of work. If you're out in public and you over hear a statement that grabs your attention, it could open a door and lead you down a road with more/new options.

Let's Talk Coffee

2010-01-22T08:25:00.000-08:00

Coffee Culture Cafe

1195 N.W. Kings Blvd.

541.753.3030

Monday-Saturday

6 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Fridays till 10 p.m.)

Sunday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Getting a jolt of java to kick start your day has become a daily morning ritual. Coffee is every college student's fuel that keeps them awake during those long study sessions and boring lecture classes, which both seem to be slowly taking years off our lives. So deciding on which coffee shop to go to is one of the first major decisions you have to make every morning. But Coffee Culture makes this decision easy for me.

Coffee Culture is my coffee house of choice for multiple reasons: first off, their service is first class. I can walk in almost every morning and the barista's already know what I want and have it started right away. They're friendly, make good conversation, and they always remember your name. Secondly, the taste and quality of their unique house espresso beans are to die for. Coffee Culture had a variety of house blend to pick from, including their Dark Roast Holiday Blend and an Organic Guatemalan Blend.

Along with the deliciousness of their drinks, the prices are reasonable. You're not paying for an overpriced chalky tasting drink just because of the circular green label; you're getting what you paid for.

My drink of choice is the Mega Americano with nonfat milk. Because the drink consists of only espresso shots and water, it gets the job done fast and keeps me going all day. And how can I forget about their handmade chocolate covered coffee beans. With a white chocolate and milk chocolate twist, they melt in your mouth and give you that extra jolt we all need in order to stay awake in class.

Coffee Culture not only has a great selection of house drinks, but their deli is always stocked with fresh goods. From the pastries, bagels, and oatmeal, to the sandwiches, Paninis, soups and salads, it beats the hell out of me how this city is all about Dutch Bros. and Starbucks.

When you walk into Coffee Culture the smell of fresh ground coffee beans and gooey cinnamon rolls widens your eyes and wakes you up before you even drink your coffee. The room is lightly dimmed and the walls are painted and decorated with colors of red, orange, brown and yellow to give it a somewhat Tuscan atmosphere. One thing that could most definitely benefit Coffee Culture is getting comfier chairs. They have wooden chairs and bar stools that make it hard to want to sit there and study.

I asked 50 students around campus which coffee shop they regularly go to and their reasoning behind their preference. Is it because of the location, the atmosphere, the taste/quality, or the service? The four coffee shops that were mentioned are Dutch Bros, Starbucks, Creekside Coffee, and my personal favorite, Coffee Culture. Here are my findings:

Even though Coffee Culture wasn't the average coffee drinkers choice, it's still my one stop coffee shop because of the service, atmosphere, taste and quality of their drinks and deli. So instead of jumping on the bandwagon of the popular Dutch Bros. and Starbucks, step out of the norm and give Coffee Culture a try. Trust me, I'm a coffee connoisseur, you won’t be disappointed.

Lady Roadrunners

2010-01-20T11:44:00.000-08:00

At a glance
Who: Linn Benton Community College Woman's Basketball Team
What: team injuries
When: 2009-2010 season
The injured list includes:
Sophomore guard, Triana Crane, adding to a previous back injury, also rolled her ankle during practice early in the season.
Freshman post, Sarah McNeilly is a transfer from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Ariz. and has had on again off again shin injuries.
Freshman guard, McKenzie Smith injured her knee and it is unknown if she'll be out for the season.
Freshman Katy Bartholomew is out for the season due to loose cartilage in her knee and is expecting surgery sometime soon.

With a remainder of eight minutes left in the first quarter, freshman point guard Sam Sanders jumps to make a pass during a fast break against Southwestern Oregon Community College. Just as she lands, she rolls her ankle and hits the floor, adding one more to the list of injured players.

With only one returning player from last season, the team is young and lacks experience. The Lady Roadrunners ended their 2008-2009 season last year with a 9-16 record. In effort to improve this upcoming season, Coach Guerra has added six recruits to the roster. Since this season began, Coach Guerra has had to do some additional recruiting around campus, due to multiple team injuries. Three recruits have been added to the original roster, including a former LBCC volleyball player.

The original roster included six players, but due to these injuries, there are only five original players, leaving no substitutes and each playing thirty plus minutes each game.

The Lady Roadrunner's are exhausted, but they aren’t giving up. They may lack the strength and energy the other teams have, but their hearts are there and they want a chance at the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges Championship Tournament in March.

Even though their season started off slow with a 1-7 record, the Lady Roadrunners are keeping positive attitudes and giving 100 percent. Sam Sanders and Triana Crane were quick to recovery and are now healthy and back on the court. The team is committed and working hard to turn this season around. Keep it up ladies, your fans believe in you.

The Ugly: Lady Gaga "The Fame Monster"

2009-11-30T09:00:00.001-08:00

Lady Gaga has people of all ages getting up out of their seats. Her music is fresh and full of "dance-to" beats. Lady Gaga's number one hit "Just Dance" was a huge success. It has a catchy tempo that makes you want to sing along and... well, just dance. Her voice is stunning and she knows how to use it. But what is with her style? I guess I will give her credit for being unique, which separates her from the rest.

The title of her album, "The Fame Monster" says it all. Off the stage her style is natural and normal. On the stage she creates an ensemble of costumes that are hideous but are an essential component to the success of her performances. Lady Gaga brings a new name to the music industry, which was much needed. Her performances are definitely unusual and bizarre, but because it grabs everyone's attention and all eyes are on her, it works. Her passion for fashion brings everything together and is the definition of performance art. Her image is so strong that it tells a story and makes fans want to come back for more. It is said that she is inspired by glam rockers and pop singers, such as Queen and Madonna. And she does a fantastic job incorporating the two.

Despite the Hollywood gossip regarding Lady Gaga being a hermaphrodite, she doesn't let it affect who she is. Say what you will about her, but she never does a half-ass job of anything. I give Lady Gaga a 6 out of 10.

The Bad: Amy Winehouse "Back to Black"

2009-11-25T11:23:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure Amy Winehouse created this album while still being drunk in rehab. Back to Black is Amy's second studio album released in 2006. I'm not sure how, but Amy won 5 awards at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony. Tying for the most ever one in a single award ceremony by a female artist. Don't get me wrong, her voice is incredible. But i'm struggling to understand how people can still listen to her music after seeing her perform. The artist as a whole is what makes music. Not just their voice. Being able to carry yourself and perform is what makes an artist. Something Amy lacks.

In Amy Winehouse's new single "You know I'm no good," she states "I told you I was trouble." Fair enough. If people can look past her lack of public morality, then so be it. But I personally think it's disgusting and makes me not want to listen to her music. Her never should have made it hit single "Rehab" was unfortunately a success. The song began, "they tried to make me go to rehab but i said no, no, no." The song was funky and catchy. That's it. Because the song has a jazz feeling to it, Amy is considered a "soul singer." I beg to differ. The only thing i see remotely related to "soul singing" is her voice being vocally explosive.

I give Amy Winehouse "Back to Black" a 4 out of 10.

The Good: Jay-Z "The Blueprint 3"

2009-11-25T10:05:00.000-08:00

The Blueprint (2001), pretty good. The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse (2002), not so good. The Blueprint 3 (2009), most played album on my iPod. Whoever said sequels can't make it back to the top of the charts was proved wrong. Jay-Z made a successful comeback with The Blueprint 3 after trying too hard with The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse album, which might i add never made the listings in 2002. There really must have been a curse. After being hyped up with the success of his sixth album release The Blueprint, Jay-Z was anxious and quick to release a sequel, which turned out to be a huge disappointment. By taking some time off, Jay-Z was able to hit it hard and make his way back to the top with The Black Album in 2003 and Kingdom Come in 2006.

The Blueprint 3 is the eleventh studio album by Jay-Z, released in Septemeber 2009. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 album charts, selling over 476,000 albums in the first week. Rappers Drake and Kid cudi, and singers Alicia Keys and Rihanna made guest appearances on the official tracklist. The song "Empire State of Mind" featuring Alicia Keys was not only the best single on the album but also made over 15 million views on YouTube (click the link to the right to watch the video via YouTube). It's a must see.

The song reflects Jay-Z and Keys's native New York City lives. They performed the song at the 2009 MTV Music Video Awards and in Yankee Stadium before game 2 of the 2009 World Series. Jay-Z commented that "I make the Yankee hat more famous than the Yankee game." Agreed!! The song was a major hit that made everyone want to drop what they were doing, throw on some all black and a Yankee hat, and hit the dance floor. This is the song that Jay-Z needed to make his return to the top.

Jay-Z made a thriving return with The Blueprint sequel after taking a few years off. All it took was a little time. I give the album an 8 out of 10 and two thumbs up.