Evaluation Criteria

If students were to create their own documentary, here are some of the things I would look for:

-Does this documentary convey a message to the audience?
-Is the topic choice appropriate?
-Does this documentary include research by the student? Did the student seek out interviewees, media sources (newspaper, internet, books), and other background information necessary for the validity/credibility of the claims being made?
-Does this documentary use varied editing techniques?
-Did the student write a reflection of the documentary creation process, focusing on difficulties, strengths, and weaknesses as self-evaluated by the student?

Media Mania

The media.

I have to admit that I don't intentionally seek out too many media sources in an average week, but at the same time, I have to acknowledge, that I am unsuspectingly exposed to more media than I care to be. I work out at the Uptown Y and find myself sometimes reading the ticker at the bottom of the CNN screen. I ride the bus and there are advertisements all over the place, from billboards to bumper stickers. The media source I seek out the most would be the radio and the internet. I live alone (with my two kitty-cats) and will turn on the radio for background noise. I listen to the Current (89.3) and MPR. I occasionally read St. Paul/Mpls magazine when I have an extra $4.50 and the same goes for the NY Times ($5!). I watch very little TV. I used to love the show "Lost" but who knows when that is coming back on the air. My internet is provide by Qwest. The world wide web is where I fall prey to whatever corporate domination decides to overtake my favorite (or just most frequent) websites - hotmail (a necessary evil), youtube, myspace (pathetic, I know), and that's about it. You are now getting a sense of how simple my life is. I have made a conscious choice to avoid corporate America as much as I can. I shop at the coop, try to buy independent clothing (or at least from environmentally responsible companies that don't exploit their workers), am into fair trade, etc. I recognize that the two words "control" and "corporate" are inextricably linked, never to be undone. Access and media content show obvious biases and reflect the values of whatever corporation is making the big bucks off of our addiction to entertainment. While I'm not exactly happy that Fox/News Corp/Google superpower dictates myspace or that my entertainment supports any corporate greed, I suppose there are necessary evils. It's nearly impossible to escape some tainting, unless I were a self-sustaining hermit living in the woods.

Soundtrack of Life

Storyhill, better known to the longtime followers as Chris and Johnny, stole my vulnerable heart years ago. There is something about the acoustic guitar that makes me fall deeper in love with each strum. I don't play, but I admire those who do. This year, my Christmas present to myself is going to be a brand spankin' new acoustic guitar. Hopefully the guys at the Podium won't think I'm too crazy.

Chris Cunningham and John Hermanson have almost 20 years of creative genius together. I love their harmony, their lyrics, their simplicity...
Folk music, from its genuine roots to contemporary singer-songwriters, has always been my favorite genre of music. I really have a variety of interests but I'd say that I gravitate towards folk the most. If I were to list some of my favorite musicians (not necessarily folk), they would be, in no particular order: Storyhill, John Gorka, Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, Richard Shindell, Michael Penn, Bruce Cockburn, Greg Brown, Wilco, Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Ben Lee, REM, Amos Lee, the Frames, Ryan Adams, Ben Taylor, Coldplay, Counting Crows, Howie Day, John Mayer (and Trio), Pete Yorn, Jem, Tracy Chapman, Ben Folds, Beck, Bob Schneider, Justin Roth, David Wilcox, Rosie Thomas, Jack Johnson, Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, Damien Rice, Van Morrison, Train, Neil Young, Mike Doughty, Cake, Teddy Thompson, John Butler Trio...

One song? I can only pick one song?

Spaces by Storyhill

I'm thankful for the engine and all the sound it steals
It's not silence, but it's like it -- its constant rhythm heals
My heart like the rumble that nothing can conceal
I know it's not empty, that's only how it feels

And I know I need the spaces
The uncertain places in between
The empty, the unspoken, the silence unbroken
And I know you know what I mean

You ask me why I'm leaving, I ask you why you always stay
With nothing here you can believe in that will carry you away

There's nothing between where I am and the edge of this broad day
(And I know I need the spaces)
It's only wide open and I know I'll find my way
(The uncertain places in between)

'Cuz I know I need the spaces
The uncertain places in between
The empty, the unspoken, the silence unbroken
And I know you know what I mean
I know you know what I mean

This song has always had a special place with me. Perhaps it's because I have lived in an in-between place for so long and experienced challenges at every turn. The confusion about finding your way speaks to me. I still don't know which direction I'm running in. I believe there is a great purpose for me and my big heart, but I don't know what it is. The more I think about it, the less confident I am in my career convictions. I want to help in Darfur. I want to volunteer at the orphanage in South Africa. I want to meditate in Nepal (and maybe climb a mountain). I want to see the Amazon rainforest before I die.

This song has amazing harmonizing vocals. I love to replay it over and over, singing along with the lyrics. It reminds me of the purity of truth and honesty. It reminds me of the things that inspire me. And it reminds me that its okay to be both simplistic and complex.

Let's Get Real!

After Rachel's presentation regarding the three movie versions of "Hamlet," I am further convinced of the value of modern film in the classroom. The stark contrast between the three created a perfect opportunity for me to make personal judgements about each of them. In my own teaching philosophy, I always come back to some of the same themes - perspective, imagination, mindfulness, communication, critical thinking - the list goes on. In an urban environment, I see a great need to get the students to "buy in" to whatever you've got on the curriculum for that particular day or year. For example, Shakespeare on its own is overwhelming and often misunderstood. The language is difficult even for the best readers. Imagine what an endeavor it must be for a stereotypical inner-city student who is already a struggling reader! I do believe that the text must be read as it is - in Shakespearean language. However, "No Fear Shakespeare" which presents both the original text as well as a modern English translation would be a great supplement. THEN follow that up with a contemporary version of the text like Baz Luhrmann's "Romeo + Juliet" or Michael Almereyda's "Hamlet" and you've got them hooked. Perhaps Shakespeare isn't so much of a chore if it's presented in this way. Older film adaptations that maintain literary and dramatic elements closely imitating the traditional text do not give the students much food for thought. They don't facilitate further understanding of the language of the time, nor do they foster much critical thinking. Instead, they simply give a visual representation of a difficult text. I'd much rather take students to the live theater than subject them to this kind of adaptation.

Contemporary film is amazing in its ability to surprise its audience and step outside the box. This type of film allows students to make personal connections as well as think critically about their interpretation of the text. Shakespeare is timeless and the conflicts/topics can often be twisted to reflect modern societal/familial/personal issues. I love that they continue to make movies that push the envelope. I respect and admire those who aren't afraid to take risks. Now, if only I could get students to take the leap of faith with me and trust that reading can be an adventure!

Envisioning a Documentary

As I've grown older, I've developed a great appreciation for documentaries. I also find myself reading more non-fiction, especially memoirs. There's something about passionately exposing the truth that draws me in and keeps me coming back for more.

I have so many ideas for creating my own documentary. In October of 2005, I drove a 16 passenger van complete with one stranger and a bunch of animals, down south to Mississippi to volunteer my time, energy, and passion toward rescuing animals rendered homeless by Hurricane Katrina. While I know that a documentary of sorts is actually in the works, there are so many perspectives one could take. My documentary would give voice to the innocent - those who may otherwise be forgotten. There were countless organizations helping people, but what about the animals? I would hope that by viewing this documentary, the audience would see the value in animal rescue and recognize the importance of the little lives who bring so much joy to their families without even trying. The greater message lies not in the destruction but in the loss and the need for compassionate rebuilding - of families, of community, of a city.

I would interview the owners of animals lost in the storm. I'd ask them questions that will likely evoke an emotional response - about their search, about their pets, about their struggle, about beginning anew, etc. I would have to work diligently to acquire video tape of the hurricane. I would incorporate newspaper articles, personal accounts, pictures, etc. Editing would be key in making this an effective documentary. While I think there would be an outpouring of support and countless victims who want to tell their story to the world, I anticipate the difficulty to fall squarely upon my lack of technical aptitude.

I think it would be truly fascinating to document the life of a Jamaican orphan. After volunteering this past summer, my eyes were opened to some of the serious political injustices that are occurring in the world. It's one thing to know that the world is screwed up and another thing to actually see it. It takes years to complete the adoption process because of the politics involved. Birth certificates get "lost" and certain individuals take their sweet time, probably waiting for bribe money. Some of these so-called orphans have "parents" who refuse to give up their rights but also refuse to care for their children. As a result, these innocent kids find themselves living in the orphanage until they're deemed old enough to be on their own. Such a longitudinal study would be extremely difficult as it would require years of commitment on the part of the subject, but hopefully it would help expose some of the secrets that keep so many from having a home to call their own.

Podcasts

This blog is supposed to be about our favorite podcasts. This is a completely foreign concept to me. Until this past June, I was using a Gateway with Windows 98. It had a CD burner but refused to admit it. It threw a tantrum whenever it wanted, crashing without possibility of reboot until it was good and ready. Virus protection? Perhaps 3 years ago. The damn thing couldn't even run a scan in safe mode. Yikes. So, anyway - technology in my world has been limited. Even now, I have a Nano iPod (that what it's called?) sitting in a box. It came with my macbook but I haven't taken the plunge because I can't figure out how to get my 3000 stolen songs from Napster off of my desktop piece of crap.

Back to the reason for this post - podcasts. So, a couple of weeks ago, when I was looking at this assignment, I even looked up "podcast" on the web to get a view of the concept beyond the Richardson book. I knew it was something you listened to, but I wasn't totally clear on what could be defined as a podcast. Pretty much just like a vlog but without the visual. If I were going to listen to a podcast, I think it would probably be something from NPR/MPR, an environmental podcast, or something related to urban teaching.

This just in: The Latest News Report Ever

November 14th, 2007
Channel 11 - 10:00pm

10:00 - Patient care is suffering because of a nurse shortage. Nurses are worried, stressed, and understaffed. Minnesota needs a new state law for staffing.
10:02 - Funeral for police officer at the Basilica. He was struck by a squad car and killed. "He would have been overwhelmed by the turnout." The drama is further heightened as we hear shots fired to honor his service.
10:03 - 6 uninvited guests at Arlington High School in St. Paul. (Big deal at the school and all the news stations showed up, but only 15 seconds on the news).
10:03 - "No Special Session" tax bill.
10:04 - 35W bridge house vote. Bachman voted No. John Kline voted No.
10:04 - 35 soldiers come home from Iraq
10:04 - War funding bill - end combat in Dec 2008
10:05 - OJ Simpson will go to trial.
10:05 - Power outage by mouse in SE Campus area.
10:05 - You aren't getting enough sleep. Poll on Kare11.com
10:06 - Forecast coming up AND a fish story that puts yours to shame. Plus, commuting, next on the Extra.
Commercials
10:10 - Twin Cities is trying to put the brakes on the ill effects of their commute. The amount of stress during commuting and its negative impact on the body can exceed that of riot police and combat pilots in a crisis situation. Moral of the story: change your lifestyle if you have a long commute. This was then followed by a dumb joke.
10:16 - Coming up tomorrow night on the KARE11 Extra - Alzheimers - "so many families can relate..."
10:17 - Weather - Belinda Jenson yaps for a while about winter survival awareness week. Pack your car with these items and whoops, the producer forgot to include a candy bar.
10:18 - Sneak peek at Tuesday and Wednesday - big Thanksgiving travel days. Predicted a storm Tuesday. (Where was it?)
10:19 - Finally, the weather! WINDY, but calmer over night. Nothing major coming up.
10:20 - In case you've never watched the news in your life, sports is up next.
Commercials
10:25 - I tend to lose focus during the sports. T-Wolves, plus other basketball stuff. Early signing period for high school basketball players. One kid is going to the U of M.
10:26 - Division 1 basketball letters
10:26 - Chester Taylor starting Vikes (?). 2000 tickets left for the game.
10:28 - Winner for baseball coach something. The fish story is COMING.
Commercials
10:32 - (Leno must start at 10:35). 360 pound grouper caught in the Gulf of Mexico. One fillet is 53 pounds. Ha ha ha - and another dumb joke - something about finding several small children inside.

So, as it turns out - the commercials take up about 1/3 of the show, weather and sports get about 3 minutes each, the actual news gets about 6 minutes, and the Extra which is generally a "consumer/health/entertainment feature story" sucks up it's own 6 minutes. When you break it down, the amount of actual news that might be beneficial to the average viewer is next to nothing. 10:04 was a speed round, tag-team effort by the anchors to see how many stories they could get cover in a minute. I had a tough time keeping up with my pen. As I reflect, I think one of the most irritating things about the whole thing is that there was hardly any news about what is going on in Minneapolis or St. Paul. A power outage due to a mouse got the same number of seconds as Arlington High School's intruders? What the? And who cares about OJ Simpson anyway? There was nothing "local" about the news during this broadcast. And isn't that what it's all supposed to be about? Local news? We have the world news at 5:30pm for those interested in a tiny snapshot of what's happening globally. The news is just as high paced as the society in which we live. I suppose that they are appealing to the on-the-go American who isn't going to take the time to listen to lengthy coverage on important issues. The strategy is to thrust information at viewers, with happy banter in between, in order to keep the audience engaged and coming back for more. Ending with a silly story about a giant fish is perhaps a technique to combat the inevitable negative news that is reported. As we all know, the news is skewed in such a way that we never get the whole story. We simply get tiny blurbs that tell us what "they" want us to know - in turn influencing our perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs.