This year was my first year at MIPA. Before leaving my house, I was so excited to come here and expand my journalistic abilities. But by the end of MIPA I felt utterly defeated.
MIPA was a financial issue in my household, it was a lot of money for me to come, and my family and I sacrificed other things in our lives, so I could go and better myself. Hopefully giving me some training for what I hope to be my future career. But I feel that I have gained nothing. Just lost a lot of money.
When I read the pamphlets, they said that this would be an intense camp, with lots of writing, and skill building. I'll admit, I was a little nervous, but eager for the opportunity. But when I began my class, we hardly wrote at all. We took a few notes, and wrote two pieces, and that's it. I could have done that in my classroom during school for free. Or bought a book and took notes out of that, and wrote two pieces at home during dinner.
My roomate felt the same way. She said all they did everyday was sit on the computer. And that there was hardly any instruction at all. She said it was nothing different than what we had done in class during school. "It was like review." And she commented that when she would ask for advice, or ask a question, the answers she recieved were weak, and less than helpful.
I thought the teachers hired here were supposed to be the best in the country. If this is true, then I fear for the education of America.
I came to MIPA expecting to be challenged, and really pushed. Instead I felt like I was being held back, and that perhaps, my skills as a writer have weakened.
I really liked the idea of MIPA, and I was very interested in it's goals, but after this, being my first experience, I probably won't come back.
This makes me sad, because journalism, and writing are all I ever do. But my family doesn't have that kind of money to just toss around on camps that do nothing to help me in life.
I think MIPA could have been a great experience, and maybe it was just this year. But the flyers shouldn't say that it will be intense, and then just be relaxed. Perhaps, others got a lot out of the camp, I don't know. My father said that maybe I didn't take a lot away from camp, because the quality of the school I attend is so high, that we were ahead.
I can't be sure what the reason is. Does anyone else feel like MIPA was less than expected?
Comments Please.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Hey All You MIPAcans...
So, MIPA, what can we say about you?
You make us sweaty and hot.
Uncomfortble at night.
And you make our stomaches cringe at the sight of your food.
Not really motivation, to come visit, but what brings us back every year?
The wonderful instructors, the great lessons we learn, and of course THE DAIRY STORE!
MIPA, you have taught us a lot, and you've helped us become better journalists, and better people. We've met new friends, shared a lot of laughs, and even saved a bat (haha... not kidding).
The experiences we've had here could never be duplicated or replaced.
MIPA; You're amazing!!
MIPA 2007... Journalism is forever!!!
S.W.
You make us sweaty and hot.
Uncomfortble at night.
And you make our stomaches cringe at the sight of your food.
Not really motivation, to come visit, but what brings us back every year?
The wonderful instructors, the great lessons we learn, and of course THE DAIRY STORE!
MIPA, you have taught us a lot, and you've helped us become better journalists, and better people. We've met new friends, shared a lot of laughs, and even saved a bat (haha... not kidding).
The experiences we've had here could never be duplicated or replaced.
MIPA; You're amazing!!
MIPA 2007... Journalism is forever!!!
S.W.
MIPA, MUSIC, AND WRITING
So now that we only have one full day left of mipa I have to say that I have had a great time. The first night I got no sleep, I have been sweating my butt off since I got here, and I have yet to go back for seconds at any meal but I have loved this experience. We went to a really cool music store (FBC) that everyone here should check out before they leave. It is unlike anything I have ever been to and even if your not a music freak you will be amused looking at some of the most bizarre music titles I have ever heard. I came to mipa because I wanted to improve my writing. I love writing and plan to head into journalism after school. Mipa has made me even more excited about this. Listening to people talk about their experiences with journalism has made me eager to start my own journey. We talked to the opinion editor of State News and his stories and anwers to our questions increased my desire to one day have similar stories. I hope that everyone here has gained something as great as this from this week. Enjoy your last 2 days at mipa!!
hey
Hello fellow MIPA attendes
This week at MIPA has been absolutely fantastic. i'll admit i'm not exactly the virtuoso at journalism, but I've enjoyed my expereince none the less, learning alongside the best of the best. I've enjoyed playing pool, as well as playing basketball with Michigan State college students. Writing columns and learning about opinion writing has been awesome. I've even picked up a few new pieces of music here and there. I thought Stardust was a great movie, it was cool to see it for free. hope everybody is enjoying it as much as I do.
sam tzou
This week at MIPA has been absolutely fantastic. i'll admit i'm not exactly the virtuoso at journalism, but I've enjoyed my expereince none the less, learning alongside the best of the best. I've enjoyed playing pool, as well as playing basketball with Michigan State college students. Writing columns and learning about opinion writing has been awesome. I've even picked up a few new pieces of music here and there. I thought Stardust was a great movie, it was cool to see it for free. hope everybody is enjoying it as much as I do.
sam tzou
"yeah, i heard there was a party this weekend"
I'm in the opinion writing class and we read an article about how West High School's yearbook was under review for publishing a spread that had the title of "Yeah, I heard there was a party this weekend" and it contained controversial pictures. One was of a guy holding a beer keg over his head. In defense, the advisor said "Don't shoot the messenger."
While it is a publications job to report what's going on in high school, I think some take it too far and abuse the freedom of being able to write whatever you want. It's a question of ethics and while you can right about whatever you want... there are some things you shouldn't write about.
Underage drinking does go on in high school, but publications shouldn't glamorize it. Most everyone knows it goes on so there's no need to report about it and have the possiblity of a younger sibling read the page and think "Woah, I get to drink in high school." Also, it can give the school (and sometimes community) a bad reputation, and not every single person in high school drinks.
While it is a publications job to report what's going on in high school, I think some take it too far and abuse the freedom of being able to write whatever you want. It's a question of ethics and while you can right about whatever you want... there are some things you shouldn't write about.
Underage drinking does go on in high school, but publications shouldn't glamorize it. Most everyone knows it goes on so there's no need to report about it and have the possiblity of a younger sibling read the page and think "Woah, I get to drink in high school." Also, it can give the school (and sometimes community) a bad reputation, and not every single person in high school drinks.
My Week At MIPA
Other than the sauna-like conditions of the dorm rooms and the less than gourmet food options available, MIPA has been a great experience. I've gotten to know people better that I don't usually hang out with at school and improved my writing style. Unfortunatly by the time I get back I will be a stage 3 addict of the ice cream at the Dairy Store.
Survival List
So MIPA, dear old MIPA, what do I have to say about it?
I'm definitely excited I got stuck in the "cool" class; we walk to the record store for class and debate all the time. However, in a room full of such opinionated people, it can get a little heated. I am impressed in the maturity of people here. No one has gotten out of hand, or out of control. But there are a few suggestions I have for people who may want to come here:
1. Bring several changes of clothing- you might want to change several times a day because it's so hot.
2. If you plan on going somewhere besides the cafeteria to eat, be sure you know EXACTLY where you are going; the maps they provide don't even have half of the buildings on campus, and are basically worthless. You may end up getting lost for over an hour looking for somwhere, as all the buildings look similar.
3. Go somewhere besides the cafeteria to eat. Seriously.
4. Meet new people- really, there are cool people here, and you may get tired of the people from your school.
5. Go into town and look around, there are some really fun, cool places, and Potbellies Sanwichworks is really good.
6. Be active in your class. If you come and just chill in the back of the room, why did you (or your school) pay all that money? You can do that at home for free.
7. Bring an umbrella- otherwise you might get stuck in class all wet and cold.
8. Bring sweaters. A lot of classrooms are seriously over-air-conditioned and it comes in handy.
9. Suck all the information you can from your teachers. Some of them ACTUALLY know what they're talking about and have good tips. Also, they may know your advisers, so be nice to them.
10. Pose for all the cameras- it makes you feel like a movie star! They're everywhere.
So have fun at MIPA camp, you know you love it, and you're just as nerdy as anyone else here.
I'm definitely excited I got stuck in the "cool" class; we walk to the record store for class and debate all the time. However, in a room full of such opinionated people, it can get a little heated. I am impressed in the maturity of people here. No one has gotten out of hand, or out of control. But there are a few suggestions I have for people who may want to come here:
1. Bring several changes of clothing- you might want to change several times a day because it's so hot.
2. If you plan on going somewhere besides the cafeteria to eat, be sure you know EXACTLY where you are going; the maps they provide don't even have half of the buildings on campus, and are basically worthless. You may end up getting lost for over an hour looking for somwhere, as all the buildings look similar.
3. Go somewhere besides the cafeteria to eat. Seriously.
4. Meet new people- really, there are cool people here, and you may get tired of the people from your school.
5. Go into town and look around, there are some really fun, cool places, and Potbellies Sanwichworks is really good.
6. Be active in your class. If you come and just chill in the back of the room, why did you (or your school) pay all that money? You can do that at home for free.
7. Bring an umbrella- otherwise you might get stuck in class all wet and cold.
8. Bring sweaters. A lot of classrooms are seriously over-air-conditioned and it comes in handy.
9. Suck all the information you can from your teachers. Some of them ACTUALLY know what they're talking about and have good tips. Also, they may know your advisers, so be nice to them.
10. Pose for all the cameras- it makes you feel like a movie star! They're everywhere.
So have fun at MIPA camp, you know you love it, and you're just as nerdy as anyone else here.
What I learned at MIPA...
While the music industry has gone digital, there are places where music junkies can go to find everything they need-vinyl records, CDs and cassettes, while being owner-operated.
Think about it: Walking into a store, seeing huge rows of all things music, breathing in the atmosphere, you’ll notice that there are things you wouldn’t see on iTunes.
One place in particular called Flat, Black & Circular in
I was at
As the class of 20 something teenagers walked into the store, one employee yelled “Call the fire department, we’re over our limit!”
I guess they aren’t used to the amount of people all at one time.
Which is, in a way, depressing.
Years ago, people used to trade CDs, records and cassettes; now with the click of a button you can send all your music to your friends.
It’s useful though, not having to actually lend your things to your friends if they aren’t very responsible and you don’t want them broken.
And it’s nice having every CD on a MP3 player.
Digital music is posing a threat to stores like Flat, Black & Circular.
It should be cheaper, considering there are no manufacturing costs or anything like that, so why are we still paying 99 cents for a song when we can go to a store and buy a CD and have it in a hard form, not just on a computer?
People may think that their music is safe on a computer, but think about it: Computers crash all the time.
Would you want to be the one who has however many songs lost in cyberspace because you downloaded all of them digitally?
I didn’t think so.
And when you download music digitally, you can only use the player that the store sells.
For example, if you have an iPod, you can’t go to another store and buy songs and put them on your iPod because of copy protection.
And if you try to get past this copy protection, you could be subjected to legal issues.
Apple reserves the right to change anything they want regarding the music you purchased because in a way, they still own it.
These copy protections place protection on your music, so that you can only burn them to a CD so many times, can’t share with others and can’t change the format of the music.
So is this really your music? You bought it, why shouldn’t you do whatever you want with it?
Because the digital music industry still wants to hold onto those rights.
Digital music is decreasing the satisfaction in listening to music.
There are many reasons for this, one being that the sound quality decreases.
Also you can’t get the cover art, lyrics and special features that usually come on CDs.
Going to a store like Flat, Black & Circular helps pay the bills for people who really need the money, unlike people at iTunes who are getting paid no matter what.
It’s not just because of money; it’s about saving an important part of culture.
Laptops For School
After finishing a simple column I began my search for a laptop fit for my needs. I am taking Opinion Writing, however I am more interrested in photography so while looking for a laptop Photoshop and Paint Shop Pro is a necessity for me aswell as the most common Word accessories. I started out with Dell looking for a notebook that was light to carry around, good graphics, good wireless internet connection, a long life battery, music capability and long warranties for the not-so-careful me. I found the Inspiron 1501 starting at the basic price $499 WITHOUT adding anything. After adding everything I needed for school, writing and photography the price rose from $499 to $1,714!
Laptop prices are beginning to become a bigger hastle with the need for more accessories for school and personal interrests. Prices raising $1215 just for the necessities is RIDICULOUS! Parents and teachers suggest students to get laptops for easier ways to complete homework and to have Word or Photoshop able to be accessed, however when College students, and even some High School students, have little money as it is with a part-time or even no job affording laptop prices becomes a struggle many are unwilling to make leaving the students handicapped in doing their assignments in a way others are able to.
Though studies show laptop prices are dropping for the basics they are still too high for many to afford. Adding more discounts for students could help out alot.
gotta go sorry!
Laptop prices are beginning to become a bigger hastle with the need for more accessories for school and personal interrests. Prices raising $1215 just for the necessities is RIDICULOUS! Parents and teachers suggest students to get laptops for easier ways to complete homework and to have Word or Photoshop able to be accessed, however when College students, and even some High School students, have little money as it is with a part-time or even no job affording laptop prices becomes a struggle many are unwilling to make leaving the students handicapped in doing their assignments in a way others are able to.
Though studies show laptop prices are dropping for the basics they are still too high for many to afford. Adding more discounts for students could help out alot.
gotta go sorry!
Stardust
Fellow MIPA-ers (sorry, I wanted to think of a weird term and that was the best I could do),
I don't know about you, but I've really enjoyed my experience at MIPA. I've played pool for hours with strangers, I've discovered amazing music down at Flat, Black & Circular, and I've also had a little run-in with a bat (no joke). But all of that doesn't have anything to do with this blog, so I'll move on. As I'm sure you guessed the moment you read my title, I'm here to give my thoughts on last night's screening of Stardust (that voice fadeout at the beginning... Best. Sound Loss. Ever.). I went into the screening as a very skeptical observer; movies like Stardust aren't usually what I get excited over. The one thing that kept me slightly optimistic was the fact that Robert Deniro was in it. Ironically, that turned out to be the one aspect of Stardust that I absolutely hated. Don't get me wrong, the initial reveal of his character's "orientation" was brilliant, and I thought that you couldn't have chosen a better actor to use for that joke. However, I quickly grew disenchanted with the way that they kept pounding this joke into your head, with more and more stereotypes flying at you. All that being said, I think that Stardust was very funny as a whole, which I was not expecting. I just think that they should have toned this joke down a little bit because, honestly, we have enough homophobia circulated through our country right now. We don't need stars of the screen reinforcing it.
Yours truly,
Justin Pung
I don't know about you, but I've really enjoyed my experience at MIPA. I've played pool for hours with strangers, I've discovered amazing music down at Flat, Black & Circular, and I've also had a little run-in with a bat (no joke). But all of that doesn't have anything to do with this blog, so I'll move on. As I'm sure you guessed the moment you read my title, I'm here to give my thoughts on last night's screening of Stardust (that voice fadeout at the beginning... Best. Sound Loss. Ever.). I went into the screening as a very skeptical observer; movies like Stardust aren't usually what I get excited over. The one thing that kept me slightly optimistic was the fact that Robert Deniro was in it. Ironically, that turned out to be the one aspect of Stardust that I absolutely hated. Don't get me wrong, the initial reveal of his character's "orientation" was brilliant, and I thought that you couldn't have chosen a better actor to use for that joke. However, I quickly grew disenchanted with the way that they kept pounding this joke into your head, with more and more stereotypes flying at you. All that being said, I think that Stardust was very funny as a whole, which I was not expecting. I just think that they should have toned this joke down a little bit because, honestly, we have enough homophobia circulated through our country right now. We don't need stars of the screen reinforcing it.
Yours truly,
Justin Pung
Feel The Music
So...I just got finished writing my column about how downloading music is changing the social interactions we have with people by going to music stores. I won't go into the details of it because it's pretty long but I just wanted to talk about the actual music stores on here.
We took a class trip to FBC (Flat, Black and Circular) which is a music store on Grand River here in East Lansing. Before going into this store I had never been to an actual music store. I usually go to Best Buy or Target if I want a CD. This place is amazing and seriously, if you ever pass a music store while walking down a street go in. It is such a great experience. There is so much going on inside the store. There is music everywhere in this small room (about the size of a large bedroom). They have records, CDs, and even DVDs. You could honestly walk around one of these stores for hours and never get bored becuase there is so much to look at. It's hard to find something you aren't interested in. Talking to the people who own the store, work there, and are regular shoppers there is also a treat. They each have an interesting story of what music stores and records, even CDs, mean to them.
Going to FBC gave me a whole new perspective on what it means to go out to a music store and just browse. I guess you can browse on iTunes and get certain songs but in a store you get to see the album and look at the cover. It seems kind of stupid but it's pretty fascinating.
The BEST part about FBC is that everything is super cheap. I got a two disc greatest hits album for ten bucks and I'm pretty sure it's a lot more than that at Best Buy. I think it is also fun to know that you are supporting a local music store that has been in the same place for about 30 years. They have gone through so many different things in their time as a music store and the people working there have probably met some interesting music lovers or even just music browsers.
If you're looking for something to do for the afternoon or you just really need some new music to add to your collection take a visit to FBC or find another cool music store near where you live.
We took a class trip to FBC (Flat, Black and Circular) which is a music store on Grand River here in East Lansing. Before going into this store I had never been to an actual music store. I usually go to Best Buy or Target if I want a CD. This place is amazing and seriously, if you ever pass a music store while walking down a street go in. It is such a great experience. There is so much going on inside the store. There is music everywhere in this small room (about the size of a large bedroom). They have records, CDs, and even DVDs. You could honestly walk around one of these stores for hours and never get bored becuase there is so much to look at. It's hard to find something you aren't interested in. Talking to the people who own the store, work there, and are regular shoppers there is also a treat. They each have an interesting story of what music stores and records, even CDs, mean to them.
Going to FBC gave me a whole new perspective on what it means to go out to a music store and just browse. I guess you can browse on iTunes and get certain songs but in a store you get to see the album and look at the cover. It seems kind of stupid but it's pretty fascinating.
The BEST part about FBC is that everything is super cheap. I got a two disc greatest hits album for ten bucks and I'm pretty sure it's a lot more than that at Best Buy. I think it is also fun to know that you are supporting a local music store that has been in the same place for about 30 years. They have gone through so many different things in their time as a music store and the people working there have probably met some interesting music lovers or even just music browsers.
If you're looking for something to do for the afternoon or you just really need some new music to add to your collection take a visit to FBC or find another cool music store near where you live.
MIPA so far...
So far, MIPA's been great... if you forget the unbearable heat and humidity in Shaw hall, where the outside air is cooler than the inside. This week has presented me a great opportunity to learn new writing techniques and styles, which has been beneficial.
There aren't really any complaints from me... besides the heat.
There aren't really any complaints from me... besides the heat.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
A unique experience...
This may seem a little random but I promise my story has a point:
A friend and I are positive that we have found the lost brother of a set of twins we know. He looks EXACTLY like them! He walks like them and talks like them. His body language is even similar to the twins we know.
After much theorizing we have decided on the only logical explanation for such a similarity between three people. The so-called twins must have been separated at birth from the mysterious 3rd brother. Maybe their mom didn't want the responsibility of having to take care of three boys? Maybe the 3rd brother was kidnapped at a young age? Who knows.
But, being student journalists, we have decided it is our job to uncover the truth about the mysterious triplets' past.
So we observe things about him and I swear the more we watch him the more he reminds us of the twins.
And, yes, we know we're creepy for watching him.
The point of my story is that I had no idea I would find my friends' long-lost brother while at the workshop this year. Yet another success story for MIPA.
A friend and I are positive that we have found the lost brother of a set of twins we know. He looks EXACTLY like them! He walks like them and talks like them. His body language is even similar to the twins we know.
After much theorizing we have decided on the only logical explanation for such a similarity between three people. The so-called twins must have been separated at birth from the mysterious 3rd brother. Maybe their mom didn't want the responsibility of having to take care of three boys? Maybe the 3rd brother was kidnapped at a young age? Who knows.
But, being student journalists, we have decided it is our job to uncover the truth about the mysterious triplets' past.
So we observe things about him and I swear the more we watch him the more he reminds us of the twins.
And, yes, we know we're creepy for watching him.
The point of my story is that I had no idea I would find my friends' long-lost brother while at the workshop this year. Yet another success story for MIPA.
FBC's; Flat Back & Circular
We took an amazing trip during class to this small record store in town. The room was probably no bigger than your standard master bedroom, but it was filled to the brim with records, CDs and tapes.
It was quite exciting. Everywhere you turned there was music. Bins and bins full of old tracks.
The trip served a purpose, as we were preparing to write an opinion piece on if we felt the digital age was eliminating a crucial social component of sharing and getting our music.
So we visisted the old record store to get some information, speak with the owner and employees, and see how many and what kind of customers were there. Not many, but the few that were, were hard core record store junkies. They offered very intersting insight into their feelings about downloading.
It was a worthwhile experience, and very hands on which was nice to sort of get a feel for the atmosphere of what we would be writing about rather than just imagining it all in our head. After all, a good journalists get out there and make a story happen... and that's exactly what we did.
It was quite exciting. Everywhere you turned there was music. Bins and bins full of old tracks.
The trip served a purpose, as we were preparing to write an opinion piece on if we felt the digital age was eliminating a crucial social component of sharing and getting our music.
So we visisted the old record store to get some information, speak with the owner and employees, and see how many and what kind of customers were there. Not many, but the few that were, were hard core record store junkies. They offered very intersting insight into their feelings about downloading.
It was a worthwhile experience, and very hands on which was nice to sort of get a feel for the atmosphere of what we would be writing about rather than just imagining it all in our head. After all, a good journalists get out there and make a story happen... and that's exactly what we did.
Field Trip
Going to Flat, Black and Circular was AWESOME!! When I told all my friends about it they were jealous that I had such a cool instructor. They now want me to take them back there later on in the week! This class as been amazing!!
How to Not Get into Town...
If you bothered to listen to the announcements this morning before class started, you may have noted there was a blurb about not taking taxis to go shopping.
Some of my newspaper friends and I decided it would be a fun way to pass the time and get to know each other if we all went to Urban Outfitters and looked around there. One of us called a cab to take us, but we had to split up as there were so many of us. Apparently, right after we left, someone came and grilled her about where we had gone and what we were doing. Being the wonderful person she is, our friend said she refused to give names and if anyone was getting in trouble, it would be her.
Turns out, you are only supposed to take the cabs to the airport or the bus station.
The first cab arrived safely at the store and only found out about this whole situation after our wonderful friend called us to inform us we would be walking back to our dorms.
When we got back, we were not kicked out or told we were only allowed to go to class... We were just told to stay away from calling taxis.
Easy enough of a solution, right?
(I'm thinking to save us all from embarassment I'll stay annonymous.)
Some of my newspaper friends and I decided it would be a fun way to pass the time and get to know each other if we all went to Urban Outfitters and looked around there. One of us called a cab to take us, but we had to split up as there were so many of us. Apparently, right after we left, someone came and grilled her about where we had gone and what we were doing. Being the wonderful person she is, our friend said she refused to give names and if anyone was getting in trouble, it would be her.
Turns out, you are only supposed to take the cabs to the airport or the bus station.
The first cab arrived safely at the store and only found out about this whole situation after our wonderful friend called us to inform us we would be walking back to our dorms.
When we got back, we were not kicked out or told we were only allowed to go to class... We were just told to stay away from calling taxis.
Easy enough of a solution, right?
(I'm thinking to save us all from embarassment I'll stay annonymous.)
Sunday, August 5, 2007
On This We Opine.
Welcome to the MIPA Summer Opinion blog, the place where the Opinion Writing class from the MIPA* Summer Workshop gets the chance to have its work read by the world.
The workshop was held August 5-9, 2007 on the beautiful (and hot) campus of Michigan State University.
Mark Johnston's Opinion class has a lot to say. This is one place they get to say it. Check 'em out.
*MIPA is the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association. Yeah, it's a mouthful.
The workshop was held August 5-9, 2007 on the beautiful (and hot) campus of Michigan State University.
Mark Johnston's Opinion class has a lot to say. This is one place they get to say it. Check 'em out.
*MIPA is the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association. Yeah, it's a mouthful.
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