What i learned from guest speaker Jennifer Moody

Having had the chance to hear from a journalist who has been in the business for quite a long time, was quite rewarding.  Jennifer Moody from the Democratic Herald, was that journalist.  I believe she stated that she had been a reporter with the Democratic Herald for 15 years.

Speaking on various topics, one of those that stood out to me was that Mrs. Moody said there is no right or wrong way to write. The story needs to be fair, accurate, and keeping as much of yourself out of the paper as possible.

Another topic that stood out to me was, how your grammar and spelling tell a lot about your writing intelligence.  If you have terrible grammar and spelling, your readers probably won't finish the article, and not want to read anything further from you.

The last topic issue that hit me was when Mrs. Moody talked about writing about the small details, not the over all picture.  Like writing about the piece of pie and not the bakery.  The reader is going to want to know what this bakery can produce, and not that it is any bakery.


At a Glance

Who: Jennifer Moody
What: The Democratic Herald

Law requiring those under 21 to have parental consent to get a credit card.

Hitting the big 18 means you can vote, you can get married without your parents consent, but getting a credit card is not on the list of things you can do at 18 without parental support.  A new law enacted by president Obama, in February of 2010, bans credit cards for those under the age of 21 without parental co-signing, unless they have enough income.

Speaking with a former instructor, Jack Stone in the Business department, he recanted about the differences between his son and his daughter in the ways of financial intelligence.  "If the law was the way then as it is now, I would say no to co-signing for my son to have a credit card," said professor Stone.  Though if his daughter had asked he would have gladly signed for her to have a card, since her financial intelligence was higher of his son.

Sending an email to my mom, Sue Barnhouse to get her thoughts on the credit card law, since she is an accountant for Les Schwab tire company, she has knowledge of how credit works.   "The human brain isn't fully developed until after the age of 25, and the ability to predict future consequences is one of the last functions to mature," Sue Barnhouse said.


At a glance:
What: Credit card act of 2009
When: Effective February 2010
Who does it effect: Those under the age of 21 trying to acquire a credit card. 

Not another National Anthem screw-up

What does it take now days to be the presenter of the National Anthem at the Superbowl ? 

Well who ever was in charge of the "talent" this year, needs to consider another line of work.  A "professional" singer should at least know the words to our country's National Anthem.  Christina Aguilera's rendition of our National Anthem this year at the Superbowl, has to be the saddest excuse for a performance I have ever heard. 

Being a member of the Armed Services, I take pride in my nation and any representation of it.  Having not watched the Superbowl in its entirety, having to watch the "performance" on the internet,  I was shocked and appalled about how bad the performance was. 

                                   

Having had my drill weekend last weekend, I talked to a few of my fellow soldiers and asked them about their feelings on how the National Anthem was performed. "I knew she sang it wrong and i do not think she did a good job singing it," said Ron Abbott, a soldier from the Albany 224 Engineer Company.


At a Glance:
Who: Christina Aguilera
What: Forgetting the lines of the National Anthem
When: Superbowl XLV(45)

New laws for persons under the age of 21 to have a credit card

As of February, 22, 2010,  the Credit Card Act of 2009, under the Federal Reserve, requires persons under the age of 21 to have a co-signer, or show financial records of being financially independent in order to be issued a credit card.

Taking the pro side of this issue,

Column Idea

My idea for a column is the idea of how the National Anthem is sung, and people's reaction to "Artists" who try and make the National Anthem "their own."  I am planning on talking to a few of my fellow soldiers in the National Guard, as well as others who are not in the military.  I am thinking my NUT GRAF is going to be the public's reaction to "artist's" renditions of the National Anthem.  After the horrid attempt by this year's rendition of the National Anthem at the Superbowl, I feel compelled to find out if the rest of the population shares my thoughts that if you are going to sing the National Anthem, get it right.

Helping Veterans Certify Their Educational Benefits

    Kathy Martinak is the current Veteran's Certifying Official at Linn Benton Community College.  Kathy has been helping veterans with the education benefits they have earned for serving in the military since 1996. 

    Starting out in the registration office in 1987,  her position in the Veteran's office became available.  "It was a better fit for me, and I really enjoy working with the veterans," said Kathy.  With her husband having been a Vietnam Veteran, she has the first hand knowledge of what some veterans go through after they return from a combat zone, which helps her to better understand her customers.

    With time left over, Kathy takes time to spend with family, and enjoys camping trips and quilting.  With a couple of her quilts on display in her office, she seems very talented in her hobby.   

     In her Veteran's office, Kathy has two work study students.  One of whom is Specialist Carl Rhodes. Serving with the Albany National Guard, (224 Engineers) he has been in the office for four terms now.  Dealing with Rhodes on many occasions, he has been very helpful in knowing which classes that will count towards my degree and which ones won't.  "She is amazing, understanding, comical, and listens," said Rhodes.

At a Glance
Who: Kathy Martinak
What: Veteran's Education benefits certifying officer
When: Operating hours
Interested in becoming a guardsman ?

Description of a person or place at LBCC

Walking up to the window there are people in line for the services next to it. Usually there is no one in my line though when i approach. Seeing a familiar face that has helped me for the past three years here, sharing a similar background, we joke about what has been going on.  There are many who use this service, all with a similar characteristic.  Having this place to go when I need to have a question answered, has helped me find answers and benefits that are available to me.