The dark side of pro wrestling

I found this article from the Washington Post that displays the dark side of pro wrestling. I see this as a good example of advanced reporting as it has a lot of details on the side of pro wrestling many of us don't see.

Pearls extra

Here is a chat with Gene Weingarten, which took place the day after the Pearls Before Breakfast story appeared in the Washington Post.

A little bit of Politics

In light of the fast approaching election, I was inclined to seek out an article or column which was of a political nature to post this week. Not too far into my search I came across this gem of a column. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did.

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/david_sarasohn/index.ssf/2008/10/mccains_telephone_hangup_draws.html

Matt's picks: Great features from the last three years

How do you become a better reporter and writer? Well, first you have to practice... a lot. That means reporting and writing stories (for The Collegian, preferably). The more you interview people, the better you will get. The more stories you write, the more easily the words will come to you.

Of course, you also have to read great newspaper stories. That way, you'll know what is going on (writing-wise) in the industry. You'll see things you might want to try someday. You'll be inspired.

So, if you would like to be inspired, read one or two of these stories:

• Pearls Before Breakfast, by Gene Weingarten (Pulitzer Prize winner in feature writing in 2008): This is a very long piece, but it is so worth reading. Weingarten set up this elaborate plan that included having the world's most prominent violin player dressing like a semi-homeless man and playing classical pieces in a Washington, D.C. Metro station during rush hour. Who stopped to listen? Did anyone recognize him?

• The lives — and remnants — of others, by Inara Verzemnieks: This piece starts out being about a store that collects old possessions and sells them to the needy. It ends up telling the love story of two young people during World War II, through their letters, which ended up in the warehouse.

• Kennel trash, by Kelley Benham: This piece tells the story of the animal control people who had to put to sleep more than 100 dogs, which were abandoned in an old puppy mill. You will cry. Trust me.

• Zoo story, by Thomas French: This one will take some time, but if you love animals and zoos, it's worth it. It's broken up into nine chapters (it ran over the course of nine days in the St. Petersburg Times), so it's easier to digest by reading one chapter a day.

This is too funny.

I found this story about the Stanley Cup and what Def Leppards drummer did to it by accident. Really it is funny, but not for Hockey fans.

Message in a bottle

Here is a good story from the USA Today about a 35 year old message in a bottle that was found. It's not that long, but it's a pretty good story.

National Geographic

This is a great article from National Geographic on Stonehenge. I chose this article so that I can show everyone on how National Geographic does their articles. They are not a breaking news organization. Instead they take their time on stories, which gives them an advanced reporting style. As a member of the National Geographic Society and a suscriber to their magazine I get to see how they do news and they do a great job. Their articles will give you details that you can't find anywhere else. Enjoy the article.

Steve Fossett

I found this article from National Geographic that is about Steve Fossett. Recently his plane was found after he went missing last year. It is a sad story as Fossett served as an inspiration to people like myself that anyone can achieve anything. Anyways here is the article from National Geographic. I highly recommend that people read it, but.... ah never mind.

Our Collapsing Economy

I wanted to find an article about the failing economy or the bailout package, but I thought this column was more interesting. It's pretty informative, but it's still entertaining and it really puts the issue in perspective.

Walter Reed investigative series

This has been an ongoing investigation done by two of the best journalists in the country. Dana Hull and Ann Priest investigated the horrible conditions and bureaucratic red tape at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where many soldiers injured in Iraq and Afghanistan are treated.

Peruse this series, but also read at least one piece and then write a response (to be turned in on Monday) as to why this and other investigations are important to journalism.