Brainstorming Ideas

There are a few possibilities for people I could interview. One possibility would be to do a story on one of the OSU national championship baseball players. Another possibility would be to do a story on a person who came from a broken home but is now doing really well. The last possibility would be to interview a senate member from student government at either OSU or LBCC.

Fireworks

There are times in life when something just exceeds your expectations. “Open Mic” at Fireworks could be described as a pleasant surprise for any one passing through. Monday night presented a surprise to an un-expecting student.

According to the website “Open Mic” takes place every Monday at a small bar and grill named “Fireworks”. This entertainment venue begins at 8pm, requires no tickets or cover charge, but simply a state I.D. proving your 21. The event starts in the late evening and continues until close. “Open Mic” features a handle full of aspiring vocalists and musicians whom are maybe trying to make a name for them self or just out to share their music.

“Fireworks” is located just over the Fourth Street Bridge crossing from Corvallis into South Town. I was pleasantly greeted by young female bartender confirming I was of legal age. She handed back my I.D. with a warming smile and gestured to an open doorway. I stepped outside and into a dining area. It was pleasing to take in my surroundings. Clay looking terra cotta walls surrounded the area in a curved fashion. Sheltering the room was a ceiling made of canvas. About half a dozen small round tables were scattered about with calm patrons sitting back enjoying their drinks. Everyone’s attention was focused on one end of the room where a young man sat playing a guitar.

It was while I was searching for a seat that I happened upon Paul Norberg. He was an average sized middle aged man sporting glasses, a goatee, and a very approachable demeanor. When asked if he was going to go up an play Paul laughed and said he was only there to enjoy although he was an amateur the acoustic guitar. We sat and chatted for a bit enjoying the music “This is what I’m here for. The fresh original tunes.” He said after one musician finished up. Paul was very knowledgeable about most of the performers giving me a short back ground of each artist as they stepped up to the microphone.

All of the musicians had there own style and added their own bit of originality to their music. The one thing they did have in common was they all put their hearts into the music. Paul explained to me that he had personally video taped the event for channel 29 and had a total of thirteen episodes so far. These episodes can also be found online on you tube under HeARTS Of The Valley.

Paul pointed out the owner of Fireworks a heavy set older man sporting a black suite and a top hat. His was name Tony Nebler and for some odd reason his clothing fit his cool demeanor as he stood off to the side near the performers also enjoying scene. Although I did not get a chance to speak with him another patron named Jason told me "He provides us with a homey environment.... its a really nice community."

Sadly I could not stay as long as i would have but the atmosphere and the friendliness made it a sure thing that I would soon return.

Event

Do to unforseen circumstances I could not make it to the Bob Marley or Jaz event on thursday. With music in mind and an itch to write about tallent I will now be covering the open mike even at Fireworks in south town corvallis. This will be an opportunity for local tallent to come in and show there stuff. I am looking forward to this event because it is always a blast being critical of others. My arrogance knows no limits. As far as I know Open Mic will be taking place at a bar venue it begins at 8 and continues till close so there will be plenty of information to cover.

Ms Skinner

In our modern world it is easy for people to pay little mind to others and only worry about themselves. However unlike many people Alethea Skinner is as selfless as they come. Coming out of Albacurcy New Mexico Alethea moved around with her family. Her father who's career in the airforce worked as a catalyst for the moves would eventually retire in Oregon. Alethea remained in the state to take care of her family. Working from the home doing medical transcriptions allows her more time for her true passion her children. One of Alethea's greatest passions is being a parent "I've been a foster parent since I was 19" she told me. Currently she is taking care of three special needs children and her adult son whom has a hearing dissorder. When asked why she was taking a class in journalism her other passion came to surface. She enjoys journalism esspecially photo journalism. Alethea's hobby is to show the beauty of the world through the lense of a camera. No easy task indeed, but in the opinion of this student it takes a big heart to see beauty and in saying that Alethea is well equipped.

High Prices. Who's to Blame?

It is a traditional occurrence at the beginning of every term. You’re at home sitting on your couch reading when the front door swings open and your disgruntled roommate comes storming in. “A hundred and sixty six, and I bet they won’t even buy them back.” He says removing two paperback books from the familiar orange and black bookstore bag. “This is only for one class too….”

Generally as students we wonder why the cost of our education is so expensive. Tuition itself is hard to manage and with growing transportation, rent, and food costs every penny counts. With this fact in mind after shelling out the four hundred plus to take a class why are we paying another two hundred for a small work book and a paperback text book?

Like many other students I blamed the book store as I walked home with a bag of books, my wallet crying out in agony. Questions needed to be answered and James Howard manager of the Oregon State Bookstore’s text book department was more than willing to oblige. “I operate the textbook department as a "cost recovery operation"” he declares. As was explained the brief rundown of the business is as follows. James writes “The publisher charges the Bookstore a price for a book. That price the net price comes out to be 75% of what the book will cost on the shelf. The bookstore operates at a nominal margin of 25% - which added to the net price equals 100%, or what the book retails for on the shelf. However, the Bookstore discounts the student purchase 8% at point of purchase.” Apparently that 8% discount is the bookstore’s way of returning any profit to the student. “The OSU Bookstore is student and faculty governed institution. The students and faculty/staff of OSU collectively "own" the Bookstore.” My questions were answered.

So one may ask who’s to blame for the high prices. The answer is simple. The publishers set the prices and come out with new editions on an average every two years to kill the used book market. Upon realization of these facts, one student asks “So why am I sitting here broke over some hundred level work book, stuck eating Ramen, when I can go to borders and buy The Art of War for twenty bucks?” Why indeed. In this student's opinion this situation needs to be addressed. It is a shame that in this modern day in this nation our education should come come with such a hefty price tag.