Blog Post #20
link: http://www.shortoftheweek.com/2014/08/28/the-most-quoted-man-in-the-news/
The documentary that I watched was about Greg Packer, a man who does crazy things just to be quoted in news publications. He even was the first one in line to get an iPad not because he was a fan, but because he wanted to be quoted in the newspapers. He has been doing stunts like this for so long that the Associated Press sent put a memo to all major publications telling them to find other people besides Parker to interview.
What aspects make it a good documentary?
-An aspect that makes this a good documentary is that clips of a typewriter are continually cut to throughout the length of the film. This gives you a sense that maybe Greg Packer is being quoted about his story of him being quoted in the Associated Press?
What could make it a better documentary?
-This documentary does not tell you much about who Greg Packer is, just that he is a retired highway worker who travels the country trying to be quoted in news publications. Perhaps some more insight into his background would allow the audience to better understand why he does what he does.
Friday, October 31, 2014
Friday, October 17, 2014
Reflection
Blog Post #19
Over the past few weeks I have learned more about Dance Blue than I ever thought I would. I have learned about the event itself, how it was started, and how it has evolved over the years. While doing these research blogs have not been the most entertaining things to do, they have allowed me to see my thoughts progress over the weeks.
In retrospect, I like the idea that the blog posts are all fairly short. This way I can quickly skim over the topics and see which ones I want to further research. I'm also surprised that I've been able to do as many blog posts about Dance Blue that I have been. At first, I thought maybe I would be able to only get 2-3 blogs posts, but here I am at 19 and haven't repeated myself too bad yet.
Unfortunately, if it's not required I probably won't, but writing blog posts I think would help me with other research papers in other classes. Blogging is an interesting skill that I am glad I have learned.
--Stephen Ritchie
Over the past few weeks I have learned more about Dance Blue than I ever thought I would. I have learned about the event itself, how it was started, and how it has evolved over the years. While doing these research blogs have not been the most entertaining things to do, they have allowed me to see my thoughts progress over the weeks.
In retrospect, I like the idea that the blog posts are all fairly short. This way I can quickly skim over the topics and see which ones I want to further research. I'm also surprised that I've been able to do as many blog posts about Dance Blue that I have been. At first, I thought maybe I would be able to only get 2-3 blogs posts, but here I am at 19 and haven't repeated myself too bad yet.
Unfortunately, if it's not required I probably won't, but writing blog posts I think would help me with other research papers in other classes. Blogging is an interesting skill that I am glad I have learned.
--Stephen Ritchie
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Dance Blue-- 5K
Blog Post #18
Topic: The annual Dance Blue 5K run/walk marathon
This fall the Dance Blue will be organizing and running a 5K run/walk marathon to help benefit the Dance Blue cause. On the danceblue.org website there is a teaser video made by students to raise awareness for the event.
The 5K will be on Sunday, October 26 at 3pm. The course will be located at the Coldstream Research Park here in Kentucky. This event will be a fun way to not only get some much needed fall exercise, but to also help raise money and awareness for the Dance Blue cause.
While the video on the Dance Blue website is entertaining, it's not very informative about the event, offering only what day/time and where it is located. They fail to mention of there are any fees associated with participating in the 5K, as there often are, or if you need to be signed up to participate in the marathon to participate in the 5K. These are some questions that would be good to get some answers to.
I think while it's important to do research into the primary topic, the marathon, it is also equally important that this smaller satellite fundraisers also get the attention that they deserve.
--Stephen Ritchie
Topic: The annual Dance Blue 5K run/walk marathon
This fall the Dance Blue will be organizing and running a 5K run/walk marathon to help benefit the Dance Blue cause. On the danceblue.org website there is a teaser video made by students to raise awareness for the event.
The 5K will be on Sunday, October 26 at 3pm. The course will be located at the Coldstream Research Park here in Kentucky. This event will be a fun way to not only get some much needed fall exercise, but to also help raise money and awareness for the Dance Blue cause.
While the video on the Dance Blue website is entertaining, it's not very informative about the event, offering only what day/time and where it is located. They fail to mention of there are any fees associated with participating in the 5K, as there often are, or if you need to be signed up to participate in the marathon to participate in the 5K. These are some questions that would be good to get some answers to.
I think while it's important to do research into the primary topic, the marathon, it is also equally important that this smaller satellite fundraisers also get the attention that they deserve.
--Stephen Ritchie
Dance Blue-- Interview (High School)
Blog Post #17
Topic: Interview done with a student who participated in a high school DanceBlue mini marathon.
Topic: Interview done with a student who participated in a high school DanceBlue mini marathon.
1. How (or why) did you first become involved in DanceBlue?
-I got involved because the first Dance Blue I attended at the University of Kentucky gave me chills, and anything that gives me chills has to be good.
2. What were you expecting from your first marathon? Did it live up to your expectations, if you had any?
-I was truly expecting sore feat, sweaty bodies, and plenty of smiles. Dance Blue met those expectations and gave me a few more for the next year; inspiration, lots of love, new dance moves, and more laughter packed into 6 hours.
3. How did you get involved with the DanceBlue committee? (If there is a high school committee that you’re on?)
-I helped teach some dances for our Dance Blue because I have spent so many summers teaching 9-13 year olds line dances at camp. The high schoolers had about the same level of awkward movements and twitches at first, however their more matured motor skills eventually kicked in.
4. Did you ever expect DanceBlue would grow to the size it is today at Catholic?
-Yes, I expected Dance Blue to be huge at Catholic because that's just what we do. We find a cause to fight (dance) for and we take every opportunity to expand it.
5. What’s some advice you would give to a first year marathoner.
-My advice: drink lots of water and smile every second. Open your heart to love, your ears to stories, and your eyes to the difference you're making.
6. Is there anything you would change about how DanceBlue is advertised or how the marathon is structured?
-No, why touch the most organic campaign based purely on the love of neighbors.
7. What’s your fondest memory from any DanceBlue marathon?
-I love the dances and the music always. I remember shouting every word to every Disney song they played with classmates while simultaneously wearing floppy Mickey Mouse ears.
8. Through DanceBlue did you build any lasting relationships you value? (i.e. Would DanceBlue be a good idea for individuals who aren’t terribly outgoing?)
-Yes, Dance Blue would be an incredible opportunity to meet amazing people and bond in such a way that is unforgettable.
Dance Blue-- Interview
Blog Post #16
Topic: Dance Blue Interview
The individual who I am interviewing for my documentary, a graduate of UK who was on the DanceBlue marathon, could not be interviewed in time for this week's blog posts. So, I have included the interview that I will be doing with them, and when I can set up a time I will post the results here.
Topic: Dance Blue Interview
The individual who I am interviewing for my documentary, a graduate of UK who was on the DanceBlue marathon, could not be interviewed in time for this week's blog posts. So, I have included the interview that I will be doing with them, and when I can set up a time I will post the results here.
1. How (or why) did you first become involved in DanceBlue?
2. What were you expecting from your first marathon? Did it live up to your expectations, if you had any?
3. How did you get involved with the DanceBlue committee?
4. Did you ever expect DanceBlue would grow to the size it is today?
5. What’s some advice you would give to a first year marathoner.
6. Is there anything you would change about how DanceBlue is advertised or how the marathon is structured?
7. What’s your fondest memory from any DanceBlue marathon?
8. Through DanceBlue did you build any lasting relationships you value? (i.e. Would DanceBlue be a good idea for individuals who aren’t terribly outgoing?)
--Stephen Ritchie
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Dance Blue-- 2014 Annual Report
Blog Post #15
Topic: The Dance Blue 2014 Annual Report
The Dance Blue 2014 Annual Report is a document that can be found on the the official Dance Blue website. It outlines what Dance Blue is, what and who it benefits, and how many funds were raised during the 2014 marathon. It can be found here --http://danceblue.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/DanceBlue-Annual-Report.pdf--
I've already extensively explained what Dance Blue is, however this report goes into more depth on who exactly benefits from the fundraiser. According to a graphic in the report, the Dance Blue KCH Hem/ Onc clinic benefits over 63 counties throughout Kentucky, with many of these being in the central and eastern part of the state. In 2014, Dance Blue raised $1,436,606.24, with 44% of that money coming from dancer contributions. Over 800 students were in attendance for the actual marathon composed into 62 different teams.
The report put out by the Dance Blue organization is very informative and answers many questions that one would have. A question that's still in my mind is whether or not they will ever change venues, since in years past they have had to turn people away because they reach the capacity of memorial coliseum.
The amount of money that Dance Blue has raised is still staggering to me, and the program was only created back in 2006. The impact that is has had in the few years it has been on campus has been astounding. It has already reached out to 4 high schools and middle schools to do mini-marathons as well.
--Stephen Ritchie
Topic: The Dance Blue 2014 Annual Report
The Dance Blue 2014 Annual Report is a document that can be found on the the official Dance Blue website. It outlines what Dance Blue is, what and who it benefits, and how many funds were raised during the 2014 marathon. It can be found here --http://danceblue.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/DanceBlue-Annual-Report.pdf--
I've already extensively explained what Dance Blue is, however this report goes into more depth on who exactly benefits from the fundraiser. According to a graphic in the report, the Dance Blue KCH Hem/ Onc clinic benefits over 63 counties throughout Kentucky, with many of these being in the central and eastern part of the state. In 2014, Dance Blue raised $1,436,606.24, with 44% of that money coming from dancer contributions. Over 800 students were in attendance for the actual marathon composed into 62 different teams.
The report put out by the Dance Blue organization is very informative and answers many questions that one would have. A question that's still in my mind is whether or not they will ever change venues, since in years past they have had to turn people away because they reach the capacity of memorial coliseum.
The amount of money that Dance Blue has raised is still staggering to me, and the program was only created back in 2006. The impact that is has had in the few years it has been on campus has been astounding. It has already reached out to 4 high schools and middle schools to do mini-marathons as well.
--Stephen Ritchie
Dance Blue-- As A Fundraiser
Blog Post #14
Topic: The Responsibility of the Fundraisers
People are often willing to give at least something to large fundraisers whether it be Dance Blue of something else. However, people have to trust that whoever is in charge of the fundraiser is funneling the money to the right places and not skimming more off the top than is necessary for operating costs. There have been one too many charities that have gotten in trouble for diverting quite a bit of their donations to unjust causes, often in to individual's personal pockets. A book written by Albert Anderson in the EBSCOHOST database discusses the ethics of running a fundraiser.
The beginning of Anderson's book opens with a quote from Aristotle that reads "To give away money is an easy matter, and in any man's power. But to decide to whom to give it, and how large, and when, and for what purpose is neither in every person's power
nor an easy matter." Since Dance Blue is starting to generator more and more money every year, the committee members must decide where the money should go. In the early days of the marathon this was probably a fairly easy decision to makes, but now that they are raising amounts into the millions, the decision of where it should go becomes much more complex.
As mentioned in my previous blog, a good question to ask would be where does they money from Dance Blue go? Does one single organization benefit from it, or are there multiple organizations? Do they have to fight others to get a "spot," or is it predetermined. A documentary would be a good way to answer theses questions.
I think it's crazy how a relatively small group of individuals controls that much money and decides where it goes. Another question to further research is that since Dance Blue is growing, are their operating costs increasing as well? And if so, at what rate are they increasing?
--Stephen Ritchie
Citation:
Anderson, Albert. Ethics For Fundraisers. Bloomington, Ind: Indiana University Press, 1996. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost). Web. 9 Oct. 2014.
Topic: The Responsibility of the Fundraisers
People are often willing to give at least something to large fundraisers whether it be Dance Blue of something else. However, people have to trust that whoever is in charge of the fundraiser is funneling the money to the right places and not skimming more off the top than is necessary for operating costs. There have been one too many charities that have gotten in trouble for diverting quite a bit of their donations to unjust causes, often in to individual's personal pockets. A book written by Albert Anderson in the EBSCOHOST database discusses the ethics of running a fundraiser.
The beginning of Anderson's book opens with a quote from Aristotle that reads "To give away money is an easy matter, and in any man's power. But to decide to whom to give it, and how large, and when, and for what purpose is neither in every person's power
nor an easy matter." Since Dance Blue is starting to generator more and more money every year, the committee members must decide where the money should go. In the early days of the marathon this was probably a fairly easy decision to makes, but now that they are raising amounts into the millions, the decision of where it should go becomes much more complex.
As mentioned in my previous blog, a good question to ask would be where does they money from Dance Blue go? Does one single organization benefit from it, or are there multiple organizations? Do they have to fight others to get a "spot," or is it predetermined. A documentary would be a good way to answer theses questions.
I think it's crazy how a relatively small group of individuals controls that much money and decides where it goes. Another question to further research is that since Dance Blue is growing, are their operating costs increasing as well? And if so, at what rate are they increasing?
--Stephen Ritchie
Citation:
Anderson, Albert. Ethics For Fundraisers. Bloomington, Ind: Indiana University Press, 1996. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost). Web. 9 Oct. 2014.
Dance Blue-- Cancer Itself
Blog Post #13
Topic: Cancer Advances in Recent Years
While many of those, if not all, who teach at the university level will swear by the use of databases, in trying to do research about a relatively new program theres is no information about it in databases. Unfortunately, the cause that Dance Blue benefits, cancer, also only returns results in databases that are way over the head of any undergraduate. With this being said, I found an article in the INTECH database with an article about advances in cancer research.
The cure for cancer has been the holy grail of the medical field for decades. In the past four decades the death rates from cancer have been steadily declining, largely in part due to advances at the molecular level. Since scientists have been able to more closely study the human DNA, they have been able to sort out 680 different genes that can affect cancer treatment. This means that there is the possibility for more individualized treatments that result in less strain on the patient.
I will admit that this article is over the head of anyone besides a doctor, but it shows that advancements are being made in cancer treatments and finding a cure. However, much of this research isn't just theoretical, it requires very expensive equipment and highly paid technicians to do. This is where Dance Blue comes into play. The money raised from Dance Blue goes towards this cause. A good question for the Dance Blue committee would be to find out where the money actually ends up going, as in what group is the check given to.
By just skimming this lengthy article I've realized just how complex of an issue cancer is. This makes what Dance Blue does even more important.
--Stephen Ritchie
Reference:
Gabriela Mustata Wilson and Yagmur Muftuoglu (2012). Computational Strategies in Cancer Drug Discovery, Advances in Cancer Management, Prof. Ravinder Mohan (Ed.), ISBN: 978-953-307-870-0, InTech, DOI: 10.5772/24177. Available from: http://www.intechopen.com/books/advances-in-cancer-management/computational-strategies-in-cancer-drug-discovery
Topic: Cancer Advances in Recent Years
While many of those, if not all, who teach at the university level will swear by the use of databases, in trying to do research about a relatively new program theres is no information about it in databases. Unfortunately, the cause that Dance Blue benefits, cancer, also only returns results in databases that are way over the head of any undergraduate. With this being said, I found an article in the INTECH database with an article about advances in cancer research.
The cure for cancer has been the holy grail of the medical field for decades. In the past four decades the death rates from cancer have been steadily declining, largely in part due to advances at the molecular level. Since scientists have been able to more closely study the human DNA, they have been able to sort out 680 different genes that can affect cancer treatment. This means that there is the possibility for more individualized treatments that result in less strain on the patient.
I will admit that this article is over the head of anyone besides a doctor, but it shows that advancements are being made in cancer treatments and finding a cure. However, much of this research isn't just theoretical, it requires very expensive equipment and highly paid technicians to do. This is where Dance Blue comes into play. The money raised from Dance Blue goes towards this cause. A good question for the Dance Blue committee would be to find out where the money actually ends up going, as in what group is the check given to.
By just skimming this lengthy article I've realized just how complex of an issue cancer is. This makes what Dance Blue does even more important.
--Stephen Ritchie
Reference:
Gabriela Mustata Wilson and Yagmur Muftuoglu (2012). Computational Strategies in Cancer Drug Discovery, Advances in Cancer Management, Prof. Ravinder Mohan (Ed.), ISBN: 978-953-307-870-0, InTech, DOI: 10.5772/24177. Available from: http://www.intechopen.com/books/advances-in-cancer-management/computational-strategies-in-cancer-drug-discovery
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Dance Blue-- Reaching For The Stars
Blog Post #12
Topic: Dance Blue raises over $1.4 million for cancer research
An article written by Kentucky Sports Radio brings attention to the truly staggering amount of money that Dance Blue raised in 2014. From its humble roots in 2006 to now, the organization has truly been able to make a difference in cancer research and helping those with cancer and their families. --http://kentuckysportsradio.com/main/uk-dance-blue-raises-over-1-4-million-dollars-for-cancer-research/--
To be exact, in 2014 Dance Blue raised $1,436,606.24. This is an unfathomable amount of money, the bulk of it coming from broke Kentucky students. This just goes to show how much people care about Dance Blue and what it does for people. Even Kentucky basketball's own Coach Cal stopped in during the marathon to see how it was going, which just excites the participants even more.
What's interesting to me is questioning exactly why Dance Blue is so popular. Sure, raising money for cancer is a great thing, but that can be a one time cut check. What is it about Dance Blue that makes college students want to come? Being a freshman myself, I already know how all too valuable sleep is, so the fact that students are willing the stay up straight for 24 hours on a weekend is truly amazing.
By doing this research for Dance Blue, it makes me even more excited to participate this year. I would like to see what exactly happens at Dance Blue that makes it so memorable for students and drives them to do it year after year, and raise more and more money.
--Stephen Ritchie
Topic: Dance Blue raises over $1.4 million for cancer research
An article written by Kentucky Sports Radio brings attention to the truly staggering amount of money that Dance Blue raised in 2014. From its humble roots in 2006 to now, the organization has truly been able to make a difference in cancer research and helping those with cancer and their families. --http://kentuckysportsradio.com/main/uk-dance-blue-raises-over-1-4-million-dollars-for-cancer-research/--
To be exact, in 2014 Dance Blue raised $1,436,606.24. This is an unfathomable amount of money, the bulk of it coming from broke Kentucky students. This just goes to show how much people care about Dance Blue and what it does for people. Even Kentucky basketball's own Coach Cal stopped in during the marathon to see how it was going, which just excites the participants even more.
What's interesting to me is questioning exactly why Dance Blue is so popular. Sure, raising money for cancer is a great thing, but that can be a one time cut check. What is it about Dance Blue that makes college students want to come? Being a freshman myself, I already know how all too valuable sleep is, so the fact that students are willing the stay up straight for 24 hours on a weekend is truly amazing.
By doing this research for Dance Blue, it makes me even more excited to participate this year. I would like to see what exactly happens at Dance Blue that makes it so memorable for students and drives them to do it year after year, and raise more and more money.
--Stephen Ritchie
Dance Blue-- A Mini Visual
Blog Post #11
Topic: Dance Blue Mini Marathon (2014)
The above photo was taken at Lexington Catholic High School during their Dance Blue mini marathon last year. The photo was taken from a wn.com news article about the event. During the 2014 Dance Blue marathon, Lexington Catholic raised over $60,000 for the Dance Blue fund at the University of Kentucky.
Unfortunately you cannot see me in this picture. I attended the 2014 Dance Blue Mini Marathon, however, I was farther to the left than the angel of the camera. But trust me I was there and I had a great time. Not only did it get me service hours to complete my high school requirement, but I found myself having more fun than expected participating in all the events. During a mini-marathon a dance is taught to all the participants that incorporates multiple popular songs from that year. This dance is performed every hour on the hour during the duration of the 5 hours of the marathon. In between dances, participants can play games, eat food, make crafts, or just hang out, but like those at the University marathon they cannot sit down or sleep.
While the mini-marathon is a great event at Lexington Catholic High School, a good question that warrants further research is if other high schools or middle schools also participate in mini-marathons as well.
As mentioned before, I had a great time at Dance Blue, so I believe that more high schools should do it. This way when students get to the University of Kentucky they are already eager to participate in the 24-hour marathon.
--Stephen Ritchie
Dance Blue-- A Visual
Blog Post #10
Topic: Dance Blue Photo (2009)
The above picture is a photo that was taken at the end of the Dance Blue marathon in 2009. It shows that the students raised over $600,00 that year. This picture from the University of Kentucky Spotlight Archives does a good job of illustrating just how much fun students have at Dance Blue and how much good it does.
From the picture it's clearly apparent just how many people participate in Dance Blue, so many that in years past they have had to turn people away because the capacity of Memorial Coliseum is not enough to hold everyone. In the photo you can also see that there are many smaller groups of people that have different colored shirts on. These are different Dance Blue teams. For example, this year there is an Engineering team for Dance Blue that residents of Champion Court I who are in the Engineering Residential College can join. As a team you raise money together, create a team t-shirt, and participate in activities at Dance Blue together against other teams.
Some questions that come to mind with the amount of people in this photo is whether or not the Dance Blue has plans to change venues to be able to hold more people. I would think that Rupp Arena would be the largest indoor venue in Lexington, so maybe one day it will be held there, which would be cool. Also, it would be good to know if signups are on a first come first serve basis, or if certain team have precedence over others.
This should be a very exciting documentary to make. Unfortunately Dance Blue is not actually until February, so we will not be able to get video from this year's marathon, but there is still plenty of resources to explore to make our documentary.
--Stephen Ritchie
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