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.
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