The brief photo segments capture several aspects to the constant happenings on four of the major islands. The sense I got watching these photo slideshows is that much of the landscape and environment there is fighting to sustain itself while faced with the pressures of little funding, a growing population, and the problems of invasive species on all the islands.

What stands out from a journalists perspective is the professionalism with which the project has been finalized. The interviews with the people of the Galapagos are very poignant and give keen insight into the lifestyle there. That being said, the photography and brief video segments are what really stand out. It is very similar to something you would expect from National Geographic, coupled with the fact too that the website interface is both intriguing and very easy to navigate. I am very inclined to someday visit the Galapagos upon viewing the many slideshows of this project, again hats of to UNC, this project is great!

The video on the other hand is very informative and holds a distinct vintage image in how it is presented to viewers. First off, the incorporation of all the old film and photos is of course absolutely necessary given the age of the crime, but more importantly, the narration was very informative in the absence of being able to do interviews, something I thought the video at the very least could have used in getting secondary sources. On the whole though, James Eli Shiffer did an excellent job on a story about the dangers that once and still exist in journalism.

I chose some interesting stories, that were well acclaimed and not too depressing.

Ready, Set, Solve: A Crossword Puzzle Showdown

I thought this story was awesome. Neat and concise, Jacob Templin narrates this brief, yet inspiring piece about a simple hobby thousands (and probably more) complete everyday: the crossword puzzle. No doubt one of the ultimate exercises in cognitive agility, it’s interesting to see how a tournament and it’s contestants fare six years now since it’s founding. The interviews are very poignant alongside the tournaments founder, it’s five time former champion, and the new champion. The interviews were concise as was the coverage of the event, all in all making for an interesting, happy story.

How to Drive a Zamboni

Battery Park is known for it’s skating in the winter time, it’s maintenence is probably not that familiar to many who frequent Manhatten. The tiled pictures through whihc New York and skates are shown are a nice touch to this interesting story about a vehicle most people will never get to operate in their lifetime. The camera angles for the video are great, and I like how the video is sped up up when showing people getting on and off the ice. The splitting of the video into segments, or “lessons” give it a very authentic and original feel. Not surprisingly, the craft’s creator, Frank J. Zamboni is forever remembered for his contribution to ice rinks world wide.

I found the title to be somewhat unrelated to this video. When you think of Durham, NC the Tar Heels and Chapel Hill come to mind first. I did not realize the gang activity and drug culture that exists there, and this presentation really brings it to life. The girls voice is powerful and gives an overall depressing tone to the story, the fact that she and many youths like her grow up in a community that is going through a big substance abuse issue. I liked the photos though that cover the police work being done, the interview with the Durham police is powerful too in bringing to life a problem that has just a few years prior not been as apparent in the community.

Battle of the Blondes

This story is very reminiscent of a similar one on the Jimi Hendrix impersonator, Anthony Aquarius.  I found instantly the woman to be too old for the role she was playing, which does come off as kind of creepy. The statue on the other hand is an identical to the American Icon that passed away in 1962. The shots of the people’s reaction to a woman her age playing a role that is past her years is interesting. She may look similar to the statue, but she is by no means the reincarnation of Marilyn Monroe.

Royal’s Legacy

This story was interesting, however I think it focused too much on the family aspect of things. The business is the focul point of the story, and the woman should mentions her father’s role in the history of the small St. Paul shoe shinery. Rosemary’s emotion at the loss of her father is focused too much in the piece, and while it should be mentioned, much of her speaking about the loss of a family member can perhaps be eliminated. I thought it would be interesting as well to see more of the building, customers and fellow shoe shiners. Overall the message of the story is clear though.

“A Hendrix Experience”

This particular photo collage carries with it a sound and presence that leaves the average classic rock fan in awe at the person they see, not to mention the music they hear. Anthony Aquarius’ presence on the LA strip is very well collected in the brief duration of the audio and still frames. The music he plays, the reversed Fender Stratocaster, the many outfits he has made, and the voice he possesses leave no doubt the image he has crafted is one that very well expresses him and the idol of a musician he represents. The interview clips fit very well alongside the images, Anthony’s guitar playing gives all the more an authentic feel to it, while holding the honor and legacy of Hendrix in high regard in his explanation for why he is who he is.

“Keeper of the Door”

Doorman is a very fitting title for Stephanie Mata. Her demeanor and ability to be tough is captured very well in the various audio of her dealing with patrons. She does not mince any words, and the intimidating presence she undoubtedly gives off makes you feel like your right there at the door to On the Rox, either sharing a laugh, or getting told off. The photo’s taken alongside her interview capture very blatantly the type of people that frequent the establishment she works in, not to mention the attire that is commonly worn. Her attitude about what she does and more importantly who she deals with is captured very transparently, with an authentic sound and presence.

“Diamond in the Rough”

I found this story to be perhaps the most compelling and inspirational story out of the four. The cleaning off of the home plate is a nice touch to the excerpt. The sounds of the coach’s speaking to his players carries with it the authentic feel that only being in little league can produce. I like the fact that the background sound of being at practice is in the background for most of the excerpt. It was really interesting to see however that coach Tim Lewis remains so inspired to contribute to his community and to the kids, despite what appears to be him living out of his car. The interviews with the kids are very compelling, they are there to have fun and play hard, and despite the tough times that Lewis undoubtedly faces, he is there to support them. The photos of him in his car reading biblical versus capture very apparently where he looks to support for what he does. “Thats where you become a better person, when your going through something.” It is depressing to some extent to see him pushing a shopping carriage full of what appears to be his belongings, yet all the more powerful of a motivator to hear how he finds his sense of hope through being at a ball field, not just for himself, but for all the kids that play on it.  The photos angled with the sun shining into the camera convey a bright presense that thematically coincides very much with hope.

Jack Fortmyer: The Treasure Hunter

At 69 years old, Jack Fortmyer you could say is well equipped to handle anything he digs up. A hobby which has kept him busy for nearly 40 years, digging, for him is just like any other regular activity the average retiree would have. Adorning his black T-shirt which reads “I’m not dead yet” Jack  gives a very upfront monologue of what keeps him busy and why it does. Having been in the company of undoubtedly many different landlords and tenants over the years, his explanation of his hobby is just as well executed as are his digging skills. The interesting artifacts shown would presumably go unearthed in New York if there were not someone like Jack to bring a bit of history back to the surface.

Andrew Baum: The Rookie Detective

From the perspective of a former Israeli soldier, Andrew Baum’s detective work carries with it the uncertainty of endless possibilities, and some not so nice encounters. the quirky sounding 26 year old has a job most people would probably fear out of the danger that comes with investigating people. Baum possesses a laughable aspect in describing his work, but also knows that he puts himself in grave danger with every case he takes on. It’s interesting to hear him describe his customers and their reluctance to accept what he presents them with after doing his research.

This brief but poignant photo collage details very well the life that one young man lives as a guard honoring those like his befallen friend who deserve the utmost recognition and respect for what they have sacrificed. It’s weird because the soldier featured here was my age at the time the audio track and pictures were taken, and yet he exhibits a demeanor and maturity well beyond 22 years old.  The photos presented convey very explicitly the struggles that guards face in their daily routines, but also their motive for wanting to do so well at what they do, knowing that the men they guard don’t even have their identity to be remembered by .

Musical Maysie

The little girl in this story is a testament to the ability that those who are blind can achieve just like  anyone else. Maysie’s story is a various collection of photos and audio from where she plays, her home and family, as well as onlookers who are simply amazed at what she is able to do with the violin, not being able to see or read music, yet being able to keep up with the orchestra. nonetheless. The black and white photos are a nice touch, and provide just as much of a realistic sense of Maysie and her life if they were in color. What amazes me the most is the articulate and well-educated way she expresses herself, only being 11 years old. Erik Castro does an excellent job highlighting the achievments and the testimony of such that help make up Maysie’s life.