Humans vs. Zombies returns to UT Tyler
The human resistance returned to UT Tyler this week, as the campus-wide game of tag known as Humans vs. Zombies started for the third time. The game puts students in battles with each other armed with Nerf guns, balled-up socks and large marshmallows. HVZ has attracted hundreds of players since it’s inception last year, and … Continue reading
Gatekeeping: Filtering the Crazies
As the way in which readers process the news has changed in recent years, the media’s position as gatekeepers of public information has become permeable and passive. I recently wrote a column for the Patriot Talon in which I argued against an Indiana lawmaker’s inflammatory comments about the Girl Scouts of America. The legislator, State … Continue reading
Crisis journalism: The lasting impact of 9/11
On the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, it seemed nearly impossible to avoid commemorative media coverage. Watching the familiar footage on countless channels invoked mixed emotions. As an enthusiastic connoisseur of all things related to current events and politics, I feel it is very important to remind ourselves of the horror we experienced … Continue reading
Trust me, I’m a journalist
I typically disregard opinion-pushing bumper stickers as naïve attempts to spread small-minded nonsense. However, a particular sticker I saw last week hit close to home. It read: “Can you think on your own, or do you need to the media to think for you?” I wanted to ask so many questions, the most important being: … Continue reading
Only the truth
Journalists know a lot about crime and punishment. It’s not a difficult concept to grasp: someone who does something wrong is reprimanded in order to encourage them to not do that thing again. However, sometimes the punishment doesn’t fit the crime. Sometimes the suspect can become the victim. In light of the recent editorial published … Continue reading
TIPA Awards 2011
Here is the full list of awards earned by the Patriot Talon staff: Statewide live competition 2nd Place News Story— Andy Taylor Honorable Mention Magazine Design — Kamren Thompson Previously published competition First Clay Ihlo — Sports Feature Photo Jake Waddingham — Sports Action Photo Andy Taylor — News Story Second Lea Rittenhouse — Photo … Continue reading
TIPA DAY 3
Days one and two may have been the most entertaining for the Patriot Talon staff this year, but day three was certainly the most exciting. Though it only lasted about two hours, Saturday’s festivities included breakfast and an awards ceremony for student media organizations across the state. Our staff earned 19 total distinctions, including the … Continue reading
TIPA DAY 2
They say we learn something every day. Today, I think I exceeded my quota. Not necessarily from the various lectures designed to advance my journalistic prowess, but through conversation and a card game. That’s not to say day two did not feature quality teaching. Our morning began with a lecture about finding telling details that … Continue reading
TIPA Day 1
TIPA day one is officially over. I honestly don’t know how to begin describing the mind overload I experienced today. We began our journey at 5:30 a.m. and have yet to stop moving. The focal point of today was the many competitions our staff participated in. I entered my first event, PR crisis management, with … Continue reading
AP and me
There are few things more intimidating than meeting a potential employer. Like most journalists, however, I like to live on the edge. So when one of my professors offered me the chance to attend the Associated Press Managing Editors Convention, I naturally accepted. The event gave me the opportunity to present my resume and discuss … Continue reading
The Lede Off 