<![CDATA[Herbert Lowe · Storify]]>http://storify.com/herbertloweNodeJS RSS ModuleMon, 20 May 2013 07:38:41 GMT<![CDATA[How to Be a #Fearless Journalist]]>

Mira Lowe, senior editor for features for CNN Digital, offers advice -- one tweet at a time -- to journalism students attending a regional conference held recently at Marquette University's Diederich College of Communication in Milwaukee.

Storified by Herbert Lowe · Sun, Apr 14 2013 19:18:11

The National Association of Black Journalists at Marquette University, where I am the journalism professional in residence and the student chapter's faculty adviser, invited my wife, Mira Lowe – the editor responsible for the entertainment, tech, health, living and travel channels on the CNN.com website – to keynote the opening session of the 2013 Midwest Journalism Summit on April 12. Mira is a former editor-in-chief of JET magazine and previously served as associate editor for staff development and recruitment for Newsday on Long Island.

When Mira emailed NABJ-MU President Marissa Evans to ask about a theme for the two-day conference for student journalists, she replied: "The idea and message of our summit would have to be fearlessness in building your journalism skill set – to be prepared for any opportunities that come your way. That's the beauty and essence of having (you) as a keynoter (as you) have exemplified that fearlessness and rode the wave of industry change and succeeded. That to me is the overall theme, with the sessions giving our participants the confidence they need in terms of skill set and overall inspiration to say 'I can do this.'"


Evans also urged Mira to talk about her journalism journey, the most important lessons in life and the newsroom she learned along the way, and to share her advice for budding journalists braving the digital age and changing newsrooms.


Keeping all this in mind, Mira surprised her audience by delivering her keynote, "How to Be a #Fearless Journalist," tweet by tweet. She had created 20 altogether in advance, each with the hashtag #fearless, and revealed them one at a time – along, of course, with plenty of inspiration and encouragement. Here are the tweets:

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]]>http://storify.com/herbertlowe/how-to-be-a-fearless-journalisthttp://storify.com/herbertlowe/how-to-be-a-fearless-journalistMon, 15 Apr 2013 02:18:11 GMT<![CDATA[Using Social Media at Marquette]]>

Recapping my presentation on teaching journalism students to use social media – and also engaging with them outside of class – to other faculty, staff and administrators at Marquette University in Milwaukee.

Storified by Herbert Lowe · Mon, Feb 27 2012 21:54:44

Tim Cigelske, a communications specialist with the Marquette University Office of Marketing and Communication, recently invited me to speak at a Social Media @Marquette event. Tim asked me to focus on using social media in the classroom – and using it to engage with students away from class. It was a GROW With Marquette event, so my audience included staff and administrators of various non-academic units who were, hopefully, interested in using social media to extend their personal and organizational branding.
Employee Development | Human Resources | Marquette UniversityEmployee Development | Human Resources | Marquette University
The following individuals have recently given of their time and talent: All GROW classes are free to Marquette faculty and non-faculty. T...
So that those present could see someone curate what just happened, I asked Marissa Evans, a junior journalism major in the Diederich College of Communication and a self-described CLT (Chronic Live Tweeter), to capture the hourlong session using Twitter.
Digital Footprints Screenshot · herbertlowe
Tim opened the session by announcing that Marquette – already very active on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, Tumblr and Foursquare – had just created its own Pinterest account. This new social media platform is exploding across the Internet and campus.
@teecycletim speaking at #musocial http://lockerz.com/s/180023909 · marissaaevans
About | Social Media | Marquette UniversityAbout | Social Media | Marquette University
Social media is a field with a growing audience, and it provides a powerful tool for communicating with Marquette's key audiences. This w...
Marquette University (marquetteu)Marquette University (marquetteu)
Pinterest is an online pinboard.Organize and share things you love. 7 Boards · 50 Pins · 5 Likes Drag around your boards to reorder them ...
Once introduced, I shared that not too long ago social media seemed to me to be child's play and that I was among those very busy people unable to find the time or energy for it. Not until I found myself out of work did I start using Facebook or LinkedIn for networking and promoting my availability as a consultant for writing, editing and web design. Even then, I could find no value in using the Twitter account I had created in 2009.
So what finally led me to Twitter? First, in spring 2010 my students – yes, including Marissa – began "mentioning" me in tweets. I needed to know what they were saying, right? Second, I had an eye-opening chat with Kelly McBride while at a weeklong training session, "Teaching the Craft of Writing (in the Age of Twitter), at the Poynter Institute. Kelly told me to 1) decide what I'm really good at, 2) give people a place to access it, and 3) establish legitimacy, that is, be asked to give presentations about it. Then, she said, "You have to tweet twice a day."
Remember me saying I saw my journalism students tweeting? Well, it wasn't pretty, particularly the youthful banter and poor grammar. I saw a chance to help them increase their marketability while practicing using AP style as well as their reporting and newswriting – all while having them function in a space many of them seemed to know and enjoy.
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]]>http://storify.com/herbertlowe/using-social-media-at-marquettehttp://storify.com/herbertlowe/using-social-media-at-marquetteTue, 28 Feb 2012 05:54:44 GMT<![CDATA[Marquette Inaugurates 23rd President]]>

My digital journalism classes live tweeted from the inauguration of the Rev. Scott Pilarz, S.J., as president of Marquette University, at the Al McGuire Center on Sept. 23, 2011. An unqualified success with #muprez trending mightily on Twitter and becoming MU's greatest social media experience.

Storified by Herbert Lowe · Fri, Dec 30 2011 15:17:09

As 2011 ends, I wish to revisit my proudest moment as a journalism faculty member. In late September, my 30 students at Marquette University made the most of an extraordinary campus opportunity – a presidential inauguration – that offered an amazing trial-by-fire experience demonstrating beyond measure the power of social media as a tool for journalism.
Instead of the typical reporting and writing exercise, in which the students each would only produce a 500-word story that just their instructor would read – sigh! – they used Twitter to report what they saw before, during and after the two-hour ceremony. Their tweeting allowed countless Marquette alumni and supporters across the world to witness the inauguration live.
Tim Cigelske, a MU communication specialist and the campus social media guru, lauded the students' efforts. "I never thought we would surpass Sweet Sixteen," Cigelske said of the Twitter explosion following the men's basketball team's success last spring, while visiting my classes the next week. Inauguration tweeting netted MU the top eight trending topics in Milwaukee that day – "which is huge," he said. (This story includes just a sampling of the 500-plus produced.)
The inauguration exercise also readied my students in Digital Journalism I (JOUR 1100) and Digital Journalism II (JOUR 1550) to use Twitter to cover events as reporters through the term. Indeed, live tweeting was only half of the inauguration assignment. Each student also had to create a Storify about the coverage. (The Poynter Institute offers five types of stories that make good Storifys.)
Those of my students who tweeted regularly before the exercise mostly offered youthful banter. I stressed for class-related tweets using complete sentences, abiding AP style and correct grammar, spelling and punctuation, and no long or uncomplimentary hashtags such as #onmywaytowalgreenstobuylicorice and #icouldrantbutiwont. Both classes practiced with the Princess Diana eulogy before the ceremony. Each student then had to produce at least 12 tweets with their class hashtag and #muprez among the 140 characters.
The Inauguration of Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., as Marquette's 23rd president · MarquetteU

Part One: Processional and Calls to Service

Ignoring a request for the 4,000 attendees to turn off cell phones, the students continue live tweeting as the ceremonial band provides the musical prelude.
Marquette University preps its campus for the Inauguration of its 23rd president · MarquetteU

The ceremony begins with Grand Marshal Gary Meyer, Ph.D., the vice provost for undergraduate programs and teaching, leading the processional of mace bearers, delegates from the nation's colleges and universities, learned societies, the MU community, the stage party and, finally, the Rev. Scott Pilarz.

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]]>http://storify.com/herbertlowe/inauguration-of-father-pilarzhttp://storify.com/herbertlowe/inauguration-of-father-pilarzFri, 30 Dec 2011 23:17:09 GMT<![CDATA[Brand You: Creating Your Online Identity]]>

Recounting a panel discussion on online personal branding, held on August 4 at the 2011 National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Convention and Career Fair, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.

Storified by Herbert Lowe · Thu, Oct 27 2011 00:32:52

My friend, Sybril "Dr. Syb" Bennett, Ph.D., of Belmont College in Nashville -- and this year's NABJ convention program chairwoman -- had promised that those attending the four-day event would have access to "$200,000" worth of new media and entrepreneurial training. I, for one, had a keen interest in the workshop titled, "Brand You: Creating Your Online Identity." 

2011 NABJ Convention and Career Fair - National Association of Black Journalists2011 NABJ Convention and Career Fair - National Association of Black Journalists

Here's the program blurb for the "Brand You" workshop: "Are you harnessing Twitter, Facebook and other social media to report and confirm information, find sources, broaden your reader/viewership and establish your brand online? Come create a BRAND new you. Creating your own brand can help you stand out in the news/blogger crowd, boast your profile at your current job, lead you to your next job or even help you create your own entrepreneurial website or blog. Bring your laptops/tablets, because by the end of this interactive workshop, you will be well on your way to creating your own brand."

Wow! Separate Twitter hashtags for each NABJ convention session. How far we've come, NABJ. Indianapolis in 2006 was the first convention I saw several NABJ members with their own laptops. Now, in this workshop, seems every other person has a laptop; several even have an iPad!

The "Brand You" session's moderator -- Benet Wilson, online managing editor, Aviation Week-McGraw Hill -- and panelists -- Natalie McNeal, creator, The Frugalista Files; Jesse Washington, national writer on race and ethnicity for The Associated Press since 2008; and Mario Armstrong, chief content editor, Mario Armstrong Media -- were top-notch. 

Aviation QueenAviation Queen
So everyone knows I'm a big aviation geek. So 2 weeks ago, I was in Oshkosh, Wisc., for the Experimental Aircraft Association's EAA AirVenture, the world's largest air show. You can see my July 29 post on that show here.
About The FrugalistaAbout The Frugalista
Seasoned journalist Natalie P. McNeal created and launched personal finance blog, The Frugalista Files, in 2008. She spent a month without getting her hair done, eating out or getting a manicure or pedicure. She saved $400 and took a "vow of frugality." Through her blog, Natalie teaches people how to live the frugal and fabulous life.
Jesse Washington named AP race, ethnicity writer - USATODAY.comJesse Washington named AP race, ethnicity writer - USATODAY.com
NEW YORK (AP) — Jesse Washington, entertainment editor for The Associated Press and a former magazine editor, has been named race and ethnicity writer for the news cooperative. The appointment was announced Friday by Mike Oreskes, the AP's managing editor for U.S. news. Washington replaces Erin Texeira, who resigned in March.
Mario’s Bio (Tech Expert) - Mario ArmstrongMario’s Bio (Tech Expert) - Mario Armstrong
Emmy award winner 2011 "Best TV Show Host" - Chief Content Creator, Mario Armstrong Media, LLC - www.MarioArmstrong.com - Radio & TV Technology Talk show host, Commentator, Digital Lifestyle Expert, Small Business Tech Advocate, and Youth Tech Motivator!

Greeting friends I had not seen in awhile, I was late arriving from the convention's opening ceremony. Big mistake. The room was packed. Fortunately, I found a seat. Those who came a little late had to stand.

RT @jessewashington: Standing room only at the #brandyou panel at #NABJ... http://yfrog.com/kl20525155j · kathychaney

Wilson, the new chairwoman of the NABJ Digital Task Force, began with a nice slideshow presentation offering advice for creating an online brand. A sampling:


What Makes My Brand Stand Out: Targeted Topic, Built-in Audience, Strong Voice, Expertise and Constant Networking

What Do You Need to Promote Your Brand: Facebook, Twitter, Google, LinkedIn, Blogs, Personal Website, Professional Email, Media Appearances

Tools to Track Your Brand: Google Alerts/Reader, Technorati, Backtype, Twitter Search, Social Mention and Your Own Network

Journalism Personal Brands to Follow: Touré, Jemele Hill, Mark S. Luckie, Natalie McNeal, Mario Armstrong and Roland S. Martin

McNeal, a seasoned journalist who started her personal finance blog in 2008, went next and offered these online branding tidbits: "Talk about what you're passionate about and ... think about where you want to go." ... "You have to brand yourself ... you have to be seen as an authority." ... "Figure out what's coming up next and how to make it work for you." ... "Always think about what's next and apply it to you and your journalism career."

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]]>http://storify.com/herbertlowe/brand-you-creating-your-own-online-identityhttp://storify.com/herbertlowe/brand-you-creating-your-own-online-identityWed, 10 Aug 2011 14:16:10 GMT<![CDATA[Twitter & Storify in the Classroom]]>

Sharing ideas and online resources for using Twitter, Storify and other social media in the classroom -- and aiming to teach journalism students how to build and tell better stories and narratives using tweets, images, videos, etc.

Storified by Herbert Lowe · Thu, Oct 27 2011 00:45:31

Disclosure No. 1: This semester will be my fourth teaching journalism, specifically, newswriting and digital storytelling, to college students after a 22-year reporting career.

Disclosure No. 2: While having a Twitter account since 2009, I only began tweeting regularly in late May, after attending a seminar for journalism educators called "Teaching the Craft of Writing (in the Age of Twitter)" at the Poynter Institute in Florida.

Seminar leader Kelly McBride suggested I tweet twice a day to get comfortable with Twitter. Also, guest lecturer Simran Sethi showed us how her students had used Storify, the social media publishing platform, to preserve and present their service-learning experience.

Since then, I have spent my summer seeking ways to use Twitter and Storify in the classroom. Newsroom executives have made it clear that college journalism graduates must be proficient with social media to get hired these days. What follows are just a few resources and examples to help my fellow journalism educators better prepare students for what lies ahead.
6 ways Twitter has made me a better writer | Poynter.6 ways Twitter has made me a better writer | Poynter.
It's been almost four years since I first set up my Twitter account. I joined in August 2007 as part of a story I was writing about the implications Twitter could have for journalism. "I never thought I'd be a Twitterer who twittered tweets" was my lead.

I truly hope Twitter helps my students' writing as much as it has helped Mallary Jean Tenore. As she writes in her recent column, having to make your point in 140 characters teaches you to write succinctly and with confidence. It teaches you to consider what your audience wants, the value of capturing reaction and what it's like to be among other writers. It also offers a chance to write with humor and sarcasm, something I've never felt comfortable doing.

Twitter for Newsrooms – Twitter MediaTwitter for Newsrooms – Twitter Media
Welcome to #TfN. Inside, you'll find resources to help you and your organization at every step of the reporting and publishing process. We want to make our tools easier to use so you can focus on your job: finding sources, verifying facts, publishing stories, promoting your work and yourself-and doing all of it faster and faster all the time.

In recent months, both Twitter and Facebook unveiled pages on their vast platforms specifically for journalists and newsrooms. Here are some other sources for resources and ideas for educators: The Ultimate Twitter Guidebook for Teachers, 5 Unique Uses of Twitter in the Classroom, Twitter for Journalists, Facebook Journalism 101 for College Media, 8 Useful Tips to Become Successful With Twitter and 99 Essential Twitter Tools and Applications.

Media professionals celebrate Twitter's launch of "Twitter for Newsrooms" #TfN #Storified by @britfitzpatrick <a href="http://sfy.co/CEC" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), "KAQA-Jyck", event, bagof({}));" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://sfy.co/CEC</a>

— Storify · Mon, Jun 27 2011 16:07:31

Remember, I first heard about Storify -- and its capacity for letting people collect and filter content from Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, YouTube, Google, RSS feeds and other websites -- in May. A month later, aiming to satisfy a graduate-school assignment, I created my first Storify, about the much-anticipated second encounter between the Rev. Al Sharpton and Cornel West. The reaction from friends and others surprised me. "How did you do it?" "How did you choose which tweets to use?" "Can you do a webinar about it?"


Within a couple of weeks, I did Storifys on how my wife and I spent our Fourth of July cleaning out her parents' home, and on a solo journalist offering tips about video journalism. The next week, I was back at Poynter for its Teachapalooza conference, doing a 10-minute show-and-share that co-organizer Al Tompkins titled "Using Twitter and Storify for Good Not Evil."

Presented "Using @Storify and @twitter for Good Not Evil" today at Teachapalooza's Show and Share @Poynter — Good feedback! #tplza

— Herbert Lowe · Fri, Jul 22 2011 12:38:39

My pleasure! “@tullyme: new to @storify, see <a href="http://t.co/zequMg3" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), "yAQDudLK0", event, bagof({}));" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://t.co/zequMg3</a> for awesome examples. thanks for presenting this @herbertlowe #tplza”

— Herbert Lowe · Fri, Jul 22 2011 12:42:52

Since then, I have done two more Storifys -- capturing the week-long visit of my niece and her best friend from Georgia, and recounting a panel discussion on personal online branding. Amazing that some consider me a master at something I have only executed now six times. Happy to help whomever asks and looking forward to teaching my students the tool ASAP.

Herbert Lowe's stories - storify.comHerbert Lowe's stories - storify.com
Journalism faculty member and graduate student at Marquette University. Native of Camden, N.J.; former NABJ president; former CBCF communications director.

Herb you and Storitfy are killing me. I signed up and may need some Tweaking...This is the shiznit.

— Charles Robinson · Mon, Jul 18 2011 11:14:14

Storify recently won a grand prize for journalism innovation, with the judges saying it "inspires others to challenge the way they've been telling stories." In sharing how newsrooms and journalists are using Storify, Mark S. Luckie wrote that it "makes collecting and displaying web content in a timeline format incredibly easy." Zombie Journalism calls it "easy multimedia for even the most technologically challenged journalist" while offering 10 ways they can use the tool, and Poynter tells how Storify's best uses turns news into conversations. These articles also provide journalism students and teachers options for classroom study or execution.

Creating Curators: Storify in the Classroom | Spotlight on Digital Media and LearningCreating Curators: Storify in the Classroom | Spotlight on Digital Media and Learning
4.28.11 | Storify, the start-up that enables users to piece together content from Twitter, Flickr, Facebook, YouTube and other sites, opened to the public this week after months of limited availability during a private beta period.

In this its first year, Storify has been used to tell such significant stories as the death of Osama bin Laden, resignations of Ellen Weiss and Rep. Anthony Weiner, Casey Anthony's verdict, President Obama's Twitter Town Hall, and both the royal wedding and riots in Great Britain.

We've seen so many awesome #storified #askobama Town Hall we had to feature another on the homepage, by Kevin Heim <a href="http://sfy.co/Ci6" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), "YAQCGdwty", event, bagof({}));" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://sfy.co/Ci6</a>

— Storify · Wed, Jul 06 2011 16:59:34

This item caught my attention because of newswriting assignments I give.

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]]>http://storify.com/herbertlowe/using-storify-in-the-classroomhttp://storify.com/herbertlowe/using-storify-in-the-classroomFri, 12 Aug 2011 13:02:44 GMT<![CDATA[Royals in Chicago: Andrea & Keturah]]>

Our niece, Princess Andrea Lowe, and her friend, Duchess Keturah Greene, traveled from Georgia to spend a week with my wife and I in Chicago -- just before their first year of college. They enjoyed Mira's cooking, did lots of shopping, visited local landmarks, went on tours, got good advice from college students and, of course, worked my nerves every step of the way.

Storified by Herbert Lowe · Thu, Oct 27 2011 00:50:49

Photo of Andrea Lowe and Keturah Greene posing like they've done this before at Midway Airport in Chicago. #royalsinchi http://yfrog.com/keg35gdj · herbertlowe

I had made plans to attend a weekend conference for journalism educators at The Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Fla., months before the royals announced their intentions to visit us. Thank goodness -- I mean, I'll be gone from Thursday morning through Sunday evening.

Excited to be at Teachapalooza @Poynter this weekend. Lots will be taught, shared and learned! #tplza

— Herbert Lowe · Fri, Jul 22 2011 06:33:14

Presented "Using @Storify and @twitter for Good Not Evil" today at Teachapalooza's Show and Share @Poynter — Good feedback! #tplza

— Herbert Lowe · Fri, Jul 22 2011 12:38:39

On their first full day in Chicago, July 21, the ladies visited stores along the Magnificent Mile. They also went to Garrett for popcorn, to the lakefront playground at Navy Pier and on an architectural tour along the Chicago River. Not much tweeting, apparently.

Andrea at Navy Pier · flickr.com
Yes, well, it's nice to be missed back home.

Weather changes plans Friday. Mira takes the princess and duchess to a meeting at nearby University of Chicago, then on a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House on campus. The house was the first building awarded landmark status in Chicago.

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]]>http://storify.com/herbertlowe/andrea-and-keturah-in-chicagohttp://storify.com/herbertlowe/andrea-and-keturah-in-chicagoSun, 31 Jul 2011 16:04:02 GMT<![CDATA[Michelle Michael at Marquette University]]>

Michelle Michael -- the 2010 NPPA Solo Journalist of the Year -- recently presented tips and theories about "one-man-band" video journalism with faculty of the Diederich College of Communication. Michelle's attitude, commitment to her craft and humility reflect everything I want my students to experience and emulate.

Storified by Herbert Lowe · Thu, Oct 27 2011 00:54:58

Dirck Halstead, editor and publisher of The Digital Journalist -- http://digitaljournalist.org and http://dirckhalstead.net -- conducted his exceptional Platypus workshop, from July 9 to July 17, at Marquette University in Milwaukee. Several of my colleagues and I learned a great deal about high-definition digital video shooting and editing with an emphasis on storytelling.

Dirck ended Day 3 by presenting Michelle as a guest speaker. Her presentation followed a long day of us learning and practicing the principles and essentials of shooting a short story using sequences and B roll. Tired as we were, Michelle quickly captured our attention.

2010 SVJ of the Year- Michelle Michael | TV.NPPA.ORG2010 SVJ of the Year- Michelle Michael | TV.NPPA.ORG
Michelle Michael Wins 2010 Solo Video Contest About six minutes into this interview, we give Michelle the big news! Congrats! Check out the final Solo Video standings here! Michelle Michael, AFN/Europe 2010 1st Qtr Solo Video Daily 2nd Place
NPPA: Best of Photojournalism 2011 TV News Photography WinnersNPPA: Best of Photojournalism 2011 TV News Photography Winners
Judging for the Best of Photojournalism is sponsored this year by:

Michelle did much of the work for which she earned the NPPA award while working for American Forces Network Europe.

American Forces Network EuropeAmerican Forces Network Europe
On this edition of the AFN Europe Report: We head to Zaragoza, Spain and see how Airmen there predict the weather to support the Space Shuttle. Also, we go to Lajes Field where the gates were open to the public to show their appreciation…we'll explain.

Michelle didn't spend much time telling us anything as much as showing us. She shared some work samples using a well-done PowerPoint presentation with an animated background.

going home · TheMichelleMichael
LONG LIVE AMERICA · TheMichelleMichael
KINDERFELD · TheMichelleMichael

It wasn't surprising that my colleague, Gee Ekachai, was already familiar with Michelle's work.

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]]>http://storify.com/herbertlowe/michelle-michael-at-marquette-universityhttp://storify.com/herbertlowe/michelle-michael-at-marquette-universityMon, 18 Jul 2011 18:52:15 GMT<![CDATA[Cleaning in Garysburg]]>

Allen and Clara Thomas, a barber and nurse, were married more than 40 years and raised an amazing daughter, my wife, Mira. My mother-in-law passed away in October 2005; my father-in-law joined her in heaven in December 2007. Recently, Mira decided to rent the house in Garysburg, N.C., she inherited to others. An account of my help on July 4 (and memories).

Storified by Herbert Lowe · Thu, Oct 27 2011 01:00:19

"You can go out there on the porch and determine what stays and what goes," Mira tells me, as Bill Withers sings "Just the Two of Us" on the radio. We also agree I should otherwise itemize those things that I want to take to Chicago. Putting stickers on stuff -- OK, I can handle that.

This audio slideshow captures the joy on Christmas 2002 at my in-laws' home in North Carolina. The holiday was made all the more special because my mother, Beatrice Martin, who lives in New Jersey, joined Mira and I for the visit. A jolly good time was had by all. The voices shouting "Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas! are of my mother-in-law and wife; I got a new digital recorder for Christmas that year :-) Again, sharing here via YouTube for easy access, so unable to share the accompanying song, "Do You Hear What I Hear/The Little Drummer Boy," by Vanessa Williams.

North Carolina Christmas 2002North Carolina Christmas 2002
Uploaded by hlowejr on 2011-07-08.

I created this audio slideshow presentation on Thanksgiving 2005, as my wife and her extended family from North Carolina and elsewhere prepared to say goodbye to her mother, Clara Ann Scott Thomas, who had passed away a few days earlier. The response by those who viewed it that weekend and in the weeks afterward demonstrated how pictures can help to remind us of all the good times, even in the saddest of times. Sharing here via YouTube for quickest access, but unable to share the accompanying song, "I Remember Mama," by Shirley Caesar.

Clara Ann Scott ThomasClara Ann Scott Thomas
Uploaded by hlowejr on 2011-07-08.

I created this audio slideshow the first week of 2008, as my wife and her family from North Carolina and elsewhere prepared to say goodbye to her father, Allen Alonza Thomas. He had passed away a few days earlier in Chicago after coming to bring in the new year with Mira and I and my mother. Us two guys had flown in from Richmond, his first plane ride in at least a decade, and he really loved our home, especially the size of its rooms. Sharing here via YouTube for quickest access, but unable to share the accompanying song, "When You Cry," by The Winans.

Allen Alonza ThomasAllen Alonza Thomas
Uploaded by hlowejr on 2011-07-08.
Meanwhile, I knew this was coming ... :-)
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]]>http://storify.com/herbertlowe/cleaning-in-garysburghttp://storify.com/herbertlowe/cleaning-in-garysburgSun, 10 Jul 2011 13:56:51 GMT<![CDATA[NNPA Sharpton-West Discussion]]>

Live tweeting from the 2011 convention of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (aka Black Press of America) at the Drake Hotel in Chicago. Taken from the Rev. Al Sharpton's luncheon keynote and a discussion between Sharpton and noted academic Cornel West about the state of Black America and having the first black president in the White House. (Updated with post-event coverage at the end.)

Storified by Herbert Lowe · Thu, Oct 27 2011 01:09:38

I must confess that I paid little attention to the brouhaha that erupted when scholar Cornel West disparaged President Obama on cable TV in April. I was much too focused on my graduate school studies for any foolishness. But since my wife and I were heading to the national Alpha Phi Alpha convention at the Hilton Hotel in Chicago, we decided to attend what was touted as a rematch between West and the Rev. Al Sharpton about what Black America needs most, since that event would be nearby along Michigan Avenue at the Drake Hotel. 

AL SHARPTON AND CORNEL WEST GO AT IT OVER OBAMA!AL SHARPTON AND CORNEL WEST GO AT IT OVER OBAMA!
Uploaded by superman19742007 on 2011-04-11.
Sharpton, West to Debate on Obama, Black AgendaSharpton, West to Debate on Obama, Black Agenda
Sharpton, West to Debate on Obama, Black Agenda Date: Tuesday, June 21, 2011, 3:42 am By: Jackie Jones, BlackAmericaWeb.com Debates such as this one is healthy for the Black community, I agreed, but it also should put black leadership on notice that we want them to step up.
A Delicate Balancing Act for the Black AgendaA Delicate Balancing Act for the Black Agenda
Until recently, most black discontent with the Obama administration - especially in 's hometown, Chicago - was largely kept in the family and out of the mainstream press, even as black business, civil rights and political leaders quietly grappled with and debated how best to support and challenge the nation's first black president without hurting the causes of racial and economic justice.
[Audio] Journalist George Curry Discusses Upcoming Conversation Between Reverend Al Sharpton and Dr. Cornel West at NNPA/Black Press of America Conference « The Bakewell Company[Audio] Journalist George Curry Discusses Upcoming Conversation Between Reverend Al Sharpton and Dr. Cornel West at NNPA/Black Press of America Conference « The Bakewell Company
CHICAGO, IL. - George Curry, nationally syndicated journalist and moderator of Friday's discussion on "Blacks in the Age of President of Obama" between civil rights activists Reverend Al Sharpton and Dr. Cornel West, recently weighed in on the highly anticipated event. "I was very very pained to watch Rev.

Journalist George Curry brokered the second Sharpton/West encounter and the National Newspaper Publishers Association agreed to host it at its annual convention. NNPA, also known as the Black Press of America, is a decades-old federation of 200-plus community newspapers from across the United States. Sharpton was already scheduled to keynote its luncheon, and so he and West were to go at it immediately afterward, with Curry as the moderator.

Hours before the encounter, however, it appeared to be an effort to manage expectations -- with the desired outcome being an honest and temperate discussion with opposing views, but not another unfortunate display of black leaders at each other's throats.

In any event, Mira and I arrived at the Drake Hotel in time to get our seats and greet some friends and acquaintances from NNPA and the National Association of Black Journalists.

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