The Game Plan

My plan to create my non-linear story (website) is to start with my trunk that will essentially explain my beat, which is cheap eats and places to see in the D.C. area.  My branches will consist of the different activities one can do for a reasonable price. 

For instance, one branch will be dedicated to the different restaurants, the second branch can be the interesting places or most overlooked places to check out, and the branch could be the places to lounge and get good drinks or something to that extent.

Furthermore, I would include a FAQ page and give information on the various forms of transportation that can be used to get in and out of D.C. easily. 

Additionally, I will also include a google map of the area and mark the places to check out. Also I would like to create a timeline of the special or upcoming events in the area.

I don't know how this will all work out, but this is just a draft of the possibilities. 

(Please feel free to make comments or suggestions)

For Whiners Only

If you are a wine drinker than this recent article may peak your interest. The Washington Post  published an article titled A Leesburg Oasis, which reviewed a new restaurant that specializes in the fine wines that are available. 

The Wine Kitchen is the name of this restaurant that is snuggled in Leesburg Historic District.

Apparently, from the article this small restaurant is booming with business despite the economic conditions. 

The staff writer describes the tight knit ambience. She states that, "As for the seating, let me warn you: It's sparse and eclectic.... There are a few small tables along the wall, and near the front door is a couch with an antique table that four maybe five, people could gather around. At the back of the restaurant are two small tables, plus the stools at the bar."

In addition, the article explains the chef's menu that includes dishes that can work well with the wines that customers are drinking. 

The article continues by critiquing the food  which received a lukewarm review by the staff writer who states that, "As for the food, several standout dishes are great as is; the other selections are good but could be so much better with modifications as simple as a little more time on the heat."

Moreover, the writer did not include or clarify the price range of the dishes, which could have been helpful for readers. Furthermore, the author did not give the price ranges for the various wines, but she did mention that it is cheaper to order a bottle of wine to go. 

Despite those few details that the author left out, I think she gave a good perspective of  the different aspects of the restaurant.

In all, the Wine Kitchen received a thumbs up. It seems like a great place to check out; I only wish that it was a little closer in location.

Worthiness

So the next assignment requires us to produce a two minute soundslide of a person who is interesting enough for the project. 

So what determines interesting or someone's worthiness? I have been trying to figure that out. I do know a person who is a self taught artist.

Her talents extend from personal portraits, murals, landscaping and interior decorating. She is also  at great antiquing for less. I've personally seen her complete a relatively large portrait in two days. In my opinion I think she may be worthy enough for the soundslide.

Obama in Iraq

ABC World News hosted by Charles Gibson at 6 p.m.  demonstrated the following editing techniques when covering Obama's visit to the Iraq. The piece lasted a little over 2 minutes. There were a series of wide to tight shots of Obama descending from his plane in Iraq as he was greeted by several military officers. 

The editor matched the images that were seen on screen to what the journalist was describing, which is crucial element to completing a video story. 

For instance, the journalist explained that the U.S. troops greeted Obama with a warm welcome and then the screen showed Obama receiving a stand ovation and cheers as he arrived to make a speech.  

The story used appropriate pacing as the story moved forward and even inserted sound bites of Obama's speech to the troops. There was use of natural sound as the voice over completed the story of Obama's trip. 

Overall, the whole piece displayed the proper way to produce a video story. It provided a variety of steady shots, voice-overs, sound bites,  natural sound, sequencing and the necessary pace to continue the story, which made the segment easily to follow and digest.