Postscripts

When I workd at the Viriginian-Pilot I worked with a great writing coach named Freddie Kirsch. He had all of the interns there write these little tiny (had to only be either 12 or 15 inches can't remember which now) extended obits. This is an example of a postscript (one that Freddie just happened to write). The reason I liked writing them was because it forced you to write very tight, and make it interesting because -- even dead people have stories. Freddie taught us to read the obits in the paper, and pick out something that stood out for us-- for me it was always interesting nicknames since I have a few interesting ones myself. These postscripts don't look like much, but they taught me how to speak with people that just lost a loved one, and the value in providing one last article on someone's life.

Virtual Girlfriend

While reading my daily dose of The Boston Globe online today, I saw this article. With thoughts of my own boyfriend coming home from the military soon... I just had to read this. Does this article show that there is now hope for some guys? Or, being from an all-girls school (like I am--Simmons) were you offended that such a thing even came out. Then, I wondered why I was so offended when just last Christmas the department stores were selling a product named Mr. Wonderful. Somehow though, I feel this is different....

'Virtual girlfriend' demands gifts
Associated Press
She needs to be coddled with sweet talk and pampered with gifts, but you'll never see her in the flesh. A Hong Kong company has developed a "virtual girlfriend" for new cell phones with video capability.

Artificial Life Inc.'s electronic love interest -- sort of a Tamagotchi for adults -- will appear as an animated figure on a telephone screen and respond by voice to text messages you send.
But she'll require a lot of attention, involving virtual flowers and diamonds, company spokeswoman Ada Fong said. Though gifts are nothing but data, suitors will have to pay cold, hard cash.

Environmental Persuasion

Being a northern girl at heart, I feel displaced in Florida. Not to say I don't love it-- but I miss the cold air, the snow, my beloved Boston Globe where I got my start. But, here in St. Petersburg, I am at the Poynter Institute for the next year trying to soak up how to become a better journalist.
Working in the online section at Poynter, I feel compelled to start a blog--and I was inspired by a journo friend Laura Fries. Go to her blog...and post a comment.
So, here it is:My blog. I swear after this first horrible explainer post it will get better. In the meantime go ahead. Google me.