I’m a journalist based in Roanoke, Va., and not long ago my family and I embarked on a yearlong journey to Cambridge, Ma., where I met a boatload of cool journo pals from all over the world in the Nieman Foundation for Journalism fellowship program at Harvard.
This blog was initially begun as a way to write about our year in Cambridge and keep in touch with friends back home. I blogged about our experiences with the move — the culture change from South to North, my kids (the 15-year-old was a little less than thrilled by the move — and, later, equally unhappy about coming back), my patient husband who was ready and willing to move his online teaching job to Boston and even the very Lucky (cause that’s his name) dog.
Goober and Gomer were going to Harvard, was another way of looking at this journey: a couple of Midwesterners who still think Skyline Chili and a cold beer are two of the greatest indulgences in the world.
We’re back in Virginia now, back to our routines and friends and much-worn mountain paths. I don’t blog as often because I often find myself “written out” by my day job and occasional teaching and freelance-writing gigs. I teach literary journalism to grad students at Hollins University one night a week, when my awesome students enlighten me with profiles of interrogators-turned-baristas, transgendered veterans and young women paying their way through college working as escorts for sugardaddy.com.
My goal is for this blog to morph into a forum about journalism and other things near and dear — including, of course, food.
Pipe up, people, please, and thanks for reading!
You go girl!
Beth & Company… excellent adventure!
Wow Beth, we are so impressed!
You’re sweet Samantha! Hope you’re having fun with those boys of yours! Love to Tony and Tim and everyone. . .
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If you run out of fancy food from far-flung corners of the world, I can overnight some Crabill burgers to you. Maybe an even exchange for some of that Croatian cake…
My 17 year old- the son I never had, is a major fan. She always was my favorite.
Really just wanted to let you know I’m still keeping tabs on you. Any news of the Douggie?
Beth – What an awesome opportunity for you and your family. I can imagine what an expansive experience that was for everyone.
I have a question about how to set up a Times article on our local ASTD chapter. Now that you are back in the Noke, can you help me with some more mundane matters?
Let me know when you get back home. We miss you.
Trying to subscribe so I don’t miss any of this brilliant writing!
Trying to subscribe too!
Dear Ms Macy,
Varsity Newspaper, the official student newspaper of the University of Cape Town (UCT), is organising a national student newspaper conference set to take place on the weekend of the 8th to the 11th of July 2011.
The purpose of the conference is to share ideas and skills with other universities through various practical workshops. We also plan to engage in intellectually stimulating debate through a selection of panel discussions.
The workshops will address the fundamentals of operating a print publication such as: journalistic writing styles (features, opinions, news, sport), newsroom practices photography, copy editing, DTP, marketing and advertising.
We will be having panel discussions on a variety of topics including:
- Journalistic ethics.
- The Protection of Information Bill.
- The demise of the print media industry via the digital age.
- The watchdog role of the media vs. economic/advertising pressures.
- Norms of traditional journalism vs citizen journalism via blogs, social networking etc (i.e. how far is too far?)
- Sensationalism/tabloidization: is the media sensationalising the news or is the news just sensational?
We would be privileged to have you on our panel discussion regarding the the demise of the print media industry via the digital age.
The panel discussion will take place on Thursday 10 July 2011 from 10:15 to 11:45.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kindest Regards,
–
Tina Swigelaar
Conference Co-ordinator
0726209785
Dear Tina, of course I’m interested in learning more. I’d be happy to be on the July 10 panel with Janet Heard. Please e-mail further details to me at bmacy@cox.net. Thanks for your interest!
Best, Beth
Hi Beth: My name is Robin Craig and my dad is Ezera Wertz. Could you please send me your email address so I can send you a personal note? I’m working on a project that involves my dad and Alzheimer’s and would like your advice on a couple of things. Thank you!