Multimedia for Jeni's Ice Cream Profile Story

Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream Locations, From The 1st To The 5th.

1.) The North Market

Jeni's stand in the North Market opened in 2002, and was the first Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream location. Her first business venture, Scream, was stationed in the same building. Photograph taken by James Oldham.

2.) Grandview Location

The Jeni's in Grandview is similar in style to the Short North location. As an added bonus, the Grandview location has outdoor seating, where patrons can enjoy ice cream in the warm summer sun. 1281 Grandview Ave. Photograph taken by James Oldham.

3.) Short North Location


Inside the Jeni's in the Short North. 714 N. High Street. Photograph taken by James Oldham.

Jeni's shop in the Short North differs from her North Market location. The store is in it's own building, not just a stand. There is seating in the back of the store as well. Photograph taken by James Oldham.

4.) Bexley Location

The Jeni's Ice Creams location in Bexley has ample space for eating your ice cream inside. The store front and sign look different from the previous three locations. Photograph taken by James Oldham.

Inside the Bexley location. Queen City Cayenne was featured on the Food Network program "The Best Thing I Ever Ate." Thai Chili combines local nut company Krema's Hot and Spicy peanut butter with coconut and cayenne. Photograph taken by James Oldham.

5.) Dublin Location

Of all five Jeni's locations, the Dublin store front is the most unique. It closely resembles other stores in uptown Dublin. 1 W. Bridge Street. Photograph taken by James Oldham.

Seasonal Flavor: Buckeye State

Buckeye State is a seasonal flavor that contains Krema peanut butter and dark chcolate flecks. Photograph taken by James Oldham.

Ethics Assignment

Ethical arguments and dilemmas involved in accurately reporting the news is by no means a new concept. For example, it's not illegal to include a rape victims name in coverage of a story, but it is frowned upon by most journalists. The New York Times has made it a practice not to include the names of rape victims in stories, but they've been guilty of that offense themselves. When William Kennedy Smith was charged with rape, the New York Times identified the women who was accusing him. Their reasoning stated that the woman's name was already in circulation, but that didn't keep journalists for the New York Times from protesting the papers decision. By any moral standard, the decision is a tricky one, and just one instance out of many in which ethical issues were present in a professional setting.

The three articles we were asked to read all pose similar moral issues, although the subject matter is arguably less sensitive. Of the three, the ethical issue I find most troubling is the one involving Gannet Newspapers in New Jersey. The Society of Professional Journalists had a field day with this decision, and rightfully so. Eric Marin is an employee of the New Jersey Devils who writes blogs for the teams official website. As such, he is a paid employee working for that organization, not of Gannet Newspapers.

The sports world has collided with the world of professional journalism before. ESPN the Magazine has an annual tradition where an athlete becomes the guest editor for a particular issue. And according to an article found on stinkyjournalism.org titled "SPJ Dismayed", the Hartford Courant allowed the daughter of Geno Auriemma, Conneticut's Women's basketball coach, the opportunity to be a celebrity blogger. How is this OK?

Morally speaking, allowing someone who could potentially have inside information about a sports team, turn around and cover that organization is absurd. The Society of Professional Journalists urges writers to "avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived." But isn't this exactly what Gannet Newspapers is allowing? Adding a disclaimer to the byline that Marin is not a paid employee of the Asbury Park Press is commendable, but having to explain that a writer is not a staff member should ring some alarms right? If journalism is still considered a "fourth estate," how can we hand over the responsibility of reporting fair and accurately about a sports team to an individual who works for that team? The newspaper is essentially allowing the New Jersey Devils the opportunity to cover itself, as opposed to using investigative and unbiased reporting standards. I'm not saying Marin would intentionally report about the Devils in a biased fashion, but couldn't he do it subconsciously without even realizing he's playing favorites? The Devils may not be urging him on from a promotional standpoint, but it certainly can't hurt the team in terms of recognition. I think both Gannet Newspapers and the New Jersey Devils organization need to realize that this poses a conflict of interest, and reporter on Gannet's pay roll should be the ones assigned to cover a local sports team.

The ProPublica article was also interesting. I think most people will be concerned with how Serri Fink is able to live off of a non-profit journalism career. Considering she has a doctorate and a medical degree, I think she'll be just fine. What I'm more concerned with is an industry leader such as the New York Times helping to support a non-profit newsroom. Sure, it's common for newspapers to run stories "off the wire," but ProPublica is not the AP. I know it's not just the Times. In fact, ProPublica has a growing list of newspaper and magazine legacies. But no one is batting an eye over the fact that a staunchly liberal philanthropist is building a news organization with practically no boundaries? Again, shouldn't we be concerned with fair and accurate reporting.

Lastly, we have David Gregory. I was actually surprised in myself after reading this article. Perhaps it's because I've never in my life watched an episode of Meet the Press, but this didn't bother me as much. If an anchor is mediating a discussion between political figures, and is asking them questions about certain issues, why is it his responsibility, or that of the show, to fact check their answers? They're not reporting the responses as absolute fact, they're simply asking the questions. Debating whether or not the questions are the right ones is another argument, and I applaud Jake Tapper for ensuring that the information being broadcast on This Week is checked. But while this appears to be another case of fair and accurate reporting on its head, I'd have to disagree. Allowing political pundits a platform on which to relay their messages isn't considered reporting in my opinion. David Gregory isn't reporting their answers as fact, he's allowing them to tell their story. If the viewer has doubts about the accuracy of a statement, they can research that information. If Gregory was writing an article in the Washington Post every week, reporting on what his guests said and labeling it as the truth, that could be an issue. This, however, doesn't bother me.

Multimedia Assignment

The first article I chose is here, the second article is here, and the third article is here.

The first article is from the New York Times, and describes different restaurant locations in Yountville for people to dine. The multimedia use in this article is simple, yet effective. For every restaurant that is listed as a potential dining stop, there is a picture of a food item that can be found at this restaurant. As a server, I've often noticed that diners would order a particular item because the menu contained a picture of it. Diners like to see what they will be ordering, they like to know what it looks like first. Pictures can show portion size, sauces, garnishes, and other details that may not be adequately mentioned in a menu description. You eat with your eyes first! Since I am doing a profile story about Jeni Britton Bauer, and Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, it's essential that my story contain photos of different ice creams sold at various Jeni's locations. The goal is to entice the reader, show them something that looks delicious and hope that they can't wait to try that flavor themselves.

The second article is from USA Today, and focuses on AOL's 25 year anniversary. The multimedia function can be found at the top of the page. It's a time-line, but not just any time-line. This time-line was constructed using pictures of previous events and imperative information as it pertains to AOL's past. For every year listed there is a photo, and clicking on the photo will allow you to access information about the history of the product. In my opinion, this is a brilliant use of multimedia. I loved clicking on old pictures and reminiscing about the AOL of the 90's, with the screeching dial-up tones and "you've got mail" voice alerts. If I had an opportunity to create a time-line using pictures to illustrate important events in Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream's past, I would. Unfortunately, these pictures aren't easy to find, short of asking Jeni herself. What I could do is visit all five Jeni's locations, take some pictures, and show how her ice cream stores have evolved from shop #1 to shop #5. Or I could ask her if she has any pictures from past store openings that I could use. Either way, it would be a bit more difficult.

Finally, the third article was found on espn.com and was located in the Page 2 section. Page 2 is mostly comedic sports writing, but the article I found, despite serving relatively little to no real purpose other than to make readers laugh, has a brilliant form of multimedia use. The article is attempting to get inside the head of LeBron James, with the hope of determining where he might wind up this summer. The article contains a picture of LeBron's head, with different portions of his brain selectable. When you click on a different portion of his brain, you'll find silly LeBron facts, as well as predictions for where he might be playing next season. The article is a bit ridiculous, but the multimedia function is great. Giving the reader a chance to participate by clicking on a different part of LeBron's head was fun, I found myself reading all of the arguments even though they weren't very newsworthy. I don't think there's a way to incorporate this type of multimedia into my story, but I could figure out a way to do something similar. Perhaps I could post a picture of an ice cream, then when you click on different components in the ice cream, (nuts, cherries, goat cheese, lavender) I could provide detailed information explaining what that ingredient is and where it came from.

Feature Project Outline

Style Selection: 1,200 word-print feature, including either photos or audio for the multimedia elements.

Story Idea: Writing a profile story about Jeni Britton Bauer and Jeni’s business. She is the president and founder of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Jeni’s Ice Creams is a Columbus, Ohio based business.

Story Information: Jeni Bauer opened her first ice cream stand in the North Market in 2002. Since then, Jeni has opened four more locations throughout Columbus, expanding her area of operations from just North of downtown to Dublin’s uptown neighborhood.

The following information was learned from jenisicecreams.com

After learning and working in a French pastry kitchen, Jeni experimented with her own techniques in order to make ice creams that were less sweet and more flavorful.

Jeni combines fresh ingredients found in the Ohio countryside with exotic spices from around the world in order to create her ice creams.

All of her ice creams, sauces, marshmallows, and pralines are a direct result of the creative process that takes place inside of Jeni’s kitchen in Columbus, OH.

All of the dairy used in Jeni’s ice creams comes from local, pasture raised cows.

Jeni’s ice cream flavors are as different and unique as any you’ll find in the city.
Some examples:
• Salty Caramel
• Queen City Cayenne
• Wildberry Lavender.

Things to learn about, and write about from interviews.

When did Jeni discover her passion for making ice cream?

How has her business continued to be successful, and expand, and how did it do financially throughout the recent troubling economic circumstances?

Where does she draw inspiration from when creating new ice cram flavors?

Does Jeni have plans for any future locations?

What is the subject of the book that Jeni is currently writing?

How is Jeni to work for? What is Jeni like personally?
Which store is the most successful?

Potential Interview Sources

Confirmed: Jeni Britton Bauer, president and founder.

Chief Executive: John Lowe

Operations: Charly Bauer, Jeni’s husband.

Shipping: Tom Bauer, Jeni’s brother-in-law

Communications and Press: Joan Colner

People who work at a Jeni’s location. Questions for an interview would include:
- How do you like working at a Jeni’s location?
- Are the hours and wages fair?
- Any perks? Discounts on ice cream, extended vacation hours, etc.
- Are you happy working at a Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream store?

People who enjoy, or do not enjoy, eating Jeni’s ice creams. Questions for an interview would include:
- Do you like Jeni’s ice cream, or dislike it? Why?
- Do you think Jeni’s ice creams are reasonably priced? Or perhaps expensive?
- If Jeni writes a book, would you take an interest in it?
- If you like Jeni’s ice creams, how often do you eat it? How much does that cost?

Multimedia Sources
- Jeni has a blog, entitled "salty caramel" on typepad.com. In her blog, she discusses different flavor experimentation's, upcoming events, recent news, and more. It's a great source for recent news and events that Jeni has been participating in, and could help in elaborating on information provided during the interview process.

-Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams also has a facebook page. Over 11,000 people like the page. The facebook page lists addresses for each location, as well as photos of different Jeni's products. Perhaps with her permission, some of these photos can be used as a multimedia element for the story. (although I'd prefer to take my own.)

Obama addresses citizens

Obama Speaks on NYC Incident and Oil Spill

The President Calls the Oil Spill a Potentially Unprecedented Disaster

President Barack Obama addressed citizens at a press conference in Louisiana today, where he stressed that the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico could jeopardize the lives of thousands of Americans.

Obama spoke at length about the BP oil spill, and also addressed concerns about the bomb scare in Times Square. He insisted that the government was willing to do whatever it took to protect the American People.

“From day one, we prepared and planned for the worst while hoping for the best,” said Obama. “I’m not going to rest or be satisfied until the leak is stopped at the source, the oil is contained and cleaned up, and these people can return to their normal daily lives.”

The magnitude of the oil spill was not lost on the president.

“We’re dealing with a massive and potentially unprecedented environmental disaster,” said Obama.

While the president assured citizens that he would not rest until the situation was resolved, he was quick to point out who was at fault.

“BP is responsible, and BP will be paying the bill,” said Obama. “Every American should know, your government will do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, to stop this crisis.”

The president began his press conference with statements regarding the failed bombing in New York City over the weekend. He was quick to commend city officials, and citizens, for a job well done.

“I want to commend the work of the NYPD, the New York Fire Department, and the FBI, which responded swiftly and aggressively to a dangerous situation,” said Obama. “And I also want to commend the vigilant citizens who noticed this suspicious activity and reported it to the authorities.”

Although an arrest has yet to be made in the attempted bombing incident, Obama made it clear that the government was looking into who organized the attack.

“We're going to do what's necessary to protect the American people, to determine who is behind this potentially deadly act, and to see that justice is done,” said Obama.

Broadcast Assingment

Good Afternoon Columbus! Today is Monday, May 3rd, 2010, and I’m Jimmy Oldham, coming to you live with your 2-minute news update.

Top Story (Crime) - Bomb Scare in NYC.

Our top story this evening takes us to New York City, where a potential bomb was found Saturday Evening in a Nissan Pathfinder in Times Square. A local T-shirt vendor first noticed the vehicle, and shortly after notified the police. The SUV was found parked on 45th street. It contained threatening materials, including a propane tank, fireworks, a clock, and more.

CNN is now reporting that the contents found inside the SUV may have been the result of a failed terrorist attack. Police say the bomb could have caused a number of fatalities, and damage to surrounding buildings.

Weather Story – Storm in Tennessee and Mississippi.

Switching gears now over to weather. Catastrophic thunderstorms blasted Tennessee and Northern Mississippi over the weekend, resulting in at least 15 deaths. The city closed several highways as floodwaters spilled into neighborhoods from rivers and creeks, engulfing residential streets. Thousands were evacuated and hundreds of residents were rescued from their homes.

Entertainment – Conan O’Brien

On the entertainment front, 60 Minutes aired Conan O’Brien’s first post-Tonight show interview on Sunday night. O’Brien stressed that he left NBC because the atmosphere was becoming (quote) “toxic,” and he questioned whether NBC (quote) “really wanted him there.” He also made it apparent that he couldn’t do what Jay Leno did to him, and if he were in Leno’s shoes, he’d have chosen a different path.

Sports – LeBron James wins MVP

Moving on now over to sports, Cleveland Cavalier forward LeBron James won the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award for the 2nd year in a row. The Cavs franchise forward received 116 of 123 possible 1st place votes. The Akron Hammer led the Cavaliers to a 61-win season, and will receive the award in his hometown of Akron, OH.

While we’re on the subject of sports, it troubles me that the BCS has added 2 more bowl games to an already overcrowded post-season. It’s now a growing possibility that teams with a losing record will become bowl eligible, which raises the question, how could the bowl games become any less prestigious?

I understand that college football, like college basketball, is a business. But in ‘96 there were 18 bowl games. Now there are 35. Calling this excessive is a gross understatement. When two teams will be playing in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, you know the NCAA has gone too far.

I’m Jimmy Oldham, and this has been your 2-mintue news update.

This is for a class assignment!!!!

Washingtonians Fear Job Loss

Short: Job Security a Concern in Washington

Long: Nearly One-Third of Washington Residents Express Concern in Survey.

According to information released today in the 2nd Annual Washington State Workplace Confidence Survey, 29 percent of Washington workers fear that their jobs are at stake.

The survey, which was conducted by Harris/Decima on behalf of Everest College, showed that an increased percentage of workers expressed an interest in changing their careers, up to 26 percent from 19 percent in 2009.

The majority of those who participated said they would not change their careers (57%), and 36 percent said they are considering a return to school.

Wendy Cullen, vice president of employer development for Everest College, said "Washingtonians are probably a lot keener when it comes to taking the necessary steps to ensure job security such as seeking skills training and other educational programs to improve their prospects."