features
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Beer and the Bible: Finding God at the Tap Room in Ypsilanti
As an interim religion reporter, I was set on a quest to find a story about churches using Facebook. Then I came across this group “Metamorphosis” that met once a week at an Ypsilanti pub. This story was very popular on the newly launched Web site, making the Most Popular tab for more than two weeks after publication. (Published August 6, 2009, on AnnArbor.com)
The hype surrounding the opening of blockbuster “The Dark Knight” was as big in Anderson, Indiana, as it was in New York City. Hundreds of people attended the midnight showing of the movie at the only movie theater in the city. Some of them even dressed in costume for the event. (Published July 19, 2008, in The Herald Bulletin)
Handiwork: Edgewood woman beaten in Rock Paper Scissors
Julie Crossley, an Edgewood, Indiana, resident, was the first woman to compete in the national championship of the Bud Light USA Rock Paper Scissors League. She lost in that final round, but she came back to Indiana with a nickname (The “Bulldog”) and a story about her adventure into a Rock Paper Scissors tournament. (Published June 26, 2008, in The Herald Bulletin)
Punk in the Park: Punk rocker Joan Jett sells out Hoosier Park
Joan Jett was featured in the first major concert at Hoosier Park Casino and Race Track in Anderson, Indiana, since it opened its casino portion at the beginning of June. She played two shows, both of which sold out. (Published June 21, 2008, in the The Herald Bulletin- download PDF here)
On the Road with Joan Jett: Q & A with Kenny Laguna
In preparation for Joan Jett in concert at Hoosier Park, I had a ten minute conversation with Kenny Laguna, keyboardist in her band.
(Published June 20, 2008, in The Herald Bulletin)
Goenpalooza: ‘Adult Disney Land’
Goenpalooza started with 40 people finishing off a keg on a farm outside of Anderson, Indiana. Flynnville Train, the first band signed onto Toby Keith’s record label, played the event, making it the biggest the festival has ever been. The money from the concert and an auction during the festival went to a family in need.
(Published on June 18, 2008, in The Herald Bulletin)
Geocache: A high-tech treasure hunt
Geocaching is an outdoor hobby in which people use a GPS device to find small tokens referred to as treasures. As Hoosiers prepared for spring, this feature on the hobby offered parents an idea of some fun and healthful activities for the family.
(Published on March 14, 2008, in The Herald Bulletin)
A Ghostly Hobby
Ghost Central and Legend Hunters, a Madison County-based ghost-tracking group, was preparing for a spirit-filled Halloween in Indiana. While working on this story, I had the opportunity to go on a ghost hunt with the group to observe their techniques.
(Published on October 28, 2007, in The Herald Bulletin)